It was the second of LANY's three concerts at SM Mall of Asia Arena. Ten songs into the set, the band's frontman, Paul Klein---typically a carefree figure onstage---was seemingly overwhelmed while he addressed a crowd so loud it threatened to drown out his voice. «You're the best in the world,» he declared, patting his chest and pumping his fist. And then, wagging his finger, he added, «No one tops you, Manila ... no one.» Perhaps it's safe to say that the Philippines is one of the American group's biggest---if not the biggest---market at the moment. If you visit LANY's profile page on the music-streaming service Spotify, you will find out that four of the top five cities that ...Keep on reading: LANY’s Paul Klein to PH fans: No one tops you

MANILA, Philippines --- President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday directed the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to guard the islands of Batanes province to ensure that the islands would «remain ours.» In a briefing with Batanes provincial officials, Duterte said the Coast Guard need not to patrol the islands every day. «I've been flying here in the area of the epicenter,» he said. «There are two islands --- big ones. I told the mayor [Raul de Sagon]: It is ours? I don't see any --- put something, sort of a symbolic... Stealing land has become common. The Chinese started it,» the President, speaking partly in Filipino, said. "You might want to ask the Coast Guard to just go on standby....Keep on reading: Duterte orders Coast Guard patrol of Batanes Islands

Hungarian swimmer Tamas Kenderesi, who has been competing at the world championships in South Korea, has been banned from leaving the country after being arrested for alleged sexual harassment, police said Sunday. Local police are investigating allegations against the Olympic bronze medallist, who was detained and questioned over an incident at a nightclub in Gwangju, some 330 kilometres (200 miles) south of Seoul, a police official told AFP. Hungarian team officials and swimming's governing body FINA confirmed that Kenderesi had been released from custody and returned to the athletes village, but he would not be allowed to leave the country for the next 10 days. "The Hungar...Keep on reading: Hungarian swimmer held in Korea over alleged sexual harassment

MANILA, Philippines --- President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday expressed interest in extending the airport runways in Batanes, saying that the move could be a «very crucial factor in the days to come.» During a briefing in Batanes following the twin quakes that hit the province, the President said extending the airport runways in the province would be beneficial to national security. «I'm interested in the project of extending both the runways for our national security reasons. It could be a very crucial factor in the days to come,» he said. «It will be good if we are prepared so that... We have to defend those islands there, you have to have a launching deck somewhere here.» T...Keep on reading: Duterte ‘interested’ in extending Batanes runways

MANILA, Philippines---TNT clamped down on Barangay Ginebra's big guns for the second straight game, carving out an 88-71 decision to seize a commanding 2-0 lead in their PBA Commissioner's Cup semifinal series Sunday night at Araneta Coliseum in Cubao. Skipper Jayson Castro scored 20 points to lead the KaTropa, while import Terrence Jones---despite shooting an atrocious clip---still managed to chalk up a triple-double of 15 points, 19 boards, and 10 assists. Three more tossed in 11 or more points for TNT in the second contest of the best-of-five duel, a series which could end quickly than expected. «We're just lucky Ginebra had a bad game,» said TNT coach Bong Ravena in the post-gam...Keep on reading: PBA semis: TNT nears finals, routs Ginebra in Game 2

A study found that the effectiveness of hypoallergenic milk formulas, often prescribed to newborns who are particularly vulnerable to developing allergies, is yet to be proven. The study by the French Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (National Institute of Agricultural Research) and the Institut National de la Sant et de la Recherche Mdicale (National Institute of Health and Medical Research), published in the journal Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, drew upon data from the nation-wide epidemiology study, the first in France to study children from birth to adulthood. Hypoallergenic formula is commonly recommended on a prophylactic basis to newborns with at least o...Keep on reading: Hypoallergenic baby formulas might not reduce allergy risks in infants — study

MANILA, Philippines --- Sen. Christopher Lawrence «Bong» Go expressed his support for the complaints filed against Vice President Leni Robredo and other oppositionists and officials for their alleged involvement in the «Ang Totoong Narcolist» viral videos. Last July 18, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) filed the complaints for inciting to sedition, cyberlibel, libel, estafa, harboring of a criminal, and obstruction of justice against Robredo and 35 others in connection with «Ang Totoong Narcolist» video series, supposedly narrated by Peter Joemel Advincula, who called himself Bikoy. The videos implicated the family an...Keep on reading: Go backs sedition raps against Robredo, others

