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HONOR Saudi Arabia officially announced the Magic V6; Pre-orders Start June 23rd.

June 23, 2026

HONOR Saudi Arabia has officially launched the Magic V6 folding smartphone, with pre-orders now live for the premium device. From June 22 to June 30, early buyers can secure theirs to experience the next generation of mobile productivity.

The HONOR Magic V6 sets a new benchmark for ultra-slim foldables, measuring a mere 8.75 mm thick when folded and weighing approximately 219 grams. The device features an upgraded aerospace-grade Super Steel Hinge built to endure 500,000 folds, alongside a robust IP68 and IP69 rating for extreme water and dust resistance.

The viewing experience is driven by a 6.52-inch outer screen and a massive 7.95-inch unfolded inner display. Both utilize 1–120Hz LTPO adaptive refresh rates and feature industry-leading eye-comfort technology with peak brightness levels reaching up to 6,000 nits. Under the hood, the device is powered by the flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, paired with a massive 6,660mAh silicon-carbon battery that supports 80W wired and 66W wireless charging.

Image: HONOR Magic V6

Here is the official specification of HONOR Magic V6;

Category Specification Details
Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform (Octa-core: 2×Prime 4.6GHz + 6×Performance 3.62GHz)
• GPU: Adreno 840
Memory & Storage 16GB RAM + 512GB ROM or 16GB RAM + 1TB ROM versions available
Displays Inner Screen: 7.95-inch Foldable OLED, 2352 x 2172 pixels, HDR peak brightness 5000 nits
• External Screen: 6.52-inch OLED, 2420 x 1080 pixels, HDR peak brightness 6000 nits
• Eye Comfort: 4320Hz PWM Flicker-Free Dimming, AI Defocus Display
Dimensions (H x W x D) Height: 156.7 mm
• Width: 74.5 mm (folded), 145.6 mm (unfolded)
• Depth (White version): 8.75 mm (folded), 4.0 mm (unfolded)
• Depth (Other versions): 9.0 mm (folded), 4.1 mm (unfolded)
Weight White Version: Approx. 219g (with battery)
• Other Versions: Approx. 224g (with battery)
Rear Camera Triple Camera Setup:
• 50MP Wide Main Camera (f/1.6, OIS)
• 50MP Ultra-Wide Camera (f/2.2)
• 64MP Telephoto Lens Camera (f/2.5, OIS with 3x optical & 100x digital zoom)
• Video: Up to 4K recording with EIS+OIS
Front Cameras Dual Camera Setup: 20MP Wide Camera (f/2.2) on both the inner screen and exterior screen (Supports 4K video)
Battery & Charging 6660 mAh (typical) Silicon-Carbon battery
• Wired: 80W HONOR SuperCharge
• Wireless: 66W Wireless HONOR SuperCharge
Durability IP68 and IP69 water and dust resistance rating
Operating System MagicOS 10 (Based on Android 16)
Connectivity 5G, Dual SIM (SIM+SIM, SIM+eSIM, or dual eSIM)
• Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, Infrared Remote Control
Colors Red, Gold, White, Black

Consumers who pre-order the 16GB+512GB variant in Saudi Arabia receive an exclusive gift bundle valued at SAR 1,656. The premium gift package includes:

  • HONOR Pad X9a 11.45 inch WIFI 8GB+128GB Gray
  • HONOR Magic V6 Pitaka Case Black protective case.
  • 3-Month Google AI One Pro Subscription

The device is priced at SAR 7,499, making this pre-order window the perfect time to maximize value on a top-tier foldable.

Big rollback for petroleum products announced by Department of Energy

June 22, 2026

The Department of Energy (DOE) has announced price adjustments for petroleum products effective June 23–29, 2026. These changes reflect international oil market movements amid ongoing developments in the Middle East that continue to impact global supply and pricing. Meanwhile, the DOE remains committed to strengthening the domestic oil supply and protecting public welfare.

Below is the announced rollbacks by DOE;

  • Gasoline (91, 95, 97) – ₱3.90 to ₱5.90/liter
  • Diesel and Diesel Plus- ₱9.01 – ₱11.04/liter
  • Kerosene – ₱9.82 – ₱11.82/liter

Source: @DOEgovph

Japan to raise visa fees for foreign nationals in first revision in 48 years  

June 22, 2026

Jiji, Staff report

The fee will be increased from the current ¥3,000 to ¥15,000 for a single-entry visa and from ¥6,000 to ¥30,000 for a multiple-entry visa. The new fees will apply to applications submitted on or after July 1.

