NEWS
Crossovers seek PVL redemption in Invitationals
July 5, 2022 7:01 p.m.
Games Saturday
2:30 p.m. – Cignal HD vs Army
5:30 p.m. – Choco Mucho vs Chery Tiggo
From top to near-bottom, Chery Tiggo believes there’s no way to go but up as the Crossovers seek to get over the hump of their Premier Volleyball League Open Conference debacle with another top podium finish in the PVL Invitationals unfolding this weekend.
Sure, Jaja Santiago’s absence told heavily on their unsuccessful title-retention drive but limping to eighth place in a field of nine certainly didn’t speak well of the caliber of the players, who, under then-head coach Aaron Velez, bucked the odds and defanged the fancied Creamline Cool Smashers in a gripping Open finale in bubble setup in faraway Ilocos Norte last year.
But the Crossovers struggled without the 6-5 middle blocker in the recent Open that saw them grope for form at 1-3 in pool play, lose to the Cool Smashers in the quarterfinals and bow to the cellar-dweller BaliPure Water Defenders in the classification round.
The team management felt it was time to do a crossover, tapping coach Clarence Esteban to whip the team back into fighting form, fulfill the team’s goal to rebound and earn at least another crack at the championship.
That’s despite the pressure and challenge not just from the rest of the six other local squads but also from two top-notch foreign teams spicing up the title chase in the second round of the mid-season offering of the league organized by Sports Vision.
“Our lineup is intact since all players have existing contracts. So our focus is on improving their skills and abilities. We want them to play as a team and we will instill the importance of the role of each individual inside the court,” said Esteban, also the man at the helm of UST boys’ volley squad and current coach of Mapua’s women’s team.
“Expect us to give our very best to rebuild and organize the team for us to achieve our goal,” he added.
Chery Tiggo kept assistant coach Brian Esquivel while Yani Fernandez returns after helping steer Foton to the 2015 Superliga Grand Prix title romp. Joining them are trainer Robertly Boto and strength and conditioning coach Kevin Villegas.
Velez is now the team manager.
Meanwhile, the league will have a press conference with social media platform KUMU today (Wednesday) from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Infinity Ballroom of F1 Hotel Manila in Global City, Taguig.
“We knew what we went through the last conference, so we will work hard and will do it step-by-step to be able to perform well this conference,” said ace Dindin Santiago-Manabat.
The veteran power hitter, however, said Jaja Santiago still won’t be around due to her commitment in Japan but the team remains as talent-laden as ever with Mylene Paat, EJ Laure, Jasmine Nabor and Buding Duremdes raring to showcase their wares and the rest of the Crossovers eager to step up and put Chery Tiggo in the conversation again.
“While the team had a disappointing campaign the last time out, we will not disappoint the team management for the trust it has given us to lead and guide this team,” added Esteban, whose wards will be as much tested as the rest as it kicks off its campaign against Choco Mucho, one of the young but tall and talented squads in the league, on Saturday at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
They clash at 5:30 p.m. after the 2:30 p.m. tussle between Cignal HD and Army Black Mamba.
Petro Gazz and PLDT complete the seven local teams with the top four after the single round elims advancing to the next stage that will feature Japan’s Kobe Shinwa Women’s University and Chinese-Taipei’s Taipei King Whales.
Games will be aired live on One Sports (free to Air Ch 41 and Cignal CH 6) and One Sports+ (Cignal Ch 91 SD, Ch 261 HD) with both channels also available on Cignal’s OTT Platform, Cignal Play, with video on demand also available on the platform.
Matches can also be streamed on social media application KUMU and on the league’s official website pvl.ph.
All the games will be played at the San Juan venue except for the July 23 playdate that will feature Creamline against Choco Mucho, set at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
NEWS
Transport communities welcome LTFRB fare adjustment, cite relief for drivers amid fuel price surges
4:46 p.m. March 20, 2026
Transport community groups welcomed the decision of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to adjust the base fares for transport network vehicle service (TNVS), calling the move a much-needed relief for transport professionals grappling with rising fuel and operating costs.
The TNVS fare structure has remained unchanged since 2019 despite the unabated hikes in oil pump prices even before the Middle East conflict erupted, and the decision by government regulators to adjust the fares upward was a recognition of the challenges confronting drivers and operators, according the TNVS sector.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the LTFRB and the DOTr (Department of Transportation) for heeding our long-standing call for a fair and just adjustment of the base fare,” said Walter Lugay, spokesperson of TNVS Community Philippines. “This decision is a vital recognition of the challenges faced by ordinary drivers and operators in today’s volatile economic climate.”
