Superkit Tour Heads to Thrilling Final Stage at Luisita Golf and Country Club

The Superkit Tour is approaching its climactic conclusion this weekend, culminating with the decisive last leg scheduled for Saturday and the championship Finals set for Sunday at the Luisita Golf and Country Club in Tarlac. Among the notable competitors teeing off in Saturday’s decisive round are some of the nation’s finest young golfers and former tour winners, including Geoffrey Tan, Brie Macasaet, Nicole Gan, Mavis Espedido, Jared Saban, Jacob Gomez, Kristoffer Nadales, and Stephanie Gan. Currently leading the Order of Merit standings is Alonso Fabu, who has amassed a flawless 400 points across four legs. Closely trailing him in the 5-7 mixed division are Jean Pio Bitangcol and Rafael Manaol, holding second and third places with 310 and 300 points, respectively. All three frontrunners have already secured their spots in Sunday’s Finals. To include a broader pool of talent, organizers have expanded the number of finalist slots, allowing more players from the Saturday leg to advance. This has encouraged participation from several competitors traveling from Cebu and Davao. Representing Cebu are Marqaela Dy, Rocio Borromeo, Andoni Astor, David Gothong, Zeus Suzara, Jordino Mesina, Sebastian Sajuela, and Kvan Alburo. Davao’s contingent includes Soleil Molde, Francesca Ng Ho, Alexandra Ng Ho, Zoey Mascarinas, Luke Marcus Habagat, and Lucas Miguel Revilleza. Beyond awarding trophies and medals to top finishers, organizers have also arranged raffle prizes and giveaways to enhance the experience for all participants. Victors of the grand Finals will earn the coveted opportunity to compete in the Superkit International Finals, slated for January 9-11 at the Guilin Leman Golf Club in Guangxi, China, representing the Philippines on the international stage.

Bureau of Corrections Prepared to Admit Dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo Following Life Sentence

The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) has announced its preparedness to assume custody of Alice Guo, the dismissed mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, along with other individuals ordered by the courts for commitment. BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. emphasized that all necessary preparations are underway to facilitate their immediate admission into custody. Guo, who was sentenced to life imprisonment by a Pasig Regional Trial Court on charges of qualified trafficking, will be transferred to the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) located in Mandaluyong City. To ensure the safety and security of the facility, CIW Corrections Technical Superintendent Marjorie Ann Sanidad reported that additional Corrections Emergency Response Teams have been dispatched, and all personnel have been placed on urgent standby since Thursday. Sanidad outlined the standard procedure upon Guo's commitment: she will be received by a designated officer at the Reception and Diagnostic Center (RDC), where her documents and personal belongings will be thoroughly verified. Following this, Guo will undergo a mandatory five-day quarantine within the RDC. Subsequent to the quarantine, Guo will be subjected to a comprehensive medical examination before entering a 55-day orientation, diagnostic, and assessment period within the RDC regular dormitory. This 60-day intake protocol, which includes the quarantine, is designed to evaluate her psychological and physical health, enabling BuCor to develop a personalized rehabilitation program. After completing this process, she will be transferred to her assigned regular dormitory at the Maximum Security Camp. Director General Catapang underscored the significance of the assessment phase, highlighting its role in addressing the specific needs of newly committed inmates and ensuring appropriate corrective interventions are put in place.

Oriental Mindoro Rep. Rona Leachon Highlights Prolonged Delay at Batangas Port

Oriental Mindoro Representative Rona Leachon expressed frustration over an extended delay experienced during her recent voyage from Calapan to Batangas Port. Scheduled to depart at 2:30 p.m., her ship was unable to dock until 6:04 p.m., resulting in a wait of over three and a half hours at the port. In a social media post, Leachon detailed how their vessel remained onboard while other ships, some arriving later, were prioritized for docking. She pointed out the absence of available docking slots as the primary cause of the holdup, compelling passengers to endure long waiting times despite having time-sensitive appointments. Leachon stated, \"We left Calapan at 2:30 p.m., yet by 5:40 p.m., we were still aboard the ship unable to dock because we're waiting for another ship to leave due to no open parking or docking space. This raises concerns, especially for passengers with urgent commitments.\" She added that it was disheartening to see several vessels that arrived after hers were granted docking ahead of them. The delay culminated with disembarkation only occurring after 6:00 p.m., well after sunset, further adding to passenger discomfort. Representative Leachon’s candid remarks highlight issues surrounding port capacity and scheduling, echoing broader concerns about infrastructure and service efficiency at Batangas Port.

