PH eyes Bulacan as global AI hardware gateway

PH eyes Bulacan as global AI hardware gateway

Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas
GMA News 
09 October 2026

The Philippines is eyeing Bulacan as a gateway for artificial intelligence (AI) compute hardware for Asia and the world, as part of a long-term industrial strategy that extends beyond the planned Pax Silica hub in New Clark City.

According to Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo, the proposed gateway would leverage the Bulacan Special Economic Zone and Freeport, overseen by the Bulacan Economic Zone Authority (BEZA), and its proximity to the New Manila International Airport (NMIA).

Under the vision, Bulacan would serve as a hub for consolidating components sourced from across the region, assembling them into AI compute hardware, including server racks, and shipping the finished products to global markets.

“Could an airport-centered economic zone eventually become a global technology, logistics, and distribution gateway? I believe it is worth imagining, but this is really a longer-term vision,” Rodolfo said during the 2026 FINEX Conference in Pasay City.

The DTI official said the concept would involve bringing in components from countries such as Singapore and Malaysia, assembling and integrating them locally, and testing and validating the finished products before exporting them.

“Halimbawa, meron kang mga ginagawang components, pero hindi naman natin lahat kayang gawin. May mga manggagaling sa Singapore, may manggagaling sa Malaysia. Ang importante, ma-aggregate mo, tapos ma-assemble mo, tapos malipad mo kaagad ‘yung racks papunta sa kung saan man,” he said in an interview.

(For example, you make components, but you cannot do it all. There will be those coming from Singapore, from Malaysia. What is important is you are able to aggregate and assemble, and ship the racks immediately to the markets.)

“Ayun ‘yung concept — components arrive, advanced manufacturing, integrated sa BEZA, complete manufacturing, tapos lipad kaagad. So parang ano ‘yan, connecting to the world na. Ganda niyan ‘pag natuloy,” he added.

(That’s the concept — components arrive, undergo advanced manufacturing, integrated at BEZA, go through complete manufacturing, and are then immediately shipped out by air. So it’s essentially about connecting to the world. It would be great if this pushes through.)

The proposed gateway would, however, depend in part on the development of NMIA,, the P740-billion aviation project in Bulakan, Bulacan, being built by San Miguel Aerocity Inc., targeted to cater to 100 million passengers yearly once complete. Operations are set to start in 2028.

“Kung meron ka nang airport, tapos meron ka pang ecozone na malaki, it raises the possibility that it can be your AI gateway. Kasi ang labanan dito sa AI, ‘yung pabilisan,” Rodolfo said.

(If you already have the airport and you have a large ecozone, it raises the possibility that it can be your AI gateway. Because in AI, the competition is all about speed.)

The proposed Bulacan gateway is eyed as the fifth node in the country’s industrial push. The first being advanced manufacturing in New Clark City, the second on integrated circuit design, the third on critical minerals and mineral processing, and the fourth on AI computing infrastructure including data centers.

“The fifth node is the AI Global Connectivity and Distribution node. What we design, what we build must reach the world. And this is where we see a long-term opportunity in Bulacan,” Rodolfo said. —AOL, GMA News

BINI has become the first Filipino act nominated for Favorite Global Music Star

BINI makes history as first Filipino act nominated at Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards

Jan Milo Severo 
Philstar.com
October 9, 2026 

MANILA, Philippines — P-pop girl group BINI has become the first Filipino act nominated for Favorite Global Music Star at the 2026 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards.

The eight-member group, composed of Jhoanna, Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha and Sheena, will compete against international acts Taylor Swift, Zara Larsson, Tyla, Olivia Dean and Tame Impala in the global music category.

Asia’s representatives in previous editions were predominantly K-pop acts, including BigBang in 2017; BTS in 2018, 2020, 2021 and 2022; Blackpink in 2019, 2023 and 2024; and Stray Kids in 2025.

The nomination comes days after BINI won Artist of the Year and Tour of the Year for its Signals World Tour 2026 at the Filipino Music Awards 2026, held Tuesday.

The group is also among the performers announced for LaLaLa Fest Manila 2027, which will take place on January 14, 2027. British singer Olivia Dean is set to headline the festival.

Dried mango to be sent to space

Pinoy pride: Dried mangoes are headed for space soon

Karl Jerome M. del Mundo, DOST-STII
Philippine Information Agency (PIA)
October 9, 2026

If we send Filipinos to space, what will they eat?

This is the question the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) and its partners are exploring through the Philippine Space Mango Program.

