Fuel price hikes seen next weekBased on the four-day trading in the Mean of Platts Singapore, local industry experts indicated a potential price increase of P1.20 to P1.40 per liter for diesel and P0.30 to P0.50 per liter for gasoline next week. MANILA, Philippines — January is set to close with another price hike at the pump, as geopolitical risks and stronger demand drive global oil prices higher. Based on the four-day trading in the Mean of Platts Singapore, local industry experts indicated a potential price increase of P1.20 to P1.40 per liter for diesel and P0.30 to P0.50 per liter for gasoline next week. Kerosene prices, meanwhile, could climb by around P0.45 per liter. Final price adjustments will be announced on Monday and will take effect the following day.

A woman holds a Venezuelan flag as people gather outside the U.S. Capitol during Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado's meeting with U.S. senators, following an earlier meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, in Washington, D.C., U.S., January 15, 2026. REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz

Purico's Cabin Resort Purico's Cabin Resort / InstagramIf you want a place that's just a two-hour drive from the Metro, check out Purico's Cabin Resort in Apalit, Pampanga. There are three types of units in the resort complex, but to fulfill your Heated Rivalry fantasy, opt for the three-bedroom pool cabin, which sleeps up to eight people. Laura's Place Laura's Place / FacebookIf you're eyeing a smaller but still cozy place, check out Laura's Place in Cabuyao, Laguna. Laura's Place / FacebookIt also comes with complete furniture and appliances, including a refrigerator, microwave, couch, television, and dining table. Laura's Place is located at Sitio Guinting, Barangay Casile, Cabuyao City, Laguna.

BTS is set to hold a free concert to mark their comeback in Seoul in March 2026. According to a Forbes report, the Seoul Metropolitan government granted conditional approval for the upcoming show, which will be held in Gwanghwamun Square. There's no date for the concert yet, but reports say BTS aims to take the stage between the dates of March 20 and 22. Meanwhile, the Chosun Daily reports that the show is tentatively titled "K-Heritage and K-POP Fusion Performance." We aim to reaffirm BTS's roots as a group in Korea and express our love for the country through this performance," HYBE said, as per the outlet.

Philippine Golf Championship to usher in Asian Tour seasonMANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Golf Championship is the new name of the season-opening event on the Asian Tour — officials confirmed Friday. “If we can host and organize world-class sports tourism events every month, we will do it — from WTA tennis to the Asian Tour,” said PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio. Last year, it was the presenting partner for the hugely successful International Series Philippines. The tournament is expected to have a world-class experience, draw golf fans and media attention as all eyes will be on Wack Wack Golf & Country Club in the first week of February. With the opening event of the season on the Asian Tour starting on home territory, he has the perfect opportunity to begin backing up last year with greater success.

Kim Chiu is selling her preloved items starting as low as P50. You have the chance to own some of the actress' personal pieces as she will be holding the Kim Chiu Closet Bazaar for five days. #KimChiuClosetBazaar2026 pic.twitter.com/Z9EXNu4rBc — kim chiu (@prinsesachinita) January 23, 2026The bazaar will be held from Jan. 28 to Feb. 1 at 33 Sct. The prices of the items will range from P50 to P2,000. All proceeds from the sale will be donated to charity.

The bar crawl of the year is arriving soon. For four nights, the Philippine Cocktail Week 2026 will turn four neighborhoods in Metro Manila into a veritable showcase of over 50 of the best bars in Manila and other parts of the world. Each night will focus on one neighborhood, with bars from China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Nepal, Singapore, and Thailand pairing with local ones. If you're a Maya Black credit card holder, you can enjoy 20% cashback on drinks at participating bars. If you'd prefer not to do your nightly crawl on foot, take a Grab and use the code PHCOCKTAILWEEK to get 30% off GrabCar rides to and from participating bars.

How much does Venezuela owe China, and why is oil involved? Crude oil drips from a valve at an oil well operated by Venezuela's state oil company PDVSA, in the oil rich Orinoco belt, near Morichal at the state of Monagas.

