Vaping is popular among teens and young adults due to its flavors and convenience, but it carries serious health risks.
What is Popcorn Lung?
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Popcorn lung, or bronchiolitis obliterans, scars the tiny airways in the lungs, causing coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. The damage is permanent.
The Chemical Connection
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Diacetyl, a buttery flavoring chemical, can scar lungs when inhaled. Some e-cigarettes and their flavor substitutes contain this or similar toxic chemicals.
Flavored E-Liquids Aren’t Safe
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Many flavoring agents are safe to eat but harmful to inhale. Heating them creates toxic byproducts that enter the lungs and bloodstream immediately.
Teen Vulnerability
Young lungs are still developing, and frequent vaping of flavored e-liquids increases the risk of respiratory illness and long-term lung damage.
No Cure, Only Prevention
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Popcorn lung cannot be reversed. Avoiding vaping, limiting exposure, and choosing safer alternatives are the only ways to protect lung health.
Secondhand Vapor Risks
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Exhaled vapor contains harmful chemicals, including nicotine and diacetyl, and can affect bystanders.
Vaping may seem harmless, but flavored e-cigarettes carry serious, irreversible lung risks. Awareness and caution are essential.
PhilHealth has increased its benefit package for HIV treatment, offering annual coverage of P58,500, nearly double the previous P30,000. This move aims to improve access to care for individuals living with HIV across the Philippines.
Rising HIV Cases
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Recent data from the Department of Health reported over 5,500 new HIV cases from July to September 2025. The increase has highlighted the need for stronger health interventions and expanded treatment options.
National Public Health Concern
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The growing number of HIV cases has prompted discussions about declaring a national public health emergency. This underscores the importance of early prevention, testing, and continuous treatment.
Comprehensive Treatment Coverage
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PhilHealth’s enhanced Outpatient HIV/AIDS Treatment (OHAT) Package now includes anti-retroviral therapy for all individuals with confirmed HIV test results, regardless of clinical or immunologic status. Additional services necessary for effective disease management are also covered.
Accessible Treatment Hubs
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The OHAT Package is available at 234 HIV treatment hubs nationwide, accredited by PhilHealth or designated by the Department of Health. These centers provide accessible and reliable care for patients across the country.
Significant Financial Support
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In 2024, PhilHealth disbursed P1.6 billion to cover 176,819 HIV treatment benefit claims, demonstrating the government’s commitment to addressing the rising HIV cases and supporting public health initiatives.
Located in the town of Ginatilan, Cebu, Bugnawan Falls is a breathtaking horse-tail waterfall that offers a refreshing escape from city life. Its falling waters create a perfect backdrop for photography or a quiet moment of relaxation.
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The natural pool at the base is ideal for a quick dip, especially on hot Cebuano afternoons. After visiting Bugnawan, you might want to explore nearby Inambakan Falls, which is just a short drive away.
Photo grab from Google Maps
How to Get There?
Location: Ginatilan, Cebu
By Car: From Cebu City, take the southern route via Naga City and continue along the Cebu South Road to Ginatilan. The drive usually takes about 3–3.5 hours. Once in Ginatilan town proper, follow local signs to Bugnawan Falls. A short habal-habal or motorbike ride may be needed to reach the trailhead, followed by a brief hike through lush greenery.
By Commute: From Cebu South Bus Terminal, ride a Ceres Liner bus bound for Bato via Barili or Oslob and tell the driver to drop you off at Ginatilan town proper. From there, take a habal-habal (motorbike taxi) to the falls. The trip from Cebu City can take 4–5 hours depending on traffic. Be sure to coordinate with local guides to ensure safe access, as the trail can be slippery after rain.
With commutes in Metro Cebu growing longer and rental prices climbing, young professionals are increasingly turning to co-living spaces. This trend has pushed Ayala Land to expand its CityFlats brand to meet the need for affordable, well-located housing.
A New Home in Cebu Business Park
CityFlats has launched its newest branch along Leyte Loop in Cebu Business Park, joining earlier locations in Makati, BGC, and Cebu IT Park. The development features 392 fully furnished rooms designed for today’s mobile, city-based workforce.