The program looks at how the iconic Carabao mango—the Philippine national fruit—can be developed into a food product suited for long-duration space missions and other challenging environments.

“We’re taking the Carabao mango and exploring how it can be part of the Filipino story in space,” said Gina B. Abrera of DOST-PNRI, project leader of the program. “We want a product that can travel far, represent our identity, and remind future astronauts of home.”

The initiative brings together DOST-PNRI, the University of the Philippines Diliman for food science expertise, the Philippine Space Agency for alignment with the national space roadmap, and the Batangas Mango High Value Growers Agriculture Cooperative (BAMAHGACO) as mango farmer-partners.

The program is one of the featured DOST initiatives at the 2026 National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (NSTW) to be held in General Santos City from November 25–29, 2026. It is also seen to support broader efforts to strengthen the Philippine dried mango industry and its competitiveness in international markets, as well as to explore food solutions for emergency and disaster-response situations.

“We’re not just thinking about nutrition. We’re thinking about identity, comfort, and home,” Abrera said. “By 2035, the Philippines aims to send its first astronaut to space. That person will need food that reminds them of home.”

Filipino bartender wins 2026 World Bartending Championship in Florida

Filipino bartender Roniel Lopez wins 2026 World Bartending Championship

ABS-CBN Lifestyle
October 09, 2026

MANILA — Filipino bartender Roniel Lopez of TGI Fridays Philippines won the 2026 World Bartending Championship in Orlando, Florida, beating seven competitors from around the world, the restaurant announced Friday.

Lopez topped bartenders representing the United States, Greece, Trinidad and Tobago, Peru, the United Kingdom, Japan and Taiwan. Chantry Coffman of the US placed second, while Aleksandro Naksi of Greece finished third.

The competition consisted of a compulsory round, which tested technical knowledge, recipe accuracy and pouring precision, and a freestyle round that showcased the contestants’ flair bartending skills, including bottle flips, throws and catches.

Lopez began learning flair bartending in Grade 7, using taped empty glass bottles to practice spins and catches because he had limited access to professional equipment.

He later joined bartending competitions and completed a three-month Technical Education and Skills Development Authority course, where he learned traditional bartending techniques and drink mixing.

Working at TGI Fridays’ Eastwood branch in Quezon City helped him develop his performance skills and learn how to engage an audience, according to the company.

Lopez has been part of the restaurant chain’s Bar Tour since 2023, demonstrating bartending techniques and teaching guests about the craft.

His early competition results were mixed. He scored poorly in his first Best Corner Bar in Town competition in 2023 but returned to win the contest in 2024. In August 2025, he won the TGI Fridays Philippines Bartending Championship, earning the opportunity to compete internationally.

“My goal was to bring something different and original during the competition. I wanted to give the complete package: technical knowledge, accuracy, flair, personality, energy, confidence, and compelling showmanship,” Lopez said.

TGI Fridays has produced several World Bartending Championship winners, including Eric “El Terrible” Martinez in 2006, Rizza Umlas in 2015 and Jholan Peñafiel in 2017. Umlas was the first woman to win the title, according to the company.

Lopez’s victory adds to the Philippines’ record of success in the international competition and highlights the country’s presence in the global bartending and hospitality industry.

Preparing for the world championship required eight to 10 hours of daily training. Lopez memorized hundreds of drink recipes, practiced flair techniques and worked on his stage presence and audience engagement.

SB19 performs ASEAN 2026 Song

SB19 Lend Their Voice To The Official ASEAN 2026 Song

Named Philippine tourism ambassadors in July, the group continues its role in representing the country through music.

Andrea Manuel
Billboard Philippines 
07 October 2026

SB19 continue to extend their influence beyond the stage, lending their voices to “Together In Motion,” the official song for the Philippines’ ASEAN 2026 chairship.

Released by the Department of Tourism, the song features Josh, Pablo, Stell, Ken, and Justin delivering a message of unity through its central hook, “Together, one heart, one dream, one ocean.” Composed by Anya Lagman and arranged by Jimmy Antiporda and Louie Ocampo, the anthem echoes the Philippines’ ASEAN 2026 theme, “Navigating Our Future, Together.”

As this year’s ASEAN chair, the Philippines will host the 49th ASEAN Summit on November 16 to 18, 2026.

The music video shows SB19 recording and performing the song alongside scenes of the country’s destinations and culture. The project follows the boy group’s appointment as Philippine tourism ambassadors in July, adding to their growing role beyond their work as recording artists.

“Together In Motion” comes amid a year of increased visibility for SB19 in spaces outside the music industry. On September 28, 2026, the Philippine Senate recognized the boy group for their historic Lollapalooza 2026 performance and contributions to the country’s creative industry.

