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Posts tagged as “Philippines”

Pricing of the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max in the Philippines

September 11, 2026
Pricing of the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max in the Philippines

Together with the iPhone Duo, Apple has officially release the pricing information of the next generation iPhone the Philippines and here are the pricing of the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max.

Storage Variant iPhone 18 Pro iPhone 18 Pro Max
256GB ₱94,990.00 ₱99,990.00
512GB ₱110,990.00 ₱115,990.00
1TB ₱142,990.00 ₱147,990.00
2TB ₱189,990.00 ₱194,990.00

Similar to the iPhone Duo, there is no word yet on when the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will be available locally—even though pre-orders in other markets begin this Friday, September 12, with in-store availability starting September 18.

iPhone 18 Pro is Apple’s most powerful iPhone yet. It features the A20 Pro chip, which has exceptional AI capabilities and is cooled by a next-generation vapor chamber. It delivers the longest battery life ever in an iPhone — 6 more hours of video playback on iPhone 18 Pro Max compared with iPhone 17 Pro Max. A Pro camera system with variable aperture, greater depth of field, and better-quality low-light photos. And Siri AI, your more personal, more powerful AI assistant.

Technical Specifications for iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max

Feature iPhone 18 Pro iPhone 18 Pro Max
Display Super Retina XDR ProMotion (1-120Hz), 2868-by-1320-pixel resolution at 460 ppi Super Retina XDR ProMotion (1-120Hz), 2868-by-1320-pixel resolution at 460 ppi
Processor A20 Pro (2nm, 6-Core CPU, 7-core GPU with Neural Accelerators) A20 Pro (2nm, 6-Core CPU, 7-core GPU with Neural Accelerators)
Neural Engine Dual 16-Core Neural Engine (32 Cores total) Dual 16-Core Neural Engine (32 Cores total)
Main Camera 48MP Fusion Main Ultra Wide with variable aperture with Ultra Wide 48MP Fusion Telephoto 48MP Fusion Main Ultra Wide with variable aperture with Ultra Wide 48MP Fusion Telephoto
Front Camera 18MP Center Stage front camera 18MP Center Stage front camera
Video Recording 4K Dolby Vision, Cinematic post-processing 4K Dolby Vision, Cinematic post-processing
Connectivity Apple N1 (Wi-Fi 7, BT 6, Thread) + C2 Modem Apple N1 (Wi-Fi 7, BT 6, Thread) + C2 Modem
Battery Life Up to 36 hours video playback Up to 45 hours video playback
Storage Options 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
Color Finishes Black, Silver, Glacier, Burgundy Black, Silver, Glacier, Burgundy

**iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max Full Tech Specs here.

iPhone Duo Pricing in the Philippines

September 10, 2026
iPhone Duo Pricing in the Philippines

Just hours after the Apple Sept. 9 ‘Surprise and Shine’ Event, information about the iPhone Duo became available in the Apple’s Philippines Store and as expected the price for the iPhone Duo in the Philippines is on the highest of the high end.

Storage Variant iPhone Duo
256GB ₱ 159,990.00
512GB ₱ 175,990.00
1TB ₱ 207,990.00
2TB ₱ 254,990.00

No word yet on when it will become available in the country, since pre-orders for the iPhone Duo in other markets will start on Friday, October 16, and will be in-store and online availability on Friday, October 23.

iPhone Duo Specs

Feature Official Specification
Inner Display 7.6-inch Flexible OLED, Super Retina XDR (1-120Hz ProMotion)
Outer Cover Display 5.4-inch OLED, Super Retina XDR (1-120Hz ProMotion)
Build Materials Polished Grade 5 Titanium Chassis, Ceramic Shield
Processor A20 Pro (2nm architecture, 6-core CPU, 7-core GPU)
Neural Engine Dual 16-Core Neural Engine (32 Cores total)
Main Cameras Dual 48MP Fusion Camera System (Main + Ultra Wide)
Front Cameras – (Outer) 12MP Center Stage Camera
– (Inner) Under-display FaceTime camera
Stylus Support Apple Pencil compatible (Inner and Outer Display)
Wireless Silicon Apple N1 (Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, Thread) + C2 Cellular Modem
Battery Endurance Up to 44 hours video playback (outer display) / Up to 31 hours (inner display)
Storage Configurations 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
Color Finishes Star White, Night Sky

