Analysis: US strike on Venezuela to embolden China’s territorial claims, Taiwan attack unlikely, analysts...
China could leverage US strikes to strengthen its claims over Taiwan, South China Sea islands - analysts
US attack an opportunity for China...
Key dates on the agenda of the pope and Vatican for 2026
Pope Leo XIV is preparing for a very busy year at the Vatican in 2026, with important events such as the conclusion of the...
Hospitals seek donations amid ‘critically low’ blood supplies at the start of 2026
Two hospitals are calling for blood donations at the start of the year as supplies remain low for their patients.
On January 2, Makati Medical...
‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ reaches $1 billion in global ticket sales
James Cameron's science-fiction fantasy "Avatar: Fire and Ash" has surpassed $1 billion in global box office proceeds, the director's fourth film to cross that...
How Maduro’s capture went down – a military strategist explains what goes into a...
The predawn seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on Jan. 3, 2026 was a complicated affair. It was also, operationally, a resounding success for...
Countdown to the closing of the jubilee: When, who will close the Holy Doors...
VATICAN— Just one day remains until the closing of the holy year, which was inaugurated by Pope Francis on Dec. 24, 2024. On Jan. 6,...
‘Nagsalita na ulit’: Zaldy Co pops up in wedding SDE video
What was supposed to be an emotional highlight of Christian and Cariza’s wedding took an unexpected and viral turn when a familiar name suddenly...
From banana leaves to better livelihoods: How a Filipino innovator is turning waste into...
As the Philippines continues to grapple with the challenge of creating sustainable jobs, the numbers tell a sobering story.
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority...
Idris Elba, Torvill and Dean star in Britain’s New Year honours
Actor Idris Elba and ice dancers Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean were among the hundreds named in King Charles's New Year honors list published...
From Christmas lights to final battle and the Upside Down: ‘Stranger Things’ moments we’ll...
Long before the Upside Down became a global obsession, "Stranger Things" earned its place in our lives by telling a deeply human story. Yes,...
‘Zootopia 2’ breaks record to become top-grossing Disney animation film
Walt Disney Animation Studios' DIS.N "Zootopia 2" surpassed 2019's "Frozen 2" to become its highest-grossing film ever, the company said on Wednesday, marking a bright spot...
Five ways to improve your health this year that don’t rely on losing weight
Every January, internet searches for the terms “diet” and “weight loss” surge, gyms become busier and diet trends spread across social media. But research...
‘Maui Wowie hiker version’: Woman strikes daring poses on a narrow ledge at Mt....
A hiker shared a video capturing a daring moment during a climb at Mt. Pamitinan in Montalban, Rizal. In December 2025, online user Trish Balisnomo (@trish_valisn) shared...
South Korean won, Indonesian rupiah lead losses as most Asian currencies fall
The following table shows rates for Asian currencies against the dollar at 0208 GMT. CURRENCIES VS U.S. DOLLAR Currency
Latest bid
Previous day
Pct Move Japan yen
156.590
156.66
+0.04 Sing dlr
1.284
1.2855
+0.13 Taiwan dlr
31.418
31.438
+0.06 Korean won
1442.300
1439.5
-0.19 Baht
31.630
31.63
- Peso
58.867
58.797
-0.12 Rupiah
16700.000
16670
-0.18 Rupee
89.963
89.9625
0.00 Ringgit
4.055
4.052
-0.07 Yuan
6.988
6.994
- Change...
More than 3 million people attended Vatican audiences and ceremonies in 2025
During the year 2025, the participation of the faithful in audiences and liturgical celebrations at the Vatican reached a total of 3,176,620 people. The Vatican...