Arkipelago News

Mayor Leni Robredo remains no plans on a possible return to national politics, saying her priority is to fulfill her mandate as mayor of Naga City. In an interview with Bernadette Sembrano, Robredo said she is not entertaining discussions about the 2028 Philippine National Elections for now, despite calls from supporters urging her to run for a higher position. “Hindi ko muna pinapansin kasi ayaw ko ma-distract kasi, obligasyon ko, first and foremost, Naga,” she said, emphasizing her commitment to local governance. When asked directly about a potential national bid, Robredo admitted she has yet to make any concrete plans. “Hindi ko pa rin sigurado. Hindi ako politikong pinagplanuhan kung ano ’yong susunod eh. Wherever the road takes me,” she added. For now, the former vice president is focused on implementing a slate of upcoming projects in Naga, reinforcing her stance that her attention remains on delivering services and development initiatives for the city. 📷 Leni Robredo FB

2 days ago

New NAIAX off-ramp eases travel to NAIA Terminal 3

Motorists can now enjoy faster and more seamless access to Ninoy Aquino International Airport following the opening of the 320-meter westbound off-ramp of the NAIA Expressway. The new off-ramp provides direct access to Terminal 3 and connects key expressways such as Skyway and CAVITEX, helping ensure a smoother and more continuous traffic flow. According to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the project allows commuters to bypass congestion-prone routes like Andrews Avenue and nearby rotundas, reducing travel time by up to 30 minutes, especially during peak hours. The initiative forms part of the government’s broader infrastructure push and preparations for Holy Week, one of the busiest travel periods in the country. Additional measures include the opening of connector roads linking CAVITEX to C5 for uninterrupted travel, as well as plans to extend expressways toward Cabanatuan to improve access to Central Luzon. 📷 Presidential Communications Office FB

3 days ago

MPTC expressways on full alert for Holy Week

The Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) and its network of expressways—NLEX, SCTEX, NLEX Connector, CAVITEX, CALAX, and CCLEX in Cebu—are rolling out the “Biyaheng Arangkada” motorist assistance program from March 27 to April 6, 2026. The initiative is also being implemented in SCTEX and CAVITEX in partnership with the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) and the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) through PEA Tollway Corporation, respectively. As part of the program, MPTC has increased personnel deployment across its network to ensure efficient traffic management, quick incident response, and smooth toll transactions during the Holy Week travel period. The “Biyaheng Arangkada” initiative reflects MPTC’s commitment to ensuring a safe Holy Week journey for motorists and the commuting public, enabling travelers to reconnect safely with their families during this season of reflection. Motorist Assistance Includes: ● Strategically located roadside assistance stations ● Medical teams on standby at select stops ● Availability of EV charging stations and free Wi-Fi at select NLEX and SCTEX Rest and Refuel Stations ● Free 24/7 basic mechanical services at all NLEX and SCTEX Rest and Refuel Stations ● Free towing to the nearest exit for Class 1 (and Class 1M for CCLEX) from March 27, 6:00 AM to April 6, 6:00 AM ● 24/7 customer service support via hotline (1-35000) and the MPT DriveHub app During this period, roadworks, lane closures, and maintenance activities will be suspended to help ensure smooth traffic flow across the expressways. Traffic teams are also on standby to activate counterflow schemes when conditions permit. MPTC urges motorists to plan trips ahead of peak hours. In NLEX, heavy northbound traffic is expected from Wednesday afternoon to Thursday afternoon, while increased southbound volume is anticipated during the afternoon and evening hours on Saturday and Sunday. Motorists are also advised to check their RFID accounts to ensure sufficient balance, inspect their vehicles before traveling, stay well-rested, and follow speed limits and traffic regulations. Updates are available via official social media pages as well as the MPT DriveHub app, keeping motorists informed on the latest situation across MPTC expressways. 📷 NLEX

3 days ago

22.5 million liters of diesel arrived in PH amid energy emergency — DOE

MANILA — Around 22.5 million liters of diesel have arrived in the Philippines, the Department of Energy (DOE) confirmed, in a move aimed at boosting the country’s fuel supply amid ongoing global oil market volatility. According to DOE the shipment—equivalent to approximately 142,000 barrels or about 22.58 million liters—forms part of the government’s Emergency Energy Security Program, which seeks to reinforce the country’s fuel reserves and cushion the impact of rising global oil prices. The diesel importation follows the directive of Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. under Executive Order No. 110, which placed the country under a state of national energy emergency and authorized measures to secure additional fuel supply. Moreover, the arrival of the shipment is part of broader government efforts to prevent supply disruptions that could affect transportation, industry, and daily economic activity. The DOE said it will continue to monitor fuel inventory levels and coordinate with relevant agencies and industry players to ensure a stable and sufficient petroleum supply nationwide, as the country navigates the effects of the ongoing global energy crisis. 📷 Department of Energy Philippines FB

