MANILA, Philippines — Philippine tennis has reached a defining moment.

At just 21 years old, Alex Eala has achieved what no Filipino has ever accomplished—winning a WTA Tour-level singles title and officially breaking into the WTA Top 20, cementing her place among the world’s elite women’s tennis players. Her remarkable rise has sparked celebrations across the country, with Filipinos hailing the birth of a new sporting superstar.

Eala’s historic breakthrough came at the Mubadala Citi DC Open (Washington Open), where she staged a stunning comeback to defeat top seed and World No. 3 Jessica Pegula, 4-6, 6-4, 6-0, in a rain-delayed final. The victory earned her her first WTA Tour singles championship and propelled her to a career-high World No. 20, the highest ranking ever achieved by a Filipino tennis player.

A Historic Victory for Philippine Tennis

Winning a WTA title is a milestone few players ever reach. For the Philippines, it represents a watershed moment in a sport long dominated by traditional tennis powerhouses.

Eala didn’t simply win a tournament—she conquered one of the toughest draws of the season.

On her way to the title, she defeated an extraordinary lineup of world-class opponents, including reigning Olympic champion Qinwen Zheng, defending Washington champion Leylah Fernandez, four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka, former Wimbledon champion Elina Svitolina, and finally top seed Jessica Pegula in the championship match.

The run showcased her maturity, resilience, and fearless style of play, qualities that have become trademarks of her meteoric rise.

From Rising Star to Global Contender

Only weeks earlier, Eala had already captured international attention with her breakthrough performance at Wimbledon, becoming the first Filipina to reach the Round of 16 in the prestigious Grand Slam tournament.

Her success in Washington proved that Wimbledon was no fluke.

Instead, it confirmed that the young Filipina has officially arrived as one of the brightest talents in women’s tennis.

With the Washington title adding 500 valuable ranking points, Eala vaulted into the WTA Top 20, joining an exclusive group of the world’s best players and becoming a legitimate contender in the biggest tournaments on the professional circuit.

A Nation United Behind Its New Champion

Across social media, millions of Filipinos celebrated Eala’s achievement, with messages of congratulations pouring in from fans, athletes, public officials, and celebrities.

For many, her victory represents far more than another sporting accomplishment.

It symbolizes the emergence of a new generation of Filipino athletes capable of competing—and winning—on the biggest stages in the world.

In a nation where icons like Manny Pacquiao, Hidilyn Diaz, Carlos Yulo, and EJ Obiena have inspired generations, Alex Eala is now writing her own chapter in Philippine sports history.

Her success is also expected to inspire greater interest in tennis among young Filipinos, encouraging future athletes to dream beyond traditional sporting boundaries.

The Making of a Superstar

What makes Eala’s rise even more remarkable is the consistency she has shown against the world’s top players.

Her Washington triumph marked yet another victory over elite competition this season, demonstrating that she belongs among tennis’ biggest names.

Observers around the world have praised not only her aggressive baseline game and mental toughness but also her humility, professionalism, and composure under pressure. Those qualities have quickly made her one of the sport’s most exciting young personalities.

The Journey Is Just Beginning

At 21, Eala’s career is only beginning.

With the North American hard-court swing continuing and the US Open fast approaching, expectations are understandably high. Yet her recent performances suggest that this historic breakthrough may be only the first of many milestones.

For the Philippines, however, one thing is already certain.

Alex Eala has forever changed the country’s place in world tennis.

She is no longer simply a promising young athlete.

She is a WTA champion, a Top 20 player, and the newest Filipino sports superstar carrying the nation’s flag onto the global stage.

As she continues her journey against the world’s best, millions of Filipinos will be cheering every serve, every rally, and every victory.

Because today, the world isn’t just watching Alex Eala.

The world is watching the rise of Philippine tennis.

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SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union — The Department of Health Ilocos Center for Health Development (DOH Ilocos CHD) is urging the public to adopt healthier lifestyles and maintain a positive mindset to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), the leading cause of death in Region I.

