A martial arts robot in China just kicked a kindergarten student in the stomach during a live demonstration, and the video is now spreading across social media.
The humanoid robot was performing a spinning kick in front of a crowd when a young boy moved too close. Seconds later, the machine’s foot slammed into the child’s abdomen, causing him to double over in pain.
The robot involved was reportedly Unitree’s G1, one of China’s most advanced humanoid robots.
While the child was not seriously injured, the incident has reignited concerns about whether humanoid robots are being deployed too quickly in public spaces.
And this wasn’t an isolated case.
Earlier this year, the same robot model reportedly struck another child while performing at a festival. During China’s Robot Olympics last month, a robot also veered off course and crashed into a spectator.
The incidents are raising uncomfortable questions as humanoid robots become increasingly common at malls, parks, exhibitions, and public events.
The machines can dance, fight, run, and even perform martial arts. But critics say many still struggle to safely react to unpredictable human behavior, especially around children.
For now, the viral footage is serving as a reminder that while robots may be getting smarter, they are still far from perfect.
And for one little boy, the future of AI arrived with a kick to the stomach.
MANILA, Philippines — Executive Secretary Ralph Recto on Monday dismissed the plunder and technical malversation charges filed against him over the transfer of 60 billion pesos in PhilHealth reserve funds to the National Treasury as a mere nuisance and harassment suit.
The Cabinet official demanded that the complaint be forcefully thrown out, maintaining that he bears no criminal liability for the transaction.
The statement followed a move by physician and public health advocate Tony Leachon to file criminal charges before the Office of the Ombudsman against Recto and several other Cabinet members regarding the alleged diversion of the health state insurer’s funds.
Recto argued that the fund transfer was legally mandated under the 2024 General Appropriations Act, noting that Congress had explicitly directed the Department of Finance to carry out the order.
The Executive Secretary also emphasized that Supreme Court justices themselves have cleared him of criminal liability because he was merely implementing the law in good faith.
According to Recto, who cited remarks from several associate justices, his actions as the finance chief at the time were executed solely to fulfill his official legal duties.
Meanwhile, Malacañang stated that it respects the filing of the complaint, acknowledging that any individual has the right to take legal action.
Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro remarked during a Monday press briefing that the public must now wait to see if the case will progress or be dismissed.
Leading global AI smart devices provider HONOR Philippines today unveiled the all-new HONOR 600 Series starting at Php 25,999! Designed for a new generation of creators who don’t just want to capture moments but creatively reinterpret them and share them with the world, HONOR 600 Series is now available for pre-order from May 14 to May 29 with a chance to win a brand-new Mercedes-Benz.
Redefining Mobile Creativity with Industry-Exclusive AI Image to Video 2.0
At the heart of the HONOR 600 Series’ creative capability is AI Image to Video 2.0, powered by the industry’s first unified multi-modal video generation model — a system that integrates video generation, editing, and comprehension into one seamless workflow. Users can combine up to three images with natural language prompts to produce stunning 3–8 second video sequences, define both opening and ending frames for full narrative control, and access the industry’s most extensive library of cinematic templates for stylized film-quality results in a single tap.
Offering endless creative possibilities, a dedicated AI Button provides instant access to video generation from the Gallery, while the AI Photos Agent enables natural language-driven editing — simply describes the change, and it happens. Ultra Versatile Moving Photo Editing, including Moving Photo Eraser and Moving Photo Breakout Collage, rounds out the creative toolkit with dynamic 3D compositions. The momentum has already proven that previous models in the series have generated over 13.4 million seconds of AI — created video content, underscoring the demand for expressive, dynamic storytelling on mobile.
The Segment’s Most Powerful Night Camera System
Building on the 200MP ultra-clear imaging legacy of the HONOR 400 Series, the HONOR 600 Series takes on mobile photography’s toughest challenge — night imaging. Powered by HONOR’s next-generation AiMAGE intelligent imaging architecture, the series features a 200MP Ultra-clear Night Camera on a 1/1.4-inch sensor — the largest in its class — delivering 16-in-1 with equivalent 2.24μm super pixel size and 24% greater light sensitivity through E2E AI Remosaic technology. A 12MP ultra-wide camera, a dedicated color temperature sensor, and a 50MP front camera complete with the hardware foundation. On the Pro version, a 50MP 3.5X Periscope Telephoto Camera pushes reach 120x zoom.
