The Premier Volleyball League (PVL) is set to honor outstanding athletes, coaches, and teams from both the women's PVL and men's Spikers' Turf in its first-ever Press Corps Awards Night on May 27, 2025, at Novotel Manila Araneta City in Quezon City.​

The PVL Press Corps Awards Night, organized by the PVL Press Corps in partnership with Pilipinas Live, will recognize exceptional performances from the 2024 All-Filipino Conference, the 2024 Reinforced Conference, and the 2024–25 All-Filipino Conference. The event aims to celebrate the achievements of players, coaches, and teams who have made significant contributions to Philippine volleyball over the past season.​

Awards to be presented include Most Valuable Player of the Season, Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year, Executive of the Year, Most Improved Player, Miss Quality Minutes, and Comeback Player of the Year. Team honors such as Mythical Team, Team of the Year, and Fair Play Award will also be given.

Fan-voted accolades like Game of the Year, Star of the Night, and Fan Favorite are set to engage the volleyball community further.​

This landmark event underscores the PVL's commitment to recognizing excellence and fostering a vibrant volleyball culture in the Philippines.​

REFERENCE LINK: 

https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/volleyball/2025/4/16/pvls-finest-to-be-recognized-at-first-ever-awards-night-1536

WASHINGTON, USA – On Thursday, May 1, US President Donald Trump dismissed his national security adviser, Mike Waltz, and appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio as interim replacement, marking the first significant change in his inner circle since taking office in January.

Trump announced his intention to nominate Waltz as the next U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, adding that “he has worked hard to put our nation’s interests first.”

Earlier in the day, several sources revealed that Trump had already made the decision to remove Waltz from his national security position. Waltz, retired Army Green Beret and former Republican lawmaker from Florida, had come under fire within the White House, particularly after becoming entangled in a Signal app controversy in March involving senior members of Trump's national security team.

Rubio will be the first person since Henry Kissinger in the 1970s to hold the positions of secretary of state and national security adviser simultaneously.

“When I have a problem, I call up Marco. He gets it solved,” Trump said at a White House event earlier on Thursday.

According to someone familiar with the situation, Trump aimed to hit the 100-day mark in his term before firing a cabinet-level official. The reshuffle came so suddenly that State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce found out from journalists during a press briefing.

The position of national security adviser is highly influential and does not need Senate confirmation. In his first term, Trump had four different people serve in that role: Michael Flynn, H.R. McMaster, John Bolton, and Robert O’Brien.

Two people with knowledge of the matter told Reuters that Alex Wong, Waltz’s deputy and an Asia affairs expert, is also being forced out. Wong previously worked on North Korea policy at the State Department during Trump’s earlier presidency.

The removal of Waltz marks the peak of ongoing personnel instability in Trump’s national security team. Since April 1, over 20 staffers from the National Security Council have been fired, the head of the NSA has been replaced, and three senior Pentagon political appointees were dismissed.

According to several administration officials, these widespread firings have severely impacted morale within the national security team. Some government areas are reportedly lacking essential security expertise, and attracting high-level candidates has become a challenge. The NSC is the main body used by presidents to coordinate security strategy, and its staff often make key decisions regarding America’s approach to the world’s most volatile conflicts.

Waltz was blamed for accidentally adding the editor of The Atlantic magazine to a private thread describing details of an imminent US bombing campaign in Yemen. The Atlantic subsequently reported on the internal discussions about the strikes.

At a subsequent Cabinet meeting with Waltz in the room, Trump expressed his preference for holding such conversations in a secure setting, a clear sign of his displeasure. But he and others in the White House publicly expressed confidence in Waltz at the time.

Trump so far has expressed confidence in his defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, despite the turmoil at the top levels at the Pentagon and his involvement in the Signal controversy.

Waltz also attended Trump’s televised cabinet meeting on Wednesday. In a Reuters photograph from the meeting, Waltz appeared to be using the Signal app on his phone. The photograph appears to show a list of chats he has had on the messaging app with other cabinet members, including Vice President JD Vance and Intelligence Chief Tulsi Gabbard.

Commenting on the photo, White House communications director Steven Cheung said on social media: “Signal is an approved app that is loaded onto our government phones.”

Wave of firings

The NSC that Waltz will leave behind has been thinned by dismissals in recent weeks. The bloodletting began a month ago, when Laura Loomer, a right-wing conspiracy theorist, handed Trump a list of individuals in the NSC she deemed to be disloyal during a meeting at the White House. Following that meeting, four senior directors were released.

Those four senior directors – who oversaw intelligence, technology, international organizations and legislative affairs, respectively – had a long history in conservative policymaking and no apparent animosity toward Trump, leaving colleagues puzzled by their dismissals, according to two people with direct knowledge of the matter.

Some NSC staffers were upset that Waltz did not defend his staff more forcefully, those people said. Since then, more than 20 additional NSC staffers of various profiles have been let go, typically with no notice, the people said.

