As announced, the new Apple AirPods Pro 3 is now available for preorder in Saudi Arabia and will retail for SAR 1,049. You can preorder from the Apple Saudi Arabia website and other local retailers such as Jarir, Extra and Aleph.
Posts published in “News & Current Events”
President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on Monday (July 28) delivered his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), tackling a wide range of issues including agriculture, education, transportation, peace, and corruption.
Sun Star published a great article summarizing everything that’s been tackled in the fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.
Apple has officially launched the Apple Store online and Apple Store app for the Saudi Arabian Market, and for the first time Apple is offering direct support in Arabic, making it easy for local customers to explore and shop their favorite Apple products.
Apple; “We are thrilled to bring the Apple Store online and the Apple Store app to Saudi Arabia, offering customers a new way to explore and shop Apple’s extraordinary lineup of products and services,” said Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s senior vice president of Retail and People. “Our customers in Saudi Arabia are passionate about the things they can do with technology, and our teams can’t wait to connect with customers and help them discover how Apple innovations can meaningfully enrich their daily lives.”
To differentiate their “Personalized Shopping Experience” Apple is making it incredibly convenient to own their products. You can get personalized support via chat or phone, receive help with setting up your new device, and even take advantage of the Tamara “Buy Now Pay Later” option, allowing you to pay for your purchases in four interest-free installments. Plus, the Apple Trade In program lets you get credit for your old devices or recycle them responsibly.
Together with the Apple Store online and Apple Store app, Apple will also open its first physical Apple Store locations in Saudi Arabia starting in 2026, with an iconic store already being planned for Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This move reinforces Apple’s commitment to the region, building on existing initiatives like the Apple Developer Academy in Riyadh.
If you have the Apple Store App installed on your devices, this will automatically update to the Saudi Arabian Market or you can https://www.apple.com/sa-en/store, on your desktop.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is urging shipowners and manning agencies to reroute vessels away from the high-risk Red Sea and Gulf of Aden to ensure the safety of Filipino seafarers. This directive comes from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and is a response to recent attacks in the region.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac stressed that simply taking safety precautions isn’t enough; avoiding these areas altogether is the best way to protect seafarers. He also mandated that shipowners and manning agencies report any scheduled passages through these high-risk zones and provide information on Filipino seafarers on board to the DMW’s welfare monitoring system. Failure to report will result in sanctions.
The DMW is actively monitoring the situation, coordinating with other agencies, and providing direct assistance and updates to the families of affected seafarers, emphasizing a “people-first approach” as directed by President Marcos.
You can read the full text of DMW statement below.
𝗗𝗠𝗪 𝗿𝗲𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗱 ‘𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵-𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗸, 𝘄𝗮𝗿-𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲’ 𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀
In line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure the safety and security of Filipino seafarers, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) reiterates its call for shipowners and licensed manning agencies (LMAs) to reroute their vessels away from high-risk areas, particularly traversing the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.In response to recent attacks in the Red Sea, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac reiterated key provisions of the Department Order No. 1, Series of 2024, ensuring protection of Filipino seafarers amid the increasing incidence of hijacking or armed violence against ships passing through the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and surrounding areas.
“We asked shipowners carrying Filipino seafarers to please divert your voyagers. It is not enough to just say, we are taking the necessary safety precautions, the best way to spare our seafarers is to avoid the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden,” Secretary Cacdac emphasized.
In addition, he urged shipowners and manning agencies to report the scheduled passage of ships and those Philippine seafarers on board in our welfare monitoring system including information on deployment or knowledge of any scheduled passage to the Red Sea or Gulf of Aden, emphasizing that “Failure to report such a significant event will result in the imposition of sanctions under the DMW rules and regulations upon the manning agent and the principal.”
“The Department will not hesitate to take firm and lawful action against those who compromise the safety of our seafarers. We owe them protection, not promises,” Cacdac stressed.
The DMW is closely monitoring developments in the region and working in tandem with concerned agencies to coordinate support for seafarers and their families. The DMW already reached out to affected families via phone calls and zoom meeting to ensure that necessary assistance and updates are delivered directly.
