Latest news with #Filipina
Filipino Times
a day ago
- Filipino Times
Pia Wurtzbach-Jauncey is new OWWA ambassador; joins Serbisyo Caravan in Saudi
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has officially named Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach-Jauncey as its new ambassador. The Filipina beauty queen, currently based in Dubai with her husband Jeremy Jauncey, was chosen to help promote the government's programs and services for overseas Filipino workers. As part of her new role, Wurtzbach joined the 'Bagong Bayani ng Mundo: OFW Serbisyo Caravan' in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia earlier this month, which brought together 12 government agencies offering on-site services for Filipinos, including social security, health coverage, legal aid, and repatriation assistance. 'Al Khobar welcomed us with open hearts. Grateful to be part of the Serbisyo Caravan with [OWWA] and [LoveYourself]. Always a privilege to serve our fellow Filipinos abroad,' Wurtzbach wrote on Instagram following the visit. As a long-time ambassador of HIV advocacy group LoveYourself, Wurtzbach delivered a message on mental health awareness and self-care — topics that are often left undiscussed but, according to OWWA, are essential to the well-being of OFWs. She also visited the Bahay Kalinga Center in the host country, which serves as a temporary shelter for distressed OFWs undergoing repatriation or reintegration processes. Wurtzbach is also featured in OWWA's latest campaign urging overseas Filipinos to secure their e-Card, which serves as proof of active membership and provides easier access to government services. 'Si Pia nga, may OWWA e-Card na… Ikaw, papahuli ka ba?' OWWA said in a Facebook post. 'Bilang bagong OWWA Ambassador, hinihikayat ni Pia ang ating mga OFW na kunin na rin ang kanilang e-Card.' E-Cards are currently available at the DMW Center Building, OWWA NCR Regional Office, and the OFW Lounge at NAIA Terminal 3, with more distribution sites to be opened soon.
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GMA Network
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Michelle Madrigal celebrates 1st wedding anniversary with husband Kevin Neal
Michelle Madrigal and her husband, Kevin Neal, are celebrating their first wedding anniversary! The Filipina actress turned US-based realtor posted wedding photos on Instagram and wrote a letter for her 'Mahal/Amor/My Love.' 'Words could never fully express how grateful I am to be your wife,' she said. "God really outdid Himself when He brought you into my life. Your love, your patience, and the way you care for me even on my hardest, moodiest days means everything." 'You've softened parts of my heart I didn't even know were still hurting. You've taught me how to trust, how to be taken care of, and how to receive love without fear,' she added. Michelle also said that Kevin has been a blessing to her and her daughter, Anika. 'I'm so excited for what's ahead, for growing our family, building our dreams, and doing life side by side. Thank you for being my safe place,' she said. 'I love you more than I can say. Forever your wifey.' M Michelle confirmed that she was engaged to Kevin in June 2024. The couple got married at a courthouse in July 2024 and plan on having another wedding with their loved ones. Previously, Michelle was married to Troy Woolfolk, but they divorced in 2022. Their daughter Anika was born in 2017. —Nika Roque/JCB, GMA Integrated News
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GMA Network
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Miss Grand Philippines 2025 unveils official headshots of candidates
Miss Grand Philippines 2025 has unveiled the official headshots of the 29 candidates vying for the crown. From Aklan to Zambles, the proudly Filipina ladies showcased each of their unique and stunning visuals in hopes of representing the Philippines in the Miss Grand International pageant. Among the candidates for this year is pageant veteran Emma Tiglao, who will represent her hometown Pampanga. Emma previously competed in the Miss Intercontinental 2019 in Egypt where she finished as a top 20 semifinalist. The Miss Grand Philippines 2025 coronation night is set for August 12 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Filipina beauty queen CJ Opiaza is the reigning Miss Grand International title holder after India's Rachel Gupta resigned and relinquished her crown earlier this year. The Miss Grand International 2025 is set for October 18 in Bangkok, Thailand. — Hermes Joy Tunac/LA, GMA Integrated News
Filipino Times
4 days ago
- Filipino Times
BI warns vs. ‘mail-order bride' schemes after foiled trafficking attempt