The fact that Japan has not raise its visa fees in 48 years says a lot. Some countries increase fees annually, while others every every 3 years, which means this increase visa fees by Japan is long over due.

The government has proposed raising fees for residency status changes and stay extensions from the current range of ¥5,500 to ¥6,000 to between ¥10,000 and ¥70,000, while fees for permanent residency applications would increase from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000. The government is aiming to implement the changes sometime before the end of the next fiscal year on March 31, 2027.

Well, it’s not just for tourists but also for Foreigners living in the country.

I’ve done the calculations and here’s the Philippine Peso equivalent for the new visa fees in Japan;

  • single-entry visa – ¥15,000 = ₱5,646.00
  • multiple-entry visa – ¥30,000 = ₱11,292.00
  • residency status changes and stay extensions – ¥10,000 and ¥70,000 = ₱3,764.00 to ₱26,348.00
  • permanent residency applications – ¥200,000 = ₱7,528.00

Note: ₱0.3764 = ¥1.00 via BSP

Saudi surgeons separate 4th Filipino conjoined twins  

June 21, 2026

Joyce Ann L. Rocamora, reporting for Philippine News Agency;

MANILA – Filipino conjoined twins Olivia and Gianna Manuel were successfully separated after a six-hour multistage surgery by Saudi Arabian surgeons in Riyadh, the Saudi Arabia Embassy in Manila said on Friday.

The operation was carried out in six phases involving 22 specialized medical staff at the King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital (KASCH) in Riyadh on June 18 under the Saudi Conjoined Twins Programme (SCTP).

The embassy said the twins are in “stable condition” following the procedure and are being closely monitored at KASCH’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

It added that all costs related to the separation and aftercare were covered entirely by the Saudi government.

Last April 2026, Filipino twins Klea Ann and Maurice Ann Misa after a “complex” 13-hour surgery to be separated under the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program.

24 Filipinos Detained in Russia Repatriated After 9 Months

June 21, 2026

Twenty-four (24) Filipino workers safely returned to Manila on June 21, 2026, after being detained for nine months in Yakutsk, Russia, over immigration violations. The overseas workers, who were reportedly victims of illegal recruitment schemes, had been held without any formal charges.

Their swift release was secured after Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. personally raised their plight during a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit in Kazan. Moving quickly upon Marcos’ appeal, Russian authorities authorized their repatriation within days. The Department of Migrant Workers is currently reviewing their cases for potential human trafficking.

Source: PhilStar

GCash Parent Mynt Authorizes Filing for Potential Initial Public Offering on Philippine Stock Exchange  

June 17, 2026

via Mynt.com.ph;

Mynt, Inc. (“Mynt” or the “Company”), the fintech pioneer behind the Philippines’ number one finance superapp GCash, today announced that its Board of Directors (the “Board”) and shareholders have authorized the Company’s filing of a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and a listing application with the Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc. (PSE) in connection with a potential initial public offering (IPO), with the following terms:‍

  1. The offer will be equivalent to 12.0% of Mynt’s total outstanding capital stock post-IPO (“Firm Shares”), with each common share having a par value of P0.03 per common share.
  2. Firm Shares will consist of both primary and secondary offers.

    3. ‍

This same information has been disclosed by Globe Telecom, Inc. in accordance with corporate governance standards and pertinent disclosure rules and regulations.

Saudi Arabia Splits Points with Uruguay in FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H Opener

June 16, 2026

Saudi Arabia kicked off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a gritty 1-1 draw against powerhouse Uruguay at Miami Stadium. The Saudi Green Falcons stunned the South Americans in the 41st minute when defender Abdulelah Al-Amri headed home from a corner. Despite safe keeping from Saudi goalie Mohammed Al-Owais, Uruguay’s relentless second-half pressure finally paid off in the 79th minute as Maximiliano Araújo swept home a rebound.

With Cape Verde and Spain also playing out a scoreless draw, Group H stands completely wide open, with all four teams locked on exactly one point. The single point is a massive confidence booster for Saudi Arabia, but their road only gets tougher. The tactical stalemate heightens the stakes for the next round of group stage fixtures. Saudi Arabia will face Spain, while Uruguay will battle Cape Verde in matches scheduled for Sunday, June 21, 2026.

Kuwait lists 10 Approved Countries for the Recruitment of Domestic Labor

June 9, 2026

Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior has implemented a new circular regulating domestic worker recruitment, restricting processes to 10 approved source countries.

