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Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) has launched a digital SIM that provides data connectivity across its network of overseas destinations in another effort to improve traveling experience.

PAL yesterday said it has introduced a new innovation called myPAL eSIM, made in partnership with eSIM specialist Kolet.

PAL vice president for revenue management Christoph Gaertner said the product aims to remove the hassle of buying physical SIMs every time a traveler flies abroad.

Further, myPAL eSIM seeks to offer an alternative to roaming charges that travelers incur when they opt to use local SIM.

Gaertner said PAL partnered with Kolet in developing its digital SIM as Kolet covers more than 190 countries in its network, including all of PAL’s foreign destinations.

Kolet teamed up with leading telcos in each of the countries it serves to provide data connectivity wherever in an effort to combat shady vendors and minimize roaming charges.

Travelers can redeem complimentary data of one GB in two ways, either through PAL’s co-branded website with Kolet or typing in promo code FLYPAL on Kolet’s app.

Once the allocation is consumed, customers may top up their myPAL eSIM through the website or app, where they would be offered a variety of data plans valid for up to 30 days.

Recently, PAL has brought in a series of upgrades to improve traveling comfort for passengers. In September, the airline owned by the Tans began the rollout of its refurbished Airbus A321ceos that come with new in-flight entertainment and wider seat spaces.

PAL is refurbishing 18 A321ceos until 2027, installing the aircraft with seats made by Filipinos. Once the facelift is completed, PAL is deploying the A321ceos to high-traffic routes like Bali, Guam, Jakarta, Osaka and Tokyo.

Last week, PAL also relaunched its in-flight magazine Mabuhay after a five-year hiatus, reviving it with a new vision of collating stories that share a common theme.

Mabuhay will no longer be issued as a standalone print, as its editors will be expanding its reach to multimedia platforms to give advertisers and storytellers a wider platform.

Up-and-coming artist Shawn Crab explores the highs and struggles of young love with back-to-back singles ‘Tago’ and ‘Ang Labo’,

available on all streaming platforms.

‘Tago’ portrays the push and pull between desire and doubt – wanting to confess love, yet choosing silence out of fear, while ‘Ang Labo’ delves into the confusion of dealing with someone who sends mixed signals.

Shawn penned both tracks which were produced by StarPop label head Roque ‘Rox’ Santos.

Last February, the Kapamilya singer-songwriter released ‘Love Has Come My Way,’ which marked her first single under StarPop.

Hailing from San Francisco, the 16-year-old artist moved to the Philippines to follow her musical dreams. Shawn discovered her love for music early, starting with piano at age 10 and later writing her own songs at 11. Taking cues from Billie Eilish, Frank Ocean, and Clairo, she uses her music as an emotional outlet, transforming feelings into heartfelt songs.

The country’s fisheries production fell by nearly a 10th in the third quarter of 2025 as weaker aquaculture harvests and lower municipal catches outweighed gains from commercial fishing.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) yesterday said total fisheries output from July to September reached 894,320 metric tons, down by 7.5 percent from 966,730 MT a year earlier.

‘Decreases in production were noted in aquaculture, marine municipal fisheries and inland municipal fisheries. Meanwhile, commercial fisheries posted production increments during the quarter,’ the PSA said.

Commercial fisheries was the only subsector to post growth, with output rising by 4.7 percent to 224,560 MT from 214,430 MT last year.

The segment accounted for about a quarter, or 25.1 percent, of total production during the period.

Marine municipal fisheries, which accounts for nearly one-fifth of total output, fell by 9.7 percent to 168,920 MT from 187,130 MT in the same quarter of 2024.

Inland municipal fisheries also declined slightly by 0.6 percent to 45,990 MT.

Aquaculture, which consistently provides the biggest share of the country’s fish supply, dropped by 12.3 percent to 454,860 MT from 518,910 MT a year ago.

The subsector accounted for 50.9 percent of total fisheries output in the quarter.

Of the 21 major species monitored by the government’s statistics agency, production fell for several key commodities.

The steepest decline was recorded in seaweed, which dropped by 15.7 percent to 303,636 MT from 360,069 MT during the quarter.

Output of bali sardinella, locally known as tamban, also went down by 13.3 percent to 66,794 MT from 77,450 MT, while milkfish or bangus production slipped by 9.7 percent to 80,877 MT from 89,516 MT compared to the same period last year.

