News Features

Yearender: PhilSA ‘resolutely’ expands domestic space ecosystem

MANILA – The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) continues its goal of expanding the domestic space ecosystem. Aside from implementing various programs and programs in 2022, the PhilSA has also bared some of its plans for 2023. “PhilSA faced outwards in 2022 with the objective of... Read More

Filipino-born Jasmine Lee: Championing diversity in Korea

MANILA – Jasmine Bacurnay-Lee, an icon of diversity in South Korea, never dreamt of becoming a politician.But with two children growing up at a time the concept of multiculturalism had yet to fully develop in the country, it was a job she was willing to take on if it was going to make society... Read More

Dreams do come true for kids from conflict areas in NegOr

DUMAGUETE CITY – For 10-year-old Rogelio (not his real name), watching the stars at night from his home in a hinterland barangay in Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental is always a treat, especially when the dark sky is covered with the twinkling dots that could almost light up the entire village... Read More

Pangasinenses use alternative noisemakers for New Year revelry

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – Like other Filipinos, Pangasinenses have been used to welcoming the New Year with noises with the belief that loud sounds cast away bad luck for the coming year and many other superstitious and practical ways. The "torotot" (trumpet) as well as kitchen utensils made of... Read More

Young couple opens picture-perfect, pandemic startup

MANILA – Starting up light and unique in a pandemic setup was a big plus for a young entrepreneur-couple in Quezon City, especially now that the economy is warmly opening up.For Mark and Kirsten Pangilinan, both 23 years old, a self-portrait studio is a strategic and trendy business, where... Read More

Christmas village to boost Pangasinan town's tourism, economy

CALASIAO, Pangasinan – The municipal government here has turned the town plaza into a Dubai Miracle Garden-inspired Christmas village which is expected to boost tourist arrivals and generate income, as well as promote anew "puto" (native rice cake) delicacy.Filled with a thousand colorful... Read More

Gaslighting is Merriam-Webster word of the year

MANILA – “Gaslighting”,a termlooked up frequently everyday, was chosen word of the year by Merriam-Webster.The top definition is the psychological manipulation of a person, usually over an extended period of time, that “causes the victim to question the validity of their own... Read More

Priscilla Salud: The daughter also rises

MANILA – Remember former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) commissioner and World Boxing Council (WBC) founding secretary-general Rodrigo “Rudy” Salud?Salud, who passed away on March 7, 2011 at the age of 72, was widely known for his servant leadership style as well as his... Read More

Father recounts chess prodigy's struggles toward victory

LEGAZPI CITY – Three days after the victory of Bince Rafael Operiano, the nine-year-old boy from Oas town, Albay province who emerged champion in the recently concluded 6th Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championship in Bangkok, Thailand, is now back to his schooling and other regular chores in his... Read More

LGU, agencies convergence sustains livelihood of Pangasinan group

BAYAMBANG, Pangasinan – Members of Bani Delicious Ice Cream, a group of ice cream vendors here, have thanked local and national government agencies that helped them survive the effects of the pandemic.Fernando Verseles, president of the association, in an interview on Wednesday, said they... Read More

Café in Quirino province eternalizes a mother’s memory

MADDELA, Quirino –Leonora’s Cakes and Pastries located in this town serves unique and flavorful offerings, along with a palpable warmth and care in its service that had customers coming back for more.But more than just a coffee shop with good food and excellent service, Leonora’s... Read More

Single moms agree 'deadbeat' parents must be punished

MANILA – Being part of a broken family is difficult for a child, more so for a mother who is left alone to raise, support, and care for him.In the Philippines, there are at least 14 to 15 million solo parents recorded, according to a study by the Department of Health and the University of the... Read More

Pangasinan school garden alleviates malnourishment among learners

CALASIAO, Pangasinan — A garden at San Miguel Elementary School serves not only its students but also the community as it helps address malnourishment among learners since it was established at the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.In a phone interview, school principal Michael... Read More

SoKor-PH over 70: Turning decades-old ties to opportunities

SEOUL, South Korea – From being brothers fighting for peace and democracy during the Korean War, relations between the Philippines and South Korea have come a long way.After over 70 years, the two are determined to elevate these historic ties into a "strategic" partnership -- one that creates... Read More

Cordillerans slowly accepting cremation, modern burial practices

BAGUIO CITY – For the indigenous peoples (IP) of the Cordillera Administrative Region, only animals and not human corpses are burned during wakes. But with the call of the times, residents are gradually being open to cremation and other modern burial practices."Some have adopted it, especially... Read More

Where to find Jesuits cemetery in Metro Manila

MANILA – Opposite Kilometer Post No. 23 along Quirino Highway in Barangay Pasong Putik Proper in Novaliches, Quezon City, there is a privately-owned, two-lane road shaded by tall narra and other trees on both sides. The narrow road leads to the 90-year-old Society of Jesus-owned Sacred Heart... Read More

Only vaccinated visitors allowed at Manila North Cemetery

MANILA – More than two years since the Covid-19 outbreak, the Manila North Cemetery in Sta. Cruz District will be more lax in accepting visitors, except those aged 12 years and below and the unvaccinated.Before the weekend, the Philippine News Agency chanced upon early birds at the 54-hectare... Read More

Teacher's ‘I love you’s’ set safe, warm learning space for kids

MANILA – A teacher in Taguig City has found an interesting and rather endearing way to set her class in the right mood every morning.Instead of the usual roll call, teacher Eujan Ruflyn Alice Gazzingan-Abracia, 30, from the Kapt. Eddie T. Reyes Integrated School, checks the class attendance by... Read More

Elderly farmers hailed for contributing to food security

MANILA – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has recognized the contribution of elderly Filipino farmers who continue to bring food to Filipino families despite their advanced age.In Quezon province, 50 elderly agrarian reform beneficiaries were honored and given food packs, according to a... Read More

'Muyong' practice helps sustain Ifugao's wood carving industry

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The wood carving heritage of the Ifugao people is seen to stay alive as locals preserve the indigenous forest preservation system dubbed as "muyong"."Memorandum Circular 2-96 gave the people of Ifugao the right to manage their forest, exempting them from the nationwide... Read More