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Philippines’ Dinorado Achieves Global Recognition

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Philippines’ Dinorado Achieves Global Recognition
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Dinorado rice has placed the Philippines firmly on the global culinary map after being named second best rice in the world at the World’s Best Rice Awards 2025 held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The Department of Agriculture announced the win, celebrating the variety’s signature tenderness, aroma, and flavor.

A Strong Finish Against Global Favorites

This year’s competition was tight, with Dinorado finishing just behind two gold winners, Vietnam’s ST25, a three-time champion, and Cambodia’s Phka Rumdoul, known for its floral fragrance. The recognition puts Dinorado in league with the world’s elite rice varieties.

A Product of Filipino Innovation

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Developed in 2009 by the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), Dinorado, also known as Rc218, was designed to elevate everyday meals with its softness and fragrant quality. Its combination of high eating quality and strong yield potential has made it a favorite among both consumers and farmers.

More Than Quality: A Statement of Identity

For industry leaders, the victory carries deeper meaning. Rowena Sadicon, founder of the Philippine Rice Industry Stakeholders Movement, said the award is “not just about quality, it’s about identity,” emphasizing that the Philippines is capable of producing rice that stands proudly on the world stage.

A Triumph for Farmers and Scientists

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Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. hailed the achievement as proof of what collaboration between Filipino farmers and scientists can accomplish. The award underscores the country’s ability to produce sustainable, world-class rice despite being one of the world’s largest importers.

A Win That Elevates the Nation

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Dinorado’s success is more than a medal, it’s a celebration of Filipino craftsmanship, perseverance, and agricultural excellence. Each grain is a reminder that the Philippines can grow not just rice, but global recognition and pride.

Morning Intimacy Improves Job Performance

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Morning Intimacy Improves Job Performance
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Morning intimacy is emerging as an unexpected workplace booster, with new research suggesting that early-hour affection may set the tone for a more driven and energized day. 

A survey of full-time American workers shows that those who start their mornings with physical intimacy tend to feel more centered, uplifted, and ready to take on demanding schedules.

Productivity Over Coffee

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Respondents reported higher levels of motivation, sharper focus, and a stronger sense of productivity after morning intimacy. 

Many noted that they completed more tasks and approached daily responsibilities with a heightened sense of clarity, creating a smoother workflow before lunchtime.

Career Momentum

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The study highlights a connection between morning intimacy and professional gains. A notable portion of participants experienced promotions or raises within the past year, suggesting that improved mood and mental readiness may influence long-term career growth. 

Executives and business owners showed the strongest link between early intimacy and workplace success.

Generations And Habits

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Gen X and boomer employees lead in morning intimacy frequency, with millennials close behind. Gen Z participates as well, though more sporadically, often citing late arrivals after extended slow starts to their day. 

Industries like marketing, hospitality, and entertainment show the highest engagement, aligning with roles that require energy and confidence.

Mental Well-being Benefits

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Participants also described improved emotional stability and reduced stress levels when beginning the day with intimacy. The release of endorphins appears to create a calm, steady foundation that helps workers approach challenges with balanced mood and stronger self-assurance.

As workplaces continue to explore new strategies for enhancing performance and preventing burnout, morning intimacy stands out as a surprisingly simple habit with measurable benefits. For many, it offers a revitalizing start that blends personal connection with professional advantage, creating a more positive rhythm for the day ahead.

North Korea Bans Suicide

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North Korea Bans Suicide
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North Korea is reportedly experiencing a dramatic increase in suicides, with intelligence estimates suggesting a 40 percent rise from the previous year.  

A Drastic Response

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In reaction to this surge, Kim Jong Un has issued a secret order through local party committees, declaring that suicide is forbidden and must be prevented.  

Politicizing Despair

The regime has characterized suicide as an “act of treason against socialism,” framing self-harm not merely as a personal tragedy but as a political crime.  

Accountability at All Levels

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Local government officials are being held responsible for preventing suicide in their jurisdictions. The order reportedly threatens them with consequences if they fail to curb the trend.  

Desperation in the Provinces

At emergency meetings across the country, officials reportedly received grim data: dozens of suicides, including entire families, were documented in regions such as Chongjin and Kyongsong.  

Voices of Rebellion

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Some suicide notes shared in these gatherings directly criticized the state and its social system, a risk the regime clearly fears, interpreting them as political dissent.  

Starvation at the Core

Sources suggest that the root cause of much of this despair is severe poverty and widespread hunger.  

Punishing the Families

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Beyond targeting individuals, the government appears to be using “crime-by-association” logic. Relatives of those who attempt or commit suicide may face political and social repercussions.  

A Hidden Crisis

Analysts argue that by stamping suicide as a political betrayal, the regime is also criminalizing a humanitarian crisis, masking the desperate conditions driving North Koreans toward self-destruction.  

