The legendary gypsy gangster Tommy Shelby is back in a brand-new Peaky Blinders story. Fans of the original series will get to see the character return in Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, continuing the saga of early-1900s Birmingham.
Release Dates
Photo from Peaky Blinders Facebook Page
The movie will first appear in select cinemas on March 6, 2026, before hitting Netflix on March 20. This dual release allows both theatergoers and streaming audiences to experience the story.
Star Power
Photo from Peaky Blinders Facebook Page
Cillian Murphy, the Academy Award-winning actor, reprises his role as Tommy Shelby. His return ensures continuity and adds star appeal to the highly anticipated film.
Story Overview
Photo from Peaky Blinders Facebook Page
Details about the plot are being kept under wraps. Netflix describes the movie as an epic return to the Peaky Blinders world, promising action, intrigue, and drama in the familiar setting of Birmingham.
Visual Teasers
Photo from Peaky Blinders Facebook Page
Netflix has shared the first teaser art, giving fans a glimpse of the film’s atmosphere and style. The visuals suggest a continuation of the dark, stylish aesthetic that defined the original series.
City of Naga once again lived up to its title as the Christmas Capital of the South with the official opening of Pasko sa Naga 2025. The celebration began with the lighting of the city’s iconic Christmas Tree, a moment that signaled the start of the holiday season in southern Cebu.
A Beloved Annual Tradition
Photo from City Government of Naga, Cebu
The Christmas Tree lighting has long been a centerpiece of Pasko sa Naga. Held every year, the event brings together families, visitors, and communities who gather to witness the display that reflects the city’s strong Christmas culture.
Crowds from Across Cebu
Photo from City Government of Naga, Cebu
Thousands of spectators from different parts of Cebu flocked to Naga to take part in the festivities. The event transformed the city center into a lively space filled with lights, movement, and shared holiday excitement.
Spirit of Pasko sa Naga
Photo from City Government of Naga, Cebu
Pasko sa Naga continues to showcase the city’s dedication to celebrating Christmas with creativity and community pride. The opening night set the tone for weeks of activities that highlight tradition, unity, and the enduring joy of the season.
Simbang Gabi, the cherished nine-day dawn mass tradition, is not only about faith but also about enjoying the special foods that come with it. Early mornings are made brighter with warm, comforting, and sweet Filipino delicacies that have become a holiday tradition. From rice cakes to hot drinks, these treats are perfect after attending the misa de gallo.
Puto Bumbong: A Purple Treat
Photo grab from Google Maps
Puto bumbong is a steamed purple rice cake made from pirurutong rice. It is served with butter or margarine, grated coconut, and muscovado sugar. Some variations add cheese on top, creating a sweet and slightly salty flavor combination. This colorful delicacy brings warmth and festive cheer to the early morning celebrations.
Bibingka: The Classic Rice Cake
Photo grab from Google Maps
Bibingka is a spongy rice cake baked in clay pots lined with banana leaves. It is topped with salted egg, cheese, and coconut. Its soft texture and rich toppings make it a favorite during the chilly mornings of Simbang Gabi. Bibingka is comforting and festive, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Sikwate: Thick and Rich Hot Chocolate
Photo grab from Google Maps
Sikwate is a traditional Filipino hot chocolate made from tablea or pure cacao tablets. Thick, rich, and slightly bitter, it balances the sweetness of rice cakes like puto bumbong and bibingka. A warm cup of sikwate adds a cozy and indulgent touch to the Simbang Gabi experience.
Taho: Sweet Soy Delight
Taho is a soft, warm snack made from silken tofu, arnibal (sweet syrup), and sago pearls. It is commonly sold by vendors in the early morning and is perfect for enjoying right after attending Simbang Gabi. Its gentle sweetness and comforting texture make it a simple yet satisfying choice.
Lugaw: Comfort in a Bowl
Photo grab from Google Maps
Lugaw is a rice porridge known for its warmth and soothing qualities, similar to chicken soup. It is often served to sick people but is also a popular Simbang Gabi food because of its hearty and comforting nature. Making lugaw at home is easy and allows for a homemade touch to the festive mornings.
Enjoying the Tradition
The foods of Simbang Gabi are more than just snacks, they are a celebration of Filipino culture, warmth, and togetherness. From sweet rice cakes to comforting porridge, these dishes make early mornings memorable and cozy. Sharing them with loved ones makes the holiday season even more special.
Filipinos love to play, but it’s not an exaggeration – it’s actually backed by hard data. The gaming industry nearly reached $5 billion in the past year, with mobile games, esports, and online platforms at the top of the list.
Now, let’s check out what Filipinos are actually spending their time on!