Nintendo is planning a special-edition Switch console for its Japanese fans in line with the release of the party game «Disney Tsum Tsum Festival». Releasing in time for the Oct. 10, 2019 launch, the special-edition Nintendo Switch's TV dock and controllers are adorned with Tsum Tsum motifs. The «Disney Tsum Tsum Festival» game is based on Disney's range of miniature, plump, collectible plushies, as well as a popular 2013 mobile puzzle application developed by South Korea's Line Corporation. It goes beyond the bounds of «Disney Tsum Tsum», which had an enormous audience in Japan, by encompassing a variety of mini-games such as Bubble Hockey, Curling and Coin Dozer, as well a...Keep on reading: Nintendo plans Disney-themed Switch console for Japan

A 15-second teaser posted to «Call of Duty» social media accounts illustrates one of the game's «tactical infils (or 'infiltrations')» that «usually occur between the time you've chosen your Multiplayer Loadout and the start of the MP match,» according to an explanation from the franchise website. Players can expect to see their character carry that equipment loadout as the infiltration takes place. The «Call of Duty» blog suggested that this is only one of several different scripted match entrances. https://twitter.com/CallofDuty/status/1154436181117067272 This new style of match introduction could be taken as a nod to Battle Royale genre spearheads «PUBG» and «Fortnite» that h...Keep on reading: ‘Call of Duty: Modern Warfare’ multiplayer teaser features helicopter drop-in

American pop-punk outfit Blink-182 is readying its big comeback with «Nine», their new album slated for release on Sept. 20. The album will include new single «Darkside», the fourth track to be released ahead of the full record, following «Happy Days», «Generational Divide» and «Blame It On My Mouth». https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lkmgS7BfuQ As the name implies, «Nine» will be Blink-182's ninth release, counting live album «The Mark, Tom, and Travis Show», released in 2000. It will also be the band's first album to feature Matt Skiba on lead vocals and guitar, according to New Musical Express. The record will be the band's first since 2016's «California».RGA/JB RELA...Keep on reading: LISTEN: Blink-182 releases fourth single ‘Darkside’ from upcoming album

MANILA, Philippines -- The remains of the two Filipinas who were murdered by a serial killer in Cyprus arrived on Saturday night, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.   The DFA said the remains of the Filipinas, identified as Marry Rose Infante and Maricar Arquiola, were brought home aboard a flight from Doha and were welcomed by their families in Manila alongside DFA officials.   Infante and Arquiola were among the seven victims of killer Nicholas Metaxas, an officer of the Cyprus National Guard.   The DFA said the Embassy in Athens continues to monitor the case of the third Filipina, Arian Palanas Lozano, who was also slain by the killer. &n...Keep on reading: Remains of two Filipinas killed in Cyprus arrive in Manila

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday said over 5,000 Philippine Charity Sweepstake Office (PCSO) lotto have been served closure notices as ordered by President Rodrigo Duterte.   The PNP said closure notices have been issued to 5,187 lotto outlets as well as 13, 320 small town lottery (STL); 2,195 Peryahan ng Bayan (PNB); and 472 KENO outlets.   PNP chief Police General Oscar Albayalde urged operators of similar establishments who have not been issued closure orders to voluntarily close down. Duterte on Friday night ordered all gaming activities of PCSO stopped amid the alleged «massive corruption» in the agency. "I have tod...Keep on reading: Over 5,000 lotto outlets served closure notices – PNP

LUCENA CITY---The Quezon provincial police is bracing for the resurgence of illegal gambling following President Rodrigo Duterte's sudden order to stop all betting formats of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office because of corruption in the PCSO. But Col. Audie Madrideo, Quezon police director, said the provincial police force was ready to crack down on illegal gambling, particularly 'jueteng.' «We expect the resurgence of illegal gambling particularly jueteng. But we're ready to stop them,» Madrideo said in a phone interview. He said he had already ordered the chiefs of police in 39 towns and two cities in the province to step up the campaign against illegal gambling. H...Keep on reading: Quezon cops brace for ‘jueteng’ return

Maja Salvador and her non-showbiz boyfriend Rambo Nuez are certain they are not going to break up again, after finally getting back together after so many years. Salvador confirmed she and Nuez, whom she had a relationship with nine years ago, got back together again, as per her interview Philippines' Ultimate Showbiz Hub last March. She did not disclose details about their rekindled romance. The Kapamilya actress answered relationship questions from fans, alongside Nuez, through her YouTube vlog yesterday, July 27. In the video, she introduced him to her fans by asking him questions about herself. Later, they were asked a question directly about their current relationship. https://w...Keep on reading: WATCH: Maja Salvador, boyfriend explain why they’ll not break up again

