Eala cracks Top 30 in world rankings for first timeAlexandra Eala of the Philippines plays Linda Noskova of Czechia on Day 7 of the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 10, 2026 in Indian Wells, California. 29 in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings following a Last 16 finish in the elite Indian Wells Open in California, considered as the “Fifth Grand Slam”. Eala, the crowd darling of world tennis today, gained 120 additional points to jack up her harvest to 1525 points. But her stay inside the Top 30 for the first time ever in her budding career now hangs in the balance in Miami. But those points will expire when the Miami Open officially rolls off Wednesday, March 16, prompting Eala to replicate her semifinal campaign or lose the said ranking points for a projected drastic drop in the world rankings.

Marcos pushes urgent biofuels law amendmentStation attendants check their stocks at a gasoline station in Cubao, Quezon City on March 10, 2026, as fuel companies will implement a staggered price hike to ease motorists. MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has certified as urgent a measure amending the biofuels law amid soaring gas prices caused by the Israel-Iran war. 9367, or the Biofuels Act of 2006. Background: Biofuels Act of 2006. The Biofuels Act of 2006 aims to reduce the country's dependence on imported fossil fuels and promote the development of alternative energy sources.

Transport strike set March 19 as fuel prices surgeIn this photo taken on April 5, 2024, jeepneys commute along a street in Manila. MANILA, Philippines — Jeepney drivers will stage a nationwide transport strike on Thursday, March 19, as fuel prices, which have already hit an all-time high of P100 per liter, are only expected to keep rising in the coming weeks. Even if the suspension is implemented, fuel prices would only be down by P5 to P10 per liter — far less than the double-digit fuel price hikes over the past two weeks. Subsidies and fare hikesIn an attempt to mitigate the impact of rising oil prices, the government will roll out a P5,000 fuel subsidy for transport workers nationwide starting March 17. Fuel prices this week are expected to increase by as much as P16.60 per liter for gasoline, P23.90 per liter for diesel, and P8.90 per liter for kerosene.

'Sovereignty has no price': Rising oil prices test, but won’t halt, Navy patrolsThe Philippine Navy’s BRP Davao del Sur (LD 602) docks at the Puerto Princesa seaport in Palawan after arriving from Subic in October 2023 to support Western Command operations in the West Philippine Sea. MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Navy will continue patrols in the country’s territorial and sovereign waters despite soaring oil prices, a Navy spokesperson said. "Our patrols, our operations will continue sapagkat ito ang mandato natin," he added. ("Our patrols, our operations will continue because this is our mandate.") Oil prices have surged amid the Middle East crisis and escalating tensions involving the United States and Iran.

Gas stations watched for hoarding, sudden stoppageComposite image: Police chief Nartatez (as seen on Mar. MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police is monitoring gasoline stations that suddenly stopped operations amid suspicions of possible hoarding or price manipulation as global oil prices rise. Authorities have also set up help desks across the country where motorists can report concerns involving fuel stations. Authorities have heightened monitoring as global oil prices remain volatile due to geopolitical tensions affecting supply and shipping routes. The Philippines imports most of its petroleum requirements, making domestic pump prices sensitive to global oil price fluctuations.

DOTr: Fare hike inevitable for metro buses, jeepsMotorists crawl through heavy traffic along EDSA–Taft Avenue in Pasay City on January 4, 2026 as vehicles pass through sections reopened following the ongoing EDSA rehabilitation project. MANILA, Philippines — A fare hike is set to take affect across most modes of public transit, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said on Monday, March 16. A fare increase for provincial buses had already been announced over the weekend amid soaring fuel prices due to the U.S.-Iran conflict. In an interview with ANC, DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez confirmed looming fare hikes for metro buses, point-to-point buses, modern and traditional jeepneys, as well as airport taxis. Several transport groups are already preparing mass mobilizations and transport strikes.

Sinner tops Medvedev to win first Indian Wells titleJannik Sinner of Italy hoists the championship trophy after defeating Daniil Medvedev during their Men's Singles Finals match on Day 12 of the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 15, 2026 in Indian Wells, California. INDIAN WELLS, United States — World No. 2 Jannik Sinner surged home to beat Daniil Medvedev, 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (7/4), on Sunday (Monday Manila time) to capture his first Indian Wells ATP Masters 1000 crown. Sinner didn't face a break point in the one-hour 55-minute contest as he won 43 of his 47 first-serve points. The victory gives Sinner a complete set of all six hardcourt ATP Masters 1000 titles.

Sabalenka edges Rybakina to claim long-awaited Indian Wells titleAryna Sabalenka shows off her engagement ring while talking to the crowd after defeating Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan to win the championship following their Women's Singles Finals match on Day 12 of the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 15, 2026 in Indian Wells, California. INDIAN WELLS, United States — Aryna Sabalenka saved a match point on the way to a 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (8/6) victory over Elena Rybakina on Sunday (Monday Manila time) to claim a long-awaited first Indian Wells title. Deflated but determined, Sabalenka held at love to force the tiebreaker, rallying from 3-5 down before saving match point with a stunning backhand winner. A double-fault on break point in the opening game of the second set left Sabalenka in a world of trouble. Rybakina, her forehand errors rising along with the desert heat, double-faulted on break point to hand Sabalenka a 3-1 lead, Sabalenka holding with ease to make it 4-1 before Rybakina stopped the rot.

