POLITICS
LAGUNA GOV’T HOLDS SUCCESSFUL ANILAG FESTIVAL 2026
The Anilag Festival Level Up 2026 officially concluded in Laguna with a spectacular grand finale headlined by Filipino rock icon Bamboo, as thousands of Lagunenses gathered for a full day of esports, sports, dance, and music celebrations. Spearheaded by the Provincial Government of Laguna under Governor Sol Aragones, with preparations led by the Laguna Tourism,…
AID FOR FARMERS AMID BIOFUEL BLENDING HALT URGED
House Minority Leader Nonoy Libanan urged the national government to provide direct financial subsidies to coconut farmers and workers who stand to be adversely affected by the looming temporary suspension of mandatory biofuel blending. Libanan stressed that while efforts to ease rising fuel prices are necessary, safeguards must be put in place to protect millions…
GATCHALIAN BACKS PUV SHIFT TO ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Senator Win Gatchalian called on the government to fast-track the transition of public utility vehicles (PUVs) to electric vehicles (EVs) through the PUV modernization program. While not an immediate solution to global supply disruptions, Gatchalian emphasized that accelerating the shift to EVs would help reduce long-term exposure to global oil shocks and improve energy security. …
BONG GO NOW ADOPTED SON OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL TOWN
Senator Bong Go was formally recognized as an adopted son of the Municipality of Don Salvador Benedicto in Negros Occidental following the approval of a local resolution citing his contributions to the community and his continued engagement with its development initiatives. The recognition was granted through Resolution No. 2026-149, unanimously approved by the Sangguniang Bayan…
GOVERNMENT
DPWH OPENS MABALACAT-ATLU BOLA BYPASS ROAD
Trips going in and out of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) via the Sta. Ines exit in Angeles City and Mabalacat City in Pampanga will now be faster following the opening of the Mabalacat-Atlu Bola Bypass Road. Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon led the opening of the 1.2-kilometer bypass road which had been in the…
MMDA EXEMPTS FUEL TRUCKS FROM UVVRP, TRUCK BAN
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and Metro Manila mayors approved a resolution reiterating the exemption from the Unified Vehicle Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP) and truck ban for fuel trucks, as well as the inclusion of cargo trucks carrying essential goods in the exemption, in view of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. MMDA…
BOC HOSTS GRAND IFTAR 2026
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) successfully hosted the Grand Iftar 2026 celebrating the shared values of faith, unity, and compassion. The gathering served not only as a meaningful occasion for fellowship but as a reminder of how the spiritual lessons of Ramadan directly translate to honest and empathetic public service. During the event, Commissioner Ariel…
ANGARA: KEEP GRADUATION CEREMONIES SIMPLE
The Department of Education (DepEd) has ordered all public schools in the country to keep graduation ceremonies simple following the series of price hikes on petroleum products. Education Secretary Sonny Angara signed Memorandum No. 015 series of 2026 mandating that graduation and moving up ceremonies should be modest and without extravagant attire. Angara said this…
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
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…
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…
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
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…
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…
UP Manila Chorale’s “Tanglaw: Pamana ng Himig” Returns to the Spotlight This March
Following their successful concert during last year’s Buwan ng Wika, the University of the Philippines Manila Chorale (UPMC) returns to the stage for a special restaging of their concert, “Tanglaw: Pamana ng Himig.” The performance will be held on March 29, 2026, at the Metropolitan Theater, with two showtimes at 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM. …
Junior Communication Arts Students of UST Launch ‘Matira Matibay’ Reality Game Show for TV Production Course
Fast-paced challenges and teams determined to outlast one another—this is the world of Matira Matibay, a reality game show created by third-year Communication Arts students of the University of Santo Tomas. Set to air in March 2026, the student-produced program brings together four teams from different UST colleges to compete in a series of challenges,…
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…
A Student’s Odyssey: A Humble Quest Towards the Way to Unravel his Potential
Written by: Emmanuel T. Gamboa During the start of the 21st Century, we entered the Digital or the Information Age. Different parts of our lives are now integrated and relying on the usage of different digital solutions in our daily lives. The tasks that were previously done manually can now be executed faster and on…
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…