During the February 23 episode of Kapihan sa Ilocos hosted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Region 1, Nurse V Francisco De Vera highlighted that seven out of the top causes of mortality in the region are classified as non‑communicable diseases, with cardiovascular disease ranking first.

“Seven of the leading causes of mortality in Region I are what we call non‑communicable diseases. And among them, the number one is cardiovascular disease,” De Vera said.

He explained that the prevalence of heart disease is directly linked to unhealthy habits, sedentary routines, and poor nutrition.
“If you stay home doing nothing, eating excessively without exercising, you may become obese. And obesity is one of the major causes of heart disease,” he added.

De Vera emphasized the importance of a balanced diet, urging families to choose meals that are low in salt, low in fat, limited in sugar, and rich in fiber. He noted that overweight children are becoming more common due to the widespread availability of fast food and processed options. Preparing meals at home, he stressed, remains the healthier choice.

To protect mental and cardiovascular health, he advised the public to manage stress through simple practices:
“Practice deep breathing. Take a deep breath. Walk it off and go for a short walk. Take a break from social media for a while. Once you feel okay, then that’s good.”

Aside from physical inactivity and poor diet, De Vera warned that smoking and excessive alcohol consumption significantly increase heart risks.
“If you smoke, it can cause many illnesses, including heart disease. Smoking causes blood vessels to constrict, which can lead to hypertension,” he explained.

According to DOH Ilocos CHD data, the region recorded 3,689 deaths due to cardiovascular diseases in 2024, with 2,495 caused by myocardial infarction (heart attack) and 432 from congestive heart failure.

The health department continues to strengthen its advocacy for physical activity, healthy eating, and tobacco‑free living—reminding the public that adopting positive habits today can significantly lower the risk of chronic diseases and save lives.

via PIA | Health & Fitness PH

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The InLife Sheroes TBR Dream Crew 2026 are raring to show how they chose to #StartWithin and finish stronger than ever. From left: Bea Villegas, Josel Castro, Luigi Galvez, Coach Nylah Bautista, Jessa Vitangcol, Dale Henson, Mark Alborida and JB Bagallon.

For many, a marathon is a grueling 42-kilometer test of physical endurance. But for the members of the InLife Sheroes TBR Dream Crew 2026, the journey toward The Bull Runner (TBR) InLife Dream Marathon is a profound act of love, a celebration of self-worth, family, and the courage to start anew.

As the title sponsor of the marathon on February 15, 2026, InLife is not just supporting a race; it is fueling a movement of personal transformation, embodied by the InLife Sheroes TBR Dream Crew 2026. The group is composed of women and “He-for-She” male supporters who embody InLife Sheroes campaign, “#StartWithin.” 

#StartWithin addresses a phenomenon many Filipino women face: “inspiralysis,” the state of being inspired but paralyzed by the noise of surface-level empowerment. Through the InLife Sheroes platform, InLife provides the tools, mentorship, and spaces necessary to turn that internal spark into action. The Bull Runner Dream Marathon is the ultimate manifestation of this mission, proving that real empowerment begins in the quiet, often messy process of looking inward, deciding to love oneself enough to pursue a dream, and taking that first intentional step toward who we are truly meant to become.

Running for healing and empowerment

The stories of the InLife Sheroes TBR Dream Crew 2026 highlight how empowerment and inner strength are built and nurtured through personal struggle and the everyday decision to keep moving forward.

Roselle Banaag  began her journey during a low point of stress and depression. Today, she runs to honor her growth, transforming that initial pain into power and peace. “One day, I had to walk home, broke and lost. That walk hit 6k steps, which sparked a goal to reach 10k daily. With just thrifted shoes, I kept going. I started from a place of pain, stress, and depression, and found healing, strength, and peace through running. This marathon is more than a race. It’s a celebration of resilience, discipline, and the power of choosing to keep moving forward.”

