Coronavirus Lockdown: Germany House, Sunflowers, and More!

More news about how the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines is being handled by the public and the government. 

The house in which Jose Rizal finished his novel Noli Me Tangere has been siting idle since the pandemic.  Now a member of the House of Representatives has bought it. 

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/artandculture/980109/leviste-buys-germany-house-where-jose-rizal-completed-noli-me-tangere/story/

Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste has purchased the house in Wilhelmsfeld, Germany where national hero Jose Rizal completed his famed novel “Noli Me Tangere.” 

A post on his Facebook page said the lawmaker purchased the house to preserve the site. 

(The goal of buying and preserving this house is to maintain a historical site where the ideas that helped spark the Philippine Revolution and shape the Filipino nation were born.) 

According to the lawmaker’s office, Leviste's mother Senator Loren Legarda asked him to purchase the home, where Rizal lived while studying ophthalmology at the University of Heidelberg. The house had served as a home to pastors since 1886, but hasn’t been in use since the COVID-19 pandemic. 

(After the COVID-19 pandemic, the house was no longer being used, which is why it was brought to the attention of Cong. Leandro’s mother, Senator Loren Legarda. Because no one else was going to buy the house to preserve it, Sen. Loren suggested to Cong. Leandro that he buy it, at no cost to the government, and turn it into a museum open to all Filipinos and foreign visitors in Wilhelmsfeld to understand the life and works of Rizal.) 

Leviste held a signing ceremony last week, along with Dr. Franz Hack Ullmer, the great-grandson of Pastor Karl Ullmer, who was Rizal’s friend.

Also present at the signing were representatives of the Protestant church that owned the house; Dr. Tobias Dangel, the Mayor of Wilhelmsfeld; and Herbert Ehses, the Germany chapter commander of the Knights of Rizal.

(Dr. Ullmer also gave Cong. Leandro a table similar to the one Rizal used when writing Noli Me Tangere, along with other items from the Ullmer family’s Rizal collection.)

It will be interesting to have a museum about the Philippine Revolution thousands of miles away from the Philippines. 

In 2020 one farmer got the idea to open up his sunflower farm to tourists. The pandemic shut it down quick but now tourism is blossoming. 

https://pia.gov.ph/news/sunflowers-to-sustainable-tourism-shilan-blossoms-into-community-tourism-village/

Barangay Shilan in La Trinidad, Benguet is one of the emerging eco-tourism destinations in the region. It promotes experiential and community-based tourism – a tourism that is not only for sightseeing but empowering the community.

One of the attractions here is DarJane’s Sunflower Farm, which start was not easy and intended to be.

Farm owner Mario Mateo narrated that he planted more than 10,000 sunflowers in 1,500 square-meter lot but did not bloom in time for Valentine’s Day in 2020. Thinking of how to cope up with their expenses in growing the flowers, they came up with an idea to open the farm to visitors for sunflower viewing.

Visitors flocked to the place providing employment for some of the residents. It also opened an opportunity for farmers and small business owners to sell their products to the visitors.

Unfortunately, lockdown was implemented in mid-March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the slack of activities, Mateo devoted his time improving the farm.

After the pandemic, DarJane’s Sunflower Farm reopened but not many people went to the area.

Tourism boom with government assistance

With the help of various government agencies, hope begun to bloom again on the farm, which is just 12 kilometers away from Baguio City.

Mateo and his daughter attended various trainings by the Department of Trade and Industry, which inspired them to develop their unique products- sunflower cake and sunflower butter. They also introduced sun coffee or coffee infused with sunflower that is really perfect for the cool climate of Benguet.

Through a loan from the Small Business Corporation, an attached agency of the DTI, Mateo plans to enhance the experiences on their farm. This includes the establishment of an infinity pool and a glass walk.

“We are grateful to the DTI for their great help in promotions and daytoy seminars, assistance with the assistance, free stickers, packaging and endorsements from the SB Corps,” said Mateo.

The DTI continues to provide assistance to small business owners who need support. The agency has established Negosyo Centers where micro, small, and medium enterprises can access assistance and guidance.

“Number 1 biggest banner we have is the Negosyo Center wherein they conduct series of trainings. If there is a need in the community, they can provide a Negosyo center,” said Sara Ubfan of DTI Baguio-Benguet.

DarJane’s Farm has also partnered with the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority, and expected to start accepting students taking courses in organic agriculture, production programming, and barista this March or April.

Community tourism village

After joining a tour organized by the Department of Tourism (DOT), Mateo envisioned a broader dream, one that extended beyond his own farm but for the entire community. Inspired by his experience, he conceptualized the Shilan Community Tourism Village, a tourism for the community.

“There are natural sites here, they can be retouched and connected and transformed. We have done it.”

Before the establishment of the tourism village, there were consultations made and the Shilan Tour Guides Association was organized.

Aside from DarJanes, village is also home to Garden nen Ines and Martin’s Hobbit House, two waterfalls and a historic cave that played a role during World War II, and other attractions. Various community products such as coffee and flowers, arts and crafts are also showcased and promoted here.

Every visitor brings economic opportunities for the community. Aside from the community members who serve as tour guides, it also helps in generating income for those who serve as garage attendants as well as in selling various community products. The tourism village currently has more than 200 beneficiaries.

With the cooperation and unity of the community, the Shilan Community Tourism Village won second place in the DOT’s Search for Best Tourism Village in 2024.

It also received the Tourism Village Builders Award from the Benguet provincial government. The cash prize was poured into the further development of the tourism village.

“We are grateful because they noticed that Shilan is another tourist destination. That’s why we can show you that Shilan is one of the best places to visit.”

Tourism for the community

DOT-Cordillera Regional Director Jovita Ganongan said that the search for the best tourism village is part of their recovery plans after the pandemic. She said it is to strengthen tourism villages, especially in the Cordillera.

“It’s really more of organizing tourism villages to organize and to develop their tourism, a tourism that is sustainable, responsible, participatory, and resilient,” Ganongan said.