Mobile Legends Turned the Philippines into a Huge Esports Fan
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang owns the Filipino gaming field. MPL Philippines Season 14 broke viewership records with 1.6 million peak viewers, which is up by 900,000 from the same season in 2023. Filipino teams such as Fnatic, ONIC Philippines, and Team Liquid compete at the highest level, and fans show up in impressive numbers.
The M5 World Championship in Manila drew more than 5 million viewers in December 2023 –that made it the most-watched MLBB event ever at the time. The M6 finals later hit 4.1 million peak viewers. MLBB racked up 475 million hours watched globally in 2024, and Filipino players and coaches now appear on international rosters across the Middle East and beyond.
But why does mobile gaming take the lead here? Well, it’s pretty simple – cheap data plans, affordable smartphones, and a young population. About 30 million Filipinos are between 10 and 24 years old – and that’s 28% of the country. Smartphone sales grew 6.1% over the year in 2024, with nearly 18 million units sold.
Online Casinos and E-Games Pull in Record Revenue
The E-Games and E-Bingo sector exploded in 2024 – revenue jumped 165% to PHP 154.51 billion, making up over 41% of all gross gaming revenue nationwide.
More players are discovering Philippines sites that have unrestricted access to live dealer tables, real money slots, and sports betting. GCash and crypto make deposits painless, while bonuses sweeten the deal – and everything works on mobile, so players aren’t tied to a desktop.
BingoPlus leads the charge, though. The livestream bingo platform surpassed 40 million registered users in 2024, which is double from the previous year. DigiPlus, its parent company, reported revenues soaring 306% to PHP 27.3 billion in 2023. The platform combines regular Filipino games such as tong-its and perya with some new, innovative features. Players deposit with GCash, watch live-streamed draws, and withdraw winnings straight to their e-wallets.
Licensed casinos still pulled in PHP 201 billion last year – but the biggest operators see where things are heading. Solaire, NUSTAR, and others are building online platforms to get online players, while PAGCOR reduced licensing fees to 30% of gross gaming revenue starting January 2025 to encourage more operators to go legit.
Not every gaming tradition survived the turn towards online. E-sabong, online cockfighting, brought more than PHP 6 billion per year before authorities banned it in 2022.
Regular sabong in physical cockpits remains legal, as the sport traces back centuries in Filipino culture – but online betting on cockfights is the door that stays shut. So, senators rejected revival proposals last year, calling e-sabong “far worse than POGOs” because it directly targeted ordinary Filipinos.
Some underground platforms still work illegally – PAGCOR found 789 active e-sabong operations in early 2024 despite the ban. But legitimate gaming companies have moved on. They’re chasing the e-bingo and online casino markets instead.
Where Filipino Gaming Goes from Here
The government is betting big on regulated online gaming. PAGCOR transformed into a pure regulatory body in 2025, focusing on oversight rather than running its own casinos. Licensing fees dropped, compliance requirements tightened, and the goal is simple: grow legal gaming while choking out illegal operators.
The E-Games sector generated PHP 114.83 billion in just the first half of 2025, crossing $2 billion for the first time ever.
Filipino gamers aren’t slowing down – and whether they’re grinding ranked matches in Mobile Legends, betting on livestreamed bingo, or spinning slots from their phones, the appetite keeps growing. The infrastructure exists, the players are very active, and the industry is only getting bigger.
Himbabawud Falls is a breathtaking waterfall destination just 40 minutes from Cebu City. Located in the mountains of Busay, this natural wonder features a series of cascading falls perfect for adventurous travelers seeking a quick escape from the city. The trek to the falls begins at Lava Mountain River Farm and takes around 45 minutes through a rocky river trail, offering scenic views and a refreshing adventure along the way.
Photo from Jomar Alinabon
Staying Overnight at Lava Mountain River Farm
Photo from Jomar Alinabon
For those wanting to extend the adventure, Lava Mountain River Farm offers Bali-style huts and a stunning pool. Accommodation is surprisingly comfortable and provides a peaceful escape from the city hustle. Booking ahead is recommended, especially on weekends when the farm can get busy.
Photo from Jomar Alinabon
How to Get There?
Location: Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines
By Car: From Cebu City, drive up the mountains passing the turn-off to TOPS lookout and Temple of Leah. Continue descending into Busay and follow the Google Maps directions to Lava Mountain River Farm. The roads are steep and winding, so drive carefully. Once at the farm, park your car and prepare for the river trek to the falls.
By Commute: If commuting, take a jeepney or habal-habal heading to Busay from Cebu City. Ask the driver to drop you near Lava Mountain River Farm. From there, you’ll still need to walk and trek through the river for about 45 minutes to reach Himbabawud Falls. Hiring a local guide is highly recommended for safety on the slippery trail.
