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US interest rates are in a good place for the Federal Reserve’s inflation fight, a senior central bank official said Monday, pushing back against President Donald Trump’s calls for cuts.

‘Overall, given the state of the economy and financial markets, I view the current stance of policy as only slightly restrictive, which I think is the right place to be,’ Kansas City Fed President Jeff Schmid told a conference in the city, according to prepared remarks.

Schmid, who is a voting member of the Fed’s powerful rate-setting committee this year, said he had voted for a rate cut last month as an ‘appropriate risk-management strategy,’ given the ongoing signs of a cooling labor market.

The Fed has a dual mandate from Congress to act independently to tackle both inflation and unemployment, mainly by hiking, cutting or holding its benchmark lending rate.

Pressure from Trump

Schmid’s remarks stand in stark contrast to those of Trump, who has regularly lambasted Fed Chair Jerome Powell – and the rate committee on which Schmid sits – for not cutting rates quickly enough.

In recent months, Fed officials have noted that while inflation remains stuck stubbornly above the bank’s long-term two percent target, the cooling labor market has required them to refocus their attention, and contemplate additional rate cuts.

But speaking on Monday, Schmid said that while the Fed must navigate the trade-off between inflation and unemployment, targeting inflation should come first.

‘My view is that the Fed must maintain its credibility on inflation,’ he said.

Futures traders currently see a roughly 95 percent chance that the Fed will cut interest rates by a quarter percentage-point at its next rate decision later this month, according to data from CME Group.

That would lower the bank’s key lending rate to between 3.75 and 4 percent.

The 2023 Performance-Based Bonus for qualified teaching and non-teaching personnel of the Department of Education (DepEd) has been approved, according to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

In a joint press release on Tuesday, the two agencies said the approval followed the endorsement of DepEd’s eligibility by the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Harmonization of National Government Performance Monitoring, Information, and Reporting Systems.

‘A Teacher I with a monthly salary of P27,000 (salary grade 11) is expected to receive approximately P14,040 in PBB for FY 2023,’ the DBM said.

The DepEd is yet to announce the date of the release of the bonus.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara thanked the DBM for the approval.

‘Our teachers and education personnel are the backbone of our nation’s future,’ said Angara.

‘This bonus is a testament to their unwavering dedication. We thank our partners in government for their continued support in uplifting the teaching profession,’ he also said.

The announcement comes as the country concludes the annual National Teachers’ Month.

Trading of shares of mass housing developer 8990 Holdings Inc. was suspended at the stock exchange on Tuesday morning following the conclusion of its tender offer, paving the way for the third delisting in 2025.

In a notice, the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) said the trading suspension was implemented at 9:02 a.m. on Oct. 7, as the public ownership of 8990 Holdings had already gone below the minimum public ownership requirement.

The tender offer of its shares was conducted from Sept. 2 to Sept. 30.

The shares were transferred from the minority shareholders to 8990 Housing Development Corp., its subsidiary that conducted the offer.

The company is set to make its P6-billion exit from the local bourse on Oct. 29. It will be the third company to go private again this year, following Keppel Philippines Holdings Inc. and Philab Holdings Corp.

Not even a sudden knee injury can stop Britney Spears from expressing herself through dance, although she admitted that the pain was ‘horrible.’

Spears took to her Instagram account on Sunday, Oct. 5, to reveal that she sustained a knee injury after falling down the stairs of her friend’s house.

‘I fell down the stairs at my friend’s house. it was horrible. it snaps out now and then, not sure if it’s broken but for now it’s snapped in!!! Thank u god,’ she captioned her post, while including a clip of herself dancing at her home.

In the clip, Spears also shared that she will continue to ‘express [herself] and pray through art,’ while reiterating that her post is not meant to stir ‘concern or pity.’

‘My boys had to leave and go back to Maui. this is the way I express myself and pray through art. father who art in heaven. I’m not here for concern or pity, I just want to be a good woman and be better. and I do have wonderful support, so have a brilliant day!!!’ she said.