Mateo and the community proved that with genuine concern, initiative, and strong support from the government, hope and growth in life can flourish, especially in communities that are united.

Like a sunflower facing the sun to grow and bloom, success is achieved when challenges are faced together for a brighter tomorrow.

With help from the government he not only grew his farm as a tourist spot but also the whole community. That is quite a pandemic recovery story. 

Unemployment numbers are looking like 2022 again. 

https://business.inquirer.net/579180/unemployment-rate-jumps-to-pandemic-era-high-of-5-8

Philippine unemployment soared to a pandemic-era high of 5.8 percent in January, with 2.96 million Filipinos out of work. The number went up from 2.26 million in December, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Friday.

The joblessness rate also rose from the 4.4 percent recorded in December, marking the highest level since June 2022 when it stood at 6.03 percent.

This came as the labor force participation rate slipped to 62.3 percent, equivalent to 50.89 million Filipinos. This was 64.4 percent or 51.69 million in December.

Measures of job quality also deteriorated. About 6.35 million employed Filipinos said they were seeking additional work or longer hours to boost their income. This was a sharp increase from 3.93 million in December.

This pushed the underemployment rate to 13.2 percent from 8 percent.

Meanwhile, the employment rate fell to 94.2 percent, equivalent to 47.94 million Filipinos with jobs. This came from 95.6 percent or 49.43 million in December.

Of course it has nothing to do with a virus but of course history does rhyme even if it doesn't repeat. 

Delta airlines shut down shop during the pandemic and is now eyeing a comeback.

https://insiderph.com/delta-eyes-manila-comeback-after-pandemic-exit-as-competition-heats-up-on-us-routes

Delta said it intends to launch daily nonstop Los Angeles–Manila flights by summer 2027 using Airbus A350-900 aircraft.

Before suspending its Philippine service in 2021 during the pandemic, Delta served Manila via Tokyo or Seoul. 

The plan surfaced in a filing with the US Department of Transportation tied to taipan Lucio Tan's Philippine Airlines’ application to launch Manila–Chicago service. It was earlier reported by the Manila Bulletin newspaper. 

Delta’s planned return would add to growing competition on US–Manila routes, where United Airlines already operates multiple nonstop services linking the Philippine capital with key US gateways.

For Philippine Airlines, which has long dominated the Manila–US corridor among Philippine carriers, the potential entry of another US airline could intensify competition for passengers traveling between the two countries.

The US–Philippines market is one of the largest long-haul travel corridors for the country, supported by a large Filipino diaspora in North America as well as strong tourism and business travel demand.

Delta said it does not oppose PAL’s Chicago route request in principle but urged regulators to defer action on the application until US carriers are assured of commercially viable airport access in Manila.

The airline argued that US carriers continue to face constraints securing slots, gates, and related airport infrastructure at Manila, which are necessary to launch and sustain nonstop services.

At the same time, Philippine carriers have expanded their presence in the US market through new routes and increased frequencies, including the launch of Manila–Seattle nonstop service.

Delta emphasized it is not seeking to block PAL’s Chicago route, but is asking regulators to delay approval until the Philippine government provides assurances that US airlines will have access to the slots and infrastructure needed to operate Manila flights on commercially viable terms.

The matter was disclosed in a document where Delta said the proposed Manila-Chicago route by PAL should be delayed until the Philippine government can assure access to American air carriers who provide non-stop service. 

Coronavirus Lockdown: Passion For Music, Viral DIY Oven, and More!

More news about how the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines is being handled by the public and the government. 

Bryan Tremulo moved to the USA during the pandemic. Or maybe he was forced to stay in the USA because of the pandemic. Either way his pandemic hardship is now turning into musical success. 

https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/bryan-termulo-pursues-his-passion-for-music-in-america/131035/

Bryan Termulo, currently living in America, remains dedicated to his passion for creating music.

This year, the Filipino singer-songwriter released his song “Almost There,” his first attempt at producing country music.

Bryan was previously known in the country as the "Prince of Teleserye Theme Songs," so what fans often heard from him were love songs.

With the song "Almost There," Bryan said it felt like a dream he had as a child had come true.

“Jumping into another genre like country music, I guess when I was a kid, I used to love singing country music. Songs like 'Take Me Home, Country Roads,' are common, but I really like that genre.

“Now that I am living in the United States, especially in Tennessee, my influence and drive is, 'Okay, since I'm working as a freelance singer, I am producing my own songs, and I am the one funding my material as well, I really don't do what I like when it comes to genre of music, which is country music.

“I know that [Filipinos] are not popular because they love love songs. But I really do like to do country music.”

He said he wrote the song during the pandemic, when, unexpectedly, his stay in America began.

Bryan recalled, “Moving into the United States was never a choice. I just really wanted to try singing in the Filipino community. It happened during the pandemic. So, I had no choice but to just stay home.

“I had confirmed shows at that time. Only two [were] going on and the rest were canceled because of COVID.

“So, I did it because there were times when I doubted whether I would return to the Philippines or if I would wait until the situation was okay. Until, I composed the song.”

The song “Almost There” became an inspiration for Bryan because, according to him, “It seems all you have to do sometimes is just wait because it's almost there. Until I can't be free from what I'm doing in the Philippines, I'm doing it here in the States.”

Aside from being an independent singer-songwriter, Bryan also divides his time between his day job as a staff member at a museum. "I'm all-around. I'm tour guiding, doing admissions."

Because of his flexible schedule, Bryan said he can perform not only in Tennessee but also in other places across America. He considers going live on TikTok as a rehearsal.

"The livestream is a big thing for me, and I don't want to miss a week when I don't have a performance," he said.

During the pandemic, Bryan admitted that he lost interest in livestreaming.

“I also feel like I’ve lost my drive. [I thought] maybe I’ll just become a full-time cashier and just make this livestreaming a hobby. But now, it’s the other way around. Every week, I remind myself that no, it should be at least on TikTok live… I should treat it like an actual performance. It’s just online but there’s still an audience, there’s still people watching, ‘then, it’s always great,” he shared.