Stability comes from HONOR’s proprietary SOIS system, achieving CIPA 6.0 (main camera) and CIPA 6.5 (telephoto lens on Pro) stabilization— the segment’s strongest, rivalling entry-level mirrorless performance. Color fidelity is ensured by the exclusive AI Color Engine, a multi-camera collaborative solution debuting in the premium mid-range, which intelligently corrects white balance under mixed lighting for true-to-life tones straight from the shutter.
A comprehensive suite of AI night algorithms enhanced by AI Cloud Enhancement ties the system together: AI Enhanced Night Photography across 0.6–10x zoom, AI Enhanced Night Portrait with multi-form bokeh effects (Pro), AI Super Zoom 2.0 with expanded activation range, and SuperMoon 2.0 on the Pro model for dramatic lunar compositions with foreground clarity.
Premium Design Meets Exceptional Battery Life
A larger battery typically means a thicker device. The HONOR 600 Series rejects that trade-off. Through flagship-grade integrated cold-carving craftsmanship, the device is sculpted into a seamless unibody — the most refined form in Number Series history. A satin-finish matte metal frame, Android’s largest symmetrical R-corner, and the industry’s narrowest 0.98mm black bezel complete a design that is unmistakably premium. Available in three striking colors: Orange, Golden White, and Black, there is a hue to suit every style.
Within this slim profile, industry-leading stacking technology enables a 7,000mAh battery — the largest battery in Number Series history — without adding thickness or weight over the previous generation. An AI Battery Scheduling Engine dynamically optimizes power distribution across communication, processing, and touch response, enabling genuine two-day endurance under demanding use. Even at -20°C with only 20% charge, core functions including calls, video, and photography remain fully operational.
Charging adapts to every scenario: 80W Wired HONOR SuperCharge across the series, 50W Wireless HONOR SuperCharge on the Pro, and 27W Wired Reverse Charging on both models — including iPhone. A five-year durability design with up to 1,600 charge cycles guarantees long-term battery health throughout the product lifecycle.
8,000nits Ultra-Bright Display and Built-In Resilience
The HONOR 600 Series raises the visual bar with a 6.57-inch display reaching 8,000nits peak brightness, 458ppi, 120Hz Free Refresh Rate, 3,840Hz Risk-Free Dimming, and 1.07 billion colors. Sunlight Mode sustains outdoor clarity through an enhanced brightness curve, optimized thermal management, and dynamic APL-based brightness adjustment — delivering up to 4,000nits at 20% APL. HONOR Eye Comfort Display balances this brilliance with long-term viewing comfort through intelligent brightness and color optimization.
A display of these capable demands equally robust protection. IP68, IP69, and IP69K water and dust resistance, together with SGS 5-star Premium Performance Certification of Drop & Crush, ensure the device holds up against splashes, dust, drops, and the unpredictability of everyday life.
Flagship Performance and Seamless Apple Ecosystem Integration
Underpinning the entire experience, the HONOR 600 runs on the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 with 27% CPU and 30% GPU gains for powerful gaming and fluid daily performance. The HONOR 600 Pro steps up to the Snapdragon 8 Elite on 3nm process technology, achieving 45% CPU and 44% GPU improvements — true flagship-level responsiveness across demanding applications and multitasking.
Pricing and Availability
Built for a new generation of creators to capture, reimagine, and share moments, the HONOR 600 Series sees HONOR 600 5G priced at Php 25,999 for 8GB+256GB, Php 32,999 for 12GB+256, Php 37,999 for 12GB+512GB – and HONOR 600 5G Pro with 12GB+512GB for Php 49,999!
From May 14 to 29, 2026 – get a chance to win a brand-new Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 when you pre-order HONOR 600 series and receive FREE HONOR Gift Box worth PHP 1,499 and FREE HONOR Choice Earbuds Clip worth PHP 4,999 when you claim on May 30, 2026.