Meta to Set Up Local Office in Philippines

August 30, 2026
Meta to Set Up Local Office in Philippines

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag announced that Meta, parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has agreed to establish an office in the Philippines to speed up communication with authorities on taking down harmful content so Meta could be reached about all the posts officials ask them to remove immediately.
Philstar.com

The decision followed complaints from the DICT and CICC that Meta had been hard to reach, lacking a full-fledged local presence. Meta was represented in the Singapore talks by Sarim Aziz, director for public policy in Southeast Asia, and Gio Tiongson, head of public policy in the Philippines.
Newsbytes

Meta also committed to sharing data to combat nihilistic violent extremism, linked to the Tacloban and Zamboanga school shootings. Reports noted a CICC official said Meta previously took seven to nine minutes to remove the livestreamed Zamboanga shooting video.

Source: Yugatech, Philstar

Gilas Pilipinas Edges Jordan in FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers Thriller (82-81)

August 28, 2026
Gilas Pilipinas Edges Jordan in FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers Thriller (82-81)

Gilas Pilipinas pulled off a dramatic 82-81 overtime victory against Jordan to open the second round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Overcoming an 18-point deficit, the Philippines relied on sheer grit and dominant rebounding to force extra time. Late in overtime, Kevin Quiambao knocked down a go-ahead three-pointer with 13 seconds remaining to put Gilas ahead by one. On Jordan’s final possession, Abdullah Olajuwon drove for a potential game-winning layup, but Kai Sotto swatted the shot away as time expired, sealing the emotional victory and snapping a four-game losing streak for the national team.

Kai Sotto’s game-winning block;

Sotto stood out as the undisputed top performer of the game. Returning to the national lineup, the 7-foot-3 center put up a monster double-double with 18 points, 14 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks in 36 minutes of action. CJ Perez added crucial scoring depth with 16 points, while Dwight Ramos and Kevin Quiambao contributed 14 points each. Sotto’s dominance inside and final defensive heroics breathed vital life into the country’s World Cup qualification campaign.

Full gamehighlights

Entering the second round with a sub-.500 record, Gilas would have been placed in a severe hole with a loss against Jordan. The win improves their record to 3-4 in Group E, keeping them within striking distance of the top qualifying spots for Qatar 2027. Gilas Pilipinas will face off against Iran on August 30 at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena, while Jordan plays Australia at the same venue on the same day.

Source: FIBA

HONOR Magic V6 now available in the Philippines for ₱120,000.00

August 25, 2026
HONOR Magic V6 now available in the Philippines for ₱120,000.00

HONOR Philippines just announced that their Magic V6 foldable smartphone is now available in the country with a SRP of ₱119,999.00.

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

The HONOR Magic V6 foldable is currently available for preorder starting today until Sept 4th. Those who will preorder the Magic V6 will receive an HONOR Pad X8b worth ₱12,999, plus EXCLUSIVE HONOR VIP Service with 1 Year FREE Screen and Body Replacement Warranty.

Alex Eala Rises to World No. 18, Making Southeast Asian WTA History

August 24, 2026
Alex Eala Rises to World No. 18, Making Southeast Asian WTA History

Philippine tennis sensation Alexandra “Alex” Eala has etched her name into the history books once again, scaling a new peak as the world No. 18 in the official Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) singles rankings. With this monumental ascent, the 21-year-old becomes the highest-ranked Southeast Asian woman in WTA singles history, surpassing legendary milestones previously set across the region.

By breaking into the top 18, Eala eclipses the historic records long held by regional icons, including Indonesia’s Yayuk Basuki and Thailand’s Tamarine Tanasugarn, who both reached career highs of world No. 19. Her rise marks the first time a player from the Philippines—or Southeast Asia as a whole—has reached this altitude in the WTA singles standings.

This milestone follows a relentless string of standout performances on the tour, highlighted by her breakthrough title run at the WTA 500 Washington Open, where she officially crashed into the top 20. Alongside her new career-high ranking, Eala remains the first Filipino to capture a WTA Tour singles title, reach a WTA 1000 semifinal, and advance to the fourth round of a Grand Slam.

