Kenneth del Rosario

Runner. Reader. Mariah fan. Volleyball player. Biker. Writer @ Philippine Daily Inquirer. Kakampink 🌸

[radar PH @radarph_media]

A powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake in the Sarangani area disrupted the first day of classes in parts of Mindanao on Monday, forcing schools to suspend activities and triggering evacuations in offices, malls, restaurants, and other establishments.

At Mahayahay Elementary School in Davao Oriental, students and teachers were conducting their morning flag ceremony when the tremor struck. School officials said learners and personnel immediately followed earthquake safety protocols and evacuated to safer areas. No injuries were reported, but classes were suspended pending safety assessments.

The quake coincided with the opening of the school year, turning what was supposed to be the most-awaited return to classrooms into an emergency response exercise for many students.

In photos and videos that have surfaced online after the incident, extensive damage was seen in several commercial and public buildings, including a multi-storey structure where a Jollibee outlet on the ground floor was totally destroyed. Another clip showed a mall with cracked walls, fallen ceiling panels, broken glass, and other structural damage. Businesses, including malls and restaurants, temporarily halted operations while inspections were conducted.

DOST-PHIVOLCS also recorded an aftershock with a magnitude 6.7 near Balut Island, Davao Occidental.

Authorities continue to assess the extent of the damage and have advised residents to remain alert for possible aftershocks.

Report by John Lloyd Aleta

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Sometimes the best vacation is just a walk through your local park.

Name a park in your city or municipality that preserves our local wildlife and green spaces. Where’s your go-to escape? Share it in the comments!

#radarPH #greenspaces

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ROX will close its flagship Philippine store in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig, ending a nearly 20-year run in one of its most visible retail locations.
ROX announced the closure on June 5. The store’s last operating day will be June 16.

“Our goal was to nurture love for the outdoors, to immerse everyone in the spirit of adventure. Since then, our community has grown and become a thriving space for people from all walks of life to come together,” the brand said in a statement.

Opened in 2007, the BGC branch was ROX’s first store in the Philippines and, at the time, its largest in Southeast Asia. It also became one of the early anchor lifestyle retail tenants in BGC High Street, helping shape the area’s reputation as an outdoor and lifestyle hub.

Ahead of its closure, ROX BGC is holding a store-wide sale until June 15, with items discounted by up to 70%.

The shutdown comes just months after ROX closed its Alabang Town Center branch earlier this year. With fewer physical stores in key lifestyle malls, the moves raise questions about how specialty retailers are adjusting their footprint in a retail environment increasingly shaped by online shopping, rising operating costs in prime locations, and shifting consumer habits.

While ROX still maintains a presence in select locations in Metro Manila and Cebu, the recent closures may suggest a broader recalibration of its brick-and-mortar strategy rather than expansion.

Report by Kiara Gorrospe

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Efforts to expand the country’s electric vehicle (EV) charging network are picking up speed as more Filipinos weigh a shift toward lower-cost transportation options.

The 10th Philippine International Motor Show showcased a wider mix of EVs and hybrid models from 17 major automakers, reflecting growing consumer interest that is now pushing both government and industry players to fast-track policies supporting a stronger charging backbone.

The Department of Energy said there are currently around 1,600 EV charging points nationwide, with a target of about 7,000 by 2028. It also sees the number of registered electric vehicles potentially reaching 100,000 by year-end, driven by rising demand and broader market curiosity.

To keep up, government agencies are drafting new rules aimed at speeding up the rollout of charging stations. A proposed joint administrative order would simplify permit processes and cut approval timelines from roughly six months to as little as three.

The plan includes simultaneous processing across agencies and a possible deemed-approved rule for applications left pending within prescribed timelines upon within set deadlines.

The push comes as volatile fuel prices and energy concerns continue to nudge motorists toward alternatives to gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles. EV adoption still accounts for a small slice of the market, but momentum is building fast, and both regulators and industry players are now racing to make sure infrastructure doesn’t lag behind demand.

Report by John Lloyd Aleta

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'NIYAKAP AKO NG TEATRO'

Award-winning actor Christian Bables is checking off a major career checklist, pivoting seamlessly from his commercial theater debut to an upcoming historical epic with acclaimed auteur Lav Diaz.

