Earlier this year, singer-songwriter Moira dela Torre underwent a «noninvasive» procedure for her nose. It almost cost the singer-songwriter her life. What was supposedly a «very simple» treatment went awry, causing necrosis in her nose, which put her at «high risk of having a heart attack, stroke and vision loss.» But never mind the faint scarring she currently has across the tip of her nose, because it could have been worse. Now, she's just grateful she's still able to do the things she loves most. "It was a tough season because I lost out on several jobs. Because I was at risk [for complications], I felt it wasn't just my career I could lose---it was my life, my eyesight....Keep on reading: Moira ‘85 percent healed’ after life-threatening nose procedure

Being a working mother is «not easy at times,» Janet Jackson admitted. But if her own mom was able to raise nine children, «there's no reason,» she pointed out, she can't do the same. «It's tough ... I don't have a nanny. I do it all myself,» the pop icon told the Australian magazine Stella in a recent interview. «Of course, when I'm working, someone watches him,» but offstage, it's just «my baby and me.» Janet gave birth to Eissa---her 2-year-old son with ex-boyfriend, Qatari businessman Wissam Al Mana---in January 2017. «My life has changed,» added the American singer-songwriter, who has just ended her Las Vegas residency, «Metamorphosis.» «Obviously, my baby comes first.»...Keep on reading: Janet Jackson coping without a nanny for 2-year-old son

«The items on the bucket list often change, except for one thing,» said director Dondon Santos when asked to talk about his latest film that took seven long years to make. Titled «G!,» the movie is about a cancer-stricken guy determined to tick off all the items on his bucket list with a group of friends. Dondon said that the script went through three major revisions before he was able to turn it into a film in 2017, under Cineko Productions. And whenever he edited the script, Dondon made sure to update the items on the list according to what was current at the time. «Only one item stayed on the list. It's first-time sex,» revealed Dondon, adding that he based the bucket lis...Keep on reading: ‘G!’ tackles what’s on millennials’ bucket list

The Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) is set to come out with its final resolution on its investigation of the tragic death of veteran actor Eddie Garcia on Aug. 30. At the same time, the Dole Regional Office, which is spearheading the investigation, has ordered GMA to submit a list of all location shoots for its teleseryes so that they could be subject to inspection. Inquirer Entertainment learned about these latest developments in the investigation from Dole-NCR Regional Director Sarah Buena S. Mirasol, following a meeting between the department's investigating committee and GMA executives to inquire about, among other things, results of the network's own investigatio...Keep on reading: Dole set to release results of its probe on Eddie Garcia’s death on Aug. 30, orders GMA to disclose all location shoots of its teleseryes

When she first started acting as a 4-year-old kid, Jillian Ward thought show biz was just a game, and the set, her playground. But now, as a 14-year-old young lady, she's finally starting to see the industry and her career in a different light. «When I was younger, parang laru-laro lang. Last year, I realized that I was really growing up ... that acting isn't just a game,» she told the Inquirer at a recent press conference for «Prima Donnas,» her new afternoon drama soap on GMA 7. «I now see it as work. But I love it just the same.» Jillian's breakthrough television project was the 2010 small-screen adaptation of the 1963 film «Trudis Liit,» which starred Vilma Santos. The foll...Keep on reading: Acting no longer ‘just a game’ for Jillian Ward

LONDON --- Britain's Prince Andrew has said he was «appalled» by allegations of sexual abuse surrounding Jeffrey Epstein after a video was released purporting to show him at the home of the convicted pedophile in 2010. «The Duke of York has been appalled by the recent reports of Jeffrey Epstein's alleged crimes,» Buckingham Palace said in a statement, the Press Association reported Sunday. «His Royal Highness deplores the exploitation of any human being and the suggestion he would condone, participate in or encourage any such behavior is abhorrent,» the statement said. The video published by the Mail on Sunday claims to show the prince waving goodbye to a woman as she departs Ep...Keep on reading: Britain’s Prince Andrew ‘appalled’ by Epstein abuse claims: report

MANILA, Philippines --- Moderate to heavy rain with lightning and strong winds may be expected to occur in the National Capital Region and parts of Region 3 by Monday evening, the state weather bureau said.   According to the advisory released 3:30 p.m. by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), moderate to heavy rain will affect Metro Manila, Nueva Ecija, Bataan, Zambales, Cavite, Tarlac, and Pampanga within the next two hours.   While rain is being experienced in Bulacan, Laguna, Rizal, and Quezon province as of this posting, it may also persist within the next two hours, Pagasa noted.   "All are advise...Keep on reading: Heavy rains likely in NCR, parts of Region 3 by Monday evening

