ASEAN Summit Fallout: Cebu’s Gov. Pamela Baricuatro defended dropping the Santo Niño from the Lumad Basakanon troupe’s May 8 performance, saying it was a religious-sensitivity call for a multi-faith ASEAN audience—while critics say the ritual lost its core identity. Diplomatic Recognition: In Dili, President José Ramos-Horta received a Doctor Honoris Causa from Charles Darwin University, adding fresh international spotlight to his peace and democracy work. Regional Ties, Timor-Leste Included: At the Cebu ASEAN wrap-up, Timor-Leste’s full membership was reaffirmed, and Timor-Leste and PNG moved toward reciprocal embassies after talks in Port Moresby. Local Governance & Access: Cebu City lawmakers pushed to lift scholarship disqualifications affecting students from mountain barangays, arguing the rules punish learners forced to study outside the city. Culture & Sports: Cebu’s inaugural Pickleball Open is set for June 27, aiming to unify local groups toward a national sports body.