Alex Eala wins Birmingham Open title

Alex Eala wins Birmingham Open title, ends Czech curse

Story by Mark Giongco 
Inquirer.net
08 June 2026

MANILA, Philippines–Alex Eala raised her first trophy of the season and lifted a curse that has haunted her for the past several years.

Eala rallied past up-and-coming Czech Nikola Bartunkova, 5-7, 6-3, 7-5, to win the WTA 125 Birmingham Open on Sunday night (Manila time).

The 21-year-old Eala won her second WTA crown after ruling the Guadalajara 125 Open in Mexico last September.

Eala’s victory also marked her first against a Czech in 14 tries since turning pro in 2020.

“I’m so honored to lift this trophy today. Lifting this trophy only makes me more motivated to keep working,” said Eala.

“It’s one of those days where I hope we can both win. It’s an incredible match.”

The 21-year-old Eala joined the likes of former Grand Slam champions and world number ones in Maria Sharapova, Ashleigh Barty, and Angelique Kerber to name a few, who all won the Birmingham Classic at some point in their celebrated careers.

PH wins its first crown for Man of the World

Philippine bet Oliver Eugen Kretz wins Man of the World 2026

Oliver Eugen Kretz becomes first Filipino to win Man of the World title.

Erwin Santiago
Philippine Entertainment Portal
07 June 2026

Philippine representative Oliver Eugen Kretz was crowned Man of the World 2026 at the grand coronation held at the Palacio de Manila in Manila, Philippines, on Saturday night, June 6, 2026.

The 25-year-old Filipino-German beat out 27 other contestants in the 8th edition of the male beauty pageant.

The first runner-up in Man of the World 2026 is Abel Adrian Diaz of Ecuador.

Second runner-up si Fidel Arellano ng Chile.

Third runner-up si Luis Arturo Jauregui ng Mexico.

Afiq Naufal of Malaysia was fourth runner-up.

OLIVER EUGEN KRETZ A FRONTRUNNER

Even before the grand coronation of Man of the World 2026, Kretz was considered the frontrunner.

He won three special awards throughout the pageant: Best in Swimwear, Best in Beachwear, and Media's Choice.

Crowning Kretz was 2025 Man of the World Juul Missiaen of Spain.

Mindoro town declared Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO

PH town among 14 new UNESCO biosphere reserves worldwide

Dennis Atienza Maliwanag
Inquirer.net
06 June 2026

MANILA, Philippines — Unesco has designated the Matibay na Bayan ng Sablayan Biosphere Reserve in Occidental Mindoro as one of 14 new biosphere reserves added to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves on World Environment Day.

The designation was announced on June 5 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco), which said the new additions brought the global network to 797 biosphere reserves in 145 countries.

The Matibay na Bayan ng Sablayan Biosphere Reserve was among sites approved by Unesco’s International Co-ordinating Council of the Man and the Biosphere Programme during its 38th session in Hernandarias, Paraguay.

New Unesco sites

Unesco said the other newly designated biosphere reserves are located in Albania, Algeria, Aruba, Azerbaijan, Cameroon, Canada, Iran, Mongolia, Montenegro, Paraguay, Portugal, Timor-Leste, and Viet Nam.

The biosphere reserve in the Philippines covers the entire municipality of Sablayan in Occidental Mindoro, accounting for nearly 39 percent of the province’s total area. It spans 327,880 hectares and includes a mix of terrestrial and marine ecosystems.

Its core areas cover 86,265 hectares, including 70,188 hectares of terrestrial area and 16,077 hectares of marine area. These comprise seven terrestrial and 10 marine protected areas established under national or local legislation.

Home to Mangyan tribes

The reserve is home to indigenous peoples, particularly the Alangan and Taubuid Mangyan tribes, two of the eight ethnolinguistic groups inhabiting the mountainous areas of Mindoro.

Unescao noted that most of the municipality’s population, estimated at 84,898 in 2022, lives in the transition areas of the reserve. Agriculture remains the primary source of livelihood, particularly the cultivation of rice and corn, while ecotourism has emerged as an important driver of conservation and community development.

A Biosphere Management Council of Sablayan will oversee the reserve. The council will consist of representatives from the local government unit, national government agencies, academic institutions, and other stakeholder groups.

‘Living laboratories’

Unesco defines biosphere reserves as territories where biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and scientific research are pursued simultaneously. The sites serve as “living laboratories” where communities test and develop approaches to balancing environmental protection with economic and social needs.

“Biosphere reserves prove every day that protecting nature and improving human lives are not competing goals,” Unesco Director-General Khaled El-Enany said in a statement marking World Environment Day.

