Chargers survive Foxies to book quarters ticket

BY KRISTEL SATUMBAGA-VILLAR

Mar 4, 2025 07:07 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Akari fought back from two sets down to survive a resilient Farm Fresh, 25-11, 23-25, 18-25, 25-21, 15-9, and barge into the quarterfinals of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City on Tuesday, March 4. 

Akari fought back from two sets down to survive a resilient Farm Fresh, 25-11, 23-25, 18-25, 25-21, 15-9, and barge into the quarterfinals of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City on Tuesday, March 4.

The Chargers, coming into the game as the lower-seeded squad at seventh, dug deep in their offensive prowess particularly late in the fifth set en route to the crucial win and join early quarterfinalists Creamline Cool Smashers, Galeries Tower Highrisers, Choco Mucho Flying Titans and Petro Gazz Angels.

Ivy Lacsina spearheaded Akari once again by waxing hot at the attack line, firing 21 kills to finish with 22 points. 

“Nagtiwala lang talaga kami sa sistema ni coach samin, pati na rin sa isa’t isa,” a teary-eyed Lacsina said. “Madami kaming pinadaanan the past few days, so pam-boost na rin tong panalop samin.”

CJ Soyud also fueled the Chargers with 14 points including 10 attacks, while Grethcel Soltones came off the bench with 11 points highlighted by three blocks.

After a dominating opening frame, Akari appeared to have lost its steam particularly in the third set, where it gave up nine points on errors despite its attempts to regain the upperhand.

They slowly got their rhythm in the fourth with Lacsina teaming up with Grethcel Soltones, who had fully recovered from a right hand strain, to extend the match into a deciding fifth frame.

Trisha Tubu and Rachel Daquis tried to keep Farm Fresh afloat, tying the game at 7-all after trailing 0-4 at the start of the fifth set.

But it turned out to be the Foxies’ last stand as Lacsina and Soltones joined forces for the Chargers’ next five points to gain a 12-7 cushion and never looked back.

Overall, Akari overpowered Farm Fresh in kills, 59-49, and was solid at the net with 12 blocks compared to the Foxies’ only two. The Chargers also unloaded nine aces including four from Michelle Cobb.

Tubu scored 23 points while Alyssa Bertolano added 13 in a losing effort for Farm Fresh, who were relegated to the play-in tournament for the two quarters berth.

Pasasalamat for partnerships

TPB honors its partners in telling the story of the nation

BY AA PATAWARAN

Mar 5, 2025 08:02 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• ‘We look to strengthen the ties that brought us here and forge new ones that will take us further.’ 

Tourism is not a solo act. In this symphony of efforts, every collaboration, every handshake, every shared vision moves the Philippines further onto the world stage. It is a story written not by one, but by many.

 

Mia Borromeo, Kaye Tinga, and Ana Lorenzana de Ocampo

 

Live Nation’s Rhiza Pascua and daughter Isabella

 

Deputy Speaker Kristine Singson Meehan, Margje Duavit, and Tania Fricke

 

This is what Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines honors in Pasasalamat, a tribute to the partnerships that have made the country’s rise in global tourism possible. It is an occasion to reflect, to acknowledge, and to set our sights on new horizons.

 

Universal Records Kathleen Go, TPB COO Marga Nograles, and Korean actor Kim Ji Soo

 

Rep. Inno Dy

 

Marga Nograles with Rafa Aboitiz

 

The past year, more than a year of growth, was a leap. In 2024, the TPB recorded ₱11.3 billion in sales leads, a 44.8 percent increase from the previous year. The momentum was driven by strategic partnerships that amplified the Philippines’ presence worldwide.

 

Global media giants like CNN, Bloomberg, and Euronews placed the country in front of millions while collaborations with Timothy Granaderos, Nico Santos, Josh de la Cruz, Korean actor Kim Ji Soo, and American pop-rock act LANY turned visibility into resonance. The result was over ₱1.44 billion in media values, proving that when the right voices speak for the Philippines, the world listens. 

 

Paloma and Mariana Zobel de Ayala

 

Kai Lim and Vicki Delgado

 

Carlo Calma and Carmina Sanchez

 

The impact extended beyond media exposure. Participation in international travel fairs, including ITB Berlin and the World Travel Market in London, yielded ₱918 million in sales leads, further strengthening the country’s position as a must-visit destination.

 

“Pasasalamat is a celebration of what we have accomplished together through the unwavering support of our partners,” said Marga Nograles, TPB chief operating officer. “Their belief in our shared vision has driven remarkable progress. This year, we aim for even greater milestones, knowing that this journey is one we continue side by side.”

 

Randy Ortiz and Tim Yap

 

Ricky Delgado and Captain Stanley Ng

 

Tourism shapes how the world sees us, how we see ourselves. “It is everyone’s business,” Nograles added. “As we move forward, we look to strengthen the ties that brought us here and forge new ones that will take us further.”

Brian Poe and Rep. Inno Dy

 

Fely and Kim Atienza

 

As TPB steps into another year of challenges and possibilities, Pasasalamat is more than gratitude, it is a call to action--to tell our story with greater conviction, to showcase the Philippines not just as a destination, but as an experience, a memory, a feeling that stays with those who visit.

