Billy Crawford wins 'Mask Singer France' Season 9

Billy Crawford wins 'Mask Singer France' Season 9

GMA News
30 June 2026

Billy Crawford is the winner of "Mask Singer France" Season 9!

The Filipino entertainer portrayed The Donkey or L'Ane throughout the show. Billy performed "Beat It" by Michael Jackson in the finale.

"This was an absolutely amazing experience!" Billy said on Instagram.

He thanked "The Masked Singer" family for keeping him a secret for a whole month, as well as the costume designers for their patience and the adjustments they made.

Billy also thanked everyone who voted for him.

"L'Ane was a very special character to me because I chose it with my son Amari in mind. I figured if he loved it, everyone else would too!" Billy said.

"Most of all, thank You, Lord God, for giving me the courage, strength, and opportunity to compete—and on top of that, to win!" he added.

"Mask Singer" is a competition show in which celebrities sing in costume and hide their identities.

Billy previously won "Dancing With The Stars France" in 2022.

He was previously a judge on "The Voice Kids Philippines."

PH's first engineer analog astronaut takes part in Poland research mission

PH's first engineer analog astronaut takes part in Poland research mission

Lyjah Tiffany Bonzo
GMA News
29 June 2026

Dr. Mark Angelo Purio represented the Philippines in a space research mission in Poland, making him the country’s first engineer analog astronaut and fourth analog astronaut.

In Adamson University’s (AdU) post, it recognized Purio’s participation in the LunAres Analog Astronaut Mission M4.26, where he joined an international crew in advancing research that “supports future lunar and Martian exploration.”

Purio is an associate professor at AdU’s Electronics Engineering Department and the head of its very own Space Technologies and Applications Research Laboratory (STARLab).

“This remarkable milestone reflects Adamson University's commitment to research, innovation, and global engagement, inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and space explorers,” the university said Monday.

"During the mission, he also contributes to Adobo4Space, a collaborative initiative with the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), and UPD Department of Food Science and Nutrition, bringing Filipino innovation—and even Filipino flavors—to space research."

An Analog Mission is a research method focused on investigating one or several aspects of crewed space missions using earthly real-life situations as an analogue to an off-world scenario, the LunAres Research Station Director said.

According to the research station, joining the research program as an analog astronaut is open to individuals from all fields — whether they are an artist, researcher, journalist, engineer, student, or even a person with disabilities.

The Philippines’ first and second analog astronauts are Kristine Jane Atienza and Dr. Marvic Alcantara, who joined the Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation (HI-SEAS) in 2024.

Meanwhile, the third analog astronaut is Florence Pauline Basubas, according to the Philippine Space Agency. — BAP, GMA News

Philippines emerging as one of the world's fastest-growing markets for rooftop solar insallations

Philippines leads in solar panel use

Alimat Aliyeva
Azernews (Azebaijan news outlet)
 29 June 2026

Residents of the Philippines are increasingly turning to rooftop solar panels as electricity prices continue to soar, making solar energy one of the fastest-growing alternatives in the country, AzerNEWS reports.

According to reports, the Philippines' largest electricity distributor, Meralco, recently raised power tariffs by 10% following the escalation of tensions in the Middle East, which pushed global energy prices higher. As a result, demand for residential solar systems has surged, with the Philippines emerging as one of the world's fastest-growing markets for rooftop solar installations.

The average Filipino household now spends around 12% of its monthly income on electricity bills. Unlike many other Southeast Asian nations, the Philippines provides limited government subsidies for electricity, leaving consumers to pay some of the highest power prices in the region.

Homeowners say the falling cost of solar panels, combined with steadily rising electricity rates, has made investing in rooftop solar systems more financially attractive than ever. Many families expect to recover their installation costs within just a few years through lower monthly utility bills.

The Philippines receives abundant sunshine throughout the year, averaging 4.5 to 5.5 peak sun hours per day. This makes rooftop solar one of the country's most effective renewable energy solutions, allowing many households to significantly reduce their dependence on the national power grid while lowering long-term energy costs.

Swedish firms choose Philippines as preferred investment market

Philippines among top investment markets for Swedish firms

Louella Desiderio
Philstar Global
28 June 2026

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is among the top investment markets for Swedish firms with over 60 percent of companies planning to increase their investments in the country, according to a survey.

