BALITANG MARINO DAILY NEWS for May 6, 2026
WHO tracing over 80 people on flight taken by hantavirus victim
US declares Iran offensive over, warns force remains an option
Iran Launches “Persian Gulf Strait Authority” to Administer Hormuz Tolls
Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship Likely From Human to Human Transmission
IMO Adopts World’s Largest Emission Control Area and Other Issues at MPEC
Inflation jumps to 7.2%, highest since 2023
DOH: No Hantavirus cases in PH, 38 Filipino crew members safe abroad
Philippines, Japan sign defense equipment deal, eye expanded security cooperation
Mayon ashfall devastates Albay farms, kills livestock
Security in Eastern Samar intensified following strong quake
US Typhon missile system fired in PH for first time, AFP confirms
LPA to bring rains over parts of Visayas, Mindanao
Only 38% expect better life, lowest since 2021
Celebration of OPM: SB19, SexBomb Girls lead Aurora Music Festival 2026
MGI All-Stars ‘gladiators’ to walk in golden shoes made in PH
Why ‘Mortal Kombat II’ star Ludi Lin wants to work with Pinoy artists
Magnolia takes down TNT, puts one foot inside PBA playoffs door
NBA: Timberwolves eclipse Spurs as Knicks rout Sixers
B.League: AJ Edu’s Gunma clashes with QMB’s Chiba in quarterfinals
Why is Pickleball So Popular?
FULL NEWSPAPER
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
WHO tracing over 80 people on flight taken by hantavirus victim
GENEVA, Switzerland, May 6 —— The World Health Organization said it was tracing people on a flight between the island of Saint Helena and Johannesburg taken by a cruise ship passenger who died of hantavirus. There had been 82 passengers and six crew onboard the April 25 flight, South African-based carrier Airlink told AFP.
They included a Dutch woman whose husband died of the virus on the ship and whose condition “deteriorated during a flight to Johannesburg,” the WHO said in a statement. She had left the ship in Saint Helena with “gastrointestinal symptoms” on April 24 and died upon arrival at the emergency department of a Johannesburg hospital, where she tested positive for the hantavirus, it said. “Contact tracing for passengers on the flight has been initiated,” WHO said.
Airlink operates one flight a week from the island, which takes around four hours. The South African authorities had asked the airline to notify the passengers that they must contact the health department, a representative, Karin Murray, told AFP. WHO said it suspected that hantavirus may have spread between people on the cruise ship, which was stranded off Cape Verde on Tuesday.
Source: manilatimes.net
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US declares Iran offensive over, warns force remains an option
WASHINGTON, May 6 —— The United States has completed its offensive operations against Iran, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, even as Washington warned it was ready to unleash a “devastating” response to any new attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Rubio’s remarks came after Washington’s top military officer said American forces remain ready to resume combat operations if ordered, as clashes in the vital waterway threatened to unravel a fragile ceasefire. The warnings came after Iran’s chief negotiator said Tehran “had not even started yet,” following a spate of attacks in the crucial trade route.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards navy warned of a “firm response” if ships deviated from its approved route through the strait. The United Arab Emirates said it was intercepting a barrage of missiles and drones from Iran for a second day — a claim Tehran “categorically” denied. “The armed forces… did not launch any missile or drone operation,” Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya command said. Iran fired missiles and drones at US forces on Monday, while Washington said it struck six Iranian boats it accused of threatening commercial shipping, in the sharpest escalation since a month-long truce.
US Central Command remains “ready to resume major combat operations… if ordered,” General Dan Caine told reporters. “No adversary should mistake our current restraint with a lack of resolve.”
President Donald Trump urged Iran to “do the smart thing” and make a deal, saying he did not want to kill more Iranians even as the ceasefire teetered. He earlier dismissed the conflict as “a little skirmish,” adding: “Iran has no chance.” Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth had said the US was “not looking for a fight” but warned attacks would face “overwhelming and devastating” force.
‘Malign presence’
Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said the status quo was “intolerable,” warning the US “malign presence will diminish” as Tehran vowed to retain control of Hormuz. Monday’s exchange of fire came as the rivals enforced dueling maritime blockades following Trump’s plan to guide ships out of the Gulf. The war, sparked more than two months ago by US-Israeli strikes, has battered the global economy despite a week-long ceasefire.
Israel’s air force chief Omer Tischler said the military was ready to “deploy the entire air force eastward if required.” Military chief Eyal Zamir added that the army remained on “high alert” and ready to respond to threats in the Gulf. Iran denied any naval losses but accused Washington of killing five civilians aboard boats. Despite tensions, Danish freight giant Maersk said one of its ships had transited Hormuz under US escort.
The UAE called the attacks “a dangerous escalation,” while Saudi Arabia urged efforts toward a political solution. European and US stocks advanced Tuesday, while fears that the ceasefire could fall apart weighed on Asian equities. Talks remain deadlocked, with only one round of direct negotiations so far.
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran remained open to dialogue, but rejected US “maximum pressure” demands as “impossible.” Rising energy costs are adding to economic strain and creating a political headache for Trump ahead of the midterm elections. European allies warned prolonged disruption would hit their economies. “These attacks are unacceptable,” EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said on X, warning that Gulf security has “direct consequences for Europe.” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged Iran to return to talks, echoing calls from French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Source: manilatimes.net
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MARITIME NEWS
Iran Launches “Persian Gulf Strait Authority” to Administer Hormuz Tolls
May 6 —— After Iran announced its plan to charge for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz in March, a plethora of scam operators popped up to offer fraudulent paperwork in exchange for payment in cryptocurrency. That problem may now have a solution, though not the one that the shipping community would prefer: Iran has launched an official “Persian Gulf Strait Authority” with its own formal email address, providing owners with a verifiable single window for arranging transit with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organization.
According to Islamic of Iran Public Broadcasting, vessels wanting to transit the Strait of Hormuz will receive an email from the official address “info@PGSA.ir,” which will include information about Iran’s transit regulations. Once the shipowner “aligns their procedures with this framework,” they can obtain authorization for passage.
