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Globe provides laptops to Bohol barangays; assists LGU resolve local disputes

In support of digital inclusion and grassroots empowerment, Globe donated ten refurbished laptops to several barangays in Bohol to start off their digitalization journey and adoption of eGovernance.

The laptops will support the work of the Lupon Tagapamayapa, a barangay-based group tasked with helping the community resolve disputes peacefully. By shifting from typewriters to laptops, the Lupon can reduce manual errors, keep digital records rather than hardcopies for convenience, send and receive documents via email, and store important files securely. It’s a small shift that can make day-to-day processes smoother and help barangay officers focus on what matters most.

The turnover was recently held at the Bohol Provincial Capitol in Tagbilaran City, where Board Member Benjie Arcamo—representing Vice Governor Tita Baja—delivered the keynote address. He was joined by 1st District Board Member Aldner Damalerio, Liga ng mga Barangay President Romulo Cepedoza, and Globe Vice President for External Affairs Patrick Gloria.

Both BM Arcamo and Cepedoza expressed appreciation to Globe and BM Damalerio for their steadfast support in advancing ICT development across the province. Barangay Captain Joseph Sagaral of San Isidro, Tagbilaran City, also shared a heartfelt message on behalf of all the beneficiaries.

The recipient barangays are San Isidro in Tagbilaran City; Sto. Rosario in Antequera; Guiwanon in Tubigon; Canapnapan in Corella; Dangay in Albur; Sta. Cruz in Calape; Cogon Norte in Loon; Magsija in Balilihan; Triple Union in Catigbian; and Municipality of Cortes.

“This initiative is part of Globe’s ongoing efforts to create a #GlobeOfGood by enabling communities through technology. We recognize the vital role of the Lupon Tagapamayapa in maintaining peace and order at the grassroots level, and we are proud to support them with tools that improve access, accuracy, and efficiency,” said Patrick Gloria, Vice President for External Affairs of Globe.

Board Member Arcamo welcomed the support, noting, “This contribution from Globe will directly improve how our barangay peace councils carry out their duties. Access to these resources helps formalize their work and enhances the services they provide to the public.”

Sourced through Globe’s sustainability programs—which promote electronic waste reduction by extending the life and value of digital devices—the initiative also supports the province’s Strategic Change Agenda under Governor Aris Aumentado, advancing digital inclusion and community resilience within the Bohol Island UNESCO Global Geopark and Regenerative Island framework.

Globe remains committed to nation-building by expanding access to digital tools, supporting inclusive development, and enabling community resilience through technology-driven solutions.

To learn more about Globe’s sustainability and community programs, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/about-us/sustainability#gref.

 

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Philippine peso volumes to gain on economic growth, FX head says

Peso bills are seen in this file photo. -- Photographer: Brent Lewin/Bloomberg

TRADING VOLUMES for the Philippine peso can grow as much as 10% in the coming years, according to the head of the nation’s currency traders’ group.

“The foreign exchange (FX) market will grow steadily,” Dominic Banal, president of ACI Philippines, an association of currency and derivatives traders, said in an interview last week.

The volume in the spot dollar-peso market may increase 5% to 10% as growth in the economy raises demand for foreign exchange, he added.

Average daily turnover in the Philippines’ spot currency market almost doubled to $1.3 billion in 2024 from five years ago. A more liquid market, signaled by the rising volume of transactions, means companies and traders can buy or sell foreign exchange without significantly affecting the price.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has implemented measures to mobilize foreign exchange resources for the financing requirements of an expanding economy, among the fastest in the region. The measures included an easing of FX documentation and the expansion of the list of transactions that don’t require prior BSP approval.

“A more liquid market means it’s easier to transact for a significant size” and the prices are generally tighter, Mr. Banal said. “So overall, it’s a more efficient market.”

Volatility in the currency market is expected to ease in the months ahead as the impact of recent overseas and US-driven tariff news subside, the ACI chief also said. — Bloomberg

22 generating firms told to explain below-capacity output

THE ERC DIRECTED the GenCos to submit, within seven days from receipt of the letters, a formal explanation for the “frequent derating of their plants and units, or for persistently operating in a derated state.” -- CREDITS: BRENDAN O’DONNELL-UNSPLASH

THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has asked 22 generation companies (GenCos) to explain the “continued or frequent derating of their power facilities and units.”