4 days ago

PROVINCES

Mas pinalakas na kampanya para sa kapayapaan at kaayusan sa Malolos

MALOLOS, BULACAN — Pinagtibay ng pamahalaang lungsod ang mga hakbang para palakasin ang seguridad sa Malolos kasunod ng isinagawang pulong noong ika-26 ng Marso sa New Malolos City Hall. Dinaluhan ng mga punong barangay at hepe ng tanod ang nasabing pagpupulong na pinangunahan ng lokal na pamahalaan, katuwang ang Malolos City Police at ang City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO). Sentro ng talakayan ang mas mahigpit na pagpapatupad ng curfew, kabilang ang pagrepaso sa mga parusa para sa mga lalabag. Layunin nitong mapanatili ang kaayusan at kaligtasan sa iba’t ibang barangay sa lungsod. Isa sa mga napagkasunduan ang mas pinaigting na koordinasyon ng magkakalapit na barangay sa pamamagitan ng sabayang pagroronda o “kapit-bisig” na patrol operation para masigurong ligtas ang mga komunidad. Tiniyak ng pamahalaang lungsod na magpapatuloy ang mga ganitong inisyatiba bilang bahagi ng mas pinalakas na kampanya para sa kapayapaan at kaayusan sa Malolos. 📷 Malolos City Information Office FB 2 days ago

KADIWA pop-up store, naghatid ng murang bilihin sa mga Bocaueño

Naging matagumpay ang isinagawang KADIWA Pop-Up Store sa munisipyo ng Bocaue noong Marso 24. Sa inisyatibo ni Mayor Jonjon Villanueva at sa pakikipagtulungan ng Municipal Agriculture Office at ng Provincial Agriculture Office, naghatid ng de-kalidad na produkto sa mga mamamayan tulad ng sariwang isda, gulay, prutas, at iba pa sa mas mababang presyo. Layunin ng programa na matulungan ang mga residente sa gastusin sa araw-araw, habang sinusuportahan din ang kabuhayan ng mga lokal na magsasaka, mangingisda, maliliit na negosyante, at mga kooperatiba. Ayon sa Pamahalaang Bayan ng Bocaue, patuloy na isinusulong ang mga ganitong inisyatibo upang mapalakas ang lokal na ekonomiya at makapagbigay ng direktang tulong sa komunidad. 📷 Mayor Jonjon Villanueva FB

3 days ago

TODA sa Marilao, tumanggap ng tulong pinansyal mula sa LGU

MARILAO, Bulacan — Ipinamahagi ng Pamahalaang Bayan ng Marilao ang tulong pinansyal sa mga miyembro ng Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (TODA) mula sa Bayan area noong Marso 27 sa Constantino Covered Court. Personal na pinangunahan ni Mayor Jem Sy ang pamamahagi, kasama sina Vice Mayor Ariel Amador at Konsehala Vanessa Valdez-Seminiano. Sa naturang aktibidad, kinilala ng mga opisyal ang mahalagang papel ng mga tricycle driver sa pagbibigay ng serbisyo sa komunidad, lalo na sa araw-araw na transportasyon ng mga residente. Ayon sa lokal na pamahalaan, bahagi ito ng patuloy na pagsuporta sa sektor ng transportasyon sa gitna ng umiiral na hamon sa ekonomiya. 📷 MarileNews FB

3 days ago

Baliwag Tourism Office, naglabas ng listahan ng mga simbahan na maaaring bisitahin ngayong Holy Week

BALIWAG, Bulacan — Naglabas ng listahan ang Baliwag Tourism Office ng mga simbahan na maaaring bisitahin ng mga mananampalataya para sa Visita Iglesia ngayong Holy Week. Kabilang sa mga inirerekomendang puntahan ang Diocesan Shrine and Parish of St. Augustine, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish Church, at Sagrada Familia Parish Church na kilala sa kanilang makasaysayan at espiritwal na kahalagahan sa bayan. Ayon naman sa Baliwag Public Information Office, pinapaalalahanan ang publiko na panatilihin ang kaligtasan at taimtim na panalangin sa pagsasagawa ng Visita Iglesia. Hinihikayat din ang mga deboto na gawing pagkakataon ang bawat paglalakbay upang mapalalim ang pananampalataya at ugnayan sa Panginoong Diyos ngayong Semana Santa. 📷 Sagrada Familia Parish Church FB

