TWG sanctions Grab-Move It to rightsize fleet, stop operations in Cebu, Cagayan de Oro amid accidents

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The Motorcycle Taxi Technical Working Group (MC Taxi TWG) has imposed sanctions on Grab-Move It, the Grab-operated motorcycle taxi platform, for repeatedly violating government-imposed fleet limits and failing to comply with mandatory reporting rules under the motorcycle taxi pilot study.

In a formal order, the TWG directed Grab-Move It to rightsize its fleet to what has been allocated to them by the government and stop operations in areas where they have not been granted authority to operate, such as Cebu and Cagayan de Oro.

Grab-Move It has also been directed to fully comply with reportorial requirements on activation, deactivation, and reactivation of riders.

The sanction stemmed from a December 2024 Show Cause Order, where motorcycle taxi companies have been asked to explain allegations of breaching its rider allocations.

Records submitted to the TWG confirm that Grab-Move It was allowed 6,836 motorcycle taxi units by the government, but it was discovered that it operates with at least 14,662 riders— more than double its allowed number, and deemed “colorum” units against the law.

Grab-Move It was also found to have failed to report rider status changes, a key compliance requirement. The company did not refute this lapse in its response.

The TWG noted that these violations resulted in thousands of unauthorized motorcycle taxis on the road, raising concerns over safety, transparency, and regulatory oversight.

The company was likewise ordered to halt operations in Cebu and Cagayan de Oro, where it was operating without any approval or allocation from the TWG.

The Motorcycle Taxi TWG warned Grab-Move It that failure to comply with the directives will lead to further regulatory measures, including suspension of its authority to operate.

Aside from its failure to follow regulatory procedures, Grab-Move It has been criticized over a series of accidents and viral complaints involving reckless rider behavior, putting their onboarding practices and enforcement of safety standards in question.

Sen. Raffy Tulfo, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Public Services, also called the attention of Grab for the policy requiring drivers to shoulder the 20% fare discounts granted to students, senior citizens, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) revealed during a Senate probe that Grab has already been fined millions of pesos for fare-related violations.

Since 2018, Grab has been penalized with fines amounting to ₱86.7 million, including ₱16.15 million for fare standards violations and driver cancellations

ED SHEERAN ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM ‘PLAY’ RELEASED ON 12TH SEPTEMBER 2025

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Gingerbread Man Records & Atlantic Records UK 

NEW SINGLE ‘OLD PHONE’

RELEASED ON 1ST MAY 2025 

LISTEN HERE

Ed Sheeran has announced that his new album ‘Play’ will be released on 12th September 2025. (Pre-order here).  To mark the occasion he has released a new single ‘Old Phone’  (listen here). 

After closing the chapter on his Mathematics series, Ed Sheeran is finally back and stepping boldly into a fresh new phase for 2025.   An artist known for constantly evolving, Sheeran’s latest album, 'Play'  finds him exploring new musical ground through collaboration with producers and musicians from around the world, as well as diving deeper into the timeless sounds and themes that have made him one of the world’s best-loved pop artists. Inspired in part by his exposure to Indian and Persian musical cultures—and their surprising connections to the Irish folk tradition he grew up with, through shared scales, rhythms, and melodies—he explored this borderless musical language, giving the album its distinctive, fresh edge.  On more familiar ground, Sheeran also reminds us why he remains the most influential singer-songwriter of his generation, delivering a series of stunning ballads and acoustic-driven songs. The result is a collection that plays with both the familiar and the new, creating a bold, pop-driven sound that only Ed Sheeran could deliver — a vibrant showcase of his artistry that feels both exciting and transformative, and promises to be one of the defining albums of the year.

