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International Bazaar returns with 42 nations, global goods for a cause

International Bazaar returns with 42 nations, global goods for a cause

MANILA, Philippines — The International Bazaar Foundation, Inc. (IBF) will bring together 42 countries and Philippine exhibitors for the International Bazaar 2025 at the World Trade Center Tent in Pasay City on Sunday, November 16, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The event, organized in cooperation with the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Diplomatic and Consular Corps, and the Spouses of Heads of Mission (SHOM), carries the theme “Shop Global, Help Local.” Now in its 59th year, the bazaar remains one of Metro Manila’s most anticipated holiday fundraisers, blending international craftsmanship with Filipino enterprise. Switzerland returns this year after a hiatus, bringing its sought-after premium chocolates, while Moldova, Poland, and Slovenia make their debut. Exhibitors from Hungary, India, Indonesia, Japan, Thailand, and Türkiye previewed their products at the bazaar’s press launch at the DFA DoubleDragon Tower. The Philippine section will feature “Best of the Islands” exhibitors in fashion, houseware, décor, cosmetics, jewelry, and food, highlighting both homegrown brands and regional products. Among the culinary attractions is Hungary’s Chimney Cone, a baked pastry with ice cream filling, alongside India’s pani puri and Indonesia’s satay and rendang. The Embassy of Japan will showcase sake, handcrafted kimonos, and porcelain bento boxes. Entrance tickets cost ₱200, with proceeds supporting IBF and SHOM charity programs, including scholarships and livelihood aid for marginalized communities, disaster victims, and vulnerable groups such as the elderly, women, and children. Established in 1966, the IBF is a non-profit foundation that funds educational and social welfare projects while fostering goodwill within Manila’s diplomatic community.

DOTr announces free MRT, LRT rides

DOTr announces free MRT, LRT rides

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has rolled out a series of measures across all transport sectors to assist Filipinos affected by Super Typhoon Uwan (international name: Fung-wong), including free train rides, waived terminal fees, and free cargo transport for relief goods. The DOTr said that commuters can avail themselves of free rides on MRT-3, LRT-1, and LRT-2 from November 10 to 11 to help those impacted by the typhoon and ease public transport and mobility. To facilitate faster delivery of aid, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has also waived Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) terminal fees for vehicles carrying relief goods, rescue equipment, and supplies bound for typhoon-hit areas. The fee exemption applies to both government and private vehicles transporting assistance in coordination with authorized agencies. In coordination with the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), the DOTr has requested local airlines to allocate free cargo space for the transport of relief goods to affected regions. In an advisory dated November 9, CAB Executive Director Carmelo Arcilla said the measure supports ongoing relief operations and aims to accelerate the delivery of assistance. The directive took effect immediately and will remain valid for 30 days unless lifted or extended earlier, subject to airline safety and operational constraints. Cargo fees for local airlines carrying relief assistance have also been suspended, while the Toll Regulatory Board has been directed to lift toll fees for emergency and rescue vehicles responding to disaster operations on major expressways. “The entire DOTr force is focused on helping our fellow Filipinos affected by Super Typhoon Uwan. The President’s directive is clear — to do everything necessary to accelerate the delivery of relief and rescue operations. That’s why we mobilized all transport sectors early,” acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said. Meanwhile, the DOTr said food and water are being distributed to stranded passengers at ports and bus terminals.

2 dead in Borongan fire amid onslaught of Uwan

2 dead in Borongan fire amid onslaught of Uwan

TACLOBAN CITY—A 73-year-old woman and her 21-year-old female grandchild died in a residential fire in Barangay Alang-Alang, Borongan City, as Typhoon “Uwan” (international name: Fung-Wong) lashed the provincial capital of Eastern Samar. READ: Uwan downs power and communications, displaces over 63,000 in E. Visayas The Borongan City Fire Station, led by Fire Chief Inspector Victor Ygbuhay, responded to the blaze at around 1:29 a.m. Monday, after a concerned resident reported it. During the operation, the two victims were found unconscious inside the burning two-story home. Firefighters immediately pulled them out of the structure and administered CPR before transporting them to […]... Keep on reading: 2 dead in Borongan fire amid onslaught of Uwan

Typhoon Uwan weakens over WPS; Signal No. 3 in 3 Northern Luzon areas

Typhoon Uwan weakens over WPS; Signal No. 3 in 3 Northern Luzon areas

MANILA, Philippines – Typhoon Uwan (international name: Fung-Wong) has weakened over the West Philippine Sea Monday morning, while Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 3 remains in effect over three areas in Northern Luzon, state meteorologists said. In its 11 a.m. advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Uwan has gusts of up to 160 kilometers per hour (kph) and maximum sustained winds of 130 kph, 20 kph less than earlier reported. Uwan continues to move west-northwest at 20 kph, and was last spotted some 135 kilometers west-northwest of Bacnotan, La Union. Pagasa  also reported that […]... Keep on reading: Typhoon Uwan weakens over WPS; Signal No. 3 in 3 Northern Luzon areas

Vista Land Holds Second Leg of Lifescapes Expo2025 in Iloilo

Vista Land Holds Second Leg of Lifescapes Expo2025 in Iloilo

Following its successful debut in Metro Manila, Vista Land brought Lifescapes Expo2025 to Visayas through a two-day showcase at Vista Mall Iloilo from October 24 to 25, 2025. The event gathered homebuyers, investors, business partners, and real estate professionals for an immersive introduction to the modern lifescapes that continue to define the Vista Land legacy of vision and value nationwide. A celebration of progress The ribbon-cutting ceremony officially opened the occasion, followed by a booth tour featuring Vista Land housing brands and affiliates, which allowed participants to earn exclusive experiences.  Engr. Ric A. Pallesco, Vista Land Group Head for South […]... Keep on reading: Vista Land Holds Second Leg of Lifescapes Expo2025 in Iloilo

Over 150 dead, 85 missing, as retrieval ops continue in Cebu

Over 150 dead, 85 missing, as retrieval ops continue in Cebu

CEBU CITY, Philippines – A week after Typhoon Tino (international name: Kalmaegi) devastated Cebu, many remain missing as clearing and retrieval operations continue. As of Monday, November 10, a total of 85 individuals remain missing, with at least 56 coming from Compostela town in northern Cebu alone. Responders still face logistical challenges in accessing remote, mountain barangays in Compostela, a first-class municipality located approximately 25 kilometers north of Cebu City, which bore the brunt of the flash floods that came from the nearby Cotcot River. Balamban town in western Cebu, which reported 13 deaths, is still searching for 16 more […]... Keep on reading: Over 150 dead, 85 missing, as retrieval ops continue in Cebu

Finally! Soundgarden's rock hall induction was a majestic ode to grunge royalty

Finally! Soundgarden's rock hall induction was a majestic ode to grunge royalty

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame finally got it right. This past Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, the heavens opened up and the raw, unadulterated spirit of Seattle’s very own Soundgarden was enshrined in the hallowed halls of music history. And let me tell you, it was about time. For fans of true rock royalty, for those who felt the visceral power of “Jesus Christ Pose” or got lost in the dark, epic beauty of “Pretty Noose,” this induction wasn’t just a ceremony; it was a vindication. After being eligible since 2013 and nominated twice […]... Keep on reading: Finally! Soundgarden's rock hall induction was a majestic ode to grunge royalty