Every February 14, red roses, heart-shaped boxes of chocolates and oversized teddy bears fill shop windows from Makati to Manhattan. For most people, Valentine’s Day has become easy to recognize and celebrate — but many of its roots and meaning remain poorly understood.

What is Valentine’s Day really about? And why, centuries after it began, do we still insist on gifts and grand gestures?

Origins More Ancient Than Romance

Valentine’s Day is observed each year on February 14 in much of the world, known today as the “Day of Love.” Official histories trace the holiday back to Saint Valentine, a Christian martyr commemorated on this date. The celebration began as a religious feast — not a romance festival — honoring a saint who lived and died in the third century A.D.

Ironically, long before St. Valentine’s name was tied to sweethearts, the middle of February in ancient Rome was marked by a raucous pagan festival called Lupercalia. Celebrated around February 15, Lupercalia was connected with fertility rites believed to prepare for spring. Some historians suggest that later Christian leaders moved St. Valentine’s feast to February 14 to supplant this earlier tradition.

Though scholars still debate the exact origins of the Valentine we celebrate today, it wasn’t until the Middle Ages — and the poetry of figures like Geoffrey Chaucer — that February 14 became linked explicitly with romantic love.

When Star Cinema quietly dropped its announcement on February 1, it did not look like a grand press launch. No teaser trailer. No plot reveal. No dramatic poster.

Just two familiar faces smiling at the camera.

And for DonBelle fans, that was more than enough.

“DonBelle is making us fall in love ALL OVER AGAIN! This 2026, Donny Pangilinan & Belle Mariano finally reunite for the big screen—ABANGAN!”

Within minutes, the post spread across timelines, fan pages, and group chats. Old clips from He’s Into Her resurfaced. Lines from An Inconvenient Love were quoted again. The kilig did not need marketing. It came back on its own.

But this reunion is not simply about a loveteam returning to movies. What makes this comeback intriguing is where Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano now stand in their careers—and why this film arrives at a time when both of them no longer “need” the loveteam to shine.

That is what makes this story different.

The last time fans saw them together on the big screen was in An Inconvenient Love in 2022. Since then, both actors took separate paths in 2025. Belle Mariano carried a family drama film, Meet, Greet & Bye, as one of its lead stars. Donny Pangilinan stepped into a heavier, action-driven role in Roja. These were projects that tested them outside the comfort zone of kilig and romance.

On January 28, 2026, a 40-year-old man identifying himself as the driver and personal assistant of actress Rhian Ramos filed a complaint with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). He accuses Ramos, actress-beauty queen Michelle Dee, fellow beauty queen Samantha Panlilio, and others — including two bodyguards and some police officers — of illegal detention, torture, and physical assault.

According to his complaint, the dispute began over a red envelope (“angpao”) that allegedly contained sensitive photos. He claims he was accused of stealing it and was held for three days, physically harmed, and humiliated inside the condominium unit owned by the celebrities.

DigiPlus Interactive Corp. (DigiPlus), the digital entertainment company behind BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone, is strengthening its role in the industry through a new partnership with broadcast giant GMA Network to produce microdramas.

The collaboration responds to the changing viewing habits of Filipinos who now prefer watching content on their mobile devices. Together, DigiPlus and GMA aim to deliver high-quality stories designed for short, vertical viewing that fits easily into everyday screen time.

Through its flagship platform BingoPlus, DigiPlus is rolling out a lineup of exclusive short-form vertical dramas. The move positions the app as more than a gaming platform, but as a growing digital entertainment hub that offers convenient, engaging Filipino content for audiences on the go.

Mobile-Friendly Dramas

Available exclusively on BingoPlus App, the strategic partnership is currently operational with vertical dramas that are meticulously designed for rapid, on-the-go consumption. This format guarantees high-paced narratives and immediate emotional connection, perfectly optimized for the portrait screens of smartphones.

HONOR Philippines opened the year with a strong showing as its newest smartphone, the HONOR X9d 5G, recorded a 160% increase in first-day sales compared to its predecessor, the HONOR X9c 5G.

