Filipino-Americans, OFWs, and balikbayans flying home from the U.S. have a new “pasalubong flex” in their luggage — the now‑iconic Trader Joe’s mini canvas tote bag, a $3.99 grocery accessory that has exploded into a global status symbol. The craze began when Trader Joe’s released its mini totes in 2024, instantly causing buying frenzies, Reddit hunts, and resale markups reaching as high as $499 on eBay. The bags, originally priced at just $3.99. became so sought-after that t

Coming home to the Philippines during Christmas is like stepping into a living, breathing festival—one that doesn’t wait for you to adjust, but instead sweeps you into its rhythm the moment you land. The first sign that the season is in full swing isn’t the parol lights or the carols echoing from every corner. It’s the traffic. The kind of traffic that feels almost mythic in scale—cars inching forward like penitents in a procession, jeepneys weaving with the confidence of sea

Manila, Philippines — December 11, 2025 PHLV Radio’s program Immigration Law On Your Side has been honored with the Radio Journalism Award (Best Regular Radio Program) at the 2025 Migration Advocacy and Media (MAM) Awards, organized by the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) under the Office of the President of the Republic of the Philippines. Co-hosted by Atty. Flomy Diza of Reeves Immigration Law Group and PHLV Radio CEO Johann Sayson, the program was recognized for its