Christmas in the Philippines is always full of laughter, food, and festive activities. One of the most exciting ways to celebrate is by playing traditional Filipino games that bring friends and family together. These games are easy to set up, fun for all ages, and perfect for creating lasting memories during the holiday season.
Paskong Pinoy Henyo
Photo from Pexels.com
Paskong Pinoy Henyo is a fun guessing game for all ages. Players write Filipino Christmas-related words like parol, bibingka, or Simbang Gabi on sticky notes and place them on each other’s foreheads. The person with the note guesses the word by asking yes-or-no questions, using only “Oo,” “Hindi,” or “Pwede” as answers. This game encourages teamwork, quick thinking, and lots of laughter.
Pabitin for Kids
Pabitin is a favorite game for children during Christmas. A bamboo rack filled with treats or small toys is hung and lowered slowly, while kids jump to grab the goodies. This game brings excitement and friendly competition to young players, making the party lively and colorful.
Christmas Charades and Pictionary
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These classic party games get a holiday twist during Christmas. Players either act out or draw Christmas movies, carols, or Filipino traditions. Both games encourage creativity, humor, and teamwork while keeping the Christmas spirit alive.
Bring Me
Photo from Pexels.com
Bring Me is an energetic game that tests speed and observation. The host calls out an item, such as “Bring me a red phone!” or “Bring me a driver’s license!” Players race to find the item and present it first. Unusual or tricky requests make the game even more exciting for participants of all ages.
Hep Hep Hooray
Hep Hep Hooray is a lively chant-based game. Players take turns following the host’s instructions: one player shouts “Hep Hep” with hands clapping below the waist, and the next player says “Hooray!” with hands raised. Mistakes eliminate players, and the last person standing wins. It is energetic, simple, and full of fun.
Christmas is the perfect time to play these traditional games. They are simple to set up, encourage laughter and interaction, and make any party more festive. With these games, everyone can join in the holiday cheer, creating joyful memories that last long after the season ends.
Southwestern University (SWU) PHINMA officially inaugurated the Ramon V. Del Rosario (RVR) Building on December 12, 2025, at its Main Campus in Urgello, Cebu City. Rising prominently within the campus, the new structure signals a forward-looking chapter for the university, reinforcing its commitment to quality, accessible, and future-ready education.
Architecture with Purpose
Designed as the central hub for SWU PHINMA’s college programs, the RVR Building features modern classrooms, fully air-conditioned classrooms, and collaborative learning spaces designed to foster student engagement, creativity, and innovation. As a 10-floor academic hub, it is equipped to accommodate the University’s growing student population while providing flexible and inspiring spaces for learning. Every corner of the building reflects intentional design, spaces that go beyond functionality to inspire creativity, critical thinking, and meaningful academic engagement.
Honoring a Visionary Legacy
The building is named after Ramon V. Del Rosario, a visionary leader whose lifelong dedication to education and community empowerment has shaped generations. His values of excellence, leadership, and integrity are embedded in the very purpose of the structure, making the RVR Building a lasting tribute to an enduring educational legacy and the first of its kind within PHINMA Education.
A Moment Marked in Light
The inauguration was highlighted by a symbolic lighting ceremony, officially unveiling the RVR Building to the SWU PHINMA community. The event was witnessed by PHINMA Chairman and CEO Ramon R. Del Rosario Jr., together with his family, marking a meaningful and personal milestone in the institution’s history.
Leaders Behind the Milestone
University officials led by SWU PHINMA President Chito B. Salazar and Chief Operating Officer Cheryl Jane P. Chan joined PHINMA Education executives, administrators, and partners in celebrating the achievement. Their presence underscored the collective leadership and shared vision that brought the project to life.
Maria Teresa “Pinky” del Rosario Zeller, daughter of Ramon V. Del Rosario, highlighted that the building represents more than honoring her father’s name. She explained that it reflects his strong belief in education as something that should be accessible to all, giving children from any background the opportunity to shape their own future.
Spaces Built for Students
For the Cobra community, the RVR Building offers more than new classrooms, it provides an environment designed to support growth, collaboration, and personal development. The building empowers students to sharpen their skills, explore ideas, and prepare for their chosen paths with confidence.
A Symbol Beyond Structure
More than bricks and walls, the Ramon V. Del Rosario Building stands as a symbol of opportunity, ambition, and promise. As it becomes an integral part of campus life, it reflects SWU PHINMA’s mission to equip students not only for academic success, but also for meaningful impact in the communities they will one day serve.
Many Filipinas continue to build families abroad, as data from the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) shows an annual average of around 70,000 migrant unions.
