Critic’s Rating: 4.5 / 5.0

4.5

Food is magic. Really.

How many fairy tale, folklore, and mythological characters were lured away from safety or tempted into danger by a shiny apple, a tantalizing (!) smell, or the promise of a full belly?

And monsters need to eat too. Right?

The Librarians: The Next Chapter “And the Recipe for Disaster”

Once again, as has been the trend this season, the Librarians must confront and defeat magical beings on The Librarians: The Next Chapter Season 2 Episode 4, “And the Recipe for Disaster.”

And for the second time in two consecutive offerings, one of the team members is targeted and caught up in the magical occurrence.

We learned on The Librarians: The Next Chapter Season 2 Episode 1 “And the Burning Heart,” that Connor’s deepest fear was losing his mind, something he was accused of when he first began to research and teach about the existence of magic in the world.

Harboring that fear still, he subconsciously feels alone on the team and falls victim to the smell spell projected out by the Cooked! show’s hosts, Gunther and Hilda.

Cooked!

As a retooling of the Hansel and Gretel story, “And the Recipe for Disaster” does a brilliant job of fracturing the classic fairy tale, first published in 1812 by the Brothers Grimm but with roots in the 14th century’s prevalence of famine and child abandonment.

I assume that Gunther and Hilda were once mortal children. In order to survive their family’s abandonment, they overpowered the witch who would’ve eaten them and their despair.

In doing so, they inherited her hungry magic, transforming into creatures that must feed on the sorrows of humanity.

Then, Vikram’s release of magic combined with the modern trend for cooking shows inspired them to take their hunger to the masses rather than wait for meals to come to them.

It’s all so weirdly logical. Of course, they’d feed on those attracted by the smell spell. Why wouldn’t they consume the very people who seek comfort in cooking competition shows?

Smell-o-Vision

The sense of smell is such an evocative thing. It can stir up memories and emotions, triggering all sorts of unexpected reactions.

As Lysa bemoans the loss of her olfactory abilities to her cold, the others lose their memories to Hilda and Gunther’s magical studio scent spell.

It seems their magic predominantly utilizes smell, as people have to breathe, so they really have no defense against it.

If memory serves, Hansel and Gretel were first attracted to the witch’s gingerbread house by the smell of food. Smell magic would be far-reaching and most effective at attracting hungry prey.

By projecting the attracting gingerbread spell through the television, they amplify their reach even further.

And the novelty of smelling something through the TV means their victims take even deeper breaths, falling further under the spell. How deliciously clever!

The (Micro)Wave of the Future

My second favorite element of “And the Recipe for Disaster” is Vikram’s use of the microwave to foil Gunther and Hilda’s gingerbread spell.

“That’s the real magic of food. It’s not about the competition. It’s not even about the meal, really. It’s about breaking bread with people who accept you.”

Microwave mug bread > Gingerbread spell. Who would’ve thunk it?

Vikram’s expertise isn’t just in what he knows: it’s the zeal with which he learns. He, like the other Librarians, implicitly knows that knowledge is infinite. There’s always something new to absorb and process.

The Most Delicious Easter Egg

I did say the microwave mug bread solution was my SECOND favorite thing, right?

Can you guess what my first favorite thing is?

Here’s a hint: It’s in the background.

Another hint: It’s Dean Devlin (show creator) related.

Last hint: If you didn’t see it when it happened, you probably don’t watch The Ark.

Yup, Dean Devlin’s other show currently running, Syfy’s The Ark, also films in Belgrade, Serbia, at the PFI Studios. So having the uniforms cameo in the background while at the Cooked! studios was delightfully easy-peasy.

Seriously, how fun is that?

Cooking Up a Storm

To extend the metaphor, “And the Recipe for Disaster” feeds the soul and thoroughly satisfies with its message of community, support, and comfort.

Connor’s memory of the team’s first meal together is a cornerstone to his sense of self.

Each of the contestants on Cooked! feels connected to their recipes through the happy memories their food evokes.

Even Gunther and Hilda find food motivating and comforting.

Going back to my assumption that they were human children at one point, it was famine and hunger that drove their family to abandon them. Food was safety and security.

Threatening food security brings out the monster in all of us. It literally made monsters of Gunther and Hilda.

At the same time, the fact that they sought to eat the Cooked! contestants, only to be turned into food themselves, is an incredibly fitting solution.

But like the Genie from The Librarians: The Next Chapter Season 2 Episode 2, “And the Tethered Wish,” something about storing them in a cookie jar for the rest of time doesn’t quite sit right with me.

Could this be leading to a Merlin-led uprising of jailed magical folk? Who else has been incarcerated in the Library for the crime of existing or surviving? There’s some food for thought, Fanatics!

Hit our comments with your thoughts on “And the Recipe for Disaster,” and vote for which Belgrade Library Annex team member you think would be the best cook!

• 

  On The Librarians: The Next Chapter, “And the Recipe for Disaster,” the team must crack the magic of a deadly cooking show. We review it all!

• 

  On The Librarians: The Next Chapter, “And the Vanishing Bankers,” Charlie gets the chance at a second childhood! We review how that goes…

• 

  On The Librarians: The Next Chapter “…And the Tethered Wish,” a freed genie causes havoc & Jacob Stone (!) gets dragged into it. Our review!

• 

  On the Season 2 premiere of The Librarians: The Next Chapter, “And the Burning Heart,” tempers get strangely spicy. Also, #Merlin! Our review!

• 

  The Librarians: The Next Chapter Season 1 Episode 12 wraps up many plots and kicks off a new one with Dominic Monaghan.

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Apple

We’re looking forward to seeing the new artificial intelligence side of Siri when iOS 27 launches, but it appears that Apple may have additional tools in the works. In its analysis of the latest operating system beta, 9to5Mac noticed some signals that Apple might be working on a photo authentication feature. Apple Reference Image appears to be a tool that will verify that a photo was taken with an iPhone camera. To confirm that a photo is an iPhone capture, select sensor information and metadata for an image can be sent to Private Cloud Compute for verification. A new Reference mode will need to be enabled on an iPhone’s camera in order for this authentication option to be available.

Resources for checking an image’s source in this age of AI slop is more critical than ever. Thus far, most of the tools involve putting a digital watermark onto generative AI creations, such as those in Apple’s Image Playground and its other forthcoming image editing capabilities. Google also continues to expand its SynthID AI watermarking program. This approach of Reference Image to create confirmation of content’s provenance could be a useful counterpart to those metadata watermarking efforts. Since all this is happening in an ongoing beta test, however, it’s possible that Reference Image won’t be included when iOS 27 does have its public rollout this fall.

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FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT (FDI) net inflows into the Philippines sank to their lowest level in more than 11 years in May amid still-cautious investor sentiment, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) data showed.

Based on preliminary BSP data released on Monday, FDI net inflows plunged by 64.7% to $210 million in May from $595 million in the same month last year.

Month on month, it slid by 16% from April’s $250 million, which was the lowest in over a decade. This was the second straight month that inflows declined annually.

The net inflows of FDI in May were the lowest in 11 years and two months or since March 2015, when the country attracted $200 million in FDI.

“The sharp drop in FDI net inflows suggests that foreign investors remain cautious amid elevated geopolitical risks, persistent inflation pressures, subdued economic activity, and peso weakness,” Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) Chief Economist Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion said in a Viber message.

Jonathan L. Ravelas, a senior adviser at Reyes Tacandong & Co., said the latest FDI decline was due to guarded investor sentiment amid global and domestic headwinds.

“Globally, investors remain cautious amid heightened geopolitical tensions, trade uncertainties, and volatile financial markets, leading many firms to delay or scale back investment decisions,” Mr. Ravelas also said via Viber.

“Domestically, while the Philippines continues to post respectable growth, investors are looking for clearer signals on policy execution, infrastructure rollout, power costs, and the overall ease of doing business,” he added.

However, Mr. Ravelas noted that the latest FDI figures show investors still have confidence in the Philippines but are merely being selective in their investment decisions as uncertainty clouds the investment climate.

“What is noteworthy is that the decline appears to be driven more by investor caution than a loss of confidence in the Philippines,” Mr. Ravelas said. “We are seeing investors become more selective rather than exiting altogether. The country’s strong consumer market, favorable demographics, and ongoing economic reforms remain compelling long-term attractions.”

According to central bank data, investments in equity and investment fund shares rose by 13.6% to $175 million in May from $154 million a year earlier.

Net investments in equity capital other than reinvestment of earnings climbed to $77 million, up 24.5% from $62 million in the prior year.

However, equity placements declined by an annual 19.4% to $87 million from $108 million, while withdrawals plunged by 78.3% to $10 million from $46 million.

Reinvestment of earnings inched up by 5.7% year on year to $98 million during the month from $93 million.

On the other hand, net investment in debt instruments slumped by 92.1% to $35 million in May from $440 million a year ago.

These consisted mainly of intercompany borrowing or lending between foreign direct investors and their subsidiaries or affiliates in the Philippines, according to the central bank.

FIVE-MONTH INFLOWS
For the first five months of 2026, the country’s average FDI net inflows stood at $2.178 billion, 33.4% lower than the $3.27 billion recorded last year.

“The decline was driven by lower foreign net investments in debt instruments and reinvestment of earnings, which more than offset the increase in net equity capital investments (other than reinvestment of earnings),” the central bank said in a statement.

“This reflected lower intercompany borrowings from foreign direct investors and reduced earnings retained for reinvestment during the period,” it added.

As of May, nonresidents’ net investments in debt instruments of local affiliates declined by 49.5% to $1.253 billion from $2.482 billion in the same period last year.

Investments in equity and investment fund shares, meanwhile, jumped by 17.4% to $925 million in the five months to May from $788 million last year.

Reinvestment of earnings slipped by 9.7% to $383 million in the five-month period from $424 million a year earlier.

However, foreigners’ investments in equity capital other than reinvestment of earnings stood at $541 million, 48.7% higher than the $364 million recorded as of May 2025.

Equity capital placements slipped by 0.6% year on year to $613 million from $617 million, most of which came from Japan, the United States, and Singapore.

“These were channeled largely into the manufacturing, financial and insurance, and real estate industries,” the central bank added.

On the other hand, equity capital withdrawals plunged by 71.5% to $72 million from $253 million previously.

UnionBank’s Mr. Asuncion said the year-to-date decline suggests that the FDI trend reflects a wider deterioration of investor sentiment.

“Since the decline is evident not only in May but also in the year-to-date figures, it points to a broader softening in investment sentiment rather than a temporary fluctuation,” he said.

Mr. Asuncion also noted that global and domestic headwinds will continue to weigh on FDI net inflows in the coming months.

“It is still too early to say that FDI has bottomed out, and inflows could remain weak in the coming months if current global and domestic challenges persist,” he said.

FDIs refer to cross-border investments in which a nonresident investor holds at least 10% equity in a resident enterprise. These may take the form of equity capital, reinvestment of earnings and intercompany borrowings.

The BSP’s FDI data reflect actual investment flows. This differs from the Philippine Statistics Authority’s approved foreign investment data, which represent investment commitments that may not necessarily be realized within the reference period.

For this year, the central bank expects FDI net inflows to decline to $7 billion from the estimated $7.8 billion seen in 2025.

Benguet reported the majority of deaths at 12, including nine in Baguio, two in La Trinidad, and one in Atok, all due to landslides, Diego Agustin Mariano, deputy spokesperson of OCD, told reporters via Viber, citing 6:00 a.m. data.

Rizal logged four deaths, including two in Rodriguez due to a landslide, one in Antipolo City caused by a fallen tree, and one in Binangonan due to drowning.

Batangas City, Lipa, and Sta. Teresita in Batangas Province also reported one death each due to drowning, electrocution, and a landslide, respectively.

Meanwhile, four individuals remain missing, with three recorded in Benguet and one in Batangas.

Injured individuals reached 15, with Benguet still reporting the majority at 12, primarily due to landslides. Other areas such as Ilocos Sur, Rizal, and Cavite each reported one injured person.

Meanwhile, affected individuals due to recent inclement weather reached nearly 2.3 million, or 646,676 families, OCD said.

The affected population is concentrated in Regions I, II, III, V, VI, IX, CALABARZON, CAR, NCR, and MIMAROPA.

As of the report, nearly 95,000 people were displaced and taking shelter in 919 evacuation centers, while over 26,000 displaced individuals were staying with family and friends.

The recent inclement weather has caused more than P1.45 billion in damage to infrastructure and over P135 million in damage to agriculture.

Damaged houses reached 684 in total, of which 45 are totally damaged and 639 are partially damaged.

OCD said that the total cost of humanitarian assistance provided has already reached more than P73 million. — Edg Adrian A. Eva

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Mr. Trump had taken the newly renovated Qatari-donated jet to Ankara for the NATO summit but he unexpectedly used an older Air Force One when departing the country, a move that prompted questions about the newer plane’s security.

The trip to NATO was the first international travel for the new plane, whose speedy upgrades triggered questions over its cost and security, and took place as hostilities escalated with Iran, which borders Turkey.

Before departing Ankara, Mr. Trump said on Truth Social that he would use an older baby blue Air Force One plane “for old time’s sake” ⁠to RAF Mildenhall in Britain while the new plane stopped at the same base so US service members stationed there could tour the ​aircraft.

After Mr. Trump boarded the old Air Force One in front of cameras in Ankara, he was secretly shuttled by an airport catering truck to a smaller plane, an Air Force C-32A, the Post reported citing a US official familiar with the operation and corroborating material it reviewed.

The deception operation was triggered by a credible threat to Mr. Trump, the Post reported. A similar operation had taken place in 2000, when President Bill Clinton used an unmarked executive jet to fly into Pakistan while sending his formal Air Force One as decoy.

On this occasion, the journalists who thought they were traveling with Mr. Trump on the older Air Force One, which was effectively used as a decoy, reported being advised to keep their window shades in the press cabin closed. The Post said aside from reporters, some White House staff also believed that the president was on board. When asked later by reporters why they had to keep their shades shut during the flight, Mr. Trump said it was because they were “probably on a dangerous flight.” He went onto say: “But if I go, you go. Right?”

The C-32A carrying Mr. Trump flew to Britain, arriving at around 10:20 p.m. with the older Air Force One and media, arriving minutes later, the Post reported. It was not clear, the paper said, how Mr. Trump was moved from the C-32A back to the older Air Force One.

Mr. Trump’s traveling press pool reported he climbed down the stairs of the older Air Force One at 10:56 p.m. local time. He gave press a peace sign but didn’t walk over to talk to them. He then spent some time greeting service members before walking to the new, Qatar-donated plane.

When asked for comment on the revelation of a secret flight on a third plane, the White House provided a statement from Communications Director Steve Cheung saying the Qatari-donated jet has been fitted with high-level security protocols that ensure the safety of the president and his staff.

“As the President has said recently, there are many enemies of America who have their sights on him, and we use every tool at our disposal to address those threats,” Mr. Cheung said. It was the same statement provided to the Post.

The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment. — Reuters

Mr. Trump’s proposal, which had not been raised before, was a response to Tehran’s demands for compensation and an end to sanctions. The Iranian demands were largely in line with the terms of a preliminary peace deal signed in June, which has since broken down.

Since the war began in February, Mr. Trump has repeatedly oscillated between threats of escalation and claims that a peace deal is imminent.

“We’re going to ask for money for the damage they’ve done over a 50-year period,” Mr. Trump said at the White House, saying payments would cover deaths among both civilian demonstrators and US forces in the region.

“So if there’s damages to be paid, I think Iran should pay those damages,” Mr. Trump said.

Oil prices settled 5% higher on Monday after the demands dimmed prospects for a deal to reopen the strait.

TRUMP CITES ATTACK BLAMED ON AL QAEDA, NOT IRAN

Referring to Tehran’s crackdown on demonstrations in late 2025 and 2026, Mr. Trump said Iran had killed some 52,000 protesters as of six weeks ago. While some Iranian opposition and exile groups have claimed tens of thousands killed, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) in February reported around 7,000 deaths including 6,500 protesters.

Mr. Trump encouraged protesters to overthrow the Iranian government when the war began with US and Israeli airstrikes in February. Rights groups say the Iranian government has continued to crack down on opponents since then.

Mr. Trump also said Iran should compensate families of the 17 US sailors killed in an October 2000 attack in Yemen on the naval vessel USS Cole, which has been blamed on al Qaeda, not Iran.

“Also, with respect to the Iran negotiations, Iran should be responsible for the damages and death caused to the people of Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Gaza!” Mr. Trump wrote in a Truth Social post.

Iran earlier said it was nearing a final pact with Oman defining new shipping lanes between them through the Strait of Hormuz but repeated that the US must meet conditions, including compensation and an end to sanctions and military threats before the key waterway is reopened.

The strait, through which about a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas flowed prior to the conflict, has been effectively blocked since the war began, pushing up oil prices and inflation.

TRUMP UNDER PRESSURE

Ironically, the agreement with Oman would give Tehran more leverage over the key waterway than it had before the war began.

Mr. Trump is under pressure to end a war that is deeply unpopular at home ahead of midterm elections in November, and high fuel prices are a top issue in rural areas that have backed him in the past.

“What you’re seeing here is the beginning of a capitulation,” Democratic US Representative Bill Keating said on CNN. “This is reality. It’s sinking in.”

Earlier on Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said talks with Oman were “progressing smoothly and constructively”, with an agreement reached on a shipping route map, while some technical issues remained unresolved.

Mr. Baghaei said the discussions also covered services which would normally involve payment, such as safe navigation, environmental protection, maritime services and combating crime.

US officials have repeatedly ruled out any deal that would allow Tehran to charge fees for access to the strait.

But months of US military efforts, including a two-week campaign of strikes in July, have not broken Iran’s grip on the strait, despite Mr. Trump’s misleading claim, repeated on Monday, that the strait was open and, “The only one that has control of the Strait of Hormuz right now is the United States Navy.”

Washington and Tehran agreed to a ceasefire in June, but the US reimposed a blockade on Iranian shipping in July, a move that Tehran said violated the truce.

Iran has been striking back with missiles and drones against Washington’s allies in the region, while also targeting commercial ships transiting the strait without its permission. — Reuters

The refund is part of a P9.5-billion amount approved by the regulator after Meralco over-recovered distribution charges due to delays in the rate-setting process.

“We expect that the latest refund will be enough to offset other upward adjustments in the August bills,” said Joe R. Zaldarriaga, Meralco’s vice-president and head of corporate communications, in a statement on Sunday.

Other adjustments include higher reserve market prices, an increase in the feed-in tariff allowance (FIT-All), and the recovery of pass-through costs.

The ERC approved a P0.1348-per-kWh increase in the FIT-All collected by the National Transmission Corp. starting in August.

The increase will be added to the existing FIT-All rate of P0.2011 per kWh, bringing the total to P0.3359 per kWh.

FIT-All is a uniform charge collected from on-grid electricity consumers to pay renewable energy developers that have secured fixed rates for the electricity generated by their projects.

Meanwhile, the ERC allowed Meralco to collect P8.7 billion from customers over three years for unrecovered generation, transmission, and system loss charges, as well as real property taxes.

“We are hoping that the downward adjustment will bring relief to Meralco customers, especially with the lower overall demand observed in the Luzon grid as earlier reported by IEMOP (Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines),” Mr. Zaldarriaga said.

Electricity prices in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market in Luzon declined by 8.2% to P7.95 per kWh as demand and supply softened.

Meralco is the Philippines’ largest private electricity distribution utility, serving more than 8.2 million customers in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, including Bulacan, Cavite, and Rizal, as well as parts of Laguna, Batangas, Pampanga, and Quezon.

ENERGY SALES RECOVERY
Meralco expects electricity sales within its distribution network to grow this year after recording a recovery in July.

Ronnie L. Aperocho, executive vice-president and chief operating officer of Meralco, said the company expects its energy sales volume to increase by 2% to 2.5% this year after remaining relatively flat in 2025.

“At present, our sales are relatively flat, but in the second half of the year, with the onset of El Niño, we expect a recovery,” he told reporters last week.

Energy sales volume increased by 6.9% in July, with Meralco expecting the growth to be sustained.

In the first six months, energy sales in its distribution utility segment declined by 0.5%, which the company attributed to the increasing adoption of rooftop solar systems.

“Some of these new residential customers that we’re energizing also have their own rooftop solar, so that’s really the challenge,” Mr. Aperocho said.

Meralco is also seeking to capture part of the rooftop solar market through its subsidiary MSpectrum, Inc., which provides solar systems to residential and commercial customers.

Meralco’s controlling stakeholder, Beacon Electric Asset Holdings, Inc., is partly owned by PLDT Inc. Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has an interest in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

THE NATIONAL Government’s (NG) debt service bill jumped in June on higher interest and amortization payments, the Bureau of the Treasury said.

The latest Treasury data showed payments made by the government for its obligations rose by 18.5% to P77.22 billion in June from P65.14 billion in the same month a year ago.

Month on month, however, debt service declined by 20.5% from P97.18 billion in May.

Debt service refers to payments made by the NG for its domestic and foreign debt.

The bulk or 80.8% of debt payments in June consisted of interest payments, while the rest were amortization payments.

The government’s interest payments rose by 8.7% to P62.43 billion in June from P57.42 billion in the same month a year earlier.

Interest payments for domestic debt stood at P39.92 billion in June, up by 3.7% from P38.48 billion in the same month in 2025.

Of the total, P19.09 billion went to interest payments for retail Treasury bonds, P15.16 billion for fixed-rate Treasury bonds, and P4.32 billion for Treasury bills.

Meanwhile, interest payments for foreign borrowings rose by 18.9% to P22.51 billion in June from P18.94 billion a year prior.

On the other hand, NG’s repayment of its loan principal surged by 91.5% to P14.79 billion in June from P7.72 billion a year ago.

These consisted of P540 million in amortization on domestic obligations, surging tenfold from P54 million a year ago, and P14.25 billion for foreign obligations, which rose by 85.8% from P7.67 billion.

SIX-MONTH BILL
For the first six months, the government’s debt service bill increased by 59.7% to P1.23 trillion from P768.11 billion in the same period last year.

In the first half, the NG’s repayment of its loan principal accounted for more than half or 60.6% of the total debt service bill.

Amortization payments in the January-to-June period jumped by 110.3% to P743 billion from P353.29 billion a year ago.

Broken down, principal payments for domestic debt soared by 270.1% to P630.91 billion, while payments for external borrowings declined by 38.7% to P112.1 billion.

Meanwhile, interest payments stood at P483.69 billion in the six months ending June, up by 16.6% from P414.82 billion in the same period a year ago.

Interest payments on domestic debt jumped by 20.3% year on year to P360.72 billion in the first six months from P299.83 billion a year ago.

This consisted of P242.16 billion in fixed-rate Treasury bonds, P87.5 billion in retail Treasury bonds, P25.15 billion in Treasury bills, and P5.9 billion in interest payments for other domestic borrowings.

Interest payments on foreign obligations increased by 6.9% year on year to P122.97 billion in the January-to-June period from P114.99 billion a year ago.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said the higher debt service bill reflects maturing debt and the wider budget deficit.

The NG’s budget deficit widened by 9.39% year on year to P264.3 billion in June, bringing the six-month gap 2.79% higher at P786.8 billion.

Meanwhile, NG’s outstanding debt climbed by 2.8% to P19.07 trillion at end-June from the P18.55-trillion end-May level.

“Higher US dollar/peso exchange rate in recent years also bloated the peso equivalent of foreign debt in recent years, as well as interest payments for those foreign debts,” Mr. Ricafort said in a Viber message.

The local currency closed at P61.36 versus the dollar on June 30, weakening by P2.57 from its P58.79 close on Dec. 29, 2025.

“For the coming months, debt servicing bill would be a function of maturing debt, such as the P100-billion maturing Treasury bonds and retail Treasury bonds in September,” he said.

However, Mr. Ricafort said possible rate hikes and a still relatively higher US dollar/peso exchange rate may increase principal and interest payments.

PHILIPPINE EXPORTS of semiconductor and electronic products could reach a new high of $54 billion this year amid surging demand for tech components needed to support artificial intelligence (AI) adoption and data centers, an industry group said.

“Initially, we were conservative at 5%, but looking at the performance of the other industries, we upped it to 10% for 2026. So, that would be around $53 billion to $54 billion,” Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation, Inc. (SEIPI) President Danilo C. Lachica told reporters on the sidelines of an event on Friday.

The 10% forecast is higher than SEIPI’s initial 5% growth forecast for semiconductor and electronics exports this year.

“For 2025, we did not expect exports to hit 16%, so we only projected flat growth [for this year] because of the geopolitical wars and supply-chain (disruption), but what happened is [export growth] was driven by AI,” Mr. Lachica said.

Electronics exports rose by 16.11% to $49.64 billion in 2025 from $42.75 billion in 2024, according to SEIPI data.

Mr. Lachica noted that while the Philippines does not produce AI chips, it specializes in support equipment to power AI engines and data centers.

“Since AI and data centers are still gonna grow, and then there’s automotive electronics, so we’re projecting 10% growth in exports,” Mr. Lachica said.

He noted that Hong Kong remains the top destination for Philippine-made electronics and semiconductor exports, followed by the United States and China.

On the other hand, China remained the top source for electronics imports, driven mainly by silicon wafers.

“We have to strengthen our localization initiatives,” Mr. Lachica said.

The Philippines’ share in the global semiconductor market is about 5% as of 2025, he noted.

SEIPI is also looking to increase the country’s share in the electronics manufacturing services market, the sector which specializes in the complete assembly of consumer electronic devices like mobile phones.

“It’s a very big trillion-dollar market, but our share is only 1% for now,” Mr. Lachica said.

The group is also hoping to resubmit to the Department of Science and Technology its proposal to establish a lab-scale wafer fabrication facility by 2027.

“It will be the proof-of-concept to show the world that we can [specialize] in wafer fab,” he said, noting that semiconductor companies still identify the Philippines as a hub for back-end semiconductor manufacturing.

“We’re good in assembly, test and packaging, and we’re starting to grow the IC (integrated circuit) design industry, but without the wafer fab, we’re not realizing the full potential to complete the semiconductor supply chain,” Mr. Lachica said.

On the possibility of building a wafer fab facility inside the Philippines’ AI-native hub in New Clark City, Tarlac under the Pax Silica initiative, Mr. Lachica said this might not be possible at the moment.

“I would love to have a wafer fab in Pax Silica, but we’re not ready for that. You can’t convince like a TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.) or a TI (Texas Instruments, Inc.) to build a wafer fab in the Philippines if we don’t have the track record,” he said.

Department of Economy, Planning, and Development Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said the upcoming AI-native hub in New Clark City, Tarlac under the Pax Silica initiative would help increase the value of the country’s electronics and semiconductor exports.

“If you look at our semiconductors and electronics, they are somewhat left behind because of the new technologies,” he told reporters on the sidelines of a briefing last week.

“So, with this Pax Silica, if we succeed in attracting these kinds of industries, it is going to be a game changer for that sector to become more robust,” Mr. Balisacan said.

Electronic products remained the Philippines’ top export in first half of 2026, rising by 20.7% to $26.1 billion from $21.62 billion last year, according to Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data.

Semiconductor exports, which accounted for the bulk of electronic products, also climbed by 21.7% to $19.5 billion in the six-month period from $16.02 billion a year ago, PSA data showed.

THE PHILIPPINES’ already subdued consumer spending could come under further pressure if the government pushes through with plans to hike taxes on sugary drinks, e-cigarettes and alcohol, despite the expected income tax relief, analysts said.   

Ser Percival K. Peña-Reyes, a senior research fellow at the Ateneo Center for Economic Research and Development, said while higher excise taxes could provide some fiscal relief, it could also dampen household spending.

“Raising excise taxes improves fiscal sustainability and creates room to finance public services and infrastructure,” he told BusinessWorld via Facebook Messenger. “However, if implemented when consumer demand is already weakening, those taxes can reduce household spending in the short run.” 

The levies’ impact, according to Mr. Peña-Reyes, would depend on the coverage of the tax reform package proposed by the Department of Finance (DoF).

“Yes, it could dampen consumption, but the magnitude depends on which goods are taxed, how large the tax increase is, and whether income tax relief reaches the same households that bear the higher excise taxes,” he said.

In the second quarter, household final consumption expenditure — a key driver of the economy — grew by 2.8% in the second quarter, further slowing from the 5.2% print in the same quarter last year and 3% in the previous quarter.

This was the weakest pace since the 4.8% contraction in the first quarter of 2021. Excluding the pandemic, this was the slowest growth in consumption since 2.6% in the third quarter of 2010.

This could weaken even further if the government raises excise taxes, Foundation for Economic Freedom President Calixto V. Chikiamco said.    

“Yes, increased excise tax may dampen consumption growth more, which had become anemic since the Middle East crisis,” he told BusinessWorld in a Viber message. 

“Higher inflation is already a tax on income earners,” he added. “Higher excise taxes risk slower consumption and growth. Of course, the increased excise taxes are targeted to vice products and demand elasticity will determine how much consumption will decrease due to the increased excise taxes.” 

On Monday, the DoF unveiled tax reforms under the proposed Promoting Growth, Revenue, and Equity towards Socio-economic Sustainability (ProGRESS) bill.

The measure covers new or higher taxes on sweetened beverages, e-cigarettes, flexible plastic products, luxury vehicles and private aircraft, and is projected to generate an average revenue of P129.68 billion annually from 2027 to 2030.   

According to the DoF, this could offset the estimated P81.73-billion annual foregone revenue from raising the threshold for income tax exemptions to P350,000 from P250,000 for low- and middle-income earners and the tax exemptions for micro, small, and medium enterprises.   

Filomeno S. Sta Ana, III, coordinator of the Action for Economic Reforms, noted that expected losses from the proposed tax breaks likely forced fiscal authorities to look for new revenue streams.   

“The administration has no choice but to find new sources of revenues. Not only to compensate for the revenue losses from increased income tax relief but also to prevent a fiscal crisis amid a deteriorating fiscal situation. So, the will (to impose new taxes) should be there,” he said via Viber.   

If the ProGRESS bill is enacted, the excise tax on beverages using caloric or noncaloric sweeteners would more than triple to P20 per liter from P6, while the levy on beverages using high-fructose corn syrup would climb to P40 per liter from P12. 

The DoF also seeks to expand the excise tax coverage to edible ices, including ice cream, sorbets, ice lollies and frozen yogurt.   

It likewise wants to impose by 2027 a unified P72.93 excise tax rate per milliliter of salt nicotine, per two milliliters of freebase nicotine and per pack of 20 heated tobacco products.

For distilled spirits, the excise tax could rise to P157.21 per proof liter, with the DoF proposing to tax premixed alcoholic beverages or alcopops as well.   

The DoF also plans to impose a P150-per-kilogram excise tax on sando bags, labo bags, and sachets. It also wants to increase the excise taxes on automobiles and nonessential goods, including private aircraft, with a 75% tax rate on vehicles with a net manufacturer’s or importer’s price exceeding P8 million.

“We note that this excise tax reform package is a bundle of potentially unpopular and favorable tax adjustments,” University of Asia and the Pacific Economist Marco Antonio C. Agonia told BusinessWorld in an e-mail.

“While many may view higher taxes on sweetened beverages, plastics, and e-cigarettes unfavorably, similarly higher taxes on discretionary items such as luxury cars and private aircraft may be more palatable to many Filipinos, along with the increase in the income tax exemption threshold,” he added.   

‘DOUBLE WIN’
Meanwhile, Mr. Sta. Ana dubbed the proposed excise taxes as a “double win” for the country, as it could discourage the use of harmful products while also boosting the government’s revenues.   

“(T)he excise taxes on these products benefit health. Thus, one goal is precisely to discourage consumption of such unhealthy products,” he said. “But at the same time the taxes generate revenues. A double win.”

Despite the new and updated excise taxes, Mr. Agonia hinted that consumption will still likely hold as consumers resort to alternatives for the affected products, especially with additional budget from the income tax relief.

“This income tax relief may still have a net positive effect on consumption. With BSP’s estimated household marginal propensity to consume being close to 1.0, that implies that most of every additional peso of income for households gets spent back into the consumer economy,” he said.   

“Recipients of the annual income tax-exempt threshold will likely spend their additional income to purchase goods and services. Furthermore, additional prices for sugary drinks and plastics may simply encourage consumers to substitute for other goods,” Mr. Agonia added.   

He also noted that individuals falling under the P350,000 annual income bracket are unlikely to be affected by the higher levies on luxury vehicles and personal aircraft.   

For Mr. Peña-Reyes, on the other hand, keeping the expanded excise tax package targeted to sin products could limit its impact on consumer spending.

Meanwhile, Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines, the country’s Coca-Cola bottler and distributor, said it is reviewing the proposed changes to the excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages.

“At this time, we are in the process of gathering and reviewing all available information to fully understand the potential implications,” the company told BusinessWorld in an e-mailed reply to questions.

“Generally, any increase in taxes on food and beverage products has the potential to affect consumers, retailers, and small businesses across the value chain. Our focus remains on continuing to provide Filipinos with a range of beverages choices while supporting affordability and accessibility for consumers,” it said. — with Alexandria Grace C. Magno

A THIRD STRAIGHT rate hike from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is expected later this month as it seeks to steer inflation back to target even as economic growth slumped to a new post-pandemic low in the second quarter.

