Former Philippine “Drag Den” contestant, Pura Luka Vega has faced backlash from several municipalities of the Philippines, after her faith-centric Drag performance in July, which had gone viral. Vega received the title of “persona non grata” or an unwelcome person, from Manila; General Santos City; Floridablanca, Pampanga and Toboso, Negros Occidental.

“Tell me EXACTLY what I did wrong. I’m open for a dialogue and yet cities have been declaring persona non grata without even knowing me or understanding the intent of the performance. Drag is art. You judge me yet you don’t even know me,” remarked a dismayed Vega yesterday.

Public discussions on Vega’s polarising act have been rife, with viewers offering personal interpretations. Opinions varied, from applauding Vega’s courage to harsh criticism of her allegedly transgressing religious boundaries, disrespecting people’s beliefs in the process. Some remarks included…

“It was all wrong! You’ve disrespected the entire Roman Catholic Church!

“Drag is indeed an art form. However, that’s not a carte blanche for belittling people’s convictions. Your act could be just as entertaining without being offensive. If you think entertaining people gives you any freedom to do anything, you shouldn’t be performing at all.”

On July 13, undeterred Vega defended her act, “I understand that people call my performance blasphemous, offensive, or regrettable. However, they shouldn’t tell me how I practice my faith or how I do my drag. That performance was not for you to begin with. It is my experience, and my expression, of having been denied my rights.”

Her performance has elicited not just public comments but drew attention and remarks from local celebrities and significant political figures too. Senate President Miguel Zubiri referred to her performance as “the height of misuse and abuse of our freedom of expression that borders on criminal activity.”

Senator JV Ejercito had an equally strong reaction to Vega’s act, “This is blasphemy. This disrespects my faith. This is crossing a line.”

Although the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines made it clear that they would not take legal action against Vega’s performance, a coalition of Christian church leaders declared their intention of pressing charges against Pura over her controversial rendition reported Manila Bulletin.

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Stepping up in a bid to boost profitability, Walt Disney Co. is planning a price increase on its ad-free versions of streaming services Disney+ and Hulu set for October, according to information provided by the firm’s Chief Executive Officer, Bob Iger. Furthermore, the company is set to crack down on password sharing, with measures anticipated to be in place throughout next year.

The hike represents a roughly 27% increase to nearly $14 for the ad-free Disney+ and a 20% increase on ad-free Hulu to approximately $18. It is worth noting that this rise in price for Hulu makes it more costly than Netflix’s most popular advert-free tier.

Iger’s statement followed the company’s assessment of its fiscal third quarter ended on July 1, showing a mixed picture. For the third quarter, despite Disney posting a 4% rise in revenue, it also reported a significant net loss of $460 million. This is a drastic downturn from the prior year’s profit of $1.4 billion.

The streaming service Disney+ reported a dip in subscribers for both domestic markets, the United States and Canada, as well as internationally for the past two quarters consecutively. Internationally, it recorded a 7.4% drop in subscribers to 146.1 million from the second quarter’s total of 157.8 million.

Iger intimated that the price hikes aim to direct the consumers towards the less costly ad-supported tiers of these services, where prices remain steady. He stated, “We’re obviously trying with our pricing strategy to migrate more subs to the advertising-supported tier.”

While the tactic for curbing password-sharing hasn’t been clarified in detail, Iger suggested it could generate benefits for Disney in 2024. However, he revealed that this endeavour ‘might not be completed’ within that year and Disney’s expectations of how many password sharers may transform to paid subscriptions remain unknown, reported Manila Times.

Despite strides towards profitability, Disney’s latest strategies have met with scepticism. Analyst Paul Verna with Insider Intelligence expressed doubts over the efficacy of price hikes and curbing password sharing to guide Disney towards sustainable growth.

Disney’s current focus is a strategic reorganization, including trimming down about 7,000 jobs to conserve around $5.5 billion company-wide.

Disney, under the helm of Iger since his return last November, has been manoeuvring to readjust its streaming business whilst ensuring their theme parks’ success remains unscathed. As recognised by industry experts, Disney’s theme parks are a critical element of the company’s revenue. In response, Iger has prioritised reviving the faith of Disney theme park enthusiasts in the brand.

In other news, ESPN, a subsidiary of the Walt Disney Company, recently inked a profitable deal to rebrand a sports-betting app owned by Penn Entertainment as ESPN Bet. Penn Entertainment has agreed to pay $1.5 billion and additional considerations for exclusive rights to the ESPN name while retaining the app’s ownership and operation.

