Great news for fans of the Wizarding World! Miniso Philippines has officially announced that they will be bringing Harry Potter merchandise to the Philippines—what we’ve been waiting for across the Land of the Orient Seas.
Photo from Harry Potter
What to Expect
Miniso has already launched its Harry Potter collection in various international branches, especially in HongKong. Yesterday, the brand took to social media and shared that they will be unveiling the collection on October 19, 2024 at SM North Edsa. While the full collection isn’t available just yet, the initial release will feature a selection of house mugs and tumblers, perfect for showing off your Hogwarts allegiance.
Photo from MINISO PHPhoto from MINISO PHPhoto from MINISO PHPhoto from MINISO PHPhoto from MINISO PHPhoto from MINISO PHPhoto from MINISO PH
As a true Potterhead, this is a dream come true, but we’re all secretly wishing for MORE! Just imagine the joy of snagging iconic Harry Potter house luggage, adorable “Happy Birthdae, Harry” cake plushies, and countless other magical goodies that’ll make Professor Dumbledore proud!
Photo from Harry Potter
So gather your friends, practice your spells, and let’s stay tuned for updates as to when us, Sugboanon Potterheads, will finally have our portion of the trolley, dears!
In the midst of an identity crisis, you must first find out who you are. But first, you must take a journey to the nearest local post office and get yourself renewed or apply.
Photo from the Postal ID Official Facebook Page
POSTAL ID IS BACK!
Photo from the Postal ID Official Facebook Page
The Philippine Postal Corporation (PhilPost) resumed accepting applications for Postal IDs as of October 15, 2024, after a year-long suspension that began on March 9, 2023, due to technical issues. The Postal ID serves as a valid form of identification for various government services, banking, and financial transactions. It is valid for three years for Filipinos and one year for foreigners.
The ID card is made from PVC and contains biometric data to help prevent identity theft. PhilPost outlined the application requirements on their Facebook page.
REQUIREMENTS
FOR FIRST-TIME APPLICANTS
Photo from the Postal ID Official Facebook Page
FOR RENEWAL
Photo from the Postal ID Official Facebook Page
The application and renewal fee is P550, which includes VAT. Online application is NOT available.
Waking up in the morning, opening social media, and seeing the very first post on my feed shocked me. As someone who’s not a “Directioner,” the news of Liam Payne’s passing seemed unreal; it was hard to believe. We’ve longed for the band’s reunion, and now it’s looking like that is exactly what is going to happen as all of them may be in one place soon—at Liam’s funeral. Writing this, I still couldn’t wrap my head around the devastating loss of yet another talented person, and once again, rumored to be due to the unfortunate involvement of drugs.
So, as a tribute to Liam, we’ve gathered here a list of some of the saddest One Direction songs, because sometimes all we need is a playlist to cry and mourn to:
Spaces
If I Could Fly
Night Changes
Long Way Down
I Wanna Write You A Song
Moments
Once In a Lifetime
Infinity
History
To all Directioners, Liam girlies, to the Payne family and friends, and to the members of One Direction, deepest condolences.
Made by divers for divers, the Bangka Divers Restobar is a one-of-a-kind restaurant that you should add to your bucket list when in Lapu-Lapu City. Every part of the restaurant is aesthetically designed to capture the rustic charm of life at sea. With life buoys, nautical knots, native wood, fishing nets, and stunning sea-inspired murals, you’ll feel like you’re dining beneath the waves!
THE ULTIMATE HUBSPOT FOR POST-DIVE BLISS
After a day of exploring the underwater world of Cebu island, there’s no better place to unwind than at Bangka Divers Restobar! Kick back in their chill atmosphere and enjoy their delectable seafood and juicy steaks. And here’s the scoop: wear your dive watch and snag 10% OFF your meal! Want to dive deeper into the savings? Then become one of their ambassadors and earn 20% cashback for every client you bring in!
WHAT’S MAKING WAVES AT BANGKA DIVERS RESTOBAR?
