KUALA LUMPUR: Two individuals from the Wangsa Maju Federal Territory Residents' Representative Council (MPPWP) have been ordered to immediately vacate their positions following a viral video alleging they solicited protection money from a business premises.
Parishioners at Saint Jude Parish Church in Lucena City hold their “palaspas” as they wait for the priest’s blessing on Palm Sunday , March 29, 2026. - PDI/ANN LUCENA CITY, Philippines : Vendors of “palaspas” raised prices this year, passing on higher production and transport costs fuelled by continuing oil price hikes amid the war in Middle East.
“All prices have gone up, so we were also forced to increase the price of palaspas,” said Maria Sembrano, 65, who has been selling outside Saint Ferdinand Cathedral. Sembrano said the braided palm fronds, crafted by her children in nearby Tayabas City, now sell for P35 each, up from P25 last year.Tayabas, one of Quezon province’s oldest towns, is known for its long-standing palm-weaving tradition, passed down through generations. Sidewalks around the cathedral in downtown Lucena have long served as a marketplace for “palaspas” ahead of Palm Sunday. Palm leaves are plentiful in Tayabas, with some fronds harvested as early as a week before the celebration and woven in the days leading up to the rites. Sembrano said every stage of production—from cutting and weaving to transport and retail—has been affected by rising costs.At Saint Jude Parish in Barangay Cotta, vendors likewise lined the parking area, selling palaspas for P40 to P45 each. “I bought mine at P25 apiece from weavers in Tayabas. I need to recover my capital and earn a small profit,” said a vendor who identified himself only as Mario, 45.After Mass, churchgoers carried bundles of blessed palm fronds home. “I understand the price increase. We’re all affected by the current economic situation. Everyone needs to earn, but without taking advantage of others,” said Criselda Manalo, 69, a retired government employee. Manalo said she bought 10 palm fronds to be blessed and shared them with her children and neighbors—a tradition she observes each year. During Palm Sunday rites, some vendors also brought their palaspas into church patios to be blessed alongside the faithful. The blessing of palm fronds is the highlight of Palm Sunday, commemorating the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. Afterward, the blessed palms are placed near doors or windows, a practice believed to offer protection. Many churches also collect dried palms to be burned and used for ashes on Ash Wednesday the following year. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANNThailand clarifies oil exports to Laos and Myanmar amid crisisGovt maintains fuel subsidies to cushion impact of rising global oil pricesGovt will strengthen food system to ensure stable supply during Middle East conflict, says Mat Sabu
Philippines Fuel Costs Palm Frond Prices Palm Sunday
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