IT’S AN A+ grade for the Philippines in serving as host of a Women’s Tennis Association

Philippines has bigger chance of staging higher-level tournaments

Business World
February 1, 2026

IT’S AN A+ grade for the Philippines in serving as host of a Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) tournament for the first time in history at the new-look Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.

From players to coaches, WTA officials and fans, the country passed the test across the board with flying colors for now a bigger chance of staging higher-level tournaments in the coming years.

“It’s a smashing success. We’ve talked to some of the coaches and players; and all of their reviews were very good. There are minimum standards (court, venue, hotel) that were supervised by the WTA but I think we went beyond that, including the exceptional hospitality of the Filipino people. Everyone is happy and want to be part of something great,” beamed Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) Secretary General and Navotas City Mayor John Rey Tiangco, a former tennis player himself.

“Well, to tell you the truth, it’s an excellent turnout… If you’re asking me if the Philippines would be ready to do a tournament of a higher caliber, then they’re ready,” said WTA supervisor Cristina Romero Contla from Mexico.

The Philippines never had a tennis tournament of international standards as the WTA until this year with the Philippine Sports Commission led by Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio and the PHILTA teaming up to make it happen, thanks to an inspiration from world sensation Alexandra Eala.

Although Ms. Eala failed to reach the final of her first professional home tournament, the bigger picture of trying to impress the world with the country’s capability to stage international events was achieved, not to add a thrilling finale that was supported by the Filipinos nonetheless.

Tickets, in fact, were sold out from Day 1 to the final with or without Ms. Eala as crowd darling Donna Vekic of Croatia and eventual champion Camila Osorio of Colombia were showered by an equally warm love from the home fans.

For the WTA, that exceptional Filipino hospitality — marked by the nail salons, spas and other wellness service inside the venue atop the standardized gyms, hotels and courts — was the X Factor, putting the Philippines in a league of its own compared to other countries as a host.

“Well, I have to say that I have done several 125s and I have to say this has a very high standard for it. Actually, it competes with 250s in different categories. And I think that the most important part is that we all felt very welcome here in the Philippines,” added Ms. Contla.

The distinguished players, who have been all over every city for the year-round WTA Tour, agreed.

“I think aside from Colombia, this is No. 1 for me,” said Ms. Osorio, whose magical run in Manila included a 6-4, 6-4 win over local star Ms. Eala and punctuated by a 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 win over Paris Olympics silver medalist Ms. Vekic. “I’ve never seen many people in my match away from home. It’s a pleasure to play for you. I hope I can come back.”

“It was really a pleasure playing in front of you. This city deserves a bigger tournament in the future so I hope to come back. I don’t know much Filipino but maraming salamat,” added Ms. Vekic, dubbed as “adopted Filipina” after being a good sport to Ms. Eala despite losing in their last two overseas matches leading to Manila.

“It is super nice. I think that everybody agrees with me that the tournament seems to have existed for years. It is so well-organized,” added German legend Tatjana Maria, the No. 1 seed in the trailblazing tourney. “It is super, super good here. Everyone is super kind.”

All of these signs lead to a WTA 250 next year, most if not everyone expects.

But while the country checked all the boxes in its first WTA foray as part of a three-year contract with the WTA and as much as Filipino fans wanted it, there’s more to it than hosting a 250 or higher level.

Compared to the 125 level which WTA owns and offers for franchise in up to 60 cities each year, the 250s, 500s and 1000s are already set annually with ownership from private entities.

“Of course, people want bigger and better ones, that’s expected. But it’s a different process,” Mr. Tiangco clarified. “We’ll have to deal with them. It’s either you lease or buy it so we have to negotiate. It’s not a sure thing.”

For now while trying to pull all the stops for 250s and higher tournaments, the Philippines will make the most out of its WTA franchise even with the base 125 levels along with the planned hosting of Asian junior and ITF tournaments. — John Bryan Ulanday

Camiguin among New York Times' '52 places to go in 2026'

Camiguin among New York Times' '52 places to go in 2026'

GMA Integrated News
28 January 2026

Camiguin is among the New York Times’ “52 Places to Go” in 2026.

