In the News

MANILA, Philippines — Volcanic smog (vog) has been detected at Batangas' Taal Volcano, raising concerns about the potential health risks such activity can cause to individuals in the area and neighboring cities. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) describes vog as a mix of sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas and aerosols …

Local governments in Metro Manila suspended classes on Friday due to the presence of suspected volcanic smog or vog, but the state volcanology agency said the vog did not come from the active Taal Volcano in Batangas. The smog hovering over Metro Manila “is not related” to activity from Taal, …

MANILA, Philippines — Tutok To Win Party-List Representative Samuel “Sam” Verzosa Jr. just laughed off the rumored romance between his girlfriend Rhian Ramos and Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) 2023 Michelle Dee. In an exclusive interview with Philstar.com at his recent thanksgiving media luncheon in Makati City for his TV show …

MANILA, Philippines — “Only public service.” That was how Tutok To Win Party-List Representative Samuel “Sam” Verzosa Jr. answered Philstar.com’s query if he would join his girlfriend, actress Rhian Ramos, in showbiz, following his successful stint as TV host of CNN Philippines program “Dear SV.” “Mag-invite na lang tayo ng …

THE Philippine government will pursue the filing of environmental cases against China for its numerous destructive activities in the West Philippine Sea for many years. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said in an interview on Wednesday that they will be consulting with “the best legal experts” before the government formally …

SOCIAL Welfare Secretary Rexilon “Rex” Gatchalian revealed on Wednesday that he asked all 20 department undersecretaries and assistant secretaries to file their courtesy resignations. Secretary Rexlon Gatchalian. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA Gatchalian made the disclosure during the hearing on the proposed budget of the Department of Social Welfare and …

Jury selection in the sexual-assault case against Canadian fashion mogul Peter Nygard is now scheduled to begin in a Toronto courtroom Thursday. Nygard, who founded his fashion company in Winnipeg in 1967, has denied all allegations Jury selection in the sexual-assault case against Canadian fashion mogul Peter Nygard is now …

MANILA, Philippines — Award-winning singer-songwriter Taylor Swift unveiled the complete tracklist for her re-recording of "1989," including five unreleased songs "from the vault." Taylor initially enlisted the help of Google to have her fans solve a series of puzzles to figure out the titles of the vault tracks, as she …

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino-American singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo has expressed interest in bringing a concert tour to the Philippines one day. The Grammy winner recently graced the October 2023 cover of Rolling Stone magazine, complementing the release of her sophomore album "GUTS" last September 8. Rolling Stone released last September 20 …

MANILA, Philippines — Goodbye, Mr. Perfectly Fine. Actress Sophie Turner was spotted having dinner with singer-songwriter Taylor Swift in New York City just weeks after the former filed for divorce with singer Joe Jonas — who Taylor briefly dated in 2008. Paparazzi captured Sophie and Taylor last September 19 exiting …