Good morning. Today marks a rollback of diesel, gasoline, and kerosene prices so fill your car tanks up before the prices shock you more than this heat! ⛽😲

Stocks

Local News

🏫 Marcos’ Schoolyard Shuffle: Flipping the Calendar and Dodging the Heat

By Tobias Bautista

📚 Rise and shine, Philippines! DepEd's switching up the school calendar, aiming to please President Marcos and dodge those scorching summer days. Assistant Secretary Francis Bringas confirmed their commitment, but the specifics are still in the works.

Under the plan, we'll trim the school year to a neat 165 days of in-person classes, with possible weekend sessions to keep the learning going strong. The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) is giving a nod to Marcos' move, but they're also calling for more teachers and climate crisis action.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian is on board for a smooth transition, likening it to dusting off a favorite record. So let's buckle up for this journey back to the future of schooling, with President Marcos at the helm. 🌟🎒

World News

🥶 Tensions Rise in Today’s Cold War

By Titus Bautista

Things have been heating up, literally here in the Philippines. But it’s getting even hotter in Russia, where they plan to hold nuclear weapon drills. After almost two years since its relationship with the West -- especially the United States (US) -- deteriorated, Russia continues to flex its nuclear muscles to scare off any possible NATO direct involvement in its war against Ukraine. It’s no secret that Western Allie’s have been supplying Ukraine with weapons and supplies, but no country has yet to involve directly its troops to Zelensky’s cause. That is until French President Emmanuel Macron (not macaroons!) considered sending boots on the ground to Ukraine - if Kyiv requests for it - a few days ago. To add to this, United Kingdom (UK) Foreign Secretary David Cameron (wow sounds like the French President!) said that Ukraine could use British weapons against targets in Russia if it chose to do so. Well, the Kremlin reacted the same way anyone would have if they didn’t get what they want: with a threat.

Sadly for the world, Vladimir Putin’s threat comes with (nuclear) consequences. This wasn’t the first time we’ve heard nuclear threats from Russia, but this is the first time they announced publicly that tactical nuclear weapons will be involved. You can think of tactical weapons, in contrast to strategic weapons, as weapons designed to meet an immediate need. For example, you can use direct missiles, airdrop (iPhone is shaking) bombs, or even artillery shells with relatively short range. Modern warheads have a changing “dial-up” yield where an operator can actually control its explosive power. “… a tactical weapon would be anywhere from a fraction of a kilotonne to 50kt in strength. For scale, the weapon that destroyed Hiroshima was roughly 15kt.” Al Jazeera’s defence editor Alex Gatopoulos said.

Too crazy to believe Russia would actually play around with this? It can never be too crazy… if the Laker fans can convince themselves they had a chance to beat the Murray-Jokic Nuggets in this year’s playoffs, then yes let’s take the Kremlin’s threats seriously 🙏🏻 We don’t want to warheads flying over our heads ever!

Sports

🏎 Lando Norris races with passion en route to his first F1 victory in Miami Grand Prix

By Koby del Rosario

Starting at P5, Mclaren driver Lando Norris was able to claim his maiden victory in F1 after debuting back in 2019—where he has had 110 starts including 15 podiums.

The win came at the third annual Miami Grand Prix held at the Miami International Autodrome, where the 24-year old racer pulled away from a head-to-head from reigning champion Max Verstappen and kept his head down up to the chequered flag.

Because of the result, Norris has now tied Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz for 4th place in the Driver’s Championship standings with 83 accumulated points apiece. 

Rounding out the podium are championship frontrunners Verstappen (ranked #1) and Charles Leclerc (ranked #3)—the former of which won the event’s F1 Sprint.

As Norris looks to bank on the triumph, the next major F1 event will be the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix on May 17-19 at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari.

🏀 Cleveland advances to second round after comeback Game 7 win over Orlando

By Koby del Rosario

Yesterday morning Philippine time had a single-game slate for the 2024 NBA Playoffs as the first Game 7 of this year was played with the fourth-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers pitted against the fifth-seeded Orlando Magic.

After an 18-point comeback, the Cavs, on the heels of Donovan Mitchell’s stellar play, were able to eliminate the young Orlando Magic, 106-94. Mitchell carried his team to the win with 39 points, nine rebounds, and five assists while complimenting him was Evan Mobley with a double-double of 11 markers and 16 boards while Caris Levert had 15 off the bench.

Even with the loss, Orlando All-Star Paolo Banchero was on a different level with 38 points and 16 caroms—including a historic first half.

Later this morning, one second round series will commence while another goes to Game 2.

🐯 UST Golden Tigresses book Finals ticket after beating defending champions Lady Spikers

By Koby del Rosario

DLSU Lady Spikers’ title defense has come to a screeching halt as rival UST Golden Tigresses bested them in their Final Four semifinal matchup that went the distance with five sets, 25-20, 16-25, 25-20, 19-25, 15-7.

This gives UST the first slot into the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Volleyball Finals, as they await of the winner from the #1 versus #4 semifinals of the NU Lady Bulldogs and the FEU Lady Tamaraws—where the latter crushed their opponent in three straight sets for a decider.

The Golden Tigresses were led by rookie sensation Angge Poyos, who had 28 points on 25 attacks, two aces, and a block while Jonna Perdido played Robin with 18 points to go with 12 receptions.

As for La Salle, they settle for third place after an injury-ridiculed Season 86 campaign. For legendary Coach Ramil de Jesus, Angel Canino, and company, they were spearheaded by Shevana Laput’s 20 points as standouts Thea Gagate, Julia Coronel, Maicah Larroza, and Jhay-ar Levina had respectable performances in their final outings as a Lady Spiker. 

With UST now enjoying a much needed rest, the final playoff to determine UST’s opponent in the Finals will be on Wednesday, May 8th at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Lifestyle

🦉 Is Drake waving the white flag?

By Koby del Rosario

With four straight Kendrick Lamar diss tracks that went blow-for-blow on him, Drake may or may not be waving the white flag already.

Yesterday morning Philippine time, Aubrey Graham released, “THE HEART PART 6”, which was a play on Lamar’s “The Heart” series which was currently at Part 5.

In the track, the OVO rapper would deny all of the allegations Kendrick has made towards him and he goes on more about the allegations he has made towards the Compton native. Right at the tailend of the song, however, Drake would give a letter to Kendrick signaling what he foresees would happen.

We don’t know what else is in store with this beef as us, fans, are just soaking everything and reacting to what’s been released. Nevertheless, Drake will look to find his footing in the coming days.

Give “THE HEART PART 6” a listen here.

News Roundup

• Philippine and US Joint Military Training includes practicing of foiling an invasion of Taiwan

• Senator Raffy Tulfo is pushing for free dentures and dental care checkup under Philhealth

• Former Nickelodeon Producer Dan Schneider filed a lawsuit against the show “Quiet on Set” for portraying him as a child predator

• Unsure why but Beyonce’s name will be added to the French encyclopedia dictionary

Referral

Enjoying Araw Araw? Share the sunshine by sending out the link below! Rewards for referrals coming soon 👀

Feedback

Got feedback/concerns with Araw Araw? Help us make your days brighter ☀ by sending us feedback through the form below!

Feedback form here: https://forms.gle/nZ8LnDmsLiTWrp3X9