“President Marcos has directed us to take a people-first approach—to make sure every Filipino seafarer is accounted for and that their families are given the attention and care they deserve,” Secretary Cacdac ended. ###
READ: A measure seeking to ban political dynasties is filed at the House of Representatives. | via @VivienneGulla
(📸: Makabayan bloc) pic.twitter.com/oxx4jBeDBq
— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) July 2, 2025
ACT Teachers Party List Representative Antonio Tinio and Kabataan Party List Representative Renee Co filed on Monday House Bill 209 or the proposed Anti-Political Dynasty Act.
The measure defines “political dynasty” as a “family or clan that concentrates, consolidates, or perpetuates their political power by holding public office simultaneously or successively.”
Under the bill, “no person shall hold or run for any elective national or local office simultaneously with another within the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity, whether legitimate or illegitimate, full or half blood.”
It also prohibits those within this degree of relationship to an incumbent elected official from immediately succeeding to the position.
If I’m not mistaken, similar bills have been filed before, and since the majority of political personalities are from ‘political dynasties/families,’ I doubt that this new bill will be more successful than the previously filed bills.
Philippine Embassy in Saudi Arabia published this on their official FB page @Philippine Embassy in Saudi Arabia
In light of recent developments in the region, the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh encourages all Filipinos in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to closely monitor the news through reputable sources and check for advisories issued by Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah, and local Saudi authorities.
The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh and the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah stand ready to provide the necessary assistance to all Filipinos in the Kingdom.
Iran today launched a missile attack targeting the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, a major U.S. military installation. The attack, which Iran’s Tasnim news agency called “Annunciation of Victory,” comes as a direct retaliation for recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Loud explosions and flares were reported over Qatar’s capital, Doha, on Monday evening as the Qatari air defense systems, in coordination with the U.S., successfully intercepted the incoming short- and medium-range ballistic missiles. Qatari and U.S. officials swiftly confirmed that there were no casualties or injuries at the base, and minimal to no damage was reported to the facility itself.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) officially claimed responsibility for the attack, stating it was a “devastating and powerful” response to what it characterized as “America’s aggression.”
Reports indicate that Iran had warn Qatar regarding the impending attack, a move that analysts suggest points to a desire to demonstrate capability without causing widespread casualties, potentially aiming for de-escalation rather than all-out conflict. This pre-notification, along with the successful interceptions, allowed for precautionary measures to be taken, including temporary closures of Qatari airspace and advisories for U.S. citizens to shelter in place. In a report by NDTV, several other Gulf countries, including Kuwait, Iraq, UAE, and Bahrain, also temporarily closed their airspace as a precaution.
Al Udeid Air Base is the largest U.S. military installation in the Middle East, serving as the forward headquarters for U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and a critical hub for U.S. operations across the region. It hosts approximately 10,000 U.S. service members, along with Qatari, British, and other allied forces. The base’s strategic importance underscores the gravity of Iran’s direct targeting of the facility.
Reactions to the attack have been swift. Saudi Arabia condemned the “unjustifiable” Iranian aggression, affirming its solidarity and full support for Qatar. Qatar’s Ministry of Defence “considered this a flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the State of Qatar, its airspace, international law, and the United Nations Charter.”
Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Air just announced an order for up to 50 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft (25 firm orders with options for 25 more) at the 55th Edition of Paris Airshow. This strategic acquisition of long-range aircraft, capable of flying over 16,000 km, will allow Riyadh Air to connect the Saudi capital to over 100 global destinations by 2030, aligning with major upcoming events like Riyadh Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034.
This agreement with Airbus will make Riyadh Air’s fleet to a total of 182 ordered aircraft and allow them to offer a premium First-Class cabin experience, complementing their previously revealed Business Class and overall innovative guest service, with flights scheduled to begin in late 2025.
Microsoft and Asus recently unveiled the new ROG Xbox Ally series: ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X. Design-wise, both handhelds will look identical; the difference between the two will be what’s “under the hood.”
The wait is over.