Check out full specs of HONOR 600 here (https://bit.ly/Web_H600_PR). For more exciting announcements, visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com, and follow HONOR Philippines on Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines),Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines) for exclusive teasers, launch updates, and big reveal.
Leading global AI smart devices provider HONOR Philippines generated buzz yet again as the highly anticipated HONOR 600 is seen at the Miss Philippines 2026 Coronation Night on May 10, ahead of its official launch on May 14.
The HONOR 600 captured the crowning of each of the nine queens; Miss Eco Teen Philippines 2026 – Trexy Paris Roxas, Miss Teen Universe Philippines 2026 – Catherine Wardle, Miss Charm Philippines 2026 – Apriel Smith, Miss Cosmo Philippines 2026 – Bella Ysmael, Miss Eco International Philippines 2027 – Jenrose Javier, Miss Tourism World Philippines 2026 – Marian Arellano, Miss Supranational Philippines 2027 – Allyson Hetland, and Miss Philippines Worldwide 2026 – Nicole Borromeo.
Following its high-profile appearance at both Miss Universe Philippines 2026 and Miss Philippines 2026 coronation night, the HONOR 600 is officially set to launch on May 14, 2026. The upcoming smartphone is poised to raise the bar in mobile innovation with next-generation AI features, stylish design, and all-day performance tailored for today’s users.
To learn more about this exciting news, visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com, and follow HONOR Philippines on Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines),Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines) for exclusive teasers, launch updates, and big reveal.
In celebration of Mother’s Day, Maxim Rides & Food Delivery launched a multi-city outreach initiative supporting mothers, children, and families in Cebu, Iloilo, Davao, and Zamboanga.
The initiative provided hygiene kits and school supplies to communities in need, reflecting the company’s continued commitment to social responsibility and community engagement.
The outreach activities were conducted in partnership with SOS Children’s Villages in Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao, as well as Solo Parents Calarian in Zamboanga.
SOS Children’s Villages is a non-governmental organization that has provided long-term, family-based care and support to children in need in the Philippines since 1967.
Through its branches nationwide, including Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao, the organization helps children who have lost parental care grow in a safe and supportive family-like environment alongside SOS mothers and siblings.
Meanwhile, Solo Parents Calarian is a Zamboanga City-based non-governmental organization that supports solo parents through community programs, assistance services, and family-centered initiatives.
As part of the initiative, Maxim distributed hygiene and toiletry kits to beneficiaries in Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao, while school supplies were provided to families in Zamboanga ahead of the upcoming school opening.
In Cebu, the initiative supported family houses at SOS Children’s Village Cebu. In Iloilo and Davao, 85 and 79 children, respectively, received hygiene and personal care supplies. In Zamboanga, school supplies were distributed to 130 children and 60 solo mothers through Solo Parents Calarian.
The donation activities were carried out with the help of Maxim staff members and driver-partners, highlighting the company’s collaborative efforts to support local communities.
“This initiative is our way of honoring the strength and dedication of mothers, especially those who work tirelessly for their families every day,” said Andres Morales, Jr.. “We hope to contribute in meaningful ways that support their daily needs and well-being.”
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the support, noting that the donated essentials helped ease daily household and personal care expenses.
Through initiatives like these, Maxim continues to promote care, support, and recognition for mothers and families while strengthening its partnerships with local communities nationwide.
Ant International, a leading global digital payment, digitization, and financial technology provider, published its 2025 Sustainability Report, the 2nd since the Company began independent operation.
This is also the first year Ant International has integrated sustainability metrics into the management’s performance evaluation framework. As Eric Jing, Chairman of Ant Group and Ant International, said, “Accountability must be structural, not aspirational. When sustainability outcomes are valued as much as revenue growth or operational efficiency, the whole organization is more likely to align accordingly, just like how it might work with entire economies.”
In the Company’s 6Ts Sustainability Framework (Travel, Trade, Thrive, Tech, Talent, Trust), Inclusion remains the critical objective. “Our success relies on our ability to innovate for small businesses and emerging markets to thrive above social and technological shifts. Doing great by doing good should be our strategic differentiator,”said Peng Yang, CEO, and Douglas Feagin, President, at the Report’s launch.