LEGAZPI CITY --- Two health care professionals died Sunday morning after the ambulance they were on smashed into a tree while transporting a pregnant woman to Naga City from Ocampo town in Camarines Sur province. Midwife Rhodara Labanon and staff nurse Janice Eva were dead on the spot, while three others, including the patient Hanela Mendoza, were severely injured when the ambulance hit a tree by the side of the road at Ayugan village at 6:20 a.m. Maj. Maria Louisa Calubaquib said that ambulance driver Jose dela Rama lost control of the steering wheel. Dela Rama and the two others who were injured were taken to the Bicol Medical Center in Naga City for treatment. /je...Keep on reading: 2 dead after ambulance crashes into tree in Cam Sur

MANILA, Philippines -- Cloudy skies with isolated rain showers and thunderstorms are expected to prevail nationwide on Sunday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.   Pagasa said that the weather condition is caused by the southwest monsoon.   Flash floods and landslides are possible, Pagasa warned.   Temperature range this Sunday is from 24.8 C and 30.4 C.   Sunrise was recorded at 5:38 a.m. and sunset is expected at 6:27 p.m. /gsg...Keep on reading: Pagasa Sunday weather forecast: Cloudy with isolated rains

BASCO, Batanes - President Duterte is scheduled to arrive here at noon Sunday, July 28 to check on residents jolted by the series of earthquakes and aftershocks last Saturday.   «The President is expected to visit the people of Batanes today, assess the extent of damage in the province and initiate the rebuilding of one of the most treasured destinations of the country,» Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.   Panelo said the President is scheduled to leave Davao City around 10:30 a.m.   He added that all concern departments has been ordered to extend immediate assistance to the residents of Batanes, particularly in the municipali...Keep on reading: Duterte scheduled to visit Batanes quake victims

BASCO, Batanes - The province's musicians are gathering on Sunday night (July 28) to hold a benefit show for Itbayat town residents, who bore the brunt of last Saturday's series of earthquakes and aftershocks.   The «Musikahilyan» concert was organized by Ivatans who were born in Itbayat but who now reside in Basco.   The Itbayat word «kahilyan» means town mates.   The show, which will be held at 7 p.m. at the Rizal Park grounds here, was initiated by Xavier Mirabueno, a guitarist and owner of Casa Napoli here.   They hope to draw Basco residents and tourists, some of whom stayed to help in the relief operations.   Nine people have b...Keep on reading: Batanes musicians staging benefit show for Itbayat quake victims

LOS ANGELES --- Russi Taylor, Disney's official voice of Minnie Mouse for more than three decades, has died, the entertainment giant announced Saturday. She was 75. Taylor, who was prone to giggles just like the character she voiced, captured the heart and sound of Mickey Mouse's counterpart on TV, in cartoons and film, and at theme parks. «Minnie Mouse lost her voice with the passing of Russi Taylor,» Bob Iger, chairman and chief executive of The Walt Disney Company, said in a statement. "For more than 30 years, Minnie and Russi worked together to entertain millions around the world -- a partnership that made Minnie a global icon and Russi a Disney Legend beloved by fans ev...Keep on reading: Russi Taylor, voice of Minnie Mouse, dies at 75

WASHINGTON - America's much-maligned health care system is covering 9 out of 10 people, a fact that hasn't stopped the 2020 presidential candidates from refighting battles about how to provide coverage, from Bernie Sanders' call for replacing private insurance with a government plan to President Donald Trump's pledge to erase the Affordable Care Act and start over.     The politicians are depicting a system in meltdown. The numbers point to a different story, not as dire and more nuanced.   Government surveys show that about 90% of the population has coverage , largely preserving gains from President Barack Obama's years.   Independent experts...Keep on reading: Despite calls to start over, US health system covers 90%

OKLAHOMA CITY - The Trump administration no longer needs to detain migrant children at an Oklahoma Army base and preparations to house them there have stopped, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement.     «Over the last several weeks HHS has experienced a decrease in Department of Homeland Security referrals of unaccompanied alien children (UAC). Additionally, HHS has been placing UAC with sponsors at a historically high rate.   As such, the UAC Program does not have an immediate need to place children in (holding) facilities,» said Evelyn Stauffer, spokeswoman for the agency's Administration for Children and Families. &nb...Keep on reading: Plan halted to house migrant kids at Oklahoma Army base