The Global Business Climate Survey 2026, produced by Business Sweden and Sweden’s embassies and consulates, showed that the Philippines ranked as the second preferred investment market, with 63 percent of Swedish firms expecting to expand in the country in the next 12 months. This is up from 55 percent that planned to increase their investments last year.

Topping the list was South Africa where 66 percent of Swedish companies plan to invest more in the coming 12 months.

The survey covered over 2,250 respondents in 41 markets. In the Philippines, the survey covered 38 respondents.

For Swedish companies, the Philippines is an attractive growth market because of its long-term macroeconomic fundamentals and large and young consumer base.

Most Swedish firms in the Philippines are also optimistic on their performance this year, with 82 percent expecting increased turnover, higher than 58 percent last year.

Despite the optimistic outlook, Swedish firms are concerned about corruption in the country.

While most firms report limited direct exposure to bribery or fraud, there are concerns on how the flood control corruption scandal last year may affect investor and consumer confidence and weigh on overall market growth.

To improve the country’s competitiveness and business environment, Swedish firms cited digitalization, infrastructure improvement and ease of doing business reforms as key priorities.

To succeed and grow in the Philippines, Swedish firms are focusing on sales, marketing, after-sales services and customer support.

Other factors seen vital to Swedish firms’ success are cost efficiency and finding the right partners.

Filipino chef crowned as Young Chef England 2026

Filipino chef Stephen Raymundo crowned as Young Chef England 2026

Jude Cartalaba
ABS-CBN News
June 26, 2026 

In the high-stakes, pressure-cooker world of global gastronomy, the Philippines has found its newest torchbearer in Stephen Raymundo.

The young Filipino chef, currently part of the team at Claridge's in London, was recently crowned Young Chef England 2026. 

While the accolade places him among the country's most promising culinary talents, his path to the award began far from professional kitchens. He did not study in an elite culinary institute or undergo traditional culinary training. Instead, his passion for cooking started at home at the tender age of 13.

“My mum was the first person who taught me how to cook, and the first dish I ever made was adobo, a Filipino classic,” Raymundo shared, looking back with a smile. 

“From that moment, it became something special between us. Whenever she was not home or was on her way back, she would text me and say, ‘Cook me adobo!’ Looking back now, that was the beginning of my connection with food.”

Today, while he spends his days mastering the rigorous, meticulous techniques of British and French haute cuisine at Claridge’s, his heart remains anchored to his roots. For Raymundo, the ultimate goal is to weave his heritage into his cooking, serving up world-class dishes inflected with a distinct Filipino twist.

Flavor and emotion

For this young chef, cooking is far more than a display of technical skill — it is an exercise in empathy and human connection.

“My philosophy as a chef is to make a memory for the guest,” he explained. “I want my food to be something people remember, not only because of how it tasted, but because of how it made them feel.”

“I love seeing people react to something I have cooked, especially friends and family who do not know I am a chef. Seeing their faces light up and hearing them say, ‘Wow, this is nice’—is one of the most rewarding feelings. Food has the ability to bring back memories, create new ones, and connect people through flavour, smell, and presentation,” Raymundo said.

It is this profound understanding of individuality that sets him apart in a sea of talent.

“You could give three chefs the exact same ingredients, garnish, and brief, and each one would create something completely different,” he noted. “That is what makes food so exciting. Every plate carries the personality, creativity, and perspective of the chef behind it.”

Working in Claridge’s

Raymundo attributed the sharp trajectory of his growth to the unforgiving, elite standard of his current culinary home.

“Much of my development has come through real kitchen experience, especially through the daily trials and standards at Claridge’s. Working there has taught me discipline, consistency, speed, flavour, presentation, and respect for ingredients,” he said.

That rigorous discipline was put to the test at the World Young Chef Young Waiter (YYY) England Finals 2026. Facing down an esteemed, eagle-eyed panel of industry titans — including celebrity chef Calum Franklin, Simon Attridge of Claridge's, Mario Perera of Jumeirah Carlton Tower, Tom Booton, and Roy Ner — Raymundo excelled under immense live pressure.

The competition goes far beyond the plate, evaluating emerging professionals on technical prowess, organization, creativity, teamwork, and mental fortitude.

Established in the UK in 1979, the YYY competition is an internationally revered platform celebrating the finest hospitality talent aged 28 and under. Designed to champion hospitality as a noble vocation, it fosters mentorship and opens global doors for the industry’s future leaders.