Ed said…”Play was an album that was made as a direct response to the darkest period of my life. Coming out of all of that I just wanted to create joy and technicolour, and explore cultures in the countries I was touring. I made this record all over the world, finished it in Goa, India, and had some of the most fun, explorative creative days of my life. It’s a real rollercoaster of emotions from start to finish, it encapsulates everything that I love about music, and the fun in it, but also where I am in life as a human, a partner, a father. Going into this album campaign I said to myself ‘I just want everything I do to be fun and playful’ - so that’s why we are building pubs for folk jams, doing gigs on open top buses and singing in pink cowboy hats on bars. The older I get the more I just want to enjoy things, and savour the moments that are mad and chaotic. You can preorder play now, many many more playful things to come before it’s out x”

After the release of his global, hedonistic, technicolor pop hit ’Azizam’, Sheeran gets nostalgic on his brand new single ‘Old Phone’, narrating the disorienting act of reconnecting with his past. Powering up an old phone unused since 2015, he unearths messages from a lost friend, an argument with an ex, and distant family, highlighting how time and separation reshape identity. Blending nostalgic acoustic melodies with raw emotion, the song recalls Ed's early songwriting roots while exploring growth and memory, capturing an artist that is shaped and transformed by his past   ‘Old Phone’ has been produced by Blake Slatkin & Ilya Salmanzadeh

FOR MORE ON ED SHEERAN:
OFFICIAL WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | YOUTUBE

National Parks Development Committee presents 'ADHIKA' on May 11

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The National Parks Development Committee, as part of the Concert at the Park series, in celebration of the founding anniversary of the Department of Tourism proudly presents 'ADHIKA'  featuring the PHILIPPINE BARANGGAY FOLK DANCE TROUPE, Manila and the PARANGAL DANCE COMPANY, California, USA on May 11, 2025 Sunday 5:30 pm at the Open Air Auditorium, Rizal Park, Luneta, Manila. This is open to the public. Free Admission.

ADHIKA will also feature Culture Bearers - Kalinga: Ophelia Grace Addom; Karl Duane Cusay Bawer Maguindanaon: Faisal Monal Tausug: Airia Askalani Obeso

Co-directed by Ronnie del Barrio and Eric Solano, ADHIKA is a stirring, vibrant collaboration of Philippine indigenous and traditional dance bringing to life the rhythms, rituals, and stories that shape the Filipino spirit.

ADHIKA is a living tribute to the Philippines’ cultural roots. From Luzon’s festive movements to the sacred traditions of Mindanao and Sulu, each piece invites you to journey through the diverse landscapes of Filipino identity.

More than a performance, ADHIKA is a call to remember and celebrate. It honors cultural bearers, inspires new generations, and keeps the legacy of indigenous traditions alive — vibrant, relevant, and proudly Filipino.

The Philippine Baranggay Folk Dance Troupe (PB) began as a mixed dance class in the 1940s at Philippine Normal College (now Philippine Normal University) under founder and creative director Dr. Paz Cielo Angeles-Belmonte – and thus the longest-running Philippine cultural performance troupe of its kind. With a rich history of training generations of dance educators and performers, the troupe honors Philippine tribal and traditional dance through music, song, and dance. 

Now led by Creative Director Ronnie del Barrio, PB has performed extensively in the Philippines, ASEAN, and worldwide over the past seven decades. The troupe offers annual workshops, events, and stage productions, continuing its mission to celebrate and preserve Filipino cultural heritage.

The Parangal Dance Company is a non-profit, Filipino Folk Dance & Music Company based in the unceded Ramaytush Ohlone Territory, also known as San Francisco in California, USA. Parangal’s mission is to give tribute to Philippine heritage by preserving and promoting ethnic attire, music, and dance through research, workshops, and performances.

Parangal aims to serve as a bridge, inspiring and connecting Filipinos in diaspora to their roots to give them a sense of pride and identity, while educating diverse communities to foster awareness and appreciation of Philippine culture.

