Amb. Dana Kursh (joined) joined families of the OFW casualties of war in Israel.  Photo by George Buid Photo by Cris Gabion Three years after the tragic October 7, 2023  coordinated surprise assault launched by Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups against Israel,  the Embassy of Israel in Manila hosted a commemoration service aptly themed “Three Years of Resilience Despite the Loss.”  The poignant event was graced by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).  Led by Ambassador Dana Kursh, the solemn commemoration brought together grieving families, survivors, and government officials to remember the brave Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who made the ultimate sacrifice.  About 1,200 people who were cruelly taken that tragic day, including four Filipinos: Paul Vincent Castelvi, Loreta Alacre, Angelyn Aguirre, and Grace Cabrera. Their deaths marked the deadliest day for the Filipino community in Isr...

  Dayaw 2026 officially opens on October 13 with a colorful parade of indigenous groups  from various regions in the Philippines. Photos by George Buid.  As the historic walls of Intramuros hosts DAYAW 2026 from October 13 to 15, this year’s national gathering of Indigenous cultural communities transcends the traditional concept of a festival. Presented by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and implemented by the Foundation for Lingap Kapampangan, Inc. (FLKI), the three-day event brings together cultural bearers from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao at the FORO de Intramuros. Anchored on the powerful theme, “Pagkamalikhain ng Katutubong Filipino: Pinagtibay ng mga Pagsubok, Umalab ang Bagong Pag-Asa,” DAYAW 2026 serves as a living testament to the resilience, creativity, and enduring spirit of the country’s Indigenous peoples. In today’s hyper-digital modern world, where Gen Z and younger generations are increasingly disconnected from their roots, DAYAW 2...

  As Orient Star celebrates its monumental 75th anniversary, the esteemed Japanese watchmaker is ushering in a new era by welcoming globally acclaimed actor and artist Masaki Suda as its official brand ambassador. Launching initially across Japan, Thailand, the Philippines, and Taiwan, this exciting partnership highlights a shared dedication to continuous evolution, artistic expression, and the relentless pursuit of new horizons. Since its founding in 1951, Orient Star has remained steadfast in its mission to craft mechanical timepieces worthy of being called "shining stars." Through fully integrated, in-house manufacturing, the brand has continually balanced the rich traditions of watchmaking with cutting-edge technology and innovative design. This ethos finds a natural counterpart in Masaki Suda. Renowned for his remarkable versatility on screen and his boundary-pushing work as an artist, Suda is a cultural icon who consistently challenges conventions rather than resting on...

A show of solidarity at the  Día del Galeón Celebration, from left:  Dianne Agnes Cristobal, President of Philippine Association of Condiments Producers, Inc; Atty. Christopher Lawrence S. Arnuco, Manager, SEAMEO INNOTECH;Nur Farahliza Putri Naaim Yazid, Counsellor of the Embassy of Malaysia; Cheryl Marie "Ching" Natividad-Caballero, Undersecretary Department of Agriculture, High-Value Crops; and Clara Lapus, President, Mama Sita Foundation In a powerful display of regional unity and shared history, ASEAN diplomats and Philippine partners gathered at the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls in Pasay City for the 2026 Día del Galeón Celebration. Centered around the theme “Sailing Together: Honoring the Galleon Legacy through Stronger ASEAN and Friendship,” the event successfully bridged centuries-old maritime history with contemporary diplomatic solidarity, vibrant culinary heritage, and environmental stewardship. Hosted by the Mama Sita Foundation (MSF) in partnership with the P...

  The Manila Hotel has been awarded as Philippines’ Leading Hotel for Third Consecutive Year As an iconic national heritage institution, The Manila Hotel continues to bring together its historical significance and modern amenities, offering world-class accommodations, dining, wellness, and recreational experiences grounded in Filipino hospitality. The 2026 World Travel Awards recognition further strengthens the hotel’s longstanding presence in the global tourism and hospitality landscape, while reaffirming its place as a historic landmark in the Philippines. Named Philippines’ Leading Hotel for Third Consecutive Year, the prestigious recognition was received by Atty. Jose D. Lina, Jr., president of The Manila Hotel, during the WTA 2026 Gala Ceremony held on September 27 in the Maldives. The win adds to The Manila Hotel’s distinguished record, having been named the Philippines’ Leading Hotel in both 2024 and 2025. The Manila Hotel President Atty. Jose D. Lina, Jr., receives the awar...

  Festival Director Chris Cahilig at the grand mediacon of CPFF 2026. Below, the official poster of the seven full-length movie entries The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2026, definitely, is a massive hit and a phenomenal success, driven by a combination of larger funding for directors, wider cinema distribution, and high-quality films featuring popular stars.  According to Festival Director Chris Cahilig, the influx of crowds, length of queues, and number of sold-out screenings exceeded their expectations from its opening on September 23 until its conclusion on October 4, 2026. Here are the main reasons why it was overwhelmingly embraced by viewers: 1. Record-Breaking ₱5 Million Production Grant In its third year, Puregold raised the production grant to ₱5 million for each of the seven full-length films—the largest in the history of Philippine film festivals. This bigger budget enabled filmmakers to elevate production quality, visual effects, and the overall aesthetic of ...