In contrast, skipjack tuna, locally called gulyasan, rose by 15.9 percent to 69,589 MT from 60,056 MT, while squid or pusit increased by 22.6 percent to 14,573 MT from 11,887 MT.

Tilapia production likewise improved slightly, growing by 3.1 percent to 57,578 MT from 56,027 MT for the period.

Meralco’s bid to barge into the EASL playoffs is in peril after suffering two road losses in a row but there’s hope in the horizon as the Bolts play their last four elimination games at home, starting with Saturday’s rematch against Chinese-Taipei’s Taoyuan Pauian Pilots at the Capital Arena in Ilagan, Isabela.

Meralco coach Luigi Trillo said it’s been a tough grind for the Bolts who’re also playing in the PBA Philippine Cup. Since losing to Ryukyu last Oct. 22, Meralco has lost to NLEX and TNT in the PBA within four days. Then came the setback to Taoyuan last Sunday with active coaching consultant Nenad Vucinic ejected on two technicals.

‘We’re representing not just Meralco but also PBA and our country and we’re doing our best under the circumstances,’ said Trillo. ‘CJ (Cansino) couldn’t play in our second EASL game because of a bad sprain and we’re still waiting for JB (Justin Brownlee).’

Trillo said under EASL rules, a team can enlist two world imports, a naturalized player and an Asian heritage recruit. If Brownlee isn’t available, Ange Kouame will take his place on Saturday. Kouame, however, is coming off a 1 1/2 month layoff and started practice with Meralco only the other day. The good news is Asian heritage import Sina Vahedi is in town and will suit up for the Bolts’ next four EASL contests.

Trillo said Meralco will continue to deploy Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Ismael Romero as world imports. Taoyuan standouts to watch in Saturday’s game are 7-1 2014 Phoenix Suns second round draft pick Alec Brown, 6-11 naturalized Will Artino, 6-7 Setric Millner and national player 6-3 Lu Chun Hsiang, averaging 19 points.

After Saturday, Meralco will play Macau on Nov. 15, the Black Bears in a rematch on Dec. 6 and Ryukyu on Feb. 11. All the games will be at the Capital Arena. The top two teams in Meralco’s group of four will advance to the Round of Six playoffs in March. The Bolts will be back in the PBA against Terrafirma on Dec. 10.

Relying on Fran Yu’s bombs and its hardened stance in the end, Titan Ultra finally got out of the rut.

Yu rifled in three huge triples to spark a pivotal 19-7 salvo in the fourth that lifted the Giant Risers to a skid-ending 97-86 romp over Blackwater in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The 11-point verdict came like a breath of fresh air for the league’s newest ballclub after its embarrassing meltdown in conceding a winnable game against Rain or Shine, 111-112, last time. Prior to that, it absorbed consecutive lopsided defeats to Converge, Magnolia and TNT after a stunning opening win over Meralco.

‘After noong (ROS) game last time, nagkaroon kami parang get-together. Sinabi ng mga coaches at management na kalimutan na ‘yun kasi mahaba pa naman ‘yung season,’ said Yu, recalling the Oct. 26 game that saw them blow a 19-point lead and lose on four free throws by Anton Asistio.

‘Pagbalik namin (after a brief break), nag-prepare kami nang maayos para hindi na maulit ‘yung ganung breakdown sa fourth quarter.’

They made sure of that this time.

The 5-foot-9 guard Yu shot 10 of his 14 in the payoff period as he joined forces with Josh Munzon and Calvin Abueva in bringing this one to bed and propelling Titan (2-4) to ninth spot from last place.

Abueba produced a game-high 23 markers and 14 rebounds while issuing six assists as Munzon finished with 18 for Titan.

The charges of Johnedel Cardel outplayed the Bossing (1-4) in the second half, 55-39.

‘We had to change our attitude sa second half, kasi nag-kanya-kanya kami nung second quarter kaya nakalamang ang Blackwater,’ said Cardel.

Following the devastation caused by Typhoon Tino, the Manila city government yesterday donated P1 million in financial assistance to Cebu to support relief and recovery operations.

In a Facebook Live address, Mayor Isko Moreno said the impact of the typhoon compounded Cebu’s challenges, coming even as the province is still moving to recover from a magnitude 6.9 earthquake on Sept. 30 followed by multiple aftershocks.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, at least 85 fatalities were recorded in Cebu due to flooding, landslides.

