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Himalayan town comes alive for Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday celebration

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Himalayan town comes alive for Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday celebration

DHARAMSHALA, India. Thousands of Tibetan Buddhists, monks, and supporters gathered on Sunday in the Himalayan town of Dharamshala to celebrate the 90th birthday of the Dalai Lama, as the exiled spiritual leader reaffirmed his intent to reincarnate after his death.

Despite persistent rain, hundreds of red-robed monks and nuns made their way through the narrow streets toward the main Dalai Lama temple, accompanied by Tibetans bearing ceremonial offerings. The celebration drew visitors from across the globe, including celebrities and officials from India and the United States.

Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has lived in exile in India since 1959, after fleeing Tibet following a failed uprising against Chinese rule. His birthday celebration comes just days after he confirmed that he intends to reincarnate, ending speculation that he might be the last to hold the title. He emphasized that his successor should be found according to traditional Buddhist practices.

In the past, the Dalai Lama has said that his reincarnation would likely occur outside of China, in a “free world.” Many Tibetans in exile fear that Beijing will attempt to install its own chosen successor, a move seen as a strategy to tighten control over Tibet. China, which views the Dalai Lama as a separatist, insists it has the sole authority to approve the next Tibetan spiritual leader and has warned it will not recognize any successor chosen without its consent.

Recognized globally by his red robes and characteristic smile, the Dalai Lama refers to himself as a “simple Buddhist monk,” yet he is revered by millions as the living embodiment of Chenrezig, the Buddhist deity of compassion.

The Dalai Lama was recognized as the spiritual leader of Tibet in 1937. In the 1950s, Chinese forces took control of the region, forcing him and thousands of his followers to flee to India. From Dharamshala, he established a government in exile and has spent more than seven decades preserving Tibetan identity and advocating for autonomy through nonviolent means.

Under his leadership, the Tibetan diaspora has remained united in cultural and spiritual resilience, and the Dalai Lama continues to be one of the world’s most prominent voices for peace and compassion.

Monks donate food for the long-life prayer to celebrate the upcoming birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama at Tsuglagkhang (Getty Images)

Mangyan graduates receive chromebooks for licensure review

Venus L Peñaflor
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Mangyan graduates receive chromebooks for licensure review

ABRA DE ILOG, Occidental Mindoro. In a significant step toward digital inclusion and Indigenous empowerment, two Iraya Mangyan graduates from Occidental Mindoro were recently awarded Chromebooks under a sustainable technology initiative jointly spearheaded by BolunTurismo PH, SulatKamay, and the APO Midwest Alumni Association.

On June 28, Rhodora Matingnan-Sales and Dario Matingnan, both graduates of Bachelor of Science in Education, received the devices to support their preparation for the upcoming Professional Licensure Examination for Teachers. For these aspiring educators, the Chromebooks provide much-needed access to review materials, online classes, and examination simulations, resources that are often unavailable in geographically isolated Indigenous communities.

“This is not just about giving gadgets. It’s about building bridges toward accessible education for the Indigenous youth of Mindoro,” said Venus Funtanilla, Chairperson of the Chromebook Grant Project Philippines.

The initiative follows a sustainable model: once the recipients pass the board exam, the Chromebooks will be returned and reassigned to the next set of scholars, creating a cycle of opportunity and educational continuity. The project is led by Gary Hernal (Chairman, Chromebook Grant Project USA), Venus Funtanilla (Chairman, Chromebook Grant Project Philippines), and John Harvey Calabia (Project Coordinator for Occidental Mindoro).

More than a donation, this effort represents a shared vision for equitable access to education, cultural upliftment, and long-term community development.

Rhodora Matingnan-Sales and Dario Matingnan, both graduates of Bachelor of Science in Education, received the devices to support their preparation for the upcoming Professional Licensure Examination for Teachers.

Musical highway in UAE plays Beethoven’s ‘Ode to Joy’

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Musical highway in UAE plays Beethoven’s ‘Ode to Joy’

FUJAIRAH, United Arab Emirates. A stretch of highway in the UAE’s eastern emirate of Fujairah is turning heads and tuning ears, as a new art installation uses road rumble strips to play Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony for passing vehicles.

