POLITICS

MANILA OPENS ‘LETTERS TO MY TOTGA’ AT PACO PARK

The City of Manila launched “Letters to My TOTGA,” a Valentine’s experience at Paco Park from February 14 to 28, offering a space for reflection on love, loss, and closure. The concept draws inspiration from the story of Jose Rizal and Leonor Rivera, whose long-distance relationship unfolded through handwritten letters and ultimately ended in separation.…

GREEN ENERGY IN GOV’T BUILDINGS GET HOUSE PANEL OK

The Committee on Energy, chaired by Palawan Representative Jose Alvarez approved the substitute bill seeking to reduce government electricity expenditures by mandating the development and utilization of renewable energy systems in all government buildings and facilities. The substitute bill consolidates House Bills (HBs) 458, 1261, 2804, 3040, 3126, 3667, 3942, 4138, 4601, 5090, and 5094,…

LACSON: END CORRUPTION TO BOOST DEFENSE OF WPS

Eradicating corruption is crucial for the Philippines to rise as an economic power like Japan, and to strengthen its military and defense capabilities including in the West Philippine Sea, Senate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson said. Lacson cited Japan’s recent move to seize a Chinese fishing vessel and arrest its skipper off southern Japan –…

PANGILINAN FILES BILL TO SUSTAIN PH BLUE ECONOMY

Staying true to his advocacy of protecting the Philippines’ marine ecosystem and biodiversity, which encompasses the livelihoods of millions of Filipino fisherfolk in the coastal areas, Senator Kiko Pangilinan filed Senate Bill No. 1840, or the Blue Economy Act, to improve the sustainable development of the country’s maritime resources. The measure aims “to improve coordination,…

GOVERNMENT

DENR STARTS PLAN TO PROTECT PH RISE MARINE RESERVE

The government has begun a five‑year effort to secure long-term protection for the Philippine Rise, a move seen as crucial amid mounting threats to the country’s marine resources, food security and maritime domain. The initiative aims to put in place lasting safeguards for one of the nation’s most important but least understood offshore ecosystems, Environment…

BOC SEIZES P39.3M WORTH OF SMUGGLED CIGARETTES

Reaffirming its sustained and intelligence-driven campaign against illicit tobacco trade, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) successfully thwarted ₱39.300 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and dried tobacco products bound for Manila. Acting on reliable intelligence information, the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) and Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) immediately initiated coordination with port authorities and…

WELLNESS LEAVE FOR TEACHERS, NON-TEACHING WORKERS

The Department of Education (DepEd) is giving a five-day wellness leave every year for teaching and non-teaching personnel as part of its support for their mental health and overall wellness in the education sector. According to Education Secretary Sonny Angara, the policy is a concrete manifestation of the promise made to DepEd personnel, in line…

DA TO EXPAND ‘BENTENG BIGAS’ ACROSS NCR

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is ramping up the expansion of the “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” program across the National Capital Region, deepening the Marcos administration’s push to make affordable rice widely accessible, especially to vulnerable sectors. A flagship food program of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the project offers quality rice at P20 per kilo,…

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

MarkADo! Caps Off a Winning Move for 22nd PUP AdCongress

MANILA, PHILIPPINES—From expert insights to interactive segments, this full-house seminar proved ad recall is a game you can master. “MarkADo! Winning Ads on the Board” successfully made its mark on January 27, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM at PUP Bulwagang Balagtas. The event gathered students and industry professionals for an interactive discussion on…

WHY EARNING MORE STILL FEELS LIKE YOU’RE FALLING BEHIND 

A deeper look at progress, pressure, and what “enough” really means There is a quiet frustration many people don’t know how to name. You earn more than you used to.You’ve built systems meant to bring peace—not perfect ones, but routines, reminders, and habits that make money feel a little less chaotic.You’re more disciplined, more intentional, more…

WHEN BUDGETING STARTS TO FEEL LIKE PUNISHMENT

Many people approach budgeting with good intentions. They download apps, write down expenses, follow categories, and promise themselves to stick to the plan. On paper, everything looks organized. But emotionally, something else is happening. Instead of feeling in control, they feel restricted.Instead of feeling empowered, they feel guilty. They follow the budget, but every unplanned…

BEFORE YOU COUNT THE NUMBERS, UNDERSTAND THE WHY

We talk about money a lot in the Philippines. We talk about salaries and prices, investments and hustles, side gigs and survival strategies. Money is everywhere in our conversations—at the dinner table, in group chats, in quiet late-night calculations. But there is one conversation we rarely have: How we actually experience money. And that, I…

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

ADAMSON SWEEPS ATENEO

Adamson University stormed past Ateneo de Manila University in straight sets, 25-19, 25-18, 25-10, to open their UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball campaign with authority on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. With a two-set lead already in hand, the Lady Falcons left no room for doubt in the third set, launching an…

