A seamless interplay of storytelling, seasonal narratives, and culinary heritage transported guests to Tohoku and Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost regions, where endless discovery awaits. A love letter of invitation that seeks to invite more tourists to rediscover their charm, beyond the beloved tourist trails. Each course was a tribute to the seasonality and regional ingredients of Hokkaido and Tohoku, ranging from the briny freshness of summer seafood to comforting stews evocative of winter hearths. He encouraged guests to discover the rich regional cultures and seasonal nuances of destinations like Hokkaido and Tohoku. “We hope today’s experience becomes a memorable window into how Japan’s seasons are deeply reflected in its cuisine, traditions, and way of life,” he shared.

Philippines finds new gas field east of Malampaya, says MarcosMANILA, Philippines — A significant natural gas discovery has been made near the Malampaya gas field, marking the Philippines’ first major gas find in more than a decade. Speaking on the discovery in a video message on Monday, January 19, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said around 98 billion cubic feet of natural gas was found about five kilometers east of the Malampaya field, offshore Palawan. The find comes as the Malampaya gas field — the country’s only producing offshore gas facility — is expected to run dry within a few years. But the new natural gas field's volume is enough to supply power to about 5.7 million homes for a year, Marcos said. Aside from natural gas, the discovery also includes condensate, a high-value liquid fuel that can help support efforts to stabilize the country’s power supply.

Nonperforming loans ratio eases modestly in NovemberFrom AB Capital's The Opening Bell: Three MovesEventThe BSP reported that gross NPL ratio eased in November to 3.32% (vs 3.33% in Oct-25 and 3.54% in Nov-24) with improvements noted across consumer and corporate segments as repayment patterns slowly normalize. CatalystSustained NPL improvement is sensitive to employment and income trends, fiscal support, and credit growth. A significant GDP rebound could reduce NPL ratios further toward pre-pandemic levels; a renewed macro slowdown might stall or reverse progress, especially in consumer segments. ActionFor banks, we favor those with high CASA ratios and diversified books that can navigate credit cycles with limited margin deterioration. It is not to be construed as an offer or solicitation of an offer to sell or buy the securities herein mentioned.

Philippine Airlines unveiled on Saturday its longest and most advanced aircraft yet! According to the aircraft carrier's website, the plane is powered by twin Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 turbofan engines and can go as fast as 590 miles per hour. Its 42 fully-flat seats for business class look like a private hangar with its own sliding door, USB ports, and integrated wireless docks. The business class has a 1-2-1 configuration. The 24 premium economy seats have wider recliners, comfortable footrests and legrests, and a private mini cocktail table; while its 316 ergonomic seats for economy class have an integrated personal mobile device with USB charging ports, and a 4-way headrest.

Marcos faces first impeachment complaint filed in HouseMANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. now formally faces an impeachment case after the first complaint was filed on Monday, January 19. Lawyer Andre de Jesus, who filed the complaint with the House Office of the Secretary General, was the only complainant. Speaking to reporters, De Jesus said the impeachment complaint is anchored on three grounds: culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, and betrayal of public trust. De Jesus, however, laid out other reasons for the impeachment complaint. With an impeachment complaint filed against Marcos and another anticipated against Duterte, Congress faces the prospect of deciding whether the country’s top officials could lose their posts.

China's Q4 GDP grows 4.5 percent y/y, just ahead of market forecastThe Chinese national flag is seen in Beijing, China April 29, 2020.

'Ada' weakens but monsoon risks remainRelative position of tropical cyclone 'Ada' (international name Nokaen) as seen in a satellite rendering as of 5 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026. MANILA, Philippines — Tropical cyclone "Ada" (international name Nokaen) has weakened into a tropical depression, but monsoon-enhanced winds and hazardous sea conditions may continue to affect several areas, the state weather bureau said. “Continuous dry air entrainment from the northeast monsoon is expected to result in gradual weakening,” PAGASA said, adding that Ada may weaken into a low-pressure area by Wednesday, though earlier weakening remains possible. Sea conditions of up to 4.0 meters are expected along the eastern seaboards of Isabela and mainland Cagayan. PAGASA advised small seacrafts and motorbancas not to venture out to sea under these conditions, especially if ill-equipped or inexperienced.

Bank loan payments improve as rates easePreliminary data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas showed the banking system’s non-performing loan (NPL) ratio eased to 3.32 percent in November from 3.33 percent in October. Bad loans ratio drops to 3.3% in NovemberMANILA, Philippines — The quality of loans held by Philippine banks showed improvement in November last year as fewer borrowers fell behind on their payments, helped by lower interest rates and continued growth in lending. Preliminary data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas showed the banking system’s non-performing loan (NPL) ratio eased to 3.32 percent in November from 3.33 percent in October. He also said the continued double-digit growth in bank lending helped mathematically reduce the NPL ratio by widening the loan base, especially as banks strengthened credit risk management in line with global best practices. As of end-November last year, banks’ past due loans increased by 9.5 percent to P695.98 billion from P635.48 billion a year ago, bringing the past due ratio to 4.24 percent.