In a statement on Thursday, the ERC said it issued separate notices to explain (NTEs) to the GenCos, requiring them to submit reports detailing the causes of the derating events affecting their generation facilities and units.

Derating refers to power plants generating electricity below their installed capacity.

“The Commission continues with its diligent monitoring of the reliability of our major power sources to ensure sufficiency of supply, which then affects affordability of power rates,” said ERC Chairperson and Chief Executive Of-ficer Monalisa C. Dimalanta.

“The persistent derated state of certain plants is concerning and has prompted the Commission to formally seek an explanation from the GenCos.”

Among the firms issued NTEs were units of San Miguel Global Power Holdings Corp. (SMGP), Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), Aboitiz Power Corp. (AboitizPower), Semirara Mining and Power Corp. (SMPC), and First Gen Corp.

The ERC also issued NTEs to Excellent Energy Resources, Inc. and South Premiere Power Corp., joint ventures among subsidiaries of SMGP, Meralco, and AboitizPower.

Explanations were also sought from SMGP units Masinloc Power Partners Co., Ltd., Mariveles Power Generation Corp., Malita Power Corp., Sual Power, Inc., and Angat Hydropower Corp.

AboitizPower units GNPower Dinginin Ltd. Co., AP Renewables, Inc., and SN Aboitiz Power-Magat, Inc. were also served notices.

Energy Development Corp. and First Gen Hydro Power Corp., subsidiaries of First Gen Corp., were likewise asked to explain.

The ERC directed the GenCos to submit, within seven days from receipt of the letters, a formal explanation for the “frequent derating of their plants and units, or for persistently operating in a derated state.”

The commission also instructed the companies to provide an action plan and timeline for restoring the affected generating facilities to their registered full capacities.

Last month, the ERC issued show-cause orders to 37 GenCos for failing to disclose their fuel costs, which the regulator uses to validate the reasonableness of their generation charges. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

Unilab, Ateneo lead push for improved LGU health spending

From left to right: Ruben “John” A. Basa, Program Director, Unilab Center for Health Policy; Maria Luz C. Vilches, PhD, Vice-President for Higher Education, Ateneo de Manila University; Atty. Jose Maria A. Ochave, Executive Director, Unilab Foundation; Dr. Maria Eufemia C. Yap, Senior Research Fellow at Ateneo Policy Center; and Philip Arnold P. Tuaño PhD, Dean, Ateneo School of Government

In a bold move to reshape how local governments finance healthcare, Unilab Foundation (ULF) through the Unilab Center for Health Policy (UCHP) and Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) have joined forces to deliver research-backed solutions to improve the fiscal performance of health budgets at the local level — an often overlooked but critical component in achieving Universal Health Care (UHC).

The partnership brings together Ateneo’s School of Government (ASoG) and UCHP, with technical collaboration with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

The study is the first of its kind to focus on optimizing local health spending under the UHC Law across local government units (LGUs).

During the ceremonial signing, Unilab Foundation Executive Director Atty. Jose Maria Ochave cited the broader purpose behind the agreement.

“Today is not just a ceremonial signing but a small step toward transforming local health governance in the country. We are happy and privileged to partner with the Ateneo School of Government and the Ateneo de Manila University,” he said.

The collaboration draws on the strengths of both institutions. UCHP has been working to close gaps in the UHC Law’s implementation, while ASoG trains leaders to tackle real-world problems through policy innovation and public accountability. 

Together, they aim to combine data-driven policy work with ethical and evidence-based governance. But beyond the numbers and systems, both sides hope to spark a deeper shift in mindset — that good health is not just a policy goal, but a shared responsibility.

For Ochave, the mission is clear: this partnership must not only generate knowledge but also empower the institutions that can act on it.

Echoing this vision, Ateneo Vice-President for Higher Education, Dr. Maria Luz C. Vilches, highlighted a critical yet often overlooked issue: the role of budgeting in achieving health outcomes.

Maria Luz C. Vilches, PhD, Vice-President for Higher Education, Ateneo de Manila University

“This is very important as pointed out about the UHC Law; there’s a lot to do,” she said. “Our noble goal is health insurance, well-being — but we have to attend to the mundane things called budget and money.”

Vilches underscored the critical insight often missing in policy discussions: that realizing the promise of universal healthcare requires more than ideals — it demands willingness to deal with budgetary details head-on.

