Trump imposes 25 pc tariff on imports of some AI chipsU.S. flag and Intel chip appear in this illustration taken August 25, 2025. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo

Merger spoiled by speculationPetro Gazz has taken a leave of absence from PVL and it’s not certain when the four-time league champion will be back. Apparently, there was resistance from PVL higher-ups to give the go-signal for the merger because of speculation that Petro Gazz players with expired contracts would be herded to Nxled. Petro Gazz was established in 2012 initially as a distributor of imported fuels in Subic, Zambales and expanded into retailing in 2017. Petro Gazz has since opened over 180 stations serving thousands of consumers nationwide. While Petro Gazz would lose its identity, the concept was to still remain with PVL through the merger.

Binibining Universe 1989 Sara Jane Paez Santiago has passed away. A wake will be held for the beauty queen at Santuario de San Antonio Paris in Forbes Park, Makati. Tributes from the beauty pageant world also began to pour in, as the Binibining Pilipinas Organization and Miss Universe Philippines mourned Santiago. MUPH, meanwhile, remembered how Santiagoalso represented the Philippines at the Miss Universe pageant in Cancun, Mexico. This discipline culminated in 1989 when, while still an undergraduate, she was crowned Binibining Pilipinas Universe."

According to their announcement , the Confucius Institute at the University of the Philippines is now accepting participants for its Chinese Language Course that will take place from Jan. 17 to April 18 this year. Learning a new language can open doors to new cultures, opportunities, and connections, and for those eager to expand their linguistic skills, the University of the Philippines is offering Chinese language courses starting this January. You can also pay through GCash by scanning the QR code on the poster to complete payment. The Confucius Institute of UP Diliman is a collaborative educational and service partnership between UP, Xiamen University, and the Confucius Institute Headquarters. The collaboration is based on shared values and visions with regard to Chinese education and cultural understanding.

The Philippine passport placed 73rd in the global passport power index for 2026 as Singapore maintained its lead. The latest Henley Passport Index had placed the Philippines in the 73rd spot alongside Mongolia—two places higher compared to its previous ranking of 75 last year. The passport currently allows travelers access to up to 64 countries globally without a visa. Singapore retained its status of having the most powerful passport in the world, with visa-free access to a total of 192 countries. Japan and South Korea tied for the second spot with access to 188 destinations, while Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland are in third place with access to 186 countries.

Henry Aguda touched on the dangers of deepfake content online. Malaysia and Indonesia have blocked Grok over the explicit deepfakes. 'Yan, OSAEC (Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children) na 'yan eh, so 'yan, talaga immediate," Aguda said. Aguda further noted that the country is seeking to block Grok. Kasi hindi na nga tayo kailangan humingi ng permission sa X or tumimbre sa kanila kasi because of the content, dapat blocked."

Doctors, lawyers file plunder, graft complaints vs RectoFinance Secretary Ralph Recto answers questions at a Senate briefing in an undated photo on the Department of Finance's website. The group, led by lawyer Rodel Taton, filed the complaint against Recto and Ledesma at the Office of the Ombudsman on Thursday, January 15. PhilHealth had previously been instructed to remit a total of P89.9 billion in surplus funds to the national coffers. In response to the complaint, Recto said that he respects "the right of any individual or group to seek legal remedies and to avail themselves of the processes provided under our laws." On December 22, another group, the Save the Philippine Coalition, also filed complaints of malversation and violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act against Recto and Ledesma.

A Japanese father was arrested in connection with the death of his 2-year-old child after being stuck in a washing machine. Japan News reported that Yamaguchi Yuki, 31, was living with his son, Yamaguchi Aoai, when the latter fell headfirst into the 90-centimeter cylinder of a washing machine that was set to be disposed. According to Japanese police, the father was aware of his son's situation for 20 minutes but didn't bother to help him. Yamaguchi only sought help when he found out the boy was no longer breathing. Authorities noted there are no records of child abuse in the family.