4 days ago

Sagip Ilog Project inilunsad sa San Rafael, Bulacan bilang pakikiisa sa World Water Day 2026

SAN RAFAEL, Bulacan — Nakiisa ang pamahalaang bayan ng San Rafael, Bulacan sa pagdiriwang ng World Water Day 2026 sa pamamagitan ng paglulunsad ng “Sagip Ilog Project” na naglalayong pangalagaan at linisin ang mga daluyan ng tubig sa kanilang nasasakupan. Pinangunahan ng Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) ang isinagawang clean-up drive sa kahabaan ng tabing-ilog mula Barangay Lico hanggang Barangay Poblacion. Katuwang sa aktibidad ang iba’t ibang sektor, kabilang ang mga non-government organizations, mga kawani ng lokal na pamahalaan, at mga boluntaryo mula sa komunidad. Ayon sa lokal na pamahalaan, layunin ng proyekto na mapataas ang kamalayan ng publiko hinggil sa kahalagahan ng pangangalaga sa mga anyong-tubig, kasabay ng aktibong partisipasyon ng komunidad sa mga programang pangkalikasan. Bahagi rin ito ng patuloy na pagsisikap ng bayan na mapanatili ang kalinisan ng mga ilog at maiwasan ang polusyon na maaaring makaapekto sa kalusugan at kabuhayan ng mga residente. 📷 San Rafael, Bulacan FB

4 days ago

NCR

Metro ng tubig, ipinamahagi sa Brgy. Tumana para sa mas maayos na suplay

MARIKINA CITY — Pormal nang inilunsad ang direktang koneksyon ng metro ng tubig sa mga residente ng Barangay Tumana bilang bahagi ng pagsisikap ng lokal na pamahalaan na tiyakin ang tuloy-tuloy at maayos na suplay ng tubig sa komunidad. Pinangunahan nina Congressman Marcy Teodoro at Marikina Mayor Maan Teodoro ang pamamahagi ng individual orders of payment at ang ceremonial opening ng mga water meter para sa mga benepisyaryo, katuwang ang Manila Water. Layunin ng programa na mabigyan ng direktang access sa malinis at sapat na tubig ang bawat kabahayan, habang pinapadali rin ang proseso ng pagbabayad at koneksyon ng serbisyo. Bahagi ito ng mas malawak na inisyatiba ng pamahalaang lungsod para mapabuti ang serbisyo sa tubig, lalo na sa mga lugar na madalas makaranas ng kakulangan sa suplay. Tiniyak naman ng lokal na pamahalaan na magpapatuloy ang mga proyektong nakatuon sa kapakanan ng mga taga-Tumana, kabilang ang pagpapalawak pa ng access sa pangunahing serbisyo tulad ng tubig at iba pang pangangailangan ng komunidad. 📷 Marikina PIO 2 days ago

Halos 28k na pasahero, nakinabang sa libreng sakay sa Maynila

MAYNILA — Umabot sa halos 28,000 pasahero ang nakinabang sa libreng sakay program ng lungsod ng Maynjla nitong Lunes ng umaga, ayon kay Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso. Ayon sa alkalde, layunin ng inisyatiba na tulungan ang mga commuter pati na ang sektor ng transportasyon at gasolina. Batay sa ulat ng Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB), nasa 27,994 pasahero na ang naserbisyuhan hanggang alas-11:00 ng umaga noong Marso 30. Ayon kay Moreno, dinisenyo ang programa upang sabay-sabay na makinabang ang apat na sektor — operator, driver, gasolinahan, at riding public — sa gitna ng patuloy na epekto ng pagtaas ng presyo ng langis sa buong mundo. “Makaramdam lang ng ginhawa ang taong bayan, maramdaman lang nila na may gobyerno sa Maynila, masaya na ako,” ayon kay Moreno matapos ang flag-raising ceremony sa Manila City Hall. Sa ilalim ng programa, sinasagot ng pamahalaang lungsod ang boundary ng mga operator, kaya’t sigurado ang kanilang kita sa bawat araw. Para naman sa mga driver, tumaas ang garantisadong kita mula sa karaniwang P200 - P300 kada araw hanggang humigit-kumulang P1,000. Ipinapamahagi rin ang kalahati ng kita bago bumiyahe ang mga tsuper, habang ang natitirang bahagi ay ibinibigay pagkatapos ng kanilang shift. “Petiks-petiks lang ang pagmamaneho niya, hindi siya mai-stress. But there is a level of assurance na meron siyang maiuwing magandang kita,” dagdag pa ng punong lungsod. 📷 Manila Public Information Office

