MANILA, Philippines--With the game still far from decided in the third period, San Juan forward Mac Cardona looked at his wrist before banking in a shot from point blank range as if to say he had plenty of time before Quezon City could catch up with him and his team. The move may speak more of Cardona's swagger, but it's also a clear indication at how the Knights have been comfortable with a target on their backs as the league's reigning champions. The Knights extended their unbeaten start to eight games after an 88-71 drubbing of Quezon City last Monday night in the Lakan Season at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan. Veteran gunner John Wilson finished with 21 points and 10...Keep on reading: MPBL: San Juan Knights thrive with target on their backs

MANILA, Philippines---San Sebastian coach Egay Macaraya has been slapped with a one-game suspension for unsportsmanlike behavior Macaraya has also been asked by the league to make a public apology and do community service,the NCAA said. While the league did not specify the reason for Macaraya's ban, the Stags coach was overheard during a timeout in their game last July 23 instructing one of his players to hit the hand of Pirates center Mike Nzeusseu, who was recovering from a hand injury. San Sebastian lost, 80-69. «Ammar, hampasin yung kami ni Nzeusseu. Wala tayong magagawa, kaibigan-kaibigan sila. Mga gago eh. So ikaw naman, subukan kita,» Macaraya was caught saying by the...Keep on reading: Stags coach Egay Macaraya suspended, asked to do community service

MANILA, Philippines --- «He is very much okay. He is still cursing,» presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in jest Tuesday after being asked about the President Rodrigo Duterte's health. «Kapag hindi na nagku-curse baka may sakit na si Presidente,» Panelo said of the President, who is known for cursing in his public speeches. [When he stops cursing, then maybe the President is sick.] In May, the President's health became a point of discussion again when he attended the graduation rites of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 2019 in Baguio City allegedly looking frail. Observers noted that the President seemed wobbly as he almost fell while boarding a milit...Keep on reading: Panelo on Duterte’s health: He’s OK, still cursing

MANILA, Philippines --- The Supreme Court has approved the guidelines on the use of videoconferencing technology for the remote court appearance or testimony of those detained in jail. The move seeks to «eliminate the safety, security and health risks posed by the personal appearance of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) who are 'considered to be high-risk or afflicted with highly contagious diseases'» while at the same time protecting their constitutional right in court proceedings. "Such risk is not only posed on the accused but also to judges, court personnel, and the public in general. This will also guarantee the accused's rights to be present and confront witnesses against th...Keep on reading: SC allows videoconferencing for detainees in proceedings

MANILA, Philippines --- The United Kingdom has advised its citizens against traveling on ferries and passenger boats in the Philippines following the deadly sea accidents in the waters between Iloilo and Guimaras over the weekend. In its updated travel advisory issued Monday night, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) cautioned against sea travel, particularly during the rainy season from the months of June to December. https://twitter.com/ukinphilippines/status/1158668786452566016?s=21 "Avoid travel on ferries and passenger boats if possible, particularly in the rainy season. They are often overloaded, may lack necessary lifesaving equipment or be inadequately maintain...Keep on reading: UK cautions its citizens against sea travel in PH

  GUAGUA, Pampanga --- At least 33 Catholic priests, led by San Fernando Archbishop Florentino Lavarias, led a holy Mass expressing solidarity with four bishops and three priests charged with sedition and other criminal cases in connection with «Ang Totoong Narcolist» video linking President Rodrigo Duterte's family members and allies to the illegal drugs trade. About 3,000 laypeople also showed up during the Mass at the St. James Parish Church here to express their support for the Catholic leaders. Lavarias, before starting the Mass, quickly corrected the lector for saying it was the President who filed the sedition charges. "If we are standing up for truth, let us ...Keep on reading: In Pampanga, thousands attend Mass for clergymen with sedition raps

    MANILA, Philippines --- The issue on whether or not Jesus Christ was wrongfully executed emerged as Senator Manny Pacquiao opened discussions on the proposed reimposition of the death penalty on Wednesday.   It all started when Pacquiao, one of the proponents of the death penalty bill, delivered a privilege speech, urging the Senate committee on justice and human rights to prioritize the proposed measure.   Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon stood up and fired the first questions.   If enacted into law, Drilon noted, the capital punishment would be imposed by judges and Supreme Court justices.   "These are men -- alt...Keep on reading: Drilon, Pacquiao face off on death penalty bill

