K-pop boy group Tomorrow X Together (TXT) is set to return to the Philippines for a solo concert in August. As part of its world tour dubbed "Act: Sweet Mirage," TXT will delight Filipino "MOA" fans at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan on August 13. Kpop boy group 'TXT' INSTAGRAM PHOTO/TXT_BIGHITOFFICIALLocal concert promoter Live Nation PH shared on Twitter, "Filo MOA, Get ready for Tomorrow X Together World Tour in Bulacan! The group made its debut in 2019 with the EP "The Dream Chapter: Star," which topped Billboard's World Album list. The group was named best new male artist at the MAMA Awards the same year.

The four-year-old reptile is a Siamese crocodile, which is an endangered species originated from Southeast Asia. Siamese crocodiles are protected species under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Wild Siamese crocodiles are rare and usually found in breeding environments. "We believe we are able to provide suitable care to the Siamese crocodile," Chuk said, adding that the park has been breeding a similar-sized crocodile. "We will consider keeping the crocodile if Siamese crocodiles become a part of education and conservation projects," Chuk added.

El Niño Alert: PAGASA says phenomenon of hot, dry weather now more likelyA farmer checks the dry soil on his farm in this 2019 file photo. MANILA, Philippines — The state weather bureau issued Tuesday an El Niño Alert, indicating a high chance the weather phenomenon associated with dry spells and drought will develop within the next two months. In a statement, PAGASA said the probability of El Niño developing during the June to August season has increased to 80%. PAGASA said that El Niño increases the likelihood of below-normal rainfall conditions, which could result in dry spells and droughts in some areas of the Philippines. PAGASA earlier urged the public to conserve water as El Niño can deplete water supplies.

One post in April warned of an alleged plot by Muslims to “multiply their population to take control of India”. A forecast issued the same year from the Pew Research Center said that India’s Muslim community would grow to 311 million by 2050. But despite their growing share of the national population, Muslims would remain a small minority in a country of 1.7 billion people by mid-century, according to the US-based think tank’s projections. One Facebook post sarcastically greeted news that India’s population had overtaken China’s by thanking Muslims “for producing 5-10 children” each. Quraishi, has written extensively on the spread of disinformation about the country’s Muslim birthrate.

HSBC (0005) is projected to have more than doubled its pre-tax profit in the first quarter of this year from 12 months ago. The bank is also expected to announce the resumption of a quarterly dividend of between 8 to 10 US cents (62.4 to 78 HK cents) today. HSBC said last month that the planned disposal could be delayed or fail as interest rate hikes increase the buyer's capital requirements. Net interest income is forecast to rise to around US$9 billion while the net interest margin is expected to reach 1.66 percent by investment banks. A US$2 billion share repurchase may be carried out this year, said Goldman Sachs, who maintained a buy rating for HSBC with a target price of HK$75.

MANILA, Philippines — All workers can avail of free train rides at the Light Rail Transit 2 and Metro Rail Transit 3 in line with the celebration of Labor Day today, Monday. According to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), workers can avail the free rides from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. by just showing their company ID or government-issued ID to security personnel at train stations. ADVERTISEMENT“The Libreng Sakay (Free Ride) is MRT-3’s simple way to show the line’s tribute to all the workers who support our country’s economy. May this bring them joy and a little comfort on their special day,” said Assistant Transportation Secretary Jorjette Aquino, who is also the MRT-3 officer in charge. “The PNP will assist in all lawful and peaceful activities in commemoration of Labor Day,” he said.

A man plunged to death by jumping off a building after attacking his wife with a wooden rod in Tseung Kwan O early Monday morning. A 71-year-old man surnamed So attacked his 65-year-old wife, surnamed Lee, at their Hau Tak Estate apartment at around 3 am after tempers flared. Lee was struck on the head, and after a short while, So jumped out from the kitchen windows of the apartment. The police have not discovered a suicide letter and seized the 50-cm-long wooden stick used in the assault, listing the case as an assault and suicide case. Below is a list of 24-hour hotlines that ensure people can get help in time:The Samaritan Befrienders Hong Kong: 2389 2222The Samaritans: 2896 0000Suicide Prevention Services: 2382 0000Richmond Fellowship of Hong Kong – Justone: 3512 2626Caritas Family Crisis Support Centre: 18288

Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said China has agreed to discuss fishing rights in the South China Sea, as he pushed for a "direct communication line" with Beijing on maritime differences. China has agreed to "sit down" and talk about Filipinos' fishing rights in the South China Sea, Marcos said, adding he has asked the Philippine Coast Guard and the Department of Foreign Affairs "to put together...a map of these fishing grounds" that will be presented to Beijing. The Philippines accused China's coast guard on Friday of "aggressive tactics" following a recent incident during a Philippine coast guard patrol close to the Philippines-held Second Thomas Shoal, a flashpoint for previous altercations located 105 nautical miles (195 km) off its coast. The United States has urged China to stop harassing Philippine vessels in the South China Sea, while Beijing said it was willing to handle maritime differences with countries of concern through friendly consultations, while warning Washington against interference. China claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, with a "nine-dash line" on maps that stretches more than 1,500 km (930 miles) off its mainland and cuts into the exclusive economic zones of Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia.

