MANILA, Philippines - Through a viral Facebook post, a young mom has shared her touching experience with a Jollibee rider who went out of his way to bring medicine to her sick daughter.


Upon learning that her daughter had a fever, Shishi Cruz de Leon tried to contact her siblings to ask them to purchase medicine for her sick child since she couldn’t leave her alone in the house. However, since it was still early in the morning, none of them were able to respond to her messages.

Desperate to get medicine for her daughter, Shishi suddenly remembered a social media post wherein the Jollibee customer was able to request for medicine along with her order. Shishi decided to try her luck and included her request in the remarks section of her order. Still, she didn’t expect that her request would be granted since she didn’t receive any email confirmation from the popular fast food chain.

After some time, Shishi was surprised to hear someone knocking at their door. Aside from her order, the rider also brought her additional request.

“Nagulat na lang ako may nagsalita sa pinto ng "Jollibee po". Pinapasok ko si kuya. Nilabas nya yung order ko pati yung Tempra. Naiiyak talaga ko pagkakita ko non kasi hindi ko inexpect na pagbibigyan ako,” Shishi recounted.

Grateful for the rider’s act of kindness, Shishi decided to share photos of the rider whom she identified as Aaron on her Facebook post. The moving story has since gone viral amassing over 30,000 shares and more than 200,000 reactions as of writing.

“Sobrang salamat talaga Sir Aaron. Hindi sya nanghingi ng kahit anong kapalit. Tinanong ko siya kung anong pwede kong gawin para sa kanya. Sabi niya, sulatan ko na lang ng commendation yung likod ng resibo. Nagrequest na din ako kung pwede ko siya picture-an para makita ng Jollibee kung anong ginawa niya,” Shishi wrote.

Check out the full story.


-- Mini, The Summit Express

MANILA, Philippines - "The second State of the Nation Address (SONA) was a showcase of simplicity," Malacañang Palace said in a press statement.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Monday, July 24, 2017 "spoke from the heart" as he delivered his SONA, describing the country's present situation and laying down his future plans and prospects, including his legislative priorities.


"He was frank and outspoken, and went off-script from time to time to emphasize a point or share a light banter with his audience," the Palace added.

The Chief Executive discussed about his Administration's continued fight against illegal drugs and all forms of criminality, ending the Marawi rebellion and battling terrorism, the extension of martial law, stopping destructive mining operations, paying the right taxes, the Build-Build-Build Infrastructure Plan, among others.

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His speech, which took more than two hours to finish, was largely in English, with some off-the-cuff remarks spoken in Tagalog and a bit of Visayan dialects to resonate well with the Filipino people.

Towards the end of his speech, the Chief Executive submitted before Congress his Administration's P3.767-trillion budget proposal for next year.




Prior to the SONA proper, President Duterte arrived 4:00 p.m. at the Batasang Pambansa Complex on board the presidential chopper. Accompanied by Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, he was received by Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief-of-Staff Eduardo Año, Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Jose Balajadia Jr., and House Sergeant-at-Arms Rolando Detabali in the landing area.

In contrast to the large group of lawmakers that traditionally greets the President, PRRD was welcomed by Senate President Aquilino Pimentel Jr. and House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez. The two leaders ushered him to the Legislators' Lounge, where he met with Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III, House Majority Floor Leader Rodolfo Fariñas, and Quezon City 4th District Representative Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. before proceeding to the Plenary Hall.

A Mindanaoan staff member of the House of Representatives' Human Resource Management Service, Monaliza Adam, sang a capella the Philippine national anthem.

Catholic priest Father Alexander Balatbat and Muslim imam Jamel Rombo Cayamodin, on the other hand, led the invocation.

SONA director Brillante Mendoza, who also directed last year's SONA, used more cameras to shoot more angles of the President as he was speaking, as well as to capture the audience's reactions.

About 2,000 invitations were sent for the SONA event, which was attended by top politicians, foreign diplomats and living past presidents.

Former presidents Fidel V. Ramos, incumbent Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, and Pampanga 2nd District Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo graced the occasion. Vice President Maria Leonor Robredo and Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno were also present.