● Alipay+ and Antom, the Company’s Global Paymentpillars, now connect 2 bn user accounts globally to over 150 mn merchants. This vibrant ecosystem of interoperability links up more than 10 national QR systems and supports 300+ payment methods in over 220 markets, including all card schemes, and 50 digital wallets, bank apps and BNPL apps.
● Beyond payment, WorldFirst and Bettr, our Global Account and Embedded Finance services, support over 1.6 mn SMEs and provide credit access to 30 mn MSMEs and underserved users, integrating new AI and blockchain capabilities.
● The inclusion metric was built systemically into major innovation projects, for instance, more SME-friendly agentic payment and AI commerce tools, an AI-as-a-Service platform for emerging markets, and the EPOS SME AI solutions.
“We will continue to double down on responsible innovation and collaboration to achieve our shared vision: a more inclusive, prosperous, and trustworthyglobal economy,” said Yang.
In 2025, Ant International’s sustainability work focused on 3 priorities across the 6T arenas:
1. Democratizing FinAI for SMEs and Emerging Markets
Ant International rolled out various AI tools to ensure that emerging markets and SMEs are able to leverage AI without massive infrastructure or capacity investments.
Payment AI & Agentic Commerce :
▪ Antom Copilot 2.0 completes payment integration, onboarding, risk, and chargeback resolution in a secure, automated workflow.
▪ Antom Agentic Payment Solution enables AI agents to securely initiate and complete card- and APM-based transactions in a pioneering payment mandate model.
FinAI Capacity Building:
▪ FinAI-as-a-Service platform, the GenAI Cockpit gives toolkits to fintechs, such as Malaysia’s TNG eWallet, and easypaisa, Pakistan’s first digital bank, to build flexible and autonomous AI commerce solutions, from customer-service assistants to sales copilots.
▪ Custom-made agentic AI assistants, such as Alipay+ Voyager, an agentic AI travel companion embedded in super apps.
▪ Open-sourced AI FX solution delivers FX forecasts with up to 93% prediction accuracy across complex, volatile currency markets.
▪ EPOS360, an AI-powered SME operation and financing platform, rolls out in Southeast Asia.
2. Enhancing Compliance and Technology Foundations of Trust
The Company invested heavily in 2025 in technologies and partnerships on AML and security.
▪ SHIELD 3-in-1 Transformer model, supported by 7 bn parameters, identifies high-risk transactions with over 95% precision, while raising payment success rates by up to 13.5%.
▪ Digital Wallet Guardian Partnership shares risk tech, anti-fraud, and funds protection solutions among wallet partners to protect consumers and merchants.
▪ The Alipay+ Privacy Enhancing Technology (PET) program was cited by Singapore’s Personal Data Protection Commission in its practical guidance for industry application.
Meanwhile, advanced technology applications must be harnessed by rigorous compliance standards and practices. In 2025, we further expanded:
▪ Our Risk Management Committee mechanism, which implements a comprehensive risk governance framework from the corporate level down to the ground unit level.
▪ Our 3-layered Anti-Money-Laundering program is anchored in a global baseline of minimum control standards to ensure consistency and integrity across all markets. We also use AI-powered risk detection and security review tools to improve accuracy and efficiency.
The Company plans to accelerate investments in global and local compliance capabilities to meet evolving regulatory and risk environments.
3. Digitalizing Public Participation to Drive Social Impact
In 2025, working with partners from New York to West Java, our people started new grassroots efforts to support youth, environment, and community projects with digital expertise.
▪ As the Innovation Partner for Sustainability of the New York Liberty, Alipay+ began supporting the New York Liberty, the WNBA champion team, on Liberty Sneaker Drives for underprivileged groups, the Math Hoops project to build youth skills, and the Threes for Trees project in NYC and Brooklyn.
▪ AlipayHK launched a main digital channel for charity fundraising after the Tai Po fire, raising HK$200 million from 450,000 super app users in the first three days.
