POLITICS

ABANTE TO HOUSE: EVALUATE MADRIAGA’S TESTIMONY

The testimony of Ramil Madriaga gives the House Committee on Justice a disturbing look at how public money may have been moved in ways that bypassed the normal safeguards of accountability, according to Manila Representative Benny Abante who said the allegations are too serious to brush aside as mere noise or technical theater. Abante, an…

AUMENTADO LAUDS BILL PROTECTING CHOCOLATE HILLS

Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado welcomed the positive outcome of deliberations on House Bill No. 831 under the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System, which reclassifies portions of the protected landscape. The bill provides that from the original 1,776 hills, only 642 will remain under strict protection.  “From the original 1,776 hills, only 642 will…

TULFO WANTS VAT ON PETROLEUM PRODUCTS SCRAPPED

The suspension of excise tax on petroleum products is not sufficient to ease the burden of Filipinos because of the rising cost of basic commodities due to soaring fuel price increases. Senator Erwin Tulfo, during the Senate Proactive Response and Oversight for Timely and Effective Crisis Strategy (PROTECT) ad hoc committee hearing, suggested that reduction…

LACSON TO GOV’T: GIVE FUEL SUBSIDY, NOT JUST AYUDA

Senate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson urged the government to go beyond traditional “ayuda” and explore more targeted measures to support Filipinos affected by the fuel crisis triggered by the conflict in the Middle East – including a possible fuel subsidy. Lacson said the government may study approaches used by neighboring economies such as Taiwan,…

GOVERNMENT

DA LAUNCHES ‘BENTENG BIGAS’ IN MAKATI

The Department of Agriculture rolled out the “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” program in Makati City, bringing subsidized rice to one of the country’s wealthiest urban centers while underscoring a growing reality that even affluent cities are not insulated from economic strain caused by soaring petroleum product prices. Around 750 beneficiaries were served during the ceremonial…

BOC INSPECTS SEIZED P178M FROZEN MEAT, FISH

Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno led the inspection of twenty-two (22) abandoned refrigerated containers from several countries containing contaminated frozen meat and fish valued at approximately ₱178 million. This operation supports the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to strengthen border protection and ensure food safety, particularly in preventing the entry and distribution of potentially harmful…

GAB WELCOMES HOME IBF CHAMP PEDRO TADURAN

The Games and Amusements Board (GAB) proudly welcomed home reigning IBF World Minimumweight Champion, Pedro Taduran Jr., after his spectacular seventh‑round knockout victory over Mexican challenger Gustavo Perez Alvarez in Temecula, California. Chairman Atty. Francisco Rivera, joined by Commissioners Angel Bautista and key GAB officials, congratulated Taduran on his third successful title defense, praising his…

DA SENDS AID TO CORDILLERA FARMERS

The Department of Agriculture, through its Regional Field Office in the Cordillera Administrative Region, has intensified interventions to help farmers and fisherfolk cope with rising fuel costs and ongoing market disruptions. Leading the response are fuel subsidies, expanded Kadiwa market linkages, truck deployments for hauling, and strengthened coordination with government agencies and private partners. DA-CAR…

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

WHEN FINANCIAL CALM FEELS… BORING

There comes a point in a financial journey that no one really prepares you for. Hindi siya dramatic.Walang milestone.Walang breakthrough moment. Things just… quiet down. Bills are mostly covered.Emergencies don’t arrive as often.Decisions feel less urgent. And instead of relief, what shows up is something unexpected: A strange kind of discomfort. Parang walang nangyayari. When…

WHY WE AVOID LOOKING AT OUR OWN NUMBERS

There’s a small moment most people don’t talk about. You’re about to open your banking app.Or check your balance.Or review your expenses for the month. And for a second… you pause. Hindi naman sira ang sistema mo.Wala ka namang ginawang palpak. Pero may konting kaba. “Mamaya na.” So you close it.Or you scroll instead.Or you…

THE MYTH OF THE “GOOD MONTH” AND THE “BAD MONTH”

We talk about money months the way we talk about behavior. “Panalo ang buwan na ’to.”“Sablay ako this month.” A month where we saved feels “good.”A month where expenses were heavier feels “bad.” At first, these are just labels. But over time, they become something else. They become judgments. When a Month Starts to Feel…

WHY SOME MONTHS STILL FEEL MESSY (EVEN WHEN YOU’RE DOING BETTER)

After a while, something confusing tends to happen. You’re more stable than before.You’ve built better habits.There’s less panic in your decisions. And yet, some months still feel… off. Expenses don’t line up the way you expected.A surprise cost shows up—like a sudden ambagan for a relative’s hospital bill, a school project that needed extra materials,…

TRAVEL & TOURS

PEACEFUL ESCAPES AND QUIET PLACES TO REFLECT THIS HOLY WEEK

Every Holy Week, there is a quiet pull toward stillness—a desire to step away from the noise of everyday life and enter a space of reflection. This sacred season offers more than tradition; it extends an invitation to pause, breathe deeply, and turn inward. In a world that constantly demands attention and motion, Holy Week…

FAITH ON THE ROAD: A HOLY WEEK PILGRIMAGE

Filipinos hold the Holy Week close to their hearts. It’s not just an observance but a way of professing one’s faith and devotion. One particular tradition that is truly cherished is Visita Iglesia, or the visiting of seven churches to pray and reflect. Each Holy Thursday, families and friends travel across cities, with some even…

NEW IN TOWN: PASIG RIVER ESPLANADE PHASE 3 NOW OPEN!

