Negros Island TV8 and Channel 8 News

(Written by Miko Kubota-Nieves & Pacifica Elise Northwest / Ka-Serbisyo Patrol #4 news reporter of Channel 8 News, Station Manager of ONC Holdings, and Business Reporter of The Brighton Bugle)

DUMAGUETE, NEGROS ORIENTAL -- For almost 20 years, the name of one has been constant in digital journalism in Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental. That legacy is taking a brand-new turn with the approach of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Since the start of the 2010s, a staple of our online community. One Network News (or OneNETnews) is getting ready for a big change. It's a new identity, a new site, and a new pledge to make an independent, family-run public broadcaster and news organization from the heart of The City of Gentle People.

In the fast-paced world of digital media, however, longevity is rare, and ONC Holdings made its debut nearly 2 decades ago. Since late-Q1 2013, ONC Holdings has depended on Tumblr (our parent microblogging and corporate social platform) to power OneNETtv (One Network Television) Channel and OneNETnews that features local & regional news, police reports, community updates, and live events. As the world continues to watch the aforementioned international sporting event later this year, the station is also making its own bid for the future.

Rhayniel Saldasal Calimpong, founder of ONC Holdings and Barangay President of Pulantubig PWD Association (PPDA), got his start running an internet cafe called MUSUMECI, with locations on Jose Pro Teves Street and on the 2nd floor of Zone Two at Silliman Avenue corner Perdices Street.

All the extreme learning difficulties encountered at West City Elementary School (WCES) and Piapi High School (PHS) had complicated matters in several lessons: Filipino, Algebra (for Math), MAPEH (or Music, Arts, Physical Education and Health), Science, History, and even in public life after Grade 5 in 2015 onwards. His guidance into the world of Philippine technology, in which he had limited experience since he was a late bloomer in the world of mass communications, was invaluable.

Rhayniel championed the cause of providing the people of Negrosanons with easily accessible, reliable information, and his goal was to build a permanent, professional space for them: "Our legacy is built on being an independent free press. This move isn't just about a website; it's about establishing a permanent, professional home for the people of Negros Island", he noted.

That permanent home will be "negrosislandtv8.org". The online public broadcaster and news organization's leadership points out that the mission is the same, although the new website domain will not be live until later this year. The site's content and its commitment to every news reader like you are pieces of history. The digital address is moving but nothing else.

Our official indie news outlet will operate as Channel 8 News through the Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles, California. It's a bridge to the future in accordance with their broadcast identity of DYDZ-DTV Channel 8. This family-run and independent public radio station made a major leap.

The new domain "negrosislandtv8.org", is slated to launch during or just after the World Cup festivities. For this story, it will be our last for today until 2028 on OneNETnews Online. Until then, you can still find all your local updates at this familiar website. Our financing and technician teams are working hard with a limited budget and several unpaid debts, ensuring a smooth transition to the same microblogging platform on or before the year-end.

PHOTO COURTESY: TV8 Creatives

(Written by Luz Isidora Noceda / Regional Correspondent of Disney XD News)

RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY -- Viewers and attendees gripped the arms of their seats during a heart-stopping FIFA World Cup knockout clash that unfolded at the New York-New Jersey stadium Sunday night (July 5th -- Eastern U.S. time). The first half unfolded in tense silence—no goals, just relentless pressure between two evenly matched squads. Then, in a dramatic shift, Norway broke through late, seizing momentum past the 80th minute and ultimately sealing a stunning double upset with a decisive goal in extra time, finishing 2-1 over Brazil.

England is set to play next Saturday afternoon (July 11th, 2026), while the United States national team prepares for a showdown against Belgium on Monday night (July 6th). But for loads of soccer and cartoon fans, the most talked-about moment came off the pitch and came unexpectedly from a celebrity teen-like voice featured live on YouTube (Google's parent video sharing company 'Alphabet').

Hosted by Ohio's own phenom "IShowSpeed" (real name 'Darren Jason Watkins Jr.'). Speed was seen to meet the veteran male voice actor behind Phineas Flynn from Disney's Phineas and Ferb, named Vincent Michael Martella. His iconic line, delivered with a roar of enthusiasm, who recently recorded their moment live on Speed's stream around the 62nd minute mark, amidst the roar of the crowd: "This was the first time [today, and I'm having] the best summer vacation ever!". Speed was visibly stunned, his reaction a mix of disbelief and pure joy. Though he admitted he'd never seen the full series, the moment clearly hit deep.

Fans are excited about the arrival of the new season, but they are still asking the question of whether Disney will take the opportunity to introduce IShowSpeed to the world of the animated series, but with his level of energy adjusted to the younger audience rather than swearing. Even with all the holiday cheer on the horizon, folks are already speculating if Speed is ready for a side gig with Disney Television Animation (DTVA).

Upcoming releases have only fueled the excitement, ahead of the 20th anniversary: two (2) new episodes are slated for this year -- one for Halloween in October, another for Christmas in December, with Season 6 launching next summer in July. For now, you can stream and watch all seasons of Phineas & Ferb on DisneyNOW, Disney+, Apple TV+, and Amazon Prime Video (APV).

SCREENGRAB COURTESY: IShowSpeed, FOX One, and DTVA BACKGROUND PROVIDED BY: TEGNA

SOURCES: *https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adEI5j4Q0RU&t=5881 *https://newjersey.news12.com/2026/07/02/fifa-world-cup-2026-what-you-need-to-know-during-the-big-event/7G4JwWDNJUFDcVHMWPhFuS *https://www.breakingnews.ie/sport/erling-haaland-stars-as-norway-stun-brazil-to-reach-world-cup-quarter-finals-1922771.html *https://www.animationmagazine.net/2025/04/phineas-and-ferb-returns-to-disney-to-take-over-summer/ and *https://x.com/DisneyToonz/status/2073792449735000571

(Written by Hailey Alohilani Banks / News Director of Disney XD News)

ORLANDO, FLORIDA -- At just after midnight coming from our Philippine timezone, Court 12 in London was bathed in bright lights on July 1st. Pinay tennis sensation 'Alex Eala' stepped onto the court at Wimbledon, carrying the hopes of her entire nation on her back. Her first round win has sent shockwaves of excitement not just in this said country, but also all around the world. She's put on an incredible display to get past Mexico's Renata Zarazua in the first round of her Wimbledon match.

In the early days of the championships, the emerald green grass of Court 12 remains pristine -- untouched by a single ball. A 29th seeded for Eala, who likes to stand at the baseline with her left side primed to unleash that trademark down-deliver, concentrates with a focus that is all too rare these days, Her lefty forehand dictates the pace from the very first ball. And as it often does, it left Zarazua with an uphill battle.

Alex controlled every point from the get-go, guiding the pace of the game with her lefty forehand. Her powerful, left-handed position was not just precise and forceful but also looked so effortless that some of the fans have started calling her the "next Pacquiao of Tennis" - a comparison whose dominance on the court to the Philippines' own boxing legend is beyond impressive.

It was like watching "PacMan" on the grass, the same aggressive and relentless style that never leaves an opponent with a moment to breathe. Eala was ascendant from the very start, her feet seemed to be floating across the court and her face lit up with encouragement directed at those back home watching at an ungodly hour. She dominated the first set without any problems, taking it by a convincing 6-1.

After the second set however, Zarazua tried to get back into the game, but Eala was having none of it. She kept her head down and kept on pushing while Zarazua struggled to find her footing. The most eye-catching points show just how well Eala can dictate points around the court using strong groundstrokes and placed volleys while Zarazua responded with pure power, but Eala was always one step ahead. Eala more or less toyed with Zarazua and shut the door on her with a 6-2 win, booking her spot in the 2nd round later this week.

Next up is another major talking point in the world of sports. The potential 2nd round matchup between Eala and the winner of the highly anticipated contest between all-time veteran Serena Williams and Australia's Maya Joint. People are waiting with bated breath for that "silent upgrade", the day when Eala will go from being a regional hero to being a global icon. Eala is getting ready for a first round championship matchup with the winner of that Williams/Joint match.

Williams, who's playing on a wildcard and representing her hometown in Palm Beach Gardens, will be facing Joint. It's the matchup everyone has been waiting for, the clash between the experienced queen of the court (Serena) and a rising challenger from the Philippines (Eala). Its the kind of match that could possibly pass the torch, and Eala is right at the end of it. If either Williams or Joint were to get beaten, it would be an 'Eala moment' -- one that would not just be celebrated in the world of sports but also beyond it and catapult her straight into the global spotlight.