In an interview with radar Entertainment, the "Drags to Riches" star revealed he is officially bitten by the theater bug after starring in "Taksyapo!" for Virgin Labfest 2026, a commercial play directed by John "Sweet" Lapus.

"It was a new experience na I think maaadik ako," Bables admitted, noting that stepping onto the live stage unlocked a completely different level of fulfillment. "Iba din 'yong happiness na nakita ko nang tumuntong ako sa teatro... pakiramdam ko niyakap ako ng teatro. So I'm looking forward to doing more."

But the stage isn’t the only place Bables is pushing his boundaries. The actor also shared an exciting update regarding his film lineup, confirming that he has officially finished filming a new Spanish period drama under Diaz.

Shifting gears from his recent queer roles (and the fact that he's of Spanish-Filipino descent), Bables teased that he will be playing a straight character this time around. While he hilariously tried to stop himself from dropping too many classified plot points, he did hint at the project's massive scale, estimating it could run for a signature Lav Diaz runtime.

"Siguro 13 hours... kasi 'di ba ngayon ang ginagawa ni Direk Lav meron na siyang Director's Cut, 'yong mahaba at tsaka 'yong para sa mga festival niya?" Bables explained.

Whether it's commanding the live stage or anchoring a historical film epic, Bables is entirely focused on making his ultimate dream projects a reality. "Itong 2026 kailangan lahat ng mga wants or mga dreams ko matupad, and paunti-unti ko siyang natutupad," he said.

(✍️: Rafael Asonza)

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After a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck major cities in Mindanao in the early hours of June 8, viral videos flooded social media depicting major damage sustained by businesses and retail centers—raising questions about infrastructure safety.

A video reuploaded by hundreds of netizens shows the RD Plaza Building in General Santos City collapsing entirely due to the earthquake. The building housed the regional broadcast center of 101.5 Love Radio, a Jollibee branch, and other local businesses.

Even larger chains were not spared by the disaster. The facade of SM City General Santos was seen cracking and falling apart in numerous videos and photos online. Entire sections of the parking lot also appeared to have collapsed.

Businesses, schools, and transportation facilities have all suspended operations amid the calamity, which has left at least 19 people dead and 12 missing across the Davao and SOCCSKSARGEN regions.

While many netizens reacted with sympathy and concern for the victims, others questioned the structural integrity of buildings and infrastructure.

With the flood control corruption fiasco still fresh in the public mind, netizens also questioned why public infrastructure consistently fails to keep up with anticipated calamities. As a nation on the Pacific Ring of Fire, the Philippines faces a heightened risk of earthquakes and volcanic activity.

As the devastated areas in Mindanao cope with the recent quake, business owners and ordinary civilians alike are appealing for both immediate relief and long-term solutions.

Report by Kiara Gorrospe

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INSURANCE GAP EXPOSED?

As Southern Mindanao begins assessing the damage left by Sunday's 7.8-magnitude earthquake, insurers say the disaster is once again drawing attention to a longstanding problem: many homes and businesses remain uninsured against major catastrophes.

The Philippine Insurers and Reinsurance Association (PIRA) said member companies are prepared to process claims arising from the quake, although it remains too early to estimate the industry's losses as damage assessments are still ongoing.

According to PIRA, initial reports already indicate damage to insured assets, with claims expected to emerge in the coming weeks. The group said the full extent of losses may take several weeks to determine.

The warning comes against a backdrop of chronically low catastrophe coverage in the Philippines. OECD data show that only about 5% of earthquake losses recorded between 2000 and 2019 were insured, leaving most families and businesses to shoulder rebuilding costs on their own after major disasters.

Aside from the immediate recovery effort, the insurance industry said the earthquake highlights the importance of financial protection in a country regularly exposed to earthquakes, typhoons, floods, volcanic activity, and other natural disasters.

PIRA also warned that the Philippines remains highly vulnerable to a range of catastrophic risks, noting that the country sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire while facing an active typhoon season.

As affected communities begin rebuilding, the disaster is also expected to prompt renewed discussion on catastrophe insurance in the country, particularly how households and businesses absorb the full cost of recovery when coverage is lacking.

Report by Kenneth M. del Rosario

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EXCLUSIVE: Philtranco staff claim they had been forcefully vacated from terminal "barracks" amid the company’s six-month suspension of operations.