Carla Abellana ready to beat own 7-week marriage recordActress Carla Abellana marries her non-showbiz partner Dr. Reginald Santos in a private ceremony held in Tagaytay on December 27, 2025. MANILA, Philippines — Newly-wed actress Carla Abellana is humorously indignant on eclipsing the seven weeks of her first marriage. Carla told Boy she was looking forward to properly experiencing married life from the honeymoon stage to the challenges that come with it. WATCH: Carla Abellana jokes about short-lived marriage to Tom RodriguezJessica and Boy both praised Carla for staying strong following the fallout of her first marriage, staying professional in work, and giving love a second chance. — Video from GMA Network's YouTube channelRELATED: Carla Abellana marries doctor partner in private ceremony

There's a new suite of apps for Apple users working in the artistic industry. The tech giant recently announced Apple Creator Studio, a collection of apps that include video editing platform Final Cut Pro, music hub Logic Pro, and image editor Pixelmator Pro. This subscription includes access to Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, and Pixelmator Pro on Mac and iPad; Motion, Compressor, and MainStage on Mac; and premium AI features and templates for Keynote, Pages, and Numbers for Mac, iPad, and iPhone. Read on below to see what Apple Creator Studio has to offer. Final Cut Pro

Philippines spared from US suspension of immigrant visasImmigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents stand near a gate at Delaney Hall, a newly converted immigrant detention centre in Elizabeth, New Jersey May 7, 2025. MANILA, Philippines — The United States will suspend immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries starting next week, but the Philippines is not among those affected. But "Filipinos [are] not included," Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez told Philstar.com in a message on Thursday, January 15. The suspension applies only to immigrant visas for permanent residency, not tourist or business visas. The directive instructs consular officers to halt immigrant visa applications while reassessing screening procedures under the "public charge" provision of immigration law.

Enrique Razon files cyberlibel raps vs Kiko BarzagaThe STAR / File photo and Kiko Barzaga via FacebookMANILA, Philippines — Billionaire Enrique Razon has filed cyberlibel complaints against suspended Cavite Rep. Francisco "Kiko" Barzaga over his pronouncements against the business tycoon. Razon filed the complaints against Barzaga before the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office on Wednesday, January 14. On January 13, NUP chairman Rep. Ronaldo Puno (Antipolo 1st District) said the party will also file complaints against Barzaga. "I am prepared to face Enrique Razon in court, the sooner, the better!" Barzaga is currently suspended from Congress for 60 days as a penalty for posting lewd and inappropriate social media content.

Power demand growth to benefit flexible generatorsFrom AB Capital's The Opening Bell: Three MovesEventNGCP projects electricity demand to rise across all grids in 2026, led by Visayas (+24%), followed by Luzon (+13%) and Mindanao (+12%), noting that recent peak demand levels have already breached forecasts. DOE said Luzon supply remains adequate, while Visayas faces tighter conditions, supported by contingency measures and planned capacity additions. ViewThe outlook points to a return to demand growth off a low 2025 base, with Visayas remaining structurally tighter. ActionWe see the demand reacceleration as more supportive for gencos with higher spot-market exposure (ACEN, SCC) where tightness can translate into incremental margin upside, albeit well below prior WESM cycle highs. It is not to be construed as an offer or solicitation of an offer to sell or buy the securities herein mentioned.

A new Korean crime drama series from the creator of the hit Netflix franchise Squid Game is now in the works. The streaming platform made the announcement on its website, sharing that it will be produced by Hwang Dong-hyuk. This project marks the directorial debut of Choi Young-hwan, an acclaimed cinematographer behind hit films Smugglers, Tazza: The High Rollers, and The Thieves. Aside from Hwang Dong-hyuk, Squid Game production company Firstman Studio will also do behind-the-scenes work. The Dealer is set to premiere exclusively on Netflix.

For decades, The Bistro Group has been Manila’s culinary passport—bringing international dining experiences to local tables without leaving the city. “The Bistro Group excels in a lot of things, but we don’t have our own Filipino restaurant. Siklab+ just opened a second branch at S Maison, bringing its Filipino flavors to a wider audience. “In a short time, Siklab+ has resonated with guests seeking bold yet familiar Filipino flavors,” Abuel says. Siklab+ isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a reminder that Filipino cuisine has both depth and versatility, capable of surprising even the most devoted fans of traditional dishes.