Despite his stable standing as a music artist in America, Bryan said he has not lost interest in returning to showbiz in the Philippines.

The Pinoy Pop Superstar alumnus said, “I still want to pursue showbiz in the Philippines if you ask me. I'm probably just waiting for the right timing. I also know the people I can approach, but I still have shows here.

Even though I've been away from the Philippines for a long time, I'm not losing my job here, thank God.

For now, Bryan said he is open to invitations to perform at private events in the Philippines.

“I hope to return [to showbiz] because I also miss performing on TV and I also miss doing what I do in the Philippines.”

He still wants to be a Pinoy Popstar too. Another Filipino abroad who thinks he can have his cake and eat it too. 

The Philippines is ramping up tourism marketing to lure back South Koreans. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1270425

The Philippines is ramping up marketing efforts to hasten the recovery of the Korean market, which now reached over 60 percent of the 2019 pre-pandemic tourist arrivals, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said on Thursday.

DOT’s South Korea foreign office at present is integrating marketing strategies, including joint promotions with airlines and major travel agencies, urban outdoor advertising and digital campaigns.

“South Korea remains one of the Philippines’ most vital and valued tourism markets. The enduring friendship between our two nations is reflected not only in our shared history and cultural exchanges but also in the millions of South Korean travelers who choose the Philippines as their preferred destination year after year,” Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said.

“Their deep appreciation for our pristine beaches, world-class dive sites, vibrant festivals, and the warmth and hospitality of the Filipino people has significantly contributed to the growth and resilience of our tourism industry,” she added.

The DOT is currently in collaboration with major airlines and 15 major South Korean travel agencies to promote the Philippines through discounted airfares and region-specific promotional packages primarily to key destinations Manila, Cebu, Bohol, Boracay, and Clark.

It will also participate in major travel and tourism exhibitions, such as the Seoul International Travel Fair (SITF) and the Korea International Boat Show (KIBS), as well as several underwater sports expositions, to promote the Philippines' marine, diving, and golf experiences.

The DOT said it is likewise in the process of refining its tourism products to capitalize on experiential tourism, which is identified as a priority under the Marcos Administration.

Bohol, in particular, has firmly established itself as a leading resort destination among South Korean travelers, with its turquoise waters perfect for island hopping and snorkeling activities.

There is also a growing interest in multi-destination itineraries linking Bohol with Cebu or Manila, said the DOT.

In addition, the DOT is expanding its Philippine golf tourism portfolio in Clark as well as its English as a Second Language (ESL) programs and long-stay visits to increase the Philippines’ appeal beyond leisure.

During South Korean President Lee Jae Myung's two-day state visit to the Philippines, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. emphasized South Koreans’ appreciation for the Philippines as a destination.

“It is also my pleasure to note the growing appreciation of Koreans for the Philippines, our world-renowned mangoes, the beauty of our tourist destinations, and most importantly, the exceptional talent and hospitality of Filipinos,” he said during the bilateral meeting of the two leaders in Malacañang on Tuesday.

Last year, about a total of 1,346,301 South Koreans visited the Philippines, which accounts for 20.76 percent of total international arrivals, maintaining its position as the Philippines’ largest source market ahead of the United States, Japan, Australia, and Canada.

The recovery rate of the South Korean market, according to DOT, has so far reached 62.9 percent compared to 2019 levels, “reaffirming the Korean market’s strong and resilient structural demand base.”

But remember when the Korean embassy issued a travel warning for the Philippines over safety concerns? Has the DOT addressed that concern?

The Philippines might be shifting to a 4-day work week because of the Iran war. But no problem as COVID taught the nation how to deal with these kinds of problems. 

https://dzrh.com.ph/post/philippines-ready-for-nationwide-4-day-work-week-amid-energy-crisis-fintech-leader

The Philippines is ready to adopt a four-day work week, not just within government offices but across the entire nation, according to Lito Villanueva, Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation and Inclusion Officer of RCBC and Chairman of Fintech Alliance Philippines.

Speaking on DZRH's Special on Saturday, Villanueva emphasized that the country's experience during the COVID-19 pandemic has prepared both workers and companies for flexible work arrangements.

"We are well prepared because we have been trained in COVID-19. In fact, in COVID-19, no one comes to the office but everyone works from home or work from anywhere," he said.

The government announced that all agencies will implement a four-day work week starting March 9, with Fridays off, as part of a broader effort to conserve energy amid global uncertainties, including the Middle East conflict and its potential impact on fuel supply. Villanueva stressed that energy conservation should not be limited to government offices.

"The whole nation should undergo such adjustment, not just the government," he said. "We do not know how long these challenges will last, so conserving energy early is critical."

RCBC has also implemented the four-day work week in line with the government directive, with employees now working four days in the office and using Fridays to reduce operational costs and energy consumption.

Villanueva said the shift demonstrates how organizations can balance productivity and efficiency while contributing to national preparedness. He also encouraged the private sector to consider adopting similar measures.

While government agencies can implement the policy quickly due to centralized control, Villanueva noted that private companies operate under diverse dynamics but could still benefit from a four-day schedule in terms of workforce well-being, operational efficiency, and energy conservation.

"I think the whole country, the government should not be the only one to launch this 4-day work week because our energy reserve is very critical," Villanueva said.

"We don't know how long this conflict in the Middle East will last. So everyone should be prepared and as early as now, let's conserve energy," he added.

Why not go back to either fully remote or optional remote work like during the pandemic?  That would save a lot of fuel.

During the pandemic a Hospitality Management student posted a picture of his makeshift oven on Facebook.  This caught the eye of a Filipina in Florida who arranged for the student to have a real oven. 

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/704523/a-viral-diy-oven-a-life-changing-kindness

The COVID-19 pandemic lockdown turned homes into a stage for Tiktok dances and kitchens for Dalgona coffee experiments. 

But one viral post ignited hope that still echoes today, miles away from their home country.

