Stranger thingsNo, this is not about the popular Netflix series which I have not gotten around to watching. However, after watching with a mixture of fascination and disbelief the more than hour-long rambling speech of the US President at Davos, I could not help but acknowledge that the whole world has been living in a “Stranger Things” scenario, minus perhaps the sci-fi elements but complete with all the strange things we are seeing and hearing from the leader of a once respected global power. In the past, we ourselves were among those countries whose leader was called a dictator. Unfortunately, as noted by economists of AMRO, the Philippines is not benefiting from the shifting global structure in terms of investments. For this year, AMRO now projects growth to reach 5.3 percent, down from its previous projection of growth in 2026 of 5.5 percent.

Wasting a crisisBSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr. said it right. “Last year’s crisis can be the jolt we need to pursue the bold reforms we want.”The Governor said reforms are essential to restoring investor confidence and sustaining strong economic growth. My colleagues at the Foundation for Economic Freedom have long believed that we should never waste a good crisis as an opportunity to introduce reforms. But our politicians are resistant to such reforms that reduce or eliminate their ability to steal from the government with impunity. But in the context of a sub-zero trust rating for BBM, words are no longer enough.

LTFRB: 90% of PUV operators consolidatedMANILA, Philippines — Nearly 90 percent of public utility vehicle (PUV) operators have consolidated under the Public Transport Modernization Program or PTMP, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board reported yesterday. LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza II said the agency is returning five-year franchises to consolidated transport groups. Unconsolidated PUV operators are still allowed to operate on certain routes under existing department orders while their consolidation is pending, the LTFRB said. Based on the report of LTFRB regional offices, Mendoza said almost 90 percent of PUV operators have consolidated. Meanwhile, the LTFRB is also exploring GPS-based improvements to enhance service for commuters, by providing more accurate predictions of jeepney arrival and departure times.

Sinners, a Segregation-era vampire thriller starring Michael B. Jordan, stormed into the awards race with the most Academy Award nominations of any film this year, landing a record 16 nods. Winners of the gold Oscar statuettes will be chosen by the roughly 10,000 actors, producers, directors, and film craftspeople who make up the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Walt Disney's DIS.N ABC will broadcast the awards, and comedian Conan O'Brien will host for the second straight year. Here are the nominees for the 2026 Oscars. Train Dreams, Train DreamsBest SoundF1FrankensteinOne Battle After AnotherSinnersSirâtTrain DreamsBest Visual Effects

Davao still Philippines' most traffic-clogged city — indexMotorists endure heavy traffic at the Matina Pangi and Matina Aplaya areas in Davao City on Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023. MANILA, Philippines — Davao City has once again topped the list of the Philippines’ most traffic-congested cities in 2025, ranking 12th globally and fourth in Asia. Worldwide, the city with the highest traffic congestion is Mexico City, Mexico, with a congestion level of 75.9%. Meanwhile, Manila ranked as the second most traffic congested city in the Philippines, with 57% average congestion. The 14th edition of the TomTom Traffic Index included traffic data in more than 500 cities across 62 countries.

MANILA, Philippines — Fugitive gaming tycoon Atong Ang is possibly in Cambodia, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said. Magcocoordinate na ang ating PNP (Philippine National Police) para makakuha ng more solid information,” he said. (The PNP is now coordinating to gather more solid information.) Wala pang nagpapakita ng solid proof na nandon siya,” Remulla said. Despite his surrender of firearms, the DILG chief said that Ang is still considered “armed and dangerous.”“But despite the surrender of his firearms, we still consider him armed and dangerous.

While there’s no single magic day to book, travel experts agree that starting your search at the right time can help you snag better deals. "For passengers looking for very low fares such as PISO fare, it should be six to nine months in advance," he said. "For typical domestic trips, it’s ideal to start looking for flights at least one to three months in advance," she said. Magno said that in both situations, the ideal approach is to still book around six months in advance. "If it's a really cheap fare, like PISO fare plus taxes, then they should usually book right away as it will be gone in an hour or so.

Frankie, the mascot for Nathan's Famous hot dogs, excites the audience at the official weigh-in ceremony, ahead of the Coney Island's 2025 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest in New York City, U.S., July 3, 2025.

Real Madrid top rich list again but Liverpool move upLiverpool lead their English rivals in the rich list for the first time.

Czech police detain person suspected of working with Chinese intelligencePeople walk on the Charles Bridge after snow in Prague, the Czech Republic, Nov. 19, 2022. (Photo by Dana Kesnerova/Xinhua)

Apple iPhones are seen inside India's first Apple retail store during a media preview, a day ahead of its launch in Mumbai, India, April 17, 2023.

New Zealand landslips kill at least two, others missingPhoto by DJ MILLS / AFP A couple looks at a landslide while a search is underway by local emergency services for missing people at Mount Maunganui in Tauranga on January 22, 2026.

Domestic workers in the National Capital Region are set to receive an additional P800 in their minimum wage starting Feb. 7. The Department of Labor and Employment, through the National Wages and Productivity Commission, announced on Thursday, Jan. 22, that kasambahays will now earn a new minimum monthly wage of P7,800 from the previous P7,000, under Wage Order No. If a domestic worker is hired through a licensed Private Employment Agency, the client must pay the wage specified in the order. The worker’s employment contract must be updated to reflect this wage. The move will benefit general househelpers, yayas, cooks, gardeners, laundry personnel, and anyone who performs domestic work in a single household on an occupational basis, excluding service providers, family drivers, and those who do domestic work only occasionally and not as an occupation.

CityU ranks 1st for 'Industry' and 'International Outlook' in THE Asia University Rankings

Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, meets with Maltese Foreign Minister Ian Borg, in Malta, on Sept 16, 2023. (PHOTO / XINHUA)