With her first-round victory secured, Eala now sets her sights on Zarazua in the next round. To the millions of tennis enthusiasts who had stayed up all night, the reality is victorious—and their pride is flying high. Alex Eala has delivered on the big stage, with Zarazua waiting in the wings; her next challenge and a shot at true greatness lie just ahead.

SCREENGRAB COURTESY: WTA BACKGROUND PROVIDED BY: Nexstar Media Group

From the archives at The Brighton Bugle:

A Local Hero's Global Triumph - Puerto Rican VTuber 'Ironmouse' celebrated in "El Nuevo Día"

Puerto Rico's own virtual sensation 'Ironmouse', found herself making headlines not once, but twice in 2023. Her journey began in early-mid March 2023, when she was crowned "Best [Virtual YouTuber]" at the prestigious Streamer Awards. This significant achievement marked a pivotal moment for the virtual entertainment community and brought immense pride to her fans worldwide.

Months later, in early-mid July that same year, the local newspaper "El Nuevo Día" recognized her groundbreaking success with a feature article published around early-mid July 2023. The news of her local recognition quickly reached Ironmouse, who, upon seeing the article during a live stream, reacted with unbridled joy and happiness, sharing the momentous occasion with her dedicated viewership. This local acknowledgment underscored her impact beyond the digital realm, cementing her status as a beloved figure in her homeland.

Fast forward to today in 2026, she will be on her hometown tour in Puerto Rico with British-Japanese voice actor 'CDawgVA' to kick off in San Juan on Day 1, which is the 3-day tour and it will be streamed and documenting live and exclusive on Twitch.

FILE PHOTO COURTESY: X Network

ST. DENIS, FRANCE -- After almost 20 years of uncertainty, the adult-animated cult classic "Lascars 2" slated to return on the big screen and will not disappear as long-lost media. It was announced and previously pitched at the French forum 'Cartoon Movie' in 2023, with many moviegoers already expecting a theatrical release coming next year.

Just this month, production company 'Millimages' put out an exclusive press release. This came after years of animation delays and financial constraints, per first reports from its French entertainment and news outlet 'Catsuka'. Tony Merguez and José Frelate continue to follow their own daily lives as they leave Condé-sur-Ginette in the suburbs of Marseille to find Merguez's mother named Maguy, who supposedly has an inheritance claiming several million euros (which is way more in today's exchange of Philippine pesos). The two (2) end up getting sidetracked along the way.

The long-awaited sequel, jointly produced in both countries (France and Belgium) for nearly four (4) years of development and production work, was officially given a full green light. Leading the lively voice ensemble joined by Hakim Jemili, Nassim Lyes & others. Laurent Nicolas is the movie director; "Waooh!" is the Belgian studio animation company. Apollo Films was the international rights distributor.

Meanwhile, the franchise started back in late mid-July 1998 as an animated short series, running until September 2007, two (2) years before the first adult-animated film came out. Now, the sequel titled "Wesh la Famille" (Family Business) is set to premiere in selected European theaters nationwide, coming in the fall of 2027. It will soon be available to stream on Canal Plus and Home Box Office (HBO) Max in France.

POSTER PHOTO COURTESY: Millimages via PR CUTOUT BACKGROUND PROVIDED BY: TEGNA

SOURCES: *https://www.catsuka.com/news/2022-12-15/cartoon-movie-2023-ma-preselec-projets-de-films-d-animation-europeens *https://www.catsuka.com/breves/2026-06-08/lascars-2-a-la-rentree-2027-au-cinema-en-france *https://cineuropa.org/en/newsdetail/489693/ *https://lerapcetaitmieuxavant.fr/les-lascars-2-le-retour-le-plus-improbable-de-l-animation-francaise-est-enfin-confirme *https://telescopefilm.com/films/833082-lascars-2-family-business *https://tv-programme.com/streaming/lascars-2-wesh-la-famille-V67b68cb3a33a7 and *https://www.waooh.be/about/

(Written by Dominique Resuma Canio & Andrea Davenport / Regional Contributor of Channel 8 News, Online News Correspondent of The Brighton Bugle, and Assistant Station Manager of ONC Holdings)

(2nd & FINAL UPDATE!!!) NEUILLY, FRANCE / SUNNY BAY, CALIFORNIA -- French animation has been on a strong run for over a decade now, and that does not appear to be slowing down. The long-awaited 3rd season of the hit cartoon series LoliRock has finally been greenlit, as Banijay's Zodiak Kids & Family teams up with Disney Branded Television (DBT), and French public broadcaster "France Télévisions" to bring the fan favorites back on TV.

A recent announcement was made from a programming block for children and teens together on France TV. Okoo is known for hosting popular shows like Ankama Animation's Wakfu, which is set to return for its 5th season. This new installment is projected to make its debut in the window following this year's FIFA World Cup in North America in June 2026 and the Summer Olympic Games in Southern California.

Initially, our inside scoop at The Brighton Bugle was obtained from the production source this past weekend. LoliRock is a French animated series, which was first aired in late-mid October 2014, for those who are not yet familiar with the franchise. The story follows an auditionee hopeful 'Iris', a teenage girl with a powerful singing voice, who secretly discovers on a big break of performance that she is a human princess from the magical kingdom of Ephedia.

Alongside her bandmates and fellow princesses 'Talia' and 'Auriana', Iris has to balance her star career as a pop sensation from 'Sunny Bay, California' with her duty to reclaim her crown from the tyrannical Gramorr. The show was internationally popular for its vibrant "magical girl" style and styling of high-energy French-American pop music.

After the two-part Season 2 finale, which aired in late-February 2017 on France 4, the narrative tension had been created to a high level. In a climactic confrontation, the villainous Mephisto sacrificed himself to save his sibling sister 'Praxina' from a magical explosion. He was confirmed dead, a few moments later.

The princesses liberated Ephedia and brought Iris home to their parents, but even in victory, a bitterness tinged with hope hung over it all. Towards the end of the season, mournful Praxina found a piece of Gramorr's mask and vowed a terrible revenge upon Iris and her friends on our home planet. That cliffhanger has kept fans waiting nearly a decade, and now, with a possible return looming, the stakes feel legitimate once more.

In the years since the Season 2 finale aired, fans have speculated about Praxina's fate, often imagining the consequences she might face from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and International Criminal Court (ICC) for her actions, ranging from attempted murder, domestic terrorism, grand theft auto, and many specific charges such as crimes against humanity.

Because of her actions on their home planet Ephedia on a planetary scale, the ICC is able to issue a red notice (International Arrest Warrant) oddly disregarding local state laws. While a slight positive note, the LoliRock team plans to go world tour, but it was short-lived as unexpected. It will soon be all sorted against Praxina, no matter what.

On Sunday night (June 21st, 2026 -- France local time) in a social media captioned photo on Instagram (corporate parent company of Meta Platforms Inc. [MPi])… The teaser image maintains the series' signature vibrant art style, showcasing the trio in updated magical attire that retains their iconic color motifs.

The drawing styles remain the same, but the animation appears to be more polished in quality. A photo caption read: "Finally in production!", and there was a whole lot of engagement from the LoliRock community. According to the registry database of the International Standard Audiovisual Number (ISAN), Season 3 episodes are expected to run the same 21 minutes as before. Jean Louis-Vandestoc was both the show creator and director of that French animated series: "The new season gives us the opportunity to push the boundaries even further, taking our heroines to bold new visual and storytelling horizons. More of an evolution than a revolution, this new chapter remains deeply rooted in everything audiences love about LoliRock while expanding its scope and ambition", he said.

As of this press time, The Brighton Bugle has sought further comment from Zodiak Kids & Family at Banijay on the matter, but we have not heard it back in our response. France TV has announced a late-October 2028 broadcast date for Season 3, scheduled months after the 2028 Summer Olympic Games, though the public television network noted the timeline could shift if production delays come up.

Excitement crackles through the fan base, with anticipation for Season 3 sparking lively discussion and speculation. The specific synopsis details for the Season 3 premiere are yet to be unveiled, but with the series confirmed, the melody of Ephedia is nearly far from over.

Will Praxina's thirst for revenge steal the spotlight from the princesses' long-awaited comeback? That's the cliffhanger sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats at home or online. Both seasons of LoliRock are available now on the France TV website, Apple TV+ and Amazon Prime Video (APV), so there's no better time to catch up, or to relive early in advance, before this next season arrives in two years' time.

