POLITICS
COA AWARDS QC GOV’T 6TH UNMODIFIED OPINION
The Quezon City Government was awarded an unprecedented sixth Unmodified Opinion by the Commission on Audit (COA). The consecutive highest audit rating reinforces the Belmonte administration’s commitment to responsible governance and sound fiscal management. An Unmodified Opinion signifies that the city’s financial statements fairly present its financial position and compliance with applicable government accounting and…
SPEAKER DY BACKS GOVNET LAUNCH IN ISABELA
House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III highlighted the importance of accelerating the country’s digital transformation, saying initiatives such as GovNet will enable the government to deliver faster, more transparent, and more accessible public services to Filipinos. The Speaker’s message was delivered on his behalf by Isabela Board Member Manuel Faustino “King” Dy during the launch…
LACSON WANTS PROBE INTO ELECTRICITY ‘BILL SHOCK’
Senator Ping Lacson filed a resolution seeking a Senate inquiry into the continuing increase in electricity rates and the “bill shock” experienced by consumers, amid concerns over unexplained charges, alleged irregularities in meter readings, and system losses ultimately shouldered by law-abiding consumers. Under Senate Resolution No. 511, Lacson urged the appropriate Senate committee to conduct…
ALAN CAYETANO BATS FOR PH LABOR COMMISSION
As the number of unemployed Filipinos rose to an estimated 2.5 million in May, Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano reiterated his push for a long-term labor reform body to address not only unemployment but also the deeper problems affecting the quality and security of Filipino jobs. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that the…
GOVERNMENT
PBBM, DA, CHECK NAVOTAS FISH PORT REHABILITATION
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the audit of the ongoing rehabilitation of the PFDA-Navotas Fish Port Complex, highlighting the administration’s drive to modernize the country’s fisheries infrastructure to strengthen food security, improve supply chains, and reduce post-harvest losses. Joining President Marcos were Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., Agriculture Undersecretary Drusila Bayate and Philippine Fisheries…
PH SIGNS JOINT CUSTOMS AGREEMENT WITH ISRAEL
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Israel Customs Directorate signed a Joint Action Plan (JAP) marking the official start of their cooperation toward establishing an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) between the Philippines and Israel. The JAP was signed by Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno and Israel Customs Directorate Director General Kfir Hen. …
ERC STANDARDIZES TRANSMISSION, ANCILLARY CHARGES
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has approved Resolution No. 22, Series of 2026, adopting a Uniform Reportorial Requirements (URR) Template Addendum that standardizes how Distribution Utilities (DUs) compute, monitor, and report Transmission and Ancillary Services (AS) charges. The measure strengthens transparency, accountability, and regulatory oversight of these pass-through costs while making electricity billing easier to…
BIR, KOICA COMPLETE E-INVOICE, SALES REPORT SYSTEM
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), together with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), marked the completion of the Electronic Invoicing and Sales Reporting System (EIS) Post Management Support Project and the formal turnover of the enhanced EIS during a Recognition and Transition Ceremony held at the BIR National Office, Quezon City. The ceremony was…
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
YOU DON’T NEED TO BECOME AGGRESSIVE TO GROW
Many people quietly believe that success belongs to louder people. The confident ones.The aggressive ones.The people who always seem ready to compete, push harder, speak faster, and keep going no matter what. And because of this, many calm and gentle people slowly begin doubting themselves. “Baka kulang ako sa diskarte.”“Baka masyado akong soft.”“Baka hindi ako…
MGEN RENEWABLE, THERMAL ASSETS GET ISO CERTIFIED
Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN) has secured internationally recognized ISO certifications across its renewable and thermal businesses — reinforcing its commitment to quality, environmental management, and occupational health and safety across its generation portfolio. The certifications span three internationally recognized management system standards: International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001:2015 for Quality Management Systems, ISO 14001:2015 for…
WHEN “EXTRA” MONEY STARTS FEELING HEAVY
