Bicol Theater Groups Highlight LGBTQ+ Issues at Tanghal Lusong 2025

ALBAY, Philippines — Reflecting the social realities of Bicol’s urban and rural communities, theater groups Sining Banwa and Tanghalang BUeño are bringing two compelling plays, "Gymgurls" and "Patayin sa Barbershop si Barbara," to this year’s Tanghal Lusong 2025 festival in Dasmariñas, Cavite. The event, a national and community-focused theater festival organized by ARTIST, Inc. in collaboration with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, invites artists across Luzon to engage audiences through thought-provoking performances. Jobert Grey Landeza, a playwright and performing arts professor from Albay, emphasized the significance of the festival, stating, "Tanghal is not just a celebration of theater; it is an important opportunity to observe the pressing issues being addressed nationwide." The festival theme, "Staging the Future: Theater for Livable Cities," aims to redefine how theater contributes to societal development. Landeza noted that the two featured Bicolano productions embody this mission by fostering community connections and shedding light on marginalized voices, particularly in the LGBTQ+ community. "Supporting Bicolano theater is crucial as it nurtures kinship and collective engagement, which are increasingly diminished by individualism and social media," Landeza added. **Sining Banwa’s "Gymgurls"** Originally produced in 2015, "Gymgurls" confronts the stigma faced by people living with HIV (PLHIV), especially within conservative communities that often view the diagnosis as a life sentence. The play emerged from deep community immersion with PLHIV throughout the region and remains relevant a decade later. Founding director Sari Saysay highlighted the ongoing importance of the narrative, noting, "The story continues to challenge bias and calls for community reflection on these critical social issues." Senior artist Julie DM Bega underscored the role of theater beyond the stage, remarking, "Our works must resonate with those whose stories we tell, fostering awareness and dialogue beyond performances." Beyond staging performances, Sining Banwa also conducts community art workshops aimed at nurturing youth creativity and providing safe spaces to explore social concerns and aspirations. **Tanghalang BUeño’s "Patayin sa Barbershop si Barbara"** This play centers on Barbara, a transgender woman, and her experiences navigating a conservative family environment, particularly during a simple haircut at a local barbershop. Through its engaging dialogue, the production explores the challenges faced by the transgender community amidst societal prejudice deeply rooted in traditional gender norms. Anthuan Zubeldia, who portrays Barbara, described the significance of the role: "It is an honor to perform this story, providing insight into the realities of the LGBTQIA+ community and promoting empathy and understanding." Tanghalang BUeño believes that presenting their work beyond Bicol enables greater advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights while showcasing local artistry and culture. **Call for Continued Support** Theater artist Allysah Mariel Hugo emphasized the necessity of ongoing support for local theater companies, stating, "Recognition is not enough. These groups face substantial challenges, particularly regarding funding. We must create more opportunities for them to thrive." To facilitate their participation in Tanghal Lusong 2025, both groups organized send-off performances and continue to welcome donations to cover travel expenses, ensuring their vital stories reach a wider audience at the national festival.

Cagayan de Oro Credits Disaster Management Team for Smooth 'Higalaay' Festival

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The local government has acknowledged the critical contribution of the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Department (CDRRMD) in ensuring the success and safety of the month-long Higalaay Festival. During a briefing held by the City Information Office on Friday, Jann Guillmore Actub, spokesperson for the City Mayor's Office, highlighted the department's unwavering dedication. Under the leadership of Nick Jabagat, all CDRRMD personnel were fully mobilized at every festival event, closely monitoring weather conditions and potential emergencies throughout the celebration. "They were instructed to remain vigilant, with some staff even postponing leave to maintain full deployment," Actub stated. The team operated in rotating shifts to provide continuous 24-hour emergency readiness, a network strengthened by the support of local barangay volunteers. Actub emphasized that the festival's smooth conclusion on Thursday was the result of effective coordination among the local government, civil society groups, and the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro. This cooperative effort ensured public safety during the highly anticipated annual event.

