OPM Rapper Loonie and Arthur Nery Collaborate on New Song "Palaisipan"

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino rapper Loonie has partnered with vocalist Arthur Nery to produce the track "Palaisipan," with the official music video scheduled for an online release this evening. In a recent interview, Loonie shared insights into their creative process and the origin of their collaboration. He explained that their partnership began after meeting backstage at the 2024 Myx Music Awards during Gloc 9's tribute performance of "Lando." "We first connected backstage and discovered we were mutual fans. That sparked the idea of working together," Loonie said. He also praised Arthur Nery’s versatile vocal abilities: "Besides his impressive vocal range, the variety of styles he can perform is virtually limitless, which made me eager to collaborate with him." Loonie revealed that "Palaisipan" centers on the theme of "situationships," a modern type of ambiguous romantic involvement. "I wanted to capture the uncertainty and complexity that often come with brief, undefined relationships—the emotional confusion and mind games before, during, and after these connections." Describing their studio experience, Loonie said, "The lyrics flowed effortlessly when Arthur was in the studio. One line he came up with was ‘naligaw lang sa dinami dami ng pasikot sikot sayong katawan,’ and I responded with ‘nabulag sa'yong mga kurbada.’ It felt like we were finding common ground and having fun with the creative process." Addressing the significance of this partnership in the broader Filipino music scene, Loonie emphasized the adaptability of rap music. "This collaboration highlights how flexible and evolving rap can be. I've collaborated with artists across genres—from heavy metal to reggae and now R&B—without compromising my artistic identity. It opens new possibilities for exploring rhythm and melody. The main takeaway is that collaboration fosters innovation."

DMW Announces New Reforms Including Wage Increase for Overseas Filipino Domestic Workers

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has introduced an extensive package of reforms to strengthen the rights and welfare of overseas Filipino domestic workers, highlighted by an increase in their minimum monthly wage from USD 400 to USD 500. In a press briefing held at the DMW headquarters in Makati City, Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac explained that the wage adjustment, set to take effect 60 days from its issuance, followed six months of extensive consultations with various stakeholders. The new minimum wage will be embedded in employment contracts and administered through the DMW to guarantee fair compensation. \"To uphold the right to fair remuneration, the Department will raise the minimum monthly wage for Filipino domestic workers to at least USD 500,\" Cacdac stated. \"This change acknowledges domestic work as a profession deserving of equitable pay. We will also engage host countries and private sector partners abroad to facilitate adoption and enforcement of this wage standard.\" Cacdac clarified that this wage hike establishes a baseline and does not limit employers from offering higher pay, which may vary depending on the host country and workers' qualifications. Beyond wage improvements, the DMW detailed additional measures designed to improve the health, safety, and career development of overseas household workers. Recognizing domestic workers as part of the vulnerable elementary occupations category, the reforms include an initial voluntary, later mandatory, annual medical examination funded through the DMW Aksyon Fund. Another key initiative is the introduction of a mandatory "know your employer" video call before contract signing, allowing workers direct interaction with prospective employers to promote transparency and informed consent. This also benefits employers by enabling them to meet and verify potential hires. The department is also piloting a digital welfare monitoring system called "Kamusta Kabayan" in Kuwait and Israel. Conducted by welfare case officers via emails or calls, this proactive outreach will assess overseas workers' conditions, facilitating timely referrals for legal, medical, psychosocial, financial, or reintegration support. \"Unlike conventional setups where we wait for calls, with 'Kamusta Kabayan' we initiate contact to check on our workers' well-being,\" Cacdac explained. Moreover, the DMW plans to enforce higher housing standards for recruitment agencies, ensuring decent living conditions for workers awaiting deployment. The agency will also strengthen its whitelisting policy, established in 2024, permitting only agencies with strong compliance records and ethical practices to operate. Non-compliant agencies will face sanctions and removal. \"Recruitment agencies must demonstrate an unblemished track record and the capability to protect workers,\" Cacdac noted. The reforms also involve differentiating job classifications between domestic workers and caregivers, with plans to introduce a separate minimum wage for caregivers given their distinct skills and higher responsibilities. Most Filipino domestic workers are deployed to the "big four" labor markets: Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Kuwait. The DMW emphasized that its reforms encompass all working destinations and support retraining programs through TESDA, enabling workers to shift toward caregiving, hospitality, or other sectors. These reforms mark a significant step forward in enhancing the dignity, safety, and economic well-being of Filipino migrant domestic workers worldwide.