Other prominent guests like former House Speaker and now special envoy for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Jose de Venecia Jr., erstwhile Duterte's Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay, Jr., businessman Peter Wallace, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua, were spotted in the annual event.

In line with the Administration's avowed austerity mindset, most of the guests complied with the dress code. Piña-made Filipiniana dresses and simple barong took center stage as everyone stuck to keeping the event simple. A few political personalities donned statement attires.

President Duterte came in a traditional Barong Tagalog sans elaborate embroideries. Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte was dressed in a pink terno. Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte wore a nature-inspired barong. The President's youngest son, Sebastian Duterte, opted for a clean-look barong.

President Duterte's common-law wife Honeylet Avanceña, dressed in peach terno, also attended the occasion.

Cabinet members who attended the SONA to show their support to the President included Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, Jr., Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo, Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella, among others.

Invited guests proceeded to the cocktail reception after the SONA, and were treated to a very simple menu of food choices. There were assorted canapés, fruit tartlettes, spring rolls, and popular Filipino merienda like turrones and bibingka. House blend ice tea, lemonada, coffee, or tea are the choices for beverage. No alcoholic drink was served.

After the SONA, President Duterte, in another rare move, proceeded outside the Batasan complex to talk to left-wing protesters. Then, he went back inside the legislative building to hold a press conference, where he answered queries and clarified some issues, ranging from terrorism and Martial Law extension to economic growth concerns, from members of the media.

Unless you have Anne Curtis’ genes, the workout motivation of Solenn Heussaff, the strict diet of Raymond Gutierrez, and the money to have your body “Belo-fied”, it’s really hard to maintain an ideal body.

Social media sensation Madam Kilay or Jinky Anderson in real life knows this too well. But despite not having the body many women can only dream of, Madam Kilay isn’t ashamed of hers.

PHOTO CREDIT: Facebook/Madam Kilay

In a Facebook post that recently went viral, Madam Kilay revealed the heartwarming reason why she’s comfortable in her own skin.

According to Madam Kilay, her husband “Afam” appreciates everything about her including her not-so-ideal body type. Initially, she didn’t want to undress in front of her husband fearing that he would see her imperfections.

“Nung una hiyang hiya ako magbihis sa harap mo kase ayaw kong makita mo ang mga TABA,LANGIB,KAMOT, at DUMI kumbaga overall TSISMIS ng katawan ko,” Madam Kilay wrote.

But Afam proved her wrong. When Afam got the chance to see her body, Madam Kilay received nothing but praises from the good-looking foreigner.

“Pero nagkamali ako sa inisip ko ... dahil imbes na ganun ang maging reaksyon mo nung makita mo tong NAGMUMURANG KATAWAN KO sinabi mo pa sakin na ‘YOUR so GORGEOUS’ at pag tinatanong ko sayo "if im fat!??! " isa lang ang laging sinasabi mo ‘NO YOUR NOT your belly is part of your body so love it’,” Madam Kilay revealed.

While Madam Kilay thought that Afam was just being kind to her, she later on discovered his sincerity and genuine love for her.

“Wow hiyang hiya talaga ako sa sinabi mo akala ko nasabi mo lang yun dhil ayaw mong masaktan ako, pero sa tinagal tagal ng Pagsasama at relasyon nato, hindi ka pa din nagsasawa at paulit ulit mong pinapadama sakin na mahal moko kahit ganito ako,” Madam Kilay wrote.

Over the past few months, Madam Kilay became a trending topic on social media because of her hilarious videos featuring her American husband as well as her funny-looking eyebrows or “kilay” in Filipino.


-- Mini, The Summit Express

MANILA, Philippines - “Foul-mouthed with a heart.”

That’s what majority of netizens commented about President Rodrigo Duterte’s second State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered on Monday, July 24 at the House of Representatives in Quezon City.

PHOTO CREDIT: ABS-CBN News

Amid a record-high net public satisfaction rating of +66 and a wide support for his martial law declaration in Mindanao, Duterte delivered his SONA with the theme “Comfortable Life for All”. Known for being hot-tempered, the fiery nation leader gave profanity-laced statements during his speech which lasted for about two hours.

Despite constant criticisms against the president’s use of profanity during the SONA, many netizens praised Duterte for being genuine and sincere with his statements.