Maan Batac runs for her two children diagnosed with autism. To her, every stride is a tribute to their daily courage. “They face challenges every day with courage and grace. Their journey inspires mine. Running now symbolizes strength, patience, and unconditional love. I dream of completing a marathon not just to tick off a goal, but to show them that persistence pays off. Even when the road is long and uncertain, we keep moving forward.”

Jomar Luczon started running “just to breathe” while feeling stuck in life.  “I was stuck in a cycle of work-eat-sleep and have forgotten myself. I want to prove the past version of myself, the one that was tired, lost, and ready to give up, that we can make it. Each kilometer I run is a reminder that I am healing, growing, and choosing myself.” 

Josel Castro’s self-discovery through running has become proof of the undying spirit of women. “I have endometriosis, and for the past few years, this illness controlled me. I want to become the strongest version of myself. Running is about showing up for every early run, every doubt that needed to be conquered, and every breakthrough that needed to be celebrated.”

JB Bagallon, once an athlete, admits taking a turn for the worse after graduating from his studies. “Work, vices, and unhealthy habits led me away from running. Becoming a father changed everything. I now run for my daughter to prove the value of perseverance, and for my wife, who believes in me. Every mile is a step toward becoming the best version of myself for them, and for me.”

The power of mentorship and community

The InLife Sheroes TBR Dream Crew 2026 underwent a rigorous coaching journey under renowned World Triathlon Level 2 Coach Nylah Bautista. This mentorship provided the technical discipline needed for a first marathon, but the program offers something more vital: a sense of belonging.

Dale Henson and Jessa Vitangcol note that having a coach and a supportive community have kept them accountable for their own health, and helped them train smarter, building the discipline, confidence, and endurance not just to reach the finish line, but also live more empowered lives. Luigi Galvez agrees as he says, “being surrounded by others chasing the same goal, makes everything more meaningful. It’s not just about the distance, it’s about growth.” 

For Bea Villegas, being part of the Dream Crew has made her realize what she is capable of doing, and how she could further improve herself, something echoed by Mark Alborida who views this Marathon as a turning point in his life, pushing him to go beyond his limits. 

“At InLife, we believe that real empowerment is not just about finding inspiration but acting on it. The TBR InLife Dream Marathon embodies this conviction as these runners rise for themselves. InLife is proud to support these marathoners who are proving to all that the most important race they will ever cover is the one that circles back to their own strength,” said InLife Chief Marketing Officer Gae L. Martinez

A Record-Breaking Journey

This year’s marathon is set to be the largest in the event’s history, welcoming a record 3,000 participants to Filinvest City, Alabang. Among them will be InLife employees and partners, running alongside the InLife Sheroes TBR Dream Crew as living ambassadors of perseverance, discipline, and conquering dreams.

In a world that can often feel harsh, these runners remind us that it is never too late to start a journey of self-discovery. By the time they cross the finish line this February 15, they won’t just be marathoners. They will be the living embodiment of what it means to #StartWithin: to be moved by internal conviction and to keep showing up for themselves, proving that the strength they discovered on this marathon journey will continue to fuel their breakthroughs long after they finish the race. 

via HealthandFitnessPH

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With this initiative, Globe AT HOME solves one of the biggest customer pain pointspoints: the hassle of getting connected in an instant. Now, with just a few clicks, customers can order Globe AT HOME 5G WiFi and have it delivered directly to their doorstep, no docs needed, and no complicated processes. For those who need connectivity urgently, GrabMart offers delivery in as fast as two hours, giving customers instant access to reliable internet when they need it most.

“At Globe AT HOME, we are committed to providing fiber-like speeds plug-and-play home prepaid WiFi more accessible than ever,” said Abigail Cardino, Head of Brand Management, Broadband Business at Globe. “With Globe AT HOME 5G WiFi now available across key online platforms, our customers can be connected as fast as within two hours, enjoying multiple convenient options to stay online seamlessly, right at their doorstep.”