Security Bank Chief Economist Angelo B. Taningco said the BSP could remain hawkish but with a less aggressive stance after weaker-than-expected inflation and gross domestic product (GDP) growth.

“We think the slower-than-expected second-quarter GDP growth performance together with another month of downside CPI (consumer price index) inflation surprise in July have reinforced our less aggressive monetary tightening outlook,” he told BusinessWorld in an e-mail.

This means ending its tightening cycle with a final 25-basis-point (bp) rate hike at its upcoming policy review on Aug. 27.

“The continued weakness of the economy means the case for further hikes is less clear-cut,” Capital Economics Senior Asia Economist Gareth Leather said in a report.

“But with inflation still well above target, we expect one more 25-bp hike at the BSP’s next meeting on 27^th August before it calls a halt to its hiking cycle,” he added.

Mr. Leather noted that further tightening will strain domestic activity, especially as he sees GDP growth missing the government’s target at around 3% this year and 4.5% next year.   

In the second quarter, GDP growth slowed to 2.3% from 5.4% a year ago and 2.8% in the previous quarter as the oil shock-driven inflation dampened household spending and lingering governance issues subdued investments.   

This marked the fourth consecutive quarter of slowing growth. It was also the economy’s worst performance since the pandemic or when it contracted by 3.8% in the first quarter of 2021.   

The latest GDP print brought the country’s first-half growth to 2.6%, below the government’s 3.5%-4.5% full-year target.

Meanwhile, headline inflation slowed for a third straight month at 6.2% in July. This was, however, the fifth month in a row that inflation settled above the central bank’s 3% target. Inflation averaged 5% in the seven-month period.

Bank of the Philippine Islands Lead Economist Emilio S. Neri, Jr. said potentially heavier price pressures from the El Niño event and expectations of a second-half economic rebound may leave the door open for “a larger rate increase later in the year.”

“Recent policy actions suggest that the central bank is attempting to balance the need to bring inflation under control while avoiding a sharp slowdown in economic activity, resulting in a gradual pace of tightening in recent months,” he said in a report. 

“However, a larger rate increase later in the year cannot be ruled out, particularly if the impact of El Niño on food prices proves more severe than currently anticipated. Moreover, a potential rebound in economic growth in the second half of the year may allow BSP to place greater emphasis on anchoring inflation expectations,” he added.

On the other hand, Nomura Global Markets Research is projecting up to a fourth straight 25-bp rate hike, noting that inflation concerns outweigh growth woes in the BSP’s policy framework.

“The Q2 GDP disappointment will unlikely derail BSP’s hiking cycle, in our view, because it remains focused on bringing inflation back to target over the policy horizon (2027-2028) and anchoring inflation expectations, rather than supporting domestic demand,” Nomura economists Euben Paracuelles and Nabila Amani said in an e-mailed note.

Mr. Paracuelles and Ms. Amani said the central bank may remain measured as it balances fresh inflation risks, improved fiscal spending, and a still-negative output gap.

University of Asia and the Pacific Economist Marco Antonio C. Agonia likewise sees the BSP delivering two additional 25-bp rate increases before standing pat this year.   

“The expected second-half recovery narrative may keep the BSP in a moderately conservative stance,” he told BusinessWorld in an e-mail. “BSP may continue tightening to manage inflation expectations, but we think they won’t tighten by too much as implementation risks still exist for these (infrastructure) projects.”

BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. has said that there is a “small chance” that emerging inflationary risks from the Middle East war-driven volatility, wage hike, and the government’s new tax reforms could prompt them to deliver a 50-bp rate hike.

He also earlier said that the economy can likely absorb a third-quarter-point hike, with the government’s catch-up measures projected to boost growth in the second half.

A PAUSE?
For Philippine National Bank Chief Economist Alvin Joseph A. Arogo, however, the current macro backdrop calls for the BSP to hit pause on tightening before economic growth suffers further. 

“It is very clear that the rate hikes have been quickly felt by the real economy,” he told BusinessWorld in an e-mail. “Although headline and core inflation are still above the BSP’s target, the July print suggests the trend is downward.”

“Therefore, the BSP should keep the policy rate unchanged on Aug. 27 as another hike will do more harm than good since it would put at risk the potential for growth recovery in the second half but not solve the supply-shock driven inflation,” Mr. Arogo added.

Miguel Chanco, chief Emerging Asia economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, also expects the central bank to stand pat, saying that inflation likely peaked, but growth might not have bottomed out.

“Our core view is that further tightening now from the Board later this month would be overkill,” he also told BusinessWorld in an e-mail. “It’s quite clear that the postwar surge in inflation has peaked, even if we might see some stickiness in the headline rate in (the) short run due to the temporary rise in oil prices last month.”

“What is a bigger doubt is whether the slowdown in growth has bottomed out, which is where I think the Board’s attention should now turn to,” he added.

Mr. Chanco noted that the economy might not recover as much in the second half as the government expects, citing the damage the Middle East war has inflicted on business and consumer confidence, alongside persistently weak infrastructure spending.

Since it began tightening in April, the central bank has so far lifted benchmark borrowing costs by 50 bps, which brought the policy rate to a near one-year high of 4.75%.

“I don’t think we’ve seen enough hikes this year to materially impact growth in the near term, due to the natural lags between monetary policy and the real economy,” Mr. Chanco added. “At least, however, it will hold back the prospects of a decent recovery.”

The Monetary Board will hold its fourth rate-setting meeting this year on Aug. 27, with two more to follow on Oct. 22 and Dec. 17.

Critic’s Rating: 4 / 5.0

4

It’s rather amusing to have a Librarian who predates the magical source material. It never occurred to me there could be new mythology.

Vikram, being a product of the first half of the 1800s, has a well-versed knowledge of classic mythology and folklore. However, he knows nothing about J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan character.

Fun fact, Peter Pan was actually first introduced in Barrie’s 1904 West End play, Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up, not the book, which wouldn’t be published until 1911.

Meanwhile, Charlie’s feeling the weight of responsibility as Guardian and the idea of flying away to Never-Never Land is probably looking rather tempting.

I love a good mash-up, and The Librarians: The Next Chapter Season 2 Episode 3, “And the Vanishing Bankers,” mashes up two of my favorite things: mythology and children’s literature.

In a delightfully innovative twist, Pan, the Greek god of wild things, is reincarnated as Peter Pan, an immortal boy who leads a pack of Wild Boys.

I’d never considered the fact of the parallels, but, as it turns out, *does a quick Google search* Barrie actually drew direct inspiration from the god Pan when creating Peter.

The Librarians: The Next Chapter “And the Vanishing Bankers”

To be honest, the Peter Pan books are a bit of a tedious read as far as children’s books go. I remember making the effort after watching the 2003 movie, and only Nana, the dog, was truly memorable.

However, the lore of Peter and Wendy and the Darling children is well-known and beloved by many thanks to Disney and other film and literary adaptations.

So having him leap to life, weaponizing the allure of eternal childhood to ensnare those who have given in to the quiet despair of adulting, is not too hard to imagine.

Casting Ty Tennant, one-time Targaryen and IRL son and grandson of two Doctor Who actors — another iconic character known for regenerating — as the perpetually prepubescent Peter Pan is a fabulous get for the role.

He not only exudes the energy and careless chaos Peter is known for, but also shades it with the malevolent intent of the Pan persona, determined to escape the mundane world for Neverland, taking his playmates along.

Guardian Blues

Modern-day Guardians are a special subset of Library denizen. Charlie, like Eve Baird before her, has multiple Librarians under her care, which is a lot.

It’s no wonder that historically, when there was only a singular Librarian on duty, there would be one Guardian assigned to keep them alive.

Dealing with magical artifacts and beings means they have to contend with dangerous situations, deadly enemies, and daily threats.

Multiply that by three Librarians who are often in disagreement, going their own way, or flat-out refusing to follow procedure, and a responsible-minded Guardian is well on their way to burnout.

Where Librarians lean into their mercurial, brilliant minds, often leaping into action without consideration for their safety, Guardians are meant to be prepared for every possible outcome.

Again, times three, in Charlie’s case.

So, when she seems a bit enamored with the idea of becoming Peter’s Wendy and foregoing her seemingly undervalued Guardian duties, it feels believable.

Playing the Part

To be fair, Vikram, Lysa, and Conner would never deliberately undervalue Charlie’s work. They are just completely clueless about how much a Guardian does.

Vikram never worked with one before. And Lysa and Conner barely know what Librarian duties entail.

Only Mrs. Astolat sympathizes with Charlie’s plight, but mostly because her work and expertise get overlooked just as much.

And at least Mrs. Astolat has the freedom to leave them to their shenanigans. Charlie has to police them.

For the Librarians to take on Peter Pan in all his egocentric glory is for them to see what their behavior borders on. Childlike wonder and enthusiasm is one thing. Juvenile heedlessness and reckless hedonism another.

The Upside to Downers

In the context of a very clever script, Charlie’s solution to Peter’s attempt to take her with him to Neverland is a sparkling topper.

How does one foil an opponent who flies on the power of whimsy? Weigh yourself down with thoughts of responsibility and obligation.

It’s such a brilliant ploy that simultaneously delivers the message that maturity and accountability can save us when our imaginations get out of hand.

There’s nothing necessarily wrong with feeling the bounds of adult commitments. Being a reliable person who follows through on pledges builds bonds of trust and faithfulness with your team.

But it’s vital that you feel valued by those you make the effort to protect and prepare. As a Guardian, there won’t ever be a time Charlie won’t feel the pressure to keep the Librarians safe.

If she feels her contributions are appreciated, she’ll rise to the occasion as effectively as fairy dust. Moving forward, the team will hopefully be less likely to take her for granted.

Sometimes, it takes a change in perspective to remind you what makes the magic work.

Magical Beings

So far, The Librarians: The Next Chapter Season 2 has been more concerned with magical beings than mortals messing with magical artifacts.

There was the fear demon at the school, then the genie, now Peter/Pan. But, of course, the season’s Big Bad is Merlin, who isn’t a magical being as much as a great user of magic.

So, there’s balance.

Who do you think The Librarians will come up against next, Fanatics? Are there any boogey beings you’d like to lurk under their beds? Or a favorite character from mythology?

Hit our comments with who/what you’d like to see next. Also, rate the episode in the poll below!

• 

  On The Librarians: The Next Chapter, “And the Vanishing Bankers,” Charlie gets the chance at a second childhood! We review how that goes…

• 

  On The Librarians: The Next Chapter “…And the Tethered Wish,” a freed genie causes havoc & Jacob Stone (!) gets dragged into it. Our review!

• 

  On the Season 2 premiere of The Librarians: The Next Chapter, “And the Burning Heart,” tempers get strangely spicy. Also, #Merlin! Our review!

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August 6, 2026 — Malay, Aklan, Philippines

The Municipalities of Malay, Aklan and Taytay, Rizal are strengthening ties through the establishment of a sisterhood relationship aimed at promoting cooperation, knowledge-sharing, and sustainable local development.

The Sangguniang Bayan ng Malay Led by Mayor Hon. Floiran Bautista warmly welcomed the delegation from the Municipality of Taytay, Rizal, led by Municipal Mayor Hon. Allan De Leon, during a courtesy visit held in Malay, Aklan.

Joining the Taytay delegation were LEDIPO Taytay OIC Atty. Dustin Regalado, LEDIPO Taytay Focal Person Cristina “Chin” Gonzales, Taytay Tourism Head Ruel Supendio, PCCI Rizal President Gladdie Mallari and Taytay Garments Representatives, who took part in discussions aimed at exploring opportunities for cooperation and strengthening ties between the two municipalities.

Also participating in the engagement was LEDIPO Malay representative Niel Flores, who contributed to discussions on potential areas of collaboration between Malay and Taytay, particularly in local economic development, tourism, investment promotion, and the sharing of successful programs and practices.

The meeting provided an opportunity for local officials from both municipalities to exchange messages of goodwill, express gratitude, and discuss opportunities for closer collaboration. The sisterhood partnership is expected to encourage the exchange of best practices in local governance while fostering mutual understanding between the two local governments.

The initiative is anchored on Resolution No. 165, Series of 2024, entitled “A Resolution Establishing the Sisterhood Relationship Between the Municipality of Malay, Aklan and the Municipality of Taytay, Rizal, and Authorizing Municipal Mayor Frolibar S. Bautista to Negotiate and Sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Municipality of Taytay, Rizal.”

The resolution was enacted and approved in September 2024, formally paving the way for the two municipalities to pursue a stronger partnership.

Through the sisterhood relationship, Malay and Taytay seek to create avenues for sharing successful programs, governance strategies, and development initiatives that could benefit their respective communities.

The partnership also highlights the importance of collaboration among local government units in addressing common challenges and pursuing inclusive and progressive development.

The Sangguniang Bayan ng Malay reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships that contribute to the continued growth and progress of the municipality.

The establishment of the sisterhood relationship marks another step toward building stronger connections between local governments and creating opportunities for meaningful cooperation between Malay, Aklan and Taytay, Rizal.

#SmileTaytay
#Boracay
#LEDIPO

By: Meme Borja

Who would have thought that Big Brother Season 28 would get good after so many meandering weeks?

All the season needed was a blindside to shift the house dynamic and introduce a new set of targets.

As TV Fanatic previously reported, LaTrice won the Week 5 Head of Household competition, beating out Kamu at the final hurdle.

This happened hours after Kamu, Hayley, and Chuk were left out of a vote flip to save Drew and Melody and send Lyric out of the house.

That left outgoing HOH Hayley with a sour taste in her mouth. Initially, she wanted to take out Taylor, but that plan blew up when Taylor won the Veto competition.

Then, she wanted Drew or Melody gone, and that blew up when Angela, Dee, and Devens worked the house to flip the vote.

Hayley’s reaction during the eviction episode was priceless.

Her week of power culminated in confusion, and she went from the most powerful place in the house to the most vulnerable: The block.

We saw LaTrice on Friday morning trying to come to terms with who to target this week, and after the way Hayley treated the rest of the house, she was high up on her list.

Hayley has ruffled feathers for complaining that the game has been hard, yet she spent the first four weeks on the side of the house with all of the power.

Hayley thought her game was so tough as HOH that she would win the next Big Brother Time Capsule.

The delusion is real with her, but then, it’s real with most people in the game.

LaTrice nominated Barrett and Chuk alongside Hayley for eviction. For now, Barrett is a pawn, and Chuk is only up because LaTrice heard he said he would target her.

So, LaTrice felt that putting him up now was good for her game. It also meant that if he won the Veto, he couldn’t save Hayley.

He’d likely want to save himself first. So, you can only imagine my surprise when Hayley started floating ideas to keep her, Chuk, and Kamu safe.

She initially said she would remove Chuk from the block and stay on it until Thursday.

She then said that she or Chuk could win and keep the nominations the same because she believes Kamu is the target and she doesn’t want to be on the block with two of her allies.

It’s a wild sentiment to make, but why does she think that she could rally the votes against Barrett?

Barrett is safe because he’s played the middle and has won no competitions on Big Brother. There’s no way that he would be seen as a bigger threat than Chuk, Hayley, or Kamu.

The target so far this week seems to be Hayley, but with how quickly things have changed in the house in a few days, it’s anyone’s guess as to who will be put on the block on Monday if someone comes down.

LaTrice seems intent on shaking up the game, and it’s long overdue.

The Big Brother Live Feeds went down on Saturday afternoon and returned later, revealing that Kamu won the latest Power of Veto.

This is sure to cause some big changes to LaTrice’s plans.

What are your thoughts on the winner?

Do you expect the Veto to be used?

Let’s keep the conversation going — it’s the only way the good stuff survives.
Say something in the comments, share if you’re moved to, and keep reading. Independent voices need readers like you.

• 

  Big Brother just changed the game again thanks to the Week 5 Veto results. Get all the details inside about what’s going down.

• 

  The power has finally shifted on Big Brother Season 28! Is the Toolshed dead and buried? Who’s been nominated? Get the spoilers.

• 

  Project Runway finally delivered one of the best, most creative, strongest challenges in years, and then Law and Tyra Banks derailed it. We vent!

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Daft Punk‘s Thomas Bangalter has said writing the score for Tron: Legacy was a “depressing” and “limiting” experience.

• READ MORE: The enduring influence of Daft Punk: “They gave off this attitude of not giving a fuck”

The musician and producer reflected on working on the 2010 Disney film during a recent episode of The A24 Podcast, in conversation with Dev Hynes, aka Blood Orange.

He explained that director Joseph Kosinski – who went on to make Top Gun: Maverick and F1, had expected Daft Punk to create an entirely electronic score, but Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo actually wanted to use the opportunity to work with a full symphony orchestra.

“Initially, he was like, ‘Oh no I want you guys to do a full electronic score’,” Bangalter said. “By that time, I’d done that music for 15 years, [so I said], ‘No, we’re going to Hollywood. We’re gonna use Fantasia. Like, it’s Disney. So it’s like a full orchestra’.”

He said he spent months working on synth tones for the score, but making it fit with the film was a huge challenge. “The problem was that when we started to experiment with picture, anything that was in the medium range, frequency-wise, would conflict with dialogue.”

“It was so limiting to feel like, ‘Oh yeah, I have all these ideas about things that we can really make music. But the whole thing about film score music is to take a step back and have the performance and not be in the way.”

“It’s always very depressing, actually, when you have all these ideas , and you say, ‘OK, I’m gonna bring that’, and you end up almost having to go back to a more traditional way of doing it,” he said.

“The tradition is not just rules. It’s sometimes, like, common sense. It’s the idea of saying, ‘OK, yeah, you know, we tried that, and it doesn’t work.”

The Tron: Legacy soundtrack was Daft Punk’s first full film score, and at the time, Bangalter called it “by far the most challenging and complex thing we have ever been involved with”. A complete edition with previously unavailable tracks was released for the film’s 10th anniversary in 2020, and a vinyl reissue followed a year later.

NME gave Tron: Legacy a two-star review, writing: “Now it’s been rebooted, it is unlikely Tron fans will have to wait another three decades before they see a third instalment in the saga. Yet however quickly the third movie does comes around, by the time it does, the aforementioned fans might realise they’re not quite as keen on Tron as they might have thought they were.”

Daft Punk, meanwhile, split in 2021 after 28 years, and earlier this year, Bangalter ruled out a reunion as there were still “other things to explore” outside of the duo. They were still heard a lot this summer, though, as their track ‘One More Time’ was France’s official goal music at the FIFA World Cup.

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The glorious summer weather continues into September, but crowds have dispersed following the conclusion of school holidays. This means affordable prices are easier to come by than in other months.

In addition to fabulous Labor Day Weekend celebrations, San Diego plays host to a range of events and festivities in September. All of which will keep you occupied throughout your stay. 

Take a look through our comprehensive guide for everything you need to know about San Diego in September.

Things To Do In San Diego In September

Julian Grape Stomp Festa

When: Saturday, September 5, 2026 | 11 AM – 5 PM
Where: Menghini Winery, 1150 Julian Orchards Dr, Julian, CA 92036
Website: Visit Julian

Kick off your shoes, roll up your pant legs, and squish your way into fall. Now in its 28th year, the Julian Grape Stomp Festa keeps the old-world harvest tradition alive at the lovely Menghini Winery, up in the apple-country hills of Julian.

Your admission gets you a keepsake wine glass, a tasting (for the 21+ crowd), a turn in the grape-stomping bin, and a full day of live music. There’s local wine to sample, food and shopping to browse, and — almost guaranteed — a little spontaneous dancing in the vineyard.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $8 for ages 6–20, and free for little ones under 5. It’s an easy, joyful excuse to make a day (or a whole weekend) of it in the mountains.

Taste of Gaslamp

When: Saturday, September 12, 2026 | 1 PM – 4 PM
Where: Gaslamp Quarter, Downtown San Diego
Website: gaslamp.org

San Diego’s longest-running tasting tour hits a big milestone this year — its 30th anniversary. The Taste of Gaslamp is a self-guided culinary crawl through the historic Gaslamp Quarter, where 20+ restaurants across 16 downtown blocks dish out signature small bites at your own pace.

Wander from gourmet seafood to succulent steaks to international flavors, then keep the party going at the after party on Margaritaville’s 5 o’Clock Somewhere Rooftop, with more food, cocktails, live music, prizes, and panoramic city views.

General admission runs $55 in advance ($65 day-of), and the VIP upgrade ($80 advance) unlocks exclusive extra bites and sips. It sells out every single year, so grab tickets early and come hungry.

Cardiff Greek Festival

When: September 12–13, 2026 | 10 AM – 9 PM
Where: Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, Cardiff (Encinitas)
Website: cardiffgreekfestival.com

Opa! For one lively weekend, Cardiff-by-the-Sea becomes a little slice of Greece. The Cardiff Greek Festival brings the community together at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church for two full days of authentic Greek food, traditional music, and spirited dancing (don’t be surprised if you get pulled into a line dance). Fill up on souvlaki, gyros, and honey-soaked pastries, browse the vendors, and soak in the warm, welcoming culture.

Kids under 12 get in free, as do first responders, veterans, and active military with ID. A heads-up for pet parents: only credentialed service dogs are allowed on the grounds.

San Diego Restaurant Week

When: September 14–21, 2026 (8 days)
Where: 100+ restaurants countywide, Oceanside to Chula Vista
Website: sandiegorestaurantweek.com

Consider this your official permission to eat your way across the county. San Diego Restaurant Week is an eight-day edible extravaganza featuring 100+ restaurants from Oceanside to Chula Vista, each offering specially priced multi-course menus starting at just $30. It’s the perfect chance to finally try that buzzy spot you’ve been eyeing or discover a new neighborhood favorite — with options spanning coastal seafood, downtown fine dining, brunches, lunches, and even “drink as a course” pairings.

No tickets or passes needed, but reservations are highly recommended since the best tables book up fast. Browse the menus ahead of time and build your dream dining week.

Adams Avenue Street Fair

When: September 19–20, 2026 | Saturday 10 a.m.–10 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Where: Adams Avenue, Normal Heights (10 city blocks)
Website: adamsavenuebusiness.com

Now in its 44th year, the Adams Avenue Street Fair is Southern California’s largest free two-day music festival — and one of the most delightfully eclectic weekends on the calendar. It takes over ten city blocks of the funky Normal Heights neighborhood with 75 musical acts spread across six stages, so wherever you wander, there’s a beat pulling you in.

This year’s lineup is a genre-hopping joy: singer-songwriter Bardo, influential rapper Masta Ace, blues guitar legend the Chris Duarte Group, accordion-driven Cali-Mex roots band Los Fabulocos, dub-hop collective Boostive, San Diego’s own Euphoria Brass Band, “Queen of Boogie Woogie” Sue Palmer & Her Motel Swing Orchestra, and full-tilt rockers the Midnight Rivals, among many more.

Between sets, there’s plenty to keep you busy — carnival rides, beer gardens, festival food, and 300 vendors hawking one-of-a-kind finds. When the sun gets toasty, duck into the Cool Zone to catch your breath. It’s free, it’s walkable, and it’s a perfect slice of San Diego community spirit. Bring cash, comfy shoes, and an open mind for whatever sound you stumble into next.

San Diego Yacht Rock Festival

When: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Where: Ingram Plaza at Liberty Station, 2640 Historic Decatur Rd, San Diego, CA 92106
Website: sandiegoyachtrockfestival.com

Pop your collar and channel your inner smooth sailor — the San Diego Yacht Rock Festival cruises back into Liberty Station on Saturday, September 19. If your happy place is a breezy afternoon of silky ’70s and ’80s soft-rock hits, this is your voyage. The lineup is stacked with the genre’s best tribute acts, including SoCal’s own Yachty by Nature, fan-favorite Dirty Yachtin’ Scoundrels out of Phoenix, and coast-to-coast crowd-pleasers Böaterhead, all guided by cruise director Captain Adam of Yacht Rock Radio.

New this year is a Food Pavilion serving up some seriously good eats — think Wicked Maine Lobster rolls, TNT’s award-winning barbecue, Mediterranean plates from Turkish Grill, and craft cocktails from Snake Oil Cocktail Company. A few things to know before you set sail: it’s a 21+ event, held rain or shine, and you’re welcome to bring a low-profile beach chair to stake out your spot. Leave the cooler and the pup at home, grab your “boarding pass,” and get ready for the smoothest party of the year.

Miramar Air Show

When: September 25–27, 2026
Where: MCAS Miramar, Miramar Rd, San Diego, CA 92126
Website: miramarairshow.com

Few things say San Diego quite like tipping your head back and watching fighter jets scream across a blue September sky. America’s Air Show returns to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar for three action-packed days September 25–27, and this year it’s extra special — the whole show is themed around the nation’s 250th birthday. As the largest military air show in the country, it’s a full flight-line spectacle: military demonstration teams, civilian aerobatic aces, daring solo acts, vintage warbirds, and plenty of ground displays to explore up close between performances.

It’s a genuine bucket-list day out for families, and the best part? General admission and parking are both free. Bring sunscreen, water, ear protection for the little ones, and a good attitude for crowds — this one draws a big, patriotic turnout. One important heads-up: every attendee 18 and older needs a valid government-issued photo ID to get in, so don’t leave home without it. Check the site for the full performer lineup and the list of what you can and can’t bring.

San Diego Bayfair

When: September 18–20, 2026
Where: Mission Bay, San Diego
Website

If you like your weekends fast and loud (in the best way), Bayfair delivers. One of the largest powerboat racing events in the country, the San Diego Bayfair roars onto Mission Bay for a full weekend of high-speed hydroplane racing — these things skim across the water at jaw-dropping speeds.

Beyond the races, expect live entertainment, food and drink vendors, and plenty of family-friendly fun, all set against the scenic backdrop of Mission Bay Park. Stake out a spot along the water, feel the engines rumble, and cheer on the thunderboats.

Oktoberfest in El Cajon

When: September 25–27 & October 2–4, 2026 | Fri 4–10 PM, Sat 12–10 PM, Sun 12–9 PM
Where: German American Societies, 1017 S. Mollison Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020
Website: germanclubsandiego.com

Prost! You don’t have to fly to Munich for authentic Oktoberfest — you just have to drive to El Cajon. Hosted by the German American Societies across two full weekends, this is the closest thing to a Bavarian beer garden you’ll find in Southern California. Come hungry for bratwurst, ox-on-the-spit, potato pancakes, warm salted pretzels, and European pastries, and thirsty for a great lineup of German beers.

Live oom-pah bands (including musicians visiting straight from Germany) keep the energy high with polkas, waltzes, the chicken dance, and plenty of stein-holding competitions. There’s a Kid Zone and shopping booths too, so the whole family’s welcome. You don’t need to be German to join the party — everyone is. Tip: on-site parking is very limited, so rideshare or carpool if you can.

Greg and I went for the first time last year and loved it. As I am from Germany, I was pretty impressed and it was a nice afternoon celebrating German culture (and beer and food or course).

Poway Rodeo

When: September 25–26, 2026 | Fri 7:30 PM, Sat 1 PM & 7:30 PM
Where: Poway Valley Riders Association Arena, 14336 Tierra Bonita Rd, Poway
Website: powayrodeo.com

Yeehaw — the Poway Rodeo saddles up for its 54th year, and it’s a genuine Southern California tradition. This PRCA rodeo brings world-class Western competition to the ring across three performances: Friday night, Saturday afternoon (with Kids Buck Day for the little buckaroos), and Saturday night.

Expect bronco riding, barrel racing, and all the dusty, high-energy action a rodeo promises, plus family fun and a whole lot of community spirit — the event’s beloved Fund-A-Bike campaign has gifted adaptive bikes to local kids for years. Stick around after the Friday and Saturday shows for the Rodeo Jam after party (21+). One practical note: the rodeo is fully cashless as of 2026, and tickets are sold only through the official site.

Pacific Islander Festival (PIFA)

When: September 26–27, 2026 | Opens 7:30 AM daily
Where: Ski Beach, Mission Bay, San Diego
Website: pifasandiego.com

Now in its 32nd year, the Pacific Islander Festival is the largest celebration of its kind in the entire country — and it’s completely free. Set on the sand at Ski Beach on Mission Bay, PIFA is a joyful, two-day immersion in the cultures of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia, with 900+ entertainers, traditional music and dance, hands-on cultural workshops, and a marketplace of 60+ craft vendors. And the food! Think kalua pork, chicken katsu, fresh poke, and shaved ice from 20+ island food booths.

Bring the whole family (and maybe a non-perishable food item to donate at the entrance). Parking at Ski Beach is extremely limited, so plan to use the free parking-and-shuttle lots or rideshare in.

CRSSD Festival (Fall 2026)

When: September 26–27, 2026
Where: Waterfront Park, San Diego (downtown)
Website: crssdfest.com

For the electronic-music crowd, CRSSD is the can’t-miss weekend of the season. San Diego’s premier house and techno festival returns to the bayfront lawns of Waterfront Park for two days of top-tier DJs and the polished production the FNGRS CRSSD team is known for — all with downtown skyline and harbor views as the backdrop.

This fall’s stacked lineup includes Disclosure b2b Chris Lake, Sonny Fodera, Skepta, Groove Armada, Big Wild, and dozens more across multiple stages. It’s a 21+ event, so leave the kids at home and bring your dancing shoes.

CRUSH

When: September 27, 2026
Where: Temecula
Tickets

September is peak wine harvest season in Temecula and worthy of a fun celebration like CRUSH. If you are looking to sample some delicious Temecula wines and food while listening to some live music in the picturesque vineyards of Temecula, then add this wine festival to your list!

• Tickets: $135 (includes unlimited wine tastings + light bites and souvenir wine glass)
• Over 30 Temecula Wineries + local food vendors will participate

Other Fun Things To do in San Diego in September

Go Apple Picking in Julian

September is peak apple picking season in Julian and since we don’t really get much fall vibes here in San Diego, this is a favorite activity of many locals. Pack a picnic and head out to the orchard, pick some apples and sip some cider. Read our full review on the best apple orchards in Julian.

Spend An Afternoon At Balboa Park

When: Anytime
Website

A superb place to explore under the San Diego sunshine is the city’s much-loved Balboa Park.

Larger in size than New York’s Central Park, Balboa Park is full of exciting things to do and is one of the top spots to include in your San Diego itinerary. 

Wander through the colorful Spanish Art Village Center, admire the beauty of the Japanese Friendship Garden, and explore the famous Botanical Building.

If you want to take a break from the warm weather, some of the finest museums in California call Balboa Park home. A few include the San Diego Air & Space Museum, the Natural History Museum, and The Museum of Us.

Balboa Park frequently hosts different events and exhibitions each month. Check out their website to explore the September schedule. 

Go Beach-Hopping

When: Anytime
Where: Various Locations
Best Beaches In San Diego

In a city renowned for its pristine coastline, it’s safe to assume most visitors plan to kick back at a San Diego beach during their stay.

From lively boardwalks to serene hideaways, San Diego is home to a huge array of spectacular beaches. 

For a vibrant beachside atmosphere, head to Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, or Ocean Beach. Both are part of bustling neighborhoods filled with chilled-out beach bars and restaurants with a view. 

Head to affluent Coronado Island to see the iconic Hotel del Coronado. Otherwise, go a little further afield to quieter spots like Del Mar City Beach or Torrey Pines State Reserve, where fewer crowds tend to form, and you can unwind in peace. `

If you’re up for an adventure, make your way down to hidden Black’s Beach, which is notoriously tricky to reach. 

Try Your Hand At Surfing

When: Anytime
Where: Various Locations
Best Surf Lessons In San Diego

It’s no secret that San Diegans, and Californians in general, love to surf.

For visitors new to the sport, surf lessons are available at many of the city’s top beaches. No matter your skill level, instructors can cater to most through private or group instruction. 

La Jolla Shores is one of the best beaches in San Diego for beginners, as the waves are consistent, and the area is free from strong winds. Pacific Beach is another excellent learning spot, thanks to the gentle waves. 

Experienced surfers should check out Oceanside and Windansea Beach, though all of San Diego’s surf spots will keep skilled surfers enthralled. 

Enjoy A Fantastic Day Out At San Diego Zoo

When: Anytime
Where: Balboa Park
Website

If San Diego is most famous for its beaches, the zoo is undoubtedly in second place. San Diego Zoo has been attracting visitors for over 100 years and is currently home to over 4,000 animals and 700,000 plants. 

Open every day of the week, the zoo allows guests to interact with some marvelous creatures, including koalas, polar bears, hippos, baboons, and so many more.

The zoo’s team of conservationists will also provide insight into how they care for and preserve these fascinating animals, some of which are nearing extinction without the intervention of organizations like San Diego Zoo. 

If you purchase tickets online, you get access to a number of extras you won’t get if you buy tickets at the entrance.

Visitors in early September can witness the wonderful Nighttime Zoo, one of the popular seasonal events. Nighttime Zoo features live entertainment and once-off encounters with the zoo’s inhabitants. 

September in San Diego is a perfect mix of summer sunshine and entertaining events, with the added plus of smaller crowds.

San Diego September Weather

September is the perfect time to experience the warm weather San Diego is famous for, without being so scorched, you can’t leave the hotel. 

San Diego September temperatures hover around 66 – 77°F. These are ideal conditions for enjoying the outdoor activities available throughout the city. 

Keep tabs on the weather forecast, as the famously powerful, dry Santa Ana winds can sometimes hit San Diego in September. These can easily interrupt your plans and cause considerable destruction. 