▪ Ocean Buddy, an in-app mini-program for whale-shark protection in Indonesia, was launched in collaboration with DANA and Konservasi Indonesia, leveraging gamification to connect users’ everyday digital activities to marine protection.
▪ 10×1000 Tech for Inclusion, a joint initiative with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and over 50 global partners, has certified 9,504 since 2018, 55% of whom are women.
“Sustainability is increasingly becoming our primary driver of responsible innovation, “said Leiming Chen, Chief Sustainability Officer of Ant International. “We will work together to ensure that as we expand globally, our progress remains inclusive, measurable, and impactful for the communities we serve.”
Fashion lovers and moviegoers have officially entered their Runway era in the wake of the smashing success of The Devil Wears Prada 2 – and Google is in the center of the larger, global cultural conversation as fans worldwide turn to Search to learn more about the movie.
Following its premiere in the Philippines last April 29, the sequel to the iconic 2006 film has both decisively dominated the box office and completely taken over Google Search.
With a massive $233 million opening weekend in cinemas around the world, The Devil Wears Prada 2 – which comes 20 years after the original and tackles topics that are more apt for today’s times – has sparked a greater cultural conversation that’s as sharp as a designer stiletto and knows no borders.
From parents planning the ultimate movie night to students obsessed with every new outfit, everyone is turning to Search to keep up with the drama.
Have you seen the “Strut”?
Google has driven the talk surrounding The Devil Wears Prada 2 with a fun and engaging interactive feature on Search.
If you haven’t tried it yet, Google has tucked a chic little Prada 2 Easter egg into your search results. When you look up the film and click that iconic red heel icon, a stylish silhouette struts right across your screen. It’s a playful nod to the film’s legendary fashion roots, and it’s clearly a hit, as more than 10 million fans have already clicked the shoe to join the fun.
The Trends Everyone is Chasing
And of course, Google’s biggest role is facilitating conversations about the film both online and offline.
Google Search is full of lookups with various keywords related to the movie. Here’s what’s trending right now as fans dive deeper into Miranda Priestly’s world:
The Cast: Moviegoers are eager to see which favorites returned to the office (and who the new “clackers” are). “The Devil Wears Prada 2 cast” is one of the top breakout searches surrounding the movie, but of course, there’s always “Miranda Priestly,” “Andy Sachs,” “Meryl Streep,” “Anne Hathaway,” and more.
The Reviews: Fans are checking in to see others’ feedback by searching “The Devil Wears Prada 2 reviews” on Search, to see if they think the sequel captures that same magic we fell in love with 20 years ago.
The Cinemas: People are actively hunting for the best big-screen theater experience to see every fabric texture in 4K by searching “The Devil Wears Prada 2 cinema.”
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a new consumer of The Devil Wears Prada, the official data from Google Search shows we’re all still under Miranda’s spell – and we won’t stop talking about this cinematic phenomenon anytime soon.
Belgian Meat Office (BMO) will participate in Food & Hospitality Asia (FHA) 2026, taking place from 21 to 24 April at Singapore EXPO.
Visitors are invited to learn more about the quality and reliability of European pork at Booth 9G2-07, where a delegation of Belgian meat suppliers will welcome industry professionals from across the region.
A key meeting point for the Asian food industry
Food & Hospitality Asia is one of the region’s leading trade platforms for the food and hospitality sector, bringing together importers, distributors, and food professionals from across Asia.
For international suppliers, FHA serves as a strategic gateway to strengthen existing partnerships and develop new business opportunities in fast-evolving markets.
European pork: consistent quality, full traceability
Belgium has established itself as a reliable exporter of pork to more than 70 countries worldwide. Belgian pork production relies on a fully integrated approach, ensuring strict control at every stage of the production chain, from animal feed and farming to processing, packaging and export.
This system guarantees full traceability, consistent product quality, and compliance with stringent European food safety standards. For international partners, this translates into a dependable supply of pork that meets clear and verifiable requirements in terms of safety, origin, and performance.
A trusted partner in a changing market environment
As global market conditions continue to evolve, reliability and long-term collaboration have become increasingly important. In the Philippines as well, supply stability and product integrity are key considerations.