Listed No. 37, Camiguin is described as a “water lover’s paradise with sandbars and hot springs."

“Camiguin is foremost a destination for those who love the water, with treasure-chest-size neon clams, an abundance of sea turtles around white sandbar islets, hot and cold springs, and waterfalls for bathing,” the New York Times writer Patrick Scott wrote.

The article also noted Camiguin’s soon-to-open boardwalk in the town of Mambajao later this year, as well as its sunken cemetery and its reputation as a sports tourism destination for swimming and running races, including triathlons.

Earlier in January, Governor Xavier Jesus Romualdo said in a statement that tourist arrivals in Camiguin increased from 288,558 in 2024 to 397,818 in 2025, a nearly 37.86% increase.

Other Southeast Asian countries featured on the list include Penang, Malaysia, Bangkok, and Vietnam.

“52 Places To Go” is an annual travel list published by the New York Times. — Hermes Joy Tunac/LA, GMA Integrated News

Asia’s first portal opens in the Philippines

Asia’s first portal opens in the Philippines

GMA Integrated News
26 January 2026

The global art portal has finally expanded to Asia, landing in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

The installation marks the first Portal in the Philippines and only the sixth worldwide. It has existing locations in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Lithuania, where the project originated.

Located on 5th Avenue at Bonifacio High Street in Taguig, the BGC Portal features a 24/7 livestream connecting it with Portals in Vilnius (Lithuania), Lublin (Poland), Dublin (Ireland), Philadelphia (United States), and Ipswich (United Kingdom).

Additional Portals are set to launch in Brazil and other countries later in 2026.

“Bringing the Portal to BGC in Manila, a city known for genuine warmth and a deep sense of human connection, expands our vision of a world connected not by borders, but by direct human encounter,” Portals Organization founder Benediktas Gylys said in a press release.

The BGC Portal is spearheaded by the Portals Organization, a global network based in Vilnius and Berlin that creates creates immersive spaces connecting people across borders to experience Earth as one.

First conceived in 2016 by Gylys, the first Portals installation opened in 2021 connecting Vilnius and the Polish city of Lublin.  

— Hermes Joy Tunac/LA, GMA Integrated News

Filipina nominated for best cinematography at Oscar's

 Filipina cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw makes Oscar history with 'Sinners'

Iza Iglesias 
Manila Times
23 January 2026

MANILA, Philippines — Cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw has entered Oscar history as the first Filipina and the first woman of color nominated for best cinematography.  

Arkapaw was nominated for her work on the 2025 horror film “Sinners,” directed by Ryan Coogler, which led all films this year with a record 16 Academy Award nominations. Her recognition places her in a category that has long excluded women, with only three ever nominated and none having won. 

Arkapaw, born in Oxnard, California, and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, is of Filipino descent on her mother’s side and African American Creole on her father’s. She follows Rachel Morrison as only the second woman nominated in the category and Matthew Libatique as the second Filipino nominee. 

Her work on “Sinners” was already historic even before awards season. Arkapaw became the first female cinematographer to shoot a feature film on large-format IMAX 65mm and Ultra Panavision 70, formats typically reserved for big-budget epics and rarely helmed by women. 

Reflecting on the nomination, Arkapaw told Variety, “To have other people, like young girls and boys see you out there, speaking about what you do and showing them that it matters, that’s been really fun. I thought how special it would be for in the future someone to look up this nomination, because I’m the fourth woman. And I know the ones that came before me.” 

She said attending the Oscars with her son will make the moment even more meaningful. 

“My son can go because he’s that age. So that’s going to be fun for me, just seeing his reaction to all of this, and just seeing his little face react to all of this stuff. Because, you know, when we make these films, I have to be away. And I think for him to see what that culminates to is really special,” she added. 

Arkapaw studied art history at Loyola Marymount University and later graduated from the AFI Conservatory’s cinematography program in 2009. She began her career in advertising and as a camera assistant before moving into feature films. In 2022, she was invited to join the American Society of Cinematographers, one of the industry’s most prestigious professional organizations. 

