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Travel Advisory: Updated Safety Rules for Power Banks on Philippine Airlines

Philippine Airlines (PAL) has updated its policy regarding power banks.

In a nutshell; (1) Passengers are limited to two power banks with a maximum capacity of 100Wh each. (2) You must have the power banks with you at all times, or under the seat—never in checked luggage or overhead bins. (3) While you may charge your devices, charging the power bank itself is strictly prohibited during the flight. (4) Ensure your device has a clear capacity label before heading to the gate.

Power Banks are not the only restricted items when flying via PAL, you can go here, for more information.

The Only Scrambled Eggs Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Scrambled eggs are a staple at the breakfast table, but there’s much more that goes into making them than most people realize. Lan Lam shows how minor tweaks to this simple dish can make a big impact.

I’ve never been more invested in a cooking video than this one. We all know how to cook eggs, but this will make you feel like you’ve reached a whole new level of making scrambled eggs! 🙂

Philippine Airlines Resumes Manila-Riyadh-Manila Flights Effective April 10, 2026  

This is great news, especially to those who prefer a non-stop flight back to the Philippines!

PAL;

Philippine Airlines (PAL) advises the public of the resumption of flights between Manila and Riyadh effective April 10, 2026, following recent developments in the Middle East region.

The safety and well-being of our passengers and crew remain our foremost priority. As Riyadh operations resume, PAL will temporarily operate via an alternate flight route to ensure the highest safety standards are maintained during this period.

As a result, select Manila-Riyadh flights will include a brief technical stop in Bangkok for refueling. No deplaning is required; passengers will remain on board while the aircraft refuels before continuing to Riyadh.

Ongoing monitoring
We continue to closely monitor the situation and will restore normal routing and full capacity as conditions allow. Updates will be communicated to affected passengers accordingly.

IMPORTANT: Passengers are advised to ensure they have a confirmed booking before proceeding to the airport. To verify booking status and view updated flight schedules, please visit:

https://www.philippineairlines.com/ph/en/manage-booking.html

For assistance, passengers may also connect 24/7 with PAL via the following PAL Channels:
• Manila Landline: (+632) 8539-0000 / (+632) 8855-8888

• Philippines Mobile: (+63) 919-056-2255

• US and Canada Toll Free Number: 1-800-435-9725

• Messenger: https://www.m.me/PhilippineAirlines

• WhatsApp: https://wa.me/639178305810

• PAL Help Page: https://pal.my.site.com/s/

We remain committed to connecting our customers to their destinations safely, reliably, and responsibly.

Thank you.

Opinion: Friendly reminder about your Facebook and other/all Social Media Account

There’s an “old” adage “if it’s free, you’re the product.” While social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok offer a great way to global connection at “no monetary cost”, the “free” price tag is an illusion that most social media users do not understand. In reality, the user (you) are the product, your attention/time and data which are harvested by the social media network for their “main/actual” customer are the advertisers.

Posting “legal notice”, in the hopes of making it viral circulates on social media feeds, with users/influencers posting statements like: “I HEREBY DECLARE THAT I DO NOT GIVE MY PERMISSION FOR META TO USE MY DATA.” While these posts provide a “false” sense of agency, they are legally meaningless. A status update cannot unilaterally rewrite a signed contract. Because you agreed to facebook’s Terms, Privacy Policy and Cookies Policy. the moment you create your account, you already gave the platform your consent. These platforms operate on a “take it or leave it” basis; the only way to stop or legally “revoke” permission is to delete your account.

Here’s what Facebook says when you delete your account;

Deleting your account is permanent. When you delete your account, your main profile and everything else you’ve added will be permanently deleted. You won’t be able to retrieve anything you’ve added. All additional profiles, Messenger and all of your messages will also be deleted.

But even if you delete your account, there is no guarantee that all your data will be deleted from the system.

