FOUR TEENS SWEPT BY FLASH FLOOD; TWO DEAD, TWO RESCUED

In an emotional post, travel vlogger BecomingFilipino or Kyle Jennermann also known as “Kulas” shared what he described as the “saddest jeepney ride” of his life.

Jennermann, a Canadian-born content creator who became a naturalized Filipino in 2023, recalled a recent ride where he sat behind a jeepney driver — a man likely in his late 50s — who spent every pause in traffic glued to a gambling app on his phone.

“Each stop meant reloading ₱50 via GCash, spinning on Bingo Plus, losing quickly, and reloading again,” Jennermann wrote in his post.
“I watched a jeepney driver lose his hard-earned pay in real time… and I couldn’t stay silent.”

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In just a few minutes, the driver had likely spent all the day’s earnings.

The experience left Jennermann disturbed and reflective. His concern extended beyond this one man — to the broader normalization of online gambling in Filipino daily life.

From billboards and app ads to beauty queens endorsing slots on national TV, he painted a picture of a country increasingly desensitized to the dangers of digital gambling. Once hidden in backrooms or shady alleys, gambling has now gone mainstream — embedded into daily routines and made instantly accessible via smartphones.

“Gambling is no longer hidden—it’s on our phones, in our ads, and on our roads,” he said.
“This wasn’t just a sad ride. It was a wake-up call.”

Jennermann ended his post with a direct appeal to GCash, the country’s leading e-wallet platform:

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“GCash, please disconnect from gambling websites. It is just too easy.”

His post, shared widely across social media, has sparked conversations online about the role of financial apps, digital regulation, and the unseen costs of online gambling addiction, especially among vulnerable Filipinos just trying to make ends meet.

Who is BecomingFilipino?

Kyle “Kulas” Jennermann is a Filipino-Canadian vlogger known for documenting his deep love for the Philippines, often spotlighting its people, culture, and hidden gems through his platform BecomingFilipino. In 2023, he became a Filipino citizen through an act of Congress  a symbolic honor recognizing his contributions to promoting the country.

This latest post marks a shift from his usual feel-good content, but his message resonates: sometimes, even a simple jeepney ride can reveal the deepest cracks in society.

Source: Based on a personal Facebook post by @BecomingFilipino. Graphics and minor edits by Destination PH.

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Freddie Aguilar, the iconic Filipino folk musician and one of the most influential figures in Original Pilipino Music (OPM), passed away on May 27, 2025, at the age of 72. His death was confirmed by multiple news outlets, including The Economic Times and GMA News.

A Voice for the People
Born Ferdinand Pascual Aguilar on February 5, 1953, in Santo Tomas, Isabela, Aguilar rose to fame with his 1978 hit “Anak,” a poignant ballad that resonated with audiences worldwide. The song sold over 33 million copies and was translated into 51 languages, making it the best-selling Philippine music record of all time.

Beyond “Anak,” Aguilar’s music often tackled themes of poverty, social injustice, and national identity. His rendition of “Bayan Ko” became an anthem for the opposition during the 1986 People Power Revolution, cementing his role as a voice for the marginalized.

A Lasting Legacy
Aguilar’s influence extended beyond music. He was a cultural icon whose work inspired generations of Filipinos to embrace their heritage and advocate for social change. His contributions to music and society have left an indelible mark on the nation’s history.

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Remembering Ka Freddie
As news of his passing spread, tributes poured in from fans and fellow artists alike, honoring Aguilar’s immense contribution to Philippine music and culture. He is survived by his wife and children, including daughter Maegan Aguilar, who had publicly reconciled with her father in recent years.

Freddie Aguilar’s music will continue to inspire and resonate, ensuring that his legacy endures for generations to come.

In a landmark moment for the Roman Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the 267th pope, taking the name Leo XIV. His election on May 8, 2025, marks the first time an American has ascended to the papacy, signaling a new chapter for the global Catholic community.

Born in Chicago in 1955, Robert Prevost is a member of the Augustinian order. He dedicated much of his pastoral career to missionary work in Peru, advocating for the poor and voiceless. His deep commitment to social justice and humility in service earned him respect within the Church. In 2023, he was appointed prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, roles that elevated his prominence leading into the conclave.

Pope Leo XIV’s choice of name pays homage to Pope Leo XIII, known for his 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum, which addressed the rights and conditions of workers. This nod indicates a continued emphasis on social teachings and the Church’s role in advocating for justice and dignity.

In his inaugural Mass held in the Sistine Chapel, Pope Leo XIV expressed concern over society’s increasing focus on technology, wealth, and success at the expense of spiritual values. He emphasized the Church’s mission to be a “beacon that illuminates the dark nights of this world,” urging a return to faith and compassion.

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The election of Pope Leo XIV has been met with widespread acclaim. Leaders from around the world, including U.S. President Donald Trump and King Charles, extended their congratulations. In Peru, where Pope Leo XIV served extensively, citizens celebrated the elevation of someone they consider one of their own.

As the first North American pope and the first from an English-speaking country since the 12th century, Pope Leo XIV’s papacy is poised to bridge cultural divides and address contemporary challenges facing the Church. His background suggests a continued commitment to social justice, inclusivity, and dialogue with global leaders.

The formal inauguration Mass for Pope Leo XIV is scheduled for May 18, 2025. Catholics worldwide look forward to his leadership in guiding the Church through the complexities of the modern era.

Credits: People.com, The Guradian, The Daily Beast, AP News

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