A news and information service for Filipino seafarers sponsored by the All Japan Seamen's Union, International Mariners Management Association of Japan and Philippine-Japan Manning Consultative Council, Inc.
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Chinese navy ship bombards PCG flight with radio challenges over Bajo de Masinloc
February 7, 2026
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HEADLINES
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Pokemon theme park opens in Tokyo
Number of Dual-Fuel Ships Nearly Doubled in 2025, and Strong Orderbook
EU Citizens Demand Strong Reform of Live Animal Transport
19K ships monitored in PH waters last January
After 4 postponements, Comelec open to holding first BARMM parliamentary elections in September
DOT: Travel tax supports tourism infrastructure, education
Philippines ramps up preparations for 2026 Asean Summit hosting
PNP boosts campaign vs AI-enabled online love scams
Fyang Smith, JM Ibarra’s ‘Almost Us’ to premiere in May
‘I’m Perfect’ stars, Ice Almeria sign with Nathan Studios artist management
Bea Alonzo set for 2026 TV comeback
Alex Eala climbs to career-best No. 45 in WTA rankings
LeBron, Curry, Durant reunite on NBA All-Star lineup
FULL NEWSPAPER
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
WHO seeks $1B to tackle health crises in 2026
GENEVA, February 8 ------ The World Health Organization (WHO) appealed for USD1 billion to respond to the world’s most severe health emergencies in 2026, warning that funding cuts have already forced thousands of facilities to shut and left millions without access to care.
"A quarter of a billion people are living through humanitarian crises that strip away the most basic protections: safety, shelter, and access to health care," Chikwe Ihekweazu, executive director of the WHO Health Emergencies Program, told a press briefing in Geneva.
He stressed that health needs are surging, whether due to injuries, disease outbreaks, malnutrition, or untreated chronic diseases, yet access to care is shrinking. Ihekweazu said the appeal aims to cover 36 crises, including Gaza and the Middle East, Sudan, Ukraine, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, and Myanmar. "Already, 2025 was an exceptionally difficult year," he said, adding that "global funding cuts forced 6,700 health facilities in 22 humanitarian settings to either close or reduce services, cutting 53 million people off from health care.” Families are facing "impossible decisions, such as whether to buy food or medicine," he said. "People should never have to make these choices."
Last year, the WHO responded to 50 emergencies in 82 countries, reaching more than 30 million people, supporting over 8,000 facilities and deploying more than 1,400 mobile clinics. "Health is priceless," Ihekweazu said. "Today, we again invite the world to invest in health." The US, a top donor to the WHO, officially withdrew from the organization in January.
Source: pna.gov.ph
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TOKYO, February 8 ------ The first permanent Pokémon theme park opened in Tokyo, featuring cute rides and a woodland area where visitors can try and “catch ‘em all.” It is Japan’s latest tourist attraction, catering to a record influx of overseas travelers, and tickets are already sold out for the next two months.
Visitors to PokePark Kanto, within Tokyo’s largest amusement park, Yomiuri Land, are greeted by statues of the electric mouse Pikachu and other creatures from the franchise. Pokémon — one of Japan’s top cultural exports — began in 1996 with video games on Nintendo’s Game Boy console.
Inspired by the Japanese summer childhood tradition of bug-collecting, players catch and train in battle hundreds of “pocket monsters.” The phenomenon has evolved since then to become wildly popular worldwide, with anime series, movies, a trading card game, and the augmented reality smartphone app “Pokémon Go.”
PokePark Kanto has two areas: a hilly outdoor zone nearly half a kilometer long (1,600 feet) full of Pokémon figurines, and a town modelled on those in the games for shopping and rides.
To access the woodland area, visitors must be able to climb 110 steps without assistance, the park’s website says. A record number of tourists entered Japan in 2025, despite a steep fall in Chinese visitors in December due to a diplomatic row between the nations. Another big theme park, Universal Studios Japan in Osaka, said last month it was also planning Pokémon-themed attractions, without giving details.
Source: manilatimes.net
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MARITIME NEWS
Number of Dual-Fuel Ships Nearly Doubled in 2025, and Strong Orderbook
February 8 ------ The amount of liner shipping using dual-fuel vessels able to take advantage of the emerging alternative lower emissions fuels nearly doubled in 2025, according to new data from the World Shipping Council. In its year-end update on the Dual-Fuel Fleet Dashboard, WSC highlights continuing strong investments as shipowners push forward with their efforts, not waiting for the IMO and other regulators.
