Philippines

Southeast Asia Took Center Stage in Manila—But What Happened Next Had Everyone Talking

MANILA, Philippines — Southeast Asia came alive in Manila as the SULONG SEAPop Music and Culture Caravan brought together artists, performers, creatives and audiences from across the region in a vibrant celebration of music, culture and shared identity. Held on July 18 at SM City Manila, the event formed part of the Philippines’ activities as ASEAN Chair in 2026, giving the public a chance to experience the region’s diverse traditions through live performances, cultural showcases, workshops and

August 22, 2026

Philippines

7.4 Million Filipinos Hit by Habagat, Luis and Maymay—But the Worst May Not Be Over

MANILA, Philippines — The combined effects of the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat and Tropical Cyclones Luis and Maymay have now affected an estimated 7.4 million people, or about 2.1 million families, across several parts of the Philippines, according to the latest report from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). The figure, recorded as of 6 a.m. Saturday, August 22, 2026, represents a sharp increase from the number of people previously reported affected by the we

August 22, 2026

Philippines

MassKara 2026 Arena Competition Gets New Venue Over Safety Concerns—But What Happened at Paglaum Sports Complex?

BACOLOD CITY — A major change is coming to one of the biggest highlights of MassKara Festival 2026, with organizers moving the much-anticipated Arena Dance Competition away from the Paglaum Sports Complex after a safety assessment found the venue unsuitable for the event. MassKara Festival Director Rodney Ascalon confirmed that Paglaum Sports Complex will no longer host the 2026 arena competition following an assessment of the facility. The decision is being made with public safety and crowd m

August 22, 2026

Philippines

Batangas Fishermen Were Missing for Nearly 20 Hours—But One Missing Piece of Equipment Made Their Ordeal Far More Dangerous

BATANGAS, Philippines — What began as an ordinary fishing trip turned into an almost 20-hour ordeal at sea after fishermen in Batangas lost the ability to navigate home when their motorized banca suffered engine trouble in Balayan Bay. The fishermen were eventually found alive and in good condition late Thursday night, August 20, near Barangay Anak Dagat in Lemery, according to reports citing the Philippine Coast Guard. Their rescue brought relief to their families—but the circumstances surrou

August 22, 2026

Philippines

PLDT, Smart to Block 100+ Sites Showing School Shootings — But the Bigger Threat May Be Somewhere Else

MANILA, Philippines — More than 100 websites carrying footage of school shootings and other extreme acts of violence are set to be blocked across PLDT and Smart networks, as Philippine authorities and telecommunications companies intensify efforts to stop the spread and glorification of violent content online. PLDT Inc. and its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications Inc. announced the move following a string of deadly school shootings that have renewed concerns over the influence of violent o

August 22, 2026

Philippines

12-Hour Power Interruption to Hit 10 Iloilo Towns on August 23—Here’s Who Will Be Affected

Residents in parts of Iloilo province are being advised to prepare for a lengthy power interruption on Sunday, August 23, 2026, with some areas expected to be without electricity for as long as 12 hours. According to a report by Panay News, the scheduled interruption will affect 10 towns in Iloilo, potentially disrupting households, businesses, communications and other essential activities throughout the day. The interruption is scheduled as part of power-system work, meaning affected consumer

August 22, 2026

Philippines

PUP Students Started the School Year With a 3,000-Strong Protest—But the ₱12-Billion Funding Gap Explains Why They’re Fighting

MANILA, Philippines — Thousands of Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) students marked the opening of the academic year not only by returning to classrooms, but by taking their demands straight to the streets. An estimated 3,000 students joined PUP’s annual “First Day Fight 2026” protest in Manila on Saturday, August 22, calling for greater government funding for public education, stronger student welfare programs, and opposing a proposal that would strengthen PUP’s status as the co

August 22, 2026

Business

IndiGo Sets Its Sights on Manila and Cebu—But What Happens Next Could Change Philippines–India Travel

The Philippines–India air corridor could be headed for a major shake-up as Indian low-cost carrier IndiGo moves to enter the Philippine market, potentially giving travelers more direct options between the two countries. According to a notice dated August 14 from the Philippine Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), InterGlobe Aviation Ltd., the parent company of IndiGo, has applied for a foreign air carrier’s permit to operate in the Philippines. The application covers potential services to Manila and

August 22, 2026

Philippines

Lanao del Sur Vice Mayor Arrested in Iligan Over Murder, Frustrated Murder Cases—But the Case Gets More Complicated

MARANTAO, Lanao del Sur — A sitting vice mayor of Marantao, Lanao del Sur, has been arrested in Iligan City after police tracked him down in connection with separate cases of murder and frustrated murder, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP). Vice Mayor Ali Eskandar Unte Alonto III, also known as “Bimmy Alonto,” 36, was taken into police custody during an operation conducted by intelligence personnel and Lanao del Sur police at an inn in Barangay San Miguel, Iligan City, on Friday,

August 22, 2026

Philippines

Cainta Is Catching Roadside Garbage Dumpers on CCTV—But What Happens After They’re Identified Is the Bigger Warning

CAINTA, Rizal — Roadside garbage dumping in Cainta is becoming much harder to get away with as the local government deploys CCTV surveillance, intensified patrols and community-service penalties against people caught leaving trash along major roads. Mayor Keith Nieto said authorities have stepped up enforcement particularly along the Karangalan service road, where repeated dumping has continued despite warnings and regular garbage collection in the area. According to a Daily Tribune report pub

August 22, 2026