A source told radar Business that remaining drivers and maintenance staff residing at terminal barracks in Turbina in Calamba, Laguna were allegedly forced to leave in late May, as part of the company’s six-month suspension which began on May 30, 2026. Around 10 workers, some with their families, had been staying at the terminal.

Philtranco is suspending operations for six months due to financial difficulties, blaming previous management for alleged theft and illegal asset sales, but workers said only select employees were informed of the development. The next hearing on the matter is scheduled on June 11, 2026.

Terminal-based staff had already been sharply reduced since the company began its suspension on March 30, as more workers opted to return to their home provinces or seek work elsewhere.

Workers allege that no clear updates were issued by management regarding the suspension and their employment status during and after the work stoppage.
However, Philtranco CEO Michael Sabban told radar Business that the workers were removed from the terminal after the company ended its lease.

“Wala talagang barracks doon. Hinayaan lang namin ang drivers and maintenance workers na mag-stay sa isang 1.1-hectare area doon dahil sa suspension,” he said.

Sabban said Philtranco terminated its lease on April 15, with formal turnover completed by May. The land was supposedly leased from the Tanco family.

Drivers and maintenance staff at other former Philtranco terminals continue to await formal updates from management amid what they allege to be continued silence despite follow-ups.

Report by Kiara Gorrospe

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Need a last-minute change of pace today or simply something creative to inspire you? 

You don't need a massive budget or a packed itinerary to get inspired this week. Sometimes, all it takes is stepping into a quiet gallery to look at the world through a completely fresh lens.

We've rounded up the best local cultural escapes happening right now. Read the full feature via the link in our bio!

#radarPHLifestyle #radarPH #museum

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Katol has officially entered the luxury market.

The humble mosquito coil found in sari-sari stores and Filipino households for generations now has a high-end counterpart courtesy of French fragrance house Diptyque—and it costs nearly ₱4,000 per box.

Called Spirales d’encens (Scented Incense Spirals), the product is part of the brand’s summer collection and looks remarkably similar to the classic katol used across the Philippines to ward off mosquitoes. The box contains six spiral coils infused with premium citronella, geranium, and verbena scents and retails for US$68, or roughly ₱4,000.

That works out to around ₱666 per coil.

For comparison, a box of local katol brands such as Baygon or Lion-Tiger typically sells for between ₱35 and ₱50 and contains about 10 coils. For the price of one Diptyque coil, a Filipino consumer could buy more than a dozen boxes of traditional mosquito coils.

The striking resemblance has become a source of fascination online, with many social media users joking that a staple of provincial homes and urban backyards has somehow found its way into the world of luxury living.

Of course, Diptyque’s version is not intended to kill mosquitoes. Instead, it functions as a scented incense product designed to perfume outdoor spaces and create what the brand describes as a sophisticated summer ambiance.

Still, it joins a growing trend of luxury companies transforming ordinary objects into premium lifestyle accessories. In recent years, designer labels have sold luxury versions of grocery bags, slippers, paper clips, and even plastic-looking tote bags for prices that far exceed their everyday counterparts.

The latest addition to that list may be the most relatable to Filipinos yet.

After all, not every day does a product associated with sari-sari stores, summer evenings, and mosquito season get reintroduced as a luxury fragrance item worth thousands of pesos. For many Filipinos, it may be the first time they’ve seen katol marketed not as a necessity—but as a status symbol.

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VAGINAL REJUVENATION TREATMENT GAINS TRACTION 🌹

Designed to help stimulate and support the strengthening of the vaginal and pelvic floor muscles, EMFiore Vaginal Rejuvenation Treatment is emerging as one of the latest non-surgical options in intimate wellness.

The procedure uses a painless, non-invasive approach that focuses on improving muscle tone and support in the pelvic area, without surgery or downtime.

According to its providers, EMFiore works by gently activating internal muscle groups to help enhance strength and overall pelvic function, making it part of a growing category of aesthetic medical treatments centered on women’s wellness and post-childbirth or age-related concerns.

The treatment is offered by Christina Decena of Bellezza Aesthetics, which recently marked a milestone after being named Beauty Clinic of the Year 2026—an acknowledgment of its work in expanding modern aesthetic services in the Philippines.

(✍️ Kiko Escuadro)

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LARO TAYO NG PICKLEBALL…SA KULUNGAN?

Pickleball’s rapid rise in popularity is now reaching an unexpected place: Philippine jail facilities.