Florida-based Filipina, Jelyssa Marañon Freyman stumbled upon a Facebook post on February 21, 2026. It was that of Jovel Jr Bante, a Hospitality Management student from Tibungco, Davao City, posing next to his DIY oven crafted from an old biscuit can and wire mesh.

Recounting his experience, Bante shared with CDN Digital that he didn’t have a real oven due to the lockdown and had to settle with available resources at home.

Instead of giving up, he crafted his own oven to complete his course requirement.

“I clearly remember that time during the pandemic. I decided to create a DIY makeshift oven because we needed it for our laboratory examination,” said Bante.

Bante then shared his DIY oven on social media, which landed on Freyman’s feed.  

To Freyman, the post hit her hard. “It was just a random day when I saw the post about Jovel.”

Raised by parents who always gave back, Freyman didn’t hesitate. Though she “didn’t have much back then,” Freyman was able to get Bante a proper oven and a few baking tools to help with his school needs despite their distance and with help from her family members.

Fast forward to Friday, March 6, Freyman woke up to a message of gratitude from Bante himself, reflecting on how their encounter shaped his journey. 

The said message reads: 

(Hello Ate Jelyssa. This is Jovel, the one that went viral from the DIY oven. I just want to thank you again for your help and now I’m in Europe, working as a chef. Thank you again.)

Freyman then took to Facebook the message she received from Bante. 

“Five years ago, I extended a helping hand to a random stranger I met on Facebook,” recounting how she stopped scrolling on a tear-jerking photo of Bante with his DIY oven, successfully baking a batch of pastries.

“Jovel now resides in Europe, working as a chef—and I couldn’t be more prouder!” 

Bante initially wished to work in a cruise ship but when the opportunity to practice his profession in Europe came, Bante immediately grabbed the opportunity and viewed it as a window for personal growth and improvement in his career. 

According to Bante, the support he received became a motivation for him to keep pursuing his passion.

“It became a turning point that helped shape my journey, and it contributed to where I am now in my life and in my career,” said Bante.

Now working in Germany as a chef, Bante remains humble and in constant gratitude to those who believed in him and wanted them to know that the help they extended was not put to waste.

“I just want to say thank you sa kanila and proud to share kung ano nang tinahak ko ngayon,” 

(I just want to thank them and proudly share where I am now.)

In a world quick to scroll past struggles, Freyman and Bante’s story reminds us that the smallest gestures, like that of one small oven, leave the biggest footprints, turning dreams into reality, crossing oceans and a memory that lives on for years.

Five years later the student has sent a thank you note and has let the world know he has abandoned the Philippines for a career in Germany! 

Coronavirus Lockdown: Grocery Stores Struggle, COA Affirms Disallowance, and More!

More news about how the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines is being handled by the public and the government. 

The Lumpia Queen has taken over the world. Her reign began in 2022 during the pandemic. After her videos went viral she was able to convince her academic advisor to incorporate her content creation as part of her immersion project and turned it into a career. 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/02/28/abi-marquez-on-family-food-and-the-responsibility-of-representing-filipino-flavors-globally

On social media, she reigns as the Lumpia Queen. At just 25, Abi Marquez has transformed her love for Filipino food into a global platform, earning accolades from the Webby Awards, a coveted spot on Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia, and, most recently, Creator of the Year at the Adcolor Awards. She is also a 2025 Gold Stevie winner at the International Business Awards, where she was recognized as Most Innovative Content Creator of the Year.

But beyond the perfectly edited reels and viral recipes, who is Abi? What sparked her journey from filming home-cooked meals to representing Filipino cuisine on the global stage?

In celebration of International Women’s Month, Manila Bulletin Lifestyle sat down with the trailblazing creator for an intimate conversation about her beginnings during the pandemic, the challenges of building a brand from scratch, and the purpose that fuels her work today.

Inside a loving home, where it all began

“I started doing content in January 2022,” she recalls. “We ate rice three times a day at home. One night, I made pasta for dinner and thought, ‘this is special.’” Armed with her phone and curiosity, she uploaded the video. It went viral.

Instead of basking in the numbers, Abi studied them. “As the nerd that I am, I made a formula for it,” she says with a laugh. She repeated what resonated, refining her storytelling while staying rooted in Filipino flavors.

Food, after all, was always central to her life. The second of four children, Abi grew up in a household where meals were sacred. Her father, an engineer turned entrepreneur, encouraged patience and experimentation, even critiquing dishes with gentle suggestions. Her mother, a nurse who chose to raise the family full-time, cooked three meals a day. No one started eating until everyone was at the table. Even today, that rule stands.

The discipline followed her to school. A graduate of Santa Rosa Science and Technology High School, she took up the Accountancy, Business, and Management senior high school track before earning a degree in Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management (HRIM) at the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman. Numbers excite her as much as narratives do. She understands bookkeeping, business models, and audience analytics with equal enthusiasm.

Yet she was never confined to the classroom. Abi joined filmmaking contests, dance competitions, the student government, and even founded the first Honor Society chapter for HRIM students in her college.

From thesis to lifetime career

When content creation began gaining traction during her final semester, she made a bold move. Faced with delays in a traditional internship, she convinced her dean to allow her to turn content creation into her immersion project. She wrote case studies and approached them with academic rigor. From the beginning, she treated it not as a hobby but as a career.

The early days were not glamorous. Without corporate experience, she navigated brand emails by instinct. “I basically pretended to know what I was doing,” she admits. Burnout soon followed. As a one-woman team, she shot, edited, wrote, negotiated, and posted her work. There were Saturdays spent editing instead of sitting at the family table. Those were the moments she cried.

“With the demand that I had with sponsorships and just the workload, it was a very difficult moment for me to catch up with everything, especially the fact that I would miss family occasions,” she shares. “I would miss weekends with my family because of work, which was really a big deal to me.”

Today, she leads a growing team and works with a management team that handles the business side. The challenge now is different. “It’s harder to explain your vision than to just do it yourself,” she says. Still, the improved quality of life affirms her belief that longevity in this industry requires collaboration.

