Good morning.

It’s Monday, May 25. The future is arriving fast but not cheaply. This week: America’s AI bet on Clark, inflation fears creeping back, EV demand rising, and why Filipino workers still rank among Asia’s happiest. Plus: space science, zombie films, and viral Senate games.

Stay Sharp.

Big picture: New Clark City is being positioned as the Philippines’ possible entry point into the global AI supply chain. More than 20 firms have reportedly shown interest in investing in the Luzon Economic Corridor, especially in the planned Pax Silica AI industrial hub.

Why it matters: The project is not just about AI buzzwords. It needs real infrastructure. NGCP is planning a nearly ₱7-billion Capas substation by 2028, while BCDA is also eyeing solar power, fuel pipelines, ICT systems, and baseload energy support.

Context check: The US and the Philippines are still negotiating the long-term framework. Philippine officials stressed that the zone will follow Philippine laws, with no special US jurisdiction. The big bet: turn New Clark City into a secure manufacturing base for AI, critical minerals, and allied supply chains.

The Department of Trade and Industry said it will no longer pursue a draft order requiring businesses and online sellers to secure permits before releasing advertisements and promotions. The proposal drew backlash from lawmakers and entrepreneurs who warned it would slow business activity, raise costs, and hurt the country’s growing digital economy.

Inflation Seen Hitting 8% in May

RCBC Chief Economist Michael Ricafort said inflation could breach 8% in May as high oil prices and the prolonged Strait of Hormuz closure continue pushing up transport, fuel, and food costs nationwide. The warning comes as the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas considers another possible rate hike to contain rising price pressures.

PH Car Sales Slide as EV Demand Surges

Philippine vehicle sales fell 19% in April as consumers held back on purchases amid high fuel costs and uncertainty linked to the Middle East conflict. Despite the slowdown, electric vehicle sales jumped 288% as more buyers shifted toward fuel-efficient options, with hybrids leading demand across the growing EV market.

Filipino Workers Rank Among Asia’s Happiest

A JobStreet by SEEK survey found 77% of Filipino workers are happy with their jobs, making the Philippines second in Asia for workplace happiness. Employees cited work-life balance, supportive environments, and meaningful work as key factors, although burnout and workplace stress remain major concerns flagged by labor officials nationwide.

South Korean zombie thriller “Colony,” starring Ji Chang-wook and Jun Ji-hyun, hits Philippine cinemas May 27, featuring a virus outbreak inside a locked-down Seoul biotech conference from “Train to Busan” director Yeon Sang-ho. (Read more)

Eala Opens French Open Run Against Friend Rival

Filipina tennis star Alex Eala begins her 2026 French Open campaign against American teen Iva Jovic, aiming to improve on last year’s Roland Garros main draw debut after her recent rise to World No. 38. (Read More)

Mexico Takes Miss Eco Crown as PH Ends Top 21

Mexico’s Palmira Ruiz won Miss Eco International 2026 in Egypt, while Philippine bet Gabbi Carballo finished in the Top 21 after standout performances in environmental advocacy and pageant side competitions. (Read more)

A web game inspired by Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa’s Senate escape went viral online. Developer Jopel Mandac created “Senate Run” for fun, while planning more Senate-themed games featuring recent political moments. (Read more)

Casetify will release a Tamagotchi collaboration on May 29 featuring a functional virtual pet device, phone accessories, and luggage. The collection taps growing millennial nostalgia and rising demand for collectible “kidult” products. (Read more)

Spotify and Universal Music Group announced a deal allowing fans to create AI-powered remixes and covers of songs from consenting artists for an extra subscription fee with revenue sharing included. (Read more)

AI-Generated Film Premieres At Cannes Film Festival

AI company Higgsfield premiered “Hell Grind” at Cannes, calling it the first fully AI-generated feature film. The sci-fi movie reportedly cost $500,000, took two weeks, and used a 15-person production team. (Read more)

Filipino Students’ Space Experiment Successfully Tested By NASA

Filipino astrophysics students from Rizal Technological University saw their Double Gyroscope experiment tested aboard the International Space Station. NASA astronaut Christopher Williams performed the experiment during the 2025 Asian Try Zero-G competition.

Artificial Eggs Hatch 26 Chicks In US Lab

US biotech firm Colossal Biosciences reported that 26 chicks hatched from its artificial egg system in Dallas, Texas. The company says the technology supports its goal of reviving extinct species like the South Island Giant Moa using engineered incubation systems.

Teens Create Anti-Anxiety Chewing Gum

Two teens invented chewing gum infused with passionflower extract to help ease anxiety. Their science fair-winning project combines calming flavonoids with chewing, aiming to provide quick stress relief for nervous students and adults.

Urban Rats Found Carrying Human Medicines

Scientists discovered urban rats exposed to human medicines through polluted environments. Researchers say pharmaceutical chemicals in rats may influence the pathogens they carry, raising concerns about future zoonotic disease risks in cities.

🎓 Philippine Military Academy welcomed over 1,000 incoming Class 2030 cadets, beginning military training focused on cybersecurity, defense strategy, and leadership. (Read more)

🏗️ More than 20 workers remain trapped after a nine-story building collapsed in Angeles City, with rescuers hearing voices beneath debris. (Read more)

🚦 Metro Manila Council plans stricter rules and penalties for e-trikes and similar vehicles on major roads to improve safety and regulation. (Read more)

🏛️ Senate minority bloc backs Sherwin Gatchalian for Senate president amid leadership shakeup and political tension in the upper chamber. (Read more)

🌧️ 32 rescued in Davao City after river flooding stranded residents in Tamugan, Marilog during weekend fiesta preparations amid heavy rains. (Read more)

China will send an astronaut to its Tiangong space station for a one-year mission starting Sunday. The Shenzhou-23 flight supports research on long-duration space travel as China works toward its goal of a crewed Moon landing by 2030.

Eighteen Ebola Patients Escape After Congo Treatment Tent Is Burned

Eighteen suspected Ebola patients escaped after a treatment tent was set on fire in Mongbwalu, eastern Congo. The incident happened during unrest linked to community anger over Ebola response measures and has raised concerns about further spread of the outbreak.

A rare albino buffalo nicknamed “Donald Trump” became an online sensation in Bangladesh ahead of Eid al-Adha. The animal drew large crowds at a farm near Dhaka due to its unusual appearance and resemblance to the former US president.

📝 ICC-style handwritten documents go viral as marketing trend.(Read more)

📝1999 Padilla action film edited to mirror Bato senate escape. (Watch here)

📝 Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce cheer Knicks win courtside at Cavs game 3. (Watch here)

📝 Lampara books revives mga Kuwento Ni Lola Basyang for new generation readers. (Read more)