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY---Without firing a shot, New Peoples Army (NPA) rebels pulled off a swift raid on the security outpost of Minergy Power Corp. in Balingasag town Misamis Oriental on Monday (Aug. 19).   Lt. Col. Anthony Derilo, Army 57th Infantry Battalion commander, said the rebels took five AK-47 rifles; a radio and hundreds of rounds of ammunition from the guards from AY 76 Security Agency.   Derilo said the rebels did not fire a shot dueing the raid which was apparently just aimed at taking the guards' guns.   The compound raided, located at the village of Quezon Heights, hosts a support facility for the company's 165-megawatt coal-fired power plant...Keep on reading: Rebels fire no shots, take AK-47s in raid on power firm guards

MANILA, Philippines --- Supreme Court Associate Justice Marvic Leonen has declined his nomination for the Chief Justice post. «I would like to confirm that Justice Marvic Leonen has declined his automatic nomination as Chief Justice of the Philippines,» SC Spokesman Atty. Brian Keith Hosaka said. «Justice Leonen did not state any reason in declining his nomination,» he added. Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin will leave his post upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70 on October 18. Leonen is one of five most senior associate justices of the Supreme Court. The five most senior justices are automatically nominated for the chief justice post but they have to accept the nomi...Keep on reading: Leonen says no to automatic nomination as SC chief justice

MACON, Georgia --- Fans of Duane Allman in Macon, Georgia say they did not expect the late musician's old guitar to sell for $1.25 million (over P60 million) at a recent auction. The gold-topped guitar is the one Allman played in the hit song «Layla», where he performed with Eric Clapton, The Telegraph reported. Until recently, the guitar affectionately called «Layla» had been on display at the Allman Brothers Band Museum at The Big Housein Macon. «I do not think anybody expected that,» Museum Director Richard Brent said of the amount. «The history of it is what sold it.» Brent said the man who bought the guitar at the auction is an out-of-town collector who wishes to rem...Keep on reading: Duane Allman’s old guitar ‘Layla’ sells for $1.25 million

MANILA, Philippines --- Perhaps one of the most memorable things about former Environment chief Gina Lopez was her fondness of R. Kelly's classic hit «I Believe I Can Fly.» Among those who pointed this out as the news of her passing broke Monday was television host Gretchen Ho. «I BELIEVE I CAN FLY. She would always sing at the end of a meeting, speech or presscon. Her passion never fails to reverberate around the room,» Ho reminisced in an Instagram post.   https://www.instagram.com/p/B1U2Z6gBIVG/?igshid=1xzm8048kaxh5   It can be recalled how Lopez belted out «I Believe I Can Fly» in front of reporters after she was rejected as secretary of the Department of ...Keep on reading: Gina Lopez’s fondness of song ‘I Believe I Can Fly’ remembered

BACOLOD CITY---The largest bus company in the Philippines has a new set of directors. In a meeting at the company's main office in Bacolod City on Monday (Aug. 19) the stockholders of Vallacar Transit Inc. (VTI) re-elected Leo Rey Yanson as the president of the company. Also elected were Charles Dumancas (vice president), Ginnette Yanson-Dumancas (treasurer), and Olivia Yanson (corporate secretary). The result of the election was announced in a press conference that saw Olivia and her children, Leo Rey and Ginnette; and the latter's husband, Charles Dumancas, breaking down in tears. Olivia's four other children---Roy. Ricardo Jr., Emily and Celina (Yanson four)---did not atte...Keep on reading: Coup at PH’s biggest bus firm sealed in stockholders’ meet

MANILA, Philippines --- «If you were duped, why are you blaming me?»   This was the succinct retort of Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Rowena Guanzon to Ronald Cardema, who earlier cried «extortion» against the poll body official after failing to secure approval for his nomination as Duterte Youth party-list nominee.   Guanzon denied and even laughed at Cardema's accusations, further calling the former head of the National Youth Commission a «liar,» «purveyor of fake news,» and «namedropper.»   "He's (Cardema) saying he allegedly had text messages with this woman, he's naming her as my bag woman. If you gave money to that woman it never rea...Keep on reading: Guanzon scoffs at Cardema’s claims: He is a ‘liar, purveyor of fake news’

MANILA, Philippines --- The Bureau of Immigration is set to deport the recently nabbed American and British sex offenders who have pending cases in their home countries. Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente identified the sex offenders as American national Shane Edward Scism, 45, and British national William James Neville Ireland, 68. Scism is wanted in New York in the United States for his failure to register as a sex offender while Ireland is wanted in the United Kingdom for pedophilia back in 1996. The immigration bureau arrested Scism in Marikina City last August 16 pending his arrest warrant released by the State of New York last July 30. Ireland, meanwhile, was arrest...Keep on reading: BI to deport nabbed American, British sex offenders