By expanding into Shopee, Lazada, and GrabMart, Globe AT HOME continues to drive its mission of channel expansion, customer convenience, and digital inclusion. This initiative reflects Globe’s broader commitment to making 5G technology accessible to more Filipino households, empowering them with fast and reliable connectivity that uplifts everyday life, from work and learning to entertainment and staying connected at home.

To ensure the best experience, Globe encourages customers to purchase Globe AT HOME products and devices only through official Globe stores and authorized e-commerce partner channels such as Shopee, Lazada, and GrabMart. Buying from these trusted platforms guarantees price correctness, access to exclusive benefits, warranty services, and reliable post-sales support, while also ensuring that devices are brand-new and untampered. Customers are reminded that unauthorized reselling of Globe AT HOME products is subject to reprimand and risk device blocking, as Globe remains committed to protecting its customers and delivering only authentic, high-quality connectivity solutions.

Get your Globe AT HOME 5G WiFi now on: Lazada (https://glbe.com.ph/GlobeATHOME5GxLazada), Shopee (https://ph.shp.ee/W9nisNU), or GrabMart (https://glbe.com.ph/GlobeATHOME5GxGrabMart), best viewed on mobile.

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One of the things that would accelerate this Customer-First transformation is Globe’s recently announced cloud modernization initiative with Amazon Web Services. This initiative strengthens its capability to deliver more responsive, intelligent, and scalable digital services. 

By leveraging AWS advanced cloud capabilities, Globe is enhancing its use of AI-driven innovation, analytics, and modernized applications, enabling more proactive customer support, faster rollout of service enhancements, and deeper personalization of interactions across its entire customer base. 

Globe is working with AWS to expand its cloud infrastructure, modernize its B2B and digital platforms, and deploy AI-driven tools that enhance personalization and customer support. This includes upgrading its network management system, improving SIM activation processes, and developing advanced CX innovations. 

Omnichannel strategy

Another pillar of this strategy is Globe’s reinvestment in physical touchpoints nationwide. After a period of selective consolidation, the company is doing a strategic expansion on its retail footprint to meet customers where they prefer to engage, whether online or face-to-face. This includes refreshed full-service stores in major malls such as Robinsons Manila, alongside new micro-format touchpoints in communities such as Vigan, Sorsogon City, Boracay, and Bohol. These stores have been redesigned to serve not just as sales hubs but as experience centers where customers can receive personalized assistance, explore lifestyle-driven broadband and mobile solutions, and access support with the warmth and responsiveness of Globe’s frontline teams.

Globe President and CEO Carl Cruz emphasized that the company’s omnichannel service model is anchored on empathy and responsiveness. “Whether they are online or offline, we will be there for them. We will continue to study where our customers truly need us for face-to-face interaction, and we’ll meet them there,” he said.

Intelligent service platforms

This strong physical presence is matched by significant investments in intelligent service platforms. Globe continues to deploy AI-enabled customer tools, to personalized enterprise support at scale. Conversational AI capabilities are being advanced to be more responsive, understand local language and cultural nuances, that improves interactions and making digital support more intuitive for Filipino users.  

The company’s customer experience push extends across its broader ecosystem. Through this unified physical-digital framework, Globe ensures the improvements are consistently being made to provide more consistent and seamless engagement across channels. Retail agents are enabled to guide customers across channels using the GoBenta app and other digital platforms, while stores include self-service zones and community activation spaces that allow customers to transact at their own pace. At the same time, Globe has leveled-up its hyper-personalized offers across channels including GlobeOne and GCash, to provide customers the offers that fit them best depending on their profile, leveraging AI. Meanwhile, broadband hypercare communities on channels like Viber provide highly responsive localized support.