A LOT! From alfresco dining to live entertainment and games, it’s the perfect after-dive place for you and your crew. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or just dipping your toes into the underwater world, this is the place to share stories, laughs, and have unforgettable nights!
What are their best-sellers? Well, let’s start with the Bangka Best seafood platter, featuring tasty shrimps, delicate scallops, mussels, and perfectly seasoned tuna belly, served with corn and potatoes. Also, don’t miss their melt-in-your-mouth ribeye steak, grilled tuna belly, tuna kinilaw, and tuna tinola. And for the cherry on top, enjoy their UNLI beer promo for just Php 299.00 every Friday and Saturday; it’s a fintastic deal if you ask us!
WE WENT TO BANGKA & HERE’S WHAT WE THINK
We went, we feasted, and WOW—totally worth it! Our group was shocked by the generous portions; seriously, we couldn’t finish it all and we left with filled guts! With budget-friendly and delicious options, it’s perfect for barkadas and big groups. We even tried their thirst-quenching shakes and, oh my, the steaks and salads! And let’s not forget those mouthwatering burgers that will leave you dreaming of your next visit.
So, what are you waiting for? Head over to Bangka Divers Restobar now, Sugboanons!
Mag-adik-adik na tah sa bag-ong Anik-anik na trend!
Photo of Solar via BBZK
Filipinos have been trying out this new trend; Anik-anik. But what exactly is it? We asked several Gen Z individuals, and it turns out the trend carries a nostalgic vibe. It involves jingling sounds while walking with a purse full of items, and a purse with a high possibility will NOT look good on the outside. In order to understand this quirky phenomenon, let’s dive deeper into what makes Anik-anik so intriguing.
WHAT ARE ‘ANIK-ANIKS’?
Charms from Charmbar by KK
“Anik-aniks” is derived from the Filipino phrase “kung ano-ano,” which means “a variety of things.” These objects can be anything, from stickers and keychains to birthday cards or figurines—simple, random, but personally meaningful items, each emphasizing the importance of small, everyday items that carry personal memories, even if they don’t have obvious or universal value.
Screengrab from IamHeart
It highlights how such keepsakes, or items we keep for emotional reasons, hold subjective meaning. Their value depends on the individual, as one person’s meaningful keepsake might seem like junk to another.
It starts by describing how random objects—like old receipts, candy wrappers, or bus tickets—end up at the bottom of bags or pockets, tucked away in forgotten corners. While these items may seem trivial, they are tied to memories and moments.
CHILDHOOD RECONNECTIONS
Photo by MG
An anik-anik journey begins in childhood with simple delights like colorful trinkets and key chains. However, societal pressures often push these joys aside in adolescence. Many rediscover the joy of collecting in adulthood, purchasing items that evoke nostalgia and connection. They buy boxed Precious Hearts Romance book collections not to read them but to remember the days of what feels like to kilig in other’s stories. The jingling of key chains as they walk serves as a comforting reminder of past trips or friendships.
Reconnecting with anik-anik allows young people to define adulthood on their own terms, blending maturity with childlike innocence. This pursuit is especially popular among young women, which is why people who are into this trend are often referred to as “anik-anik girlie”.
Penny for thoughts about this trend? Do you have any not-so invaluable items found at the bottom of your bag, or under your beds, or below your drawers? This is your chance to dive in with your younger selves.
Why buy books? Half of the respondents said they love to read, while the other half admitted they buy them just to display on their shelves and make them seem smart.
Photo by Peter Milana
Speaking of buying books, we asked our team, how their experience was at MV Doulos Hope? Getting inside a ship that doesn’t go anywhere is like you’re already embarking on a journey; a journey to the world of literature. When you first go onboard, there’s excitement in the air, you’re greeted by the staff, often volunteers from all over the world, creating an inviting, multicultural vibe.
Photo by Peter Milana
HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Inside the floating library, the space feels compact yet organized. Shelves are packed with books, from children’s stories and novels to educational resources, often priced affordably to promote literacy. Some sections are themed by genre, while others offer multilingual options.