The creation of a new government authority to interface with the IRGC does not resolve the questionable legality of Iran’s tolls on an internationally-designated strait. But there is a more pressing compliance concern: the U.S. has threatened to sanction any entity that pays Iran for transit. Shipowners may think twice about openly communicating arrangements with the new authority’s email account, given the surveillance capabilities of U.S. signals intelligence services.
Meanwhile, on the south side of the strait, the U.S. continues to promote a new safety “umbrella” for ships transiting outbound through Omani waters. The newly-formed “Project Freedom” is a competing vision for marine traffic: guided by the U.S., conducted without charge. Iran opposes the mission and has used force in an attempt to block it, including attacks on merchant ships and on U.S. Navy destroyers.
Those actions continued Tuesday: an unspecified cargo vessel was struck by a projectile in the strait, according to UKMTO. Martin Kelly of EOS Risk Group has identified the target as a CMA vessel, and CBS reports that it was the Maltese-flagged boxship CMA CGM San Antonio. Several of the ship’s crewmembers were injured in a cruise missile strike, two officials clarified to CBS.
Like other ships operating in the strait in the last few days, CMA CGM San Antonio has gone dark for security purposes, and her AIS transmission has not been received since Tuesday. Her last known position was off Dubai.
Source: maritime-executive.com
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Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship Likely From Human to Human Transmission
May 6 —— The World Health Organization said that it suspects some rare human to human transmission of the deadly hantavirus took place between very close contacts on board a luxury cruise ship hit by seven confirmed or suspected cases.
Human to human transmission is not common, and the U.N. health agency reiterated that the risk to the wider public was low from a disease typically spread from contact with infected rodents. A Dutch couple and a German national have died, while a British national was evacuated from the ship and is in intensive care in South Africa, officials said. Two crew members require urgent medical care, the Dutch-flagged MV Hondius ship’s operator, Oceanwide Expeditions, said. Another person on board with a suspected case has only reported a mild fever.
DUTCH PREPARING MEDICAL EVACUATIONS
The Dutch foreign ministry said it was preparing the medical evacuation of three people to the Netherlands. It was not yet clear when or where the nearly 150 other people still onboard would disembark.
The cruise ship hit by the deadly outbreak is moored off Cape Verde. The island nation in the Atlantic off West Africa was meant to be its final destination but it has not allowed the vessel to put passengers ashore because of the outbreak. People are usually infected by hantavirus through contact with infected rodents or their urine, their droppings or their saliva.
However, a limited spread among close contacts has been observed in some previous outbreaks with the Andes strain, which spreads in South America, including Argentina, and which the WHO believes could be involved in this instance. Testing is under way. The Hondius left Ushuaia in southern Argentina in March.
The WHO said it had been told there were no rats on board. “We do believe that there may be some human to human transmission that’s happening among the really close contacts, the husband and wife, people who have shared cabins,” Maria Van Kerkhove, the director of epidemic and pandemic preparedness and prevention at the WHO, told reporters in Geneva.
‘WE KNOW THAT YOU ARE SCARED,’ WHO SAYS
Van Kerkhove said the focus was now to evacuate the two sick passengers still onboard and then for the ship to continue to the Canary Islands. “We have heard from quite a few people on the boat,” Van Kerkhove said earlier. “We just want you to know we are working with the ship’s operators. We are working with the countries where you are from. We hear you, we know that you are scared,” she said, adding they were working hard to get people home safely.
But later in the day, Spain’s health ministry said it saw no need for the ship to make a stop in the Canary Islands if everyone who was sick was evacuated in Cape Verde, unless new cases emerged. The U.N. health body said its working assumption was that in the initial cases of the Dutch couple, who joined the ship in Argentina after travelling in the country, they were infected before joining the cruise. Other cases may also have been infected whilst on bird-watching trips to islands where birds and rodents live as part of the cruise, it said.
VOYAGE STARTED IN SOUTHERN ARGENTINA
The Hondius is carrying mostly British, American and Spanish passengers on a luxury cruise that set off from the southern tip of Argentina in late March. The cruise visited the Antarctic peninsula and South Georgia and Tristan da Cunha – some of the remotest islands on the planet. The voyage was marketed as an Antarctic nature expedition, with berth prices ranging from 14,000 to 22,000 euros ($16,000 to $25,000).
The first stricken passenger, the Dutch man, died on April 11. His body remained on board until April 24, when it “was disembarked on St Helena, with his wife accompanying the repatriation”, Oceanwide Expeditions said.
His wife, who had gastrointestinal symptoms when she was disembarked, later deteriorated during a flight to Johannesburg. She died upon arrival at the emergency department on April 26, the WHO said, adding that contact tracing was under way for passengers on that flight.
South African authorities have confirmed that the British patient, who is being treated in a Johannesburg hospital, tested positive for the hantavirus. The Netherlands has confirmed the virus in the Dutch woman who died.
South Africa’s National Institute for Communicable Diseases is working to sequence the virus, with results possible by Wednesday, Van Kerkhove said.
Argentina continues to have the most cases in the Americas region, the WHO said in December, with a lethality rate of around 32%, higher than average than for other strains of the virus.
Source: marinelink.com
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IMO Adopts World’s Largest Emission Control Area and Other Issues at MPEC
May 6 —— While much of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MPEC 84) was bogged down with political positioning and stalling tactics, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), however, reports decisions on a number of key initiatives, including the North-East Atlantic Control Area (ECA) as well as efforts on plastics and ballast water. The new Atlantic ECA is being billed as the world’s largest emission control area, extending the efforts in Northern Europe with a far broader reach.
The efforts for the ECA had begun with 27 EU member states and had been gaining support as it moved through the process at the IMO. Iceland, the United Kingdom, and the European Commission also endorsed the launch of the ECA, which was formalized during this week’s MPEC session.
The entry into force date was set as September 1, 2027, with the ECA taking effect 12 months later in 2028. It covers an area extending 200 nautical miles into the ocean and a region spanning from Greenland, Iceland, the Faroe Islands in the north, to encompass Ireland, the mainland of the United Kingdom, France, Spain, and Portugal. It will also link the existing ECAs in the Baltic, North Sea, and Mediterranean and connect them with the recently approved ECAs in the Norwegian Sea and Canadian Arctic.