This decision follows rigorous assessments and recommendations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Health, and the Public Authority for Manpower; in some cases, restrictions specifically apply to female workers.

Under the revised labor procedures, recruitment is exclusively permitted from:

  • South Africa
  • Benin
  • Eritrea
  • Ethiopia
  • Philippines
  • Sri Lanka
  • India
  • Vietnam
  • Nepal
  • Senegal (males only)

To streamline applications, all procedures will be processed through governorate-level service centers. This updated policy, which accounts for diplomatic and administrative factors, is currently in effect across all residency affairs departments. Recruitment from any unlisted nations is now strictly prohibited.

Source: ZAWYA

DOST-PHILVOLCS Cancels Tsunami Warning for Offshore Sarangani

June 8, 2026

via PHIVOLCS Tsunami Information:

A major earthquake occurred in offshore Sarangani on 08 June 2026 at 07:37 AM Philippine Standard Time (PST), located at 05.57°N, 124.98°E with depth of 33 km and a magnitude of 7.8. DOST-PHIVOLCS issued a TSUNAMI WARNING for all coastal communities in the provinces of Sarangani, Basilan, Davao Occidental, South Cotabato Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga Del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay. Immediate evacuation in these areas was recommended. Between 07:45 A.M to 9:30 A.M., the following PHIVOLCS Sea Level Monitoring Stations for tsunami confirmed the occurrence of tsunami with preliminary wave heights:

Location Tsunami Height (meters)
Kiamba, Sarangani 1.48
Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat 0.84
Maasim, Sarangani 0.48
City of Zamboanga 0.25
City of Mati, Davao Oriental 0.21
City of Tandag, Surigao del Sur 0.09

After the extended two-hour observation period, minor sea level disturbances continued to be recorded; however, these observed wave heights are too small to cause damage. In view of these observations, DOST-PHIVOLCS has now cancelled the Tsunami Warning issued for this earthquake event. In the event of strongly felt aftershocks, coastal communities should recognize the natural signs of an impending local tsunami. These include “shake,” a strong earthquake, “drop”, the sudden rise or fall of seawater, and “roar,” the sound of incoming waves. If ANY of these signs are observed, immediately evacuate to higher ground for safety. This will be the final tsunami information issued for this event.

The cancellation of the tsunami warning was issued two hours after the Province of Sarangani was hit by a 7.8-magnitude earthquake that damaged a lot of property and left 19 dead with 12 people still missing.

General Santos hit by 7.8 Earthquake triggering Tsunami warning to 9 Coastal Areas

June 8, 2026

via Rappler;

A magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Sarangani province at 7:37 am on Monday, June 8, rocking many parts of Mindanao and triggering a tsunami warning.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) initially put the earthquake’s magnitude at 7.0.

Damage and aftershocks are expected.

Immediately after the earthquake Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) issued tsunami warning for the following coastal areas:

  • Sarangani
  • Davao Occidental
  • Tawi-tawi
  • Sulu
  • Basilan
  • Zamboanga Del Sur
  • Zamboanga Sibugay
  • Sultan Kudarat
  • South Cotabato

Here are some videos and photos that I saw on my social media accounts.

Earthquake aftershocks and tsunami waves are expected to for hours.

TESDA launches additional free digital courses on the e-TESDA platform  

May 31, 2026

Erl Burtanog, reporting for Yugatech;

The new courses are available through the TESDA Online Program and include content from HP LIFE, a free business and digital skills training platform. Learners can access the courses through TESDA’s online learning portal.

Among the new offerings are lessons on artificial intelligence, covering AI fundamentals, responsible AI use, and practical applications for work and business.

TESDA Secretary Jose Francisco Benitez said the initiative aims to help Filipinos develop skills needed to stay competitive as technology continues to transform industries.

As of this writing, the TESDA Online Program (https://e-tesda.gov.ph) website is down and appeared to have been down for sometime now.

OFW developer builds free software hub to support Filipino students  

May 27, 2026

Sherylin Untalan, reporting for GMA News;

A Filipino full-stack developer developer based in Abu Dhabi is helping students, teachers, and aspiring professionals in the Philippines be able to access free digital tools through a platform designed to lessen dependence on expensive software subscriptions.

Abakada.org, created by Ramon Logan Jr., serves as a curated directory of open-source software focused on education, productivity, design, and development.

The platform was born out of Logan’s own struggles as a student who could not afford licensed software needed for coursework.

