The House Committees on Ways and Means and Health began deliberations on proposals to raise taxes on sweetened beverages as lawmakers explore fiscal measures to discourage excessive sugar consumption and help reduce the growing burden of diet-related diseases in the country. At least five measures are under consideration: House Bills (HBs) 5003, 5969, 10712, 10925…

The Quezon City Government is expanding access to doxycycline across the city to strengthen leptospirosis prevention and ensure that residents exposed to floodwaters can receive timely intervention. Under the enhanced system, doxycycline will be made available not only in health centers but also through QC Action Offices, designated outreach sites, and accessible community spaces such…

To protect Filipino youths from the ill effects of social media, Senator Ping Lacson proposed the use of the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) or National ID as the primary basis for verifying the age of users seeking access to social media platforms. Lacson, the principal author of Senate Bill 2424 or the proposed Child Online…

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is set to modernize and streamline its regulatory processes as part of the $60-million Philippines Energy Threshold Program of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). The program, signed by U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton and Finance Secretary Frederick Go during the Luzon Economic Corridor Investment Forum in Manila, seeks…

Filipino professional boxer Miel Fajardo made a courtesy visit to Games and Amusements Board (GAB) Chairman Atty. Francisco Rivera. Fajardo visited Rivera to discuss his upcoming fight preparations, training itinerary, and career roadmap. During the meeting, the boxer shared details regarding his upcoming training regimen, which includes an extended stint in Hong Kong aimed at…

Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized the urgent need to sustain targeted academic interventions like the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program, following significant performance gains by Filipino learners in the latest Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). The 2025 PISA results marked the Philippines’ strongest showing across Reading, Mathematics, and Science since it joined…

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…

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…

Many people are exhausted not only because life is difficult— but because they feel late. Late financially.Late professionally.Late compared to friends, classmates, siblings, coworkers, or people online. And somewhere along the way, growth stopped feeling personal. It became competitive. The Timelines People Never Chose People began measuring their lives against timelines they never consciously agreed…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Although English is an official language, there’s no denying Filipino is the better medium for reaching Pinoys in the middle and lower economic classes, where discussions on matters of national interest are most felt and debated. Emerging media powerhouse NET25 has made sure crucial opinion pieces can be read in Filipino, as well. The network…

Adamson University clamped down on Far Eastern University in the fourth quarter to carve out a 56-53 come-from-behind win in the UAAP Season 89 Men’s Basketball Tournament opener on Sunday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. Trailing 37-46 after the third period, the Soaring Falcons got key contributions from Nigerian center Precious Jonah, Mathew Montebon, Manu…

Newcomers Veejay Pre and Arvie Poyos shifted the momentum as the University of the Philippines overcame the University of Santo Tomas, 92-85, in its UAAP Season 89 Men’s Basketball Tournament debut on Sunday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. Down 53-58 in the third quarter, Pre, Poyos, James Payosing, and Sean Alter sparked the Fighting Maroons’…

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…

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…

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…

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 (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…

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…

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…

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)…