Features
Albay multicultural food landscape: World of flavors in one province
September 9, 2024, 5:00 pm
DARAGA, Albay – Albay is often celebrated for its fiery Bicolano dishes, with the heat of siling labuyo (wild chili pepper) a staple in kitchens. Yet, this province nestled in the heart of the Bicol Region has much more to offer beyond the spicy cuisine. Albay’s vibrant food scene presents a… Read More
Bulacan's student scientist shines on global stage
September 3, 2024, 3:02 pm
DARAGA, Albay – For student scientist Mahmooda Aziza Bhatti, necessity is indeed the mother of invention. "When I was just 12, I decided to channel my interest into something practical. As someone with acne-prone skin, I turned to medical journals and books determined to find solutions to my… Read More
Best staycations in Bicol this rainy season
August 29, 2024, 12:54 pm
DARAGA, Albay – Nothing spells staycation more than waking up in a cozy room and lazing around in a comfortable chair with a warm cup of coffee in your hand as you leisurely watch the gentle droplets of rain pattering against the glass window.With the rainy season ushering in those bed-weather… Read More
Last Negros Oriental WWII veteran remembered
August 28, 2024, 2:17 pm
DUMAGUETE CITY – The last World War II veteran in Negros Oriental who passed recently will always be remembered for his brave and heroic deeds as he fought in the guerilla resistance to end the Japanese occupation of the Philippines. The late 2Lt. Urbano F. Ramirez of the Philippine Army… Read More
How Stage 4 cancer survivor lights up Iloilo's 'ghost island'
August 21, 2024, 3:55 pm
MANILA – Heroism does not require losing one’s life. Some heroes even survive life-threatening diseases like cancer. Israel Hans Golez, a boy scout from Iloilo City, was diagnosed with Stage 4 brain cancer when he was only two years old. He was cleared from the disease when he was eight. A… Read More
Government livelihood program uplifts 2 Albayanos' lives
August 19, 2024, 8:08 pm
DARAGA, Albay – While some people believe that government assistance is only temporary, two entrepreneurs in Albay province are proving that short-term aid can also yield long-term rewards. Piggery owner Vinia Flores and baker Roldan Capariño, both from Daraga town, said their lives were… Read More
Indigenous Peoples Day: Celebration of hope and resilience
August 10, 2024, 9:51 am
MANILA – On Indigenous Peoples Day on Friday, IP leaders underscored the importance of the special event that highlighted not only their rich cultural heritage but also their undying hope and resilience amid modern technologies. “This celebration of International IP Day serves as a reminder of… Read More
2024 Metrobank Outstanding Filipinos named
August 8, 2024, 9:21 pm
MANILA – Ten unsung heroes who have demonstrated excellence and dedication in their public service have been recognized by the Metrobank Foundation as outstanding Filipinos this year. The Metrobank Foundation honored four teachers, three police officers and three soldiers who have helped instill… Read More
Farm school changing lives one at a time
July 30, 2024, 6:45 pm
LAOAG CITY – When 34-year-old John Lei Ganiron opted to follow his dad’s footsteps as a farmer in the city of Batac instead of pushing a career in electrical and communications engineering, little did he know that more than five years later, he would become one of the most sought-after… Read More
OTOP transforms 'kaingeros' into environmental stewards, entrepreneurs
July 23, 2024, 9:35 pm
DUMAGUETE CITY – The One Town, One Product (OTOP) project of the government has benefited a coffee cooperative in Barangay Baslay, Dauin, Negros Oriental. It has transformed kaingero (slash-and-burn farmers) into successful entrepreneurs and environmental stewards in over two decades. Ruel… Read More
Filipino fashion, textile take centerstage at SONA red carpet
July 22, 2024, 5:56 pm
MANILA – Filipino weaves and textiles took centerstage on the red carpet of this year’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City. Senator Raffy Tulfo wore a Rajo Laurel barong, adorned with key symbols from the Philippine flag, and took inspiration… Read More
CamSur doctor gives new lease on life to kids with heart defects
July 10, 2024, 6:01 pm
LEGAZPI CITY – When Desiree Valencia was two years old, her mother, Celerina, noticed that something was not quite right. Unlike kids her age, Desiree seemed to tire more easily. She was also prone to frequent respiratory infections. After a series of tests and doctor consultations, Celerina was… Read More
‘McDo’ manager saves customer's life, thanks to CPR skills
July 2, 2024, 5:03 am
MANILA – Quick thinking and presence of mind enabled a McDonald’s Philippines store manager to save the life of a male customer who collapsed and was later learned to have suffered a mild heart attack. Bryan Bondoc, assigned at McDonald’s NLEX Drive and Dine in Valenzuela City, applied his… Read More
Albay 'ukay-ukay' entrepreneur scores big in thrift biz
July 1, 2024, 6:39 pm
DARAGA, Albay – On Saturdays at exactly 7 a.m., Rhea Llaneta's "ukay-ukay" shop in the bustling market of Daraga town in Albay province transforms into a treasure trove as bargain hunters dig through piles of secondhand garments to snag the best deals. "It is chaotic and, at the same time, fun… Read More
Elderly farmer reaps fruit of labor of love
June 28, 2024, 6:54 pm
LEGAZPI CITY – Despite age weathering his body, 84-year-old Cresenciano Colagong proudly stood his ground as he held the land title for the agricultural lands in Polangui, Albay he has long tilled for more than three decades. His daughter, Aireen Colagong-Tigue, could not hold back tears as she… Read More
Taal’s Caysasay Church declared cultural treasure, historical landmark
June 25, 2024, 8:18 pm
TAAL, Batangas – Following its recent declaration as National Cultural Treasure and National Historical Landmark, the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Caysasay here is expected to play a significant role in preserving the province’s rich history and fostering Catholic faith. The church was… Read More
How an NGO provides opportunities for women in Albay
June 20, 2024, 3:07 pm
LEGAZPI CITY – For a group of women in the towns of Manito and Camalig in Albay, women empowerment is not just a buzzword. As beneficiaries of the Project WE-LEAP (Women Empowerment on Leadership in Economics Resources, Access, and Participation) of Fundación Educación y Cooperación (Educo)… Read More
Job Fair offers chance for 77-year-old job hunter
June 12, 2024, 10:08 pm
BAGUIO CITY – Evelyn Cotaran, 77, hoped to land a job through the Kalayaan (Independence) Day Job Fair in this city on Wednesday despite her age. Lola Evelyn was among the hundreds of job applicants who hoped to get employment or a better job position with the help of the event organized by the… Read More
Apo Whang-od's doctor on how to be an everyday hero
June 12, 2024, 3:27 pm
DARAGA, Albay – It could have been just another doctor-patient consultation for Dr. Mary Libeney Sito. Except that the check-up required a grueling pilgrimage to the remote village of Buscalan in the town of Tinglayan, Kalinga, in November 2023, to meet the patient: the sprightly centenarian,… Read More
Cordillera's vegetable industry: Igorots’ labor of love
June 11, 2024, 6:48 pm
BAGUIO CITY – Have you ever wondered what the colorful, beautiful-looking, and nutritious vegetables in your favorite “chop suey” or “pancit” go through before reaching the dinner table? With it, goes tons of “labor of love” that farmers and “kumbaya” (persons manually carrying… Read More
