Philippine News

March 9 ------ Filipino pole vault star EJ Obiena clinched the gold at the ISTAF Indoor in Berlin, Germany after clearing 5.78 meters — his season-best. He did it in just one attempt, while he managed to clear the 5.60 meters in two tries. Celebrating his feat, the Filipino Olympian and World No. 12 posted on Instagram, noting a Parokya ni Edgar song as background music. "Brick by brick we build," he said. "Thanks for having me Berlin. #parasabayan" "PS: and yes, parokya ni e

CANDON City, March 9 ------ Japeth Aguilar celebrated his 10th PBA All-Star appearance by emerging as the oldest MVP ever of the annual showcase at the Candon City Arena. The 39-year-old Aguilar led the Solid North against the South, 147-142, as finished with 29 points including a perfect 7-of-7 dunk attempt worth 3 points each. The last of those emphatic slams in the final 24 seconds proved to be the marginal basket for the North side, which won for the sixth straight time a

March 9 ------ “Sisa,” the comeback film of veteran actress Hilda Koronel, is heading to a successful streak after winning the Best Screenplay at the prestigious 46th Fantasporto International Film Festival. The historical thriller’s milestone was announced by Jun Robles Lana on Instagram on Sunday, March 8, saying its recognition on the global stage is an honor for the cast and production team. “Just got the word: Sisa won Best Screenplay at Fantasporto in Portugal! It’s an

March 9 ------ Gabbi Garcia believes in the importance of using her online platform to create positive impact and empower other women. According to Nelson Canlas' report on "24 Oras" Friday, the Sparkle star recently spoke at a symposium where she shared her insights about women's empowerment. For Gabbi, it is vital for young girls to see women advocating for them. She also recognized the responsibility that comes with having a big platform.  "Importante 'yun nowadays for you

March 9 ------ Olivia Rodrigo recorded a song for a charity album and it came with a music video filmed by children from war-torn countries Palestine, Sudan, Ukraine, and Yemen. The Filipino-American pop star covered The Magnetic Fields' song, "The Book of Love," and the music video for the song featured clips from the points of view of children living in areas of conflict. It showed clips of them running around through rubble and playing with their fellow children. The song

March 9 ------ Bea Alonzo is making her TV comeback soon! According to Nelson Canlas' report on "24 Oras," the Kapuso actress will star in the upcoming series, "Whispers From Heaven." The series marks her return to acting, as well as her 25th year in showbiz.  "Siguro kapag gagawa ako ng susunod kong teleserye, since yun nga 25th, narealize ko 25th year ko na in the industry, it has to mean something to me. It has to mean something to my audience," she said. "Parang na-realiz

MANILA, March 9 ------ A Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) aircraft carrying an ABS-CBN News team received multiple radio challenges from a Chinese warship while conducting a maritime patrol over Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea. The PCG Cessna Caravan aircraft was flying a maritime domain awareness (MDA) mission when a vessel from the People's Liberation Army Navy with bow number 554 issued radio challenges to the aircraft. According to PCG spokesperson for the West Ph

MANILA, March 9 ------ The government has started monitoring gas stations as part of its intensified efforts to address the possible impact of rising oil prices amid tensions in the Middle East, Malacañang said. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. directed concerned agencies to prepare for the potential effects of the ongoing conflict on global oil prices. “Ang mensahe ni Pangulong Marcos, Jr. patungkol sa ating paghahanda ay nararapat at

MANILA, March 9 ------ Government agencies under the Executive Department will implement a four-day work week beginning today, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced. This forms part of Marcos Jr.’s order to strictly enforce energy conservation measures to mitigate the effects of soaring oil prices amid the escalating tensions in the Middle East. However, government offices that provide emergency and frontline services are not included in the four-day work week scheme. “Par

MANILA, March 9 ------ Student Earl Meran was shocked when he purchased a FastCat ferry ticket for his trip home to Oriental Mindoro after discovering that the fare had risen to ₱650, compared to ₱542 just last week when he traveled to Batangas. Meran had originally planned to buy an air-conditioned accommodation ticket, but its price had already climbed to ₱715. He was also unable to avail of the student discount after forgetting his school ID. “Mahirap sa akin, bilang isang