The adoption introduces stricter emission limits on nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur oxides (SOx) as well as particulate matter. According to the IMO, ships within the ECA will have to use fuel with a sulfur content of no more than 0.10 percent.
The other key initiatives adopted by MPEC include a strategy and action plan to address marine plastic litter from ships. It focuses on work to improve port reception facilities and waste processing. It updates and supersedes earlier actions in 2021 and 2025.
The focus on plastics also extends to a code for transporting plastic pellets (i.e. nurdles). They have become a key focus after several high-profile incidents where they were released into the environment. The committee agreed to develop a mandatory code governing the maritime transport of plastic pellets in freight containers.
MPEC also adopted a package of amendments to the Ballast Water Management Convention. The guidelines were revised along with the requirements for the development of ballast water management plans.
Work was also advanced on underwater radiated noise. MPEC agreed in principle to extend the experience-building phase by two years to the end of 2028. The aim is to address the barriers member states face in applying the guidelines that had previously been adopted for reducing underwater noise from shipping that is harmful to marine life.
Source: maritime-executive.com
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PHILIPPINE NEWS
Inflation jumps to 7.2%, highest since 2023
MANILA, Philippines, May 6 —— Philippine inflation surged to 7.2% in April, its fastest pace since March 2023, as higher food, transport and household costs pushed price growth well above expectations.
The Philippine Statistics Authority said Tuesday, May 5, that headline inflation rose from 4.1% in March and 1.4% in April 2025. The latest figure brought average inflation from January to April to 3.9%, according to the PSA. Economists Reuters polled had expected April inflation to come in at 5.5%, making the actual rate a sharper-than-expected acceleration. This also matched median forecasts by the STAR at 5.6%.
Core inflation, which excludes selected food and energy items, also picked up to 3.9% in April from 3.2% in March. Food, transport drive spike. The PSA attributed the faster increase to higher prices of food and beverages, transport and household costs. Price increases in food and non-alcoholic beverages quickened 6% in April from 2.9% in March—contributing to 31.9% of the overall rate.
– Rice: 13.7%
– Corn: 21%
– Fish and other seafood: 9.4%
– Vegetables, tubers, plantains, cooking bananas and pulses: 10.4%
The PSA said cereals and cereal products, which include rice, corn and bread, accounted for more than half of food inflation during the month. Transport inflation also surged to 21.4% from 9.9%. Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels accelerated by 8.2% from 4.7%. The two segments contributed 27% and 23.2%, respectively.
Regions outside NCR. Inflation in Metro Manila quickened to 5.5% in April from 3.5% in March. But outside the capital region, inflation was faster, reaching 7.7% from 4.2% a month earlier. All regions outside Metro Manila posted higher inflation in April. Central Visayas recorded the highest regional inflation rate at 10.8%, while the Negros Island Region had the lowest at 4.9%. The April figures mark a reversal from slower inflation last year as households are dealing with higher fuel, electricity and basic commodity costs following the US and Israel’s attacks on Iran that caused the surge in oil prices.
Source: philstar.com
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DOH: No Hantavirus cases in PH, 38 Filipino crew members safe abroad
MANILA, May 6 —— The Department of Health (DOH) assured the public that there are no recorded cases of Hantavirus in the Philippines and confirmed that the 38 Filipino crew members aboard a quarantined cruise ship near Africa remain healthy.
DOH Undersecretary Albert Domingo clarified the situation following reports of a cruise ship currently docked in Cabo Verde, in the Atlantic Ocean, which has been placed under quarantine due to the virus. “Ang magandang balita, ayon po sa WHO, sa International Health Regulations, wala po silang sakit. Wala kaming nababalitaan so far. In close coordination po tayo,” Domingo said on Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon. He said the risk to the general public in the Philippines remains extremely low. “Ito pong Hantavirus, hindi po yan bago. Ito po ay isang rare, bihira po itong sakit, na nakukuha lamang kung tayo ay makalapit sa dumi, o ihi, ng mga… na may Hantavirus. Sa Pilipinas po, wala po tayong naitatalang kaso,” he added.
Domingo said historical reports from as far back as 1992 are being reviewed, and there has been no recent confirmation of the virus on local shores. Symptoms often mimic other common diseases such as leptospirosis and dengue, including fever and body aches. The Bureau of Quarantine has been placed on high alert under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to monitor the situation of the 38 Filipinos aboard the vessel. While the responsibility for repatriation lies with the cruise ship operator, Domingo assured that the government is monitoring their status.
He said the vessel is currently stationary and strictly following international quarantine protocols. “Naka-daong po yung bapor, hindi po siya gumagalaw. Naka-quarantine po siya. Sa utos ng ating Pangulo, binabantayan po natin ang sitwasyon,” he said. “Huwag po tayong mangamba. Ulitin namin, mas nababahala kami sa dami ng tuberculosis at sa bilis ng hawa ng HIV,” he added.
Source: pna.gov.ph
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Philippines, Japan sign defense equipment deal, eye expanded security cooperation
MANILA, May 6 —— The Philippines and Japan signed a new agreement to advance the transfer of defense equipment and technology, as both countries moved to further strengthen defense ties amid a more complex regional security environment.
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi formalized the deal following bilateral talks, committing to expand cooperation across policy, operations, and defense capability development. “Under this new framework for the transfer of defense equipment, Secretary Teodoro and I signed today a statement on the further promotion of defense equipment and technology cooperation,” Koizumi said.
He said both sides agreed to establish a joint working group and advance discussions toward broader cooperation, including training, maintenance, operational coordination, information sharing, and proper management of transferred equipment, with a view to future transfers of assets such as Abukuma-class destroyers and additional TC-90 aircraft.
Teodoro welcomed the agreement and signaled Manila’s readiness to implement it swiftly. “We were very happy to work with Japan in creating demonstrable results at the soonest possible time,” he said. He also stressed the importance of protecting sensitive defense information to ensure interoperability and security between both countries.
The agreement builds on growing defense ties following the implementation of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), which has enabled more advanced joint activities. Koizumi pointed to Japan’s expanded participation in Balikatan 2026, where around 1,400 Japan Self-Defense Forces personnel joined this year, compared to about 140 previously, allowing for more complex training activities.
