Destination PH

22/07/2025

LOOK: METRO MANILA CONDO OVERSUPPLY EASES SLIGHTLY TO 37 MONTHS

Metro Manila’s condominium oversupply has eased slightly, now down to 37 months worth of inventory in the second quarter of 2025, from 38 months in the first quarter, according to Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC).

As of Q2, there are approximately 82,800 unsold condo units across 638 actively selling buildings. This figure is out of a total 764,100 condo units in the metro, of which 619,000 are ready for occupancy and 145,000 are pre-selling.

Quezon City leads in oversupply with 19,500 units, followed by Ortigas (15,000), Bay Area in Pasay (13,800), Manila City (11,400), and Caloocan (8,900).

The oversupply breakdown by market segment is as follows:

• 37%: Upscale (₱7M–₱12M)
• 31%: Upper-middle income (₱4M–₱7M)
• 16%: High-end (₱12M–₱68M)
• 10%: Middle-income (₱2.3M–₱4M)
Only 5% cater to the lower-middle-income segment (₱1.8M–₱2.3M), and less than 1% are for low-income (below ₱600K).

According to LPC Research and Consultancy Director Roy Golez Jr., buyer activity rose for the second straight quarter, with 6,642 units sold—a 2% quarter-on-quarter increase. This comes as developers increased launches by 31%, bringing 1,761 new units to market from April to June.

Golez explained that buyers are responding to non-price-related incentives:

“We are seeing value-added and leasing services for these buyers,” he said, noting that developers are offering promotions rather than outright discounts to move inventory.

Outside Metro Manila, prices continue to climb. Prime areas like Dasmariñas Village now fetch ₱704,000 per sqm, Forbes Park at ₱649,000, and Ayala Alabang at ₱237,000. Even areas in Cavite (₱68,000/sqm) and Laguna (₱57,000/sqm) are seeing increased demand.

“Maraming namimili. Actually, marami nang namili, especially in the Nuvali Sta. Rosa area, kaya if you notice, the projects there have been expanding,” Golez said.

Despite the slight easing, the high inventory remains a concern—especially for the middle- and lower-income markets that remain underserved.

This story originally appeared on the GMA Integrated News page. Graphics and edits by Destination PH.

21/07/2025

GOOD NEWS: 6 MORE DALIAN TRAINS TO RUN ON MRT-3 IN THE COMING WEEKS 🚆

DOTr says full fleet rollout to boost train capacity to 800,000 passengers daily

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has confirmed that six additional China-made Dalian train sets will become operational along the MRT-3 line in the next few weeks, following final safety checks and adjustments. Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon announced that this will bring the total number of operational Dalian trains to nine.

Originally unused due to compatibility issues, all 48 train sets acquired a decade ago are now being modified to run on the MRT-3. Once fully deployed, the upgraded fleet is expected to double the MRT-3’s daily passenger capacity from 400,000 to up to 800,000—offering faster, more efficient public transport for Metro Manila commuters.

This story originally appeared on the ABS-CBN News page. Graphics and edits by Destination PH.

21/07/2025

LOOK: META TAKES DOWN 20 FB INFLUENCER PAGES PROMOTING ILLEGAL ONLINE GAMBLING

Crackdown begins on high-profile accounts pushing unlicensed platforms.

Meta has started purging pages of influencers promoting illegal online gambling, following a joint request from digital advocacy group Digital Pinoys and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC). Twenty pages—some with millions of followers—have already been taken down, including those of Boy Tapang, Sachzna Laparan, Kuya Lex TV, and Mark Anthony Fernandez.

Authorities have warned that creators who fail to remove unlicensed gambling content may face criminal charges. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has also ordered the removal of gambling ads on public transport by August 15. As online gambling faces growing scrutiny, lawmakers are also proposing stricter regulation—or even a total ban.

This story originally appeared on the PhilSTAR Global news page. Graphics and edits by Destination PH.

21/07/2025

LOOK: MIKA SALAMANCA DONATES ENTIRE ₱1M PBB PRIZE TO ORPHANAGE, LEADS OUTREACH FOR ELDERLY

A celebrity victory turned into heartfelt giving.

Fresh off her win in Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition, Mika Salamanca chose to give back in a powerful way—donating her entire ₱1 million cash prize to Duyan ni Maria, an orphanage that cares for abandoned and neglected children. But Mika’s compassion didn’t stop there. The Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre star also visited a community of elderly residents to personally share her gratitude and spread kindness.