Luke Perry will be honored in the season premiere of «Riverdale», with his former «Beverly Hills, 90210» co-star Shannen Doherty guest starring. Mark Pedowitz, president of The CW, told TV critics on Sunday, Aug. 4 that the episode is «a moving piece» and «a tribute to our friend and a well-respected actor.» Perry died in March at age 52 after a massive stroke. His death occurred in the middle of filming for season three and was not mentioned on the show. Producers opted until the season four premiere airing Oct. 9 to address what happened to Perry's character Fred Andrews, the father of Archie. Molly Ringwald is expected to have a bigger role as Archie's mother. Doherty ...Keep on reading: ‘Riverdale’ season premiere to honor memory of Luke Perry

A woman in Colorado, United States, who allegedly stole a dog from a man who experienced a seizure has been arrested on unrelated charges. Melody Mellon was arrested for allegedly stealing a truck that belongs to her ex-boyfriend's mother. She was sleepinginside the truck when police tracked her down, KDVR reported on Thursday, Aug. 1. As Mellon was transported to the Boulder County Jail, police claimed in the report that she «intentionally urinated and spit inside the patrol vehicle.» Police identified Mellon as the suspect who took a man's dog while he suffered from a seizure on July 30. Mellon was at a 7-Eleven store in Colorado when Robert Corbey --- who had been feeling ill -...Keep on reading: Woman steals dog from man who suffered seizure, gets arrested

MANILA, Philippines --- Senators in the 18th Congress on Tuesday had their first debate on the plenary floor on the reimposition of the death penalty. After Sen. Manny Pacquiao delivered a privilege speech on the matter, several senators took their turn to interpellate. In his speech, Pacquiao insisted that «it is high time» that the death penalty be imposed against drug traffickers and manufacturers as the government's war on drugs could no longer deter them committing crimes. However, Senate President Vicente Sotto III interjected that among the reasons behind the continuing problem on illegal drugs is «bad demand reduction strategy.» "We won't need the death penalty. We wo...Keep on reading: Senators weigh in on reimposition of death penalty

MANILA, Philippines---President Rodrigo Duterte doesn't like the chances of Gilas Pilipinas against Italy in the upcoming Fiba World Cup 2019 in China. Duterte is reportedly set to fly to China later this month to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and watch the Basketball World Cup where the Philippine national squad is set to face Italy, Serbia, and Angola in the group stages. READ:Duterte to visit China in August for 5th time «Wala, talo tayo, walang laban. Sa China na lang tayo magpusta,» Duterte said before Filipino-Chinese businessmen in Malacaang. «We will lose sa Italy. Ang lalalaki kaya ng mga gagong 'yan,» he added. (We will lose. We don't have a chance. Let...Keep on reading: Duterte: Gilas no chance vs Italy in Fiba World Cup, let’s bet on China instead

  MANILA, Philippines -- A Chinese man ended landed in jail after he attacked and tried to stab a countryman with a pair of scissors in Pasay City Monday afternoon.   According to the Pasay City police, complainant Wang Jiyun, 31, said he was inside his office when he had an argument with the suspect identified as Wue Fan, 41.   Wang said their argument was about the suspect's payment for the application of a marriage certificate.   During the argument, Wue grabbed a scissor from the office and attacked Wang. Wang managed to get out of the office and immediately sought help from Barangay Kagawad Ricardo Galanta who then apprehended the suspect....Keep on reading: Chinese man nabbed in Pasay for scissor attack on countryman

In addition to tracking user exercise and helping them reach fitness goals,Google Fitnow also tracks your sleep patterns. Since 2014, Google Fit has been helping users track their daily physical activity, set fitness goals, live healthier lifestyles with the help of integrated tools built in collaboration with the American Heart Association. Google Fit's Product Manager Defne Gurelannounced Friday, Aug. 2, that the app can now offer users more comprehensive sleep insights, too. Previously, users could connect compatible sleep-monitoring apps to Google Fit to track their daily sleep. Now, when you connect a sleep app with Google Fit, "you will see charts that show you your sleep...Keep on reading: Google Fit now tracks your sleep patterns, too

An Australian survey has revealed that although attitudes towards meat are changing, it could still be a long time before we ditch hamburgers for plant-based alternatives. Carried out by food marketing expert Ellen Goddard at the University of Alberta, Canada, along with researchers from the University of Adelaide, Australia, the survey asked a nationally-representative sample of 287 Australian meat-eaters about their levels of willingness to make changes to their protein consumption. In particular, participants were asked how willing they would be to reduce their meat consumption, to follow a meat-free diet most of the time, to avoid meat altogether, or to follow a strict plan...Keep on reading: How fast is society’s meat consumption evolving?

