Good morning.

It’s Monday, May 18. Jollibee wants more America, finance apps are booming, and employers are rewarding new skills faster than diplomas. Meanwhile, robots are shopping, Mars keeps surprising scientists, and yes, a whale-sized asteroid is flying by Earth. Normal Monday.

Stay Sharp.

Big picture: Jollibee is pushing harder into North America. JFC said large US franchise operators are showing interest in deals of 50 stores or more, while its North America team reported new development agreements for 10 restaurants in Oklahoma and 15 in San Francisco’s South Bay.

Why it matters: JFC says Jollibee now ranks third among US chicken brands by annual unit volume, behind Chick-fil-A and Raising Cane’s. That matters because high store sales make the brand more attractive to serious franchise operators.

Zoom out: the global push comes as JFC keeps its plans for a Highlands Coffee IPO in Vietnam and a possible US listing of its international business by late 2027, even as inflation pressures costs.

The Philippines became Southeast Asia’s third fastest-growing market for finance apps in 2025, with downloads rising 10 percent year-on-year, according to Sensor Tower. More Filipinos used apps for payments, lending, and digital banking, led by GCash and Maya, as mobile-first financial services continued expanding across the region.

Micro-Credentials Boost Hiring Edge in the Philippines

Demand for micro-credential courses is rising in the Philippines as employers increasingly favor job applicants with additional certifications and skills. Coursera said 96 percent of Filipino employers hired candidates with multiple micro-credentials in 2025, while many offered higher salaries, faster hiring, and better career opportunities for certified workers.

Luzon, Visayas Power Grids Return to Normal

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines lifted yellow alerts in Luzon and Visayas after power supply conditions improved ahead of the weekend. Higher available capacity and lower electricity demand created surplus reserves, allowing Luzon to export power to Visayas and helping stabilize the country’s electricity supply system.

Entrepreneurs Seen as Key to Future ASEAN Jobs

Business leaders warned that AI could disrupt millions of jobs across Southeast Asia by 2030, but said entrepreneurship will drive future employment growth. The article argued that expanding access to capital, education, and technology beyond major cities can help Filipinos build businesses, create jobs, and turn AI into a tool for inclusive economic growth.

Francis Erl Jud Abundo and Kathleya Elaine Bustamante won gold medals for the Philippines at the Karate One-Youth League in Manila, helping the country finish with two golds, two silvers, and two bronzes. (Read more)

Drake’s ‘Iceman’ Breaks Spotify Records

Drake’s comeback album “Iceman” became Spotify’s most-streamed album in a single day for 2026, while the rapper also topped daily artist streams after returning from a music hiatus. (Read More)

F4 Finally Locks In Manila Reunion Venue

F4’s long awaited “F4EVER” reunion concert in Manila will happen at the Philippine Arena on June 27, bringing together Jerry Yan, Van Ness Wu, and Vic Chou for the nostalgic comeback tour. (Read more)

Seoul’s annual Lotus Lantern Festival featured robot monks and self-driving robots during a lantern parade ahead of Buddha’s Birthday. Around 50,000 participants carried lanterns through Jongno during the Buddhist celebration. (Read more)

AI Robot Helps Germans Shop

A humanoid robot named Schotti is helping customers find products inside a German hardware store. The AI-powered robot can talk, walk shoppers to aisles, and adapt to different store roles. (Read more)

Scientists Build AI Device Using Living Brain Cells

Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust is piloting a robotic seal named Sammy Researchers at Princeton University created a computing device using living brain cells and electronic wires. The system recognized electrical patterns while using far less energy than traditional AI systems. (Read more)

Perseverance Rover Explores Mars’ Oldest Rocks Beyond Jezero Crater

NASA’s Perseverance rover captured a new Mars selfie while exploring rocky terrain beyond Jezero Crater. Scientists believe the area contains some of the oldest rocks ever studied during the mission. (Read more)

Blue-Whale-Size Asteroid to Pass Near Earth

A newly discovered asteroid called 2026 JH2 will pass close to Earth on Monday, flying nearer than some satellites. Scientists said the space rock poses no danger and can be viewed online.

Thunderstorms Make Trees Glow With Electric Sparks

Scientists observed that thunderstorms can create faint electric “corona” glows on tree branches, making leaves and needles briefly sparkle. The effect was recorded in real storms and shows how lightning-related electric fields can trigger tiny flashes in forests.

World’s Rivers Losing Oxygen, Scientists Warn

Scientists found that rivers worldwide are losing dissolved oxygen due to climate change. The study of 21,000 river systems showed nearly 80 percent have declined over 40 years, threatening aquatic life and ecosystem health.

Scientists Find Evidence of Neanderthal Dentistry

Researchers discovered a 60,000-year-old Neanderthal tooth showing signs of drilling with stone tools. The findings suggest Neanderthals performed early dental treatment thousands of years before modern humans.

⚖️ The Senate will convene as an impeachment court on May 18 to begin proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte. (Read more)

🏠 Informal settler families in Valenzuela are gaining land ownership under the expanded 4PH housing program through government assistance. (Read more)

🌡️ PAGASA warns over 30 areas in the Philippines will experience dangerous heat index levels reaching up to 45°C today. (Read more)

⚖️ ICC prosecutors are targeting Nov. 30, 2026, to start Rodrigo Duterte’s trial after completing pre-trial work by September. (Read more)

🏛️ The Supreme Court ordered USeP to pay ₱6.45M to the family of a student who died in a 2006 campus fire. (Read more)

The World Health Organization declared an Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda a global health emergency after more than 300 suspected cases and 88 deaths, warning of possible regional spread and urging containment efforts.

Bulgaria Wins Eurovision Amid Controversy in Vienna

Bulgaria won the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna with Dara’s “Bangaranga.” The event featured 25 countries but was overshadowed by political disputes, protests, and withdrawals related to Israel’s participation.

Japan’s Wasp-Infused Crackers Become Local Snack

Japan’s Jibachi Senbei crackers are made with dried digger wasps mixed into the dough as a traditional snack. Popular in Omachi, the unusual treat is sold in local markets and mainly enjoyed as a novelty food in Japan.

📝 ‘We deserve better’: Filipinos reminded to register for upcoming elections. (Read more)

📝 All-you-can-eat restaurants introduce ‘vomit fee’ to discourage overeating.. (Watch here)

📝 Erwan Heussaff stays calm over Anne Curtis love scenes, calls it normal. (Read more)

📝 Padilla vs Pangilinan goes viral in AI “Sharon” parody clash. (Read more)

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