Most people I knew were fatalistic or resigned that panic buying isn’t going to make the situation any better. Instead of panic buying, they spent time figuring out options and solutions to cope with fuel shock. Instead of panic buying, they released their anxieties by being momentary “Maritesses” or amateur analysts letting off steam. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. “Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”Yes, we have enough problems in the world and some of them directly or indirectly affect each of us.

Swiatek dumped out of Indian Wells by SvitolinaIga Swiatek of Poland plays a forehand against Elina Svitolina of Ukraine in their quarterfinal match in the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 12, 2026 in Indian Wells, California. INDIAN WELLS, United States — Two-time champion Iga Swiatek crashed out of the Indian Wells ATP and WTA Masters 1000 on Thursday (Friday Manila time), beaten 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 by ninth-ranked Ukrainian Elina Svitolina. Poland's Swiatek, a six-time Grand Slam champion ranked second in the world, coughed up eight double faults in a rocky performance. The experienced Svitolina made the most of the early chances she was given and held her nerve in a tense third set to reach the Indian Wells semifinals for the second time, and the first since 2019. She fell at the same stage at the Australian Open and the Qatar Open this year.

Power plants have enough fuel, says Meralco unitThe MTerra Solar project is a 3,500-megawatt peak solar facility. It is an affiliate of Meralco PowerGen Corp.MANILA, Philippines — Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGen), the power generation arm of Manila Electric Co., said its power plants have sufficient fuel supply despite volatility in global energy markets driven by geopolitical tensions. "We also have sufficient fuel supply for our existing generation facilities enabling us to meet current operational requirements, support electricity demand and contribute to overall grid stability," it added. Investments in new energy capacityMGen said it is also strengthening regional energy security through investments in new power capacity, particularly large-scale renewable energy projects. Among these is the MTerra Solar project, a 3,500-megawatt peak (MWp) solar facility paired with a 4,500-megawatt-hour battery energy storage system.

Djokovic ousted by Draper at Indian WellsINDIAN WELLS, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 11: Jack Draper of Great Britain returns a shot to Novak Djokovic of Serbia during Day 8 of the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 11, 2026 in Indian Wells, California. INDIAN WELLS, United States — Novak Djokovic was dumped out by Jack Draper in a slugfest Wednesday (Thursday, Manila time) as the defending champion won 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) to reach the quarterfinals at Indian Wells. He flopped on the court exhausted and was on his knees again after Draper won the next point. He followed that up with the Qatar Open title and with three wins under his belt in Indian Wells is now 15-0 on the season. Norrie, the 2021 Indian Wells champion, beat Alcaraz in the second round of the Paris Masters 1000 last year.

Ex-Antique governor charged with graft over P531 million projectMANILA, Philippines — A former governor of Antique and eight other officials of the provincial government are facing graft charges over alleged irregularities invoving the construction of the Antique Government Center worth P531.2 million. The complainants alleged that the defendants violated the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act as well as committed falsification and technical malversation. They claimed that the project was constructed on a property classified as agricultural in Barangay Badiang, San Jose de Buenavista. The complainants said the municipal government stopped the construction for violation of the National Building Code and lack of permit. They questioned the release of P531.2 million in “mobilization and partial progress payments” to the contractor even as the project was not completed.

Debris warning up as China launches rocket today(FILES) In this file photo taken on April 29, 2021, a Long March 5B rocket, carrying China's Tianhe space station core module, lifts off from the Wenchang Space Launch Center in southern China's Hainan province. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) informed fishermen and crewmembers to stay clear from areas identified as drop zones for the rocket debris. Jomark Angue issued a two-page navigational warning on Wednesday, stating that China is expected to launch a rocket between 3:40 a.m. to 4:16 a.m. today. The PCG advised the public to avoid going to areas where debris is expected to fall. It said that rocket debris may fall some 62 nautical miles away from El Nido, 185 NM from Puerto Princesa and 101 NM from Patag Island.

Sara condemns unauthorized use of son’s photoMANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte condemned the unauthorized use of her minor son’s photograph to spread false information. “I have never used my children to advance my interests, and I strictly forbid them from engaging in political matters outside of our home,” Duterte said in a statement. Duterte was reacting to a social media post quoting her son asking people to “take care of my mother Inday Sara Duterte, she had dedicated her life for the welfare of the nation.”The vice president warned people against using children in spreading false information amid the country’s current political climate. “Let’s not let children be used to spread fake news in today’s dirty world of politics,” Duterte said. She said the protection of youth is the responsibility of every Filipino.