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A significant blunder made by six members of the Navotas City police resulted in the tragic death of Jerhode Jemboy Baltazar, a lad of merely 17 years. Mistaking him for the suspect they were hunting down, they fatally shot him while the unsuspecting victim was boarding a boat. The erroneous incident occurred on August 2 and the Northern Police District (NPD) is now readying criminal and administrative charges against the six officers involved.

The Navotas city police chief, Allan Umipig, reportedly confirmed yesterday to The Manila Times that these six officers, their names unrevealed as of now, have already been relocated to the NPD’s custodial facility. Prior to the unfortunate mishap, they had been carrying out a follow-up operation post a shooting event in Barangay NBBS-Kaunlaran which turned deadly following their receipt of a misguided tip-off concerning the presence of their original target.

Appallingly, the officers did not hesitate to shoot young Baltazar, which resulted in his untimely demise. Allan Umipig, expressing remorse over the matter, conceded to there being a massive oversight committed by the officers.

He disclosed, “Jerhode Jemboy Baltazar met his end through our unfortunate mistake. His family, shocked and grieving, have understandably lodged a homicide complaint before the City Prosecutor’s Office.” The regrettable incident has roused a sense of profound sorrow among the city’s folks.

Beyond the city police’s accountability, Mayor John Rey Tiangco also weighed in on the tragic occurrence that has stirred significant unease and critique. Anguished by the death of the teenager, he extended his heartfelt condolences to the victim’s kin, reported Manila Times.

Mayor Tiangco stated, “We at the city government are deeply saddened by the wrongful death of the young lad. We extend our sincerest condolences to the family of the victim and pledge to support them in this challenging time through the aid they require.”

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Six decades of Mitsubishi’s presence in the Philippines’ automotive landscape was commemorated with an extensive exhibition by Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC). The event, hosted at the World Trade Centre in Pasay City, marks the company’s commitment to long-standing local operations and future plans.

The expo, inaugurated by Takeshi Hara, President and CEO of MMPC, not only highlighted key milestones over the past 60 years but also unveiled the launch of Mitsubishi’s new Triton pickup truck. This signifies the likelihood that the Strada nameplate would eventually be phased out.

The vehicles showcased at the exhibition catered to both automobile aficionados and casual observers. This included present offerings such as the L300, Mirage, Mirage G4, Montero Sport, Outlander PHEV, and Strada. An array of classic Mitsubishi models from yesteryears were also proudly on display representing a rich lineage of the brand in the country.

Adding further to the anticipation, Mitsubishi’s future fleet was represented by the XFC Concept and the XRT Concept vehicles, generating excitement about the company’s future direction in the automotive industry. The expo continues until Sunday, August 13.

“We’re aiming to sell 75,000 vehicles this year,” stated Jack Ramirez Jr., the First Vice President for Sales and Marketing at MMPC. He mentioned that this figure represented the minimum sales volume the company hopes to achieve.

Ramirez reported that the company had sold 43,831 vehicles in the first half of 2023, and in the entirety of 2022, MMPC had clocked sales of 60,630 units. However, he candidly mentioned the upcoming excise tax on pickup trucks would be a challenge in achieving their sales targets reported Manila Times.

Additionally, Ramirez stated, “The figures that we currently have this year (for ourselves and for our competitors) are only the current models. If they introduce a new model, we have to come up with better offers, and better quality of services, which in turn is where we are focusing now.”

Despite potential challenges, MMPC stands ready to debut its Triton pickup truck, in a bid to phase out the Strada, one of the country’s top-selling pickup trucks.

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As the number of leptospirosis cases surges in Quezon City, local authorities are striving to forge a formidable fight against the inflicting illness. Just yesterday, a staggering increase was noted, with ten reported cases in a single day. To counteract this health predicament, Mayor Maria Josefina ‘Joy’ Belmonte coordinated with the chief of the city’s Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Unit (CESU), Dr Rolando Cruz, to reinforce the campaign against this menacing malady.

“The observation of ten cases in one day on August 1 calls for swift preventative actions,” said Mayor Belmonte. “To combat this predicament, we implore the cooperation of all relevant entities, particularly the barangay officials, in synchronising efforts with our health department.”

Antibiotics have been rolled out in barangay healthcare centres to keep the disease under control. Moreover, these necessary provisions have also been afforded to the city’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office’s frontline staff.

Dr Cruz iterated that giving antibiotics as a prophylactic measure to individuals at high risk – particularly those with a history of wading in floodwaters – is vital to decrease infection probability. He maintained, “This will also serve as preliminary treatment for leptospirosis-diagnosed individuals.”

