The Philippine Star - February 13, 2025

In this issue

February 13, 2025

Fewer Pinoys happy with love life - SWS poll

The number of Filipinos who are \"very happy\" with their love life has dropped to its lowest in two decades, a recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showed.

1 min

'Hail Mary' gets alternative Pinoy version

A new Filipino version of the \"Hail Mary\" prayer has been approved by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) as an alternative to the commonly used Tagalog-based \"Aba Ginoong Maria.'

1 min

Sara camp on NBI charges: As expected

As expected. Vice President Sara Duterte, in a statement sent to reporters yesterday, said she expected the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)'s recommendation for criminal charges, which set into motion the legal storm she would be facing this year on top of the impeachment trial.

1 min

Marcos to poll bets: Prioritize public service

With the electoral campaign heating up, President Marcos reminded candidates yesterday not to forget that the reason they are running for office is for public service.

2 mins

NBI files grave threat sedition raps vs Sara

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) filed grave threats and inciting to sedition charges against Vice President Sara Duterte before the Department of Justice (DOJ) yesterday over her assassination threats against President Marcos and his family.

7 mins

US vows to maintain strategic advantage over China

United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth underscored the US focus of maintaining a strategic advantage over China and the future of the free world, after speaking to leaders of Japan, Australia, South Korea and the Philippines.

2 mins

'Most party-lists do not represent the poor'

A majority of the frontrunners in the party-list race for the upcoming elections do not represent the poor and marginalized sector, election watchdog Kontra Daya revealed yesterday.

1 min

5 Senate bets consistently violating campaign poster rules

At least five senatorial candidates have been consistently violating rules on campaign posters, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday.

4 mins

BOC chief: Smuggling a 'national security concern'

Smuggling is a national security concern that undermines government revenues and threatens local industries, public safety and food security, according to the Bureau of Customs.

1 min

Fewer

Valentine's Day. The result matched the 46 percent obtained in a similar survey in 2004.

1 min

3 Charged for Selling Fake Government IDs

Criminal cases were filed against three persons who were arrested in Quezon City and Zamboanga for allegedly selling fake government identification cards, the police Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) reported yesterday.

1 min

No MRT-3 fare hike this year

There will be no fare increase for the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 this year, according to the MRT-3 management.

1 min

Denmark Embassy Honors Gaita Fores

The embassy of Denmark in Manila yesterday honored renowned chef Margarita Fores, who passed away on Tuesday. She was 65.

1 min

DLSU Suspends Classes, Work on EDSA Day

Campuses of the De La Salle University (DLSU) will suspend work and classes on Feb. 25 to commemorate the anniversary of the 1986 EDSA people power revolt.

1 min

74 OFWs Back From Lebanon

Seventy-four overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have returned home from Lebanon, according to the Department of Migrant Workers.

1 min

10 Taguig Cops Face Raps Over Warrantless Search

Ten police officers allegedly involved in a violent implementation of a search warrant at the house of an elderly woman in Taguig may face criminal and administrative cases after an investigation showed that the operation was illegal.

1 min

Dignity

There are a lot of things and services that many of our unfortunate fellow Filipinos do not have access to - from quality education to proper health care.

3 mins

Lurch

FIRST PERSON

3 mins

Lead by example

EDITORIAL

2 mins

The Senate

This 2025 is a watershed year for the Philippine Senate, once the bastion of excellence, purposeful governance and visionary nation building.

4 mins

DLSU Marks EDSA People Power

BREAKTHROUGH

3 mins

The imperative remains: End Hamas' control of Gaza

World view

4 mins

The Sunny Italian Side of Margarita Fores

Point of View

2 mins

Gubernatorial Aspirant Nabbed for 'Swindling'

A gubernatorial aspirant was arrested along with three others for alleged swindling in Sibunag, Guimaras on Tuesday.

1 min

Marilaque stunt survivor's license revoked

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has revoked the driver's license of the survivor in the Marilaque Highway motorcycle stunt exhibition that left a motovlogger dead.

1 min

Angat Dam's water reduced as rain increases elevation

Operators of Angat Dam in Bulacan yesterday released water after the reservoir's elevation increased above its normal high water level.