He is set to observe the exercises alongside Teodoro, highlighting what he described as a new phase in bilateral cooperation. Teodoro defended the conduct of the exercises amid criticism from some sectors. “If they view our defense exercises and our resilience exercises as playgrounds, I do not really see the maturity for them to advocate such. If they do not realize the purpose then they are either mouthpieces of something else or allies of people who’s interests are contrary to our Philippine security interests and for the development, the resilience of our exclusive economic zone,” Teodoro said. He also assured that safety measures are in place: “If ever a missile is fired, we make sure that there is no, no damage to anyone. Unlike other countries that keep on launching missiles and landing elsewhere.”
Both sides reaffirmed their opposition to coercive actions in disputed waters, including the South China Sea. “Secretary Teodoro and I reaffirmed our strong opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion in the East China Sea and the South China Sea,” Koizumi said. Meanwhile, Teodoro responded sharply when asked about recent statements from Beijing. “The more aggressive they are, that is a sign of their ineffectiveness and frustration because they’re not getting their contrite message across. The Filipinos are really a mature and mis calibrated audience on the part of the Chinese,” said Teodoro. He also emphasized the importance of partnerships in maintaining regional deterrence. “No one country can do deterrence and the more partners that are converged, that’s why the message earlier was convergence, the stronger we are,” Teodoro said.
On the specifics of the agreement, Teodoro said technical groups are already working on the details of potential transfers. “The next steps will be, well there are groups already finalizing details of potential transfers. And I, and there will be future domain awareness, as you know, we have already received coastal radars and we are looking to also enhance our domain awareness in terms of radars. And we are in discussion phase for that. And we need it as soon as possible,” he explained. He clarified that initial transfers are expected to be grants, while future acquisitions may include purchases: “Yung transfer initially, yung transfer ay bigay. Pero ngayon pwede rin tayo bumili ng defence equipment kasi hindi na sila constrained na mag-transfer.”
Teodoro also said the Philippines is exploring expanded maritime capabilities and improving domain awareness systems, while noting that infrastructure upgrades will be needed to support larger assets. Koizumi also paid a courtesy call on Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier in the day, where both sides discussed advancing bilateral defense cooperation.
Teodoro described the meeting as aligned with Manila’s strategic direction, saying: “There was a clear consensus on our way going forward, even details and specifics.” As regional tensions persist and global security challenges evolve, both countries underscored the importance of sustained cooperation. “Cooperation between Japan and the Philippines as strategic partners is becoming ever more important,” Koizumi said.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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Mayon ashfall devastates Albay farms, kills livestock
MANILA, May 6 —— Days after a burst of volcanic activity from Mayon Volcano, farms, roads, and villages in Albay remain buried under thick gray ash, disrupting agriculture and daily life in affected communities.
Green Lava, a popular tourist destination in Barangay Miisi, Daraga, is among the hardest-hit areas at the foothold of the volcano. The once-vibrant landscape has been transformed into a gray wasteland, buried in ash and volcanic rocks. Francis Lorica, a caretaker, said the more than one-hectare site has turned “completely gray,” with cattle and carabaos found dead after the eruption. “Of course, it’s devastating because what used to be green turned into lava. That area is vast, maybe more than a hectare. Many animals died—cows and carabaos,” Lorica said.
The area lies within the six-kilometer permanent danger zone, where entry is strictly prohibited. Albay Governor Noel Rosal said authorities are enforcing a “no man’s land” policy in high-risk areas, warning that a stronger eruption could push hazards beyond current boundaries. “If it has reached that far, it is not impossible that the next eruption could go beyond it,” Rosal said, adding that even farmers are barred from entering.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has temporarily restricted on-site inspections due to volcanic hazards, with drones set to assess the extent of damage.
Communities struggle with ashfall
Around 6,000 households across Albay have been affected, with Guinobatan among the hardest hit. All 44 barangays in the town are affected, prompting some residents to volunteer in clearing ash-clogged roads. “I just volunteered for it because I no longer count on the barangay,” said Lito Opiana.
Aside from cleaning rooftops, some households have placed tarpaulins and plastic sheets outside their homes as makeshift barriers. “We just put up tarps and plastic so our house wouldn’t get soaked, especially our food and belongings,” said Jacqueline Llaneta. Access to clean water has also become a challenge in Barangay Maninila after ashfall contaminated water sources. “I just boil the water from the pump and then that’s what I drink,” said Jocelyn Bustillos.
Farmers across affected towns face mounting losses as crops are damaged by ashfall. “It needs to rain so the lava can be washed away. If not, the crops will die because it’s too hot,” said farmer Platon Odiver. Initial estimates place agricultural damage at around P4 million in Camalig and Daraga, according to the provincial agriculture office.
The Provincial Veterinary Services reported livestock deaths due to ash exposure, with more at risk as grazing areas remain covered. Provincial veterinarian Dr. Pancho Mella said emergency feed assistance has been distributed, though supplies remain limited. “The most urgent need is food because there is almost no grass left. We have distributed commercial feeds, but animals cannot rely on these alone. We are coordinating with other local government units to source fresh grass and identify relocation areas,” Mella said. Authorities are planning to relocate livestock to unaffected areas if volcanic activity persists.
Thousands affected, clarifications issued
Phivolcs clarified that the event earlier described as a “lava flow collapse” was more accurately a “lava collapse” caused by instability in the lava dome. “Instead of advancing, the lava flow became steep and repeatedly collapsed, generating a large ash cloud,” explained Doreen Abellinde, Officer-in-Charge of the Mayon Volcano Observatory. Mayon Volcano remains under Alert Level 3, indicating high unrest but no immediate large-scale eruption. Activity has returned to what authorities describe as “normal abnormal” levels. Earlier today, a separate earthquake was felt in parts of Albay, including Tabaco, Ligao, and Legazpi City. Phivolcs said the tremor is unrelated to Mayon’s activity and is not expected to influence the volcano’s behavior.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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Security in Eastern Samar intensified following strong quake
MANILA, Philippines, May 6 —— To maximize disaster response in Eastern Samar following the occurrence of a magnitude-6 earthquake, police intensified visibility and security operations in the province.
Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said yesterday that the Eastern Visayas police deployed officers to assist quake-affected communities, secure communities and maintain public order. The officers are working with local disaster response teams to ensure that people are safe during relief and recovery operations.
Nartatez ordered Eastern Visayas police director Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy to assess the operational readiness of local police units including facilities that might have sustained damage from the quake. In areas where communication lines are down, Nartatez said backup communication systems should be made available to ensure that police services remain uninterrupted. He urged people to remain calm when seeing police officers, who will continue to patrol communities until the situation returns to normal.
Source: philstar.com
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US Typhon missile system fired in PH for first time, AFP confirms
MANILA, May 6 —— The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) confirmed the first-ever firing of the United States’ Typhon Mid-Range Capability (MRC) missile system in the country, marking a significant development in joint military exercises under Balikatan 2026.
Balikatan spokesperson Colonel Dennis Hernandez said the missile system was used early Tuesday morning to launch a Tomahawk land attack missile from Tacloban Airport in Leyte. The missile struck its intended target in Laur, Nueva Ecija—approximately 630 kilometers away—within the grounds of Fort Magsaysay. “The weapon system that we used was the Typhon, the medium-range capable missile, armed with a Tomahawk missile designed to attack land-based targets at ranges of around 805 to 1,500 kilometers,” Hernandez told defense reporters in a phone interview.
He clarified that the missile used in the exercise was an inert round—carrying no explosive payload and was only intended to measure accuracy rather than destructive impact. “This is the first time that the Typhon MRC has been fired here in the Philippines,” he said. “However, the munition is inert—wala siyang high explosive. Impact lang ang mini-measure natin.”
The MRC used in the exercise is the same platform deployed to the Philippines in April 2024. According to Hernandez, the missile launch was conducted as part of a crossover between the Salaknib and Balikatan exercises, in support of a land-based training scenario under the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC) Exportable.
FILIPINO TROOPS INVOLVED
While the MRC is an asset of the US Army, Hernandez emphasized that Filipino soldiers actively participated in the operation. Personnel from the Philippine Army were present at the launcher and in the command and control center, gaining exposure to targeting, tracking, and engagement processes. “These are personnel who, in the future, [will operate similar missile systems] if we are going to have a missile system—gaya ng Army Artillery Regiment or any other unit ng Philippine Army. So, this is part of building their technical knowledge and capability,” he said.
PRECISION STRIKE CAPABILITY HIGHLIGHTED
Hernandez noted that the Tomahawk missile demonstrated high-precision strike capability. “Aside from homing, it is a skimming missile. So, you can fire it anywhere… not unlike the other traditional rocket na isang direction lang. Ito, it can travel. It is a low-level flying missile na ‘pag once nasa terminal phase na siya, meron siyang radar or homing kit na maghi-hit talaga ng target to as small as a window. Ibig sabihin, kahit bintana ‘yung target from afar, kaya niyang palusutin ‘yung Tomahawk,” he explained. The launch trajectory was carefully planned—from Leyte, passing through the country’s eastern seaboard toward Northern Luzon before reaching Fort Magsaysay.
NOT DIRECTED AT ANY COUNTRY
In a statement, ACT Teachers Representative and Deputy Minority Leader Antonio Tinio condemned the reported testing of a US Tomahawk mid-range missile under the Balikatan exercises. “The use of Tacloban Airport—a civilian facility—as a launch site for a US missile is an extremely alarming escalation. This is not a ‘routine exercise’; this is live-fire testing of an offensive weapon system on Philippine soil,” Tinio said.
Amid criticism from progressive groups and potential reactions from China, the AFP maintained that the exercise was not aimed at any specific country. “Again, this activity is not directed to any country. Pinapalakas lang natin ang ating kakayahan, ang ating kaalaman pagdating sa advanced technology, gaya nitong MRC,” Hernandez said. He went on, “Hindi naman natin sinasabing bibili tayo ng MRC, but ‘yung knowledge na makukuha natin dito is same procedure, same TTPs (Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures), same technologies na ma-acquire natin. And kung whatever platforms or whatever rocket or missile system ang ating ma-acquire is gain sa atin ‘yun.” “We do not direct at any country. Wala kaming pinapatutunguhang bansa na gawin ‘to, at karapatan ng Armed Forces ninyo na gawin ito para sa ating depensa, sa ating soberenya at ating teritoryo,” he added.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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LPA to bring rains over parts of Visayas, Mindanao
MANILA, May 6 —— A low-pressure area (LPA) inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) is forecast to bring rains over the eastern section of the Visayas and Mindanao, the weather bureau said.
In its 5 a.m. advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the LPA, located 670 km. east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, has a slim chance of developing into a tropical cyclone. However, the trough of the LPA will bring scattered rains and thunderstorms over Eastern Samar, Southern Leyte, Dinagat Islands, and Surigao del Norte.
Metro Manila and the rest of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to the easterlies. Meanwhile, PAGASA is also monitoring a tropical depression that is expected to enter PAR as a tropical storm between Friday evening and Saturday.
As of 3 a.m. Wednesday, the tropical depression was located 2,395 km. east of northeastern Mindanao, moving westward at 10 kph, with maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kph. Once inside PAR, it will be assigned the local name “Caloy”, the third cyclone in the country this year. The entire archipelago will have light to moderate winds and slight to moderate coastal waters. Temperatures will range from 24.1°C to 33.5°C.
Source: pna.gov.ph
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Only 38% expect better life, lowest since 2021
MANILA, Philippines, May 6 —— The number of Filipinos who expect the quality of their lives to improve in the next 12 months has dropped to its lowest under the Marcos administration, a recent survey conducted by Social Weather Stations (SWS) showed.
Results of the March 24 to 31 survey released yesterday found that only 38 percent of the respondents expect their lives to improve in a year, down from 44 percent in November 2025. It was the lowest since the 33 percent obtained in a similar survey in September 2021, back when the world was still grappling with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The results also showed a significant increase in the percentage of respondents who expect their lives to worsen in the next 12 months, from eight percent in November 2025 to 16 percent in March 2026. The last time SWS recorded a double-digit percentage of pessimists was in September 2020, at 30 percent. Meanwhile, 32 percent of the respondents of the latest survey said quality of life would stay the same, while the remaining 14 percent did not give an answer.