Abakada.org is worth visiting, not just for I.T. students but for anyone who wants to learn new skills or a career change.

Knicks Erase 22-Point Deficit to Stun Cavs in Game 1 OT Thriller (115 – 104)

May 20, 2026

The Cleveland Cavaliers held a commanding 22-point lead over the New York Knicks with just 7:52 remaining in regulation. What followed was pure madness. The Knicks unleashed a furious 30-8 run to close out the fourth quarter and force overtime.

Momentum completely shifted in the extra period. The Cavs ran out of gas, scoring just 3 points, while the Knicks poured in 14 to cap off the largest playoff comeback in franchise history with a 115-104 victory.

Jalen Brunson led the charge for New York, dropping 38 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists, while making his presence felt on the defensive end with 3 steals. He got plenty of help, as every Knicks starter scored in double digits. Mikal Bridges netted 18 points, while OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Josh Hart all contributed 13 points apiece.

For the Cavaliers, Donovan Mitchell did everything he could, leading the team with 29 points, 5 rebounds, and a monstrous 6 steals. James Harden and Evan Mobley added 15 points each, but the offense stalled late; Max Strus was the only Cavalier to find the bottom of the net in overtime.

Watch the Knicks end Game 1 with their historic 22 – 11 run.

Cleveland will have just a day to review film and figure out what went wrong before the series resumes for Game 2 on Thursday evening at Madison Square Garden.

Nicholas Kaufman withdraws as Duterte’s ICC lawyer  

May 9, 2026

Jairo Bolledo, reporting for Rappler;

Nicholas Kaufman has requested the International Criminal Court (ICC) to remove him as former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte’s lawyer in the latter’s crimes against humanity case.

This is big, specially that the next court session will be this 27th of May.

Also, it appears that the request to replace Kaufman was from the Former-President himself.

HONOR 600 series Officially Announced

April 26, 2026

Honor has officially announced the HONOR 600 Series, which is now available for pre-order in Saudi Arabia. The series includes the HONOR 600 Lite, HONOR 600, and the HONOR 600 Pro.

HONOR 600 Lite

HONOR 600 Lite

HONOR is positioning the 600 Lite as the accessible entry point to the 600-series, balancing sleek design with reliable performance. It features a vibrant 6.6-inch AMOLED display with a staggering 6,500 nits peak brightness and 3840Hz PWM dimming for eye comfort. Measuring just 7.34mm thick, it manages to house a massive 6,520mAh battery with 45W fast charging, ensuring multi-day endurance for casual users. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7100 Elite chipset and 24GB of RAM (, it handles multitasking with ease. Photography is led by a sharp 108MP main camera, making flagship-level clarity available at a mid-range price point.

HONOR 600

HONOR 600

The AI Photography PowerhouseThe standard HONOR 600 redefines the “accessible flagship” by introducing a professional-grade 200MP Ultra-clear Night Camera. Designed for low-light mastery, it utilizes the AiMAGE architecture and CIPA 6.0 stabilization to capture stunning detail in the dark. Under the hood, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 Mobile Platform processor powers a suite of generative AI tools, including AI Image to Video 2.0. Its 6.57-inch, 2728×1264 OLED screen reaches an industry-leading 8,000 nits brightness. With a 7,000mAh silicon-carbon battery and 80W SuperCharge, the HONOR 600 is a powerhouse for creators who need high-end performance without the “Pro” price tag.

HONOR 600 Pro

HONOR 600 Pro

The HONOR 600 Pro is the definitive choice for enthusiasts, elevating the series with the cutting-edge Snapdragon® 8 Elite Mobile Platform. While it shares the stunning 200MP main sensor and 8,000-nit display of its sibling, the Pro adds a 50MP Periscope Telephoto lens capable of 120x digital zoom. It also introduces 50W wireless charging to complement its 7,000mAh battery. Built for durability, it boasts IP69K ratings for resistance against high-pressure water jets. Integrated with MagicOS 10 and on-device Gemini AI, the 600 Pro stands as a top-tier contender in the 2026 smartphone market.

As the price, the HONOR 600 Lite will retail for SAR 1,698.00 for the 8GB+256GB model, while the HONOR 600 will be SAR 1,799.00 for the same 8GB+256GB variants, and HONOR 600 Pro will retail at SAR 2,999.00 for the 12GB+512GB model.

If you want the full specs, just click on these link for the full specs of HONOR 600 Lite, HONOR 66 and HONOR 600 Pro.

