Good morning, and happy Saturday!

Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala warns that AI, climate shocks, and changing trade could put Philippine investment at risk. Elsewhere, local stocks bounced back on Friday, cash on delivery remains popular, and astronomers have spotted an unusual green star.

Not your average weekend reading list.

Stay Sharp.

What happened: Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala warned that AI, climate shocks, and shifting global trade could threaten long-term investment in the Philippines. Speaking at the Makati Business Club’s 45th anniversary, he highlighted AI’s potential disruption to the country’s outsourcing industry.

Why it matters: The Philippines has around 75 million working-age people and a digital economy nearing 10% of GDP. But Zobel said these advantages mean little without skilled workers, reliable energy, better infrastructure, and stable regulations.

What’s next: He urged businesses to compete commercially while working together on national priorities, including education, AI readiness, energy, and governance.

The bottom line: Businesses cannot thrive in the long run if the country itself is struggling.

Cash on delivery accounts for about 23% of Philippine e-commerce sales, the highest share among six Southeast Asian markets studied, according to Xendit’s E-commerce Payments Momentum Report 2026. Vietnam’s share stood at 16%, while COD use has become marginal in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. The findings highlight the Philippines’ slower shift toward digital payments.

Pag-IBIG, DMCI Homes Expand Condo Choices

Pag-IBIG Fund partnered with DMCI Homes on October 16 to expand condominium options available through its housing loans. The partnership could offer up to 3,990 units once accreditation is completed, including ready-for-occupancy properties. Qualified members may access preferential prices and promotional loan rates of 4.5% and 5.75% annually, widening urban homeownership options.

Gokongwei, Salazar Win 2026 Management Honors

JG Summit President and CEO Lance Gokongwei and PHINMA President and COO Chito Salazar were named the Management Association of the Philippines’ Management Persons of the Year for 2026. The recognition cited their leadership in business and education. PHINMA Education has produced more than 104,000 graduates, while Gokongwei led a diversified Philippine business group.

PSEi Jumps 2.11% as Oil Prices Ease

The Philippine Stock Exchange index rose 119.53 points, or 2.11%, to close at 5,782.70 on October 16, as bargain hunting and lower global oil prices lifted sentiment. Foreign investors were net buyers, recording ₱148.21 million in inflows. Trading value reached ₱5.26 billion, while investors continued monitoring global market conditions.

American media personality Kim Kardashian shared photos from her Philippine birthday getaway, featuring scuba diving, beachside dining, boat rides and fireworks, while Filipino celebrities welcomed her online. (Read more)

KZ Tandingan Prepares for ‘Wildflower’ Concert

Singer KZ Tandingan is preparing for “Wildflower,” a major concert announced by ABS-CBN on October 16, spotlighting her music and upcoming live performance plans for Filipino fans. (Read More)

Mapua Extends Winning Streak to Five Games

Mapua defeated Perpetual Help, 65-60, in overtime in NCAA Season 102 on Friday. Cyrus Cuenco scored 17 points as Mapua improved to 5-3, while Perpetual suffered its fifth straight loss. (Read More)

French company Vaonis introduces Atlas, a smart telescope with swappable optics. Controlled by a phone app, it helps users capture clearer images of stars, galaxies, the Moon, and Sun. (Read More)

Open-Source Sprout Upgrade Brings Classic iPods Back

Sprout upgrades classic iPods with Bluetooth, USB-C, and up to 2TB storage. Its advanced version supports Wi-Fi, Spotify, and Apple Music, combining retro design with modern features. (Read More)

Brain Tissue Computers Successfully Identify Braille Letters

Scientists used human brain organoids to identify Braille letters with 61% accuracy. Combining three organoids improved accuracy to 83%, advancing research on biological computing systems. (Read More)

Scientists Develop New Treatments to Regrow Damaged Knees

Scientists are testing new treatments that may regrow knee cartilage and repair damaged joints. Early experiments show promise, but human trials are still needed to confirm safety and effectiveness.

Scientists Discover Gene That May Reverse Aging

Harvard researchers found that the SRSF1 gene reduced signs of aging in cells. Tests in mice showed a 14% longer lifespan, but human trials are still needed.

Astronomers Discover First Documented Green Star

Astronomers identified a green white dwarf star 280 light-years from Earth. Sodium from planetary debris changes how the star absorbs light, creating its unusual green appearance.

Scientists Discover How Brain Neurons Regulate Sleep Pressure

Researchers found that specific neurons in fruit flies produce slow brain waves that regulate sleep pressure. The discovery reveals how brain activity responds to sleep loss and promotes recovery sleep.

💍 A businessman-vlogger lost ₱2.6 million in gold jewelry after three suspects robbed him at an Antipolo car wash along Marcos Highway. (Read more)

🧅 The PCC imposed ₱1.76-billion penalties on six firms and officers over an alleged onion cartel linked to price spikes in 2022. (Read more)

🌧️ Severe Tropical Storm Champi may enter PAR next week, bringing rain to Visayas and Mindanao, PAGASA said in its outlook. (Read more)

🚔 DILG named 11 persons of interest in a 521-kilogram shabu shipment intercepted in Laos, including a former BARMM parliament member. (Read more)

📱 Baguio police are developing GUARDLINK, an app to help security guards report incidents faster and coordinate emergency responses with authorities. (Read more)

The Vatican continues its daily operations while Pope Leo recovers from lung surgery. Church officials manage routine duties, while major decisions can still be brought directly to the pope.

Waymo to Launch Robotaxi Service in Toronto by 2028

Alphabet’s Waymo plans to launch its self-driving taxi service in Toronto in 2028. The company will partner with Element Fleet Management and create hundreds of jobs over time.

Singapore Threatens Legal Action Over Indonesia’s Dangerous Wildfire Haze

Wildfires in Indonesia have spread hazardous haze across Southeast Asia, affecting millions. Singapore threatens legal action against responsible companies as respiratory illnesses rise and schools close.

📝 Catriona Gray to attend Victoria's Secret fashion show 2026 as special guest in Los Angeles. (Watch here)

📝 Tesla unveils next-generation roadster with thrusters, aerial stunts, and plans for 2028 production. (Watch here)

📝 Wildfires in Indonesia spread carbon monoxide pollution toward Malaysia and Singapore, satellite data reveals. (Watch here)

📝 Chinese bride gifts groom a $12,000 rtx 5090 graphics card at their wedding. (Watch here)