POSTER ART PHOTO COURTESY: Okoo via PR BACKGROUND PROVIDED BY: TEGNA

SOURCES: *https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UAsx0ZDuqw *https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPcVl6ddIOU *https://www.instagram.com/p/DZ2pX1UjKvq/ *https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/LoliRock *https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Standard_Audiovisual_Number *https://web.isan.org/public/rs/isan/0000-0003-E04D-F004-Z-0000-0000-6 *https://www.banijay.com/blog/2026/06/22/banijay-kids-family-and-france-televisions-confirm-return-of-lolirock/ *https://cnnespanol.cnn.com/2026/06/08/deportes/calendario-mundial-2026-orix *https://enfoquenoticias.com.mx/deportes/borrador-automaticomexico-rompe-la-maldicion-y-arranca-el-mundial-2026-con-triunfo-historico/ *https://www.nbclosangeles.com/olympics/2028-los-angeles/venues-la-olympics/3844808/ *https://www.nbclosangeles.com/olympics/2028-los-angeles/next-summer-games-preview/3851680/ *https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_FIFA_World_Cup and *https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2028_Summer_Olympics

To our valued viewers across Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental,

Effective tonight (June 9th at 11pm -- Dumaguete local time), Negros Island TV8, Dumaguete's premier internet public broadcaster will be suspending all regular and news programming until further notice. This decision has been made to provide comprehensive and continuous coverage of the recent Mindanao earthquake and its impact.

Our dedicated news team of Channel 8 News and The Brighton Bugle are working tirelessly to gather the latest information and bring you up-to-speed with developments as they unfold. We understand that this situation may also affect Independence Day observances in quake-affected regions, and we will keep you informed of any changes within this month.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding as we prioritize delivering critical news and information during this challenging time.

Until then, we thank you for your support mga ka-Serbisyo.

Sincerely,

The management and staff of ONC Holdings.

PayPal and KoFi ends our donation partnership after 11 years as a small institution for Negrosanons. We officially moved to "Buy Me a Coffee" starting right now.

We thank you for your generous support, mga ka-Serbisyo!

QUEZON, MANILA -- Toxic watchdog group 'BAN Toxics' warns Filipino shoppers to carefully check your school supplies as local merchants prepare to display and to publicly sell coming Tuesday (May 19th, 2026). Most of them are simple knockoffs. The group cautions against the inclusion by some of harmful ingredients, including cadmium, lead and phthalates, that can have serious health risks to children and teens.

The group recently conducted market monitoring where it purchased samples of school supplies, including kiddie school bags, water containers, lunch boxes, pencils, pencil cases, pouches, and colorful plastic envelopes, from stores and sidewalk vendors in four various cities.

The group screened 75 samples for chemical content and found that many of the school supplies in the Philippines contained lead levels of up to 9,000 parts per million (ppm) and cadmium levels of up to 720 ppm. Plastic samples are suspected to be polyvinyl chloride-based (PVC), which typically contains chemical additives such as plasticizers, stabilizers, and colorants. Most of the school supplies were either improperly labeled or had no production info at all.

The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that lead exposure is absolutely dangerous, with even blood lead levels as low as 5 micrograms per deciliter linked to development harm. At high exposures, lead can cause severe brain and nervous system injury, and in the most critical cases, may result in coma or death. Lead exposure may also damage other organs, potentially causing anemia and many other problems.

Cadmium is classified by the WHO as one of the ten (10) chemicals of major public health concern, alongside lead, dioxins, and mercury. It is a known human carcinogen and can harm our human kidneys, skeletal, and respiratory systems. PVC plasticizers also pose serious health risks, including cancer, particularly of the liver, testicles, and brain; as well as endocrine disruption, reproductive and immune system damage, and adverse effects on youth development.

Thony Dizon, Advocacy and Campaign Officer for BAN Toxics told Channel 8 News… The school bags & supplies should not disrupt educational plans of children, and parents should demand safer alternatives from retailers and manufacturers: "We remind store owners and retailers to sell only school supplies that comply with regulatory standards to ensure product quality and protect children's & teens' health and safety. Harmful chemicals such as lead and cadmium should not be present in school supplies that are intended to support students' learning and development", he said.

Regulatory agencies have separately issued guidelines and reminders to consumers regarding the purchase of school supplies. This also ensures local manufacturers comply with regulations that prohibit the use of harmful chemicals in children's and teens' products.

The Philippines' Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated in its national advisory to carefully read product labels, choose school supplies suitable either for elementary or high school, and inspect all school supplies regularly for signs of breakage or wear that may cause injury or pose health and safety risks. Dispose of damaged items properly when you see some knockoffs.

Always buy legitimate school supplies from reputable retailers or outlets; consult your local physician in the event of accidental ingestion or if any adverse health effects occur from the use of school supplies; and contact the FDA if you encounter neither the safety or health-related problems.

BAN Toxics said it will step up its Toxics-Free School Campaign (TFSC) through continued market monitoring and test-buy activities to detect harmful chemicals in children's and teens' products. For the upcoming school year 2026 to 2027, the Department of Education (DepEd) has mandated that basic education (elementary and high school) in the Philippines will officially start on June 8th. Classes will start nationwide coming Monday morning (June 15th).

PHOTO COURTESY: BAN Toxics via PR PHOTO BACKGROUND PROVIDED BY: TEGNA

(Written by Rhayniel Saldasal Calimpong & Andrea Davenport / Freelance News Writer & Presenter of Channel 8 News, Online Public Broadcaster & Founder of ONC Holdings, Barangay President of Pulantubig PWD Association, and Online News Correspondent of The Brighton Bugle)

QUEZON, MANILA -- In mid-May 2026, as temperatures soared between Bulacan and Cavite, the national weather agency Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported intense summer heat for nearly 50 degrees Celsius. During this time, many children and teenagers flocked to beaches and pools to cool us off. Yet beneath the fun, toxic watchdog group 'BAN Toxics' warns that many plastic beach and water toys sold locally, often lacking proper labels, may harbor hazardous chemicals, urging Filipino consumers to be vigilant when making purchases.

The group purchased samples of plastic beach and water toys sold for PHP65 to PHP150 Philippine pesos (about U$D1 to U$D2.50) each in kiosks and by ambulant vendors in Metro Manila. The toys included swim goggles, floating plastic ducks, and sand play toys. All these items are made of plastic materials and have improper labeling, potentially indicating the presence of undisclosed chemical additives that may put young and teen individuals at risk of toxic exposure.

At the main office in Quezon City, cadmium levels spiked to 250 parts per million (ppm), far exceeding toy safety standards. From the top to bottom: chromium (2,600 ppm), mercury (1,620 ppm), and lead (230 ppm). Most samples also contained chlorine levels of up to 100,000 ppm, indicating the presence of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a plastic material commonly used in toys. This fails to meet the required labeling standards under the Republic Act #10620 or Toy and Game Safety Labeling Act of 2013.

Thony Dizon, Advocacy and Campaign Officer for BAN Toxics told Channel 8 News: "The continued use of harmful chemicals in children's [and teens'] toys must end to prevent exposure to toxic substances. Government regulators should enforce stricter measures through constant monitoring and confiscation efforts to remove unregistered and unnotified children's [and teens'] products from the market", he urged.

A reliable source told The Brighton Bugle that politics in the Philippines theoretically prevent the government from taking action against the toxic toy concerns raised by BAN Toxics and other environmental groups. Which instead, the Senate officials focus on to tackle the International Criminal Court's (ICC) arrest warrant and to convene an impeachment trial with Philippine vice-president 'Sara Zimmerman Duterte'. It doesn't mean Filipinos may expect to face full-on summer corruption and neglect of consumer safety regulations during the peak season.

Citing the World Health Organization (WHO) factsheet, lead is a well-recognized toxicant with wide-ranging health impacts, affecting several systems of brain development. People are particularly vulnerable because they are more exposed than we adults and because lead affects the human brain, potentially resulting in reduced intellectual ability.

Meanwhile, the said R.A. mandates that all toys and games (minus the gambling), whether locally or internationally manufactured, imported, donated, distributed, or sold in the Philippines, comply with the safety labeling and manufacturer's marking requirements set forth in the Philippine National Standards (PNS) for toy safety. Similarly, the DENR Chemical Control Order for Lead and Lead Compounds prohibits the use of lead in the production and manufacturing of toys.

BAN Toxics urges government regulators to issue a public health advisory against the sale and use of unregulated and unnotified children's and teens' toys that violate R.A. #9711, or the FDA Act of 2009, due to their chemical and physical hazards to children. The group is also attempting calls on local government units to pass ordinances prohibiting the sale and use of children's & teens' toys containing hazardous chemicals to safeguard the health and safety and the environment.

The group said it will continue monitoring the market to raise public awareness about toxic chemicals in toys and childcare articles and to help ensure that products available to consumers are safe and free from harmful substances.