Check out some of the notable reactions of Twitter users on Duterte’s SONA:

Yes, I hate DU30's dirty mouth, but in the end it is his works that will truly matter. #SONA2017

— Madam (@madamivyaguasx) July 24, 2017

This is the funniest yet informative #SONA2017 in the PHhistory. No fake smiles, no fake words, totoong-totoo. Not scripted. Just curses.😂

— drex (@DrexGaleon) July 24, 2017

A lot of people bashing the president because of his cursing when in fact it's actually true about the people #SONA2017

— Angela (@angelajoy_) July 24, 2017

#sona2017 The President speak from his heart in a brutal way. Truth hurts to those who are sensitive a and feeling civil.

— BoRam (@boricity325) July 24, 2017

#SONA2017 being trash talker is more genuine than sugar coated type with full of lies

— Mɐɐe Lanbu (@MEMAaeBulahn) July 24, 2017

I rather hear a speech full of cursed than sugar coated speech. #SONA2017

— Cherry (@CherryYacat) July 24, 2017

Duterte swears like a devil but as honest as an angel. Love him or hate him, he is one of the best leader we had in a long time. #SONA2017

— ♞niknik™ (@niknikmoo_) July 24, 2017

The president was just being himself, he is very honest #SONA2017

— dob (@dyoonep) July 24, 2017

they point out his dirty mouth and all his curses while they curse all their lives too
hipokrito ka kinaganda mo??? #SONA2017

— mae (@romanthology) July 24, 2017

Pres. Duterte is may be full-mouthed but with a heart. Puso para sa mga pilipino. Puso para sa kaniyang trabaho bilang pangulo #SONA2017

— Abby Cubilla-Padilla (@Abby_Gale06) July 24, 2017

So much lies, sugar coating and tickling of the ears for decades. Ngayong puro katotohanan ang sinasabi, nagugulat sila. #SONA2017

— Joy de Jesus (@JoyyyV) July 24, 2017

--Mini, The Summit Express

MANILA, Philippines - President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivered on Monday, July 24, 2017 his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) in front of around 3,000 lawmakers and guests at the Batasan Pambansa in Quezon City.

The SONA, an annual constitutional obligation, is delivered by the President of the Philippines every fourth Monday of July.

With the theme "A Comfortable Life for All," President Duterte delivered his speech in line with the administration's three key agenda—prosperity for all, law and order, and peace —which categorize the positive changes felt by the people.

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SONA 2016 started at exactly 4:20 in the afternoon and concluded after 2 hours and 6 minutes (6:26 p.m.), longer that his previous SONA due to off-the-cuff remarks.

Known for his no-holds-barred speeches and fiery statements, Duterte delivered once again his colorful tirades and expletives mixed with report of plans for the country.

READ: Despite the cursing, most netizens all praises for Duterte’s SONA 2017

Duterte admitted that he is bully to the enemies of the state. He even thrown some rants to some news organizations like ABS-CBN and Rappler for the their alleged biased stories about him.

"Wag ninyo ako takutin. I am willing to go to prison for the rest of my life," Duterte voice out to his critics in his lengthy speech.

For the first time in recent Philippine history, the President discussed his Administration's proposed 2018 national budget, worth P3.767-trillion, on the day of the SONA itself, with the biggest chunk allotted for education, infrastructure development, and health care.

Be guided with our summary and review of President Duterte's SONA 2017. Students may use this as reference for making a reaction paper:



"I want to make good on my promise of change. Let the change to be done from the bottom. This must be meaningful. Genuine change is what this country need," President Duterte opened his speech.

The fight against illegal drugs will continue despite the foreign pressure. He said he value human life and won't allow to ruin the youth and family. "It's the root cause of evil and suffering," he said.

For Mindanao, he said that peace continues to elude us. "Peace of the living is what we seek." Talking of the Marawi crisis, Duterte believed martial law was the fastest way to quell rebellion. Duterte told to troops: "I stand beside you."

Duterte also urged the legislators to pass the national land use act to ensure the rational and sustainable use of our land resources.

Protection of the environment was also highlighted against irresponsible mining. Duterte even mentioned how Gina Lopez and the efforts of Ted Failon on his show presented the urgency to care for our nature. He also warned them to restore the environment or he will raise taxes. He also advised them to declare correct income and right taxes.