During the month of September, San Diego receives less than 5mm of rainfall. It’s one of the driest months of the year, and many visitors can expect no rain during their stay.

There are about 12.5 hours of daylight in September, but that tends to decrease as the month progresses, and you can enjoy approximately 9 hours of sunshine each day.

This is the perfect time for a dip in the Pacific Ocean. The sea in September has an average temperature of around 68°C, making it the best time of year for swimmers. 

Below are average temperatures and rainfall in San Diego over the year:

What Should You Wear In San Diego In September?

Summer attire is still very much appropriate, thanks to the gorgeous San Diego weather in September.

Be sure to pack all the usual summertime essentials, including shorts, t-shirts, lightweight trousers, flowy dresses, and flip-flops. 

The sun tends to be quite strong this time of year, so be sure to invest in SPF, a sun hat, and protective sunglasses.

A light cardigan or jacket is worth bringing in case of an occasional chilly evening. Although there’s a good chance you won’t need it. 

Also, remember to include your swimsuit if planning to lounge on the beach or take to the ocean. 

Every month brings with it different pros and cons, though it’s difficult to find any drawbacks to visiting the city in September. As usual, this is shaping up to be an awesome month in San Diego.

Last Updated on August 7, 2026 by Maria Haase

The post San Diego In September: Best Things To Do, Weather & More appeared first on San Diego Explorer.

Choose the Gaslamp Quarter if you want to be close to nightlife, restaurants, bars, clubs, Petco Park, and the Convention Center. If you love to go out and explore, enjoy the beating heart of city life and have FOMO, this is the right spot for you. Do not choose this area if you want peace and tranquility, and the slightest noise at night keeps you awake.

The hard part will be choosing somewhere that fits your budget and style. This is why I’m going to break down the Gaslamp’s hotels and hostels into various price brackets – from San Diego luxury hotels to boutique hotels with charm, reliable chain hotels (use your points!), to budget-friendly hostels.

Find Your Gaslamp Quarter Hotel Here

Luxury San Diego Gaslamp Hotels

US Grant – A Luxury Collection Hotel

Address: 326 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101
Book your room at the US Grant here
5-Star Hotel | $$$$ | Fantastic Restaurant | Perfect Location | Pet-Friendly
Phone: (619) 232-3121

Right in the heart of downtown, in one of the most iconic historic buildings of downtown, the US Grant lets you stay in style. This 5 Star hotel knows how to treat guests right, as they have been doing so for over 100 years.

Its location is perfect for exploring downtown on foot and reaching most of the main attractions of downtown within a 20-minute walk. Even the San Diego Zoo is just a short taxi or ride-share ride away.

The US Grant in San Diego is a perfect choice if you want classic luxury. The staff is extremely professional and will make your stay special. Book your room here>>

Tags: in-house dining, weddings, meetings, bar, pet-friendly, room service, accessible, spa

Pendry Hotel San Diego

550 J Street, Downtown San Diego, San Diego, United States, 92101
Book Your Stay Here
5-Star Hotel | $$$$ | Pool | Romantic Spot | Accessible | Parking $
+1 (619) 738-7000

Have you ever wanted to stay somewhere so luxurious that even the cheapest room is spectacular? That’s the Pendry. This absolutely stunning hotel offers beautiful rooms with those standard amenities and then some. Stepping foot into the Pendry will have you in awe.

They have cleverly blended a comfortable, warm style with a modern, elegant one, making you feel like you’re in a farmhouse loft. As far as facilities go, you can have fun no matter what your tastes are. Read a book by the fireplace in the lounge, check out their social club, swim in the pool, get pampered in the spa, etc.

On top of regular amenities, some rooms come with bathtubs that are simply asking to be used. Pendry Hotel guests can check out the spa, pool, and fitness center for their wellness. The restaurants of the Pendry serve up scrumptious food that is raved about in local media; reservations are suggested. Overall, if you want to get pampered, stay at the Pendry: Book your stay here>>

Tags: great location, weddings, delicious food, spa, gorgeous views, meetings, brunch, in-house restaurants, free WiFi

Hard Rock Hotel San Diego

207 5th Avenue, Downtown San Diego, San Diego, United States, 92101
Book a Rockin’ Stay Now
4-Star Hotel | $$$$ | Pool | Valet Parking $ | Accessible | Dog-Friendly $
+1 (619) 702-3000

Have you ever wanted to feel like a rockstar? Well, the Hard Rock Hotel can definitely deliver. They aren’t only a luxurious hotel; they also have 2 hotel restaurants, a bar, a gift shop, and a nightclub all rolled into one rockin’ place.

Just setting foot inside will make you feel like you’re in a high-class recording studio. Decor and merchandise are inspired by great artists like Ozzy Osbourne, Jimi Hendrix, Bruce Springsteen, and Green Day. However, they aren’t only cool. They’re friendly too.

Employees greet you right as you enter, check in, and check out. The Hard Rock Hotel San Diego is accessible, so nobody has to miss out on the awesome amenities. On top of regular services and amenities, guests can chill poolside, tune into hand-picked playlists, rentable headphones & Fenders, a VIP exclusive menu, bikes to rent, and so much more. It is definitely an experience to stay at the Hard Rock Hotel. Even locals want to stay… Find the best prices for the Hard Rock Hotel here>>

Tags: in-house dining, fun with friends, poolside services, weddings, bachelorette parties, gift shop, business center, family-friendly, accessible

Andaz San Diego

600 F Street, Core-Columbia, San Diego, United States, 92101
Secure Your Luxurious Room Here
4-Star Hotel | $$$$ | Fantastic Bar | Accessible | Pet-Friendly $
+1 (619) 849-1234

The Andaz hotel is a Hyatt concept that brings a contemporary style to a historic part of San Diego. It’s right on a street corner, allowing guests and visitors to explore the area with ease. If you’re more of an observer, feel free to look out on the city from the rooftop pool area and perhaps dine at the restaurant up there.

Andaz intends to make you feel like a millionaire of the city, providing kind service, wheelchair accessible common areas & rooms, and the intention of practically waiting on your hand & foot. 

Those at the Andaz San Diego for business can find the tools they need in the business center, hold a meeting, or look extra spiffy with help from the shoeshine service. Those staying for pleasure can keep up their workout routines in the fitness center, lounge by the pool, sip on the complimentary cocktails at check-in, and enjoy the views. The Andaz also features pieces from local artists all around the hotel and in rooms. Book your stay at the Andaz Hotel here>>

Tags: weddings, meetings, events, rooftop, great views, in-house dining, fine dining, pet-friendly, free WiFi, room service, accessible

Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter

435 6th Avenue, Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego, United States, 92101
Book your stay at Margaritaville here
4-Star Hotel | $$$ | Rooftop Pool | Rooftop Bar | Valet Parking $ | Pet-Friendly $
Phone: (619) 819-9500

Opened in 2023 in the former Kimpton Solamar building, Margaritaville brings an easygoing, island-casual spin to the middle of the Gaslamp. The draw is the rooftop: a heated pool, cabanas, and a bar with skyline views that turn into one of the livelier sunset spots downtown. Rooms lean bright and playful without tipping into theme-park territory.

It’s a strong pick for couples and groups who want a resort-style rooftop while staying steps from 5th Avenue’s restaurants and nightlife, plus an easy walk to Petco Park and the Convention Center. Book your stay at Margaritaville here>>

Tags: rooftop pool, rooftop bar, great location, couples, groups, in-house dining, pet-friendly, valet

Hilton San Diego Gaslamp

401 K Street, Downtown San Diego, San Diego, United States, 92101
Start Your Vacation ASAP Here
4-Star Hotel | $$$ | Breakfast $ | Pool | Accessible | Pet-Friendly $
+1 (619) 231-4040

Near all the big Downtown spots like Petco Park, the Convention Center, Seaport Village, and more, the Hilton Gaslamp Quarter Hotel provides an elegant and comfortable stay. You’ll find everything you need, from the stellar staff that will help you find all the fun stuff that fits your style and tastes to the great meeting spaces & amenities. The Hilton is about making everything you could need and want convenient and easy to access. 

The amenities you get provide a comfortable and easy stay. Guests have access to the business center, free WiFi, a bar area, a pool, and a fitness center, among other things. There’s no way you can’t be accommodated here. Find great deals on your room at the Hilton here>>

Tags: weddings, anniversaries, fitness center, business center, family-friendly, near local transportation, accessible, multi-lingual staff, valet, pet-friendly

AC Hotel by Marriott San Diego Downtown Gaslamp Quarter

743 5th Avenue, Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego, United States, 92101
Find the best rate at the AC Hotel here
4-Star Hotel | $$$ | Rooftop Bar | Accessible | Valet Parking $
Phone: (619) 544-1800

Sitting right on 5th Avenue in the heart of the Quarter, the AC Hotel delivers the brand’s clean, European-inspired look — spare, modern rooms and a design-forward lobby — with a rooftop bar that’s a comfortable spot for a drink above the action. It’s a well-priced step up in style for travelers who want something more current than a standard chain.

Its central location is the selling point: you’re within a couple of blocks of the district’s best dining and nightlife, and a short walk to Petco Park and the waterfront. Good for couples and business travelers who value design and a walkable base. Find the best rate at the AC Hotel here>>

Tags: rooftop bar, modern design, central location, couples, business travel, accessible, valet

Omni San Diego Hotel at the Ballpark

675 L Street, Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego, United States, 92101
Book your Omni stay here
4-Star Hotel | $$$ | Rooftop Pool & Jacuzzi | Skybridge to Petco Park | Accessible
Phone: (619) 231-6664

The Omni is the obvious choice for baseball fans and families: a private skybridge connects the hotel directly to Petco Park, and the recently renovated rooms, rooftop pool and jacuzzi, and on-site dining (McCormick & Schmick’s, plus a poolside spot) make it easy to settle in. It sits on the southern edge of the Quarter, close to both the ballpark and the Convention Center.

For families or anyone attending a game, concert, or convention, the walkability and the ballpark connection are hard to beat. Book your Omni stay here>>

Tags: family-friendly, Petco Park, rooftop pool, Convention Center, in-house dining, accessible, groups

Midrange Boutique Quarter Hotels

Hotel Indigo San Diego

Address: 509 Ninth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Find Best Prices at the Hotel Indigo Here
4-Star Hotel | $$$ | Petco Park | Accessible | Pet-friendly
Phone: (619) 727-4000

The Hotel Indigo in San Diego has a perfect location if you are in town for events at Petco Park or the Convention Center, or simply want to explore downtown and the Gaslamp Quarter. This modern hotel is stylish and offers great value for the money. Some of the rooms even look right into the ballpark, so if you are a baseball fan, this might be something extra special.

This is also one of the most pet-friendly hotels in the Gaslamp Quarter. They let your furry friends (up to two per room) stay for free and offer free treats, a comfy bed, water bowls, and a turf area for quick “business trips”.

Unlike other hotel chains, Hotel Indigo locations are entirely unique to their locations. They take pride in the fact that no two locations are alike. They recognize the fact that every neighborhood has a certain flavor and style unique to that area. Hotel Indigo proudly provides its guests with a vibrant experience complete with intimate services. They will ease you into the peace of mind so lovely that you won’t be able to help but enjoy your stay. Book your stay at the Indigo here>>

Tags: Convention Center, Petco Park, roof-top bar, great location, free WiFi, Fitness Center, in-house dining

Alma San Diego Downtown, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

1047 5th Avenue, San Diego, United States, 92101
Check rates at Alma San Diego here
4-Star Boutique Hotel | $$$ | Design-Forward | 211 Rooms | Accessible
Phone: (619) 515-3000

Alma is a design-forward boutique hotel (Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio) on the northern edge of the Quarter, where the Gaslamp meets Little Italy. The look is contemporary and rooted in local culture, and the location gives you an easy walk in two directions — the Gaslamp’s nightlife one way, Little Italy’s restaurants the other.

A good middle-ground pick for travelers who want a stylish base but prefer being a block or two off the busiest, loudest stretch of 5th Avenue. Check rates at Alma San Diego here>>

Tags: boutique, design-forward, near Little Italy, couples, quieter edge, accessible

Gaslamp Plaza Suites

520 E. Street, Downtown San Diego, San Diego, United States, 92101
Book Your Stay Now
3-Star Hotel | $$ | Valet Parking $ | Continental Breakfast | Accessible
+1 (619) 232-9500

This historic building was constructed in 1913, and that’s quite evident from the gorgeous architecture that includes the original staircase, marble walls, and brass elevator doors. Gaslamp Plaza Suites will make you feel like an old-time big shot. Everything is protected by the National Register of Historic Places, and man does it keep up. However, it is more than just a beautiful hotel. It’s one that is affordable, friendly, and accommodating. 

This hotel is surrounded by the arts and culture of the Gaslamp District, brimming with fun activities. It’s the perfect place to stay if you’re here for Comic-Con or just to visit the city.

Each guest is treated to free WiFi, continental breakfast, access to the rooftop terrace, and much more. Families are able to request cribs free of charge. Couples can make a reservation at the Melting Pot. There’s a wine bar to enjoy too! This elegant historic stay can give a little something to almost everyone. Book your stay here>>

Tags: great views, awesome location, accessible, excellent service, stunning decor

Horton Grand Hotel

311 Island Avenue, Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego, United States, 92101
Book the historic Horton Grand here
3-Star Boutique Hotel | $$ | Historic Landmark (1886) | Courtyard
Phone: (619) 544-1886

The Horton Grand is San Diego’s oldest hotel and one of the most characterful places to stay downtown. Dating to 1886 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it was dismantled and rebuilt piece by piece in the 1980s, and today it wraps around a Victorian courtyard and atrium. Rooms carry the period detail, so it’s a stay with genuine history rather than a standard room.

It’s an ideal choice for travelers who care about atmosphere and want something distinctive on the western side of the Quarter, still within walking distance of everything. Book the historic Horton Grand here>>

Tags: historic, boutique, Victorian, unique stay, couples, courtyard, character

Staypineapple at Hotel Z

521 6th Ave, East Village, San Diego, United States, 92101
Select A Room Here
3-Star Hotel | $$$ | Valet Parking $ | Continental Breakfast | Dog-Friendly $
+1 (619) 330-6401

There is a reason why people choose to stay at Staypineapple, and that is for their seamless integration of the modern and classic. The classic hotel feel mixes well with their unique, whimsical style. They design each hotel so thoughtfully that even the location is taken into account. Staypineapple also believes in the “Naked Experience” that tailors the hotel stay to each individual guest. 

What is The Naked Experience exactly? Well, it is their concept of ultimate comfort and luxury at a more affordable price. Your bed will always be freshly laundered, so much so that you can sleep naked in it without worry. The European-style duvets fight against blanket hogs.

However, what really charms each guest is the fact that Staypineapple Hotel Z works hard to enhance that little something that you need to have a special stay. Whatever that little something is, the hotel will do its best to enhance and accommodate you.

This hotel is dog-friendly at a Pineapple Pup Package price. It is all worth it though. The package includes a special dog bed, a treat tin, colorful water bowls that you can keep, and walk-friendly doggy bags in a holder to make leisurely walks that much better. All in all, they treat you and whatever furry friend you bring with respect and care. Staypineapple would make for lovely accommodations. Book your Naked Experience here>>

Tags: dog-friendly, European-style, fast check-in, continental breakfast, free WiFi, accessible, great location, excellent service

The Granger Hotel — Gaslamp Quarter

964 5th Avenue, Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego, United States, 92101
Reserve your room at the Granger here
4-Star Boutique Hotel | $$$ | Design Hotels by Marriott | Historic Building
Phone: (619) 485-5006

One of the newest additions to the Quarter, the Granger is a boutique property (part of Marriott’s Design Hotels) set in a restored historic building on 5th Avenue. Expect a style-led, intimate feel — think curated design and a smaller footprint — rather than a big-brand hotel, which makes it a good fit for travelers who want character over predictability.

Its 5th Avenue address puts you in the middle of the dining and nightlife, with the ballpark and Convention Center within walking distance. Best for couples and design-minded travelers. Reserve your room at the Granger here>>

Tags: boutique, design-forward, historic building, couples, central location, new

Moxy San Diego Downtown/Gaslamp Quarter

831 6th Avenue, Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego, United States, 92101
Grab a room at the Moxy here
3-Star Hotel | $$ | Lively Lobby Bar | Rooftop | Near Petco Park
Phone: (619) 239-6699

Moxy is the budget-cool option: compact, well-designed rooms and a social, bar-forward lobby aimed at younger travelers and solo trips. The trade-off for the lower rate is smaller space, but you’re paying for the location and the vibe — a lively, walkable base on the eastern edge of the Quarter near Petco Park.

Best for solo travelers, friends, and anyone who plans to be out exploring more than in the room. Grab a room at the Moxy here>>

Tags: budget-friendly, trendy, solo travel, nightlife, near Petco Park, social

Residence Inn Downtown

356 6th Avenue, Downtown San Diego, San Diego, United States
Secure A Room Here
$$ | Tasty Breakfast | Fantastic Bar

Another prime location and hotel was given to us by the Marriott company. Every bed is graced with crisp linens fresh from the laundry. There are handicap accessible rooms as well as rooms designed for traveling families. There are accommodations for everyone at the Residence Inn, even a grocery shopping service for those too busy sightseeing. 

By incorporating the surrounding neighborhood’s style and the Marriott’s skill for hospitality, guests at the Residence Inn Downtown are immersed in the positive vibes and feels that San Diego can offer. They’re also very close to the Convention Center, so if you’re planning to go to a convention or event, the Residence Inn is one of the best options.

Let’s not forget the endless choices of restaurants you have. Now, now, it may feel a little overwhelming to have so many good choices, but I promise that it’ll all be worth it. Besides, if you find yourself unsure, just ask the concierge. They’ll surely have at least a little bit of insight. Book your stay at the Residence Inn here>>

Tags: family-friendly, pet-friendly, accessible, lovely location, stunning decor, smoke-free location, free breakfast

Budget Hotels and Hostels in the Gaslamp

There’s a lot of hearsay when it comes to staying in hostels. Many people think that they are dirty or just plain disgusting, but there are a lot of Hostels out there that provide a quality, clean stay at a low cost. This low-cost option is so that you have the money to explore the town as it should be. Hostels are not here for the lavish or the pampered; they exist just so you have somewhere to sleep. 

HI San Diego Downtown Hostel

521 Market Street, Downtown San Diego, San Diego, United States
Check Out Rooms Here
$ | Spotless Rooms | Free WiFi

HI Hostel Downtown San Diego is a nice place for you to stay, a place where you can spend a couple of nights. It’s clean and affordable while giving you the opportunity to meet new people from all over the world. They have enhanced safety, distancing, and cleaning measures so you don’t have to worry about that.

While the purpose of the hostel is to have a place to stay, there are also spaces throughout the facility where you can interact with other guests, like the kitchen, workspace, and game room. HI San Diego is a great place for adventurous social butterflies. Book your room or bunk here>>

Tags: great location, wheelchair accessible hostel, flexible, eco-friendly, private bathrooms, free WiFi, 24/7 staff

California Dreams Hostel – San Diego

615 8th Ave, Core-Columbia, San Diego, United States
Get A Room With A View Here
$ | Great Location | Clean | Awesome Staff

This establishment is extremely welcoming and warm toward its guests. The employees are friendly, and you are free to come and go as you please. As any regular hostel would have, California Dreams has communal rooms with bunk beds and shared bathrooms, but they also have private rooms that you can share with your friends and family. 

The beauty of California Dreams is that you can choose whether or not you want to interact with the other residents, especially if you have a private room. There are many communal areas like the kitchen, reading room, game room, and other common rooms where you can meet other people and share your story while others share theirs. That is the true beauty of a hostel, and California Dreams encompasses that. Book your stay here>>

Tags: unique style, cozy, family-friendly, business trip, accessible location, immaculate atmosphere

I know that San Diego has a lot of awesome neighborhoods you can stay in with some killer hotels, but San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter is vibrant, historic, and filled with many attractions & restaurants. No need to worry about whether or not you can afford it; there are great accommodations for every budget.

Know before you book: San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter

Book around the big events. Rates are cheapest midweek and outside convention season, and spike hard during Comic-Con (July) and large conventions — lock those dates in early.

It’s a nightlife district — expect noise. The Gaslamp is downtown’s bar and club hub, and 5th Avenue gets loud on weekend nights. Light sleepers should ask for a higher floor or an interior-facing room; if you want quiet, book toward the edges — Alma, up where the Quarter meets Little Italy, is a step removed from the busiest blocks.

Safety. For the most part, yes. It’s one of the more heavily trafficked, patrolled parts of downtown, and the crowds and restaurants make it comfortable to walk in the evening. Like any big-city downtown, you will see a fair number of unhoused people and occasionally some open drug use — it’s part of the urban core, not something unique to the Gaslamp. Keep normal city awareness late at night, and I’d recommend not heading east of 7th or around the C Street trolley area after dark, as those blocks can feel a bit shady. Stick to the main Gaslamp stretch along 5th and you’ll be comfortable.

Parking is limited and pricey. Most hotels charge for valet or self-parking (often around $50–70/night), and street parking is scarce. If you’re staying in the Quarter, you can skip the car — it’s walkable, and the trolley covers the rest of downtown.

You won’t need a car for downtown. Petco Park, the Convention Center, Seaport Village, the USS Midway, Maritime Museum and the waterfront are all within walking distance; Balboa Park, the Zoo, and the airport are about 10 minutes away.

Collecting points? Several Gaslamp hotels sit on major loyalty programs — Marriott Bonvoy (AC Hotel, Moxy, Residence Inn, the Granger, Alma), Hilton Honors (Hilton Gaslamp Quarter), and IHG One Rewards (Hotel Indigo).

Gaslamp Quarter Hotel FAQs

San Diego Gaslamp Hotels to Stay In was written by Hedge Metreyeon. For more of their articles, visit here.

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Last Updated on August 7, 2026 by Maria Haase

The post Best San Diego Gaslamp Hotels – From Glamorous to Budget-Friendly appeared first on San Diego Explorer.

The Philippines’ dollar reserves plunged to its lowest level in nearly two years as the central bank used its dollars to support the peso amid renewed volatility last month, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said on Friday.

Preliminary central bank data showed the country held $103.379 billion in gross international reserves (GIR) as of end-July, a level the regulator said “remained adequate.”

However, this reflected a 1.3% dip from the $104.745 billion the prior month, and a 1.93% drop from $105.418 billion a year ago.

This was the lowest GIR level in 18 months or since the $103.271 billion logged in January 2025, and marked the fifth straight month that the GIR level slipped on an annual basis.

In a statement on Friday, the central bank said its reserves shrank mainly due to its net foreign exchange operations, especially as the strong dollar weighed once again on the peso.

In July, reignited conflict in the Middle East jolted markets anew and triggered safe-haven demand for the greenback. This dragged the peso to its new historic low of P61.847 against the dollar on July 24, breaking its previous record of P61.75 on July 23.

Based on BSP data, the local unit continued to average above the P61 handle for a third straight month with P61.5963 per dollar in July.

The central bank also said the country’s GIR fell after the national government withdrew from its foreign currency accounts with the BSP to pay its external debts, with its total withdrawals exceeding its deposits during the month.

However, the decline was partly offset by higher valuations of the BSP’s gold holdings amid elevated global gold prices as well as the central bank’s net income from its foreign investments.

Dollar reserves are the central bank’s foreign assets held mostly as investments in foreign-issued securities, foreign exchange and monetary gold, among others.

These are supplemented by claims to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the form of reserve position in the fund and special drawing rights (SDRs).

As of end-July, the BSP’s gold holdings stood at $17.49 billion, rising by 1.72% from $17.194 a month earlier and by 26.89% from $13.783 billion the previous year.

Its reserve position in the IMF also inched up by 0.08% to $725.2 million from $724.6 million at end-June but dropped by 0.52% from $729 million a year ago.

Meanwhile, its SDRs — or the amount the Philippines can tap from the IMF’s reserve currency basket — climbed by 0.56% to $3.937 billion from end-June’s $3.915 billion and by an annual 1.22% from $3.89 billion.

The BSP’s foreign currency and deposits, however, decreased by 19.16% month-on-month to $1.849 billion at end-July from $2.287 billion. Year on year, it saw a sharper decline of 75.4% from $7.516 billion.

Its securities likewise dropped by 6.63% to $67.264 billion from $72.037 billion the prior month and by 7.81% from $72.958 billion in the same period last year.

On the other hand, its other reserve assets amounted to $12.115 billion in July, soaring by 41.08% from $8.587 billion at end-June. It was also nearly double the $6.542 billion seen a year ago.

The central bank noted that its end-July reserves could cover about 3.6 times the country’s short-term external debt based on residual maturity.

It likewise translates to 6.7 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income, exceeding the three-month standard.

“These provide sufficient foreign currency to meet the country’s import needs, service its external debt obligations, and serve as a buffer against external economic shocks,” the BSP said.

The BSP expects its foreign reserves to fall to $104 billion by end-2026 from the $110.8 billion it held last year.

Data from the State of the Filipino Virtual Assistant Industry report showed that the company’s monthly application volume increased from 10,857 in January to 23,874 in June, representing a more than double increase in the first half of the year.

“Everyone talks about the Philippines as a source of affordable talent,” VA Masters Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Alon Pearl said in the report.

“What the data actually shows is a talent pool so deep that we place fewer than one in 500 applicants,” he added. “The story here isn’t cost, it’s selectivity.”

A VA offers administrative, marketing, technical, and customer service support to clients from a remote office. Common tasks include managing email, handling social media, bookkeeping, data entry, and customer support.

Despite the rise in applications, the agency noted that only 0.20% of its applicants, or 327 out of 166,350, were actually hired by employers.

Throughout the hiring process, 49% are invited to a skills test, and only 8.3% complete the screening. Some 4.5% are scored and evaluated, while 1.2% can score an interview.

The majority of those who applied (61.5%) and got hired (69%) were female.

On the employers’ side, 69% of the agency’s clients are located in the United States. The United Kingdom, Singapore, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, Europe, and other countries followed at 11%, while Australia and New Zealand trailed behind at 9%.

86% of VA demands also come from businesses with fewer than 50 employees. Of which, 53% are micro-businesses, 30% from small businesses, and 3% are solo-founders.

Larger companies, or those that handle over 200 employees, accounted for 8% of the demands, while mid-size companies accounted for 5%.

“The offshore VA model is above all a small-business growth tool,” the agency said. “For many, a VA is their first or second hire.”

The Philippines accounts for an estimated 38% of the global VA workforce, making it the single largest source of VA talent worldwide. The global virtual assistant services market is estimated to reach $6.5 billion in 2026, and is expected to hit $34 billion by 2030. — Almira Louise S. Martinez

The developments will consist of 80% socialized and 20% economic housing units, expanding the supply of quality, affordable homes in key growth areas across South and Central Luzon and helping meet the housing needs of Filipino workers and their families.

Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Ramon P. Aliling, who also chairs the Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees, said the partnership reflects the administration’s continuing efforts to accelerate housing delivery through stronger collaboration with the private sector.

“As we continue to heed the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., we are strengthening our partnerships with the private sector to accelerate the delivery of affordable homes for Filipino families. Through this partnership, we are bringing together government financing and private-sector capability to increase housing supply, help more Filipino workers achieve the dream of homeownership, create jobs, support industries and drive inclusive economic growth,” Mr. Aliling said.

To finance the construction of the housing developments, Pag-IBIG Fund will subscribe to preferred shares to be issued by PAAPDC amounting to P2.9 billion, payable in tranches. The investment will earn a fixed annual return of 9% over the next three years.

The investment underwent Pag-IBIG Fund’s comprehensive evaluation process, which included an assessment of the proposed developments, their locations and market demand, PAAPDC’s financial and operational capacity, and the safeguards incorporated into the transaction to ensure the continued protection of members’ savings.

Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene C. Acosta said the partnership reflects Pag-IBIG Fund’s continuing commitment to help more Filipino workers achieve homeownership while prudently investing members’ savings to generate secure and sustainable returns.

“This partnership demonstrates how Pag-IBIG Fund fulfills its dual mandate of helping more Filipino workers achieve the dream of homeownership while prudently investing and growing our members’ savings. By supporting the construction of more than 7,300 affordable homes through a prudent investment that provides stable returns, we protect our members’ hard-earned savings, sustain competitive dividends and strengthen our capacity to finance even more homes for Filipino workers,” Ms. Acosta said.

Pag-IBIG Fund is likewise assessing additional investment partnerships with qualified housing developers as part of its continuing efforts to accelerate the construction of socialized and affordable homes while generating secure and sustainable returns for members’ savings.

In the first half of 2026, Pag-IBIG Fund released P69.19 billion in housing loans to help 43,051 Filipino workers acquire their own homes. Socialized housing financing more than doubled during the period, with 6,601 minimum-wage and low-income members securing homes under the Expanded 4PH Program.

Spotlight is BusinessWorld’s sponsored section that allows advertisers to amplify their brand and connect with BusinessWorld’s audience by publishing their stories on the BusinessWorld Web site. For more information, send an email to online@bworldonline.com.

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Every journey begins somewhere. More often, they’re built through the everyday moments that quietly move us forward. Today, journeys extend far beyond travel, unfolding through the everyday moments that shape how we work, create, connect, and pursue what matters most. Embracing this evolving way of moving, LOJEL expands its beloved NIRU Collection with six new styles thoughtfully designed to adapt to every moment.

Rooted in LOJEL’s philosophy of purposeful design, the expanded collection combines versatility with understated aesthetics, featuring durable recycled nylon paired with LWG Certified full-grain leather. Designed to transition seamlessly between environments while offering intuitive organization and everyday functionality. Designed for life in motion, NIRU adapts to every transition, making it a natural companion from here to everywhere.

LOJEL Niru Collection

Designed around this evolving lifestyle, the Niru Collection offers twelve silhouettes spanning weekender bags, backpacks, totes, slings, and crossbody bags.

Travel Bags

Designed for journeys that go beyond the everyday, NIRU’s travel bags offer spacious versatility without compromising on style. The 24H Overnighter is thoughtfully crafted for overnight stays and quick escapes, while the 48H Weekender provides generous capacity for extended weekends and short getaways.

Backpacks

Whether navigating daily commutes or exploring new cities, NIRU’s backpacks are built to move effortlessly with modern life. The Daypack delivers generous storage for work and travel essentials, while the Daypack Mini offers the same thoughtful organization in a more compact silhouette. Completing the lineup is the Journey Pack, which combines a roomy 35L capacity with two-way carry functionality, making it equally suited for business trips, spontaneous adventures, and everything in between.

Totes

Balancing practicality with understated elegance, NIRU’s tote collection adapts to every pace of the day. The City Tote is designed for everyday essentials, featuring spacious interiors and a convenient trolley sleeve, while the City Tote Plus offers additional capacity and enhanced organization for longer days on the move. For added versatility, the 3 Way Tote and 3 Way Tote Mini effortlessly transform between tote, shoulder, and crossbody bags, adapting to changing routines with ease.

Crossbody Bags

Created for effortless movement, NIRU’s crossbody collection keeps everyday essentials close while offering the flexibility to move hands-free. The City Sling Mini is designed for minimalist carry and can be worn as a crossbody, waist bag, or pouch, while the City Sling provides additional storage for daily necessities. Completing the category is the City Shoulder, a refined everyday companion that combines clean aesthetics with intuitive organization for life on the go.

The Faces of “From Here to Everywhere”

For a growing generation of Filipinos, movement has become part of everyday life — not simply between cities or countries, but between passions, professions, and possibilities. This latest chapter also marks the launch of From Here to Everywhere, LOJEL’s regional campaign celebrating the many ways people move through work, passion, creativity, and everyday life.

LOJEL Philippines partnered with individuals whose work reflects the many ways Filipinos move through the world. Artists, entrepreneurs, designers, musicians, and storytellers whose days rarely follow a single path, they represent a generation building meaningful careers through creativity, sustainability, curiosity, and purpose. Each portrait captures them within their own environment, spaces where ideas are created, communities are nurtured, and everyday journeys begin.

Each bringing a different version of what “everywhere” means.

From award-winning singer-songwriter Nica Del Rosario; restaurateur of OnlyPans Taqueria and entrepreneur Audrey Cruz; illustrator and founder of Ang Manileña, Ross Du; sustainable fashion designer and founder or RIOTaso, Rio Cuervo; perfumer and founder of Tadhana, Shale Albao; fashion stylist and creative director of Gotsauce Studios Jana Silao; model and dancer Agatha Gutierrez; landscape architect or CLARQ Landscape Design, Vincent Lim; photographer and documentary filmmaker Renzo Maano; creative director of Jagger Studios, Arj Madarang; and terrarium artisan of Moss Escape, Brian Dimarucot. Though they come from diverse disciplines, each is driven by creativity, purpose, and a passion for their craft. Photographed within the environments where they create and thrive. Together, they embody LOJEL’s belief that meaningful journeys are not measured by distance, but by the ideas we pursue, the lives we touch, and the purpose that moves us from here to everywhere.

The L’Essentiel Niru Collection Launch

The campaign officially debuted through L’Essentiel: The NIRU Collection Launch, an intimate gathering that brought together LOJEL’s community of media, ambassadors, creators, collaborators, and longtime friends of the brand. Inspired by the French word l’essentiel, meaning “the essential,” the event celebrated the people and relationships that continue to shape LOJEL’s journey while unveiling the expanded NIRU Collection and the regional From Here to Everywhere campaign.