“This year’s designations span every continent showing the full range of what it means to live in harmony with nature. Unesco will continue to work with governments, communities and scientists to ensure these living laboratories remain at the forefront of the world’s response to the climate and biodiversity crises,” he added.

Unesco also highlighted the role of biosphere reserves in advancing global conservation goals. Since the launch of the Man and the Biosphere Programme in 1971, biosphere reserves have become a key component of Unesco’s environmental initiatives, alongside World Heritage sites and Global Geoparks.

The organization said these sites contribute to the protection of more than 13 million square kilometers of terrestrial and marine ecosystems worldwide and support the global target of conserving 30 percent of the planet’s land and sea areas by 2030.

The Philippines’ newest biosphere reserve joins a global network of protected areas that promote biodiversity conservation while supporting the livelihoods, cultures, and sustainable development of local communities. /dm

Six Filipino scientists make it to Singapore Asian Scientist's List

6 Filipinos make new 'Asian Scientist 100' list

Kristofer Purnell 
Philstar.com
June 6, 2026 

MANILA, Philippines — Six (6) Filipino scientists have been included in the eighth release of the "Asian Scientist 100" list by Singapore's Asian Scientist Magazine.

Honorees: May Anne Mata, Marcela Navasero, Mary Donnabelle Balela, Aurelio delos Reyes, Romulo Davide and Garry Benico

Since 2016 the magazine annually compiles a list of the most outstanding researchers in the Asia-Pacific region, highlighting their achievements across a range of scientific disciplines.

Requirements for inclusion are being a recipient of a national or international prize for their research of a significant scientific discovery or provided leadership in academia.

Past Filipino honorees including National Scientists Ramon Cabanos Barba, Angel C. Alcala, Edgardo D. Gomez, Gavino Cajulao Trono Jr., Emil Q. Javier, and Carmencita David-Padilla, Philippine Space Agency director general Gay Jane Perez and Project NOAH executive director Mahar Lagmay.

The following are this year's Filipino honorees:

Marcela M. Navasero (natural pest control and agricultural biosecurity)

Romulo G. Davide (plant pathology and nematology)

Mary Donnabelle L. Balela (oil spill mitigation and marine environmental protection)

Garry Benico (aquatic biosciences)

Aurelio A. de los Reyes (mathematical modeling - reproductive health)

May Anne E. Mata (mathematical biology - infectious disease)

Navasero is a recipient of the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award, who is recognized for her leadership in natural pest control and agricultural biosecurity.

She led rapid pest assessments, managed outbreak responses and identified natural enemies of invasive species as a frontliner of the National Crop Protection Center’s Quick Response Team.

Davide, dubbed the "Father of Philippine Nematology," was named a National Scientist in 2024 and is known for his pioneering work in plant pathology and nematology, particularly his research on plant-parasitic nematodes.

Balela received the Outstanding Research and Development Award. During the Department of Science and Technology's National Science and Technology Week 2024 for developing modular kapok booms for marine oil spills.

The scientist's work uses biodegradable, locally sourced kapok fibres to create reusable oil sorbents capable of absorbing several times their weight in oil, offering a sustainable, low-waste solution for oil spill mitigation and marine environmental protection.

De los Reyes received the same award for his mathematical modeling of optimal contraception dosing strategies to improve reproductive health and last year was named the National Research Council of the Philippines Achievement Awardee for Mathematical Sciences. 

Benico was named an Outstanding Young Scientist by the National Academy of Science and Technology last year for his research in aquatic biosciences, particularly the taxonomy and systematics of microalgae and harmful dinoflagellates affecting marine ecosystems, fisheries, and aquaculture.

Mata was also given the distinction for her exemplary research in infectious disease modeling and analysis, applied mathematics, mathematical biology and operations research. 

Kaway'an EcoPark in Cavite just made TIME's World's Greatest Places 2026 list

This stunning bamboo sanctuary in Cavite just made TIME's World's Greatest Places 2026 list

GMA Lifestyle
June 6, 2026

Proving that bamboo is no longer just the "poor man's lumber," Kaway'an EcoPark is the only Philippine destination to earn a spot in this year's prestigious global curation.

We always knew our local destinations were world-class, but a hidden gem in Cavite just solidifies it on the global map.

Kaway'an EcoPark, a groundbreaking bamboo eco-tourism sanctuary nestled in Barangay Panungyanan, General Trias City, has officially been named one of TIME Magazine's World's Greatest Places of 2026. Out of hundreds of global nominations, TIME's international network of correspondents selects only 100 extraordinary destinations to visit and stay. This year, Kaway'an EcoPark stands proud as the sole representative from the Philippines.