Putting Filipino dishes on the world map

With visibility comes pressure. As one of the few Filipinos representing local cuisine on global platforms, Abi feels a responsibility to be inclusive and informed. “The biggest challenge I face is becoming a responsible, inclusive representative of Filipino cuisine on a global scale.”

Learning, for her, is an active pursuit. She reads, watches, travels, and most importantly, listens. Conversations with fellow Filipinos, whether abroad or in newsrooms, deepen her understanding of the stories behind the food. Each exchange shapes how she presents Filipino flavors to the world.

What’s next for the Lumpia Queen?

A cookbook is in the works, a tangible extension of her digital universe. She hopes to travel more, meet Filipinos overseas, and understand how food connects them to home. This year, she is also going offline, teaching culinary classes at UP Diliman, speaking to students at Ateneo, and organizing kitchen workshops for children in partnership with World Vision.

And yes, she confirms, a restaurant is part of the dream. While many creators expand into products, Abi envisions a space where people can taste her creations firsthand. “It’s more fulfilling for me to share the food that I cook and watch it change someone’s mood,” she says.

For women still searching for their place, her advice is simple. Stick to your story. In a world obsessed with virality and comparison, authenticity remains her secret ingredient. “Your set of experiences is yours alone,” she says. “Block out the noise. Believe you can do anything as long as you put your time and effort into it.”

From a humble pasta video to global recognition, Abi proves that when passion meets purpose, even the simplest dish can open doors to the world.

It's another story of a Filipina succeeding during the pandemic by turning food into money. 

In 2022 Legazpi CIty gave 64.5 million pesos in assistance to various groups. The COA has now disallowed that assistance. 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/02/28/coa-affirms-disallowance-on-p645-m-assistance-given-to-legazpi-city-employees-tricycle-drivers-seniors-in-2022

The Commission on Audit (COA) has affirmed its disallowance on the P38 million cash incentives given to the officials and employees of Legazpi City and the P26.58 million financial assistance (FA) given to tricycle drivers and senior citizens during the tail-end of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2022.

Spouses Carmen Geraldine B. Rosal and Noel E. Rosal, the former mayors of Legazpi City, appealed the COA decisions on the disallowed payments.

They argued that the passage of the ordinances which allowed the welfare and financial assistance cannot connote bad moral judgment or negligence since it was made during the Covid-19 pandemic and the aftermath of several natural calamities.

They also argued good faith behind their actions, and, thus, they should not be held personally liable for money that was already distributed.

But the COA found their arguments without merit.

The COA stressed that Provincial Resolution No. 0384-2023 dated Feb. 7, 2023, issued by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, declared as invalid and inoperative Ordinance No. 16-0013-2022 and Appropriations Ordinance No. 16-0023-2022 of the city, which granted the EWA and additional incentives.

As a result, the COA said that the grant of the FA to tricycle drivers and senior citizens was in violation of Section 261(v) of the Omnibus Election Code on the prohibition against the release, disbursement, and expenditure of public funds during the 45 days preceding a regular election.

It also said that good faith may not be appreciated in favor of the Rosal spouses, as the grant of EWA was immediately disbursed without the required review by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. It added that the timing of the grant was also questionable.

"While the grant was incidentally made during the pandemic, it is worth emphasizing that it was made only on Dec. 22, 2022, which was already at the tail-end. Thus, there was hardly any urgency anymore that would justify non-compliance with the above discussed provisions of law," the COA pointed out.

The nine-page decision was signed by Chairperson Gamaliel A. Cordoba and Commissioner Douglas M.N. Mallillin.

The COA says this was actually a sneaky way to get around election laws by doling out cash. It was also done when the pandemic was basically over in December 2022! No word on whether this money will be returned. 

SMX Convention Center continues to recover and expand post-pandemic. 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/03/03/smx-breaks-event-record-expands-capacity-nationwide

SMX Convention Center sets new records in 2025 as demand for business and industry events accelerates nationwide.

SMX Convention Center, the meetings and exhibitions arm of SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime), reported that it hosted a record number of events and visitors in 2025—giving it greater confidence to continue expanding to serve untapped demand.

In a media briefing, SM Hotels and Convention Corp. (SMHCC) Senior Vice President Walid Wafik said, “we are adding capacity ahead of demand as part of our long-term plan because there are some markets that we didn’t tap on yet because of the limited capacity that we have.”

He noted that, “with sufficient capacity we think MICE [meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions] can be a significant driver of tourism business activities and regional growth for the Philippines.”

“We are scaling capacity in step with demand, while focusing on developments that complement our current portfolio. This allows us to extend growth beyond the capital and strengthen our presence in key provincial markets,” said SMHCC Executive Vice President Peggy Angeles.

In Cebu province, SMX Convention Center Seaside Cebu will soon rise. It is poised to become the largest convention center in the Philippines and is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2026.

In Pasay City, SMXCITE, or SMX Center for International Trade and Exhibitions, is under construction within SM Mall of Asia (MOA) complex. The 18,000-square-meter (sqm) facility is set to open in early 2027 and will be the country’s largest international exhibition venue.

Wafik said that while these facilities have yet to be completed, they have already started receiving bookings for both properties.

“This gives us confidence that the added capacity will attract additional shows and events plus this also gives us a good edge with international events that we have not been tapping or Manila wasn’t being considered because of the limited sizes of the venues. So this is opening great new doors for us,” he added.

SMX said its strong performance last year reinforces its position as a top destination for large-scale events in the country. It currently has eight convention centers and trade halls, three of which are in Metro Manila, including Megatrade Hall at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City, while the others are in Davao, Bacolod, Clark, Olongapo, and Cebu’s Sky Hall.

Across these properties, SMX booked 1,632 events, up 10 percent from 1,480 in 2024. Booked events during the year were almost evenly divided between Metro Manila and regional venues, reflecting the rising popularity of provincial destinations.

Visitor traffic climbed 38 percent to 8.42 million from 6.1 million, as the expanded lineup of booked events and their strong audience pull translated into higher foot traffic.