WSC launched the Dual-Fuel Fleet Dashboard as a tool to track the global liner shipping industry’s investments in new ships capable of running on renewable and lower-emission fuels. It presents the data as a snapshot “of how the fleet is preparing for the transition to net-zero 2050.”
While the IMO still searches for member agreement on its framework to govern emissions and the transition, the WSC emphasizes the level of investment coming from shipowners. According to its data, the number of dual-fuel containerships and vehicle carriers reached 400 at the end of 2025, nearly double the 218 at the end of 2024. Further, they calculate a further 726 vessels still on order, maintaining the proportion of dual-fuel ships in the pipeline despite the shift from orderbook onto the water seen in 2025.
WSC calculates that between the in-service and on-order vessels, the container and vehicle carrier sectors will reach 1,126 dual-fuel vessels, giving it an increase overall of 28 percent last year. They report it represents over $150 billion in investments.
It highlights that containerships and vehicle carriers are leading the adoption of dual-fuel vessels. They report containerships and vehicle carriers are now 74 percent of dual-fuel ships, and 74 percent of containerships and 87 percent of vehicle carrier orders are for dual fuel (by DWT). In other segments it says 21 percent of the orders are (by DWT) dual-fuel ships.
WSC does not report on other segments such as cruise ships, where dual-fuel and even tri-fuel are emerging as strong options, especially in the largest ships. More than 40 percent of the cruise ships on order (31 out of 75) are designed for multi-fuel, mostly LNG, and anticipation of future fuels. By gross tonnage, 59 percent of the cruise ships on order will use alternative fuels, while by berths it is 64 percent of the current order book.
In its analysis of the overall orderbook, DNV sets the number of ships due for delivery between 2026 and 2033 at 1,138. That represents 40 percent of the orders as using alternative fuels and will nearly double the number of alternative fuel vessels over the next eight years. Last year saw some overall slowing of the momentum for methanol, in part due to concern over supply near-term, but the overall alternative fuel trend continues. Alternative fuel vessels were nearly 40 percent of all the orders placed in 2025.
Jason Stefanatos, Global Decarbonization Director at DNV, highlighted today, February 2, that the momentum continued into 2026. He reported a total of 20 new orders for alternative-fueled vessels in January, with LNG-fueled container vessels continuing to account for the majority of orders (16), with one methanol-fueled offshore vessel and three LPG carriers making up the remainder.
Source: maritime-executive.com
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GCMD, CIMAC Partner to Support Maritime's Alternative Fuel Readiness
February 8 ------ The Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonization (GCMD) and CIMAC have signed a two-year Coalition partnership agreement aimed at improving the maritime industry’s readiness for the deployment of alternative marine fuels.
The partnership combines GCMD’s experience in executing pilots and trials across the maritime value chain with CIMAC’s technical expertise in ship propulsion, engine performance and fuel systems. Insights from GCMD’s operational trials will feed into CIMAC’s technical working groups to help inform the development of standards and guidance related to engine performance, fuel quality and safe fuel handling.
At the same time, GCMD will leverage CIMAC’s expertise to ensure its pilots remain aligned with evolving engine technologies and fuel specifications, including emerging fuels such as ammonia, which is expected to enter service on ocean-going vessels later this year.
By linking real-world operational data with standards development and regulatory engagement, the two organizations aim to support the safe and scalable adoption of low- and zero-carbon fuels across the shipping industry.
Source: marinelink.com
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EU Citizens Demand Strong Reform of Live Animal Transport
February 8 ------ Over eight in every 10 (82%) citizens across the EU are concerned about the welfare of animals during live transport, a new survey concludes, as EU regulation remains at risk of being weakened and leaving millions of animals unprotected.
A newly-launched survey conducted across nine EU member states has highlighted public concern for the plight of millions of animals transported over long distances, with an overwhelming majority supporting the need for stricter rules. Most participants (80%) agree that long-distance journeys cause unnecessary suffering to animals, in particular for vulnerable animals, with up to 84% supporting stricter rules or a ban for pregnant or unweaned animals. Each year, over one billion animals are transported on journeys lasting up to three weeks.