2 days ago

Oplan Kontra Baha, pinalalakas sa Valenzuela bago ang tag-ulan

VALENZUELA CITY — Nagsagawa ng inspeksyon ang Pamahalaang Lungsod ng Valenzuela sa Oplan Kontra Baha sa Lingunan–Veinte Reales Creek noong Marso 27 bilang bahagi ng paghahanda sa nalalapit na tag-ulan. Pinangunahan ni Valenzuela Mayor Wes Gatchalian ang aktibidad kasama ang Flood Control Division, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), NLEX Corporation, at Metropolitan Manila Development Authority General Manager na si Nicolas Torre III. Layunin ng inspeksyon na suriin ang progreso ng dredging operations sa mga pangunahing daluyan ng tubig sa lungsod. Ayon sa lokal na pamahalaan, nagsimula na noong Pebrero 2026 ang tuloy-tuloy na dredging sa iba’t ibang creek sa mga barangay tulad ng Maysan, Canumay West, Paso de Blas, Dalandanan, Coloong, at Lawang Bato. Bahagi ang Oplan Kontra Baha ng inisyatibo ng NLEX Corporation, katuwang ang lungsod ng Valenzuela at DPWH, upang maiwasan ang pagbaha at mapanatili ang maayos na daloy ng tubig sa mga komunidad. Sinabi ng pamahalaang lungsod na mahalaga ang koordinasyon ng iba’t ibang ahensya upang mapagaan ang epekto ng pagbaha sa mga residente. 📷 Valenzuela City FB

3 days ago

Manila PIO nilinaw na ligtas ang sasakyan na ginagamit sa libreng sakay, hindi dump truck

MANILA — Nilinaw ng Manila Public Information Office na walang katotohanan ang mga kumakalat na posts sa social media na nagsasabing garbage truck ang ginagamit sa libreng sakay na handog ng Pamahalaang Lungsod ng Maynila. Ayon sa PIO, ang mga sasakyan ay Shacman disaster transport trucks mula sa Manila City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department, na binili noong 2023 at isinailalim sa espesyal na customization para sa search and rescue operations at emergency response. Matagal na anila itong ginagamit sa iba’t ibang kalamidad at ngayon ay nakalaan upang tulungan ang mga pasahero na apektado ng dalawang araw na tigil-pasada. Tiniyak ng lungsod na ang mga sasakyan ay ligtas at maayos para sa publiko at mariin din nilang kinokondena ang pagtatangkang magpakalat ng maling impormasyon na nagdudulot ng kalituhan. Hinihikayat din nila ang lahat na maging mapanuri at tiyaking beripikado ang impormasyon bago ibahagi sa iba. 📷 Manila PIO FB

4 days ago

Cash aid ipinamahagi sa riders at drayber sa Mandaluyong sa gitna ng oil crisis

MANDALUYONG CITY — Namahagi ng cash relief assistance ang pamahalaang lungsod ng Mandaluyong City sa mga drayber at delivery riders na lubhang apektado ng tumataas na presyo ng petrolyo bunsod ng tensyon at kaguluhan sa Middle East. Ayon sa lokal na pamahalaan, layunin ng programa na makapagbigay ng agarang tulong pinansyal sa mga apektadong manggagawa sa sektor ng transportasyon at delivery services, na direktang naaapektuhan ng patuloy na pagtaas ng presyo ng langis. Dagdag pa ng pamahalaang lungsod, ang inisyatibang ito ay bahagi ng kanilang hakbang upang matulungan ang mga rider at drayber na makayanan ang araw-araw na gastusin at mapanatili ang kanilang kabuhayan sa kabila ng umiiral na krisis sa enerhiya. 📷 Mandaluyong PIO FB

4 days ago

Lifestyle and Entertainment

Entertainment Celebs heatin up the Summer

Summer is definitely in full swing as some of today’s hottest stars set social media ablaze with their sizzling beach snaps! Leading the wave is Heaven Paralejo, who captivated fans as she soaked in the golden hues of the sunset in Boracay. Her serene yet stunning photos perfectly captured the island’s dreamy vibe. Meanwhile, Sofia Andres left netizens in awe as she confidently flaunted her toned summer body while enjoying the crystal-clear waters of Cebu. Her beach looks? Absolutely slaying! Not to be outdone, Max Collins also turned heads online, showing off her fit physique and defined abs—proving she’s more than ready to own the summer heat. With these jaw-dropping moments, fans can’t help but expect more celebrities to embrace the season, unwind, and share their own sun-soaked adventures as the holiday vibes continue. 📷 Heaven Paralejo, Sofia Andres, and Max Collins IG