The ROG Xbox Ally Series is here.@Xbox pic.twitter.com/pvP9IQalD7— ROG Global (@ASUS_ROG) June 8, 2025
Let’s first talk about the specs that both the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X share. Both will be running a custom version of Windows 11, which Microsoft said “has been optimized for the ROG Xbox Ally.” Both will have a 7” FHD display with 1080p resolution, 500 nits, a 16:9 aspect ratio, and a 120Hz refresh rate. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus with DXC Anti-Reflection. Both will also have similar I/O Ports, Network and Communication, and dimensions. You can check out the specs comparison table below.
As for the specs that separate the two, first we have the processor. On the Ally, it will be using the AMD Ryzen™ Z2 A Processor, while on the Ally X, it will be using the new AMD Ryzen™ AI Z2 Extreme Processor. The RAM and Storage will also be different: the Ally will have 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB for storage, while the Ally X will have 24 GB for RAM and 1TB for storage. The Ally X will also have a bigger 80Wh battery, while the ROG Ally will be using a 60Wh battery.
ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X Specs
| ROG Xbox Ally | ROG Xbox Ally X | |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
| Comfort & input | Contoured grips inspired by Xbox Wireless Controllers deliver all-day comfort. ABXY buttons / D-pad / L & R Hall Effect analog triggers / L & R bumpers / Xbox button / View button / Menu button / Command Center button / Library button / 2x assignable back buttons / 2x full-size analog sticks / HD haptics / 6-Axis IMU | Contoured grips inspired by Xbox Wireless Controllers deliver all-day comfort, complete with impulse triggers for enhanced control. ABXY buttons / D-pad / L & R impulse triggers / L & R bumpers / Xbox button / View button / Menu button / Command Center button / Library button / 2x assignable back buttons / 2x full-size analog sticks / HD haptics / 6-Axis IMU |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen™ Z2 A Processor | AMD Ryzen™ AI Z2 Extreme Processor |
| Memory | 16GB LPDDR5X-6400 | 24GB LPDDR5X-8000 |
| Storage | 512GB M.2 2280 SSD for easier upgrade | 1TB M.2 2280 SSD for easier upgrade |
| Display | 7” FHD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 16:9 120Hz refresh rate FreeSync Premium Corning Gorilla Glass Victus + DXC Anti-Reflection |
7” FHD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 16:9 120Hz refresh rate FreeSync Premium Corning Gorilla Glass Victus + DXC Anti-Reflection |
| I/O Ports | 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with DisplayPort™ 1.4 / Power Delivery 3.0 | 1x USB4 Type-C with DisplayPort™ 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.0, Thunderbolt™ 4 compatible |
| 1x UHS-II microSD card reader (supports SD, SDXC and SDHC) | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with DisplayPort™ 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.0 | |
| 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack | 1x UHS-II microSD card reader (supports SD, SDXC and SDHC; UHS-I with DDR200 mode) | |
| 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack | ||
| Network and Communication | Wi-Fi 6E (2 x 2) + Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 6E (2 x 2) + Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Dimensions | 290.8*121.5*50.7mm | 290.8*121.5*50.7mm |
| 670g | 715g | |
| Battery | 60Wh | 80Wh |
| Included | ROG Xbox Ally 65W charger Stand | ROG Xbox Ally X 65W charger Stand |
The Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X are now available in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States, with availability to follow for other markets where ROG Ally series products are sold.
The ROG Xbox Ally X will retail in Saudi Arabia for SAR 3,499.00, while the price for the 2024 ROG Xbox Ally is yet to be announced.
It’s official, below are the 12 Senatorial Candidates who are elected by the Filipino People to serve as the new Senators for the next 6 years.