BUCHAREST, Romania - Romania's prime minister said Saturday she is considering a referendum on harsher penalties for crimes like murder, rape and pedophilia in the wake of the rape and killing of a 15-year-old girl that has shocked the country.     Prime Minister Viorica Dancila also called for efforts to reduce the authorities' reaction time in similar cases, after police were criticized for reacting too slowly to the girl's repeated phone calls for help to the country's emergency hotline.   Romania's national police chief was fired Friday over the handling of the case.     Thousands of people took part Saturday evening in a march pro...Keep on reading: Romanian leader floats harsher penalties for murder, rape

LOS ANGELES - Anne Hathaway says playing a bipolar character in Amazon's new series «Modern Love» affected her emotionally long after she wrapped the role.     Hathaway plays Terry Cheney, a woman navigating romance with bipolar disorder, in an episode of the anthology.   The series, based on The New York Times' column of the same name, debuts Oct. 18.   At a Television Critics Association meeting Saturday, Hathaway said the role gave her a heightened compassion for people with mental illnesses who can't walk away once the cameras stop rolling.   She said she hopes telling stories like Cheney's will open up the conversation surround...Keep on reading: Anne Hathaway: ‘Modern Love’ role gave her more compassion

Residents signing up for food stamps in Minnesota are provided a brochure about domestic violence, but it doesn't matter if they even read the pamphlet.     The mere fact it was made available could allow them to qualify for government food aid if their earnings or savings exceed federal limits.   As odd as that might sound, it's not actually unusual.   Thirty-eight other states also have gotten around federal income or asset limits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program by using federal welfare grants to produce materials informing food stamp applicants about other available social services. Illinois, for example, produced a flyer ...Keep on reading: Trump proposal seeks to crack down on food stamp ‘loophole’

If the only association you have with spoken word is hugot, heartbreak, and the incomparably brilliant Juan Miguel Severo of Words Anonymous---you're not alone. Filipinos have proven to be big fans of spoken word, and that really ballooned during a popular teleserye that aired some years ago. It wasn't a trend then and it still isn't now; if anything, it's reached a very nice sustainability. Jewish-Japanese Americans Sarah Kay and Phil Kaye are two other well-loved poets, and they recently flew in for a one-night only performance. Starting Point I'd been a fan since 2012 when my brother Vitto sent me a YouTube link to a performance. I quickly became a fan of theirs and of the art f...Keep on reading: Super Show: A volunteer story: Project VOICE live in Manila

There is still an abundance of space for Pinoy content on TikTok, the world's leading short-video platform. The short-video format is a relatively nascent online content with untapped, undiscovered possibilities. For Filipinos, too, there is a lot more purpose to the app beyond editing. Maximize the platform to perhaps express yourself better, join a community or build your brand---things that haven't been far-fetched for some personalities in other countries who began their journey with TikTok and, already, for some content creators on our shores. Want to be on your way? We asked TikTok Philippines to list down content creators that have grown a fanbase with their short-video c...Keep on reading: So, who do I follow?

Move over millennials, Gen Z is marching in with the numbers! This generation that has never known the world without smartphones is making up 32 percent of the world population this year, Bloomberg tells us. They are edging out the millennials (born 1980-2000) and are apparently forcing humanity to rethink the workings of the world, including social media. To help us shake off the millennial hangover and introduce the generation birthed at the turn of the millennium, mobile-first short-video platform TikTok flew Super to Singapore on July 10 for [REC]reate, their first-ever South East Asia Creators and Content Marketing Conference. "I think TikTok's mission is really to capt...Keep on reading: Reinventing social media with Gen Z

TikTok is taking the world by storm. Worldwide, the video-editing and -sharing---and social media---platform has been the most downloaded app on App Store for the first quarter of 2019 (SensorTower Data Digest Report), trumping even Instagram, YouTube and Facebook. It also now boasts 500 million active users a month (Hootsuite/We Are Social, April 2019), among them celebs Jimmy Fallon, Nick Jonas and Cardi B! But the app has space for more, said John G. Castro, TikTok user and content operations manager for the Philippines. «TikTok's not just about the lights, the editing, the music, it's about life itself... It is as a safe space for everyone to create, express themselves.» The...Keep on reading: Planning to start on TikTok? Start with sure hits for Pinoys

