Come and join our team to create great educational videos and short documentaries. Last week, we posted an opening for a writer or journalist and received nearly 200 applications. Applications for that role are now closed. We are now hiring for two roles: a content creator or presenter who can also write scripts, and a videographer to help bring more Filipino stories to life.

Stay Sharp.

The big picture: The Philippines had 8.93 million hogs in the first half, down 1% from a year earlier. Commercial farm inventories fell to 1.70 million from 2.24 million, although smallholder inventories grew 9.7%.

The twist: Hog production increased 5.6% in the second quarter, while average farmgate prices fell 18.6% to ₱172.44 per kilo.

Why it matters: A smaller national herd does not prevent local oversupply. In Zamboanga del Sur, officials said ASF restrictions contributed to excess supply and price distortions.

The local response: Zamboanga del Sur ordered live-hog prices of ₱150–₱180 per kilo and pork prices of ₱260–₱290. In Alfonso Lista, Ifugao, raisers and vendors agreed on ₱180 per kilo for live hogs and ₱290 for pork.

AboitizPower landed in the Philippines' Top 50 Brands and Top 50 Employers rankings, highlighting its strong corporate reputation and workplace culture. The recognition reflects the company's continued focus on reliable energy, employee development, and sustainability while strengthening its position as one of the country's leading power firms.

Japan Affirms Philippines' A- Credit Rating

Japan's Rating and Investment Information (R&I) reaffirmed the Philippines' A- sovereign credit rating with a stable outlook, citing resilient economic growth, sound fiscal management, and a stable financial system. The investment-grade rating supports investor confidence and helps the country maintain favorable access to global financing.

Government Weighs Timing of Retail Bonds

The national government is assessing the best timing for its next Retail Treasury Bond (RTB) offering as elevated interest rates and geopolitical tensions affect borrowing costs. Officials said market conditions will determine the issuance, with RTBs remaining a key funding source for government financing needs.

Balance of Payments Swings to $1.5B Deficit

The Philippines posted a $1.5 billion balance of payments deficit in July, reversing June's $3.4 billion surplus. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas attributed the swing mainly to national government foreign currency withdrawals and debt payments, reflecting increased external financing requirements amid global economic uncertainty.

John Legend said he's excited to return to Manila for an intimate sing-along concert, promising Filipino fans a more personal evening of stories, classics, and unforgettable live performances. (Read more)

Tim Cone Stays Grounded Despite Kai's Return

Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone welcomed Kai Sotto's return but stressed the national team still has plenty to improve as preparations continue for the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers. (Read More)

'Insidious' Scares Up PH Box Office Record

Insidious: Out of the Further delivered the biggest opening day ever for a horror film in the Philippines, earning ₱51.7 million and surpassing the franchise's previous local record. (Read More)

Canadian student Lianna Genovese created a simple painting gadget using straws, sponges and pipes to help people with cerebral palsy paint more independently. Her invention now reaches over 25 countries. (Read more)

Robot Loses Brush, Uses Banana Instead

A robot surprised researchers after losing its brush and picking up a banana to continue working. The experiment shows how robots could adapt to unexpected problems instead of simply stopping. (Read more)

China Robot Makers Push Humanoids Toward Real-World Jobs

Chinese robot makers showcased humanoids sorting parcels, packing phones and doing household chores at a Beijing conference, as companies work to prove robots can perform reliably in commercial settings. (Read more)

AI May Predict Vaccine Response Before Vaccination

Researchers found that AI can analyze antibody patterns from more than 4,000 people to identify immune readiness and potentially predict whether someone will respond strongly or poorly to vaccines. (Read more)

Moderna Vaccine Cuts Melanoma Recurrence and Spread

Moderna said its personalized mRNA cancer vaccine reduced the risk of melanoma recurrence and spread in a late-stage trial when combined with Keytruda, offering new hope for cancer treatment.

MIT Physicists Discover Electrons Rebuilding Like Ice

MIT physicists found that electrons inside a quantum material can reorganize through different mechanisms, including expanding pockets resembling growing ice crystals. The discovery may help explain superconductivity and magnetism.

Japanese Designer Turns Soil Into a Power Source

A Japanese designer is testing a system that generates electricity from soil and compost. His project uses 1,500 boxes to power 800 LEDs and explore sustainable energy possibilities.

Used Diapers Could Help Crops Hold More Water

Researchers found that gel recovered from discarded diapers can retain water in sandy soil similarly to commercial hydrogels. Scientists say further research is needed to address sterilization and costs.

🌧️ Heavy rains and flooding damaged 288 houses in Zambales, with authorities continuing damage assessments and relief operations under a province-wide state of calamity. (Read more)

🎒 Two schools in Mindanao adopted a transparent bag policy to strengthen campus security following the deadly Ateneo de Zamboanga shooting incident. (Read more)

📈 Japan reaffirmed its A- credit rating outlook for the Philippines, citing stable economic fundamentals despite ongoing global and domestic challenges. (Read more)

🌪️ Agriculture and infrastructure damage from Habagat and tropical cyclones Luis, Maymay, and Neneng reached P6.6 billion, the OCD reported. (Read more)

🏥 New PhilHealth acting president Beverly Lorraine Ho pledged to strengthen healthcare services, improve systems, and advance universal health coverage for Filipinos. (Read more)

More than 100 people died after a landslide buried an artisanal goldmine in western Central African Republic. Rescue workers recovered bodies, while officials warned that the death toll could increase.

11-year-old From Illinois Becomes Youngest Museum Curator

Anderson Taylor, an 11-year-old dinosaur fan from Illinois, earned a Guinness World Records title as the world’s youngest male museum curator after opening his museum at age nine.

Costa Rican Mother Builds Home With Recycled Plastic

Cindy Mora Abarca saved for nine years to buy land, then built her family home using seven tonnes of recycled plastic, turning waste into useful construction materials.

📝 Homemade cartoon Niu Lai turns viral mockery into a stunning box office triumph. (Read more)

📝 Mysterious ‘TS’ logos spark Taylor Swift frenzy across New York. (Read more)

📝 Cockroach crawls into sleeping woman’s ear in Romblon. (Watch here)

📝 Cendaña warns of legal action over online mockery of his appearance. (Read more)