- Sen. Bong Go – 27,121,073 votes
- Former senator Bam Aquino – 20,971,899 votes
- Sen. Ronald dela Rosa – 20,773,946 votes
- ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo – 17,118,881 votes
- Former senator Francis Pangilinan – 15,343,229
- SAGIP party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta – 15,250,723
- Former senator Panfilo Lacson – 15,106,111
- Former Senate president Vicente Sotto III – 14,832,996
- Sen. Pia Cayetano – 14,573,430
- Las Piñas City Rep. Camille Villar – 13,651,274
- Sen. Lito Lapid – 13,394,102
- Sen. Imee Marcos – 13,339,227
As for Party-list, the top five party-list groups are;
- Akbayan (2,779,621 votes)
- Duterte Youth (2,338,564)
- Tingog (1,822,708)
- 4Ps (1,469,571)
- ACT-CIS (1,239,930)
- Ako Bicol (1,073,119)
In an article on PNA, “The NBOC canvassed a total of 175 certificates of canvass (COCs), including from overseas — 58 on Tuesday, the first day of canvassing; 101 on Wednesday; and 16 COCs on Thursday. The poll body said the tally released is still subject to auditing.”
If Boston had a choke job against the New York, then this time it was the NY Knick who had a choke job against the Indiana Pacers. The New York Knicks who are playing in their home floor and was leading by 17-points (111 – 94) with just 6:26 mins remaining in regulation then the Pacers went on a 31 to 14 run to tie the game at 125 to extend the game to over time.
WHAT A NIGHT FOR AARON NESMITH ‼️
🎯 30 PTS (20 in 4Q)
🎯 8 3PM (6 in 4Q)
🎯 2 BLKAt his best when the lights were brightest 😤 pic.twitter.com/cbX3q8Ned2
— NBA (@NBA) May 22, 2025
Aaron Nesmith led the Pacers’ run in the 4th quarter, making 6 consecutive three-pointers and scoring 30 points, while Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 31 points, 4 rebounds, and 11 assists. Haliburton made a game-tying 23-foot step-back jump shot to beat the game clock and extend the game for another 5 minutes.
you cannot make this up.
the basket to tie it from Tyrese Haliburton and force OT. pic.twitter.com/xqT7gKwmuO
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) May 22, 2025
Jalen Brunson lead the Knicks with 43 points and 5 assists but committed 7 turn over, Karl-Anthony Towns added 35 points and 12 rebounds but missed two free-throw that could have given the Knicks a 5 point lead with 14.1 secs remaining in regulation.
Both team will be back at MSG this Saturday, May 24, 2025, for Game 2 of the East Conference Finals.
At 97.37% of Total Election Results Processed as of May 14, 2025, 2:12 PM, Philippine time, this is the latest results of “Senatorial Race for Election 2025”
Instead of the top 20, I’ll just list the top 15, since the top 10 have already seated for the position.
| Rank | Candidates | Votes | Percent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bong Go (PDPLBN) | 26,488,932 | 37.96% |
| 2 | Bam Aquino (KNP) | 20,637,230 | 29.58% |
| 3 | Bato Dela Rosa (PDPLBN) | 20,272,159 | 29.05% |
| 4 | Erwin Tulfo (LAKAS) | 16,815,662 | 24.10% |
| 5 | Kiko Pangilinan (LP) | 15,088,124 | 21.62% |
| 6 | Rodante Marcoleta (IND) | 14,910,611 | 21.37% |
| 7 | Ping Lacson (IND) | 14,857,131 | 21.29% |
| 8 | Tito Sotto (NPC) | 14,596,610 | 20.92% |
| 9 | Pia Cayetano (NP) | 14,306,916 | 20.50% |
| 10 | Camille Villar (NP) | 13,360,070 | 19.15% |
| 11 | Lito Lapid (NPC) | 13,121,188 | 18.81% |
| 12 | Imee R Marcos (NP) | 13,037,96 | 18.69% |
| 13 | Ben Bitag Tulfo (IND) | 11,886,773 | 17.04% |
| 14 | Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.(LAKAS) | 11,789,974 | 16.90% |
| 15 | Abby Binay (NPC) | 11,569,910 | 16.58% |
For the election results in the local level, please visit Rappler’s Election Homepage.
80.26% precincts reporting as of May 13, 2025, 5:02 AM (PH local time). These are partial, unofficial results for the 2025 national and local elections based on data from the Comelec Media Server.
