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.

Turn everyday moments into camera-ready highlights with Poppy Blush by Sugar Dolls PH. Designed for women who want more than just color, the cream blush delivers a soft skincare glow, smooth and natural-looking pigment, and a fresh, dewy finish suitable for daily wear.

What sets Poppy Blush apart from its contemporaries is its versatility. It’s a hybrid skincare makeup that adds a gorgeous color to your look while enhancing your skin. Think hydration, antioxidants, and a silky-glide formula that blends like a dream and stays put all day. From getting on the daily grind to heading to a meeting, Poppy Blush keeps your glow game strong.

Are you in need of a vibrant drama or subtle chic? There’s a hue in this lineup just for you:

• Pink Pop: A bold raspberry pink for fair to medium skin with cool or neutral undertones. Imagine a lively flush that brightens (never clashes!) and looks instantly youthful.
• Heartbeat: Terracotta coral meets burnt orange. This sun-kissed shade amps up golden undertones and suits medium to tan skin. (Olive beauties, Heartbeat is made for you!)
• Bubbleglow: If bubblegum pink makes you smile, dive into Bubbleglow. Think fresh and playful, perfect for porcelain to light-medium cool tones.
• Cherry Rush: Brick red meets raspberry—your go-to for sculpting cheeks on medium to deep skin. Warm, earthy, and oh-so flattering for olive complexions.

Poppy Blush goes deeper than pretty pigments. Packed with vitamins, it delivers deep hydration and skin conditioning, reinforces the skin barrier (hello, long wear!), and brings anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action to soothe and support. Plus, it actively mattifies and controls oil for the kind of radiance that’s never greasy.

A confrontation allegedly occurred between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his cousin, Leyte Rep. and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, over accusations of pocketing public funds and diverting them to pet projects, according to Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco.

In a television interview, Tiangco said Marcos confronted Romualdez over the alleged diversion of unprogrammed funds to projects favored by Romualdez and then Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co.

“Ilang bahay ba ang... Martin, kayo ni Zaldy, ilang bahay ba ang gusto n'yo sa Forbes Park? Gaano karaming eroplano, helicopter?” Tiangco said, quoting Marcos telling Romualdez.

“Gaano karaming caviar kaya n'yo kainin? Ilang Ferrari gusto n'yo?” he added.
v According to Tiangco, Marcos then ordered Romualdez to return the money to the unprogrammed funds, an order that was never carried out.

“Ang problema kasi ang impression kay Presidente masyadong mabait e,” Tiangco said when asked why Romualdez defied Marcos’ order.

For many Filipinos, January is more than just the first month of the calendar. It feels like a clean slate, a reset button after the noise, feasting, and bustle of December. This sense of renewal is not accidental. It comes from a blend of cultural traditions, deep-rooted beliefs, and a shared psychological rhythm that makes the New Year feel like a fresh beginning.

At its core, this feeling reflects a universal “fresh start effect”, a psychological phenomenon where meaningful calendar transitions prompt people to separate themselves from past setbacks and look forward to change. The beginning of January becomes a natural milestone to reflect, set goals, and renew hope. While this effect is universal, in the Philippines it is amplified by cultural traditions and long-standing customs that mark the end of one year and the beginning of the next.

A Night Full of Symbolism

In Filipino homes, New Year’s Eve is locally called Bisperas ng Bagong Taon, which carries powerful symbolism. Families gather for Media Noche, a midnight feast filled with food believed to invite blessings for the year ahead. Dishes range from pancit (long noodles symbolizing long life) to lechon (representing abundance) and sticky rice cakes that are thought to bind families together.

A distinct custom is the display of 12 round fruits on the dinner table, one for each month of the coming year. The round shape resembles coins, embodying wealth and prosperity. Many families also wear polka dots or bright clothing, again echoing circular shapes that signify fortune.

These rituals are partially rooted in Chinese influence, brought to the Philippines through centuries of trade and cultural exchange. The symbolism of round shapes, communal feasting, and auspicious food items reflects beliefs about luck, prosperity, and continuity across cultures.

Traditions That Shape Mindset

Beyond symbols of wealth, Filipinos also engage in practices believed to ward off bad luck and welcome positive energy:

• Opening all doors and windows at midnight to let good fortune in.

• Making loud noises from firecrackers to noisemakers like torotot, this is to chase away evil spirits.

• Jumping when the clock strikes 12, a playful belief that it might help children grow taller and usher in a spirited year.

Some practices, like eating tikoy or sticky rice treats, reflect a blend of cultural influences, and these are from from Spanish to Chinese traditions that have been woven into Filipino identity over centuries.

The Hope Factor

This hopeful outlook doesn’t mean ignoring difficulties. Instead, it often reflects resilience — a quiet resolve to move forward despite them. For many, January is a moment for resolutions: small but meaningful goals to improve health, relationships, or financial habits after the indulgences of the holidays.

New Year’s Eve often brings people together. On Dec. 31, thousands filled Bonifacio Global City for NYE at the 5th, counting down the final moments of 2025 with phones raised, eyes on the stage and hopes fixed on a fresh start.

In a crowd that large, not everything is easy to see. Performers stand on elevated stages, fireworks light up the sky above the buildings, and the countdown clock can feel distant. That night, however, the vivo X300 Series helped bridge that gap, offering a clearer view of the celebration as it unfolded.

vivo X300 Series brought it all closer

As live performances filled the air, the vivo X300’s 200MP ZEISS APO Telephoto Camera captured artists like KZ Tandingan and TJ Monterde mid-song, G22 dancers in motion, and every movement of Apl de Ap that usually disappears into the lights from afar. Close-up shots revealed details often missed in a packed crowd, the intensity on a singer’s face, and the movement of hands during Dionela's guitar solo. It felt less like standing at the back and more like being right on stage with them.

The Philippine entertainment industry mourned deeply in 2025 as it said goodbye to many of its most respected artists, performers, and cultural figures. From film and television to music and theater, these icons shaped generations, told Filipino stories, and left a lasting mark on the nation’s creative soul.

Here is a look back at the notable personalities from showbiz and music who passed away in 2025, their lives, achievements, and the legacies they leave behind.