FiberXers spoil Macau Black Bears' PBA Commissioner’s Cup debutConverge's Alec Stockton (12) shoots against the defense of the Macau Black Knights during their PBA Commissioner's Cup clash Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila. MANILA, Philippines -- The Converge FiberXers gave the Macau Black Knights a rude welcome in the PBA, keeping the guest team at bay, 102-94, in their PBA Commissioner’s Cup clash Wednesday evening at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila. But a 13-2 run capped by a Justin Arana layup gave Converge the lead, 66-64, with 4:52 left in the third. Jonnel Policarpio finished with 13 points in his Converge debut, while Kylor Kelley had 12 markers and 19 boards. Jenning Leung waxed hot from deep for the Black Knights with 22 points, including 2-of-5 from 4-point and 2-of-8 from 3-point territories.

Eala outclassed, ends Indian Wells campaignINDIAN WELLS, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 08: Alexandra Eala of the Phiippines plays a forehand against Coco Gauff of the United States in their third round match of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 08, 2026 in Indian Wells, California. Alex Eala was shown the door in the Indian Wells Open after getting swept by Linda Noskova, 6-2, 6-0, Wednesday afternoon (Manila time) in California. 14, put on a masterclass against the lackadaisical Eala, dominating every aspect of the match against the frustrated Filipina. Eala then held her serve to put herself on the board and was trailing by one game, 2-3. Still, Eala had a deep run in her debut in Indian Wells.

Greenbelt Getaway to Wimbledon: The ultimate UK experienceMANILA, Philippines — For those who understand that true luxury is found in being present for the moments that matter, this is the ultimate invitation. The Greenbelt Getaway to Wimbledon is a masterclass in curated experience, offering winners the best seats in history:2 Wimbledon Centre Court packages8 days, 7 nights twin-sharing accommodation at Nobu Hotel (or similar)Debenture Match Tickets to Centre Court and Court No. Experiences beyond compareSince 2023, the Greenbelt Getaway has reimagined how we reward our community, extending our signature experience far beyond the avenues of Makati. How to join the Greenbelt Getaway to WimbledonFrom February 15 through April 15, every retail purchase at Greenbelt serves as an opportunity to win. The Greenbelt Getaway to Wimbledon promo runs from Feb. 15, 2026 to April 15, 2026.

Meralco raises power rates to P0.64 in March 2026Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) workers conduct maintenance work along Magallanes Drive in Manila, June 28. MANILA, Philippines — The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) on Tuesday, March 10, implemented an upward adjustment of P0.6427 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in electricity rates for March 2026. According to Meralco, the primary driver for this month's rate hike is a P0.2880 per kWh increase in transmission charges. Meralco attributed this to fixed charges from the second extension of the Power Purchase Agreement with First Gas-Sta. Despite these fluctuations in pass-through charges, Meralco pointed out that its own distribution charge has remained unchanged since August 2022.

La Niña season endsPAGASA said the Oceanic Niño Index in the tropical Pacific indicates a return to El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO)-neutral levels. MANILA, Philippines — La Niña season has ended, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said yesterday. Based on the model forecasts, the ENSO-neutral conditions are likely to persist in the January to March through June to August season. “Despite the end of La Niña, other weather and climate systems may still influence rainfall distribution in the country,” PAGASA said. “The LPA (low-pressure area) will have lesser influence in the country’s weather conditions as it moves north northeastward slowly,” PAGASA weather specialist John Manalo said in a forecast.

Flexible work setups must comply with labor laws – DOLE“We encourage these arrangements, but they should be discussed by workers and employers and voluntarily entered into based on mutual agreement,” DOLE Assistant Secretary Lennard Constantine Serrano said. MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) yesterday reminded employers that flexible work arrangements such as a four-day workweek, compressed workweek or hybrid setup must comply with labor laws and should not result in reduced wages or benefits for workers. Serrano noted that guidelines on flexible work arrangements have long existed, citing a DOLE advisory issued as early as 2004 that recognized the compressed workweek arrangement, including a four-day workweek setup. Serrano also said agreements between employers and employees on flexible work setups must be reported to DOLE so the department can monitor compliance with labor regulations. The official also underscored that telecommuting or hybrid work arrangements should ensure fair treatment among employees, including those working from home and those reporting physically to the workplace.

He is the first person ever to surpass the $800 billion mark and is on course to become the world's first trillionaire. But Tesla shares rebounded in the second half of 2025 after Musk exited his Trump administration role and have remained lofty. The Forbes list is based on valuations as of March 1, 2026. It might be a third of that, which would still be more than the next person," said Kirsch who characterized Musk's fortune as "staggering" and "kind of unreal." The cofounders of Google, Larry Page ($257 billion) and Sergey Brin ($237 billion) ranked second and third.

