Good morning! Your daily coffee could soon cost more, and the peso just hit another record low. Meanwhile, SSS is looking beyond Philippine markets, Filipino coffee growers are eyeing Japan, and scientists are making some unusual discoveries. From your morning brew to global breakthroughs, here's what matters this Monday.

Stay Sharp.

Coffee lovers may soon feel the pinch. The Philippine Coffee Board expects local coffee output to fall below 30,000 metric tons this year, down from 35,650 MT in 2025, as El Niño and higher farm costs hit production.

Imported beans are not offering much relief. Brazilian arabica now costs around ₱650 to ₱750 per kilo, while Benguet beans can reach ₱900. Global arabica stockpiles have also fallen to their lowest level since 1999.

Small independent cafés could be hit hardest because larger chains can buy in bulk and absorb higher costs. Industry officials say price increases could appear by December and last into early 2027.

Some cafés are already changing blends to keep cups affordable without raising prices too quickly.

SSS Seeks Adviser for Global Investment Push

The Social Security System is seeking an investment consultant under a two-year contract worth up to ₱50 million to guide its expansion into global markets. The adviser will help with overseas asset allocation, risk management and external fund managers. SSS can invest up to 7.5% of its assets abroad, but investment decisions will remain with its board.

JT Group Bets ¥800 Billion on Heated Tobacco

Japan Tobacco Group plans to invest ¥800 billion, or about $5.1 billion, in reduced-risk products from 2026 to 2028, prioritizing its Ploom heated tobacco brand. Heated tobacco accounts for 48% of Japan’s smoking market, compared with 13% across other markets where these products are available. The strategy aims to offset declining cigarette demand.

Peso May Recover as Fed Holds Rates

The Philippine peso could regain ground against the US dollar if the US Federal Reserve keeps interest rates unchanged, analysts told BusinessWorld. The peso closed at a record-low ₱63.615 per dollar on October 23. A Fed rate hold could limit dollar strength, although elevated oil prices and domestic inflation risks may continue to pressure the currency.

The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons routed the University of the East Red Warriors, 101-70, in UAAP Season 89 on Sunday, reclaiming solo first place in the men’s basketball standings. (Read more)

Michael Sager Wins Praise for PBB Hosting Skills

Michael Sager earned positive reactions after joining “Pinoy Big Brother Collab 3.0” as a host, with fans revisiting his 2020 vlog where he practiced hosting and dreamed of entering Kuya’s house. (Read More)

‘Filipiñana’ Star’s Family Seeks Government Aid

The family of actress Jorrybell Agoto appealed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Senator Imee Marcos and Representative Sandro Marcos for financial help as she remains in critical condition battling lymphoma. (Read More)

Microsoft researchers reported that an AI diagnostic tool outperformed general physicians by more than twice in solving complex medical cases by asking questions, evaluating examinations, and ordering tests sequentially. (Read more)

Four-Legged Robot Solves Giant Rubik’s Cube Without Using Its Hands

ETH Zurich’s ANYmal-D robot solved a giant Rubik’s Cube using its legs while maintaining balance. The feat combined computer vision, classical algorithms, and reinforcement learning. (Read More)

Algae-Powered Soft Robot Arm Uses Light to Grasp and Lift Small Objects

Researchers at Delft University of Technology developed a soft robotic arm powered by light and covered with microalgae. The device can bend, grasp, and lift small objects, including metal balls. (Read More)


AI Could Turn Scientific Papers Into Research Assistants

Researchers are exploring AI tools that transform scientific papers into research assistants. One method reportedly works faster and more accurately than general-purpose AI, potentially improving access to scientific knowledge. (Read More)

Scientists Identify Mushroom Linked to Visions of Tiny Humans in China and the Philippines

Scientists have identified Lanmaoa asiatica, a mushroom linked to reports of people seeing tiny, colorful human figures after eating it in China and the Philippines, a phenomenon documented for decades.

Antarctica’s “Doomsday Glacier” Could Double Sea Level Rise Estimates

A revised model by UC Irvine and NASA researchers estimates Thwaites Glacier could raise sea levels by up to 30 millimeters by 2100, twice previous projections, even without additional warming.

Robot Arthur Becomes First in UK to Scan Hands for Arthritis

Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading is using Arthur, a robotic scanner paired with AI, to detect rheumatoid arthritis and help patients receive scan results and treatment plans on the same day.

‘Phoenix’ Planet May Have Formed Around a Dead Star

Astronomers discovered a possible “phoenix” planet orbiting a white dwarf, suggesting planetary systems may form anew after their original stars die, offering new insights into how planets evolve.

🌦️ PAGASA expects relatively cool weather in parts of the Philippines despite a projected Super El Niño, with conditions varying across regions. (Read more)

📊 A survey for the 2028 Senate elections placed Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte near the top, while actor Dingdong Dantes entered the Magic 12. (Read more)

🚔 Police will coordinate with foreign counterparts to investigate findings at Thomas Markle’s residence amid a probe involving Meghan Markle’s father. (Read more)

⚖️ Ombudsman ordered charges against six DPWH personnel and seven private individuals over alleged ₱491.9-million right-of-way fraud in General Santos City. (Read more)

🐷 The Department of Agriculture plans to suspend pork import permits for selected cuts for 60 days starting mid-November to support local hog raisers. (Read more)

Government surveys reveal that over a third of hiring and support organizations have failed to secure registered Japanese language teachers required for incoming workers under new visa guidelines.

South Korean Doctor Fined Nearly ₱1 Million Over Patient’s Death During Acupuncture

A South Korean court fined a doctor 20 million won after a 92-year-old patient died from a heart muscle tear during acupuncture. Prosecutors cited failures to assess risks and respond promptly to symptoms.

British Woman Dies Tragically While Attempting to Rescue Sons on Bahamas Snorkeling Trip

 Local authorities and family members report that a mother lost her life after jumping into open waters to save her children from treacherous currents.

📝 Ateneo senior high students honor departing security guards with heartfelt farewell and appreciation gifts. (Read more)

📝 Sorsogon City jail inmates turn artistic talents into colorful paintings through livelihood and skills training program. (Read more)

📝 Jodi Sta. Maria reacts to fan’s satirical post about her being thrifty with pencils. (Watch here)

📝 Bakery staff sing happy birthday to youngster celebrating alone. (Watch here)