Filipino law students crowned world champion at Oxford University Moot Court

Filipino law students crowned world champion at Oxford University Moot Court

Facebook Post 
Iskolar ng Bayan
22 August 2026

WORLD CHAMPIONS! 🇵🇭⚖️

Law students from the University of San Agustin College of Law in Iloilo brought pride to the Philippines after winning the 2026 Monroe E. Price Media Law Moot Court Competition International Rounds held in Oxford, England. Oxford’s official results named the University of San Agustin, Philippines as champion, with Osgoode Hall Law School of Canada finishing as runner-up.

The international rounds were held from April 13 to 17, 2026, with the final taking place at the Bonavero Institute of Human Rights, University of Oxford. A total of 85 teams competed across six regional rounds, with only 30 teams from around the world advancing to Oxford.

The winning Filipino team was composed of Marco Giorgione Dava, team captain and oralist; Gie Ann Marie Aloro, oralist; and researchers Kenverly Kirch Duran and Zynnie Zaragosa. They competed under the University of San Agustin’s Bulahan Price Team.

Dava also earned an individual distinction, placing 10th among 98 oralists in the preliminary rounds. The global field included teams from institutions such as the University of Oxford, University of Chicago, University of Vienna, Singapore Management University, NALSAR University of Law, and the University of the Philippines.

Their victory was later formally recognized in the Philippine House of Representatives through House Resolution No. 1030, congratulating the University of San Agustin College of Law team for winning the world championship at the 2026 competition.

From Iloilo to Oxford, Filipino law students have once again shown that Philippine talent can stand—and win—on the global academic stage. 🇵🇭🌻

Para sa Edukasyon. Para sa Bayan

Pinoys making waves in J-pop industry

6 Filipino artists making waves in J-Pop

Nika Roque
GMA News
20 August 2026

SB19 and BINI raised the Philippine flag in Japan at the Summer Sonic last weekend. The two groups performed both in the Osaka and Tokyo legs of the music festival, introducing the P-pop sound to Japanese audiences.

But did you know that the J-pop scene also has Filipino artists?

Several Pinoys are making their names and talents known in Japan—from singing popular OSTs, pursuing careers as solo artists, and becoming part of idol groups.

Here are six Filipinos making waves in J-Pop.

Beverly

If you are a fan of anime or Japanese series, chances are you already heard her voice.

Beverly Caimen, simply known as Beverly, is a Filipino singer now based in Japan. She is known for being part of the official soundtracks of Japanese shows.

She performed "Again," the Season 1 opening song of the 2019 reboot of "Fruits Basket," and "I Need Your Love," the theme song of the 2017 drama "Crisis" starring Shun Oguri.

"My gosh, the first time the drama came out and I heard my voice, it was like I was in shock," Beverly told GMA News Online in Filipino in an exclusive interview. "I heard my voice. It was on TV—on Japanese TV. So I got excited."

Beverly also recently went viral for her Rufa Mae Quinto impression on the Japanese variety show "Chidori's Oni Renchan" last May.

Earlier this year, she collaborated with "Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen" hitmaker Pikotaro for the song "Pee Poop Party People."

She was in the Philippines last year to perform at ToyCon 2025.

Kento Nakajima

Kento Nakajima confirmed that he is half-Filipino during an interaction with Liza Soberano at a fashion show in New York. They were caught on video, with Liza saying she's from the Philippines and Kento replying, "So I'm half-Filipino."

Kento is a known singer, actor, and television personality in Japan. He debuted as part of the group Sexy Zone in 2011. He left the group in 2024 and debuted as a solo artist that same year with the release of the album "N/bias."

As an actor, he made his international debut with the Hulu series, "Concordia." He also starred in the film "Love Like Falling Petals."

Kento is fresh from a performance with SB19 at Summer Sonic in Tokyo. They performed the hit song "Gento," with Kento performing a Japanese rap verse and also singing Tagalog lines.

He also had his own set both in Tokyo and Osaka.

Fondly known as Kenty, he is a proud otaku and often shares his love for anime like "Yu-Gi-Oh!"

Reiko

Reiko was born in the Philippines and raised in Japan. He participated in the talent search "The First" to become a member of the boy group Be:First, but he didn't make the final cut.

However, life had other plans as the rising J-Pop act made his solo debut in 2023 with the single "No More" followed by "Butterfly."

That same year, he dropped the ballad "Itazura," as well as its Filipino version, "Hanggang Kailan Pa."

Reiko visited the Philippines as part of the lineup of UMusic Night.

In July, Reiko released his renditions of "Tadhana" by UDD and "Multo" by Cup of Joe. He put his electronic and R&B twists of the hit OPM songs.

Alan Shirahama (Generations)

Alan Shirahama was born to a Filipino mother and Japanese father. He is known as the leader of the Japanese group, Generations. He is also a fourth-generation member of the group, Exile.

Generations has had a colorful career with eight studio albums in their discography. Their songs include "Hard Knock Days," "Love you More," and "Ageha."

Alan and fellow member Yuta recently met SB19, and did the "Lawless" dance challenge with Stell, Ken, and Justin.

Meanwhile, Alan also tours as a DJ and collaborates with various artists.

In 2023, he traveled to the Philippines and visited Intramuros and the San Agustin Church. He was named tourism ambassador to the country that same year.

Yuri (HANA)

The rising J-Pop group HANA has a half-Filipino member, Yuri. In an interview, Yuri said her love for music is thanks to her Filipino roots.