Together with their label, 1Z Entertainment, SB19 have also worked with Senator Bam Aquino on Senate Bill No. 2517 or the proposed Philippine Agency for the Creative Economy (PACE) Act. The measure aims to strengthen support for creatives, including assistance with visas, travel, logistics, and international participation.

In related news, SB19 took home three awards at the 2026 Filipino Music Awards: People’s Choice – Artist, People’s Choice – Song for “VISA” as well as Concert of the Year for Wakas at Simula: The Trilogy Concert Finale.

Philippines marks eight-year winning streak as Asia’s Leading Dive Destination with six WTA Asia wins

Philippines marks eight-year winning streak as Asia’s Leading Dive Destination with six WTA Asia wins

Great Travel Magazine
GTContentSteam
07 October 2026

The Philippines marked its eight consecutive year as Asia’s Leading Dive Destination at the World Travel Awards (WTA) Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2026, held at CROSSROADS Maldives on Sunday (Sept. 27).

The country likewise secured five other major wins, including Asia’s Leading Beach Destination 2026 for the ninth time and Asia’s Leading Island Destination 2026 for the third consecutive year.

Boracay retained its title as Asia’s Leading Luxury Island Destination 2026 for the third straight year, while the Department of Tourism (DOT) was named Asia’s Leading Tourist Board 2026 for the fourth time.

The City of San Fernando, Pampanga earned the title of Asia’s Leading Cultural City Destination 2026, marking the Philippines’ first win in the said category. The recognition highlights the city’s rich heritage, traditions, crafts, culinary offerings, and festivals, including the Giant Lantern Festival.

“With the momentum from these recognitions, we want to further establish diving as one of the Philippines’ key tourism products in 2027. This means improving access and logistics to our dive destinations and strengthening promotions that showcase the exceptional marine and natural assets we have across the country. At the same time, we will continue working to enhance safety and security for both local and international travelers, while investing in the training and education of our tourism frontliners in our dive and beach destinations. Our goal is to make diving and other water-based activities safer, more accessible, and easier for travelers to experience, supported by more efficient services and better-connected destinations,” Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay said.

Philippine tourism industry players also brought home nine Asia-level awards, led by the country’s flag carrier Philippine Airlines, named Asia’s Leading Cultural Airline. Savoy Hotel Manila was recognized as Asia’s Leading Airport Hotel, while Amanpulo and Discovery Primea were named Asia’s Leading Private Island Resort and Asia’s Leading Business Hotel, respectively. Other Philippine winners were Admiral Hotel Manila – MGallery, Asia’s Leading Design Hotel; Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila, Asia’s Leading Serviced Apartments; City of Dreams Manila, Asia’s Leading Casino Resort; Fili Hotel Bridgetowne, Asia’s Leading New Luxury Hotel Development Project; and Okada Manila, Asia’s Leading Entertainment Resort.

Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards recognizes excellence across the global travel, tourism, and hospitality industries through regional and global awards. Regional winners advance to the WTA Grand Final, where they compete with winners from other regional heats for the World categories.

Manila won silver award at Seoul Smart City Prize 2026

Manila bags silver Smart City award

Philstar Global 
07 October 2026

MANILA, Philippines — The city of Manila won the silver award in the tech-innova city category at the Seoul Smart City Prize 2026.

Recognized for its integrated geographic information systems (GIS), Manila tied with Buenos Aires in Argentina for the prize.

Madrid won gold, while Cuenca in Ecuador, Granada in Spain and Konya in Turkey garnered bronze.

The Manila Innovation Integrated GIS and Data Hub can be used in disaster risk reduction, public safety, sustainable environment management and inclusive economic growth.

“This is proof that Manila belongs on the world stage. Years of hard work by our GIS team and our disaster risk reduction personnel brought us here. I could not be more proud of what they have built,” Mayor Isko Moreno said in a statement.

The award recognized how Manila used digital mapping, spatial analysis and real-time data monitoring to strengthen the city’s management of floods, fires and other emergencies across its six districts.

Ramon Jefferson Verano is officer-in-charge of the electronic data processing services under the Office of the Mayor and concurrent chief of the Manila Innovation and Integrated GIS and Data Hub.

The hub is under the special projects section of the Manila City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department led by director Arnel Eustacio Angeles.

“When we invest in technology like GIS, we are investing in the safety of every Manileño. Every peso we put into this system is a peso that goes toward making sure our people are protected when disasters strike,” Moreno said.