The Stakes for Officials

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For local leaders, preventing suicide has become not just a moral duty but a political imperative. Their careers, and perhaps more, may depend on reducing the death toll.  

A Grim Warning

Across the country, the message is clear: suicide is no longer a private act of pain, but a perceived betrayal of the regime. Those who fail may pay with their lives, and so may their families. 

China Launches Record-Breaking 10G Internet

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China Launches Record-Breaking 10G Internet
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China has launched the world’s first 10G broadband network in Sunan County, Hebei Province. Built by Huawei and China Unicom, it sets a new global standard for fast and reliable internet.

How the Technology Works

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The network uses 50G PON, an upgraded fiber-optic system that delivers much higher speeds than regular home internet. This technology allows more data to move quickly and smoothly through the network.

Fast, Smooth, and Powerful

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Tests show impressive results: download speeds of 9,834 Mbps, upload speeds of 1,008 Mbps, and latency as low as 3 milliseconds. This means websites load instantly, videos stream without buffering, and online tasks feel more responsive.

Better Experiences at Home

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With these speeds, advanced digital tools work even better. Cloud apps run faster, VR and AR feel more realistic, 8K videos play effortlessly, and smart-home devices respond more reliably.

Faster Downloads Than Ever

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A 20 GB 4K movie that normally takes up to 10 minutes on a standard 1 Gbps connection can now be downloaded in less than 20 seconds. This changes how quickly people can access large files.

Leading the Global Race

The rollout puts China ahead of countries like the UAE and Qatar in high-speed broadband development. It also shows China’s growing focus on next-generation digital technology.

Helping Key Public Services

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The benefits go beyond entertainment. Healthcare can use clearer telemedicine tools, schools gain better online learning, and farms can improve smart agriculture with real-time data.

A Step Toward the Future

This first 10G network is the starting point for wider upgrades across the country. It demonstrates how next-level broadband can shape smarter homes, better services, and a more connected society.

The Patek Philippe “Zebra”: Can You Guess Its Price Tag?

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The Patek Philippe “Zebra”: Can You Guess Its Price Tag?
Photo from Patek Philippe Official Facebook Page

Patek Philippe unveils the Gondolo Serata “Zebra” Ref. 4962/200R-010, a jewelry watch that blends elegance with a daring artistic vision. The model stands out immediately with its sapphire-crystal dial, designed to look vivid, sculpted, and full of movement.

A Dial With Depth

Photo from The Hour Glass Facebook Page

The dial begins as a solid sapphire plate that is carved and worked on multiple layers. Black varnish, metallisation, and white varnish are added to the reverse side, creating a zebra motif with a three-dimensional effect. The translucent sapphire and dark stripes interact with light, giving the watch a sense of depth and quiet drama.

Classic Touches

Photo from Lucerne Facebook Page

Applied rose-gold Breguet numerals at 12 and 6 anchor the design, while leaf-shaped hands soften the look with a touch of classic refinement. The logo appears to float above the stripes, enhancing the illusion of depth that defines the entire dial.

Nature Reimagined

Photo from Lucerne Facebook Page

Instead of treating the zebra pattern as a simple print, the design explores contrast—light and shadow, calm and energy. The result is a watch that feels poetic, artistic, and rooted in the careful craftsmanship associated with Patek Philippe.

A Heritage Reawakened

Photo from Lucerne Facebook Page

First introduced in 2006, the Gondolo Serata collection has always been known for its sensual curves influenced by Art Deco. The Zebra edition revives this silhouette with a modern twist, combining vintage charm with a more vivid and expressive presence.

Innovation in Craft

Photo from Lucerne Facebook Page

Rather than using enamel, the maison chose a sapphire dial engraved and finished on both sides. Black varnish, black metallisation, and white varnish on the underside produce a contemporary take on the zebra theme, reminiscent of the innovative techniques seen in the brand’s Rare Handcrafts creations.

Gemsetting in Motion

The rose-gold case is framed by 94 brilliant-cut spessartites arranged in a double gradient. Cognac tones fade into bright tangerine hues, echoing a warm savannah sunset. The gemsetting highlights the curved, waisted case shape and adds a fluid sense of movement on the wrist.

A Quartz Heart

Inside is the Calibre E15 quartz movement, chosen for its precision and ease of use. Even with quartz technology, the movement receives the same polished and hand-finished treatment found across the manufacture’s mechanical calibres.

Modern Femininity

The Gondolo Serata “Zebra” blends structure with spontaneity, refinement with boldness. Its sapphire dial creates a sense of mystery and transparency, capturing a modern expression of femininity through form, color, and craft.