The signal incident wasn't the only factor that influenced Trump's decision. A person familiar with the Cabinet’s internal dynamics said Waltz was too hawkish for the war-averse Trump and was seen as not effectively coordinating foreign policy among a variety of agencies, a key role for the national security adviser.

Waltz’s removal may unsettle U.S. allies in Europe and Asia, who saw him as a strong supporter of NATO and a moderating force against more confrontational voices in Trump's circle, one foreign dimplomant in Washington said.

Trump’s nomination of Waltz to the UN fills a vacancy left when he pulled back the nomination of Representative Elise Stefanik, whose vote is crucial in the closely divided House of Representatives.

REFERENCE LINK: 

https://www.rappler.com/world/us-canada/trump-ousts-waltz-names-rubio-national-security-adviser/

MANILA, Philippines – Lea Salonga, the award-winning Broadway star beloved for her powerful voice and commanding stage presence, is not only captivating audiences around the world—she’s also shaping hearts with her unwavering love and fierce advocacy for her transgender son, Nic Chien. In an exclusive interview with People Magazine, Salonga revealed the deeply personal journey she’s walked with Nic, reflecting on her experience as a mother who has embraced her child’s transition with grace, understanding, and unconditional support.

Nic, who was assigned female at birth, came out as transmasculine at the age of 14 and has since begun testosterone therapy as part of his transition. Through it all, Lea has been an ever-present source of strength, not just as a mother, but as an ally and advocate for her son’s right to live authentically. In an emotional conversation, Lea spoke candidly about her experience raising a child who is forging his own path. “The one thing I’ve learned is that you have to raise your child the way your child needs to be raised,” she shared thoughtfully. “As a parent, I want to set my child up for success.”

Her words are more than just a reflection of parenting—they are a testament to the transformative power of unconditional love. For Salonga, the journey is all about making sure that her son feels supported, loved, and, above all, safe. “I want my child to feel safe and strong and ready to conquer the world on their own terms,” she added, illustrating the heart of her approach to motherhood: allowing her child to live and grow in a space that nurtures his unique identity.

In the striking cover photo for People Magazine, Lea stands proudly behind Nic, a powerful and symbolic gesture of her ongoing support. For Salonga, this image captures more than just a moment of triumph; it reflects years of growth and learning, both as a mother and as an ally to her son. “I’ve learned how to raise a child who is their own being,” she said, encapsulating the personal evolution she’s experienced in the process of supporting Nic’s transition.

Nic, now 18 years old, opened up about his own emotional journey, acknowledging that the road hasn’t always been easy. “I am still figuring it out. It took a while,” he confessed. “There’s been a lot of crying,” he added, a poignant reminder of the internal struggles faced by many trans individuals as they come to terms with their identities. Despite the challenges, Nic never once doubted the love and acceptance of his parents. “It really helps to have people in your corner,” he said, referring to the constant support from Lea and his father, who have provided a safe and open space for him to express himself.

This August, Lea and Nic will take the stage together in the highly anticipated Philippine production of Into the Woods, marking an exciting new chapter in their shared artistic journey. While Lea will reprise her iconic role as The Witch, Nic will portray Jack, the role he has long dreamed of playing. Having previously starred as Alice in the 2017 production of Matilda by Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group, this moment represents a significant milestone for Nic—one that showcases not only his talents but also his determination to embrace his true self.

For Salonga, this upcoming performance is a celebration of both their professional achievements and their personal bond. As a mother, she takes immense pride in watching Nic step into his own, both as a performer and as a person. It’s a moment of mutual pride for both, as they come together not only as family but also as artists, sharing their voices and stories with audiences.

Lea’s openness about her support for Nic has sparked a broader conversation about the importance of parental support for LGBTQ+ children. Her journey is a reminder that love—when offered without hesitation, judgment, or limitation—creates the foundation for strength, self-empowerment, and success. By embracing her son’s identity, Salonga is not only empowering Nic but also inspiring parents everywhere to create environments of love, acceptance, and respect for their children, no matter their gender identity.

As public figures, both Lea and Nic continue to use their platforms to advocate for greater visibility and understanding of the transgender community. Through their story, they shine a light on the importance of supporting our loved ones through their most authentic selves—because when we show up with love and understanding, we help create a world where everyone can truly be themselves.

REFERENCE LINK:

https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/celebrities/lea-salonga-supporting-trans-son-nic-chien-journey-interview/

Team Tsinelas makes history as the first Filipino team to reach the finals of the FIRST Robotics Competition New Taipei City Regional, spotlighting the nation's growing STEM talent.

Team Tsinelas, the first Filipino team to join the prestigious FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), proudly secured a finalist spot at the New Taipei City Regional event, marking a significant moment for the country's STEM community.

“This milestone marks a significant leap for the Filipino STEM community as they proudly represent the Philippines on the international stage,” the team said in a statement. They emphasized that their achievement “highlights the team’s dedication and the country’s growing presence in international robotics competitions.”