The pace of rate hike is the fastest in 40 years and the largest in such a short time. One more move shoul be enoughMany investors in the bond market are anticipating a final 25-basis point hike at the upcoming meeting. The FOMC’s latest “dot-plot” forecast indicates only one more rate hike this year. As the Fed approaches its last hike, there is a possibility that the US dollar may remain weak, which could provide further support for the pound and euro. Very dangerousDespite the recent slowdown in inflation and the possibility that this could be the Fed’s last rate hike, it would be risky for the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to change its monetary tightening policy ahead of the Fed.

Plastic manTo be human now is to be partly plastic. An article last week from the New York Times was about how we have ingested plastic nanoparticles into our bodies. “There is plastic in our bodies; it’s in our lungs and in our bowels and in the blood that pulses through us,” the NYT article begins. According to Ocean Conservancy and McKinsey (2015), the Philippines is the third-ranking contributor to plastic pollution in the world, with at least 2.7 million metric tons of plastic waste generated every year. But we are partly plastic now, so maybe that’s why many of us can’t help being… plastic.

ORMOC CITY — A construction worker died after touching a live wire of the Samar Electric Cooperative 1 while painting a roof in Barangay Hamorawon, Calbayog City, Samar at about 4:20 p.m. on Saturday, April 29. ADVERTISEMENTInitial investigation showed that Bolasa accidentally touched a live wire of the Samar Electric Cooperative 1. The victim’s body was brought to a local funeral house for the conduct of a post-mortem examination. RELATED STORY:Boom truck operator electrocuted in Northern SamarJPVINQUIRER.net wants to hear from you! Your subscription has been successful.

Rescuers were searching for four people Sunday after a boat carrying more than a dozen scuba divers sank at a World Heritage-listed marine sanctuary in the Philippines, authorities said. The Philippine Coast Guard said 28 people were rescued after "Dream Keeper" went down on Sunday morning in the pristine waters at Tubbataha Reef off the western province of Palawan. The owner of the vessel, a dive master and two guests were still missing, coast guard spokesman Rear Admiral Armando Balilo said. A coast guard vessel and about 10 dive boats were searching the waters. Despite its protected status, the marine sanctuary is under constant threat from illegal fishing and poaching, according to authorities.

"In my opinion, they were actually trying to take care of the babies and keep the babies alive," Capers told ABC's Houston station KTRK. "All the victims were from Honduras," Capers told reporters, adding that 10 people had been in the house at the time. The Honduran foreign minister, Enrique Reina, called on Twitter for the gunman to face "the full weight of the law." Texas authorities said an arrest warrant had been issued for Francisco Oropeza, a 39-year-old Mexican, charging him with five counts of murder. "We've got his Mexican consulate card," Capers said, adding that a security system at the victims' house "captured him coming up to the front door with a weapon."

Alisah Bonaobra dreams of Broadway, covers Angeline Quinto songMANILA, Philippines — “The X Factor UK” finalist Alisah Bonaobra said she wants to try her luck on Broadway. In an interview with the press, Alisah said she’s looking for auditions in the famed American theater scene. Alisah said that she also tried to audition for “The Voice US,” but the audition season was already closed. WATCH: Alisah Bonaobra sings her version of "Hanggang Kailan"“Sayang. Alisah visited the Philippines recently to promote her song “Hanggang Kailan,” a composer cut of Angeline Quinto’s hit song.

Before leaving for his four-day official visit to Washington, Marcos said on Sunday he would convey to Biden his determination to forge "an even stronger relationship" with the United States to "address the concerns of our times," including issues related to the economy. The senior U.S. administration official said it was impossible to underestimate the strategic importance of the Philippines, although the relationship was more than just about security. While Marcos was seeking good relations with both China and the United States, Manila was increasingly concerned about "provocative" diplomacy by Beijing and seeking stronger ties with allies, he said. Marcos' Washington visit comes after Philippines on Friday accused China's coast guard of "dangerous maneuvers" and "aggressive tactics" in the South China Sea. The official said the U.S. planned to enhance trilateral dialogue with Japan and the Philippines, and Marcos would have discussions at the Pentagon about joint maritime patrols.