“Since the pandemic reopening, we have seen sustained demand not only in Metro Manila but also in key regional destinations. The accessible locations of our venues also encouraged walk-in visitors, particularly for exhibitions and consumer shows open to the public,” said Angeles.

Major events staged at SMX venues in 2025 included flagship trade exhibitions and consumer shows such as Philconstruct, World Food Expo (WOFEX), SiGMA Asia, Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), and TravelTour Expo (TTE), along with bridal fairs and large-scale cosplay conventions.

MICE will certainly be the driving factor in their growth as business meeting and conferences converge on these convention centers. 

Grocery stores are struggling due to weak economic growth. 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/03/02/grocery-stores-struggle-as-filipino-consumers-cut-back-on-spending

Consumer spending in supermarkets at the start of the year remains clouded by uncertainty, as the ongoing political noise and weaker economic growth are prompting Filipinos to spend their money elsewhere, according to the Philippine Amalgamated Supermarket Association Inc. (Pagasa).

Pagasa President Steven Cua said spending in the first quarter will unlikely to rebound from the worse-than-expected holiday period during the latter part of last year, which is typically the highest sales period of any given year.

Cua said members of the supermarket group are still “uncertain” whether sales will gain upward momentum as early as next month.

“The political sentiment is really hurting us. People say that's separate, but bloggers, TikTok, everything on social media, is killing us,” he said in a chance interview last week.

The country’s economic growth expanded by just three percent in the fourth quarter of 2025, the slowest since the pandemic, in the aftermath of the flood control scandal that stalled government spending.

According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the consumer confidence index worsened to -22.2 percent in the quarter, down from -9.8 percent in the previous three months.

While the corruption scandal continues to affect sentiment, Cua pointed out that consumer confidence is also being weighed down by an even more divisive political climate en route to the 2028 presidential elections.

To recall, Vice President Sara Duterte has announced that she intends to run for the country’s top post in the elections, a move that is seen to dictate the status of her impeachment case.

At the same time, the International Criminal Court (ICC) recently concluded the confirmation of charges against her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, over alleged crimes against humanity, which is expected to cast a shadow over the country’s political landscape.

To encourage consumer spending, Cua said the country is badly in need of some much-needed “good news.”

“When Manny Pacquiao has a fight, there's no crime, right? What goes up? The sales of alcohol. People want to drink and watch. So those are feel-good things,” he explained.

While supermarkets are reeling from the impact of weaker spending, Cua said this is the opposite for hard discounters who are on an upswing as consumers are now more keen to buy cheaper goods.

Hard discounters Dali and O! Save offers a no-frills shopping experience, selling private-label goods at prices lower than branded counterparts.

“They keep opening, they have the capital. We don't have the capital to burn, that's why we are wait-and-see,” said Cua.

He noted that hard discounters could continue growing at a faster rate this year as household budgets tighten, especially amid increases in oil prices.

If oil and transportation costs continue to take up a larger share of consumers’ wallets, he said shoppers will likely turn to alternative stores such as hard discounters rather than traditional supermarkets.

Amazing that the flood control scandal is now affecting grocery stores! That's the power of corruption. It has wiped out much post-pandemic growth. 

Coronavirus Lockdown: Balloon and Music Festival, Discounted Ticketing, and More!

More news about how the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines is being handled by the public and the government. 

Tourism is rebounding in the post-pandemic region of the ASEAN but the Philippines is lagging behind. 

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/309555/ph-lags-asean-in-tourism-rebound

The Philippines is among the slowest to recover in intra-Asean tourism, lagging behind most Southeast Asian neighbors despite a regionwide rebound, according to Asean tourism statistics from 2019 to 2024 by the Asean Statistics Division (ASEANstats).

An analysis by University of the Philippines associate professor and Inquirer data scientist Dr. Rogelio Alicor Panao showed that even before the pandemic, the Philippines trailed far behind regional tourism leaders. In 2019, it logged 526,832 intra-Asean visitors, a modest figure compared with Malaysia’s 17.9 million and Thailand’s 10.8 million.

The pandemic then dealt a deeper blow. Visitor numbers plunged to 7,773 in 2021, one of the steepest contractions in the region.

While Asean travel began recovering in 2022, the Philippines’ rebound remained subdued. Arrivals climbed to 188,205 in 2022 and 484,465 in 2024, still below pre-pandemic levels.

Meanwhile, Malaysia and Thailand had largely regained their 2019 volumes by 2024, while Cambodia and Vietnam doubled their 2022 figures within two years.

“In a region where intra-Asean travel has nearly returned to its pre-pandemic scale—reaching 48.5 million in 2024—the Philippines remains a relative laggard,” Panao said in his analysis.

He said the country’s slower recovery suggests structural constraints, including higher travel costs, weaker regional connectivity and delayed reopening compared with Asean peers.

A wider tourism gap

The pattern mirrors the country’s broader tourism performance

International arrivals to the Philippines remain below pre-pandemic levels even as neighboring destinations surge ahead. Data from the Department of Tourism (DOT) showed the country recorded 5.24 million visitors in the first 11 months of 2025, about 37% below 2019 levels, while Vietnam reached 22 million arrivals, surpassing its pre-COVID performance.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco earlier pointed to a “big disparity” between the Philippines and Asean neighbors, noting the country operates with a much smaller tourism promotion budget than competing destinations.

“While we are operating at only over P3 billion, we are competing with countries that have devoted far more, especially in terms of marketing and promotions,” she said last year.

In a press briefing earlier this month, Frasco said a 93% cut in the DOT’s budget left the department “with only 100 million in branding and marketing in 2025.”

When asked about the cuts, she said, “From 2023, it was 1.3 billion, and that became only 200 million in 2024, and 100 million in 2025. Our competitors outspent us anywhere from three to 10 times more.”

Despite those figures, she said, “Philippine tourism still managed to deliver” through several campaigns.

Infrastructure, costs, connectivity

Longstanding structural issues continue to shape the country’s competitiveness.