“Sometimes the lever does not move if you don’t touch the aspects of budget and money. I am happy that this project is going to move that lever,” she further explained.

Building on this, UCHP Program Director Ruben “John” Basa pointed to the depth and scope of their current work — and how it connects directly to this initiative.

“When you talk of local government, health financing and Ateneo, this is a small room of big ideas,” he said. “We want to research and demonstrate how the UHC Law can be implemented one LGU at a time.”

UCHP has already laid important groundwork. Last year, it completed four studies — two national and two local — on critical UHC reforms. These included a review of PhilHealth’s shift to a new provider payment mechanism, the rollout of the Konsulta outpatient package, and the development of a service delivery model for geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA), which will be pilot-tested in Ormoc City.

Basa also shared findings from UCHP’s landmark 30-year review of national health accounts, a project that revealed stark contrasts in health financing trends.

“In 1992, the out-of-pocket spending of the Philippines was at 47%, Thailand was at 45%,” Basa said. “Fast-forward to 2023, the Philippines’ out-of-pocket spending went down to 45%, Thailand to 9.2%. They must be doing something good over there.”

The same study found that despite increased funding, local government spending on health was “falling to irrelevance.” That troubling trend only underscores the urgent need for reform — precisely what this new initiative seeks to address.

Philip Arnold P. Tuaño PhD, Dean, Ateneo School of Government

Closing the event, Philip Arnold Tuaño, Dean of ASoG, reinforced the critical role of industry leaders in strengthening public healthcare systems. He stressed the need for close monitoring of the fiscal performance of LGUs to ensure that every peso spent leads to tangible improvements in services and infrastructure.

According to Tuaño, the partnership with Unilab Foundation will also generate research and data that can guide both national and local decision-makers.

“Today formalizes a partnership with the common vision of pursuit of equitable, accessible, and effective healthcare for the Philippines,” Tuaño said.

 

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AirAsia MOVE says price cap in works to follow CAB guidelines

PHILIPPINES STAR/WALTER BOLLOZOS

AIRASIA MOVE, the online travel agency (OTA) of the AirAsia group, said it is working to implement a price cap on tickets sold on its platform in line with policies and regulations set by the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB).

“Technology is not very easy. We are first starting immediately with a cut-off point. My team will have to do it in two to three months to develop this technology to make sure that we are able to put limits by route,” AirAsia MOVE Chief Executive Officer Nadia Omer said in a media briefing on Thursday.

The development follows a meeting between AirAsia MOVE and the CAB after the Department of Transportation (DoTr) announced plans to file economic sabotage charges against the OTA for allegedly pricing fares at unreasonably high levels.

AirAsia MOVE is a platform that allows users to book flights, hotels, and other travel-related services.

Republic Act No. 776 authorizes the CAB to regulate air carriers, including the economic aspects of air transportation.

Ms. Omer said OTAs like AirAsia MOVE are not always fully aware of government-imposed fare ceilings, as this information is usually communicated directly to airlines.

“Many of the OTAs don’t know because it is mostly communicated to the airlines and if airlines do not communicate these exact ceilings by routes to their agents, there is no way to know,” Ms. Omer said, adding that fares are set by the airlines, not by OTAs.

She also said that ticket pricing on the AirAsia MOVE platform is automated and not controlled by the company.

“We do not do dynamic pricing because it is based on the demand. The higher the demand for something the higher the price goes, and a lot of the airlines already practice this,” Ms. Omer said.

The issue arose following complaints from Leyte Rep. Richard Frank I. Gomez, who booked one-way Philippine Airlines tickets from Tacloban to Manila via AirAsia MOVE at a cost of around P77,704 for two individuals.

According to data from the Transportation department, the same tickets booked directly through the Philippine Airlines website would have cost approximately P49,507 for two persons.

AirAsia MOVE has assured the government that it will cooperate to resolve the issue.

“We thank the CAB for giving us the opportunity to be heard at a proper venue in the observance of due process. The issue at hand has become a platform to proactively engage and educate stakeholders on how the supply chain works within OTAs,” Ms. Omer said. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

PSE reports 50% surge in stock market accounts in 2024

PHILIPPINE STAR/EDD GUMBAN

LOCAL stock market accounts rose by 50.1% to 2.86 million in 2024 from 1.91 million in 2023, driven by the growth in retail participation, the Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc. (PSE) said on Thursday.