Though often behind the camera, Arkapaw has spoken about the importance of visibility in filmmaking. She told Vogue Philippines in a previous interview, “We know there will be black and brown girls and boys who see themselves in us, looking for inspiration. If we approach our work with care, it can help light the way for someone else’s journey, and to me, that’s truly beautiful.” 

The 98th Academy Awards ceremony will take place on March 15 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles. 

Philippines makes major natural gas discovery

Philippines makes major natural gas discovery

Kristina Maralit,Ed Paolo Salting,Allen Limos
Agence France-Presse 

The Manila Times
20 January 2026

(UPDATE) THE Philippines has struck natural gas at Malampaya East-1, the first major discovery in more than a decade, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced Monday.

In a video message posted online, Marcos said this gives “fresh momentum to our efforts to secure a stable and reliable energy supply for the country.” The discovered reservoir is located about five kilometers east of the existing Malampaya field and estimated to contain around 98 billion cubic feet of gas in place.

This is equivalent to almost 14 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity per year that could supply electricity to more than 5.7 million households, 9,500 buildings or almost 200,000 schools.

Based on initial testing, the well flowed at 60 million cubic feet per day.

“This indicates that the well has the potential to produce even more, confirming it is a high-productivity resource comparable to the original Malampaya wells,” Marcos said in Filipino.

Aside from the natural gas, the discovery also includes condensate, a high-value liquid fuel that can help support the government’s efforts for the stabilization of the country’s power supply.

“We are proud that Filipinos led this drilling. Most importantly, they completed it without any accidents or environmental incidents,” the chief executive said.

“This is proof that when the government’s direction is clear and our partners are efficient, we can strengthen the country’s energy security,” he added.

Marcos said the achievement was made possible through the work of the SC 38 Consortium led by Prime Energy Resources Development B.V. in partnership with UC38, PNOC Exploration Corp., and Prime Oil and Gas Inc.

“This is proof that with responsible environmental protection and strong collaboration between the government and the private sector, we can achieve a more reliable energy supply for every Filipino,” he said.

Breakthrough

Prime Energy hailed the discovery of a new natural gas field as a breakthrough for Philippine energy independence.

“This gas discovery is a victory of the Filipino people. When we assumed operatorship, we committed to the president and the nation to breathe new life into Malampaya and revitalize the indigenous natural gas sector. Today, we are delivering on that commitment,” the firm said in a statement.

“We thank President Marcos for his leadership, particularly for approving the extension of SC38 and for the enactment of the Philippine Natural Gas Industry Development Act, which provides the stability and confidence needed to pursue continued exploration of additional gas resources,” it added.

Malampaya East-1 is a newly discovered reservoir, confirming the presence of 98 billion cubic feet of additional natural gas and associate condensate. Initial well date indicates volumes equivalent to around one-third of the remaining Malampaya gas volumes.

The next phase of the Malampaya 4 drilling involves the completion and testing of Camago-3, followed by the drilling of Bagong Pagasa exploration well. Malampaya 4 was certified a project of national significance. Since its inception, the Malampaya project has generated more than $13.9 billion in revenues for the government, while reducing dependence on imported fuel.

The Philippines has some of the region’s highest energy costs and faces a looming crisis as the Malampaya gas field, which supplies about 40 percent of power to Luzon, is expected to run dry within a few years.

The discovery, the first in more than a decade, suggested the potential to produce even more, Marcos said.

The Philippines — regularly affected by electricity outages — relies on imported carbon-belching coal for more than half of its power generation.

Energy stakeholders on Monday welcomed the discovery of natural gas at the Malampaya East-1 site in Palawan.

“This milestone is a testament to the world-class capability of Filipino engineers in securing our country’s energy future. Reliable power fuels our everyday life, including the lights in our homes, the continuity of work and enterprise, and the stability our schools, hospitals, and communities depend on,” Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said.

“With this discovery, we will pursue this opportunity with discipline, while maximizing value for Filipinos, upholding environmental stewardship, and ensuring that every milestone strengthens our national interest,” she added.