Suspect Arrested in Gamefowl Farm Homicide in Cebu City

Authorities have detained the prime suspect in the murder case involving a local resident at a gamefowl farm located within the compound in Sitio Lubres, Barangay Pung-ol Sibugay, Cebu City. Identified as 43-year-old Jonathan Fortuna Leoligao, a married native of Talibon, Bohol Province, he was apprehended in Taboan, Barangay San Nicolas, Cebu City after hiding there for two days following the discovery of the victim’s body. The victim, 46-year-old Jovanie Asir Bonghanoy of Pung-ol Sibugay, was found buried within the premises of the farm. Leoligao admitted to the crime, stating that the incident began on the afternoon of August 24, 2025, when he and the victim had been drinking at the suspect’s bunkhouse. According to the suspect, after Bonghanoy became intoxicated, he started provoking a fight. He claimed, "I don't know exactly what happened because I was intoxicated, but I grabbed a knife and stabbed Jovanie in the neck repeatedly until he died." Leoligao further explained, "I was unaware that once drunk, he would start yelling and challenging us to fight, even telling us that we were new to the area. This is what he always did whenever we drank together." After the killing, the suspect concealed half of the victim’s body inside a sack typically used for chicken feed, while he wrapped the lower part of the body in a raincoat before burying it. He reportedly coerced his four companions, including a minor, to help bury the body by threatening them. Following the burial late Sunday night, August 24, the suspect remained hidden on the farm until the victim’s remains were discovered on Wednesday afternoon, August 27. After the situation quieted down, Leoligao fled to Taboan and eventually surrendered to his employer on August 29. The victim's brother, Romeo Bonghanoy, expressed gratitude for the swift arrest, emphasizing the family's desire for the suspect and his accomplices to be firmly held accountable. He also revealed that prior to the discovery of Jovanie's body, the suspect had falsely informed the family that Jovanie was missing and would not return to work. The Bonghanoy family sought assistance from the local barangay tanods to search for Jovanie. Their investigation into the gamefowl farm led to the discovery of a foul odor and disturbed soil, which ultimately revealed the victim's decomposing remains. This case highlights the ongoing challenges in rural areas where disputes may escalate into tragic violence.

Infanta Officials Share Innovative Programs with Pandan Delegation

Representatives from the municipality of Pandan, Antique, led by Mayor Tomas Estoperez Jr., recently visited Infanta to observe and study the town’s successful programs and policies aimed at enhancing public service. Infanta Mayor LA Ruanto warmly welcomed the delegation, eager to share best practices. Infanta Councilor Junjun Mortiz, together with personnel from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDDRMO), introduced the visitors to "Watchsafe," an innovative website designed to monitor accidents efficiently, enhancing local safety measures. The Pandan delegation also toured several key facilities, including the Infanta Taskforce Disiplina Department, the Infanta Commercial Center, the Fishport, and the Nyognyugan Center, gaining firsthand insights into the town’s operational strategies. Mayor Ruanto expressed strong support for initiatives that unite communities, foster learning, and invigorate social services, stating, \"We fully support efforts that foster unity, enhance knowledge, and energize social services for everyone.\"

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Attend Nebraska-Cincinnati Game Following Engagement Announcement

KANSAS CITY, Missouri — Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift were spotted together at Arrowhead Stadium on Thursday night, August 28, marking their first public outing since revealing their engagement earlier this week. The couple attended the NCAA college football game between Nebraska and Cincinnati. Kelce, a former Cincinnati Bearcats football player and current Kansas City Chiefs tight end, was seen warming up on the field wearing a red-and-white striped sweater before relocating to a suite. Swift joined him and a group of companions ahead of the game’s kickoff. The couple officially shared the news of their engagement via a five-photo post on Instagram this past Tuesday, confirming a relationship spanning approximately two years. Although the Chiefs have not arranged media availability for Kelce this week, Swift’s publicist, Tree Paine, disclosed that the engagement ring features an antique mine-cut diamond sourced from Kindred Lubeck. Among the attendees was Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, one of Kelce’s closest friends. Mahomes, who sports jersey number 15, was present at the game, where Nebraska’s quarterback Dylan Raiola has drawn comparisons to him due to physical resemblance and wearing the same number. Other notable figures at the event included Kelce’s older brother, Jason Kelce, the retired Philadelphia Eagles center and co-host of the "New Heights" podcast with Travis Kelce, as well as Chiefs safety Bryan Cook. All were supporters of the Cincinnati Bearcats. The crowd also featured fans of the Nebraska Huskers. Notably, Dawson Merritt, son of Chiefs defensive backs coach Dave Merritt, plays linebacker for Nebraska. Additionally, Terry Bradden, the Chiefs’ defensive line coach who has contributed to Kansas City’s five Super Bowl appearances, was also present. The Chiefs are currently preparing for their season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers, scheduled for next Friday night in São Paulo, Brazil.