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Mamburao District Jail in Occidental Mindoro recently highlighted how the fast-growing paddle sport has become part of its rehabilitation activities for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs), alongside more familiar games such as basketball, volleyball, badminton, and chess.

According to the facility’s Sports and Cultural Office, sports programs are designed to provide recreation while supporting the personal development of inmates during their time in custody.

Among the activities currently being promoted inside the jail is pickleball, a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. The game has gained traction worldwide in recent years due to its simple rules, accessibility, and appeal across different age groups.

BJMP officials said sports activities help PDLs maintain their physical health while encouraging discipline, teamwork, sportsmanship, and positive social interaction. Physical fitness programs are also regularly conducted as part of the facility’s rehabilitation efforts.

Correctional experts said organized sports can serve as a tool for rehabilitation, providing structure and opportunities to develop life skills that may prove useful after release.

Report by John Lloyd Aleta

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[MCI @MariahCareyITA]

“Pride is helping the world understand that all people must be treated with respect dignity and equality regardless of their sexual orientation gender or identity” @MariahCarey during LA pride.

[MR. POP @MrPopOfficial]

36 years ago today Mariah Carey made her debut on the Billboard Hot 100, as “Vision of Love” entered the chart at #73. The song went #1 on August.

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WATCH: A video shared by a Cebu City local government official has brought attention to littering and marine pollution after a person was caught on camera throwing garbage directly into the sea near the Pasil Fish Market.

The footage surfaced as Cebu City continues its ongoing extensive cleanup campaign along the Pasil and Ermita coastline. According to Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival, roughly 90 percent of the accumulated waste in the area has already been removed following recent clearing operations.

Authorities later identified the individual seen in the video with the assistance of local police. The man, identified as "Juanito," was issued a citation by the Cebu City Environmental and Sanitation Enforcement Team for the violation. In a public apology, he admitted his mistake and called on others not to follow his example.

The incident, however, highlights a challenge that many coastal communities continue to face. While governments can deploy workers, equipment, and resources to collect waste, new garbage often finds its way back into waterways.

Plastic bags, food packaging, bottles, and other discarded materials that enter rivers clog drainage systems, damage marine ecosystems, and eventually wash back onto shorelines.

The issue is significant in coastal communities where fishing remains a major source of livelihood. Marine debris can affect water quality, damage fishing grounds, and increase environmental risks for communities that depend on the sea for income and food.

Environmental advocates have long argued that lasting improvements require more than large-scale cleanup drives, along with renewed calls for stronger public discipline.

Report by John Lloyd Aleta

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Filipino is an agglutinative language, meaning it creates brand-new meanings by continuously stacking prefixes, suffixes, and infixes onto a single root word. Theoretically, anywords can become infinitely long!

But according to officially recognized and published standards, the title for the longest word depends on where you look.

THE STANDARD DICTIONARY RECORD (34 LETTERS)

The longest commonly recognized word found inside standard Filipino dictionaries is "pinakanakakapagpapabagabag-damdamin" (14 syllables).

It means "the most emotionally disturbing or heartbreaking thing." It stems from the root word bagabag (to disturb/upset). By stacking pinaka- (most), nakaka- (causing), and papabagabag (to cause further distress) onto damdamin (feelings), you get a massive, 34-letter adjective.

THE CONTRIVED LINGUISTIC RECORD (59 Letters)

However, if we move past everyday dictionaries and look at published linguistic coinages (our very own version of Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious), a word coined by researcher Noel F. Junio holds the crown: pinakanakakapagngitngitngitngitang-pagsisinungasinungalingan (22 syllables).

It means to keep making up a lie that causes the most extreme, localized anger while pretending to be more.

It stretches the root words ngitngit (intense rage) and sinungaling (liar) to their absolute grammatical limits through intense duplication.

HONORABLE MENTION 

If you want a highly specific, non-hyphenated dictionary word, look no further than Pinagpinamamagaspasan (21 letters). It refers entirely to "a dusty place where chickens usually flutter their wings to groom themselves."

Can you spell or pronounce "pinakanakakapagpapabagabag-damdamin" on the first try? Drop your attempts—or your favorite long Filipino words—in the comments below!

(✍️: Walter C. Villa)

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[Pop Crave @PopCrave]

Mariah Carey unveils new Pride Month merch.