44 minutes ago

Entertainment Alex Eala drops down to World’s No. 41

Filipina tennis star Alex Eala dropped 16 spots in the latest WTA rankings following her fourth-round finish at the Miami Open—marking her steepest decline since breaking into the top 100. Eala’s campaign came to an abrupt end in the Round of 16 after a dominant straight-sets loss to Karolína Muchová, 0-6, 2-6. The rankings slide was largely due to Eala’s inability to defend the points she earned from her semifinal run in last year’s tournament. With only a Round of 16 finish this time, the 18-year-old suffered a significant reduction in ranking points, impacting her standing on the global stage. Despite the setback, Eala is expected to bounce back quickly as she sets her sights on the Linz Open, where she aims to regain lost ground and rebuild momentum on the tour. 📷 Alex Eala FB

2 days ago

Lifestyle Disney sets sail in Asia with ‘Disney Adventure’ Maiden Voyage

[caption id="attachment_13789" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Disney Cruise Line has officially expanded into Asia with the highly anticipated launch of its newest ship, Disney Adventure, marking a major milestone for the entertainment giant’s global reach. The vessel embarked on its maiden voyage on March 10, 2026, departing from Singapore—making it the company’s first cruise ship to homeport in Asia. Designed as both a vacation and an immersive entertainment experience, the Disney Adventure brings more than a century of Disney storytelling to the high seas. The ship combines elements from Disney, Pixar, and Marvel franchises, offering guests a fully themed environment filled with attractions, performances, and character experiences. With a capacity of approximately 6,700 passengers, the Disney Adventure is now the largest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet. Disney executives describe the ship as a “brand ambassador,” helping introduce the company’s signature storytelling and hospitality to new audiences across Asia. As Disney continues to expand its global entertainment empire, the debut of the Disney Adventure represents more than just a cruise launch—it’s a new chapter in bringing Disney magic closer to audiences around the world. 📷 Disney IG

1 week ago

Entertainment BINI draws over 15,000 fans at ‘Signal Detected: Blooms Day’ event

P-pop sensation BINI once again proved their massive influence as they gathered a crowd of 15,804 fans, known as “Blooms,” during their Signal Detected: Blooms Day with BINI event held at Ayala Malls Market! Market! on March 21, 2026. The event turned into a full-blown fan celebration, featuring high-energy performances from the group, a pre-show by rising artist Carmelle Collado, and an exclusive teaser of BINI’s upcoming extended play “Signals,” set for release on April 9. The preview further fueled excitement among fans, especially as the group gears up for their much-anticipated international appearance at Coachella later this year. With their continuous rise on the global stage, BINI is poised to once again represent the Philippines, bringing P-pop to an even wider audience worldwide. Meanwhile, the group also confirmed their upcoming anniversary concerts, set for June 20, 2026 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, and July 11, 2026 at the SM Seaside City Cebu Arena, promising even bigger celebrations with their ever-growing fanbase. 📷 BINI FB

1 week ago

Entertainment PPOP on rise!

The global rise of P-pop continues as Filipino boy group SB19 is set to perform at the internationally acclaimed Lollapalooza in 2026, placing them alongside some of the biggest names in the global music scene. The announcement comes on the heels of another major breakthrough for the genre, following news that P-pop girl group BINI will also represent the Philippines at the prestigious Coachella. With both groups securing spots in two of the world’s most recognized music festivals, 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for Filipino music on the international stage. Known for their powerful vocals, synchronized performances, and genre-blending sound, SB19 has steadily built a reputation beyond local borders. From chart-topping releases to sold-out shows and international nominations, the group has become one of the leading forces in bringing P-pop to a wider audience. Their upcoming performance at Lollapalooza is expected to further cement their status as global contenders in the music industry. Lollapalooza, which has been a platform for diverse and influential artists across genres, draws massive crowds from around the world each year. SB19’s inclusion in the lineup signals a growing recognition of Asian and Southeast Asian acts in major Western music festivals—an opportunity for the group to introduce their music and Filipino culture to an even broader audience. Fans, collectively known as A’TIN, have taken to social media to express their excitement and pride, with many calling this a “historic moment” for both SB19 and the Philippine music industry. The group’s participation not only highlights their individual achievements but also reflects the expanding reach and influence of P-pop globally. As Filipino artists continue to break barriers and enter global platforms, industry observers note that this wave of international exposure could open more doors for emerging talents from the Philippines. With SB19 and BINI leading the charge, the world is beginning to take notice—louder than ever—of what Filipino music has to offer. 📷 SB19 FB

1 week ago

Entertainment Hidilyn Diaz’s ‘lifetime free gas’ reward questioned as manager says it remains undelivered