The first shelf you’ll see will be a variety of entertaining storybooks for your kids to develop crucial life skills such as empathy, imagination, and problem-solving. And then, they sell puzzle games for you to play with, which is not only for fun but also to enhance cognitive abilities, making them valuable activities for learners of all ages. Regular engagement can improve memory, focus, and mental agility, all of which are beneficial in everyday tasks and lifelong learning; Doulos Hope has all them, choose whatever that piques your interest!
WHAT DO THEY HAVE?
Photo by Peter Milana
The rest of the library includes these following categories: Cookery, Business, Fiction, Non-fiction, Biography, Children’s Stories, Disney, Bibles, and Special Offers. The Special Offers houses random choices, most of which are educational books about math, science, vocabulary, and all the categories mixed together in one.
After checkout, the staff will guide you to a cozy café where you can unwind after your intense book shopping session. Finding the perfect book can be a time-consuming process. First, you skim through the summary to see if the plot grabs your attention. Then, you search for reviews online to determine if it’s truly worth reading. Next, you check the price, mentally calculating how much money you’ll have left if you make the purchase. After careful consideration, you finally approach the cashier, trying to ignore the nagging feeling of guilt as your wallet silently cries in your purse. A visit to the café is just what you need to get your mind off the anxiety you were feeling when you handed over your salary to the cashier.
Photo by Peter MilanaPhoto by Peter Milana
Are you ready to buy books you’re not sure you’ll ever read? Visit Doulos Hope now at Pier 5, Cebu City. But wait, before you go, visit their Facebook page first to book online a slot to get inside the ship.
Photo by Peter MilanaPhoto by Peter MilanaPhoto by Peter MilanaPhoto by Peter MilanaPhoto by Peter Milana
On Tuesday, October 14, 2024, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) declared that the northeast monsoon, locally known as “hanging amihan,” is expected to arrive next week. This seasonal shift signals the onset of cooler air and the festive Christmas atmosphere in our very own country.
Weather Forecast: Partly Cloudy with Isolated Rain Showers
Photo from Pexels
As the northeast monsoon sets in, residents can anticipate partly cloudy skies with scattered rain showers primarily affecting Luzon and Eastern Visayas. Additionally, localized thunderstorms may develop in various regions across the country, bringing short periods of rainfall.
On the other hand, the Department of Health and the Cebu City Health Department continue to encourage the public to take precautionary measures to avoid the increase of dengue cases in the region. As of September, more than 700 patients were already recorded with 10 deaths.
Photo from Pexels
So, Sugboanons, stay tuned for further updates as PAGASA continues to monitor weather patterns during this transitional ting-bugnaw season!
Halloween is almost here, and it wouldn’t be the same without some threateningly fun costumes. Whether you want to channel a monster, beloved book characters, or pop culture icons, we’ve got the hottest trends for you this year:
Sabrina Carpenter
This year, the “Espresso” queen is making waves! You can choose to channel either the preppy, charming Sabrina with the signature glittery heart cutout or go for the fierce look from her latest song “Taste” with the dramatic, blood-splattered vibes. And if you’re heading out with a bestie, have one of you dress up as Jenna Ortega—a literal duo that’ll leave everyone swooning!
Beetlejuice
Let’s take the Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice lip trend up a notch and wear a full Beetlejuice costume with a matching messy wig! The best part is, you can bring your family in as there’s tons of characters in the franchise; and don’t forget to have your pet pup as an adorable sandworm!
Deadpool & Wolverine
Bring the superhero bromance to life by dressing as the hilariously sarcastic Deadpool and the brooding Wolverine. Got a group? Then be the whole ensemble to include Kidpool, Gambit, Miss Minutes for more chimichangas!
The New Inside Out Emotions
Feeling laid-back or lazy? Then, go as Anxiety! Just throw on a striped orange sweatshirt, some brown flared jeans, messy hair, and tons of leather baggage, and you’re good to go! Inside Out characters are super easy to pull off with their fun color palettes, so you can embrace your feelings while looking fab.