The rollout began on January 1 with a series of viral drop tests that highlighted the phone’s durability. This was followed by a public stunt that pitted the device against the toughness of a Tesla Cybertruck, and a formal launch event at the Grand Hyatt. By January 24, the HONOR X9d 5G was officially available in stores nationwide.

“On behalf of HONOR Philippines, I thank our loyal HONOR fans, partners, and media friends for the overwhelming support for the HONOR X9d 5G. This success would not have been possible without your trust and belief in us. We are truly grateful, and we promise to continue bringing you tougher, smarter, and more exciting innovations,” said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines.

Built for durability

HONOR positions the X9d 5G as one of the most durable smartphones in its segment. The device features HONOR Ultra-Bounce Anti-Drop Technology, reinforced by non-Newtonian fluid material and deep-tempered glass designed to absorb impact.

According to the company, the phone can survive drops of up to 2.5 meters onto certain surfaces. It is also designed to withstand water, dust, and various types of ground impact, including stone surfaces demonstrated during its public tests.

Tony, Emmy and five-time Grammy Award–nominated singer-songwriter Josh Groban is bringing his “Gems World Tour” to Manila for a Valentine’s week concert on Feb. 18, 2026, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. He will be joined by special guests Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez and Concert King Martin Nievera. The show is presented by Wilbros Live.

With more than 35 million albums sold worldwide, Groban is best known for songs such as “You Raise Me Up,” “To Where You Are,” “February Song,” and “The Prayer.” The tour showcases his trademark mix of classical strength and pop appeal, with numbers like “Believe” and “Evermore” performed alongside an orchestra and choir for a rich, cinematic sound. Known for his distinct voice and steady stage presence, Groban continues to draw packed crowds in venues around the world.

Regine Velasquez, one of the best-selling Filipino artists of all time, whose legendary vocal range and hits like “Dadalhin”, “Pangako” and “On The Wings of Love” have earned her unprecedented accolades. Martin Nievera, the prolific singer-songwriter and TV host behind iconic hits like “Be My Lady”, “Say That You Love Me” and “You Are My Song” previously interviewed Groban and expressed immense excitement to transition from interviewer to stage partner for this historic reunion. Together, these multi-award-winning legends promise to make the evening an unforgettable showcase of world-class talent.  

Reflecting on his return to the Philippines after seven years, Groban expressed a profound emotional connection to his Filipino audience, noting that the country holds “a very special place in my heart”. He credited the local fan base for their unwavering support, stating “Outside of America, the Philippines is one that got to truly accept my music. Filipinos have understood me and my music for the entirety of my career.”  

For Groban, the upcoming Manila concert is a celebration of a relationship that spans decades. “Every time I have the opportunity to perform for my fans in the Philippines, it is a night of many things – most of which is gratitude – gratitude that I feel from my fans there since album one, day one,” he shared. “So whenever I come to the Philippines, whenever I get to play a concert there, I celebrate your country’s love of music.”  

Don’t miss this unforgettable night of vocal excellence and musical history! Tickets are on-sale and available at SMTickets.com and SM Ticket outlets nationwide. Limited VIP Soundcheck Experience and VIP Superfun Package with Josh Groban are also available.

Twenty-five years after the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (Republic Act No. 9003) was signed into law, the Philippines still contends with mounting garbage, strained waste systems, and recurring disasters linked to unmanaged waste. Congress, communities and environmental groups marked the anniversary Tuesday with both praise for progress and calls for renewed action.

Enacted in 2001, RA 9003 set out to change how Filipinos handle waste by promoting segregation at source, recycling, composting and shared accountability across households, businesses and government. The law mandated local government units (LGUs) to prepare 10-year solid waste management plans and establish materials recovery facilities (MRFs) and sanitary landfills to divert waste from unmanaged disposal.

Some Gains: More Facilities, Better Compliance

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the number of material recovery facilities nationwide reached 12,855 in 2024, a rise from 11,823 the previous year, while 343 sanitary landfill facilities were recorded, that is also up from the prior year. These facilities are central to RA 9003’s framework.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) reports that nearly 89 percent of LGUs now have approved solid waste management plans, a key step in institutionalizing the law’s requirements. From July 2022 to June 2025, plans for 1,416 of 1,592 LGUs were approved or renewed, suggesting wider compliance with the Act’s planning mandate.

