The Amplify Education Budget Initiative, the budget-advocacy campaign of the youth-led coalition Multiply-Ed (X-Ed) Philippines, has urged the Department of Education (DepEd) to treat the hiring of school mental health personnel and the building of school care centers as an emergency, warning that the department is moving too slowly even as incidents of violence and bullying in schools mount.   Nearly two years after the mental health law took effect, DepEd opened hiring for its target of 10,000 school counselor associates only in mid-2026. In several areas monitored by Multiply-Ed, coalition members report the associate posts were advertised only this...

 Ride-hailing is becoming a more regular part of how Filipinos move. According to inDrive data, 74% of Metro Manila residents have used ride-hailing apps in the past three months and used them at an average of three times a week.    This data points to how Filipinos are becoming more deliberate with how they move. As mobility demands continue to evolve, so do the choices Filipino commuters make about how they get around.   Filipino Commuters are Becoming More Intentional    inDrive data shows that Filipino passengers today consider ride-hailing apps essential to move around the metro. Now, ride-hailing apps...

More than 350 runners hit the streets of Makati on August 23, not for a gaming tournament, but for a 5KM run that marked nubia Philippines’ major step beyond its gaming roots. Through its NEOverse Max Out campaign, nubia brought its performance-driven spirit into the running community, partnering with Cotti Coffee Philippines for its first-ever NEOverse Max Out Social Run at MJ Plaza, Makati City, marking the new direction for nubia Philippines to expand its community beyond gaming and into the passions and lifestyles of everyday Filipinos.   From GameMaxxing to RunMaxxing   Best known for its gaming smartphones and...

NFP CHESS CLUB TOURNAMENTAugust 2, 2026 (Sunday)Activity Area, Lower Ground Floor, Farmers PlazaFarmers Plaza will bring together 200 chess players for a day of strategic competition and sportsmanship. Participants from various age groups and skill levels are expected to compete in a series of matches as they vie for top honors in the tournament.The event aims to promote chess as a sport that develops critical thinking, discipline, focus, and camaraderie while providing a platform for both emerging and experienced players to showcase their talent.   CROWN & COUTURE FASHION SHOWAugust 1, 2026 (Saturday)Activity Area, Lower Ground Floor, Farmers PlazaFashion and style...

The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) officially launches the 2026 Korean Film Festival (KFF) under the theme "K-Story: Stories that Move Us," celebrating the enduring power of storytelling through film, literature, and webtoons.   This year's festival expands beyond film screenings with a three-part program that highlights emerging Filipino filmmakers, creative exchanges between Korean and Filipino artists, and a curated selection of acclaimed Korean films inspired by beloved webtoons and literary works.   Part I. Kwentong Korea: Student Short Film Competition   The festival's Student Short Film Competition, which ran from January 12 to June 30, invited Filipino...