TOKYO – Kyoto, temples, neon lights, crowds. For many, Japan is nothing more than that. But in the north, Hokkaido provides an entirely different experience. It is a journey where the sounds of silence, open spaces, and nature take center stage. As travelers around the world look to escape mass tourism, the island stands as a true alternative: A destination where travel still means discovery. When most people choose their destinations based on what’s trending on TikTok and Instagram, Hokkaido sometimes slips under the radar, precisely because it resists ready-made formulas. Here, vast volcanic landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, and quiet villages […]... Keep on reading: Visiting Japan in 2026? Go north for a different experience
LOOK: New MMDA General Manager Nicolas Torre III arrives at the MMFF Gabi ng Parangal in Makati City on Saturday, Dec. 27. MMFF/Facebook
MANILA, Philippines — Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Legarda Leviste questioned the ‘unexplained’ ₱10.5-B addition the House made to its budget. In an interview today, Leviste brought up that the House increased its own internal budget from ₱17.20 billion to ₱27.70 billion, without explanation or debate. Leviste hoped that Congress could provide details on how the additional ₱10.5 billion will be used before the 2026 budget is ratified on December 29. Leviste said: “I’m not only questioning the outcome, but the process: Why was no explanation given for the need for this increase, and why is no one speaking up […]... Keep on reading: Leviste questions ‘unexplained’ ₱10.5-B addition in House budget
Economic renaissance? On the contrary, the nativist, white nationalist agenda threatens America’s economic well-being
Authorities say one person was killed and at least 19 people were wounded including two children
Authorities say one person was killed and at least 19 people were wounded including two children
MANILA, Philippines — The northeast monsoon and easterlies will continue to drench parts of the country on Sunday, the state weather bureau said. In the 5 p.m. weather forecast of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration, weather specialist Benison Estareja said that the northeast monsoon or amihan will bring rains over the Northern and Central Luzon. Meanwhile, easterlies or the winds coming from the Pacific Ocean will prevail over the southern portions of Luzon and parts of Visayas and Mindanao. Estareja said that there is a high chance of rain over Batanes and Babuyan Group of Islands and […]... Keep on reading: Pagasa: Monsoon to bring rain on Sunday in parts of Luzon
MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court (SC) has laid down guideposts for determining ownership or control of social media accounts in criminal cases. The SC set the guideposts through a 30-page decision dated October 22, 2025 wherein it affirmed the conviction of a man for psychological violence against his ex-partner after he posted derogatory and threatening statements about her on Facebook. READ: Photos, messages on social media admissible as evidence – SC The case stemmed from the former couple’s three-year ex-relationship. The two had a child, but did not proceed to marriage due to relationship problems, resulting in the woman […]... Keep on reading: SC issues guide to identify social media account owners in cases
Manila Bulletin’s Daily News Rundown for Saturday, December 27, 2025. Listen to today’s top stories and updates on Spotify:
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (Cesafi) will resume its basketball tournament on January 6, with action limited to the 15-under and 12-under divisions. The grassroots-level categories were put on hold late last year due to scheduling issues caused by Typhoon Tino, which battered Cebu on November 4. As a result, […]... Keep on reading: Cesafi 15-under, 12-under basketball action resumes January 6
LOOK: A post-Christmas medical mission caters to nearly 200 inmates of the Iloilo City District Jail on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. True Wellness Medical Group, led by Virma Yasa Apostol, partners with PhilHealth’s YAKAP program to provide free consultations, laboratory tests, and