BY ALEX ALAGON
The Japan Foundation, Manila is thrilled to announce the return of the Japanese Film Festival (JFF) to Philippine theaters this September 2025!
From Metro Manila and Baguio, to Cebu, Angeles, and Davao, JFF is back with a curated selection of 12 films–featuring beloved classics alongside critically acclaimed new releases. Admission is free for all screenings.
Since its inception in 1997, JFF has grown into one of the most anticipated film festivals in the country, attracting around 40,000 audiences every year, and has become the largest Japanese film festival in the world. This year’s lineup offers something for everyone; timeless romances, laugh-out-loud comedies, and monumental blockbusters!
The theme for this year’s festival is “Bridg(e)ing”. Films that serve as metaphorical bridges connecting the past with the future, humans with technology, body with spirit, and individual stories with community experiences. We hope that this year’s lineup will inspire people to build bridges rather than walls and connect with each other.
Opening the festival is the 4K remaster of Love Letter (1995), Shunji Iwai’s acclaimed directorial debut and a timeless masterpiece of romance. Screened in over 20 countries since its release, Love Letter is celebrated for its breathtaking snowy landscapes and the unforgettable line, Ogenki desu ka? (“How are you?”). Its influence and homage can be clearly felt in 18×2 Beyond Youthful Days (2024), a Taiwan-Japan co-production directed by Michihito Fujii.
Audiences can also look forward to a selection of masterpieces spanning genres and generations, including Akira Kurosawa’s SEVEN SAMURAI (1956), the animated cult classic GHOST IN THE SHELL (1995), Hayao Miyazaki’s SPIRITED AWAY (2001), A SAMURAI IN TIME (2024), the live-action adaptation of Cells at Work! (2024), and Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM (2024), among others.
This year’s regional run at SM Cinema begins September 26 in SM City Baguio, followed by screenings at SM City Cebu, SM Lanang, and SM City Clark. The festival then returns to Manila for screenings at the UP Film Institute, and concludes at SM City Manila.
This year, JFF is expanding its reach by bringing films directly to university campuses. JFF Special Screenings @ Universities will take place in November at selected institutions across parts of the Visayas and Mindanao.
JFF 2025 is supported by the Film Development Council of the Philippines, JTI Philippines, Theo and Philo Artisan Chocolates and the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines.
For full schedules, ticketing guidelines, and venue details, Please visit the official JFF 2025 website (http://www.japanesefilmfestph.jfmo.org.ph) or follow @jfmanila on Facebook and instagram
Cebu Pacific gifts travelers the opportunity to lock in unforgettable trips for 2026 as it unwraps its Super Seat Fest in time for 10.10 festivities.
From October 7 to 12, passengers may book flights to select domestic and international destinations for as low as PHP 10 one-way base fare, exclusive of fees and surcharges. The travel period is from March 1 to September 30, 2026 — ideal for summer breaks, long weekends, and mid-year holidays.
With CEB’s extensive network and key hubs in Manila, Clark, Cebu, Davao, and Iloilo, travelers now have greater access to both local and international adventures.
For domestic getaways, Puerto Princesa offers access to the UNESCO-recognized Underground River and island-hopping in Honda Bay, while El Nido is known for its lagoons and coastal views. Travelers can also discover Port Barton in San Vicente, a quieter beach destination exclusively served by CEB through its Cebu hub.
After exploring local destinations, those planning trips abroad can enjoy direct flights to Hong Kong, a favorite for theme parks, shopping, and harbor views. Bangkok also continues to entice travelers with its food, cultural landmarks, and river cruises. Both cities are accessible across CEB’s hubs.
For those eyeing Singapore, visitors can enjoy local eats at hawker centers and explore shopping streets, or head to Sentosa for beaches and theme park fun, and Gardens by the Bay for its indoor gardens and light displays.
CEB operates in 37 domestic and 26 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.
Passengers are encouraged to add Go Flexi when booking, which lets them cancel and convert their flight into a non-expiring Travel Fund. The bundle also includes a 20kg checked baggage allowance and a Standard Seat of their choice.
CEB offers various payment options, including credit or debit cards and e-wallets, to book flights and buy add-ons.
