POLITICS
HOUSE LAUNCHES SUPORTA SA BAYAN DESK PROGRAM
The House of Representatives is improving how it serves Filipinos in need through the Suporta sa Bayan Desk (SBD), a centralized program that streamlines requests for assistance so that these can be provided faster and more efficiently. Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III said the initiative is part of the chamber’s efforts to make government support…
MAYOR ISKO BATS FOR STIMULUS TO CURB RISING PRICES
Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso said his administration is stepping up efforts to address rising prices of goods by combining direct financial relief and aggressive public spending, as inflation remains one of the top concerns of Filipinos amid the global oil shock driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East.Domagoso said the city…
LACSON TO GOV’T: BOOST SUPPORT FOR ONION FARMERS
Aside from smuggling, unchecked onion imports are pushing Filipino farmers to the brink, with disjointed government data and sloppy government response threatening to deepen the problem, Senate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson said. Lacson called out the Department of Agriculture and Philippine Statistics Authority for the discrepancies in their data on onion production and consumption,…
ESCUDERO WANTS UNIFIED RESPONSE TO MIDEAST CRISIS
Senator Chiz Escudero has called for a unified approach in addressing the global fuel and energy disruptions amid the continuing Middle East standoff, citing the need for agencies, schools, local government units (LGUs), and businesses to act together under a unified government framework. “The global energy landscape is shifting and we cannot afford fragmented responses.…
GOVERNMENT
ERC SUSPENDS WESM OPERATIONS AMID MIDEAST CRISIS
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has ordered the suspension of the operations of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) across the Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao grids effective March 26, 2026, as part of urgent government measures to address energy supply risks and price volatility arising from the ongoing geopolitical conflict in the Middle East.The suspension…
BOC SEIZES P102M WORTH OF SHABU IN CHOPPING BOARDS
The Bureau of Customs – Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA), in coordination with the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group, successfully intercepted approximately ₱102 million worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as “shabu,” concealed in chopping boards during an operation at NAIA Terminal 1, resulting in the arrest of a Malaysian passenger. The passenger, who…
BOC SEIZES UNREGISTERED VAPE PRODUCTS IN NAVOTAS
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) confiscated an estimated 3,174 master boxes of unregistered electronic cigarettes and vape products, valued at approximate ₱1 billion, during an enforcement operation in Navotas City. The operation reinforces the government’s intensified efforts to curb the entry and circulation of unregulated goods that pose risks to public health and undermine lawful…
DA TURNS OVER P67M POST-HARVEST INFRA IN PALAWAN
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has stepped up its push for regional food security with the turnover of a P67.63-million rice processing system to the municipal government, a move seen to reinforce the role of Palawan not just as a premier tourist destination but as a critical food-producing hub. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.…
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
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,…
SMC ROLLS OUT TOLL REBATES FOR PUVS, CARGO TRUCKS
SMC Infrastructure will provide toll rebates for select public utility vehicles and cargo trucks using the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and STAR Tollway starting March 23, following the government’s call to help ease the impact on the transport and logistics sectors of rising fuel costs driven by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Eligible…
THE KIND OF FINANCIAL PROGRESS NO ONE TALKS ABOUT
Why stability often looks less exciting than we expect. Most people expect financial progress to be obvious. A higher salary.A new car.A bigger home.Something visible enough for others to notice. Something that signals, “Okay na. Umangat na.” But for many Filipinos, real financial progress doesn’t look like that. It arrives quietly. It shows up in…
MTERRA SOLAR PROJECT DELIVERS POWER TO LUZON GRID
Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN), through its affiliate Terra Solar Philippines Inc. (MTerra Solar), has successfully energized the MTerra Solar project as a generator – marking the moment the facility went live and began delivering electricity to the grid. The milestone marks the first electron from MTerra Solar sent through to the Luzon grid, signaling that the facility is…
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
DLSU EXTENDS WIN STREAK
De La Salle University clawed back from an eight-point deficit in the third set and dominated the fourth to defeat rival University of Santo Tomas, 25-12, 18-25, 25-23, 25-14, moving closer to securing a playoff spot for a berth in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Final Four, Wednesday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum…
LADY FALCONS STAY IN FINAL FOUR HUNT
Adamson University defeated Ateneo de Manila University in straight sets, 25-17, 27-25, 25-16, to stake a claim on the fourth spot in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday. The Lady Falcons now share fourth place with the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses, both holding 5-4…
UP ENDS FOUR-GAME SLIDE
University of the Philippines snapped a four-game slump with a 25-21, 25-15, 25-14 straight-sets demolition of a hapless University of the East in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday. It was the Fighting Maroons’ first win since losing Casiey Dongallo to a season-ending ACL injury, which…
FEU OUTLASTS NU IN FIVE
Far Eastern University avenged its first-round loss to National University with a gutsy 25-23, 25-23, 20-25, 21-25, 22-20 marathon win, earning a share of second place in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday. Unlike their first-round defeat, where the Lady Bulldogs pulled off a thrilling reverse…
ARTS & CULTURE
Defiance is back for Season 3. It’s Calling on Student Dancers to Defy the Odds
Written by: Isabelle Louise AlanoArtist Connection – Exude Dancers If you’re part of Manila’s student dance community, chances are you’ve heard the name Defiance—and this March, it’s coming back bigger, better, and bolder than ever. Defiance Season 3 returns on March 15, 2026 at the FEU Tech Gymnasium, bringing together student dancers who are ready…
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
PH RED CROSS ENSURES RAPID EMERGENCY RESPONSE
The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) hosted the “Showcasing & Walk Through with Logistics Strategic Session” in Subic recently. A pillar of the Health Stockpiling Project, this initiative ensures rapid response to public health emergencies. Teams demonstrated expertise in deploying medical tents, isolation wards, and hospital support units. The Critical assets—including vaccine refrigerators, ventilators, and PPEs—…
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…
PRC, AUSTRALIA GOV’T RENEW HUMANITARIAN TIES
The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) met with officials from the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), led by Sarah Spencer, First Secretary (Development), and Mei Nebreja Santos, Portfolio Manager for Humanitarian Action and Disaster Resilience at the PRC Tower to discuss the renewal of their long-standing partnership. Since 2006, DFAT has provided…
Where Young Minds Bloom: The Story of the MATUTO Program
On a quiet Saturday morning, a small group of children gathers in a modest community space, their laughter echoing through the room as volunteers prepare colorful learning materials. What might seem like a simple weekend activity is, in reality, a powerful movement rooted in hope, purpose, and the belief that every child deserves the chance…
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
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…
KEEP HOLY WEEK BREAK SAFE; KNOW HOW TO CALL 911
The Holy Week starts on March 22 and despite the prohibitive fuel price hike, families and groups are still expected to travel by land, sea or air. Whether the chosen destination is near or far, or even if one decides to stay at home, safety should continue to be the top priority. Summer travelers must…
A Student’s Odyssey: A Humble Quest Towards the Way to Unravel his Potential
Written by: Emmanuel T. Gamboa During the start of the 21st Century, we entered the Digital or the Information Age. Different parts of our lives are now integrated and relying on the usage of different digital solutions in our daily lives. The tasks that were previously done manually can now be executed faster and on…
IEshikawa 20 — ATRIA by UP CIEM Brings Together 500 Participants from 31 Universities Nationwide
The University of the Philippines Circle of Industrial Engineering Majors (UP CIEM) successfully concluded IEshikawa 20 — ATRIA: The Industrial Pulse of Systems, held on February 27–28, bringing together nearly 500 participants from 31 universities nationwide for two days of learning sessions, competitions, and industry engagement. The first day featured activities aimed at providing professional…