The approach of the Belgian pork suppliers is based on understanding specific market needs and offering tailored solutions — from precise cutting specifications to flexible supply formats — supported by direct communication and long-standing expertise in export markets.
That gadget you couldn’t afford upfront or the emergency expense you had to split into installments is now part of a bigger trend. Flexible payments are no longer a backup plan. They are becoming the default.
Billease has taken the top spot as the Philippines’ leading Buy Now, Pay Later provider, and it is aiming even higher with a target of 50% loan growth in 2026.
The company’s rise reflects how millions of Filipinos are rethinking money. Instead of paying everything upfront, more people are spreading costs over time to manage cash flow, especially as living expenses stay unpredictable.
Billease strengthened its position by acquiring a rural bank, expanding its lending capacity and reaching communities that traditional banks often miss. CEO and co-founder Georg Steiger says the goal is simple: make credit more accessible and flexible for everyday Filipinos.
This shift is happening alongside a wider fintech boom. Apps like GCash and Maya dominate daily transactions, from bills to investments. Meanwhile, Tonik Bank is pushing fully digital banking, and Coins.ph is capturing a growing crypto audience.
Together, these platforms are reshaping how money moves. Payments, loans, savings, and even crypto are now accessible in a few taps.
For consumers, this means more control but also more responsibility. Easier access to credit can help manage emergencies or big purchases, but it also makes it easier to overspend.
Billease sits right at the center of this shift, where shopping, borrowing, and digital finance are starting to merge into one seamless system.
The real question now is not whether Filipinos will use these tools, but how they will manage them before convenience turns into debt.
Big E Food Corporation, in partnership with Berde Renewables, has energized its 1.685 MWp solar rooftop system at its food manufacturing plant in Bulacan, with early deployment already delivering measurable gains. Big E, one of the Philippines’ leading Filipino-owned food companies, is the maker of the beloved Lemon Square brand.
Under a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement using a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer model, Berde Renewables finances, develops, installs, and operates the rooftop solar system over the contract period. This enables Big E to adopt clean energy with no upfront capital expenditure, secure reliable and cost-efficient power, and stay focused on its core business.
As Big E scales production to meet nationwide demand, energy remains a key cost driver for the company. By shifting to solar amid continued energy volatility, the company reduces and stabilizes its power costs, insulating operations from rising electricity prices.
“Big E has been a cornerstone Filipino brand for decades. Partnering with them to power Lemon Square’s production with clean energy is exactly the kind of impact Berde was built for helping Philippine manufacturers cut costs and decarbonize without spending a single peso upfront,” said Morris Zhou, Group CEO and Co-Founder of Berde Renewables.
From a neighborhood bakery to a household name, Big E continues to evolve by integrating sustainability into its operations. The solar installation is projected to reduce carbon emissions by 1,166 tons annually—equivalent to planting around 53,000 trees each year—aligning operational efficiency with environmental responsibility.
“Our focus has always been to deliver products that Filipinos love—products that are part of everyday life. By investing in solar energy with Berde Renewables, we lower energy costs but also move towards sustainability and doing good for the planet and its future,” said Ernesto “Errol” S. Vergel de Dios, Big E Chairman and Founder.
Big E joins a growing number of companies taking control of their energy future. Berde Renewables enables this shift through long-term solar agreements, removing upfront cost barriers while delivering immediate savings and predictable energy costs.
Berde Renewables is a leading renewable energy company in the Philippines, backed by global infrastructure investor I Squared Capital. Focused on solar and other clean energy technologies, Berde partners with businesses, electric cooperatives, developers, and landowners to accelerate the transition to sustainable power. Its behind-the-meter solar platform spans Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, with a growing presence in Thailand.
The company has 127.53 MW of closed projects undersigned Power Purchase Agreements, with 36.93 MW already built and energized, and 63.06 MW under construction. A further 27.54 MW is set to move into the next phase, alongside a 200 MW development pipeline across the Philippines and Thailand. Berde was recognized as Solar Company of the Year: Developer at Solar Quarter PH 2025.