We have to remember that Facebook and other social media platforms pay engineers and designers tons of money, to keep you “the product” engaged for as long as possible and as often as possible. Which is why we have this thing called “Attention Economy”, where algorithms are built to trigger dopamine responses, leading to habits like “doomscrolling.” For the modern digital Filipino, it’s important to know that social media isn’t a free public service. It is a private marketplace where your time, privacy, and data are the real money being spent.

March 21st is World Down Syndrome Day!

via World Down Syndrome Day;

World Down Syndrome Day was created to celebrate the lives of people with Down syndrome and to make sure they have the same freedoms and opportunities as everybody else.

21st March (21/3) matches the 3 copies of chromosome 21. This is unique to people with Down syndrome.

World Down Syndrome Day has been an official part of the United Nations calendar since 2012. You can read the full history of World Down Syndrome Day at the bottom of this page.

On 21st March each year, Down Syndrome International calls everyone to action with a theme to ensure the human rights of people with Down syndrome and works with members to organise worldwide activities and discussions.

What is Down Syndrome?

Down syndrome is a naturally occurring genetic condition caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21. While most people are born with 23 pairs of chromosomes for a total of 46, individuals with Down syndrome have 47. Because chromosomes act as the body’s “instruction manual,” this additional genetic material alters the typical course of physical and mental development.

This condition affects approximately 1 in every 800 babies and occurs naturally with no known cause. It is not a disease to be cured, but rather a fundamental part of a person’s identity. Although it often leads to varying levels of intellectual disability and certain common health conditions, these challenges do not prevent individuals from leading successful lives. With the right support and resources, people with Down syndrome attend school, hold jobs, and contribute vibrantly to their communities.

Opinion: Fil-Ams told to “Think twice before renouncing citizenship”

For many Filipino-Americans raised entirely in the United States, the decision regarding Philippine citizenship is often a “no-brainer,” favoring practicality and stability over heritage.

This perspective stems from two core factors: a cultural disconnect and practical risk assessment.

First, while they claim Filipino heritage, having spent their whole lives in the U.S., they often know “little to nothing about the Philippines, its people and culture” beyond familial connections. Their primary cultural allegiance and lived reality are American.

Second, the decision is rooted in livelihood. With family, career, and financial stability firmly established in the United States, the rationale is clear: why risk losing a job and uprooting a whole family simply to maintain a citizenship used only for brief, infrequent visits?

The marginal benefit of retaining Philippine citizenship (convenience during a trip every few years) does not outweigh the substantial risk to one’s American life. It is a rational, utilitarian choice to prioritize the stability and security of their life in the U.S. over a largely symbolic connection to their ancestral land.

Curry Brand To Split from Under Armour in 2026

Under Armour;

Under Armour, Inc. (NYSE: UAA, UA) and Stephen Curry today announced plans to separate Curry Brand from Under Armour, ending a partnership that has redefined performance product and athlete-led storytelling for more than a decade. Under Armour, with a disciplined focus on its namesake brand, will develop new UA Basketball products and continue to support athletes and programs across every level of the game.

Under the separation, Curry will become independent of Under Armour. UA will release the Curry 13 – the final Curry Brand x Under Armour shoe – in February 2026 as planned, with additional colorways and apparel collections available through October 2026.

“Under Armour believed in me early in my career and gave me the space to build something much bigger and more impactful than a shoe. I’ll always be grateful for that.” said Stephen Curry in the press release. “Curry Brand was created to change the game for good and over the past 5 years, we successfully changed the game for kids, for communities, and for basketball. What Curry Brand stands for, what I stand for and my commitment to that mission will never change, it’s only growing stronger. I’m excited for a future that’s focused on aggressive growth with a continued commitment to keep showing up for the next generation.”

Steph Curry is currently sneaker free agent, and with the popularity of Curry brand, the Curry will have a number of options for the company; Curry brand could go totally independent and produce their own shoes and apparel, or go to another big shoe company like Nike, Adidas or Puma to have the same deal that they have with Under Armour.