Lisa, Doja Cat, Raye perform James Bond themes at Oscars

BY JONATHAN HICAP

Mar 4, 2025 05:06 PM  

BLACKPINK’s Lisa, Doja Cat and Raye performed at the 2025 Oscars ceremony to pay tribute to James Bond films. 

The three performed a medley of themes from James Bond films. Lisa became the first K-pop star to perform at the Oscars. 

Lisa performed "Live and Let Die" from the 1973 James Bond film. It was originally recorded by the rock band Wings. 

Doja Cat performed "Diamonds are Forever" while Raye sang "Skyfall.” 

Doja Cat and Raye are featured in Lisa's song "Born Again" that is included in her "Alter Ego" album that was released on Feb. 28. 

Here are the photos of Lisa, Doja Cat and Raye at the 2025 Oscars: 

Lisa, Doja Cat and Raye at the 2025 Oscars (All photos by Etienne Laurent, Al Seib, Phil McCarten, Trae Patton, Richard Harbaugh, and Kyusung Gong for The Academy/AMPAS) 

A German Expat in the Philippines (V): Crocodiles, run and reggae

 

March Updates: New Flights the Philippines | E-travel no longer needed?

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VP Sara cites people’s resilience in Araw ng Dabaw message

BY IVY TEJANO

Mar 4, 2025 05:12 PM 

DAVAO CITY – Vice President Sara Duterte cited the resilience, unity, and unwavering hope of the people of Davao in her message for the 88th Araw ng Dabaw celebration.

DUTERTE (FB)

Duterte emphasized the city’s steadfast commitment to growth despite challenges. 

“In this celebration, we give thanks not only for the progress and victories of the city but also for reflecting once again on the rich culture and history of us, the Davaoeños,” Duterte said in a statement on Saturday, March 1.

Hundreds of Davaoeños gathered at Rizal Park on San Pedro St. on Saturday night to witness the “Pasiugnang Pagsaulog” that kicked off the start of the Araw ng Dabaw celebration with the theme “88 Years Strong: One Davao.”

Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre, chairman of the city council Committee on Tourism and Beautification, said the theme is a powerful cue that through every challenge, Dabawenyos remain steadfast, resilient, and united as one Davao.

“Like the eagle, the city’s iconic symbol, Davaoeños are known for rising above challenges and striving for greater heights. Its soaring flight reflects our boundless potential and endless possibilities that lie ahead for Davao City,” Alejandre said. 

This year’s festivities began with a lively show by local talents – Ralph Angelo Merced, Rap Cañedo, Jona Soquite, D’Squared Cru, Studio 51, and UM Chorale – and presentation of Mutya ng Dabaw 2025 and the official theme song “Dabawenyo Ko.”

Mayor Sebastian Duterte, in a message read by acting Vice Mayor and Councilor Alberto T. Ungab, said the Araw ng Dabaw celebration reflects the Davaoeños’ strength shaped by unity, resilience, determination, and compassion for fellow man.

“Our progress would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of every responsible, law-abiding, and peace-loving resident. For the past 88 years, Davaoeños have contributed to the city’s growth and success,” Mayor Duterte said.

As the city opens the 88th Araw ng Dabaw festivities, Mayor Duterte emphasized that the event also honors those who have shaped Davao City into the firm and dynamic city it is today, especially former Mayor and President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

A key highlight of the program was an animated video showing the city’s history from 1848, when it was called Nueva Vergara, to its renaming in 1936 and ongoing growth until its present leaders. 

“We thank and salute you all,” Mayor Duterte said.

Mayor Duterte encouraged people to celebrate with pride and enthusiasm while upholding the culture of security and discipline that defines all Davaoeños. He called for unity, responsibility, and peace to ensure safe and meaningful celebration.

Magnitude 5.4 quake rocks Davao del Sur — Phivolcs

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

Mar 4, 2025 10:34 AM 

Phivolcs

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported a 5.4-magnitude earthquake that struck Davao del Sur on Tuesday morning, March 4.

The tremor occurred at 9:42 a.m., with its epicenter 2 kilometers southwest of Matanao, Davao del Sur.

Phivolcs said the earthquake was felt at Intensity V (strong) in Matanao and Magsaysay in Davao del Sur.

It was recorded at Intensity IV (moderately strong) in Kidapawan City in Cotabato, Malungon in Sarangani, and Tampakan and Tupi in South Cotabato.

Meanwhile, it was felt at Intensity III (weak) in Magpet in Cotabato,  Davao City in Davao del Sur, General Santos City and Banga in South Cotabato, and President Quirino and Columbio in Sultan Kudarat.

The tremor was “slightly felt” (Intensity II) in Pikit in Cotabato, Jose Abad Santos in Davao Occidental, Kiamba in Sarangani, Surall, Norala, Santo Niño and T’boli in South Cotabato, and Lambayong and Isulan in Sultan Kudarat, while it was “scarcely perceptible” (Intensity I) in Don Marcelino in Davao Occidental, Nabunturan in Davao de Oro, Lake Sebu in South Cotabato, and Esperanza, Kalamansig, and Bagumbayan in Sultan Kudarat.

Phivolcs said the earthquake was tectonic in origin, resulting from the movement of an active fault in the area.

The agency advised the public to remain vigilant as aftershocks may follow.