LOJEL Niru Everyday Extension Exclusive Preview

An exclusive preview of the NIRU Everyday Extension Collection extension also gave attendees an early look at LOJEL’s latest everyday carry innovations. Thoughtfully designed to complement the collection’s existing lineup, the new silhouettes further reinforce the brand’s commitment to creating products that adapt effortlessly to modern movement.

The story doesn’t end with the campaign’s featured creatives. Through #FromHereToEverywhere, LOJEL invites everyone to contribute their own journeys, building a community shaped by authentic experiences. As these stories unfold, they transform individual experiences into a growing archive of journeys that resonate far beyond geography. Because every meaningful destination begins somewhere.

The Niru Collection is now available at the LOJEL store on Level 2, South Main Mall, SM Mall of Asia, at The Travel Club stores nationwide, Rustan’s Makati, select SM Stores, and online via The Travel Club. Follow @lojeljourneys and @primergroup on Instagram and join the conversation by sharing where your Niru takes you using #FromHereToEverywhere, #LojelPH, and #LojelJourneys.

Spotlight is BusinessWorld’s sponsored section that allows advertisers to amplify their brand and connect with BusinessWorld’s audience by publishing their stories on the BusinessWorld Web site. For more information, send an email to online@bworldonline.com.

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In the 2026 Microsoft Work Trend Index Annual Report released on Friday, one in four Filipinos, or about 25%, are classified as “Frontier Professionals,” a category given to the most advanced users of AI. This is above the global average of 16%.

Filipinos are also 56% more likely than the global average to be operating at the most advanced level of AI use.

“Note the distinction: This is not adoption, it’s maturity. It’s a signal of maturity,” Josh Aquino, head of communications for Microsoft Philippines, said during the report’s launch.

Frontier Professionals, Mr. Aquino said, are AI users who employ AI agents for complex, multi-step workflows and redesign work around what AI does well.

These users also set quality standards for their teams and continue to think critically, refusing to outsource their judgment to AI.

The Philippines also led the global average across every key measure in the study. It found that 77% of Filipino respondents said they could produce work they were incapable of doing a year ago. Meanwhile, 65% identified critical thinking as the most important human skill, 59% cited quality control of AI-generated output as the top priority, 93% said they treat AI output as a starting point rather than a final answer, and 86% said they remain responsible for the thinking behind their work.

While the Philippines ranks above the global average in terms of the share of advanced AI users, Filipino Frontier Professionals still want to retain the human touch in their work. About 53% said they intentionally complete some tasks without AI to keep their skills sharp, while 61% said they deliberately pause before starting work to determine which tasks should be handled by AI and which should remain human-led. Both figures are above the global average.

“Our most advanced users are the most deliberate about staying human. This is not hesitancy, it’s discipline,” Mr. Aquino said.

The report also found that while Filipino workers are rapidly adopting AI, many organizations have yet to fully catch up with the technology’s transformation.

Microsoft described this as the “Transformation Paradox,” where employees are embracing AI faster than the organizations they work for.

About 35% of Filipino AI users said their company’s leadership is clearly and consistently aligned on AI, higher than the global average of 26%.

Still, 66% of respondents said they worry they will fall behind if they fail to adapt quickly to AI, while 53% admitted it feels safer to focus on existing priorities than redesign work around the technology.

Only 25% said they are rewarded for reinventing how they work using AI, although this was nearly double the global average of 13%.

The study also found that advanced AI users, or Frontier Professionals, receive stronger workplace support than their peers.

Among Frontier Professionals, 86% said their managers openly use AI and set quality standards for AI-assisted work, while 87% said their managers encourage teams to take more ambitious approaches in redesigning work.

Their teams also collaborate more actively in adopting AI. About 74% regularly brainstorm ways to identify AI opportunities in business processes, compared with 55% among non-Frontier teams. Meanwhile, 61% said they actively share AI tips, tools, and lessons learned, while 56% discuss quality standards for AI-assisted work.

Microsoft said organizational factors, such as workplace culture, manager support, and talent practices, have more than twice the influence on successful AI transformation than individual mindset and behavior alone, accounting for 67% of the impact compared with 32%.

The company cited PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications, Inc. as examples of organizations embedding AI into everyday operations after rolling out 1,000 Microsoft 365 Copilot licenses across their workforce.

The report also noted the accelerating pace of AI adoption, with AI agents growing 15-fold year on year across the Microsoft 365 ecosystem and 18-fold among large enterprises.

Microsoft said organizations that are able to capture, share, and scale what employees learn from working with AI—or what it calls a “Learning System”—will be better positioned to create long-term business value.

The 2026 Microsoft Work Trend Index Annual Report was based on a global survey of 20,000 full-time employees across 10 countries, including the Philippines, conducted from Feb. 18 to Apr. 20, 2026. The study also drew from trillions of anonymized Microsoft 365 productivity signals and interviews with experts in artificial intelligence, work, and organizational psychology. — Edg Adrian A. Eva

Well, after four weeks of the Toolshed at the wheel of Big Brother Season 28, it’s time for a big shift.

LaTrice won the endurance HOH competition, beating out every other houseguest, and I couldn’t be more proud of her.

She knew what she had to do and persevered.

It’s a big achievement, particularly because I saw many fans writing things along the lines of she’d be first or second to drop from the wall.

As TV Fanatic previously reported, it came down to LaTrice and Kamu and the feeds went dark for around 10 minutes, before returning to LaTrice in the house with the key.

Kamu should be very worried at this point because he nominated LaTrice and didn’t seem interested in cutting any deals with her.

Wouldn’t it be perfect if LaTrice nominated Kamu? It’d be like returning the favor.

Then again, he’s one of the players where you really need to send out with a backdoor eviction.

Kamu is strong, so I think LaTrice’s only real play to get him out of the house is by putting him up with Hayley.

That way, the two allies cannot save each other. LaTrice already told Chuk he’s safe, so he won’t be seeing the block on LaTrice’s Head of Household.

Big Brother Season 28 Is Getting Good

Hayley is worried about the possibility of going up, but Angela has vowed to go to bat for her and convince LaTrice that she should not be the target this week.

Angela may think she has pull with LaTrice but the only person who really does is Taylor.

Taylor has helped LaTrice greatly in the game, offering coaching on how to play the more strategic elements of Big Brother.

There’s an argument to be made for this being Taylor’s week in power, but I hope that LaTrice doesn’t hand over all the power here.

LaTrice is a bit of wildcard because I could see her making a big mistake if she lets the wrong people get in her head.

The good thing is that LaTrice said after the competition that she would not be doing her one-on-ones until the morning.

It makes sense. It will give her time to process her power and then think about who to nominate based on what they tell her.

Drew believes that he’d be a target of LaTrice’s, but something tells me he may not be in as much danger as he thinks he is.

LaTrice could see how the other side of the house has been winning and could put all people who have not hit the block yet up.

Remember, Rick still has his Diamond Power of Veto and Dee still has her Big Brother Bribe to use.

I don’t know that LaTrice would put the two Survivor alums up this week, but it would be fun seeing Rick’s power flushed.

The reality TV icons have had too much power so far and it’s time to change that up.

When the Big Brother Live Feeds returned on Friday afternoon, LaTrice had nominated Barrett, Chuk, and Hayley for eviction.

What are your thoughts on these nominations? Do you think she made the right call?

Who do you think should be the target this week?

Let’s keep the conversation going — it’s the only way the good stuff survives.
Say something in the comments, share if you’re moved to, and keep reading. Independent voices need readers like you.

• 

  The power has finally shifted on Big Brother Season 28! Is the Toolshed dead and buried? Who’s been nominated? Get the spoilers.

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  Big Brother just crowned another Head of Household. Is the Toolshed still a thing? Did they win power? Get the details inside.

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Neil Young has unveiled an 11-minute single to go along with the announcement of his next Chrome Hearts album Second Song. You can listen to the title track below. The LP, out September 18 on Reprise, features seven songs in total: five new and two unreleased dating back to the 1960s.

Second Song is the follow-up to last year’s Talkin to the Trees, the debut project from Young’s band the Chrome Hearts. The group recorded the new album at the same location (Shangri-La Studios) and with the same producers (Lou Adler, joined by “the Volume Delaers,” aka Young and Niko Bolas) as the first. It arrives three months after the clothing company Chrome Hearts dropped its trademark infringement claim against Young.

Revisit our Best New Reissue review of Chrome Dreams.

Second Sing:
01 The Foggy Edge Of Time
02 Day After Day
03 Earth Girl
04 Second Song
05 Casting Me Away From You
06 Soon I Might Be Going
07 I’ll Love You Forever

Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts: Second Song

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Gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 2.3% in the second quarter from a year earlier, slowing from the 5.4% expansion in the same quarter last year and the 2.8% growth in the first quarter.

This is below the median GDP estimate of 2.8% in a BusinessWorld poll of 21 economists and analysts last week. It was also the slowest expansion since the fourth quarter of 2009, excluding the pandemic.

“Domestic demand remained subdued, mainly because total investment continued to contract as public construction declined. Household consumption growth also moderated amid higher inflation, job losses, and lower remittance receipts arising from the Middle East conflict,” Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said during a press briefing on Friday.

“However, government final consumption spending accelerated as social assistance was expanded to cushion vulnerable households and sectors,” he added.

On the demand side, household final consumption expenditure expanded by 2.8% in the April to June period, while government final consumption expenditure grew by 8.3%.

Exports of goods and services; and imports of goods and services expanded by 12.2%, and 5.5%, respectively. Gross capital formation contracted by 9.2% in the second quarter.

PSA data showed the main contributors to the second quarter year-on-year growth were wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles at 4.6%; education at 12.7%; and manufacturing at 2.6%.

Among major economic sectors, agriculture, forestry, and fishing grew by 2.7%, while services expanded by 4.5%. However, industry declined year-on-year by 2.4%.

“There were also clear areas of strength. Agricultural output recovered with the help of favorable weather conditions. Manufacturing growth improved, while exports of goods and services gained momentum. Stronger semiconductor exports, supported by global demand for AI-related products, helped net exports rebound during this semester or the quarter,” Mr. Balisacan said.

For the first semester, GDP growth averaged 2.6%.

Mr. Balisacan said Philippine GDP must grow by 4.4% in the second half to reach the 3.5-4.5% growth target for 2026. — Cathy Rose A. Garcia

With a quirky mix of French-inspired bistros, sushi bars, and pizza parlors, you’re never too far from whatever food you’re craving.

Check out these top North Park restaurants and foodie havens.

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Quick Pick For Best North Park Restaurants

Best North Park Restaurants

Black Radish

Address: 2591 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104
Phone: (619) 269-1980
Website
Read our full review here>>
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Black Radish is one of my favorite restaurants in San Diego. The intimate atmosphere and fabulous menu make it my go-to spot for a special night out.

Black Radish is a cozy yet elegant and sophisticated bistro in North Park that has everything a bistro should have. It has soul and heart. The food is delicious. The service is outstanding. In short: If you like good food in a warm ambiance, try this restaurant.

Soichi Sushi

Address: 2121 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116
Phone: (619) 677-2220
Website
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We finally got to try this Michelin-star sushi restaurant in North Park a few days ago and were blown away. At just under $200, the full Omakase is definitely a splurge, but oh so worth it. Chef Soichi is a master of his craft. Each bite was better than the next, each ingredient paired perfectly to complement and amplify the flavors.

My favorite two bites of the evening were the Hokkaido scallop and the simple tofu dish, which was part of the appetizer. The scallop was sweet and buttery, melting in my mouth, while the tofu had the silkiest texture and was so fragrant and flavorful. Simple, yet mind-blowing.

As customary, we ordered our chefs a round of beers (you can do sake, too). Kanpai!

This place is definitely a bit of a splurge, but if you don’t want to commit to the full omakase experience, they also have smaller omakase options, and you can order à la carte. For the full omakase experience, expect to spend about 2-2.5 hours. Don’t rush it. Don’t come here if you have limited time or if you don’t like fish/sushi.

Reservations are absolutely necessary for this place. They open one month in advance and fill up almost immediately. Reserve your spot here>>

Quick note: We were not hosted for this experience and paid for this ourselves.

Underbelly North Park

Address: 3000 Upas St, San Diego, CA 92104
Phone: (619) 487-9909
Website
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Underbelly, an incredibly stylish ramen bar with a roomy outdoor patio, should definitely be on your list. Greg and I usually go to the location in Little Italy, as it is closer, but this one is just as good!

In addition to their famous chicken confit, Thai curry, and short rib ramen bowls, which typically go for around $15, Underbelly has also made waves for their flavorful bao buns and crispy beef gyozas.

That’s all before mentioning their adorably presented cocktails, extensive craft beers, and Japanese sake.

Veggies are more than welcome, too, as Underbelly has plenty of meat-free options.

Wormwood

Address: 4677 30th St, San Diego, CA 92116
Phone: (619) 915-6706
Website
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Wormwood is one of the most whimsical and romantic restaurants in San Diego. An absinthe bar meets a French bistro, which makes you think you are in some country house in Provence. Adorable. Add in live jazz on Sundays and Wednesdays, and you have the perfect spot for a date night or to celebrate a special occasion.

Oh, and the food and service are absolutely fantastic as well. Traditional French dishes, sprinkled with international influences, make for an interesting dining experience. We ate our way through the menu and really enjoyed every dish, but a special highlight were the caviar cigars, the oysters, and the scallops. And the mushroom pasta. And the brioche bread. Divine.

Rudford’s Restaurant

Address: 2900 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92104
Phone: (619) 282-8423
Website
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There’s always someone in the city craving old-school, all-American grub at any hour of the day. This has led Rudford’s Restaurant to serve up everything from Philly cheesesteaks to all-day breakfast 24 hours a day, 7 days a week since 1949!

That’s right, this retro diner never closes its doors. People flock here at all hours for French dip sandwiches, buttermilk pancakes, and build-your-own shakes.

If you’re looking for a cheap and cheerful breakfast, stop by and try out their early bird specials starting from just $6.

The Smoking Goat Restaurant

Address: 3408 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104
Phone: (619) 955-5295
Website
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For something on the fancier side, The Smoking Goat is a perfect option.

Frequently given the title of one of the best restaurants in North Park, The Smoking Goat is a sophisticated French haunt with exposed brick, wooden walls, and a cozy ambiance.

The menu here would make even the fussiest of eaters weak in the knees, with dishes like succulent pork chops, crispy octopus, and duck fat truffle fries. I had the duck à l’orange, and it was fantastic, while Greg had the pork chops and was also impressed.

This is a French restaurant, after all, so the wine is equally delicious and starts from about $13 a glass.

Dunedin New Zealand Eats

Address: 3501 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104
Phone: (619) 255-8566
Website
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Indulge in some high-end Kiwi plates at Dunedin New Zealand Eats, a gorgeous bistro with a warm wooden interior, a plant-filled patio, and a slick bar area.

Quintessential New Zealand favorites like lamb burgers and beef pies are the menu’s best-loved additions. You’ll also have your pick of Dutch pancakes and breakfast burritos from their brunch selection. Greg goes nuts for their lamb burger, and I think their fish and chips are one of the best in the city.

Happy hour runs daily between 3 pm and 6 pm, when sliders, hummus, and pretzel bites go for just $8.

Mabel’s Gone Fishing

Address: 3770 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104
Phone: +16192289851
Website
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Delicious cocktails and mouthwatering shared bites? Sign me up. Think of Mabel’s as the refined version of girl dinner with your girlfriends. Pick your own charcuterie board essentials, maybe paired with a prawn toast, and stuffed dates, followed by the oh-so-decadent Basque Cheesecake.

A few things worth knowing before you go. The menu changes constantly depending on what’s coming in locally, so don’t get too attached to anything you read online — including this. There’s an Oyster Hour daily from 4 to 5pm, which is the best-kept secret on this list and the single best reason to show up early. They’re open Monday through Saturday only, so a Sunday plan won’t work. And reservations go through Tock — this is one of the hardest tables in North Park, so book ahead.

Mabel’s comes from the same team behind The Rose in South Park, along with Bodega Rosette next door, which tells you a lot about the sensibility: natural wine, seasonal produce, nothing fussy.

Full disclosure: we haven’t made it here yet — it’s at the top of our list, and we’ll update this with our own photos and verdict once we do.

Rusticucina

Address: 3797 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92103
Phone: (619) 310-5291
Website
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Just a stone’s throw from Balboa Park is Rusticucina, a super cute Italian spot for a low-key dining experience.

Their most famous dish is pasta served straight from a huge Parmesan wheel, but don’t skip out on their other specialties like the lasagna, burrata, and fettuccine with meatballs.

Happy hour is a big deal at Rusticucina. Running from Sunday to Thursday, guests get a customized pasta dish for half price. We also have to mention there’s 50% off large bottles of wine on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Colima’s Mexican Food

Address: 2302 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104
Phone: (619) 297-2715
Website
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You’ll struggle to find any San Diego neighborhood without an exceptional Mexican restaurant, and Colima’s is among the top spots in North Park.

Much like Rudford’s, Colima’s is open day and night, meaning you can get your hands on their best-selling burritos, carne asada fries, and quesadillas whenever you fancy.

If you’re feeling brave, test your tolerance for spice with their steak rancheros for less than $10.

Dine in at their fuss-free eatery or get yours to go from the drive-thru.

Louisiana Purchase

Address: 2305 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104
Phone: (619) 723-2880
Website
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You’ll be transported right to the bustling streets of New Orleans at Louisiana Purchase, a bougie Cajun bistro.

The restaurant itself is super elegant and has the atmosphere to match, but the food is still the main attraction. Kick off your meal with sharing plates like chargrilled oysters and garlic cheddar biscuits before moving on to the likes of jambalaya and spicy gumbo. Greg and I love their savory and rich Crawfish Cheesecake. Sooo delicious!!!

Many of their most popular dishes are also featured on the weekend brunch menu, including their ever-popular collard greens for $9.

Swami’s Cafe North Park

Address: 3794 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104
Phone: (619) 269-3797
Website
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Speaking of brunch, you’ll find plenty of delightful dishes that pair well with a mimosa or two at Swami’s Cafe.

A classic Southern California cafe, Swami’s dishes out eggs benedict with a range of different toppings, nourishing smoothie bowls, and tasty chilaquiles alongside their self-serve coffee bar. You can expect most dishes priced around $15. I usually go with their ultimate veggie or turkey club for lunch, or the Green Omelet for breakfast.

This place gets pretty packed for lunch, and on weekends, so you might find a queue forming outside during peak times.

Pete’s Seafood and Sandwich

Address: 3382 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104
Phone: (619) 255-8940
Website & online ordering
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If you’ve ever been homesick for a New England clam shack, Pete’s is your answer. This is proper East Coast seafood in the middle of North Park — whole-belly fried clams, Atlantic cod, and a lobster roll served either chilled with a touch of mayo or warm in butter on a New England–style split roll. Around $32 for the lobster roll, which is roughly what you’d pay in Boston, and the whole-belly clams run $33.

The clam chowder is $5 for a cup and worth ordering even if you’re getting something else. Lobster bisque appears on Mondays only. And if you want the full spread, the seafood platter at $45 gets you fish, scallops, shrimp and whole-belly clams with fries and slaw.

It isn’t only seafood, either — the Boston-style Italian sub is a properly authentic version, and there’s chop suey on the menu, which will make sense to exactly the people it’s meant for.

Opens at 11am. Casual, counter-service energy — this is a lunch or an early dinner, not a night out.

Full disclosure: we haven’t eaten here yet, but it comes highly recommended and is on our list.

West Coast Tavern

Address: 2895 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104
Phone: (619) 543-0113
Website
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Located in a former movie theater with vintage red leather chairs and moody lighting, West Coast Tavern surely has the most unique setting for food in North Park.

They have a solid menu of wings, burgers, and sandwiches starting from $12, but it’s their buzzing weekend brunches that really gave this place its name. You can look forward to never-ending mimosas, chicken and waffles, and kimchi hash.

Any keen cocktail drinkers will also love their watermelon chili margarita and cherry bourbon smash.

Shank & Bone

Address: 2930 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104
Phone: (619) 458-9085
Website
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Enjoy some contemporary takes on traditional Vietnamese dishes at Shank & Bone.

Between steaming bowls of pho, bun cha, and crispy tacos made from banh xeo pancakes, picking just one thing from this menu is a tough task.

However, if you’re a first-time visitor, you must try their crunchy banh mi baguette and side of roasted bone marrow.

In keeping with Eastern cuisine, Shank & Bone also carries an expansive array of Asian beers and has put a Vietnamese twist on some classic cocktails too.

During their midweek happy hour, some of the best-loved dishes go for just $10, while beers are just $5.

Ranchos Cocina

Address: 3910 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104
Phone: (619) 574-1288
Website
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A traditional taverna with an unbeatable selection of vegetarian and vegan options, Ranchos Cocina has just about every Mexican staple you could dream of.

Tacos, tostadas, burritos, enchiladas, and everything in between is available here with pretty much any filling or topping you like. This includes options such as tofu, eggplant, and tempeh used to make any dish meat-free. However, if you are a meat eater, you need to try the $11 surf and turf burrito at least once.

Should you get thirsty, there’s a plentiful supply of sangria, margaritas, and cerveza to go around.

Siamo Napoli Restaurant

Address: 3959 30th St Ste 105, San Diego, CA 92104
Phone: (619) 310-6981
Website
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We had to squeeze in just one more Italian North Park restaurant, as we couldn’t possibly have left Siamo Napoli off the list.

Between their crunchy arancini, Neapolitan pizzas, happy hour menu, and the beautiful grey-scale interior, there’s a lot to gush about at Siamo Napoli. Their pasta dishes are just as drool-worthy and start from $21.

A line-up of Italian-inspired cocktails is also available to wash down your main course.

Not only is the food top-tier, but the service is just as excellent.

Tabu Shabu

Address: 3647 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104
Phone: (619) 408-0369
Website
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A modern and minimalistic spot for high-quality Japanese fare, Tabu Shabu is well established in the North Park food scene.

Start things off with dumplings and edamame before you move on to the main event: their steamy hotpots, which are bursting with flavor.

You’ll pick your broth, rice, noodles, and protein, with the likes of the Wagyu short rib and prime ribeye being some of the most popular choices.

Each hotspot is pretty substantial, but for an extra $6, you’ll be able to split your meal with your dining buddy. 

Tabu Shabu also has a rotating range of draft and bottled beers, as well as a lengthy list of sakes that typically go for $10-$20 each.

If you haven’t already noticed, restaurants in North Park, San Diego, are as good as they get, thanks to both quality and variety.

With such an abundance of amazing eateries, you’ll more than likely find yourself returning time and time again to try the ever-growing list of North Park restaurants.

Looking for more ideas? Check out our additional guides:

The Best Downtown San Diego Restaurants That Aren’t Tourist Traps
Best North Park Bars
11 Of The Most Fun Beach Bars In San Diego
Black Radish: San Diego’s Intimate But Exquisite Neighborhood Bistro

North Park Restaurants FAQs

Last Updated on August 6, 2026 by Maria Haase

The post 18 Best North Park Restaurants: A Local’s Guide (2026) appeared first on San Diego Explorer.

The MTRCB “believes that banning movies and television programs with violent themes is not the appropriate solution, as this could infringe upon the constitutional right of Filipino creatives to freedom of expression and creation,” it said in a statement released to the press.

It is instead urging “the active participation of parents and educators in ensuring that children are properly and adequately supervised while watching TV shows or movies, or while viewing content on social media platforms. This is so that children properly understand the context of what they are watching, while allowing parents and guardians to further instill Filipino values and culture in their children.”

It “considers the protection of Filipino children from harmful content as a shared duty of the government, parents, educators, media practitioners, digital influencers, and stakeholders from the film and TV industry.”

The agency’s mandate, as per Presidential Decree No. 1986, is to assign age-appropriate classifications to movies and TV shows while supporting the growth of the entertainment industry. It said that it “actively partners with stakeholders in the movie and TV industry in ensuring that Filipino cultural values are upheld and respected” while at the same time “advocating for a culture of authentic, responsible self-regulation.”

This comes as Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. said they may recommend a ban on “excessively violent” TV shows and restricting violent content on social media platforms as among the steps needed to address the rising number of violent incidents involving minors.

“Maybe we can recommend banning movies and TV shows with a lot of violence. We can make a similar recommendation for social media apps and other solutions. It is not only limited to that,” he said during a press briefing on Aug. 3.

Among the recent incidents, was a mass shooting in a high school in Tacloban City, Leyte on June 22 where three students were killed and more than 20 others wounded when two young teenagers opened fire. There have also been several stabbings, the most recent of which was in Las Piñas when a 13-year-old Grade 9 student was killed by his 14-year-old classmate.

THE PHILIPPINE Statistics Authority (PSA) on Thursday said it kept the country’s first-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate unchanged at 2.8%.

Meanwhile, gross national income growth — which measures GDP plus net primary income from the rest of the world — was revised downward to 2.9% from the 3% initially reported.

Growth in net primary income from the rest of the world was lowered to 3.5% from 4.5%.

The PSA also revised figures for several components of the national accounts, particularly on the supply side.

Downward revisions were recorded in other services to 2.9% from 3.9%; electricity, steam, water and waste management to 0.03% from 0.7%; and education to 5.9% from 6.1%.

Meanwhile, manufacturing growth was revised upward to 0.7% from 0.5%; transportation and storage to 5% from 4.4%; and wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles to 4.7% from 4.6%.

The PSA said it revises GDP estimates based on an approved policy aligned with international standard practices. The revisions came ahead of the release of second-quarter GDP data on Friday (Aug. 7).

Union Bank of the Philippines Chief Economist Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion said the revisions suggest that income flows from abroad were weaker than initially estimated, although the adjustments were relatively modest.

“The revision implies that compensation of overseas Filipino workers, investment income, or other primary income receipts from the rest of the world contributed less to overall national income growth than first reported,” Mr. Asuncion said in a Viber message.

“That said, the revisions do not materially change the broader narrative. Income from abroad continued to expand even after the adjustment, indicating that external income remained a positive contributor to economic activity,” he added.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said the unchanged 2.8% headline masked stronger growth in some domestic sectors and lower contributions from income earned abroad.

“Domestically, faster growth [was] revised for major economic growth engines such as manufacturing, transportation and trade,” he said in a Viber message.

Mr. Ricafort said households and businesses had prioritized essential spending, reduced costs and brought forward some purchases amid the Middle East conflict and expectations of higher inflation and borrowing costs. These adjustments may have provided additional support to manufacturing and trade, he added.

Mr. Asuncion said net primary income from abroad could still provide a buffer against weak domestic growth

“While external income can cushion households and consumption, sustainable growth ultimately depends on domestic investment, employment generation, and productivity improvements,” he said.

TARGET WITHIN REACH
Mr. Asuncion said achieving the government’s 3.5%-4.5% full-year growth target had become more challenging after the weak first-quarter performance, although the lower end remained attainable if growth accelerated during the rest of the year.

“The areas that would need to rebound most strongly are household consumption and investments. Household spending remains the largest component of GDP, making it a critical source of growth,” he said.

“Meanwhile, gross capital formation, which contracted in the first quarter, would need to recover as stronger investment activity tends to generate broader multiplier effects across the economy,” he added.

In the first quarter, household final consumption expenditure grew by 3%, slower than 5.3% a year earlier, and 3.8% in the fourth quarter.

Gross capital formation contracted by 3.3%, reversing the 4.5% growth recorded a year earlier, but the decline was narrower than the 9.4% contraction in the fourth quarter.

“From a sectoral perspective, a stronger performance from industry, particularly manufacturing and construction, would help lift growth momentum. Agriculture, which contracted in the first quarter, also has room to contribute if weather conditions and production trends improve,” Mr. Asuncion said.

“While the services sector is likely to remain the principal growth driver, a more balanced recovery that includes investment-led growth and stronger production sectors would improve the prospects of meeting the government’s full-year target,” he added.

HEADLINE INFLATION may have peaked but core inflation still shows signs of persistent underlying pressures, which could keep the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on its tightening path, analysts said.

This as the softer core print in July was likely temporary given other energy-sensitive commodities continued to rise, according to Nomura Global Markets Research Chief ASEAN Economist Euben Paracuelles and Economist Nabila Amani.

“The decline was not broad-based, as it was mainly due to lower education fees, led by a drop in fees at the primary and secondary education levels, which are likely one-off, in our view,” they said in a report on Wednesday.

“Other items sensitive to high energy costs are, by contrast, still adjusting higher, in line with our view, including food services, recreation activity and accommodation,” they added.

Headline inflation cooled for a third straight month at 6.2% in July from 6.4% in the previous month, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported on Wednesday.

However, core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, slowed to 4.2% in July from 4.4% in June, but accelerated from 2.3% a year ago.

The core print captures second-order effects or when initial price shocks prompt businesses to pass on the burden of higher costs to consumers by raising the prices of commodities and services, such as utilities and transport.

This allows economic managers to determine whether prevailing consumer price movements reflect short-lived disruptions or a long-term trend.

“In terms of trajectory, we continue to believe headline inflation has already peaked, underpinned in part by our crude oil price assumption, but core inflation has not, as we see pass-through effects from energy prices continuing,” Mr. Paracuelles and Ms. Amani said.

Their projection comes with the assumption that the cost of global crude oil will fall to $72.4 a barrel in the second half of the year from $85.4 a barrel in June.

Nomura also kept its forecast that headline inflation will average 5.1% this year, with core inflation at 3.9%.

For Maybank Investment Bank Chief Economist Suhaimi Illias and Economist Azril Rosli, however, the sticky core inflation and fresh risks could drive inflation to 5.3% this year and 4.9% next year. These are higher than their previous forecasts of 4.7% and 4.5%, respectively.

“Looking ahead, we expect headline inflation to moderate gradually in the second half of 2026, supported by easing global oil prices, improved food supply conditions and government measures to stabilize essential commodity prices,” they said in a separate report dated Aug. 5.

“Nevertheless, sticky core inflation, higher labor costs, the proposed income tax revision and lingering geopolitical uncertainties are likely to keep price pressures elevated.”

As of July, headline inflation stood at 5%, still below the central bank’s 6.4% estimate for the year, while core inflation averaged 3.6%.

“Philippines’ inflation remains the highest in the region, with July’s print of 6.2% yoy (year on year) still breaching the central bank’s target, despite easing from its recent peak,” DBS Group Research said in a separate note on Thursday.

According to the Singaporean bank, the latest reading and BSP’s hawkish stance have raised the odds of a third straight rate hike to manage inflationary expectations.

“The latest CPI inflation reading is unlikely to change that stance from BSP, in our view, but justifies its preference for a measured approach to its hiking cycle,” Mr. Paracuelles and Ms. Amani also said.

The Nomura economists are anticipating two more rounds of measured tightening by the BSP, with one 25-basis-point (bp) hike each at its August and October meetings.

“We reiterate our forecast for BSP to hike by another 50 bps this year, delivered in 25-bp clips over each of the next two meetings (August and October),” they said.

“We believe BSP remains concerned about rising core inflation and is highly vigilant of upside risks overall, likely due a combination of still-high uncertainty in crude oil prices, some impact from higher-than-expected wage hikes and prospects of a strong El Niño,” they added.

The case for further rate increases also remains strong amid lingering price pressures and emerging inflation risks from multiple fronts, according to Mr. Illias and Mr. Rosli.

They now expect the BSP to deliver two more 25-bp increases, larger than its earlier call of a final 25-bp hike this month.

“We expect the BSP to raise the policy rate to 5.25% by end-2026 (previously: 5%), while maintaining a restrictive policy stance to anchor inflation expectations and contain second-round effects,” Mr. Illias and Mr. Rosli said.

Since it began tightening in April, the Monetary Board has delivered a cumulative 50 bps in hikes to bring the key policy rate to a near one-year high of 4.75%.

In its statement following the July inflation report, the central bank reaffirmed that it remains open to taking monetary policy action to ensure inflation will return near its 3% target.

BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. has also left the door open to further tightening, with a “small chance” of a 50-bp increase at their meeting later this month.

The Monetary Board will hold its fourth policy review this year on Aug. 27, with its two remaining meetings scheduled on Oct. 22 and Dec. 17.

The unemployment rate rose to 4.9% from 3.7% a year earlier, with 2.59 million Filipinos out of work, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Thursday.

The June jobless rate was up slightly from 4.8% in May, and was highest in three months or since the 5% in March.

National Statistician Claire Dennis S. Mapa said the rise in unemployment was driven by the higher labor force participation as many new graduates entered the workforce.

“Our labor force participation increased. Year on year, this increased by around 822,000. Of course, when labor force participation increases, there are employed and unemployed,” Mr. Mapa said.

The labor force participation rate (LFPR) stood at 65.1% in June, slightly lower than the 65.7% in June 2025 but higher than 63.8% in May. This translated to 53.25 million Filipinos aged 15 years and over who were in the labor force.

Labor Secretary Francis N. Tolentino on Thursday said the rise in labor force participation reflected growing confidence among Filipinos to seek employment.

“While year-on-year figures highlight areas that require sustained attention, they likewise reinforce the importance of advancing reforms that raise both the quantity and quality of jobs,” Mr. Tolentino said in a statement.

Mr. Mapa said about 650,000 Filipinos entered the labor force for the first time in June. Of these, around 592,000 were aged 15 to 24, suggesting that many were fresh graduates looking for their first jobs. However, only about 310,000 found employment.