McLaren Disqualified in Las Vegas

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McLaren Disqualified in Las Vegas
Photo from McLaren Official Facebook Page

McLaren had a tough weekend at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were disqualified because their cars failed post-race checks. The rear skid blocks on both cars were thinner than the 9mm limit, which is not allowed under F1 rules.

Championship Standings Shake-Up

Photo from McLaren Official Facebook Page

The disqualifications changed the championship battle. Max Verstappen, the race winner, is now level on points with Oscar Piastri at 366. Lando Norris still leads with 390 points, but the title race is now much closer with only two rounds left.

Technical Issue Confirmed

Photo from McLaren Official Facebook Page

The FIA stewards measured the cars and confirmed the rear skids did not meet the rules. The breach was considered unintentional. McLaren is not the first team to have this problem this season, other drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Nico Hulkenberg faced similar disqualifications.

Race Recap

Photo from McLaren Official Facebook Page

Norris started on pole and tried to pass Verstappen at the start but ran wide and fell back. Later, he was told to slow down due to fuel concerns. Piastri recovered after a first-lap incident and gained positions through good strategy but was also disqualified.

Title Fight Intensifies

Photo from McLaren Official Facebook Page

With two races and one Sprint left, 58 points are still up for grabs. The disqualifications have made the championship fight even tighter, setting up a dramatic finish to the 2025 season.

Siblings Shine as PNLE 2025 Topnotchers

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Siblings Shine as PNLE 2025 Topnotchers
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It’s not every day that two sisters land in the Top 10 of the Philippine Nursing Licensure Examination, but that’s exactly what Quisha Mariz G. Villacorta (TOP 5) and Shariz G. Villacorta (TOP 9) achieved, together, side by side, just as they’ve always been.

Their story doesn’t start with board reviewers or sleepless nights. It starts way back in Grade 1, when their mother decided to enroll them at the same time. What seemed like a simple decision became the beginning of a bond that would shape their entire academic lives. They were never classmates, but they grew up learning from each other. Quisha, the achiever, Valedictorian in Cebu City Science High School and a Magna Cum Laude graduate, naturally became the older sister Shariz looked up to. And Shariz, inspired by her Ate’s example, pushed herself until she walked the stage as a Cum Laude.

Photo from Quisha Mariz Gacasan Villacorta

Preparing for the boards brought them even closer. They seriously started their review around August, often studying in the same room, asking questions, quizzing each other, and laughing through the stress when it all got too heavy. Shariz admits she constantly bothered her sister with questions and doubts she didn’t dare to tell anyone else. But Quisha, ever patient, always listened, always explained, always reassured her.

There were nights when both of them were tired, anxious, or discouraged, but they never let each other fall behind. They learned to balance their strengths and weaknesses, to rest when needed, and to remind each other that they weren’t going through this alone.

Photo from Shariz Gacasan Villacorta

So when the results came out and they saw both their names among the Top 10, it wasn’t just pride they felt. It was a relief. Gratitude. Joy. And the quiet realization that they really did it together.

“We wanted to ace this together, and we did,” Shariz said. “I feel so blessed to have a study mate, a friend, and a sister all in one person.”

For future PNLE takers, their message is simple and honest: no one ever feels 100% ready. What matters is the process, using your time well, trusting the people who support you, and having someone to share the struggle with. “If we were able to do it,” Shariz said, “anyone can.”

Photo from Pexels

The Villacorta sisters’ achievement is more than just two numbers in a list. It’s a celebration of family, teamwork, and love, proof that when you lift each other, you rise higher than you ever could alone.

PH and Korea Formalize Legal Path for Seasonal Workers

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PH and Korea Formalize Legal Path for Seasonal Workers
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The Philippines and South Korea have formalized a legal pathway for Filipino seasonal farm workers through a newly signed Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC). This major policy shift aims to regulate deployment under the Seasonal Workers Program (SWP) and ensure stronger protection for migrant laborers.

Government Collaboration Behind the Agreement

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The JMC was signed by multiple Philippine agencies, the DMW, DILG, DOJ, DA, BI, and LGU representatives, alongside the Embassy of the Republic of Korea. The partnership sets clear standards for recruitment and deployment, replacing the old local government–to–local government system.

Visa Options and Earnings

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Under the SWP, Filipino workers may now apply for either a 3-month short-term employment visa or a 5-month seasonal visa, extendable by another 3 months. The program offers an average net monthly income of approximately ₱60,000, making it a highly sought-after overseas opportunity.

DMW Takes Full Control of Recruitment

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A central change in the JMC places full responsibility for screening, recruitment, and deployment on the DMW. Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac emphasized that applicants must apply directly to the department — not to LGUs — to protect workers from illegal recruiters promising high salaries.

Problems Under the Old System

Previously, the SWP relied on sister-city partnerships between Philippine and Korean LGUs. While it provided manpower for Korean agriculture and fisheries, it also resulted in 150 complaints from 3,353 deployed workers, including cases of physical abuse, medical emergencies, illegal deductions, and four deaths from natural causes.