MANILA — The much-publicized “lifetime free fuel” incentive promised to Olympic champion Hidilyn Diaz has resurfaced online after her manager revealed that the reward has yet to be fully delivered. Diaz made history during the 2020 Summer Olympics by winning the gold medal in the women’s 55-kg weightlifting event, ending the Philippines’ nearly century-long wait for its first Olympic gold. Following her historic victory, several companies and organizations pledged cash prizes and incentives, including a lifetime supply of free gasoline from Philippine fuel company Phoenix Petroleum. However, Diaz’s manager, Noel Ferrer, recently cast doubt on the status of the incentive after commenting on social media about the promise. “Parang drawing naman po ang lifetime” Ferrer said, implying that the incentive has yet to materialize. Ferrer also noted that they have not received recent communication from the company regarding how the lifetime fuel incentive would be implemented. The issue resurfaced online as netizens discussed the reward in light of fluctuating fuel prices, with many recalling that Diaz was among the personalities promised lifetime gasoline following her Olympic triumph. Aside from the fuel incentive, Diaz also received numerous rewards from both the government and private sector after her victory, including multi-million-peso cash incentives, residential properties, and other lifetime perks in recognition of the honor she brought to the country. 📷 Hidilyn Diaz FB

2 weeks ago

Entertainment It’s‑A Mario Day! — Fans Celebrate Iconic Video Game Hero on March 10

Today marks another Mario Day, the annual celebration of one of the most beloved characters in video game history — Super Mario’s mustachioed hero Mario — and fans around the world are gearing up for fun, games, and nostalgia. This unofficial but widely recognized holiday originated from clever wordplay: when written as “Mar. 10,” the date resembles “MAR10,” which looks like Mario’s name. What started as a fan‑driven celebration has since been officially acknowledged and embraced by maker Nintendo since 2015. First introduced to gamers in the 1981 arcade classic Donkey Kong under the name “Jumpman,” Mario went on to become a global icon — starring in well over 200 games and helping define modern platform gaming. Nintendo and its partners often mark Mario Day with a variety of activities, promotions, and community events. Previous celebrations have included themed game sales, special rewards for players on Nintendo Switch Online, and meet‑and‑greet experiences with costumed characters in select stores. Fans celebrate in their own way too — from playing classic and new Mario titles to sharing memories on social media and even hosting themed parties. Wherever you are, today is a chance to “Let’s‑a go!” with the hero of the Mushroom Kingdom. 📷 Nintendo YouTube

3 weeks ago

OPINION

[Man on the Street] Bato AI (Alang Isip)

9 months ago

[Man on the Street] Arrogance in public office and the inevitable fall

9 months ago

[Man on the Street] In political strategy, cooperation—not competition—wins elections and secures lasting leadership

11 months ago

[Man on the Street] May Duterte live long enough to face justice

11 months ago

[OPINION] The day we thought would never come: Duterte faces reckoning as public opinion shifts

1 year ago

[OPINYON] Kandidatura ni Willie Revillame: Mas mahalaga ba ang kasikatan kaysa kakayahan?

1 year ago

BUSINESS

Fuel prices rise again as diesel marks seventh straight weekly hike

MANILA -- Fuel prices will increase again from Tuesday, extending a run of weekly increases that has added pressure on households and transport operators. Oil companies including Pilipinas Shell, Seaoil, Cleanfuel, Caltex, and Petrogazz said diesel prices will rise by ₱1.00 per liter, while gasoline and kerosene will increase by ₱0.60 per liter. The adjustments will take effect at 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday. The latest increase marks the seventh consecutive week of diesel price hikes. Over the past two weeks alone, diesel prices have risen by a total of ₱3.00 per liter. Seaoil said in an advisory that diesel would see the full ₱1.00 increase, while gasoline and kerosene prices would also move higher, recording their fifth and seventh straight weekly increases, respectively. Industry officials have attributed the latest round of price adjustments to global supply concerns. Jetti Petroleum president Leo Bellas said diesel prices were being supported by weather-related supply and demand disruptions and continued geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have affected global oil supply at a time when Europe is reducing its reliance on Russian-origin oil supplies. The Department of Energy said it is closely monitoring developments in the domestic fuel market to ensure that price adjustments remain fair and reflective of global movements. 📷 Kenneth Surillo, Pexels