Eala’s steady progress is the result of years of disciplined growth, beginning with her junior Grand Slam titles and time at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Spain. Her transition to the senior tour has been defined by clutch performances against top-tier opposition, aggressive left-handed baseline play, and relentless court coverage.

Her recent surge up the rankings reinforces a broader trend of Asian talent making waves on the global stage, positioning Eala as both a seeded contender at Grand Slams and a beacon of inspiration for young athletes across the Philippines and Southeast Asia.

Source: TieBreaker Times

ArabNews: More Saudis choose Philippine universities for English, medical programs  

August 23, 2026

Ellie Aben, reporting for ArabNews;

Medical education in the Philippines can cost foreign students roughly $3,000 to $6,000 a year in tuition, while the costs of living are a fraction of what they would pay in Europe or the US.

The Philippine institutions are also globally recognized for their quality, and Saudis are familiar with Filipino medics and nurses, as many of them work in the Kingdom.

That many countries prefer Filipino nurses speaks to both the high standard of Philippine medical education and the strong work ethic of the nurses themselves.

Indiana Fever’s message to its international fans for International Night this Saturday against the Liberty

July 16, 2026

You could say that “Basketball is the unofficial national sports in the Philippines!”

Australia routs Gilas Pilipinas for 50-points to advance to the second round (92 – 49)

July 7, 2026
Australia routs Gilas Pilipinas for 50-points to advance to the second round (92 – 49)

FIBA;

Australia never trailed and led for 38:05 as they delivered a blowout win over the Philippines, 92-49, on July 6, 2026, at RAC Arena in Perth in the 1st Round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers. The hosts seized control with a dominant opening quarter, built a double-digit cushion by halftime, and continued to widen the gap in the second half, outscoring the Philippines in both the third and fourth quarters to put the game to bed.

Despite the blowout, Gilas Pilipinas (2-4) will advance to the second round of qualifiers starting this August, where they face tougher opponents. They carry over their record, leaving them with little margin for error. Meanwhile, the undefeated Boomers (6-0) comfortably march forward, safely securing the top spot in Group E for the second round.

Full Game highlights;

How Rafa Nadal Academy Scholarship at 13 Launched Alexandra Eala to WTA Top 30  

July 5, 2026

Arthur Millot, writing for TennisTemple;

Her destiny shifted during a well-known event among junior tennis specialists: Les Petits As.

Her performance caught attention, and recruiters from the Spanish academy spotted her.

A moment she’ll never forget: “We were there and we won, and the Rafa Nadal Academy contacted me, so it was a big event.”

This contact marked a decisive turning point, as the Rafa Nadal Academy offered her a scholarship.

A rare privilege for a young player from a country lacking major tennis infrastructure.

This support changed everything: no more financial pressure, access to top-level facilities, daily professional coaching.

This is Alex Eala’s origin story.

A short article but worth reading specially if you’re one the people who follows her tennis career.

Although she comes from a privileged background, what Alex has achieved at this stage in her tennis career still takes immense hard work and training.

ASUS ExpertBook Ultra now in the Philippines

July 5, 2026
ASUS ExpertBook Ultra now in the Philippines

ASUS Business Philippines has officially launched the flagship ExpertBook Ultra, an AI-powered premium laptop tailored for mobile executives. Weighing just 0.99kg with a svelte 10.9mm profile, this featherweight workstation is built from aerospace-grade magnesium-aluminum alloy.

Under the hood, it features up to an Intel Core Ultra X9 processor, a 50 TOPS NPU for localized AI workloads, and a stunning 14-inch 3K Tandem OLED touchscreen.

Image: ASUS ExpertBook Ultra via asus.com/ph

Here are the key specs of the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra;