Official Photo of LeBron XXIII Signature Shoes

Nike release the official photo of Lebron’s latest signature shoes the LeBron XXIII, available in two color way the Uncharted and Miami Twice.

LeBron XXIII Uncharted

The LeBron XXIII Uncharted will be available this 3rd of October with a retail price of $210.00, while the LeBron XXIII Miami Twice and additional colorways will become available over the coming months.

Nike unveil the new Kobe 3 Protro with a retail price of $210.00

Nike Basketball just announced the new Kobe 3 Protro in an all-white “Halo” colorway. The Kobe 3 Protro “Halo” will be available on August 23 on SNKRS and at select retail locations, and will retail for $210.00.

Images of the new Kobe 3 Protro in Halo colorway.

This is what Nike said about the new Kobe 3 Protro;

The Kobe 3 Protro is built to support athletes who move with speed, precision and control, delivering an underfoot sensation that matches the demands of today’s game. A full-length Zoom Strobel replaces a pair of smaller Air Zoom units in the forefoot and heel, pairing with a plush Cushlon 3.0 midsole to enable maximum energy return, premium court feel and lightweight support.

The upper, which maintains the Kobe 3’s classic basketball net inspiration, is now backed with mesh that provides enhanced containment and airflow, locking the foot in place while letting it breathe. Meanwhile, an updated traction pattern helps hoopers make directional cuts, hard stops and explosive takeoffs with confidence.

Further, new diamond shapes on the upper and outsole honor Kobe’s eldest daughter, Natalia, whose middle name is Diamanté.

The Kobe 3 Protro was shaped by insights from athletes who experienced playing in the original Kobe 3 and from the new generation of hoopers, who are accustomed to more modern tech in their game footwear. This rigorous testing process, involving both female and male athletes, reminds of the relentless principles of Kobe’s Mamba Mentality, resulting in a shoe built for serious hoopers across a wide range of playing styles.

De’Aaron Fox launches Fox 2, his second signature sneaker under Curry Brand

De’Aaron Fox and Curry Brand officially launch the highly anticipated ‘Fox 2’, the second signature shoes for the NBA All-Star. Building on the success of Fox 1, the Fox 2 is designed to embody Fox’s lightning-fast speed and dynamic play style.

The Curry Fox 2 features several upgrades, including a new high-abrasion UA Flow outsole for superior grip and responsiveness. An internal Charged Cushioning drop-in and a TPE-blended sockliner provide unmatched comfort and energy return. The upper combines lightweight textiles and TPU films, while an external TPU heel counter offers enhanced support. The signature forefoot strap, a hallmark of the Fox 1, returns with a fresh look, prominently displaying Fox’s logo.

Beyond performance, the Fox 2 is rich with personal details. The outsole features the names of Fox’s wife and children, along with his birth date in Roman numerals. The “Curry World Tour” colorway, a bold blue, will be the first to release on August 22, priced at $120. Fans can expect additional colorways to follow, as Curry Brand continues to expand its roster of signature athletes.

Under Armour announces the Curry Series 7

The Curry Series 7 dub as “super shoe” from Curry Brand. Designed to match the explosive playing style of Stephen Curry, this new sneaker from Under Armour features a supercritical foam midsole and a high-abrasion UA Flow outsole, delivering an unprecedented blend of cushioning, grip, and durability. Weighing a mere 10.7 ounces, the Series 7 keeps you light on your feet without sacrificing support.

The Curry Series 7 will retail for $160 and officially launch on Friday, August 22 at Under Armour Brand Houses, on UA.com, and through select distribution partners.

Source: UA

Nike introduces the Sabrina 3

Nike and NY Liberty Star PG Sabrina Ionescu just announce the Sabrina 3, Ionescu’s 3rd signature shoes.