Almost 9 out 10 (89%) of citizens agree that transporting animals in extreme hot or cold conditions poses a risk to their welfare. Within the EU, animals often endure temperatures as high as 50 degrees Celsius, deprived of basic needs. Overcrowded intro trucks, they suffer from exhaustion, dehydration and stress leading to injuries and often, death. Unweaned animals are deprived of necessary nutrition and are extremely prone to disease.
Ethical Farming Ireland joined Eurogroup for Animals and other NGOs in commissioning the survey. “We have been highlighting the plight of unweaned calves for years. The transport from Ireland to France involves an 18 hour ferry journey during which the calves, as young as 15 days old, cannot be fed which is incredibly cruel, and in breach of legislation. We are glad to see that 84% of Irish citizens agree with us. Studies have shown that the calves suffer from dehydration, low energy, muscle fatigue and hypoglycaemia - these journeys must be stopped,” states Caroline Rowley, Executive Director, Ethical Farming Ireland.
The survey results were released as the European Parliament is reviewing the Transport Regulation, yet proposed amendments have raised significant concerns among animal welfare advocates, as some proposals may significantly undermine the welfare of animals. 72% of survey participants expressed concern about the potential weakening of the EU’s live animal transport rules, and the same percentage expressed strong support for stricter national and EU laws. Meanwhile, over 12,500 citizens have written to their MEPs urging ambitious reforms.
The survey by Savanta interviewed 8,531 adults between October and November 2025 across Belgium, Cyprus, France, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Romania and Spain.
Source: marinelink.com
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PHILIPPINE NEWS
Inflation quickens to 2 percent in January
MANILA, February 8 ------ The Philippines' headline inflation rate quickened to 2 percent in January, the Philippine Statistics Authority said. This was faster than the 1.8 percent inflation rate seen in December last year, but was within the 1.4 to 2.2 percent forecast of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. It was also within the 2 to 4 percent target range of economic managers. PSA Undersecretary and National Statistician Claire Dennis Mapa said housing costs climbed in January likely because rentals are usually adjusted in January.
Prices of food served in restaurants also increased faster, as well as prices of accommodations, the PSA said. Mapa said restaurants include establishments like carinderias. Mapa noted that lunch meals usually brought outside the home showed substantial price hikes—the cost of pork sinigang with rice jumped by about 10 percent, while the price of pork adobo with rice and a soft drink soared by 14 percent. "May malaking pagtaas talaga sa mga meals na kinokonsumo," Mapa said. “Ang nakikita namin, tumataas kasi yung raw materials din lalo na yung karne ng baboy, tumataas din ang ying mga enegry, kasi siyempre ginagamit mo electricity, maybe yung renta, kasi yung renta sa place, tumaas din, plus maybe yung wages,” he said.
Prices of clothing, furnishings, health, telco services, among others, also saw faster increases. Food and transport costs, however, saw slower increases. "Food inflation at the national level recorded an annual increase of 0.7 percent in January 2026 from 1.2 percent in the previous month. In January 2025, food inflation was higher at 4.0 percent," the PSA said. "Moreover, the transport index exhibited an annual decline of 0.3 percent during the month from an annual increase of 0.3 percent in December 2025."
Economists have said that inflation is likely to accelerate this year due to base effects from last year, or the generally lower inflation rates seen in 2025, which means that the numbers this year will look higher. “Yung inflation rate kasi natin nung 2025 ay nasa 1.7 percent average for the year. Mababa yan,” Mapanoted. “So, galing tayo sa medyo mababang inflation. So may base effect na magdasabi na pwedeng mataas ngayon yung inflation rate kumpara doon sa previous year. Kaya, the expectation is that it would be higher than our 1.7 percent,” he explained. “Whether it will breach 4 percent, maaga pa,” the national statistician said when asked about whether or not inflation will exceed the government’s target rate.
In a statement, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon said the government will sustain efforts to support Filipino families’ purchasing power. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), for its part, said the monetary policy easing cycle is nearing its end. The central bank has reduced interest rates by 200 basis points since it began its rate easing cycle in August last year. Central banks usually cut interest rates when inflation eases to boost economic activity. “Any further easing is likely to be limited and guided by incoming data,” the BSP said Thursday. The BSP’s monetary board is meeting on February 19 to decide on the country’s reverse repurchase rate. The BSP cut its benchmark rate to 4.5 percent.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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19K ships monitored in PH waters last January
MANILA, February 8 ------ The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), along with the Philippine Navy (PN), monitored a total of 19,655 local and foreign ships all over the country's waters last January, a ranking naval official said.