Francesca Beatriz Mclelland Returns to National Pageantry with Renewed Confidence

Francesca Beatriz Mclelland, the accomplished pageant competitor from Aklan, is making a strong comeback to the national pageantry stage as she vies for the 2025 Miss Grand International Philippines crown. Three years after representing the Philippines in Egypt and finishing as first runner-up in the 2022 Miss Eco Teen International pageant, Mclelland returns with enhanced self-assurance and maturity. "I am definitely more confident now. I have grown and learned a lot since then," Mclelland shared following the preliminary rounds held on August 17 in Parañaque City. She emphasized her newfound independence in decision-making, stating, "I have ensured that every concept is truly my own because I am tired of being controlled by others. Now, I make all the decisions, supported by a very capable team." To refine her stage presence, Mclelland enlisted the expertise of esteemed pageant walk coach Ian Mendajar, acknowledging the importance of "pasarela" in the Miss Grand International competition. For her preliminary evening gown, she collaborated with designer John Montinola, while her national costume—a striking "lato-lato" ensemble—was crafted by Stephen Alvarado. Mclelland also revealed her long-standing ambition to compete in the Bolivia-based Reina Hispanoamericana pageant. "This has been my dream since my first pageant under ALV Pageant Circle, although I was too young to participate then," she explained, recalling her early start at 18 years old when she won Miss Eco Teen Philippines, propelling her to international competition in Egypt. Currently a 21-year-old college student at De La Salle University, she has returned to the ALV Pageant Circle, her "home base," preparing to fulfill her goals and potentially bring home the Reina Hispanoamericana crown. "If they send me to Bolivia tomorrow, I’m ready," she asserted confidently. The upcoming national pageant will not only award the Miss Grand International Philippines title but also crowns for Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas, Face of Beauty International Philippines, and Miss Asia Pacific International Philippines. Current titleholders Dia Mate (Reina Hispanoamericana), Christine Juliane "CJ" Opiaza (Miss Grand International), and Jeanne Isabelle Bilasano (Face of Beauty International), all from the Philippines, are set to pass their crowns to the next generation of Filipina queens. Additionally, Dominican-American Janelis Leyba, reigning Miss Asia Pacific International, has arrived in Manila to join the awarding ceremonies for the Miss Asia Pacific International Philippines crown. Mclelland hopes to continue the Philippines’ impressive streak in international pageantry with her renewed dedication and the strong backing of experienced mentors and designers.

Kenneth Llover Prepares for IBF Title Eliminator Against Landile Ngxeke in October

Kenneth Llover, the undefeated Filipino boxer known for his impressive recent bout, is preparing for a significant challenge ahead. Despite his flawless record, Llover\'s trainer, former two-division world champion Gerry Peñalosa, highlighted the importance of further honing the boxer\'s skills. In an exclusive interview, Peñalosa emphasized that although Llover has shown great progress, there remain aspects of his ability that need refinement to succeed at higher levels of competition. Llover, who currently holds a 15-0 record with 10 knockouts, is scheduled to face South African contender Landile Ngxeke, who has a record of 16 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw with 8 knockouts. The two will clash on October 26, 2025, in Kyrgyzstan for the International Boxing Federation (IBF) bantamweight title eliminator. This upcoming fight represents a crucial step in Llover\'s career as he aims to secure a shot at the IBF bantamweight world title. With Peñalosa\'s guidance and continued development, Llover is poised to take on this critical challenge in his boxing journey.

Philippines and Australia Strengthen Military Ties through Joint Defense Exercises

MANILA — Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin formally received Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles at Malacañang on Friday during a courtesy visit. Marles' trip coincides with the second Philippines-Australia Defense Ministers Meeting (DMM), organized by the Department of National Defense, where officials discussed key bilateral and regional security issues. In conjunction with the DMM, Marles is set to observe Exercise Amphibious and Land Operations (Exercise Alon 2025), Australia's largest overseas joint military training this year, emphasizing the expanding defense partnership between Manila and Canberra, according to the Presidential Communications Office. The exercise, running from August 15 to 29 across Luzon including Palawan, involves more than 3,600 troops from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Australian Defence Force, supported by contingents from the Royal Canadian Navy and the US Marine Corps' Marine Rotation Force–Darwin. The training focuses primarily on amphibious and land operations. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Marc Innes-Brown also attended the courtesy call, underscoring the close diplomatic and defense coordination between the two countries. This collaboration marks a significant step in strengthening military cooperation amidst ongoing regional security challenges in the Asia-Pacific region.

