Philippine News

November 28 ------ The U.S. dollar headed for its steepest weekly drop in four months as investors bet on further monetary easing, amid pressure from President Donald Trump to cut rates. The yen edged 0.10 per cent higher to 156.33 per dollar, helped by a hawkish turn in tone from Bank of Japan officials. U.S. markets are shut for Thanksgiving, leaving liquidity thin and amplifying trading moves. "That could be an attractive environment for Japanese authorities to intervene i

NEW YORK/LONDON, November 28 ------ Oil prices rose as market participants weighed the likelihood that talks to end the war in Ukraine will yield an agreement, with trading volume thin due to the Thanksgiving holiday in the U.S. Brent crude futures settled up 21 cents, or 0.2 per cent, at $63.34 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures were up 45 cents, or 0.8 per cent, at $59.10 a barrel by 1:46 p.m. ET (1846 GMT). The market is swinging between hope and skeptici

November 28 ------ Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukrainian and U.S. delegations are to meet this week to work out a formula discussed at talks in Geneva to bring peace and provide security guarantees for Kyiv. "Our team, together with American representatives, will meet at the end of this week to continue to bring closer the points we have as a result of (talks in) Geneva in a form that will lead us on the path to peace and security guarantees," Zelensky sa

November 28 ------ A surprise US plan to end the nearly four-year war in Ukraine stunned Kyiv and Europe last week, as they viewed it as echoing Russia’s demands. Over the weekend, officials from the United States, Ukraine, and Europe scrambled at emergency talks in Geneva to revise the 28-point blueprint. Moscow, which in turn held talks with Washington in Abu Dhabi this week, described the ongoing negotiations as “serious”. Though the amended plan has not been disclosed, it

November 27 ------ Luka Doncic scored 24 of his 43 points in the first quarter and finished with 13 assists and 9 rebounds as the host Los Angeles Lakers notched a 135-118 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers to clinch West Group B of the NBA Cup. Austin Reaves scored 18 of his 31 points in the fourth quarter and collected 9 rebounds for the Lakers, who won their fifth consecutive game. LeBron James added 25 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists, and Rui Hachimura had 13 points.

MANILA, November 27 ------ Host Philippines battles Group A leader Argentina Thursday night, raring to deliver a strong performance in its last appearance at the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig. Though already out of contention for the quarterfinals after opening losses to Poland (0-6) and Morocco (2-3), the gritty Filipina5 vow to go all out in the 8:30 p.m. duel with the unbeaten La Albiceleste as a treat for loyal supporters. “It’s

November 27 ------ THE Kansas City Chiefs overcame both a double-digit fourth-quarter deficit and a botched face mask call to salvage their season in Week 12. Referee Alex Moore’s crew got it wrong when Jawaan Taylor was whistled for a face mask penalty that erased a tying touchdown by Travis Kelce in Kansas City’s 23-20 win over the Indianapolis Colts. CBS analyst Tony Romo got it wrong, too, when he suggested Chiefs coach Andy Reid could have challenged the dubious call. Th

MANILA, Philippines, November 27 ------ The Final Four cast in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament is now complete. The La Salle Green Archers clinched the fourth and last semifinal spot after overcoming rival Ateneo Blue Eagles in the final game of the elimination round, 78-72, at the Araneta Coliseum. With the victory, the Green Archers set up a Final Four clash with the top-seeded NU Bulldogs and avoided a three-way tie, as well as a stepladder for the No. 4 se

November 27 ------ SB19 ushers in the holiday season with their newest single, “Make It Merry,” a warm and easygoing track that leans into the nostalgia, excitement, and quiet comforts that come with Christmas. At a time when the holidays can feel hectic — crowded malls, long lists, and back-to-back gatherings — the group offers a reminder of what many Filipinos hold close: the joy of giving, the importance of family, and the small moments that make the season shine. “Make It