The latest poll resulted in a “net personal optimism” score of +23, down 13 points from the +36 obtained in November 2025. The “net personal optimism” is the rounded off difference between those who said their lives will worsen and those who said their lives will improve within the year.
The March 2026 score was the lowest since the +2 obtained in September 2020 (32 percent optimists, 30 percent pessimists). Net personal optimism was at +26 in September 2021 (33 percent optimists, seven percent pessimists). Across areas, net personal optimism was highest among those in Metro Manila at +28 (from +36 in November), followed by those in the Visayas at +27 (from +29), rest of Luzon at +22 (from +40) and Mindanao at +20 (from +35).
The SWS survey had 1,500 respondents and a margin of error of plus/minus three percent.
Source: philstar.com
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ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
Celebration of OPM: SB19, SexBomb Girls lead Aurora Music Festival 2026
MANILA, Philippines, May 6 —— Tens of thousands of music fans gathered once again in Pampanga for the Aurora Music Festival 2026 as it celebrated its fifth anniversary last May 2 and 3 at Clark Global City. SB19 and IV of Spades headlined the two-day music festival. Their performances were among the biggest highlights, drawing fans from across the country.
But Aurora has never been just about the headliners. The festival has built its reputation on curating a lineup of Filipino artists that audiences rarely get to see together in one place, turning every edition into a celebration of the richness and diversity of Original Pinoy Music (OPM).
Over the past five years, Aurora Music Festival has steadily become an important platform for celebrating Filipino artistry. While international concerts often dominate the entertainment landscape, Aurora continues to prove that local talent can command the same level of excitement, energy, and massive crowd support.
Though Sarah Geronimo missed the concert due to health reasons, fans enjoyed the performances from award-winning folk-pop collective Ben&Ben, known for their emotionally resonant and relatable songs and sweeping musical arrangements, and alternative rock favorites December Avenue, whose anthemic tracks have become staples in “hugot” playlists. Armi Millare, whose distinctive artistry and lyrical depth have long made her one of the most respected musicians in the local music scene, also performed at the concert.
The celebration continued with appearances from beloved OPM acts that have shaped Filipino pop culture across generations. Among them are the iconic SexBomb Girls, whose recent reunion concerts reignited massive nostalgia among fans, as well as legendary rock bands Parokya Ni Edgar and Kamikazee, both known for their high-energy live performances that consistently ignite festival crowds.
Completing the lineup is singer-songwriter Kitchie Nadal, whose timeless anthems continue to resonate with listeners years after their release, making every performance an unforgettable sing-along moment. Reaching its fifth year is a major milestone for the festival, and Aurora is marking the occasion with a lineup and experience designed to be its biggest yet.
Source: philstar.com
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MGI All-Stars ‘gladiators’ to walk in golden shoes made in PH
May 6 —— Tested by time and in clashes with international opponents, the candidates of MGI All-Stars are like warriors fighting for their place at the throne. And such formidable contenders deserve no less than footwear designed for gladiators. For their date with redemption, the participants of the groundbreaking international competition for global pageant veterans will step onstage in gilded footwear designed and made in the Philippines.
Reigning Miss Grand International Emma Tiglao of the Philippines and her first runner-up Gotchabell Sarunrat Puagpipat of Thailand got first dibs on the strappy stilettos at a photoshoot held in Quezon City in early February. Inquirer Entertainment was one of the very few media organizations that got an early glimpse of the new shoes that debuted at the two queens’ session in front of the camera at the Jojo Bragais Studio.
The 4-inch-high shoes in glossy gold leather with multiple straps that end just below the ankle, dubbed “All Stars,” came from the vision of international Filipino shoe designer Jojo Bragais. Made for “the grandest return,” the design mirrors the journey of the queens who stepped back into the spotlight, ready to take their moment back.” Bragais is currently in China to source the gold leather material for the shoes that will grace the feet of the 58 candidates from 38 countries.
The shoes will go under the spotlight at the two preliminary competitions on May 27 and 28, and at the “Grand Final” on May 30. The three shows will be staged at the MGI Hall in Bangkok. Bragais will join the judging panel, a group that also includes Miss Universe winners Lupita Jones and Natalie Glebova, Miss Grand International titleholders Isabella Menin and Abena Akuaba Appiah, French-Lebanese musician Omar Harfouch, and Venezuelan queen maker Osmel Sousa. Five participants are from the Philippines–Fuschia Anne Ravena, Keylyn Trajano, Imelda Schweighart, Alexia Nuñez, and Gazini Ganados.
Source: inquirer.net
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Why ‘Mortal Kombat II’ star Ludi Lin wants to work with Pinoy artists
May 6 —— As he returns as Liu Kang in “Mortal Kombat II,” Hollywood actor Ludi Lin said he has felt the support coming from the Philippines, a country he also has personal ties to.
“I love my fans in the Philippines. I see your messages all the time,” Ludi said in his exclusive virtual interview with The STAR ahead of the “Mortal Kombat II” theatrical run here. “I’ve got lots of family in the Philippines in Manila and Baguio. I love traveling there. It’s beautiful. There’s so much of the Philippines I haven’t explored. “Actually, I’ve never been to any of the great tropical beaches in the Philippines, only in some of the cities to see my family.” But before getting into his Pinoy connection, Ludi first talked about what fans can expect from his return as the Shaolin monk in the sequel to the 2021 film adaptation of the popular video game franchise.
According to the actor, “We’ve been waiting on it for so long just to wait for the right spot to release it. And now we’ve got a summer spot. It’s in IMAX.” Without giving too much away, Ludi promised that the sequel has “leveled up in every single way.” “The cast is bigger. More fights, the action’s bigger, more fatalities, the storyline’s deeper,” he said. “I think it’s just what the fans want.”
