Good morning! A ₱50-million bounty is raising the stakes in the search for Senator Bato dela Rosa, as fellow lawmakers call for restraint. Meanwhile, Philippine stocks remain under pressure, a young Makati restaurant celebrates a Michelin star, and a Filipino surfer makes waves against an Olympic champion. Let's dive in.

Stay Sharp.

What happened: Sen. Panfilo Lacson warned police against revealing sensitive details of their search for Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, saying leaked information could compromise operations.

Zoom in: Authorities have offered a ₱50-million reward for information leading to Dela Rosa’s arrest. He faces an International Criminal Court warrant over alleged crimes against humanity linked to Duterte’s drug war.

Why it matters: Lacson and Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian urged authorities to ensure a peaceful arrest, protect lives, and respect Dela Rosa’s right to due process.

What’s next: Dela Rosa’s lawyers are asking the Supreme Court to block his arrest, arguing that the bounty and his “armed and dangerous” designation put his life at risk.

Philippine equities remained volatile in October as higher borrowing costs and a weak peso weighed on investor sentiment. The PSEi fell 0.44%, or 25.23 points, to 5,680.35 on Friday, while the broader All Shares index lost 0.51%. Despite a slight monthly gain, the benchmark remained down 6.16% year to date.

GameZone Uses Filipino Card Games and Gloc-9 to Expand Its Reach

PAGCOR-licensed online gaming platform GameZone is using familiar Filipino card games to strengthen its connection with local audiences. It offers Tongits, Pusoy and poker, alongside more than 1,500 games and competitive tournaments through GameZone Tour. Its latest campaign includes “Tara G!,” a collaboration with rapper Gloc-9 released worldwide on October 30.

Makati Restaurant Flow Earns Michelin Star Less Than a Year After Opening

Flow, a fine-dining restaurant in Makati, earned its first Michelin star in the 2027 Philippine guide, less than a year after opening in December 2025. Led by chef Kevin Jonathan Uy, it serves a Philippine-Peruvian tasting menu. The recognition brings the country’s total to nine one-star restaurants.

Freelancers Can Pay ₱760 to ₱5,280 Monthly for SSS Coverage

The Social Security System and Department of Information and Communications Technology have partnered to expand coverage for an estimated 1.5 million Filipino freelancers and virtual assistants. Self-employed members contribute 15% based on monthly salary credits of ₱5,000 to ₱35,000. Monthly payments range from ₱760 to ₱5,280, including applicable benefits and contributions.

Harry Styles revived his 2010 X Factor audition outfit during a Halloween concert at Madison Square Garden, then performed Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely,” the song he sang at 16. (Read more)

Jayuard Alciso Stuns Olympic Surfing Champion

Filipino wildcard Jayuard Alciso defeated French Olympic gold medalist Kauli Vaast at the WSL Philippines Pro in Siargao, scoring 12.93 points to advance to Round 2. (Read More)

Solenn and Erwan Heussaff Mourn Father’s Death

Louis Paul Heussaff, father of Solenn and Erwan Heussaff, died on October 31 after struggling with dementia for several years, his wife Cynthia announced in an Instagram post. (Read More)

Robot dogs are competing in the first CMG World Robot Mount Taishan Climbing Competition on November 2, with some already outperforming human judges during qualifying rounds. (Read More)

Insect-Inspired Flying Robot Survives Collisions and Takes Flight Again

Researchers developed a 185-milligram flying robot modeled after insects. It can withstand impacts, recover after being flattened, and fly again, potentially aiding future search-and-rescue missions. (Read More)

Robot Dog Uses Human Brain Cells to Navigate Its Surroundings

Scientists at Australia's Cortical Labs developed a robotic dog controlled by lab-grown human neurons, demonstrating how biological computing could help robots adapt to unpredictable environments. (Read More)

AI Helps Italian Police Recover Painting Stolen Two Decades Ago

An artificial intelligence system helped Italian police identify a 17th-century painting disguised with alterations, recovering the artwork 21 years after it was stolen from a church. (Read More)

Less Human Decisions in Military AI

More humans are being taken out of the decision cycle by Artificial Intelligence, and this could spell deadly unintended casualties among vulnerable civilians. This was the stark warning of the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR).

AI is Getting Better at Customer Service

According to some industry trackers, 64% of Filipinos now have a more positive opinion on AI-driven customer service. More of us are confident of its ability to provide competent and effective service. 

Philippine Businesses Are Signing Up for More AI

32% more Philippine enterprises are adopting AI usage at different but growing scale. Of this number, 70% are still using basic chatbot and productivity tools and have not yet used agents or agentic networks.

‘Hell Chicken’ Dinosaur Revealed as First Known Fruit-Eating Species

Scientists discovered fossils of a turkey-sized dinosaur named Infernogallus jamesi, which lived 66 million years ago and had specialized beak and jaw adaptations for eating fruit.

Researchers Create Invisible Ultrasonic Pipe That Moves Liquids Through Air

University of Helsinki scientists developed an invisible pipe using 256 speakers that generate ultrasonic waves, guiding liquids through mid-air without physical contact or conventional pipe walls.

Study Finds Bone Stimulation May Help Slow Aging and Extend Lifespan

Researchers found that gently stimulating leg bones helped older mice show improved memory, reflexes, and organ health, extending their lifespan by nearly three months.

Scientists Discover How Trees Use Specialized Wood to Straighten Themselves

Researchers found that trees produce specialized wood that works like opposing muscles, helping trunks correct their shape, maintain upright posture, and withstand environmental challenges.

🚌 PITX recorded more than 1.385 million passengers from October 25 to November 1, including 71,085 on All Saints’ Day alone. (Read more)

🕊️ A Catholic bishop praised the peaceful leadership transition in BARMM after Abdulraof Macacua secured 51 votes against Ahod Ebrahim’s 27 votes. (Read more)

🐾 The owner of Ivy, one of 25 pets dumped in Bulacan, plans to file charges against the crematorium over the incident. (Read more)

🔥 A fire hit an elementary school in Looc, Romblon, on Sunday, prompting a response from the Bureau of Fire Protection. (Read more)

⚖️ Gerville Luistro expects Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial to conclude in November, potentially wrapping up proceedings before December. (Read more)

The FBI blamed North Korea-linked hackers for stealing over $6 billion from Binance. The exchange has resumed phased withdrawals and pledged to cover users’ losses.

India Caps Cancer Drug Markups to Lower Prices by Up to 70%

India will cap markups on 137 cancer drugs at 30%, potentially cutting prices by 70% and helping millions of patients access more affordable treatment.

Thai Lawyer Faces 34-Year Sentence for Challenging Monarchy

Human rights lawyer Arnon Nampa received over 34 years in prison across multiple cases under Thailand’s royal defamation law after calling for greater scrutiny of the monarchy.

📝 Rare 1998 footage reveals Siargao’s quiet island life before global fame and tourism boom. (Watch here)

📝 Robert Downey Jr. and Pedro Pascal hilariously swap marvel characters for halloween. (Watch here)

📝Kris aquino draws laughter with remarks about bimby’s future wife and doctor’s kiss request. (Watch here)

📝John Arcilla Stands With Fur Parents After Pet Crematorium’s Alleged Improper Disposal of Animal Remains. (Read more)