What makes it a 'Greatest Place'?

Developed by Citihomes Builder & Development Inc., the EcoPark isn't your typical weekend playground. It was envisioned as a direct response to our need for sustainable spaces that let both people and the land breathe. Instead of forcing heavy concrete structures onto the landscape, the park's pathways, gardens, and lagoons flow organically around nature.

"To be the only destination in the Philippines on this list is a matter we take as a commitment and responsibility to ensure we represent the best our country has to offer," says Elizabeth Wang, General Manager of Kaway'an Eco Development, Inc.

During the official press tour, Wang broke down exactly what this global milestone means for local tourism. "From the strength of our creativity through community and collaboration, to the richness of our resources and heritage, and of course, the unrivaled warmth of our hospitality, the story Kaway'an EcoPark wishes to share with the world is one still in growth and progress—one we invite visitors to take part in writing."

A triumph of bamboo architecture

If you appreciate design, the park's main architectural centerpieces will take your breath away. The Marilag Grand Pavilion and the Marahuyo Bridge are masterclasses in sustainable engineering.

Built through an international collaboration between homegrown Filipino architects, Indonesia's renowned IBUKU Studio, and London's Atelier One structural engineers, these structures push the boundaries of what kawayan can do. Instead of using heavy materials, the Pavilion achieves its massive, wide spans through pure geometry. The bamboo works in compression and flexibility, making it incredibly resilient to unpredictable tropical weather while keeping the spaces open, airy, and stunningly lightweight.

What you can do there

Whether you are looking for a quiet weekend escape or a picturesque backdrop for life's milestones, the park is calibrated for mindful connection rather than flashy spectacle:

• Explore the Lagoon: Rent a boat and glide across the man-made waters.
• Go Horseback Riding: Take a slow trot through the lush, verdant grounds.
• Farm-to-Table Experience: Visit the open farms and greenhouses to see fresh produce growing firsthand.
• Unwind: Wander through peaceful bamboo groves or rest inside the cozy Marikit Gazebo and Guest Lounge.

Because of its open-air design and natural structural warmth, the eco-park has also become a premier sustainable venue for weddings, cultural events, and photo shoots—offering an intimate atmosphere that standard concrete halls simply cannot replicate.

"Kaway'an EcoPark stands as a testament to what becomes possible when a remarkable team of experts dares to come together to share one vision and goal—to bring a sustainable sanctuary to life," said Rosie Tsai, President of Citihomes Builder & Development Inc.

The milestone has earned praise from the national government as well, with Department of Tourism (DOT) CALABARZON Regional Director Marites T. Castro joining the tour to celebrate the destination as a flagship asset for Philippine eco-tourism.

How to get there

Ready to plan your visit? Kaway'an EcoPark is located at Sabella Village, Crisanto M. De Los Reyes Avenue, Barangay Panungyanan, General Trias City, Cavite.

It's incredibly accessible for a quick day trip from Metro Manila via the CALAX expressway, or through a straightforward public commute via the PITX (Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange).

Filipina singer wins first prize at prestigious 2026 Washington International Competition

Filipina singer wins first prize at prestigious 2026 Washington International Competition

Gideon Tinsay
Philstar Life
30 May 2026

Filipina mezzo-soprano Michelle Mariposa earned the top prize of the 2026 Washington International Competition for Voice.

The Friday Morning Music Club Foundation announced on its website that Mariposa placed first in the tilt, winning $10,000 (over P615,000) in cash.

Mariposa performed five songs for the contest, including Duparc's L’invitation au voyage, Antonino Buenaventura’s Ako’y Nangangarap, Richard Strauss’ Wie du warst!, Mozart’s Parto, ma tu ben mio, and Ricky Ian Gordon's Open All Night. 

In a Facebook post, the Cultural Center of the Philippines congratulated Mariposa, calling her feat a "well-deserved recognition" of her artistry.

Per the FMMC Foundation, the competition included 16 exceptional young singers from around the world, ages 18–32, who were selected through a competitive preliminary process, performing a wide-ranging repertoire of opera, art song, and contemporary works before an esteemed jury of internationally acclaimed artists Tony Arnold, Nicholas Phan, and Karen Slack.

The Washington International Competition is presented by the FMMC Foundation and is now in its 77th year. It has helped launch the careers of distinguished musicians. Competition winners are eligible for performance awards of solo appearance opportunities in the US.