Spears’ recent post came four years after her conservatorship was dissolved, although she clarified that she won’t be returning to music, is ‘not [her] focus’ at the time.

She also opened up about the anguish of being failed by her own family in a tell-all memoir ‘The Woman In Me,’ which was released in 2023.

Floodwaters inundated 23 out od 180 barangays across Iloilo City on October 7 as localized thunderstorms unleashed heavy rainfall, according to a 6 p.m. update from the city’s Operations Center. The CDRRMO-BDRRMS division detailed flooding depths from 2 to 12 inches in affected areas.

In the City Proper alone, 11 barangays were submerged, including Tanza Timawa II (5-12 in), San Jose alleys (3-8 in), and front of Lar’s in Tanza Timawa I (6-8 in).

Elsewhere, other districts recorded significant flooding: Mandurriao (2 barangays), La Paz (1 barangay), Molo (2 barangays), Jaro (2 barangays), Arevalo (1 barangay), and Lapuz (4 barangays).

Flooding has become a recurring challenge in Iloilo City, particularly during the rainy season.

In recent years, heavy rains have regularly overwhelmed drainage systems and low-lying barangays, prompting calls for improved flood mitigation infrastructure and better urban planning to cope with storm surges and intense downpours.

Many barangays in the city are situated in flood-prone zones or along watercourses, making them vulnerable to sudden inundation during thunderstorms. Local officials and residents have repeatedly flagged poor drainage, clogged waterways, and land subsidence as contributing factors that exacerbate flooding during heavy rainfall.

The 2025 Miss Asia Pacific International pageant has opened its coronation night for free to the public, and those interested in seeing the show may get the chance to score the limited seats available by registering online.

The 2025 Miss Asia Pacific International coronation night will be held at the Cebu Complex Coliseum on Wednesday evening, Oct. 8, on the delegates’ ninth day in the province and more than a week since a magnitude 6.9 earthquake jolted the island.

‘Scan the QR code to register your interest. Limited seats are now open to the public-don’t miss the most glamorous night of the year!’ the international pageant said when it posted the details on social media on Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 7.

‘Witness history unfold as extraordinary women from across the globe take the stage to shine,’ the Miss Asia Pacific International pageant continued.

Lawyer and beauty queen Eva Patalinjug-Lim, the president of the international pageant, told Inquirer Entertainment, ‘Our coronation events are usually ticketed, but this year is different.’

The pageant has realigned its activities to stand in solidarity with those affected by the earthquake in Cebu. The delegates joined relief missions instead of embarking on a scenic tour of the province, something that had been planned earlier.

‘Because of what happened in Cebu, we want to dedicate this entire season, including our Grand Coronation Night, to the province and its people,’ Patalinjug said.

‘This year, we want to show up for Cebu. Miss Asia Pacific International is one with Cebu,’ she continued.

The delegates packed relief goods for two consecutive days, then distributed aid to the northern Cebu towns of Daanbantayan, Medellin, and San Remigio another day. They also took part in the outreach program of their official shoe provider, extending their mission to four straight days.

Forty-three delegates from around the world are competing for the title in this year’s competition. The Philippines is represented by Anita Rose Gomez, who hopes to become the sixth Filipino woman to win the crown.

The Miss Asia Pacific International is the longest-running global pageant founded in the Philippines, and is among the oldest beauty contests in the country.

Justice Undersecretary Frederick Vida will be officer-in-charge of the Department of Justice (DOJ) once incumbent Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla assumes his new position as Ombudsman.

Vida, former mayor of Mendez-Nunez in Cavite was appointed DOJ assistant secretary in January, 2023 and later become the Undersecretary in charge of Finance, Administrative Service, and Personnel Cluster.

Remulla said he has not yet discussed with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. his possible successor.

‘We have not discussed my possible replacement. We prioritized the appointment of an OIC or acting Secretary,’ Remulla said.

