BY ALEX ALAGON
OUR HIGH school apos in the family for sure cannot fully comprehend this, this August month of 2026 marks the 55th year that I graduated from high school.
That’s half a century (and then some). Some classmates will be flying in from all over to meet and celebrate the occasion with us homies.
A classmate who called to inform me said, “Who knows, in the next years, there might be fewer and fewer of us, so please come.”
Morbid, yes, but meeting once again is a good idea because I’ve a question:
I must admit that in many aspects, 55 years is a lot of water under the Bankerohan Bridge.
What I still cannot get over though are some things that made me have sleepless nights, in high school.
Among these was math. Unlike some hare-fast wizard classmates who whizzed past our first to fourth year of dealing with NUMERALS, I was the lowly turtle in comparison.
Unlike that fable, however, I never won any race (or math quizzes) even if I tried.
As a matter of fact during the second year of high school, I took summer classes because I failed during the regular school year.
My only incentive to pass that Algebra remedial was, had I failed again, I would be in the same level as my younger brother during the incoming school year.
Worse than that, we wouldn’t even be classmates because I’d be relegated to a lower section while he was in the A class. In the lingo of today, a loser.
After school, however, my trauma of Math (or Maths in Aussie land) was over, or so I thought. I would still stiffen for a bit whenever I encountered minor calculations.
With the coming of social media, I stiffened for a while when I encountered the word algorithm. Was that the algorithmic table all over again?
This time, however, my friend explained that I needn’t worry even if I’d always hear people say “It’s the algorithm of this and that…”
Or even if that meant one were doomed to wallow in whatever you fancied online at the moment. Yet in life, that might be a good thing, too.
If one only dwelt in the good, then good energy, good company and good karma might come our way.
With all the negative in the world, good attracts good, and this is not a religious mojo moment, mind you.
In some ways even, it could also be math. Now I know what to ask my wizard classmates when I meet with them.
Davao City – The AGC Invitational Tennis Championships gets going on 23 August at the Aqua Verde Tennis Courts in Bangkal.
This was announced by Mabel Yuson of the organizing Club and Court at the weekly Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum, 20 August at the SM City Davao Annex.
Yuson, who expects some 20 clubs to join the tournament, also presented Club N Court’s Masters category champions from months of May, June and July.
Present were Masters category monthly champions – Karl Gonato, Albert Lowee Ouano and Reynaldo Decendario.
“The Masters Series will continue until December 2026. From then all Masters category monthly champions will collide for the ultimate crown,” Yuson said.
Yuson further added the AGC Invitational Championships will showcase fast rising youth netters of the city as well as veterans which will add on heart pumping matches.
By Jon Develos
Davao City – Some 200 entries are expected to show their wares in the Kadayawan 2026 Table Tennis Championships on 21-23 August at the SPIN Davao Sports Center.
MEDATTA spokesperson and tournament director Friendee Nunez on Thursday’s 20 August Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum announced that these entries will see action in the Girls Singles (12U and 17U), Boys Singles (12U and 17U), Women’s Singles, Men’s Singles and the Open Singles (50 years-old and above).
“It will be open to all table tennis enthusiasts,” Nunez said. Metro Davao Table Tennis Association (MEDATTA) President Dr. Louie Metran will welcome the participants in grand rites prior to the games. Cash prizes and medals will be up for grabs for all the winners of the tournament which is part of the Kadayawan 2026 Sports Festival.
By Jon Develos
POLOMOLOK, South Cotabato — An author from South Cotabato will bring a Filipino supernatural story to an international audience this August as Gimo Jr. and the Aswang Clan makes its US physical debut at LAcon V, the 2026 World Science Fiction Convention, in Anaheim, California.
Written by Andrew Jalbuena Pasaporte, the middle-grade novel draws on the legend of Teniente Gimo and aswang lore, introducing young readers to these familiar elements of Philippine folklore through a contemporary supernatural adventure.
The book will be featured by Hot Tropiks, a California-based company that promotes Philippine books, products, and creators to readers in the United States. Hot Tropiks will bring Gimo Jr. and the Aswang Clan to LAcon V, which runs from August 27 to 31, 2026, marking the book’s first physical release for US readers.
Pasaporte’s writing has focused on stories that draw from urban legends and Philippine folklore. His works include Gimo Jr. and the Aswang Clan (2023), which follows 13-year-old Danny as he confronts a supernatural threat, and Keep Pinetown Weird (2026), a surreal collection of childhood stories rooted in folklore and small-town gossip. Both books are set in a shared universe, Pinetown, a fictional town inspired by the area where he grew up.
Taking a Filipino middle-grade title to the US market also comes with practical challenges. For an independent writer, getting a book into the hands of overseas readers involves finding distribution partners, introducing unfamiliar folklore to new audiences, and securing places where the book can be seen and purchased.