Studies show that committed local leadership can drive measurable results. A case study of Cebu City found that focused implementation of RA 9003 policies led to more than 30 percent reduction in municipal solid waste generation in a recent three-year period.

This 2026, Pag-IBIG Fund has made it easier for Filipino workers to turn their plans into reality with improvements to its Multi-Purpose Loan (MPL) program.

Whether you’re planning to fix your home, pay for school, cover medical costs, or start a small business, the enhanced MPL gives members faster access to larger cash loans—with simpler requirements and flexible repayment options.

What’s New for 2026

Here’s what members should know about the updated MPL:

• Higher loan amount: Members can now borrow up to 90% of their total Pag-IBIG regular savings, up from 80% under the old rule.

• Faster eligibility: You only need 12 months of Pag-IBIG contributions to qualify, down from the previous 24 months.

• Flexible terms: You can choose to repay your loan in one, two, or three years depending on your budget.

• Low interest: The monthly interest rate stays competitive at 1.4583%, which equals about 10.5% per year.

These changes took effect in mid-2025 and remain in place for 2026, designed to help more members meet immediate financial needs without long waits or stricter conditions.

What You Can Use the Loan For

Navotas lone district Representative Toby Tiangco said former House Speaker Martin Romualdez bears command responsibility over former Ako-Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co in connection with the alleged insertions in Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) flood control projects.

Tiangco stressed that he is not taking sides in the controversy but is merely recounting what he said actually happened. “Wala akong kinakampihan at pinagtatanggol, sinasabi ko kung ano ang tunay na nangyari, hindi para depensahan ang Presidente kundi para sabihin ang totoo. All of these would not have happened if hindi pinayagan ni Speaker. Ang direct command responsibility kay Zaldy ay si Martin,” Tiangco said in a radio interview.

Tiangco’s remarks followed his earlier statements that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had confronted both Romualdez and Co over the transfer of unprogrammed funds to projects allegedly approved by the two. According to Tiangco, President Marcos was not aware of the actions taken by Romualdez and Co, which was why they were reprimanded.

“All of this will not have happened kung hindi pinayagan ni former Speaker Martin Romualdez. Kasi kung sasabihin natin command responsibility, the direct command responsibility was the command responsibility ng dating Speaker Martin Romualdez kay Zaldy Co. Yan yung direct na command responsibility eh. Kaya nga, napagalitan siya (ni Presidente),” he said.

Tiangco also called on the government to intensify efforts to bring Co back to the Philippines, noting that an arrest warrant has already been issued. He said many Filipinos are growing frustrated over the lack of high-profile arrests linked to the controversy. He added that he is proposing the deployment of a team to Portugal to demonstrate the administration’s resolve in pursuing Co.

“Nakukulangan lang ako doon sa effort. Parang isang taong may warrant of arrest dito sa Pilipinas 'di ba—pag mas pursiguido, mas malaki ang chansa. Maghanap-hanap na sila doon. Tanong-tanong sila ng mga Filipino community. Mag-imbestiga na rin sila pag nandoon sila in coordination with the law agencies sa bansa na yun,” Tiangco shared.

Tiangco said the investigation into the alleged anomalous flood control projects now lies with the Office of the Ombudsman. He added that once Congress resumes session, he hopes lawmakers can pass the ICI bill he authored to strengthen the commission’s mandate.

“Lahat naka atang na sa balikat ng Ombudsman. Since kulang na ng personalidad yung ICI, wala silang katulong pagdating sa bagay na yun, hindi katulad nung buo pa yung ICI. But I hope pagbalik namin sa Congress, maipasa na yung ICI bill,” said Tiangco.

Addila, a musician from Gresik, opens 2026 with the release of his latest single, “Pilihan Terbalik.” An emotional ballad that explores emotional maturity in decision-making—when honesty is not always the safest path, and silence is chosen to protect someone else’s feelings.

