LOS ANGELES, United States — A family is suing a US ski resort claiming the hot chocolate it sold them was too... hot. When the child tried to drink it, the "excessively and unnecessarily hot" liquid spilled inside her ski suit, scalding her chest and abdomen. They "knew and should have known that such hot beverages posed a great hazard of causing just this type of incident and injuries." He said while people going to ski resorts assume a level of risk because of the sport, this case is different. Lawsuits that claim hot drinks are too hot are not uncommon in the litigious United States.

Inflation seen to breach 4% as oil prices surgeStudent activists hold a demonstration along Taft Avenue in Manila against the continued implementation of excise taxes on oil on March 17, 2025. "Inflation would likely go up and could potentially breach above the 4% upper range of the BSP’s inflation target," Ricafort said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency. Ricafort said rising oil prices could trigger second-round effects, where higher transport and production costs lead to broader increases in consumer prices. "High oil/fuel prices would lead to higher fares, wages, and other prices of other affected goods and services," he said. Global oil prices have climbed close to $100 per barrel, with US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) at $98.32 as of posting time.

Eala downs Linette to make Miami Open Round of 16Alexandra Eala of the Philippines returns a shot against Magda Linette of Poland during Day 5 of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. Eala is headed to the fourth round of the Miami Open after dispatching Magda Linette, 6-3, 7-6(2), early Sunday morning (Manila time). The Filipina, who had a dream run in last year’s tournament, is poised for another deep run this time around. The two tennisters were kept in a 3-all deadlock in the first set, before Eala broke free with three straight games to grab the 6-3 triumph. The second set was much tougher, as the 34-year-old Linette, fought tooth and nail against the World No.

Obiena ends up at ninth place in World Indoor ChampionshipsThe Philippines's Ernest John Obiena competes in the men's pole vault event during the Shanghai/Keqiao Diamond League athletics meeting in Keqiao, Shaoxing in China's eastern Zhejiang province on May 3, 2025. MANILA, Philippines -- Filipino Olympic pole vaulter EJ Obiena finished ninth in the 2026 World Indoor Championships in Torun, Poland, as Mondo Duplantis equaled a record fourth indoor title. Days after setting up the world record with 6.31 meters, the Swedish pole vaulter did not miss any attempt. He needed just one attempt each at 5.50 meters, 5.85 meters, 6 meters, 6.10 meters, 6.15 meters and 6.25 meters to bring home the gold. Greece’s Emmanouil Karalis cleared 6.05 meters to bag silver, while Australia’s Kurtis Marschall ended up with the bronze.

Keeping good people: Retention strategies that workMany companies are facing economic pressure, high turnover, and the growing imperative to “AI-proof” their workforce. While compensation remains important, many employees now place equal value on hybrid work arrangements, clear career progression and reasonable workload balance. Employers are increasingly called to build proactive retention strategies rather than scramble to respond after resignations have been submitted. When employers openly map out these possibilities, team members begin to see a future within the company rather than elsewhere. In the end, effective retention strategies are rarely complicated.

Khobuntin, Johnson axedMANILA, Philippines — The PBA cracked the whip on TNT’s Glenn Khobuntin and Rain or Shine import Jaylen Johnson for engaging in a fistfight in Friday’s heated Commissioner’s Cup game. Khobuntin was slapped with a two-game suspension and a P70,000 fine while the 6-foot-9 Johnson was meted a one-match ban and made to pay P50,00 0 yesterday after appearing at the Commissioner’s Office to explain their side on the incident. Marcial said Khobuntin received the more severe punishment for “instigating the fight.”“Sobrang nagsisisi. “Nagpapa-sorry siya kay Johnson, saka sa lahat, sa fans, sa PBA family,” said Marcial. And I told him ‘it’s unfortunate that I’ve met you in the office for the first time under such circumstances,’” said Marcial of Johnson.

Marcos inspects food hub amid rising oil pricesPresident Marcos and Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque inspect the warehouse of Century Pacific Food Inc. in Calamba, Laguna on March 20, 2026 to ensure stable food supply. MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday, March 20, inspected the Laguna distribution center of Century Pacific Food Inc. as part of efforts to ensure stable food supply amid fears of inflation. Marcos said manufacturers have committed to keeping prices of basic food items stable for as long as possible despite rising costs in oil. He said the visit aimed to strengthen coordination with suppliers and manufacturers to help maintain sufficient supply and stable prices of basic necessities. Marcos said the government will continue to monitor food supply and prices to ensure stability and protect consumers.

Farm Fresh, Capital1 step upThe Foxies bested the Akari Chargers, 25-19, 25-14, 23-25, 25-17, to claim a spot to the qualifying round while the Solar Spikers downed the Galeries Tower Highrisers, 25-20, 22-25, 25-22, 26-24, to seize momentum entering the play-in phase of the PVL All-Filipino Conference. MANILA, Philippines — Farm Fresh and Capital1 came into their respective matches with a common goal and accomplished it yesterday at the Filoil Arena. Farm Fresh finished with a 5-4 record, enough to clinch a place in the four-team crossover semifinal qualifier while the Milka and Mandy Romero-owned franchise capped their classification round campaign with a 4-5 mark while gaining confidence entering the next round. “We we’re so relaxed, focused and the team showed a sense of urgency,” said Farm Fresh spiker Royse Tubino, who unloaded 20 points aced with 18 bazooka kills. For Capital1, it was Bella Belen who shone brightest with 23 points, 14 digs and 15 receptions, all match highs.