Curtis Chin, a senior adviser at the Milken Institute and former US ambassador to the Manila-based Asian Development Bank, said travel in the Philippines often feels “more hassle than fun,” citing congested airports, fragile interisland connectivity and uneven transport infrastructure.

Ease of movement remains a decisive factor in Southeast Asia’s tourism race. Travelers comparing destinations often find Vietnam and Thailand offer “a combination of affordability, convenience and well-established tourism infrastructure,” according to tourism attache Erwin Balane.

The two countries, Balane said, have “highly developed tourism industries with efficient transportation systems, a wide range of accommodations, and clearly organized tour services, making travel easy even for first-time visitors.”

Higher travel costs also weigh on demand. Balane said tour prices in the Philippines have risen since the pandemic due to operating expenses and higher service fees, while infrastructure development has not kept pace.

Recent policy moves also reflect growing attention to travel costs. Lawmakers are pushing to abolish the mandatory travel tax, currently P1,620 for economy passengers and P2,700 for first class, to reduce expenses and stimulate travel activity.

Sen. Francis Pangilinan said lowering the cost of international travel could “stimulate passenger volume, increase spending on transport, accommodation, food and services, and generate positive spillovers across the economy,” while helping position the Philippines as a more accessible and competitive destination.

A separate House measure estimates that removing the tax could lower ticket prices and expand travel demand, with projections showing potential economic gains from increased tourism-related spending.

The proposal—now among the administration’s priority legislative measures—underscores how cost competitiveness remains central to strengthening the country’s tourism recovery and regional positioning. 

Domestic tourism carrying the load

Despite weaker international arrivals, domestic tourism has helped sustain the industry.

Citing the World Travel and Tourism Council’s impact report, Frasco said last year that the Philippines leads Southeast Asia in domestic tourism spending, reaching $63.4 billion in 2024 from more than 134 million trips and accounting for 35.8% of Asean’s total domestic tourism expenditure.

“These figures underscore the love of Filipinos for their own country and their vital role in sustaining local destinations,” she said.

Tourism earnings also remained strong. In 2024, the sector generated more than P760 billion in revenue, even as arrival targets were missed.

Still, analysts say domestic travel alone cannot fully offset the economic impact of slower international arrivals.

External pressures

Beyond structural constraints, external forces—from geopolitics to safety perceptions—have also slowed the Philippines’ tourism recovery.

China, whose tourists once made up the country’s second-largest source of visitors, has sharply declined amid geopolitical tensions and reduced connectivity. Tourism officials said China-Philippines routes are operating at only about 45% of pre-pandemic levels, limiting arrivals from what used to be one of the country’s biggest markets.

Frasco earlier acknowledged the impact of geopolitics on visitor numbers, saying: “Nobody could have anticipated that geopolitics would ultimately affect the arrival of tourists from China, especially since electronic visas for the Chinese market were suspended. This is in stark contrast to the policies of our Asean neighbors, where Chinese visitors either don’t need a visa or can obtain one upon arrival.”

She added: “Originally, we projected that up to 2 million Chinese tourists would arrive, but by the end of 2024, only a little over 300,000 actually came.”

South Korea—the Philippines’ largest tourism market for more than a decade—has also shown signs of weakness. Visitor arrivals dropped due to safety concerns, disasters and changing travel preferences.

Balane, Manila’s tourism attache for South Korea, said natural disruptions played a role, explaining that “successive typhoons as well as earthquakes in Cebu and parts of Mindanao disrupted flights, damaged tourism facilities and altered travel itineraries.”

He said media coverage in South Korea reinforced those concerns, adding it “significantly heightened perceptions of risk.”

Security concerns have further influenced travel decisions. Balane told the Inquirer: “Such incidents have eroded traveler confidence and reinforced the belief that the Philippines is less safe than competing destinations in the region.”

Strong economic role, uneven recovery

Despite lagging international arrivals, tourism remains a major pillar of the Philippine economy.

According to the latest World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Economic Impact Report presented during the Asean Tourism Ministers’ Meeting in Cebu, tourism contributed $91.8 billion to the Philippine economy, the highest in Southeast Asia.

The sector accounted for 19.9% of the country’s GDP and supported about 11.22 million jobs, or roughly 23% of national employment.

“These figures clearly show that the Philippines ranks among Asean’s leading tourism economies,” Frasco said, noting that tourism remains “a powerful driver of inclusive growth, job creation, and economic resilience.”

Recent data also show continued strength in tourism revenues, even as the recovery in visitor arrivals remains uneven. The DOT reported that tourism earnings reached P65.3 billion in January 2025 alone, surpassing pre-pandemic levels for the same period in 2019 and marking a 151.46% increase from January 2019.

Still, tourism officials reported 1,167,908 foreign arrivals in the first two months of 2025, indicating steady improvement but also highlighting the slower pace of international visitor recovery compared with regional peers—particularly in intra-Asean travel, where the Philippines continues to trail much of Southeast Asia.

The regional challenge

For Panao, the numbers point to a broader regional challenge rather than a short-term fluctuation.

“The Philippine tourism trajectory suggests that recovery has been slower and structurally constrained, possibly reflecting higher travel costs, weaker regional connectivity, or delayed tourism reopening compared with its Asean peers,” he said.

As intra-Asean travel continues to rebound and regional mobility expands, how the Philippines addresses these structural gaps may determine whether it can narrow the distance with its neighbors in the years ahead.

Even before the pandemic the Philippines was lagging behind in intra-ASEAN tourism. So it's not about the pandemic or about people recovering from the financial trouble. It seems the problem is the Philippines itself.

Around the world the cinema has struggled to crawl back to the large pre-pandemic profits. Why go out when every movie comes out on steaming a month or two later? In the Philippines one movie became a hit after theaters experimented with ticket prices. 

https://deadline.com/2026/02/anne-curtis-viva-films-the-loved-one-discounted-tickets-1236730457/

Irene Emma Villamor’s The Loved One, starring Anne Curtis and Jericho Rosales, has crossed the symbolic PHP100M benchmark at the Philippines box office, making it the first locally produced hit of 2026 and encouraging the Philippine film industry to experiment further with discounted ticket sales.