SEOUL---Chinese and Taiwanese tech companies are sensing an opportunity to grab higher global market share in the semiconductor, display and battery sectors amid the latest trade feud between South Korea and Japan, according to sources on Aug 5. Chinese display maker BOE is looking to supply OLED panels to US firm Apple, citing the potential challenges its Korean rival Samsung Display faces, local newspaper Chosun Ilbo reported. The display firm owned by tech giant Samsung Electronics is currently the sole supplier of OLED panels for Apple's iPhone. The world's largest mobile OLED display firm is considered one of the Korean companies that could fall victim to Japan's curbs on ...Keep on reading: China, Taiwan eye windfall from S. Korea-Japan trade dispute

A couple from Florida, USA, had a special request for the people attending their wedding early in June. Matt and Kelli Cameron asked their guests to give school supplies for kids in their area, instead of the usual wedding gifts, as per Fox 13 News last July 25. Kelli, who is a teacher, said everyone «got a little description of who they werebuyingfor and what size they were for uniforms, and what grade they were in for school supplies that were needed.» According to the report, the supplies were later donated to Booker T. Washington Elementary School in Tampa, Florida. The couple decided on the concept since Kelli liked the idea of giving school supplies and her husband Matt ...Keep on reading: Couple asks wedding guests to bring school supplies instead of gifts

  MANILA, Philippines - President Rodrigo Duterte will visit Guimaras province on Wednesday to condole with the families of those who died after three motorboats capsized in waters between Iloilo and Guimaras provinces.   «I saw there's a Guimaras in the schedule. I just don't know the time,» presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo in a Palace briefing on Tuesday.   READ:Death toll in capsized motorboats rises to 31   Malacaang earlier called for «more prudence and caution» in sea travel after three motorized boats capsized off Iloilo and Guimaras provinces over the weekend, killing at least 31 people. READ:Palace: Prudence needed in ...Keep on reading: Duterte to visit Guimaras; condole with kin of those who died in capsized boats

BAGUIO CITY ---- The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) charged before the Office of the Ombudsman a village chief of Barangay Camp Allen for grave abuse of authority for constructing an extension of a barangay hall within a military facility. Camp Allen village chief Maribelle Estacion asked the City Council on Monday (Aug. 5) to help her address the lawsuit filed in July 3 by PMA adjutant Maj. Roberto Reyes, on behalf of Lt. Gen. Ronnie Evangelista, PMA superintendent. The PMA complaint states that «the current drive of the Armed Forces is for the preservation and consolidation of all its land holdings for its own beneficial use.» The academy also asserts that only the Armed Fo...Keep on reading: PMA files abuse case vs barangay chief for encroaching on camp

COLOMBO ---The first ever Sri Lankan nano satellite, RAAVANA-1 launched into an orbit 400 km away from earth on June 17, sent the first picture of earth. RAAVANA-1 is a research satellite built by two Sri Lankan engineers, Tharindu Dayaratne and Dulani Chamika, from the University of Peradeniya and the Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies. The satellite is expected to fulfil five missions including the capturing of pictures of Sri Lanka and its surrounding regions. The satellite was designed and built at the Kyushu Institute of Technology in Japan and is 1,000 cubic cm in size and weighs 1.1 kg. It was officially handed over to the Japan Aerospace Exploration A...Keep on reading: Sri Lankan-built satellite sends first picture of earth

  MANILA, Philippines --- The proposal of Senator Panfilo Lacson for a «once in a lifetime» divorce would make the whole process less «whimsical» as it won't «cheapen» the meaning of marriage in the country.   Lacson in an interview with reporters at the Senate rejected a Las Vegas-type of wedding and divorce to address domestic relationship issues.   «Para hindi masyadong whimsical. Huwag naman 'yung parang Las Vegas-style na drive through 'yung kasal, drive through din 'yung divorce,» Lacson noted. «Parang ganoon kadali. We don't want to cheapen also the importance ng marriage.»   According to him, his proposal would make a petitioner "think a m...Keep on reading: Lacson: ‘Once in a lifetime’ divorce less whimsical, won’t ‘cheapen’ marriage

      MANILA, Philippines --- The second batch of the more than 5,000 police officers facing administrative cases on Tuesday started undergoing a 30-day refresher training in a bid of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to cleanse its ranks of scalawags. The second batch, composed of 55 officers, are those who showed tardiness, discourteous, and other light offenses while on duty that do not merit dismissal from the police service, PNP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde said in a press briefing. On their first day of undergoing the Focused Reformation, Reorientation, and Moral Enhancement for Police Officers in Line with Internal Cleansing Efforts (Form Police)...Keep on reading: Albayalde to ‘rogue cops’ undergoing retraining: Pray and reflect, gentlemen

  TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol ---- A newborn baby was found dead in a creek in Barangay Looc in Jagna town, Bohol on Tuesday morning. Police Staff Sergeant Leonardo Penido of the Jagna Police Station said residents in the area reported the incident to the Jagna Emergency Medical Rescue Unit. He said people believed the baby boy was thrown into the creek just hours after it was born since he still had his umbilical cord attached. Authorities have yet to identify who left the baby. /lzb    ...Keep on reading: Baby boy found dead in Bohol creek

        MANILA, Philippines --- An old woman was killed while a tricycle driver was injured when a Philippine Army truck reportedly went wayward before hitting a tricycle and eventually crashing into a house in Tanza, Cavite. According to a report from the Cavite police on Tuesday, the five-ton Army truck was traveling along Tanza-Trece road going to the Tanza town proper at around 10:30 p.m. Monday when, due to heavy rains, the driver lost control of the wheel. The truck went wayward into the opposite lane before accidentally hitting a passing tricycle and later smashing into a house. Police said the passenger of the tricycle identified as 72...Keep on reading: 1 dead as wayward Army truck crashes into tricycle, house in Cavite

https://twitter.com/lotto_soudal/status/1158422647287504899?s=21 BRUSSELS --- Belgian cyclist Bjorg Lambrecht has died after crashing in the Tour of Poland. He was 22. His team Lotto Soudal announced Monday that Lambrecht had fallen during the third stage of the event and that he was taken to hospital, where he died. The team said in a statement on Twitter: «The biggest tragedy possible that could happen to the family, friends and teammates of Bjorg has happened. ... Rest in peace Bjorg.» Lotto Soudal did not provide additional details. Lambrecht had secured a series of strong finishes during one-day classics in the spring and was named most promising youngster in the June ...Keep on reading: Belgian rider Lambrecht dies after crash in Tour of Poland

WASHINGTON, US --- Washington on Monday revoked visa-free entry rights to the United States for foreigners who have visited North Korea in the past eight years, potentially dealing a new blow to the isolated country's nascent tourist industry. The US allows citizens of 38 countries -- including South Korea, Japan and France -- to enter for up to 90 days without a visa under a waiver programme. But visitors who have travelled to eight countries including North Korea since March 1, 2011 are «no longer eligible», details posted Monday on the US Customs and Border Protection website showed, and they will have to apply for tourist or business visas. The other seven countries -- most ...Keep on reading: US ends visa-free entry for visitors to North Korea

MANILA, Philippines --- The government will soon stamp passports of visiting Chinese nationals with the map of the Philippines, including territories it is claiming in the South China Sea. This is after President Rodrigo Duterte, during the 40th Cabinet meeting in Malacaang on Monday night, approved a new Philippine Visa design presented by Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. «Mayroong mapa ng Pilipinas na ilalagay kung saan nandoon 'yung lahat ng ating teritoryo pati 'yung mga pinag-aawayan... sa stamp mismo,» Duterte's spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a Palace briefing Tuesday. This came after Duterte approved the proposal to stamp the Philippine Visa on passpor...Keep on reading: Gov’t to stamp Chinese visitors’ passports with Philippine map

Following the big reveal that basketball player Kobe Paras is the face of their new menswear collection, H&M gives us a sneak peek into what to expect from the line when it hits stores on August 8. Inspired by Kobe's own personal style, the collection is all about fashion and comfort. What customers can expect is a well-balanced mix of basics and playful pieces. No matter what your personal style is, one thing is for sure: these are the must-haves you will need in your closet this season! Basic tees that come in a range of colors will be available starting from PHP 299. Comfy yet functional hoodies and trousers starting from PHP 899 will also be included in the mix. For the mo...Keep on reading: H&M’s latest men’s collection offers Filipino guys stylish alternatives at affordable prices

NEW YORK --- Valentina Sampaio has become the first openly transgender model hired by Victoria's Secret nearly a year after a top company official was pressured to apologize for implying trans women are off brand. Sampaio, a Brazilian, has been posting from behind the scenes of a VS Pink campaign to the delight of celebrities who include Laverne Cox. Cox who is also transgender, posted on one of Sampaio's photos: «Wow finally!» Last November, marketing officer Ed Razek of parent L Brands Inc., said in a Vogue interview that the annual Victoria's Secret angels TV special would never include «transsexuals» because «the show is a fantasy.» He apologized after outrage ensued. ...Keep on reading: Victoria’s Secret hires first transgender model