Tabuena 5 shots adrift after rollercoaster 72 at LIV SingaporeThe Philippines' Miguel Tabuena tees off on Hole 1 during Round 3 of the International Series Philippines golf tournament at the Sta. MANILA, Philippines -- Miguel Tabuena battled through sweltering conditions and a punishing layout but still managed to stay within striking distance after an up-and-down 72 in the opening round of the LIV Golf Singapore on Thursday. He shared the lead with Richard Lee and Lee Westwood after the first 18 holes of the $20-million event, the fourth leg of the LIV Golf League. Tabuena, coming off a disappointing 52nd-place finish in Hong Kong, struggled to settle early after starting on No. Tabuena responded with a precise tee shot to within four feet on the par-3 eighth for birdie before closing with consecutive pars for a 37-35 card.

Is El Niño next? While El Niño traditionally brings drought, it has also caused “supercharged” and intense typhoons due to higher ocean temperatures. A super El Niño happens 10 to 15 years on average, and its effects may be stronger, more persistent and more widespread. El Niño, he said, can be a boon to orchards like mango, avocado, durian and pineapple. The agri expert said: “I remember a Del Monte official telling me that they had such a bountiful harvest of high-quality pineapples during the last El Niño that struck Mindanao.”There is a science in agriculture to deal with El Niño.

Del Monte sets sights on growing Asia operationsFor the Philippines, DMPL said immediate key priorities include reinforcing market leadership in beverage, culinary and packaged fruit as well as launching new products in new segments to broaden consumer base. MANILA, Philippines — Singapore and Philippine-listed Del Monte Pacific Ltd. (DMPL) is setting its sights firmly on protecting and growing its Asian operations to drive long-term growth and profitability following the deconsolidation of its business in the United States. For the Philippines, DMPL said immediate key priorities include reinforcing market leadership in beverage, culinary and packaged fruit as well as launching new products in new segments to broaden consumer base. DMPL said subsidiary Del Monte Philippines Inc. continues to perform well with resilient consumer demand, supported by a strong and stable supply chain. For its international operations, meanwhile, the company intends to maintain market leadership in Fresh MD2 Pineapples across North Asia.

Prime Infrastructure secures P273.5 billion financing for hydro projectsMANILA, Philippines — Razon-led Prime Infrastructure Capital Inc. has secured P273.47 billion in financing deals from local and foreign lenders to fund the construction of two huge hydropower projects in Laguna and Rizal. The local financing deal will be classified as a green loan with the assistance of MUFG Bank Ltd. Last week, Prime Infra signed a definitive agreement with Lopez-led First Gen Corp. for the latter’s planned investment in the two PSH projects. First Gen subsidiary FGEN Aqua Power Holdings Inc. intends to acquire a 33-percent interest in Prime Infra unit Prime Hydropower Energy Inc., the company leading the development of the hydro projects. First Gen and Prime Infra expect to complete the deal, announced last month, later this year.

It would do well for us Filipinos to take stock of our financial resources and prepare for a series of price shocks that are sure to come with crude oil prices continuing to rise. According to government pronouncements, our own oil stocks are sufficient up to April this year or roughly 45 days. Local tourism, for us, may also be affected due to the higher cost of jet fuel that will result in a rise in domestic airfares. Of course, higher fuel prices, plus toll and higher food and accommodation. Likewise, the younger generation will likely rely on their default social tool, the internet through Viber, Reddit, TikTok to remain in touch while comfortably reclined on their bed, in the comfort of their home.

SEC issues guidelines for new online lending platformsIn this photo, a man uses a smartphone to apply for an online loan. MANILA, Philippines — The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is pushing through with its plan to lift the moratorium on the registration of new online lending platforms (OLPs), while also enhancing regulatory safeguards and supervisory requirements. The commission issued yesterday for public comments its draft guidelines that prescribe prudential, disclosure and market conduct requirements for financing and lending companies. In November 2021, the SEC issued MC 10, imposing a moratorium on the recording of new OLPs, which likewise applied to existing financing and lending companies operating such platforms. Further, the draft circular prescribes minimum paid-up capital requirements for financing and lending companies as well as for those that intend to operate OLPs.

Airlines at risk of losing profitA commercial plane takes off after sunset from Geneva Airport on September 29, 2018 in Geneva. George Dimitroff, head of valuations at Cirium, said airlines stop making profit when jet fuel prices hit $76 a barrel and incur losses when rates exceed that. Dimitroff warned that 2026 may be the first year in the post-pandemic period that airlines have to be cautious about demand and reconsider fleet expansion. The biggest losers in the crisis, Dimitroff said, are airlines running with older-generation aircraft, particularly for long-range flights. Based on data from Cirium, one in 10 passengers from the US travel to Asia-Pacific destinations like the Philippines on one-stop flights via the Middle East.

A warm meal, a fair chanceFor many Filipino children, getting through the school day without a proper meal remains a challenge. International School Meals Day is a reminder that good nutrition is not optional; it is fundamental to ensuring every learner can participate fully and thrive. A simple meal with transformative impactA warm meal during the school day can transform a child’s ability to learn. This home-grown school feeding (HGSF) approach is already being modeled by DepEd and MBHTE. The vision is simple: every learner, every day, receiving a warm, nutritious meal prepared with care.