The Sabrina 3, Sabrina Ionescu’s latest signature basketball shoe, evolves from the success of its predecessors by blending high-performance features with a design deeply rooted in her Romanian heritage. The sneaker showcases exceptional craftsmanship, drawing inspiration from textile weaving and embroidery to create a silhouette that’s both artistic and reliable.

Key features include mesh pleats on the upper, which not only give the shoe its distinctive style but also integrate cables across the midfoot for superior containment, strength, and support. This innovative system is paired with the familiar comfort of a forefoot Air Zoom unit and a Cushlon 3.0 midsole, ensuring the consistent ride and court feel that fans have come to expect.

Design elements such as the returning vertical, off-axis Swoosh on the medial side symbolize Sabrina’s ongoing efforts to break barriers. A new concentric “S” traction pattern further personalizes the shoe, celebrating her identity and achievements.

Together with the Sabrina 3 shoes, Nike will also release Sabrina’s third signature collection of Dri-FIT apparel, which includes a unisex pant; hoodie; full-zip sweatshirt; and reversible short and top; as well as T-shirts for women, men and kids.

The Sabrina 3 will be available July 24 at nike.com and select retail locations with a $135 price tag.

Source: Nike

Nike release the Caitlin Clark’s ad for her new Kobe 5 Protro PE

The new Kobe V Protro “Caitlin Clark” will retail for $190. This is not the Caitlin Clark signature shoes but a player exclusive colorway of the Kobe 5 Protro PE. Clark’s signature kicks will arrive early next year, since it has been reported the Nike will release Clark’s Signature Logo in Holiday 2025.

Available 6/30 at 5:00 PM

When Caitlin Clark laces up her Kobe 5s, she enters a new dimension.

She’s put her prowess on display wearing an array of coveted Kobe models — now she has her own player edition. It’s outfitted in Midnight Navy, Bright Crimson, vibrant hits of University Gold, and polished off with a high-gloss finish that glistens under the spotlight.

This Protro model takes a great basketball shoe and makes it better. It’s engineered with a flexible Air Zoom unit and scaled-down traction for optimal court feel. Plus, the minimally structured upper is lightweight and supportive all-around.

Nike’s Jordan Brand Unveils Michael Jordan’s Newest Signature Shoe: The Air Jordan 40

Nike’s Jordan brand just unveil the latest signature shoes of the “G.O.A.T.” Michael Jordan, the Air Jordan 40. The announcement coincide with the 40th anniversary of of Air Jordans. The Air Jordan 40 will be available July 12 at jordan.com and select retail location. It has a price tag of $205.00.

There’s only one way to celebrate 40 years of Air Jordans. You gotta do what’s never been done. For the first time, we stacked a full-length Zoom Strobel unit on top of full-length ZoomX foam for responsive, marathon-level cushioning. Internal straps work with premium leather to give you optimal containment. Underfoot, a unique herringbone traction pattern helps you leave defenders guessing. Of course, it’s still gotta look good. Black and white collide to create one classic colorway.

Source: Nike

US Cardinal Prevost elected Pope Leo XIV, the First American Pope

From Vatican News, “The Conclave has elected Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost as the 267th Bishop of Rome. The new pope was announced to the waiting crowds by Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti.”

More image from Vatican News;

Netflix Philippines is increasing price with the new 12% Digital VAT

Netflix Philippines has informed its subscribers that the streaming giant will increase its prices to accommodate the 12% value-added tax (VAT) on digital services provided by foreign companies.

In the email that Netflix Philippines sent to its subscribers, it stated: “As required by Republic Act No. 12023, which imposes a 12% Value-Added Tax (VAT) on digital services, Netflix will raise its subscription costs in the Philippines as of June 1, 2025.