The political winds in the capital seem to be shifting, and so do the temperatures here on land by Manila Bay in the National Capital Region (NCR). For the families (including my future husband of Rhayniel in fictional sense) who want to take a breath of fresh air however, the true hazard may be right in front of them in their beach bags. Consumer safety shouldn't be a gimmick for Philippine politicians, either a kid or a teenager like you deserves a summer that's fun and toxic free.

PHOTO COURTESY: BAN Toxics via PR PHOTO BACKGROUND PROVIDED BY: TEGNA

DUMAGUETE, NEGROS ORIENTAL / COYOACAN, MEXICO -- Philippine digital banking institution 'GoTyme Bank' recently rolling out prepaid Visa debit cards, giving Filipino fans a chance to own a piece of the action as the global tournament kicks off across multiple venues. Across the nation, including Dumaguete City, new users can open a digital bank account for free, while existing debit cardholders pay a replacement fee of PHP200 Philippine pesos (about U$D3.25) to receive a card on the spot with just mobile data, a smartphone, and a valid government-issued ID. The promotional campaign is open to all verified new and existing GoTyme Bank customers.

Cardholders using a Classic, Pitch Black, or Trophy Gold debit card will earn raffle entries for a chance to win an all-expenses-paid trip to the FIFA World Cup 2026 in America through GoTyme Bank's global partnership with Visa. The partnership links Visa's global payments network with GoTyme Bank's reach across the country, turning everyday card spending into a shot at attending one of the biggest sporting events in the world. Between the Classic and Pitch Black, every minimum spend of PHP1,000 (or U$D16.22) earns one raffle entry.

Overseas spending when traveling or a food trip to the Quad Cities or Pennsylvania (as an example) comes with a 3x multiplier, meaning every PHP1,000 equivalent spent abroad counts as three raffle entries, increasing customers' chances of winning. Classic and Pitch Black cardholders will each win an all-expense-paid trip for two (2) to attend the Group Stage in Los Angeles, California including roundtrip business class tickets.

The Trophy Gold card is exceptionally rare, with odds of approximately 1 in 20,000 cards nationwide, and comes with no minimum spend requirement. Filipinos and Negrosanons should simply obtain a gold card; it automatically qualifies the cardholder for the grand prize raffle draw. One Trophy Gold cardholder will also win an all-expense-paid trip for two (2) to attend the Grand Finals in New York, which is the same as stated there.

All of these trips now include a week-long stay with hospitality packages and several added benefits. In addition to the grand prizes, customers will also have the chance to receive exclusive Visa Premium merchandise. This could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for Filipino football fans and supporters of the beautiful game.

For the grand winner, there is a significant catch. The drawn winner and companion must have an active Philippine passport with at least 6 months of validity and must have an approved United States visa. Travel insurance must be mandatorily secured in advance before departure from Metro Manila in the event of flight delays, et al. Additional requirements should follow, including turning in the customs declaration forms upon arrival.

Later this weekend on Saturday (May 16th) in Dumaguete, independent online public broadcasting founder of ONC Holdings 'Rhayniel Saldasal Calimpong' surrenders his old GoTyme Bank prepaid debit card at Robinsons Place in Barangay Calindagan to renew it in person, paying a replacement fee of the said amount as an existing cardholder. Rhayniel has been a verified GoTyme Bank member since late-August 2023, as it initially started at Robinsons Supermarket in Perdices Street. He is expected to renew and print the debit card in either only the limited edition Pitch Black or Trophy Gold variant.

Filipino soccer fans at the FIFA World Cup are showing something intense, as the opening ceremonies will feature concerts from three (3) artist nations, with each host nation highlighting different cultural themes, and are expected to kick-off next month, coming June 11th (Eastern U.S. time).

Madonna, Shakira and Bangtan Sonyeondan (BTS) to be headlining a Super Bowl-style halftime show later this summer. Grand Finals will take place in New Jersey, coming late-July of this year. For those watching at home, Aleph secures sports media rights in the Philippines, while FOX Sports on most local television affiliates across America is expected to cover this year's FIFA World Cup.

Promos running between Classic and Pitch Black are from March 23, 2026 to May 7, 2026 for regular debit card users. And Trophy Gold cardholders also run from March 23rd to June 10th that year. GoTyme is a partnership between the Gokongwei Group and South Africa's TymeBank, operating under the oversight of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the country's central bank regulator. Customer deposits are protected up to PHP1 million per account by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC), which serves as the national deposit insurer.

Whether the prize is a group stage trip to Los Angeles, or a Grand Finals experience in New York, the GoTyme Bank and Visa partnership plus international soccer is within reach for everyday banking customers across the country.

FILE PHOTOS COURTESY for REPRESENTATION: GoTyme Bank and Robinsons DGTE via FB PHOTO BACKGROUND PROVIDED BY: Nexstar Media Group

SOURCES: *https://www.facebook.com/100066928062843/posts/1284089850498605 *https://www.facebook.com/100066928062843/posts/1291098579797732 *https://www.gotyme.com.ph/promos/the-fifa-world-cup-2026-flyout-promo-for-regular-debit-card *https://www.gotyme.com.ph/stories/visa-gotyme-fifa-world-cup-2026-filipino-fans *https://www.gotyme.com.ph/fifa-world-cup-2026-visa-debit-cards *https://www.gotyme.com.ph/stories/gotyme-bank-international-sim-onboarding *https://www.gotyme.com.ph/stories/send-money-online-for-free-gotyme-bank *https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GoTyme_Bank *https://tribune.net.ph/2026/05/11/fifa-to-hold-separate-opening-ceremonies-for-2026-world-cup-hosts *https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/47108758/ *https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c5yrl54561do *https://www.philstar.com/sports/2026/05/12/2527434/filipinos-get-multi-channel-approach-fifa-world-cup-access-says-media-rights-distributor *https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-2026-world-cup-tv-rights-20150213-story.html and *https://www.fox5ny.com/news/fifa-unveils-plans-2026-world-cup-final-new-york-new-jersey

(Written by Andrea Davenport / Online News Correspondent of The Brighton Bugle)

C.W.: The following national news report contain references to an active shooter situation, political violence, gunfire, and high-intensity security standoffs. Reader discretion is STRONGLY ADVISED!!!

PASAY, NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION -- On Wednesday night (March 13th, 2026 -- Pasay local time), mainstream media organizations heard several gunshots, prompting a total lockdown within the Senate building on the 2nd floor in Pasay City. The suspected active shooter operation drew a massive security presence around the Senate compound, playing out in real-time before reporters from News 5, ABS-CBN News, and other television and radio outlets. Quad Cities' newspaper outlet 'The Brighton Bugle' embarked on an emergency flight to Metro Manila, followed by a direct bus transit to this said city, to cover the rapidly developing situation and gather eyewitness accounts from the scene.

Tensions escalated sharply when a warning shot recently rang out, surrounding the current senator's refuge of 'Ronald "Bato" Marapon dela Rosa', a former police officer & head chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and a corporate endorser for Yes2Health Incorporated. Twelve minutes before 8pm, ABS-CBN News reporter 'Zyann Ambrosio' personally provided a firsthand account to The Brighton Bugle, confirming that the volatile firefight was centered at the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) building. NBI agents and Ambrosio immediately sought out the suspected active shooter; the individual was nowhere to be found at that specific location.

Riot police identified the initial warning shot as having been fired by retired Police Major General (PMG) and Senate Sergeant-at-Arms named 'Mao Aplasca'. While the primary suspect identified as 'Mel Oragon', a 44 y/o driver and confidential agent of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), was subdued and taken into custody at the scene. Some journalists and cameramen were hurt in the ensuing chaos, suffering minor injuries as they fled or scrambled for cover. Senate officials, security personnel, Dela Rosa himself, and mainstream media reporters were gradually and safely evacuated throughout the night. Remarkably, no one was killed at the time of this publication.

Philippine president 'Ferdinand Romualdez "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.' said in the Tagalog dialect that he has not yet issued instructions on the transfer or arrest of Dela Rosa, who faces an unsealed case involving alleged crimes against humanity cited by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Addressing the public, President Marcos Jr. urged those affected by the shooting incident to remain calm and avoid panic, assuring The Brighton Bugle that his current administration expects to get to the absolute bottom of the matter from all operational sides.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) issued a public statement on social media addressing the incident: "[We are saluting] our colleagues who stood their ground to deliver accurate and timely information to the public in spite of the confusion and danger that unfolded in the Senate. We call on newsrooms to extend psychological first aid to their frontliners. NUJP's peer supporters are likewise ready to provide assistance to colleagues who may have experienced trauma", the organization noted.

