POLITICS

VILLAFUERTE THANKS PBBM, DIZON FOR HIGHWAY REHAB

Camarines Sur (CamSur) Governor LRay Villafuerte has thanked President Marcos and Secretary Vivencio Dizon of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for their “quick action” on their commitment to accelerate and expand the sure-enough rehabilitation of the dilapidated Andaya Highway, which is the almost 93-kilometer (km) stretch of the Pan-Philippine Highway or Maharlika…

SPEAKER DY BACKS RIGHT TO INFORMATION BILL

House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III welcomed the approval by the House Committee on Public Information of the substitute bill on the proposed Right to Information (RTI) Act of 2026, saying the measure would empower citizens and strengthen the country’s fight against corruption. Dy said institutionalizing the people’s right to access information is a crucial…

MANILA CITY GOV’T RAFFLES OFF 100 HOUSING UNITS

Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso led the raffle of 100 housing units for qualified beneficiaries under the city’s in-city vertical housing program, describing the event as one of the most fulfilling moments in his decades-long public service. The draw of lots, conducted alongside Vice Mayor Chi Atienza, selected 100 beneficiaries out of 1,554…

ALAN CAYETANO BACKS HEALTHCARE PROXY BILL

Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano expressed support for a proposed measure that would allow Filipinos to designate a trusted person to make medical decisions on their behalf, even if not legally recognized as family. “I haven’t seen a real shift in how we look at our health system, and part of improving it is…

GOVERNMENT

DA SECURES FERTILIZER SUPPLY AMID OIL PRICE HIKES

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is moving to lock in fertilizer supplies from key global producers as oil-driven price spikes threaten farm output later this year. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said Manila has opened talks with several countries, including China and Russia, to ensure steady deliveries of the critical farm input. Tiu Laurel…

FIL-CHI BUSINESS CLUB LAUDS NEPOMUCENO-LED BOC 

To further reinforce its partnership with the private sector, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) convened the 5th General Assembly of the Customs Industry Consultative and Advisory Council (CICAC), bringing together key industry stakeholders to advance cooperation and support more efficient customs processes.  The assembly also served as a platform to review ongoing initiatives, exchange updates,…

DEPED HOLDS ‘SERBISYO FAIR’ IN 3 NCR SCHOOLS

The Department of Education (DepEd) recently launched the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) in three leading public schools in Metro Manila to remove severe financial and bureaucratic barriers faced by graduating Senior High School (SHS) students. The one-stop shop is a response to the difficulties experienced by SHS Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) and Alternative Learning System (ALS)…

DTI: PRICES OF BASIC GOODS STABLE FOR NEXT 30 DAYS

Amid the ongoing Middle East conflict, manufacturers of basic necessities and prime commodities have confirmed that they can maintain current prices for the next 30 days, with some able to do so for up to 60 days. This is based on a meeting called by Trade Secretary Cristina Roque attended by a total 21 manufacturers…

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

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…

THE EMOTIONAL COST OF ALWAYS SAYING YES

For many Filipinos, saying yes feels safer than saying no. Yes keeps the peace.Yes avoids awkwardness.Yes feels kind, generous, and responsible. And often, yes is genuine. We want to help. We don’t want to be the reason someone struggles. We don’t want to appear selfish, ungrateful, or “madamot.” So we say yes—to requests, to favors,…

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

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…

CANTADA ERUPTS FOR 32 PTS VS UP

Rookie Sam Cantada fired a career-best 32 points, leading National University to a vengeful 24-26, 25-17, 21-25, 25-18, 15-8 victory over first-round tormentor University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday. The Fighting Maroons had previously stunned the Lady Bulldogs on February 28…

FEU SWEEPS UE 

Far Eastern University made quick work of University of the East, 25-11, 25-15, 25-22, to open the second round of the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament on a resounding note on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The Lady Tamaraws improved to solo third at 5-3, moving ahead of idle Adamson University and…

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

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…

IRIS: Translating Vision Into the Mastery of Cinema

Every film begins with a vision—an idea waiting to be seen, heard and remembered.  This year, PUP Junior Marketing Executives invites students to step beyond the screen and into the world where cinema meets strategy. Introducing IRIS: Translating Vision Into the Mastery of Cinema. A celebration of creativity and marketing brilliance told through the language…

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

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…

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…

IEshikawa 20 — ATRIA by UP CIEM Recognizes Winners Across National Competitions

The University of the Philippines Circle of Industrial Engineering Majors (UP CIEM) successfully concluded IEshikawa 20 — ATRIA: The Industrial Pulse of Systems, held last February 27–28, bringing together nearly 500 participants from 31 universities nationwide in a celebration of healthcare innovation, strategy, and industrial excellence. In the Quiz Bee Competition, Cassidy Kyler Tan, Gabriel…