PN spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, in a press briefing in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, said last month's monitoring reflects "sustained maritime activity within Philippine waters." He added that 16,670 of these ships were foreign vessels, while 2,985 were domestic. "(Also) 16,098 vessels responded to radio challenges, while 3,557 did not," the PN official said.
Trinidad said vessel activity was highest in the North (7,639), followed by Western Mindanao (4,366), the West (3,990), Southern Luzon (2,482), and Eastern Mindanao (1,178), highlighting the strategic importance of these maritime approaches. Monitoring period took place from Jan. 1 to 31, the PN official said. "These figures reflect the AFP’s steadfast commitment to safeguarding national territory, sovereignty, and sovereign rights. Consistent with national policy, the AFP will continue to uphold international law, maintain a credible and disciplined presence, and protect our rights and interests in support of regional peace and stability," he added.
Chinese naval, coast guard ships Meanwhile, 48 naval and coast guard ships from China were monitored in four key West Philippine Sea (WPS) features from late January to Feb. 2. Trinidad said that these can be broken down into the following:
- Bajo de Masinloc-10 People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) naval vessels and 11 China Coast Guard (CCG) ships;
- Ayungin Shoal- 12 CCG ships;
- Escoda Shoal-three PLAN and five CCG craft;
- Pag-asa Island- two PLAN and five CCG ships.
For this monitoring period, the PN did not include the numbers of the so-called Chinese maritime militia vessels.
Source: pna.gov.ph
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Multiple payment modes accepted in all offices - LTO
MANILA, February 8 ------ The Land Transportation Office (LTO) clarified that all of its offices are authorized to accept multiple modes of payment and are not limited to online payment options.
In a statement, the LTO assured that there has been no order or directive to limit transactions to online payment following concerns and feedback from the public. “All LTO offices, district offices, extension offices, and allied service providers are authorized to accept multiple modes of payment, and clients have the full right to choose their preferred method – including cash, card, and other electronic payment channels as available,” it said.
Any restriction of payment options to online payment only, it said, “is unauthorized and not in line with LTO policies.” On the other hand, convenience fees associated with some electronic or online payment channels are neither imposed by the LTO nor reflected on official LTO receipts. “These fees are collected by third-party payment service providers to cover the costs of their infrastructure and services,” it said.
It called on the public to report any instance of unauthorized payment restrictions or unclear charges to LTO personnel at any of its offices or through its official social media platforms and communication channels. “The LTO remains committed to eliminating fixers and ensuring transparent, efficient transactions for the public,” it said.
Source: pna.gov.ph
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​After 4 postponements, Comelec open to holding first BARMM parliamentary elections in September
MANILA, February 8 ------ The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is amenable to holding the first Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections in September 2026, more than four years since they were supposed to happen. This, according to Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia during the hearing of the Senate Subcommittee on Resetting the First Regular Elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on Thursday.
The elections, which has been postponed four times, was supposed to be held on March 30, 2026, but was postponed anew after Comelec said it needs more time to prepare. Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo, member of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) and chairperson of the BTA Parliament Committee on Local Government, said the Parliament does not want to cause more problems that would delay polls. “Kasi nandiyan na ho, sufficient enough yung legal framework to conduct the elections. We are hoping Congress, under its mandate to set the date for elections, would already set it, Garcia replied: “We can conduct the election in 2026.”
He explained that a complication arose when the Bangsamoro Parliament enacted a new districting law just in January 2026. Under Republic Act 8189 or “The Voter’s Registration Act of 1996,” no alteration to municipalities and precincts can be done 120 days before an election. Hence the March 30, 2026 polls was postponed.
Garcia said a May 2026 elections could have been plausible, but the Bangsamoro Parliament made two changes that affected the timeline—setting aside the accredited political parties and setting aside the accredited sectoral organizations, requiring them to apply for a new accreditation so that they can now be directly elected.
The new accreditation will take three to four months, according to Garcia. The poll chief also mentioned the plebiscite planned to divide the municipality of Datu Odin Sinsuat into three, which will result in the need to once again amend the districting law. According to Sinarimbo, the plebiscite can be done after the elections. Garcia said they do not have a problem with that. Garcia also mentioned that the three-year term of elected Bangsamoro officials should be upheld as it is clearly stated in the Constitution.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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PAL moving Coron, Siargao flights to Clark in March
MANILA, Philippines, February 8 ------ Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is relocating Coron and Siargao trips to Clark in line with the order to take turboprop aircraft out of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
In an advisory, PAL said it is redirecting flights to island destinations to alternative gateways in Cebu, Clark and Iloilo by March 29 in compliance with the directive to pull out turboprop flights in NAIA. Given this, PAL will be relocating to Clark its flights to Busuanga — the gateway to Coron — and Siargao, providing guests with the option to depart from an airport two hours away from Manila.