The statement further heavily criticized administrative oversight: "State security forces must at all times ensure the safety of civilians and members of the press, instead of acting as private bodyguards of politicians. All these point to the failure of the Marcos Jr. administration to implement the arrest warrant against [Dela Rosa]. The immediate surrender to the [ICC] could have prevented the situation from descending into chaos", it concluded.

Hours after the incident, which sources confirm was ultimately limited to warning shots, the GSIS headquarters in Pasay City officially shifted to a work-from-home arrangement to ensure the safety and security of their employees and visiting members, pensioners, and other regular visitors. Physical transactions have been temporarily suspended across all services near the Senate perimeter.

Regarding Senator Dela Rosa, he does not appear to be visibly stepping down anytime soon. He just left the premises, where he had been housed for at least two nights, and has been placed under protective custody from the immediate pressure of the international warrant of arrest issued against him as part of the former administration's controversial drug war. The Bureau of Immigration (BI) confirmed that no formal records are in existence to enable his departure to the Netherlands or vice versa.

What began as an active shooter turned out to be an exchange of unauthorized warning shots. Investigators are now tasked with deciphering how a high-profile political sanctuary became a real crime scene because of one of the law enforcement agency's confidential sources. Although the situation on the inside of the complex is not posing an immediate physical threat, the incident underscores the diplomatic intricacies of potentially claiming territory during a conflict.

Fandreas… We witnessed this kind of shooting firsthand, a dark reminder of the real danger that journalists face daily to report the whole truth on the front line. The short-term crisis on the inside of the GSIS compound has calmed down, but the long-term political and diplomatic confrontation continues unabated. Dela Rosa is on hold to leave the country, praying to seek a fair trial from the ICC; even the active shooter was actually given a warning shot, and the Senate building remains under heightened security as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding this unprecedented incident.

CONTRIBUTED SCREENGRAB COURTESY: Darylle Sarmiento and Karen de Guzman via ABS-CBN News BACKGROUND PROVIDED BY: TEGNA

SOURCES: *https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QgEUKWcIBQ&t=2572 *https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBIlWjbcPpU&t=21540 *https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91J3AX3MiXE&t=5447 *https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJAa2lNwYW8 *https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lkj2po3Qy0w *https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkz4okrucMk *https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gOu8dPe3x4 *https://www.facebook.com/1464250259/videos/1338215254841505/ *https://www.facebook.com/100044537672013/videos/1152104017102274/ *https://www.facebook.com/100072393875472/posts/991317703291350 *https://www.facebook.com/100072393875472/posts/991847806571673 *https://www.facebook.com/officialgsis.ph/posts/1384441363721698 *https://www.cnn.com/2026/05/13/asia/gunshots-philippine-senate-dela-rosa-intl *https://tutubi.ph/putukan-at-lockdown-sa-senado-ano-ang-nangyari-sa-gitna-ng-tensyon-kay-sen-bato/ *https://bandera.inquirer.net/445820/senate-guard-unang-nagpaputok-bilang-warning-shot-agent-gumanti-palasyo *https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2228455/shots-fired-in-senate-as-it-gives-bato-dela-rosa-refuge *https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/5/14/alleged-gunman-in-senate-shooting-incident-identified-arrested-police-0959 *https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1275017 *https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/987593/story/ and *https://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/bato-dela-rosa-no-longer-within-senate-premises

(Written by Pacifica Elise Northwest / Business Reporter of The Brighton Bugle)

PASAY, NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION / SPIJKENISSE, NETHERLANDS -- A major restructure within the plenary session hall as former Eat Bulaga's noontime host and outgoing Senate president 'Vicente "Tito" Castelo Sotto' officially steps down in Pasay City, which has now been elected as the new Senate president 'Alan Peter Schramm Cayetano'. Twelve (12) Filipino senators are about to let everything go as they have graduated to conclude their senatorial terms, except for those whose terms were automatically renewed.

Last Monday afternoon (May 11th, 2026 -- Pasay local time), security footage obtained exclusively by The Brighton Bugle showed the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) pursuing 'Ronald "Bato" Marapon dela Rosa', a former police officer & head chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), endorser for Yes2Health Incorporated, and current senator. Dela Rosa, who has been largely absent from Senate sessions, was reportedly chased by NBI agents, according to the video evidence.

Dela Rosa verbally attacked newly elected Senate president Cayetano, complaining that he was not receiving his monthly salary under the "No Work, No Pay" policy rule. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant on him, which was later upgraded to a wanted list by Wednesday (May 13th). Sources suggest from our Quad Cities' newspaper team that he is possibly to transfer and arrest the said Philippine senator to Afrojack's hometown in the Netherlands, but it is unlikely as he is under protective custody for now.

After a prolonged absence, The Brighton Bugle confirmed his situation to the mainstream news media with his violent, explosive commotional anger, which is more unsettling to them: "Hinahanap na ako ninyo, sumesweldo! Hindi mapapakita! Ngayon, hinanap ko ng [mga ahenteng] NBI, nag-wrestling at sugatan ako; this is the [motherf*****g] Senate! Wala na siya'y [g4g0ng] respeto sa insitusyunado sa Senado! Bakit ganon ang NBI!?", he said in Tagalog dialect.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) lists senators under Salary Grade 31, which is equivalent to about PHP290,000 to PHP330,000 a month plus allowances before tax (or U$D4,722 to U$D5,373 dollars). Salary payouts are subject to Republic Act #10963 or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law of 2017. Here in both states, Oregon does have a combined state tax of 11.5%, which is rated between 4.75 and 6.75 percent. Uncle Sam in America grabbed the share of U$D426.33. The Quad Cities, however, are unlikely to deduct state tax. Dela Rosa's annual income was U$D61,724.40. In his hometown of Davao del Sur, we can expect a 30% tax deduction for his expensive monthly salary, citing the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

At the first regular session of the 20th Congress, the ICC made its announcement public, following its initial release around Halloween in early mid-November 2025. Our newspaper team secured an exclusive copy of the document. Meanwhile, newly elected Senate president Cayetano, formerly the Senate Minority Leader, has pledged to address the urgent matter of his current arrest warrant, which stems from a decade-long war on drugs under former Philippine president 'Rodrigo Roa Duterte' spanning the mid-2010s up to the onset of the global Chinese pandemic.

He is listed as "at large" and is accused in a separate, though related, case. But the Supreme Court is seeking to block the enforcement of ICC warrants. He is also identified as an "indirect co-perpetrator" with Duterte in the "common plan" to commit killings during the war on drugs. Dela Rosa and former Philippine president Duterte are now simultaneously charged with crimes against humanity, according to the ICC's Pre-Trial Chamber 1.

For this publication, Senator Dela Rosa remains a fugitive from the ICC, facing charges of crimes against humanity tied to the Philippines' war on drugs. His erratic outburst—targeting Senate leadership and NBI agents—underscores the legal and political turmoil surrounding his case. While Dutch authorities have not confirmed extradition plans, his protective custody status suggests a precarious limbo. The Supreme Court's resistance to the ICC warrants further complications to his fate, leaving his future in legal limbo.

Spanning from the Dutch hometown of Afrojack in Spijkenisse to the Senate chamber in Metro Manila, Dela Rosa's case highlights the real-world clash between national authority and international law, with his legal future and the Philippines' stance on global justice hanging in the balance. His defiance may play well in Davao del Sur, but the ICC's net is tightening. For now, he's a man without a country or a paycheck.