Marcos maintains stance against ICC reentry, draws De Lima criticismThis photograph taken on March 14, 2025 shows the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. We will still not rejoin the ICC)," she said, noting that Marcos spared the details for his reason not to rejoin. "Ano pa nga bang hinihintay ni Pangulong Marcos Jr.? (What else is President Marcos Jr. waiting for? The country ratified the treaty in August 2011, which entered into force in November 2011, giving the ICC jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed between Nov. 1, 2011 and March 16, 2019.

‘Rich vs poor’ excuseYesterday, I watched a former Cabinet member say that it would be unwise to remove or suspend the excise tax on fuel because the government would lose money, and the cut would only benefit the rich who have SUVs and luxury vehicles. The so-called energy expert said that cheaper fuel will only encourage the rich to drive their vehicles more. The call to suspend or remove the excise tax on fuel imports is not a class issue. Category B: #The FFCCCIIBarrioSchoolStory would be an open storytelling category for the general public that highlights the broader impact of the FFCCCII barrio schools initiative. Each category will award P120,000 for first prize, P80,000 for second prize and P50,000 for third prize, while five special citations for President’s Choice award, Youth Leadership award, Media Excellence award, Education Impact award and Community award will each receive P30,000.

Marantan assumes Calabarzon police postCAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines — A day after his appointment, Highway Patrol Group (HPG) director Brig. Gen. Hanzel Marantan yesterday assumed as acting chief of the Calabarzon police. Marantan replaced Brig. Marantan was replaced in the HPG by Brig. Gen. James Melad, who is also a former chief of the Calabarzon police, congratulated Marantan on his new appointment.

Stocks bounce back strongly, peso recoversThe peso also strengthened against the dollar, recovering from a record low in the previous session as the local currency gained ground amid easing pressure in the foreign exchange market. The peso also strengthened against the dollar, recovering from a record low in the previous session as the local currency gained ground amid easing pressure in the foreign exchange market. The bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) surged by 2.01 percent or 120.44 points, settling at 6,126.66. The broader All Shares index also bounced back, climbing by 1.82 percent or 60.86 points to end yesterday’s session at 3,407.61. Meanwhile, data from the Bankers Association of the Philippines showed the peso closed at 58.896 per dollar, stronger by about 60 centavos from Monday’s record low finish of 59.50.

Shipping lines cut trips, raise fares Airfare hikes loomMANILA, Philippines — Local shipping lines have resorted to trimming their daily trips and increasing passenger fares to cope with spiking fuel costs, affecting Filipinos planning to travel during the Holy Week. Once fuel prices return to normal levels, our fares will also be reviewed and adjusted accordingly,” SeaCat by Grand Ferries said. The situation will likely force the Civil Aeronautics Board to adjust fuel surcharge for the first time in eight months. With the travel tax abolition, funds for the programs will instead be included in the agencies’ appropriations, Adriano said. Cayetano said budget travel is more accessible now, which makes travel tax a financial burden on the ordinary Filipino household traveling.

Sustained high oil prices are expected to trigger “second-round” effects, driving up costs for transport, electricity and logistics, which broadens inflationary pressure beyond just fuel. The impact of higher fuel and rice prices is like a “tax” on consumers, reducing disposable income and slowing household spending. That makes us more vulnerable to external shocks like the current oil crisis. If this happens, we could face a liquidity crisis like we did in the first Marcos era. So, how can BBM choose to attend useless UN meetings in New York rather than be here to manage the unfolding crisis?

Thus, First Metro explained that the current Middle East turmoil is a cost-push shock, not a global demand collapse. Food, it said, is the channel that turns an energy shock into a cost-of-living issue. Although food is not directly imported from the Middle East, energy imports affect food via transport and logistics, cold storage and processing and fertilizers linked to gas prices. The Middle East hosts the largest concentration of overseas Filipino workers and their remittances are a structural pillar of the Philippine economy. Scenario 3 outlines a prolonged disruption — from a logistics issue to a full-scale supply shock.

Hotel101 opens Madrid hotelMANILA, Philippines — Hotel101 Global Holdings Corp., the Nasdaq-listed subsidiary of DoubleDragon Corp., has officially opened its first European project, the 680-room Hotel101-Madrid in Spain. DoubleDragon said the hotel is an ideal base for visitors attending world-class events and business meetings and enjoying tourism in Madrid. “The hotel is now operational and will begin generating recurring revenue, forming a key part of Hotel101 Global’s global expansion strategy,” DoubleDragon said. Customers can now book a room at Hotel101-Madrid via the Hotel101 App or via several hotel booking platforms. It seeks to disrupt the global hotel and hospitality sector through its tech-enabled business model, positioning it to generate revenue twice: first from the advance sale of individual hotel units during the construction phase and second from long-term, recurring revenue from day-to-day hotel operations.