Duterte also mentioned the need to prepare for major calamities like the "Big One," a magnitude 7.2 earthquake to be generated by the West Valley Fault. He asked the Congress to pass the Disaster Response bill.

The president also tackled the issues of West Philippine Sea and Federalism.

As expected, Duterte wants to reimpose the death penalty on heinous crimes.

Duterte told to critics: "If you want to criticize, condemn the act, stop there. Do not make it trivial by saying "human rights" and "due process".

Duterte mentioned accomplishments through the President's Hotline or 8888, dedicated to complaints against fixers, corrupt officials, and poor government services and Hotline 911 for emergency response.

The president said he will never tolerate corruption in his administration.

On Reproductive Health (RH) Law, Duterte lashed out the Supreme Court for putting a temporary restraining order (TRO), which he believed is a bane of government project's efficiency.

Duterte also announced that the nationwide smoking ban is now in place after the full implementation on July 23.

Duterte also expressed gratitude to China for their help on infrastructure projects. He revealed that we might get money from China for new airports.

On education, Duterte also affirmed his commitment to fully implement the K to 12 program that highlights skills training, learner mobility, and lifelong learning among Filipinos.

Reactions on President Duterte's Second SONA

The second SONA highlighted the government's accomplishments especially on war against drugs and criminalities. Duterte during the election campaign period promised to resolve these in just six months but failed to bust and requested for extension saying he was shocked by the extent of the drug problem.

Same with previous SONA, thousands of protesters and militant groups rallied near the Batasan to denounce the recently approved extension of Martial law in Mindanao until December 31 and to assert that the president’s promise of change has not been realized. Protests meanwhile was peaceful and orderly.

Some activists claims Duterte's first year was “a major flop in addressing the pressing economic and social imbalances only to be highlighted by blood and gore.”

While the president also emphasized his plans for a tax reform program to raise the national budget, it must be studied thoroughly as it is branded as regressive and anti-poor by certain groups. For instance, House Bill 5636 for sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB), will come with a P10-per-liter tax. This will apparently dissuade consumers from purchasing SSBs. According to the Philippine Association of Store and Carinderia Owners (PASCO), the imposition of SSB tax will result to 3% to 200% rise in prices.

READ: Is the Proposed Beverage Tax Anti-Poor?

The president also showed his eagerness to stop violence and rebellion in Mindanao and said that Mighty Corporation's P25 billion tax settlement can be used for the rebuilding of Marawi. However, he did not mention the immediate actions to settle the issue.

It is interesting to note that the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) was certified as urgent by Duterte administration. "BBL is key to just and lasting peace."

While there's a lot of issues that need to be resolved, Filipinos are hopeful that Duterte will deliver his promised change during the course of his presidency. This is evident of the “excellent” trust rating he received in the latest Pulse Asia Research's June 2017 Ulat ng Bayan survey, 82% nationwide.

"Believe me, it is easier to build from scratch than to dismantle the rotten and rebuild upon its rubble. Let us work together and lay a new foundation in which a better Philippines can be reconstructed. Help me build a better tomorrow," Duterte ended his speech.

“Gusto kong sumigaw ng TIME OUT, pero takot akong mawalan ng time sa’yo.” For us, it’s just a one-liner sentence coming from someone tired, who’s clamoring even for just a short breather. But this simple statement has a deeper meaning for a single mother who wants nothing but to be with her princess all the time and give her all the best that life could offer.


Being a single parent is no joke. For some, it’s derogatory, but for many, it’s a symbol of strength and hope. National Statistics Office (NSO) states that there are about 14 million single Filipino parents nationwide. That’s the exact number of Filipinos who are striving hard to raise up their children all by themselves. Fourteen million brave single parents.

Calista’s mother is a small-time couturier who dearly endured all the hardships in life to take care of her daughter’s needs. The mother, whom Calista addressed as her queen, had a hard time juggling her career, household chores, finances, and bringing-up her unica hija.


At first, Calista’s mother questioned herself if she’s doing the right thing for her daughter. She really felt that she fell short on plenty of things, especially time for her only child. She spent almost all of her time in the business just to earn more money for the two of them to survive.

