Trump tells Norway he no longer feels obligation to think only of peaceU.S. President Donald Trump looks on as he walks to board Marine One to depart for Joint Base Andrews, from the South Lawn at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., November 22, 2025. REUTERS/Aaron Schwartz
Why are Filipinos fascinated by blind items, especially those about scandals? She said Filipinos are usually excited about blind items because of "the 'insider'/exclusivity aspect of knowing something that's generally not known to anybody else, making one feel more 'important'." As humans, Albano said, one of our evolutionary traits is to survive tough situations by amplifying our collective negative experiences or perceptions. She added that the enjoyment brought about by decoding blind items triggers the release of dopamine, also known as the "happy hormone," which creates feelings of pleasure and bursts of motivation. Entertainment writer Nathalie Tomada added that the guesswork involved in deciphering blind items is what makes these pieces of news particularly effective.
China's Buddha artisans carve out a living from dying tradeTwo artisans walk past a wooden Buddhist figure sculpture at a workshop at Chongshan village in Suzhou, in eastern China's Jiangsu province.
Members of the Iranian community and supporters hold a doll representing the Iranin Spreme Leader Ali Khamenei on a gallow while other hold signs and pre-regime Iranian flags during a "Solidarity with the People of Iran" event in front of City Hall in Downtown on January 18, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has announced that a natural gas field was found near the Malampaya field that is set to make a major boost to the country's gas and electricity supply. In a video posted on his social media page, Marcos referred to the new energy reservoir as Malampaya East 1 or MAE-1, which is located approximately five kilometers east of the original Malampaya field and is estimated to contain around 98 billion cubic feet of gas. "This indicates the well has the potential to produce even more, confirming it is a high-productivity resource comparable to the original Malampaya wells,” Marcos added. "MAE-1 is the first milestone under the Malampaya Phase 4 drilling campaign, which also includes the Camago-2, Camago-3, and Bagong Pag-asa wells, aimed at securing additional gas resources," he added. The project was pursued by the SC3A consortium led by Prime Energy, in partnership with UC38 PNOC Exploration Corporation and Prime Oil & Gas Inc.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is now facing an impeachment complaint filed before the House of Representatives by lawyer Andres de Jesus. De Jesus told the media that the impeachment complaint is anchored on three grounds: culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, and betrayal of public trust. Palace, House reactThe Palace responded by acknowledging the complaint as part of the democratic process provided for under the Constitution. House rules require an impeachment complaint to be referred to the Office of the Speaker and included in the Order of Business within 10 session days of filing. An impeachment complaint against Marcos may also move directly to the plenary if backed by at least one-third of House members, skipping the committee process similar to Vice President Sara Duterte's case.
Ping Lacson to detractors: 'Shut the f— up'MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson had one blunt message for his critics: “Shut the f— up.”Lacson has been locked in a word war with Sen. Imee Marcos, who accused him of blocking senators from attending the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearings on the flood control mess — a claim that Lacson said is belied by the presence of Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, Marcos' ally, in the discussions. "Your committee became the stage for shocking and scathing revelations made by key actors of the flood control scam," Lacson said. "Your noise will not silence the truth," Lacson said. Your noise cannot convict — and it will not even indict the perpetrators of this flood control mess. "With all that being said - as the Chairman of this committee - I say to you: Shut the f… up!"
Gov't assures Toyota, Mitsubishi of incentive paymentsPresident Ferdinand Marcos Jr. receives keys for the 35 newly donated vehicles from Toyota Motor Philippines during a visit to the company’s manufacturing plant in Santa Rosa, Laguna, on Aug. 22, 2023. MANILA, Philippines — The government has not withdrawn support from the automotive industry and will settle outstanding obligations to car manufacturers Toyota and Mitsubishi, the Department of Budget and Management said on Monday, January 19. The statement followed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s veto of two automotive industry programs in the proposed 2026 national budget that grant tax benefits to manufacturers. These budget allotments are sourced from savings of the DTI–Board of Investments and the Department of Public Works and Highways. Payments, future fundingThe DBM said obligations not covered by issued TPCs may be proposed in the 2027 National Expenditure Program.
