NCCA officers and panelists at the launch officially welcoming proposals for the 2027 Competitve Grants. Panelists (below) answers questions from the media, from left:  I ntegrating arts and music education into the core curriculum is far more than an extracurricular luxury; it is a fundamental bridge to cognitive development and more as a sophisticated pedagogical tool. Through the rhythmic repetition of melodies, students inadvertently unlock powerful mnemonic devices that accelerate memorization, refine speech patterns, and strengthen language acquisition. Even the abstract world of mathematics finds a partner in music, as the structural logic of rhythm and intervals mirrors the precision of numerical reasoning. Definitely, arts and music classes transform the classroom into a laboratory where the act of creating sound becomes a systematic method for mastering complex academic concepts. Unfortunately, with the current PH curriculum, its taking four years before students i...

More than scoring fair or even the lowest deals in airline fare and hospitality brands, there’s always something new at the yearly Travel Madness Expo (TME).  For the 2026 edition which ran from July 10-12, it's discovering something new,  learning the culture of other countries, and connecting with the rest of the world.  For instance, at the Malaysia Airline booth, which featured among others, soccer, Pinoys lined up to try the sports and had a chance to win a limited edition soccer ball.  I personally tried it and lo and behold I was able ‘to shoot the ball’ on a designated hole on my 2nd try. So, I should have won a ball, right!? Unfortunately, it was practice time and I didn't  join the contest proper due to time constraints.  So, it was self discovery for me that I can still pull a good kick at my age of over 60. I realized soccer could really be a good sport or a hobby. No wonder my son loved it during his teenage years, and my youngest daughter want...

Officers from Pokémon and SM graced the media event for Pokémon@30 celebrations in Manila. Joining them below is the loveable Picachu The original Pokémon games, Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green video games, launched in Japan in 1996 for the Game Boy platform. Celebrating this milestone, the Pokémon Company hosted a highly anticipated press conference and preview on July 7 in Manila, making major milestone announcements for some first-ever series of events and activities debuting in the Philippines: Pokémon RUN 30, “Celebrate 30 years of Pokémon at SM Malls” event, the limited-time Pokémon Center POP-UP STORE at SM Mall of Asia, and PokéXciting! in Manila. Together, these anniversary initiatives represent the most extensive lineup of official Pokémon experiences ever brought to the Philippines, giving Filipino fans an unprecedented opportunity to celebrate the Pokémon 30th Anniversary. Representatives from both The Pokémon Company and its official partner, SM Supermalls, attended...

“Stories have a way of revealing what lies beneath the surface. In its 22nd edition, Cinemalaya celebrates films that emerge from reflection—bringing forth voices, perspectives, and experiences that deepen our understanding of ourselves and one another. Join us as stories open new landscapes – revealing the beauty, complexity, and humanity that connect us all.” ' Family photo' of participants of Cinemalaya 22nd edition.  For 22 years, the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival has championed fearless storytelling and nurtured generations of Filipino filmmakers whose works challenge, inspire, and provoke meaningful conversations. This year, the country’s premier independent film festival returns with a longer run, from August 6 to 18, inviting audiences to embark on a journey of introspection through films that illuminate the many facets of the human condition. Some of the participating films: Leading this year’s competition are nine (9) full-length and ten (10) short f...

  Angeline Fiechter, President of Ardent World Inc. (center) with her angels at the launch of Gluta-C Brightening Sunscreen collection (below)  Whether commuting to work, attending classes, exercising outdoors, driving, working beside a sun ny window, or spending hours in front of digital devices, daily sun exposure has become part of modern life. Indeed, most Filipinos already know they should wear sun screen every day. The challenge isn't awareness—it's finding one they actually enjoy wearing - - and doing away from sticky textures and greasy finishes to white cast, breakouts, and products that seem to disappear the moment you start sweating, etc. Responding to these everyday concerns, Gluta-C introduces its new Brightening Sunscreen collection featuring SPF 60+ PA+++ protection, blue light defense, antioxidant-rich ingredients, and three skin-enhancing shade variants designed for everyday wear. Developed through consumer insights and Gluta-C's long-standing commitment t...