Good morning.

Today’s issue follows the money, from Megaworld’s ₱28B residential sellout to Ayala Land’s luxury condo boom and the BSP’s fresh rate hike signal. Also, PesoWeekly is looking for a freelance producer for short-form documentaries. Sharp eye, strong storytelling, no boring legacy TV energy. Hit us.

Stay Sharp.

Big picture: Megaworld just sold out four residential village projects worth around ₱28B, showing that demand for premium lots is still alive even as the broader housing market faces higher borrowing costs and softer demand.

Where it’s happening: The sellout covered Embassy Hills in Quezon City, Paragua Beach Village in Palawan, Maple Grove Park Village in Cavite, and Ilocandia Beach Village in Ilocos Norte.

Why it matters: This is not just a condo story. Megaworld is leaning harder into horizontal residential projects inside its townships, where homes, offices, retail, and hotels are bundled into one master-planned ecosystem.

The signal: Wealthier buyers and investors are still paying for location, lifestyle, and long-term land value.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas raised its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 4.75%, marking a second straight increase as inflation risks remain elevated. Officials cited higher oil and food costs, rising core inflation, and Middle East uncertainties, while signaling that additional gradual rate hikes remain possible in the coming months.

DOE Prepares Incentives for Nuclear Power

The Department of Energy is preparing incentives and guidelines to attract investments in nuclear power projects as the Philippines targets its first nuclear-generated electricity by 2032. Officials are finalizing site and technology plans, while feasibility studies, including for the dormant Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, are being explored.

Ayala Land Luxury Condo Sales Jump 29%

Ayala Land’s premium condominium sales climbed 29% in the first five months of 2026, driven by strong demand for luxury projects in Makati, Bonifacio Global City, Parklinks, Arca South, and Vertis North. The growth highlights continued buyer preference for high-end, estate-led developments despite softer broader residential market performance.

Visayas Shipping Stays Strong Despite Fuel Hikes

Passenger traffic, tourism, and cargo volumes across the Visayas continue to grow despite rising fuel costs and global uncertainties. Shipping operators report strong demand for essential goods and inter-island travel, but industry leaders warn that aging and underdeveloped ports could become a major bottleneck to future economic growth and connectivity.

Alex Eala shocked world No. 2 Elena Rybakina in straight sets to reach the Berlin Tennis Open quarterfinals, adding another milestone to her breakout season and setting up a clash with Elina Svitolina. (Read more)

Judy Ann leads star-studded HBO Max series exposing showbiz chaos

Judy Ann Santos headlines Call My Manager, an HBO Max original premiering August 13, following talent managers juggling celebrity crises, industry drama, and agency survival in a candid, star-filled look at Philippine showbiz. (Read More)

UAAP sidelines Ateneo coaches after Aurora drowning tragedy

UAAP barred Ateneo coaching staff present during the Aurora incident from all league activities pending investigations, while demanding Ateneo submit official findings by July 15. (Read more)

NBA THE RUN, a new three-on-three street basketball game, will feature Taguig’s famous Tenement court as a playable location. The game launches in June on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, with a closed beta currently underway. (Read more)

Rockstar Games has confirmed that Grand Theft Auto VI pre-orders will begin on June 25. The studio also unveiled the game's official cover art ahead of its November 19 release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. (Read more)

Filipino musicians and composers expressed concern over AI-generated songs that can mimic human voices, saying they may affect originality, copyright protection, and opportunities for emerging artists, urging support for human creativity. (Read more)

Researchers found that individual brain cells and neuron groups encode grammar, meaning, and context during speech. The discovery may help develop future brain-based speech restoration technologies for communication disorders. (Read more)

Pill That Could Regrow Teeth Enters Human Trials

Scientists in Japan are testing a drug that may stimulate natural tooth regrowth by reactivating dormant tooth buds. Early trials aim to assess safety, with hopes of offering an alternative to dental implants by 2030.

Asteroid Named After Fallen Hong Kong Firefighter

An asteroid discovered in 2001 has been named after Hong Kong firefighter Ho Wai-ho, who died while rescuing residents during a deadly tower block blaze. The naming honors his bravery and lasting legacy in the solar system.

Rice-Inspired Discovery Leads to Smart Adaptive Material

Scientists found that rice weakens under fast pressure but stays strong under slow force. Using this property, they created a smart material that adjusts stiffness automatically, improving safety for soft robots and impact-resistant protective gear.

Scientists Discover Hidden Fungi Living Inside Moss

Researchers found that desert moss may host fungi inside its tissues, a previously unknown relationship. The discovery suggests mosses could rely on fungal partners for survival, potentially reshaping understanding of plant evolution and ecosystem resilience.

🏛️ Philippines says no energy deal yet with Russia, but signals openness to expanded oil cooperation amid global supply concerns. (Read more)

🐳 A dead dugong was found along Sarangani’s shoreline, with residents suspecting injuries and recent earthquake impacts contributed. (Read more)

💻 Philippine government fast-tracks incentives to position the country as a semiconductor and AI hub, boosting investment, jobs, and tech manufacturing growth. (Read more)

🌨️ Hailstorm hits La Castellana, Negros Occidental, bringing ice pellets, strong winds, and heavy rain that alarmed residents during sudden weather event. (Read more)

⚖️ Groups urge Ombudsman to file flood control charges vs Sen. Villanueva, citing delays and questioning possible political influence after Senate realignment. (Read more)

A South Korean man with a severe neurological illness is asking the Constitutional Court to overturn the assisted dying ban, arguing patients in extreme, incurable pain should have the right to choose death.

Classical Music Therapy Helps Dementia Patients in New York

A New York program is using live classical concerts to support people with dementia and their caregivers. The initiative encourages emotional engagement, helping participants reconnect through music despite memory loss and cognitive decline.

Japanese Fans Praised for Stadium Cleanup Sparks Debate at Home

Japanese World Cup fans who cleaned stadiums after matches have been praised globally, but the viral images sparked debate in Japan over unequal household chores and expectations between men and women at home.

📝 BARMM designers showcase modest fashion and heritage textiles at Manila Fashion Week. (Read more)

📝 Pinoy series ‘Sun Chaser’ premieres online starring Star Magic talents this June 22–23.(Watch here)

📝 Tao people sustain ancient ocean culture on orchid island. (Watch here)

📝 Jordan Clarkson brings pride as he carries Philippine flag at Knicks championship parade. (Watch here)