Good morning. GCash is getting closer to one of the Philippines’ biggest market debuts, and a major global institution wants in. We also look at the PH-EU trade deal, new rules for digital banks, a possible fuel tax decision, plus the business, tech, science and world stories worth knowing today.

Stay Sharp.

What happened: The International Finance Corp. is considering a ₱4.4 billion investment in GCash parent Mynt’s upcoming IPO.

Zoom in: The proposed investment, called Project Hiraya, remains pending approval. IFC would become a cornerstone investor, potentially helping attract other institutional investors.

Why it matters: IFC says the deal could expand digital financial services for underserved Filipinos and MSMEs. It could also deepen the Philippine stock market by encouraging more high-growth companies to list.

By the numbers: Mynt plans to offer up to 8.03 billion shares, plus a 1.2 billion-share overallotment option. At ₱10 per share, the IPO could reach about ₱92.3 billion.

What’s next: Final pricing is scheduled for Oct. 1, with listing targeted for Oct. 20.

The Philippines and European Union are targeting a 2027 signing for a free trade agreement after reaching substantial agreement following a decade of negotiations. Trade teams still need to settle remaining details before formal approval, signature and ratification. The deal could expand market access and trade opportunities between the Philippines and the EU

PH Warns of Steel Supply Risk

The Philippines imports 70% of the high-grade finished steel needed for defense, National Security Adviser Eduardo Oban Jr. said at the ASEAN Iron and Steel Forum in Manila. He called for stronger local production and diversified suppliers while proposing an ASEAN Steel Resilience Compact to strengthen regional supply chains and reduce disruption risks.

BSP Sets ₱1B Digital Bank Capital Rule

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas now requires thrift, rural and cooperative banks adopting digital-centric business models to maintain at least ₱1 billion in capital. Under Circular No. 1240, affected lenders have six months after formal notification to comply. The rule aims to ensure capital and risk controls keep pace with increasingly digital banking operations.

Fuel Tax Decision Nears

Malacañang expects the Department of Finance to submit its recommendation on fuel excise taxes within the week, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expected to decide next week. The Energy Department confirmed Dubai crude averaged above the $80-per-barrel threshold required to consider suspending or reducing petroleum excise taxes.

Carlos Yulo-led Philippines finished sixth in the Asian Games men’s gymnastics team final with 227.359 points in Nagoya, Japan, despite strong performances in floor exercise and vault events on Wednesday. (Read more)

Taylor Swift Drops Post-Wedding Single

Taylor Swift announced “Patient Zero,” her first single since marrying Travis Kelce, scheduled for September 25, marking her latest release after their June wedding. (Read More)

LTO Summons TV Host Over Viral Video

The LTO summoned an unnamed TV host after a viral video allegedly showed traffic violations, including driving without a seatbelt and exiting the vehicle while stopped on-road. (Read More)

The ultimate homecoming anthem is back. For over 30 years, Gary Valenciano’s “Babalik Ka Rin” has been the unofficial soundtrack for millions of Overseas Filipino Workers. Now, Gary V has stepped back into the studio to re-record the iconic track exclusively for Sendwave’s Between Here and Home campaign.

Sending money to loved ones back home carries a massive amount of emotional weight. To honor those everyday sacrifices, Sendwave released a powerful new music video featuring authentic OFW stories and real airport reunions.

You can watch the music video⁠ on Sendwave’s YouTube channel.

If you’re sending money to your loved ones in the Philippines, download Sendwave here and use promo code PESOWEEKLY on your first transfer.

The code is valid for eligible first-time Sendwave users sending from the US, Canada, UK, and Europe. To receive the $20 credit, users must complete a successful first qualifying transfer of at least $20 using the code. T&Cs apply.

Recent scientific studies indicate that chronic post-viral conditions may injure specific dopamine-producing brain cells. Researchers believe this neuronal harm directly accounts for persistent exhaustion and ongoing cognitive difficulties. (Read More)

Ukraine Uses Airborne Robots in New Strike Behind Russian Lines

Maritime authorities successfully dismantled an unauthorized floating barrier placed by foreign vessels inside contested regional waters. Officials stated the strategic move firmly defended local fishing access and territorial sovereignty. (Read More)

Meta Develops Camera-Free Smart Glasses as Privacy Issues Persist

Scientists recently captured rare imagery of a massive newborn world actively developing inside a distant stellar dust disk. This unexpected discovery challenges conventional timelines regarding how fast massive celestial bodies grow. (Read More)

Chinese Dancer and Robots Reach America’s Got Talent Final

Chinese street dancer Wu Yufei and humanoid robots from Unitree Robotics reached the America’s Got Talent final after months of training together, combining human dance with robotic movements. (Read More)

Drug Helps Older Skin Heal Wounds Faster in Mice

A topical drug helped older mice heal skin wounds faster by removing damaged cells. Researchers found it may improve inflammation, collagen production, and blood vessel growth during healing.

Scientists Develop Mice With Human Brain Cells

Scientists created mice with functioning human brain cells to better study human neurological conditions. Researchers hope the breakthrough could improve testing of treatments for disorders that are difficult to model.

Astronomers Spot Youngest Known Planet Still Forming

Scientists recently captured rare imagery of a massive newborn world actively developing inside a distant stellar dust disk. This unexpected discovery challenges conventional timelines regarding how fast massive celestial bodies grow.

Archaeologists Find Anti-Vampire Burial Measures at European Site

Historians excavating a historical European burial site discovered unusual protective hardware placed directly over skeletal remains. Experts explain these measures were historically designed to prevent deceased individuals from returning.

⚓ Industry leaders at PhilMarCon 2026 called for Filipino seafarers to remain central to maritime policies, training, welfare, protection, and development. (Read more)

🎃 Organizers dropped Baguio horror festival and will instead hold fantasy parade following public religious opposition from Baguio Bishop Rafael Cruz. (Read more)

⚖️ Senate impeachment court revised Duterte’s conviction threshold, while its procedural basis could support possible Supreme Court review. (Read more)

🛡️ Reddit and Discord contacted CICC after its ultimatum, receiving deadline extensions while discussing local representation and child-safety measures. (Read more)

🏛️ Palace says Remulla may be called out after incorrect statement on Roque’s asylum status in Austria. (Read more)

Indonesia has recorded more than 175,000 respiratory illness cases since August as wildfires spread toxic haze. Over 40,000 cases involve toddlers, authorities said.

Six-Year-Old Chinese Girl Claims Women’s Rubik’s Cube World Record

A talented six-year-old speedcuber from China astounded spectators by solving a complex puzzle in record time. The young prodigy outperformed expectations, cementing her remarkable achievement within the competitive global speedcubing community.

AI-Generated Mural Draws Backlash From Community, Artists

Locals recently voiced intense frustration over a newly uncovered artificial intelligence mural. Residents labeled the digital creation a major insult to human creators, arguing that machine-generated pieces undermine authentic local culture and heritage.

📝 Dog chooses proofreading over biting, staying focused on work instead. (Watch here)

📝 September 2026 PmLE posts record-high 91.72% passing rate, highest since exam began in 2014. (Read more)

📝 ‘Girl on Fire’ plays as family bids farewell to grandmother at cremation. (Watch here)

📝 Chuchu the cat of viral ‘Sundo Serye’ videos dies. (Read more)