Raymundo shared the 2026 England podium with two equally formidable peers: Alex Coward from London's Hide, who claimed Young Waiter of the Year; and Juni Guthrie from Sexy Fish, who secured Young Mixologist of the Year.

Together, this trio will proudly represent England at the upcoming World Finals, where they will face off against the absolute best young hospitality talent on the planet.

As Raymundo prepares to take his place on the global stage, he carries with him the discipline of Claridge's, the prestige of England's culinary elite, and the unforgettable aroma of a mother's home-cooked adobo.

That fascination with the emotional resonance of food drives his daily hustle.

Fil-Canadian Nurse John landed on Forbes magazine's "Top Creators of 2026" list

Filipino-Canadian nurse John makes Forbes' new top creators list

Kristofer Purnell
Philstar Global
26 June 2026

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino-Canadian nurse and content creator John Dela Cruz, more popularly known as Nurse John, landed on Forbes magazine's "Top Creators of 2026" list.

Nurse John figured in the No. 28 spots, a good middle finish in between American content creators Marques Brownlee and Tana Mongeau.

Forbes noted that Nurse John scored a 12.97% average engagement from his over 19 million followers. His $7.2 million (PP441 million) earnings garnered him an Entrpreneurship Score of 3.

The magazine mentioned in a write-up how the creator "turned hospital burnout into a multimillion-dollar stand-up career," recalling Nurse John's frontline services during the pandemic and the TikTok videos he posted to cope with his industry's chaos.

The past couple of years saw Nurse John sell out a number of comedy shows — including his "Short Staffed Tour" visiting the Philippines earlier this year — as well as appearances in several comedy events like Netflix Is a Joke and Just for Laughs.

It should come as no surprise that topping Forbes' list is Jimmy Donaldson or MrBeast, the most-followed YouTuber to date.

MrBeast was followed by Dhar Mann and Steven Bartlett, with Markiplier and Rhett & Link rounding out the Top 5.

Other familiar names on the list include Druski, I Show Speed, Mark Rober, Khaby Lame, Ms. Rachel, Jacksepticeye, Steven He, and the D'Amelio sisters Charli and Dixie.

Put together the 50 listed creators have combined earnings worth more than a billion dollars.

Seven Philippine companies secured spots in 2026 Forbes Global 2000

7 Philippine firms land on Forbes Global 2000 list

Emmanuel John B. Abris 
Inquirer.net
26 June 2026

MANILA, Philippines – Seven Philippine companies secured spots in the 2026 edition of the Forbes Global 2000, with SM Investments Corp. (SMIC) emerging as the country’s highest-ranked on the annual list of the world’s largest publicly traded firms.

SMIC placed 1,029th globally, 

ahead of BDO Unibank Inc. at 1,082nd.

The others include Top Frontier Investment Holdings Inc. (1,170th), 

International Container Terminal Services Inc. (1,375th), 

Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (1,383rd), 

Ayala Corp. (1,532nd) 

and Manila Electric Co. (1,704th).

Now in its 24th year, the Forbes Global 2000 ranking is based on four equally weighted metrics: sales, profits, assets and market value.

“This reflects the trust of our customers and investors, the work of our people, and the strength of the businesses we have built over the years,” said Frederic C. DyBuncio, president and CEO of SMIC.

“We continue to invest in the Philippines because we believe in the country’s future and long-term growth,” DyBuncio added.

Forbes said companies included in this year’s rankings posted record-high figures despite trade tensions, geopolitical uncertainty and persistent inflation.

Collectively, the 2,000 companies generated $56 trillion in annual revenue, $5.5 trillion in profit, held $272.2 trillion in assets and accounted for $121.9 trillion in market value. These are based on financial data available as of May 15, 2026.

Forbes said the rankings reflected the continued dominance of banking, technology and energy companies in the global economy.

JPMorgan Chase retained the No. 1 spot for the fourth consecutive year, leading 593 US-based companies on the list. Amazon climbed to second place, followed by Berkshire Hathaway in third.

Alphabet, the parent company of Google, ranked fourth as the artificial intelligence boom continued to lift major technology companies, while Saudi Aramco rounded out the top five.

The rest of the top 10 consisted of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (sixth), Bank of America and Microsoft (tied at seventh), China Construction Bank (ninth) and Agricultural Bank of China (10th). INQ