All of HONOR’s 600 series are available for pre-order either from a retailer or directly from Honor’s KSA online store via https://www.honor.com/sa-en/shop/.

GMA News: ICC confirms charges against Rodrigo Duterte, commits ex-President to trial  

April 23, 2026

Joahna Lei Casilao, reporting for GMA News;

In a 50-page document, the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I committed Duterte to face trial on the charges as confirmed, and ordered the court registrar to transmit the decision confirmation of charges and the record of these proceedings.

The confirmed charges are the following:
Count 1: Murder as a crime against humanity in Davao City during the mayoral period of at least the 19 victims, between 2013 and around June 2016, through indirect co-perpetration, ordering and/or inducing, and/or aiding and abetting;

Count 2: Murder as a crime against humanity of ‘high-value targets’ in locations across the Philippines during the presidential period of at least the 14 victims between around July 2016 and July 2017, through indirect co-perpetration, and/or ordering and/or inducing and/or 25(3)(c) (aiding and abetting); and

Count 3: Murder and attempted murder as crimes against humanity in barangay clearance operations in locations across the Philippines during the presidential period of at least the 45 victims (43 murders and two attempted murders) between around July 2016 and September 2018, through indirect co-perpetration, ordering and/or inducing, and/or aiding and abetting.

From ICC;

WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF THE CHARGES ARE CONFIRMED?
If the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber finds that there is sufficient evidence to support the charges against Mr Duterte, it will commit the case against Mr Duterte to trial. The Presidency of the Court will constitute a Trial Chamber responsible for conducting the subsequent phase of the proceedings and composed of three judges other than those who sat on the Pre-Trial bench.

Promptly after it is constituted, the Trial Chamber will hold status conferences, confer with the parties and participants, in order to set the date of the trial and adopt the procedures necessary to facilitate the fair and expeditious conduct of the proceedings. The Chamber will rule on several preliminary issues, including the language(s) to be used at trial, and the timing and the manner of disclosure of evidence.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s confirmation of charges hearing took place from 23 to 27 February 2026. Duterte’s confirmation of charges comes out days after International Criminal Court (ICC) upheld its jurisdiction over the crimes against humanity case filed against former President Rodrigo Duterte and while VP Sara Duterte impeachment is on going.

ABS-CBN: ICC upholds jurisdiction over Duterte case  

April 22, 2026

Katrina Domingo, reporting for ABS-CBN News;

The International Criminal Court (ICC) upheld its jurisdiction over the crimes against humanity case filed against former President Rodrigo Duterte after the tribunal’s Appeals Chamber on Wednesday junked petitions to halt proceedings against the Philippines’ 16th president.

In its April 22 decision, the Appeals Chamber ruled that while the Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute in March 2019, preliminary examinations on the situation in the Philippines started in February 2018, a year before the Duterte administration sent a formal notice to pull back from the treaty governing the ICC.

A majority of the Appeals Chamber rejected all four grounds raised by the defense where it argued that the Pre-Trial Chamber had committed errors in law in ruling that the ICC has jurisdiction over the Duterte case.

Having rejected the appeal, it said the related request for Duterte’s immediate release is moot.

This is big… as in big that the Duterte camp needs to shift their strategy, since the court (ICC) has effectively removed the final major legal obstacle preventing the case from moving toward a full trial and the case has a high probability of going to a full trial.

Video: Earthset by Reid Wiseman

April 20, 2026

The video was taken by Astronaut Reid Wiseman aboard the Artemis II.

Earlier this month, NASA published an called Earthset, written by Monika Luabeya.

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

April 19, 2026

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.

Update: Price Rollback from the Different Petrol Companies in the Philippines

April 13, 2026

These update are from ABS-CBN’s Alvin Elchico (@alvinelchico;

These rollback is bigger than the announcement made by DOE.

Shell

Flying V

Seaoil

Jetti Petroleum

PetroGazz

Petron

UNIOIL

Department of Energy Announces Price Rollback for Petroleum Products

April 12, 2026

This is great news to all car (with ICE) owner, PUV operator and driver.

@@DOEgovph;

𝗥𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞 𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗥𝗧‼️
₱𝟮𝟬.𝟴𝟵 bawas sa 𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘭, ₱𝟰.𝟰𝟯 sa 𝘨𝘢𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘢, ₱𝟴.𝟱𝟬 sa 𝘬𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘦. ⛽️
Hindi tayo titigil. Tuloy-tuloy ang trabaho ng pamahalaan para may tunay na ginhawa sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino.