Specification Details
Model P5405CSA (Misty Grey)
Operating System Windows 11 Pro
Processor • Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 Processor 258V 32GB 2.2 GHz(12MB Cache, up to 4.8 GHz, 8 cores, 8 Threads); Intel® AI Boost NPU up to 47 TOPS
• Intel® Core™ Ultra 5 Processor 226V 16GB 2.1 GHz (8MB Cache, up to 4.5GHz, 8 cores, 8 Threads); Intel® AI Boost NPU up to 40 TOPS
Neural Processor Intel® AI Boost NPU (Up to 47 TOPS)
Graphics • Intel® Arc™ 140V GPU
• Intel® Arc™ 130V GPU
Display 14.0-inch WQXGA (2560 x 1600) 16:10, Non-touch,Anti-glare, LED Backlit, 400 nits, 100% sRGB, 90% screen-to-body ratio
Memory • 16GB LPDDR5X
• 32GB LPDDR5X
Storage • 512 GB M.2 2280 NVMe™ PCIe® 4.0 SSD
• 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe™ PCIe® 4.0 SSD
Expansion Slots • 1x M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0×4
• 1x M.2 2230 PCIe 4.0×4
I/O Ports • 2x Thunderbolt™ 4 (supports display / power delivery / USB4compliance)
• 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
• 1x USB 2.0 Type-A
• 1x HDMI 2.1
Camera 1080p FHD camera with IR function (supports WindowsHello) and privacy shutter
Audio Dolby Atmos, Smart Amp Technology, built-in arraymicrophone
Connectivity Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)/Wi-Fi 7(802.11be) (Triple band)2*2 + Bluetooth® 5.4 Wireless Card
Battery 63WHrs, 3S1P, 3-cell Li-ion (Long-life rechargeablelithium polymer)
Power Supply TYPE-C, 65W AC Adapter (Output: 20V DC, 3.25A; Input:100~240V AC universal)
Durability US MIL-STD 810H military-grade standard
Security Microsoft Pluton, Fingerprint sensor (integrated withPower Key), IR webcam, Kensington Nano Security Slot™, BIOS Self Recovery,TPM support
Weight Starts from 1.20 kg (2.65 lbs)
Dimensions 31.20x 22.32 x 1.28 ~ 1.64 cm (12.28″ x 8.79″ x 0.50″ ~ 0.65″)

The ASUS ExpertBook Ultra is now available nationwide through authorized physical stores and official Lazada and Shopee e-commerce platforms. Pricing starts at PHP 129,995, with select early bird promotional bundles available for early adopters.

Source: Yugatech

Alex Eala’s Historic Draw and Schedule for Wimbledon 2026

June 27, 2026
Alex Eala’s Historic Draw and Schedule for Wimbledon 2026

The 2026 Wimbledon Championships mark a historic milestone for Philippine tennis. Reaching a career-high world No. 30, 21-year-old Alex Eala has secured the No. 29 seed, becoming the first Filipina ever to be seeded at a Grand Slam singles tournament. Fueled by an impressive grass-court season, including a title in Birmingham and a semifinal run in Berlin, Eala is primed for the grand stage.

The women’s singles draw pits Eala against Mexico’s Renata Zarazúa (world No. 76) in the first round on Tuesday, June 30. A victory could set up a blockbuster second-round clash against 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams.

Alongside her historic singles run, Eala will contest the women’s doubles draw with Czech partner Nikola Bartůňková. The duo looks to build on the strong grass-court chemistry they displayed during their recent run at the Birmingham Open.

Source: olympics.com

Alex Eala Cruises to Victory Over Zhang Shuai at HSBC Championships

June 9, 2026

Fresh off her triumphant title run at the Lexus Birmingham Open, Filipino tennis star Alex Eala continued her stellar grass-court form on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, with a commanding victory over China’s Zhang Shuai. In their first-ever singles meeting, Eala defeated the veteran campaigner 6-3, 6-2 to advance to the round of 16 at the HSBC Championships in London.

Despite a slow start where she fell behind 0-2 early, the 21-year-old Filipina quickly found her rhythm. She dominated the veteran Zhang, capitalizing on the Chinese star’s 33 unforced errors with consistent, aggressive groundstrokes. Eala sealed the victory in just 69 minutes.

Match highlights;

Eala now faces a rematch against American Iva Jovic. After her recent title win in Birmingham, Eala enters the next round as a serious contender, seeking redemption for her French Open loss, last month.

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

Alex Eala wins women’s singles title at the 2026 Birmingham Open

June 8, 2026

via LTA;

Eala became the first top seeded player to win a WTA 125 event since October 2025 as she battled from a set down to beat Bartunkova 5-7, 6-3, 7-5.

It’s a second WTA 125 singles title for Eala, who also reached the final of the Lexus Eastbourne Open on grass last year.

The final proved a strong test for Eala, who overturned a break deficit early in the second set and saved three break points in the opening stages of the third.