#ADHIKA2025

#ADHIKADance

#ADHIKAPerformance

#NationalParksDevelopmentCommittee

#PhilippineBaranggayFolkDanceTroupe

#PBFDTSince1946

#ParangalDanceCompany

For further inquiries contact: Ronnie del Barrio +639455572161

Email: hello@philippinebaranggay.com

Enjoy an uninterrupted summer with the OPPO A5 Pro 5G

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In a busy summer season where you are almost always on the go, you need a smartphone like the OPPO A5 Pro 5G to keep up with all your activities in life. The most durable and strongest A Series from OPPO is built for the unpredictable and everything in between.

Strong for the summer and all season

Life moves fast and sometimes your phone takes a hit for it. Whether it slips out of your pocket while rushing to get on a jeepney or gets run over by a motorcycle, its reinforced interior keeps it protected. Built with Military-Grade Shock Resistance, the OPPO A5 Pro 5G can survive drops from up to five meters.

Power that keeps you going, no matter the grind

For those long days that blend work, study, and play, a smartphone with a battery that gets drained halfway through isn’t an option. The OPPO A5 Pro 5G’s massive 5,800mAh battery will keep you powered for as long as 35.7 hours, enabling you to study on-the-go or scroll mindlessly between breaks without hunting for a charger.

And when you do need to juice up, its 45W SUPERVOOC^TM fast charging gets you back to 100% in just 83 minutes. With a 4-year battery lifespan and 1,600 charge cycles, it's in it for the long haul—just like you.

Built to survive splashy moments

Between juggling attending classes and other activities, accidents are bound to happen. The OPPO A5 Pro 5G is built with IP66, IP68, and IP69 dust and water resistance, so it can shrug off steam during quick lunch breaks, splashes from sudden downpours on the way to work, and even accidental drops during a hectic commute.

Elevate your smartphone experience with the OPPO A5 Pro 5G

Choose the most durable and reliable OPPO A5 Pro device—built to keep up with your everyday hustle.

●    The OPPO A5 Pro (8GB+128GB) is available for Php 10,999 and is available in Mocha Brown and Olive Green colorways.

●   The OPPO A5 Pro (8GB+256GB) is priced at Php 13,999 and is available in Olive Green and Mocha Brown colorways.

●   The OPPO A5 Pro 5G (8GB+256GB) is priced at Php 15,999 and is available in Bloom Pink and Mocha Brown colorways.

Ready to level up your summer? Find your perfect OPPO A5 Pro match and make it yours—available now on OPPO Stores and Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop platforms.

Getting your hands on the powerful OPPO A5 Pro is now easier than ever! With Home Credit’s flexible 6- to 18-month installment plans at 0% interest, you can upgrade without the upfront stress. Prefer using your credit card? Enjoy the same worry-free experience with 6- or 12-month 0% interest installment options at OPPO Stores.

Dance your way to a million pesos at the #OPPOA5ProSnapandSlay Dance Challenge!

Get your dance moves on and join the #OPPOA5ProSnapandSlay Dance Challenge for a chance to win 1 Million Pesos by following these easy steps:

●  Film your best dance moves using the #OPPOA5ProSnapAndSlay Dance Challenge’s official audio for a minimum of 15 seconds while creatively incorporating different weather elements like heavy rains, hot weather, or windy days. Check out OPPO’s how-to post or posts from Jackie Gonzaga, Ken San Jose, Joshua Decena, Aira Casim, and Sesable for the official track and inspo!

●Post your video on TikTok using the hashtag #OPPOA5ProSnapAndSlay, tag @oppophilippines, and ask your friends to hype up your entry by engaging on your post.

●   Secure your entry by filling out this Google Form (https://bit.ly/4k5CoXX) and manifest your success!

 

New HONOR Experience Store Opens at SM Puerto Princesa with Magic7 Pro First Day Sale

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Bringing cutting-edge innovation to Palawan’s Ecotourism Capital

Puerto Princesa, Philippines - HONOR Philippines continues to redefine the tech experience as it proudly unveiled its latest Experience Store at SM City Puerto Princesa today, bringing cutting-edge technology closer to the Ecotourism Capital of the Philippines. This momentous occasion was marked by the launch of the brand’s newest flagship smartphone, the HONOR Magic7 Pro.