HANA released the pre-debut single "Drop" in January 2025, before their official debut single "Rose," which was released in April.

The group released their self-titled debut album last February. Their songs include "Blue Jeans," "Bad Girl," and "Tiger."

Yuri and fellow HANA member Naoko recently met SB19 in Japan and did the "Lawless" dance challenge with Josh and Justin.

Harumi

Harumi, or Harumi Kusagaya, was born to a Filipino mother and Japanese father.

According to Genius, Harumi showed an interest in music at a young age and joined the church choir at three years old. Her family then moved to Japan when she was 13.

Harumi made her major debut with the album, "Pride," in 2022. Her songs include "Sea of Memories," "Pride," and "Love."

She is also a theater actress who played Jane Seymour in the musical "Six" when it toured in Japan.

Along with Beverly, she is among the cast members of the Japanese staging of "Rent" the musical this year. —MGP, GMA News

Triple wins for Philippines in international pageants for married women

Triple wins for Philippines in international pageants for married women

Eton B. Concepcion
Manila Standard
20 August 2026

Mrs. Philippines International’s queens took the limelight at the recent Mrs. Grand International coronation finale by capturing a rare triple win, held in Yangon, Myanmar. 

Amy Amor was named the first Mrs. Intercontinental 2026, Leona Luisa Andersen took the title Mrs. Cosmo World 2026, and Jonnabeth Velante was crowned Mrs. Grand International 2026, an incredible moment of pride and celebration for the country, proving once again the strength, beauty, grace, and determination of Filipina married women.

Amy Peria Amor, a 42-year-old native of Canlubang, Calamba City, Laguna, and the reigning Elite Mrs. Laguna Philippines 2026, became the first-ever Mrs. Intercontinental winner. She also won Best in Evening Gown and the Best Impression special awards.  

Amor strongly advocates for Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Awareness and Inclusion,a platform close to her heart, as she believes that individual deserves equal oppurtunities, respect, acceptance and empowerment regardless of their abilities. Through this platform, she continues to champion inclusivity, inspire communities and promote greater awareness of the rights and potential of persons with disabilities.  

Velante, a 33-year-old mother of three from San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, also won the Best in National Costume, Evening Gown, Talent, and Impression special awards. An entrepreneur, she advocates for Mental Health Awareness, focusing specifically on helping individuals overcome anxiety and depression.

Andersen, a 28-year-old restaurateur, was the former Mrs. Philippines International 2021 and was named first runner-up in ABS-CBN’s It’s Showtime “Reinanay Ng Tahanan” segment.

Amor, Velante, and Andersen were joined in the Myanmar competition by Mrs. Philippines International Organization, a premier national beauty pageant for married women, led by its National Director Maan Cueto Aris.

Lea Salonga makes history as the first Filipina Walk of Fame awardee

Lea Salonga set for historic Hollywood Walk of Fame honor this September

Hannah Garzon
Philstar Life
20 August 2026

Lea Salonga will officially receive her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame this September, making history as the first Filipina to earn the honor.

Salonga’s star ceremony will take place in early September, coinciding with the 2026 Manila International Film Festival, which will run from Sept. 3 to 6 in Los Angeles, California.

The Tony and Olivier Award-winning actress and singer was named among the Hollywood Walk of Fame’s Class of 2026 in the Live Theatre/Live Performance category. 

The MIFF will also honor Salonga with its Icon Award during the festival’s Closing Night Gala on Sept. 6 at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California. The award recognizes her contributions to theater, film, television, and music.

MIFF previously nominated Salonga for her Hollywood Walk of Fame star, describing her as an artist who has helped elevate Filipino and Asian representation in the global entertainment industry.

The upcoming recognition adds another major milestone to Salonga’s decades-long career, which began in the Philippines before taking her to Broadway and the West End.

She gained international recognition for originating the role of Kim in Miss Saigon, earning Tony, Olivier, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, and Theatre World awards for her performance.

Salonga is also known internationally as the singing voice of Princess Jasmine in Aladdin and Fa Mulan in Mulan and Mulan II. More recently, she also stars in the voice cast of the upcoming film, Forgotten Island, with H.E.R. and Liza Soberano.

Aside from Salonga, Filipino-American entertainers Jo Koy and Nicole Scherzinger are also set to receive their stars. They have been selected by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce to be honored at the Walk of Fame Class of 2027 under the Live Theatre/Live Performance category.

Filipino dance group Legit Status declared champion in UDO World Finals UK

Legit Status Varsity bags gold in UDO World Street Dance tilt

Philstar Global
17 August 2026

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino dance group Legit Status stomped its way to a first-place win in the UDO World Finals held from August 12-16 at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens in the United Kingdom.

The 24-member crew ruled the 18-and-Under Advance category, the first Filipino group to do so.

The squad earned its ticket to the Big Dance owing to first- and second-place finishes in the UDO Philippines Street Dance Championship in Quezon City from November 21-23, 2025.

The victory at Winter Gardens made the group a two-time world champion, having conquered the 2025 World Hip Hop Dance Championships in Phoenix, Arizona.

Legit Status Varsity also thus made a rousing follow-up to its showings at SOAR Manchester from August 7-9, where it struck gold in Under 16 category and finished as runner-up in the Adult Mega Crew division.

The Cubao Quezon City-based dance squad said it has been entering competitions left and right with one goal in mind: to put the Philippines on the global dance map.

And they have succeeded so far.