Before the end of the day tomorrow, May 13, 2025, Comelec will likely proclaim the winners for both the National and local level, since the election returns that have been received is at 98.42%, while the Overseas ERs is at 84.29%.
| Rank | Candidates | Votes | Percent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bong Go (PDPLBN) | 21,729,790 | 31.14% |
| 2 | Bam Aquino (KNP) | 16,794,699 | 24.07% |
| 3 | Bato Dela Rosa (PDPLBN) | 16,639,300 | 23.85% |
| 4 | Erwin Tulfo (LAKAS) | 13,781,873 | 19.75% |
| 5 | Kiko Pangilinan (LP) | 12,278,641 | 17.60% |
| 6 | Rodante Marcoleta (IND) | 12,200,940 | 17.49% |
| 7 | Ping Lacson (IND) | 12,116,320 | 17.37% |
| 8 | Tito Sotto (NPC) | 11,909,561 | 17.07% |
| 9 | Pia Cayetano (NP) | 11,684,846 | 16.75% |
| 10 | Camille Villar (NP) | 10,997,784 | 15.76% |
| 11 | Lito Lapid (NPC) | 10,793,298 | 15.47% |
| 12 | Imee R Marcos (NP) | 10,697,840 | 15.33% |
| 13 | Ben Bitag Tulfo (IND) | 9,722,361 | 13.93% |
| 14 | Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.(LAKAS) | 9,716,009 | 13.93% |
| 15 | Abby Binay (NPC) | 9,476,986 | 13.58% |
| 16 | Benhur Abalos (PFP) | 9,291,284 | 13.32% |
| 17 | Jimmy Bondoc (PDPLBN) | 8,496,073 | 12.18% |
| 18 | Manny “Pacman” (PFP) | 8,383,304 | 12.01% |
| 19 | Phillip “Ipe” Salvador (PDPLBN) | 8,236,467 | 11.80% |
| 20 | Bosita Bonifacio (IND) | 7,834,722 | 11.23% |
If you are closely monitoring the senatorial race, then you do not need to worry if your candidate is in the top 6 or even top 10, the last 3 or 2 position will determine if the candidate will have a seat at the Senate by the end of this election.
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.
Commission on Election (COMELEC) just extended the enrolment period for internet voting until May 10th, this is to encourage registered Filipinos voters abroad to vote this coming election. Once enrolled, you can start voting until 7:00 PM of May 12th (Ph Time).
To enroll;, please visit: https://ov.comelec.gov.ph/enroll.
Malacañang has declared May 12th as a nation wide special non-working holiday, this is to allow Filipinos to vote for both local and national elections. Proclamation No. 878 was signed by the President early this month.
This election will be a pivotal for the country, since a lot of things depends on this coming election, specially in the Senate and Congress.
You can read the entirety of Proclamation No. 878 here.
An SUV crashed into the entrance of NAIA Terminal 1 Departure area on Sunday morning May 4th. According to the police, two died and three injured because of the incident.
You can watch CCTV footage of the incident as posted by @ABC-CBN News.
WATCH: CCTV footage shows how an SUV crashed into the departure entrance of NAIA Terminal 1 on Sunday morning, May 4.
The incident left two people dead and three injured, according to police.
(Video courtesy of Raoul Esperas)
Read more: https://t.co/IAqYVQQc6g pic.twitter.com/7PHqoWN6i8
— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) May 4, 2025
In a follow-up report, LTO ordered the 90-day suspension of the license of the driver involved in the NAIA Terminal 1 accident and NAIA Infra Corp. will “provide immediate aid to the victims of the car crash.”
Not a good way to start the week! 🙁
Following President Marcos Jr.’s order to safeguard overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from illegal recruitment, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) conducted an entrapment operation on April 28, 2025, leading to the closure of a church in Baras, Rizal.
Migrant Workers Secretary Cacdac directed the shutdown of Faithful Promise Foundation Philippines Inc., also known as Faithful Promise of Jesus Christ the Greatest Master Phil. Inc. and Faithful Promise Church in the Philippines, located in Santo Niño Compound, Sitio Paenaan, Baras, Rizal. The church was found to be illegally recruiting individuals for jobs in Japan, Korea, and Papua New Guinea.
