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New drama unfolds: Six Asian countries barred from 75th Miss Universe

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The stage was set for the 75th Miss Universe Competition in Puerto Rico, but before the festivities could begin, controversy erupted.  On October 21, six Asian countries—Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Laos—announced they would not participate in the highly anticipated event scheduled for November 24. The announcement, made through Miss Grand International (MGI), sent shockwaves across the global pageant community. Unlike past withdrawals, when countries pulled out by choice, the circumstances were different this time. These nations were barred from competing due to a heated corporate franchise dispute. At the heart of the controversy lies a disagreement between JKN Universe LLC and Miss Universe Eastern, managed by Nawat Itsaragrisil. JKN Universe LLC declared that the national franchise agreements—previously held by Miss Universe Eastern—were now invalid. Meanwhile, MGI maintains that it had secured the rights for these territories via legitimate contracts ...

How practical business learning helps professionals move beyond theory

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For many professionals, education begins with theories, models, and structured lessons that help build foundational knowledge. This kind of learning remains important, but the workplace often asks for something more immediate: the ability to apply ideas to real situations.  A concept may be clear in the classroom, yet feel very different when a professional has to manage a deadline, explain a decision, solve a team issue, understand financial implications, or respond to a business challenge with limited information. This is where practical business learning becomes valuable. It helps professionals move from knowing a concept to understanding how it works in real business settings. Finance becomes more than numbers on a report.  Marketing becomes more than promotion. Operations become more than task completion. Leadership becomes more than a title. When business education is connected to real decisions, learners begin to understand how different areas of an organization influen...

Will Ashley, Mika Salamanca off to Bacolod: GMA Regional TV amps up MassKara Festival with the cast of 'Delivery Boi'

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GMA Regional TV revs up this year's MassKara Festival by bringing the cast of the upcoming light drama "Delivery Boi" to Bacolod this October 17.   Leading the Kapuso Mall Show this Saturday at the SMile Strip of SM City Bacolod is 49th Gawad Urian Best Supporting Actor Will Ashley, together with his fellow Sparkle artists and Delivery Boi co-stars Yasser Marta, Vince Maristela, and Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition Big Winner Mika Salamanca.   On Sunday (October 18), GMA Regional TV further elevates the colorful MassKara festivities with the livestream of the Masskara Dance Arena Competition dubbed "MassKara Festival 2026: The GMA Regional TV Ratsada Balita Special Coverage." The livestream begins from 1:30 p.m. onwards through the GMA Regional TV YouTube and social media accounts, as well as GMA News' YouTube channel, Ratsada Balita Facebook page, and the GMA Regional TV microsite.   Premiering on October ...

Filipino TGIFridays Bartender Roniel Lopez named World Bartending Champion in Florida, USA

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  Filipino talent shone on the world stage when Roniel Lopez of TGI Fridays Philippines was crowned 2026 Grand Champion at the recent World Bartending Championship held in Orlando, Florida, besting seven top bartenders from the USA, Greece, Trinidad and Tobago, Peru, the UK, Japan, and Taiwan.  Chantry Coffman of the USA was named 1st runner-up, while Aleksandro Naksi of Greece was adjudged 2nd runner-up. The victory was sealed after an exceptional performance across both key stages of the competition. The first was the Compulsory Round, where he displayed technical knowledge, recipe accuracy, and precise pour mechanics under strict speed and standard guidelines. The second was the Freestyle Competition, where he wowed the crowd and judges with high-energy, captivating flair, executing complex bottle flips, throws, and catches paired with a magnetic stage presence.  Filipino TGIFridays Bartender Roniel Lopez  From Empty Bottles to the World Stage Lopez’s bartend...

XPENG stages grand Philippine launch, reveals full X9 and L03 lineup

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  Global Physical AI company XPENG was officially launched in the Philippines, introducing a six-variant lineup across the XPENG X9 and XPENG L03 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The launch expands the company’s initial Philippine offering with newly announced versions of both models, joining the flagship variants whose prices were released earlier this month. The full lineup gives Filipino customers a broader choice of premium electric and range-extended vehicles, with prices starting at ₱1,548,000. The event marked a major milestone in XPENG’s continuing expansion across Southeast Asia. An audience of 3,000, including media, content creators, dealer and banking partners, automotive industry executives, special guests, and members of the public, gathered for a presentation that paired the vehicle debuts with a broader look at the company’s work in Physical AI. One of the evening’s major moments was the formal introduction of Anne Curtis as XPENG Philippines’ official brand ambassador...

Joonee Gamboa brings chills in 'Philippines Most Haunted'

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  An abandoned mansion and a family’s chilling accounts of an old lady and a child set the stage for the premiere of “Philippines’ Most Haunted,” ABS-CBN News’ newest digital horror documentary series hosted by veteran actor Joonee Gamboa, streaming on October 15 at 8 PM on the ABS-CBN News YouTube channel. In its first episode, Joonee takes viewers to a mansion in Northwestern Luzon, where a family who once lived there reported feeling the presence of an old lady and a child. A paranormal expert joins the exploration and attempts to communicate with what the former residents believed were spirits haunting the property. With his commanding voice and storytelling presence, Joonee guides viewers through places associated with chilling encounters and stories passed down through generations. The weekly series brings together Filipino folklore, firsthand testimonies, and paranormal investigations to explore these accounts and why they continue to frighten those who hear them. “Philippin...

Asian Hospital turns social media 'troll' into health awareness campaign

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  Imagine if a social media troll could help save lives. That’s the concept behind “Ate Rose,” Asian Hospital and Medical Center’s latest health awareness campaign designed to educate the public about atherosclerosis—a condition that can cause serious cardiovascular diseases. Atherosclerosis occurs when fatty deposits or plaque accumulate within the arteries, restricting blood flow. Over time, this buildup can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease. To make the condition easier to grasp and remember, Asian Hospital introduced Ate Rose—a colorful, mischievous character who “trolls” social media users and influencers. The campaign leverages humor and social media engagement to highlight a serious health issue, guiding audiences to information about atherosclerosis and stressing the importance of early detection. Ate Rose has engaged with various online personalities such as Kuya Kim Atienza, Krizzia Luna, Markybap, and Via Austria, sparking conversations that d...