EMONG'S JOURNALS

Starting March 23, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has implemented a discounted fare matrix for single-journey tickets, stored-value cards, and cashless payments in response to rising consumer prices.  Passengers of Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) can easily avail of the discounted fare via the GCash app by using the GCashCommute QR, NFC-enabled Android phone, or GCash Visa card. Commuters can skip the ticketing booth lines and go directly to the platforms, making travel more convenient and seamless.  The GCash payment schemes have been up and running at MRT-3 since July last year, providing commuters with cashless options for their daily travels. The goal is simple: to make everyday transactions more affordable, accessible, and seamless for Filipinos.  For more information, please visit https://help.gcash.com/hc/en-us/articles/49102305024025-Can-I-use-GCash-for-transportation .  ANY THOU...

The MMDA just hit pause on delivery and pass-through fees to keep grocery prices steady during the energy crunch. Good news for your wallet, maybe not for your rush hour commute. With more fuel tankers and cargo trucks now cleared to roll 24/7, your usual crawl on EDSA might turn into a parking lot. Here’s what’s changing and how to outsmart the gridlock before it hits you. More Trucks, Fewer Fees: Why Your Drive in NCR Is About to Get Spicier The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority just made a big move to keep supply chains moving. They’ve temporarily stopped charging those extra pass-through and delivery fees for trucks hauling goods across NCR. The goal? Prevent price spikes on everyday items while the country deals with energy pressures. It’s a practical play that came out of a huddle between traffic officials, LGUs, police, and the DILG, following the national government’s push to keep commodities flowing fast. But h...

Summer is the perfect time to make memories, try something new, and spend more moments with the people you love. At your most-loved SM Supermalls, it’s easy to Gala To The Max with a wide range of experiences all in one destination. Players can rally on the permanent pickleball courts at SM, where active play and friendly competition come together—turning every match into a chance to build skills, bond, and enjoy a maxed-out summer experience. Whether you’re in the mood for an active day out, a cool indoor escape, or a fun-filled family adventure, SM brings together sports, leisure, and entertainment that make every visit worth looking forward to—because everyday’s a celebration at SM Supermalls. Cool down while staying active at SM Skating, where every glide offers a refreshing break from the heat. Whether it’s your first time on the ice or a favorite go-to activity, it’s a space where confidence grows, skills develop, a...

Car tees just got a major upgrade. Uniqlo and Toyota are dropping graphic shirts that turn your love for legendary rides into everyday fits — and yeah, the Land Cruiser finally looks as cool on cotton as it does on trails. Your Closet Is About To Get Horsepower Let’s be real: most “car guy” shirts are either boxy, cringey, or stuck in 2006. Uniqlo just said not anymore.  They’ve teamed up with Toyota for a new UT collection that takes four of Japan’s most iconic cars and slaps them onto tees you’d wear even if you couldn’t tell a piston from a Pokémon. The secret sauce? Japanese collage artist Kosuke Kawamura. His style is loud, layered, and full of attitude — think shredded magazine meets museum wall. He took the Land Cruiser, Corolla, HiAce, and the mythical 2000GT and turned them into graphics with actual personality. What you’re getting: • Land Cruiser – For the off-road dreamers and overlanding Pinterest boards ...

Home Credit offers early access to the newest MacBook with 0% interest and flexible payment terms of up to 24 months Home Credit Philippines is making high‑performance technology more accessible to more Filipinos. With its exclusive pre-order offer for the new MacBook Neo, customers can own the latest Apple laptop early while spreading payments through flexible installments starting at just ₱44 a day. This exclusive nationwide pre-order runs from April 11 to 23, 2026 only, making it the perfect time to secure the newest MacBook at an unbeatable value. Designed for today’s fast-moving and modern lifestyles, Home Credit makes it easier for students, young professionals, and families to bring home a high-performance laptop that fits seamlessly into their daily routine. With 0% interest and payment terms of up to 24 months, Home Credit makes it more manageable to shop for a premium laptop that supports work, study, creativity, and ...

Some flavors fade. Others become legends. To mark the highly anticipated return of one of its most requested limited-time offers, KFC is going all out—literally turning one of its stores, KFC Quezon Avenue, into gold, glazed in gold—to celebrate the comeback of its iconic Garlic Butter Fest. A bold tribute to a flavor that fans keep asking for, the golden takeover brings the indulgence of Garlic Butter to life, signaling the return of a true KFC favorite for the fourth time. Because when something good keeps coming back, you know it’s earned its place. Leading the charge: Garlic Butter Chicken—KFC’s iconic Hot & Crispy, glazed in a rich, golden garlic butter sauce that hits that perfect balance of savory, buttery, garlicky goodness. No holding back. Prices start at P120. Not enough? Go bigger with the Garlic Butter Twister—a loaded wrap stacked with KFC Shots, fries, corn, mayo, and that same unapologetically rich garlic b...