The romantic drama, produced by Viva Films and Cornerstone Studios, was released nationwide on February 11 and grossed $1.9M (PHP110M) in just nine days. This figure was achieved even though tickets were being sold at discounted rates in the SM Cinemas and Robinsons Movieworld circuits.  

In SM Cinemas, tickets were being sold at $4.70 (PHP275) in Metro Manila and $4 (PHP230) in provincial branches. Robinsons has been offering 45% discounts in select theatres, with some ticket prices as low as $1.70 (PHP99). 

High ticket prices have been cited as a major factor holding back box office recovery in the Philippines, where annual box office is still only around half of pre-pandemic levels. Ticket prices rose substantially after the pandemic, sometimes to around $9 (PHP550) for premium releases, in a territory where the minimum wage in the country is around $12 (PHP700 pesos) per day.

Viva Films’ content aggregation chief Ronald Arguelles described the film’s success as a “triumph of combined marketing elements”. In addition to the lower ticket pricing, the film’s star power, the subject matter and the theme song Multo by Cup Of Joe, currently one of the Philippines’ hottest bands, are all contributing to the film’s success. 

“Multo is currently the most streamed song in the Philippines on Spotify; Filipinos love to see a bittersweet romantic drama on Valentines weekend; and the Gen Z audience identified this as a film for their generation,” Arguelles explained. 

Viva Films CEO Vincent del Rosario further elaborated: “The narrative is tailored to resonate with a Filipino audience, capturing the essence of a generation seeking a poignant romantic drama with characters that reflect their own experiences. Viva’s significant contribution has been instrumental in shaping the film’s potential for success, and Jericho Rosales and Anne Curtis’ involvement is a considerable factor in its anticipated box office performance.”

“The reduced cinema ticket prices also helped make the film more accessible to a wider audience,” del Rosario added. 

Commenting on the film’s subject matter, director Villamor, said: “The audience perceives the narrative and events depicted in the film as remarkably specific and personal, thereby rendering them relatable.”

The story follows a couple’s relationship from the romance of first encounters through to moving in together, then through the impact of real-life problems – jealousy, death of a parent, work-related issues, money, pregnancy and miscarriage – providing a more realistic portrayal of a relationship than the average romantic drama usually delivers. 

The film has also been released internationally in North America, United Arab Emirates and Australia. 

Viva Films is one of the Philippines’ most prolific production outfits, making films for both threatrical and streaming. Last year’s theatrical releases included Mikhail Red’s supernatural horror film Lilim, starring Heaven Paralejo, and Lino Cayetano’s crime drama Salvageland, co-produced with Rein Entertainment, and starring Elijah Canlas and Richard Gomez, which Netflix recently acquired for Southeast Asia.

Of course with the minimum wage being a measly P700 per day poor people have no time to go to the movies even if the price is brought down to P199. 

The Lubao International Balloon and Music Festival  is returning in 2026.  It first returned last year after a five year hiatus due to the pandemic. 

https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/on-the-radar/2026/02/23/2508858/lubao-international-balloon-and-music-festival-2026-painting-sky-alive-summer/amp/

The Lubao International Balloon and Music Festival makes its highly anticipated return this summer, reaffirming its stance as one of the biggest and most iconic hot air balloon festivals in the Philippines!

Since its debut in 2014, the festival has captivated its thousands of audiences with its unique blend of aviation spectacle, live music and immersive on-ground experience.

After a five-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the festival made its successful return in the skies of Lubao last April 2025.

More than 70,000 people flocked to Pampanga to celebrate its much-awaited comeback. From hot air balloon flights to electrifying performances from your favorite local artists, the festival served it all.

This 2026, it’s keeping the streak and bringing you two days of breathtaking hot air balloon flights, thrilling attractions and an exciting lineup of artist performances you can’t resist.

Happening on March 7-8 at Pradera Verde in Lubao, Pampanga, the Lubao International Balloon and Music Festival is set to be a landmark celebration and a must-attend destination event.

Kicking off the festivities at sunrise, festival-goers can expect a mass ascension of over 25 colorful hot air balloons flown by both local and international pilots. Experience the skies of Lubao with spectacular balloon flights you can hop on right there and then.

Throughout the day, attendees can also enjoy a wide range of activities. Take in the magnificence of Pampanga’s landscape with helicopter and ultralight rides, bask in gastronomic food bazaars and immerse in nature with the crowd favorite outdoor zoo attraction.

Pradera Islands, the newest theme park destination in Pampanga, located within the sparkling grounds of Pradera Verde also welcomes thrill-seekers and families alike for adrenaline-pumping rides, immersive attractions and island-inspired adventures.

At sunset, the festival transforms into a dynamic concert experience, featuring acts from the biggest names in the Philippine music scene, delivering high-energy performances to cap off each day in unforgettable fashion.

This year’s lineup fulfills every OPM fan’s fantasy with musical acts from jikamarie, Illest Morena, Hev Abi, Flow G, Arthur Nery, December Avenue, Dionela, Maki, IV of Spades, Kamikazee and Parokya ni Edgar.

And for the first time ever, former Rivermaya bandmates Rico Blanco and Bamboo will share the same stage. Bamboo is set to perform on the first day (March 7) while Rico’s set takes place on the second day (March 8).

Festival tickets are priced at P500 for General Admission and P1,500 for VIP. To get the most out of Lubao, you can purchase two day passes for P800 for General Admission and P2,500 for VIP.

Get your tickets at all SM Ticket outlets nationwide and/or via online at

The Lubao International Balloon and Music Festival 2026 is organized by BLUE SKIES Hot Air Balloon AdVentures Association Inc. and Forthinker Inc., in partnership with Pradera Verde and Pradera Islands Theme Park, with the support of the Provincial Government of Pampanga.

I searched this blog's archives and found nothing about it returning last year so it must have been overlooked.