Heavy Rainstorm Triggers Flooding on Multiple Metro Manila Roads

Severe thunderstorms accompanied by heavy rains led to flooding across several key roads in Metro Manila on Saturday, according to reports from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). As of 3:51 p.m., the MMDA identified numerous areas with water accumulation ranging from gutter depth (around 8 inches) to knee deep (approximately 19 inches). While many streets remained passable for all vehicle types, certain parts experienced flooding sufficient to block light vehicles. In Quezon City alone, affected routes included parts of EDSA such as Dario Northbound, Centris service road Northbound, and North Avenue Northbound, all with about 8-inch deep water but still navigable. However, C5 Katipunan near Ateneo and Aurora service roads, Commonwealth Avenue between Winston and Technohub, parts of EDSA like Mother Ignacia Southbound, and Araneta Maria Clara streets saw knee-deep flooding, rendering them impassable to lighter vehicles. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued a thunderstorm advisory at 2:10 p.m., highlighting intense to torrential rains accompanied by lightning and strong winds across Metro Manila—including areas such as Caloocan, Quezon City, and Mandaluyong—and extending to nearby provinces like Cavite, Quezon, Rizal, Batangas, Bulacan, Pampanga, and Zambales. PAGASA further warned that such adverse weather conditions could persist for up to two hours, potentially causing disruptions in additional neighboring locations. The MMDA continues to monitor road conditions and advises motorists to exercise caution and consider alternative routes to avoid affected areas.

Quezon City Mayor Distributes Relief Aid to Typhoon Victims in Barangay Tatalon

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte led the distribution of relief goods to residents affected by recent typhoons in Barangay Tatalon. This initiative was facilitated by the Quezon City government’s Operation Damayan, in collaboration with a prominent newspaper and the Federation Of Filipino Chinese Chambers Of Commerce & Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII). During the distribution, Mayor Belmonte personally handed out aid packages to those impacted by flooding and heavy rains. She reassured the community, stating, \"QCitizens, asahan niyo pong laging nasa likod ninyo ang ating lokal na pamahalaan upang kayo’y tulungan at suportahan\" (QCitizens, rest assured that your local government will always be behind you to help and support you). This outreach highlights the local government’s ongoing commitment to provide immediate assistance to residents affected by natural disasters, emphasizing solidarity and swift response in times of crisis.

Man Injured in Early Morning Motorcycle Collision in Cebu City

In the early hours of August 30, a 55-year-old man was injured after being hit by a motorcycle in Sitio Nasipit, Barangay Talamban, Cebu City. The victim, known only by the alias "Jiminay," suffered a head wound and swelling, and is believed to have been intoxicated at the time of the accident. The motorcycle driver, identified as "Harry," 30, a resident of Barangay Kasambagan, Cebu City, was transporting a passenger southward when the crash occurred. According to reports, "Jiminay" crossed the path of the motorcycle unexpectedly and then turned back, resulting in the collision. The impact caused the victim to be thrown to the ground, while both the motorcycle driver and his passenger also sustained injuries. Further details on their conditions have not been disclosed.

Science City of Muñoz Launches Free Rice Distribution to Assist Local Residents

The government of the Science City of Muñoz in Nueva Ecija recently implemented a rice distribution initiative aimed at aiding local residents. Free packs of rice were handed out to community members residing in Barangays Villa Islam, Mangandingay, and Linglingay. The city government remarked that this effort is part of a broader provincial program designed to address the challenges faced by citizens. They emphasized that the initiative reflects the local administration’s commitment to providing support during difficult times. This distribution was carried out with the active backing of Vice Governor Gil Raymond “Lemon” Umali and former Governor Czarina Domingo Umali, highlighting strong leadership collaboration at the provincial level.

Dingalan Unveils Dunong Center to Foster Youth Education and Community Engagement

Mayor Aurora G. Taay of Dingalan, Aurora, recently celebrated the inauguration and blessing of the Dunong Center located in Barangay Tanawan. This facility is designed to support the educational advancement of the youth and provide a communal space for residents to gather. The opening ceremony took place on Saturday, August 30, and was led by Barangay Tanawan’s Sangguniang Kabataan Chairman, John Mark Comprado, alongside SK chairpersons from various barangays. The event highlighted the importance of the center as a cornerstone for youth engagement and community involvement. According to the municipal government, Mayor Taay emphasized the critical role of projects focused on education and youth development, describing them as "investments in Dingalan’s brighter future." The Dunong Center is envisioned not only as an activity venue for young people but also as a platform for hosting various community programs. The local government further remarked, "This initiative clearly demonstrates that when the youth, the government, and the community unite, it results in meaningful progress for every resident of Dingalan." The center is anticipated to strengthen ties among the local population while fostering opportunities for growth and success.