1 min

Netanyahu threatens to resume fighting in Gaza

JERUSALEM AP) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday threatened to withdraw from the ceasefire in Gaza and directed troops to prepare to resume fighting Hamas if the militant group does not release more hostages on Saturday.

1 min

New 'Captain America' Film Flies Into Trumpian Headwinds

The latest in the \"Captain America\" film franchise, which premiered in Hollywood on Tuesday, presents a vision of the United States out of step with the Trump era, with a diverse cast, a core message about unity and an endorsement of international diplomacy.

1 min

Scientists Reveal How To Make Dogs Pay Attention

Struggling to get your dog to fetch your slippers? Scientists who strapped eye-tracking helmets to a bunch of dogs have found the perfect tactic to get them to pay attention.

1 min

Taiwan Detects 62 Chinese Aircraft as US Ships Transit Waters

Taiwan said yesterday it detected 62 Chinese military aircraft near the self-ruled island this week, as two US ships sailed through the sensitive Taiwan Strait.

1 min

In first for Italy, Tuscany approves right-to-die law

Tuscany approved on Tuesday a right-to-die law, becoming the first region in Roman Catholic Italy to regulate assisted suicide in the absence of national legislation on a highly controversial topic.

1 min

Russia frees American after visit by Trump envoy

Moscow on Tuesday freed an American prisoner after the first-known visit by a member of US President Donald Trump's administration to Russia, in a deal the White House said bodes well for ending the Ukraine war.

1 min

Musk Says US Will Go 'Bankrupt' Without Cuts

Tech billionaire Elon Musk, who has been tapped by US President Donald Trump to lead federal cost-cutting efforts, said Tuesday that the United States would go \"bankrupt\" without budget cuts.

1 min

Gilas takes Asia Cup simulation in Doha

Gilas Pilipinas will go to Doha, Qatar for its next camp, seeking to simulate the elements it expects to encounter when it eventually competes in the FIBA Asia Cup in August in Saudi Arabia.

1 min

DURANT JOINS ELITE 30,000-POINT CLUB

Kevin Durant became the eighth player in NBA history to score 30,000 points, hitting the mark against the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night with a free throw late in the third quarter.

2 mins

Lalongisip Raring To Get Going

Games today (PhilSports Arena) 4 p.m. - Choco Mucho vs Nxled 6:30 p.m. - Cignal vs ZUS

1 min

Saludar in line for title shot

Former WBO/WBA minimumweight champion Vic (Vicious) Saludar is ranked No. 1 by WBO in the 105-pound division and at 34 with 32 fights under his belt, knows time is running out to chase another world title.

2 mins

Wild Interclub finish looms

Kevin Durant became the eighth player in NBA history to score 30,000 points, hitting the mark against the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night with a free throw late in the third quarter.

4 mins

Seong makes strong start at Phl Ladies Masters

Foreign domination, a hole-in-one and a lone Filipino representation at the leaderboard in Pauline del Rosario marked the high-octane opening day of the ICTSI Worldwide Link Philippine Ladies Masters on a sunny Wednesday at The Country Club in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

1 min

Musk's SpaceX Eyes Launchpad in Mindanao

Billionaire Elon Musk's Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) is looking at the possibility of setting up a launchpad in Mindanao, according to Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez.

1 min

Credit growth jumps to 2-year high in 2024

AS INTEREST RATES EASE

1 min

Shares Rise on Bargain Hunting After 4-Day Slide

Investors snatched bargains following a recent slump, snapping the market's four-day losing streak ahead of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)'s policy meeting today.

1 min

Team Energy to install solar panels in SM malls

SM Prime Holdings Inc., the integrated property developer of the Sy family, is powering four more malls with solar energy this year as part of the company's sustainability strategy.

1 min

NGCP: Transmission rates increase in January on ancillary service hike

Customers are set to face higher electricity bills this month as a result of increased transmission charges due to higher ancillary service (AS) costs, according to the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines.

1 min

Maharlika to unveil new major deal

Eyes shift to asset-based capital

2 mins

Cebu Pacific Mounting Iloilo-Bangkok Flights

Low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific is bridging the distance for Ilonggos going to Thailand by putting up weekly flights between Iloilo and Bangkok starting March 31.

1 min

Bloomberry Secures P40B Refinancing Facility

Bloomberry Resorts Corp. of tycoon Enrique Razon Jr. has secured a P40-billion syndicated refinancing facility with a group of local banks.