Many people imagine that earning more automatically feels lighter. Less stress.Less fear.Less pressure. And sometimes, at first, it does. A bill gets paid without panic.Groceries stop feeling like mental math.There is finally a little space between paydays. For the first time in a long while,life feels slightly easier to breathe through. When Relief Quietly Turns…
THE QUIET DIFFICULTY OF RECEIVING
Many Filipinos know how to give even when they have very little. We share food before checking if there’s enough left for us.We send money home while postponing our own needs.We help family, coworkers, neighbors, and friends almost automatically. Giving often feels natural. Receiving is where things become complicated. When Kindness Feels Heavy A compliment…
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
VERMOSA GREEN RUN ACHIEVES SUSTAINABILITY GOALS
The Vermosa Green Run returned for its fifth edition on Sunday, June 28, attracting more than 2,000 runners and their dogs at the Vermosa Estates in Imus, Cavite. Participants in the five-tiered dawn run consisted of running enthusiasts, run club members, elite runners and fun runners as well as the media running community. Edgardo Panopio…
NET25'S OPINION COLUMNISTS RAISE THE LEVEL OF FREE SPEECH AND EXPRESSION
Recognizing that politics is inherently divisive and taking stands on issues is a matter of principle, NET25 has staked its position in the country’s political discourse by allowing non-mainstream views to flourish and be heard. Using the vast reach of its NET25.com portal, the news powerhouse is fully utilizing its robust online portal to disseminate…
NET25 BANKS ON TECH AND QUALITY CONTENT TO PUSH ALTERNATIVE VIEWS AND VOICES
Emerging media and news powerhouse NET25 is making a concerted push for greater reach and wider readership of its opinion columns, whose writers offer different perspectives and alternative views on pressing national and local issues. The NET25.com online portal dedicates prominent space to its column writers under “Voices”. Instead of presenting opinion columns in traditional…
FIL-CAN IRISH COQUIA BOLSTERS UP MBT BACKCOURT FOR UAAP SEASON 90
As the University of the Philippines men’s basketball team ramps up its preparations for a redemption campaign in UAAP Season 89, the groundwork for its future also continues to be laid. The Fighting Maroons have secured the commitment of Fil-Canadian guard Irish Coquia, with the former U.S. NCAA Division 1 talent set to bolster their…
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
Beep Beep! Your First Stop Starts with UP ERG's Chill Ikot 2026
BEEP BEEP! Sakay na, Engineering FSTs! Hey, are you nervous? Chill ka lang because this is your call for CHILL IKOT 2026! Hop aboard the iconic UP IKOT Jeep and let Chill Ikot be your first ride through UP Diliman, the campus you’ll soon proudly call home. Secure your seat today by registering at bit.ly/m/chikotupd…
PH RED CROSS HOLDS EMERGENCY RESPONSE WORKSHOP
The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) strengthened its Flood and Typhoon Early Action Protocols (EAPs) during a two-day workshop held at its National Headquarters. The workshop integrated a Fragility, Conflict, and Violence (FCV) lens to make humanitarian response safer and more effective in communities facing both disasters and conflict. PRC personnel and chapter representatives learned risk…
#TakeTheLEAP: LEAP 2026 brings Lasallians together through service and collaboration
LEAP 2026: Isang Nayon, Isang Layunin brought together the Lasallian community through a week-long celebration of service, collaboration, and holistic development from June 19 to 26 at De La Salle University. Anchored on the Lasallian value of service, this year’s program emphasized empathy, collaboration, and shared commitment to the common good, encouraging students to learn…
An Act of Pride: Queer Stories in DLSU Animo Pride 2026’s LADLAD: Stories in Color Art Exhibit
A vibrant celebration of art and expression was seen during this Animo Pride celebration with LADLAD: Stories in Color. Beyond featuring artistic talent, the exhibit not only recognized the works of queer artists, but also provided a platform for their voices to be heard and their stories to be told. Various artworks and creative pieces…
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
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)…
PH UNIFIED 911 SYSTEM NEARS COMPLETION
The Philippines’ Unified 911 Emergency Response System is rapidly approaching full deployment, with cutting-edge communication technologies now in the hands of frontline responders—positioning the country to potentially operate one of the most advanced emergency response systems in Asia. Currently at nearly 60 percent completion, the initiative enables seamless, real-time communication among emergency responders across jurisdictions,…
⚙️ 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…