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) warned the public against the 'mail-order bride' schemes following the interception of a Filipina at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) who attempted to leave the country for an arranged marriage in China. In a statement, BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said such schemes are resurfacing where suspects often deceive women with promises of a better life abroad. 'The mail-order bride trap is rising again—all promise[s] upfront, tricking women into fake marriages and exploiting them as domestic workers with little or no pay,' he added. A 24-year-old woman was stopped on July 15 by officers from the Immigration Protection and Border Enforcement Section (I-PROBES) as she attempted to board a Xiamen Airlines flight to Xiamen, China. She claimed she was traveling with her brother to meet her Chinese husband, whom she had recently married. However, her marriage certificate had a visibly altered date, and her marriage license was issued after the reported wedding, raising suspicions. The woman later admitted that both the marriage and the documents were fake. She told authorities that a recruiter had offered her ₱8,000 and promised her a better life if she agreed to an arranged marriage with a Chinese national. The BI said the woman and her companion were turned over to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) under the Department of Justice for further investigation and assistance. Earlier this year, BI intercepted two other Filipinas at NAIA who claimed they were going to China to meet their Chinese spouses. Upon investigation, officers discovered that both were married on the same date and time as two other victims. They later admitted their marriages were also fake and arranged by a third party.
Free Malaysia Today
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Free Malaysia Today
Works from 4 Asean countries on display at National Art Gallery
A guest admiring some of the compelling artworks featured in the 'KePulauan' exhibition at the National Art Gallery. PETALING JAYA : Until May 31, the National Art Gallery is showcasing 12 works by artists from four regional countries – Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and the Philippines – in an exhibition titled 'KePulauan: Refleksi BIMP-EAGA Melalui Seni Kontemporari' ('KePulauan: Reflections of BIMP-EAGA Through Contemporary Art'). BIMP-EAGA, or the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area, is a cooperation initiative established in 1994 to foster development within these nations. The exhibition explores the regional identity and social realities of the four countries, conveyed through various mediums including mixed media, installations, paintings, photography, audio, and videography. The areas covered are Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan in Malaysia; the entire sultanate of Brunei; the Kalimantan strip in Indonesia; and the southern Philippines, which includes Mindanao and Palawan. Malaysian artists featured include Josrie Haral, Muslim Mattajim and Mohamad Faizuan Mat, while Brunei is represented by Umi Zaty Bazillah Zakaria and Asilah Maziyah Mohamad Yussof. Chester M Mato, Romy Jones Mata, Leonard B Ansiong, Brendale Taj Hassan Tadeo and Alnynnah Macla represent the Philippines, while Indonesian artist Audro Chrustofel Rompas, along with two art collectives – Susur Galur and Muara Suara from Pontianak and Samarinda, respectively – represent Indonesia. 'Ugat Sin Tau: A Journey Through Heritage' from the Philippines offers visitors a unique interactive experience. In his opening speech on Thursday, tourism, arts and culture ministry secretary-general Shaharuddin Abu Sohot said the exhibition reflects the deep-rooted cultural ties shared by the nations. 'The close ties that have existed for thousands of years among these countries must continue to be strengthened through cultural exploration, particularly through visual arts, heritage, and the exchange of ideas,' he said. 'Through this effort, we hope to foster not just trade cooperation but also appreciation of local wisdom, philosophy and culture, while elevating local art to greater heights.' Shahruddin noted that such regional initiatives have the potential to attract visitors from neighbouring countries, in line with our country's aspirations for Visit Malaysia Year 2026. 'KePulauan: Refleksi BIMP-EAGA Melalui Seni Kontemporari' Where: National Art Gallery, 2 Jalan Temerloh, Off Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur When: Until May 31, 2026 For more information, visit the National Art Gallery website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