Eala revved-up for battleMANILA, Philippines — With an entire nation and millions of other supporters around the globe behind her, Alex Eala threads an uncharted territory as she makes her Australian Open main draw debut today. Eala and Parks slug it out at Court 6 of the Melbourne Park in Victoria. Winner of the AO girls doubles in 2020 with Indonesian pal Priska Madelyn Nugroho, Eala ranks higher as the WTA No. In front of the watching Roger Federer, Sabalenka clawed back to deuce but then misfired again to fall a game down in front of a shocked Rod Laver Arena. Sabalenka said she had felt pressure with Federer and Rod Laver watching court-side.

Made in the PhilippinesThe big difference between the Philippines and the Asian nations (South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam) that have overtaken our economy over the last 40 years is having a robust manufacturing sector. Filipino baby boomers like me remember our growing up years and how “Made in the Philippines” was dismissed as inferior, bad quality. Francisco Motors chairman Elmer Francisco told Bilyonaryo.com they faced hurdles from the Fiscal Incentives Review Board that made it difficult to proceed. Having a good industrial policy is getting a second look as dissatisfaction increases with liberalization outcomes. Dr. Toots Albert of PIDS pointed out in a response to a Facebook post, that the Philippines’ long-standing reliance on open markets alone has not delivered sustained industrial upgrading, export diversification or productivity growth.

From what I gathered online, in 2019, Chinese visitors totaled somewhere between 1.7 million to 1.9 million in one year. In terms of revenues, reports claim that the Chinese visitors spent $2.3 billion during their accumulated stay in the country. What many people did not talk about is that in 2022, only 39,627 Chinese visitors arrived. While the Philippines was losing out on the tourism and economic front from China, the rest of our neighbors quietly pivoted from antagonism to diplomacy. All the saber-rattling and huffing and puffing between China and the Philippines may be understandable, but it is also unproductive.

AFP debunks claims of military divisionThe AFP said claims of withdrawal of support for President Marcos and shifting allegiance to Vice President Sara Duterte are fake news and disinformation. MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) warned the public against “disinformation” in social media posts claiming divisions within the military, political realignments or senior officers backing a political personality. The AFP said claims of withdrawal of support for President Marcos and shifting allegiance to Vice President Sara Duterte are fake news and disinformation. “Let us be clear… Our loyalty is to the Constitution and the Filipino people – not to any political figure or agenda,” the AFP said. The AFP urged the public “to be vigilant and verify information from credible and official sources, and refrain from sharing unverified content, saying it only fuels division and instability.”

Russian vlogger deportedMANILA, Philippines — After nine months in detention, Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy was deported on Saturday, according to the Bureau of Immigration. “Zdorovetskiy harassed and humiliated several Filipinos. Zdorovetskiy has been included in the BI’s blacklist to prevent him from reentering the Philippines, Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said. Zdorovetskiy also harassed a security guard, stole a heavy-duty electric fan and hijacked a tricycle, which he crashed into a parked jeepney. Those who engage in harassment or disruptive acts undermine public order and will be sanctioned,” Viado said.

Each of them stressed they’ve always thought of Art Fair as an experience that is always changing, a moveable feast of culture encounters. Dindin was proud of their efforts to finally include work by the late Constancio Bernardo and Solomon Saprid at Art Fair. Developing audiences for contemporary artConsistent with its mission to develop audiences for contemporary art, the fair also presents ArtFairPH/Talks in partnership with the Ateneo Art Gallery and the Museum Foundation of the Philippines. “Beyond the fair itself, we are excited to establish and relaunch Art Walk by Ayala Land, a growing initiative that will run in parallel to Art Fair Philippines and extend art beyond designated moments and prescribed spaces. Art Walk by Ayala Land is what happens when art refuses to stay still.

That’s the amount that dismissed public works undersecretary Roberto Bernardo has reportedly promised in restitution to the state. How much more could have gone in kickbacks to higher ranking officials who had a say in public works projects? Still, working stiffs like you and me can’t help wondering how much in ill-gotten wealth state witnesses get to keep, if they can give up P1 billion and fleets of luxury vehicles. When suspects turn state witnesses, you wonder: what’s in it for them? Fadullon said the amounts are approximations based on the public works projects wherein the suspects had a hand.