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"THE QUALITY OF THEIR DISHES WENT DOWN"

Greenwich has come under fire from some customers who say its meals have become smaller, less appetizing, and harder to justify at current prices, with portion sizes and overall value drawing increasing scrutiny.

"Ang lungkot ano? Parang walang fresh dyan, reheated lahat, including the rice," a user posted on Reddit. Others questioned whether the restaurant should continue offering dine-in service at all if food preparation increasingly resembles a pre-heated fast-food assembly line.

The complaints also extended to service, with customers saying meals often take too long to arrive despite appearing to be pre-prepared. Some said waiting times can stretch beyond 30 minutes, with kitchen delays adding to the frustration, and described the overall pace of service as unusually slow for a fast-food setting.

Many longtime customers said their disappointment has built up over the years. Some recalled that the brand used to be a go-to favorite during their younger years, but now felt the overall quality had declined, from the food to the consistency of its offerings, with some even saying local canteens now offer more satisfying meals.

Jollibee Foods Corporation, Greenwich's parent company, was also not spared. Critics argued that large conglomerates often pursue cheaper alternatives in production and ingredients as they expand operations and seek to maintain profit margins.

Some consumers pointed to rising operating costs as a possible reason behind the changes, suggesting that tighter margins may be leading to cost-cutting measures across ingredients and preparation.

The complaints reflect a broader sentiment among some consumers who say they are willing to pay higher prices, but increasingly expect food and service to remain aligned with value. As everyday costs continue to rise, many are pushing back against what they see as declining quality relative to price.

Report by John Lloyd Aleta

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SHARLENE ASKS, “BAYAD NA NAMAN?” 

Actress and content creator Sharlene San Pedro sparked online discussion after questioning a proposed border security fee for international travelers during a recent livestream.

Reacting to reports, she candidly said, “Ang dami n’yo pinapabayaran sa ’min!”—a remark that quickly resonated with netizens, especially frequent flyers already juggling multiple travel costs.

The comment comes as the Bureau of Immigration considers imposing a $4 fee (around ₱240) per international arrival and departure, or ₱480 for a roundtrip. The agency says the funds will go toward a modernized border security system, including biometrics, automated gates, and risk-assessment tools.

If approved, the fee would be charged on top of the country’s existing travel tax, currently set at ₱1,620 for most passengers.

Individually, the fees may seem minimal, but combined, they make international travel significantly more expensive for ordinary Filipinos, OFWs, students, and families reconnecting across borders.

While many echoed Sharlene’s frustration, others pointed to the long-term benefits of improved security and efficiency. The debate has since sparked a broader conversation on balancing better public services with the added costs passed on to travelers.

For now, the proposal remains under scrutiny, with many watching closely if it will push through. In a previous article, https://t.co/o5R99KHsyJ called for the scrapping of the proposed fee and the abolition of the country’s outdated travel tax.

(✍️: Denchelle Castro, 📷: Sharlene San Pedro’s Live Stream)

#radarPHEntertainment #radarPH

[radar PH @radarph_media]

SHARLENE ASKS, “BAYAD NA NAMAN?” 

Actress and content creator Sharlene San Pedro sparked online discussion after questioning a proposed border security fee for international travelers during a recent livestream.

Reacting to reports, she candidly said, “Ang dami n’yo pinapabayaran sa ’min!”—a remark that quickly resonated with netizens, especially frequent flyers already juggling multiple travel costs.

The comment comes as the Bureau of Immigration considers imposing a $4 fee (around ₱240) per international arrival and departure, or ₱480 for a roundtrip. The agency says the funds will go toward a modernized border security system, including biometrics, automated gates, and risk-assessment tools.

If approved, the fee would be charged on top of the country’s existing travel tax, currently set at ₱1,620 for most passengers.

Individually, the fees may seem minimal, but combined, they make international travel significantly more expensive for ordinary Filipinos, OFWs, students, and families reconnecting across borders.

While many echoed Sharlene’s frustration, others pointed to the long-term benefits of improved security and efficiency. The debate has since sparked a broader conversation on balancing better public services with the added costs passed on to travelers.

For now, the proposal remains under scrutiny, with many watching closely if it will push through. In a previous article, https://t.co/o5R99KHsyJ called for the scrapping of the proposed fee and the abolition of the country’s outdated travel tax.

(✍️: Denchelle Castro, 📷: Sharlene San Pedro’s Live Stream)

#radarPHEntertainment #radarPH