A seamless interplay of storytelling, seasonal narratives, and culinary heritage transported guests to Tohoku and Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost regions, where endless discovery awaits. A love letter of invitation that seeks to invite more tourists to rediscover their charm, beyond the beloved tourist trails. Each course was a tribute to the seasonality and regional ingredients of Hokkaido and Tohoku, ranging from the briny freshness of summer seafood to comforting stews evocative of winter hearths. He encouraged guests to discover the rich regional cultures and seasonal nuances of destinations like Hokkaido and Tohoku. “We hope today’s experience becomes a memorable window into how Japan’s seasons are deeply reflected in its cuisine, traditions, and way of life,” he shared.
Philippines finds new gas field east of Malampaya, says MarcosMANILA, Philippines — A significant natural gas discovery has been made near the Malampaya gas field, marking the Philippines’ first major gas find in more than a decade. Speaking on the discovery in a video message on Monday, January 19, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said around 98 billion cubic feet of natural gas was found about five kilometers east of the Malampaya field, offshore Palawan. The find comes as the Malampaya gas field — the country’s only producing offshore gas facility — is expected to run dry within a few years. But the new natural gas field's volume is enough to supply power to about 5.7 million homes for a year, Marcos said. Aside from natural gas, the discovery also includes condensate, a high-value liquid fuel that can help support efforts to stabilize the country’s power supply.
Nonperforming loans ratio eases modestly in NovemberFrom AB Capital's The Opening Bell: Three MovesEventThe BSP reported that gross NPL ratio eased in November to 3.32% (vs 3.33% in Oct-25 and 3.54% in Nov-24) with improvements noted across consumer and corporate segments as repayment patterns slowly normalize. CatalystSustained NPL improvement is sensitive to employment and income trends, fiscal support, and credit growth. A significant GDP rebound could reduce NPL ratios further toward pre-pandemic levels; a renewed macro slowdown might stall or reverse progress, especially in consumer segments. ActionFor banks, we favor those with high CASA ratios and diversified books that can navigate credit cycles with limited margin deterioration. It is not to be construed as an offer or solicitation of an offer to sell or buy the securities herein mentioned.
Philippine Airlines unveiled on Saturday its longest and most advanced aircraft yet! According to the aircraft carrier's website, the plane is powered by twin Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 turbofan engines and can go as fast as 590 miles per hour. Its 42 fully-flat seats for business class look like a private hangar with its own sliding door, USB ports, and integrated wireless docks. The business class has a 1-2-1 configuration. The 24 premium economy seats have wider recliners, comfortable footrests and legrests, and a private mini cocktail table; while its 316 ergonomic seats for economy class have an integrated personal mobile device with USB charging ports, and a 4-way headrest.
Marcos faces first impeachment complaint filed in HouseMANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. now formally faces an impeachment case after the first complaint was filed on Monday, January 19. Lawyer Andre de Jesus, who filed the complaint with the House Office of the Secretary General, was the only complainant. Speaking to reporters, De Jesus said the impeachment complaint is anchored on three grounds: culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, and betrayal of public trust. De Jesus, however, laid out other reasons for the impeachment complaint. With an impeachment complaint filed against Marcos and another anticipated against Duterte, Congress faces the prospect of deciding whether the country’s top officials could lose their posts.
China's Q4 GDP grows 4.5 percent y/y, just ahead of market forecastThe Chinese national flag is seen in Beijing, China April 29, 2020.
'Ada' weakens but monsoon risks remainRelative position of tropical cyclone 'Ada' (international name Nokaen) as seen in a satellite rendering as of 5 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026. MANILA, Philippines — Tropical cyclone "Ada" (international name Nokaen) has weakened into a tropical depression, but monsoon-enhanced winds and hazardous sea conditions may continue to affect several areas, the state weather bureau said. “Continuous dry air entrainment from the northeast monsoon is expected to result in gradual weakening,” PAGASA said, adding that Ada may weaken into a low-pressure area by Wednesday, though earlier weakening remains possible. Sea conditions of up to 4.0 meters are expected along the eastern seaboards of Isabela and mainland Cagayan. PAGASA advised small seacrafts and motorbancas not to venture out to sea under these conditions, especially if ill-equipped or inexperienced.