MANILA, Philippines -- Despite their differences on the mining operations in the Philippines, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea mourned the death of former environment secretary Regina «Gina» Lopez.   «We extend our condolences to the entire family and shall offer prayers for the eternal repose of her soul. Rest in peace, Gina,» Medialdea said in a text message on Monday.   In a statement, ABS-CBN said Lopez died Monday at the age of 65 after she succumbed to brain cancer.   READ: Ex-DENR chief Gina Lopez passes away   During her short stint as environment secretary, Lopez once slammed Medialdea for reversing her order requiring mining fir...Keep on reading: Despite ‘slight differences,’ Medialdea mourns death of ‘friend’ Gina Lopez

MANILA, Philippines --- Representatives of the progressive Bayan Muna party-list on Monday expressed their heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the family and friends of Gina Lopez, whom they remembered as a dauntless environmental activist.   ABS-CBN said Lopez succumbed to brain cancer on Monday at the age of 65.   READ: Ex-DENR chief Gina Lopez passes away   «Nawalan ng isang matapang na tagapagtanggol ng kalikasan sa pagkawala ni Gina,» House Deputy Minority leader and Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate said in a statement. «Pero we will continue her legacy and continue the struggle for the preservation of the environment.»   Zarate said ...Keep on reading: Bayan Muna reps remember Gina Lopez’s courage as environmental activist

MANILA, Philippines - Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. has ordered the filing of another diplomatic protest over the latest reports of the unannounced presence of five Chinese warships in Sibutu Strait since July.   «@DFAPHL fire diplomatic protest over Chinese warship; drop the diplomatic crap; say it is ours period; they're trespassing,» Locsin said over Twitter on Monday.   https://twitter.com/teddyboylocsin/status/1163251433552015360?s=21   «If we did it already fire another. We won't run out. & don't wait for formal intel. This is the Secretary of National Defense no less. Fire at will,» he further said.   The said protest ...Keep on reading: DFA chief: File diplomatic protest over Chinese warships’ intrusion

TOKYO - Asian shares were higher Monday, as investors continue to rejigger their read on President Donald Trump's trade war and growing worries about slowing economies around the world.   Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 rose 0.6% in early trading to 20,532.95.     Australia's S&P/ASX 200 gained 0.8% to 6,454.40, while South Korea's Kospi was 0.4% higher at 1,934.78.   Hong Kong's Hang Seng rose 0.9% to 25,734.22. The Shanghai Composite added 0.3% to 2,823.82.   On Friday, the S&P 500 rose 41.08 points, or 1.4%, to 2,888.68. The Dow, which had an 800-point drop earlier in the week, added 306.62 points, or 1.2%, to 25,886.01. ...Keep on reading: Asian shares rise as investors watch trade war, economies

TORONTO - China's embassy in Ottawa warned Canada on Sunday to stop meddling in Hong Kong's affairs, saying that «the Canadian side should be cautious with its words and deeds.»   Canada and the EU issued a joint statement Saturday saying the right of peaceful assembly is enshrined in basic law in Hong Kong.   Weeks of protests in the Chinese territory show no sign of relenting. The movement's demands include the resignation of the city leader, democratic elections and an independent investigation into police use of force.   Mainland Chinese police are holding drills in nearby Shenzhen, prompting speculation they could be sent in to suppress the protests....Keep on reading: China warns Canada to stop meddling in Hong Kong

MANILA, Philippines --- Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto on Monday called for an investigation on the yearly delays in the implementation and completion of farm irrigation projects worth billions of pesos.   In a statement, Recto warned that food security and the income of Filipino farmers would be at risk «if these projects will not flow like water.»   Recto said that «the pipeline of National Irrigation Administration (NIA) projects, like farm canals, must be desilted of procurement and implementation blockages.»   «As they say, 'we cannot grow, grow, grow food, if we will not build, build, build our rural and farm infrastructure,'» Recto said, ...Keep on reading: Delayed multi-billion peso irrigation projects hit; Senate probe sought

MANILA, Philippines - A woman met a gruesome death when she was hit and dragged by a Philippine National Railways (PNR) commuter train in Caloocan City Sunday afternoon, police said on Monday.   The Caloocan City Police said the woman was walking near the train tracks in Barangay 33 when she was hit by a train from the PNR Tutuban Station at around 5:50 p.m. on Sunday.   The victim was tossed several meters away from the tracks and landed on an adjacent basketball court, police said.   She was rushed to the Caloocan City Medical Center but was declared dead on arrival.   Further investigation is ongoing. /gsg    ...Keep on reading: Woman killed in railroad tracks mishap