Around 4,000 photographers and videographers from 32 cities across the Philippines hit the streets for the FUJIFILM Nationwide Photo and Video Walk (NPVW 2025)-FUJIFILM’s largest movement aimed at capturing the distinct sights, stories, and soul of the country’s iconic cities. This annual event continues to celebrate the spirit of visual storytelling, fostering creativity and cultural pride across the country.

This year, winners of FUJIFILM NPVW 2025 will get the chance to take home incredible prizes. In the Open to All Photo Category, three winners – one each from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao – will receive a FUJIFILM X-E5 camera with an XF23mm F2.8 kit lens.

FUJIFILM users will also have the chance to win top-tier gear in the exclusive categories. The winner of the FUJIFILM-Exclusive Photo Category will receive a FUJIFILM X-T5 with an XF16-80mm kit lens. The winner of the FUJIFILM-Exclusive Video Category will take home a FUJIFILM X-H2S paired with an XF23mm F1.4 II lens.

Winners will be announced on December 5, 2025 through FUJIFILM Philippines’ Facebook and Instagram pages (@fujifilmphilippines).

On top of that, FUJIFILM Philippines has partnered with leading tech and lifestyle brands – including ASUS Philippines, Peak Design Philippines, SanDisk, Aputure, Beach Hut, Godox, Lowepro, Seagate, and Hollyland – who will be giving away additional amazing prizes.

Adding excitement to the event, returning champions from NPVW 2024-Rey Ann Llaguno, Justin Varela, Javes Molles, and Joshua Bughao-joined this year’s walk. They were among the 61 FUJIFILM leaders who guided participants in their respective cities, sharing expertise, inspiration, and a shared passion for photography and videography.

Participants across the country set out to capture the soul of the Philippines-turning their lenses toward iconic locations like the walled city of Intramuros in Manila, the historic Magellan’s Cross in Cebu City, the urban greenscape of the Quezon Park in Davao City, and beyond. Through photography and videography, they crafted powerful and deeply personal narratives, offering a glimpse into how they envision and navigate the places they call home.

The theme for this year’s NPVW was ‘contrasts’, where photographers and videographers were challenged to express elements of juxtapositioning in their work.

NPVW 2025 proved to be more than just a photo and video walk-it was a vibrant, nationwide celebration of creativity. The event served as a refreshing and inspiring platform to reconnect and reignite the country’s creative community.

‘Many photographers and videographers from all over the nation are coming together to capture the beauty of the country. FUJIFILM supports local communities by highlighting the spirit and stories of the neighborhood and city streets. This event is open to everyone, no matter what your skill is. We want you to show pride in your city and share your unique view with the world. A big thanks as well to our walk leaders and business partners. Let’s have fun together, be creative, and connect with one another,’ shared Masahiro Uehara, President of FUJIFILM Philippines, Inc., in his opening remarks.

Jobert Lucading, a first-time participant of the NPVW 2025, shared that he came all the way from Nueva Ecija to join the photo walk in Intramuros. ‘Coincidentally, it is our anniversary (with my girlfriend) today, so we really got to celebrate our hobbies together and have fun. We were happy with the freebies and the friendly walk leaders at the event. We are looking forward to getting some insights from fellow hobby photographers,’ he shared.

Hen Namoca, another first-time participant of the NPVW, appreciated the openness of FUJIFILM to include analog users in the event. ‘I am fairly new to film photography, and photo walks like this encourage me to meet other members of the community,’ he explained. ‘Film photography is a casual hobby of mine, and I love to go around just to capture the moment and preserve the memory of a place. I am glad to be part of NPVW, doing what I love while meeting others who are the same.’

Christian Tubice shares that he has been joining photo walks for a few years, and he looks forward to the many shots he can take during the NPVW 2025. ‘I really appreciate FUJIFILM for this experience. The event makes us bond together with our passions. Out of all the brands, they are always on top with activities like this,’ he commented.

