Good morning. Live it up this Friday!

Stocks

Local News

🔐 Visa Vigilance: Tightening Entry Gates for Chinese

By Tobias Bautista

Get ready for some stricter visa vibes in the Philippines, especially if you're coming from China. The Department of Foreign Affairs is tightening the screws to tackle fraudulent passport and visa issues. It's like adding extra layers of security to your online accounts, but for international travelers.

Undersecretary Gary Domingo spilled the beans at a press conference, highlighting the challenges of dealing with fake documents, especially from our Chinese pals. To combat this, they're taking a leaf out of other embassies' books, like Japan and the US, by asking for social insurance certificates. It's like requesting a resume before inviting someone to a party—you wanna know who's showing up.

But wait, there's more! They're beefing up their scrutiny game on bank statements and employment docs too. It's like upgrading your antivirus software to catch those sneaky viruses before they wreak havoc on your computer.

When asked why the sudden strictness, Domingo kept it mysterious, saying "It's a bit confidential. Let's just say there's a bunch." But hey, it's not just about beefing up security—it's also to protect our Chinese friends from falling victim to shady schemes, like those pesky Pogo operations. So, while tensions simmer in the West Philippine Sea, this visa change-up isn't just about national security—it's about keeping everyone safe and sound.

Tech

🥰 Apple’s Crush: Ad Raises Eyebrows

By Tobias Bautista

A new ad by Apple showcasing the power of its latest iPad Pro has sparked a flurry of reactions online. The commercial, released Tuesday, features a hydraulic press flattening a variety of classic creative tools, from pianos to arcade games, to reveal the sleek new iPad Pro underneath.

While Apple's aim was to highlight the capabilities of its new product, critics are calling the ad tone-deaf. Marketing experts suggest the message missed the mark, with some feeling a sense of nostalgia and loss as cherished items are crushed.

In a time when many fear being replaced by technology, the ad's imagery of destruction has struck a nerve. Celebrities, including actor Hugh Grant, took to social media to express their dismay, with Grant dubbing it "the destruction of the human experience."

This departure from Apple's usual uplifting marketing approach is notable. Past campaigns emphasized creativity and individuality, whereas "Crush!" seems to symbolize a consolidation of creativity into one device.

Despite the controversy, Apple continues to innovate with its latest iPad Pro, boasting a thinner design, enhanced processing power, and a brighter display. As the company seeks to reignite interest in iPads amid declining sales, the ad's impact remains uncertain in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

Sports

🃏 Nikola Jokic wins his third regular season MVP award in four years

By Koby del Rosario

Despite late season surges and statsheet-stuffing numbers by OKC’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Dallas’ Luka Doncic, Denver’s Nikola Jokic still pulled away as the heavy favorite to take home the 2023-2024 Kia NBA MVP Award, becoming a recipient as well of the Michael Jordan Trophy. And, he did.

This is Jokic’s third regular season MVP award in four years, as he won it as well in the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 seasons. The “Joker” was named to the award after he posted up averages of 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and nine assists—leading the Denver Nuggets to the second seed in the tightly-contested Western Conference with a 57-25 record.

Jokic has become just the ninth player to win three MVP awards, joining the likes of legends such as Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Magic Johnson. Currently, however, Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets are facing a 0-2 hole against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round as they look to get in the win column.

Whatever the outcome of the Playoffs would be though, what a year it was for the Serbian great.

🐶 NU Lady Bulldogs makes it to their third straight Finals appearance after eliminating FEU Lady Tamaraws

By Koby del Rosario

After losing in their first Final Four matchup, the NU Lady Bulldogs took advantage of their twice-to-beat stipulation and sent the FEU Lady Tamaraws home in their second semifinal game, 25-13, 27-25, 25-15, in front of 13,054 fans inside the SMART Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

The Lady Bulldogs have now set up a best-of-three Finals meeting against the UST Golden Tigresses, as the latter edged out the defending champions DLSU Lady Spikers in their semifinal game last weekend.

It was a whole different story for NU, as their sweep of FEU was the exact opposite outcome they had in their first affair. Former rookie MVP Michaela Belen went ballistic with 21 points on 16 attacks and five service aces along with 14 digs while Sheena Toring, who was celebrating her 23rd birthday, hosted a block party to celebrate with six while nailing five attacks and two aces for 13 points.

Even with bowing out of UAAP Season 86 Women’s Volleyball with a disheartening loss, the Lady Tamaraws have much to look forward to as this was their return to the Final Four after two seasons of missing it. Ending the season well, Chenie Tagaod led all FEU scorers with nine points while Gerzel Petallo contributed eight.

As for NU and UST, Game 1 of their highly-anticipated Finals will be on Saturday, March 11th.

🏀 Knicks take a commanding 2-0 lead over the Pacers after Game 2 victory

By Koby del Rosario

May 9th had a single-game showcase of the 2024 NBA Playoffs as Game 2 of the New York Knicks (#2) and the Indiana Pacers (#6) ensued.

Taking advantage of their home floor, the Knicks were too much to handle for the Indiana Pacers as they won Game 2, 130-121. New York were delighted to see their budding star, Jalen Brunson, continue his consistent play with 29 points, five assists, and three steals. OG Anunoby and Donte Divincenzo were also impressive as they had 28 markers apiece while glue guy Josh Hart had a double-double of 19 points and 15 rebounds.

Now having Game 3 in their home court, the Pacers were paced by All-Star Tyrese Haliburton’s breakout game of 34 points, six boards, and nine dimes while Obi Toppin had 20 off the bench.

Today’s NBA Playoff games to be watched will have two Game 2’s from both conferences.

Games

🎯 Fun Brain Teasers

• Wordle: guess the random five letter word

• Connections: match four words of the same category

• Strands: word search but it depends on the category

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