Lada TV

31/12/2025

ATOK, BENGUET — Residents and farmers in Barangay Paoay awoke to a shimmering white landscape this morning, December 31, 2025, as widespread frost—locally known as andap—blanketed the region.

The phenomenon turned vegetable terraces, grasslands, and local flora into a sea of tiny ice crystals, marking one of the coldest mornings of the year as the Amihan (Northeast Monsoon) intensifies its grip on Northern Luzon.

The Year-End Freeze

Recorded Temperature: The PAGASA Automated Weather Station in Atok officially clocked a chilling minimum of 9.7°C earlier today.

Impacted Areas: While the frost was most prominent in the high-altitude reaches of Paoay, neighboring vegetable-producing areas also reported significant drops in temperature.

The "Andap" Effect: While visually stunning for tourists, the frost poses a challenge for local farmers, as the ice crystals can damage sensitive crops like cabbage, potatoes, and carrots if they linger too long after sunrise.

Local image shared by PIA Benguet show a thick layer of white crystals coating the leaves of highland vegetables, a stark reminder of the extreme climate experienced by the "Salad Bowl of the Philippines" during the peak of the monsoon season.

Meteorologists expect the cold spell to persist through the New Year festivities, advising residents and travelers to gear up for sub-10°C weather in the coming days.

31/12/2025

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is gaining fresh momentum for the P873.6-billion North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) project, as a powerhouse lineup of international and local firms signals intent to manage the country’s largest rail endeavor.

Despite a history of "interminable delays" spanning three previous administrations, the government remains optimistic that the massive 147-kilometer line is finally on a definitive track toward completion.

A "Who’s Who" of Global Infrastructure

The DOTr described the interest from private bidders as “very encouraging.” The list of interested parties includes seasoned operators and conglomerates from Japan, France, and the Philippines:

🔸️Japan: Tokyo Metro, JR East, JR West, Mitsubishi Corp., and Sumitomo Corp.
🔸️France: RATP Dev S.A., Transdev, Keolis, and Alstom.
🔸️Philippines: San Miguel Corp. and First Balfour Inc.

For the administration, this private sector enthusiasm is vital for its "Build Better More" agenda, which leans heavily on public-private partnerships to fuel economic growth.

The High Cost of Gridlock

The urgency of the NSCR is underscored by the staggering economic toll of Metro Manila’s congestion. According to a Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) study, traffic suppression costs the economy:

🔸️P3 billion daily in Metro Manila.
🔸️P2 billion daily in surrounding provinces (Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, and Laguna).
🔸️P6 billion daily projected loss by 2030 if no significant interventions are made.

The NSCR aims to recover these losses by slashing travel time between Clark International Airport and Calamba, Laguna from four hours to just two. It will also debut the nation's first dedicated airport railway service.

Project Timeline: The Path to 2032

While skepticism persists due to implementation bottlenecks that stalled the project under the Arroyo, Aquino, and Duterte terms, the DOTr has released a firm schedule for phased operations:

Segment | Expected Start Date

🚅Valenzuela to Malolos | December 2027 (Partial Ops)
🚅Malolos to Clark | October 2028
🚅Full System-wide Operation | January 2032

As the DOTr works to streamline land acquisition and resolve remaining bottlenecks, the "full steam ahead" approach aims to ensure that this latest schedule is the one that finally delivers relief to millions of weary Filipino commuters.

29/12/2025

Honoring the past to build a better future. Happy Rizal Day!

29/12/2025

One ride. One puke. One more time? 🚢

29/12/2025

Marikina: From Royal Estate to the Shoe Capital of the Philippines

A Valley of Missions and Haciendas

The history of Marikina began in 1500 when Augustinian missionaries arrived in the valley at a spot called "Chorillo" (Barangka). They were followed in 1630 by the Jesuits, who established a mission in Jesus dela Peña. By 1687, the settlement became the parish of Mariquina, eventually evolving into one of the country’s most prized and largest royal estates, known as Hacienda San Isidro Labrador. Under the management of the Tuason family in the 19th century, the fertile valley became a leading producer of rice and vegetables.

The Birth of an Industry

The turning point for the town came in 1887 through the ingenuity of Don Laureano “Kapitan Moy” Guevarra. By dismantling and studying a pair of British shoes, Kapitan Moy mastered the art of shoemaking and shared his knowledge with the local community. This sparked a cottage industry that transformed the agricultural town into a hub of craftsmanship. By the turn of the 20th century, Marikina had emerged as a town of shoemakers, eventually earning the moniker “Shoe Capital of the Philippines.”

Growth, Crisis, and Transformation

During the mid-20th century, Marikina transitioned into a center for heavy industry. However, rapid and unregulated growth led to urban decay and the deterioration of the Marikina River. This trend was reversed in 1992 under a new wave of leadership focused on discipline and renewal. These efforts culminated on December 8, 1996, when Marikina was officially proclaimed a city through Republic Act 8223.

Marikina Today

Now a highly urbanized city divided into two congressional districts, Marikina is recognized as a model for local governance in the Philippines. It is celebrated not only for its world-class footwear but also for its clean environment, resilient infrastructure, and a workforce known for its "industrial work ethic."

29/12/2025

Tagaytay breeze hits different when you’re upside down.

28/12/2025

Finding the festive magic in every corner of the Metro. 🇵🇭

28/12/2025

Chasing the fog and finding some peace.

28/12/2025

A blessed Sunday, everyone!

​There is a unique kind of peace found within the red brick walls of the Saint Peter Metropolitan Cathedral. Commonly known as Tuguegarao Cathedral, this 18th-century Baroque masterpiece stands as a beautiful reminder of faith and history here in Cagayan. Taking a moment today to pause, reflect, and appreciate the architectural grace of this sacred space. ⛪️🙏

27/12/2025

Check out Lada TV’s video.

26/12/2025

Nothing beats the warmth of a UP Diliman Christmas. 🎄❤️

02/09/2025