Good morning. 🎭 Gather round, fair subscribers, on this merry Shakespeare Day! Rejoice, for though only 70% open our emails and not a subscriber hath come from referrals, we will keep on keeping on! Like Falstaff's belly, we doth yearn for that ad revenue! Let's make merry and celebrate with tears of joy!🎉

By the way, effective today, the price of gasoline will rise 55 centavos per liter but diesel and kerosene will be reduced by 95 centavos per liter and 1.1 pesos per liter, respectively.

Stocks

Local News

💹 Philippine Economic Potluck: US Investments on the Rise

By Tobias Bautista

House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez is feeling buoyant about the Philippines' economic prospects post-summit with the US and Japan. He predicts a surge in American investments following upbeat talks with US investors. Finance Secretary Ralph Recto even delivered a compelling pitch on why the Philippines is prime for investment.

Romualdez sees the dialogue as a game-changer, signaling broader economic cooperation with the US. He's thrilled by the positive response from US investors eyeing Philippine opportunities.

Amidst the buzz, Romualdez emphasizes the Philippines' stable financial standing, boosting investor confidence. He's optimistic about future collaborations, especially in trade, investment, and security.

Ambassador Romualdez adds spice to the mix, suggesting a potential $100 billion investment influx from the US and Japan. This, he believes, hinges on Philippine participation in the lucrative US semiconductor market.

With investment targets set high, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and key stakeholders are doubling down on efforts to attract funds. The goal? A robust, inclusive economy that benefits all.

As the House of Representatives throws its weight behind Marcos' vision, the stage is set for exciting economic developments ahead.

🔥 Parked Problems: Blaze Ignites Chaos at NAIA Terminal 3

by Tobias Bautista

In a fiery scene at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 yesterday, 19 vehicles went up in flames in the parking lot extension. The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) suspects grassfires sparked by scorching temperatures as the likely cause of the blaze, which erupted around 1:28 p.m.

Fortunately, swift action from the Bureau of Fire Protection brought the situation under control by 1:56 p.m., with the fire fully extinguished just seven minutes later. Despite the dramatic scene, there were no reported injuries, and flight operations remained uninterrupted.

While investigations into the incident continue, MIAA officials are urging preventive measures, including keeping fire trucks on standby to address potential grassfires around the airport perimeter.

MIAA spokesman Chris Bendijo emphasized the authority's lack of liability in the matter, affirming they would assist affected vehicle owners in speaking with the parking concessionaire. As the probe unfolds, travelers and officials alike await further details on the extent of damage and the fire's precise cause.

Gaming

🎮 From Fallen Tear to Tears of Joy: CMD Studios’ Triumph in the Global Gaming Sphere

by Tobias Bautista

Manila’s CMD Studios has leveled up the gaming scene with their debut title, Fallen Tear: The Ascension. This hand-drawn wonder, blending Metroidvania (adventure) with JRPG (Japanese Role Playing Game) elements, just snagged the prestigious Global Play Showcase Award at the Game Developers Conference 2024, beating contestants from Australia, Finland, Ghana, and Brazil.

The game follows the enigmatic Hira on a quest through the magical world of Raoah, battling beasts, solving puzzles, and unearthing treasures. With stunning animation and a focus on character development, CMD Studios is raising the bar for Filipino-made games.

But it’s not just about gameplay. Fallen Tear boasts 26 biomes, each packed with hazards and allies to recruit. And get this: your decisions shape Hira’s fate, adding layers of replayability.

CMD Studios isn’t just making waves locally. With nods from global gaming giants like Xbox, they’re setting sail to become the beacon of the Philippine gaming community. With Fallen Tear, they’re not just crafting a game; they’re crafting a legacy.

World News

😓 Cannibal Controversy: Biden’s Slip in Papua New Guinea

By Tobias Bautista

Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister James Marape found himself in an unexpected feud after Joe Biden's speech, where he hinted at his uncle's World War II misadventures involving cannibals. While Biden likely didn't mean harm, Marape wasn't laughing.

As Australia's Prime Minister Albanese visits Papua New Guinea, tensions are rising faster than a cat chasing a laser pointer. Marape's call for the U.S. to uncover WWII relics is less about grudges and more about closure.