“Higher living costs likely encouraged more Filipinos to seek work. However, job creation has not kept pace, particularly among those aged 15-24, resulting in a higher unemployment rate,” Chinabank Research said in a note.

PSA data showed the youth labor force participation rate rose to 33.7% in June from 33.1% a year earlier and 32.3% in May.

However, the youth employment rate fell to 86.5% from 90.6% a year earlier, indicating that more young Filipinos entered the labor force but a smaller proportion were able to find jobs.

Underemployment, a measure of workers seeking additional hours or another job, stood at 12.1% in June, up from 11.4% a year earlier but slightly lower than the 12.2% in May.

The June underemployment rate is lowest since 11.8% in February.

The ranks of underemployed Filipinos — those who want longer work hours or an additional job — stood at 6.11 million.

The unemployment rate averaged 5% in the first half, while underemployment averaged 12.8%.

Services remained the biggest source of jobs, accounting for 62.7% of total employment, followed by agriculture at 20% and industry at 17.3%.

In June, accommodation and food services posted the largest annual employment gain at 481,000, followed by administrative and support services (including call center jobs) at 456,000, and public administration and defense at 440,000.

Meanwhile, the biggest job losses were seen in wholesale and retail trade at 903,000 jobs year on year, while fishing and aquaculture lost 467,000 jobs and construction shed 139,000 jobs.

“Rising consumer prices will likely continue to weigh on hiring in the (retail) sector that has been contracting for a 12^th straight month,” Chinabank Research said. “Employment in the construction sector also declined likely due to high construction material costs,” it added.

Jose Ramon G. Albert, a senior research fellow at the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) said the latest data show the labor market is expanding in headcount but not necessarily in quality.

“The uptick in underemployment to 12.1% is the more telling signal here. It suggests that a good chunk of those already employed are still looking for additional hours or a second job because their current earnings or work hours are insufficient. Taken together, this points to continued softness in the quality of job creation, with hiring likely concentrated in informal, part-time, or lower-paying segments rather than full-time, higher-value positions,” he said.

University of the Philippines School of Labor and Industrial Relations (SOLAIR) Assistant Professor Benjamin B. Velasco said the latest labor data continued to reflect longer-term challenges in the Philippine labor market.

“Beyond the seasonal trend, the latest LFS show the long-term labor market pattern remains challenging. Job creation does not track economic growth. Thus, overseas migration will remain a safety valve, to cite one labor market response,” he said.

IBON Foundation Executive Director Jose Enrique A. Africa said the latest figures showed that the economy was not generating enough jobs for the growing labor force.

“The year-on-year trends confirm that the economy is unable to generate enough work for the growing population,” Mr. Africa said.

Mr. Africa said weak employment generation should not be attributed solely to recent external factors, citing a slowdown in net employment growth in previous years.

“Weak net employment generation cannot be wholly blamed on the recent oil shock because this has been falling even before from 1.3 million in 2023, to 665,000 in 2024, and then just 170,000 in 2025,” he said.

Mr. Africa said higher unemployment and underemployment, alongside elevated inflation, could weaken household purchasing power.

“However, growing unemployment and underemployment combined with the most recent report of high inflation especially for the poorest income groups strongly points to weakening family purchasing power and worsening welfare,” Mr. Africa said. — M.J.M. Sanchez

THE PHILIPPINES’ agricultural sector posted slower growth of 2.9% in the second quarter, down from 6% a year earlier, despite improved output across all subsectors, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said.

The PSA reported that the value of production in agriculture and fisheries at constant 2018 prices rose by 2.9% to P452.22 billion from P439.66 billion in the second quarter last year.

Farm output growth eased from the 6% in the second quarter of 2025 but improved from the 0.3% contraction in the first quarter.

“This expansion was driven by gains across crops, livestock, poultry, and fisheries,” the PSA said.

At current prices, the value of production in agriculture and fisheries edged up by 0.2% year on year to P610.62 billion in the second quarter from P609.63 billion previously.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. said in a statement that the “strong” second-quarter performance shows the government’s farm modernization efforts are delivering results.

“These gains also give us a stronger buffer against the production slowdown we expect from El Niño in the fourth quarter. We cannot control the weather, but we can equip our farmers to overcome it through irrigation, mechanization, climate-smart technologies, quality seeds, modern post-harvest facilities and better market access,” he said.

Former Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar told BusinessWorld that the slower year-on-year growth in the second quarter reflected geopolitical tensions and inadequate government interventions to agricultural issues.

“There is a convergence of factors why Q2 growth is significantly slower than last year, namely, geopolitical tensions leading to high energy prices, high fertilizer prices and higher logistics costs,” Mr. Dar said via Viber.

“You can add the delayed distribution of government assistance of inputs including lack of extension services,” he added.

For the first six months, the value of agricultural production inched up by 1.3% to P889.67 billion, slower than the 4% a year ago.

CROPS
Crop production, which accounted for 55% of the total value of agricultural production, rose by an annual 1.6% in the second quarter to P248.9 billion. This was significantly slower than the 11.3% increase in the second quarter of 2025, but an improvement from the 2.4% decline in the first quarter this year.

For the first half, crop production contracted by 0.4% to P492.46 billion, a reversal of the 5.9% growth last year.

The value of palay production jumped by 5.7% to P93.69 billion in the April-to-June period, slowing from the 13.9% growth a year earlier. Palay output in the first semester dipped by 0.5% from 6.5% growth a year ago.

PSA data showed the value of corn production grew by 0.8% in the second quarter, sharply slower than 27.3% a year ago. Corn output contracted by 3% in the first half from 5.4% a year ago.

Coconut jumped by 2.4%, a tad slower than the 3% a year ago but faster than the 1.4% growth in the first quarter. For the first half, the value of coconut output grew by 1.9% from 1.3% a year ago.

Double-digit increases in the second quarter were seen in mongo (14.6%), cabbage (12.3%), cassava (11.4%), tobacco (10.6%), and coffee (10.2%).

On the other hand, sugarcane production plunged by 22.5% in the second quarter, a reversal of the 341% surge a year ago.

Declines were also seen in rubber (-16.4%), tomato (-10.1%), calamansi (-7.7%), onion (-6.1%), banana (-3.5%), sweet potato (-2.7%), and potato (-2.4%).

Mr. Dar said that the weak growth in crop production in the second quarter may be partly attributed to “the problem of irrigation systems that were not functional this time.”

GROWTH CHALLENGES
Poultry, which accounted for 17.7% of total production, jumped by 6.3% to P79.84 billion in the second quarter, slower than the 7% a year ago and 7.1% in the first quarter. This was the fastest growth among subsectors during the quarter.

Chicken production went up by 4.1% in the second quarter (from 8.2% a year ago), while chicken eggs jumped by 13.2% (from 4.8%).

Duck output shrank by 1.3%, worsening from the 1.1% drop a year ago, while duck eggs declined by 4% (from -0.7%).

In the January-to-June period, poultry output increased by 6.7% to P160.67 billion, slowing from 8.4% last year.

Elias Jose M. Inciong, chairman of the United Broiler Raisers Association, said the slower year on year growth in poultry sector reflected the general economic slowdown.

“Demand was affected by the increase in fuel and fertilizer prices brought about by the Iran-US war. Production was similarly bogged down. Costs went up. Growth will necessarily be a challenge under these circumstances,” Mr. Inciong told BusinessWorld via Viber.

He also cited the drop in average farmgate prices to P105.94 per kilo as of July, the lowest in five years, compared to P119 per kilo in 2025.

LIVESTOCK
Production of livestock went up by 3.6% to P61.83 billion, accounting for 13.7% of the total output. This was a turnaround from the 5.9% contraction in the second quarter of 2025, but slower than the 5% in the first quarter.

Hog production grew by 5.6% in the quarter ending June, a turnaround from the -7.5% a year ago, while dairy surged by 37.8% from 6% a year ago.

However, declines were noted for cattle (-5.2%), carabao (-6.6%) and goat (-3.3%).

For the first six months, livestock output expanded by 4.3% to P122.53 billion, an improvement from the -4.5% a year earlier.

“Obviously Q2 2026 growth will be slower due to negative effects of US Iran war, inflation due to oil price increases, depressed economic activity, wage freeze resulting to lower disposable income. These all contributed to poor pork demand and depressed liveweight prices,” Alfred Ng, vice chairman of the National Federation of Hog Raisers, told BusinessWorld via Viber.

Mr. Ng said the continued growth in pork imports, rising feed prices, and African Swine Fever (ASF) continue to affect the hog industry.

“ASF continues to be a problem for big pig producing provinces though not completely and accurately reported,” he added.

Meanwhile, the value of fisheries production rose by 2.7% to P61.64 billion in the quarter ending June. This made up 13.6% of total agriculture output during the period.

Higher output was seen for squid (42.2%), roundscad or galunggong (38%), fimbriated sardines (33.7%), P. vannamei (23.2%), tilapia (13.1%), grouper (6.7%), and Bali sardinella or tamban (1.4%).

On the other hand, double-digit declines were seen in mudcrab (-30.2%), cavalla or talakitok (-21.4%), bigeye tuna (-20.1%), skipjack (-14%), blue crab (-10.1%), big-eyed scad (-11.5%), and frigate tuna (-10.6%).

An annual drop in production was also recorded for yellowfin tuna (-8.5%), slipmouth (-7.4%), milkfish or bangus (-7.1%), threadfin bream (-6.6%), and tiger prawn (-5.6%).

In the January-to-June period, fisheries output contracted by 1.5% to P114.02 billion, reversing the 0.1% growth in the same period last year.

Jayson H. Cainglet, executive director of the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura, said the growth in fisheries production only covers commercial fishers and not local small-scale fishers, citing the Supreme Court ruling on commercial fishing vessels in 15-kilometer (km) municipal fishing zones.

“Since last year, a Supreme Court ruling allowed commercial vessels to fish inside the 15-km municipal waters. The 15-km municipal waters should be exclusive to artisanal/small fishers,” Mr. Cainglet told BusinessWorld via Viber.

LOOMING EL NIÑO
Meanwhile, experts warned about the impact of the looming Super El Niño on the agriculture and fishery sectors for the rest of the year.

Mr. Dar noted agricultural output, particularly crops, will be badly impacted by the Super El Niño in the second half of the year.

Mr. Ng said the Super El Niño would drive up the price of local feeds, as well as affect water supply.

“Super El Niño will put pressure on the local feeds produced like corn, rice bran, coco oil, molasses both on availability and affordability. It will also dampen the growth rate of our animals and may caused higher mortality figures due heat stress,” Mr. Ng said.

“Water source for drinking of our animals may also be compromised and short,” he added.

Mr. Inciong said the fourth quarter is usually the most challenging for the broiler industry.

“There is always an expected oversupply because of better production conditions and the very heavy influx of imported chicken meat,” he said. “Super El Niño will devastate market demand especially in the rural areas, adding to the oversupply,” Mr. Inciong added.

For his part, Mr. Laurel said that the DA’s continuing efforts to open new export markets and expand overseas shipments of Philippine farm products would drive growth for the agricultural and fisheries sector for the rest of the year.

Critic’s Rating: 3 / 5.0

3

I was seated for Stuart Fails to Save the Universe Season 1 Episode 3 after the way the previous episode ended.

And then, meh.

This was a mediocre installment in what could have been a fun romp into witch trials and a magical threat.

Even The Big Bang Theory cameos couldn’t save this one, as the entire focus was on Denise for absolutely no reason at all.

Why Did Denise Decide to Leave?

During Stuart Fails to Save the Universe Season 1 Episode 2, naturally, Stuart decided he needed to see the love of his life.

However, this isn’t the same world that he left behind, and Denise is somewhat happily married to Gary.

In a surprising turn of events, she decides to leave Gary and follow Stuart, taking her into a new universe where she has to face the choices she’s made.

Now, I get it. Denise is from a world where she and Stuart were never together. She later tells the Magic World Gary that they had six years of happiness together.

They barely argued — although that’s because they weren’t allowed to get mad thanks to the cube floating in the sky.

So, why would she leave that? What did she think she was missing?

I don’t even think we get to the bottom of it all. Honestly, I lost track of the whole thing because I just didn’t care.

There’s so much more going on throughout the episode that was far more interesting, and each time we went back to Denise at the bar or with Gary, I just rolled my eyes.

I don’t mind Denise, and I liked her character from the apocalypse world they were in, but now we’re stuck with this one, which has a lot of unresolved issues.

I guess in a way it’s supposed to be a look at how emotions being controlled and suppressed lead to these issues.

But there’s a universe to save!

Bert Finally Took Control

My favorite part of the 18 minutes of Stuart Fails to Save the Universe was seeing Bert take control.

As Will Wheaton shows up to kill Stuart for helping Bernadette, Bert steps in the way.

He’s magic, and that’s what saves him from being burned at the stake.

Now, I will say that I could have done with a little more of an explanation as to why Bert was being burned at the stake.

I assumed it was because he was magic, but he suddenly gained groupies as a result.

This is why the time spent with Denise was a waste. There was so much more to delve into and explain in this universe.

I feel like we learned so much about the apocalypse and the cube worlds. Why not this magic one? Was it because the writers didn’t know where to go with it?

However, Bert finally took control, and we got to see some actual emotion from him.

Yes, I laughed out loud when Kripke was turned into a penguin. He deserved it, although I think a weasel would have been more appropriate.

The fight between Will and Bert added some fun action to the episode, something the previous installment missed.

I ended up with a lot more questions about how powerful Bert was, considering he was able to take on Will so easily, and Will came across as such a high-ranking magical being — although he could have been faking that!

I know we won’t revisit that world, but I would love to just get some niggling questions answered.

Of Course, Bernadette Is a Demon

I’ve always loved how The Big Bang Theory grew Bernadette’s character into a sweet-sounding dictator. And I say that lovingly.

She’s so charming and nice when she wants to be, but when she gets mad, she’s scary. Many of the characters on the original series pointed it out, including Penny and Howard!

So, it made perfect sense that she would turn out to be a demon in this magic world. Even then, she had the sweet voice and apologized as she stepped on people.

It brought the heart of the original series through in just a short scene.

What could have happened had she managed to get her hands on the universe-jumping machine?

I would love to see an alternate universe where that happened, but that isn’t the point of this series. That’s for fanfiction, I guess!

Nobody would stand a chance against Bernie.

Another question came up as I watched: how did the magical council bind her powers?

She seems so unstoppable, and Will turned up almost in fear that Bernadette was loose. It would suggest that it took a lot of power to contain her and strip her of her powers.

I will say that while Stuart Fails to Save the Universe Season 1 Episode 2 reminded me a lot of Charmed in the way the utopian society was set up, this episode reminded me a lot of Angel in the way Bernadette looked.

She was the spit of Lorne, just a giant version. Now I want to see some sort of karaoke bar where she sings and where other demons and magical creatures can hang out.

It does bring up the wonder of how many other TV shows and movies have been used as inspiration for future episodes of the series.

At least the series is keeping things unique and adding its own twists, so it is paying homage to the sci-fi that has come before rather than a direct copy, and I appreciate that.

However, I need more of the failing-to-save-the-universe storyline in future episodes. No more of Denise wallowing in a bar.

We love to hear from you!

Not only do your comments help to keep independent journalism alive, but we just love to connect with fellow fans.

So, drop your thoughts on the latest episode, and share your wishes for future ones in the comments below!

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  Ark One doesn’t get a chance to mourn the loss of Brice, but it’s possible that he’s not dead on The Ark Season 3 Episode 2.

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  What could have been a fun episode for Bert was overshadowed by Denise. Stuart Fails to Save the Universe Season 1 Episode 3 is mediocre.

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Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf speaks at a press conference in Tehran, Iran, Dec. 2, 2025.

Shadati | Xinhua News Agency | Getty Images

Iran’s chief negotiator has accused U.S. President Donald Trump of staging “theater diplomacy,” as Washington and Tehran offer conflicting accounts of bilateral engagement aimed at ending their months-long hostilities.

“‘Massive attack coming … wait, never mind, they want to negotiate.’ That’s theater diplomacy on loop,” Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s parliament speaker and top negotiator, wrote in a post on X on Thursday in an apparent jibe at Trump.

The remarks came days after Trump called off planned strikes and said the outlines of a deal had already been settled with Tehran. Iranian officials have rejected the claim, saying no talks were underway.

The conflict is meanwhile broadening across the region, with Gulf energy infrastructure and key shipping chokepoints under renewed threat.

Saudi Arabia is bracing for “multiple coordinated attacks” by Iraqi militia factions working with Iran-backed Houthis, a Saudi official told CNN. Intelligence reports from Saudi Arabia and regional governments reportedly indicated that the groups planned to strike the kingdom “in the very near future” under the guidance of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The warning came a day after the Houthis claimed responsibility for attacks on two Saudi oil tankers in the Gulf of Aden, another critical shipping chokepoint. Saudi Arabia has come under Houthi missile fire and drone attacks by Iran-backed Iraqi militias in recent weeks.

Shipping through the region’s two critical chokepoints has fallen sharply in recent days. Only two vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, down from eight a day earlier, according to Kpler vessel-tracking data, against a pre-war baseline of roughly 130 to 140 daily transits. Traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb collapsed to a single dry bulk carrier, from 20 vessels the previous day.

Flows via Hormuz are unlikely to return to pre-war levels anytime soon, even after a deal is reached between Oman and Iran for managing traffic via the critical waterway.

U.S. and Israeli ships would be barred from the Strait of Hormuz under a draft plan involving Iran and Oman for managing the waterway, Tehran’s semi-official Fars news agency reported Thursday, with restrictions extending to countries that have “caused damage” to Iran, until compensation is paid.

Iran also plans to issue penalties of up to 20% of the value of the cargo of those who violate the terms of the agreement, which is currently under review, according to Fars.

Oil jumped on signs of Tehran’s hardening stance on the Hormuz traffic. Brent crude futures for October delivery gained 1.3% to $83.55 a barrel, while September futures for WTI crude rose about 1.1% to $78.17 on Friday, extending losses from a day earlier and reversing an earlier slide driven by brief optimism that a Hormuz deal was days away.

Earlier, regional officials said that Iran and Oman were close to finalizing a framework covering all inbound traffic via Iranian territorial waters as well as outbound traffic through a route closer to Oman, though the arrangement would not automatically reopen the waterway.

In a Truth Social post on Thursday, Trump pushed back on reports that U.S. munitions stocks have been depleted by the war. “The U.S. has massive amounts of ‘munitions,’ especially of certain types,” he said, vowing to pursue “long-term jail sentences” for leakers.

CNN reported later in the day that, in the Oval Office, Trump acknowledged that certain munitions are in “tighter” supply, while insisting less-advanced weapons remain in virtually unlimited supply.

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PHILIPPINE INFLATION cooled to its slowest pace in four months in July as transport costs eased and food inflation steadied, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said.

Data from the PSA showed headline inflation slowed to 6.2% from 6.4% in June but quickened from 0.9% a year ago.

July saw the slowest headline inflation in four months or since 4.1% in March.

July also marked the third straight month that inflation eased.

The July print fell within the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) 5.6%-6.6% forecast for the month, but below the 6.4% median estimate in a BusinessWorld poll of 21 economists and analysts.

Year to date, inflation averaged 5%, well above the BSP’s 3% target.

“Headline inflation further slowed to 6.2% in July from 6.4% in June as easing transport costs and improving supply conditions tempered price pressures,” the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) said in a statement.

Transport inflation slowed to 11.9% in July from 12.8% in June.

In July, pump prices in the domestic retail market climbed by as much as P11.70 per liter for gasoline, P26.19 per liter for diesel, and P23.89 per liter for kerosene.

However, this was tempered by slower inflation in maintenance and repair of personal transport as well as other services related to personal transport equipment, National Statistician Claire Dennis S. Mapa said.

PSA data also showed inflation for other passenger transport by road eased to 5.3% from 5.4% in June.

Still, Mr. Mapa noted that the recent peso depreciation against the greenback renewed price pressures last month, considering the country uses US dollars to purchase its fuel stock.

“Regarding the peso depreciation’s impact on the inflation rate, of course, it directly affects fuel prices,” Mr. Mapa told a press briefing in Filipino. “This is because we purchase fuel in US dollars, while our pump prices are peso denominated. This is where the direct effect is felt, and then of course there are also indirect effects after that.”

As of end-July, the local unit averaged P60.2042 versus the greenback, about 5% or P2.85 weaker than its P57.12 average in the same period last year, according to BSP data.

It plunged to a new historic low of P61.847 per dollar on July 24, breaking its previous record-low finish of P61.75 on July 23.

COSTLIER RICE, ELECTRICITY
Meanwhile, inflation for the heavily weighted food and nonalcoholic beverages index steadied from June at 5.2%, lifting some pressure off the headline print.

This came as “lower meat prices and slower increases in vegetable prices offset sharper rice inflation,” the DEPDev said.

However, the overall inflation remained elevated as electricity and rice inflation accelerated last month.

Rice inflation stood at 17.1% from 15% in June, the fastest pace in two years or since the 20.9% in July 2024.

Mr. Mapa said this was driven by the staple grain’s significant price growth versus a year ago, offsetting the marginal month-on-month decline.

PSA data showed the average price of regular milled rice dipped by 0.9% to P49.55 a kilo in July from about P50 in the previous month but jumped 19.9% from P41.31 a kilo in July 2025.

Meanwhile, a kilo of well-milled rice was sold at P55.41 last month, up by 0.75% from P55 in June and by 16.4% from P47.60 a year ago. Special rice also fell month on month by 0.3% to P63.75 from P63.95 but climbed by 12.2% annually from P56.83.

On the other hand, the Manila Electric Co. hiked electricity rates by 34.28 centavos per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to P14.8261 per kWh in July.

This brought electricity inflation to its fastest pace in over three years, or since March 2023, at 17% from the revised 12.3% in June.

RISKS REMAIN
Mr. Mapa said the latest figure points to a downward trend at the headline level, with inflation peaking in April, but risks remain from high electricity rates and potential increases in food prices.

“This year, (inflation) peaked in April, wherein we recorded 7.2% and then it went down to 6.8% in May, 6.4% in June, and 6.2% in July,” he told a press briefing in mixed English and Filipino. “So, basically the trend that we’re seeing right now is good news that the inflation rate is going down at the headline level. But as I’ve been mentioning, there are risks.”

Core inflation, which strips out volatile food and energy prices, eased to 4.2% from 4.4% in June, but picked up from 2.3% in July 2025.

Mr. Mapa noted that core inflation remains sticky as several nonvolatile commodity groups continue to see price increases.

Meanwhile, PSA data showed inflation in the National Capital Region (NCR) cooled to 4.4% in July from 4.9% in June but quickened from 1.7% last year.

Outside NCR, it eased to 6.7%, slightly slower than 6.8% in the previous month but faster than 0.7% a year earlier.

However, high rice prices weighed heavily on the bottom 30% of income households, with their inflation hitting 8.2% from 8% in June and -0.8% a year ago.

As of July, inflation for the bottom 30% averaged 5.9%.

The food index accounts for over 51% of inflation for the bottom 30%, even higher than its nearly 35% share in headline inflation, making these households more vulnerable to food price swings.

“So, when food prices rise, they are really affected. So, there is one commodity that really drives the inflation rate for the bottom 30% of income households, and that is the price of rice,” Mr. Mapa said, noting that rice holds 18% of the bottom 30% basket, double the 9% share at the headline level.

If rice prices ease in the coming months, inflation for the bottom 30% will likely mirror the downward trend of headline inflation, the national statistician added.

BSP HIKING PATH
The central bank said it will continue to use its monetary policy tools to steer inflation back to its 3% target, with its latest forecast showing the headline clip may hit 6.4% by yearend.

“The BSP will continue to monitor recent developments and their potential impact on inflation and growth,” it said in a statement on Wednesday. “The BSP is prepared to take further monetary action as needed to ensure that inflation returns close to the 3% target.”

Despite inflation softening for three consecutive months, the BSP might cap its tightening cycle with a final hike this month, according to Chinabank Research.

“Despite this extended rebound, we believe the BSP is likely to end its rate-hiking cycle this month, as second-round inflation effects appear to have largely run their course,” it said in a report.

The Monetary Board’s next policy review is on Aug. 27

However, Chinabank noted that it may be “too early” to say that the country is now seeing a sustained disinflation trend, with risks looming from potential wage and transport fare hikes.

“However, risks remain, especially if higher-than-expected minimum wages and transport fares are approved,” it said.

The dual tranche P85 minimum wage hike in Metro Manila was suspended after a Pasig City Regional Trial Court issued a 20-day temporary restraining order on its implementation.

Higher fuel costs have also prompted petitions for fare hikes ranging from P2 to P10, all of which are undergoing government review.

On the other hand, Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co. sees a longer tightening path for the BSP, although noted that future moves will likely remain measured.

“We maintain our expectation for the BSP to carry out measured rate increases,” it said. “The downward trajectory suggests that BSP was correct in holding off on overzealous aggressive rate tightening and we expect the BSP to continue this pace as BSP Governor Remolona balances inflation fighting with support for growth.”

The central bank has so far raised its key policy rate by 50 basis points (bps), with two consecutive 25-bp hikes in April and June which brought the benchmark to 4.75%.

Last month, BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. said he sees a “small chance” that the ongoing volatility and emerging threats to inflation would prompt them to deliver a 50-bp hike.

The BSP has said that it will continue to use its monetary policy tools to steer inflation back to its 3% target, with its latest forecast showing the headline clip may hit 6.4% by yearend.

The PSA reported that the value of production in agriculture and fisheries at constant 2018 prices grew to P452.22 billion in the second quarter from P439.66 billion a year earlier.

The increase lagged the year-earlier performance of 6.0%.

Posting growth were crops (1.6%), livestock (3.6%), poultry (6.3%), and fisheries (2.7%).

Crop output, which accounted for 55% of the total value of agricultural production, grew 1.6% to P248.90 billion in the second quarter. Palay (unmilled rice) and corn posted improvements in total value of 5.7% and 0.8% respectively.

Livestock production, which accounted for 13.7% of overall production, grew 3.6% to P61.83 billion in the second quarter. Hog production posted 5.6% growth.

Poultry, which accounted for 17.7% of total farm output, jumped 6.3% in the second quarter to P79.84 billion.

Fisheries production increased 2.7% to P61.64 billion. The sector accounted for 13.6% of the total output. — Marron Joshua F. Mendoza

Only 14 listees were better-off from a year ago, Forbes Asia said in a news release on Thursday.

Forbes Asia attributed the decline in combined wealth to slower economic growth after the Philippine economy expanded 2.8% in the first quarter, its lowest quarterly growth rate since the pandemic, as well as an energy shock from the Iran conflict that stoked inflation and weakened the peso.

Ports businessman Enrique K. Razon, Jr. topped the annual ranking for the first time with a record net worth of $21.8 billion after adding $10.3 billion to his fortune.

The global expansion of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. boosted the listed port operator’s share price, helping increase Mr. Razon’s wealth despite geopolitical tensions, Forbes Asia said.

The Sy siblings, heirs to the SM group built by the late retail tycoon Henry Sy, Sr., slipped to second place after their combined fortune fell by $2.6 billion to $9.2 billion as shares of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. declined 18% from a year earlier amid a weak residential property market.

San Miguel Corp. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ramon S. Ang climbed one spot to third despite a slight decline in his net worth to $3.5 billion as investor concerns over the conglomerate’s debt load triggered a nearly 10% decline in the company’s share price, Forbes Asia said.

Puregold Price Club, Inc. co-founders Lucio and Susan Co entered the top five for the first time with a shared fortune of $3.3 billion, ranking fourth on the list.

Isidro A. Consunji and siblings of DMCI Holdings, Inc. completed the top five with a fortune of $3 billion, down from $3.7 billion a year earlier.

Meanwhile, property businessman Manuel B. Villar, Jr., who ranked third last year, dropped to ninth spot after his wealth plunged by $8.6 billion to $2.4 billion.

Businessman Robert Coyiuto, Jr. posted the biggest percentage gain after more than doubling his fortune to $925 million as shares of Synergy Grid & Development Phils., Inc., the controlling shareholder of the country’s sole high-voltage power transmission operator, rallied on favorable regulatory changes, Forbes Asia said.

Property businessman Manuel B. Villar, Jr., who ranked third last year, dropped to ninth after his wealth plunged by $8.6 billion to $2.4 billion following a 99% markdown in the value of prime Metro Manila land parcels acquired by Villar Land from his privately held firms. Trading in the company’s shares was suspended in June after the market regulator cited delays in the filing of audited financial statements.

The minimum net worth required to make this year’s list remained unchanged at $185 million.

The rankings were compiled using shareholding and financial information obtained from the families and individuals, stock exchanges, analysts, and other sources, with net worths based on stock prices and exchange rates as of the close of markets on July 17, Forbes Asia said. — Alexandria Grace C. Magno

In a statement released by the Department of Health (DoH), Mr. Pujalte said the P3-billion procurement of tuberculosis commodities must undergo careful review to “verify the quantity, quality, and safety of medicines and ensure compliance with government rules, thus preventing irregularities involving taxpayers’ money.”

Mr. Pujalte said conducting due diligence should not be misconstrued as an attempt to stall the government’s tuberculosis program or deprive patients of needed medicines.

“We have not even been in the position for 30 days, yet there is already pressure to fast-track the approval of the P3-billion tuberculosis procurement without a thorough review,” Mr. Pujalte said in a statement in mixed English and Filipino.

“That is P3 billion in taxpayers’ money — it is not something to be taken lightly. We should have learned our lesson from what happened with Pharmally. People’s lives are at stake here,” he added.

The health chief said he respects the mandate and processes of the Office of the Ombudsman and is prepared to submit all relevant documents and records required for the investigation.

In an 18-page complaint filed before the Office of the Ombudsman, a group of anonymous health advocates accused Mr. Pujalte of violating Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, by allegedly issuing a memorandum that halted the procurement of tuberculosis commodities, which they claimed was intended to delay the public bidding process in favor of an unnamed supplier.

The complainants also asked the Ombudsman to place the health chief under preventive suspension and file criminal charges against him.

The complaint came a week after Mr. Pujalte denied allegations that he had been gambling at two resort casinos in Parañaque City under a fictitious name.

He also dismissed the allegations, saying he was at a restaurant in a hotel complex to meet local government officials for a courtesy call.

“No matter how relentless the demolition job is, we will not be distracted. The people’s money and the lives of Filipinos must be protected,” Mr. Pujalte said.

The health chief added that he remains focused on protecting patients and strengthening the integrity of the agency’s procurement process.

Mr. Pujalte was appointed Health secretary less than a month ago, replacing Teodoro J. Herbosa, who resigned due to health reasons. — Edg Adrian A. Eva

The unemployment rate rose to 4.9% from 3.7% a year earlier, with 2.59 million Filipinos out of work, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported on Thursday.

The jobless rate was also up slightly from 4.8% in May. The employment rate fell to 95.1% from 96.3% a year earlier, even as the number of employed Filipinos increased to 50.66 million from 50.47 million.

The labor force participation rate declined to 65.1% in June from 65.7% a year earlier, although it improved from 63.8% in May.

Underemployment, a measure of workers seeking additional hours or another job, also climbed to 12.1% from 11.4% a year earlier. About 6.11 million employed Filipinos were underemployed in June.

Services remained the biggest source of jobs, accounting for 62.7% of total employment, followed by agriculture at 20% and industry at 17.3%.

Accommodation and food services posted the largest annual employment gain at 481,000, followed by administrative and support services at 456,000 and public administration and defense at 440,000.

Wholesale and retail trade recorded the biggest employment decline, shedding 903,000 jobs year on year, while fishing and aquaculture lost 467,000. The data point to a labor market losing momentum even as the economy seeks to maintain growth. — Norman P. Aquino

Dammmmmnnn, it took a long time to get here!

Martin is easily one of the greatest sitcoms, let alone Black sitcoms of its time, and it’s such a cultural staple that it still resonates some 30 years later.

In many ways, it’s the blueprint, which is why viewers were stoked to learn that The Varnell Hill Show, a sitcom that would follow Tommy Davidson’s iconic character, would get its own series in the 21st century.

If CBS is leaning into procedurals and everything that still speaks to its core demographic in the broadcast world, then Paramount+ is definitely leaning into some of its nostalgia.

And it also has an impressive slate of series centering Black stories, whether it’s the delightfully endearing Diarra from Detroit or the ridiculously grim and action-packed Average Joe.

This Martin-spinoff landing on Paramount+ is exciting and also lends itself to the desired tone that can match just what Martin was doing on HBO in the ’90s.

The Varnell Hill Show will make its official debut on the streamer this Fall, and unlike most of the frustratingly delayed slate of series that results in shows getting pushed back into October, we’ll get to see the first two episodes of The Varnell Hill Show on September 1.

Yes, that’s like, right around the corner, and it’s exciting to get a taste of Fall programming this early on.

The series will blessedly be a weekly drop that airs new episodes every Tuesday right up until October 13.

That means Paramount+ isn’t fumbling a good thing by dropping every episode at once in a binge and leaving the return of an iconic character disappearing from watercooler conversations in a week.

Good television is something worth savoring, and dipping into the nostalgia pond to bring back two comedic legends in Martin Lawrence, who executive produces, and Tommy Davidson is certainly worth savoring.

