POLITICS

SPEAKER DY JOINS CAUAYAN CITY’S 25TH ANNIVERSARY

Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III said that as Cauayan City marks 25 years of remarkable progress, the same unity and compassion that transformed it into a thriving city will be vital in helping the nation confront the challenges brought about by the Middle East crisis. Speaking before local leaders and stakeholders, Dy underscored that in…

LAGUNA FREE MEDS PROGRAM REACHES 200K RESIDENTS

The Provincial Government of Laguna continues to expand its healthcare program as nearly 200,000 residents receive free maintenance medicines every month through the Akay ni Gob Botika initiative.  Led by Governor Sol Aragones, the program now operates across all 24 municipalities and six cities in the province, ensuring wider and more equitable access to essential…

LACSON LAUDS DFA CHIEF FOR HORMUZ SAFE PASSAGE

Senate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson lauded Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro for ensuring through quiet diplomacy the safe passage of Philippine-flagged vessels, energy shipments and Filipino seafarers through the Strait of Hormuz. Lacson underscored the deal’s importance as he noted that the route is used by vessels that deliver 80 to…

BONG GO BATS FOR RESPONSIVE FUEL RELIEF MECHANISMS

Senator Bong Go, a co-author and co-sponsor of Republic Act No. 12316, underscored the need for more responsive fuel relief mechanisms while raising concerns from farmers and fisherfolk who have reportedly been left out of existing fuel subsidy programs that largely cover the transport sector. Go noted that rising fuel costs directly affect food production…

GOVERNMENT

ERC, POWER PRODUCERS TACKLE WESM SUSPENSION

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) held a consultative meeting with the Philippine Independent Power Producers Association (PIPPA) to discuss ERC’s proposed way forward, particularly the lifting of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) suspension and supported the publication of the Draft Resolution on the Modified Administered Price under ERC Case No. 2026-006 RM as a…

DA SENDS TRUCKS TO HELP BENGUET FARMERS 

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has dispatched 18 trucks to transport vegetables from Benguet following reports of oversupply in the region that has left local farmers struggling to sell their harvest, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said. Tiu Laurel said the DA’s logistics teams, including the KADIWA program under the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance…

BOC COLLECTS P84.4B REVENUE IN MARCH 

Delivering on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen revenue generation while improving public service, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) exceeded its March 2026 collection target, generating ₱84.426 billion in revenues to support vital government programs and services for the Filipino people. Based on preliminary figures, the BOC surpassed its target of ₱83.237 billion by…

ERC ISSUES REVISED RULES ON LOCAL TAX RECOVERY

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has issued Resolution No. 09, Series of 2026, adopting the revised rules on how distribution utilities (DUs) may recover certain local taxes—specifically real property tax (RPT), local franchise tax (LFT), and business tax (BT)—from electricity consumers.The updated rules aim to make the process of recovering these taxes more transparent, fair,…

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

THE MYTH OF THE “GOOD MONTH” AND THE “BAD MONTH”

We talk about money months the way we talk about behavior. “Panalo ang buwan na ’to.”“Sablay ako this month.” A month where we saved feels “good.”A month where expenses were heavier feels “bad.” At first, these are just labels. But over time, they become something else. They become judgments. When a Month Starts to Feel…

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…

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

TIGRESSES HOLD OFF UE 

University of Santo Tomas averted a second-set collapse before sweeping the also-ran University of the East, 25-21, 26-24, 25-20, to stay firmly in the thick of the tight UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Final Four race on Sunday afternoon at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion. With their fifth win in six outings, the Golden Tigresses…

NU SOLIDIFIES SECOND SPOT 

National University overpowered Adamson University, 25-20, 25-21, 25-21, to solidify its hold on the second spot in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament on Sunday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion. The Lady Bulldogs notched their second straight win, improving their record to 8-3, while also completing a sweep of their elimination round head-to-head…

UST HOLDS OFF FEU 

University of Santo Tomas drew courage from its home crowd to recover from a third-set slip, downing Far Eastern University, 25-17, 25-17, 18-25, 25-17, and tightening the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Final Four race on Sunday at the Quadricentennial Pavilion. The Golden Tigresses’ comeback victory created a three-way tie for third to fifth…

LA SALLE BOOKS FIRST FINAL FOUR SLOT

Still-perfect De La Salle University secured the first Final Four ticket in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament after dominating University of the Philippines, 25-15, 25-18, 25-20, on Sunday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion. But bigger goals await the Lady Spikers, even as they raised their unbeaten record to 10-0. La Salle is…

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

⚙️ RISE in Action: How the 17th Southern Tagalog Industrial Engineering Seminar (STIES XVII) Empowered the Next Industrial Engineers ⚙️ 

The 17th Southern Tagalog Industrial Engineering Seminar (STIES XVII), organized by the UPLB Industrial Engineering Students’ Organization (UPLB IESO), successfully brought together students, professors, and professionals from different academic institutions last February 28, 2026. This year’s seminar focused on the expanding role of Industrial Engineers in building stability in the middle of chaos and facilitating…

SKIRMISH Vol. 4 Turns Up the Heat—Don’t Miss the Show at UPLB

LOS BAÑOS, LAGUNA — The UPLB Street Jazz Dance Company (UPLB SJDC), the official hip-hop dance varsity of the University of the Philippines Los Baños, is set to stage SKIRMISH Vol. 4, an open national street dance event happening on April 11, 2026, at the D.L. Umali Hall. Now on its fourth installment, SKIRMISH continues…

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—…

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

⚙️ RISE in Action: How the 17th Southern Tagalog Industrial Engineering Seminar (STIES XVII) Empowered the Next Industrial Engineers ⚙️ 

The 17th Southern Tagalog Industrial Engineering Seminar (STIES XVII), organized by the UPLB Industrial Engineering Students’ Organization (UPLB IESO), successfully brought together students, professors, and professionals from different academic institutions last February 28, 2026. This year’s seminar focused on the expanding role of Industrial Engineers in building stability in the middle of chaos and facilitating…

DOMESTIC ABUSE TOPS VAWC-RELATED 911 CALLS 

Domestic abuse continues daily in Philippine households, alongside wife battery, maltreatment, and rape, while children face online sexual abuse and exploitation, violent discipline, incest, bullying, neglect, psychological abuse, and economic exploitation. Data from the Emergency 911 National Office from January 2025 to February 2026 shows domestic trouble as the most reported case, with 2,533 calls…

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…