Digital payments hit inflection point after 2025 surgeFrom AB Capital's The Opening Bell: Three MovesEventIn our view, the jump in InstaPay and PESONet transactions to P24.7tn in 2025, +42% value surge and a +217% volume spike, confirms that digital payments are entering scale territory. ViewWe think this shift reduces cash handling frictions and improves liquidity, supporting consumption and SME activity. We also think that high-frequency payments data may serve as a reliable proxy for near-term demand trends. CatalystThe BSP’s goal of digitalizing 60-70% of retail payments by 2028 depends on fee reductions and tighter anti-fraud controls. It is not to be construed as an offer or solicitation of an offer to sell or buy the securities herein mentioned.

Discover love and luck at the Lucky Feels Bazaar (February 1–28)Step into the heart of the celebration at the Lucky Feels Bazaar, a unified Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day pop-up bazaar that blends romance and prosperity in one exciting space. Step into festive photo-worthy Lucky Feels installations (February 1-28)Get into the celebration the moment you arrive as SM Supermalls transforms with vibrant Lucky Feels installations. Capture and Snap the Lucky Feels (February 1–28)Don’t miss the Snap the Lucky Feels photo spot, featuring a vibrant money tree adorned with ang paos, beautifully paired with a Valentine’s Day-inspired setup! Visit your most loved SM Mall, experience the Lucky Feels and create maxed out memories worth sharing. Leap into lucky vibes this Year of the Horse—only at SM Supermalls!

6 Philippines schools enter THE subject rankings’Undated photo shows the Oblation statue in the University of the Philippines campus in Diliman, Quezon City. MANILA, Philippines — Six universities in the Philippines have joined the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2026, where at least 11 subject areas were ranked. In arts and humanities, UP, Ateneo and DLSU ranked 601-800. In business and economics, UP ranked 801-1000 and DLSU joined the 1001+ bracket. In social sciences, Ateneo, DLSU, Mapua and UP ranked 801-1000, while UST joined the 1001+ bracket.

Atong in Cambodia or Thailand? DILG checkingMANILA, Philippines — The government is verifying information that Charlie “Atong” Ang has fled to Cambodia or Thailand, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said yesterday. “Raw information, according to Patidongan our star witness, he has access to Cambodia,” Remulla told reporters in a phone interview. Remulla said there were reports that Ang had online sabong or cockfighting operations in Cambodia, suggesting that he may have already established a network in the area, including parts of Thailand. “Of course, he earned P1 billion a day, it’s very easy to acquire firearms anywhere, even loose firearms,” he said.

Metro Manila domestic workers to get P800 pay hikeThe Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) has approved an increase of P800 in the monthly wage of kasambahays. MANILA, Philippines — Domestic workers in the National Capital Region will receive an increase in their monthly salary in February. The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) has approved an increase of P800 in the monthly wage of kasambahays. From P7,000, household workers in Metro Manila will receive P7,800 per month starting Feb. 7. The last minimum wage hike for Metro Manila domestic workers took effect on Jan. 4, 2025.

Truth be told, in the creative industry, connections have long been considered the pillar of success and the unwritten rule for entry. But the story is now changing, and these young creatives are proof. It’s both a witness and an agent of transformation.”Despite this calling, Ron admits the industry is very exclusive. “What I’m doing will always be a love letter to that dreamy-eyed kid, catwalking in his draped blanket gown. To new creatives, Em advised: "The industry is not oversaturated.

MANILA, Philippines — A lawyer has filed an ethics complaint against Sen. JV Ejercito, accusing him of failing to act on a pending ethics case against former Senate President Chiz Escudero more than three months after it was filed. Aceron also noted that within days from the filing of the ethics complaint, the Senate had already conducted hearings. The House of Representatives also processed an ethics complaint against Cavite Rep. Kiko Barzaga, which led to his 60-day suspension. "Rest assured that the Ethics Committee will convene and hear pending cases once it is fully constituted and when session resumes. The said cases will be heard in order of filing," Ejercito said.

U.S. President Donald Trump sits with Argentina's President Javier Milei, Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban and others during a charter announcement for Trump's Board of Peace initiative aimed at resolving global conflicts, alongside the 56th annual World Economic Forum (WEF), in Davos, Switzerland, January 22, 2026.