Mariposa is among a new generation of Filipino artists gaining international recognition. She is praised for her “rich, powerful mezzo” by Parterre Box, a New York City–based online opera magazine.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of the Philippines, graduating summa cum laude. She then completed a second bachelor’s degree in Voice at UP and finished summa cum laude before earning a master’s degree in Voice and Opera Performance from Northwestern University in Illinois, US, with high honors.

The Pinay singer was also the grand finals winner of the 2025 Metropolitan Opera Eric and Dominique Laffont Competition. She's currently a Cafritz Young Artist with the Washington National Opera.

Dream come true

In an interview with PhilSTAR L!fe, Mariposa shared why the 2026 Washington International Competition for Voice was one she'll never forget.

"It was one of the most memorable competitions I’ve done," she said.

"Leading up to it, I was so tired, coming from back-to-back-to-back work since March, where I was traveling a lot and singing a show or an audition every week. So I was actually debating withdrawing from the competition, because the night before the semifinals, I was closing a show, and the Monday after the finals, I had to leave for my summer gig," recalled Mariposa. "But I decided to push through, and I’m glad I did. It was just one of those moments where, once you perform, whatever tiredness or nervousness disappears as you find yourself immersed in the text, music, and theater that you’re performing."

The singer said she's "extra proud of myself for not giving up despite the packed schedule and the doubts."

According to Mariposa, she's set to perform at the Glimmerglass Festival, where she's singing Suzuki in Madama Butterfly and Dorabella in Così fan tutte.

She will then return to the Philippines for the Manila Symphony Orchestra's concert, where she will be singing scenes from Carmen and kundiman.

After her PH show, she will go back to Washington, DC to sing Suzuki as a guest principal artist with the Washington National Opera.

"I’m very thankful to be singing a lot," she told L!fe, "and it truly is a dream come true earning a living through music."

Filipinos at the American Music Awards 2026

Filipino pride soars at American Music Awards with Apl.de.ap, Katseye’s Sophia

Inquirer.net
30 May 2026

A song released more than 15 years ago and a girl group representing the future of global pop became two of the biggest vehicles for Filipino pride at the 2026 American Music Awards.

Turning the spotlight on Filipino talent at one of music’s biggest stages held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, this year’s ceremony saw Filipino American rapper Apl.de.ap and global girl group Katseye, home to Filipina member Sophia Laforteza, emerge among the night’s standout winners.

Comeback story

For Apl.de.ap, the moment came courtesy of an unlikely comeback story.

The Black Eyed Peas’ 2010 club anthem “Rock That Body” has experienced a second life online over the past year, becoming the soundtrack to a viral dance trend that introduced the track to a younger generation.

Its renewed popularity ultimately translated into awards recognition, with the group taking home the AMA for Best Throwback Song.

As the Black Eyed Peas reunited onstage to accept the honor, Apl.de.ap made sure to share the celebration with fans, sending a special shout-out to Filipinos watching around the world.

‘Mabuhay ang Filipino’

“Thank you to all the fans around the world who voted for this song, ‘Rock That Body.’ Maraming salamat, mahal ko kayo. Mabuhay ang Filipino!” he said during his acceptance speech.

Big wins for Katseye

While a veteran artist was celebrating a career-spanning achievement, one of pop music’s newest acts was busy collecting trophies of its own.

Katseye enjoyed a breakthrough night at the ceremony, winning New Artist of the Year, Breakthrough Pop Artist and Best Music Video for “Gnarly.”

The group also delivered a high-energy performance of “Pinky Up.”

During an acceptance speech, the Filipina idol took a moment to acknowledge the artists who helped pave the way for globally minded groups like Katseye.

“We want to give a special shout-out to BTS tonight for inspiring us to represent our culture at a global scale,” she said, closing her speech with “Maraming, maraming salamat!”

The celebration of cultural identity remained a recurring theme throughout the night. Fellow member Lara Raj reflected on Katseye’s long-standing goal of embracing the diverse backgrounds of its members.

“We’ve always been on a mission to celebrate diversity and represent our people and our cultures,” she said.

The wins placed Katseye among the ceremony’s top victors, tying with several artists, including BTS, for the most awards won during the evening.

The K-pop supergroup, making its first AMA appearance in four years, earned Artist of the Year, Best Male K-Pop Artist and Song of the Summer for “Swim.”

Aside from Apl.d.ap and Laforteza, Nicole Scherzinger, in her red latex outfit, also made an appearance with her Pussycat Dolls members Ashley Roberts and Kimberly Wyatt, singing their hit song, “Don’t Cha.”