MANILA, Philippines - Former National Youth Commission chief and embattled Duterte Youth party-list nominee Ronald Cardema on Monday said he is eyeing impeachment and extortion complaints against Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Rowena Guanzon.   «Sa impeachment complaint, kung may tutulong samin, sa tingin ko meron pang mga inagrabyado 'to, di lang naman kami, sa tagal-tagal na niya. Meron na ngang mga kumausap samin at pati sila e dinali nito dati,» Cardema said in an interview on ABS-CBN News Channel.   "Kung tutulungan kami ng mga lahat ng inagrabyado nitong tao na 'to, baka makapag-file tayo ng isang impeachment complaint laban dito. Kasi yun lang...Keep on reading: Cardema eyeing impeachment, extortion raps vs Guanzon

MANILA, Philippines---Amid fears that the planned Chinese-manned Philippine offshore gaming operation (Pogo) hubs may «spy» on military camps in the country, Malacaang said President Rodrigo Duterte believes that it is only natural for countries to spy on each other.   Duterte's spokesman Salvador Panelo said Monday that the Chief Executive had told him that China can spy on the Philippines if they want to without going near police or military camps as they can only use their technology.   «The President and I were talking about it yesterday and he was saying that you didn't have to be near any military camp if you want to gather intelligence,» Panelo said in an...Keep on reading: Panelo: Duterte believes it’s ‘natural’ for countries to spy on each other

MANILA, Philippines -- The presence of Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogo) hubs manned by Chinese nationals near military camps is not something to worry about, President Rodrigo Duterte said, even as Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has raised concerns on the country's national security.   Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the location of the Pogo hubs does not matter to the President.   Panelo, who said he talked to Duterte about the matter, quoted the President saying: «You don't have to be near any military camp if you want to gather intelligence.»   He mentioned that the President told him that considering current technologies,...Keep on reading: Duterte unfazed by Pogo hubs near military camps

DALLAS --- A basketball jersey believed to have been worn by former President Barack Obama while he was at a Honolulu prep school has sold at auction for $120,000. Heritage Auctions said the jersey sold Saturday nightin Dallas to a collector of American and sports artifacts who didn't wish to be identified. The jersey was offered byPeter Noble, who was three years behind Obama at Punahou School. Noble, now 55 and living in Seattle, said the jersey was destined for the trash when he picked it up. Years later he saw an old photo of Obama wearing a No. 23 jersey while at school. The auction house says details on the shirt match the one Obama is photographed wearing. Noble says a porti...Keep on reading: Barack Obama’s high school basketball jersey sells for $120,000

MEDINAH, Ill. --- Phil Mickelson had a wild Sunday, and that was before he showed up for the BMW Championship. Mickelson said on Twitter that lightning struck the hotel where he was staying, leading to an evacuation. One problem: He was staying on the top floor, his clubs were in his room and his tee time at Medinah was approaching. «Kind of a funny deal,» Mickelson said after ending his season with a 71 to fail to reach the Tour Championship. «The building got struck by lightning right above me and blew out a brick chimney and caught fire a little bit. There were 10 fire trucks. I got in my car and left and couldn't get back. The roads were closed and the hotel was closed.» ...Keep on reading: Phil Mickelson late to the course after lightning hits hotel

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras --- A fourth victim has died from injuries sustained during a fight between fans of the rival Honduran soccer teams Motagua and Olimpia, a hospital spokeswoman said Sunday. The violence began when fans of the Olimpia team threw stones and other objects Saturday evening at a bus carrying Motagua players to the National Stadium, breaking windows and injuring three players. Emilio Izaguirre, a former player for Scotland's Celtic club, sustained a cut near his eye. Paraguayan Roberto Moreira and Argentine Jonathan Rougier were also injured by glass fragments. Bus driver Marcos Castellanos said the vehicle was hit as he drove the Motagua players down a street i...Keep on reading: 4 dead as rival fans fight before Honduran soccer game

MANILA, Philippines --- Showbiz celebrities poured accolades for the late former environment and natural resources secretary Gina Lopez who passed away Monday morning at age 65.   READ: Ex-DENR chief Gina Lopez passes away   Among those who mourned her passing and extended their sympathies to the Lopez family via social media was television host Kim Atienza.   «I love you dear friend. You will be missed,» Atienza captioned a previous article of Lopez singing R. Kelly's song «I Believe I Can Fly.»     https://twitter.com/kuyakim_atienza/status/1163215626304798722 Singer Ogie Alcasid also took to social media to thank Lopez for her con...Keep on reading: Celebrities pay tribute to the late DENR chief Gina Lopez 