Furthermore, he stressed the importance of early diagnosis to avoid severe repercussions that entail hospitalization. The city officials have urged at-risk residents, distinctively those who experience fever after exposure to floodwaters, to immediately visit their nearest barangay health centre for assessment and apt treatment reported Manila Times.

According to CESU, a notable increase in leptospirosis cases was observed over the past fortnight, with 26 cases reported from July 22 to August 4. The city government emphasised the significance of preventive measures including steering clear of wading or swimming in floodwaters and donning protective gear, such as boots, gloves, and masks during floods.

“People must bear in mind that leptospirosis can be contracted from ingestion of contaminated food or water, or when the bacteria find their way into the body via the mouth, nose and eyes; or through open wounds and cuts,” warned Dr Cruz. His caution drew attention to the fact that the disease is transmitted through the urine or faeces of infected animals, predominantly rats.

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Positive strides towards improving local healthcare were evident in Tagaytay City, Cavite, as the groundbreaking ceremony for a state-of-the-art Super Health Centre (SHC) took place yesterday. The Department of Health in Calabarzon and local authorities, including the Mayor of the city, came together in Barangay Sungay Wes to initiate the development of what will be the 15th such health centre in the area.

Leading the ceremony, and marking a significant moment in their shared commitment to bolster the local health framework were Dr. Ariel Valencia, a notable regional director of the Department of Health; Mayor Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino; and Aniela Tolentino, who represents the Eighth District of Cavite.

In a statement shared by Dr Valencia, it was made clear that this P10 million project is not in isolation. It sits as the 15th in a steadily rising tally of Super Health Centres in the Cavite province. “Out of 23 localities here, this is the 15th including the under-construction SHCs in General Trias, Imus, Bacoor and Dasmariñas. Hopefully, we can build an SHC in all localities,” he elaborated.

Quoted in a separate paragraph, Mayor Tolentino was keen to emphasise the anticipated positive impacts the newest Super Health Centre will have on the health and well-being of the Tagaytay community. It signifies a tangible increase in emphasis on health as a primary concern and provides a beacon of progress in a region continuously striving to enhance its healthcare services reported Manila Times.

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Significant recognition was bestowed upon the Caloocan Police Station as it was named the 2023 Best Police Station by the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). This prestigious title was awarded thanks to its exceptional anti-drug operations. Mayor Dale Gonzalo Malapitan expressed his proud congratulations to the city police, commending their outstanding efforts under the leadership of Col. Ruben Lacuesta.

The accolade to Caloocan Police was given on an August day in Camp Bagong Diwa, Bicutan, Taguig City. San Juan City Mayor Francisco Javier Zamora, also the Metro Manila Council Chairman, and representatives of PDEA-National Capital Region were the officiating parties.

Lacuesta’s dedicated team was recognised due to their extraordinary achievement – the seizure of over 70,000 kilograms of illegal drugs. These prohibited substances, seized between May of the previous year and June of this year, have a street value of P87 million.

Malapitan utilised this opportunity to encourage all inhabitants of the city to contribute to the municipal government’s ambition: transforming Caloocan into a drug-free city.

Both Lacuesta and Malapitan enthusiastically agreed on how this award will serve as a source of inspiration. Simultaneously, they ensured that the city’s law enforcement and the government will not grow complacent in their rigorous campaign against narcotics, reported Manila Times.

As they let The Manila Times in on their shared goal during separate discussions, they both articulated their shared promise, “We have vowed to eradicate illegal drug activities in the city, and we spare no one in this fight.”

Lacuesta expressed his gratitude towards Malapitan, acknowledging his unwavering support of the city police. He stressed the Mayor’s assistance was not only confined to their anti-drug manoeuvres but extended to their other enforcement programmes as well. The Mayor’s ongoing support has played an integral role in aiding the city police to secure the city, and his contributions are highly valued.

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In an unexpected turn of events, a comprehensive scientific probe led by the University of Oxford’s Internet Institute concluded on Wednesday, showing there was ‘no evidence’ that a rise in Facebook usage led to significant psychological damage. This report, the most wide-ranging independent audit on the matter, contradicts popular beliefs and past critiques. The study scrutinised data from approximately one million users across 72 nations spanning over twelve years, discovering ‘positive correlations’ between elements of wellness and social media app engagement.

The research team combined Gallup’s well-being information with Facebook’s global membership statistics, studying how interaction on the platform correlated with life satisfaction and negative and positive psychological experiences.

Facebook had supplied the necessary data, examined by their own researchers for accuracy. However, they did not bankroll, manipulate the study’s structure, or know the outcomes beforehand, as clarified by the Oxford crew. For impartiality, the report also went through a peer review process via the Royal Society Open Science journal.