Inspired by the FUJIFILM Café concept and in support of local businesses, FUJIFILM also teamed up with 32 cafes nationwide during the photo and video walk, where lucky participants were able to receive a complimentary cup of coffee.

Visit FUJIFILM Philippines’ Facebook and Instagram @fujifilmphilippines to get the latest updates about FUJIFILM and other events happening in the future soon!

Two public utility vehicle (PUV) stops with ‘commuter-friendly’ features were unveiled in Marikina City on Tuesday.

These are located at Concepcion Elementary School and San Roque Park.

According to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the PUV stops are designed to ‘provide commuters with a safer, more comfortable, and accessible waiting environment while promoting efficiency and inclusivity in public transportation.’

Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said in an interview with reporters that the said PUV stops are commuter-friendly, especially for persons with disabilities (PWDs), pregnant women, and senior citizens.

‘There are tactile pavements for the visually impaired,’ he said, adding that these have PWD ramps and designated seats for PWDs, pregnant women, and senior citizens.

Aside from this, the PUV stops also have CCTV cameras, bike and lane route map panels, and a bike repair station.

Lopez likewise said that the overall allocations for the DOTr-funded PUV stop in Concepcion Elementary School is P2.8 million, while the smaller one at the San Roque Park is at P700,000.

He added that these will serve as a template for the next PUV stops that they will build in the future.

Meanwhile, Marikina City Mayor Marjorie Ann ‘Maan’ Teodoro thanked the DOTr that two transport stations were built in their city.

‘This is very sustainable, and this is also in line with our program that we want PWD and senior citizens to be in full swing,’ said Teodoro.

This is also a good eye-opener for alternative sources of energy because this is solar-powered,’ she added.

Baron Geisler and Jake Cuenca will join forces in the upcoming film ‘The Delivery Rider’ set to be released on Netflix on Oct. 23.

The Lester Pimentel Ong-helmed film was announced in a media con on Tuesday, Oct. 7, where Geisler and Cuenca will be joined by Euwenn Mikaell, Jennica Garcia, and JC Alcantara.

According to Ong, the film is a tribute to delivery riders, who take up this occupation and withstand many challenges in order to provide for their families.

”Yung pagiging delivery rider, it is something many are thankful for kasi maraming less privileged sa society, maraming hindi masyadong nakapag-aral and kulang sa opportunities,’ he said.

‘Dahil sa delivery riders, nabibigyan sila ng pagkakataon mag-hanapbuhay. Noong pandemic, ang dami kong na-meet na nawalan ng trabaho pero dahil sa food delivery apps and food delivery jobs, nakapag-hanapbuhay sila,’ he said.

(Many are thankful for the chance to be delivery riders. Not a lot of people are privileged enough to finish their education and have access to good opportunities. Because of delivery riders, they are given the chance to get a job. A lot of people have lost their jobs during the pandemic but because of being a delivery rider, they were able to live.)

BARON JAKELOOK: Baron Geisler and Jake Cuenca are confirmed to join forces in the upcoming film ‘The Delivery Rider’ which will be directed by Lester Pimentel Ong. | @HMallorcaINQ pic.twitter.com/0sC1LfMv6I

To prepare for the film, Geisler shared that he had to practice using a motorcycle to navigate around Quezon City. He also pointed out that working on the film reminded him why it’s important to treat delivery riders with respect.

‘Babalik na lang ako sa buhay [nila], mas mahusay nga ang sensibilities ng mga delivery rider which is really special. Ang sarap na inikot ko ang buong Quezon City nang naka-motor. This is where I really appreciated them. This is why I’m extra kind to delivery riders, binibigyan ko sila ng tubig and encouragement,’ he said.

(I can return to how they live. Delivery riders have better sensibilities, which is really special. It was nice to go around Quezon City through a motorcycle – this is where I really appreciated them. This is why I’m extra kind to delivery riders. I would give them water and encouragement.)

‘The Delivery Rider’ marks the reunion of Geisler and Ong after the action drama ‘Incognito.’