March 9 ------ Oil prices have eclipsed US$100 per barrel for the first time in more than three and a half years as the Iran war hinders production and shipping in the Middle East. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) jumped 20 per cent to US$109.17 a barrel, a level not seen since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, while the international Brent benchmark contract was up 19 per cent at US$110.35. Both could rise or fall as market trading continues. US Presiden

TEHRAN, March 9 ------ Iran's ruling clerics appointed the slain leader's son, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, as the country's new supreme leader, defying threats from the United States and Israel to oppose him. Nine days after US-Israeli strikes killed the elder Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and plunged the Middle East into war, the clerical government's Assembly of Experts convened to choose their next leader. Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, was "appointed and introduced as the third leader of

March 9 ------ The UK has revealed details of four maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities in Ukraine, tasked with repairing armored vehicles and equipment such as UK-gifted CVR-T armored vehicles, Husky support vehicles, AS-90 artillery systems, L119 light guns, and former Soviet-era kit. A collaboration with Swedish partners also means that the sites can support the Swedish Archer artillery systems. The facilities – operated under UK Ministry of Defense contracts

March 9 ------ Ukraine’s real-world combat experience, combined with Western industrial capabilities, is helping the country lead in military innovation, senior Ukrainian officials said at a briefing. Combat experience gives Ukraine an edge Colonel Vitalii Dobriansky, head of the Central Directorate for Innovation Activities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, told reporters that Russia’s full-scale war has given Ukraine an advantage in testing and developing innovative military

VATICAN CITY, March 8 ------ Pope Leo released a video praying that God would help world leaders renounce war as a means of resolving conflicts in an unusual appeal as the U.S.-Israeli bombing campaign against Iran pressed on for the sixth day. "Lord, enlighten the leaders of the nations, so they may have the courage to abandon projects of death," the pontiff said in the video message. "Today we lift up our prayer for peace in the world, asking that nations renounce weapons a

March 8 ------ The 7-foot-3 center is reportedly seeking another chance at making it to the big league either by trying out for a spot through the NBA Summer League or taking the US NCAA route where he would play college ball in hopes of impressing scouts. It was a path that had already been taken by former G-League players as well as international standouts as the collegiate league allows players to still suit up for schools as long as they have not signed an NBA contract. I

MANILA, March 8 ------ OPM girl group BINI gave its fans another dose of kilig with the release of the official music video for its song titled "Unang Kilig." The almost five-minute video was uploaded to the official YouTube channel of BINI. The star-studded music video featured actors Vhong Navarro, Gerald Anderson, Richard Gutierrez, and Ogie Diaz. Screen veteran Charo Santos-Concio and acclaimed directors Olivia Lamasan and Cathy Garcia-Sampana were also featured in the mu

MANILA, March 8 ------ A total of 62 Chinese naval and coast guard vessels were monitored in the West Philippine Sea in February, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). The ships from the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA-N) and China Coast Guard (CCG) were seen in the following features: Bajo de Masinloc – 23 vessels (11 PLA-N, 12 CCG) Ayungin Shoal – 17 vessels (2 PLA-N, 15 CCG) Escoda Shoal – 13 vessels (6 PLA-N, 7 CCG) Pag-asa Island – 9 vessels (5 PLA-N

March 8 ------ Much attention has been paid to the effects of the Strait of Hormuz shutdown on the oil and LNG markets, but there are half a dozen other commodities that will be affected in the weeks to come if a security solution isn't reached soon. The GCC states produce half of the world's traded sulfur, a large share of its phosphate, and much of its nitrogen fertilizers - all needed for industrial agriculture. They also supply methanol, ethane, propane, naphtha and other

March 8 ------ European powers said they would work together to safeguard shipping in the Red Sea and send naval and other assets to protect Cyprus as the expanding U.S.–Iran war entered its sixth day. The conflict - which has widened beyond Gulf states to the Mediterranean, where a drone strike hit a British air base on Cypruson Monday, and as far afield as Asia - has convulsed global markets and sent oil and gas prices soaring. Italy, Spain, France and the Netherlands will