SCREENGRAB PHOTO COURTESY: Philippine Daily Inquirer and ABS-CBN News

SOURCES: *https://mb.com.ph/2026/05/11/sotto-out-cayetano-in-alan-cayetano-is-new-senate-leader *https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85WMUYo-6ME *https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYdNhi2rMTI *https://www.philstar.com/opinion/2026/04/22/2522618/editorial-no-work-no-pay *https://www.icc-cpi.int/news/situation-philippines-icc-judges-unseal-arrest-warrant-against-ronald-marapon-dela-rosa *https://www.icc-cpi.int/news/icc-office-prosecutor-welcomes-unsealing-arrest-warrant-ronald-dela-rosa-situation-philippines *https://www.bworldonline.com/the-nation/2026/05/11/748975/senator-dela-rosa-returns-to-senate-as-icc-arrest-looms/ *https://remate.ph/arrest-warrant-vs-sen-bato-kinumpirma-ng-icc/ *https://remate.ph/sen-bato-inakusahan-ng-icc-sa-32-pagpatay-sa-war-on-drugs/ *https://remate.ph/dela-rosa-di-aalis-sa-senado-gagawin-lahat-para-mapigilan-pag-aresto-ng-icc/ *https://www.rappler.com/philippines/bato-dela-rosa-arrest-warrant-cayetano-senate-takeover/ *https://remate.ph/nbi-agents-na-dadamba-sana-kay-sen-bato-pina-contempt-sa-senado/ *https://remate.ph/de-lima-sa-video-ni-bato-na-tumatakbo-sa-hagdan-sa-senado-nasaan-ang-angas-mo/ *https://remate.ph/bato-di-tumanggap-ng-sahod-sa-nakalipas-na-6-na-buwan/ *https://remate.ph/sen-bato-isinailalim-sa-protective-custody-ng-senado/ *https://globalnation.inquirer.net/322984/look-bato-dela-rosa-now-among-iccs-at-large-defendants-list and *https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1274987

(Written by Rhayniel Saldasal Calimpong & Jackie Lynn Thomas / Freelance News Writer and Presenter of Channel 8 News, Online Public Broadcaster of ONC Holdings, Barangay President of Pulantubig Persons with Disabilities Association, and News Correspondent of Disney XD News)

WOODCREST, MARYLAND / BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA / PASIG, NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION -- Long before headlines warned of chicken shortages and supply chain turmoil, the sharp-witted adult-animated series satirized a fast food frenzy that now feels eerily prescient as America faces real-life poultry crises. The intense, yet unhealthiest competition surrounding the wars of chicken sandwiches, a battle that has captivated consumers, points to something curious about how cable television mirrors consumer behavior and market disruptions.

However, it affected the world beyond U.S. borders. One fan-parody artist even had their couple and parent victims infected by Salmonella in Mexico, where a food safety problem spread through communities all over the world, impacting a competition that seemed like a lighthearted comedy.

The Boondocks is an animated satirical comedy series that aired on Cartoon Network's programming block "Adult Swim" from November 2005 to late-June 2014, created by 'Aaron Vincent McGruder' based on his comic strip of the same name. The show chronicles the lives of the Freeman family, a Black family who relocates to a racially diverse white neighborhood and provides a witty and satirical look at notions of race, culture, and American society.

While Louisiana-style chicken at Popeyes fast food restaurant launched in 1976, it has now expanded first in Canada since 1984 and in the Philippines from late-Fall 2001 to 2007, then again in mid-May 2019 until today with nearly 4,000 locations worldwide, which was named after the sailor man of that same name who appeared in 1929 and the New York detective 'Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle' from the 1971 film "The French Connection". Historically, it became a cultural phenomenon that sparked unprecedented demand and supply chain challenges across the nation.

Airing late at night on August 1st, 2010 in the United States, the episode offered a sharp, almost prophetic look at consumerism and fast food culture, foreshadowing the frenzy that would later surround Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) nearly a decade later. According to our sources at Channel 8 News and Disney XD News, the drive-thru experience in Woodcrest City became a flashpoint, as frustrated residents in the state of Maryland, unable to get what they wanted, contributed to growing public unrest over unmet demand.

A decade later, Popeyes launched the Chicken Sandwich menu on August 12th, 2019 then the mass shortage happened within a few weeks, forcing the menu item on hiatus until the 2nd week of November. The show itself does have a Simpsons effect without warning, where fictional events seem to accurately predict real-world occurrences, blurring the line between entertainment and reality in unexpected ways.

In a disturbing turn, one customer was stabbed to death in Oxon Hill, this mentioned state on November 4th that year, after a fight broke out at a Popeyes over the chicken sandwich. 30 y/o suspect 'Ricoh McClain' (now 37) verbally confronting local customers with 28 y/o man 'Kevin Tyrell Davis' (now 35), who's attempting to steal a food menu item and accused of cutting queue lines.

Popeyes released a statement quoted: "What happened in Maryland is a tragedy, and we are saddened to hear about this senseless act of violence. Our thoughts are with the victim's family and friends. We, along with the franchisee [in Oxon Hill], are fully cooperating with local authorities and actively working to gather more information". Three years after its fast food attack, McClain is currently sentenced to 22 years in prison.

While the so-called 'Chicken Flu' was referenced in a classic episode, real-world food safety concerns have been highlighted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which have reported several Salmonella outbreaks between 2021 and early 2026. These outbreaks were linked to various foods, including packaged salads, onions, chocolates, backyard poultry, and raw oysters.

JaviSuzumiya (real name 'Javier Benavides') is one of them from his home country's perspective, per the health notice from a chat server platform: "My wife was sick over the weekend. Salmonella, from eating something that was spoiled. I suffered from that, and I know how awful it is, so I had to take care [of] her. Fortunately, after a few visits to the doctor [in Mexico], she's feeling better, so I was finally able to finish [for what I missed]", he noted.

His stunning fan parody drawings and spicy comics of Nickelodeon's "The Loud House" that disrupt his independent art career in the said outbreak have since become a testament to how personal hardship and creative expression can coexist during times of crisis.

Jumping ahead to mid-March 2026, several Popeyes franchise locations across the U.S. are bracing for bankruptcy, not because of the ongoing chicken sandwich craze or any antitrust battles, but for reasons that cut deeper than headline-grabbing food fights. While the sandwich sold out from coast to coast due to "irrational exuberance", this demand fueled record foot traffic and sales growth for the brand. But in reality, according to Tennessee man 'Craig Barr', it was flagged for both deceptive advertising and vulnerable business practices.

As for the Philippines in Pasig City, the international franchise business of Popeyes opened last year in 2025, following the mid-May 2019 revival, requiring an investment of PHP45 million to PHP50M Philippine pesos (which is U$D743,617 to U$D826,241 dollars).

Louisiana-style restaurant fast food chain in the Luzon area served more or less than 60 branches nationwide. Sometime after the Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles, it is expected to rise in either the Visayas, Mindanao, or both. Sources told Channel 8 News that there are no supply shortages outside the U.S. soil because the Filipinos are marked safe and regulated by the inventory officials and local health authorities, ensuring consistent product availability in all locations. Disney XD News has yet to reach out to the show creator of "The Boondocks" for comment on the uncanny parallels between the adult-animated series and real-world events.

Affected franchise stores need consistent regulation to prevent shortages, with stricter food security measures nationwide taking priority over the heavy-handed criminal justice approach that has followed Popeyes locations, including those serving its legendary chicken sandwich. With this adult-animated show, you will get to see everything before you ever hear about it, from fiction to facts pertaining to this episode, that you simply won't find elsewhere in our public eye.

The most striking thing about a satirical cartoon released 16 years ago is that it no longer feels like a joke but like a forecast of real-world events in the early 2020s. During all those tumultuous market changes and new safety requirements of 2026, maybe the most important thing to remember is not to throw your darts while the consumer market is in a frenzy. No sandwich is worth the uproar, especially when the price at your favorite chicken drive-thru leaves you questioning every bite. As for my own sexual metaphor, we make love with respect and not in food wars.

SCREENGRAB and FILE PHOTO COURTESY for REPRESENTATION: Moi Animation, Google Maps & Images, JaviSuzumiya and Popeyes U.S. BACKGROUND PROVIDED BY: TEGNA

SOURCES: *https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fried_Chicken_Flu *https://boondockstv.fandom.com/wiki/The_Fried_Chicken_Flu *https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Boondocks_(TV_series) *https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/tennessee-man-sues-popeyes-running-out-chicken-sandwiches-n1048321 *https://abcnews.com/US/story?id=66758004 *https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/maryland-popeyes-chicken-sandwich-stabbing-latest/ *https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/prince-georges-county/man-sentenced-to-22-years-for-fatal-stabbing-at-maryland-popeyes/3160578/ *https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2022/09/cdc-issues-salmonella-alert-for-people-traveling-to-mexico/ *https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39493539/ *https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2022-DON369 *https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/outbreaks/oysters-12-25/investigation.html *https://news.popeyes.com/blog-posts/the-history-of-popeyes-louisiana-kitchen *https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Popeye *https://www.foodandwine.com/news/popeyes-chicken-sandwich-shortage *https://www.eater.com/2019/8/27/20835780/popeyes-temporarily-removes-chicken-sandwich-from-menu *https://www.thoughtlab.com/blog/the-great-chicken-sandwich-war-of-2019/ *https://www.thrillist.com/news/nation/popeyes-chicken-sandwich-back-november-2019 *https://www.wafb.com/2026/03/17/popeyes-is-closing-dozens-restaurants-after-one-its-biggest-franchisees-filed-bankruptcy/ *https://www.qsrmagazine.com/story/major-popeyes-franchisee-declares-bankruptcy/ *https://www.businessinsider.com/popeyes-chicken-sandwich-rise-and-fall-story-2019-8 *https://www.freightwaves.com/news/commentary-did-2019-chicken-sandwich-wars-create-a-supply-chain-problem *https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/tennessee-man-sues-popeyes-running-out-chicken-sandwiches-n1048321 *https://www.philstar.com/business/2002/09/27/177617/popeye146s-local-franchisee-eyes-strong-finish-fastfood-race *http://flavorsoflife.com.ph/?p=10591 *https://www.esquiremag.ph/culture/food-and-drink/popeyes-manila-a00123-20190517-lfrm *https://www.philstar.com/business/2025/07/11/2457028/popeyes-opens-doors-franchising-philippines and *https://popeyes.ph/stores.html

(Written by Marco Ubaldo Diaz & Andrea Davenport / West Coast Correspondent of Disney XD News, Online News Correspondent of The Brighton Bugle, and Assistant Station Manager of ONC Holdings)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA -- The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), a cultural government agency, chose not to pursue action with California state authorities regarding the event organizer "Manila Sound". Although some called for passport revocation and deportation following the incident in late-December 2025, which has now been declined to take such measures. NHCP has no legal power to arrest, fines, or punish the individual; its authority applies only on Filipino soil.