The series will follow Davidson’s Varnell Hill as he struggles to stay relevant behind the scenes of a late-night talk show in this era wherein those are dying off.

The industry is constantly changing. We at TV Fanatic know the painful reality of that truth all too well.

Within this series, we’ll see a veteran like Varnell pushing back and trying to make sense of the entertainment industry he’s navigated for decades.

He has network executives eager to modernize the show, a chaotic writers’ room, celebrity guests, family drama, and we’ll see him obviously grappling with that sizable ego of his, too.

The tagline teases that Varnell will soon figure out that the only thing more difficult than building a television empire is keeping it together.

And the cast feels like it’ll perfectly pay homage to comedic geniuses, which is already promising.

Accompanying Tommy Davidson, we have Kym Whitley, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Nick Cafero, Emmanuel Hudson and Chris Williams as series regulars.

And the guest stars include Ms. Pat, Deon Cole, Damon Wayans, Mike Epps, Omarion and Martin Lawrence.

It’s a formula that should most certainly work and maybe find a way to recapture the magic of what Martin itself did as far as having its finger on the pulse of pop, namely Black culture — or hell, creating the culture.

We shall see. And we have some excited people who will be providing more coverage, so if you’re tuning into this, let us know below!

The Varnell Hill Show premieres on September 1 on Paramount+.

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Did you know that you could take the ferry from Downtown San Diego to Coronado? It is the perfect way to get to Coronado without a car.

Fun fact: The San Diego – Coronado Ferry is the oldest wood ferry in the United States.

Also, read our recommendations for the best Coronado Hotels and best things to do in Coronado here.

Don’t Miss These Coronado Experiences

San Diego Ferry to Coronado

The Ferry to Coronado is a great way to get around for locals and tourists alike. Tourists can get a “Mini-San Diego Bay Cruise” for cheap and enjoy the scenery and view, and locals can even use the ferry service for free during the early morning commuter schedule.

Depending on demand (season, special events, etc.), Flagship uses various-sized boats for the ferry, so keep that in mind for your journey.

Good to know: Flagship also runs a separate, longer ferry from downtown to the Chula Vista Bayfront. If you’re headed to the South Bay or the Gaylord Pacific Resort, see our guide to the new Chula Vista ferry for its schedule, fares, and tips.

Important: According to the Flagship Ferry website, the ferries are wheelchair accessible (not the top floor and not the restrooms, though). However, on our crossing from the convention center to the city of Coronado and back in February, the boat was very small and I did not see any equipment to make the ferry accessible for wheelchair users. I would suggest calling them and confirming if you have specific needs.

Flagship San Diego: (619) 234-4111

Before you go to the article, here is the list of quick links for cruise lovers:

Ferry Landing

San Diego Ferry Landings

San Diego has two ferry landings for the Coronado-San Diego Ferry, one behind the Convention Center next to the Rady Shell, called 5th Avenue Ferry Landing. This ferry is much shorter and takes about 8-10 minutes to cross. It also goes every 30 minutes.

San Diego Convention Center 5th Ave Ferry Landing on Google Maps

The other one, called Broadway Pier, is halfway between the International Cruise Ship Terminal and the USS Midway. This Coronado ferry crossing only goes 1x per hour and is a bit longer. This one is about a 15-minute ride to get from Broadway Pier to Coronado. You’ll have much more boat traffic, so it is a bit wavier, but you’ll get some great views of downtown San Diego and the USS Midway.

Downtown Broadway Pier San Diego Ferry Landing on Google Maps

Coronado Ferry Landing

Coronado Ferry Landing is almost an attraction all in itself, and I would recommend you plan some time there. There are some fun souvenir shops, boutiques, and some amazing restaurants. Try Peohes for a great seafood happy hour and amazing views of Downtown San Diego. You can read our full guide on Coronado Ferry Landing here>>

Coronado Ferry Landing on Google Maps

San Diego – Coronado Ferry Schedule

The San Diego – Ferry runs daily, except on the following holidays:

New Years Day – Martin Luther King Day – President’s Day – Memorial Day

Independence Day – Labor Day – Columbus Day – Veterans Day

Thanksgiving – Day After Thanksgiving – Christmas Day

Broadway Pier Ferry Schedule

Convention Center Ferry Schedule

Commuter Ferry Schedule

The Commuter Ferry service is free, but only for Coronado residents as well as active-duty military personnel in San Diego.

Morning Commuter Ferry Schedule

Afternoon Commuter Ferry Schedule

Ferry Price

The San Diego – Coronado Ferry costs $9 per person per crossing. Unfortunately, buying the return ticket right away does not give you a discount, so a 2-way ticket is $18 per person. Children under 4 are free. You can buy tickets right at the entrance of each ferry landing at the little machine (see picture below).

Important: The ferry is not part of the San Diego public transportation system but is operated by a private company. This means that your San Diego public transportation pass does not include the ferry to Coronado.

Ferry Tips From a Local

• Take a jacket. It can get quite windy and cold as you are crossing the water, especially at night.
• Make sure you go on the right ferry when you are in Coronado (one goes to Broadway Pier, one to 5th Ave/Convention Center).
• If you get seasick, take some meds. The ship is quite small, and while the bay is protected, you definitely feel the waves. I would recommend going on the Convention Center crossing, as it is much shorter and has fewer waves from other boats.
• Bring sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses.
• Bring your camera. You’ll get some amazing views of downtown from the Coronado side.
• If you want to explore the shops and restaurants at the Coronado Ferry Landing, pick up a free flyer for discounts (see pictures below)
• You can take bikes/Segways for free, but they only allow limited numbers of them on each crossing, so you might have to wait.
• Only service animals are allowed; no pets, unfortunately.
• Take a photo of the ferry schedule, so you know when you have to be back on the Coronado ferry landing.
• Take a picture of your return ticket in case you lose it. They might not accept it, but they might be nice about it.
• Once you are in Coronado, you can either walk, use a shared-ride, or rent a bicycle (or quad-bike if you are a group) to get around.

Where to Stay in Coronado

The ferry is the fun way to arrive, but Coronado is worth an overnight (or three). Staying on the island means you get the beach, the village, and that dreamy small-town-by-the-sea feel long after the day-trippers head back across the bay. Here are the most popular Coronado hotels, from the iconic Hotel Del to easygoing value picks — whatever your budget, book early, because summer and holiday weekends sell out fast.

*Starting nightly rates are approximate and vary by season, availability, and demand — always check live prices for your dates.

Coronado FAQs

Thanks to this blog, I have gotten much better at exploring my beautiful hometown of San Diego. My husband and I had a fantastic time in Coronado, and taking the ferry over was a lot of fun. You get some time on the water, can enjoy fantastic views of the city, and appreciate the beautiful city of San Diego, whether you are a local or a visitor. We will definitely do this again.

San Diego Ferry to Coronado – Pin for later:

Last Updated on August 4, 2026 by Maria Haase

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THE PHILIPPINES’ merchandise exports are expected to weather the United States’ 12.5% tariff as exemptions for key products, particularly electronics and agricultural goods, help cushion the impact, analysts said.

However, vulnerable sectors such as garments and leather goods risk losing their competitiveness, which could force companies to cut jobs, they added.

“If Philippine semiconductor and other electronic exports continue to be exempt under the Section 301 measures, as they were under the earlier tariff regime, the overall impact of the new tariff on bilateral trade should be manageable,” Former Tariff Commissioner George N. Manzano said in a Viber message.

On July 24, the US government imposed new tariffs on 60 trading partners, including the Philippines, over allegations that these countries were not doing enough to stop the imports of goods made with forced labor.

The US slapped the new 12.5% tariff on Philippine-made goods, which replaced the 10% baseline tariff on Philippine exports, which expired also on July 24.

The Department of Trade and Industry earlier said that $11.98 billion worth of Philippine exports, including key electronic, mineral and agriculture products, are exempt from US tariffs.

“It is worth noting that for most of the first half of the year, Philippine exports were already subject to the US’ 10% global tariff, yet bilateral trade performance remained robust,” Mr. Manzano said.

The United States was the Philippines’ top export market in the January-to-June period, with exports up 27.7% to $8.44 billion from $6.61 billion in the same period last year, according to Philippine Statistics Authority  data.

“With the removal of the 10% global tariff and its replacement by the 12.5% Section 301 tariff, the effective increase in the tariff burden on Philippine exports is only 2.5 percentage points,” Mr. Manzano noted.

Washington accounted for 18.1% of the country’s exports during the first six months of the year.

“The 12.5% tariff is a headwind, not a knockout blow. The key is to help affected exporters stay competitive while accelerating market diversification and moving up the value chain,” Jonathan L. Ravelas, a senior adviser at Reyes Tacandong & Co., said in a Viber message.

However, about $6.25 billion or 34.28% of Philippine-made goods exported to the US, such as leather and travel goods, apparel, footwear, and toys, are exposed to the new levy.

Francisco Cid L. Terosa, a former dean at the University of Asia and the Pacific School of Economics, said while the 12.5% tariff spared the Philippines’ major exports, the affected sectors risk losing their competitiveness.

“It is worrisome that these exports are produced by industries that have low margins and greater labor demand, as the tariff can make them lose competitive advantage and force them to lay off workers,” he said in an e-mail.

“Given these contrasting effects on our export sectors, I think the trade deficit will widen further in the second half of 2026, averaging about $4 billion to $6 billion per month,” Mr. Terosa said.

The country’s trade-in-goods deficit widened by 25.86% to $30.81 billion in the first half of 2026, amid the double-digit growth in both imports and exports.

In the first half of the year, merchandise exports jumped by an annual 13.1% to $46.72 billion, while imports surged by 17.84% to $77.53 billion during the period.

Leonardo A. Lanzona, an economics professor at the Ateneo de Manila University, said state support for tariff-hit industries should go beyond providing subsidies.

“Government support should focus on cash flow: faster duty drawback and VAT (value-added tax) refund processing, working-capital loans for exposed exporters, and stepped-up efforts to diversify into markets like the European Union and Canada,” he said in a Facebook Messenger chat.

Mr. Lanzona noted that the country’s trade deficit is set to widen as the growth in exports and imports has been well above the government’s targets this year.

The Development Budget Coordination Committee expects imports and exports to grow by 5% and 3% respectively, this year.

FREE TRADE AGREEMENT
Meanwhile, the Philippine government is betting on its free trade agreements (FTAs) to help exporters look beyond the US and explore other markets, Trade Secretary Maria Cristina A. Roque said.

“Just by looking at the growth of the exports, the world is our market, not just the US. So, we need to get these FTAs going so that we can also penetrate the bigger markets of the world,” she said in an interview on Money Talks with Cathy Yang on One News on Monday.

The Philippines is slated to conclude five FTAs this year, Ms. Roque said.

She earlier noted that the country is on track to finish negotiations for its bilateral FTAs with Canada and the European Union, as well as the updated Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement, within the year.

The Philippines signed free trade deals with the United Arab Emirates in January and Chile in July — its first FTAs with a Middle Eastern nation and a Latin American country, respectively.

In a report on Tuesday, BofA economists said the BSP may raise its policy rate by 25 basis points (bps) at its Aug. 27 meeting if July inflation settled below 7%. This would bring the benchmark rate to 5%.

“We think a moderate inflation print (i.e. <7% year on year) may be enough for the Bangko Sentral to proceed with one more rate hike in August but signal that they may have already reached their target, having raised the policy rate 75 bp YTD (year-to-date) by then,” BofA Global Research said.

The BSP has so far raised its benchmark policy rate by 50 bps to 4.75% via two consecutive 25-bp hikes at its April and June meetings.

For BofA, inflation remaining above the BSP’s target would also warrant the final 25-bp hike it called for this month.

“The Philippines may require further tightening as inflation stays above target,” it said.

“Inflation expectations have eased from worst-case scenarios as oil prices subside, but rice and wage inflation remain key risks,” BofA added.

In June, headline inflation cooled for a second straight month to 6.4% from 6.8% in May, but marked the fourth month in a row that it breached the BSP’s 3% target.

The Philippine Statistics Authority is scheduled to release July inflation data on Wednesday (Aug. 5). Based on the median forecast of 21 economists and analysts polled by BusinessWorld last week, headline inflation will likely hold steady at 6.4% in July.

BofA currently estimates Philippine inflation to settle at 6.7% by yearend. If realized, this would be the fastest pace in three years or since the 7.2% in 2023. This is also faster than the central bank’s projected 6.4% average inflation for 2026.

At the same time, BofA’s latest projections show the National Government could miss its growth targets again over the next two years, with economic expansion seen at 2.5% for 2026 and 3.5% for 2027.

The Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) is targeting 3.5%-4.5% GDP growth this year and 5%-6% next year.

According to BofA, the country’s economic figures in the second quarter are pointing to “mixed signals,” especially with higher government spending but lower revenue.

In the second quarter, government expenditure climbed by 6.5% to P1.684 trillion from the P1.582 trillion a year ago. Revenues dipped by 0.71% year on year to P1.253 trillion from P1.262 trillion.

TWO MORE HIKES?
Meanwhile, Japan-based MUFG Global Markets Research is pricing in two more 25-bp rate increases as the BSP holds to its hawkish stance, bringing the key policy rate to 5.25%.

After its meeting this month, the Monetary Board will hold two more policy reviews this year on Oct. 22 and Dec. 17.

Also, MUFG sees the peso recovering eventually to trade below the P61-a-dollar level at a gradual pace.

“With our expectation for BSP to remain hawkish and deliver two more 25 bps rate hikes over the coming meetings, coupled with our forecasts for some tentative improvement in government spending, we remain comfortable with our baseline view for USD/PHP to move lower as such,” it said in its monthly foreign exchange outlook published late on Monday.

However, the looming “super El Niño” event poses a significant risk to the peso’s projected rebound, MUFG added.

MUFG projects the local unit settling at P61.75 against the greenback in the third quarter, before strengthening further to P61.50 in the fourth quarter and P61 in the first quarter of 2027.

By the end of the second half of 2027, the peso will likely climb to P60.50.

As of end-July, the local unit averaged P60.2042 versus the greenback, about 5% or P2.85 weaker than its P57.12 average in the same period last year, BSP data showed.

It slumped to an all-time low of P61.847 per dollar on July 24, breaking its previous record-low finish of P61.75 on July 23, amid the renewed escalation of the Middle East war.

The DBCC forecasts the peso to range between P60 and P62 against the dollar this year until 2030. — Katherine K. Chan

NET FOREIGN portfolio investment inflows into the Philippines extended to a second straight month in June as investor activity improved despite lingering financial market volatility, according to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) data.

Transactions on foreign investments registered with the central bank through authorized banks posted a net inflow of $170.12 million in June, lower than the $232.46-million inflows in May but exceeded the $18.34 million seen a year ago.

This was the second straight month that the country saw a net inflow in short-term foreign investments.

Foreign portfolio investments (FPI) are also referred to as “hot money” due to the ease with which these flows enter or leave the country.

Investors’ sustained interest in emerging market assets, confidence in the Philippines’ macroeconomic fundamentals, as well as the attractiveness of domestic financial instruments likely led to the back-to-back hot money net inflow, Union Bank of the Philippines Chief Economist Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion said.

“The positive net inflow recorded in June suggests that foreign investors remained interested in Philippine financial assets despite heightened global uncertainty,” he said via Viber.

“While net inflows eased to $170.12 million from $232.46 million in May, the fact that inflows exceeded outflows for a second consecutive month indicates that the Philippines continued to attract foreign portfolio investments on balance.”

Based on central bank data posted on its website, gross inflows jumped by 51.52% to a four-month high of $2.942 billion in June from $1.942 billion in the previous year.

Month on month, it surged by 69.4% from $1.737 billion.

“The substantial increase in gross inflows to $2.94 billion, the highest level in four months, also points to sustained foreign participation in local markets even as investors navigated a volatile global environment,” Mr. Asuncion said.

Meanwhile, gross outflows of hot money soared by 44.13% year on year to $2.772 billion in June from $1.924 billion. It also ballooned by 84.26% from the $1.504-billion outflows a month earlier.

Mr. Asuncion said the rise in outflows reflected investors’ cautious stance and need to rebalance their portfolio amid challenging and uncertain economic global conditions.

Most or $540 million of the net inflows were recorded in investments in peso-denominated government securities, larger than the $410-billion net inflow in June last year.

BSP data also showed net outflows of investments in Philippine Stock Exchange-listed securities slightly narrowed to $370 million in June from $392 million in the previous year.

FIRST-HALF FLOWS
In the first half of the year, the country’s total hot money net outflow stood at $4.005 million, a reversal from the $1.542-million hot money that flowed into the country at end-June last year.

“The first-half outflow was driven more by global uncertainty than by the Philippine economy itself,” SM Investments Corp. Vice-President and Group Economist Robert Dan J. Roces said in a Viber message.

“Many investors simply chose to keep more money in US dollar assets while markets were dealing with higher oil prices and geopolitical risks.”

During the six-month period, inflows went up by an annual 10.63% to $13.241 billion from $11.969 billion.

Meanwhile, total gross outflows surged by 65.39% to $17.245 billion in the period ending July from $10.427 billion in the prior year.

Mr. Asuncion noted that hot money flows would depend on geopolitical developments.

“Looking ahead, we expect portfolio flows to remain sensitive to developments in the global financial environment, particularly movements in interest rates, geopolitical risks, and investor risk appetite,” he said.

The BSP expects FPIs to end this year at a net inflow of $1.8 billion, lower than the $3.7-billion total estimated net inflows in 2025.

PSA data showed headline inflation slowed to 6.2% in July from 6.4% in June. However, this was much faster than the 0.9% a year ago.

This was the slowest headline figure in four months or since the 4.1% in March.

July also marked the third straight month that inflation eased.

The July print fell within the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) 5.6%-6.6% forecast for the month, but below the 6.4% median estimate in a BusinessWorld poll of 21 economists and analysts.

July’s reading brought the year-to-date average inflation to 5%, well above the BSP’s 3% target.

Meanwhile, core inflation, which excludes volatile food and fuel prices, eased to 4.2% from 4.4% in June, but picked up from 2.3% in July 2025.

Inflation in the National Capital Region (NCR) also cooled to 4.4% in July from 4.9% in June, but quickened from 1.7% last year.

Outside NCR, it eased to 6.7%, from 6.8% in the previous month but faster than 0.7% a year earlier.

However, inflation for the bottom 30% of income households came in faster at 8.2% from 8% in June and -0.8% a year ago, bringing the average to 5.9% as of July. — Katherine K. Chan

The loyalty program, embedded within the McDonald’s App, allows customers to earn points on every eligible purchase, which can be redeemed for free food, limited-edition merchandise, and exclusive experiences.

The McDonald’s App, first launched in 2019, has grown to around 19 million users, according to McDonald’s Assistant Vice President for strategy & insights, and digital Katrina Lee-Chua.

“MyMcDonald’s Rewards is actually the loyalty program within the McDonald’s App. Currently, we have roughly five million that are already subscribed or opted in,” Ms. Lee-Chua said during a media interview.

Unlike app-exclusive discounts, the rewards program enables customers to accumulate points from virtually any purchase, including dine-in, takeout, drive-thru, and even McDonald’s party bookings, making it easier for customers to redeem rewards.

“It’s not hard to earn points,” Ms. Lee-Chua said. “Every purchase is easy, you can earn points and you have rewards.”

McDonald’s Philippines said the program was the first digital loyalty platform introduced by a quick-service restaurant (QSR) chain in the country, building on its earlier launch of app-exclusive deals. The company said Filipino consumers’ familiarity with loyalty programs helped drive adoption.

“Consumers love that it’s so differentiated with McDonald’s. They don’t just save money, they earn more by using it,” Ms. Lee-Chua said.

To celebrate the program’s first anniversary, McDonald’s will introduce a refreshed rewards catalog beginning Aug. 17, adding new menu items that customers can redeem using accumulated points. The company is also launching a limited-edition McDo Denim Jacket, available for redemption using 1,200 points at 30 participating stores, alongside anniversary missions that allow members to earn bonus points faster.

The expansion comes as the company shifts its loyalty strategy beyond traditional food rewards, responding to consumers’ growing interest in exclusive merchandise and experiences.

“We realized, especially with the younger market now, it’s not just claiming food rewards. They really want something different. Experiences [are] something that they resonate with,” Ms. Lee-Chua said.

Past rewards have included merchandise from McDonald’s collaborations, such as the Friends collection and the Grimace tumbler. The denim jacket is the latest addition, while future rewards are expected to include more partnerships, gamified experiences, and exclusive collectibles.

Ms. Lee-Chua said the gamified features are already available through McDonald’s Global and will be adapted for the Philippine market. The company also plans to introduce partnerships as part of the loyalty program’s second year, although details have yet to be disclosed.

Currently, MyMcDonald’s Rewards can be used for dine-in, takeout, and drive-thru transactions by scanning a QR code through self-order kiosks or at the counter. Ms. Lee-Chua said the company also plans to extend the program to delivery orders, but declined to provide a timeline.

Among the most redeemed rewards are World Famous Fries, McFlurry, and Chicken McDo, reflecting the products that remain popular among Filipino consumers.

Over the long term, McDonald’s aims to grow the McDonald’s App to between 50 million and 60 million users, with the loyalty program serving as a key driver of customer engagement.

“Value is not only about giving customers more for their money—it is also about recognizing every time they choose McDonald’s,” Ms. Lee-Chua said in a statement. “As we mark our first anniversary, we are building on that promise by giving McDo fans even more rewarding ways to experience ‘May Point ‘Yan!'” — Kaizzer Angela Marie V. Manuba

When a majority alliance on Big Brother takes out one of their own, it tends to send the game into a bit of a tailspin.

Blindsides are a big part of the experience, but it seems that Drew is finally realizing that his time in the game could be numbered.

As part of the Toolshed alliance, Drew felt untouchable, but alarm bells started ringing the moment his ally told him she was putting him on the block as a pawn.

Pawns go home on Big Brother.

When the Veto came and went, and Taylor took herself off the block, Lyric was Hayley’s pick to take her place.

But that kept Drew firmly on the block, alongside Lyric and Melody.

Drew is a big target because his allies know he’s playing every side of the house that will listen to him.

Naturally, the Toolshed believes he’s untrustworthy.

I don’t think Hayley actually entertained the possibility of him going home until she realized that he felt too safe on the block.

Big Brother Season 28 Could Lose Drew

With Drew’s game in jeopardy, Barrett has been trying to recalibrate his own game and may have made a huge blunder.

He told Mallory that Drew’s fate was sealed in an attempt to build trust with her.

But Mallory didn’t keep that information to herself and went straight to Drew to tell him that he had to win the Big Brother Blockbuster or else his game was likely over.

This was the first time that Drew realized the jig was up and that his allies were actively plotting his demise.

He didn’t do himself any favors by opening up about Mallory’s sentiments, but he’s now aware that he’s in danger.

By bringing up what Mallory said and saying her name, he has made Mallory a target of the Toolshed all over again.

But sadly for him, Mallory is not on the reality TV hit’s block this week, and it’s Drew who seems the most likely person to go.

Drew and Melody have formed a bond that the rest of the house can see, and they will be split up this week … unless Lyric blows up her game between now and Thursday and loses the Blockbuster competition.

Could Lyric Get Evicted?

All Lyric has to do is not ruffle any feathers, and she should be safe against either nominee if she’s still on the block at the vote.

From an entertainment standpoint, I want Drew and Melody to survive the week because Melody actually wants to take shots at the Toolshed.

The game so far has been so one-sided because the Toolshed has steamrolled the competition. It’s time for things to shift, and I bet it will happen over the next week.

Hayley and Kamu are both emerging as big targets, and I bet that Angela, Dee, and Rick will be forced to play dirty when people go after those two.

There are still a few days for things to change in the house, and this is Big Brother, so anything can shift.

What are your thoughts on Drew likely being the next person evicted from Big Brother Season 28?

Do you think he can pull off a Big Brother Blockbuster win?

Who do you want to win the next Head of Household and take control of the game?

Let’s keep the conversation going — it’s the only way the good stuff survives.
Say something in the comments, share if you’re moved to, and keep reading. Independent voices need readers like you.

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  From blindsides to big twists, Big Brother is full of iconic moments. We discuss the moments all new fans should know. Read on to find out!

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The list includes publicly listed Asia-Pacific companies, with sales above $10 million and below $1 billion.

The seven Filipino companies that made it to the list are A Soriano Corp., Apex Mining Co., Inc., Asia United Bank, Far Eastern University (FEU) , Pryce Corp., STI Education Systems Holdings, Inc., and Vivant Corp.

A Soriano, a holding company with interests that include cable and wire manufacturer Phelps Dodge Philippines Energy Products Corp. and Amanpulo Resort owner Seven Seas Resorts and Leisure Inc., reported sales of $256 million.

Razon-backed Apex Mining posted $357 million in sales. It is among the Philippines’ largest gold producers, with a daily output of about 3,000 tons.

Asia United Bank, a commercial lender controlled by food and property tycoon Jacinto Ng and his family, recorded $505 million in sales.

FEU, one of the oldest academic institutions in the country, generated $100 million in sales.

Pryce, which develops and operates memorial parks in Mindanao, reported $370 million in sales. Its business also spans to importation and distribution of industrial gases.

STI, one of the largest private school operators in the country, posted $97 million in sales.

Cebu-based Vivant Corp., a power generation and water infrastructure firm, made the list with $177 million in sales.

Forbes said it uses annual results based on the latest publicly available data as of July 10, 2026.
Full list is available on Forbes website. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

When I was invited to join my friends’ writers retreat/press trip in Flagstaff, I did not know what to expect. What is there to do in Flagstaff? Anything? Boy, was I wrong… I had 2 jam-packed days full of amazing things to do in Flagstaff and returned with a list of more must-dos for my next trip to Flagstaff. This little town (population 75,000) blew my socks off. I could easily spend a full week there and not be bored.

Thankfully, the trip from San Diego to Flagstaff takes less than 7.5 hours by car (490 miles), so it is easily doable in a day. For a quick weekend getaway, I would recommend flying – either directly to Flagstaff (currently no direct flights from San Diego, unfortunately) or to Phoenix and either get a rental car or take the shuttle bus from Phoenix to Flagstaff.

Check out Historic Downtown Flagstaff

Downtown Flagstaff is super cute. It has this nostalgic lumber town feel mixed with an outdoorsy adventure spirit. And then, as you walk down the street near Northern Arizona State University, you might run into a self-driving robot delivering food. I love this mix of history and cutting-edge technology, don’t you?

Flagstaff Visitor Center

Address: 1 E Rte 66, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Phone: (928) 213-2951
Website

When you first get to town, I highly recommend stopping by the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Not only do they have really great tips on things to do in Flagstaff, hidden gems to check out, fun souvenirs and more, but they are located in the historic train station. They even have a little model railroad that tracks around the visitor center. If you are lucky, one of the 110 daily trains passes by during your visit – great photo opp!

Flagstaff Brewery Trail

While Flagstaff is known for its excellent hiking trails, this is a different kind of trail. The Flagstaff Brewery Trail takes you across town (on foot or by car – don’t drink and drive!) to 9 different Flagstaff Breweries. Before you go, print out your Flagstaff Brewery Trail Passport and get a sticker for every Brewery you visit and once you collect all 9, turn it in at the Flagstaff Visitor Center for a commemorative souvenir pint glass.

I only got to visit two breweries on this trip – Lumberyard Brewery and Dark Sky Brewing – and both were fantastic. I really enjoyed the Pumphouse Porter at Lumberyard and the Wide Awake Blond Stout at Dark Sky. Can’t wait to come back and fill the rest of my passport!

And if you want even more beer, plan your visit during the Arizona Beer Week/Month in February or the Flagstaff Blues and Brews Festival in June.

First Friday Art Walk

If you are planning a weekend trip to Flagstaff, make sure you time it with the First Friday Art Walk. Every first Friday of the month between 6-9 PM, downtown Flagstaff puts on an Art Walk. Local art galleries, businesses, and shops invite you to visit them and check out their special exhibits and performances, enjoy live music, and sample local foods and drinks.

Historic Route 66

No other road in the world is surrounded by as much lore as Route 66, also known as “Mother Road”. Leading from Santa Monica to Chicago, this highway embodies the ultimate USA road trip and Flagstaff is the perfect stop along the way.

The Historic Route 66 goes right through the heart of downtown and is home to many local shops, boutiques, and restaurants. Definitely spend some time strolling along and take in the nostalgic atmosphere along the “Main Street of America”.

Downtown Flagstaff Tours

Downtown Flagstaff is very walkable, and I recommend you do that. On my last visit, I did a Segway Tour (my first one!), and it was a great way to check out the downtown area.

• Flagstaff Historic Segway Tour
• Downtown Flagstaff Haunted History Tour
• Spirits with the Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl

Visit Some National Monuments

Just outside of Flagstaff are several National Monuments, and I was lucky to experience three of them. If you like history, especially Native American history, you should definitely add them to your Flagstaff itinerary. I was blown away by these monuments, and I definitely plan on returning to visit some of the other National Monuments and National Parks in Northern Arizona as well.

Walnut Canyon National Monument

Address: 3 Walnut Canyon Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Phone: (928) 526-3367
Website

As the name suggests, this National Monument is a stunning 600 ft deep Canyon. While the view from the Rim Trail is stunning, I highly recommend (if physically able) doing the Island Trail. But be warned: the trail takes you down and up over 730 steps and is quite strenuous, especially considering the altitude and heat. The trail is only 1 mile long and paved, but considered strenuous because of the altitude (~7000 ft) and the elevation loss and gain of almost 200 ft on this short distance. Bring plenty of water, a hat, sun protection, and listen to your body.

But boy is this trail worth the effort. The Island Trail takes you right by 800+-year-old Native American cave dwellings built right into the side of the canyon. Can you imagine waking up to this view? Pretty spectacular, right?

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

6082 Sunset Crater Road, Flagstaff AZ, 86004
Website

Did you know that the mountains around Flagstaff are actually volcanoes? The last one, Sunset Crater, erupted about 1000 years ago, and you can still see the resulting lava fields to this day.

I have to say this was one of the strangest places I have ever visited. The miles upon miles of rugged and sharp black lava rocks, interrupted only by an occasional patch of greenery, seemed foreign, almost like I was on a different planet. Maybe this is why NASA sent the Apollo 11 crew to this area to train for the 1969 moon landing.

You can even hike up to the top of Lenox Crater. Beware that the trail is steep and strenuous, but offers panoramic views of the San Francisco mountain range. There is also the shorter Bonita Vista hike that is wheelchair accessible.

Wupatki National Monument

Address: 25137 N Wupatki Ln, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Phone: (928) 679-2365
Website

The Wupatki National Monument near Flagstaff, Arizona is one of the most picturesque places I have been to in Arizona. The rusty orange stone against the deep indigo Arizona desert sky will make for some Instagram-worthy photos.

Wupatki means “Tall House” in the Hopi language. This Pueblo was settled between 500 AD and 1225 AD. After the eruption of Sunset Crater, the earth became so fertile that it sustained a population of around 2000 Hopi natives. The structure features 100 rooms and a ball court. If you are in the area, this place should definitely be on your itinerary!

It’s a great spot to learn more about the History of the Hopi tribe and their way of life. I find it so amazing that they were able to sustain this place in such a harsh environment and not only survived but thrived.

Explore the Stars at the Lowell Observatory

Address: 1400 W Mars Hill Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Phone: (928) 774-3358
Website

“Remember to look up at the stars and now down at your feet.
Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious.
And however difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at.
It matters that you don’t just give up.”

Professor Stephen Hawking

Flagstaff is part of the Dark Sky Community and a fantastic place for stargazing. If you want to learn even more about the starry sky above, you HAVE to visit the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff. You can book day- and night-time tours, lectures, and activities at the Lowell Observatory to learn more about the cosmos and the tools scientists use to explore space from Earth.

Did you know that (ex-) planet Pluto was discovered by Clyde Tombaugh at Lowell Observatory? You can still see the telescope he used to take the photos for his groundbreaking discovery.

Our guide, Kevin Schindler, the Lowell Observatory historian, who also wrote several books on Flagstaff’s important role in Space exploration, gave us a fascinating tour of the observatory. The highlight was when we got to take a close-up peek at Saturn and Jupiter. Kevin’s passion for Lowell was infectious, and he really brought the history of this place alive for us.

Take a Gondola Ride up to Arizona Snowbowl

Address: 9300 N Snow Bowl Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Phone: (928) 779-1951
Website

Skiing in Arizona? Most people think this is a joke and are quite surprised to learn that the ski area near Flagstaff, also known as the Arizona Snowbowl, is one of the top places to go skiing in the Southwestern USA. With over 777 acres of skiable area, this medium-sized ski resort uses snow machines to ensure a long and powdery ski season.

The Arizona Snowbowl season usually runs from Mid-November to late April/early May, but check their website for the latest snow conditions.

One of the things that I found super interesting: They offer an Adaptive Program that teaches accessible skiing. Watch the video below for more information.

But even in the other seasons, a trip up to Aggasiz Peak is worth it. The view from the top at 11,500 ft over the valley below is absolutely spectacular. If you are up there on a clear day, you might even spot the Grand Canyon in the distance.

Enjoy the Great Outdoors

Flagstaff is the perfect destination for outdoor lovers. Spring, summer, and fall are perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and water sports in the Coconino National Forest. And in the winter, you can hit the slopes. This makes Flagstaff a great place to visit year-round.