Hot Tropiks’ involvement gives Pasaporte an avenue to meet that challenge. The company has positioned LAcon V as an opportunity to introduce Filipino books and creators to an international science fiction and fantasy audience.
“Debuting at Worldcon was never something I imagined. But with Philippine mythology and folklore finding their way into more media and films, I feel that this is the right time to share these stories not only with the Filipino diaspora, but also with new audiences. I’m excited, and thanks to Hot Tropiks.”
LAcon V will bring thousands of science-fiction and fantasy readers, writers, artists, and fans to Anaheim for five days of programming and events. For a writer from Polomolok, having Gimo Jr. and the Aswang Clan at Worldcon marks an important step for a story that began with Filipino folklore.
The book will be available at the Hot Tropiks booth during the convention. Hot Tropiks has announced that more information on creator appearances, signing schedules, and other activities will be released as plans are finalized.
For Pasaporte, the US debut gives readers an opportunity to encounter a story rooted in Philippine folklore, including the aswang legend, for the first time.
AS THE cost of everyday living continues to rise, many Filipinos are becoming more intentional about how they spend their money, including the meals they choose throughout the day.
A meal being simply affordable or filling just isn’t enough. Increasingly, consumers are looking for food experiences that feel worth their hard-earned money: meals that satisfy cravings, deliver on taste, and leave them feeling like they made the right choice.
While affordability and busog remain important considerations, consumers are increasingly looking for meals that deliver more than fullness alone. Research conducted by Chowking found that satisfaction comes from a combination of taste, completeness, and budget — creating what the brand calls a “full-feeling” experience. Elements such as flavorful ingredients, generous portions, a satisfying toppings-to-rice ratio, and the overall feeling of getting good value all contribute to making a meal feel truly sulit.
One example is Chowking’s Siomai Chao Fan, a longstanding favorite that combines flavorful fried rice with meaty ingredients in one hearty meal. At only ₱99, it offers what many consumers increasingly seek today: a balance of value, flavor, and satisfaction in a single order.
The meal’s signature wok flavor, generous servings, and combination of ingredients create what Chowking describes as its “full-feeling wok-sarap” experience — a meal designed to satisfy hunger and deliver the kind of taste people continue to crave and return to.
“We know consumers today are becoming more thoughtful about the choices they make because every purchase matters,” said Jia Du, Vice President for Marketing at Chowking. “People want meals that feel sulit, that feel satisfying, flavorful, and worth enjoying again. That’s what Chowking Chao Fan has always been about. Flavorful fried rice, generous toppings, and satisfying portions that come together in a full-feeling wok-sarap experience.”
While Siomai Chao Fan remains a favorite among customers, Chowking’s Chao Fan lineup offers something for every craving.
Those looking for the perfect balance of spice and sarap can enjoy Spicy Chao Fan, while Beef Chao Fan delivers a rich and savory option for those seeking a more indulgent meal. For seafood lovers, the NEW Seafood Chao Fan serves a delicious and accessible way to satisfy seafood cravings.
As Filipino consumers become more discerning with their spending, simply being busog is no longer enough. Fullness may be the expectation, but providing taste, completeness, and satisfaction that make a meal feel truly sulit is what sets great meals apart.
While many meals can fill people up, crafting meals that go beyond busog – to taste delicious while still delivering value is what transforms an everyday meal into a full-feeling experience.
THE DEPARTMENT of Education (DepEd) XI has defended educators from public criticism following recent campus violence, emphasizing that student discipline and moral upbringing begin at home rather than inside the classroom.
Speaking at the Davao Peace and Security Press Corps media briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday, August 19, DepEd XI spokesperson Jenielito “Dodong” Atillo cautioned the public against using teachers as scapegoats whenever violent incidents occur in educational institutions.
“Don’t blame the teachers because they are there to teach their lessons to the children,” Atillo stressed. “Of all these things happening, it is very inappropriate to blame our teachers. Ensuring the safety and values of our youth is a shared responsibility from the home, to the community, and to the school. We should be united rather than looking for a scapegoat.”
Atillo’s statement follows the tragic Aug. 18 shooting incident at Ateneo de Zamboanga University that left two students dead, as well as recent controversial public remarks questioning teacher influence on student behavior.
Parental role crucial in character formation
Responding to public narratives that immediately point fingers at school administrators during crises, Atillo noted that the primary foundation of character and moral values is established within the family unit.
“When something happens, the blame is immediately placed on the school. Everyone forgets that the family plays the biggest role because everything starts at home,” Atillo said. “Charity—and character—begins at home. If a child is raised with strong values, they will not be easily swayed by negative external influences when they go out into society.”
He urged parents to maintain active involvement and open communication with their children, highlighting the risks of parental neglect.