Despite missing the chance to serve out the win at 5-4 in the decider, Eala offered the perfect response, restoring her lead once again in the following game before seeing out the victory.

Eala now heads to London for the HSBC Championships at The Queen’s Club, where she will no doubt be one to watch.

Here are the game highlights;

Watch the Full Final set of 2026 Birmingham Open Semifinals between Alex Eala and Rebeka Masarova

June 7, 2026

In challenging conditions, with windy weather and multiple rain interruptions disrupting the rhythm of the match, Eala showed resilience and composure to stay focused throughout a hard-fought semi-final. After taking the opening set, the Filipina responded strongly to Masarova’s fightback, raising her level in the decider to secure a 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 victory and book her place in the final.

Alex Eala Defeats Rebeka Masarova to Reach Birmingham Open Final

June 7, 2026

Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala secured a spot in her first final of the season after surviving a grueling, rain-delayed semifinal clash against Switzerland’s Rebeka Masarova at the Birmingham Open.

The top-seeded Eala demonstrated immense composure on the grass courts of the Edgbaston Priory Club, ultimately defeating the resilient Swiss qualifier in a three-set thriller, 6-2, 4-6, 6-3.

Eala standardly dominated the opening set, coasting to a quick 6-2 lead. However, world No. 132 Masarova found her rhythm in the second set, matching Eala’s intensity and breaking the Filipina to force a deciding third set.

The final set turned into a true test of endurance, punctuated by two separate weather disruptions. Eala was leading 5-2 in the decider when a heavy downpour halted play for over an hour. When the players returned to Centre Court, Masarova managed to hold her serve to extend the match. Undeterred, the 21-year-old Filipina held her nerve, closing out the match with decisive forehand winners to seal the victory.

Game highlights;

With this hard-fought triumph, Eala advances to the second WTA 125 final of her career, where she will face her former doubles partner, Nikola Bartunkova of the Czech Republic. The 2026 Birmingham Open Finals will be this June 7th.

Eala Sweeps Past Sawangkaew to Secure Birmingham Open Semifinal Spot

June 5, 2026

Top-seeded Filipina tennis star Alex Eala put on a dominant performance at the 2026 Birmingham Open, sweeping past Thailand’s Mananchaya Sawangkaew in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2, to secure her spot in the tournament’s final four.

The world No. 37 controlled the pace of the quarterfinal match from the outset. Eala took the opening set in 48 minutes, showcasing sharp baseline play and converting critical breakpoints. She carried that momentum cleanly into the second set, breaking Sawangkaew to take a commanding 4-2 lead before closing out the match. The victory allowed Eala to avenge a previous career loss to the Thai player and level their head-to-head record at 1-1.

With this commanding win, Eala advances to the semifinals of the WTA 125 event. Up next, she will face Switzerland’s Rebeka Masarova as she continues her strong push for the grass-court title.

Source: Olympics

Here are the 2026 NBA Finals Schedule in the Philippines

June 1, 2026

After a grueling seven-game series in the West, the stage is set. We officially have the two teams left standing to battle for the 2026 NBA Championship: the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks.

This matchup marks a historic, highly anticipated rematch of the iconic 1999 NBA Finals. Victor Wembanyama and the surging Spurs are chasing their first ring since 2014, while Jalen Brunson looks to lead the Knicks to break a legendary title drought dating back to 1973.

You can find the official schedule for the 2026 NBA Finals here, but if you are in the Philippines, it be live on Prime Video PH with the following schedule.

All games are scheduled for 8:30 AM Ph time

Game Date Away Team Home Team
Game 1 Thursday, June 4 New York Knicks San Antonio Spurs
Game 2 Saturday, June 6 New York Knicks San Antonio Spurs
Game 3 Tuesday, June 9 San Antonio Spurs New York Knicks
Game 4 Thursday, June 11 San Antonio Spurs New York Knicks
Game 5* Sunday, June 14 New York Knicks San Antonio Spurs
Game 6* Wednesday, June 17 San Antonio Spurs New York Knicks
Game 7* Saturday, June 20 New York Knicks San Antonio Spurs

*If necessary

Xiaomi launches Philippine Online Store

May 19, 2026

Xiaomi has officially launched its dedicated online store in the Philippines, marking a major milestone for local tech enthusiasts. The newly introduced digital platform serves as a centralized hub, offering Filipino consumers direct access to Xiaomi’s extensive ecosystem of innovative products.