EVERYONE loves a good comeback. Think a superhero returning just in the nick of time, a video game from 1997 being remade for modern platforms, or your favorite popstar entering her new showgirl era. When someone or something makes a successful comeback, it’s the moment the crowd goes wild, the underdog rises, and the story rewrites itself, and it’s just satisfying!
You know what else just made a comeback? DQ’s matcha flavors. You heard that right! Now you can experience DQ’s crave-worthy matcha ice cream treats once again with its newest Blizzard of the Month: the Matcha Fusion series! With eight different creations to choose from, there’s a treat to satisfy every kind of matcha craving!
First is the new Matcha Strawberry Blizzard, made with DQ’s signature vanilla soft serve mixed with matcha syrup, strawberry puree, and mini marshmallows, and then topped with even more strawberry puree, matcha powder, and mini marshmallows. With the sweetness of strawberry slightly mellowing the matcha flavor, this is the perfect entry point for curious first-timers or those new to matcha!
There’s also the Dirty Matcha Blizzard, made with DQ’s signature vanilla soft serve mixed with matcha syrup, coffee concentrate, and chocolate chunks, and then topped with even more chocolate chunks and matcha powder! Best suited for true matcha lovers, the bold blend of coffee and matcha delivers a strong taste for those who enjoy a more intense flavor!
Rounding off the new limited-edition Blizzard flavors is the Oreo Matcha Blizzard, made with DQ’s signature vanilla soft serve mixed with matcha syrup and Oreo cookie bits, and then topped with matcha powder and one whole Oreo cookie! It’s DQ’s best-selling Oreo Blizzard made more mouthwatering with matcha, adding a delightful twist on a classic favorite and making it the perfect treat for DQ fans and matcha lovers alike!
If you’re a fan of DQ’s parfaits, then you’ll love the Matcha Cheesecake Parfait, made with layers of DQ’s signature vanilla soft serve, matcha syrup, and cheesecake chunks, and then topped with whipped cream and matcha powder!
Craving a refreshing matcha drink? You’ll never go wrong with the Matcha Classic Milkshake, made with DQ’s signature vanilla soft serve blended with creamy milk and matcha syrup, and then topped with whipped cream and matcha powder!
Can’t get enough of DQ’s coffee and matcha concoctions? Then the Matcha Affogato Sundae, made with DQ’s signature vanilla soft serve that is draped in coffee concentrate and matcha syrup, and then topped with matcha powder, is perfect for you!
For a treat that you can enjoy at your own pace, there’s the Matcha Mallows Tin Cake, a 100-percent ice cream cake made with DQ’s signature vanilla soft serve ice cream, matcha syrup, marshmallows, and matcha powder, all contained in a reusable tin can!
Finally, for a dessert that you can share with the whole fam, there’s the Matcha Oreo Blizzard Cake, a 100-percent ice cream cake made with DQ’s signature vanilla soft serve mixed with matcha syrup, Oreo cookie bits, and matcha powder, with DQ’s signature layer of cake crunch and chocolate fudge in the center!
Satisfy your matcha cravings anytime by visiting your nearest DQ store for dine-in and take-out orders. You can also enjoy them anytime by ordering for delivery via the 8911-1111 hotline, www.dairyqueen.com, or DQ’s official delivery partners GrabFood, foodpanda, and Pickaroo (prices may vary).
- City police chief backs proposed facial recognition ordinance, but with conditions
THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) is supporting the proposed ordinance to use a facial recognition system in designated areas across the city, provided that the tool is implemented ethically and inclusively.
Acting city director Col Mannan C. Muarip participated in a coordination meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 6, at the Public Safety and Security Office along Juna Subdivision to finalize the ordinance’s guidelines and parameters.
The use of facial recognition aims to enhance surveillance capabilities, improve crime prevention, and significantly strengthen public safety throughout Davao City.
PSSO chief Angel Sumagaysay highlighted the importance of modern tools in maintaining public order.
“This ordinance is a step forward in modernizing our public safety tools,” Sumagaysay said. “Through responsible implementation and inter-agency collaboration, we can ensure that technology serves the people and protects the city.”
For his part, Muarip underscored the need to adopt the technology with the highest standards for privacy protection and utmost sensitivity toward the city’s diverse populace.
“The adoption of facial recognition technology must be carried out with utmost sensitivity, ensuring respect for religious diversity and equality,” Muarip emphasized.
