Vivian Que-Azcona, president of Mercury Group of Companies, passed away on Saturday, April 5, at the age of 69. The news was confirmed by Aleth Dacanay, dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) and president of the Philippine Pharmacists Association, Inc. The cause of death was not disclosed. Que-Azcona graduated cum laude in Pharmacy from UST in 1977. She is the daughter of Mariano Que, who founded Mercury Drug in 1945. In 1998, she took over as the company’s chief executive officer and led its expansion to over 1,200 branches nationwide.

Just days after the Philippines grieved the passing of the legendary singer Pilita Corrales, the nation has again been struck by sorrow with the loss of another cultural icon—National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts, Nora Aunor.

On April 16, 2025, the country was shaken by the news that Nora Aunor, fondly known as the “Superstar,” had passed away at the age of 71 during a heart procedure. Her death followed closely on the heels of Pilita Corrales’ own passing, marking a heartbreaking period for the Filipino arts and entertainment community.

Nora Aunor’s life and career were defined by extraordinary talent, resilience, and an unwavering connection with the masses. From her humble beginnings in Iriga City to becoming a household name, she captured hearts through music, and later, with her unforgettable performances in films such as Himala, The Flor Contemplacion Story, and Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos. Her portrayals often mirrored the struggles of the Filipino people, earning her not only critical acclaim but deep respect and affection from generations of fans.

Her death, coming so soon after the loss of Pilita Corrales—another towering figure in Philippine entertainment—feels like the closing of a remarkable era. Both women, in their own right, shaped the landscape of Filipino music and film. Pilita was hailed as “Asia’s Queen of Songs,” while Nora was revered as the ultimate dramatic actress and performer of her time.

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As tributes pour in from colleagues, fans, and cultural institutions, it’s clear that these two women left legacies that will endure for decades. The dual loss reminds us of the fleeting nature of life, but also of the timeless impact true artists leave behind.

While the stage lights have dimmed for both Pilita Corrales and Nora Aunor, their voices, performances, and spirit will forever echo in the hearts of the Filipino people.

A light magnitude 2.3 earthquake struck 8.6 km (5.3 mi) west of Wao, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Philippines, at 2:13 am local time on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. The quake had a shallow depth of 8 km (5 mi) and was not reported to have been felt.

The closest larger town to the epicenter, Wao, with a population of 18,000, is located 8.6 km (5.3 mi) east of the quake’s epicenter. Residents in Wao likely experienced very weak shaking. In contrast, Manila, the capital of the Philippines, situated 866 km (538 mi) away, did not feel the earthquake.

As Holy Week Approaches, Agdao Public Market Sees Price Increases on Select Goods

As Holy Week draws near, vendors at Agdao Public Market are reporting slight price hikes on certain goods, particularly fish and produce commonly used during the season.

Fish prices have risen, with Matambaka now selling at ₱260 per kilo, up from ₱240, and Moromoro reaching ₱60 per kilo. Vendors attribute the increases to heightened demand and expect prices to rise further before the weekend.

Tilapia remains stable at ₱100 per kilo, while other popular fish like danggit and bangus are priced at ₱200 and ₱220 per kilo, respectively.

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Coconuts, often used in Holy Week dishes like binignit, have increased to ₱21 each, a noticeable rise from previous weeks. While sellers don’t anticipate further hikes, they note that supplies are tight.

Chicken prices have remained steady at ₱195 per kilo since January, and pork prices have seen a slight drop. Live pork is now priced at around ₱200 per kilo, while dressed pork ranges from ₱340 to ₱360, depending on supply and transport costs.

Fruit prices are mostly stable. Mangoes are selling for ₱120 per kilo, while watermelon and oranges are priced at ₱50. Apples are at ₱25 each, and kamote, another common binignit ingredient, is priced at ₱60 per kilo, with a slight potential increase during the week.

Vegetable prices are mixed. Ampalaya has doubled in price to ₱80 per kilo, while items like carrots, eggplants, and potatoes have seen price reductions in recent days.

Despite these fluctuations, vendors report that overall supply remains steady.

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