1 min

PLDT links to Asia-Pacific subsea cable

Telco leader PLDT Inc. will further boost its capacity this quarter through a subsea cable that connects the Philippines to its neighboring countries in Asia Pacific.

1 min

Why Philippine growth of 6 to 6.5% in 2025 is possible

The three quick reasons for this argument are: election cycle growth, low base growth, and declining unemployment and inflation.

3 mins

Klook bags $100-M funding for Asia-Pacific expansion

Booking app Klook has bagged $100 million in fresh investments from private equity fund Vitruvian Partners to finance its expansion projects in Asia Pacific, including in the Philippines.

1 min

GEA-3 Attracts 7,500-MW Power Projects

Exceeds 4,650-MW Installation Target

1 min

Cemex Holdings changing corporate name

Cemex Holdings Philippines Inc. (CHP) is changing its corporate name to Concreat Holdings Philippines Inc. to reflect its recent management change.

1 min

Chef Robby Goco Elevates the Olive

Tagaytay remains the destination of choice for a quick change of scene for us here in Manila. But its popularity, due to its picturesque views, cool weather and wealth of dining options, can lead to traffic that crawls along the ridge.

5 mins

Chef Robby Goco Elevates The Olive

It's a longevity cuisine.

3 mins

What A Star Lite Evening!

Most of the top honchos of the Philippines' conglomerates traveled all the way to Amvel City, Parañaque to attend the official inauguration of the new four-story Philippine STAR building.

1 min

Valentine Poolside Soiree at Hilton Manila

Celebrate love under the stars at Hilton Manila's Valentine Poolside Soiree.

1 min

Art That Matters In need?...Indeed auction raises funds for kids through sustainable art

In need?...Indeed auction raises funds for kids through sustainable art

1 min

V-Day Cocktails at The Whisky Library

From Feb. 10 to 16, The Whisky Library offers Just the Two of Us, a sweet cocktail made with Flor de Cana 7 Years Rum, Flor de Cana Coco, passionfruit, mango, lime, pineapple, and mint at P900+; and Salud, a Tequila-based drink featuring Jose Cuervo Silver Tequila, kiwifruit, lime, agave, and green mango.

1 min

A Five-Course Date Menu at Morton's The Steakhouse

Morton's The Steakhouse offers a five-course menu from Feb. 13 to 16.

1 min

Sushi Omakase at Hotel Okura Manila

Marriott Manila presents \"All Ways Valentines\" at Marriott Cafe.

1 min

V-Day Staycation at Holiday Inn Express Manila

Holiday Inn Express Manila Newport City offers Cupid's Long Weekend Valentine's Package, available for bookings made until Feb. 14 for stays between Feb. 13 to 17, including a standard room, complimentary breakfast buffet for two adults and kids under 12, a Garden Café voucher, and a special gift.

1 min

Back-To-Back V-Day Concerts at Newport Performing Arts Theater

The Newport Performing Arts Theater presents back-to-back Valentine's concerts featuring Ronan Keating on Feb. 13, followed by \"Stories of the Heart\" concert featuring OPM artists Erik Santos, Christian Bautista, and Yeng Constantino on Feb. 14 and 15.

1 min

Hokkaido Scallops, Seared Wagyu at Nobu Manila

City of Dreams Manila presents its Valentine's offerings.

1 min

AFTER NETFLIX DEBUT, ALEX CALLEJA

Pinoys here and abroad can experience Alex Calleja's brand of stand-up comedy via \"Tamang Panahon,\" which, as of this writing, is the most-watched show on Netflix Philippines.

3 mins

Dia Mate feels 'fulfilled, empowered' after bagging 2025 Reina Hispanoamericana crown

Newly crowned Reina Hispanoamericana 2025 Dia Mate felt \"incredibly fulfilled\" and \"empowered\" after bagging the international beauty pageant title.

2 mins

JOHN AND PRISCILLA SET MARITAL WOES ASIDE FOR DAUGHTER'S B-DAY

WHAT A BLAST I HAD AT THE 13th birthday party of Anechka, the lovely daughter of my good friends, Priscilla \"Pri\" Meirelles and John Estrada. They set their marital woes aside in order to relish the joys of parenthood.

4 mins

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