«I would like to say something first,» said South Korean actor Ji Soo. «Mabuhay!» His greeting came as a surprise that it elicited laughter from a group of press in Manila receiving his video call from Seoul. He giggled at their reaction. Perhaps, he learned the word when he visited last year or when he starred in the Filipino independent film «Seoul Mates.» The lead star of the Netflix Original «My First First Love» sat at the end of a conference table wearing a white long-sleeved shirt that had a black chest pocket. He looked relaxed and fascinated by the fact that he could be interviewed by people 1,627 miles away from him. Ji Soo plays the character of Tae-oh in the series. ...Keep on reading: Super K!: Actor Ji Soo reminisces about ‘My First First Love,’ leaves message for PH fans

A Pennsylvania appeals court on Wednesday overturned rapper Meek Mill's conviction in a drug and gun case that has kept the rapper on probation for a decade and made him a celebrity crusader for criminal justice reform. The unanimous three-judge panel said that new evidence that undermines the credibility of the officer who testified against the rapper at his trial made it likely he would be acquitted if the case were retried. City prosecutors have backed the defense bid for a new trial and confirmed they do not trust the officer, who has since left the force and was the only prosecution witness at the 2008 nonjury trial. Still, District Attorney Larry Krasner said Wednesday hi...Keep on reading: Meek Mill’s conviction thrown out, granted new trial

Oscar winner Jeff Bridges is joining other Hollywood stars making the leap to television by taking on the role of a retired CIA officer in FX drama «The Old Man.» Based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Thomas Perry, the film centers on Dane Chase (played by Bridges), who left the CIA decades ago and has been living off the grid since. The former agent is pulled from retirement and forced to reconcile with his past when an assassin comes after him. «Jeff Bridges is an iconic, extraordinary actor and to have him as the star of this series is an incredible moment for FX,» said Nick Grad, president of programming at the cable network. «The Old Man» marks the first...Keep on reading: Jeff Bridges to star as retired CIA officer in TV series

Stars including Robert De Niro, Brad Pitt and Scarlett Johansson will attend this year's Venice Film Festival, organizers said Thursday, with 21 films vying for the Lion d'Or although only two by women made the cut. «Numerous films this year deal with the theme of the feminine condition in the world which, even when directed by men, reveal a new sensitivity, proof that the scandals of recent years have left their mark on our culture,» Mostra director Alberto Barbera said as he presented the lineup in Rome. The festival was criticized last year for selecting just one film directed by a woman, and this year the number has doubled. Saudi Arabia's Haifaa al-Mansour will screen "...Keep on reading: Venice announces star lineup but just two films by women

          MANILA, Philippines --- Rescuers are still trying to find a resident who was reported missing following the series of quakes that hit Itbayat town in Batanes on Saturday morning.   Itbayat Vice Mayor Ronald Gutierrez toldINQUIRER.netthat local resident Edwin Ponce, a resident of Barangay Sta. Maria, reportedly entered a cave after running away from their home in fear of the quake.   The cave later collapsed following the succeeding waves of aftershocks and a stronger earthquake.   "Nung unang lumindol kanina noong early morning, natakot ata sa bahay nila. May malapit sa kanilang kweba e doon daw tumakbo --...Keep on reading: 1 remains missing after Batanes twin quakes—Itbayat vice mayor

Ten years on, Emma Stone, Jesse Eisenberg and Woody Harrelson are meeting up again for a sequel to «Zombieland,» slated to hit theaters on October 18. In the meantime, Sony Pictures have released the feature's first outlandishly explosive trailer. A decade after 2009's horror comedy «Zombieland,» the entire gang is back for «Zombieland: Double Tap,» with leads Emma Stone, Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson and Abigail Breslin once again fighting zombies under the direction of Ruben Fleischer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlW9yhUKlkQ The quirky family is once again on the road across the US after the departure of Little Rock (Breslin). Tallahassee (Harrelson), Columbus (Eisenber...Keep on reading: Watch: Emma Stone and Jesse Eisenberg in explosive ‘Zombieland: Double Tap’ trailer

The Netflix series «Orange Is the New Black» isn't content with leaving behind a legacy of good television. It wants to do good in the real world, too. The series' creative team said Thursday it has formed a fund that will support advocacy groups pressing for criminal justice reform and women re-entering society from prison, protect immigrants' rights and end mass incarceration. The fund, named in honor of show character Poussey Washington, will spread out every donation equally to eight already-existing nonprofit groups. The announcement comes on the eve of the Friday premiere of the series' seventh and final season. Washington, an inmate portrayed by actress Samira Wiley, ...Keep on reading: Orange Is the New Black Season 7