Newsletter: No Single Hotspot: UP Scientists Find Leptospirosis-Causing Bacteria Across a Manila Waterway

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By: Ram Julius L. Marababol

Phase contrast photomicrograph in 100X of the described Leptospira. (Photo credit: Ram Julius L. Marababol)

Leptospirosis is one of the Philippines' most persistent and least talked-about health threats: a bacterial disease carried in contaminated water and soil, spiking every year the moment the rains and the floodwaters come. Two new peer-reviewed studies out of the University of the Philippines – Diliman College of Science (UPD-CS) and the Philippine Genome Center (PGC) now show that the picture may be worse than health workers assumed. This is not because the bacterium is new, but because of where scientists just found it living, and how completely it has settled in.

Newsletter: PLDT, Smart: Spotting ‘fake news’ no longer enough

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(L-R) PLDT and Smart Public Engagement Group Head Roby Alampay, RADM Jay Tarriela, and Assistant Professor JM Lanuza at the recent PEG-Usapan Natin Session in Makati City.

In an information environment increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, algorithms and coordinated influence campaigns, simply knowing how to spot “fake news” is no longer enough.

Newsletter: Ukrainian Cultural Festival Brings Three Weeks of Film, Theater and Poetry to New York, Closing Nov. 6 at Carnegie Hall

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The  fourth annual Ukrainian Cultural Festival (UCF), presented by Razom for Ukraine, runs through Nov. 6  at venues across New York City, with 18 extraordinary events. The festival began Oct. 18 at Carnegie Hall with the U.S. premiere of Oleh Bezborodko's Steel, Violet, Rage—the first four-hands piano concerto by a Ukrainian composer. 

Newsletter: Rol3ert Releases Debut Album "meet me in my head" and Confirms First-Ever Shows in Jakarta and Manila

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(Credit: Exciter Records)

Japanese singer-songwriter Rol3ert released his debut full-length album meet me in my head October 21. Spanning 14 songs written and sung in both Japanese and English, it turns the emotions and values he has carried up to the age of 20 into music. It brings together fan favourites including "meaning," "savior," "Boy," "Kodoku" and "HOPE" with brand-new songs such as focus track "i won't see you anymore," alongside advance single "With you" featuring Malaysian singer-songwriter and producer Johnson, his first collaboration with a Southeast Asian artist on record.

Newsletter: IDLEPITCH invites listeners to slow down with funky new single “Sige Lang”

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After their vital reintroduction with Manila Sound-inflected “Salamangka,” Naga-based band IDLEPITCH keeps the momentum going with “Sige Lang,” a buoyant new single released independently via Underdog Music Asia.

Newsletter: FAIRMONT HOTELS & RESORTS INVITES GUESTS TO BE ‘WRAPPED IN THE MOMENT’ THIS FESTIVE SEASON

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Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, a global luxury brand part of Accor, invites guests to embrace the festive season through “Wrapped in the Moment,” a collection of experiences that celebrate presence, connection and the lasting joy of being together.

Newsletter: Cebuana Lhuillier Aralan: Expanding Access to Education Through Community-Based Learning

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Education does not begin and end in the classroom. To develop strong literacy skills, children also need books, places to read, and resources that encourage them to keep learning. Yet for many Filipino families, particularly those in underserved and hard-to-reach areas, these basic tools remain difficult to find.

Newsletter: Smart, Robinsons power connected lifestyles with Smart 5G

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For today's Filipino consumers, staying connected has become as essential as everyday shopping. Whether keeping in touch with loved ones, managing online transactions, accessing digital services, or sharing life's important moments, connectivity has become an integral part of daily life.

Newsletter: New Pet Care Brands Amico & Veravit Enter the Local Market, Name Maxene Magalona as Brand Ambassador

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Amico Innovations Inc. celebrated the growth of its pet care brands, Amico and Veravit, at the Amico & Veravit Pet Carenival, held on October 16, 2026, at Avire Tower in Quezon City. The event officially introduced actress and cat mom Maxene Magalona as the brands’ newest celebrity ambassador, bringing together influencers, business partners, media, and pets for interactive activities and educational discussions on responsible pet care. Through the event, the company highlighted its commitment to making science-backed, functional pet nutrition more accessible to Filipino households. With upcoming product innovations and expansion into major retailers such as Robinsons, Puregold and 7-Eleven, Amico Innovations Inc. aims to raise the standard of pet care in the Philippines.

Newsletter: Global pop sensation Tate McRae returns with “Housewife”

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(Photo Credit: Pierre-Ange Carlotti)

GRAMMY-nominated and multi-platinum selling artist Tate McRae releases her new single “Housewife” alongside the music video via RCA Records. The pop anthem is about a woman who can’t be contained and explores themes of love, fame, and independence. 

Newsletter: Mynt CEO Martha Sazon brings PH financial inclusion story to UN stage

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Mynt President and CEO Martha Sazon highlights how technology can help underserved Filipinos access credit and turn financial access into opportunity during her keynote at the UN Global Compact Leaders Summit in New York

The Philippines’ push for greater financial inclusion took the global stage as Mynt President and CEO Martha Sazon shared how technology can help close the country’s financial access gap at the UN Global Compact Leaders Summit 2026 in New York.

Newsletter: Crunchyroll Brings Talent Behind Overgeared to AFA Singapore 2026

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©Overgeared Animation Partners

Get ready to step into the world of Overgeared! Crunchyroll, the global destination for anime fandom, is bringing the talent behind Overgeared to Anime Festival Asia (AFA) Singapore 2026, taking place from 27–29 November at Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre. Returning for its fourth consecutive year at the festival, Crunchyroll will bring together Japanese voice actor Tatsumaru Tachibana, the voice of Grid, director Ayako Kono, and executive producer Nobuhiro Osawa, where they will connect with fans through a special appearance on Saturday, November 28.

Newsletter: On Home Security: Not Every Home Security Plan Is the Same

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Home Security Starts With a Risk Assessment, Not a Shopping List, Says Resilience Expert Ace Esmeralda

On The Commanders, Esmeralda explained that families should look at their own vulnerabilities before buying cameras and locks.

Newsletter: Estelle Fly brings club-pop nostalgia and playful swagger to new single ‘Shut It Down’

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Singaporean pop artist Estelle Fly returns with ‘Shut It Down’, a playful club-pop single about switching off the overthinking and making the dance floor your own. Inspired by the Rihanna and Kesha songs she used to get ready and go out to, the new release is an invitation to let loose, dance with friends and have fun even when life feels complicated.

Newsletter: Taste of Iceland Festival Debuts in Vancouver November 11-14

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Taste of Iceland 2026, organized by Inspired by Iceland, arrives in Vancouver on Wednesday, November 11, through Saturday, November 14. The cultural festival celebrates Iceland with events across the city showcasing the best of Icelandic culture, including food, music, nature, travel, design, innovation, and more.