“Our goal is to safeguard all communities in Davao City without bias or discrimination. Through inclusive and ethical implementation, we reaffirm our commitment to peace, security, and the protection of every citizen.”
PSSO operations officer Jose Daniel Quimpo and Major Jeffrey Alba of the Task Force Davao also joined the coordination meeting.
Councilor Bonz Andre Militar has been pushing for the facial recognition ordinance at border controls to enhance the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and the 911 Command Center.
“This initiative will introduce a system featuring a digital, GPS-enabled, and geospatially integrated platform that will revolutionize emergency response,” he said.
The system will integrate GPS-based caller tracking, geotagging of communities, and smart dispatch coordination to precisely locate patients or callers, especially in hard-to-navigate barangays.
Photo courtesy of DCPO
THE ARMED Forces of the Philippines (AFP) confirmed on Tuesday, Oct. 7, that Colonel Raymund Dante P. Lachica was relieved from his post as commander of the AFP Security and Protection Group (ASPG), effective Oct. 4, 2025, due to an “existing case filed before the Office of the Ombudsman.”
In a statement to TIMES, Colonel Xerxes Trinidad, chief of the AFP Public Affairs Office, said Lachica was reassigned to the Philippine Army.
“The reassignment was made in view of an existing case filed before the Office of the Ombudsman involving Colonel Lachica and Col. Nolasco,” Trinidad said.
The ASPG is formerly known as the Vice Presidential Security Protection Group, whose primary task is to protect Vice President Sara Duterte.
He said, “To ensure continuity of leadership and operations within the unit, Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Israel B. Eleosida, PA, has been designated as the Acting Commander of the AFPSPG, effective the same date.”
The AFP ensures a smooth transition of leadership to maintain the efficiency and professionalism of the ASPG in the performance of its mandated mission.
The move comes as Lachica and another security aide, Colonel Dennis Nolasco, were previously recommended by the House of Representatives to face charges, including plunder, technical malversation, bribery, and corruption, over an alleged financial issue.
Initial confusion over transition
The reassignment initially caused confusion within the security detail. Sources close to the office of the high-ranking national official confirmed the sudden change, noting that Lachica reportedly received no prior notification before his relief.
According to the source, Lachica expressed concern over the adherence to military procedure.
THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) arrested 80 individuals and seized over ₱660,000 worth of illegal drugs in a concentrated week-long anti-crime sweep from Sept. 28 to Oct. 4, 2025.
Acting city director Col. Mannan C. Muarip said the DCPO conducted 28 anti-illegal drug operations leading to the arrest of 36 suspects and the seizure of 69.94 grams of shabu (street value: ₱475,589.96) and 1.56 kilograms of marijuana (street value: ₱187,872.00).
Police also conducted 32 anti-illegal gambling operations, where 12 suspects were arrested and ₱3,894.00 in bet money was seized. They also filed 12 cases in court.
In its campaign against fugitives, the DCPO caught 32 individuals, including 13 most wanted persons.
He stressed that these successes were a direct result of the strong partnership with the community, barangay officials, and the local government unit.
CHILD marriage in the provinces of Tawi-Tawi and Sulu continues to affect the future and well-being of children that are driven by socio-cultural factors and poverty, based on the UNICEF Philippines’ CEFMU (Child, Early and Forced Marriage and Unions) Social Norms report on Oct. 7.
According to Rohannie Baraguir-Datumanong, child protection specialist at UNICEF Philippines Mindanao Field Office, one in six girls will be married before reaching the age of 18 years old.
Furthermore, there are many families that view early marriage as a way to avoid haram or ease their financial hardship.
“When children get married, most of them stop going to school. Girls, for instance, are often pressured to prioritize homework and take care of their families, and then boys are expected to work to support the family. By dropping out of school, these children also lose opportunities to learn, develop skills, and explore their dreams,” Baraguir-Datumanong said.
In 2021, the Bangsamoro Women Commission (BWC) estimated that 88,600 girls had been married before turning 18 years old. The prevalence is around 15 percent before age 18 and two percent before age 15 based on a survey conducted by Plan International and the Women’s Refugee Commission.
The Philippines ranked as the 12th country in terms of the absolute number of child marriages in the world.