The tougher hub relocation will be for flights to Antique and Catarman. PAL will be rerouting its passengers bound for Antique to Iloilo, while passengers headed to Catarman have to reach Cebu first. With the exit of select flights, PAL is increasing its Manila schedule to high-demand routes. The airline will expand its weekly flights to Cebu to 76; Iloilo, 42; Tacloban, 28; Dumaguete, 21; and Roxas, 14.
Passengers affected by the transfer may choose to rebook their tickets in the same cabin class on a flight within 60 days from the original date, according to PAL. Moreover, they may convert the value of their unused ticket into travel credits, and the airline is giving a five-percent bonus to passengers affected by the relocation. If the new hub is inconvenient for the passenger, they may request for a full refund of their unused booking, excluding ticketing service charges.
Last year, the Manila Slot Coordination Committee (MSCC) ordered carriers to relocate all of their turboprops in NAIA to alternative gateways like Clark. The MSCC, led by the Department of Transportation, issued the order to scale up NAIA’s efficiency. By removing turboprops in the picture, NAIA can dedicate its runway solely for higher-capacity aircraft. Turboprops can carry a maximum of 78 people only, while single-aisle jets like Airbus A320s can ferry as many as 180 passengers per flight. Turboprops are capable of landing on airports with shorter or unpaved runways, making them fit for reaching island destinations like Busuanga and Siargao. As of September 2025, PAL manages 11 turboprops in the make of DHC 8-400 New Generation in its fleet.
Source: philstar.com
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DOT: Travel tax supports tourism infrastructure, education
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu, February 8 ------ The Department of Tourism (DOT) said it would leave the decision of removing travel tax to lawmakers, but noted that this has helped support tourism in the country.
Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said the travel tax "provides benefits to the Filipino people," noting how 50 percent of this goes to tourism infrastructure. "Kaya nakakapagbigay tayo ng local tourism infrastructure projects sa ating mga local government units saang sulok ng Pilipinas, kasama na diyan ang ating tourist rest areas," Frasco told reporters on the sidelines of the ASEAN Tourism Forum opening at the Mactan Shrine. "Kasama na diyan ang… tourism information centers, jetty ports, boardwalks, visitor centers, and the like," she said.
Around 40 percent, on the other hand, goes to tourism education, while 10 percent goes to heritage agencies. "Kaya naman may pondo tayo sa pag-preserve ng ating mga cultural and heritage destinations in the Philippines. So then, with these very tangible benefits of the travel tax, we sincerely hope this can find merit as far as legislators are concerned," she added. "We are hopeful that tourism infrastructure will be funded in the country," she said.
Earlier this week, Sen. Raffy Tulfo said economy class passengers should be exempted from paying travel taxes. According to the TIEZA website, the travel tax is a levy imposed by the Philippine government on individuals who are leaving the country, irrespective of the place where the air ticket is issued and the form or place of payment, as provided for by Presidential Decree (PD) 1183, as amended. The full travel tax rate is currently P2,700 for first-class passage and P1,620 for economy-class passage.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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Philippines ramps up preparations for 2026 Asean Summit hosting
February 8 ------ PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led an interagency meeting to discuss preparations for the country’s hosting of the 2026 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit.
Each department presented their priority plans, which center on job creation, support for small businesses, improving digital services, and strengthening people-centered programs. “The meeting discussed measures that will strengthen the call to deliver direct economic benefits to the sub-region,” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said in Filipino in a Palace briefing. “The president also wanted to focus on assisting the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, or BARMM, for the upcoming BIMP-EAGA (Brunei–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East Asean Growth Area) Asean Summit and other important topics. Currently, various Philippine agencies are in full swing for the upcoming Asean Summit,” she added.
Coordination among concerned agencies is crucial to ensure a smooth, secure, and well-coordinated hosting of the annual gathering, Castro said. Those who attended the meeting were Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro, Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, Information Communications and Technology Secretary Henry Aguda, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Presidential Communications Office Acting Secretary Dave Gomez, and Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum.
