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Dev Flores

Crime & Investigation

Reported fire incidents in 2025 year-end celebrations, higher than last year

January 2, 2026 11:33 AM
PST

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) recorded 96 fire incidents nationwide from 6:00 PM on December 31, 2025, to 6:00 AM on January 2, 2026.

Of these, 30 were classified as non-structural and vehicular incidents, while 66 were linked to structural fire incidents, which is higher than the 52 incidents recorded in 2024. 

Primary factors are linked to electrical wiring and accidents from the firecracker stalls.

Despite the higher record of fire incidents, BFP Spokesperson and Public Information Service Chief, FSupt. Anthony Arroyo highlighted the BFP’s quick response.

“Naging successful naman ang ating pag-dispatch kasi talagang naagapan agad ‘yong mga pwede maging sunog, nakaantabay agad. Kahit hindi ginamitan ng firetrucks nandon na, tulong-tulong nalang.” he said

[“The dispatch was successful because they were able to respond immediately to potential fires. Our teams were already on standby. Even without the use of firetrucks, they’re already there on the site, with collaborative assistance.”]

Moreover, the BFP believes in the power of collaboration with various government agencies and the community to reduce the number of fire incidents and their impacts.

With reports from Evan Alvarez

Lifestyle
Weather & Environment

Frost on crops: An attraction or a threat?

January 2, 2026 11:30 AM
PST

In December, tourists were amazed by the aesthetic appeal of the frost on crops, but this is in contrast to the agricultural reality faced by the farming community.

The frost on crops or the frost damage is a natural phenomenon in high-elevation areas like Atok, Benguet, which occurs when the temperature falls below 10 degrees Celsius. 

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, the damage happens when ice forms in plant tissue and eventually injures the plant cells. It also affects the quality of the plant.

“‘Yong 1st class na cabbage, naging 2nd class na.” PJ Haight, a local farmer, said in an interview with UNTV in January 2023

[“The 1st class cabbage has now become a 2nd class”]

He noted that the drop in quality grade leads to a significant price reduction. In his example, he mentioned the ₱10.00 gap between the 1st and 2nd class. The 1st class can sell for ₱30.00, but in the 2nd class, it is only ₱20.00.

Atok Mayor Franklin Smith revealed that frost is not just a challenge but a deadly weapon. 

“‘Yung  frosting na iyan nakakamatay, pinapatay niya ‘yung mga tanim mo, ‘yung mga seedlings.” he said in an interview with UNTV

[“That frosting is deadly. It kills your crops and the seedlings.”]

To combat the effects of freezing temperatures in Atok, one of the strategies of the farmers is to water their plants before sunrise as it melts the ice in crops.

The Department of Agriculture - Cordillera also showed its support through the distribution of hoses and pump irrigation systems to maintain the good health of the crops during the cold season.

The Northern Benguet serves as the primary source of highland vegetables, supplying at least 80% of the market demand.

With reports from Grace Doctolero

Health & Lifestyle

From being hyper to feeling drained: An expert’s advice on dealing with Post-Holiday Blues

January 3, 2026 9:04 AM
PST

The 2025 holiday rush is over, leaving many people with a feeling that the time ran so fast and it vanished in just the blink of an eye.

As the festivities conclude, some experience an abrupt energy transition, from being hyper to feeling drained. This transition is known as the Post-Holiday Blues. 

The President of Philippine Psychiatric Association Dr. Joan Mae Perez- Rifareal stated that Post-Holiday Blues is a normal emotional response. In December, you had a time to relax and recharge. Come January, life becomes hectic again, and the weight of reality returns. 

She added that during the busy days of December, time moves quickly and often feels insufficient to accomplish everything on a packed agenda. 

There is a certain shift after the loud and bright celebration of welcoming the new year. 

In January, time feels like it move slowly. People tend to compare the  perks of the holiday season with the weight of returning to work or at school. 

How to overcome this feeling? 

Dr. Rifareal offers 4 tips that may help to deal with post-holiday blues:

  1. Maintain the focus on your goals or objectives. Do not rush. Take one step at a time. Learn to recognize your top priorities.
  2. When you feel something heavy, take time to reflect and learn from your past and present encounters in life.
  3. When you overcome those challenges, celebrate your wins and achievements, no matter how small or grand.
  4. Always remember that you’re not alone. There are people around you who are also experiencing the same situation as you. You can talk with them, and they can be your companion to face the reality.

Most importantly, don’t forget to seek help from Almighty God!

Via Rosalie Coz’s report

Lifestyle

Mark your calendars: list of holidays for 2026

January 9, 2026 8:54 AM
PST

MANILA—President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has officially declared the holidays for 2026 under Proclamation No. 1006, providing Filipinos with a roadmap for planning vacations and extended breaks

Regular Holidays

January 1 - New year’s Day

Arpil 2 - Maundy Thursday

April 3 - Good Friday

April 9 - Araw ng Kagitingan

May 1 - Labor Day

June 12 - Independence Day

August 31 - National Heroes Day

November 30 - Bonifacio Day

December 25 - Christmas Day

December 30 - Rizal Day

Special Working Day

February 25 - EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary

Special Non-Working Days

August 21 - Ninoy Aquino Day

November 1 - All Saint’s Day

December 8 - Feast of Immaculate Concepcion of Mary

December 31 - Last Day of the Year

Additional Special Non-Working Days

February 17 - Chinese New Year

April 4 - Black Saturday

November 2 - All Souls Day

December 24 - Christmas Eve

Nature trips recommended for holiday breaks

Philippine Psychiatric Association President Dr. Joan Mae Perez-Rifareal recommends nature-based activities for maximizing rest during holidays.

Green environments like parks, forests, riversides, and seasides promote relaxation and lower cortisol levels, the body's stress hormone. Reduced cortisol can boost endorphins, which enhance mood and wellbeing.

She also added that exposure to sunlight in the early morning or late afternoon may help to regulate serotonin. 

“Sunlight is also a good precursor or source ng “serotonin”, which is also good para sa ating mood.” she said

[“Sunlight is also a good precursor or source of “serotonin”, which is also good for our mood.”]

Gardening or bonding with your pets is a good alternative for long travels. It is also budget-friendly and practical for those who wants to spend their time at home during holiday break.

Via Rosalie Coz’s report

Entertainment

Top 10 most-viewed Wish Bus performances in 2025

January 6, 2026 8:20 AM
PST

Wish 107.5 released the most-viewed Wish Bus performances in 2025 on their official Facebook page.

The list of the most-viewed performance videos includes:

  1. Multo - Cup of Joe: 14-M views
  2. Panalangin - Apo Hiking Society: 9.9-M views
  3. Tibok - Earl Agustin: 7.3-M views
  4. When I Met You - Apo Hiking Society: 5.1-M views
  5. Halika Na Lika Na - Maxie Andreison: 2.8-M views
  6. Miss Na Miss Kita - Blingzy One (feat. Curse One, Mcnaszty, Aphrylbreezy): 2.1-M views
  7. DAM - SB19: 2-M views
  8. Blue - Yung Kai: 2-M views
  9. Sa Bawat Sandali - Amiel Sol: 2-M views
  10. I Think They Call This Love - Elliot James Reay: 1.8-M views

The top-most-viewed performance, Cup of Joe’s Multo, gained popularity among netizens and went viral across social media platforms.

The track won Song of the Year in the Filipino Music Awards and reached the top spot on Billboard Philippines Hot 100. 

For more performance videos, visit Wish 107.5 official YouTube channel. 

Via Evan Alvarez’s report