1 month ago

Meralco cuts power rates in January, households to save ₱33

MANILA — Electricity rates for customers of Manila Electric Company (Meralco), the Philippines’ largest power distributor, fell in January, offering households some relief at the start of the new year. In a briefing on Monday, Meralco announced a reduction of ₱0.1637 per kilowatt hour (kWh), bringing the overall rate for a typical household to ₱12.9508 per kWh, down from ₱13.1145 in December. The adjustment means a household consuming 200 kWh a month will see its electricity bill drop by about ₱33, according to the company. “While there were upward pressures on certain cost components this January, overall electricity rates declined — for the second straight month,” said Meralco vice president and head of Corporate Communications Joe Zaldarriaga. “We hope that this development will bring relief to all our customers as we start another year.” Meralco explained that the decline was driven by lower transmission and generation charges. Transmission charges fell to ₱1.04 per kWh, largely due to reduced ancillary service costs. Generation charges declined to ₱7.75 per kWh, reflecting lower prices from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) and power supply agreements. Spot market charges dropped by ₱1.19 per kWh as power supply in the Luzon grid increased. The company noted that average peak demand fell by 367 megawatts as cooler weather reduced electricity consumption. Charges from power supply agreements also decreased by ₱0.05 per kWh. The January adjustment marks the second consecutive month of lower electricity rates, following a reduction implemented in December. 📷 Meralco

2 months ago

December inflation rises slightly on higher food prices

MANILA -- Inflation rose slightly in December, mainly due to higher food prices, according to official data released on Tuesday, January 6. Consumer prices increased by 1.8% year-on-year in December, up from 1.5% in November, but remained within the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) forecast range of 1.2% to 2% for the month. For the full year 2025, inflation averaged 1.7%, significantly lower than 3.2% in 2024 and below the central bank’s target range of 2% to 4%, indicating that price increases remained generally subdued throughout the year. The December uptick was largely driven by a 1.4% rise in food and beverage prices. Although rice prices dropped sharply by 12.3%, increases in the cost of fish and seafood (9.0%), vegetables and tubers (11.6%), and meat (3.0%) pushed overall food prices higher. Clothing and footwear prices also edged up, rising from 1.8% in November to 2.2% in December. Conversely, price increases eased in several categories: Alcohol and tobacco: 3.6% (down from 3.9%) Housing, water, electricity, and gas: 1.7% (down from 2.1%) Transport: 0.4% (down from 1.9%) Restaurants and hotels: 2.5% (down from 2.6%) Personal care and other goods: 2.3% (down from 2.4%) National Statistician Dennis Mapa noted that natural disasters and holiday demand contributed to the price increase. In a statement, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said government measures had helped keep inflation within target despite both domestic and global challenges. “Despite global headwinds and domestic challenges, the Philippine economy has remained resilient against inflationary pressures due to the government’s timely and targeted interventions,” Balisacan said. He added that authorities would continue coordinating fiscal and monetary policies and advancing structural reforms to support inclusive growth in 2026 and beyond. 📷 Swarup Sarkar, Pexels

2 months ago

Corruption threatens PH economy, warns MVP

MANILA — Business tycoon Manuel “Manny” Pangilinan is sounding the alarm on government corruption — and he’s not mincing words. The Metro Pacific Investments Corp. chairman and president told the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX) that graft could stall economic growth, scare off investors, and even put the country’s credit rating at risk. “Investor confidence could get affected. I think they’re slowly getting affected by this particular event. Perhaps even credit ratings, too, could be at risk if the institution’s responses are seen to be inadequate,” Pangilinan said. He cited the alleged siphoning of ₱1 trillion in public funds from flood control projects as evidence of how deep the problem runs. “The people themselves are on a wait-and-see attitude. All I’m saying is that we have to be careful,” he added. Pangilinan warned that government spending could be cut, slowing growth further. “It could (slow down growth) because the stock market is down. How can you raise money?” He didn’t hold back on the human cost. “When cash of the magnitude of budget insertions – they say as much as ₱1 trillion – are taken out of the pockets of the many who are poor and diverted to the wallets of the few, the economy will indeed suffer, as the stock exchange has indeed suffered these past three weeks,” he said.“The market may have declined anywhere between 1.5 and 1.8 percent in the overall value of the stock exchange.” Pangilinan also warned that credit ratings are on the line. The Philippines is currently rated BBB+ by Standard & Poor’s with a positive outlook — just one step away from an “A” rating. But complacency, he said, could undo progress. “It isn’t just about catching crooks,” he said. “It’s filling the gaps with financial experts with the competence and integrity. Corruption survives not because bad people are smart, but because good people are absent.” “Citizens and concerned sectors should push back vs. graft” Pangilinan urged citizens and the private sector to defend the media, academe, courts, and the Church, calling them vital in resisting coercion and corruption. “So let me place the ethics of this flood control issue within the broader national context. The public is now increasingly aware to the fact that the presence of ethical attributes – or their absence – impacts businesses and the economy seriously,” he said. “We should be engaged even as citizens, or even as private citizens, in the first instance, as business persons managing our affairs well and doing things right,” the tycoon stressed. 📷 Presidential Communications Office