Labor market softens after holiday surgeFrom AB Capital's The Opening Bell: Three MovesEventThe unemployment rate rose to 5.8% in January 2026, the highest in over three years. Job losses were concentrated in agriculture and retail, partly reflecting seasonal normalization after December’s holiday hiring. The divergence between job losses in agriculture and gains in manufacturing and services suggests uneven labor demand across sectors. Defensive sectors with stable demand may offer relatively steadier earnings visibility in this environment. It is not to be construed as an offer or solicitation of an offer to sell or buy the securities herein mentioned.

Universal Robina's solid topline growth, earnings in line despite commodity pressuresFrom AB Capital's The Opening Bell: Three MovesEventURC delivered steady FY2025 revenue growth, with sales rising 4% YoY to P168.0 billion, broadly in line with AB Capital expectations. ViewBranded Consumer Foods Corp. Philippines remained the main growth driver, supported by strong demand across snacks, coffee, and bakery. CatalystBCF International delivered improving profitability, supported by stronger ASEAN performance and margin expansion to 14.3% (+71bps YoY). Disclaimer: The information, analyses, and views contained herein is based on sources which we, AB Capital Securities, believe are reliable, but is not guaranteed by us and is not to be considered all inclusive. It is not to be construed as an offer or solicitation of an offer to sell or buy the securities herein mentioned.

Redefining beauty for busy days and late nights with Restylane(Left) Restylane Skinboosters Vital Light, Restylane Skinboosters Vital, Restylane Kysse, and Restylane Lyft; (right) Maria Ejerhorn, senior project manager of Injectable Aesthetics at Galderma shares the unique properties in Restylane that make it the superior option in skin quality injectables. With the launch of its new global campaign, “Wake up Ready, Wake up to Restylane,” Restylane introduces a new way of thinking about aesthetic treatments: less preparation and less pressure, and more time to focus on you. With Restylane, beauty isn’t something you chase—it’s something you carry with you, from morning to night. With "Wake up Ready, Wake up to Restylane," Restylane redefines what it means to look and feel confident—proving that when beauty lasts, life feels lighter. Ask your doctor today if you want to wake up ready, wake up to Restylane.

HOLLYWOOD, United States — Netflix's smash hit "KPop Demon Hunters" — a tale of good and evil incorporating traditional Korean mythology and set to a thumping soundtrack — on Sunday won the Oscar for best animated feature. "Golden," the film's infectious anthem about empowerment, self-reliance and personal growth, is up for an Oscar later in the night for best original song. "This silly K-pop movie idea could represent so many aspects of my culture. The tune has won a Golden Globe and a Critics Choice Award for best original song in a motion picture, and a Grammy for best song written for visual media. RELATED: 'Rejection is redirection': 'KPop Demon Hunters' singer EJAE's inspiring Golden Globes speech

Young outduels Fitzpatrick to claim Players victoryCameron Young of the United States holds the trophy aloft following his victory during the final round of The Players Championship 2026 at The Players Stadium course at TPC Sawgrass on March 15, 2026 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. MIAMI, United States — Cameron Young outdueled England's Matt Fitzpatrick down the stretch to fire a four-under-par 68 and claim a one-shot victory at The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass on Sunday (Monday Manila time). An elated Young said the mentally taxing nature of Sawgrass's unforgiving 7,352-yard layout had made Sunday's victory extra special. Young quickly erased the memory of his double-bogey nightmare on the 18th from the third round with a majestic tee shot into the center of the fairway. He followed that up with another wobble on the 12th, when he pulled his tee shot into the water down the left-hand side of the fairway before making a double bogey.

Djokovic withdraws from Miami OpenNovak Djokovic of Serbia sits up after falling to the court with exhaustion against Jack Draper of Great Britain in their fourth round match of the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 11, 2026 in Indian Wells, California. MIAMI, United States — Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the Miami Open with a right shoulder injury, organizers said Sunday (Monday Manila time). The 24-time Grand Slam champion reached the fourth round at Indian Wells this week, but the six-time Miami champion opted out of the second leg of the "Sunshine Double” — where he fell to Jakub Mensik in last year's final. Indian Wells marked 38-year-old Djokovic's first tournament since he lost to Carlos Alcaraz in the Australian Open final. "If I don't serve for five or six minutes then I feel like the first couple of serves of that game are a bit painful," Djokovic said.

Gilgeous-Alexander keeps streak alive as Thunder down WolvesShai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder handles the ball in front of Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half of their NBA game at the Paycom Center on March 15, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. LOS ANGELES, United States — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander kept his record-breaking 20-point scoring streak alive as the Oklahoma City Thunder rolled to an eighth straight win with a 116-103 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday (Monday Manila time). Gilgeous-Alexander, who on Thursday eclipsed Wilt Chamberlain's 63-year-old record for consecutive games of scoring 20 points or more, finished with 20 points, 10 assists and three rebounds. "At the end of the day it's basketball," Gilgeous-Alexander said of his lackluster shooting display after the win. Cade Cunningham led the Pistons (48-19), who had a three-game win streak snapped, with 33 points and nine assists while Jalen Duren had 20 points and 11 rebounds.