POLITICS
EXECUTIVE BRANCH OFFICES BUDGET GETS HOUSE OK
The House of Representatives completed plenary deliberations on the proposed 2027 budgets of several offices under the executive branch, scrutinizing funding for the government’s anti-money laundering, intelligence and national security operations, as well as its peace and amnesty programs. Among the agencies whose budgets cleared plenary deliberations were the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), National Intelligence…
BELMONTE: QC IREPORT GIVES 82% RESOLUTION RATE
Nearly four months since its launch, the Quezon City Government’s QC iReport has resolved 4,580 of the 5,589 reports submitted by QCitizens and other users, translating to an 82% resolution rate as of August 31, 2026. The city’s newest digital reporting platform provides residents with a direct and accessible channel for reporting non-emergency complaints, concerns,…
SENATE OKS FRANCHISE RENEWALS OF VISAYAS POWER FIRMS
The Senate approved on final reading legislative measures which seeks to renew the franchises of two electric companies in the Visayas. With 17 affirmative votes, no negative vote, and no abstention, the Senate approved House Bill No. 7639 which seeks to grant the renewal of the 25-year franchise of the Visayan Electric Company, Inc. (VECO)…
PANGILINAN PUSHES FOR BETTER CHILD PROTECTION
Citing recent incidents of violence involving the youth, Senator Kiko Pangilinan expressed support for proposed measures seeking to strengthen the protection of Filipino children from threats to their safety and well-being in schools and online. This includes Senate Bill No. 2426, or the Comprehensive School Safety Act; Senate Bill No. 1819, or the SAGIP Bata…
GOVERNMENT
PARENTAL VIGILANCE URGED AFTER CAMPUS VIOLENCE
Education Secretary Sonny Angara called on parents and guardians to closely monitor their children’s online activities while urging teachers to act as compassionate “foster parents” at school, pointing out that teenagers are increasingly vulnerable to harmful online influences. Secretary Angara highlighted the vulnerability of today’s youth to digital influences and underscored the need for stronger…
DOT LAUNCHES PH TOURISM DATA DASHBOARD
The Department of Tourism (DOT) has introduced the Philippine Tourism Data Dashboard, an open data platform that gives the public direct access to the country’s key tourism indicators. At its core, the dashboard lets users explore how many tourists have come in and gone out of the country over the years. It covers Visitor Arrival…
PROPOSED P120/KG HOG FLOOR PRICE GETS DA SUPPORT
The Department of Agriculture is backing a proposed P210-per-kilo floor price for live hogs as farmgate prices plunge to P120 to P160 in some areas, but Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the government has no legal authority to impose such a floor price for now. Tiu Laurel stressed that the P210 figure came…
BOC FILES CASE ON MISDECLARED ONIONS, CARROTS
The Bureau of Customs (BOC), under Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, filed six criminal complaints before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against the owner and representatives of an importer, a licensed customs broker, BOC officials and personnel, and other individuals allegedly involved in six shipments misdeclared as “chicken lollipops” to conceal thousands of sacks of fresh onions…
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
WHEN YOUR SUCCESS STARTS BENEFITING OTHER PEOPLE
Many people think success becomes meaningful only when it becomes big. A large business. A huge platform. A dramatic achievement everyone can see. Something impressive enough to earn recognition. Something visible enough to prove that you finally made it. But in real life, some of the most meaningful forms of success are much quieter than…
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OVERFLOW AND SELF-SACRIFICE
Many Filipinos were raised to admire sacrifice. The parent who skipped meals so the children could eat. The sibling who gave up a dream to help the family. The OFW who endured years of loneliness so loved ones could have a better life. The provider who quietly carried burdens nobody else fully saw. These stories…
WHY SOME PEOPLE FEEL DRAINED AFTER GIVING
Many Filipinos are naturally generous. We give food even when portions are small. We help family before helping ourselves. We contribute quietly during emergencies. We adjust.We sacrifice.We show up. And often, we do these things without being asked twice. There is beauty in that kind of generosity. But there is also a quieter reality many…
MGEN BUILDS CULTURE THROUGH EVERYDAY PRACTICE
A year after marking its 15th anniversary and unveiling a refreshed corporate identity, Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN) continues to move forward with a clear vision: to lead the Philippines’ transition to a secure, affordable, and sustainable energy future, guided by its mission of Powering a Better Tomorrow. That same purpose extends beyond the energy projects…
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
TRP 52 Ovation takes center stage - UP MSS
Tao Rin Pala (TRP) returns in its 52nd year with the theme Ovation to bring together the University of the Philippines College of Medicine (UPCM) and Philippine General Hospital (PGH) community. Organized by the UP Medical Students’ Society (UP MSS), TRP brings medical students, UPCM faculty, and PGH employees together beyond the walls of the…
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…
SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT
NET25'S RADYO AGILA ANCHORS THE NETWORK'S NEWS DAY FROM DAWN TO PRIMETIME
Emerging alternative media giant NET25 has built its weekday news operation on a platform that most television networks treat as an afterthought: radio. The network still strongly considers the reach and relevance of radio, especially in areas outside of Metro Manila and in the provinces where dissemination of news and information over the airwaves remains…
NU STOMPS UE, EARNS FIRST WIN
National University gifted head coach Jeff Napa a winning birthday celebration, stomping the University of the East, 76-56, in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament on Saturday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. The Bulldogs notched their first win of the season to level their record at 1-1, tying the idle University of Santo…
UP UNLEASHES SECOND-HALF STORM TO ROUT ATENEO
University of the Philippines delivered another second-half storm to stifle Ateneo de Manila University, 94-75, in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament on Saturday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. Just like in their 92-85 win over the UST Growling Tigers on opening day, where they turned the game around in the third quarter,…
ATENEO OVERCOMES EMOTIONAL START, CRUISES PAST UE
Ateneo de Manila University powered through an emotional UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament debut, thumping the University of the East, 101-74, on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The Blue Eagles’ participation this season was up in the air until the league announced on August 7 that former head coach Tab…
ARTS & CULTURE
UST Communication Students Tackle Fast Fashion with Upcycling Reality Show, 'Make and Mend!'
MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Entertainment meets environmental activism in Make and Mend!, a lifestyle reality show produced by Junior Communication students from the University of Santo Tomas (UST). Operating under the student-led M&M Studios, the series serves as the cohort’s second major television project for their CA3288: TV Production course, under the guidance of Asst. Prof.…
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…
HOBBIES & ADVOCACIES
PH RED CROSS ON ALERT FOR HABAGAT EMERGENCY AID
As heavy rainfall induced by the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) causes flooding and localized landslides across several provinces, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) remained on high alert and on the ground, delivering immediate rescue and welfare support. “Our Red Cross chapters and emergency rescue units are actively responding on the ground—rescuing stranded residents and even pets,…
UP ALCHEMES welcomes new chemical engineering students through Fresh Day and annual Blockhandling program
The University of the Philippines Academic League of Chemical Engineering Students, Inc. (UP ALCHEMES) has officially launched its annual Blockhandling program to welcome the latest batch of freshies, shiftees, and transferees (FSTs) into the UP Diliman Chemical Engineering community. The cornerstone of the transition initiative is the upcoming “Fresh Day,” scheduled on August 8, 2026…
PRC BREAKS GROUND ON PAMPANGA CHAPTER BUILDING
The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) marked a significant milestone with the signing of the Deed of Donation and groundbreaking ceremony for the future Pampanga-Angeles City Chapter Building, made possible through the generosity of the Lazatin family, who donated a 300-square-meter parcel of land at Eastgate Commercial Center in San Jose, City of San Fernando. The…
KUSINA NG PAG-ASA ACTIVATED ACROSS LUZON, VISAYAS, AND MINDANAO
Kusina ng Pag-asa (KNP), spearheaded by Angat Buhay, supported by ASA Philippines Foundation, and implemented by the Maginhawa Food Community (MFC), continues to strengthen its nationwide network of disaster-ready community kitchens through a series of activation trainings across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The initiative began in General Santos City, where local partner kitchens played a…
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
NGA 911 EMERGENCY RESPONSE SYSTEM GETS INT’L AWARD
California-based public safety technology company NGA 911 LLC has been awarded the prestigious Community Impact and Service Award by the International Asian American Business Expo (IAABE) in California for bringing world-class emergency response system to the Philippines. Next Generation Advanced 911 (NGA 911) is a global leader in emergency communications technology that develops systems to…
UNIFIED 911 EMERGENCY RESPONSE PASSES HABAGAT TEST
Citizens lauded unified 911 and its superior communication tools as the recent dire weather conditions threatened lives and property during Habagat’s most challenging phase during the weekend and the start of the week. Emergency response calls received by the National Command Center requested for help about rising flood waters that were about to engulf their…
BLEEDING BADLY OR HAVING A STROKE? CALL 911
Traffic and vehicular accidents are the most common reasons why emergency calls are placed to the country’s national hotline, 911. Requests for police assistance or reports about crimes and violent incidents make up the next most numerous calls. Medical emergencies come next, followed by fire incidents. Of these, medical emergencies are the highest priority for…
BFP GETS BOOST FROM 911 EMERGENCY RESPONSE NETWORK
When emergencies and disasters happen, every citizen with a cellphone is now part of the nationwide 911 emergency response network. This is what Fire Superintendent Anthony Royo Arroyo, spokesperson and Chief, Public Information Service of the Bureau of Fire Protection, said regarding the unified 911 system that now accommodates cellular technology. The Next Generation Advanced (NGA)…