A study commissioned by UNICEF and supported by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade presented key findings and sheds light on the serious matter of child marriage in the two provinces of BARMM.
The research was conducted in the capitals of Jolo in Sulu and Bongao in Tawi-Tawi, and it identified the cultural and religious norms as well as ineffective enforcement of child protection laws in the areas that place children at risk of early pregnancy among girls, emotional and financial burden among boys, and children dropping out of school.
The study aims to address social issues and guide strategic actions that are aligned with the United Nations’ SDG 5 (Sustainable Development Goal) in achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls.
“In Mindanao, child protection is a vital pillar of peacebuilding and sustainable development. The area faces unique challenges, including a history of conflict, displacement, poverty, and socio-cultural practices that heighten children’s vulnerabilities. As a result, children there are at an increased risk of abuse, neglect, child marriage, adolescent pregnancy, and trafficking,” UNICEF Philippines chief of child protection Patricia Lim Ah Ken said during a virtual press briefing.
Photo courtesy of UNICEF
THE 901ST Infantry Brigade of the 4th Infantry Division, operating under the Eastern Mindanao Command, has successfully dismantled the Sub-Region Sentro de Gravidad (SRSDG) Westland, the final remaining Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) unit in its area of responsibility in Caraga.
Since June, 26 CTG members have been neutralized through focused operations, including the death of key leaders and the surrender of 14 rebels with high-powered firearms.
Through a series of focused military operations led by the 29IB, 30IB, 36IB, 48IB, and 65IB, the unit’s manpower and leadership were decisively neutralized, marking a significant step toward lasting peace and development in the Caraga Region.
Platun Uno of SRSDG Westland was completely dismantled following multiple encounters in Surigao del Norte and Butuan City, resulting in 18 neutralized members—including the death of its commanding officer, Roderick Maco alias Rodel, and the surrender of 14 others, among them key leaders such as Ricky per alias Rem and squad leader Julia. The recent surrender of its last two members to 29IB on Oct. 2, along with seven high-powered firearms, signaled the total collapse of the platoon.
Meanwhile, Platun Dos was crippled after a June 25 clash in Lanuza, Surigao del Sur, where two members were wounded and later surrendered. Its leader, Edmar Maca alias Renren, capitulated on August 22 and persuaded five more comrades to surrender by early October, leaving only seven members active.
In total, 26 CTG members from SRSDG Westland have been neutralized since June. Only three weakened squads remain, now cornered in the boundaries of Sibagat, Agusan del Sur, and San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, under sustained pursuit by 901st Brigade forces.
Colonel Manuel Darius M. Resuello, acting commander of the 901st Brigade, vowed to sustain relentless operations against the remaining rebels and urged them to surrender peacefully.
He also recognized the crucial partnership of local government units and stakeholders in advancing peace and development efforts across the region.
THE EASTERN Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) marked a dual celebration on Oct. 6, commemorating the 35th AFP Code of Conduct Day and simultaneously launching the official emblem for the upcoming 90th Founding Anniversary.
The ceremony, held at the Naval Station Felix Apolinario in Panacan, was led by EastMinCom commander Lt. Gen. Luis Rex D. Bergante, deputy commander Commodore Dwight Steven M. Dulnoan PN, and Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao commander RADM Constancio Arturo M. Reyes Jr.
AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr. led the national unveiling of the 90th Anniversary logo, symbolizing nine decades of honor, service, and dedication to the Republic.
Brawner emphasized that the emblem serves as both a tribute and a promise.
“The 90th Anniversary Logo tells the story of nine decades of service and sacrifice… It is both a tribute to their legacy and a promise that the AFP will remain steadfast in defending the Republic, modernizing our force, and meeting the challenges of our times,” he stated.
Brawner also highlighted the enduring importance of the 35th Anniversary of the AFP Code of Conduct, which guides every soldier’s integrity, discipline, and professionalism.
“The AFP Code of Conduct reminds us that strength without integrity is hollow,” he added. “For 35 years, it has served as our moral compass—guiding us to uphold honor, service, and patriotism, and ensuring we remain disciplined, principled, and worthy of the Filipino people’s trust.”
The Logo and the Code of Conduct embody the true spirit of the AFP: unwavering in defense of the nation and steadfast in upholding its core values of honor, service, and patriotism.
Photo courtesy of EastMinCom
