NO MORE DIGESTIVES :(

Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI) — the company behind Marks & Spencer’s local operations — confirmed on Wednesday, February 25, that the multinational retail chain is closing its branches in the Philippines.

The final day of operations for Marks & Spencer stores in the country is on May 2. While SSI acknowledged that the decision to pull the English retail chain out of the Philippines was “not an easy decision,” the organization said it was a necessary step to take to keep up with the evolution of consumer behavior.

“Building Marks & Spencer in the Philippines has been a meaningful and rewarding chapter for our organization. We are deeply grateful to our loyal customers, dedicated employees, and partners who have supported the brand through the decades,” SSI said in a statement.

Known for its mix of clothing, food products, and beauty items, Marks & Spencer opened its first store in the Philippines nearly 40 years ago. It currently has 13 branches across Metro Manila, Laguna, and Davao.

What was your go-to item at Marks & Spencer? @here

TIED AT THE HALF 🫡

Gilas Pilipinas ends the first half of its home game against New Zealand with 10 unanswered points to pull level at 37-37 going into the break of their FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers clash on Thursday, February 26.

CJ Perez shows the way with 12 points to help carry the scoring load as Justin Brownlee remains scoreless.

REST IN PEACE

American singer-songwriter Neil Sedaka died on February 27, a representative confirmed to media outlet Variety. He was 86.

“A true rock and roll legend, an inspiration to millions, but most importantly, at least to those of us who were lucky enough to know him, an incredible human being who will be deeply missed,” his family said in a statement.

Sedaka had a career spanning over six decades. he was the voice behind chart-topping hits like “Laughter in the Rain,” “Calendar Girl,” and “Breaking Up is Hard to Do.” He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1983.

The late singer, who hails from Brooklyn, received five Grammy nominations throughout his career.

UAAP | BREAKING:

Kieffer Alas is a Blue Eagle. The UAAP Season 87 boys’ basketball MVP has committed to Ateneo, he tells Rappler.

He will be eligible to play for five years starting UAAP Season 89.

We have an announcement for RLife chat room members! @here This chat room is going back to its roots. Next week, we'll be turning this into a Live Jam chat room, a space where music lovers in our community can closely follow and experience LIVE JAM, the regular concerts featuring local and international artists that take place in our Pasig City newsroom. Chat room members get advance information about the artists to be featured, and can even send questions to the artists. This harks back to the original use of this chat room, as a space for Pop Culture. Updates from other features and coverages will still be sent to the Front Page chat room and other relevant chat rooms. Hope you stick around for what's next! More about Live Jam here: https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/live-jam/

Sandara Park on Wednesday, March 4, denies the drug allegation made against her by 2NE1 co-member Park Bom.

“I have never used drugs. I wish her well,” Sandara writes in an Instagram story Wednesday.

Bom on Tuesday, March 3, posted a handwritten letter on Instagram addressing her 2014 drug controversy. In her letter, which has since been deleted, Bom alleged that her past scandal was used to cover up Sandara getting "caught for drugs."

The UP Fighting Maroons gain the commitment NCAA Season 101 Juniors MVP and DPOY Sean Franco.

He is eligible to play starting UAAP Season 89.

Your space to follow artists featured in Rappler's Live Jam sessions, get the latest about upcoming Live Jam episodes, and interact with fellow music lovers. LIVE JAM: https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/live-jam/

Your front-row seat to culture.

Soon, Rappler+ members get to experience Live Jam in person, right inside the Rappler newsroom.

Exclusive to the Rappler+ community.

Become a member today: rappler.com/plus

Rappler+ Annual Members get exclusive onsite and front-row seats to every Live Jam performance.

Got a question for the band? Drop it here at the Rappler app’s Live Jam channel and be part of the conversation. @here

Rappler+ Annual Members get exclusive onsite and front-row seats to every Live Jam performance.

Got a question for the band? Drop it here at the Rappler app’s Live Jam channel and be part of the conversation.

We Are Imaginary returns to Rappler Live Jam on Thursday, March 12! @here

https://www.youtube.com/live/wy9Y605_vMg?si=54T4VzE1Ki5AqbBO

Send your questions in this chat room for our Ask Me Anything session with Filipina rock icon Kitchie Nadal! 🎸🎶

We will read your chat room messages during our livestream of the AMA on Tuesday, March 24, at 1 pm, and Kitchie Nadal will respond on-air.