MANILA, Philippines - Several flights to and from Hong Kong were canceled on Tuesday due to the ongoing protests in the special administrative region of China.   The Manila International Airport Authority (Miaa) announced on Tuesday the cancelation of the following flights:   Cathay Pacific CX 912 Manila - Hong Kong CX 976 Manila - Hong Kong CX 939 Hong Kong - Manila   On Monday, several airlines likewise canceled flights due to the worsening unrest in Hong Kong.   READ: 17 flights to, from Hong Kong canceled due to raging protests   Protest actions in the region started two months ago in calling to withdraw an extradition b...Keep on reading: LIST: Hong Kong flights canceled on August 6 due to protests

  MANILA, Philippines -- Inflation further eased to 2.4 percent year-on-year in July mainly due to stable food prices, including declining retail prices of rice, the government reported Tuesday. The rate of increase in prices of basic commodities last month was the slowest in two years, matching the rate posted in July 2017. Alongside the July 2017 figure, last month's headline inflation rate was also the lowest recorded since the 2.2 percent in December 2016. «The main driver in the downward trend of inflation in July was food and non-alcoholic beverages,» National Statistician Claire Dennis S. Mapa told a press conference. In the case of rice, the Filipino food stap...Keep on reading: Inflation eased to 2-year low of 2.4% in July

MANILA, Philippines - President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed former agriculture secretary Emmanuel Piol as chairman of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).   Duterte appointed Piol on August 5, the day his successor, William Dar, took his oath as acting agriculture secretary.   Malcaang released Piol's appointment paper on Tuesday.     READ: Duterte appoints William Dar as acting Agriculture chief   In July, Pioloffered to resign following reports that Duterte is unsatisfied with his performance.   READ: DA chief Piol offers to resign; says he is open to lead MinDA But in an interview, the President said the transfer...Keep on reading: Duterte appoints Piñol as MinDA chief

WASHINGTON - Newtown. Charleston. Orlando. Parkland.   And now after mass shootings in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio, Congress again is confronted with the question of what, if anything, lawmakers should do to combat the scourge of gun violence afflicting the country.     While both parties are calling for action, the retreat to familiar political corners was swift. Democrats demanded quick approval of gun-control legislation --- some of it already passed by the House --- while Republicans looked elsewhere for answers, focusing on mental health and violent video games.   With Congress away from Washington for a five-week recess, and the part...Keep on reading: After shootings, US Congress again weighs gun violence response

  Updated at 7:10 a.m., August 6 MANILA, Philippines - Several local government units (LGUs) have suspended classes on Tuesday, August 6, due to bad weather whipped up by Tropical Storm Hanna. METRO MANILA Pasig - Pre-school to Senior High School, public and private Taguig - all levels, public and private CALABARZON Cavite -- all levels Sta. Rosa, Laguna - all levels, public and private San Pedro, Laguna - all levels, public and private Lian, Batangas - pre-elementary to senior high school Rizal Baras, Rizal - all levels, public and private Cainta, Rizal -- all levels, public and private Cardona, Rizal - all levels, public and private ...Keep on reading: #WalangPasok: Class cancellations for Tuesday, August 6

MANILA, Philippines --- President Rodrigo Duterte could bring up the South China Sea territorial row and the proposed joint oil deal with China in his visit to Beijing later this month. Asked if the maritime dispute in the South China Sea and the proposed oil deal would be raised, presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said «issues of conflict» could be «part of the discussion» on the President's fifth trip to China since assuming the presidency in 2016. The President's working visit to China this August will be his second trip to Beijing for 2019 after going there in April for the Belt and Road Forum. "If it is a working visit, then it refers to discussions with the visi...Keep on reading: Duterte, Xi may discuss ‘issues of conflict’

LUCENA CITY, Philippines---National farmers group Kilusan para sa Tunay na Repormang Agraryo at Katarungang Panlipunan (Katarungan) welcomed the appointment of William Dar as acting secretary of the Department of Agriculture, describing him as a «breath of fresh air» in President Duterte's official family. «We hope that your assumption to office is a breath of fresh air and that you will not fail the long-suffering Filipino farmers,» Jansept Geronimo, spokesperson of Katarungan said in a statement Tuesday. He said that with Dar's appointment, farmers have high hopes that the negative trends in the agriculture sector and the bankruptcy of small farmers would be reversed. "As ...Keep on reading: Farmers group to Dar: Set pro-poor, pro-farmer agri agenda