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Two corporate heavyweights, two profit drops. GMA’s earnings fell 98%, while San Miguel’s slipped 40% despite higher sales. There’s potential relief at the pump next week, plus a new government dollar-bond offer. Elsewhere, a canceled concert raises safety questions, and researchers explore why favorite songs can ease pain during procedures.

Stay Sharp.

What happened: GMA Network’s net income plunged 98% to ₱32.85 million in the first nine months of 2026, down from ₱2.07 billion a year earlier.

By the numbers: The broadcaster posted a ₱77.37-million loss in the third quarter, reversing last year’s ₱102-million profit. Advertising revenue fell 33% to ₱8.64 billion, while total revenue dropped 31%.

Why it happened: Political advertising from the 2025 midterm elections dried up, while inflation, rising business costs, and weaker consumer demand pushed advertisers to reduce spending.

The bigger picture: Even as GMA maintained its nationwide TV ratings lead, overall television viewing declined. Audiences and advertising budgets are also moving online, adding pressure to traditional broadcasting. GMA cut operating expenses by 13%, but that wasn't enough to offset falling revenue.

Filipino products recorded brisk sales on the first day of a Department of Tourism showcase at the ASEAN International Media Center on November 13. The initiative highlights locally made goods during the regional gathering, giving Filipino brands exposure to international media and visitors while promoting the country’s products in the ASEAN market.

Fuel Prices May Drop by Up to ₱5 Per Liter Next Week

Motorists may get another round of fuel price cuts next week, with diesel projected to drop by ₱4 to ₱5 per liter and gasoline by ₱3 to ₱4. Jetti Petroleum president Leo Bellas based the estimates on the first four trading days of Mean of Platts Singapore prices and foreign exchange movements.

PH Targets $200 Million From New Retail Dollar Bonds

The Philippine government plans to raise at least $200 million, or approximately ₱12.8 billion, through its third Retail Onshore Dollar Bond offering. The Bureau of the Treasury announced a three-year issuance maturing in 2029, with a minimum investment of $200. The public offer runs from November 19 to 24, with quarterly interest payments.

San Miguel Revenue Hits ₱1.5 Trillion, but Profit Falls 40%

San Miguel Corp. reported ₱1.5 trillion in consolidated revenue for January to September 2026, up 34% year on year, but net income fell 40% to ₱47.3 billion. Unrealized foreign exchange losses and higher operating costs weighed on earnings. Operating income increased 3% to ₱141.8 billion, while EBITDA reached ₱208.5 billion.

Cebu City is investigating safety concerns at SM Seaside Cebu Arena after LANY canceled its November 12 concert following reports of falling steel debris, prompting inspections by local government authorities. (Read more)

Darth Vader’s Lightsaber Sells for $4.875 Million

Darth Vader’s lightsaber used in the “I Am Your Father” duel sold for $4.875 million at Heritage Auctions, setting a world auction record for any Star Wars collectible to date. (Read More)

Filipinas Drawn Into Tough Olympic Qualifying Group

The Filipinas drew North Korea, South Korea and China in Group B of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics women's football qualifiers, running April through December 2027 in a home-and-away format. (Read More)

 Metrobank launches an interactive conversational assistant on its financial education platform to guide users through budgeting, saving strategies, and debt management decisions. (Read More)

Robots Successfully Manage Complete Hotel Laundry and Housekeeping Workflows

Innovative robotic systems equipped with multi-jointed arms and advanced vision models autonomously handle commercial laundry sorting, machine loading, and linen folding tasks. (Read More)

DARPA's NOM4D Program Successfully Demonstrates Automated In-Space Structural Assembly

Researchers deploy a gantry robot payload into orbit to autonomously construct a reflector antenna truss,advancing large-scale manufacturing capabilities for future space missions. (Read More)

Institute Repurpose Coal Power Plants Using Iron Powder Fuel

Scientists propose burning recyclable iron powder in existing thermal infrastructure to store renewable energy and stabilize European power grids without carbon emissions. (Read More)

Researchers Warn Global Carbon Budget Will Deplete Within Four Year

 Scientists report that increasing deforestation and fossil fuel consumption are rapidly shrinking Earth's remaining carbon budget, threatening critical global temperature targets sooner than previously anticipated.

Scientists Discover Crows Make Visual Decisions Twice as Fast as Humans

Neurobiologists find that avian brains process moving visual stimuli in just 235 milliseconds, matching primate decision-making models while demonstrating remarkable speed and accuracy.

Patients Listening to Favorite Music Experience Reduced Pain During Medical Procedures

Clinical researchers discover that playing patient-selected songs significantly lowers discomfort during minor cannula insertions, outperforming both relaxation tracks and classical music selections.

Researchers Discover Tiny Mushroom Producing Deadly Toxins

University of Florida scientists identify Galerina indica as the first known fungus containing both psilocybin and lethal amatoxins, highlighting evolutionary gene transfer and serious foraging dangers in wild mushrooms.

✈️ Airports introduced dedicated ASEAN lanes to prioritize summit delegates while keeping regular passengers’ immigration processing moving smoothly. (Read more)

⚖️ Sara Duterte’s defense dropped 16 bank officials from its witness list, including a BPI executive prosecutors wanted to question about alleged dollar accounts. (Read more)

🚔 Cavite police arrest top 4 most wanted suspect in Parañaque Lasciviousness Case. (Read more)

📉 SWS reported that satisfaction with the Marcos administration fell to its second-lowest level in the third quarter of 2026. (Read more)

🏫 Ateneo de Davao dismissed a junior high student after finding him responsible for bullying a schoolmate, following disciplinary proceedings. (Read more)

The detained political prisoner on death row vows never to surrender to state oppression, issuing a defiant message from Vakilabad Prison during an international ceremony in London.

US Visa Restrictions Threaten African Contestants’ Miss Universe Participation

Several African Miss Universe contestants face uncertain participation in the 75th pageant due to US visa restrictions, with Zimbabwe and South Sudan representatives struggling to secure travel approval.

Kraków Mass Shooting Suspect Dies in Hospital After Killing at Least Six

The 24-year-old suspect in Poland’s deadly Kraków shooting has died in hospital after sustaining gunshot wounds during the attack, which killed at least six people and prompted national mourning.

📝 BFP-Bicol Rescues Cat Trapped on Electric Post. (Watch here)

📝 Commuters Criticize Lack of Public Advisory on EDSA-Ayala Traffic Disruption. (Read more)

📝 Avril Lavigne welcomes first child, sharing sweet family photos while keeping baby girl’s identity private. (Read more)

📝 Ayta and Molbog communities join UP Diliman protest against Trump visit and Pax Silica projects. (Watch here)