Previously reliant on third-party e-commerce channels and physical Mi Stores, customers can now browse and purchase the latest devices seamlessly. The online storefront features a comprehensive lineup, including the flagship smartphones, the latest Redmi Note series, smart wearables like the Xiaomi Watch, and popular AIoT home devices.

By launching the official Xiaomi Philippine Online Store, the company aims to streamline the shopping experience with secure payment options, official warranty coverage, and reliable nationwide delivery. The platform also promises exclusive online promotions and launch-day discounts, further solidifying Xiaomi’s commitment to bringing high-quality, innovation-driven technology to the Philippine market at accessible price points.

Roblox Partners with DICT and CICC to Launch New Child Safety Features in the Philippines

April 15, 2026

Following a high-level meeting with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), Roblox has announced a major safety initiative tailored for Filipino users.

The platform is introducing two new account types—Roblox Kids and Roblox Select—designed to bolster online protection for children through age-appropriate content and verified security measures.

Key safety measures include:

  • Automatic Placement: Users are sorted into accounts based on verified age.
  • Restricted Communication: Chat is disabled for those under 9, while older children have access to filtered chat limited to peers and “Trusted Friends.”
  • Enhanced Parental Controls: Filipino parents can now block specific games and manage chat settings.

DICT Secretary Henry Aguda and CICC Usec. Aboy Paraiso highlighted a new “green lane” agreement, allowing parents to report grievances or harmful content directly via Hotline 1326. While the government commends Roblox’s commitment to “Digital Bayanihan,” officials emphasized that online safety remains a shared responsibility. They urged parents to remain vigilant in monitoring their children’s digital activities to ensure a secure and positive environment for their development.

You can read the full statement at Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

Yugatech: VinFast Philippines offers EV rentals from ₱1,000/day for TNVS drivers in PH  

April 14, 2026

Anton Gabriel, writing for Yugatech;

VinFast Philippines is rolling out a new program that allows ride-hailing drivers to rent electric vehicles (EVs) for as low as ₱1,000 per day, aiming to make EV adoption more accessible for the transport sector.

The initiative targets Transportation Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) drivers and operators, offering flexible rental and ownership options for models under its Green lineup, including the Herio Green and Limo Green.

This is terms of the offer.

Under the rental program, drivers are required to pay an upfront deposit and choose a contract duration. Longer-term plans are available, with daily rental rates starting at around ₱1,000, depending on the agreement.

This is a great program, especially for TNVS drivers and operators looking to switch from ICE to EV. It serves as an excellent starting point. A number of TNVS drivers/operators I’ve spoken with earn an average of 3k to 5k a day. They often mention that being a TNVS driver gives them a lot of freedom — essentially a much better work-life balance, unlike their previous experiences in the corporate world or as an OFW.

You can now pre-order Macbook Neo in the Philippines

April 12, 2026

If you are in the Philippines and planning to get the new Macbook Neo, you can now pre-order the new Macbook Neo from the Philippine Apple Store.

Macbook Neo with 256GB with Magic Keyboard have a retail price of ₱39,990, while the 512GB with Magic Keyboard with Touch ID will retail for ₱46,990.00. The leadtime for the pre-order is 2–3 weeks.

First announced early March, the Macbook Neo features a 13-inch Liquid Retina display boasting 500 nits of brightness and a sharp 2408-by-1506 resolution.

It is powered by Apple’s A18 Pro chip—the same chip found in the iPhone 16 Pro — paired with an 8-core CPU and 5-core GPU. As battery, it delivers up to 16 hours of battery life, making it an ideal entry point to Apple’s (Mac) ecosystem.

Key Specifications:

  • Display: 13.0-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit display with IPS technology
  • Battery: Built-in 36.5‑watt‑hour lithium‑ion battery
  • Connectivity: Two USB-C ports, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 6
  • Webcam: 1080p FaceTime HD camera
  • Audio: Dual-speaker sound system, 3.5 mm headphone jack
  • Weight: 2.7 lbs
  • Memory: 8GB Unified Memory
  • Storage: 256GB or 512GB SSD
  • Keyboard: Magic Keyboard (256GB SSD) or Magic Keyboard with Touch ID (512GB SSD)
  • Colors: Indigo, Blush, Citrus, and Silver

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.