Looking for a fresh spot to explore this weekend? Good news—Phase 3 of the Pasig River Esplanade is officially open! Now you can stroll along the 600-meter West Showcase Area, linking the newly improved Plaza Mexico, Maestranza Esplanade, and the beautifully restored Fort Santiago Riverwalk (a scenic 305 meters of pure charm). Plus, it’s all…

UP FOR A FUN RIDE WITHIN THE METRO? HOP IN!

Metro Manila is chaotic and can sometimes become stressful to explore—thanks to the heavy traffic, unpredictable weather, and the occasional detour.  But for those who can brave these challenges, or perhaps, are already immune to them, the metro can offer an experience that will make any trip worthwhile.  Brimming with culture, and food, and a…

FOOD, HEALTH & FITNESS

MANMAN SAI-GON’S LANTERN IN THE CITY’S BUSTLE

Looking for the best Vietnamese Egg Coffee in the Metro? ManMan, we might know where. Viet Nam’s culture has been embedded in the Philippines for decades, as the country became a refuge for many Vietnamese people during the Viet Nam War. From sharing knowledge of crop production to passing down culinary traditions, the two nations…

DRIVE UP YOUR FITNESS GOALS WHILE BEING ONE WITH NATURE

Crowded, noisy, and sometimes utterly chaotic. While most of the people living in the city are already used to these things, there will always be a time when one would simply wish for a free and green space. Perhaps this is why many Filipinos enjoy doing errands or activities in wide and clear spaces, not…

A DRIVE BACK HOME: DISCOVER VINTA MODERN CARINDERIA

When you hear the word “Vinta”, we automatically picture the colorful sails of Mindanao traditional boats. The distinct craftsmanship and movement of every boat serve as an homage to regional culture. At the heart of Quezon City, adjacent to one of the country’s food districts, Tomas Morato, a new restaurant carries the very essence of…

GET READY! MAGINHAWA SUMMER FEST 2025 THIS SATURDAY

This is your sign to answer the call and treat yourself to that long-awaited food crawl along one of the most beloved food districts in the metro. There’s no better time to visit the bustling street than this Saturday as the Maginhawa Food Community takes over the iconic Maginhawa Street in Quezon City on May…

FASHION & BEAUTY

MISS BINGOPLUS LUCKY BATS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ED

Fil-Canadian Jasmine Paguio finished as runner-up in the recently concluded Miss Philippines Earth beauty-with-a-cause pageant, but for the BingoPlus community of players, game developers, employees, partner brands, institutions, and beneficiaries, she is their queen. The 23-year-old actress and model who grew up in Canada but returned to the Philippines to seek an acting and pageantry…

FILA, STARBUCKS PARTNER FOR A LIMITED-EDITION LINE

Two classic and iconic brands are partnering to give back to their customers who have remained loyal despite the challenges of the pandemic in the past two years. For a limited run, FILA and Starbucks will give free fashionable and functional items inspired by their iconic hues and logos. The results represent FILA’s red, blue…

Mr. and Ms. JPIA continues legacy

To continue the legacy of Mr. and Ms. JPIA, PUP JPIA Manila announced its search of the event for this year on their Facebook page on November 16, 2021. The event is open to all bonafide students of Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Sta. Mesa branch, which is also a PUP Junior Philippine Institute…

DRESS TO IMPRESS: CHOOSING A SUIT

Suits are timeless clothes. It’s stylish and classy, and can be worn during important events or activities such as for business, formal gatherings, or even casual daily wear if you feel like looking dapper. But good suits aren’t always easy on the wallet. This is why it’s important to choose the right one for you.…

SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT

NU SECURES FINAL FOUR BERTH 

Defending champion National University booked the second Final Four ticket in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament after a dominant sweep of the also-ran University of the East, 25-19, 25-14, 25-14, on Sunday afternoon at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila. Now riding a three-game winning streak, the Lady Bulldogs secured a postseason…

TAMARAWS BOOST FINAL FOUR BID

Far Eastern University pushed the University of the Philippines to the brink of elimination with a 25-21, 22-25, 25-19, 25-22 win, creating a three-way tie for third in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament on Sunday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion. After snapping a two-game skid, the Lady Tamaraws improved to 7-5, tying…