Hann Holdings Delays P13-Billion IPO Amid Unfavorable Market Conditions

MANILA — Hann Holdings Inc., a prominent South Korean-led developer, has indefinitely postponed its planned P13-billion initial public offering (IPO) originally scheduled for next month. In a letter dated August 22 addressed to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the company stated that prevailing market conditions "are not conducive to a successful offering that would best reflect the value and prospects of the company and ensure the best outcome for our investors and stakeholders." Despite the delay, Hann assured stakeholders that the decision does not diminish its long-term growth outlook, which remains robust. The firm had intended to offer 500 million primary shares priced at P23.60 each from September 9 to 15, with a planned listing on the main board of the Philippine Stock Exchange scheduled for September 23. Additionally, Hann held an over-allotment option for up to 50 million shares at the same price. The company is currently reassessing its timetable and will submit a revised schedule to regulatory authorities once market and industry conditions become more favorable. Hann Holdings, which developed the five-star Clark Marriott hotel, operates within a sector facing considerable challenges, particularly among brick-and-mortar casino operators. The difficult environment is exemplified by Bloomberry Resorts Corp., led by Enrique Razon Jr., which reported a 50% drop in net income in the first half of the year due to weaker performance in its VIP segment. Nonetheless, Hann’s chair and CEO, Dae Sik Han, has expressed confidence in the company’s "first-mover advantage" in Clark as a key factor to attract investors. Proceeds from the IPO were intended to fund expansions at the 455.6-hectare Hann Reserve, a mixed-use development in New Clark City, as well as to develop a new two-story facility adjacent to the existing Hann Casino in Clark Freeport Zone and to enhance its online gaming platforms. These plans persist despite ongoing concerns over potential government bans on online gambling, which have negatively impacted peers such as Bloomberry and DigiPlus Interactive Corp. This postponement comes amid a subdued IPO market locally, with only one public offering so far this year by Cebu-based fuel retailer Top Line Business Development Corp. Maynilad Water Services Inc. also deferred its planned July debut to October to accommodate cornerstone investors. Hann Holdings’ decision underscores continuing investor caution and challenging market dynamics in the Philippines, especially within the gaming and real estate sectors.

Tommy Fleetwood Shares Lead at Tour Championship After Impressive 63

Tommy Fleetwood posted a brilliant seven-under par 63 on Friday to tie Russell Henley atop the leaderboard at the midway point of the Tour Championship at East Lake Country Club in Atlanta, Georgia. Starting the day three shots behind, Fleetwood surged with four birdies over six holes on the back nine and recovered from a bogey at the 16th to finish strong with consecutive birdies, reaching a total of 13-under 127. Henley, who held a two-shot lead after the opening round, shot a four-under 66, closing with back-to-back birdies to share the lead with Fleetwood. The pair hold a two-stroke advantage over Cameron Young, who climbed the leaderboard with an impressive eight-under 62, including six birdies on the back nine. Scotland's Robert MacIntyre and American Patrick Cantlay are two strokes back, tied for fourth at 10-under following identical rounds of 66. Cantlay recovered from a bogey-bogey start to post four birdies over his final three holes, capped by an eagle at the 18th. World number one Scottie Scheffler stands alone in sixth at eight-under despite a challenging round featuring three bogeys. Fleetwood praised the rain-softened conditions at East Lake, noting ample scoring opportunities but emphasizing the importance of maintaining accuracy off the tee. "If you start losing it a little bit off the tee and you’re in the rough, it obviously becomes a lot more difficult to score," he said. He produced a precise performance, hitting 12 of 14 fairways and 13 of 18 greens in regulation. The Englishman, a seven-time DP World Tour winner, has narrowly missed out on PGA Tour victories recently, including a near-miss at the St. Jude Championship and a tie for fourth at the BMW Championship last week. "I think I’m playing really good golf," Fleetwood added. "Best possible scenario, put yourself in contention. Play well, put yourself in contention, and go from there. I love the buzz when I am in contention. I’m just excited for the opportunity again." Henley, who dazzled in round one by sinking putts totaling 207 feet and shooting 61, continued to perform well on the greens, making a long 14-footer for birdie on the last hole to finish strongly. "I hit my driver awesome," he remarked. "I hit a lot of shots today that were really good shots that maybe didn’t end up quite close enough or maybe gave myself a little bit of an awkward birdie putt. But still feel like I putted it well, hit my lines really well, and just hit a bunch of fairways. That’s what you’ve got to do around here." Meanwhile, Scheffler struggled with three bogeys in a round that did not reflect his normally consistent form despite maintaining his streak of 19 sub-par rounds. Highlighted by an excellent approach shot on the final hole that stopped just one foot from the pin, Scheffler expressed frustration with the day's outcomes. "It’s just one of those days where it seemed like I wasn’t getting rewarded for what I was doing," he said. "My game definitely doesn’t feel off but you look at 18, end up a foot off the fairway. Seventeen I have to chip out sideways, 14 I felt like I hit a god shot in there and it kicked right into the bunker … Just wasn’t as sharp as I needed to be."