Other reports placed the death toll in the province at 111 as of last night, with more bodies being found as the flood subsides.

Moreno expressed solidarity with the local government of Cebu.

For the first time in the ‘Queen City of the South,’ a ‘Fashion and Arts Weekend’ will be a major part of a wedding expo.

Spotlight Couronne Internationale (SCI), a premier fashion and retail company based in Calgary, Canada, partners with Jpark Island Resort and Waterpark in Mactan, Cebu, for ‘The Brides at Triton Wedding Expo 2026.’

As Cebu’s grandest wedding expo celebrates its fifth wonderful year, set to take place at Jpark’s iconic Triton Grand Ballroom on March 21 and 22, 2026, the event will be made more exciting by the International Fashion and Arts Weekend (IFAW), a global platform under SCI, which is a distinguished fashion and retail organization founded by CEO and president Limuel Hayag Vilela and COO and creative director Alvin Masangkay Francia.

On October 24, the two organizations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at Jpark Island Resort, sealing a dynamic collaboration built on a shared vision of bringing world-class wedding experiences to the vibrant Visayas.

Fashion and art meet purpose

‘IFAW unites fashion, culture and the arts on a global stage. Through our curated fashion shows, art exhibitions, industry expos and personality development programs, IFAW continues to advance creativity, inclusivity and cross-cultural collaboration among emerging and established talents worldwide,’ explained Francia and Vilela.

One of the flagship programs of IFAW under SCI’s brand portfolio is the Bootcamp, the exclusive and world-class personality development training programs designed for kids and teens, reflecting the very essence of what SCI and IFAW stand for: promoting inclusivity in the fashion industry.

During the expo, aspiring talents from Cebu and neighboring regions will have the opportunity to participate in these initiatives.

‘Promise in Paradise’

With ‘Promise in Paradise’ as its theme, ‘The Brides at Triton Wedding Expo 2026’ will host an extraordinary lineup of reputable and reliable wedding suppliers, a blend of international fashion and creativity that SCI expertly brings, and the hotel’s heartwarming embrace and impressive service.

‘The collaboration aims to bring ‘The Brides at Triton Wedding Expo 2026′ into an international landscape, combining Jpark’s reputation as a premier destination resort in the Philippines along with SCI’s creative expertise in bridal fashion and event production. Together, we promise an immersive showcase that will inspire couples to dream bigger and plan their celebrations with confidence and style,’ said Brian Connelly, VP for operations and general manager of Jpark.

Key members of Jpark and SCI witnessed the MOU signing between Connelly and Vilela, along with industry stakeholders, event sponsors and media partners.

‘Attendees can expect that the upcoming expo will feature a series of fashion shows, curated exhibits and art gallery, a bootcamp and more pocket events that will provide a blissful platform where real stories of love, creativity and commitment take center stage,’ said Vilela.

‘This event signifies more than just a collaboration, it symbolizes a unified effort to elevate even more the wedding scene in Cebu and set new standards for future bridal expos,’ expressed Connelly. ‘This team-up with SCI brings together the elegance of fashion and the luxury of destination experience, elements that reflect what modern couples look for today.’

‘At SCI and with this Fashion Weekend, we want to emphasize our commitment to artistry, innovation and helping not just brides and grooms, but every person seeking to celebrate any form of milestones and create unforgettable memories in one of the most scenic settings in the country,’ said Vilela.

More exciting details about ‘The Brides at Triton Wedding Expo 2026’ such as schedules, participating brands and exclusive offers will be announced in the coming months.

Amid the massive flooding Cebu experienced during the onslaught of Typhoon Tino, Malacañang on Wednesday said there were a total of 343 flood control projects implemented in the province from 2016 to 2022, with 168 more projects undertaken from 2022 to 2025.

At a press briefing, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro urged Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro to provide information on alleged anomalous flood control projects following the governor’s Facebook post criticizing the situation.

‘That’s the reason why President Marcos Jr. ordered an investigation into these flood control projects – because he saw the impact. Budgets were allocated, but the projects don’t seem to be working. So if she’s angry, that’s what the President feels too,’ Castro said.

In her post, Baricuatro lamented that Cebu was ‘flooded to the max’ despite an alleged P26-billion budget for flood control in the province.

Castro said the Palace welcomes any data or evidence from Baricuatro that could help identify those responsible for possible irregularities.

‘If Gov. Baricuatro can provide more information, facts, or data to hold accountable those responsible, that is welcome,’ she added.