US Visa Applicants in the Philippines are required to set All Social Media Accounts to ‘Public’  

April 1, 2026

U.S. Embassy in the Philippines;

Effective March 30, in addition to Students and Exchanges (F, M, and J), and Specialty Occupations (H-1B and their H-4 dependents), the following visa applicants, regardless of age, must also now change their privacy settings and profiles to “public” on all social media platforms to complete the visa process.

  • Fiancé(e) Visa Applicants (K-1, K-2, and K-3 visas).
  • Certain Personal Employees or Domestic Workers (A-3, C-3, and G-5 visas)
  • Trainee or Special Education Exchange Visitors (H-3 and their H-4 dependents)
  • Cultural and Religious Visitors (Q, R-1, and R-2 visas)
  • Informant, Witness, and Victims of Crimes (S, T, and U visas)

The U.S. Embassy uses this information to determine applicants’ eligibility to receive a visa. Since 2019, the United States has required visa applicants to provide social media usernames on immigrant and nonimmigrant visa application forms.

Visa applicants are required to list all social media usernames, handles, or identifiers for every platform they have used in the last 5 years on the visa application form. Applicants certify that the information in their visa application is true and correct before they sign and submit. Omitting social media information could lead to visa denial and ineligibility for future visas.

Here’s the announcement from the official X/Twitter account of U.S. Embassy in the Philippines @USEmbassyPH.

The six-seater Tesla Model Y L has landed in the Philippines  

March 29, 2026

Angelo Nieto, Writing for Top Gear Philippines;

The Model Y L is 186mm longer and 44mm taller than the typical Model Y we’ve become familiar with. This lets the car carry a third row of seats, while upgrading the second row bench into captain chairs with ventilation and reclining functions. And there’s still plenty of space after all that reconfiguring: maximum cargo capacity now sits at 2,539 liters (compared to the Model Y’s 2,138 liters of space).

No official price has been announced by Tesla, but a ₱2.849 million price for the base model is not out of the possibility.

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

December 8, 2025

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.

Former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile passed away at 101 years old

November 13, 2025

ABS-CBN News;

MANILA — Veteran politician Juan Ponce Enrile, a top aide of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and of the incumbent president’s father, has passed away.

He was 101 years old.

Enrile, who was being treated for pneumonia, died “peacefully” around 4 p.m., surrounded by his family in their home, said his daughter Katrina Ponce Enrile.

Here’s what JPE’s daughter, Katrina Enrile posted on her Facebook page.

Juan Ponce Enrile has lived a long and eventful life. To put his life into perspective, Juan Ponce Enrile lived thru 16 Philippine President, two World War and he served both Ferdinand Emmanuel Edralin Marcos Sr. and Ferdinand “Bong Bong” Marcos Jr. as both became the President of the Philippines.

PH Government and Private Sector Unite for a Safer Internet

September 10, 2025

To create a safer online environment for Filipinos, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) are intensifying their campaign against the sale of illegal products on online platforms and social media.

This initiative, led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure cyberspace safety, is a top priority for the DICT. According to DICT Secretary Henry Aguda, this effort requires a “digital bayanihan” or community cooperation. The DICT has been in contact with social media platforms and other government agencies to address the circulation of harmful content online.

CICC Acting Executive Director Atty. Renato Paraiso stated that the CICC enforces a zero-tolerance policy against online harm. He mentioned that social media and online selling platforms have agreed to comply with this directive and have their own mechanisms to sweep for and remove harmful content, including child pornography and deep fakes.

In addition to government action, the public is encouraged to be vigilant and report suspicious online activities and illegal product sales to the hotline 1326.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) also plays a role in this effort. DTI Assistant Secretary Valdez III highlighted the launch of the eCommerce Philippine Trustmark, which acts as a regulatory authority to ensure safety, prevent the sale of substandard products, and mitigate online fraud and scams.

Representatives from Shopee PH, TikTok PH, and Google Philippines attended the press conference, expressing their support for the government’s initiatives. The collaboration between the public and private sectors is seen as key to creating a secure digital environment for all Filipinos.

Source: DICT