Sandiganbayan Convicts Janet Lim-Napoles and Others Over PDAF Misuse in Davao del Sur Scam

MANILA, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan’s Special Third Division has handed down another conviction against Janet Lim-Napoles, widely recognized as the mastermind of the infamous "pork barrel scam." This latest verdict pertains to the misappropriation of P7.55 million from the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of former Davao del Sur Representative Marc Douglas Cagas IV. Alongside Napoles, Dennis Cunanan, former deputy director general of the now-defunct Technology Resource Center (TRC); Maria Rosalinda Lacsamana, former TRC group manager; and Rhodora Mendoza from the dissolved National Agribusiness Corp. were also found guilty. In a comprehensive 149-page ruling issued on Friday, the Sandiganbayan convicted Napoles on two graft counts and two counts of malversation. Cunanan, Lacsamana, and Mendoza were each convicted on one graft and one malversation charge. Napoles received penalties ranging from 12 to 20 years for graft and 20 to 34 years for malversation. Cunanan and Lacsamana were sentenced to 6 to 10 years for graft and 10 to 14 years for malversation, while Mendoza’s imprisonment ranges from 6 to 10 years for graft and 10 to 18 years for malversation. The case originated from Cagas’ endorsement and designation of two NGOs, the People’s Organization for Progress and Development Foundation, Inc. (Popdfi), and the Social Development Program for Farmers Foundation, Inc. (Sdpffi), both controlled by Napoles, as project partners to deliver agricultural production packages in his district. Popdfi was allocated P2.7 million, and Sdpffi received P4.85 million from the PDAF. Prosecutors emphasized that the processing of the PDAF funds enabled Napoles and her co-accused to unlawfully appropriate government money instead of implementing the projects, which were later revealed to be non-existent. They further noted that these NGOs were selected without undergoing the mandatory public bidding procedure. The court ordered Napoles, Cunanan, and Lacsamana to pay fines equivalent to the malversed amount of P2.7 million for the Popdfi fund and to indemnify the government the same sum with interest. Napoles and Mendoza were also ordered to pay P4.85 million each in fines and indemnification for the Sdpffi funds, including applicable interest. While the NGOs could have legally implemented PDAF projects, the court underscored the critical necessity of public bidding for the funds allocated to Popdfi. The Sandiganbayan concluded there was clear proof of the involvement of Napoles, Cunanan, Lacsamana, and Mendoza in the scam. The decision also referenced the General Appropriations Acts of 2007 and 2008, pointing out that no NGO was specifically authorized to implement PDAF projects. Instead, only government entities such as the TRC and Department of Agriculture were permitted to undertake such projects. Associate Justice Ma. Theresa Dolores Gomez-Estoesta, with concurrence from Associate Justices Zaldy Trespeses and Ronald Moreno, wrote in the ruling: "As a general rule, all procurement shall be done through competitive public bidding. However, when an appropriation law earmarks an amount for projects to be specifically contracted out to NGOs, it is the intent of Congress to give due preference to NGOs. This exception is inapplicable herein since there is neither an appropriation nor an ordinance earmarking the amount of the PDAF for the implementation of the NGOs." The court further elucidated that the selection of Popdfi and Sdpffi was based solely on the endorsement of accused Cagas, and these NGOs were fully controlled by Napoles, who appointed their officers and had dominant control over their funds and banking transactions. "Thus, with the foregoing conclusions, accused Napoles acted with evident bad faith and in conspiracy with the accused public officials and employees to defraud the government through non-existent NGOs and projects," the judgment stated. Evident bad faith was defined as a deliberate intent to cause harm or damage driven by corrupt motives, which the court affirmed was clearly present in this case. "The circumstances established show beyond reasonable doubt that accused Napoles was spurred by corrupt or ill motive when she conspired with the accused public officials and employees to defraud the government," the ruling concluded. This marks yet another conviction for Napoles, reinforcing the judiciary’s stance against corruption linked to the PDAF scandal that shook the nation over a decade ago.