Produced by Eko Kus Saputra, “Pilihan Terbalik” is released as a standalone single, placing raw emotion at the center of its narrative. The song captures the moment of realization that not every truth needs to be spoken. Smiles become a mask, small lies are chosen, and personal feelings are sacrificed to prevent deeper wounds.

“Pilihan Terbalik” was born from the awareness that giving in and pretending to be okay can sometimes be the most mature form of love. This song is not about winning—it is about quiet decisions that are often made without applause.

Lyrically, the emotional core of the song lies in the repeated lines “Berbohong, ku berbohong” and “Ku tersenyum, kau tersenyum”. These lines embody the inner conflict, suppressed pain, and unspoken empathy that quietly grow within the same emotional space.

Former Philippine representative to Taiwan and veteran political strategist Lito Banayo has lauded Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco for his integrity following his exposé on the circumstances surrounding the controversial budget transactions involving Leyte Rep. and then–House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

In his column for the Manila Standard, Banayo described Tiangco as a revelation and far removed from the usual trapo (traditional politicians) that have long dominated Philippine politics.

“Toby Tiangco is a revelation. Not the usual trapo that we have come to regard all legislators, save for a minuscule few. So candid, so refreshing. And so honest,” Banayo said.

He praised Tiangco’s courage for revealing that President Marcos berated Romualdez, his first cousin, for diverting parts of the unprogrammed funds to projects that he and then Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co favored.

In a previous interview, Tiangco said Romualdez promised the President that the funds would be restored in the bicameral conference committee, but it did not materialize.

According to Tiangco, Romualdez took advantage of Marcos’ kindness by not heeding his order. “Ang problema kasi ang impression kay Presidente masyadong mabait e,” the lawmaker said.

Banayo said Malacañang will have a hard time debunking Tiangco’s claim, saying he believes the lawmaker was telling the truth.

“I believe him. I am sure many, many more believe honest Toby,” he stressed.

In the same interview, Tiangco revealed that based on surveys conducted before the 2025 senatorial elections, Romualdez was a major reason for the decline in Marcos’ approval ratings.

“Pero doon pa lang, nakikita na ang nagpapababa sa ratings niya, si Martin,” he said, adding that the President was aware of it.

In the Philippines, smartphones are not handled with kid gloves. They are pulled out on crowded jeepneys, used one-handed while carrying groceries, mounted on motorcycle handlebars, and slipped into pockets during long commutes. They fall, from tables, from beds, from laps, and sometimes from places we never expect. For many Filipinos, a phone is not just a gadget. It is a daily companion that has to survive real life.

This is where the HONOR X9d 5G enters the picture.

HONOR Philippines recently made headlines by doing something few brands would dare: dropping the HONOR X9d 5G from an aircraft. While no Filipino will ever intentionally drop a phone from the sky, the message behind the stunt was clear. If a phone can survive that, it stands a better chance against the everyday accidents most users face.

Phones and Real Life, Filipino Style

For students, a phone is used for online classes, group chats, and late-night scrolling. For workers, it is a navigation tool, a mobile office, and a source of entertainment during long rides home. Parents rely on their phones for communication, online payments, and quick photos of family moments.

In all these situations, drops are inevitable. A phone slips while rushing to catch a bus. It falls from a pocket while getting off a tricycle. It lands face-down on concrete when a hand misses its grip.

Most smartphones are not built with these realities in mind. One bad fall can mean cracked glass, unresponsive screens, or worse, lost photos and files.

Why the HONOR X9d 5G’s Durability Matters

The HONOR X9d 5G was designed to address this exact problem. Instead of focusing only on performance numbers or camera megapixels, HONOR put emphasis on physical strength and internal protection.

At the center of the phone’s toughness is its reinforced display and strengthened body structure. The screen is designed to absorb shock rather than break easily, while the frame helps distribute impact force across the phone. This reduces the chance of damage when the device hits hard surfaces.

Equally important is what happens inside. Internal components, including storage and connectors, are secured to prevent movement during sudden impact. This means that even if the phone gets scratched or dented, critical data is more likely to stay safe.

For everyday users, this translates to peace of mind. A phone that survives a fall is useful. A phone that still works properly after that fall is essential.