Along nearly one kilometer of the E84 highway, also known as Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Road, motorists driving in the right-hand lane can experience a musical surprise. As car tires roll over specially designed grooves on the asphalt, the familiar melody of “Ode to Joy,” the final movement of Beethoven’s symphony and the official anthem of the European Union, comes to life.

The “Street of Music” project was developed by the Fujairah Fine Arts Academy in collaboration with local authorities. Academy director Ali Obaid Al Hefaiti said the initiative aims to promote art culture by blending classical music into everyday life.

“The ‘Street of Music,’ of course, is an art project that exists in some countries, but we wanted this project to be in our country,” Al Hefaiti said. “I think the project is focused on spreading the art culture. The combination of music in our lives and our normal lives.”

Drivers are advised to travel at around 100 kilometers per hour (60 mph) to hear the melody played correctly by the rhythm of their wheels hitting the grooves.

Though similar musical roads exist in countries such as Iran, Al Hefaiti believes this is the first of its kind in the Arab world. Since its unveiling, the road has gone viral on social media, attracting visitors to one of the UAE’s lesser-known but culturally vibrant emirates.

Some drivers have been seen slowing down to experience the musical lane, while curious pedestrians listen from the roadside. The installation has sparked both local and international interest, making Fujairah’s mountain highway a destination in itself.

When asked why a European composer was chosen for a project in the UAE, Al Hefaiti explained that his academy encourages students to explore different cultures and global artistic traditions.

Beyond the novelty, the project underscores a broader message: integrating art into daily life can make even the most ordinary experiences, like driving, unexpectedly beautiful.

Pope Leo XIV resumes papal summer retreat, tackles church challenges behind the scenes

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Pope Leo XIV resumes papal summer retreat, tackles church challenges behind the scenes

VATICAN CITY. Pope Leo XIV is reviving a long-standing Vatican tradition by taking a six-week summer retreat to Castel Gandolfo, the papal residence overlooking Lake Albano, marking his first break since his historic election on May 8. But even in rest, the new pontiff carries a heavy workload.

Known for his humility and quiet leadership style, Pope Leo told cardinals during his first homily that Church leaders must “make oneself small,” so only Christ remains. Since then, he has embraced a discreet, non-protagonistic approach to his role, in contrast to his predecessors.

While Leo will be out of the public eye, those close to him say he intends to spend his time in deep reflection and preparation. The new pope is expected to review key issues facing the Church, including internal appointments, Vatican finances, abuse cases, and liturgical unity.

Among his top tasks is appointing a new prefect to lead the office responsible for vetting bishop candidates, his own former position. He also must decide whether to retain Cardinal Pietro Parolin as Vatican secretary of state, a role equivalent to prime minister, or appoint someone new.

Pope Leo also faces mounting pressure to address the Vatican’s financial instability. The Holy See is operating with a structural deficit of €50–60 million and a €1 billion shortfall in its pension fund.

He inherits unresolved sexual abuse cases, including that of Father Marko Rupnik, a prominent mosaic artist accused of abusing over two dozen adult women and nuns. Though the case involves no minors, it has drawn fierce criticism over allegations of preferential treatment during the previous papacy. The Vatican recently appointed external canon lawyers to finally hear the case.

Another legal concern involves Cardinal Angelo Becciu, convicted in 2023 along with eight others over financial crimes related to the Vatican’s failed €350 million London property deal. As the case moves to appeal, allegations have surfaced of improper coordination between Vatican prosecutors and the star witness. While Pope Leo may wish to avoid direct involvement, he will eventually need to clarify Becciu’s status within the Church.

Promoting unity and healing liturgical divisions is also high on Pope Leo’s agenda. Many conservative Catholics hope he will reverse Pope Francis’ restrictions on the traditional Latin Mass. Cardinal Raymond Burke recently urged Leo to end what he called a “persecution of the faithful” who prefer the old rite.

Beyond internal matters, Pope Leo is also exploring how the Church should approach global issues like artificial intelligence. A formal Church document on the topic may be forthcoming.

As for travel, Leo has a pending invitation to Turkey for the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, potentially in November. He has also been invited to visit the United States, Ukraine, his former diocese in Peru, and even Argentina, which never saw a papal visit under Pope Francis.