This heightened focus on experience aligns closely with Globe’s performance momentum. As disclosed, mobile data revenues reached Php29.1 billion in the third quarter of 2025, while the company’s mobile subscriber base grew to 63.1 million which are clear indicators of rising engagement and trust. Globe’s network investments, including expanded 5G and fiber deployment, have underpinned this growth by providing faster, more consistent, and more reliable connectivity.  The customer-centric focus on network investments enabled Globe to be the most consistent mobile network in the country in the last four years according to Ookla®. 

Building value, building relationships

For Globe, the strategy is straightforward: building value means building relationships. Customer experience is not merely transactional but the  backbone of loyalty, the catalyst for digital inclusion, and its true differentiator, especially relevant during these times that Filipinos are more economically challenged and they need a partner to tide them through. By combining the strength of its brands, network and distribution footprint, the intelligence of its AI-driven platforms, and now the accelerated innovation enabled by AWS, Globe is positioning itself to grow with purpose, anchored on care and elevated by technology, towards uplifting the lives of every Filipino.

To learn more about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.

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“Every medal we receive is an honor not just for Tanduay but for the Philippines. We share this recognition with our hardworking team, whose dedication and passion enable us to showcase the best of Filipino craftsmanship to the world,” said Roy Kristoffer Sumang, International Business Development Manager of Tanduay.

The Asia Spirits Ratings recognizes spirit brands according to their quality, value for money, and what they look like. To earn a Double Gold, a product needs to score 96-100 points. The Gold Medal is awarded to those who score 90-95 points; the Silver Medal to those who score 85-89 points; and the Bronze Medal to those who score 80-84 points.

Tanduay Especia Spiced Rum received the highest score in the contest, earning 96 points, to earn the top honor alongside Kenya’s Mara Gin. The judges were particularly impressed with Tanduay Especia Spiced Rum’s taste, noting how “gingerbread and biscotti aromas open to a layered palate of chocolate, almond, and nutmeg, finishing long with butterscotch and warm spice.”

More Tanduay Products Receive Medals

Apart from Tanduay Especia Spiced Rum, several Tanduay products also earned medals from Asia Spirits Ratings. 

Tanduay Asian Rum Gold, Tanduay Double Rum, and Tanduay 10-Year Old Rum all received Silver Medals. Embassy Whisky, Tanduay Overproof Rum, Tanduay Rhum Dark 5 Years, Tanduay Asian Rum Silver, Tanduay 1854, and Tanduay Superior were awarded Bronze Medals.

“These medals inspire us to continue Tanduay’s winning legacy by staying true to our tradition while constantly pursuing product innovation,” Sumang said.

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The visit aims to strengthen ties between the two countries. During the week, the Finnish delegation will meet with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), International Organization for Migration (IOM), and other reliable private recruitment agencies (PRA) to discuss fair hiring practices, migrant worker support programs, and safe recruitment channels, ensuring Filipino professionals have reliable pathways to work in Finland.

To provide direct access to these opportunities, a job fair will be held at Megatrade Hall on the fifth level of SM Megamall (Mega B). Openings include roles in services and hospitality, as well as industrial positions such as welders and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machinists.

Adding a festive touch to the event, Santa Claus will appear at the Ground Level, Mega Fashion Hall, reflecting Finland’s heritage as the official home of Santa Claus. Families of job seekers may visit Santa Claus before proceeding to the job-fair venue. Registration is required to enter the job fair.  Visit the official DMW Job Fair Portal to secure a Job Fair Pass/QR Code: https://jobfairportal.dmw.gov.ph.

“Our goal is to help companies in Finland as well as individual talents from abroad find a perfect match and support them both, ” said Elina Santalahti, EVP Global Talent Solutions at Barona. “Barona, being one of the biggest employers in Finland, has already been recruiting global talents and Filipinos for more than 15 years. We have strong expertise in this field, and our operations lie strongly on ethical and sustainable practices,” added Santalahti.