Lugay also acknowledged Grab’s role in helping ensure that the concerns of drivers were heard through dialogues with regulators in recent weeks. “We also recognize the leadership of Grab for their steadfast support in ensuring that our grievances reached the regulators through constructive dialogues over the past weeks.”
“This fare adjustment is more than just a price increase; it is a lifeline to ensure driver retention — preventing our members from leaving the service due to unsustainable operating costs,” he added.
Under the fare adjustments set by the LTFRB, the TNVS base fare will increase by ₱20, while the pick-up fare per kilometer will increase by ₱15. This brings the new base fares to ₱65 from ₱45 for sedans; ₱75 from ₱55 for AUVs; ₱55 from ₱35 for hatchbacks; and ₱165 from ₱145 for premium TNVS. The LTFRB said there will be no increase in the per-kilometer and per-minute travel time charges for TNVS.
At the same time, the group emphasized that easing these financial burdens will also help ensure that vehicles remain roadworthy and safe for passengers, while supporting the continued delivery of reliable service to the riding public.
“By addressing these financial burdens, we can help ensure that our vehicles remain in top condition for the safety of our passengers,” Lugay added. “We remain committed to providing safe, reliable, and high-quality service, serving as partners with the government and the public in keeping our transport system stable and dependable.”
According to the United Transportation Coalition Philippines, Inc. (UTCP), the LTFRB’s decision reflects government recognition of the challenges all transport workers across sectors deal with every day.
“We thank the LTFRB for listening to the appeals raised by our coalition through a series of dialogues,” said Lisza Buscaino-Redulla, president of UTCP.
“It means a great deal to our sector that the government saw and heard our concerns—from our call for immediate assistance to our appeal for a fair increase in the base fare—especially amid the mega oil price hikes that continue to weigh heavily on the livelihoods of drivers,” she added.
The coalition also said it will continue to monitor market developments and their impact on transport professionals nationwide, while sustaining its engagement with relevant government agencies.
“We will continue to monitor market movements and their effects on transport professionals across the country,” Buscaino-Redulla said. “At the same time, we remain open and proactive in engaging the relevant government agencies to help ensure that every measure responds to the real conditions on the road and helps sustain a fair and humane livelihood for every driver.”
The LTFRB earlier announced fare adjustments across multiple land public transport modes, citing the need to balance commuter welfare with the viability of the transport sector amid extraordinary increases in fuel, maintenance, and operational costs.
NEWS
Transport communities welcome LTFRB fare adjustment, cite relief for drivers amid fuel price surges
5:11 p.m. March 20, 2026
Transport community groups welcomed the decision of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to adjust the base fares for transport network vehicle service (TNVS), calling the move a much-needed relief for transport professionals grappling with rising fuel and operating costs.
The TNVS fare structure has remained unchanged since 2019 despite the unabated hikes in oil pump prices even before the Middle East conflict erupted, and the decision by government regulators to adjust the fares upward was a recognition of the challenges confronting drivers and operators, according the TNVS sector.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the LTFRB and the DOTr (Department of Transportation) for heeding our long-standing call for a fair and just adjustment of the base fare,” said Walter Lugay, spokesperson of TNVS Community Philippines. “This decision is a vital recognition of the challenges faced by ordinary drivers and operators in today’s volatile economic climate.”
Lugay also acknowledged Grab’s role in helping ensure that the concerns of drivers were heard through dialogues with regulators in recent weeks. “We also recognize the leadership of Grab for their steadfast support in ensuring that our grievances reached the regulators through constructive dialogues over the past weeks.”
“This fare adjustment is more than just a price increase; it is a lifeline to ensure driver retention — preventing our members from leaving the service due to unsustainable operating costs,” he added.
Under the fare adjustments set by the LTFRB, the TNVS base fare will increase by ₱20, while the pick-up fare per kilometer will increase by ₱15. This brings the new base fares to ₱65 from ₱45 for sedans; ₱75 from ₱55 for AUVs; ₱55 from ₱35 for hatchbacks; and ₱165 from ₱145 for premium TNVS. The LTFRB said there will be no increase in the per-kilometer and per-minute travel time charges for TNVS.
At the same time, the group emphasized that easing these financial burdens will also help ensure that vehicles remain roadworthy and safe for passengers, while supporting the continued delivery of reliable service to the riding public.
“By addressing these financial burdens, we can help ensure that our vehicles remain in top condition for the safety of our passengers,” Lugay added. “We remain committed to providing safe, reliable, and high-quality service, serving as partners with the government and the public in keeping our transport system stable and dependable.”
According to the United Transportation Coalition Philippines, Inc. (UTCP), the LTFRB’s decision reflects government recognition of the challenges all transport workers across sectors deal with every day.