From L-R: HONOR Philippines’ Digital Marketing Manager and Content Lead Eason De Guzman, National Sales Director Tom Yuan, Puerto Electronico’s Managing Director Edwin “Eli” Tan Jr., Executive Assistant Jesus “Jess” Canizares, SM City Puerto Princesa’s Assistant Mall Manager Martin Domingo S. De Leon, and HONOR Philippines’ Regional Sales Director for Northern Iloilo Nixon John Iquina.

“We are committed to expanding our reach and making HONOR’s cutting-edge technology more accessible to Filipinos across the country. The opening of our SM Puerto Princesa Experience Store reflects our dedication to innovation and service,” said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines.

The event drew an enthusiastic crowd of HONOR fans, local media partners, and tech enthusiasts, all eager to witness this milestone. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was graced by esteemed guests, including HONOR Philippines’ Digital Marketing Manager and Content Lead Eason De Guzman, National Sales Director Tom Yuan, Puerto Electronico’s Managing Director Edwin “Eli” Tan Jr., Executive Assistant Jesus “Jess” Canizares, SM City Puerto Princesa’s Assistant Mall Manager Martin Domingo S. De Leon, and HONOR Philippines’ Regional Sales Director for Northern Iloilo Nixon John Iquina.

An Unforgettable Celebration

Guests were treated to an engaging program hosted by Alvin Sia, with interactive games such as the “Guess the Phone Challenge” and “Don’t Touch the Color,” showcasing the innovative features of the HONOR Magic7 Pro and HONOR X9c. Exciting prizes, including cash rewards and exclusive freebies, heightened the energy of the event.

“The opening of our newest Experience Store in SM Puerto Princesa symbolizes our dedication to reaching more Filipinos with our powerful and stylish smart devices,” shared Eason de Guzman during his welcoming remarks.

Innovation meets Tourism Capital

The HONOR Magic7 Pro took center stage, impressing attendees with its groundbreaking AI-powered photography capabilities. Featuring advanced AI technology, the Magic7 Pro delivers stunning, cinema-quality photos and videos in diverse lighting conditions. With its 100x Super Zoom, users can capture intricate details from afar, while its ultra-clear night photography ensures vivid, sharp images even in low light.

Equipped with the flagship Snapdragon Gen 8 Elite processor, the Magic7 Pro guarantees a seamless and lightning-fast performance. Its immersive display, designed for vibrant visuals and smooth interactions, makes it an ideal device for gaming, multitasking, and content creation. These cutting-edge features position the Magic7 Pro as a must-have device for travelers, creators, and smartphone enthusiasts seeking unparalleled performance and style.

A Testament to Growth

This milestone reflects HONOR’s commitment to expanding its reach and empowering communities through innovation. Guests explored the newly opened store, designed to offer a personalized and immersive retail experience, solidifying HONOR’s presence in Palawan.

Looking Ahead

As HONOR continues its expansion across the country, more Experience Stores are set to open, ensuring wider access to the brand’s offerings. The SM Puerto Princesa store joins the growing network of HONOR retail outlets designed to bring convenience and innovation closer to customers.

Color, Price, and Availability

Available in Lunar Shadow Grey and Black, the HONOR Magic7 Pro is now officially available nationwide! Order now at any HONOR Experience and Partner Stores, and online via Lazada https://bit.ly/Laz_M7Pro_PR, Shopee https://bit.ly/M7ProLaunch_PR, and TiktokShop https://bit.ly/TikTok_M7Pro_PR.

For more affordable offers, the HONOR Magic7 Pro is also available at Home Credit for as low as Php 2,484/month with 0% interest and payable up to 18 months.

To know more about HONOR Magic7 Pro, head on to: https://bit.ly/Web_M7Pro_PR. For more exciting announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram(Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok Shop: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.