The Philippine economy started 2025 with a robust 5.4% year-on-year growth in the first quarter, a clear sign of resilience despite ongoing global uncertainties. While this marks a solid performance, it fell short of the 5.7% forecasted by analysts. Nonetheless, the result reflects a broad-based recovery that continues to gain traction across key sectors, from […]

When the white smoke rose over the Vatican on May 8, few in the Philippines knew much about Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost. But when he stepped onto the balcony and was introduced as Pope Leo XIV—the first pope from North America—something stirred across this island nation of more than 80 million Catholics. Not just curiosity, […]

For half a millennium, the Philippines has carried the torch of Roman Catholicism in Asia—burning bright through colonization, dictatorship, and diaspora. It is one of the Church’s last true strongholds, home to more than 80 million Catholics and a culture steeped in devotion, processions, novenas, and public faith. Yet even here, the flame flickers. Young […]

A single snapshot can sometimes trigger a storm of questions. Such was the case when an image of the Philippine Pavilion at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, began circulating online — prominently featuring the U.S. flag beside it. In a follow-up to our earlier commentary on the matter, a concerned reader reached out […]

A curious detail caught our eye in a recent press release from the Philippine Tourism Promotions Board: a rendering of the Philippine Pavilion for World Expo 2025 in Osaka prominently features the American flag. Not the Philippine flag, whose pavilion it ostensibly is. If it were Japan’s flag, that might make more sense—the host nation, […]

The murder of Anson Que, owner of Elison Steel, is not an isolated tragedy—it follows a disturbing pattern of brazen kidnappings plaguing Metro Manila’s affluent communities. Just weeks before Que’s abduction, armed men ambushed a 14-year-old Chinese student outside the British School Manila in Taguig City, executing his driver in cold blood before spiriting the […]

In the age of social media, where outrage spreads faster than facts, it is all too easy to misinterpret statements and vilify individuals without fully understanding their context or intent. Such is the case with the recent uproar surrounding the president of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII), Dr. […]

Former President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested on Tuesday, March 11, at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport following an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity related to his controversial “war on drugs.” The 79-year-old Duterte, who arrived in Manila from Hong Kong, was taken into custody after Philippine […]

U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks on November 16 during the 31st APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Peru, underscoring the critical need for cooperation and stability in U.S.-China relations. As the U.S. and China explore avenues for improving their relationship, the Philippines stands at a crossroads, facing both opportunities and […]

As U.S. President-elect Donald Trump prepares for his return to the White House, the world is watching closely, especially in terms of his unconventional leadership style and its geopolitical ramifications. While many in Europe may dread a Trump presidency, nations in Asia could find themselves in a surprisingly advantageous position. His transactional approach to politics—shaped […]