Castel Gandolfo residents are thrilled to host a pope again after 12 summers without one. During Pope Francis’ tenure, the estate was converted into a public museum. Locals hope Pope Leo’s stay will revive the retreat’s legacy as a place of prayer, writing, and quiet reflection.

“Remember, many encyclicals were written here,” said Rev. Tadeusz Rozmus, the local parish priest, expressing optimism about what this summer might bring for the Church under Pope Leo’s thoughtful leadership.

A serene view of Lake Albano from Castel Gandolfo, where Pope Leo XIV is spending his summer retreat while reflecting on the Church’s major challenges ahead.

Gretchen Barretto, bomoto na iligpit ang missing sabungeros — whistleblower

Venus L Peñaflor
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Gretchen Barretto, bomoto na iligpit ang missing sabungeros — whistleblower

MAYNILA. Isinangkot ng whistleblower na si Julie Patidongan alyas “Totoy” ang dating aktres na si Gretchen Barretto bilang isa sa mga miyembro ng umano’y “Alpha Group” na bumoto para iligpit ang mga nawawalang sabungero.

Ayon kay Patidongan, nagsagawa ng pulong ang Alpha Group, na pinamumunuan ni Atong Ang, upang pag-usapan ang umano’y “pagwalis” sa mga sabungerong sangkot sa pangti-tiyope o pandaraya sa online sabong. Isa umano si Barretto sa mga nagpahayag ng pagsang-ayon sa desisyon ni Ang sa pamamagitan ng pagtaas ng kamay.

Sinabi pa ni Patidongan na ang naturang hakbang ay bahagi ng tinatawag na “cleansing” operation laban sa mga sabungerong pinaghihinalaang nagsusumbong o nagbebenta ng impormasyon sa mga kalaban ni Ang sa larangan ng sabungan.

Mariin namang pinabulaanan ng kampo ni Barretto ang mga akusasyon. Ayon sa kanyang legal counsel na si Atty. Alma Mallonga, imbento lamang ang mga paratang at gawa-gawa ng ilang indibiduwal na nagnanais umanong kotongan si Barretto.

Samantala, inihayag ni Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla na hawak na ng Department of Justice ang ilang ebidensiya na umano’y magdidiin kay Ang, kabilang ang CCTV footage at isang USB stick na matagal nang nasa poder ni Patidongan.

Ayon kay Remulla, batay sa testimonya ni Patidongan, isang police colonel ang unang may hawak ng USB stick at inutusan siyang sirain ito nang lumabas na ang isyu. Dagdag pa niya, pinasunog rin umano ni Ang ang cellphone ni Patidongan upang mawala ang mga ebidensiya, bago siya binigyan ng bagong cellphone na maaari raw mamonitor.

15 pulis na iniugnay sa missing sabungeros, hinigpitan ng DOJ

Venus L Peñaflor
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15 pulis na iniugnay sa missing sabungeros, hinigpitan ng DOJ

MAYNILA. Inanunsyo ng Department of Justice (DOJ) na isinailalim na sa “restricted duty” ang 15 miyembro ng Philippine National Police (PNP) na sangkot umano sa pagkawala ng mga sabungero.

Ayon kay Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, hindi na pinapayagang sumali sa anumang operasyon ang naturang mga pulis at inatasang mag-report na lamang sa mga itinalagang opisina.

“There are now restrictions on 15 members of the Philippine National Police involved in the missing ‘sabungeros’ case. They are now on restricted duty and are required to report to designated offices so they can no longer participate in operations,” pahayag ni Remulla.

Tiniyak din ng kalihim sa mga kaanak ng mga biktima na patuloy ang hakbang ng DOJ upang maresolba ang kaso. Nakipagpulong si Remulla sa mga pamilya ngayong Biyernes para magbigay ng update.

Matatandaang inihayag ng whistleblower na si Julie “Totoy” Patidongan na isang sindikato, na binubuo umano ng 20 makapangyarihang negosyante na tinaguriang “Alpha” group, ang nasa likod ng serye ng pagdukot. Ayon sa kanya, may ilang tiwaling pulis na kasabwat sa operasyon, at ilan sa mga biktima ay itinapon umano sa Taal Lake.