Paris Olympics Meme Candidates
Channel the latest Olympic memes by dressing up as Raygun or Yusuf! Just make sure to nail their signature poses for a perfect photo op. But, if you’re going as Raygun, don’t forget to show off some hip-hop moves on the dance floor to complete your look!
Dr. Doom
Marvel fans, rejoice! The excitement around RDJ’s Dr. Doom is sky high, even before the movie hits theaters. So, grab your metallic armor and menacing demeanor, and you’ll be the ultimate villain this Halloween!
Lady Gaga
Whether you’re inspired by Gaga in the “Joker” musical or her retro-inspired look from the “Die With A Smile” music video, you can’t go wrong with this pop icon!
Wicked
And last but definitely not least, it’s time to defy gravity and dress up as Galinda or Elphaba to let your inner witch shine. Got a boyfriend? Have him join as Fiyero for a charming trio that’ll steal the show!
So, which costume will you rock this Halloween, Sugboanons? Share your plans in the comments below!
“Today a minimum wage earner has to work a day and a half just to pay for a full tank of gas. That is simply shameful.” –Bill Pascrell
Photo from Pexels
Food delivery riders have expressed concerns regarding the unfair minimum wage they receive each month. One rider shared his struggles, stating that he earns only 1,000 to 1,500 pesos in delivery fees for 16 hours of work per day. Previously, he earned the same amount for just 8 hours of labor. However, things are about to change following the filing of the complaint.
CEBU RIDERS WINS THE CASE
Photo by Ken Nacion
Members of the Union of Food Delivery Riders (RIDERS-SENTRO) are celebrating a significant legal victory against a major food delivery service. The National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) ruled that the riders should be classified as employees rather than independent contractors, which the company had claimed. This means the company exercises control over their work and they are essential to its operations.
The NLRC found that the company violated the riders’ rights by slashing their base pay from P55 to P25 without consultation. As a result, the company must revert to the original pay structure from 2018 to 2020 and compensate the riders nearly P7.4 million for the lost wages.
The riders expressed their gratitude for this decision, which they say significantly impacts their livelihoods, especially since maintaining their vehicles and covering other costs can be expensive. The union leaders emphasized that this ruling recognizes the vital role of delivery riders, particularly during the pandemic.
Photo from Pexels
MORE WAGE OR NO COMPANY?
Lawyers for the union stated that while the company can appeal the decision, they hope it will respect the ruling and work towards a collective bargaining agreement. The union is also encouraging more delivery riders to join their fight for fair labor rights, aiming for better compensation rather than seeking to shut down the company.
Either fight for fair pay, or pursue legal action against the company which could result in job losses for delivery riders.
Angay ba undangon ang pagtudlo sa lokal nga pinulungan?
Photo from DepEd Philippines Official Facebook Page
Roman Romulo, Chairperson of the House Basic Education Committee and a lawmaker from Pasig, has shared support for the decision to discontinue the teaching/using of “Mother Tongue” in classes around the country. He believes that shifting away from local dialects will improve the quality of education as lessons should be delivered in the languages that students use in their everyday lives.
Photo from DepEd Philippines Official Facebook Page
This change is part of Republic Act No. 12027, which updates Sections 4-5 of the “Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013” (Republic Act No. 10533). The new legislation states that:
The medium of instruction will revert to Filipino and, where applicable, English, in accordance with Article XIV, Section 7 of the 1987 Constitution.
Regional languages will now serve only as auxiliary media of instruction.
The Department of Education (DepEd) along with other affected sectors are required to set the rules and regulations surrounding the change. In addition, the Republic Act will be implemented within 15 days following its publication in newspapers or the Official Gazette, making the effective date October 27, 2024.
Photo from DepEd Philippines Official Facebook Page
Sugboanons, what do you think of this new law? Do you agree or should our young students continue to learn the Mother Tongue via the MTB-MLE classes? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