Channel 8 News and The Brighton Bugle received the source material through e-mail. Legal experts note that if NHCP officials acted beyond their official powers, they could potentially violate Philippine law. Under the First Amendment, remixing a national anthem from another country is generally protected speech, and is actually not a crime in that state. U.S. officials will no longer assist with deportation or arrests of the event organizer.

The NHCP has no power to do more because the event happened on foreign soil. Benny Boy Brewing (BBB) in Los Angeles is generally not held responsible for the specific country-based songs or remixes played by a guest organizer or disc jockey such as "Manila Sound" and is immune to facing charges by default, but Filipino fans in total online frustration on social media may have given up and lacked jurisdiction over international events.

For now, it's a frustrating dead end for anyone hoping for swift action. The mismanagement at "Benny Boy Brewing" continues on without flinching, saying that they've been humiliated but haven't yet taken the measure of giving any public apology to the affronted Filipino community. That puts the case in a diplomatic limbo.

Many legal experts say that the only way to move forward in the coming year will be a high-level diplomatic step, maybe taken by the U.S. President 'Donald John Trump' to cooperate with the Philippine Embassy to overcome these jurisdictional disadvantages. Until it happens, the remix will forever be a testament to a gap in the law that the NHCP just hasn't been able to bridge.

That Christmas outdoor rave party in East L.A. feels like a distant memory today, but the legal fallout still has not crossed the Pacific. It is a classic case of local laws colliding with international boundaries, and as of right now, these two nations are prevailing. But let's face it, the social media aftermath was enormous. Despite all the tags and trending hashtags, Benny Boy Brewing won't budge.

They're keeping to their silence, and a thousand Filipinos are feeling like they are not being heard online. A 'no comment' situation that is not helping them in the eyes of the international community. In the end, NHCP is bound by the very laws it has to safeguard. The 'Lupang Hinirang' remix is just one example of how complicated heritage gets in a globalized era, and without a treaty or an executive order (EO) from a high official, that complexity isn't going away.

So far, the beat, but the accountability? That's still on pause for the Filipinos on the West Coast.

FILE PHOTO and LOGOS COURTESY: Marie Buck via Imbibe Magazine & Google Images BACKGROUND PROVIDED BY: TEGNA

EDITOR's NOTE from ANDREA: To clarify for news readers concerned about cultural expression, our focus here is not to criticize the music itself, but with reality that while respect for others is important, the law does not require it in this context, highlighting the limits of legal remedies and the need for broader advocacy. It is not a betrayal when the NHCP is polite and firm in refusing to run California officials through on this. The U.S. Constitution doesn't criminalize remixes, no matter how many Filipinos (myself included from the Quad Cities, as well my colleagues in Oregon and Texas) wince at the beat drop over 'Lupang Hinirang'. That's the law. Full stop.

The rage, though has gone astray, relying solely on "Manila Sound" does nothing to fix the absence of international jurisdiction. But look, if you are angry and you should be attacking me, assassinating the news company of Walt Disney, or the founder himself of ONC Holdings targeting for bashers, defamation or slander claims that destroys my own free press -- reserve some of that energy for the lack of a cultural dignity for the systems that did not even come into existence to protect that integrity before the DJ even plugged in their laptop. Why is there silence regarding Benny Boy Brewing? That's a PR choice. The NHCP's limitations? That is a diplomatic blunder. The shield of the First Amendment? That's a policy debate waiting to happen.

Keep the hashtags alight if you want, but if you are genuinely seeking transformation, it's time to look beyond a disc jockey's X Network and TikTok followers. Demand treaties. Push for executive orders to Trump admin instead. Expect breweries to do the right thing: not only to play the song, but to acknowledge that their national anthem in the Philippines is hurting communities and then do something about it. The only thing that would be remixing otherwise would be the same old cycle of anger with no relief. We fully respect NHCP's decision for this devastated issue.

Now if you'll excuse me Fandreas, I have to track this degenerate idiot down, once if the state police identified the suspect's name where available. Solidarity, not just polluted noise.

(Written by Miko Kubota-Nieves / Ka-Serbisyo Patrol #4 news reporter of Channel 8 News, Columnist Director of The Brighton Bugle, and Station Manager & President of ONC Holdings)

NANTES, FRANCE -- Disney Branded Television (DBT) announced its anime-inspired soccer show "Dragon Striker" (DS) from Europe that draws on both Wakfu and Supa Strikas. Produced by Chouette Studios with show creator 'Sylvain Dos Santos', it may look like the hybrid sport of Gobbowl from Wakfu's first season and the Pan-African soccer of Supa Strikas, but a fantasy twist sets it apart from both. The announcement first came at the annual Annecy Festival in mid-2022, with the show set to run 22 new episodes.

The synopsis read from multiple news outlets: "A 12 y/o farmer and fanboy named Key, who can only dream of entering the famous [high] school where the greatest players train before joining the big leagues—until he discovers he has his own ultra-powerful spell and may even be the legendary Dragon Striker. He joined a team of hapless underdogs who band together to take on the school champions while fighting to prevent an ancient evil from resurfacing".

Before DS, what were Wakfu and Supa Strikas now? Channel 8 News and The Brighton Bugle are finding out more about the origins and legacy of these beloved animated gems.

In episodes 10 to 12 of Wakfu Season 1, for a hybrid sport of rugby, aired in France in mid-to-late March 2009, the Brotherhood of the Tofu competes in the Gobbowl Inferno tournament to secure funds, featuring a chaotic, high-stakes match against Lamechester United. Real Gobbly secured victory with a final score of 23-22, thanks to a winning point by Yugo Sharm in overtime.

For the Season 4 finale, as one radio reports from DWFH-FM 97.7mhz's K5 News FM: Dumaguete in late-April 2024 that 'Prncs. Amalia Sheran Sharm' and Yugo get married, ending the season on a cliffhanger that suggests it may be the series' last. Their relationship as newlyweds is further explored with bold, intimate sex scenes in the webtoon comic sequel "The Great Wave", which continues the story after the series concludes. Stories will continue for TGW (now with 3 volumes today), and the 5th extra final season, consisting of the last 26 new episodes, will take place either before or during the Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles, California.

Supa Strikas normally closed the show for Season 7 (excluding Rookie in early to mid-March 2021) after more than a decade from late-December 2008 until 2020. Shakes Mokoena lost his passion for his football career from South Africa when he was a victim of cheating. The coach himself said in hospital arrest next to him, someone inserted a performance-enhancing nanotechnology inside of their brain to manipulate its moves and scores in a final 12th new episode titled "Game Over".

Under African sport laws, the use of such tech was deemed illegal and could result in either suspension or a permanent ban for life per individual from international competitions. Channel 8 News understands that he was basically framed for innocence. He pleaded not guilty and cleared all the charges. Ahead of the grand finals, FC Technicali was the only one responsible for putting Mokoena under surveillance and implanting the nanotechnology without his consent, leading to his disqualification from the tournament and permanent expulsion from professional soccer leagues.

Overall for both shows… Strika Entertainment & Animasia Studio closed out the series finale of Supa Strikas in 2020, and the 4th season premiere of Wakfu from Ankama Studios comes next in February 2024. The extra final 5th season will soon follow to conclude its intense adventure with the Summer Olympics as the backdrop for one final epic showdown.

Coming by mid-year… Disney Channel in France unveiled the 3-minute trailer for Dragon Striker. From the initial trailer, we're introduced to a world where magic and sport collide in spectacular fashion. He dreams of mastering Gorotama, a high-stakes, five-a-side, soccer-like game infused with fantastical elements.

