If you ever found yourself craving a bowl of Mak's Noodle, there's no need to travel—it's now open in SM Megamall. What began as a stall in Hong Kong has grown into an international staple, with the Philippines joining China and Thailand as the latest destination for its celebrated Cantonese dishes. Known for a broth that the Michelin Guide describes as deeply flavorful, the restaurant has brought its wonton noodles to the Philippines. Its signature wonton noodles feature translucent, paper-thin skins that reveal firm prawns, paired with springy duck egg noodles.

Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste hit back at Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon after the official said he had not authenticated any documents belonging to the late Catalina Cabral, now in Leviste’s possession. "Nasaan na ang Vince Dizon ng September—na tumawag kay USec Cabral para ipabigay sa akin ang mga files 'in the spirit of transparency'?" Dizon added that Cabral called him in September, saying that Leviste had been "forcibly" retrieving the files containing the budget allocations per district. "Nagpilit siyang kumuha ng mga files at ginamit pa niya ‘yung computer ng isang staff. Cabral ay nagpilit siyang i-use sa kaniyang flash drive galing doon sa computer ng isang staff ni Usec.

Ombudsman: ICI referrals part of ‘natural flow’ as Fajardo resignsThe Independent Commission for Infrastructure, made up of Rogelio Singson, Rossana Fajardo and chairman Andres Reyes, start looking into anomalies in flood control and other infrastructure projects at the DPWH main office in Manila yesterday. ALBAY, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman described the transmission of referrals from the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) as part of a “natural flow,” following the resignation of Commissioner Rossana Fajardo, effective Dec. 31, 2025. "Now, with a new Ombudsman ready to take on the task, the ICI was quick to relay their referrals for further fact-finding and/or preliminary investigation," Clavano said. "The exposure is high especially for those who head the commission,” Clavano said, calling it “noble” for private individuals to take on such a daunting task at a pivotal moment in the country’s history. "It is only a matter of time before we see more cases filed in court - many upon the recommendation of the ICI," Clavano said.

A drone explodes during a Russian missile and drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine December 23, 2025.

Small family, small farm for food securityTuro Tolentino and Andrea Alforte and their home in Cainta were victims of Typhoon Ondoy in 2009, while Turo was still employed at a call center. Inspired by the success of the Costales farm in Majayjay, Laguna, Turo rolled up his sleeves to take an intensive course in organic farm production from the successful couple in Majayjay. I learned he even has microscopes to check on the microbes present in his compost, as sign of readiness for use at the organic farm. Artfarm Sustainable Solutions, established in 2011, is now a certified organic farm and also recently became recognized as a Slow Food Farm by Slow Food International, one of the few in the country. As a Slow Food Farm (which my own ECHOfarms has applied for), they produce good, clean and fair food while protecting the environment and encouraging biodiversity.

5 dead, 23 injured in Camarines Sur bus crashMANILA, Philippines — Five people died and 23 others were injured after a passenger bus fell into a ravine in Del Gallego, Camarines Sur yesterday. Bernie Undecimo, Del Gallego town police chief, said a DLTB bus from Cubao, Quezon City plunged into the ravine 10 meters deep along Andaya Highway in Barangay Magais I at 3:25 a.m. “According to the observation of some passengers, the driver was either sleepy or had a heart attack, and the bus swerved and plunged into the ravine,” Undecimo told dzBB in Filipino. The alternate driver told investigators that he and the driver had swapped posts upon reaching Tabogo town in Camarines Norte before proceeding to their destination in Gubat, Sorsogon. At least 15 people, including the driver and alternate driver, were seriously injured and brought to a hospital in Tagkawayan, Quezon for treatment.

Distraught over ghost projects? There is a silver bullet (usually reserved for werewolves) and that may just be a trip to the horror capital of the world, Romania. Red stakes outside the Dracula CastleIronically, Romania is now doing brisk business as a morbid movie and emo teleserye-making paradise. To add an extra shiver down your spine, it’s officially in the province called Transylvania. The ghostly Parliament building as it was being constructedThe centerpiece, however, is the Parliament building, gleaming and positively enormous.

Eala begins Aussie Open preparation with Macau Tennis Masters stintMANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala primes up for her anticipated Australian Open campaign early next year with an exhibition stint in three events at the MGM Macau Tennis Masters this weekend. Eala, WTA No. Eala later in the day will also figure in the mixed doubles with Shang against the 18-year-old Andreeva and ATP No. Then it’s Eala versus Andreeva in the women’s singles on Sunday for their first duel in three years. Eala netted bronze medals in the women’s team event with Stefi Aludo, Alexa Milliam, Tennielle Madis and Shaira Rivera as well as in the mixed doubles with Niño Alcantara.