The new monthly prices are as follows:

  • Monthly Mobile Plan: ₱169 (previously ₱149)
  • Monthly Basic Plan: ₱279 (previously ₱249)
  • Monthly Standard Plan: ₱449 (previously ₱399)
  • Monthly Premium Plan: ₱619 (previously ₱549)
  • The extra member slot fee for Standard and Premium plans will also go up, from ₱149 to ₱169 per month

Netflix currently has more than 2.7 million subscribers in the Philippines, and the additional 12% VAT is projected to give the government over ₱924 million in tax revenue from Netflix alone. Republic Act 112023 was signed into law late last year.

Philippine Airlines investing ₱10 million to support aspiring Women Pilots

Philippine Airlines (PAL) just announced that they will be investing ₱10 million to “support aspiring women pilots” thru their “Fly With Her” Program (the “Program”) in partnership with PAL Foundation. With the “Fly With Her” Program, PAL aims to close the gender gap in the aviation industry, specially within their ranks since there are currently over 80 women pilots fly for PAL, which is just 9% of our pilot roster.

Here’s the full text of PAL’s official statement;

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine Airlines (PAL) seeks to address the gender gap in aviation through its Fly With Her program, which helps women pursue their dream of flying for the nation’s flag carrier. It recently pledged P10 million to the PAL Foundation, which oversees the scholarship program for women pilots.

“As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we reiterate our support to women who dream of flying for and even assuming top positions in the PAL organization,” said Alvin M. Miranda, PAL Vice President for Marketing.

Apart from the P10 million pledge, PAL will release a film inspired by a real-life story of a young girl who dreamed of becoming a pilot.

“When little girls see women take on leadership roles, it inspires them to do the same and possibly go beyond,” said Lilybeth T. Ng, PAL Assistant Vice President for Pilot Affairs.

The gender gap in aviation remains significant, with only around 6% of pilots worldwide being women.

An Ally of Women in Aviation

PAL has long been a staunch supporter of women in the airline industry. In 1989, its very own Captain Aimee Carandang-Gloria became Southeast Asia’s first woman commercial airline pilot to fly a commercial flight. She broke barriers again in 1993, by becoming the region’s first woman airline captain. PAL continues to lead the way in opening doors for women in the male-dominated industry.

PAL continues to work for clearer and more inclusive skies in aviation, on the strength of its signature service of #CareThatComesFromTheHeart.

Know more about the Fly with Her Program and PAL’s advocacy towards women in aviation by visiting https://www.philippineairlines.com/FlyWithHer

For those interested to joint the “Fly With Her” Program you can visit the FLY WITH HER PROGRAM for details like Eligibility Criteria, Selection Process and, where and how to apply.

NLEX Toll prices to increase beginning March 2nd 2025

North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) just announced that they’re increasing the toll rates this Sunday, March 2, 2025. In their official announcement, “Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) has authorized NLEX to adjust its toll by ₱5.00 in the open system and ₱0.72 per kilometer in the closed system effective March 2, 2025.”

NLEX added that “under the new toll fee matrix, motorists traveling anywhere within the open system will pay an additional ₱5 for Class 1 vehicles (regular cars and SUVs), ₱13 for Class 2 vehicles (buses and small trucks), and ₱15 for Class 3 vehicles.”

“Those traveling the full length of NLEX between Metro Manila and Mabalacat City will pay an additional ₱57 for Class 1 vehicles, ₱142 for Class 2 vehicles, and ₱171 for Class 3 vehicles.”

“The open system runs from Metro Manila in the cities of Navotas, Valenzuela, and Caloocan to Marilao, Bulacan, while the closed system covers the portion between Bocaue, Bulacan, and Sta. Ines, Mabalacat City, Pampanga, as well as Subic-Tipo.”

You can read the full text of NLEX announcement here or from their social media accounts (embeded below);

Marikina City to hold its first Car-Free Sundays start March 2nd

Heads-up to all motorist headed to Marikina, since the City is holding its first ever car-free Sunday starting this March 2nd, 2025. A section of the Gil Fernando Avenue will be closed to vehicles from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM this coming Sunday, March2, 2025.