But let's be real, Biden's tale sounds more like a Hollywood plot twist than historical accuracy. Maybe it's time for a fact-checking field trip? Either way, it's a reminder that even presidents have their off days.

Sports

🏐 The race for a twice-to-beat advantage heats up as Lady Spikers win against Blue Eagles

By Koby del Rosario

The De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers kept their hopes of a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four alive after making quick work of arch rivals Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagles in their Round 2 matchup, 25-12, 25-12, 25-18, last Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Led by the twin tower duo of Thea Gagate and Shevana Laput, the pair combined for 31 points on 22 attacks to go along with nine total blocks. Talk about picking up the pace as superstar Angel Canino was still sidelined for the fourth straight time despite joining pre-game warmups. The injury bug continues to stick to DLSU, however, as veteran Jyne Soreño is undergoing treatment for her left arm injury that she suffered during their fixture against the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs.

In the losing effort, Geezel Tsunashima and Lyann De Guzman had six points apiece for the Blue and White as the Blue Eagles look to finish the season strong on Wednesday after bowing out of Final Four contention.

Fortunately for La Salle, the win puts them to a three-team deadlock with NU and University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses for first place in the standings at 11 wins and two losses. With one game left, a win against UST this coming Saturday secures the twice-to-beat advantage for DLSU in the playoffs—with a loss handing it to the former. The Lady Bulldogs already possess the advantage, however, no matter the outcome.

Rounding out the top four is the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws.

Exciting times ahead for volleyball fans entering into the Final Four of the UAAP Season 86.

🏀 All home teams record Game 1 victories in Day 2 of NBA Playoffs

By Koby del Rosario

With all Game 1’s of the 2024 National Basketball Association (NBA) Playoffs in the books, all home teams have recorded a first fixture victory for the first time since 2013.

In a rematch of the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals, the Miami Heat (No. 8) found themselves facing off against the Boston Celtics (No. 1) once again as they were handed a Game 1 beatdown, 114-94. Superstar Jayson Tatum recorded his first ever playoff triple double with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists as he led his team to the win.

The Jimmy Butler-less Heat had All-Star Bam Adebayo pick up the pace with 24 markers while rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. produced 16 of his own in his first postseason start. 

Coming up next was the Game 1 matchup of the Los Angeles Clippers (No. 4) versus the Dallas Mavericks (No. 5), where the Clippers were triumphant, 109-97. The veteran trio of Paul George, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook combined for 63 points as they were without two-way All-Star Kawhi Leonard for the meeting.

Dallas, who were red hot heading into the playoffs, saw typical numbers from Luka Doncic (33, 13, and 6) and Kyrie Irving (31) but it was not enough for the home team surge.

The third game of the day had the Giannis-less Milwaukee Bucks (No. 3) pitted against the Indiana Pacers (No. 6), where they held their own en route to a 109-94 win. Damian Liliard, who was the sixth player to debut a new signature shoe this postseason, had 35 points for the Bucks—all of which came in the first half.

Liliard did not even need to score in the second half as Pascal Siakam’s 36 markers and 13 boards were not enough for the Pacers to steal an away victory.

Concluding all of the Game 1’s was the matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder (No. 1) and the New Orleans Pelicans (No. 8), where the Thunder rose to the occasion for a tight 94-92 victory. Unfortunately for the Pels, they would be the only team to not win Game 1 without their primary superstar as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 28 points pulled his team away in the nip-and-tuck affair.

The Zion Williamson-led NOLP was spearheaded by 21 and 20 points, respectively, from Trey Murphy III and CJ McCollum.

The 2024 NBA Playoffs continue today with a three-game thriller.

News Roundup

• Joe Biden kicked off Earth Day by announcing $7B in Federal Solar Power Grants

• San Miguel Corporation is prioritizing the modernization of NAIA over Bulacan Airport

• Over 6200 acres of coral reefs have been destroyed in the West Philippine Sea due to island-building efforts

• Trump Update: Prosecutors say he corrupted 2016 election on the first day of his hush money trial

Earth Day Highlights

🌎 She’s a beauty to behold…

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