Day: December 17, 2025

Tokyo: Recreational vehicles are attracting increasing attention in Japan, serving not only as campers but also as evacuation shelters, traveling hotels, and business offices. According to Philippines News Agency, the Japan Recreational Vehicle Association reports that the number of recreational vehicles in the country reached 165,000 in 2024, nearly tripling from around 50,000 in 2005. The demand surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, as people sought safe spaces to work and spend time without close contact with others. The association anticipates that the total number of RVs will rise to 300,000 by 2030, driven by the rapid growth of RV parks.

Manila: De La Salle University reclaimed the UAAP men’s basketball crown after pulling off an 80-72 victory over University of the Philippines in Game 2 of the Season 88 Finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday evening. This victory marks the Green Archers’ 11th UAAP title, further solidifying their position as one of the league’s most successful teams. According to Philippines News Agency, the two teams met in the championship round for the third straight season. The Green Archers previously triumphed in Season 86, while the Fighting Maroons claimed the Season 87 title. Head coach Topex Robinson expressed his gratitude

Malolos: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed Associate Justice Ma. Belen Ringpis-Liban as the new Presiding Justice of the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA). Ringpis-Liban will assume the new role starting Tuesday, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a statement. According to Philippines News Agency, the appointment underscores the President’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and strengthening judicial institutions through principled and capable leadership. Justice Ringpis-Liban is expected to lead the Court with independence, professionalism, and fidelity to the Constitution, ensuring the fair and timely resolution of tax cases essential to public trust and economic stability.

Manila: The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) regained its footing Wednesday, while the peso ended flat against the US dollar. The local bourse’s main index rose 0.39 percent to 6,079.02 points, and the broader All Shares by 0.21 percent to 3,459.45 points. Most of the sectoral gauges also ended the day up, led by Services after it rose 1 percent. It was trailed by Holding Firms, 0.88 percent; Mining and Oil, 0.58 percent; Industrial, 0.34 percent; and Financials, 0.26 percent. Only the Property index finished in the negative territory after it slipped by 1.30 percent. According to Philippines News Agency,

Benguet: Stay-at-home women in Benguet are set to gain new income opportunities through the Elevate Artificial Intelligence Data Annotation (AIDA) project of the Aboitiz Foundation, which aims to expand access to home-based digital work in the province. Governor Melchor Diclas said the initiative will help broaden employment options, particularly for women who face barriers to traditional jobs. According to Philippines News Agency, Diclas emphasized that the program offers alternative livelihoods for separated and single mothers, former overseas Filipino workers, and displaced workers. The provincial social work and development office (CSWDO) will assist in identifying interested participants for the initial rollout