Undersecretary Olalia explained that the operation followed surveillance and the arrest of Pastora Esclarmonde Estrada Basalio, who was recruiting without DMW authorization. He stated that initial victims were fellow parishioners who reported the illegal activities, which were subsequently validated. Olalia noted instances of offloaded workers, ongoing illegal fee collection, and the recruitment of both departed and prospective OFWs. He emphasized that undocumented or improperly documented departures put lives at risk, underscoring the DMW’s concern for the well-being of OFWs and their families.
NBI Cavite North District Office Chief Nuqui revealed that the recruiter charged victims Php50,000 for processing and documents under the pretense of community work. He also reported receiving information about victims who arrived in other countries without the promised jobs.
Assistant Secretary Alcantara indicated that most victims were destined for construction and basic elementary occupations in Japan. The recruiter allegedly promised various jobs, including factory workers, tea pickers, clerks, accountants, mechanical engineers, and construction workers in Japan, Korea, and Papua New Guinea, with salaries ranging from Php36,000 to Php120,000.
Victims were reportedly issued tourist visas under the guise of missionary work and instructed to misrepresent their purpose to Immigration. Some were prevented from leaving, others were already deployed, and some were awaiting departure.
The closure operation was a joint effort by the DMW’s Migrant Workers Protection Bureau (MWPB) and the NBI. The DMW encourages individuals victimized by this religious group to report their cases to the MWPB via the hotline +63 2 8721-0619, email mwpb@dmw.gov.ph, or Facebook page (@dmwairtip.
Source: @dmw.gov.ph
𝐁𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬 pic.twitter.com/IGUpksJNmz
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) April 29, 2025
Castle beat Atlanta’s Zaccharie Risacher and Memphis’s Jaylen Wells by a huge margin.
A global media panel of 100 voters selected the winner of the 2024-25 Kia NBA Rookie of the Year Award.
The complete voting results ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/VrvxR9N4tT
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) April 29, 2025
Stephon Castle is the 4th overall pick of the San Antonio, last year Spur’s Victor Wembanyama took home the ROY award.
Here’s the official announcement by for this year’s Rookie of the Year Award.
The moment it became official 👏 pic.twitter.com/1Tjwn57oII
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) April 29, 2025
You can also read NBA’s official statement here.
Here’s some bad news for the frequent flyer, sincce the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), through Memorandum Circular 019-2025, has announced that they will be increasing Passenger Service Charges (PSC) or terminal fees for the first time in about 20 years.
The adjustment will take effect for tickets purchased on or after April 21, 2025. Previous rates will apply for tickets bought before April 21st. CAAP explained that the increased fees will be use to fund necessary upgrades and improve passenger experience at CAAP-managed airports nationwide.
Below are the updated PSC/Terminal fees;
- ₱900.00 – International Departures from International, Principal Class 1, and Principal Class 2 Airports
- ₱350.00 – International Airports
- ₱300.00 – Principal Class 1 Airports
- ₱200.00 – Principal Class 2 Airports
- ₱100.00 – Community Airports
CAAP said that the adjustment, driven by inflation and rising costs, will enable them to maintain safety standards and enhance airport facilities, especially in regional areas crucial for tourism and economic growth. Childen under 2 years old, OFW, Transite passenger and those who are denied entry are excempted from paying terminal fees.
Source: @caaphilippines
Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta. pic.twitter.com/jUIkbplVi2
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) April 21, 2025
Joshua McElwee reporting for Reuters, “He was 88, and had suffered a serious bout of double pneumonia this year, but his death came as a shock after he had been driven around St. Peter’s Square in an open-air popemobile to greet cheering crowds on Easter Sunday.”
To choose for his successor, CNN reports “Cardinals from around the world must gather for the conclave in which Francis’ successor is selected. It typically takes between two and three weeks for a pope to be chosen, though it can stretch slightly beyond that if cardinals struggle to agree on a candidate.”
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis is the successor of Pope Benedict XVI after he resigned on February 28 2013. Bergoglio was elected via papal conclave on 13 March. He chose Francis as his papal name in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi. Pope Francis is “the first pope from the Society of Jesus (the Jesuit Order), the first from the Americas and the Southern Hemisphere, and the first born or raised outside Europe since the 8th-century Syrian pope Gregory III.”