Data from the Stock Market Investor Profile 2024 showed that retail accounts, which comprised 98.9% of total accounts, increased by 50.7% to 2.83 million from 1.88 million in 2023.

Institutional accounts, which made up 1.1% of total accounts, also rose by 12.1% to 32,284 from 28,806 a year earlier.

Local accounts reached 2.83 million, while foreign accounts totaled 29,876.

The PSE said the data was sourced from 121 active trading participants as of 2024.

Online accounts jumped by 62% to 2.47 million, accounting for 86.4% of total stock market accounts. Retail investors comprised 99.9% of total online accounts, based on data from 39 trading participants.

By gender, female retail investors accounted for 50.7% of the total, slightly higher than male investors at 49.3%.

Retail investors aged 30-44 made up 48.8% of the base, followed by those aged 18-29 at 26.5%, 45-59 at 17.4%, and those over 60 at 7.3%.

In terms of income, 82.4% of retail investors earned less than P500,000 annually, while 6.7% earned between P500,000 and P1 million, and 10.9% earned more than P1 million.

“Most retail investors work under the services sector, followed by industrial/manufacturing and professionals,” the PSE said.

The PSE also said that 84.9% of retail investors are locally employed, while 5% are unemployed, 3.6% are self-employed, 2.5% are overseas Filipino workers, 2.1% are students, and 2% are retirees.

Geographically, 49.3% of retail accounts were based in Metro Manila, 28.4% in the rest of Luzon, 10.9% in Mindanao, 10.8% in the Visayas, and 0.6% overseas.

Meanwhile, the report showed that the top foreign investors in the local bourse were Japanese (29.9%), Chinese (19.8%), and American (13%). — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

Kiana V releases new R&B anthem

It is the lead single in an upcoming ’90s
rom-com inspired album

FILIPINO singer-songwriter Kiana V has dropped her latest single, “Falling Out,” an emotional R&B track off her upcoming album.

The song is meant to empower women everywhere by plunging into the quiet chaos of toxic love, the kind that “lingers long after it should have ended.” Ms. Valenciano (yes, she is the daughter of “Mr. Pure Energy,” Gary V) was inspired by her own experience with love.

For her, hearing her friends share similar stories about toxic patterns in relationships pushed her to write a song about it.

“A lot of my friends are still single and they’re still dating. There was a point where we were all telling stories, and they were talking about situations of theirs that mirrored something I’ve gone through,” she said at a virtual press conference on June 4.

“I found it interesting that we’re at different phases of our lives, and it’s crazy that we share this story even if it’s with different people. We’re just a group of girls who all went through the same thing,” she explained.

Set against dreamy instrumentation and gliding, sensual production, “Falling Out” draws from the late 1990s, early 2000s R&B style. Ms. Valenciano cited icons like Kyla, Brandy, Christina Aguilera, JoJo, and Aaliyah as her primary influences.

“Every time I’m in the studio, even if the beat is more pop-leaning or acoustic, the way that I write the melodies and the manner in which I sing and project ends up going back to those girls,” she shared.

The soulful new track also reflects how the upcoming album will tackle her fascination with 1990s romcoms that depict women as “hopeless romantics.”

“It makes for good entertainment, but you wouldn’t wish it on anyone!” Ms. Valenciano said. “I’m quite intrigued by how they’re always so consumed by a man. That’s what’s going to connect all the tracks on this album.”

She added that “letting go of a bad cycle” will unite the album’s 10 tracks, a topic that will surely change as she grows as a singer-songwriter. “Now that I’m married, that’ll shift over the next two years. Music is my way of making sense of what I go through in life.” Ms. Valenciano married US-based Lisandro “Sandro” Tolentino in a secret ceremony in 2023, and announced that she was married a year later.

On the support of her father, she expressed sincere gratitude.

“My dad is very much doing his own thing. The only involvement he has is when I’m done with a song, I send it to him,” Ms. Valenciano said. “He’s a cheerleader and I love that.”

“I’ll never forget the first time that I told him I wanted to pursue music. The shock on his face — I wish I had taken a photo of it. Now it’s nice to share it with him.”