In line with this, the DOE said it will continue to work closely with the Malampaya consortium and relevant agencies to ensure timely, compliant, and transparent next steps, covering technical evaluation, development planning, and all required regulatory and environmental safeguards, so that potential benefits are converted into real, dependable supply for the grid when ready.

Prime Energy said the first natural gas discovery in Philippine territory in over a decade will help boost the existing field’s remaining recoverable volumes by an estimated 30 percent.

The Malampaya East-1 site is the first major milestone under the Malampaya Phase 4 Drilling Campaign, alongside the Camago-3 and Bagong Pag-asa wells.

Prime Energy is part of the Malampaya Consortium that operates the gas field together with its partners UC38 LLC, PNOC Exploration Corp., and Prime Oil and Gas Inc.

China Bank Capital Managing Director Juan Paolo Collet said the natural gas discovery is huge for the country in terms having enough energy supply in the next few years as there is a chance that there could be more natural gas in the other sites.

“This is a significant discovery that will contribute to national energy security. The additional supply should help make local gas-fired power plants more cost-efficient and competitive, which in turn could translate to cheaper and more reliable electricity for households and businesses. It’s also important to note that this is just one among a number of exploratory wells in the Malampaya area, so there is a chance of discovering more supply,” Collet said.

“Moreover, the latest discovery may encourage investor interest in other potential areas of natural gas deposits in the Philippines. There are major domestic banks who are ready to support the sector,” he added.

'Coal phaseout’

Meanwhile, a church leader has called for a “decisive coal phaseout,” saying the country should invest instead in renewable sources of energy that “serves communities.” Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, president of Caritas Philippines, cited in a pastoral letter on Jan. 18 the experiences of seaweed farmers on Semirara Island — home to the country’s largest open-pit coal mine — where crops allegedly damaged by coal dust and wastewater have wiped out their primary source of income.

“After decades of extraction and billions in profit, many families remain poor, exposed to risk, and uncertain about tomorrow,” Alminaza said.

He said the farmers’ cases were not isolated but part of a broader pattern in which pollution and restricted access to coastal areas forced families into poverty or displacement.

He challenged those who argue that coal is essential to national development and energy security, noting that the Philippines remains heavily dependent on imported coal while electricity prices stay high and vulnerable to global market volatility.

“Coal’s defenders speak of necessity; people live with the consequences. Coal is repeatedly justified as essential to national development and energy security. Energy security that depends on imported coal is neither secure nor just,” he said.

“The Church cannot bless an economy that survives by wounding the poor and exhausting creation. The time to end coal in the Philippines is now. To delay is to choose harm. To act is to choose life,” Alminaza said.

Philippines one of the best foodie destination for 2026 - Michelin

The best destinations for foodies in 2026, according to Michelin

Star Insider
16 January 2026

The best destinations for foodies in 2026, according to Michelin

Michelin has revealed its eagerly awaited "Best Places to Travel in 2026 for Food Lovers" list. Published by the Michelin Guide, the index is compiled by Michelin inspectors and experts on the ground and highlights 16 destinations around the world chosen for their selected restaurants and hotels and emerging culinary scenes. Essentially, the list showcases an appetizing variety of food from different countries and the techniques used by top chefs to create dishes that are redefining menus and placing cuisine on the traveler's map.

16. Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver is already deserving of its reputation as a great food city. In 2026, it's also a FIFA World Cup host city, adding further appeal to this multicultural Canadian city.

As a foodie destination, Vancouver is renowned for its vibrant culinary scene. Fresh locally caught seafood, strong Asian influences, and a burgeoning focus on Indigenous cooking lend this eco-conscious Pacific hub an appetizing allure.

15. Québec, Canada

Québec is the only Francophone-majority province in Canada. Fiercely proud of its historic New France roots, Québec is nonetheless fully international, its diverse regions, languages, cultures, and history shaping its global character.

Québec's culinary landscape is firmly rooted in 17th-century French cooking techniques. Inventive Montreal chefs, for example, ably uphold this farm-to-table philosophy with dishes that also draw on historical influences from British and Indigenous cuisines, many reimagined for international palates.

