In this episode, Direk Rene chats with Pinoys Nardjo Botio and Coach Wowskie of the Cabalen Ballers after winning their game at the annual Ambassador's Cup which has started in Auckland, New Zealand.

The world of Philippine chess is abuzz as 10-year-old Nika Juris Nicolas of Pasig City defies norms and breaks barriers by earning the title of National Master - a first for a female in the country. The National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) awarded Nika this prestigious title, marking a significant milestone in the country's chess history.

In our ongoing global battle against COVID-19, numerous environmental concerns have come to light - one of the most pressing being the alarming rise in personal protective equipment (PPE) waste. A group of Grade 12 students from De La Salle University - Dasmariñas Senior High School (DLSU-D SHS) in Cavite, Philippines have tackled this issue head-on, crafting an innovative, cost-effective, and eco-friendly solution dubbed CoBUILD-19.

In an extraordinary move to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of Philippine Independence and Nationhood in 2023, Ayala Museum showcases the national treasure that has long been hidden from the public eye - Juan Luna's lost masterpiece, Hymen, oh Hyménée! This epochal event invites us to marvel at Luna's brilliance, as he cemented his reputation as one of the 'master painters' during the defining years of 1884 to 1889 in Paris.

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to literally reach new heights? Ernest John "EJ" Obiena, the 27-year-old Filipino Olympian, can now answer this question with first-hand experience. He has become the latest member of the pole vault six-metre club – an exclusive group of athletes worldwide that have managed to scale one of the most elusive barriers in elite athletics. But what makes Obiena's feat particularly notable?

In many cultures, including Chinese culture, there are a number of beliefs and practices that people follow when opening a new business.

The Canadian Government, in a game-changing announcement, has just simplified the process of travel for Filipinos who have held Canadian visas in the past or currently possess valid American non-immigrant visas. According to the Canadian Embassy in the Philippines, eligible Filipinos now qualify for visa-free air travel to Canada, signaling a new era of accessibility and convenience. The announcement marks Filipino Heritage Month in Canada, currently home to a million Filipinos.

Steady as he goes, Filipino American Grandmaster Wesley So ascends to new heights in the world of chess. Known for his consistent approach, So has maneuvered his way to the 3rd spot on the leaderboard at the 2023 Norway Chess Tournament. He now stands within striking distance of the title and the significant cash prize, having leapfrogged four other grandmasters, including World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen.

Fortunate is the Filipino who uses her platforms to bring out the best in others. A bright statement to share as colorful as the scarves she wore in her public appearances. People may know Dr. Eileen De Villa as a loving mother of three. A public health doctor to almost three million residents in Toronto. An Adjunct Professor at the University of Toronto. Maybe even as a friend to Canada’s multicultural city. One thing our Kababayans should know is she is also a proud Filipino!

Philippine higher education has once again made its mark on the world stage. The Asian Institute of Management (AIM), University of the Philippines Manila (UP Manila), and University of the Philippines Diliman (UP Diliman) have been listed in the elite Global 2000 list by the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR). This prestigious list ranks the best-performing institutions worldwide in terms of employability in 2023.

In the glittering world of culinary arts, the James Beard Award is widely regarded as the "Oscars of Food." After eight nominations, Filipino-born American chef Margarita Lorenzana Manzke has finally clinched the prestigious accolade in the Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker category.

In an appetizing victory for Filipino cuisine, celebrity chef and content creator Erwan Heussaff has bagged the 2023 James Beard Media Award in the Social Media Account category. This prestigious international recognition celebrates Heussaff's continued efforts in promoting Filipino cuisine through his compelling Instagram features, solidifying his role as an influential culinary ambassador for the Philippines on the global stage.