Andrew Przybylski, an academic at Oxford University with expertise in human behaviour and technology, articulated the outcomes. He stated that after thoroughly examining the best available data, they could not find any proof that Facebook usage is harmful. ‘On the contrary,’ he highlights, ‘our analysis suggests a potential correlation between Facebook usage and positive mental well-being.’

Nevertheless, Przybylski was also careful to clarify that this statement does not imply Facebook can be proven as beneficial for users’ well-being reported Manila Times.

The project was initiated before the Covid-19 pandemic and required more than two years to compile the essential data from Facebook. Currently, the social media giant boasts nearly three billion users globally. However, for this study, the team focused on the platform’s international reach and penetration from 2008 to 2019. This was then collated with responses of 946,798 individuals about their wellbeing during the same time span, as part of Gallup’s World Poll Survey.

Matti Vuorre, a Research Associate and co-author of the study, claimed that their investigative approach was the first of its kind in the domain of social media research. The findings ‘should help guide the debate surrounding social media towards more empirical research foundations,’ he said.

This groundbreaking research’s conclusions are at odds with prior studies, which include two separate scholarly analyses from last year that associated Facebook usage with diminishing mental health among US college students. It also counters various lawsuits in the United States.

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The unabating global passion for Korean pop culture, a phenomenon widely known as the Hallyu wave, has elongated its influence and it is now more visible in the way we eat and appreciate food. This growing fondness is amply evidenced by the opening of the second outlet of bb.q chicken in the heart of Quezon City. Having already received a warm reception from Filipinos in their pioneer branch, they’ve decided to satiate the public’s growing craving for authentic Korean fare further.

Originating from South Korea, bb.q Chicken has been a prominent name in the Korean fast food landscape, and its title is not for show. ‘Best of the Best Quality’ is the full form of ‘bb.q’, reflecting its commitment to providing premium quality and taste in each of its offerings. This diligence in preserving quality has reverberated globally, resulting in a successful chain of over 3,500 branches worldwide.

A distinguishing component of the bb.q Chicken brand is its Chicken University, situated in Seoul. Since its establishment in 1995, it has been a haven for food research and development—a fusion of rich culinary tradition with the latest indiscretions of the food technology sphere. Their signature cooking method, which includes detailed processes like hand brushing, hand battering, extensive frying and sauce addition, is aimed at producing a unique savoury experience for its consumers.

The arrival of bb.q Chicken in the Philippines came about through the collaborative efforts of the LCS Group, led by former Governor Luis Singson of Ilocos Sur and his daughter Richelle Singson-Michael alongside Genesis BBQ Group. The brand’s fried chicken encased within a crunchy texture, quickly made waves among the Filipino community. It has rapidly become the ultimate comfort food and has sparked a crispy chicken revolution of sorts in the Philippines, reported Manila Times.

The plans to turn the Philippines into bb.q Chicken’s core operational base in South East Asia is already in progress, with many more branches expected to grace the archipelago in the foreseeable future. The menu of the food chain is adorned with favourites like the hot spicy, secret chicken, Gangnam-style, and Cheesling chicken. Additional offerings include the tteokbokki platter, salads, and a diverse array of delectable desserts.

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In an exciting development for K-pop followers, boy band BoyNextDoor is all set to make a significant impact on the music scene with their first mini-album next month. The band, made up of talented individuals Sungho, Riwoo, Jaehyun, Taesan, Leehan and Woonhak, will soon release their much-awaited mini-album aptly titled “Why..” on September 4.

This promising group initially garnished considerable attention three months prior, when they adeptly showcased their musical prowess, combined with the artistic acumen of Koz Entertainment – known for their association with top-chart artist Zico, and the structural support provided by the HYBE. Their debut single album, “WHO!” was a testament to their potential, and they are all set to succeed with their forthcoming mini-album.

The band has strategically planned their promotional schedule in anticipation of their release. The first step is the revelation of a trailer film on August 13, swiftly followed by the release of a content piece titled “WHY are you so..?” two days later. The eager fans can expect the reveal of the EP’s tracklist on August 17 and can anticipate two distinctly themed concept photos, named “Moody” and “Dazed,” which will be shared from August 20 to August 23. Augmenting the excitement, the team has planned to release a track spoiler and an official music video teaser–which will be unveiled on August 27 and 31 respectively.

It is worth noting that BoyNextDoor made its mark in the industry with its debut single album “WHO!” which was released on May 30. This forthcoming mini-album deepens their narrative and is expected to solidify their foothold in the ever-evolving world of K-pop. The anticipation among the followers is palpable as the world looks forward to what BoyNextDoor brings to the table this time reported Manila Bulletin.

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