“Falling Out” is out now on all digital music streaming platforms. — Brontë H. Lacsamana

A-ha frontman Morten Harket diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease

MORTEN HARKET of A-ha performs on stage during the annual Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Telenor Arena outside Oslo, Dec. 11, 2015

hOSLO — Morten Harket, the lead singer of Norwegian band A-ha, whose “Take On Me” track remains one of the most popular songs from the 1980s, said on Wednesday that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

In a statement on the band’s website, and confirmed by record label Sony Music, Mr. Harket, 65, said he had undergone several rounds of brain surgery and that he was managing the symptoms of the disease.

Parkinson’s causes deterioration in the brain’s nervous system, leading to tremors and other symptoms that can become progressively worse over time. The disease can be treated with surgery and medication, but there is no cure.

Mr. Harket said he underwent neurological procedures last year to have electrodes implanted inside his brain and that this had reduced the symptoms.

Known for the wide range of his voice, Mr. Harket said he did not know if he would be able to perform again.

“I’ve got no problem accepting the diagnosis,” he said, adding that it was difficult to balance medication and managing side effects of the treatment.

“I’m trying the best I can to prevent my entire system from going into decline,” Mr. Harket said.

Formed in 1982 by Mr. Harket and his friends Paul Waaktaar-Savoy and Magne Furuholmen, A-ha saw a global breakthrough in 1985 with their debut album Hunting High and Low which yielded several hits such as “Take On Me” and “The Sun Always Shines on TV.”

“Take On Me” was recently featured in the second season of HBO’s hit series The Last of Us when the main character Ellie, played by Bella Ramsey, performed an acoustic version of the song. — Reuters

A Brown Company, Inc. sets 2025 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting on June 27 via remote communication

 

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Electricity rates for June still unsettled — Meralco

HOUSEHOLDS CONSUMING 200 kWh will see their monthly electricity bill go up by P21. — PHILIPPINE STAR/KJ ROSALES

POWER DISTRIBUTOR Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) said electricity rates for June remain uncertain as the factors contributing to the overall charge are mixed.

“We are still waiting for all the final billings from our suppliers for the computation of power rates for the June billing period,” Meralco said in a statement on Thursday.

The company said initial information indicates a potential increase in transmission charges due to a possible uptick in prices in the reserve market.

Under the reserve market, the system operator buys power reserves to ensure the proper operation of the energy grid.

Meanwhile, Meralco is hoping the generation charge remains “flattish” and that there will be no significant movement in this month’s billing following the sharp decline in May.

“Should there be any increase, we hope that this could be mitigated by lower prices from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) as announced by the spot market operator,” the power distributor said.

Data from the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines showed the average WESM price systemwide in May declined by 11.2% month-on-month to P4.01 per kilowatt-hour (kWh).

The lower spot price was attributed to a higher supply margin during the period.

For Luzon alone, power prices in the WESM decreased by 7.9% to P4.23 per kWh.

Generation charges, which cover the cost of power purchased from suppliers, usually account for more than 50% of the monthly electricity bill.

Transmission charges, meanwhile, refer to the cost of delivering power from suppliers to the distribution system and constitute around 3% of the bill.

Meralco is hoping that the continued implementation of the P19.96-billion refund, approved by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), will provide slight relief amid possible increases in other components.

The refund, which must be implemented within three years, translates to an average rate of P0.1189 per kWh.

In March, electricity rates declined by P0.7499 per kWh to P12.2628 per kWh from P13.0127 per kWh in April, driven by lower generation and transmission charges.

Meralco’s controlling stakeholder, Beacon Electric Asset Holdings, Inc., is partly owned by PLDT Inc. Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has an interest in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

Ayala Cinemas marks Pride Month with 2 film classics

AYALA MALLS Cinemas celebrates Pride Month in June with the exclusive theatrical re-release of the restored Filipino classic movies, T-Bird at Ako and Mga Anak ni Facifica Falayfay, both of which are now showing.

Originally released in the 1980s, the films star the late National Artist Nora Aunor and Vilma Santos in T-Bird at Ako, and Dolphy and Roderick Paulate in Mga Anak ni Facifica Falayfay.

Photo credit: Ayala Malls Cinemas

Directed by Danny L. Zialcita, T-Bird at Ako (1982) tells the story of lawyer Sylvia (played by Ms. Aunor), who tries to keep things professional between her and her client, Sabel (Ms. Santos), a dancer who accidentally kills a man in self-defense after he attempted to rape her. The film also stars Dindo Fernando, Tommy Abuel, Suzanne Gonzales, and Odette Khan.