San Francisco Peaks

The San Francisco Peaks are a volcanic mountain range located just north of Flagstaff. Humphrey’s Peak is the tallest of the peaks, at 12,633 feet. The collection of peaks is all part of an eroded stratovolcano that once upon a time reached 16,000 feet.

The tall peaks feature a very interesting mix of ecological zones, ranging from the Sonoran Desert zone to Ponderosa Pine Forest to Alpine Tundra zone. Temperatures in this area can vary a lot, going from blistering desert heat in the valleys to freezing at the peaks, so if you plan to spend time at various altitudes, wear layers and come prepared.

If you are into caves, add Lava River Cave to your itinerary. This 1-mile-long cave was formed about 700,000 years ago. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to visit this time around, but I will definitely try to do that next time.

Pledge Wild

If you love the outdoors, you know how much effort it takes to ensure its conservation. Flagstaff has joined a really cool new project called Pledge Wild. It is a website that allows you to donate a small amount that will help keep the trails maintained and usable for all every time you enjoy nature. Hiked 5 miles with our family? Donate $5 to give back a little. I know how much going on a hike or spending time outdoors gives me, so I feel giving back a little every time I enjoy a trail is the least I can do.

Also, remember that Flagstaff is on the Colorado Plateau, so the altitude can impact your body. Make sure to get enough rest, drink a lot of water, and listen to your body.

Learn about local history at the Museum of Northern Arizona

Address: 3101 N Fort Valley Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Phone: (928) 774-5213
Website

Arizona has a fascinating history. Over 22 Native American tribes lived in Arizona, and today, the state has the largest area of designated Native American lands and reservations. The Museum of Northern Arizona does a fantastic job not only explaining the history of the settlement of this area for the past 10,000+ years but also giving the various tribes a voice to share more about their culture. Instead of having a curator or anthropologist tell the information about the culture of the tribes, the museum asked members of the individual tribes to share what they think visitors should know about their tribe.

My personal favorites were the art and jewelry exhibits at this museum. The handicraft and details of the silverwork and some of the paintings are marvelous.

Another great exhibit was the Star Wars exhibit, which showed the parallels between the Native American Tribes (the Resistance) vs the Conquistadores and Settlers (Imperial Forces). A very fitting interpretation.

Plan a Day Trip from Flagstaff

While there are many great things to do in Flagstaff, it is also the perfect home base to explore more of Northern Arizona, including some of Arizona’s most famous natural attractions, such as the Grand Canyon, Sedona, or Horseshoe Bend. Here are some of the top day trips from Flagstaff:

Flagstaff Grand Canyon Day Trip

Most Popular Flagstaff to Grand Canyon Tours:

• Grand Canyon Railway Adventure Package
• Small-Group Grand Canyon Complete Tour from Flagstaff
• Grand Canyon Sunset Hike below the Rim

Sedona Day Trip

Most popular Flagstaff to Sedona Day Tours:

• Sedona Red Rock Explorer from Flagstaff

Page/Horseshoe Bend Day Trip

Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Day Trips from Flagstaff:

• Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Day Tour from Flagstaff
• Small-Group Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Tour from Flagstaff

Flagstaff to Monument Valley Day Trip

Top Rated Monument Valley Day Tours From Flagstaff:

• Monument Valley Day Tour from Flagstaff

Plan your Flagstaff Trip

Where to stay in Flagstaff

Little America Hotel Flagstaff

Address: 2515 E Butler Ave, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Phone: (928) 779-7900
Website

This hotel is perfect if you are looking for a quiet place a little outside of town, yet still accessible to everything Flagstaff has to offer. The property is completely remodeled and I really liked the mix of outdoorsy mountain lodge coziness with a modern twist. The rooms are very spacious and spoil you with a Keurig coffee maker, luxury toiletries, and very comfortable beds. If you love hiking, check out the lovely 1.6-mile hiking trail right on their property. Book your room here>>

The hotel restaurant also wowed me. I usually avoid eating at hotel restaurants, but Silver Pine Restaurant and Bar convinced me with their food and service.

Residence Inn Flagstaff by Marriott

Address: 100 N Humphreys St, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Phone: (928) 440-5499
Website

The Residence Inn is located right in the heart of downtown Flagstaff, so you can explore most of the downtown attractions on foot and have plenty of shops, restaurants, bars, and coffee shops just outside your door.

The rooms are spacious and contemporary, and the beds were plush and comfy. My suite came with a full-size kitchen, including a coffee maker, fridge, stove, and everything else you need to make a yummy meal. Also noteworthy was the breakfast buffet. It offered quite the selection and was very convenient. Book your room here>>

High Country Motor Lodge

Address: 1000 W Route 66, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Book your room here

If you want more character than a standard chain, this reimagined mid-century motor lodge on Route 66 is one of Flagstaff’s most stylish stays — and it’s earned a spot in the MICHELIN Guide’s hotel selection. Retro-modern rooms surround an outdoor pool and oversized hot tub, and there are two Nordic-style saunas, firepits, lawn games, and a General Store slinging craft beer, cocktails, and wood-fired Pinsa pizza. It’s a quick hop from downtown and NAU.

Drury Inn & Suites Flagstaff

Address: 300 S Milton Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Book your room here

A dependable, great-value pick for families and road-trippers. Rates include a free hot breakfast and Drury’s 5:30 Kickback (free evening food and drinks), plus an indoor pool, hot tub, and fitness center. Parking sits in a garage connected to the hotel by an enclosed skywalk — welcome on a chilly Flagstaff night — and it’s an easy launch point for Grand Canyon day trips.

More hotels and vacation rentals in Flagstaff

Where to Eat & Drink in Flagstaff

Let me start with this: I did not have a single bad meal during my 4 days in Flagstaff and all the restaurants I went to were really good. Here are some of my favorites that I discovered and can only highly recommend:

Josephine’s Modern American Bistro

Address: 503 N Humphreys St, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Phone: (928) 779-3400
Website

This cozy little restaurant was my favorite. The atmosphere of this cute little cottage restaurant, the beautiful outdoor space, and the delectable food really wowed me. The seasonal menu had so many yummy-sounding options that it was hard to decide, and I wish I could have tried more dishes.

Tinderbox

Address: 34 S San Francisco St, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Phone: (928) 226-8400
Website

This fine-dining restaurant right in downtown Flagstaff offers amazing and innovative dishes, excellent service, an impressive wine list, and a refined atmosphere. I liked the concept of shareable main dishes, which makes it a perfect spot for a special date night or enjoying a meal with your friends and family.

FAQs about Flagstaff

Amazing Things to do in Flagstaff was written by Maria Haase for San Diego Explorer. Maria joined a Travel Writer’s Retreat and Press Trip sponsored by Discover Flagstaff to research things to do in Flagstaff and write this article. Her opinion is her own and was not influenced by this invitation.

Last Updated on August 3, 2026 by Maria Haase

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Attributable net income rose to $296.41 million for the April-to-June period from $244.88 million a year earlier, the company said in a disclosure on Monday.

Gross revenue increased 25.38% to $958.73 million from $764.63 million, while total expenses climbed 34.24% to $449.28 million from $334.68 million.

“We remain focused on executing our expansion program, integrating new operations, and maintaining financial discipline across the business. We continue to invest to strengthen capacity and service levels across our portfolio while supporting sustainable long-term growth,” ICTSI Chairman and President Enrique K. Razon, Jr. said.

For the first six months, attributable net income increased 21.94% to $589.98 million from $483.84 million in the same period last year.

Gross revenue for the January-to-June period rose 27.15% to $1.92 billion from $1.51 billion.

“ICTSI delivered a strong first half, with double-digit growth in volumes, revenues and earnings supported by contributions from recently added terminals and stable performance across our existing portfolio. Despite a more challenging operating backdrop in some markets during the period, our diversified footprint continued to provide resilience and support strong financial and operational performance,” Mr. Razon said.

The company attributed revenue growth to higher cargo volumes and a favorable container mix, increased revenues from ancillary services, and sustained contributions from Durban Gateway Terminal and Batu Ampar Container Terminal. It also said favorable foreign exchange translation benefited operations in Brazil and Australia.

For the first half, consolidated container throughput increased 16.1% to 8.12 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) from 6.99 million TEUs a year earlier.

Asia accounted for the largest share of throughput at 3.95 million TEUs, followed by the Americas with 2.23 million TEUs, and Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) with 1.94 million TEUs.

By region, Asia generated $753.26 million in revenue during the first half, while the Americas contributed $750.96 million, and EMEA accounted for $415.62 million.

ICTSI said favorable foreign exchange movements partly offset lower volumes at Basra Gateway Terminal in Iraq, the deconsolidation of Yantai International Container Terminals Ltd. (YICTL) in China, and the unfavorable translation impact from the depreciation of Philippine peso-denominated revenues.

The company previously divested its stake in YICTL, which operates a container terminal in Shandong province, China.

Excluding nonrecurring charges related to the sale of YICTL, attributable net income for the first half would have increased 25% to $604.94 million, ICTSI said.

Capital expenditures, excluding borrowing costs, reached $320.05 million in the first half.

The company has allocated $740 million in capital expenditures this year, primarily for expansion projects in Mexico, the Philippines, and Brazil.

ICTSI operates ports in 20 countries across Asia, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

At the Philippine Stock Exchange on Monday, ICTSI shares gained P42, or 4.36%, to close at P1,005 each. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

TEPID CONSUMER and government spending likely slowed Philippine economic growth for a fourth consecutive quarter in the second quarter, analysts said.

Germany-based Deutsche Bank Research sees the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth at 2.5% in the April-to-June period, while Fitch Solutions unit BMI gave a 2.7% forecast. 

Their forecasts are much slower than the 5.4% expansion in the second quarter of 2025 and the 2.8% growth in the first quarter this year.

For Deutsche Bank Research economists, growth may have weakened for a fourth straight quarter as inflation woes strained consumer spending and state spending remained sluggish.

They noted that the country’s public spending as of June was weaker than its five-year average.

In the second quarter, government expenditure reached P1.684 trillion, 6.5% higher than the P1.582 trillion spent in the same period last year and nearly 13% from the P1.491 trillion in the first quarter.

This brought the government’s first-half spending up by 4.94% year on year to P3.18 trillion from P3.03 trillion.

“Fiscal disbursements remained slow, with the public expenditure run-rate of 46.7% as at June YTD lagging the 5-year average of 47.7%,” Deutsche Bank Research economists noted in a July 31 report.

“Net trade is likely to exert a heavier drag to headline growth as costlier imports of fuel and raw materials would more than offset the AI (artificial intelligence) tailwinds to electronics exports,” they added.

According to BMI Country Risk Analyst Brandon Ong, they would likely cut their full-year growth forecast for the Philippines if the second-quarter reading comes in weaker than expected.   

“Our nowcast points to a further slowdown in Q2 to 2.7%, from 2.8% in Q1. A weaker-than-expected Q2 reading would prompt us to revise down our full-year growth forecast,” he told BusinessWorld in an e-mail.

BMI projects the economy to grow by 3.9% this year, although Mr. Ong noted that the risks to their outlook are “skewed to the downside.”

This is slower than 4.4% expansion seen in 2025, but within the Development Budget Coordination Committee’s 3.5%-4.5% target for this year.

SLIGHT RECOVERY
Meanwhile, Japan-based Nomura Global Markets Research is anticipating a slight recovery despite weaker spending due to the lingering effects of the flood control mess and the ongoing Middle East war.

“We expect Q2 GDP growth to rise only slightly to 3.2% y-o-y after slumping to 2.8% in Q1, owing to another slowdown in government spending growth after it showed signs of a recovery in early 2026,” Yiru Chen, research analyst at Nomura Global Markets Research, said in a report dated July 31.

“Household consumption and private investment spending growth also remained lackluster, reflecting weak sentiment due to the corruption scandal that led to a sharp fiscal tightening, weighed down further by the impact on domestic energy prices from the war in Iran,” she added.

Based on the median estimate in a BusinessWorld poll of 21 economists and analysts conducted last week, Philippine GDP likely grew by 2.8% in the second quarter.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) will release the second-quarter GDP data on Friday (Aug. 7).

INFLATION AND POLICY
At the same time, analysts expect inflation to remain above 6% in July amid a fresh spike in energy prices due to the Middle East conflict.

Deutsche Bank Research economists said headline inflation may have steadied at 6.4% last month, matching the median forecast of 21 economists and analysts polled by BusinessWorld last week.

However, Nomura’s Ms. Chen sees pressures from higher pump and electricity costs driving the headline print to 6.6% in July from 6.4% in June.

“We expect CPI inflation to rise again to 6.6% y-o-y in July from 6.4% in June, led by a significant pickup in retail fuel prices due to higher crude oil prices and upward adjustments to electricity generation charges,” she said.

If both projections hold true, July will mark the fifth month in a row that headline inflation exceeded the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) 3% target.

The BSP expects the headline figure to be between 5.6% and 6.6% in July.

Meanwhile, core inflation, which discounts volatile food and fuel prices, also likely picked up for a seventh consecutive month to 4.7% from 4.4% in the prior month as elevated oil prices continued to ripple to other commodities, Ms. Chen added.

Last month, retail pump prices jumped by as much as P11.70 per liter for gasoline, P26.19 per liter for diesel, and P23.89 per liter for kerosene.

Manila Electric Co. also raised its electricity rate for a second straight month by 34.28 centavos per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to P14.8261 per kWh in July from P14.4833 per kWh in June.

For Maybank Investment Bank, persistent inflation risks could prompt the hawkish BSP to hike its key policy rate by another 50 basis points (bps) before yearend.

Maybank Chief Economist Suhaimi Ilias and Economist Azril Rosli noted that the central bank will likely prioritize containing inflationary pressures despite a weak growth backdrop.

In a July 31 report, the Maybank economists said they now expect the BSP to bring the benchmark rate to 5.25% this year, before delivering one more 25-bp hike to 5.5% in 2027.

It earlier priced in a terminal rate of 5.25% by 2027, with one 25-bp hike each before end-2026 and next year.   

“While the pace of tightening will remain conditional on incoming inflation and growth data, we believe the BSP will continue to prioritize anchoring inflation expectations and restoring price stability over the near term,” Mr. Ilias and Mr. Rosli said.

The Monetary Board has so far increased the key interest rate by 50 bps to a near one-year high of 4.75%.

BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. sees a small chance for a 50-bp hike as the reignited conflict in the Middle East sparked inflation concerns amid rising oil prices and weak peso.

The Monetary Board will hold three more policy reviews this year on Aug. 27, Oct. 22, and Dec. 17.

In its Philippine Economic Update released on Monday, the multilateral lender maintained its 3.7% growth forecast, within the government’s 3.5%-4.5% target for this year.

However, the World Bank now expects the economy to expand by 5.2% next year, lower than its 5.6% projection in April. This is also at the low end of the government’s 5%-6% target.

World Bank Senior Country Economist Jaffar Al-Rikabi said the slower growth trajectory

is mainly due to weaker investment amid global uncertainty and slower project execution following last year’s corruption scandal.

He also cited the Middle East conflict, which caused a negative terms-of-trade shock as surging fuel prices pushed average inflation to 4.8% in the first half.

“This explains the revision in our growth forecast for 2027 because we see that the investment climate is still quite challenging externally,” he told a media briefing on Monday.

Mr. Al-Rikabi said that although the World Bank expects infrastructure spending to accelerate by the fourth quarter, the external environment remains highly uncertain.

“We should see high execution from perhaps the fourth quarter onwards for this year. So, next year we should expect a stronger contribution to growth from public investment. But we think the external environment is still highly uncertain, highly challenging,” he added.

Mr. Al-Rikabi said external headwinds, including the Middle East conflict, would keep inflation elevated, eroding real incomes and weakening household consumption.

“In our earlier forecasts, our baseline was for a shorter conflict. Now, we’re kind of in a wait-and-see [mode] to look at its likely impact. And so, if you notice, we’ve increased our average inflation forecast,” he said.

The World Bank also sharply raised its inflation forecast for 2026 to 5.8% from 2.8% previously. It also increased its 2027 inflation projection to 3.9% from 2.8%.

Both projections would also put the headline print well above the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) 3% target for two straight years, but slower than its 6.4% estimate for 2026 and 4.5% for 2027.

MIDDLE-CLASS SOCIETY
Meanwhile, World Bank Philippine Lead Economist Gonzalo Varela said that the Philippines could achieve high-income status by 2053 if structural reforms lift its potential growth rate to 6.8% from the current 5.4%.

Under the current potential growth rate, the country’s gross national income (GNI) per capita would reach only 73% of the high-income threshold by 2050, he said.

“If we commit to a reform plan… we estimate that growth of potential output goes from 5.4% to 6.8%. And if the Philippines manages to get there, then we get to high-income status by 2053,” he said at a briefing on Monday.

Mr. Varela said the additional growth would continue to come from investments but would require a much larger contribution from productivity.

“So, the national ambition of having a middle-class society where no one is poor is achievable within a generation. It requires a commitment to reforms and to their implementation,” he added.

Reforms include improving connectivity among regions, increasing productivity, directing resources toward more productive uses, and helping businesses take advantage of free trade agreements.

The Philippines was recently reclassified as an upper-middle income economy after its GNI per capita rose to $4,850 in 2025 from $4,470 a year earlier.

Upper-middle income economies are those with a GNI per capita of between $4,636 and $14,375, while economies exceeding $14,375 are considered high income.

Mr. Varela said the Philippines’ GNI per capita is currently equivalent to about 35% of the threshold for becoming a high-income economy.

He said sustaining rapid growth becomes more difficult at higher income levels as additional investments begin to generate diminishing returns, requiring productivity and innovation to play larger roles.

Of the 73 economies that entered the upper-middle income category over the past four decades, 50 remained in the group, while only 14 successfully transitioned to high-income status and stayed there.

“Regressions are possible, but they are more the exception rather than the rule. What we do see is that it is difficult to get out of this upper-middle income country status,” Mr. Varela said.

Meanwhile, World Bank Division Director for the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei Zafer Mustafaoğlu said the country’s prolonged stay in the lower-middle income bracket did not necessarily mean it would take as long to reach high-income status.

“The fact that the Philippines took a little bit longer in the lower-middle income country group doesn’t mean that it will take the same [amount of time],” he said.

Mr. Mustafaoğlu cited the country’s large consumer market, stable remittance inflows and integration into Asian trade as advantages.

However, he said the pace of its ascent would depend on improvements in production, infrastructure, and human capital. — J.I.D.Tabile

PHILIPPINE manufacturing activity rose to a five-month high in July, as production and new orders grew at the fastest pace since February, S&P Global said.

The S&P Global Philippines Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) improved to 51.8 in July from 50.9 in June.

July also marked the third straight month of expansion, in line with the long-run average.

A PMI reading above 50 signals an improvement in operating conditions from the previous month, while a reading below 50 shows deterioration.

“Manufacturers in the Philippines reported stronger demand conditions in July following the more subdued conditions seen in the second quarter,” Maryam Baluch, an economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence, said in a report.

However, the Philippines’ PMI was below the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) average of 52.8 in July, which climbed from an 11-month low of 50.5 in June.

The Philippines posted the third-highest PMI among ASEAN economies in July, behind Thailand (54.2) and Vietnam (52.9). It was ahead of Malaysia (50.7), Indonesia (50.2), and Myanmar (49.3).

S&P Global said the Philippines’ PMI received a boost from the sharp rise in new orders.

“Filipino manufacturers reported that stronger underlying demand and new project wins supported the latest increase in new sales. The rate of growth was the fastest since February and above the historical trend,” it said.

A strong uptick in sales prompted Philippine manufacturers to raise production at the quickest pace since February.

“Production and new order growth strengthened as a result, rising at a solid pace that was the fastest since the outbreak of the war in the Middle East,” Ms. Baluch said.

S&P Global noted purchasing activity also increased at a faster rate than June as production requirements grew.

Meanwhile, supplier delivery performance deteriorated sharply in July, with input lead times lengthening at the quickest pace since December 2024.

“Firms commonly linked the latest lengthening in average lead times for inputs to the war in the Middle East and the impact on supply chain health,” S&P Global said.

As a result, firms drew down their inventories to meet the increase in orders. Stocks of purchases fell solidly, while finished goods inventories declined.

S&P noted that inflationary pressures intensified in July, with input costs and selling prices rising above their respective long-run averages.

“Qualitative evidence continued to show that the war in the Middle East was driving up costs, which firms then passed on to customers through higher charges for goods,” it said.

A BusinessWorld poll of 21 analysts and economists yielded a median inflation forecast of 6.4% for July, unchanged from June but sharply higher than the 0.9% recorded a year earlier. If realized, this would mark the fifth consecutive month that headline inflation exceeded the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ 2-4% target range.

Meanwhile, S&P Global said manufacturing jobs slipped moderately in July after remaining steady in June, with firms attributing the decline “to voluntary resignations and the non-replacement of leavers.”

“Despite the improvement in sector conditions, confidence remained historically muted. More notably payroll numbers fell in July, suggesting that firms may need clearer signs of a sustained improvement in economic conditions before resuming hiring,” Ms. Baluch said.

S&P Global said business confidence recovered from a five-month low in June as manufacturers expected improving demand to support production growth over the next 12 months.

“The level of positive sentiment remained among the weakest recorded over the past year and historically subdued, with ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and its impact on prices weighing on forecasts,” it said.

Bank of the Philippine Islands Lead Economist Emilio S. Neri, Jr. said the expansion in the manufacturing sector in July may have been partly driven by the recovery in electronics exports.

“It could be partly cyclical. We saw from the latest trade numbers, the electronics numbers recovered, so we think it is part of that and that we are in a cycle that allows for faster recovery in those leading segments,” he told reporters on the sidelines of an event on Monday.

Philippine merchandise exports grew by 13.1% in the first half to $46.72 billion from $41.31 billion in the same period a year ago, as exports of electronics jumped by 20.7% to $26.1 billion in the January-to-June period from $21.62 billion a year earlier.

Mr. Neri also cited possible front-loading in the food sector ahead of anticipated increases in fertilizer costs.

“I’m hoping that the first half of this year is already the bottom for growth. That, together with the recovery in manufacturing and hopefully some stability in the geoeconomics side, we can see a more meaningful recovery in the second semester and allow us to grow hopefully more than 3%,” he added.

A BusinessWorld poll of 21 economists and analysts conducted last week yielded a median gross domestic product (GDP) growth estimate of 2.8% for the April-to-June period.

If realized, this would be much slower than the 5.4% growth recorded in the second quarter of 2025 but match the 2.8% expansion in the first quarter.

This would bring average GDP growth to 2.8% in the first half, below the government’s 3.5%-4.5% full-year target.

At a briefing on Monday, DoF Undersecretary Karlo Fermin S. Adriano said these measures are part of the proposed Promoting Growth, Revenue, and Equity towards Socio-economic Sustainability bill.

Mr. Adriano said the tax measures are expected to generate an average of P129.68 billion in additional revenues annually from 2027 to 2030.

These revenues are expected to offset the estimated P81.73-billion average annual revenue loss from raising the personal income tax-exempt threshold to P350,000 and removing the minimum corporate income tax for micro and small enterprises.

Overall, the tax package is projected to generate average net additional revenues of P47.94 billion annually from 2027 to 2030.

Under the package, the excise tax on beverages using caloric or noncaloric sweeteners would increase to P20 per liter from P6, while the levy on beverages using high-fructose corn syrup would rise to P40 per liter from P12.

Mr. Adriano said the increase is meant to address the continued rise in the consumption of sweetened beverages since 2022, even after the excise tax took effect in 2018.

“Why is it increasing over time? Because unlike other sin products that have annual indexation, where the excise tax rate is increased every year, sweetened beverages do not have that mechanism,” he said.

The proposed sweetened beverage tax rates would be indexed by 5% annually.

The DoF also wants to remove selected exemptions and expand the coverage to edible ices, including ice cream, sorbets, ice lollies and frozen yogurt. It estimated this would generate an average of P74.24 billion in additional revenues annually.

Also, the Finance department is proposing a unified P72.93 excise tax rate on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products beginning in 2027.

The new rate would be applied per milliliter of salt nicotine, per two milliliters of freebase nicotine and per pack of 20 heated tobacco products.

Novel tobacco products would be taxed at P72.93 per two grams or two milliliters, while devices used for heated tobacco, vapor and novel tobacco products would be subject to a P150-per-unit levy. The rates would be indexed by 5% annually beginning in 2028.

“The problem that we’re trying to solve here is, one, the unequal taxation of e-cigarettes,” Mr. Adriano said, noting that traditional tobacco products are generally taxed more heavily.

He cited government data showing that e-cigarette use among adolescents aged 10 to 19 increased to 39.9% in 2023 from 7.5% in 2021. Among adults aged 20 to 59, the proportion rose to 9.9% in 2023 from 1.4% in 2021.

The changes to e-cigarette and novel tobacco taxes are expected to generate average additional revenues of P8.26 billion annually.

Mr. Adriano said the package would also update excise taxes on alcoholic products to address the uneven taxation of fermented and distilled spirits relative to their alcohol content.

The DoF is proposing to raise the specific excise tax on distilled spirits to P157.21 per proof liter and expand its coverage to premixed alcoholic beverages or alcopops. The rate would be indexed by 6% annually.

The alcohol tax reforms are projected to generate an additional P7.82 billion in average annual revenues.

The DoF is proposing a P150-per-kilogram excise tax on sando bags, labo bags and sachets, subject to 5% annual indexation.

Mr. Adriano said the measure is expected to reduce plastic consumption by 31.45% to 38.4%, depending on the type of plastic packaging, and generate average annual revenues of P13.05 billion.

WEALTH TAXES
The package also proposes an update on “wealth taxes,” particularly excise taxes on automobiles and nonessential goods, including private aircraft.

The DoF wants to impose a 75% tax rate on vehicles with a net manufacturer’s or importer’s price exceeding P8 million.

The existing rates would be retained for the lower tiers: 50% for vehicles priced above P4 million to P8 million, 20% for those priced above P1 million to P4 million, 10% for those priced above P600,000 to P1 million and 4% for those priced up to P600,000.

“It’s really a wealth tax. Those who can buy more than P8 million worth of cars will have to pay a 75% excise tax rate instead of 50%,” Mr. Adriano said.

The DoF is also proposing to raise the excise tax on nonessential goods by 5 percentage points to 25% of the wholesale price or dutiable value and expand its coverage to private aircraft.

The tax package also seeks to adjust motor vehicle user’s charge rates, which have not been updated for more than two decades.

“The proposal is to adjust it by cumulative inflation,” Mr. Adriano said, adding that this would bring the rates to about 2.1 times their current levels.

The automobile tax is projected to generate average annual revenues of P3.91 billion, while the adjustment to the motor vehicle user’s charge is expected to yield P22.39 billion annually.

In his State of the Nation Address last month, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. urged Congress pass several tax relief measures, including raising the annual personal income tax exemption threshold to P350,000 from the current P250,000, removing the minimum corporate income tax for small businesses, and granting a tax amnesty covering unpaid income, estate, donor’s and value-added taxes, including penalties. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

THE BANGKO SENTRAL ng Pilipinas (BSP) will enforce tight regulations against unfair debt collection practices of online lenders once it gains full oversight of the sector, an official said.

BSP General Counsel Roberto L. Figueroa told BusinessWorld that the central bank will prioritize issuing regulations addressing predatory lending and abusive debt collection practices of online lending companies (OLCs).

“Once we have fully transitioned into being the regulator of online lending companies — online lenders — that’s the first thing we’ll look into,” he said on the sidelines of a central bank event last month.

“Because, in fact, under the Financial Consumer Protection Act that’s also already a prohibited act. So, yes, we’ll look into that.”

According to Mr. Figueroa, the BSP’s technical working group for the matter has been reviewing all existing laws related to regulating lending companies’ debt collection practices.

In a circular issued last month, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said lending companies proved to be engaging in unfair debt collection practices must pay a P60,000 fine for a first offense and P250,000 for a second offense, with larger fines of P100,000 for a first offense and P500,000 for a second offense set for financing companies.

The SEC may also impose a fine of at least twice the amount imposed for a second offense but not more than P1 million for succeeding offenses and suspend a firm’s certificate of authority for 60 days or revoke it.

In April, SEC Commissioner Rogelio V. Quevedo said they submitted a position paper to the Congress proposing to transfer the oversight of online lenders to the BSP. The corporate regulator has flagged the challenges of tackling rising cases of fraud in the sector.

Mr. Quevedo has noted that the BSP and legislators earlier wanted to pursue a joint regulatory approach, but Mr. Figueroa hinted that the BSP is now open to shoulder the full responsibility.

“Both regulators, SEC and BSP, are in agreement with this planned transfer — meaning there’s no opposition or objection on the part of the SEC to transfer it to us. On the part of the BSP, we also have no objection to us receiving that additional responsibility. For me, that’s a very positive sign,” the general counsel said.

However, discussions regarding the transition are still ongoing, with the central bank facing bottlenecks due to the two special laws placing the direct supervisory and regulatory powers over nonbank lenders under the SEC.

Mr. Figueroa noted that the BSP’s technical working group is still determining whether the oversight transfer could be implemented using circulars backed by existing laws, or if they would need legislation amending the special laws. 

“What complicates it is that there are these two special laws. That’s why another option that we’re looking at right now is to do it through the legislative route, meaning another law that will be passed to maybe amend those two special laws to transfer the regulatory authority or jurisdiction from SEC to BSP,” he said.

However, according to Mr. Figueroa, the latter entails “cleaner” yet lengthier process, especially considering the Senate is busy with the ongoing impeachment trial.

The Financing Company Act of 1998 and the Lending Company Regulation Act of 2007 are special laws that grant the SEC authority over nonbank financing and lending firms in the country, including OLCs.

Meanwhile, the BSP Charter also grants the central bank jurisdiction over credit granting businesses but does not specify how they can act as regulators of OLCs, Mr. Figueroa noted.

“That’s why we’re doing this in parallel. We’re trying to talk to one another between BSP and SEC,” he said. “What are the things we can do even without a law? But at the same time, we’re not closing the option of going to Congress.”

BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. has previously said that the transfer of oversight of online lending companies and the Credit Information Corp. to the central bank are among the legislative priorities they are pushing for.

Fintech Alliance.PH, the country’s largest digital finance industry association, has also voiced its support for the transfer of online lenders’ oversight to the BSP, noting that the move will improve the sector’s regulation.

Earlier this month, the SEC announced that it will allow financing and lending companies to register new online lending platforms (OLPs) starting Aug. 1, ending the moratorium it set in August 2021.

An OLP refers to any borrower-facing digital platform, application, or system used for financing and lending activities such as loan applications, credit evaluation and loan repayment.

However, under the SEC’s new rules, financial firms should only own and operate up to five OLPs, and maintain a higher paid-up capital based on the number of platforms they have.

Financing companies with one OLP are required to have a minimum paid-up capital of P20 million, P40 million for two OLPs, P60 million for three OLPs, P80 million for four OLPs, and P100 million for five OLPs.

The regulator said the new rules aim to enhance the regulatory oversight of the sector and tighten consumer protection. 

PHILIPPINE headline inflation likely held steady in July as lower food prices, particularly rice, offset higher fuel and electricity costs, analysts said.

A BusinessWorld poll of 21 analysts and economists yielded a median forecast of 6.4% for July inflation, the same as in June but sharply higher than the 0.9% recorded a year earlier.

This would make July the fifth month in a row that the headline inflation breached the central bank’s 4% ceiling.

The median estimate likewise falls within the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) 5.6%-6.6% forecast for the month.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) will release the July inflation data on Wednesday (Aug. 5).

Philippine National Bank Chief Economist Alvin Joseph A. Arogo said headline inflation likely remained unchanged in July amid offsetting price pressures.

“The higher cost of petroleum and electricity could have been offset by lower prices of major food commodities such as rice and vegetables,” he said in an e-mail. 

Deepali Bhargava, regional head of research for Asia-Pacific at ING Bank, noted that lower rice prices likely kept the headline inflation steady, but pressures remained from higher retail pump prices and sticky services inflation. 

“Services inflation is expected to remain sticky, reflecting persistent underlying price pressures in the sector,” she said in a report. 

However, most analysts surveyed were split on the inflation reading for July, with 10 anticipating a softer headline figure and nine expecting a faster one.

For Oxford Economics Assistant Economist Jun Hao Ng, headline inflation may have picked up to 6.6%, largely driven by costlier fuel, especially diesel.

“The main driver was likely a renewed increase in fuel prices, following higher global oil prices amid renewed tensions between the US and Iran,” he told BusinessWorld in an e-mail. “Domestic pump prices, particularly for diesel, rose sharply during the month, with diesel prices now at its highest level since April after the recent large broad-based fuel price hike.”

Meanwhile, University of Asia and the Pacific Economist Marco Antonio C. Agonia sees July inflation heating up to 6.9% due to the continued transmission of second-order price effects and base effects from the significantly slower headline print in July 2025.

“We think inflation moved faster in July, mostly reflecting second-round inflationary effects, the immediate rebound in oil prices with the resurgence of tensions in the Middle East, and some base effects from last year’s below-target inflation,” he told BusinessWorld in an e-mail.

In July, local fuel retailers raised pump prices by as much as P11.70 per liter for gasoline, P26.19 per liter for diesel, and P23.89 per liter for kerosene during the month, nearly reversing the price rollback delivered in the prior weeks.