Finland is preparing for major workforce turnover, with close to half of its workers set to retire by 2040. The largest gaps are anticipated in social and health services, as well as in business, sales, and industrial roles. To fill these gaps and meet growing industry demand, Finland will need 1.37 million new workers by 2040. The Philippines, with its young and strong talent pipeline, is well-positioned to help fill this demand. 

“Our focus is on creating stable, lasting employment. We specialize in long-term positions and provide extensive support to employees throughout their journey,” said Rebekka Kiljunen, Partnership Director at Bondata. “Bondata is committed to offering a reliable, safe, and people-centered pathway for professionals from the Philippines and around the world to build a meaningful career and life in Finland,” added Kiljunen. 

Finland’s collective agreement–based labor system guarantees consistent and fair working conditions for all employees. International professionals receive the same starting salary as Finnish workers in equivalent roles, with pay progression determined strictly by experience. Equal pay principles apply from day one.

“Finland upholds fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity in its labor market. We want Filipino professionals to have accurate information so they can make informed decisions about building stable, long-term careers in Finland,” said Joonas Halla, Business Development Manager of Work in Finland. “The Filipino workers moving to Finland will receive a residence permit, not just a visa. This gives them the same rights and responsibilities as Finnish residents, allowing them to access public services and fully integrate into local communities,” added Halla.

Finnish authorities reiterated that the country follows a strict no-placement-fee policy, prohibiting recruitment agencies from charging applicants any fees. Violations of this rule are considered serious offenses and run counter to Finland’s laws on worker protection. 

Explore working and living conditions in Finland through the official website: www.workinfinland.com.

About Work in Finland

Work in Finland is part of Business Finland and focuses on attracting international talent and supporting companies in hiring globally. It contributes to Business Finland’s wider mission of strengthening Finland’s competitiveness and helping companies access the skills they need.

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This year, McDonald’s Philippines hopes to bridge that gap by giving select groups a chance to celebrate for free. Dubbed “Grand Reunion at McDo,” this nationwide holiday initiative will transform select McDonald’s Party Rooms into festive spaces for meaningful reunions happening simultaneously across the country, bringing the warmth of the season back to those who need it most.

“By creating spaces where groups can once again gather meaningfully, McDonald’s taps directly into the Filipino cultural values of pagsasama-sama, pagsasalo-salo, and gratitude. It offers a simple yet heartfelt reminder that those who help make Christmas special for others deserve their own celebration too,” said Ada Lazaro, Chief Marketing Officer at McDonald’s Philippines. 

How to be part of McDonalds’ Grand Reunion

Customers are invited to visit McDonald’s Philippines’ Facebook Page and share their story on the Grand Reunion post — why they want to come together, what kept them apart, and what makes their bond worth celebrating. On December 8 from 2-4pm, McDonald’s will accommodate groups of up to 10 members, with two groups per party Room for a total of 20 guests.

Aside from a heartwarming and distinct story, participants will be selected based on how their stories embody the spirit of togetherness during the Christmas season. Participants may choose their preferred McDonald’s branch.

Each group will receive boxes of Honey Butter Chicken McDo, made extra special with a “shake, tear, and sprinkle” moment using Garlic Parmesan and Snow Cheese Powder. It’s a simple ritual that turns the meal into something to savor together. A McDonald’s “Happiness Host” will also be there not just to lead light games or toasts, but to help make the gathering feel a little more shared, a little more memorable.

Reinforcing Filipino values

Lazaro added the initiative aims to reinforce Filipino values of bonding and connection during the Christmas season by offering a venue for meaningful reunions.

“In a season that can often feel overwhelming with crowded schedules, growing expenses, and emotional demands, Grand Reunion at McDo offers a refreshing alternative, a warm, uncomplicated, and inclusive holiday gathering that doesn’t require grand preparations,” she quipped. 

For more information about McDonald’s Philippines, visit www.mcdonalds.com.ph, McDo.ph on Meta, @mcdo_ph on Instagram, and @McDo_PH on X. 

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