Good morning.

Pork supply just hit a 30-year low, inflation fears are creeping back, and the BSP may be preparing a surprise move. Meanwhile, robots are still falling over, bats in Denmark now get red streetlights, and BTS fans are already preparing their wallets.

Stay Sharp.

Big picture: The Philippines’ hog supply dropped to its lowest first-quarter level since 1994, showing the long-lasting impact of African swine fever (ASF) on local farms. Swine inventory fell 1.5% year over year to 8.7 million heads, still far below the country’s pre-ASF level of around 13 million.

By the numbers: Smallhold farms still make up most of the country’s hog supply, accounting for nearly 79% of total inventory. Meanwhile, commercial farm inventories dropped sharply by 24.5%. Despite fewer hogs overall, pork production surprisingly rose 6.4% in Q1, while average farmgate prices fell 16.1% to ₱176 per kilo.

What’s next: To stabilize pork prices and avoid shortages, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. raised the country’s pork import cap from 54,210 metric tons to 204,210 metric tons. The government is also preparing a ₱1.6-billion repopulation program to help rebuild the country’s hog population as ASF continues to disrupt local production.

The Philippines and other Asian countries may face lower rice harvests as El Niño brings drier weather and fertilizer prices surge due to the Middle East war. The International Rice Research Institute warned that reduced fertilizer use and rising farming costs could force some farmers to stop planting, increasing rice imports and price volatility across the region.

Chinabank Expands Into Lifestyle Banking

China Banking Corporation partnered with Landers Superstore to launch a premium rewards credit card targeting everyday spending on shopping, dining, and travel. The move reflects banks’ growing push into lifestyle-focused financial products as Filipino consumers prioritize value, loyalty rewards, and integrated experiences tied to regular household purchases.

BSP Signals Possible Emergency Rate Hike

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is considering an off-cycle interest rate hike as inflation risks worsen from the ongoing Middle East conflict. BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. warned persistent oil and supply shocks are pushing prices higher, with inflation hitting 7.2% in April and the peso recently falling to record lows against the dollar.

Fuel Prices Push Filipinos Toward Hybrid Cars

Rising fuel costs are pushing more Filipino consumers to consider hybrid and electric vehicles, with interest climbing to 34% this year, according to Deloitte Philippines. Buyers are attracted by lower fuel expenses and better driving experience, but concerns over charging infrastructure, battery replacement costs, and charging times continue to slow wider EV adoption nationwide.

BTS will bring its “Arirang” world tour to Philippine Sports Stadium on March 13 to 14, 2027, with VIP tickets priced at ₱25,000 as fans prepare for the group’s first Manila concert in nearly a decade. (Read more)

Rondina, Pons Skip PVL for Asian Games Push

Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons will miss the start of the PVL season to focus on international beach volleyball tournaments as part of Alas Pilipinas’ buildup for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan. (Read More)

Selena Gomez Linked to Brady Corbet’s 4-Hour Film

Selena Gomez is reportedly set to star in Brady Corbet’s upcoming four-hour film “The Origin of the World,” joining a cast linked to Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender in the genre-defying project. (Read more)

A US-based Filipino startup launched 41ph, an AI chatbot using Taglish and informal “chismis” style conversations. It aims to make AI more accessible while delivering practical information in a casual tone. (Read more)

A humanoid robot in Shenzhen, China lost balance during a “Billie Jean” dance performance and fell on stage. Staff then dragged it off, highlighting ongoing issues with robot stability and control. (Read more)

A Florida State University victim’s family sued OpenAI, alleging ChatGPT encouraged and assisted the shooter in planning a 2025 attack, raising claims about negligence, safety failures, and wrongful death case. (Read more)

A lightweight wearable robot improved knee strength, muscle size, and movement ability in children with spinal muscular atrophy after six weeks of training alongside gene therapy and rehabilitation programs. (Read more)

Japan Tests Anime Therapy for Depression

Researchers in Japan are testing anime-based therapy where psychologists appear as animated characters during counseling sessions. The project hopes anime avatars can help young people feel safer discussing depression and mental health struggles.

Beluga Whales Pass Mirror Self Recognition Test

Scientists report that beluga whales may have recognized themselves in mirrors during tests at the New York Aquarium, showing behaviors linked to self-awareness. The findings suggest mirror self-recognition may exist beyond dolphins, chimpanzees, and elephants.

James Webb Finds Rare Temperate Gas Giant

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has discovered TOI-199b, a Saturn-sized gas giant 330 light-years away with surprisingly mild, Earth-like temperatures and a methane-rich atmosphere, offering new insights into planetary evolution.

Pink Noise May Improve Anesthesia Effects in New Study

Researchers are studying whether pink noise can improve anesthesia by influencing brainwave activity linked to deep unconscious states. The early findings suggest it may help stabilize delta brainwaves during surgery, potentially improving anesthesia consistency.

🛠️ TESDA added eight construction groups to improve technical training standards, workforce skills, and employment opportunities for TVET graduates nationwide. (Read more)

🚓 PNP deployed tracker teams to locate Senator Bato dela Rosa after DOJ ordered arrest linked to ICC drug war probe. (Read more)

🌊 Tanod in Hagonoy, Bulacan placed improvised stone-filled containers along a riverside road to control flooding during repeated high tide events. (Read more)

⛏️ DENR is considering suspending the Davao City sanitary landfill after a trash slide killed one person and triggered safety violations review. (Read more)

⚖️ DOJ and OSG declared Senator Bato dela Rosa a fugitive from justice over ICC warrant as PNP tightens border monitoring. (Read more)

A parody political party called Cockroach Janta Party gained millions of followers in India after mocking unemployment, corruption, and politics online. Young people embraced the movement’s humor, turning the cockroach into a symbol of frustration and survival.

DR Congo canceled World Cup events in Kinshasa after Ebola-related travel restrictions were imposed by U.S. authorities. The national team will continue preparations in Belgium before traveling to the United States for tournament matches.

A town in Denmark replaced white streetlights with red LED lights to help local bats hunt and move safely at night. Officials say the new lights also save energy while keeping roads safe for residents.

📝AI video brings back memories of ’80s-era Glorietta for Pinoys. (Watch here)

📝 “Kumusta ka” trend spreads online following Pia Cayetano’s remarks. (Read more)

📝 Here’s where to watch the 2026 Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo festivals live. (Watch here)

📝 Spotted: E-bike rider seen zipping through EDSA bus lane. (Watch here)