PCG denies deal with China on maritime cooperation“As far as the PCG is concerned, based on my last conversation with the commandant, we are not involved in crafting this coast guard cooperation with China, specifically regarding plans for joint patrols,” PCG spokesman on West Philippine Sea issues Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela said on Friday. MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has distanced itself from a supposed maritime cooperation with China, including on joint patrols in the West Philippine Sea, as announced by the Chinese ambassador. According to Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan, the draft coast guard cooperation agreement between the Philippines and China is 95 percent complete and could be finalized after the next round of political dialogues. The Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) has repeatedly engaged the PCG in confrontations at sea, resorting to dangerous maneuvers and even water cannon attacks to intimidate or drive away PCG vessels and fishing boats. He said his flight received radio challenges from China warning them that they were entering “Chinese airspace.”“I saw with my own eyes, the Chinese Coast Guard and Chinese militia presence.

When AI stops waiting to be askedOne day, a father said, “My son got a new car, and it has every AI, technology, bell and whistle you can imagine.”“Take it out for a drive,” the son said. While this is remarkable, the next significant advancement will be AI that acts proactively, rather than waiting for prompts. That is the argument made by Kiara and Nikhara Nirghin in a thought-provoking piece they wrote for Fast Company regarding proactive AI. Another way to put this perspective in view is that the day is fast approaching when AI stops waiting to be asked. Proactive AI, on the other hand, observes, learns, anticipates and acts within defined boundaries.

How Tala’s Shivani Siroya is changing the future of creditAs the CEO and founder of Tala, Siroya bridges the gap between financial systems and those who need it most. For Shivani Siroya, CEO and founder of global financial infrastructure company Tala, that particular problem is the lack of access to essential financial services among underserved populations, resulting in broader gaps in financial inclusion. Her brand of leadershipThe path that led Siroya to establish Tala started from her innate passion for numbers and people’s stories. Now, Siroya is leading over 600 employees across three continents with the mission of providing the global majority with access to financial services through innovative solutions that empower them to unleash their economic potential. These achievements ultimately align with the vision of Siroya when she first started Tala: to shape a financial system that truly works for everyone.

High-voltage shift in energyThe US, Israel and Iran may be trading bombs over oil and ego, but here at home, the bloody crisis has not stopped our local energy players from what may soon be a highly charged shift in the country’s power industry. My energy beat mate, Manilla Bulletin’s Myrna Velasco, has hinted in her column that at least one shareholder is willing to sell his stake. Against this backdrop, Razon’s MORE Electric and Power Corp., alongside other key players like Bohol Light and Negros Electric and Power Corp., has made strategic investments in the Visayas. The stories of MORE Power, Bohol Light and Negros Power show that with the right investments, public utilities can improve significantly. Let’s wait and see what happens next in what is shaping up to be a high-voltage, highly charged shift in the energy sector.

Local pharma market may balloon to P759 billion by 2030“We forecast the pharmaceutical market to expand from P525 billion ($9.1 billion) in 2025 to P759 billion ($12.1 billion) by 2030,” BMI said in a report. MANILA, Philippines — The country’s pharmaceutical market is expected to reach P759 billion by 2030, supported by investments in local drug manufacturing, according to research and analysis firm BMI. “We forecast the pharmaceutical market to expand from P525 billion ($9.1 billion) in 2025 to P759 billion ($12.1 billion) by 2030,” BMI said in a report. BMI said the projected growth would be supported by investment commitments for local drug manufacturing as the government implements measures to further attract firms. “Structural constraints will continue to limit pharmaceutical manufacturing growth despite supportive policy measures,” BMI said.

‘People’s court’ eyed in Sara impeachmentMANILA, Philippines — A group is planning to convene a “people’s court” composed of former justices, clergy and members of the academe if the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte reaches the Senate for trial. Jaime Regalario, chairman of Kilusang Makabansang Ekonomiya, said the proposed body would run parallel to Senate proceedings to present and assess evidence from the perspective of the public. “We are discussing with some bishops and priests the creation of a people’s court. We intend to subpoena officials because impeachment proceedings are an exception to bank secrecy laws,” De Leon said. “If these transactions are proven, the burden shifts to the Vice President to show that these were legitimately acquired.

Philippines, US hold maritime exercisesTwo Philippine Air Force aircraft fly above USS Blue Ridge during the Bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity on Friday. MANILA, Philippines — Philippine and United States naval forces again teamed up and sailed the waters of Manila Bay and Mariveles, Bataan on Friday for the Bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA). Two A-29B Super Tucano planes, a C-208B aircraft and a Sokol search and rescue aircraft of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) also joined the maritime exercises. Trinidad said the activity dubbed as Bilateral MCA 26-3.1, was aimed at enhancing interoperability among participating forces in support of maritime security and sustaining maritime response in Philippine Maritime Zones. During the activity, Trinidad said participating units carried out a series of exercises, including a communications check and a photo exercise.