Features

Metro Manila, Philippines – The Philippines marked a historic moment in its culinary and tourism industries as 108 establishments from Manila, its surrounding areas and Cebu were recognized in the inaugural MICHELIN Guide Philippines 2026. The prestigious list includes one restaurant awarded with. two Michelin Stars, eight earning one star, 25 receiving the Bib Gourmand distinction, and 74 recognized as Michelin Selected. The inaugural guide celebrates the creativity, authenticity and dedication of Filipino chefs and culinary teams. Chef Josh Boutwood’s Helm led the selection with two Michelin Stars for its modern tasting menu inspired by local ingredients and seasonality. The intimate eight-course experience for 10 guests reflects Boutwood’s Filipino heritage and global culinary perspective. Chef Josh Boutwood’s Helm shines brightest at the inaugural Michelin Guide Ceremony: Manila and Environs & Cebu 2026, earning two Michelin Stars — the highest recognition awarded in the Philippines’ debut guide. (DOT) Eight other restaurants…

The design of the new Kamuning footbridge, connected to the nearby busway station in Quezon City. (DOTr)

Farmers work on their fields as seen from a Department of Agriculture photo.

Metro Manila, Philippines – The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is set to introduce new safeguards, such as transfer limits and biometric identity checks, to protect consumers from the risks of online gambling. In a news release on Thursday, Aug. 7, the BSP said it is finalizing new rules after conducting public consultation on how to strengthen safeguards against gambling-related harm. The measures required on banks, e-wallets, and other financial service providers include the following: + Strict identity verification, including biometric checks, such as facial recognition, to ensure only eligible individuals can use their funds for online gambling; + Daily limits on gambling-related transfers to reduce excessive financial losses; + Time-based restrictions on gambling payments to help curb impulsive behavior; and + User tools for setting personal spending caps, taking voluntary breaks, or self-excluding from gambling transactions. “These safeguards aim to reduce the risks of addiction, fraud, and financial harm while promoting the…

Metro Manila, Philippines – The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) assured the public that it will cooperate with oversight institutions and regulatory bodies regarding its investment with an online gambling firm. “We welcome the scrutiny and call for public disclosure from various sectors, and we are prepared to present all relevant documents and data to the appropriate authorities,” the GSIS said in a statement Wednesday, Aug. 6. “As stewards of public trust, we affirm our unwavering commitment to act in the best interests of our members and pensioners,” it said. In a privilege speech on Tuesday, Sen. Risa Hontiveros hit the GSIS under the leadership of Jose Arnulfo Veloso for investing P1 billion in DigiPlus Interactive Corporation Hontiveros said the GSIS was doing the opposite from lawmakers who have filed resolutions seeking either to regulate or ban online gambling in the country. “Tayo nga po, mga kasamang nagtatrabaho sa gobyerno, ni hindi puwedeng…

Metro Manila, Philippines – The Philippine government is thoroughly considering acquiring more BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles from India, signaling a deepening of its strategic alignment with New Delhi. During his state visit to India, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the trajectory of Manila’s defense modernization program is now closely intertwined with one of Asia’s rising powers. In an interview with Indian outlet Firstpost, Marcos confirmed what defense insiders had long suspected: more BrahMos units may soon be on their way to the Philippine archipelago. “I’ve spoken to the officers and men who operate the BrahMos system, and they say we need more,” Marcos revealed. “We are in the process of actually procuring more.” This revelation follows the first batch of BrahMos missiles delivered in 2023, marking India’s first major arms export to Southeast Asia. For the Philippines, the BrahMos is more than just a weapon, it’s a symbol of strategic recalibration…