14. Philadelphia, USA

Another 2026 World Cup host city, Philadelphia boasts one of America's most dynamic dining scenes, shaped largely by immigrant traditions and seasonal mid-Atlantic seafood.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the establishment of two Philadelphia landmarks offering an array of food options, the Reading Terminal Market and the Italian Market. Today, neighborhood restaurants flourish.

13. Boston, USA

Further up the East Coast, Boston is a historic food city, known for its exciting blend of New England seafood, tasty Italian fare, and classic American comfort foods, unique regional tastes like North Shore roast beef.

While Boston remains deliciously seafood-centric, the city is also appreciated for more exotic menus, typically listing Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine. And an emerging, newly energized emphasis on sophisticated and innovative dining visibly illustrates Boston's growing reputation as a significant food destination.

12. Florida, USA

Gone are the days when Florida's epicurean clout was centered solely on Miami. These days, the state's culinary identity has broadened to include places like Orlando, Tampa and, more recently, Fort Lauderdale, The Palm Beaches, and St. Pete-Clearwater.

Seafood menus and chef-led dining rooms exemplify Florida's charge as a gourmet destination. But the state's culinary depth is also heightened by Cuban influences, the Floribbean fusion of Caribbean spices and tropical ingredients, and traditional Southern comfort dishes.

11. The American South

And comfort food is what the American South is all about... and more! Across Alabama, Atlanta, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, a bold new culinary clarity is redefining menus across the board.

In Alabama and Mississippi, chefs are carefully reinventing regional staples; standalone Atlanta is big on innovation; Louisiana, meanwhile, is consolidating its Cajun and Creole authority. The Carolinas have redefined their seafood and whole-hog traditions, while Tennessee is honing its smoke-driven identity.

10. Route 66

Route 66—"The Mother Road"—is 100 years old in 2026. All the more reason, then, to drive it. Across eight states, numerous eateries are gearing up for an influx of visitors.

But it's the quality plates found at the start and end of the route in Chicago and Los Angeles that truly inspire, and where exclusive gourmet restaurants in both cities cater to a discerning clientele.

9. Philippines

Filipino food is highly regarded for its diverse fusion of Indigenous ingredients and Malay, Spanish, Chinese, and American influences. And restaurants in Manila and Cebu are where these bold sweet, sour, salty, and savory flavors are best enjoyed.

But Manila and Cebu are destinations where you can also find a host of young chefs directing kitchens with independent flair and redefining Filipino food culture, employing traditional and international techniques to create dishes using regional fruits, spices, and cooking techniques like marinating and grilling, while balancing those same sweet, salty, and acidic flavors.

8. Jiangsu, China

Jiangsu province is one of China's most refined dining destinations. The culinary scene is dominated by Huaiyang cuisine and a garden culture known for its delicate, fresh, and mild flavors.

Emphasizing natural tastes, meticulous preparation, and artistic interpretation, chefs in the cities of Suzhou and Nanjing are applauded for their elegant regional food traditions, including the use of freshwater fish, subtle seasoning, and classical techniques.

7. Cappadocia, Turkey

Famed for its unworldly landscape of towering rock formations known as "fairy chimneys," Cappadocia is a favorite vacation getaway. Its natural wonders complement a burgeoning culinary scene, where 70% of the gastronomy is local.

Here, traditional fare is served in clay pots—earthy slow-cooked stews, soups, and grilled meats, and other hearty Turkish staples. The destination's culinary awakening is such that much of what's on offer is now appearing on pop-up tasting menus.

6. Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is a culinary destination to watch. While the kingdom's food scene is predominantly local, chefs working in cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah are successfully reinterpreting traditional dishes, grilled meats, and Red Sea seafood with daring creativity.

Meanwhile, the international flavor is picking up pace, with Japanese, Chinese, Lebanese, and French cuisines listed prominently on menus in restaurants and hotels in Saudi cities and coastal resorts.