Founded in 2023 by Milton Lopez, a high school sophomore who previously lived in Taiwan, Team Tsinelas was born from the recognition of a need to boost the Philippines’ visibility in global STEM and robotics fields.

“Bringing prior FRC knowledge from Taiwan, he (Lopez) and a group of dedicated Filipino teenagers identified a gap in the Philippines’ global footprint in STEM and robotics,” the team added.

Prior to their latest feat, Team Tsinelas already made waves during their debut at the FRC Southern Cross Regional in Australia, where they earned the prestigious Rookie Inspiration Award, setting a strong foundation for future accomplishments.

“This success not only reflects the team’s technical prowess but also underscores the youth’s role in advancing the Philippines’ STEM engagement,” Team Tsinelas stated, expressing hope for more Filipino participation on the global stage.

The FRC is regarded as the world’s largest high school robotics competition, drawing 3,300 teams and 83,000 high school students from across the globe.

REFERENCE LINK:

https://technology.inquirer.net/141802/pioneer-ph-team-finalist-of-intl-high-school-robotics-competition

Drew Arellano undergo vasectomy. After of getting vasectomy, Drew knew that common misconceptions about vasectomy are not true.

“Hindi lang natuloy, kaya nagkaroon ng panglima. So nalaman ko na lang din na may mga kaibigan ako na nag-vasectomy after I did it because nga they reached out na parang ‘Oh. Welcome to the V club,'” Drew said.

“If there’s already medical data, then ako, you know I follow medical data. And I believe when the data shows itself that it’s OK, then it’s OK,” Drew said.

According to the report, only 242 men have had a vasectomy in Quezon City this 2025 so far compared to the 26,648 women who received tubal ligation in the same city this year.

The Philippine Statistics Authority National Demographic and Health Survey found that only 1.6% of males used condoms in 2022, which reflects low observation of male-centric family planning method.

REFERENCE LINK: 

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/healthandwellness/944674/drew-arellano-on-getting-vasectomy-amid-misconceptions-i-follow-medical-data/story/

As heatwaves intensify across the country, veterinarians warn pet owners to stay vigilant against the growing threat of heat stroke in animals.

As global temperatures continue to rise and heatwaves become more frequent, heat stroke in animals is becoming an increasing concern.

"Hindi lang naman tayong mga tao ang naaapektuhan ng init na ito. We have to protect them," Dr. Zarah Rosuello-Z Animal Clinic said.

In pets, this usually occurs when they are exposed to high temperatures for too long, especially without enough water, shade, or ventilation.

"When we say heat stroke, nagkakaroon sila ng inability to dissipate yung na-accumulate nila na heat... Masyado nang mataas yung temperature for the body to tolerate, nagkakaroon ng physiologic changes," Dr. Zarah said.

Heat stroke is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition for pets.

Symptoms of Heat stroke for Pets:

• Excessive panting or difficulty breathing

• Increased heart rate

• Lethargy and Seizures

• Collapse or unconsciousness

First Aid:

• Drink water immediately

• Move out direct to sunlight

• Use electric fan and move to cool temperature area

REFERENCE LINK:

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/health-science/2025/5/2/heat-stroke-sa-pets-ano-ang-mga-sintomas-paunang-lunas-dito-1610

Motorists will again feel a pinch at the pump as fuel prices continue to rise for the second consecutive week, driven by tightening global supply concerns.

In separate advisories, major oil firms — Caltex, Cleanfuel, Petro Gazz, PTT, Seaoil, and Shell — announced that starting Tuesday (April 30), gasoline and diesel prices will both increase by PHP1.35 per liter. Additionally, Caltex, Seaoil, and Shell said kerosene prices will go up by PHP0.80 per liter.

The Department of Energy (DOE) attributed the hike mainly to supply issues caused by new US sanctions targeting Iran’s oil shipping network, which have led to tighter global supply and upward pressure on prices.

According to the DOE, fuel costs have been steadily climbing since early 2025. Gasoline prices have risen by PHP2.30 per liter and diesel by PHP2.85 per liter year-to-date. Despite the recent adjustments, kerosene remains cheaper overall, with a net decrease of PHP1.80 per liter so far this year.

REFERENCE LINK: 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1248891

VATICAN CITY—The recent election of Pope Leo XIV has been met with optimism among conservative circles within the Catholic Church, who anticipate a return to traditional values and increased doctrinal rigor under his leadership.

Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, is recognized for his commitment to orthodox teachings and his emphasis on spiritual discipline. His ascension to the papacy is seen by many as an opportunity to reinforce the Church’s foundational doctrines and moral teachings.

In his inaugural address, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of upholding the Church’s teachings and traditions, stating, “The Church must remain steadfast in its mission, guided by the timeless truths of our faith.”

Observers note that Pope Leo XIV’s leadership may influence the Church’s stance on various contemporary issues, potentially leading to a reaffirmation of traditional positions on matters such as family, marriage, and bioethics.

REFERENCE LINK:

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/623456/conservatives-hopeful-that-pope-leo-xiv-will-restore-rigor-to-papacy