Hamas responds positively to US-brokered Gaza ceasefire proposal

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Hamas responds positively to US-brokered Gaza ceasefire proposal

CAIRO/TEL AVIV. Hamas announced on Friday that it had responded “in a positive spirit” to a U.S.-brokered ceasefire proposal for Gaza and is ready to begin talks on implementing the deal, which includes the release of hostages and steps toward ending the nearly 21-month-old war with Israel.

The statement, released on Hamas’ official website, said the group had concluded internal consultations and discussions with Palestinian factions before submitting its reply to mediators. “The movement has delivered its response to the brotherly mediators, which was characterized by a positive spirit,” it said. “Hamas is fully prepared, with all seriousness, to immediately enter a new round of negotiations on the mechanism for implementing this framework.”

U.S. President Donald Trump earlier introduced what he called a “final proposal” for a 60-day ceasefire and said he expected responses within hours. Speaking aboard Air Force One on Friday, Trump welcomed Hamas’ tone. “They said they gave me a positive response? Well, that’s good,” he said, although he noted he had not yet been briefed. “There could be a Gaza deal next week.”

Despite the cautious optimism, concerns remain. A Palestinian official from a group allied with Hamas said key issues still needed to be addressed, including humanitarian aid delivery, access through the Rafah crossing with Egypt, and a clear timetable for Israeli troop withdrawals.

An Egyptian security official said Hamas’ response “includes positive signs that an agreement is near,” though some of the group’s demands still require negotiation.

Trump said Israel had already agreed “to the necessary conditions to finalise” the ceasefire. Still, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is expected to meet Trump in Washington on Monday, has not publicly commented. Netanyahu has repeatedly stated that any deal must include the disarmament of Hamas, a condition the group has refused to discuss. Israeli media reported that the government had received Hamas’ response and was reviewing it.

Meanwhile, violence on the ground continued. Health officials in Gaza reported that at least 138 Palestinians were killed over the past 24 hours. In southern Gaza’s Khan Younis, an Israeli airstrike on a tent encampment around 2 a.m. killed 15 displaced civilians, according to staff at Nasser Hospital.

The Israeli military said its operations in the area targeted Hamas militants, seized weapons, and struck 100 locations across Gaza, including military sites and weapons facilities.

Grieving families in Gaza began burying the victims on Friday. Among them was 13-year-old Mayar Al Farr, who said her brother Mahmoud was shot and killed while trying to collect aid. “He went to get a bag of flour for us to eat. He got a bullet in his neck,” she said through tears.

In Tel Aviv, families and supporters of hostages still held in Gaza staged a protest outside the U.S. embassy on American Independence Day. Fifty empty chairs were set up at a symbolic Sabbath dinner table, each representing one of the captives. Protesters urged Trump to secure a deal. “Only you can make the deal. We want one beautiful deal. One beautiful hostage deal,” said Gideon Rosenberg, who wore a shirt featuring Avinatan Or, one of the hostages believed to be still alive.

An official familiar with the negotiations said the current proposal includes the release of 10 hostages during the 60-day ceasefire, along with the return of the bodies of 18 others believed to have died in captivity.

Ruby Chen, whose 19-year-old son, Itay, was among those taken by Hamas on October 7, called on Netanyahu to return from Washington with a deal. “Bring them back,” he said. Itay, an American-Israeli and also a German citizen, was serving in the Israeli military when Hamas launched its surprise attack, killing approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking 251 hostage.

Israel’s retaliation has devastated Gaza, displacing most of the enclave’s more than 2 million residents. According to local health officials, over 57,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have been killed since the war began.

Gretchen Barretto denies involvement in missing sabungeros case

Venus L Peñaflor
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Gretchen Barretto denies involvement in missing sabungeros case

MANILA. Former actress Gretchen Barretto on Friday denied allegations linking her to the disappearance of over 100 cockfight enthusiasts, a day after she was named a suspect in the ongoing investigation.

In a statement issued by her legal counsel, Atty. Alma Mallonga, Barretto refuted claims that she played a role in the alleged abductions. Mallonga clarified that Barretto was merely one of 20 investors, referred to as “alpha members,” in online cockfighting or e-sabong operations.

