CAPAS, Tarlac , Philippines — Close to 30,000 people from all walks of life and around the globe gathered over three days for the 26th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF) in New Clark City, as families, friends, and visitors shared a weekend of flight and celebration. The strong turnout reinforces the city’s role as a growing hub for sports tourism and major public events. The skies came alive with sunrise balloon ascents, night glows, paragliding exhibitions, and paper plane competitions, among others. International hot air balloon pilots joined from Macedonia, Brazil, Switzerland, Belgium, the United States, and other countries, adding to the event’s global character. For the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), the gathering showed how former military lands can be transformed into open, welcoming spaces for recreation, tourism, and shared experiences. BCDA President and CEO Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang said the hosting of the event supports the national government’s push to maximize public assets and turn infrastructure investments into tangible benefits for communities. “This event is aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure that major developments directly improve the lives of Filipinos and generate real economic impact for our communities,” he said. “Beyond the figures, what we witnessed was families spending a day of love and joy together. We saw balikbayans returning home, foreign visitors discovering New Clark City for the first time, and local communities proudly welcoming them. That is the kind of place we set out to build, one where infrastructure serves people and brings communities together.” Branded “A Weekend of Everything That Flies,” the organizers of PIHABF, led by founder and event director Captain Jose Mari “Joy” Roa, turned New Clark City into a venue for sport, aviation, and public enjoyment at scale. “We are grateful to our partners, especially the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta organizers, for their trust and collaboration. Their confidence in New Clark City affirms that with sound planning and governance, we can host large gatherings while keeping our spaces open and accessible,” Engr. Bingcang added. Tarlac Governor Christian Tell Yap, meanwhile, highlighted the broader impact on the province. “This boosted the province economically and socially. There was a clear ripple effect on hotels, tour operators, and small businesses. We want to continue promoting initiatives like this to strengthen tourism-driven growth in Central Luzon,” Gov. Yap said.    

Wesleyan University-Phillipines Aurora fields full contingent   Baler, Aurora, Philippines – The sun had barely risen when the streets began to fill with colorful performers, music, and festivities. Streets fluttered from every post, people awaiting the street dance performance of contingents from the different municipalities. It is the day of the Indak Pasidayaw Festival Provincial Competition for the Aurora Day Celebration 2026, a celebration of culture, artistry, and unity among the municipalities of Aurora. No one, however, anticipated the overwhelming joy that would follow. As the final performance concluded, the crowd waited in breathless silence. It was the time to wait for the minor awards. Parts of the preliminaries to the jubilation and celebration were the announcements of Best in Arena Performance and Best in Choreography, which were both bagged by Maria Aurora and with P15,000.00 award for each category. When the emcee finally announced the Provincial Champion for Indak Pasidayaw Festival 2026, the silence exploded into thunderous cheers. Shouting in tears streaming down their faces painted with festival colors and with their costume made of native Igorot attire, all screaming “Mebiyay, Marialeño!” The Municipal Mayor, Ariel Bitong – standing behind the event host and waiting for the final result – was in complete awe and jumping in cheers, together with other key officials of the Municipality, the School Administrator of Wesleyan University-Philippines – Aurora, Dr. Ferdinand Romano, seen crying out of elation, the Academic Heads of WU-P, teachers, coaches, trainers and WU-P contingent in unison shouted and celebrated the triumph of Maria Aurora, fielded with WU-P Aurora students, and received a glaring amount of P150,000.00. This year’s championship in the Indak Pasidayaw Festival is not just a win in a competition; it is a shared triumph that bound the community together in jubilation and celebration – proof that when culture, dedication, and unity dance as one, victory becomes a celebration for all. Big Congratulations, Municipality of Maria Aurora! Congratulations as well, WU-P Aurora!

    NAGA CITY, Philippines — Naga City welcomed distinguished guests of the Naga City Sports Stakeholders’ Summit with a curated city tour showcasing the city’s strength in sports, faith, heritage, and creative culture ahead of the February 16 to 17 summit. The delegation visited Maxburn Elite Fitness Gym and journeyed through Naga City’s revered Marian landmarks, including the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace where they paid a courtesy call to Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon, Porta Mariae, and the Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, where they experienced the sacred tradition of Pagmamanto. The tour also included a stop at Savage Mind: Arts, Books, Cinema to experience the city’s creative pulse. Among the guests were Olympians, national athletes, coaches, and sports advocates including Hidilyn Diaz OLY, Akiko Thomson OLY, Gretchen Ho, Coach Noli Ayo, Coach Julius Naranjo, Jessie Lacuna OLY, Henry Dagmil OLY, Santi Edralin, Rechie Tugawin, and Councilor Charo Soriano. More than a tour, it was a warm introduction to a city where sports, culture, faith, and community come together at the center of it all.          

    From clicks to skills: Globe equips students with the tools and knowledge to thrive in a connected world.   Meycauayan City, Bulacan, Philippines — Students of Saluysoy Integrated School (SIS) now have improved access to technology-enabled learning after Globe, together with education officials and local leaders, turned over 25 laptops to strengthen the school’s classroom environment. The donation supports the City Schools Division of Meycauayan, which oversees 32 public schools including elementary, junior high, and senior high schools, serving tens of thousands of learners across the city. These additional laptops will expand access to digital learning tools, allowing more students to actively participate in technology-assisted lessons and develop the digital skills essential in today’s learning landscape. Held on January 28, 2026, the initiative underscores Globe’s continued commitment to helping young Filipinos succeed in a technology-driven environment by widening access to modern learning resources while promoting safe and responsible technology use. The effort also highlights how collaboration between the private sector, schools, and local government can create meaningful opportunities that directly benefit students and communities. Implemented in coordination with DepEd-Meycauayan and the local government, the program reflects a shared commitment to strengthening learning environments and preparing students for opportunities shaped by technology. The turnover ceremony was attended by Mayor Atty. Henry R. Villarica and Councilor Lester Villarica, both advocates of initiatives that enhance educational support systems across the city. Following the ceremony, Globe’s Sustainability and Corporate Communications Manager Jan Merced facilitated a preview session of the company’s Digital Thumbprint Program for select students, introducing them to practical ways to stay secure online. The session guided learners on recognizing fraudulent schemes, protecting personal information, and practicing responsible behavior in digital spaces, skills that are increasingly essential as students spend more time online for both learning and communication. “We are grateful to our partners for supporting our students with these laptops. This initiative strengthens our vision of providing quality education and equipping our learners with the right tools for their future,” said Mayor Atty. Henry R. Villarica, highlighting the importance of partnerships that directly improve student learning conditions. Councilor Lester Villarica echoed this sentiment, saying, “Partnering with our stakeholders allows us to enhance our classrooms and ensure our students are ready for the digital age. This collaboration truly benefits the community and our youth,” emphasizing how collective action helps prepare learners for future challenges and opportunities. For Globe, supporting schools goes beyond providing equipment, as it also involves guiding young users toward a safe and meaningful participation in digital spaces. “At Globe, we believe that technology is most powerful when it empowers students to learn safely and responsibly. Providing laptops and digital literacy programs to schools like Saluysoy Integrated School reflects our commitment to bridging the digital divide and preparing the next generation for a safe, productive, and connected future,” said Yoly Crisanto, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer at Globe. Through sustained collaboration with educators and local governments, Globe supports safer learning spaces by pairing access to digital tools with initiatives such as the Digital Thumbprint Program, enabling students to navigate online spaces responsibly while strengthening skills needed to thrive in today’s learning environment. These joint efforts help build stronger communities by preparing young learners to contribute positively to the country’s future.