Good morning.

The Philippines enters the weekend with a colder growth forecast, pricier oil worries, and bigger questions about where the economy goes next. But it is not all bad news: jobs are opening, AI money is circling Clark, and Filipino talent keeps showing up on the global stage.

Stay Sharp.

Big picture: The World Bank now sees the Philippine economy growing only 3.7% in 2026, down sharply from its earlier 5.4% forecast, as the Middle East conflict hits energy-importing countries like the Philippines.

Why it matters: The war has pushed oil prices higher, weakened currencies, raised borrowing costs, and made investors more cautious. For the Philippines, that means pricier fuel, possible pressure on food prices, and a harder path for government spending and business expansion.

By the numbers: Global growth is also expected to slow to 2.5%, the weakest since the pandemic. Brent crude may average $94 per barrel, while global inflation could rise to 4%.

What’s next: The World Bank expects PH growth to recover to 5.6% in 2027.

More than 53,000 local and overseas job opportunities were offered through Independence Day job fairs across Metro Manila. The initiative connected jobseekers with employers, including openings for fresh graduates, career shifters, working students, and overseas workers, while promoting employment, livelihood support, and economic independence.

US-Backed AI Hub Eyes $10B Investment

A proposed US-backed artificial intelligence hub in the Philippines could attract at least $10 billion in initial investments, according to project officials. The planned 4,000-acre development near Clark aims to host AI, semiconductor, data center, logistics, and green energy projects, positioning the country as a key player in global tech supply chains.

As Of Friday’s Close: SpaceX Tops $2 Trillion

SpaceX made Wall Street history on Friday, closing at $161.11 in its first day of trading, up more than 19% from its $135 IPO price. The debut valued Elon Musk’s rocket-and-satellite company at more than $2T, turning Musk into the world’s first trillionaire on paper.

MIAA Acquires NAIA Terminal 3 Land

The Manila International Airport Authority has acquired the 61-hectare NAIA Terminal 3 property from BCDA for ₱48 billion. The deal gives MIAA full ownership of the land, supporting long-term airport modernization and expansion plans, while providing BCDA with funds for infrastructure development and economic zone projects.

Filipina chef Rhoda Magbitang won Top Chef Season 23 in the US with Filipino-inspired dishes like lugaw, tortang talong, and kaldereta, earning a $250,000 prize and global recognition. (Read more)

Family Seeks Justice for Divine Adili

Divine Adili’s family is seeking justice and answers after the Ateneo player’s drowning in Aurora, calling the tragedy preventable as they await autopsy results and prepare to bring his remains home to Nigeria. (Read More)

Taylor Swift Youngest Woman in Songwriters Hall of Fame

Taylor Swift was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, becoming the youngest woman to receive the honor, recognized for hits like “Love Story” and “Blank Space,” and thanking her family during her emotional speech. (Read more)

Prometheus, a physical AI startup co-founded by Jeff Bezos, raised $12 billion at a $41 billion valuation. The company aims to build an “artificial general engineer” that can automate designing and manufacturing complex products, with funds largely supporting its massive computing needs. (Read more)

Scientists are developing stretchable, brain-inspired electronics that can bend with the body, learn like neurons, and power future wearable devices, electronic skin, and medical technologies designed for long-term use safely. (Read more)

Scientists developed a battery-free artificial photosynthesis system that converts sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into fuel. The self-regulating device adjusts to changing sunlight automatically, helping reduce costs and simplify solar fuel production. (Read more)

Clone Robotics unveiled the Protoclone V1, a humanoid robot with a bone-like skeleton, artificial muscles, and hundreds of sensors. Developers aim to use it in factories, hospitality, assisted living, and homes. (Read more)

Rare Rafflesia Discovered in Surigao del Sur

Rare Rafflesia plant was discovered in a protected forest in Surigao del Sur by DENR field officers. The rare corpse flower signals rich biodiversity and ongoing conservation efforts in Mindanao.

Bumblebees Show Chimps-Like Problem Solving Skills Study Finds

Bumblebees can solve complex problems by rolling balls to reach rewards, showing cognitive flexibility similar to chimpanzees and elephants, according to a study published in Science journal recent NPR report

AI-Designed Universal Coronavirus Vaccine Passes First Human Trial

Scientists at University of Cambridge report first human trial success of an AI-designed universal coronavirus vaccine showing safety and immune responses against multiple coronaviruses including SARS-CoV-2 and SARS strains viruses

NASA Astronaut Captures Snaky Aurora Australis From ISS

NASA astronaut Jessica Meir recorded time-lapse footage of the aurora australis from the International Space Station, showing vivid green southern lights caused by solar particles interacting with Earth’s magnetic field.

🌳 Viral video shows tree cutting and earthballing on Roxas Boulevard despite reported Salex suspension, raising concerns over possible violations. (Read more)

⛽ Gasoline and kerosene prices may rise while diesel could roll back next week amid volatile global oil market movements. (Read more)

🔥 A relief yacht carrying volunteers and supplies to quake-hit Southern Mindanao caught fire, but all 42 onboard were safely rescued. (Read more)

🏚️ Mindanao quake survivors remain on streets days later with little aid as deaths rise and missing persons still reported. (Read more)

📚 Education leaders call for stronger cross-sector action as PH learning crisis persists, with nearly half of learners still below reading proficiency despite recent gains. (Read more)

China’s Ministry of State Security alleges foreign agencies are using marine animals fitted with sensors, including turtles and fish, to collect underwater data. Officials describe it as part of an “invisible secret war” involving maritime surveillance technologies.

Knicks Make Historic NBA Finals Comeback

Knicks complete historic 29-point comeback to beat Spurs 107-106 in NBA Finals Game 4, taking 3-1 series lead after OG Anunoby’s last-second tip-in stunned fans at Madison Square Garden win

Trump Says Iran War Deal Near as Strait of Hormuz Tensions Linger

U.S. President Donald Trump says a deal to end the Iran conflict could be signed soon, potentially reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran says final agreement is still under review amid ongoing tensions.

📝 “Knicks in 6” yearbook prediction goes viral. (Watch here)

📝 Rainbow graduates celebrate SOGIE rights at Quezon City mall ceremony. (Watch here)

📝 NORSU alumna scores perfect NMAT, ranks in 99th percentile. (Watch here)

📝 French luxury incense coil goes viral in ph as ‘katoulle’. (Watch here)