BINI Embraces Criticism as Motivation Ahead of Year-End Concert

Filipino pop ensemble BINI gathered with fans for their "Journey Beyond the BINIverse" photo journal signing event at the Dolphy Theater on August 21, where the group openly discussed their response to ongoing criticism amid their rising popularity in P-pop and Original Pilipino Music (OPM). Dressed in coordinated black-and-white outfits, the members—Jhoanna, Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, and Sheena—engaged warmly with their supporters, known as Blooms, through interactive games and performances. Acknowledging the controversies surrounding them, the group expressed a shared resolve to channel negative feedback into motivation. Gwen candidly admitted during the Q&A session, "Kapag may criticisms or controversies, hindi naman ako magpe-pretend that it doesn’t affect me at all. Siyempre, we hear it, we feel it. But at the same time, sabi nga nila, choose your battles. Ginagawa namin ‘yun. Kapag may lesson, I learn [from it]. Kapag nasasaktan kami, we turn it into motivation to do better and work harder." Echoing this sentiment, leader Jhoanna reflected on the significance of public scrutiny, stating, "We use [criticism] as a reminder that people are still watching and our voice still matters. Parang mas nakakatakot kung walang pakialam sa’min. Kahit ano namang gawin namin, ito ang mundo natin. May masasabi ang mga tao. Kung may masabi kang mali, magagalit sila. Kapag masyado kang mabait, too good to be true raw." She further emphasized the group’s approach to adversity, saying, "Kami, we choose to [address the] noise and turn it into something na mas makakatulong sa’min. Gan’un kami bumangon. We turn the pain into power." In a separate message addressing the emotional toll of public scrutiny, member Colet shared insights in a blog post about personal struggles with mental health and the weight of external judgment. She highlighted the importance of empathy, urging others to "start putting themselves in someone else’s shoes" and practice being "less judgmental." Colet added, "I will try to understand. I will be the bigger person. Hurt people need more love and understanding. You didn’t mean to hurt me; you just can’t control yourself. Maybe something happened to you somewhere in your life, that’s why you hurt people, because you are hurt as well. Being the bigger person is scary because I want to hate you for what you did, but I completely understand why you are the way you are." Looking ahead, BINI is set to hold their highly anticipated "BINIfied" year-end concert at the Philippine Arena on November 29, which will showcase selections from their latest album along with fresh performances, promising an exciting culmination to their year of growth and resilience.

Sandiganbayan Acquits Former VP Jejomar Binay and Associates in Makati Carpark Corruption Case

The Sandiganbayan has acquitted former Vice President Jejomar Binay, his son and former Makati Mayor Erwin Binay, along with several others, in connection with the P2.2-billion Makati City carpark project, citing lack of sufficient evidence. In a verdict issued on Friday, August 22, the anti-graft court dismissed all charges against the Binays, including malversation of public funds, multiple counts of graft, and falsification of public documents. The court stated that the prosecution failed to meet the burden of proof necessary to sustain the allegations. Jejomar Binay was acquitted of one count of malversation, four counts of graft, and nine counts of falsification of public documents. His son Erwin was similarly cleared of one count of malversation, three graft charges, and six counts of falsification. Additionally, the court ordered the dismissal of cases against Emerito Calayag Magat, Cecilio Lim III, and Manolito Nabartey Uyaco following their deaths. Other individuals implicated who were also acquitted include Marjorie Aguinaldo de Veyra, Pio Kenneth Ilano Dasal, and Lorenza Punzalan Amores, who faced accusations spanning falsification of documents, violations of Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019, and malversation of public funds. These charges were all dismissed. The court further cleared a list of co-accused—such as Gerardo Kangleon San Gabriel, Rodel Rebustillo Nayve, Line Macatangay Dela Peña, Connie Nicol Consulta, Nelia Argana Barlis, Efren Mercado Canlas, Virginia Santos Hernandez, Mario Valenzuela Badillo, Leonila de Guzman Querijero, Raydes Barias Pestaño, Orlando M. Mateo, Giovanni Ilio Condes, Norman Domingo Flores, Arnel Lamusao Cadangan, Ulysses Estanislao Orienza, and Eleno Mendoza—either by finding them not guilty or granting their demurrers to evidence, thereby dismissing charges against them. This recent ruling follows an earlier decision in January when the Sandiganbayan also acquitted the Binays of graft allegations related to the P1.3-billion Makati Science High School project. The Sandiganbayan's decisions underscore the court's position that the evidence presented was inadequate to substantiate accusations of corruption involving these public officials and their associates related to the Makati city infrastructure projects.