Toledo City Launches Division Schools Press Conference 2025 Emphasizing Truth in AI Era

During the opening ceremony of the Division Schools Press Conference (DSCP) 2025 held at the Toledo City Sports Center on November 21, Dr. Joseph Irwin Lagura, Schools Division Superintendent, addressed campus journalists on the critical role of truth in journalism amidst the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI).\n\nDr. Lagura urged student journalists to remain committed to factual reporting, cautioning against the spread of misinformation. \"As we navigate the era of AI, journalism must remain a voice for truth. Campus journalists should prioritize facts over falsehoods,\" he emphasized.\n\nThis year’s DSCP, organized by the Department of Education’s Toledo City Division, saw the participation of 1,451 young journalists from both public and private elementary and secondary schools. The competition itself is scheduled for November 22 to 23.\n\nCarrying the theme, \"Empowering Filipino Youth: Unleashing Potentials in Journalism and Creative Industries in Era of Artificial Intelligence,\" the event underscored the media’s responsibility in uncovering and presenting reality. Dr. Lagura remarked, \"Various journalism platforms—newspapers, television, radio—must reveal truth and reality. Despite technological advances like AI, we must uphold the old adage, 'The truth will set you free.'\"\n\nHe further appealed to the young journalists to carefully assess the impact of the facts they report, stating, \"Consider whether the information benefits the entire community. You are bearers of truth; continue to be honest and present accurate facts to those you serve.\"\n\nDr. Lagura also challenged participants to grow into responsible journalists, highlighting notable figures such as Carlos P. Romulo and the late Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, both of whom were distinguished alumni of prior national press conferences.\n\nThe DSCP is an annual event that brings together student journalists from across the division to compete in various categories including news writing, feature writing, editorial writing, editorial cartooning, column writing, sports writing, radio broadcasting, and newspaper production.\n\nWinners from this competition will earn the opportunity to represent Toledo City at the Regional Schools Press Conference (RSPC) slated for March 2026 in Danao City.

Security Guard Arrested for Assaulting Colleague in San Fernando

A head security guard identified only by the alias "Ronron," 38, was detained by police following an incident in Sitio Luknay, Barangay South Poblacion, San Fernando. The suspect, who resides in Barangay Dumlog, Talisay City, allegedly attacked a fellow guard named Donie at around 6 p.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2025. The 35-year-old victim sustained multiple bruises on his face after the unprovoked assault. According to the authorities’ investigation, the victim was preparing to leave on his motorcycle after his shift when the suspect suddenly approached and struck him three times without any apparent reason. Fellow security guards intervened immediately, but the suspect fled the scene. The police promptly initiated a hot pursuit operation within the San Fernando area and successfully arrested the assailant. During the police inquiry, the suspect claimed that the victim was frequently complaining during their duties, which led to their altercation. The suspect now faces charges related to physical injury.

M.M. Abello Masonic Lodge Leads Vital Blood Donation Drive in E.B. Magalona

In a commendable display of community solidarity, M.M. Abello Masonic Lodge #260 recently organized a blood donation drive at the Brgy. Madalag People’s Hall in E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental. This initiative aimed to address the critical shortage of blood supplies at the regional hospital following Typhoon Tino, which halted donation activities for eight days. Led by Worshipful Master Joaquin Jude Ledesma, the lodge collaborated closely with Brgy. Captain Joel Paredes and trainees from the National Jail Management and Penology Training Institute, under the supervision of Jail Senior Inspector Jennylind Hermida. The coordinated effort also involved staff from the CLMRMH blood bank, who facilitated the collection process. The event saw nearly 100 donors, including both local residents and jail trainees, contribute to replenishing the hospital’s blood reserves. This collective effort demonstrates the resilience and commitment of the community in responding to urgent healthcare needs. Brgy. Captain Joel Paredes was notably acknowledged for his generosity and support, providing hospitality by hosting the donors and organizers at the venue, which significantly contributed to the event's success. This bloodletting drive not only alleviates immediate medical demands but also highlights the power of partnerships between civic organizations, local government, and institutional partners in crisis response.

Agdangan Vice Mayor Nadine Sawal Shares Source of Personal Motivation

Agdangan Vice Mayor Nadine Sawal recently opened up about the personal mantra that helps her maintain motivation in difficult moments. In a social media post, Sawal explained that when faced with discouragement or doubt, she reminds herself that she is currently living the dreams she once aspired to achieve. She stated, \"Whenever I feel like giving up, I look back and remember I\'m living the dreams I once hoped for.\" This perspective serves as a powerful source of encouragement, allowing her to stay focused and resilient despite the obstacles she encounters.