One sequence in the “Mortal Kombat” follow-up that made him “super proud” is the fight between Liu Kang and Kung Lao (played by Max Huang), whose “resurrection” after dying in “Mortal Kombat 1” has been teased in the trailers. “Now that we’ve all seen the trailers, Kung Lao is back in a different form. He’s a remnant. And the clash between the brothers, both emotionally and physically, how we designed the fight, it’s going to be brilliant,” he said.
As an Asian actor in Hollywood, Ludi sees Liu Kang as more than just another part. He recalled how the character, going back to the original 1995 “Mortal Kombat” film, made an impression on him because of what he represented on the big screen. “It was really rare, uncommon, and very unique for a character to be displayed in the main role in a Hollywood movie, and looking fantastic and being the hero,” he said. “That has always left a mark in my heart.” So to be starring in “Mortal Kombat II” could be counted as a breakthrough, if not “a milestone for me because I know how rare it is to get a sequel in any movie,” Ludi reflected. “And I truly think that the sequel is actually better than what we did before in every single way. So, I can’t wait to celebrate it with everybody.”
Meanwhile, Ludi admitted that Liu Kang has also influenced how he approaches his own life. Asked how much of the Shaolin monk’s philosophy he relates to, the actor said he has tried various ways to connect with Liu Kang over the years. “As an actor, I tried to put as much of myself into the characters as possible. I think that’s the most honest way to play anything, even a fantastical Shaolin monk from a ‘Mortal Kombat’ video game,” he said. “I try to live my life very minimally, try to stay present, try to train every single day and devote myself to a good balance of mental, social, and physical.”
The actor, who spends most of his time in Vancouver, Canada, when he’s not working, described his regular day as beginning with something physical. “Usually, I wake up in the morning and I go to the gym for about an hour and a half or two hours, eat something great, and then I take my dog out for probably a hike in the mountains, in the backwoods,” he shared. After that, he makes time for “something mental and social.” “I try to do some reading or listen to a fantastic podcast that’s something mental, meet up with some friends, (which is) something social,” he said. “Usually, when I have those three things in balance, I’m pretty happy. That’s how monks live, too, right? They need to have all those things in balance,” he added.
As for his diet, the once-vegan Ludi is now “mainly plant-based” after incorporating fish into his meals. “That just makes it easier for me to go out and socialize. It wasn’t an easy decision, but I’ve decided to do that,” he said. Still, he keeps his approach to food simple and tries to be mindful of where it comes from. “I really watch where all my food is coming from, try to do it through sustainable resources — whether it’s agriculture or fish farming,” he further told The STAR. “And when I go out to a restaurant or travel somewhere to taste local cuisine, it’s so special for me because I’m not constantly seeking it. It becomes a really special event. “That just goes back to what kind of living holistically means to me, to simplify everything and also celebrate everything that is special,” he added.
Source: philstar.com
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SPORTS NEWS
Magnolia takes down TNT, puts one foot inside PBA playoffs door
May 6 —— CLINT Chapman scored 42 points and grabbed 14 rebounds as Magnolia survived Bol Bol’s 53 points to turn back TNT, 106-94 in the PBA 50th Season Commissioner’s Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Hotshots improved to to 6-5 (win-loss) following their second straight win, putting one foot inside the playoffs door while boosting their bid for a higher seed in the crossover matches in the quarterfinals. Magnolia are now in joint sixth with TNT and holding the tiebreaker edge, with Terrafirma (4-6) the only team capable of denying the Hotshots and the Tropang 5G a place in the eight-team playoffs.
Magnolia got off to a strong start, and ended the first quarter with a 35-15 lead, the biggest of the contest, and bravely held on to the lead despite repeated threats by TNT in the second half. Chapman also had 14 rebounds, two steals, and two blocks including a dunk over Henry Galinato that started a 7-0 blast after Magnolia’s lead dwindled to two, 74-72. It turned out to be the run that the Hotshots needed to clinch another win against a traditional title contender in TNT following its win over San Miguel a few weeks ago. “I’ve been really praying for us to catch an elite team. We haven’t been playing and beating big teams so I motivated the team, and I want to give credit not only to Clint,” said Magnolia coach LA Tenorio. “More than Clint, he did his part but I need to give credit to the whole team especially the coaching staff for the game plan that we had I think this is the first time that we really executed our game plan until the final buzzer,” said Tenorio.
Magnolia allowed Bol to do his thing, but made sure to contain the locals. Only Calvin Oftana scored in double digits among TNT’s locals with 18 points. Mark Barroca also had a double-double of 15 points and 12 assists, and Zavier Lucero had 13 points, eight rebounds, and one block, which came against Bol.
The scores:
Magnolia 106 – Chapman 42, Barroca 15, Lucero 13, Lastimosa 8, Gomez de Liano 8, Dela Rosa 7, Sangalang 6, Lee 4, Alfaro 3, Andrada 0, Verano 0.
TNT 94 – Bol 53, Oftana 18, Khobuntin 6, Galinato 6, Castro 5, Pogoy 4, Williams 2, Heading 0, Nava 0, Enciso 0, Ferrer 0, Nieto 0, Nambatac 0.
Quarters: 35-15; 59-40; 81-72; 106-94.
Source: spin.ph
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NBA: Timberwolves eclipse Spurs as Knicks rout Sixers
NEW YORK, May 6 —— Anthony Edwards returned from injury to eclipse a record-breaking defensive performance from Victor Wembanyama as the Minnesota Timberwolves upset the second-seeded San Antonio Spurs 104-102 in the NBA playoffs.
Newly crowned NBA defensive player of the year Wembanyama muscled his way to 12 blocks — a record in a postseason game — but it was not enough to thwart a resilient performance from the sixth-seeded Timberwolves. Minnesota ace Edwards, who missed the final two games of the Wolves’ first-round series win over Denver with a left knee injury, scored 18 points from the bench despite clearly being short of full fitness.
Edwards’ effort was backed by 21 points from Julius Randle while four other Minnesota players cracked double figures in a precious opening victory on the road in the best-of-seven Western Conference semi-final series. “We just want to win ball games, that’s all we want to do as a group, no matter who it is, we don’t care,” Edwards said. “I may not be as athletic as I usually am, but I got to be able to box out and make those small plays and win a big-time game,” he added.