Photo credit: Ayala Malls Cinemas

Originally released in 1987, Mga Anak ni Facifica Falayfay is a sequel to the late Dolphy’s classic Facifica Falayfay. In Mga Anak, the death of Facifica’s (now Pacifico, played by Dolphy) wife deeply affects one of his sons, Rodrigo (Mr. Paulate). As Rodrigo tries to discover and get to know his true self, he tries to seek acceptance from his father. Zsa Zsa Padilla, Lotlot de Leon, Eric Quizon, and Rolly Quizon are also part of the cast of the movie, directed by Romy Villaflor.

Ayala Malls Cinemas’ “A Rewind” initiative began in March in a partnership with ABS-CBN Film Archives and Restoration which features restored Filipino film classics on the big screen. Already screened were Kailan Ka Magiging Akin, Tatlong Ina, Isang Anak, Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos, Hiling, and Magic Temple.

The film screenings have special ticket rates of P180 for regular tickets and P160 for students. The films are being shown at the Ayala Malls Cinemas at The 30th, Ayala Malls Cloverleaf, Fairview Terraces, MarQuee Mall, and Market! Market!. Tickets can be booked at www.sureseats.com.

Stuff to Do (06/06/25)

Watch PBT’s Maria Makiling

IN line with its mission to promote Philippine heritage, literature, and oral tradition while advancing the art of ballet, the Philippine Ballet Theater (PBT) has created another original full-length Filipino ballet — Maria Makiling — that reimagines the legendary guardian of Mount Makiling. The ballet brings to life the myth of a mountain goddess who protects the land and its people. During a harvest celebration, three men — an arrogant Spanish officer, a scholarly educator, and a kind-hearted farmer — compete for Maria Makiling’s affection. Co-presented by the Philippine Airlines, Maria Makiling’s final show of its limited two-day run will be on July 6, 3 p.m., at the Samsung Performing Arts Theatre in Circuit Makati. Tickets are available through Ticketworld or the Philippine Ballet Theater Secretariat.

Shop during Lazada’s 6.6 sale

LAZADA Philippines is officially launching its 6.6 Super Wow Sale, which runs until June 8. This year’s theme, “The Real Deal,” refers to the platform’s numerous discounts on quality products. The sale offers up to P2,000 off vouchers, LazFlash deals up to 90% off, and fun interactive activities like LazzieChatHunt and nightly #LazBingoLive hosted by Mikael Daez at 6 p.m., with 6.6 Real Deal prizes up for grabs. For more details, go to the Lazada app.

Watch contemporary Italian cinema

THE Italian Film Festival 2025 is back with a selection of acclaimed films that celebrate the charm, wit, and emotional depth of contemporary Italian cinema. The festival will take place on June 6 and 7, at Cinema 2, SM Aura in BGC, Taguig. Presented by the Embassy of Italy, in partnership with the Philippine-Italian Association, the festival showcases three standout films that have made waves in Italy and beyond: Enrico Piaggio: Vespa (2019) by Umberto Marino, a biographical drama that explores the visionary legacy behind the Vespa scooter; Quasi Orfano (2022) by Umberto Carteni, a sharp and hilarious comedy about family ties, ambition, and the chaos of identity; and Felicità (2019) by Daniele Luchetti, a humorous and philosophical reflection on life’s overlooked joys.

Take part in Farmers Plaza’s Pride Month events

FOR Pride Month 2025, Farmers Plaza will hold various events that honor the LGBTQIA+ community under the theme “Love in Every Hue.” These include creative exhibits and plenary discussions that promote awareness, acceptance, and equality for all. From June 7 to 10, QWARTA Merkado will host the Rainbow Trade Fair at the mall’s Activity Area. On June 10, they hold Rainbow Talks from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., also at the same venue within Quezon City’s Araneta City.

Listen to YARA’s remix featuring Nateman

RISING P-pop group YARA has joined forces with drill rapper Nateman for the newly released song “Sabi Ko Na (Remix),” out now via Sony Music Entertainment. Originally written by award-winning producer, singer, and songwriter JRoa and produced by Yung Bawal, the Y2k-inspired track gets a swagger-filled upgrade. Nateman’s playful verses add grit and depth to the material, transforming the song into a more dynamic version of itself. It is out now on all digital streaming platforms.

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