Co-Living and Hostel Options
About 80% of the property is dedicated to co-living units for long-term stays. These rooms come complete with a work station, bed, storage, kitchenette, air-conditioning, and a private toilet and bath. The remaining units operate as hostel rooms ideal for short-term guests, featuring queen or twin beds, a mini-refrigerator, TV, and kitchenette.
Accessible and Everyday-Friendly Design
Each floor includes PWD-friendly units, ensuring accessibility for more residents. Ground-floor retail options—starting with a convenience store and laundromat—are set to open soon, giving tenants easy access to essential services.
Community Spaces That Bring People Together
CityFlats highlights community living through its Social Hall, a shared area designed for wellness sessions, game nights, and resident events. The space encourages meaningful interactions and helps build a supportive living environment.
Flexible Rates for Different Lifestyles
The development offers varied stay options, from daily hostel rates beginning at ₱1,800 to monthly co-living leases starting at ₱6,100. These flexible packages make CityFlats a practical choice for employees, students, freelancers, and short-term workers.
Cebu’s dining scene is having a major glow-up. From Taiwanese dim sum to Japanese soufflé pancakes, from Italian pastas to local-favorite cafés going mall-big — the city’s food map is rapidly expanding. Whether you’re a foodie, a barkada ready for a food crawl, or just craving something new, here are 13 recently opened or newly expanded spots in Cebu that deserve a seat at your table!
Lugang Café at SM Seaside City Cebu
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Lugang Café launched its first branch in the Visayas on April 2, 2025 — bringing authentic Taiwanese flavors to Cebu’s south side. Expect their signature xiao long bao, three-cup chicken, and cozy interiors ideal for group dinners or chill nights out. This move marks a big step that Cebu foodies no longer need to fly to Manila for Lugang’s dim sum — not, it’s right here in the Visayas.
CIBO Italian Restaurant at SM City Cebu (and other branches)
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CIBO keeps growing in Cebu. In late 2025, it opened a new branch at SM City Cebu; its fourth store in the city. Known for “real modern Italian” fare, CIBO offers a welcome mix of cozy ambiance and hearty pasta, pizza, and steak dishes — a good fit for everything from barkada dinners to family meals.
Hoshino Coffee at SM JMall Cebu
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Japanese café culture touches down in Cebu! Hoshino Coffee, which is known for its hand-drip brews and soft soufflé pancakes, recently opened its first Cebu branch at SM JMall as part of a broader 2025 rollout. Perfect for brunch dates or calm coffee afternoons — especially for those who love a mellow but classy café vibe.
Yakiniku Like at SM JMall Cebu
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For solo diners or friends craving quick Japanese-style grilling, Yakiniku Like brings that solo-grill experience to Cebu. Light interiors, fast service, and quality meat — it’s ideal for those who just want “good food now” moments. A great pick for lunch breaks or late dinners when you want something hearty but hassle-free.
Twist & Buckle at SM JMall Cebu
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This isn’t just any dessert or snack bar. Twist & Buckle is Michelin-recognized from 2023 to 2025, and has landed in Cebu as part of SM’s large 2025 culinary rollout. If you’re craving for churros, gourmet snacks, and Instagram-perfect comfort food, this is the one to keep an eye on. A fun treat for barkada hangs or after-movie desserts.
Ooma at SM City Cebu
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A part of the 2025 expansion by major restaurant groups, Ooma is one of the soon-to-open spots expected to add fresh Japanese/Asian-fusion flavor to Cebu’s food map. It’s a brand worth watching, and it could become a new go-to for modern, fun dining experiences.
Manam at SM City Cebu
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Another buzz-worthy entry in the 2025 dining expansion. Manam is known for its reimagined Filipino comfort food; a nostalgic yet modern take on everyday favorites. Good bet for readers who love Filipino flavors but want a contemporary dining experience.
Wolfgang’s Steakhouse is expected at SM City Cebu soon
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For premium dining lovers, the famous Wolfgang’s Steakhouse that is known for their dry-aged beef and fine steakhouse vibes is among the anticipated new additions in Cebu’s 2025 restaurant wave. This could be a new hotspot for birthdays, celebrations, and nights when you want something “extra”.
Nagi Izakaya at SM City Cebu
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A modern take on Japanese pub-style dining, Nagi Izakaya rounds out the 2025 list of firsts for Cebu; offering fun and possibly more laid-back spots for group dinners, drinks, and comfort food. Good for friends looking for a chill night out with good food and drinks.