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, N.J. - President Donald Trump dismissed concerns of recession on Sunday and offered an optimistic outlook for the economy after last week's steep drop in the financial markets.     «I don't think we're having a recession,» Trump told reporters as he returned to Washington from his New Jersey golf club. «We're doing tremendously well. Our consumers are rich. I gave a tremendous tax cut and they're loaded up with money.»   A strong economy is key to Trump's re-election prospects. Consumer confidence has dropped 6.4% since July. The president has spent most of the week at his golf club in New Jersey with much of his tweeting focused on tal...Keep on reading: Trump dismisses worries of recession, says economy is strong

Wearing plaster was too painful for him,« said director Andoy Ranay, who confirmed that actor JC Santos had opted to let it all »hang loose« while working on his sex scenes in their latest movie, »Open.« »We had to work on several delicate sex scenes, and we were sure that the audience would notice it if we faked it, so JC said [we should] leave it up to him. He promised to be the one to make sure that his privates would not get exposed to the camera," Andoy recalled, adding that JC did manage to do that, but failed to hide it from costar Arci Muoz, who was in front of him. Andoy said the same thing happened while JC was shooting his love scene with another female cast member, ...Keep on reading: JC Santos, costars no qualms about taking clothes off in ‘Open’

Katrina Halili hasn't been in a serious romantic relationship in seven years, but she doesn't mind. In fact, she said she's starting to appreciate life being single. «I realized that I'm happy even if I'm solo. I'm also enjoying work. Maybe it's because I'm becoming more mature and I know myself better,» the actress told reporters at a recent press conference. While she's open to dating, Katrina said she has yet to meet someone she could see herself spending time with on a long term basis. «At this point in my life, I'm looking for something serious,» she said. "However, I'm honestly not used to dating. I prefer starting out as friends with someone; I think that's a good fou...Keep on reading: Katrina happy being single

Marco Gumabao was all cool and composed while filming his intimate scenes with Anne Curtis for their coming sexy drama flick, «Just a Stranger.» Or at least he tried to look like it. But on the inside, admittedly, his «heart was racing.» «Of course, I didn't want to show anyone that I was feeling nervous, but I really, really was,» he told reporters at a recent press conference for the movie, which opens in cinemas on Aug. 21. «It was my first [time] doing such kind of scenes,» he explained. Making things more nerve-wracking for the 25-year-old actor was that his leading lady was Anne, whom he looks up to. "It was a privilege ... I couldn't believe I was paired with her. I was...Keep on reading: Why Anne Curtis had to guide costar Marco Gumabao in their film’s sexy scenes

MANILA, Philippines --- The number coding scheme is lifted in Quezon City on Monday, Aug. 19, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said on Sunday. The coding scheme, however, still applies on EDSA and C5 within Quezon City, the MMDA said in tweet in response to a motorist's question. https://twitter.com/MMDA/status/1163094706873462784?s=20 The MMDA advised motorists to contact the Quezon City Traffic Hotline 122 for questions. Aug. 19, the birthdate of former President Manuel L. Quezon, is a special non-working holiday in the city. Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte announced the holiday on her Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/MayorJoyBelmonte/photos/...Keep on reading: Vehicle coding scheme lifted in QC on Monday, Aug. 19

PASAY CITY, Philippines --- Two Mindanaoans bagged the top crowns at the 2019 Mutya Pilipinas pageant, dominating a field of 40 contenders from around the country and from different parts of the world. Klyza Castro from Davao City took home the Mutya Pilipinas-Asia Pacific International crown, while April Short of Zamboanga City received the new title Mutya Pilipinas-World Top Model in ceremonies staged at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, Sunday night. Castro will have to quickly buckle down to work as her next pageant assignment is not only getting close, she would also have to secure a back-to-back win for the Philippines. She inherited her Mutya crown from reigning M...Keep on reading: Mindanao dominates Mutya Pilipinas 2019 pageant

MANILA, Philippines --- Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo on Sunday fired back at Sen. Panfilo Lacson for insinuating that he was speaking for the Chinese Embassy when he shared to the media its ambassador's reaction to fears that some Chinese workers in the country could spy on Philippine military bases. «There is nothing wrong with sharing the text message of Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua as the same was made to provide a context and response to a query from a media reporter,» Panelo said in a statement. Panelo earlier told reporters that he received a text message from the ambassador, who denounced claims that Chinese nationals working in Philippine offshore gaming op...Keep on reading: Panelo hits back at Lacson for ‘Chinese Embassy spokesman’ jab