New MMDA general manager Torre considered resigned from PNPExecutive Secretary Ralph Recto administers the oath of office to Nicolas Torre III as the new general manager of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority yesterday. MANILA, Philippines — Former Philippine National Police chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III has effectively resigned from the PNP after he accepted the post of general manager of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the National Police Commission (Napolcom) said yesterday. Had Torre rejected the MMDA post, he would continue to hold the four-star rank until he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56 in March 2027. The PNP has yet to issue a statement on Torre’s oath-taking as new MMDA general manager. He was the fourth PNP chief under the Marcos administration.

Developer backpedals on proposed Greenhills residential tower projectMANILA, Philippines — SPI Realty Inc. has formally withdrawn its application to build a 72-story residential tower inside the Greenhills East subdivision, acknowledging both community sentiment and Mandaluyong City’s longstanding zoning policies designed to prevent congestion, protect public safety, and preserve the character of residential neighborhoods. The 72-story tower proposal had raised significant concerns over traffic load, density, emergency access, shadowing and overall compatibility with a quiet residential subdivision. The Greenhills East Village Association (GEVA) has welcomed SPI Realty’s decision as well as Mandaluyong LGU’s move to strictly enforce Ordinance 664 S-2017, which reinforced the city’s commitment to balanced growth and proper urban management. GEVA residents successfully communicated the community’s concerns, and the LGU stood firm in safeguarding the zoning rules, heritage and livability standards that have long made Mandaluyong a model of well-planned urban development. “This is a powerful example of what happens when citizens participate, and when local government listens,” GEVA said.

CPP caused over 5 decades of suffering – NSCBAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The National Security Council (NSC) reiterated the government’s firm stance against armed insurgency and violence as the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) marked its 57th anniversary yesterday. In a statement, the NSC said the CPP and its armed wing the New People’s Army caused decades of suffering to Filipinos, particularly those in rural and geographically isolated communities, as their armed campaign resulted in loss of life and displacement of civilians over the past 57 years. Despite public declarations of temporary ceasefires, the NSC said the rebel attacks reflect insincerity, noting that violence erodes trust and places civilians at risk. It also urged the public, particularly the youth, to reject violence and support peaceful and lawful avenues for reform. Ending the armed conflict, the NSC said, requires collective resolve to uphold accountability, human rights and development that benefits all Filipinos.

Congress trifocalized education in the 1990s: DepEd for basic education, CHED for higher education and TESDA for technical and vocational education. However, all these initiatives need continuous funding to achieve their impact across all higher education institutions. Without visionary leaders in higher education who understand that sports are integral to education, sustainability will remain an elusive goal. Higher education institutions have experts in research, sports science, psychology, nutrition, physiotherapy and human kinetics – fields that could significantly enhance athlete development in the country. The creation of a National Tertiary Games, as proposed by Sen. Bong Go through Senate Bill 678, is a positive step forward.

It will leave the scene with its mission unaccomplished. It was not intended for this ad hoc commission to further fuel the public anger – and it seems to have studiously avoided doing that. It was not a good measure of the value attached to the ICI’s work that its funding was released only just days ago. Both the Senate Blue Ribbon committee and the ICI effectively sidestepped Cabral and the potentially explosive truths she might speak. As this ad hoc commission melts into the background, all the official investigations will have to go through the equally undermanned Office of the Ombudsman.

Over 2.8 million enjoy free holiday train ridesPhilippine Ports Authority Assistant General Manager for Operations Mark Jon Palomar leads the inspection in Northport Passenger Terminal in Manila on December 26, 2025 as people board ships to spend the New Year in their provinces. MANILA, Philippines — A total of 2,841,788 commuters were transported for free during the “12 Days of Christmas” train rides program of the Department of Transportation (DOTr). Free rides were given to 1,183,950 passengers at the Metro Rail Transit Line 3, 1,091,951 others at the privately owned Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) and 565,887 more at the LRT 2, the DOTr said. Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez called the program a success, saying it fulfilled President Marcos’ objective of giving passengers a safe, comfortable and enjoyable travel experience during the Christmas season. “This overwhelming response demonstrates the importance of accessible public transportation in the lives of Filipino families, especially during the Christmas season,” Lopez said yesterday.

The IMF, in its staff report for the 2025 Article IV Consultation, said its baseline projection “incorporates another 50-basis-point reduction in the policy rate” by the first quarter of 2026. The cuts are expected to bring the real interest rate toward the lower bound of the IMF’s estimated natural rate range. The BSP’s discussion of alternative scenarios in its latest Monetary Policy Report is welcome in that regard,” the multilateral lender added. On the exchange rate, the IMF said the central bank should continue to act as a buffer against external shocks. While foreign exchange intervention may still be warranted in certain cases, the IMF cautioned against overuse.