“Parents must reflect on whether their child’s upbringing at home is sufficient. Do you know if your child is actually home, eating well, or sleeping in their room—or have they jumped the fence to hang out with peers? Parents must consistently talk to and check on their children,” he added.
Whole-of-nation approach and constant vigilance
Calling for a “whole-of-nation approach,” DepEd XI emphasized that local government units, community leaders, and neighborhood sectors must also actively evaluate their influence on youth welfare and safety.
While commending Davao Region LGUs for regularly inspecting and supporting both public and private institutions,
Atillo issued a firm directive to all school administrators across the region to maintain high security protocols.
“That is what we see here in Region XI—our local government units spend time visiting both public and private schools,” Atillo concluded. “But our request to all schools is simple: do not let your guard down. This is the time to be strict and exceptionally vigilant, because being proactive is the only way we can guarantee that our learners remain safe.”
RARE LIVERWORT Treubia insignis was documented at Altut Tuna Peak in Sitio Datalfitak, Barangay Colonsabac, Matanao, Davao del Sur, expanding its known Mindanao localities.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Digos, provided technical assistance during a scientific expedition from July 3 to 8, 2026.
The expedition that documented the species involved bryologists from the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP), Central Mindanao University (CMU), Bukidnon State University (BukSU), and the California Academy of Sciences, with technical assistance from DENR-CENRO Digos.
DENR Davao said the sighting adds another locality to the growing record of Treubia insignis in Mindanao.
“The species is associated with shaded and humid riparian habitats within relatively intact forests, making its presence an important indicator of the ecological value of these montane and streamside ecosystems,” DENR Davao said in a press release.
The species was first recorded in the Philippines in 1913, when botanist D.H. Campbell collected a specimen from Mount Banahao in Luzon and remained the only documented occurrence of the species in the country for more than a century.
Additional populations were found in 2019 in Negros, followed by several localities in Mindanao, including Mt. Balatukan Range Natural Park in Misamis Oriental on January 19, 2023, and Mt. Kalatungan Range Natural Park in Bukidnon on February 7, 2023.
The team also documented more than 200 species of bryophytes within Altut Tuna Peak, with Treubia insignis described as the crown jewel of the collection.
DENR Davao underscored the site’s biodiversity and its potential importance as a habitat for rare species.
“Moving forward, the rediscovery of Treubia insignis at Altut Tuna Peak underscores the critical value of pairing academic exploration with regulatory expertise,” DENR Davao said.
DENR-CENRO Digos and the project bryologists will utilize the findings to formulate target recommendations for the Altut Tuna management and protection plan.
THE DAVAO City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII) will convene business leaders, industry players, international organizations for the ASEAN Innovation Summit (AIS) 2026 at SMX Convention Center from Sept 17 to 19.
In partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and in coordination with the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Philippines, the summit will focus on trending innovations, strengthening agriculture competitiveness, and bolster Mindanao’s reach to ASEAN and international markets.
During the Wednesdays Media Forum on Aug. 19, DCCCII program committee chair John Carlo Tria said the innovations to be discussed in the upcoming three-day event will help Davao City catch up with changes in global economies and create stronger corporations within ASEAN.
Innovations in Davao City, such as the circular economy, urbanization, real estate, and electric vehicles will also be tackled, along with medical tourism and building an AI-ready workforce.
He also shared that DCCCII has been adding AI in their past events to help local businesses understand their markets better and gather more customers outside of Davao.
AIS 2026 will be held back-to-back with the 28th Davao Agri-Trade Expo (DATE) 2026 to showcase new technologies, products, and services to strengthen the growth of agribusinesses along with free technical seminars.
Major export crops in Mindanao such as bananas, coffee, cacao, and coconuts will also be highlighted.
“We want to create a venue, a platform where participants can exchange ideas, build partnerships, explore markets, discover technologies, and identify investment opportunities,” DCCCII president Mirasol Tiu said.
OPERATIVES of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) apprehended a suspect in connection with a double murder case following a hot-pursuit operation in Barangay Manambulan, Tugbok District.
The operation, spearheaded by Police Station 9 (Tugbok) commander PMAJ Neil M. Vistar, led to the arrest of the suspect after the discovery of two victims in Purok 7, New Danao, and Purok 9, Sto. Tomas, in Barangay Manambulan on Aug. 18-19.
Tugbok police operatives launched an investigation, intelligence tracking, and CCTV/backtracking in coordination with local community members.
Police authorities noted that crucial tips and vital information volunteered by residents proved instrumental in identifying and locating the suspect’s whereabouts.
Formal murder charges have been filed against the suspect before the City Prosecutor’s Office through inquest proceedings.
DCPO director PCOL Peter Bauzon Madria commended the Tugbok police for their prompt action.
“The swift resolution of this case demonstrates what we can achieve through active public cooperation,” Madria said.
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