Mika, who shared the PBB win with her duo Brent Manalo, says she hopes to pursue music next as she continues her journey beyond reality TV.

This story originally appeared on the GMA Integrated News page. Graphics and edits by Destination PH.

21/07/2025

A 131-HECTARE GLOBAL CITY IS RISING IN MANDAUE, CEBU

A landmark Supreme Court ruling clears the way for a world-class development along Mactan Channel.

The GlobalCity Mandaue Project, a 131-hectare reclamation and mixed-use development, is now moving full steam ahead after the Supreme Court upheld the legality of the joint venture between GlobalCity Mandaue Corp. (GMC) and the Mandaue City Government. Spanning coastal areas of Barangays Paknaan and Umapad near the Marcelo Fernan Bridge, this ambitious project will transform the city’s waterfront into a hub for commerce, residences, industry, and tourism.

The SC’s final ruling, issued on January 14, 2025, rejected attempts to cancel a 2020 lower court decision requiring the city and GMC to fulfill their commitments under a 2014 agreement. GMC welcomes this as a turning point for Metro Cebu, saying the development will generate jobs, stimulate the local economy, and drive sustainable urban growth.

This story originally appeared on the SunStar Cebu News page. Graphics and edits by Destination PH.

21/07/2025

LOOK: MALLS OFFER TEMPORARY SHELTER, FREE PARKING AMID HABAGAT FLOODS

Stranded dahil sa baha? These malls are ready to help.

As torrential rains from the southwest monsoon (Habagat) and Severe Tropical Storm Crising continue to affect thousands of Filipinos, several malls have opened their doors to stranded commuters and families seeking safety. These malls are providing temporary shelter, free overnight parking, charging stations, and free Wi-Fi to assist affected residents.

📍 Here’s the list of participating malls:

SM Malls:
• SM Mall of Asia
• SM Megamall
• SM City Caloocan
• SM Manila
• SM North EDSA
• SM City Valenzuela
• SM Center Pasig
• SM City San Jose Del Monte
• SM City East Ortigas
• SM City San Mateo
• SM City Marikina
• SM City Masinag
• SM City Taytay
• SM Aura
• The Podium

• Estancia Mall (Pasig) – Open for shelter; overnight parking fees waived.
• PITX (Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange) – Free overnight parking.

Ayala Malls:
• Ayala Malls Feliz
• Ayala Malls Circuit
• Fairview Terraces
• TriNoma
• Glorietta
• Vertis North
• Cloverleaf
• Greenbelt
• One Ayala
(Overnight parking free from 10 p.m. onwards; designated waiting areas open after mall hours.)

Robinsons Malls:
• Robinsons Malolos
• Robinsons Metro East
• Robinsons Novaliches

• Greenhills Mall – Open for shelter with free overnight parking.
• Lucky Chinatown (Megaworld Lifestyle Malls) – Open today, July 21, with free overnight parking and shelter available.

Stay safe and dry, mga kababayan!

This story originally appeared on the PhilSTAR Life news page. Graphics and edits by Destination PH.

21/07/2025

WHERE ARE THE FIREFLIES?

There was a time when summer nights glowed—when fireflies danced around Caimito trees and childhoods were filled with stories of engkanto and whispered warnings not to point at the dark. But slowly, their lights began to fade.

In a deeply personal reflection, one writer recalls the magic and mythology tied to these tiny lights—and the quiet sadness of watching them disappear. Today, their absence reflects more than lost wonder. It speaks of polluted rivers, vanishing forests, poisoned fields, and the dimming of a world once full of mystery.

But stories can keep their glow alive. When we remember, when we tell, we don’t just mourn—we pass down a promise: that nature, memory, and wonder still matter.

Read the full story in the comments.

20/07/2025

REMATCH LOADING? 🥊

After a hard-fought 12-round battle that ended in a majority draw, both Manny Pacquiao and Mario Barrios have expressed clear interest in a rematch, raising fans' hopes for a thrilling sequel.

Their bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Saturday, July 19 (PH time) left both fighters and fans unsatisfied with the result. Barrios kept his WBC welterweight belt, while Pacquiao — returning from a four-year break — delivered an impressive performance for a 46-year-old.