If you’ll ask wealthy people on what’s the ultimate secret to success, they would probably say: Save and Invest. This is what Calista’s mother did. She worked very hard not to build a clothing empire but to save and invest for her daughter’s future. She might not be as rich as the mall and telco tycoons in the country but Calista herself is her true wealth.

Material things make many people happy. The mansions, the luxury cars, the diamonds, millions of pesos in banks are just some of the stuff that most people try to achieve in their youth until they all retire. But for Calista’s mother, to see her daughter wearing a toga culminates the story of her life and will forever give her the sense of accomplishment.

Calista’s mother relied heavily on her dependable financial partner, Sun Life Financial, the first, longest-standing, and top life insurance company in the country. Aside from placing her hard-earned money in banks, she invested it with Sun Life in preparation for Calista’s college journey, where she’s sure that her fruit of hard labor will not go to waste.

After years of sleepless nights, Calista’s mother finally realized that she really did well in bringing-up her princess and she made the right decision in partnering with Sun Life that helped her fulfill her ultimate dream and goal in life: to let her child finish college in preparation for building her own future.


Calista is just one of the many children who are now enjoying life because of the bright decisions that their parents made. We say that “let’s strike while the iron is hot.” Like Calista’s mother, we work really hard so we can give ourselves and our families a better life. But let’s remember, working hard and earning money is nothing if we’ll not be financially wise.

Many people have already fallen into the trap of a “one day millionaire” mentality, where they spend every peso that they have without anticipating the uncertainties of tomorrow. That thinking must be totally challenged and changed in every Filipino’s mind. Sun Life Financial is here to assist us in managing our finances properly, and they’re very much willing to help us fulfill our dreams in life.

Watch how Calista’s mother made her child’s dream come true:

Visit http://www.sunlife.com.ph to speak with a financial advisor near your place. You’re just a click or a call away from making the right decision in your life, from giving your children a brighter future.

Watch more Sun Life Brighter Life inspirational videos here and start creating your own success story at www.sunshorts2.com.

MANILA, Philippines - Departing from tradition and common practice, President Rodrigo Duterte's second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 24, dramatizes a simple and populist character. It shuns the usual pomp and pageantry. Wearing tuxedos, evening gowns, or elaborate outfits, though not prohibited, is discouraged.


The dress code, just like the previous year, is still business attire or Barong for men, and business attire or Filipiniana dress at knee length for women.

Hours before the SONA, guests trooped to the Senate Hall for the opening of the 17th Congress.

Just like in the previous years, Senator Nancy Binay's #OOTD becomes a hot topic online. This time, she wore a modern-style barong paired with black palazzo tuxedo pants.

Infer kay BFF Nancy! Natuto na rin s'ya ngayon! Love the hair! Matchy-matchy na tayo. BFF Goals. 👩🏼👩🏾 pic.twitter.com/fHRf8NWELg

— SENYORA (@Senyora) July 24, 2017

Meanwhile, Senator Grace Poe looked chic and classy in a white terno with black and white intricate details on the outlines of her top.

Photo Credit: Instagram/sengracepoe

The lady senators (from left): Risa Hontiveros, Cynthia Villar, Grace Poe, Loren Legarda and Binay. Photo Credit: Twitter/Gace Poe

Actress Heart Evangelista flaunts her white modern Filipiniana.

The gorgeous Heart Evangelista all set for 17th Congress session and SONA 2017. Instagram/iamhearte

Here are the other photos few hours before SONA 2017:

Senator Sonny Angara with his wife Tootsy, who wears Filipiniana Pitoy Moreno dress. Photo Credit: Instagram/tootsyangara

Senator Manny Pacquiao with his wife Jinkee. Photo Credit: Instagram/jinkeepacquiao

Senator Migz Zubiri and his wife Audrey. Photo Credit: Instagram/audreytanzubiri

Last year, President Duterte defined his personal style by simply donning a Barong Tagalog with rolled-up sleeves and paired with dark-colored pants. This year, he will wear his signature-style Barong Tagalog.

Aside from lawmakers and their spouses, foreign diplomats, government officials, and other dignitaries will grace the annual event to hear the president's speech.