Moratorium and Transition Phase

Due to these issues, the DMW imposed a moratorium on January 11, 2024, before introducing temporary guidelines. Under those interim rules, 11,778 workers were deployed without incident, paving the way for permanent regulations under the new circular.

Standardized Process for Applicants

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The JMC outlines a unified recruitment pathway. Applicants will undergo Korean language lessons, employment orientation, contract review, insurance enrollment, OWWA membership, and monitoring of workplace conditions, all overseen by the DMW to ensure transparency and safety.

Strict Ban on Brokers and Middlemen

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Private recruitment agencies and brokers are now explicitly banned. Four individuals are already facing criminal charges for illegal recruitment, with penalties reaching up to life imprisonment due to multiple victims involved.

Strengthening Protection and Bilateral Cooperation

Through the centralized system, the Philippines aims to eliminate vulnerabilities from the previous LGU-based approach. The JMC solidifies a more secure and equitable process, ensuring that Filipino seasonal workers in South Korea receive full protection, fair treatment, and dignified employment.

ENHYPEN Donates ₩100 million to Aid Philippine Flood Victims

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ENHYPEN Donates ₩100 million to Aid Philippine Flood Victims
Photo from Enhypen Facebook Page

K-pop powerhouse ENHYPEN has stepped forward to support the Philippines following catastrophic floods, donating ₩100 million (around ₱4 million) to aid affected communities. The group and their agency, Belift Lab, announced the contribution on Thursday, emphasizing their desire to help a country that has long embraced them.

A Special Bond With Filipino Fans

Photo from Enhypen Facebook Page

In a heartfelt statement, ENHYPEN explained that the severe flooding that displaced thousands deeply moved them. They highlighted the Philippines’ significance in their journey—most notably as the site of their first-ever stadium concert in Southeast Asia—and expressed hope that their donation, though modest, would help ease the burden on affected families.

Coordinated Relief Efforts

Photo from Enhypen Facebook Page

Belift Lab confirmed that the funds will be delivered through the Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association, working in collaboration with the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation. The agency shared that they hope the assistance will reach the hardest-hit areas and provide “meaningful help to those affected by the recent floods.”

A Group With Global Reach

Photo from Enhypen Facebook Page

Since debuting in 2020, ENHYPEN, Jungwon, Heeseung, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, and Ni-ki, has become a global force in K-pop. Known for their unique lore and razor-sharp performances, the group has earned five Billboard 200 top 10 albums, further solidifying their influence and the loyalty of fans worldwide.

A Country in Crisis

Photo from archive

The Philippines continues to recover after Super Typhoon Uwan submerged villages, caused mass evacuations, and destroyed infrastructure earlier this month, just weeks after Typhoon Tino ravaged the central islands. The compounded devastation prompted President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to declare a one-year state of national calamity to accelerate relief and rehabilitation efforts.

A Message of Strength and Solidarity

Photo from archive

Through their donation, ENHYPEN conveyed heartfelt support to Filipinos enduring the aftermath of the disasters. The group reassured fans and communities that the connection between ENHYPEN and the Philippines remains strong, offering a message of hope during a challenging time.

Sunrise to Sunset on Babag

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Sunrise to Sunset on Babag
Photo grab from Google Maps

Tired of Cebu’s busy streets? Mount Babag, Cebu City’s highest peak at 752 MASL, offers a refreshing hike with stunning city views. Its moderate trails are perfect for both beginners and seasoned hikers seeking a short adventure.

The Trails

Photo grab from Google Maps

From Napo, choose between Kahugan Trail, longer but easier, or Busan Trail, shorter and steeper. Ernie’s Trail, branching from Busan, is for those craving a challenge with its steep inclines and handholds.

Scenery & Wildlife

Photo grab from Google Maps

Enjoy mango groves, bamboo forests, and small waterfalls along the way. Birdwatchers may spot kingfishers, Brahminy kites, and the rare black shama. Every step offers picturesque views of Cebu City and the surrounding mountains.

Camping Options

Photo grab from Google Maps

Campers can pitch tents near the former Swiss Chalet Restaurant (20–35 tents) or at the quieter Manwel’s Peak (up to 9 tents) for a 360-degree view of Metro Cebu.

How To Get There?

Location: Cebu City, Philippines

By Car: From downtown Cebu, take Escario Street or Gorordo Avenue to Guadalupe. Continue up the ascending concrete-and-asphalt road through Sapangdaku until you reach Napo, the main jump-off. Parking is available at Napo.

By Commute: Take a jeepney bound for Guadalupe Church. From there, hire a habal-habal (motorcycle-for-hire) to Napo. The trek officially starts at the jump-off point.

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