“She attended no meetings where approvals were sought nor given to implement the disappearances. The proposition is so absurd, it is a plain invention,” said Mallonga.

The statement came after Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla announced that both Barretto and businessman Atong Ang are now considered suspects in the case and will be subject to further investigation.

The development followed accusations made by Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, also known as alyas Totoy, who claimed that Ang was the mastermind behind the abductions. Patidongan, who said he previously served as head of security at Ang’s cockfighting arenas, also implicated Barretto in the alleged scheme.

Ang has denied the accusations, saying Patidongan and another former employee had attempted to extort P300 million from him, threatening to drag his name into the case if he refused.

Mallonga stated that Barretto had also been the target of similar threats and extortion attempts.

Despite the accusations, Barretto has expressed her willingness to fully cooperate with authorities.

“Ms. Barretto awaits the result of the investigation and will fully cooperate in the process. This is her priority. In the meantime she beseeches the authorities to be fair and thorough, and for the public not to rush to judgment,” Mallonga said.

“In the end, Ms. Barretto trusts that an objective investigation will prove her lack of involvement in the case and the unfairness and falsity of the accusations against her,” she added.

Gas station explosion in Rome injures 9 first responders

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Gas station explosion in Rome injures 9 first responders

ROME. A gas station in southeastern Rome exploded early Friday morning, injuring at least nine first responders, including eight police officers and one firefighter, according to police and emergency officials.

The powerful blast occurred shortly after 8 a.m. and was heard across the Italian capital. A large cloud of dark smoke and flames rose above the site, visible from several parts of the city.

Elisabetta Accardo, a spokesperson for the Roman police, said the officers were injured as they responded to the initial emergency. “There were a few chain explosions after the first one,” Accardo told Italian state broadcaster RAI. “All the policemen injured suffered burns, but they are not in danger of life.”

Fire department spokesperson Luca Cari confirmed that one firefighter was also injured but sustained only minor injuries. He added that ten fire crews were deployed to the scene to contain the situation.

Authorities are currently inspecting the surrounding area to check for additional victims who may be trapped or injured in nearby buildings.

The cause of the explosion is still under investigation.

Trump awaits Hamas response to ‘final’ ceasefire proposal within 24 hours

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Trump awaits Hamas response to ‘final’ ceasefire proposal within 24 hours

WASHINGTON. U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that it would likely be known within 24 hours whether Hamas will accept what he has described as a “final proposal” for a ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian militant group in Gaza.

Trump, who is seeking re-election, also confirmed that he had discussions with Saudi officials about expanding the Abraham Accords, a normalization agreement between Israel and several Arab nations brokered during his first term.

Earlier this week, Trump said Israel had accepted the necessary terms for a proposed 60-day ceasefire, during which both parties would work to bring an end to the ongoing war. When asked on Friday if Hamas had agreed to the deal, he responded, “We’ll see what happens, we are going to know over the next 24 hours.”

A source close to Hamas stated on Thursday that the group was seeking assurances that the U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal would ultimately lead to a complete end to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. Two Israeli officials noted that the specifics of the deal were still under negotiation.

According to Gaza authorities, dozens of Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Thursday, underscoring the continuing violence. The conflict escalated dramatically in October 2023 when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostages, according to Israeli figures.

In response, Israel launched a military offensive that the Gaza health ministry says has resulted in the deaths of more than 56,000 Palestinians. The war has also displaced the entire population of Gaza, led to severe food shortages, and prompted genocide accusations at the International Court of Justice, as well as war crimes allegations at the International Criminal Court. Israel has strongly denied these accusations.

A previous two-month ceasefire ended in March when Israeli strikes killed more than 400 Palestinians in a single day. Earlier this year, Trump proposed a controversial U.S. administration of Gaza, which rights groups, the United Nations, and Palestinian officials called a form of “ethnic cleansing.”

Regarding the Abraham Accords, Trump acknowledged reports that he had met with Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman at the White House late Thursday. “It’s one of the things we talked about,” Trump said, adding, “I think a lot of people are going to be joining the Abraham Accords.”

According to Axios, after meeting Trump, the Saudi official spoke by phone with Iranian military chief Abdolrahim Mousavi. Trump’s meeting with the Saudi delegation comes ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s scheduled visit to Washington next week.

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