5. Amalfi Coast, Italy

The picture-perfect Amalfi Coast is renowned for its serene beauty and romantic allure. The area is also celebrated for its creative culinary scene. Think grilled lobster, lemon-laced pasta, and just-caught seafood served al fresco.

The food remains elemental, rooted in tradition but elevated by stunning coastal settings. Kitchens work with the seasons, with chefs using fresh local produce and artisanal products to create an authentic taste of the Mediterranean lifestyle.

4. Wrocław, Poland

Wrocław, the historical capital of Poland's Silesia region, is a vibrant city where chefs are reinterpreting Silesian cooking traditions with flair and imagination. The picturesque old market square is lined with several restaurants where this new approach to food can be sampled.

Visitors can still enjoy classic Silesian fare, dishes like pierogi and beef roulade. But these new breed of chefs are designing menus with modern culinary techniques that's allowing this Central European food destination to step out of the shadows.

3. The Dolomites, Italy

All eyes are on Cortina d'Ampezzo as the town prepares to host the 2026 Winter Olympics. In preparation, the Dolomites region in the northern Italian Alps, Michelin's third-placed best travel destination, has benefited from new infrastructure and refined mountain hotels. The Games will also afford thousands an opportunity to savor alpine cooking.

Dolomites gastronomy is a unique, hearty blend of Italian and Austrian-German traditions. Local fare includes dumplings, speck (smoked ham), and mountain cheeses. But thanks to chefs looking to techniques outside of the Italian Alps, these cherished dishes are lent a decidedly modern twist.

2. Czech Republic

Michelin's second-placed travel destination is the Czech Republic. While Prague remains a well-known haunt for gourmands, it's what's cooking beyond the capital that has foodies excited. In Karlovy Vary and other spa towns, for example, it is simple ingredients such as potatoes, freshwater fish, and foraged mushrooms that are enriching menus.

Hearty and traditional Central European comfort food is still enjoyed across the country, with rural kitchens and menus rooted in place and seasonality that are essentially redrawing the culinary map.

1. Venice, Italy

Heading the list of the best places to travel in 2026 for food lovers is Venice. Appropriately one of the most romantic of European cities, Venice is honored not so much for its existing culinary scene but for what connoisseurs of fine dining can expect in the future.

A hotel renaissance is about to reset the city's dining scene. Orient Express, Cheval Blanc, Rosewood, and Airelles are all vying for a place at the table in the floating city. Arriving with these high-end properties will be stylish and trendy restaurants with kitchens geared towards serving those most appreciative of Michelin-rated dining spots.

Alex Eala hailed as Kooyong Classic champion

Alex Eala hailed as Kooyong Classic champion

Nicole Anne D.G. Bugauisan 
Manila Times
16 January 2026

MANILA, Philippines — Tennis sensation Alex Eala will carry a strong momentum going into the 2026 Australian Open after capturing the Evonne Goolagong Cawley Trophy at the Kooyong Classic women’s singles exhibition meet.

Kooyong Classic announced Eala's feat on Friday afternoon, with a picture of the Filipina receiving the trophy.

“We are happy to announce the winner of the Evonne Goolagong Cawley Trophy, Alexandra Eala,” the event organizers wrote on its socials. 

“Congratulations to our women’s 2026 Kooyong Classic Champion,” the post added.

Eala, ranked 49th in the world, defeated Olympic silver medalist Donna Vekic of Croatia, in the meet.

She first defeated the Croatian in the quarterfinals of the ASB Classic last week.

The Evonne Goolagong Cawley Trophy serves as a tribute to the former Australian player.

Cawley, a former No. 1 player in women’s singles, was one of the world's top tennis players in the 1970s and early 1980s.

Eala will open her 2026 Australian Open against the United States’ Alycia Parks in the first round on Sunday, at Melbourne Park, Australia.

The 20-year-old Eala earned a direct entry in the Australian Open due to her rankings and will face the current world No. 100 Parks in the first round.

The 25-year-old Parks reached a career-high of world No. 40 last Aug. 14, 2023, and won her first WTA singles title in the 2023 Lyon Open.