Philippines

Siargao Turns Into a Giant Dining Room as Island Food Festival Showcases the Philippines’ Next Culinary Hotspot

From fresh seafood and local coffee to coconut-focused dinners and a beachside boodle fight, Ani Sang Siargao brought chefs, farmers, fishers and food lovers together across the island. SIARGAO, PHILIPPINES — Siargao may be internationally famous for its waves, but its food scene is increasingly becoming a destination in its own right. The 2026 Siargao Food & Wine Festival, also known as Ani Sang Siargao, transformed the island into an island-wide culinary playground from August 26 to 31, brin

September 3, 2026

Business

Megawide Gets a Major Upgrade as Housing Bet Gains Momentum—Here’s What First Metro Sees Coming Next

MANILA, Philippines — Megawide Construction Corp. is gaining renewed attention from investors as its aggressive push into affordable housing begins to reshape the company’s growth outlook amid a challenging Philippine construction and property market. First Metro Securities has upgraded its valuation view on Megawide, raising its price target to ₱7.50 per share from ₱4.50, while maintaining a “Buy” rating. The brokerage said the company’s participation in the government’s Expanded Pambansang Pa

September 3, 2026

Philippines

Jinggoy Estrada Refuses to Plead—Then Sandiganbayan Makes the Move for Him

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada declined to personally enter a plea during his arraignment before the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division on Thursday, September 3, prompting the anti-graft court to enter a not guilty plea on his behalf in the graft and plunder cases tied to an alleged ₱573.75-million flood control kickback scheme. The development marks another major turn in the widening government investigation into alleged irregularities surrounding public works and flood control

September 3, 2026

Philippines

Manuel Bonoan Declared Clinically Stable—Then Sandiganbayan Makes Its Move

Former Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel “Manny” Bonoan has been ordered released by the Sandiganbayan, days after the anti-graft court removed him as a co-accused in cases stemming from the controversial flood-control projects. The Sandiganbayan Fifth Division issued the release order on Thursday, September 3, effectively ending Bonoan’s hospital arrest at the Philippine National Police General Hospital in Camp Crame, where he had been held since June because of several

September 3, 2026

Philippines

Bomb Threat Reported at NU-MOA in Pasay City — Then Police Revealed What They Found

MANILA, Philippines — A reported bomb threat at National University–Mall of Asia (NU-MOA) in Pasay City prompted a security operation Thursday morning, September 3, forcing the university to temporarily shift classes online while authorities inspected the campus. The incident began after an alleged threat was posted on the NU-MOA Facebook page late Wednesday night. According to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), a member of the university’s Safety Office received information abo

September 3, 2026

Entertainment

Philippine flags, “Laban Alex” signs and packed practice courts show just how far the 21-year-old star’s popularity has reached

NEW YORK — The tennis may be happening inside the courts of Flushing Meadows, but outside them, another story is rapidly unfolding: Alex Eala is turning the US Open into a celebration of Filipino pride. The 21-year-old Filipina arrived in New York carrying more than the expectations of a rising tennis star. She brought with her a rapidly expanding international fan base — one that has made its presence impossible to miss at the 2026 US Open. Even before Eala played her opening-round match, Fil

September 3, 2026

Philippines

Sara Duterte’s Impeachment May Hinge on 16 Votes — But Prosecutors Are Keeping One Supreme Court Move in Reserve

MANILA, Philippines — The battle over Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment may eventually move beyond the Senate floor and into the Supreme Court—not necessarily over the evidence against her, but over one deceptively simple question: How many senator-judges are actually needed to convict her? For now, the House prosecution panel says it is working on the assumption that the answer is 16 votes, the number produced by taking two-thirds of the constitutionally prescribed 24-member Senate. B

September 3, 2026

Philippines

PNP Intensifies Online Crackdown on Fake Goods — And This Could Change How Filipinos Shop

The Philippine National Police is stepping up its campaign against counterfeit goods, with authorities turning greater attention to the growing number of fake products being promoted and sold through online platforms. The intensified enforcement comes as government agencies continue to uncover billions of pesos worth of counterfeit and illicit merchandise, while consumer groups warn that fake products remain widely accessible through digital marketplaces. The crackdown puts online sellers, dis

September 3, 2026

Business

Aboitiz Construction Takes Safety Drive Across 22 Sites — But Its Bigger Achievement Goes Beyond the Quill Award

MANILA, Philippines — Aboitiz Construction is turning workplace safety from a rulebook requirement into a company-wide behavior—and its latest recognition suggests the strategy is gaining traction far beyond individual construction sites. The company received an Award of Excellence at the 22nd Philippine Quill Awards on August 27, 2026, at Solaire Resort Entertainment City for its “SHES First. Excellence Always.” campaign, a behavior-driven safety communication program deployed across 22 projec

September 3, 2026

Business

PITX Wants Metro Manila Reachable in Just Two Transfers — But the Bigger Plan Could Change More Than Commuting

Workers miss shifts. Businesses lose customers. Deliveries slow down. Retailers see foot traffic disappear. And for employees paid only for days they actually report for work, a transport disruption can quickly become lost income. That is the bigger argument now being pushed by the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX): the Philippines should treat reliable transportation not simply as a commuter issue, but as part of the country’s economic resilience strategy. At the PITX Media Forum

September 3, 2026