This action-comedy, fantasy, and sports blend promises a compelling narrative of teamwork, determination and self-discovery. For the viewers in the United States, the show from Europe will be (possibly) the last to air on Disney XD. While France and Spain will air it first, coming next month in most specific time zones.

But what if DS, instead of airing on the niche cartoon cable channel, were simulcast on ESPN or select ABC affiliates in America? Two bigger networks would give a much broader, mainstream audience compared to that channel, potentially boosting its popularity and merchandising potential. Broadcasting an action-packed, soccer-themed animation on a sports-heavy network (ESPN) could engage a younger generation of viewers, bridging the gap between animation fans and sports enthusiasts. Such a move would reflect a new direction under the 2026 leadership to utilize Disney's diverse assets more synergistically.

While airing on ABC affiliates is possible, putting a cartoon on ESPN would likely face skepticism, since the network primarily focuses on real-life sports, though Disney has been experimenting with its cable and streaming portfolios. With the show premiering on Disney XD, a high-profile move to ESPN/ABC would amplify the reach of this "global" appeal animation. This move would likely serve as a marketing experiment to see if themed animation can drive viewership for soccer and other sports.

There is, however, a strong catch. Owned-and-operated (O&O) stations under The Walt Disney Company (TWDC) for its commercial broadcaster 'American Broadcasting Company' do not need to buy the expensive cartoon sports rights by promoting Disney-related content free-of-charge. But Tegna and Nexstar are only eligible to buy expensive broadcasting rights with network fees for a nationwide syndication of Dragon Striker that usually falls under a carriage agreement.

In short, Disney could air the show on its own ABC stations such as WPVI-TV's 6abc Action News in Philadelphia at virtually no extra cost, but indie affiliates like Tegna-owned WNEP-TV's Newswatch 16 in Scranton and Nexstar-owned WHTM-TV's ABC 27 in Harrisburg, all of which, for those examples, are from Pennsylvania, would need it bundled into a broader national ABC broadcast to avoid paying individual station fees.

Adding to the excitement in Europe, fans are all set to see new episodes in real time. With some speculation for U.S. viewers in English dubbed, the show may arrive later in the year with potential syndication across multiple platforms still under negotiation. In the Philippines, we can expect to hook it up from France in next month's release window from the source itself on Dumaguete's public broadcaster 'Negros Island TV8' under ONC Holdings Incorporated. We can briefly tell you to reveal this release date.

Dragon Striker premieres this June 6th, 2026, only on Disney Channel: France and everywhere else in Europe, as well on Disney XD in the U.S. coming June 9th that year, with next-day streaming exclusively on Disney+.

FILE SCREENGRAB and POSTER PHOTOS COURTESY: Ankama Animation, Strika Entertainment, and DBT via France TV, YT VIDEO & Disney PR BACKGROUND PROVIDED BY: TEGNA

SOURCES: *https://www.cartoonbrew.com/tv/disney-animation-dragon-striker-doomies-annecy-217689.html *https://www.chouetteco.com/single-post/annecy-22-une-%C3%A9dition-chaude-bouillante *https://variety.com/2025/tv/global/disney-chouette-studios-dragon-striker-annecy-1236425558/ *https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/disney-annecy-1235294867/ *https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/dragon-striker-trailer-disney-animated-series-1236738454/ (additional info!) *https://whatsondisneyplus.com/new-look-at-disneys-dragon-striker/ *https://www.tvlaint.com/2026/03/dragon-striker-sera-la-primera-serie.html *https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wakfu_(s%C3%A9rie_t%C3%A9l%C3%A9vis%C3%A9e_d%27animation) *https://www.ankama.com/fr/animations/project-wakfu-s5 *https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ankamaanimations/wakfu-the-animated-series-season-5/posts/4377857 *https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ankamaanimations/wakfu-the-animated-series-season-5/posts/4669817 *https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supa_Strikas_(TV_series) *https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUBb7M-izAk *https://supastrikas.fandom.com/wiki/Shakes *https://kidscreen.com/2019/08/06/moonbug-goes-for-the-goal-with-supa-strikas/ *https://www.linkedin.com/posts/sdossantos_dragonstriker-parismanga-disney-activity-7439230675465048064-p8kK and *https://www.facebook.com/100063548384613/videos/2174285453389265/

EDITOR's NOTE from Miko: From the stunning riverside views of Nantes City, I've traded my gauntlets for a press badge—at least for the week! While the scenery here is a major upgrade from the tech-basement, the stakes in the animation world are just as high as a Level 5 glitch. I'm digging deep into how does this cable kids network on my local state of Texas is bridging the gap between European fantasy and global sports culture. Whether you're a die-hard Gobbowl fan or you're still reeling from the Supa Strikas scandal, this is the reporting you need to stay ahead of the game. Keep it glitch-free to yourself! For The Brighton Bugle, I'm Miko Kubota-Nieves in France.

(Written by Rhayniel Saldasal Calimpong / Freelance News Writer and Presenter of Channel 8 News, Online Public Broadcaster of ONC Holdings, and Barangay President of Pulantubig Persons with Disabilities Association)

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO / SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC -- Spring is in the air as two of the biggest nations in the world of virtual YouTuber and fictional cartoon characters' hometowns. Ohio's very own "IShowSpeed" (real name 'Darren Jason Watkins Jr.') kicks off his Caribbean Islands tour Saturday afternoon (April 25th, 2026 -- Eastern U.S. time).

Speed's starting point was Trinidad and Tobago, along with several other Caribbean islands. But on Monday night (May 4th, 2026 -- Atlantic standard time), he arrived in Puerto Rico, which is Ironmouse's current VTuber hometown. Out of respect for her privacy, he chose not to feature an in-person stream of her face reveal with less consent, which could risk exposing and damaging an indie VTuber's career at a real-life meet-up. The exception is to talk virtually via video calling platforms such as Discord, Zoom or Google Meet, or by traditional phone call on a mobile phone.

Generally, he was on foot with strict security measures managing his fans, from sightseeing at 'Castillo San Felipe del Morro' all the way to music and dance performances at a Puerto Rican bar, just several minutes before his YouTube live stream ended. Speed missed his lifetime chance for an exclusive virtual-based interview of Ironmouse due to her streaming schedule conflicts, but they plan on either rescheduling or scrapping it later in the month.

The Owl House's fictional protagonist 'Luz Isidora Noceda', grew up in Gravesfield, Connecticut. And by the end of Season 3's brief finale had graduated as a high school witch student as a triple citizenship of Boiling Isles-Dominican-American. Noceda's voice actress was New Jersey's Sarah Nicole Robles, while she currently studied at a college-level institution at The University of Wild Magic (TUWM). She will be parting ways between the said home state and a former Caribbean home in the DR, where Noceda plans to reconnect with family and explore her Dominican heritage before returning to her studies in the fall.

Dana Terrace, also from CT and the former show creator of TOH, needs emergency approval to grant IShowSpeed's interview request with Noceda's VA via video call as part of the Caribbean tour; both parties are working out scheduling details to make it happen before his upcoming departure this Wednesday morning. Ironmouse does expect to chat with Noceda's VA for a possible double collaboration stream featuring both the VTuber and voice actress in a special online exclusive Caribbean-themed broadcast.

If Speed turned down speaking with Noceda's VA, Ironmouse, or both once he arrived in DR, he planned to visit local landmarks and cultural sites in Noceda's former hometown while continuing to document the tour for his regional audience on YouTube LIVE.

Speed's Caribbean tour covers 15 countries, including Ironmouse and Noceda's home countries, and will be broadcast live during his next trip to DR on May 6th at 1pm (Atlantic standard time). Channel 8 News and Disney XD News are on close watch as he continues his journey, with exclusive coverage expected throughout the week.

SCREENGRABS COURTESY: IShowSpeed, Ironmouse, and DTVA via YT VIDEO & Twitch LIVE VIDEO BACKGROUND PROVIDED BY: Nexstar Media Group and TEGNA

SOURCES: *https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us-streamers/ishowspeeds-caribbean-tour-schedule-start-date-and-countries-revealed/articleshow/130411547.cms *https://www.telemundopr.com/noticias/puerto-rico/i-show-speed-transmite-en-vivo-su-recorrido-por-san-juan/2808550/ *https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnjnNZPlpEk *https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVXrjCDQ2jQ *https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRLEGrEmvLw *https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2XDB_fuv7Y *https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ironmouse and *https://theowlhouse.fandom.com/wiki/Luz_Noceda