“We thank the LTFRB for listening to the appeals raised by our coalition through a series of dialogues,” said Lisza Buscaino-Redulla, president of UTCP.
“It means a great deal to our sector that the government saw and heard our concerns—from our call for immediate assistance to our appeal for a fair increase in the base fare—especially amid the mega oil price hikes that continue to weigh heavily on the livelihoods of drivers,” she added.
The coalition also said it will continue to monitor market developments and their impact on transport professionals nationwide, while sustaining its engagement with relevant government agencies.
“We will continue to monitor market movements and their effects on transport professionals across the country,” Buscaino-Redulla said. “At the same time, we remain open and proactive in engaging the relevant government agencies to help ensure that every measure responds to the real conditions on the road and helps sustain a fair and humane livelihood for every driver.”
The LTFRB earlier announced fare adjustments across multiple land public transport modes, citing the need to balance commuter welfare with the viability of the transport sector amid extraordinary increases in fuel, maintenance, and operational costs. #
NEWS
Visa, GoTyme Bank launch pact to fly PH fans to FIFA World Cup 2026
6:30 p.m. March 19, 2026
VISA has officially teamed up with GoTyme Bank for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, marking a defining moment in the journey of the fastest-growing bank in the Philippines.
The partnership marks GoTyme Bank’s growing presence on the global stage, bringing Filipino fans closer than ever to the world’s most-watched sporting event and delivering unforgettable experiences on and off the pitch.
With more than 9 million customers in the Philippines and over 20 million worldwide, GoTyme Bank has rapidly grown into the country’s fastest-growing bank, expanding access to everyday financial services while connecting Filipinos to opportunities beyond the country.
“This partnership marks an important step forward for GoTyme Bank. Working alongside Visa in connection with the FIFA World Cup 2026™ reflects the ambition we have for our customers and for the country.” says GoTyme Bank CEO Nate Clarke.
“Visa and FIFA have a long, shared history of promoting football culture and celebrating football talent through the power of payments. We are committed to connecting fans to the moments that matter most, and the FIFA World Cup 2026™ is one of the world’s most anticipated sporting events. We are amplifying this partnership through the collaboration with GoTyme Bank, reflecting our shared goal of expanding access and enabling more Filipinos to participate in the global football experience. Together, we are enabling secure and seamless digital payments to unlock meaningful opportunities for cardholders across the Philippines,” said Jeffrey Navarro, Visa’s Country Manager for the Philippines.
Step into the beautiful game: Experience the thrilling FIFA World Cup 2026™ with Visa and GoTyme Bank
The FIFA World Cup 2026™ is expected to be one of the most widely watched sporting events in history. Hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the tournament will feature a record-breaking 48 teams competing in 104 matches. FIFA projects that billions of viewers around the world will tune in via broadcast and streaming, potentially setting new global viewership records.
The tournament will kick off on June 11, 2026, and conclude with the final on July 19, 2026, in New York/New Jersey, drawing millions of fans to stadiums and fan events across North America.
For many Filipino fans, the FIFA World Cup™ is a global spectacle they passionately follow but rarely have the chance to experience firsthand.
Through Visa’s partnership with GoTyme Bank for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, this is set to change. GoTyme Bank cardholders who use their GoTyme Bank Visa Debit Card will have the opportunity to experience the tournament live, marking a significant milestone for the bank as it aligns itself with one of the world’s most recognized sporting events and expands its presence on the global stage.
Fly to the FIFA World Cup 2026™: Spend and win big with GoTyme Bank limited-edition Visa cards
As part of its official partnership with Visa for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, GoTyme Bank is launching a series of limited-edition GoTyme Bank Visa Debit Cards featuring the tournament’s iconic trophy. Available in Pitch Black and Trophy Gold, these GoTyme Bank Visa Debit Cards will showcase FIFA World Cup 2026™ imagery created by Filipino artist Ross Du, bringing a distinct local touch to the global tournament. These cards will be available nationwide through GoTyme Bank kiosks beginning March 23.
Cardholders, whether using the Classic GoTyme Bank Visa Debit Card, the Pitch Black edition, or the ultra-exclusive Trophy Gold, will earn raffle entries toward the promo, giving them a chance to win an all expenses paid trip to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ in the United States, courtesy of Visa.
For the Classic and Pitch Black cards, every minimum spend of PHP1,000 earns one raffle entry. Overseas spending comes with a 3x multiplier, meaning every PHP1,000 equivalent spent abroad counts as three raffle entries, increasing customers’ chances of winning. One Classic cardholder and one Pitch Black cardholder will each win an all-expense-paid trip for two to attend the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Group Stage in Los Angeles, including roundtrip business class tickets.