Despite fluctuations in recent years, the volume has largely remained steady and is expected to return to its usual levels.
Most Common Foreign Spouses
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CFO records indicate that Americans consistently rank as the top foreign partners of Filipinos. They are followed by Japanese nationals, with Australians, Canadians, and South Koreans completing the top five nationalities that Filipinos most often marry.
Where Most Migrants Come From
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The National Capital Region leads with the highest number of Filipino marriage migrants, accounting for more than a fifth of the total. Cebu and Cavite follow as major areas of origin, contributing thousands of individuals who move abroad to join their partners.
Age And Educational Background
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Filipino marriage migrants typically marry at around age 33. Most have completed either college or high school, and more than half are recorded as non-working at the time of migration, based on data from the past decade.
Migration Through Partnership
Marriage migrants are Filipinos who relocate overseas through foreign citizenship or visa pathways granted after marrying foreign nationals. These unions continue to shape migration trends, reflecting long-standing patterns in global partnerships involving Filipinos.
Photo from Department of Tourism – Philippines Facebook Page
Christmas in Cebu is never complete without the iconic Cebu lechon, known for its crispy skin and tender meat. Whether you’re hosting a family feast or just craving a taste of tradition, Cebu offers a variety of lechon spots that promise flavor, authenticity, and a festive experience. From modern restaurants to local markets, here’s a guide to the best places to enjoy lechon this holiday season.
House of Lechon: Where Tradition Meets Style
Photo from Department of Tourism – Philippines Facebook Page
House of Lechon in Cebu is a must-visit for those seeking authentic Cebu lechon in a modern setting. Its open kitchen allows diners to see the preparation of each roast, ensuring freshness and quality. The restaurant combines contemporary design with Filipino cultural touches, creating a vibrant yet comfortable atmosphere. Signature dishes include tender lechon paired with fragrant garlic rice, along with options to suit different dietary preferences. Conveniently located near Ayala Mall with ample parking, it’s ideal for family gatherings and special occasions.
Talisay Lechon Foodpark: Early-Bird Favorites
Photo grab from Google Maps
Talisay Lechon Foodpark, located in Poblacion, Talisay City near the police station and city college, opens from Saturday to Sunday, 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM or until supplies last. It offers a wide selection of lechon, perfect for early risers who want fresh roasted pork straight from the grill. Affordable prices and easy accessibility make it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
Carcar Lechon: Classic Market Experience
Photo from Carcar Lechon Food Packages
Carcar is famous for its public market lechon stalls, where roasted pork is sold at around P300 per kilo, much cheaper than airport prices. Morning visits are recommended to catch more stalls open and enjoy freshly roasted lechon with traditional pusô (rice wrapped in coconut leaves). Nearby vendors also sell chicharon at budget-friendly prices, giving a complete local culinary experience.
Rico’s Lechon: Legendary Flavor
Photo from RICO’S Lechon Facebook Page
Rico’s Lechon, established in 1995, is known for its crispy skin and special blend of spices. It maintains the traditional Cebuano lechon recipe while serving both locals and travelers across multiple locations in the Philippines. Recognized internationally, Rico’s continues to be a top choice for anyone seeking consistent quality and authentic Cebu lechon.
From market stalls to modern restaurants, Cebu’s lechon scene offers something for every taste and budget this Christmas. Whether you prefer the traditional flavors of Carcar, the convenience of House of Lechon, or the legendary taste of Rico’s, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with a perfectly roasted Cebu lechon at the center of your table.
Marriages in the Philippines continued to decline in 2024, with Philippine Statistics Authority data showing a 10.2 percent drop from the previous year. The total number of registered marriages fell to 371,825, extending a downward trend that remains below pre-pandemic levels.
Peak Wedding Months
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February remained the most popular month for weddings, recording 46,130 unions or 12.4 percent of the total. June followed closely with 45,085 marriages or 12.1 percent, while December placed third with 42,211 or 11.4 percent.
Young Adult Newlyweds
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Filipinos aged 25 to 29 continued to make up the largest share of newly married couples, contributing 81,121 marriages or 21.8 percent of all registrations for the year.
Marriage Trends and Family Dynamics
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The continued decline in marriages aligns with shifting family structures and evolving societal norms, reflecting the way modern households form and grow across the country.
Regional Wedding Hubs
CALABARZON led all regions with 54,981 registered marriages or 14.8 percent of the nationwide total. The National Capital Region followed with 48,448 marriages or 13 percent, while Central Luzon ranked third with 42,227 or 11.4 percent.
Tracking the Data
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The 2024 figures are based on marriage registrations recorded by the Philippine Statistics Authority as of Aug. 31, 2025, capturing nationwide trends in marital patterns.