Pope Francis was the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church, according to the official list maintained by the Vatican in the Annuario Pontificio (Pontifical Yearbook).
Google Maps has updated its maps to make the label “West Philippine Sea” (WPS) more visible for the waters west of the Philippines. This has been praised in the Philippines as it reinforces their claim over this part of the South China Sea.
Before, the WPS label might have been harder to see. Now, it’s clearer even when zoomed out. Filipino leaders and the military see this as important recognition of their rights, especially after the 2016 international court ruling that favored the Philippines over China’s broader claims in the area.
Under Administrative Order No. 29, the Philippines officially named this area the West Philippine Sea in 2012, covering 200 miles Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the West Philippine Sea. While China still calls it the South China Sea and disagrees with the international court’s decision, many Filipinos view Google’s update as a positive step in raising global awareness and acknowledging their sovereignty.
In a press release by the Philippines Government, Senate Majority Leader Francis ‘TOL’ Tolentino said “Growing global recognition for WPS represents a victory for all Filipinos. It is also an affirmation of the correctness of the Philippines’ current policy to assert its sovereign rights in line with international law and multilateralism.” Tolentino is the principal author of the landmark Philippine Maritime Zones Law (Republic Act 12064).
Tesla has officially launch its showroom and service center in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Located in Bujairi Terrace in historic Diriyah.
In an article on AP, “The facility will offer models, including Model 3, Model Y and the Cybertruck, and pop-up stores are also opening in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.”
Just like in the Philippines, Tesla KSA will initially offer the Model 3 and the Model Y crossover in the country. The Model 3 is the EV sedan, while the New Model Y is the crossover EV.
Model 3 will available 4 variants; the Rear–Wheel Drive, Long Range Rear–Wheel Drive (RWD), Long Range All–Wheel Drive (AWD) and Performance AWD.
The base model for the Model 3 (RWD) will have an estimated range of 513km, top speed of 201 km/h and with an acceleration of 0-100 km/h in 6.21 secs.
Model 3
- Rear–Wheel Drive – SAR 169,990.00
- Long Range Rear–Wheel Drive (RWD) – SAR 189,990.00
- Long Range All–Wheel Drive (AWD) – SAR 199,990.00
- Performance All–Wheel Drive (AWD) – SAR 224,990.00
The Model Y on the other hand will be available in 3 variants; Rear–Wheel Drive, Long Range Rear–Wheel Drive (RWD) and Long Range All–Wheel Drive (AWD).
The base model for the Model Y (RWD) on the other hand will have an estimated range of 455km, top speed of 217km/h and with an acceleration of 0-100 km/h in 6.9 secs.
Model Y
- Rear–Wheel Drive – SAR 199,990.00
- Long Range Rear–Wheel Drive (RWD) – SAR 219,990.00
- Long Range All–Wheel Drive (AWD)) – SAR 299,990.00
Tesla KSA offers Cash, Lease or 50/50 Lease when buying any of their offerings.
This article was originally published on allthingsev.net as Tesla opens its first showroom and service center in Saudi Arabia.
معًا دومًا، في أي وقت، وأي مكان.#NintendoSwitch2 ينطلق في 5 يونيو! pic.twitter.com/2fRUlSnguA
— نينتندو السعودية (الممثل الرسمي) (@NintendoSaudi) April 2, 2025
Good news for those who are in Saudi Arabia, the recently announce Nintendo Switch 2 is now available for pre-order.
Here are the pricing for the Nintendo Switch 2 in the Kingdom.
- Nintendo Switch 2 with Joy-Con 2 Controller – SAR 1,999.00
- Nintendo Switch 2 bundle with Mario Kart World – SAR 2,199.00
As for the accessories;
- Nintendo Switch 2 Camera – SAR 279.00
- Nintendo Joy-Con 2 (L)/(R) Controller – SAR 399.00
- Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller – SAR 359.00
Pre-order period will until June 5th with shipping and collection is expected to start between June 2nd to June 10th, 2025.
To pre-order, you can to Jarir.