Hong Kong Travelers Show Continued Enthusiasm for Japan Despite Travel Warnings

HONG KONG – Interest among Hong Kong residents in traveling to Japan remains robust despite recent travel warnings issued by both Beijing and Hong Kong authorities. The advisories followed Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's comments on a potential Taiwan-related contingency, prompting the Chinese government to discourage travel to Japan. Hong Kong, operating under the "one country, two systems" framework, subsequently issued a travel advisory for its citizens. Japan continues to be a favored destination for travelers from Hong Kong, where many hold a pro-Japan sentiment. Travel agencies report no substantial cancellations of group tours since the advisories were announced. A local resident commented on the travel advisory, stating, "There will be little impact on the desire of people in Hong Kong to visit Japan." According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, Hong Kong visitors to Japan reached a record 2.68 million in 2024. Among international visitors by region, Hong Kong ranks fifth, following South Korea, mainland China, Taiwan, and the United States, despite its population of approximately 7.5 million. On November 15, Hong Kong's security authorities updated the travel advisory for Japan, citing an unsubstantiated rise in attacks against Chinese nationals in the country. They urged heightened caution while visiting Japan but stopped short of recommending against travel. Only the vicinity of the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, operated by Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc., was designated with a "yellow" caution level, the lowest tier in Hong Kong's three-level warning system. Other regions remained unaffected. Airlines based in Hong Kong have shown flexibility regarding reservation changes, while travel agencies have noticed a decline in inquiries but no mass cancellations of Japan tours. Authorities have confirmed that tour sales are permitted and ongoing as scheduled. A senior official at a leading local travel agency noted, "Tourism interest usually drops only when people sense immediate danger, such as natural disasters like earthquakes." Hong Kong residents appear to perceive the political tensions between Beijing and Tokyo as less immediate compared to mainland Chinese citizens, with many expecting no major disruption unless travel alerts are escalated or flights are suspended. One woman in her 30s remarked, "Hong Kong people would not care much about the travel advisory, but if the situation escalates to a travel ban, it could become serious." Meanwhile, a woman in her 40s observed that those around her were pleased, hoping that popular destinations like Kyoto would benefit from decreased tourist crowds. She added, "There is anticipation that self-restraint among Chinese travelers might help alleviate overtourism in Japan." The situation remains dynamic as authorities continue monitoring developments amid ongoing regional sensitivities.

Cebu’s Development Initiatives and Typhoon Tino Recovery Highlighted in Expert Panel Discussion

A recent expert panel brought into focus Cebu’s development plans alongside recovery efforts following Typhoon Tino, while providing the latest weather updates. The discussion featured insights from specialists Elizar Sabinay Jr., Minerva Gerodias, and Jhomer Eclarino, who elaborated on the region’s strategic initiatives and resilience measures. Elizar Sabinay Jr. emphasized the importance of sustainable infrastructure projects designed to bolster Cebu’s growth trajectory. Minerva Gerodias highlighted the coordinated efforts facilitating the province’s recovery from Typhoon Tino’s impact, pointing to government and community collaboration as vital components. Weather specialist Jhomer Eclarino provided updates on the current meteorological situation, advising the public on preparedness as additional weather systems develop. The session served as a comprehensive update for residents and stakeholders interested in Cebu’s ongoing progress and disaster recovery, underscoring the collective commitment to rebuilding and advancement in the wake of recent challenges.

Motorcycle Gunman Kills Man at Fish Stall in Dasmariñas City

A fatal shooting occurred Tuesday along Jose Abad Santos Avenue in Barangay Salawag, Dasmariñas City, Cavite, when a man was killed by a gunman riding a motorcycle. The victim was buying fish from a local stall when the suspect passed by on his motorcycle, later returning to open fire. CCTV footage revealed the motorcyclist briefly stopped in front of the store and then shot the victim multiple times. Another customer at the stall was also hit, sustaining a gunshot wound to the right leg, and was seen fleeing before collapsing. Witnesses expressed shock and quickly sought cover as the gunfire erupted. According to the police report from the Dasmariñas City police station, the victim sustained several gunshot wounds to different parts of his body. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he succumbed to his injuries. The injured customer is currently hospitalized and receiving treatment. Authorities are actively conducting follow-up operations and reviewing CCTV recordings from the area to identify and apprehend the suspect. Officials continue to urge anyone with relevant information to come forward as investigations proceed.