‘Philippines unlikely to meet RE targets by 2030’Vince Heo, director for Asia-Pacific Power and Renewables Research at S&P Global, said the share of renewables in the Philippines’ power mix could reach just 27 percent by 2030. MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines may fall short of its clean energy targets as persistent grid bottlenecks and permitting challenges continue to slow progress, according to S&P Global. Vince Heo, director for Asia-Pacific Power and Renewables Research at S&P Global, said the share of renewables in the Philippines’ power mix could reach just 27 percent by 2030. As such, the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines is pushing for a “holistic solution” to address challenges across the country’s power supply chain. Beyond grid challenges, the S&P Global official also highlighted the need to further simplify the permitting process in the Philippines.

Congress has allocated P6 billion for such a facility, according to Catapang, which will be distributed in three tranches: P1.5 billion in 2026, P2 billion in 2027 and P2.5 billion in 2028. Flood control suspects are charged with graft and malversation, both serious offenses, with the attached penalty for the latter being imprisonment for up to 40 years. In a recent television interview, Catapang said the BuCor is expecting 8,000 prisoners linked to the flood control scandal. Catapang also said that jails managed by the BJMP and the BuCor’s reception and diagnostic center will be unified within the prison facility. He said there is a plan to place the BJMP under the DOJ, which will then be able to monitor the status of persons undergoing trial.

Marcos after ailment: Don’t get too excitedScreengrab from a video released by the PCO shows President Marcos addressing rumors about his health, confirming that he was diagnosed with diverticulitis, a common condition often linked to stress and age. Despite his health issue, Marcos appeared to be in good spirits in the video, even teasing those who wanted him out of the presidency. “Don’t be too excited because this is not a life threatening condition,” the 68-year-old President said. Although Malacañang claimed that Marcos is “in good condition,” he has skipped two events since undergoing medical observation. “But since the doctor said he is in good health, he is now at Malacañang,” she said.

Taiwan to confer top honor on GarafilMANILA, Philippines — Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs will confer the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon, one of its highest civilian decorations, on former Manila Economic and Cultural Office chairperson and resident representative Cheloy Garafil. Garafil, who currently serves as House secretary general, will receive the award from Foreign Minister Lin Cia-lung. The conferment ceremony will be held today at 11:10 a.m. at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taipei. Guests are requested to arrive by 11:00 a.m.“With humility, I share this honor with our colleagues and partners who worked tirelessly during my service,” Garafil said. “This recognition reflects the work done to strengthen professional and constructive engagement between the Philippines and Taiwan,” she added.

Paju Paju is a vibrant city near Seoul that blends creative arts, cultural sites, and unique shopping experiences. Heyri Art Village Korean Tourism OrganizationWander through Heyri Art Village, where creative studios and galleries showcase the vibrant local arts scene. Provence Village Korean Tourism OrganizationVisit Provence Village for a taste of European charm nestled in Korea. Dumulmeori Korean Tourism OrganizationBegin your journey at Dumulmeori, where breathtaking riverside views offer a picturesque backdrop for relaxation and reflection. The Great BDO Travel Sale is your gateway to authentic South Korean experiences Ready to step off the usual tourist trail?

Philippines-China relations: The roadmap to peaceThey say peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding. It was also a pleasure to have met the new Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Jing Quan. Trade, exploration and even migration have all contributed to our time-honored and enduring relationship, long before state-to-state relations began. In the past few years, our countries have faced some serious challenges and the South China Sea issue, as Ambassador Jing says, is only one portion of Philippines-China relations. As the Chinese proverb goes, “Patience is a bitter plant, but its fruit is sweet.” Looking forward to a roadmap of peace and stability.

It is likelier that more Filipinos – particularly Tsinoys like me – will be visiting China for leisure as the country develops its destinations. Indonesia, which also has a sizeable ethnic Chinese population with roots, like Tsinoys, in Fujian, drew 1.2 million Chinese travelers in 2024. The digital firewall wasn’t there when I began visiting China regularly as it opened its arms to the world. I didn’t see any Westerners in Snow Town, probably because of all the hurdles I have cited. But there are also welcome improvements from the time when I decided to stop visiting China.