San Antonio were left reflecting on an agonizing finish which saw Julian Champagnie’s attempted buzzer-beater to snatch victory bounce off the rim as the clock expired. Wembanyama’s monster defensive performance also included 15 rebounds with 11 points in what turned out to be a losing effort.
Dylan Harper led the Spurs scoring with 18 points off the bench on a night when seven San Antonio players finished with double-digit points tallies. Wembanyama vowed an improvement when San Antonio attempts to level game two of the series on Wednesday. “Obviously we have to be better,” We need to figure out in the next 48 hours what we can do better. And I’ve got no doubt that we will. I would trust us,” the Frenchman said. “It’s a lot on me because obviously my game wasn’t feeling good tonight and that’s where the team is going to look for me,” Wembanyama added. “If I had been better, if the offensive leaders of our team had been better, it would have been different.”
Jalen Brunson produced a dazzling 35-point performance as the New York Knicks pummeled the Philadelphia 76ers 137-98 to grab a 1-0 lead in their Eastern Conference semi-final series. Knicks talisman Brunson led a dominant New York offense who erupted for 74 points in the first half and were always in control against a dangerous Sixers side who upset second-seeded Boston in the first round. OG Anunoby provided Brunson’s offensive support with 18 points while Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges added 17 points apiece in front of a star-studded crowd at Madison Square Garden.
The win was the perfect start to the best-of-seven series for the Knicks, who are chasing a first appearance in the NBA finals since 1999. Brunson set the tone for a lopsided evening in the first quarter, pouring in 14 points as the Knicks surged into a 33-25 lead. The 29-year-old point guard kept the points flowing in the second quarter as the Knicks rattled in 41 points to take a 74-51 lead into half-time, Brunson icing the half with a superb three-pointer from 25 feet.
New York never looked like surrendering that advantage over the remainder of the game, leading by as many as 40 points in the fourth quarter before cruising home. Philadelphia’s big three of Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid and Paul George failed to fire, shooting a combined 12-of-31 in the face of a stifling New York defense. New York will aim to double their series lead in game two in New York on Wednesday.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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B.League: AJ Edu’s Gunma clashes with QMB’s Chiba in quarterfinals
MANILA, Philippines, May 6 —— Only two Filipino imports in Chiba’s Quentin Millora-Brown and Gunma’s AJ Edu remain as the 2025-26 B.League season enters the group championship phase.
The Jets and the Crane Thunders, the second and third seeds in the Eastern Conference with identical 42-18 records, battle in a best-of-three quarterfinal series beginning Saturday. Chiba swept Gunma in their two-game series in the eliminations back in October. Millora-Brown’s status, however, remains uncertain with a sciatica injury. He’s been out since getting hurt against Alvark Tokyo on March 29.
Edu, meanwhile, has been a solid contributor on both ends of the floor for Gunma, averaging 6.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists. 0.8 steals and a block this season. The Crane Thunders are the hottest team in the league heading into the postseason, having won 18 of their last 20 games. The winner of this series takes on either the Nagasaki Velca or Alvark Tokyo in the semifinals. The Alvark Tokyo beat out Dwight Ramos and the Levanga Hokkaido for a spot in the playoffs.
Ray Parks Jr. and Osaka Evessa placed ninth in the West with a 23-27 card. Francis Lopez’s FE Nagoya finished at the bottom of the pack with an 18-42 slate. In the East, Kiefer Ravena’s Yokohama B-Corsairs were seventh with a 26-34 record, while Kai Sotto’s Koshigaya Alphas finished ninth at 21-29.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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FEATURED ARTICLE
Why is Pickleball So Popular?
Over the last few years, pickleball has been rising in popularity. In fact, pickleball is considered one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States. Due to the soaring popularity of this decades-old game, many parks and recreation departments are now adding pickleball to their sports programming. But what is pickleball exactly, and why is it becoming so popular?
What is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong using a paddle and plastic ball with holes. It is a game that is appropriate for players of all ages and skill levels. Rules for pickleball are simple, making it a great introductory sport. It can also be quite the challenging, fast-paced, and competitive game when people become more experienced at playing.
Why is Pickleball So Popular?
There are many reasons for pickleball’s popularity in recent years. Here are just some reasons why the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) calls the sport, “highly contagious”:
Pickleball is Ideal for All Skill Levels
Because pickleball rules are so similar to ping-pong, it can be easy for practically anyone to learn how to play the game. The smaller court size, slower ball, and underhand serve make it less intimidating than other racket sports. Players can rally quickly, even with little to no experience, which keeps the game engaging right from the start. Whether you’re a beginner who just wants to learn a new sport for fun, or you’re a seasoned player who craves the thrill of more competitive play, pickleball offers something for everyone.
Pickleball is a Social Activity
Because a pickleball court is smaller than a tennis court (you can actually convert one tennis court into four pickleball courts), gameplay allows players to be close enough to one another that they can hold conversations. Many players have even started to find a sense of community in local leagues, rec centers, and neighborhood courts. So, if you’re looking to bond with your family or have an outing with friends new or old, pickleball makes it easy to do just that while also giving you the ability to fit in a fun workout.
Playing Pickleball is a Great Workout
If you are looking for some great exercise for your mind and body, pickleball can’t be beat. Playing pickleball allows you to work on your balance, agility, reflexes, and hand-eye coordination without putting excessive strains on your joints. Pickleball is a wonderful alternative for older players who used to play tennis, but have physical limitations such as hip, shoulder, knee, or other joint problems.
It Bridges Generations
Pickleball is one of the few sports where grandparents can play with grandkids—and everyone has fun. It’s this cross-generational appeal that makes it a go-to family activity and a unique unifier in today’s world.
As the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., pickleball shows no signs of fading. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned player, there’s never been a better time to pick up a paddle and join the movement.
Pickleball Courts Are Popping Up Everywhere
Public parks and private clubs are already meeting the demands of the public and repurposing tennis courts for pickleball games. If you are looking to add an exciting, new program to your recreational offerings this summer, pickleball is an affordable and popular choice. Because pickleball can be played both indoors and outdoors, it’s an accessible option for recreational facilities of all types.
Source: www.sportsimports.com