The communications official clarified that the investigation would cover projects beyond the Marcos administration.

‘Our initial data show 343 flood control projects completed from 2016 to 2022 across Cebu’s seven districts and the city. Let’s work together to find those accountable for any anomalous projects,’ she said.

Castro also said President Marcos is expected to personally visit Cebu to attend to the needs of residents affected by the flooding.

‘Even if she’s not an ally of the President, no matter what political color she represents, the President is ready to help anyone who needs government assistance,’ she said.

Castro noted that during a recent visit to Cebu, Baricuatro personally welcomed the President and thanked him for his swift response to the province’s concerns. She added that 55 flood control projects are currently ongoing in Cebu.

Meanwhile, Castro reported that the government has extended immediate assistance to those affected by Typhoon Tino.

‘All agencies under the administration of President Marcos Jr. responded quickly to ensure the safety and security of residents hit by Typhoon Tino,’ she said.

According to Castro, the Department of Health (DOH) has distributed medicines, clean drinking water, hygiene kits, and water containers in Cebu, Aklan, and Eastern Visayas – areas hardest hit by the typhoon.

‘The DOH remains on standby to address medical needs and is monitoring the risk of lahars from Kanlaon Volcano due to continuous rains brought by Typhoon Tino,’ she added.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), meanwhile, distributed 121,988 family food packs and 1,628 ready-to-eat food items to affected residents across Calabarzon, Bicol, Western Visayas, Negros Island, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, and Caraga.

Castro said the DSWD also provided assistance in Metro Manila and Zamboanga, including financial aid to families of victims of the typhoon.

‘Among those given hot meals and assistance were stranded passengers, drivers, and operators at ports and terminals in affected regions,’ she said.

She added that President Marcos has dispatched several Cabinet members to monitor the situation of residents impacted by the typhoon.

Kapamilya star Kim Chiu revealed what was the best gift she’s received from her love team partner Paulo Avelino.

In an interview with the media after a blue carpet screening of their new series “The Alibi” on Prime Video, Paulo said the best gift he gave to Kim is to be there for her.

“The best gift ko kay Kimmy ay pakikinig ko sa mga kuwento niya,” he said, to which Kim added in agreement, “More than any material thing, ‘yun talaga. Ang dami nangyayari, nakikinig talaga siya sa akin.”

“Work lang kami nang work. Tapos sasabihin ko, ‘Alam mo. sabi ni ganito. Wala siyang choice, araw-araw kami nagwo-work. Tapos sasabihin niya – ‘Alam mo, Kimmy. lahat iyan may sagot,” Kim continued.

“Hindi ko lang masyado iniisip with everything that’s happening, pero more than anything, I’m grateful ang dami naming work. And andiyan siya, nakikinig. Very happy ako, nagbibigay siya ng advice.”

Kim described Paulo – with whom she is working with for the fourth time after another Prime Video show “Linlang,” the Philippine adaptation of “What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim,” and the movie “My Love Will Make You Disappear” – as some who is always thinks ahead.

“Member siya ng advance mag-isip,” Kim said. “Forward thinker siya, advance thinker siya. Papunta pa lang – andoon na siya.”

“The Alibi” premieres on November 7 on Prime Video in some 240 territories and countries worldwide.

Over 9,800 Philippine National Police personnel will be deployed to secure the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC)’s three-day rally for transparency and accountability in government in Rizal Park in Manila, the PNP said yesterday.

PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuano said the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) would deploy 9,829 personnel for crowd control, traffic management and public safety during the protest slated from Nov. 16 to 18.

Police will establish a perimeter security while the INC is in charge of the security inside the venue, he said.

The NCRPO will be on full alert status during the three-day rally, Tuano said.

The influential religious group is eyeing to mobilize a crowd of 300,000 for the rally.

Tuano said they are validating if the number of attendees would be on a daily basis.

He said the gathering is expected to be peaceful, citing past INC rallies that were ‘generally orderly,’ but assured the public that authorities are preparing for all scenarios.

The PNP clarified that the event is a religious rally and not political in nature.

The Manila city government will place 14 ambulances around Rizal Park to provide medical assistance for people with health issues.

There is no word yet if other groups will join the INC’s activity, which was initially set at the EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City.

As the rally could cause monstrous traffic along EDSA, Tuano said the INC opted to hold its activity in Manila.