Source: manilatimes.net
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PNP boosts campaign vs AI-enabled online love scams
MANILA, Philippines, February 8 ------ The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it i ramping up its campaign against online romance scams that use artificial intelligence (AI). “Personnel of the PNP-ACG (Anti-Cybercrime Group) are undergoing continuous training on AI detection, deepfake analysis, and digital forensics to deter emerging forms of love scams amid the rise of artificial intelligence or AI,” the PNP said in a statement. “The PNP is also pushing for the upgrading of cybercrime equipment and investigative tools while coordination with other government agencies and civil society groups is being intensified to allow faster information sharing and quicker takedown of scam operations,” it added.
The PNP’s statement came a day after civil society group ScamWatch Pilipinas, and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) flagged several AI-driven love scams ahead of this year’s celebration of Valentine’s Day. In a statement on Monday, ScamWatch and the CICC warned the public of the following love scams:
- “Sad Boi, Sad Gurl” – involves the sharing of tragic personal stories to gain sympathy from the target and lure them into giving money
- “The Seducer” – involves the sending of attractive photos, discussion of sexual topics and solicitation of nude photos that may be used for blackmail
- “The Investor” – involves luring the target into a foreign exchange or cryptocurrency scheme by posing as a rich foreigner
- “The Serviceman” – involves luring older women into lending money by pretending to be a middle-aged military officer stationed in Asia or particularly the Middle East
- “The Escort” – involves the use of explicit photos and luring the target into sending money ahead of a supposed in-person meeting
- “The Slow Burn” – involves the use of personal stories to manipulate the target into sending money over a period of time in which they avoid in-person meetings
Source: inquirer.net
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ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
Fyang Smith, JM Ibarra’s ‘Almost Us’ to premiere in May
February 8 ------ The creators of Fyang Smith and JM Ibarra’s debut feature-length film “Almost Us” announced that it will premiere in Philippine cinemas this coming May.
Project 8 Studios, the production company behind their upcoming project, announced the film’s title and premiere date on Facebook on Tuesday, February 3. “Malapit na malapit na ang pinaka-inaabangang pelikula ng JMFyang na inihahandog ng Regal Entertainment, Inc. at Project 8. ‘ALMOST US’ starring JM Ibarra and Fyang Smith. Directed by Dan Villegas, LPS. Dali, hanap na kayo ng ka-duo manood at kitakits sa mga sinehan soon!!” the post read.
Smith and Ibarra’s upcoming film was first teased at the premiere night of the 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival entry “Shake, Rattle & Roll Evil Origins” during a trailer preview. Teasers for the Villegas-helmed film were uploaded to social media in the days that followed.
Collectively known as JMFyang, the onscreen tandem rose to fame as housemates of “Pinoy Big Brother Gen 11” in 2024, culminating in Smith’s victory. They started working together as a love team in the digital series “Ghosting” and the MMFF 2025 entry. Meanwhile, Ibarra took on his first lead role in the Cinemalaya 2025 entry “Child No. 82.”
Source: inquirer.net
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‘I’m Perfect’ stars, Ice Almeria sign with Nathan Studios artist management
February 8 ------ Earl Amaba, Krystel Go, and eight other co-stars of the 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry “I’m Perfect,” as well as “Time to Dance” grand champion Ice Almeria, entered a new chapter in their careers as they signed contracts with Nathan Studios.
The production company ventured into talent management in a launch event, with its CEO, Sylvia Sanchez, leading the contract signing for its inaugural crop of artists. “Ang kontratang ito ay simbolo ng tiwala — tiwala namin sa inyo at tiwala ninyo sa amin. At sa puntong ito, nais din naming magpasalamat sa mga magulang. Salamat sa walang sawang suporta, tiwala, at pagmamahal na siyang pundasyon ng lakas ng mga batang ito,” Sanchez said in her speech. “Welcome to Nathan Studios. This is just the beginning, and we are so, so proud to be on this journey with you.”
The actress-producer added that signing the stars of the MMFF 2025 entry shows that the entertainment industry can open its doors to persons with Down syndrome and other disabilities. “Naniniwala kami na ang talento ay walang limitasyon. Hindi ito nasusukat sa labels, kundi sa puso, sipag, at tapang na ipakita ang sarili sa mundo. These artists, our angels, our persons with Down syndrome, are full of raw skills, creativity, at isang klase ng authenticity na bihirang-bihira. Totoo, buo, at galing mismo sa puso,” she said.