November 27 ------ Just days before gracefully passing on the illustrious title of Mrs. Asia Pacific Intercontinental 2024, Rhodessa Montano Belen found herself reflecting on a remarkable journey. It was a path rich with inspiring moments and transformative experiences that fueled her passion for celebrating empowerment and leadership. "Last year, I was one of the winners at the Mrs. Asia Pacific International Pageant, a prestigious event that celebrates empowered married wom

November 27 ------ Cyrille Payumo has jetted off to Vietnam to compete in Miss Charm 2025. “En route to Miss Charm! I’m carrying your love and all the Filipino pride with me,” Cyrille said in an Instagram post ahead of her departure. At the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the beauty queen donned a modern mesh terno and white mini skirt with a train by Steve Gen. She also teased fans and the media with her pasarela and introduction, and thanked everybody for their support.

November 27 ------ Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel just hit a million followers on Instagram earlier this week after pageant fans urged netizens to give her a follow. This comes after comments were made by Miss Universe Organization president Raul Rocha about the beauty queen not even reaching a million followers, saying she only had around 800,000 during her stint as Miss Universe. R’Bonney had less than one million followers earlier this week, but netizens were quick to

MANILA, Philippines, November 27 ------ Seven congressmen who are owners of construction firms that have contracts with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) have been recommended for prosecution by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure. Also, on ICI’s list – the eighth – was resigned party-list representative and fugitive Zaldy Co. The lawmakers – mockingly called “cong-tractors” – “appeared” to have violated the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and

MANILA, November 27 ------ Tropical cyclone Verbena (international name Koto) has exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and is forecast to continue intensifying within the next 12 hours, the weather bureau said in its 5 a.m. bulletin. The cyclone has intensified, packing maximum sustained winds of 110 kph near the center, and gustiness of up to 135 kph, according to the advisory of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (

MANILA, November 27 ------ The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said that there have been no confirmed reports "at this time" of Filipinos killed or injured in the level 5 fire in Hong Kong. "The DFA, through the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong, has not, as of this time, received any confirmed reports of Filipinos killed or injured as a result of the Level 5 fire at a residential complex in Tai Po in New Territories, Hong Kong," it said. However, the DFA said it

MANILA, November 27 ------ Filipinos traveling abroad can now apply online for travel tax exemption, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) said. TIEZA said it is enhancing its Online Travel Tax Services System (OTTSS) to help millions of passengers. TIEZA Chief Operating Officer Mark Lapid said that in line with the government’s ease of doing business initiatives, TIEZA now supports the online application for the Travel Tax Exemption Certificate and

November 27 ------ Ship recycling can play an important role in decarbonizing the European steel and construction sectors, according to the NGO Shipbreaking Platform’s new position paper. The coalition participated in the European Commission’s consultation on the upcoming Circular Economy Act. As explained, with a significant number of ships expected to reach the end of their service life in the coming years, ship recycling presents a strategic opportunity to achieve not only

November 27 ------ Ukraine is continuing its efforts to increase pressure on Russia, with the latest action being the imposition of sanctions on vessels exporting grain and other food crops from the occupied ports in Crimea. It follows previous actions that have included seizing ships that entered the closed ports, as well as the prosecution of the captain of vessels accused of exporting crops and other materials from Crimea. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed the decree on

November 27 ------ Three seafarers have reportedly been injured in a fire aboard a boxship at the port of Wilmington, Delaware, according to local media. At about 0930, the crew of the container ship Chiquita Voyager reported a fire in the engine room. The blaze started with a generator and grew in size, according to local First State Update. Two crewmembers were initially reported missing. The Wilmington Fire Department responded to the scene and deployed multiple units, inc

November 27 ------ The China Tourism Group reports that it will be leading an effort to boost the cruise ship market that includes the consolidation of the management of the various brands that have been launched in China. It is one of several initiatives by the Chinese government to consolidate industries where it sees strong potential but believes have lagged in performance. A new company called Huaxia was launched as a subsidiary of China Tourism and China COSCO Shipping G