Barrios: “I’d love to do it again.”
Pacquiao: “Of course I’d like a rematch.”
Freddie Roach: “Right away.”

With both corners eager, a second showdown might not be far off.

This story originally appeared on Philstar.com. Graphics and edits by Destination PH.

20/07/2025

LOOK: MANNY PACQUIAO STANDS TO EARN MORE THAN P1 BILLION FOR BARRIOS FIGHT

Even after a majority draw against Mario Barrios, Manny Pacquiao is walking away with a massive payday — reportedly earning over ₱1 billion from his comeback bout. 💰🥊

Pacquiao, 46, made an estimated $12 million (₱685 million) just for stepping back into the ring after four years of retirement, with an additional $5–6 million expected from pay-per-view revenue.

Still, the boxing icon insists money wasn’t the reason for his return:
"I missed boxing. I missed the thrill of the fight," Pacquiao said. And he showed it — going the full 12 rounds, pushing Barrios to the limit, and flashing the speed and power that once made him feared.

The fight may have ended in a draw, but Pacquiao’s box office power and legendary status are very much alive.

This story originally appeared on the Manila Bulletin news page. Graphics and edits by Destination PH.

20/07/2025

EMIL SUMANGIL ASKS FOR PRAYERS AMID ‘RISKS’ BROUGHT BY HIS WORK

Broadcast journalist Emil Sumangil took to Instagram to ask for prayers as he faces the dangers of his job. Sharing a photo of himself holding a rosary, the 24 Oras reporter wrote:

“Iligtas mo ako sa banta’t peligrong dala ng aking trabaho, higit sa lahat sa tukso’t kasalanang lumalason sa aking puso’t isipan, Mahal na Panginoon.”
He ended the post with:

“Blessed weekend, friends. Wet weekend tayo.”
Though he didn’t detail the threats, Sumangil was recently the first to interview whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan in the high-profile case of the missing sabungeros.

This story originally appeared on the PhilSTAR Life news page. Graphics and edits by Destination PH.

20/07/2025

Tag your bookworm bestie! 😃

This hidden Makati library has 25,000+ books—and it’s totally free.

YOU’LL WANT TO SPEND HOURS HERE

DISCOVER MAKATI'S HIDDEN LIBRARY WITH 25,000+ BOOKS — AND IT’S TOTALLY FREE!

Tired of loud coffee shops or cramped coworking spaces? There’s a better (and quieter) third space waiting for you in the heart of Makati. Nestled in the basement of the Union Church of Manila, right at the corner of Rada and Legazpi Streets, is the UCM Library—a hidden public library that welcomes anyone to read and stay for free.

With over 25,000 books and audio materials—from classic literature and best-selling fiction to theology, Filipiniana, and popular magazines—this air-conditioned sanctuary is the perfect escape for book lovers, students, remote workers, or even families. You’ll also find desktop computers, comfy seats, charging outlets, and a charming children’s section with board books and kid-friendly shelves.

The best part? You don’t have to spend a single peso to enjoy the space. Just bring a valid ID, leave it at the entrance, and you’re in. For those who plan to visit often, a P200 annual membership lets you borrow up to five books, use the Wi-Fi, and return materials through a drop box when the library is closed.

The UCM Library is open Mondays, Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays (closed on Thursdays, Fridays, and holidays), and also offers special events like storytelling, cooking demos, and even self-defense classes. And for passersby, a life-sized TARDIS at the entrance serves as a "Little Free Library"—take a book or leave one behind, no strings attached.

Whether you’re a Makati local or just visiting, this hidden gem is worth the stop.

Library Hours:

Mon, Tue, Sat – 9AM to 4PM
Wed – 9AM to 6PM
Sun – 10AM to 1PM

This story originally appeared on the SPOT. ph website. Graphics and edits by Destination PH.

20/07/2025

TRUE CHAMPION ON AND OFF THE RING! 🇵🇭🥊

Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao was spotted warmly accommodating fans outside the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas after his intense 12-round clash with WBC welterweight titleholder Mario Barrios on Sunday, July 20 (PH time). Despite the demanding match, Pacquiao took time to pose for photos and shake hands with supporters — a testament to his unwavering humility and sportsmanship.

This story originally appeared on Team Pacquiao’s page. Graphics and edits by Destination PH.