Since Nathan Studios started as a production company, Sanchez said the decision to sign its newest stars is a way to witness its growth. “[Ito ang paraan] namin para ma-honor ang artists namin to watch them grow from one project to the next, sa show biz man o sa labas nito,” she said. “I’m Perfect,” which won Best Picture at the recent MMFF, revolves around the love story of Jiro (Amaba) and Jessica (Go) and their determination to prove to their respective families that their love is real despite Jessica having Down syndrome. It is written and directed by Sigrid Bernardo.
Source: inquirer.net
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Bea Alonzo set for 2026 TV comeback
February 8 ------ Bea Alonzo is set to star in a new Kapuso series this year. According to a report by Suzi Entrata-Abrera on “Unang Balita,” Bea is preparing for her television return after taking a year-long hiatus.
Bea described her character as someone brave, adding that it is a portrayal she has not done before in her previous projects. The series will carry a timely theme.
Source: gmanetwork.com
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SPORTS NEWS
Alex Eala climbs to career-best No. 45 in WTA rankings
MANILA, February 8 ------ Filipino tennis star Alex Eala has reached a new milestone in her career, climbing to a personal-best world No. 45 in the latest Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings.
The 20-year-old rose four spots from No. 49 last week, continuing her steady ascent on the professional tour following her quarterfinal finish in the inaugural Philippine Women’s Open. Eala’s rise follows a strong early-season showing, as she continues to convert consistent performances into ranking points. The milestone also makes her the first Filipino player to crack the WTA Top 50.
Fresh off the rankings update, Eala returns to action later tonight at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open. She is set to face Turkey’s Zeynep Sönmez in the opening round of the WTA 500 tournament. The matchup offers an immediate test for Eala, who aims to build on her momentum and make a deep run in one of the season’s higher-tier events.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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LeBron, Curry, Durant reunite on NBA All-Star lineup
February 8 ------ LeBron James will reunite with US Olympic team-mates Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry as in a potent NBA All-Star game line-up announced. A new-look All-Star game will be divided between three teams -- two made up of US players, and one from international players. The three teams will play a round-robin mini-tournament before the top two teams in the group face off in a final game.
James, Curry and Durant, three pillars of the USA's gold medal-winning team at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, will be joined by Boston's Jaylen Brown, the New York Knicks Jalen Brunson and the Los Angeles Clippers Kawhi Leonard. Cleveland's Donovan Mitchell and Miami's Norman Powell complete the line-up, known as "USA Stripes".
The other squad -- "USA Stars" -- features Detroit's Cade Cunningham, Minnesota's Anthony Edwards and Oklahoma City's Chet Holmgren. The roster also includes Phoenix Suns ace Devin Booker, Philadelphia's Tyrese Maxey and Detroit's Jalen Duren. The "World" team is led by Oklahoma City's Canadian star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning NBA Most Valuable Player, the Los Angeles Lakers' Luka Doncic and the San Antonio Spurs Victor Wembanyama along with Denver's Nikola Jokic.
The All Star game takes place in Los Angeles on February 15.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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Tyson Fury coming out of retirement to fight Arslanbek Makhmudov
LONDON, February 8 ------ Former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury is to come out of retirement to face Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11. The highly-anticipated fight was confirmed by Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority and president of the Saudi Boxing Federation. No venue has yet been announced. “Excited to be back,” Tyson said. “Heart has always been, and always will be, in boxing.”
Fury retired last year, after losing for a second time to Oleksandr Usyk in December 2024. Before his two bouts with Usyk, the British boxer was unbeaten in 35 fights, winning 34 and drawing one. Fury had announced that he would be coming out of retirement. “I am thrilled about the opportunity,” said Makhmudov, a Russian heavyweight who is based in Canada. “I’m coming to deliver a war. Tyson Fury has been a big champion. I will be more ready then ever to leave with a massive W.”
Two-time world champion Fury ended the reign of Wladimir Klitschko with a points win in 2015 that saw him crowned Super WBA, IBF and WBO title holder. He didn’t fight again until 2018, but a thrilling trilogy with American Deontay Wilder resulted in a draw and two victories that helped him claim the WBC crown. Fury previously said he was retiring after he beat Dillian Whyte in 2022. However, he was back in the ring the following year.
Source: inquirer.net
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