The announcement was made on the Department of Energy’s (DOE) official FB page; the rollback will take effect this Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

Samsung Galaxy A37 and Galaxy A57 now available in Saudi Arabia

April 11, 2026

Samsung has officially launched the Galaxy A37 5G and Galaxy A57 5G in Saudi Arabia, bringing flagship-tier “Awesome Intelligence” (AI) and premium durability to the mid-range market. Both devices hit shelves across the Kingdom on April 10, 2026.

Galaxy A57 5G

Samsung Galaxy A57 5G

The A57 features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus display with a 1,900-nit peak brightness and 120Hz refresh rate. Powered by the Exynos 1680 (4nm) chip, it introduces a thinner 6.9mm aluminum frame protected by Gorilla Glass Victus+ and an IP68 rating.

  • Camera: 50MP Main (OIS), 12MP Ultra-wide, 5MP Macro.
  • Battery: 5,000 mAh with 45W fast charging.
  • Price: Starts at SAR 1,649 (8GB/128GB).

Galaxy A37 5G

Samsung Galaxy A37 5G

The A37 offers a similar 6.7-inch Super AMOLED experience but utilizes the Exynos 1480 processor. It maintains high-end features like “Circle to Search” and AI-driven photo editing, housed in a slightly thicker 7.4mm body.

  • Camera: 50MP Main (OIS), 8MP Ultra-wide, 5MP Macro.
  • Battery: 5,000 mAh with 45W support.
  • Price: Approximately SAR 1,329

Both phones run Android 16 (One UI 8.5) and come with an industry-leading commitment of 6 years of OS and security updates, ensuring long-term value for the Saudi Markets.

You can can checkout the full specs of the Samsung Galaxy A37 and Samsung Galaxy A57.

DFA announces Delay in Passport Release

April 9, 2026

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has announced passport release delays for applications filed starting the last week of March 2026. Due to logistical and supply chain disruptions caused by the Middle East crisis, the processing time for new ePassports has been extended to 10 to 15 working days.

The DFA is currently collaborating with its third-party printing provider to resolve these issues and restore normal operations. Applicants are advised to account for this updated timeline until further notice while the department works to stabilize the supply chain.

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

April 9, 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.

Sen. Bato dela Rosa the “Top Senate Absentee”

April 9, 2026

Pie Gonzaga, reporting for Rolling Stone Philippines;

How much is a senator’s salary in the Philippines? The Compensation and Position Classification Act of 1989 assigns senators and congressmen a salary grade of 31. This means that they earn P293,191 to P334,059 per month.

The Senate president and House speaker are assigned a salary grade of 32, which puts their range at P347,888 to P398,686 monthly.

Let’s assume that Sen. Bato dela Rosa’s salary is Php293,191/month, and “July 28, 2025 to March 18, 2026” is 7 months and 18 days, that means that he earned roughly Php76,900 per session that he attended.

If this was in “any” University, you will need to drop the subject and if this is any corporation in the Philippines, tardiness is “ground for disciplinary action and up to termination” of employment.

NASA just dropped the most amazing photo from their first flyby images of the Moon captured by NASA’s Artemis II astronauts  

April 9, 2026

NASA;

The first flyby images of the Moon captured by NASA’s Artemis II astronauts during their historic test flight reveal regions no human has ever seen before—including a rare in-space solar eclipse. Released Tuesday, April 7, 2026, the photos were taken on April 6 during the crew’s seven‑hour pass over the lunar far side, marking humanity’s return to the Moon’s vicinity.

The images are borderline 5K images and are some of the best images of the moon.

The 10 hour Lunar flyby was broadcast from NASA’s official Youtube channel.

Iran to allow Philippine-bound and Philippine-flagged ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz

April 2, 2026

Cristina Chi via @PhilstarNews;

BREAKING: Iran assures the Philippines that it will allow Philippine-bound and Philippine-flagged ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Department of Foreign Affairs announced in a statement Thursday, April 2, that Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi today to discuss “stronger bilateral cooperation on all fronts.”

“During the call, the Iranian Foreign Minister assured the Secretary that Iran will allow the safe, unhindered, and expeditious passage through the Strait of Hormuz of Philippine-flagged vessels, energy sources, and all Filipino seafarers,” the DFA says.

Great work by our DFA specially Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro!

This should “hopefully” limit further petrol price hikes in the country.