The Plane Drop Test, Explained Simply

HONOR Philippines invited a media representative to release the HONOR X9d 5G from an ultralight plane, creating one of the most extreme durability tests seen in the local smartphone scene. From that height and speed, most phones would be rendered useless.

The test was not meant to encourage reckless use. Instead, it was a statement of confidence. HONOR wanted to show that the X9d 5G is built with enough protection to handle far more than everyday accidents.

In simpler terms, if a phone can survive an uncontrolled fall from the sky, it has a much better chance of surviving slips from desks, pockets, and hands.

A Practical Choice for Daily Use

Beyond durability, the HONOR X9d 5G fits well into the lifestyle of Filipino users who want reliability without paying flagship prices. It is built for long days, frequent use, and environments that are not always gentle.

For commuters, it offers confidence during daily travel. For students, it means fewer worries about accidental drops in classrooms or dorms. For families, it provides reassurance that important photos, messages, and files are less likely to be lost because of a simple accident.

Real Strength for Real Life

The HONOR X9d 5G is not indestructible. No smartphone truly is. But its design shows an understanding of how Filipinos actually live and use their devices.

The plane drop test may be extreme, but the idea behind it is grounded in reality. Phones fall. Accidents happen. And for many users, durability is not a luxury, it is a necessity.

In a market filled with flashy features, the HONOR X9d 5G stands out by offering something practical: a phone built to survive everyday Filipino life.

1A Rappler investigative report has linked Leyte Representative and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez to a multi-million-dollar home in Cadiz, Spain.

According to Rappler, the property -- known as Villa Kabila -- is a 2,019-square-meter residence with at least 16 bedrooms and a large swimming pool, spanning two adjoining lots totaling 3,976 square meters in the affluent Sotogrande enclave.

Based on real estate listings from 2021 to 2023, the property was priced between 6.5 million and 6.9 million euros or $7.54 million to $8 million (P444.5 million to P471.8 million) before it was acquired by Cecil Property PTE Ltd. on Jan. 30, 2024.

Cecil Property Pte Ltd was incorporated in Singapore just days earlier, or on January 10, 2024.

After further investigation, Rappler discovered that Cecil Property had two individuals and a company closely associated with it. The company, Braavos Holdings OPC, is a Philippine one-person corporation run by Jose Raulito E. Paras, a senior partner at the law firm Padernal & Paras, formerly APP Law.

The law firm has deep ties to Romualdez as Paras served as treasurer for Romualdez's Media Serbisyo Production Corporation and sat on the board of Benguet Corporation, a Romualdez-owned mining giant, until 2023.

Senior partner Edgar Dennis Padernal, for his part, served on the boards of the Romualdez-owned Benguet Corporation and Bright Kindle Resources & Investment before resigning in 2020 and 2024, respectively.

Jesse Hermogenes T. Andres, meanwhile, left the firm in 2022, prior to the Spanish property transaction, but he was still listed on the firm’s website up until it went offline in early January 2026.

Paras and Andres have similar histories on Romualdez's company boards and are known fraternity brothers with Romualdez in Upsilon Sigma Phi.

Andres worked as Department of Justice Undersecretary until December 2025 before he was appointed deputy executive secretary for legal affairs at Malacañang.

The former Speaker’s son, Ferdinand Martin “Marty” Romualdez Jr., has been identified as a polo player who frequently competed in Sotogrande events through the Calatagan Polo Club.

Marty Romualdez was also geotagged at the Ayala Polo Club, just an 11-minute drive from the Villa Kabila property.

In a smartphone market crowded with familiar names and aggressive price wars, HONOR Philippines managed what many brands struggle to do: return quietly, then build noise that mattered.

Since re-entering the Philippine market in 2022 as an independent brand, HONOR has steadily grown from a comeback story into a visible player in mobile devices. The rise did not hinge on a single viral moment or celebrity endorsement alone. Instead, it was built through a deliberate mix of product messaging, spectacle-driven launches, media engagement, and features that users could test — and break — in public.

The result is a brand now associated locally with durability, bold claims, and campaigns that rarely go unnoticed.