CANTADA LIFTS NU PAST UST 

Sam Cantada lived up to the hype as National University opened its ‘three-peat’ bid with a thrilling 25-23, 25-19, 23-25, 26-24 victory over University of Santo Tomas in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball Tournament. The Lady Bulldogs and the Golden Tigresses delivered a gripping showdown in front of 15,215 fans at the SM Mall…

UP TAPS FABIO MENTA TO LEAD WVT IN SEASON 88

A brand new energy can be felt in the University of the Philippines, with seasoned tactician Fabio Menta taking over coaching the Women’s Volleyball Team (WVT) that had just been injected with talented transferees and a promising foreign student-athlete. Still with the support of sponsor Frank Lao and his Strong Group Athletics (SGA), the 64-year-old…

DLSU RECLAIMS UAAP CROWN

De La Salle University climbed back to the top of the UAAP mountain, winning the collegiate men’s basketball championship and ultimately winning a trilogy of finals matchups against the University of the Philippines. The Green Archers and Fighting Maroons had faced off in the last three UAAP finals—La Salle took Season 86, UP exacted revenge…

ARTS & CULTURE

AVENOIR - So The Story Goes...

An hour before the exhibit came to an end, someone approached one exhibitor and told them, “I want to know why of all the concepts, you choose to base your designs on the Filipino tribes?” It sounded simple, but not everyone would understand the tales of these chairs that lie beneath its designs.  And what…

UNFILTERED, UNAFRAID: EUGENIA APOSTOL

In a world where content is consumed in seconds and stories vanish in 24 hours, there was once a woman who used words not just to inform, but to ignite revolutions. Eugenia “Eggie” Apostol, a name you might not often hear in TikTok explainers or Instagram carousels, is one of the most powerful figures in…

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…

FILIPINO CORE: A COLLECTION OF FUNNY MOMENTS IN PINOY TV

Much has been said about the Pinoy TV experience. We can’t help it, we are a passionate nation and we take things to heart when it comes to our viewing habits. If we weren’t, Princess Punzalan who played Selena Montecillo in Mula sa Puso wouldn’t have to take all the Much that has been said…

HOBBIES & ADVOCACIES

PH RED CROSS WELCOMES NETHERLANDS ENVOY

The Philippine Red Cross recently welcomed Marielle Geraedts, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the Philippines, for a courtesy visit at PRC National Headquarters. Geraedts was joined by key representatives from the embassy, including her daughter—who is a health service volunteer—Nicky Ten Bosch. Joining the delegation were Lauren Wessel, Political Secretary of the…

MarkADo! Caps Off a Winning Move for 22nd PUP AdCongress

MANILA, PHILIPPINES—From expert insights to interactive segments, this full-house seminar proved ad recall is a game you can master. “MarkADo! Winning Ads on the Board” successfully made its mark on January 27, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM at PUP Bulwagang Balagtas. The event gathered students and industry professionals for an interactive discussion on…

UP Geological Society to Host National Geology Congress 2026

UP Geological Society, the oldest organization of the National Institute of Geological Sciences (NIGS) in the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD), will be hosting the National Geology Congress (NGC) 2026 this upcoming March 13-14, 2026. In its 13th installment, the NGC aims to continue to fulfill its advocacy of making the geosciences accessible to…

PH RED CROSS HOLDS 2026 BLOOD SUMMIT

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Blood Summit 2026 sustained its focus on blood safety, sustainability, and innovation, as experts and partners exchanged insights on quality systems, donor engagement, digital transformation, and multi-sectoral collaboration. The discussions reinforced a shared commitment to ensuring safe, adequate, and accessible blood services for communities nationwide. “The lifeblood of our nation…

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

UP Geological Society to Host National Geology Congress 2026

UP Geological Society, the oldest organization of the National Institute of Geological Sciences (NIGS) in the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD), will be hosting the National Geology Congress (NGC) 2026 this upcoming March 13-14, 2026. In its 13th installment, the NGC aims to continue to fulfill its advocacy of making the geosciences accessible to…

Tatag: Reimagining Local Industries

The Industrial Engineering Expo (IEx), the annual convention organized by the UP Industrial Engineering Club, returns in 2026 with a renewed focus on advocating for and strengthening local industries. Guided by the theme “Tatag: Reimagining Local Industries,” IEx 2026 positions itself as a platform where students, professionals, and communities come together to rethink how industries…

UNIFIED 911 SYSTEM GETS DISPATCH UPGRADE

True to the Department of the Interior and Local Governments’ (DILG) vision of providing the country with a world-class emergency response system, Unified 911 command centers will soon get next-level critical communication software that will also equip first responders with state-of-the-art tools. Called the Unified Platform for Communications & Dispatch (UPCAD), the system consists of…