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Could your household survive three days without electricity, water or outside help? That's the question behind a new call for emergency preparedness in the Philippines. Also today: Metro Manila's condo cancellations face scrutiny, airlines bet on premium travelers, and AI robots serve dinner. Your Monday briefing starts here.

Stay Sharp.

What happened: Former Surigao del Norte Rep. Ace Barbers wants the government to make 72-hour household emergency preparedness a national security priority.

Why it matters: Earthquakes, typhoons and regional conflicts could disrupt electricity, communications, food supplies and essential services. Barbers says families should be ready to survive three days without immediate government assistance.

The bigger picture: Other countries are already promoting similar measures. Sweden has distributed emergency preparedness guides to households, while Tokyo provides disaster prevention guidelines. The Netherlands has also urged families to stock 72 hours of supplies.

What’s next: Barbers is calling for stronger community drills, emergency communication systems and public education. He recommends keeping water, food, medicines, flashlights, power banks and emergency cash ready.

The Association of Real Estate Brokers of the Philippines Movement is questioning reports of 9,000 condominium purchase cancellations in Metro Manila from January to September 2026. President Anthony Leuterio called for supporting data and clearer methodology, noting that some cancelled units are resold. The group urged separating cancellations from permanent unsold inventory.

Robinsons Retail’s Rise Began With a ₱60 Daily Wage

Robina Gokongwei-Pe joined Robinsons Department Store in 1984 as a receiving clerk, earning ₱60 daily, equivalent to around ₱600 today. Her brother Lance Gokongwei also worked in the store, tagging women’s underwear during summer breaks. Robinsons Retail, founded in 1980, has since grown into a nationwide retail group.

Hong Kong’s Cyberport Seeks Technology Partnerships in the Philippines

Hong Kong technology hub Cyberport is exploring partnerships with Philippine government agencies and technology organizations, particularly in ICT and customer-service outsourcing. Chief public mission officer Eric Chan outlined the initiative at the Cyberport Venture & Capital Forum on November 4. The partnerships aim to connect startups with overseas markets, investors, customers, and business networks.

Airlines Expand Premium Seats as Higher-Fare Travelers Drive Growth

Airlines are investing in business-class seats, upgraded cabins, luxury lounges, and premium services to boost profits amid rising fuel costs. American Airlines reported premium revenue growth of 18.5% year on year in its latest quarter, outperforming its main cabin. Premium products generate roughly half its ticket revenue while occupying about 30% of seats.

Ballet Philippines reimagines “The Nutcracker” with Filipino influences, bringing local cultural elements into the Christmas classic while preserving its familiar story, music and holiday magic for audiences. (Read more)

Zack Tabudlo Turns JeoLee Kilig Into a Song

Zack Tabudlo wrote “Tsaka Nalang,” inspired by “Pinoy Big Brother: Collab 3.0” housemates Jeo Ong and Gehlee Dangca. Their popular pairing, JeoLee, sparked the singer-songwriter’s musical inspiration. (Read More)

Brunson Leads Knicks Past Cavaliers

Jalen Brunson scored 31 points and nine assists as the New York Knicks defeated Cleveland, 109-97, in their NBA playoff rematch. Karl-Anthony Towns added 29 points and 13 rebounds. (Read More)

Local electrical engineer Syed Usama Aziz deploys autonomous robot waitresses named Robia and Jojo to serve food at a popular neon-lit restaurant, driving a major surge in family diners and customer interest.(Read More)

Caltech Autonomous Robotic Builder Successfully Constructs First Space Structure Without Human Intervention 

The ASTRA robotic payload completes assembly of a reflector antenna truss in orbit aboard a Vigoride spacecraft, marking a historic milestone for autonomous space manufacturing and deployment. (Read More)

Harvard-Led Team Receives Funding Grant to Develop AI Co-Scientists for Cancer Research

Researchers at Harvard Medical School secure a substantial grant from Cancer Grand Challenges to build specialized artificial intelligence systems designed to analyze complex biomedical data and generate new oncological hypotheses. (Read More)

AI Teddy for Toddlers Makes Disturbing Unprompted Remark

An AI teddy marketed for children as young as three made an unprompted remark about killing during a conversation, renewing calls for stricter safety regulations on AI toys. (Read More)

Scientists Engineer Genetically Modified Rice Resistant to Devastating Bacterial Blight 

Researchers successfully introduce resistant genes into commercial rice strains, establishing a robust biochemical defense mechanism against severe plant pathogens to secure global food supplies.

Prehistoric Fossil Teeth Reveal Massive Ancient Rat Species in Thailand

Paleontologists analyze newly discovered dental remains unearthed in Krabi province, identifying a gigantic prehistoric rodent that once inhabited Southeast Asian tropical forests millions of years ago.

Biologists Uncover Biomechanical Secrets of How Octopuses Squeeze Through Tiny Holes

Researchers discover that cephalopods rely on a flexible muscular hydrostat system and lack of rigid skeletal bones, allowing them to deform their bodies and slip through microscopic gaps effortlessly.

Gas Emissions Suggest Mars May Still Have Active Volcanoes

Mysterious gas emissions and fresh volcanic fissures suggest Mars may still have underground magma activity, potentially creating hidden sources of heat and chemical energy that could support microbial life.

🇺🇸 US Ambassador Lee Lipton said no Pax Silica announcement is planned during Manila’s ASEAN Summit, with decisions awaiting full government consultations.(Read more)

🐓 Police arrested 19 people during a raid on an alleged online cockfighting hub in Pandi, Bulacan, reportedly serving overseas bettors. (Read more)

🚌 LTO summoned the bus driver and operator after a detached engine cover struck and killed a student in Atimonan, Quezon. (Read more)

🤖 Senator Erwin Tulfo filed a bill seeking safeguards against AI-related layoffs, including advance DOLE notice and separation pay for workers. (Read more)

🌾 DSWD began emergency cash transfer assistance for farmers affected by potentially strong El Niño conditions, GMA News reported Sunday morning. (Read more)

The seasoned explorer successfully finishes a grueling 31,000-mile walking journey spanning multiple continents without using motorized transport, concluding an epic expedition that began in 1998.

Indonesians Stage Protests Over Severe Water Shortages Blamed on Batam Data Centres

Local residents voice intense frustration as municipal tap supplies run dry, staging demonstrations near tech infrastructure hubs while demanding better resource management and protection for domestic users.

Poland Begins Two Days of National Mourning Following Devastating Krakow Mass Shooting

Authorities unite in grief and heighten security measures after a far-right-inspired gunman opens fire in the historic city center, killing six individuals and prompting widespread national shock.

📝 SKIMS’ holiday advent calendar sparks backlash as shoppers compare pricey accessories to junk drawer leftovers. (Watch here)

📝 Liza Soberano calls out outdated infidelity tropes in Filipino rom-coms, sparking debate over forgiveness and women’s worth. (Watch here)

📝 FDA  flags possible health risks linked to squishy toys. (Read more)

📝 Teacher Dan’s ‘stop the wedding’ tutorial catches Ashe’s attention. (Watch here)