CEBU, Philippines – The Duterte-led Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) officially removed “Laban” from its name and endorsed the reelection bid of Senators Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Francis Tolentino, and Bong Go for the 2025 midterm elections. The endorsements for the reelectionists and amendments to the party constitution were discussed during the PDP national council meeting held at NUSTAR Resort and Casino in Cebu City on Friday, April 19.  “Most of these have been already discussed and thoroughly debated upon in a series of national executive committee (meetings),” PDP chairperson of ..read more

Brandon Ingram recorded 24 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists and the New Orleans Pelicans clinched the Western Conference’s final playoff berth with a solid 105-98 victory over the visiting Sacramento Kings on Friday night, April 19 (Saturday, April 20, Manila time). Jonas Valanciunas had 19 points and 12 rebounds and Trey Murphy III added 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists as New Orleans cruised despite the absence of Zion Williamson (left hamstring strain). “We knew how important today was, knew where we wanted to be, we knew where we belong,” Ingram said. “It’s been two years since we’ve ..read more

The country’s realignment to the West and Japan, a policy adopted by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., will shield the Philippines from the ill-effects of a flagging Chinese economy. It will keep the country’s inflation in check, with Filipino consumers continuing to enjoy cheap imported products, due in part to the export subsidy the Chinese government resorts to in order to keep its products competitive. This is what Congressman Joey Salceda believes, as he expressed optimism on the economic prospects of the Philippines in the immediate foreseeable future ..read more

Painters Guy Custodio and Jea Mina represent two contrasting but not necessarily conflicting generations. Hence, they represent contrasting themes in their artworks. Guy Custodio paints themes that typify the country’s rich religious experience and ecclesiastical heritage. Jea Mina paints themes that reflect artworks of the millennial and Gen Z generations. Custodio’s artworks are long on the spiritual but short on modernist content while Mina’s works are mainly along the modern themes of surrealism and pop art. Custodio is a fixture in the local art scene. Besides painting, which he does with ..read more

Hand-drawn Metroidvania meets epic JRPG in Manila-based CMD Studios’ debut title, Fallen Tear: The Ascension. The game is certainly quite one to put in your radar, having become the first Filipino-made video game to clinch the Global Play Showcase Award, an international accolade from the Game Developers Conference given to promising titles in development. The team, which previously worked on AAA titles and with world-class animation studios, says that they are “thrilled at the incredible news,” as they hope to inspire gaming communities both in the Philippines and abroad. “It’s such an incr ..read more

MANILA, Philippines – Barangay Ginebra has its eyes on David Murrell and other available players as it aims to beef up its crippled wing rotation going into the homestretch of the PBA Philippine Cup. Head coach Tim Cone said the Gin Kings are making moves after Jamie Malonzo suffered a left calf tear, further compounding their personnel woes at the small forward spot. Aside from Malonzo, Ginebra is also without Jeremiah Gray and Aljon Mariano, who are likewise sidelined with injuries. “We’re looking for help. We’re looking for help outside the lineup to fill that void,” said Cone on Friday, Ap ..read more

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine government is working towards the repatriation of the three overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who were confirmed dead following the massive flooding in the United Arab Emirates earlier this week, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said late Friday, April 19. The Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Dubai and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) met with the three OFWs’ next of kin and explained the procedures for repatriation. A strong storm first hit Oman over the weekend, killing at least 20 people, before pounding the UAE on Tuesday, April ..read more

A court in the Azerbaijani capital Baku on Friday, April 19, remanded the head of an independent media outlet for two months on charges of smuggling, Turan news agency reported, the latest move against independent journalists in the ex-Soviet state. Turan said Imran Aliyev, head of the Meclis.info outlet, which reports mainly on Azerbaijan’s parliament, was being held in connection with a case against the Abzas Media group. Six other employees of the Abzas group have been detained since late last year in the South Caucasus country. Police last November said they had found 40,000 euros ($42,700 ..read more

MANILA, Philippines – As heat indexes stay above 40°C in various parts of the country, labor groups urged employers and lawmakers to create and implement policies specifically catering to workers dealing with heat stress. Groups representing workers in construction and public services have said that some of their members have suffered heat stroke and difficulty in coping with the heat, whether on the field or in an office. “Current laws and regulations fall short in addressing the challenges and stresses faced by workers due to extreme heat,” the Nagkaisa labor coalition said on April 10. The ..read more

MANILA, Philippines – As heat indexes stay above 40°C in various parts of the country, labor groups urged employers and lawmakers to create and implement policies specifically catering to workers dealing with heat stress. Groups representing workers in construction and public services have said that some of their members have suffered heat stroke and difficulty in coping with the heat, whether on the field or in an office. “Current laws and regulations fall short in addressing the challenges and stresses faced by workers due to extreme heat,” the Nagkaisa labor coalition said on April 10. The ..read more