Marikina’s car-free Sundays is similar to what Makati City is doing along Ayala Avenue and Quezon City along Tomas Morato Avenue.

In an article by Climate Change Commission, “Car-free zones also encourage physical activity, offering residents a safer, cleaner environment for walking and cycling. With fewer cars on the streets, the risk of road accidents decreases, and the air becomes more breathable, reducing the occurrence of respiratory diseases. Promoting active lifestyles has long-term benefits in addressing obesity and other health conditions tied to inactivity.

Other Metro Manila Cities implementing Car-Free Sundays are “Roxas Boulevard and Intramuros in Manila, People’s Streets in Pasig, Fifth Avenue in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Ayala Avenue in Makati, Greenfield District in Mandaluyong, Spectrum Midway in Filinvest, Muntinlupa, and the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas unveil Philippines First Polymer Banknote Series

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has officially unveil the country’s first polymer banknote series. The new polymer banknote series will include denominations of ₱500, ₱P100 and ₱50, which will enter circulation in the first quarter of 2025.

BPS explained that the new Polymer Banknote Series will feature “country’s heroes and natural wonders, the polymer series highlights the Philippines’ rich biodiversity.”

BSP emphasizes the practical benefits of polymer banknotes, including enhanced resistance to counterfeiting and improved durability. These features ensure that the new notes are not only aesthetically significant but also cost-efficient and secure.

You can watch this 3:30 mins video (below) on the features of the new polymer banknote series;

The ceremony was lead by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the President’s Hall in Malacañang Palace.

UConn Star Paige Bueckers announces her own Player Edition Nike G.T. Hustle 3

UConn’s Paige Bueckers, who grew up wearing Nike, has made history by becoming the first NIL athlete to design and launch her own Nike Player Edition basketball sneaker, the Nike G.T. Hustle 3.

Nike;

Paige’s Nike G.T. Hustle 3 is meant to propel her performance during the final season of her illustrious collegiate career, leveraging Nike’s best basketball innovations in a silhouette that maximizes energy return from tip-off to buzzer.

Key to that performance is a forefoot Air Zoom unit and sewn-in Air Zoom strobel that create a double-stacked layer of Air underfoot for enhanced energy storage and return. The Air Zoom in the forefoot is partnered with a soft and resilient heel, along with a higher offset, to promote a smooth heel-to-toe transition. A Radial Knit upper, meanwhile, delivers zonal containment and support in a soft, lightweight and breathable package.

Paige’s Nike G.T. Hustle 3 will be in baby blue and lavender purple colorway. It also features an embroidered bucket adorns the right tongue, and a creative play on her surname — replacing “Bueckers” with “buckets” — takes over the right heel, and the phrase “Be You, Be Great” on left heel.

The Nike G.T. Hustle 3 Paige Bueckers Player Edition will be available December 7th on SNKRS and at select retail locations for $190.00

Victory Liner introduces the country’s first fully electric bus

In a press conference, Victory Liner unveil the country’s first fully electric bus for provincial travel, the announcement was made by Victory Liner President & General Manager, Ms. Marivic H. Del Pilar. She also added that this is some sort of a “research and development” to see if it is viable to use electric bus as a public utility vehicle (PUB) and it will run the Cubao – Pampanga route.

Victory Liner also added that they acquired the 2 electric bus from Higer via special pricing, it was disclosed that each bus is worth ₱5 Million.

Here are the notable features of the electric bus;

  • Range and Battery Power: A 485 kWh battery allows for 350-400 kilometers of travel per charge, ideal for round-trip routes.
  • Fast Charging: A 120 kW DC charger fully charges the bus in three hours.
  • Environmental Impact: Each bus reduces annual CO₂ emissions by over 100 tons compared to diesel models.

As for the bus fare, there will be no difference in the fare, as Victory Liner based the price on the diesel-engine buses that run the same route.

This article was originally published on allthingsev.net as Victory Liner introduces the country’s first fully electric bus.