Russian vlogger nabbed over threat to spread HIVMANILA, Philippines — Four days after the deportation of Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy for harassing Filipinos in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, another Russian vlogger was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly threatening to spread human immunodeficiency virus or HIV in the Philippines. Chekhov went viral on social media after threatening to spread HIV in the country. The BI said Chekhov uploaded videos filmed in Taguig’s Bonifacio High Street, in which he made claims that he intended to spread HIV during his stay in the country. “Foreign nationals who come to the Philippines to spread alarm, disrespect our people and abuse our hospitality are not welcome and will face deportation,” Viado said. On Jan. 15, Estonian YouTuber Siim Roosipuu was nabbed and declared persona non grata in Dumaguete City for calling Filipinos as monkeys.

China summons PH ambassador, demands gov't rein in TarrielaMANILA, Philippines — China summoned the Philippine ambassador to Beijing on Thursday, January 22, to demand Manila "undo the negative impact" of Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela's recent public call-outs of Beijing's actions in the West Philippine Sea. They also accused the Philippine side of allowing him to make “misleading and baseless remarks” against China. The string of abrasive social media statements from Beijing's embassy began shortly after Ambassador Jing Quan arrived in Manila in early December 2025. Jing, who spent years as deputy chief of mission at the Chinese embassy in Washington, presented his credentials to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on December 11. The talk featured satirical images of Chinese President Xi Jinping alongside the text "Why China remains to be bully?"

Digital payments hit inflection point after 2025 surgeFrom AB Capital's The Opening Bell: Three MovesEventIn our view, the jump in InstaPay and PESONet transactions to P24.7tn in 2025, +42% value surge and a +217% volume spike, confirms that digital payments are entering scale territory. ViewWe think this shift reduces cash handling frictions and improves liquidity, supporting consumption and SME activity. We also think that high-frequency payments data may serve as a reliable proxy for near-term demand trends. CatalystThe BSP’s goal of digitalizing 60-70% of retail payments by 2028 depends on fee reductions and tighter anti-fraud controls. It is not to be construed as an offer or solicitation of an offer to sell or buy the securities herein mentioned.

Discover love and luck at the Lucky Feels Bazaar (February 1–28)Step into the heart of the celebration at the Lucky Feels Bazaar, a unified Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day pop-up bazaar that blends romance and prosperity in one exciting space. Step into festive photo-worthy Lucky Feels installations (February 1-28)Get into the celebration the moment you arrive as SM Supermalls transforms with vibrant Lucky Feels installations. Capture and Snap the Lucky Feels (February 1–28)Don’t miss the Snap the Lucky Feels photo spot, featuring a vibrant money tree adorned with ang paos, beautifully paired with a Valentine’s Day-inspired setup! Visit your most loved SM Mall, experience the Lucky Feels and create maxed out memories worth sharing. Leap into lucky vibes this Year of the Horse—only at SM Supermalls!

6 Philippines schools enter THE subject rankings’Undated photo shows the Oblation statue in the University of the Philippines campus in Diliman, Quezon City. MANILA, Philippines — Six universities in the Philippines have joined the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2026, where at least 11 subject areas were ranked. In arts and humanities, UP, Ateneo and DLSU ranked 601-800. In business and economics, UP ranked 801-1000 and DLSU joined the 1001+ bracket. In social sciences, Ateneo, DLSU, Mapua and UP ranked 801-1000, while UST joined the 1001+ bracket.

Atong in Cambodia or Thailand? DILG checkingMANILA, Philippines — The government is verifying information that Charlie “Atong” Ang has fled to Cambodia or Thailand, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said yesterday. “Raw information, according to Patidongan our star witness, he has access to Cambodia,” Remulla told reporters in a phone interview. Remulla said there were reports that Ang had online sabong or cockfighting operations in Cambodia, suggesting that he may have already established a network in the area, including parts of Thailand. “Of course, he earned P1 billion a day, it’s very easy to acquire firearms anywhere, even loose firearms,” he said.

Metro Manila domestic workers to get P800 pay hikeThe Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) has approved an increase of P800 in the monthly wage of kasambahays. MANILA, Philippines — Domestic workers in the National Capital Region will receive an increase in their monthly salary in February. The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) has approved an increase of P800 in the monthly wage of kasambahays. From P7,000, household workers in Metro Manila will receive P7,800 per month starting Feb. 7. The last minimum wage hike for Metro Manila domestic workers took effect on Jan. 4, 2025.