5 months ago

Ayala’s ACMobility to exit Honda dealerships by 2026; Shifts focus to EVs and sustainable mobility

MANILA -- The Ayala Group’s mobility unit is set to relinquish its Honda dealership operations after more than three decades, citing a strategic focus on emerging growth areas, including electric vehicles. Ayala Corporation disclosed on Thursday that ACMobility, through its subsidiary Iconic Dealership Inc. (IDI), will hand over its Honda dealerships to “new dealer principals” by January 1, 2026. The transition includes all Honda outlets currently operated by ACMobility, which will continue to run Honda Cars Makati, Pasig, Shaw, Bacoor, Cebu, Mandaue, Iloilo, Negros, and Cagayan de Oro until the end of this year. Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, CEO of ACMobility, said the company was “grateful, and indeed proud, to have been part of Honda’s journey in the Philippines for the past three and a half decades.” “This transition reflects our ongoing effort to optimise our portfolio and focus on new growth areas. Among these are initiatives in advancing sustainable mobility and electrification, where we continue to build solutions that benefit communities, businesses, and the environment,” Ayala added. Since 1990, ACMobility has sold more than 220,000 Honda vehicles through its dealerships, growing to become the country’s largest Honda dealer group. The move comes as both ACMobility and Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) pursue independent strategies for growth and innovation. This announcement follows a similar decision by ACMobility earlier this month to cease distribution of Volkswagen vehicles in the Philippines. Apart from Honda and Volkswagen, ACMobility’s portfolio includes BYD, Isuzu, and Kia. 📷 AC Mobility

5 months ago

Go Negosyo mentors over 1.5K QC students on youth entrepreneurship

MANILA – The Go Negosyo non-profit organization, in cooperation with the Department of Education (DepEd), conducted a youth entrepreneurship mentoring session for more than 1,500 senior high school students in Quezon City under the group’s Youthpreneur program. The mentorship event was held at San Francisco High School in Quezon City on February 21, 2025, co-led by DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara, other department officials, and the Quezon City Local Government Unit (LGU). More than 50 mentors, led by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and successful entrepreneurs—including Violy Lapid, owner of R. Lapid’s Chicharon; Graciano “Butch” Salvador, owner of Car Magic Auto Painting and Street Smart Magic General Merchandise; Kim Lato, founder of Kim Store; Mika Leetong, owner of Brew & Co.; and content creator Reymond ‘Boss RDR’ Delos Reyes of RDR Business Solutions —oriented students on the fundamentals of entrepreneurship. Angara hailed the gathering as the “biggest Youthpreneur event” to date and expressed gratitude to Go Negosyo and other partners for spearheading the project. He also thanked the mentors for sharing their lessons, insights, and experiences in entrepreneurship. "What the mentors will share here today cannot be found in books because they are real-life lessons. Our young entrepreneurs are lucky to have a strong support system. DepEd and Go Negosyo are here to show you different dreams," Angara told the students at the event's opening. Concepcion also thanked key officials from DepEd, the Quezon City government, and the country’s largest business groups for supporting public school students. “Character formation is important, and a lot of it comes from parents, from mentors, from good friends,” Concepcion emphasized. The mentors encouraged students to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams at an early age. RFM Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Joey Concepcion, who also serves as Chairman of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Business Advisory Council, leads Go Negosyo, which aims to “alleviate poverty in the Philippines by promoting an entrepreneurial mindset and by leading programs that help grow small businesses, with the goal of one day transforming the Philippines into a nation of entrepreneurs.” As stated on the group’s website: “Youthpreneur… is designed for Filipino youth, specifically for senior high school students. It aims to nurture the next generation of Filipino entrepreneurs or offer entrepreneurship as an alternative to traditional employment.” “Youthpreneur is the newest program of Go Negosyo, launched on November 25, 2023, aimed at promoting an entrepreneurial mindset among Filipino youth. The program seeks to build skills through mentorship, increase financial literacy, raise agricultural awareness, cultivate entrepreneurial skills in agriculture, and facilitate industry connections for mentorship.” According to Go Negosyo, the Youthpreneur program has already reached more than 6,000 public school students across 22 schools nationwide, including several cities in the National Capital Region, Quezon Province, General Santos City, Cebu, Davao, La Union, Lucena, Laoag, Baguio, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro. 📷 DepEd, Go Negosyo

1 year ago

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