Tavolata at SM Malls
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A homegrown Italian restaurant making its debut in SM Cebu this 2025 that’s a nice bridge between familiar homestyle comfort and dining convenience. A solid option for readers who love pizza, pasta, or cozy Italian-style dinners without leaving Cebu
Starbucks at SM City Cebu
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Not just another café, this Starbucks store introduces a “first-in-the-Philippines” concept design, blending modern Filipino aesthetic with the global coffeehouse vibe. A unique twist for Cebu’s café-culture lovers. This is perfect for coffee lovers, study sessions, or quick meetups.
(Bonus) Hawker Chan / Tim Ho Wan as a part of the broader 2025 dining expansion wave
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Though not brand-new, both Michelin-starred hawker stall Hawker Chan and famous dim sum spot Tim Ho Wan are part of the recent wave of global, Michelin-recognized names expanding or already operating in Cebu malls, contributing to the “food renaissance” vibe in the city. They remain evergreen favorites, and their presence solidifies Cebu’s status as a growing foodie hub in Visayas.
But what is really happening in Cebu’s Dining Scene?
Mall-driven expansions lead the wave
Most of these new cafés and restos are located inside large mall complexes like SM Seaside, SM City Cebu, and SM JMall. This shows that mall culture like convenience, parking, air-conditioning, and easy access remain a big driver of Cebu’s food evolution.
A strong mix of local + global flavors
Cebu’s food map is not just local comfort or old favorites; it’s now a cosmopolitan mix: Taiwanese dim sum, Japanese grills, Italian pasta, churros, and modern Filipino comfort food. For a city that has always had great local food, this adds more variety and flavor.
Something for everyone
Whether you’re a solo diner, family, barkada, couple on a date, there’s a spot for everyone. From quick solo meals (Yakinuki Like), brunch spots (Hoshino, ABACA), premium dining (CIBO), to desert hangouts (Twist & Buckle), the options are wider than ever.
Opportunity for content creators and influencers
This wave is gold. Photo-friendly interiors, trending global flavors, and new speed mean high engagement potential (food reviews, guides, “first-visit” features, and food crawl content).
PASAY CITY, Philippines, December 1, 2025 — SM Investments Corporation (SM Investments), the parent company of the SM Group, has been awarded the Silver Rank by the Asia Sustainability Reporting Rating (ASRRAT) for its 2024 Sustainability Report. This achievement marks the company’s fourth regional recognition for excellence in sustainability disclosure.
Regional Recognition for Sustainability Disclosure
ASRRAT is a regional ratings system established by the National Center for Sustainability Reporting (NCSR), the first independent organization in Indonesia dedicated to promoting and developing sustainability reporting across Asia. The recognition highlights SM Investments’ commitment to transparent, comprehensive, and credible reporting.
Commitment to Climate Resilience and Transparency
“Guided by our responsibility to the communities we serve, we continue to embed sustainability into every part of our business. This recognition encourages us to keep strengthening our climate resilience, transparency, and long-term value creation for all our stakeholders,” said Frederic C. DyBuncio, President and CEO of SM Investments.
Early Adopter of Global Reporting Standards
SM Investments has long upheld rigorous global standards in sustainability reporting. It is among the first Philippine companies to adopt the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) S1 and S2, reinforcing its dedication to trustworthy and investor-oriented disclosures.
ASRRAT’s Expanding Regional Impact
In 2023, NCSR broadened ASRRAT’s reach, recognizing 68 Indonesian companies and seven organizations from the Philippines, Bangladesh, Russia, and Australia for their exemplary sustainability reporting practices. The regional expansion underscores the growing importance of sustainability reporting across Asia and beyond.
About SM Investments Corporation
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SM Investments Corporation is one of the Philippines’ leading conglomerates with a portfolio spanning retail, banking, and property development, along with investments in emerging high-growth sectors.
Its retail network is the country’s largest and most diverse, covering grocery stores, department stores, and specialty retailers. Its property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the Philippines’ largest integrated property developer, operating malls, residences, offices, hotels, convention centers, and tourism-related developments.
In banking, SM has strategic interests in BDO Unibank, Inc., the nation’s largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, one of the top private domestic banks.
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 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 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 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.