TIGRESSES HOLD OFF UE 

University of Santo Tomas averted a second-set collapse before sweeping the also-ran University of the East, 25-21, 26-24, 25-20, to stay firmly in the thick of the tight UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Final Four race on Sunday afternoon at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion. With their fifth win in six outings, the Golden Tigresses…

ARTS & CULTURE

UP Aguman Sets the Stage for Sining 2026

The UP Aguman sets the stage ready for Kapampangan culture, creativity, and contemporary expression as it brings back one of its most highly anticipated annual events, Sining 2026. UP Aguman’s Sining is an arts and talents competition held in Pampanga. This year, it carries the theme “Dásé: Pámanábal ning Makabayangnang Ténákan king Kalalangang Kapampángan,” offering…

Dulaang UP’s Tickets for Upcoming Production Now Live

Written by: Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas (with contributions by Lora Kate Batomalaque) Dulaang UP closes their 48th Theatre Season, “Paano umuwi nang may pagpapasya?”, with Ang Kaliitan ng Kasalukuyan, written and directed by Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature multi-awarded playwright and our Artistic Director, Arlo Deguzman. Written by a former Overseas Filipino Worker…

Where We Create Together: UPTC Transforms into Katipunan’s Youth Art Hub

Ayala Malls U.P. Town Center (UPTC) continues to champion student communities by providing a space for young creatives to connect, express, and grow. This National Arts Month, U.P.T.C. establishes its role as the Katipunan’s creative hub as it launches “Artist Alley” – a creative space celebrating local talent, collaboration, and youth creativity. Project U.P.T.C. is…

HOBBIES & ADVOCACIES

CV TOURISM STAKEHOLDERS ADOPT CALIBRATED RESPONSE TO MIDDLE EAST DISTURBANCE

DOT7 leads check-in conference, worker-first policy pushed The tourism stakeholders of Central Visayas are adopting a measured and calibrated response to the Middle East disturbance, prioritizing the minimization of impact on livelihoods. The Department of Tourism-Central Visayas (DOT7) recently convened the first in a series of check-in conferences to harmonize the responses of various industry…

Ped Xing XVII: Redefining the Future for the Youth, By the Youth

University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, February 21 and 22, 2026– Ped Xing, the premier political competition, camp, and conference for high school students in the Philippines, just held its 17th iteration with the theme “Baybayin Natin, Kabataan; Ngayon ang Kinabukasan,” which is a yearly event organized by the University of the Philippines Political…

⚙️ RISE in Action: How the 17th Southern Tagalog Industrial Engineering Seminar (STIES XVII) Empowered the Next Industrial Engineers ⚙️ 

The 17th Southern Tagalog Industrial Engineering Seminar (STIES XVII), organized by the UPLB Industrial Engineering Students’ Organization (UPLB IESO), successfully brought together students, professors, and professionals from different academic institutions last February 28, 2026. This year’s seminar focused on the expanding role of Industrial Engineers in building stability in the middle of chaos and facilitating…

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

PH UNIFIED 911 SYSTEM NEARS COMPLETION

The Philippines’ Unified 911 Emergency Response System is rapidly approaching full deployment, with cutting-edge communication technologies now in the hands of frontline responders—positioning the country to potentially operate one of the most advanced emergency response systems in Asia. Currently at nearly 60 percent completion, the initiative enables seamless, real-time communication among emergency responders across jurisdictions,…

⚙️ RISE in Action: How the 17th Southern Tagalog Industrial Engineering Seminar (STIES XVII) Empowered the Next Industrial Engineers ⚙️ 

The 17th Southern Tagalog Industrial Engineering Seminar (STIES XVII), organized by the UPLB Industrial Engineering Students’ Organization (UPLB IESO), successfully brought together students, professors, and professionals from different academic institutions last February 28, 2026. This year’s seminar focused on the expanding role of Industrial Engineers in building stability in the middle of chaos and facilitating…

DOMESTIC ABUSE TOPS VAWC-RELATED 911 CALLS 

Domestic abuse continues daily in Philippine households, alongside wife battery, maltreatment, and rape, while children face online sexual abuse and exploitation, violent discipline, incest, bullying, neglect, psychological abuse, and economic exploitation. Data from the Emergency 911 National Office from January 2025 to February 2026 shows domestic trouble as the most reported case, with 2,533 calls…

NatGES 2026: Exploring New Frontiers in Geodetic Engineering

Written by: Jan Reinald Masilungan  The countdown is on! NatGES 2026 is set to take place on April 10-11 at the UPFI Film Center, bringing together students, professionals, and enthusiasts from across the Philippines for two days of learning, competitions, and networking. Carrying the theme “Beyond Boundaries, Into New Frontiers,” this year’s summit highlights the…