Manila Electric Co. likewise hiked electricity rates by 34.28 centavos per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to P14.8261 per kWh in July from P14.4833 per kWh in June. Its second straight month of increase translated to an additional P69 in the total electricity bill of households consuming 200 kWh monthly. 

On the other hand, Marites M. Tiongco, a professor at the De La Salle University Carlos L. Tiu School of Economics, said softer rice prices may have eased inflation slightly last month.

“Food inflation showed mixed movements,” she told BusinessWorld via Viber. “Rice prices continued to stabilize, helping moderate overall food inflation. However, vegetables, processed food, and other commodities remained vulnerable to weather-related disruptions and higher transport costs.”

In the second half of July, the price of regular milled rice dipped by 0.74% to P49.30 a kilo from P49.67 in the same month-ago period, while well-milled rice fell by 0.82% at P55.69 a kilo from P56.15 in the previous month, PSA data showed.

“Rice prices continued to decline month on month for a third consecutive month even amid El Niño concerns,” China Banking Corp. Chief Economist Domini S. Velasquez also said in an e-mail. “Prices of other food items, including meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, eggs, sugar, and spices, also softened during the period.”

STICKY CORE INFLATION
Core inflation likely continued to quicken for the seventh consecutive month in July despite a potentially slower headline print, which analysts said would warrant at least one more rate hike from the BSP.

For Oxford Economics’ Mr. Ng, high energy prices likely continued to feed into other commodities.

“We also expect core inflation to quicken for a seventh straight month,” he said. “Elevated energy costs have likely continued to generate second-round effects, feeding into a broader range of consumer prices. The recent minimum wage increase may have added some pressure to underlying inflation.”

On July 25, the first tranche or P60 of the P85 minimum wage hike in Metro Manila took effect, bringing the daily rate to P755 for nonagricultural workers and to P718 for agricultural workers and employees of retail, service, and small manufacturing establishments.

However, it was later suspended after a Pasig City Regional Trial Court issued a 20-day temporary restraining order on its implementation.

The second tranche or P25 of the wage hike was supposed to take effect on Jan. 20 next year.

Ms. Tiongco also attributed the potentially faster core inflation to stickier prices in the services sector and the peso’s weakness.

“Restaurants, accommodation, education, healthcare, and personal services continue to face higher labor, utility, rental, and transportation costs, making price adjustments more likely,” she said.

“The depreciation of the peso further increases replacement costs for imported intermediate goods, encouraging firms to revise prices as inventories are replenished,” she added.

Strong US dollar and inflation concerns amid soaring oil prices dragged the peso to a new low against the greenback this month.

It sank to a historic low of P61.847 per dollar on July 24, weakening by 9.7 centavos to break its previous record-low finish of P61.75 on July 23.

Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and fuel prices, accelerated to 4.4% in June, the fastest pace seen in nearly three years or since the 4.7% in November 2023.

FURTHER TIGHTENING
Analysts see underlying pressures prompting the central bank to deliver at least one more rate hike this year, with a third straight increase at its upcoming Aug. 27 meeting.

For Maybank Investment Bank Economist Azril Rosli, the door for another 25-basis-point (bp) hike remains open for the BSP even as he expects a softer headline clip last month.

“(U)pside risks from the recent minimum wage hike, peso depreciation, higher US tariffs and geopolitical uncertainties continue to cloud the inflation outlook. As such, we expect the BSP to deliver at least a 25-bp rate hike at its upcoming meeting in August to contain mounting inflationary pressures and prevent second-round effects from becoming more entrenched,” he said in an e-mail.

Union Bank of the Philippines Chief Economist Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion also noted that their base case points to another round of tightening this month, adding that the BSP must remain vigilant amid underlying price pressures.

“Another hike in the August Monetary Board meeting remains the base case, especially if no durable US-Iran ceasefire emerges and oil prices continue to trade within elevated ranges,” he said in an e-mail.

However, Moody’s Analytics Economist Sarah Tan and Pantheon Macroeconomics Chief Emerging Asia Economist Miguel Chanco are pricing in a pause this month, citing cooler inflation and still weak growth.

“The moderation in headline inflation should allow the BSP to remain on hold at its next policy meeting, although we would not rule out a rate hike later in the year should inflation reaccelerate or underlying price pressures prove more persistent than expected,” Ms. Tan said in an e-mail.

BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. said last week that there is a slim chance for a 50-bp hike, citing emerging inflationary pressures from the renewed conflict in the Middle East and weak peso.

He added that he still expects the economy to rebound in the second half of the year, giving them room to tighten further.

In June, the central bank raised its key policy rate for a second straight meeting by 25 bps to 4.75%, bringing its total hikes to 50 bps.

The BSP wants inflation to stay near its 3% target, but its latest projection shows the headline print may average 6.4% this year.

THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMY likely expanded at a slower pace year on year in the second quarter, as elevated inflation weighed on household spending while weak business confidence and sluggish public infrastructure spending dampened economic activity.

A BusinessWorld poll of 21 economists and analysts conducted late last week yielded a median gross domestic product (GDP) annual growth estimate of 2.8% for the April-to-June period.

If realized, this would be much slower than the 5.4% expansion in the second quarter of 2025 and match the 2.8% growth in the first quarter of this year.

This would bring the average GDP growth to 2.8% in the first half, below the government’s 3.5%-4.5% full-year target.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) will release the second-quarter GDP data on Friday (Aug. 7).

“We estimate slower growth in the second quarter where the brunt of the Middle East crisis weighed on the global economy. The Philippine economy experienced a steep run to triple-digit pump prices during that quarter, pushing average inflation for those three months to 6.8%. This likely weighed on consumption, with higher interest rate risk premia and subdued optimism putting down investment appetite as well,” University of Asia and the Pacific Economist Marco Antonio C. Agonia said in an e-mail.

Inflation averaged 6.8% in the second quarter, accelerating from the 1.4% in the same period a year ago, mainly due to high prices of fuel and food amid the Middle East conflict.

“The quarter also marked the full transmission of the US-Iran conflict to the domestic economy, with elevated oil prices and heightened geopolitical uncertainty further dampening business confidence and overall economic activity,” Bank of the Philippine Islands Lead Economist Emilio S. Neri, Jr. said in a commentary.

The country, a net importer of crude oil, has been under a year-long energy emergency since late March as the Middle East crisis threatens its fuel supply.

Oxford Economics Assistant Economist Jun Hao Ng projected 2.8% growth in the April-to-June period, citing subdued private consumption and investment.

“Investment also appears to have stayed weak, reflecting softness in both the public and private sectors. Businesses likely remained cautious about expansion amid economic uncertainty, while public infrastructure spending remained weak,” Mr. Ng told BusinessWorld via e-mail.

DROP IN CONSTRUCTION
China Banking Corp. Chief Economist Domini S. Velasquez, who expects GDP growth at 2.7% in the second quarter, said public construction activity has yet to recover.

“Public construction appears to have contracted for a fifth straight quarter amid delays in infrastructure disbursements due to tighter safeguards. At the same time, rising construction material and logistics costs likely weighed on private sector building activity,” she said in an e-mail.

BPI’s Mr. Neri said GDP likely grew by 1.9% in the second quarter, which he said would be the weakest quarterly expansion since 2009, excluding the pandemic.

“Public infrastructure spending continued to weigh heavily on economic activity, contracting by 43.4% year on year in the second quarter after a 45.4% decline in the first quarter amid ongoing project delays and slower-than-expected budget execution. Private investment likely softened further, evident in weaker building permit approvals and subdued business sentiment as firms adopted a more cautious stance amid the policy uncertainty,” Mr. Neri said.

The latest data from the Department of Budget and Management showed that infrastructure and other capital outlays fell by 35.3% year on year to P80.1 billion in May. In the first five months, these outlays declined by 42.9% to P269.4 billion.

Pantheon Macroeconomics Chief Emerging Asia Economist Miguel Chanco said he expects headline annual GDP to slow to 1.8% in the second quarter, as public spending remains stagnant.

“If our below-consensus projection proves to be correct, then we wouldn’t be surprised if there was another downgrade in the government’s growth target for 2026, given how weak the first half has turned out to be,” he said in an e-mail.

GROWTH DRIVERS
Meanwhile, Moody’s Analytics Economist Sarah Tan said merchandise exports growth should have contributed to GDP growth, although momentum may have slowed from the first quarter due to “global trade uncertainty and heightened geopolitical tensions.”

HSBC ASEAN Senior Economist Aris D. Dacanay, who forecast 2.7% growth, said goods exports, particularly semiconductors, provided support for economic growth.

“With roughly two-thirds of its exports in semiconductors and electronics, the Philippine economy is, to some extent, enjoying the gains brought by the AI (artificial intelligence) boom. Risks, however, are tilted to the downside, with global demand for services exports weakening amid the uncertain global economic environment,” he said in an e-mail.

Philippine merchandise exports grew by 13.1% in the first half to $46.72 billion from $41.31 billion in the same period a year ago, after electronic product exports jumped by 20.7% to $26.1 billion.

Marites M. Tiongco, a professor at De La Salle University’s Carlos L. Tiu School of Economics, said she expects GDP to grow by 3.6% in the second quarter, citing stronger manufacturing output, some recovery in agriculture and continued services expansion.

Manufacturing output, as measured by the volume of production index, grew by 11.7% year on year in April and 10.2% in May, preliminary PSA data showed.

“This suggests that industry recovered from its slight contraction in the first quarter, supported in part by electronics, food manufacturing and other export- and domestic-market-oriented activities,” Ms. Tiongco said in a Viber message.

Ms. Tiongco said agriculture may have seen a “modest recovery,” citing the increase in palay and corn production, as well as agricultural exports.

“Nevertheless, the sector remained vulnerable to weather disturbances, high fertilizer and fuel costs, and disruptions affecting fisheries and logistics,” she said.

However, Ms. Tiongco said the weakness in the jobs market relative to the previous year may have dragged second-quarter growth.

“The unemployment rate was 4.7% in April and 4.8% in May, compared with 4.1% and 3.9%, respectively, during the corresponding months of 2025… These indicators suggest that household income and employment conditions were not sufficiently strong to generate a robust consumption-led expansion,” she said.

EL NIÑO THREAT
Several economists said the government’s full-year growth target remains achievable, although this will require stronger GDP expansion in the second half.

Maybank Economist Azril Rosli, who forecast second-quarter growth at 2.7%, expects full-year growth to settle at 3.5%, at the lower end of the government’s target.

“Achieving this target will require a stronger rebound in economic activity over the second half of the year, supported by an acceleration in domestic demand and investment,” he said in an e-mail.

Mr. Rosli said continued infrastructure spending, resilient remittances and a gradual easing of inflation could support a firmer recovery if energy prices stabilize.

S&P Global Market Intelligence Principal Economist Harumi Taguchi expects the Philippines to post a full-year GDP growth of 4.2%.

“The main downside risks are persistently high oil prices, supply disruptions related to the US-Iran conflict, and continued weakness in investment,” Ms. Taguchi said in an e-mail.

However, Mr. Agonia said the Philippines’ second-half recovery will face “immediate headwinds such as resurgent tensions in the Middle East, minimum wage increases, and the threat of an aggressive El Niño season.”

“Elevated interest rates may also cast a shadow on medium-term growth prospects. Second-half performance will likely depend on more benign external conditions, faster rollout of government spending, and recovery of consumer and business sentiment,” he said.

Ms. Tan, who sees full-year economic growth at 3.8%, said El Niño poses a key downside risk as it impacts agricultural production and food inflation.

“A weaker global economy and persistent trade uncertainty could also weigh on exports and private investment,” she added.

To deliver greater convenience and payment freedom, GCash, the country’s #1 finance superapp, will soon allow users to link their Visa or Mastercard debit and credit cards directly as a payment source for transactions. Set to roll out within August, this new feature will enable seamless in-store purchases even when a user’s wallet balance is low or even empty, eliminating the need to first cash in.

By allowing Visa or Mastercard cards to pay for purchases in real time, GCash ensures transactions never fall through. The seamless integration will remove the hassle of manual cash-ins while giving users the freedom to go fully cashless, leaving both physical bills and plastic cards safely behind.

Users will be able to link up to three (3) Visa or Mastercard debit or credit cards to their GCash account, set a default payment card, and manage or unlink cards directly within the app. The new feature will give users greater flexibility in how they fund everyday purchases.Security remains a key part of the payment experience. Card linking will be authenticated through a one-time password (OTP), while eligible transactions will also be authenticated using biometrics or a phone PIN where available, providing users with a secure and convenient way to pay using their linked cards.

“Our commitment to innovation means building solutions that make daily payments simpler, safer, and completely effortless. We are thrilled to soon allow GCash users to link their Visa or Mastercard directly for payments. As we prepare to roll out this feature, we remain committed to giving Filipinos the freedom to pay their way with ultimate convenience and total peace of mind,” said Ren-ren Reyes, President & CEO of G-Xchange, Inc. (the mobile wallet operator of GCash)

As GCash continues to redefine digital payments, this upcoming feature ensures everyday transactions remain convenient, adaptable, and secure. Users can expect direct Visa and Mastercard card-linking for payments to roll out nationwide within August.

For more information, visit https://www.gcash.com.

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The S&P Global Philippines Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) edged up to 51.8 in July from 50.9 in June, marking a third straight month of expansion.

A PMI reading above 50 signals an improvement in operating conditions from the previous month, while a reading below 50 shows a deterioration.

“Though the latest reading pointed to only a modest improvement in the health of the Filipino manufacturing sector, it marked a welcome shift from the subdued performance seen between March and June,” S&P Global said.

S&P Global said manufacturing output and new orders both rose at faster rates in July, supported by stronger client demand and new business wins.

Filipino manufacturers also increased purchasing activity amid higher production requirements.

However, firms reported a renewed intensification of inflationary pressures.

“Qualitative evidence continued to show that the war in the Middle East was driving up costs, which firms then passed on to customers through higher charges for goods,” S&P Global said. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Critic’s Rating: 4 / 5.0

4

You know what I love? A show that can recognize when things are going awry and course-correct to become the best version of itself.

The Walking Dead: Dead City Season 3 Episode 2 continued the process of fixing the issues caused by The Walking Dead: Dead City Season 2.

It’s a refreshing change of pace for a spinoff that felt redundant not too long ago.

Staying in Manhattan is not for the faint of heart, and I have mad respect for Maggie making it her mission to create another thriving community.

Most of what she’s done in the past has involved smaller communities tucked away in the countryside. Building one in zombie-ravaged Manhattan cannot be easy, and I respect the hustle.

This is the character Maggie became in the final season of The Walking Dead, so it’s satisfying to see her return to that version of herself.

Being the leader of a community comes with difficult questions about morality and leadership, so I appreciated that Maggie was forced to question what to do with the Dama.

The Dama has always been a frustrating villain because the show has given her this God complex, making her someone who believes she can overcome anything by convincing people she has some higher purpose.

Of course, with civilization long gone, it’s understandable that some survivors are looking for something to believe in instead of simply moving from community to community.

I can understand why someone like the Dama would appeal to desperate people, but after watching her actions throughout the first two seasons of The Walking Dead: Dead City, I was ready for her story to end.

Beyond her superiority complex, she’s manipulative and dangerous. Keeping her alive would have been like allowing a disease to spread through Maggie’s new community.

The Walking Dead: Dead City Is Telling the Truth About New Communities

I appreciated Maggie and Renata weighing the pros and cons of rehabilitating the Dama versus deciding whether she’d even be worth the resources required to keep her alive.

This was a very grounded moment for a show that had gone off the rails not too long ago. Keeping the Dama locked away forever would have been unrealistic, as she would eventually have escaped.

Negan killing her after deciding there was no redeeming her wasn’t surprising.

Negan understands rehabilitation better than most. He spent years being defined by his actions as the leader of the Saviors, but he’s also spent years proving that people can change.

It’s why it was so interesting to hear Maggie talk about him being a gym teacher before the apocalypse. She’s spent so long refusing to see the humanity in him, even though he’s slowly shown that he’s not the same person he was.

I don’t blame Maggie for hating him for years because his actions were horrific, but Negan has undeniably changed.

He went from being responsible for some of the most devastating losses in The Walking Dead universe to saving countless lives.

It’s comical that he spent much of this episode playing Xbox before Maggie called on him for help.

He’s changed. There’s no doubt about that, and I believe he considered whether the Dama could make the same transformation before realizing the risks outweighed the potential reward.

Maggie’s reaction to the knife in the Dama was telling. It wasn’t like she immediately condemned Negan for what he did.

The look on her face felt more like she trusted his judgment, which is something we never would have expected from her.

Maggie wanted the Dama dead because of everything she had done to Hershel, but she also began to realize there was something bigger happening beneath the surface.

It seems to have given Maggie a renewed sense of purpose to restore Manhattan, and if anyone can pull off something that impossible, it’s her.

Another strong point was Maggie and Renata discussing the politics of keeping their community hidden versus opening their doors to new survivors.

Maggie has witnessed communities collapse before, so her argument that they could survive a few months but not a harsh winter made complete sense.

Renata understands they’re surviving for now, but she wasn’t thinking about what happens next.

The image of the Statue of Liberty lit as a beacon of hope and a symbol of a safe haven in Manhattan was striking.

However, seeing an entire community emerge from the trees to witness it makes me think they’re going to cause more problems than they’re worth.

Anyone who knows how densely populated Manhattan was before the apocalypse would understand how dangerous crossing the water from New Jersey could be. One wrong move and any community could be overwhelmed by a massive horde.

Is a War Brewing in Manhattan?

Either way, Maggie, Renata, Negan, Luis, and Hershel have their work cut out for them as we continue through The Walking Dead: Dead City Season 3.

Building a community, deciding who can be trusted, and ensuring everything runs smoothly will be a long and difficult process.

Plus, I don’t believe for one second that the show isn’t building toward this new community eventually clashing with New Babylon.

The collision feels inevitable. The only question is who makes the first move.

What are your thoughts on the Dama’s demise? Do you agree with Negan’s actions? And more importantly, do you think opening up this community is going to come back and bite everyone?

Let’s keep the conversation going — it’s the only way the good stuff survives.
Say something in the comments, share if you’re moved to, and keep reading. Independent voices need readers like you.

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  On The Walking Dead: Dead City Season 3 Episode 2, Maggie and Negan make a devastating choice. Read my full review.

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  The Walking Dead: Dead City Season 3 Episode 1 presents a bold reset that helps this zombie spinoff reach its potential. Read my review.

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Critic’s Rating: 3.5 / 5.0

3.5

I had my suspicions when Prime’s Batman: Caped Crusader Season 1 dropped in 2024, but now, I’m certain.

Batman: Caped Crusader is more about everyone around Batman than Batman himself.

The series paints a cityscape of Gotham — a mural of characters, relationships, and social networks — on the canvas of that familiar cape and cowl.

Or perhaps the series plans to shade in Batman‘s personality traits as the byproducts of his environment.

If so, they’re taking their sweet (and unquestionably well-done) time with it.

Batman: Caped Crusader Season 2

While Batman: Caped Crusader Season 1 was a purely anthological collection of snapshots of Gotham, Season 2 is shaped with more direction.

We begin with the prosecution of Rupert Thorne, Gotham’s kingpin and fingers-in-many-pies antagonist of Season 1.

Seeded throughout the season are glimpses of the Joker making his preparations for his final coup de grâce, including disappearing Thorne early on.

Each piece he carefully places goes undetected for long periods of time, masked by the antics of other players or simply so unassuming in isolation that is draws no attention.

This is not the Joker we’re used to. Calculated and brilliant, we expect. Psychotic? Well, duh. But subtle and patient? That’s new.

Following on Rupert Thorne’s reign of high-profile, unapologetic criminality, Joker’s anarchistic bent is the canonistic pendulum swing.

Instead, here, we get to see unexplained kidnappings, thefts, and murders unfold with a delicate finesse. Of the Joker’s signature unhinged nature, there’s nary a trace.

Riddle Him Nothin’ But Brute Force

Meanwhile, Ed Nygma picks up the chaotic slack in this reinterpretation of The Riddler identity.

The idea that he earned the moniker from “riddling” his enemies with bullets is as basic and literal as the man himself.

While he occasionally tosses out the random puzzling question as a nod to the classic puzzle-obsessed villain, they aren’t riddles as much as precursors to violent acts.

Nygma: When is a pineapple not a pineapple?

Armored Car Guard: …

Nygma: When it’s a grenade!

— Batman: Caped Crusader Season 2 Episode 3, “Deep Cover”

And Nygma is unquestionably a creature of violence and temper — expecting obedience without earning respect, impulsive, easily insulted, paranoid — yet foolishly susceptible to flattery and a pretty face.

He holds no loyalty to long-time friends, as seen on Batman: Caped Crusader Season 2 Episode 3, “Deep Cover,” when he first orders a hit on and then, when that fails, pulls the trigger himself on Mark Desmond.

But when the sultry Thorn (Batman’s name for Rose Forrest’s alternate personality) slinks into the Stumpers night club and makes herself at home in Nygma’s inner circle on Batman: Caped Crusader Season 2 Episode 7, “Her Dark Reflection,” he never sees his demise coming.

A Variety of Villainy

Some interesting choices were made in selecting the chapters and characters to include in Season 2.

For one, using Thorn, a lesser-known DC character, when the audience was primed for Poison Ivy with the florist shop.

Also, did no one consider that introducing Thorn while Rupert Thorne’s absence was still a going concern might be confusing?

There’s also the possibility that the entire purpose of “Her Dark Reflection” was to reveal that Bruce had no idea Alfred had been purchasing and placing flowers on his parents’ graves all these years.

Because, yeah, this Bruce is still that guy. He may value Alfred more in light of the events of Batman: Caped Crusader Season 1 Episode 6, “Night Ride,” but he’s still a pampered, entitled playboy.

A Tetch of Madness

However, as The Batman, he’s figuring some things out. For instance, in a town like Gotham, being a vigilante who doesn’t kill doesn’t stop people from talking trash or riding coattails.

Gender-bending the Mad Hatter villain into the poisonous gossip-monger, Hattie Tetch, voiced by the excellent Laraine Newman, is a genius move. She fills a J. Jonah Jameson-esque space in the landscape.

Tetch’s use of rumor and innuendo to grab attention and make the GCPD and DA’s job more difficult is a clever way to weaponize the news.

When the Joker takes her out with his Laughing Death toxin in the middle of a broadcast, one wonders if he saw her as a potential threat or just as a willing spectacle. After all, that’s the kind of exit Hattie could only have dreamed of.

DC Easter Eggs in Plain Sight

With source material as plentiful as the DC comic-verse, the Batman: Caped Crusader writers pull no punches in loading up the series with inside jokes.

With hat tips and side-winks worthy of Star Trek: Lower Decks, they slip in innovative allusions to Blockbuster, Calendar Man, Mad Monk, and Roxy Rocket.

On the season premiere, Mark Desmond fulfills his role as the original Blockbuster when Nygma sticks him with the serum. Later, we see Joker making off with a cache of the serum.

On the same episode, Julian Day appears as Calendar Man, but as an accountant with a renowned memory for numbers and dates instead of a villain obsessed with special occasions.

Mad Monk runs a cult that worships Barbatos, a cosmic Bat-God, whose murder-spree becomes conflated with Batman’s vigilante activities on Batman: Caped Crusader Season 2 Episode 4, “The Devil’s Due.”

And Roxanne Sutton gets a reframing from thrill-seeking Hollywood stuntwoman to genius physicist.

“Roxy Rocket” is out for revenge on Batman: Caped Crusader Season 2 Episode 3, “Rocket’s Red Glare,” when her work is stolen to be auctioned off to the world’s worst people.

Gotham’s Gray Zone

If there’s a major takeaway from Batman: Caped Crusader Season 2, it’s that Gotham has no effective heroes, only vigilantes.

In a city run on corruption that feeds on despair, the lawful folks like the Gordons and Montoya are unable to balance the scales of justice.

Instead, it’s people like Roxy, Thorn, and the posthumous Jim Corrigan who take out the baddies.

And let’s not forget the pinnacle of Caped Crusader rebranding from Season 1: Dr. Harleen Quinzel.

Harley Quinn without Joker’s influence is the best reimagining of a DC character ever. Fight me.

Bringing her back to help Batman with Scarecrow on Batman: Caped Crusader Season 2 Episode 6, “Sudden Fear,” wasn’t nearly enough Harleen content, but I’ll take anything.

Since she turned herself in, one can only hope she’ll be back for Season 3.

Can we talk a second about Gotham’s weirdness around hidden identities?

Bruce Wayne, millionaire playboy whose face is in every gossip column and business page, manages to go undercover at Blackgate with a mustache and tinted glasses, while Harleen sneaks into a morgue in full harlequin costume?

Talk about stretching the suspension of disbelief to the limit.

Robin on the Rise

But the future isn’t without hope. It just means looking to the next generation.

To be sure, at this moment in time, this iteration of Bruce Wayne/Batman is by no means ready to take on a sidekick.

As the toxin-affected Alfred intones on Batman: Caped Crusader Season 2 Episode 10, “The Laughing Death,” as he does his best to smash his ward and master, “Brucie” is incapable of even feeding or dressing himself.

And at every opportunity, Bruce demonstrates his commitment to total isolation and independence.

So when Carrie Kelley recurs on Batman: Caped Crusader Season 2 Episode 8, “Zero Hour,” it’s significant that he remembers her from their run-in on Batman: Caped Crusader Season 1 Episode 8, “Nocturne.”

In the Frank Miller comic canon, Carrie will be a Robin to Batman one day. Also, Catgirl and Batwoman, but that’s another story.

Carrie embodies resilience, optimism, and determination. Her sense of justice is rooted in kindness and righting wrongs.

She’s also snarky as hell and has a solid disappearing game. Definitely a Batman in training.

So as the Joker pilots Gotham into its bleakest era of nihilism, Batman: Caped Crusader leaves us with some signposts of better things to come.

Renee Montoya and Jim Gordon remain champions of the lawful way. Barbara Gordon rediscovered her ability to forgive. Batman learned he can still be surprised.

Carrie Kelley is the reason they persist in fighting for a better Gotham.

Gotham Carries On

Sorry, couldn’t resist the play on words.

Over to you, Fanatics! Was Batman: Caped Crusader Season 2 worth waiting two years for? Are you ready for Batman to take a more central role in Season 3? Hopefully, in less than another two year wait.

In the meantime, who rocked your boat this time around?

Was it Riddler or Mr. Freeze? Thorn or Roxy Rocket? Mad Monk or The Joker? Hattie Tetch or Jonathan Crane Jr.?

Hit our comments with your feedback on the season and vote for your favorite episode below!

Batman: Caped Crusader Seasons 1 and 2 are streaming now on Prime Video.

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“With IELTS, what we’re really proud of when it comes to the service and the test that we offer is that there is still human intervention,” Danica Tuliao, senior exams marketing manager at British Council Philippines, said in an interview during the organization’s annual exams partner gathering.

“In our speaking test, we have a live human examiner that test takers speak with because that’s actually the best measure of how you communicate with people,” she added.

Ms. Tuliao said the English language assessment landscape locally has become increasingly competitive in recent years, with providers offering specialized examinations for industries such as healthcare, as well as fully AI-based tests that do not require interaction with a human examiner.

Despite these developments, she said IELTS continues to adopt a hybrid approach by integrating AI features while preserving human assessment in key components of the examination process.

“We really feel strongly that the IELTS (approach) can definitely address the purpose of each test taker and help them achieve their dreams and goals,” Ms. Tuliao said in mixed English and Filipino.

The British Council has incorporated AI-powered tools into its IELTS Ready Premium preparation platform, allowing test takers to track their progress and receive automated support while preparing for the examination.

The global English proficiency testing market is estimated at $3.1 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $5.5 billion by 2032, according to market research firm Metastat.

This represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5% between 2025 and 2032.

Ms. Tuliao said English language assessments such as IELTS remain crucial for individuals seeking opportunities overseas, particularly for studying, working, and migrating to countries that require proof of English proficiency.

Different institutions, professions, and countries impose varying score requirements depending on the level of English language competency required. — Edg Adrian A. Eva

On Thursday, the Pasig City Regional Trial Court Branch 152 issued a 20-day temporary restraining order against the implementation of Wage Order No. 27, which granted a P85 daily minimum wage increase for private-sector workers in Metro Manila.

The order suspends the first tranche of P60, which took effect on July 25, to be followed by an additional P25 in January 2027.

Labor Secretary Francis N. Tolentino said employees who have already received the initial wage increase will not be required to refund the amount.

“The workers already have a vested right, so that should not be returned… because at the time it was received, there was no order from the National Wages and Productivity Commission that it was suspended,” Mr. Tolentino said in a statement in Filipino.

He said the Office of the Solicitor General will lead the legal efforts and represent the national wage commission in the court proceedings.

The legal challenge was initiated by two construction firms who argued that the “abrupt” mandated increase would be entirely absorbed by their budgets, leading to sustained deficits and potential job cuts.

Sarah Buena S. Mirasol, chairperson of the NCR wage board, maintained that the wage board operated within its legal mandate in issuing the wage hike.

She added that the plaintiffs should have exhausted administrative remedies by appealing to the national commission before seeking judicial intervention.

“We are confident of the fact that we followed due process, and we follow the process as provided in the guidelines for the minimum wage fixing,” Ms. Mirasol said.

She added that any request for a restraining order should demonstrate “harm to all minimum wage earners rather than a specific sector.”

The government plans to argue for the hike’s validity in the upcoming August 3 hearing. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking

LOWER oil prices and increased consumer spending as classes reopened helped Philippine business sentiment recover in June after three straight months in negative territory, a survey by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed.

The BSP’s monthly business expectations survey (BES) yielded a 0% current-month confidence index (CI) in June, improving from the -25.2% in May.

A neutral or zero CI shows that optimistic and pessimistic respondents are nearly equal in number. A positive CI shows that more respondents are optimistic than pessimistic, while a negative CI shows otherwise.

“Philippine business sentiment improved in June as firms expected lower oil prices and energy costs to support increased business activity during the period, results of the latest Business Expectation Survey show,” the central bank said in a statement on Friday.

“BES data also show firms anticipated a boost in consumer spending following the reopening of schools during the month.”

The survey also showed businesses were more optimistic for the third quarter and the next 12 months.

For the next three months, firms’ CI stood at 18.8%, jumping from the 0.6% recorded in May, amid optimism that was driven by expectations of higher household consumption and easing inflation pressures.

Meanwhile, their CI for the year ahead rose to 42.4% in June from 27.8% in May as they anticipate stronger demand for goods and services among consumers, as well as better local and global economic conditions amid hopes of a resolution to the Middle East war.

However, businesses surveyed still expect inflation to remain above the BSP’s 4% ceiling, with their year-ahead projection at 5.6%. Still, this was slower than their 5.9% estimate in May.

“Businesses that expect higher inflation were concerned about higher energy cost and supply constraints, the ongoing Middle East conflict, (and) peso depreciation,” the central bank said.

Inflation as of June averaged 4.8% as high oil prices and spillovers to other key commodities continued to drive the headline print past the BSP’s tolerance range.

The central bank expects inflation to average 6.4% this year.

TIGHTER FINANCIAL CONDITIONS
Meanwhile, Philippine firms see tightening financial conditions but slightly easing credit access, citing stiff domestic competition, insufficient demand, and financial concerns.

Businesses’ financial condition index, which gauges their general cash position considering the level of cash and other cash items and repayment terms on loans, worsened to -26.8% in June from -25.7% in May.

On the other hand, their credit access index improved month on month to -5.7% from -7.3%. This refers to the firm’s external environment, such as the availability of credit in the banking system and other financial institutions.

Firms’ average capacity utilization for the industry and construction sectors also climbed to 73.9% in June from 70.5% last month.

Meanwhile, Philippine businesses’ employment outlook index fell to 1.8% from 11.9% for the next three months, and to 20.2% from 20.4% for the coming year.

However, the survey showed that more firms were willing to expand, with 20.4% saying they are looking to boost operations over the next quarter from 9.7% in May. For the year ahead, 18.7% expressed their intent to expand, higher than the 11.8% a month ago.

“Overall, the favorable business outlook could support economic growth for 2027,” the central bank said.

The BSP surveyed 515 firms nationwide, with 193 coming from the National Capital Region (NCR) and 322 from areas outside NCR, from June 5-30.

Chief Commercial Officer of DITO Telecommunity Adel A. Tamano said the partnership with the multinational convenience store chain is anchored on their shared commitment to innovation, customer value, and growth.

“By combining our strengths, we aim to create more meaningful experiences for Filipino consumers while opening new opportunities that will benefit both organizations,” Mr. Tamano said in a statement released on Thursday.

“We look forward to building a partnership that reflects our shared vision of delivering greater choice, convenience, and value to the communities we serve,” he added.

Under the partnership, customers can now purchase DITO Starter Packs — which include a SIM card preloaded with up to 25 gigabytes of bonus data, among other inclusions — at more than 200 Lawson stores in Metro Manila.

The initiative makes reliable connectivity more accessible while providing greater convenience and value to Filipinos, according to Tsunaka Nakanishi, vice-president of Lawson Philippines.

DITO said the collaboration marks another milestone in the company’s continued expansion of its retail footprint while empowering Filipinos with accessible, high-quality digital connectivity. — Edg Adrian A. Eva