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Stay sharp.

Big move
Michelin-starred dim sum brand Tim Ho Wan, owned by Jollibee Foods Corp., is accelerating its global expansion. After opening its 10th store in Hong Kong, the chain now operates 85 outlets worldwide and is targeting 100 locations in the near term.

Why it matters
The push signals Jollibee’s deeper move beyond fast food into higher-end dining. Tim Ho Wan gives the group a premium brand that still focuses on value pricing, helping Jollibee reach new customers while diversifying its global portfolio.

What’s next
The US is a key growth market, with plans for up to 20 stores by 2028. While designs and systems are being upgraded, the company says the food stays the same. The bet is that authentic Cantonese dim sum can scale without losing its soul.

Income check
Do not stop at “can you pay the monthly.” Your income should be stable enough for 3–5 years. If sales drop or work slows for a few months, you should still pay on time. A safe rule: all debts combined should stay below 30–40% of your monthly take-home pay.

Budget test
Know the real monthly cost, not just the promo rate. Auto loans use add-on interest, which can be pricier over time. Try this: save the expected monthly payment for 2–3 months. If it breaks your budget, pause.

Cash + purpose
You need cash for down payment, insurance, and fees, plus savings left over. Also ask why you want the car. You’re more ready if it helps you earn, save time, or support family needs, not just for convenience or status.

The Asian Development Bank approved a ₱1.75 billion credit facility for GCash lending arm Fuse Financing to widen loan access for MSMEs and women entrepreneurs across the Philippines. The partnership uses digital data to offer faster, collateral-free loans, helping small businesses reach formal financing nationwide.

The Philippines is ramping up local milk production after passing Republic Act No. 12308, which boosts livestock and dairy development. The National Dairy Authority plans new stock farms and the importation of 870 dairy cattle this year to raise output, cut import reliance, and improve farmer incomes.

Filipino-Korean firm Coheco Badeo Corp. plans a ₱64.3 billion, 500-MW pumped storage hydropower project in Kibungan, Benguet to support the Luzon grid. The project, delayed by regulatory hurdles, targets completion by 2031 and was a winning bid in the Green Energy Auction.

The Philippines’ gross international reserves rose to $112.51 billion in January, driven by a surge in gold holdings to $20.67 billion and a successful $2.75-billion global bond sale, strengthening the country’s buffer against economic shocks and supporting import coverage and short-term external debt obligations.

EJ Obiena won the Asian Indoor pole vault gold, completing all major regional titles. He cleared 5.70m despite challenges and is now heading to Germany for his next competition. (Read More)

Streamer Kyedae and VALORANT pro TenZ have amicably ended their six-year relationship. They cited personal growth and space as reasons, emphasizing no conflict, betrayal, or resentment in their breakup. (Read more)

Mark Herras shared a video on Instagram showing him in tears, prompting concern from fellow stars. Friends and colleagues offered support, while Herras has faced personal and professional challenges in recent years. (Read More)

Penn State researchers created a smart hydrogel inspired by octopus skin that changes shape and appearance, hiding images until activated by heat, liquids, or stretching through embedded digital instructions printing. (Read More)

Green-Wood Cemetery will use advanced composting vessels from German startup Meine Erde, applying controlled airflow, temperature, and moisture technology to transform human remains into soil amid limited burial space. (Read More)

The European Commission said TikTok’s design and algorithm encourage addictive use, especially among children, and warned the app may be forced to change features like infinite scrolling to meet EU safety rules. (Read more)

China is rolling out AI-powered robots to manage traffic and pedestrian flow in cities, showing how the country is advancing robotics and moving humanoid robots closer to everyday public use. (Read more)

KAIST researchers identified a molecular switch that can revert cancer cells to normal by capturing the critical transition when healthy cells turn cancerous, confirmed through colon cancer cell experiments.

Scientists discovered Mic-628, a compound that shifts the body’s internal clock forward, helping mice recover from jet lag nearly twice as fast and potentially aiding human sleep disorders.

KAIST researchers created a life-saving spray that turns into a gel on contact with blood, sealing wounds and stopping heavy bleeding within seconds for military, emergency, and civilian use.

Researchers created a mathematical model that identifies lymphovascular invasion before surgery, helping predict drug resistance and guide personalized treatment for Filipino breast cancer patients.

Deaths reached 12 as 132,000 families across 850 barangays in Visayas and Mindanao were affected nationwide. (Read more)

Lacson said Senate Blue Ribbon report found no proof linking President Marcos Jr. to flood control issues. (Read more)

Filipino learners join six million students worldwide for the 2026 Kangaroo Mathematics Competition. (Read more)

Police offered a ₱75,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of a suspect in Silay City attack that killed a nine-year-old and injured siblings. (Read more)

Former OFW Mary Jane Veloso thanked supporters and urged continued action for her release in Philippines. (Read more)

Authorities lifted a 19-year ban on a controversial kite festival, allowing its return under tight regulations banning glass-coated strings, as crowds gathered amid renewed debate over safety and cultural tradition.

Six people were arrested in Milan after protests over living costs and sustainability turned violent during the Winter Olympics, with authorities also investigating possible rail sabotage.

A sewage leak in Wellington, New Zealand, released about 70 million litres of raw wastewater into coastal waters after heavy rain flooded the city’s treatment plant, with repairs expected to take months.

📝 Taguig driver wows netizens after balancing boxes on head. (Watch)

📝 Orange cat goes viral after climbing a phone pole and looking offended when rescued.

📝Guitar-playing horse Yupia charms online.

📝 Social media star Diwata arrested again over business dispute, shares emotional story.

📝Filipino brand Sunnies expands boldly in Bangkok, opening five stores including largest location.

Finance & Future-Proofing