Marine Science Boom: A global Ocean Census says scientists uncovered 1,121 new marine species in 13 expeditions, including ghost sharks and other bizarre deep-sea life—another reminder that the ocean still holds surprises. ASEAN Tourism Push: The Philippines’ ASEAN chairship is being pitched as a direct boost for local tourism and hospitality, banking on more intra-ASEAN travel. Coral Protection Plan: Malaysia’s Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) has formalised its role as the institutional backbone for Sabah’s Coral Triangle Initiative, linking research with government marine-protection targets. Timor-Leste in the Indo-Pacific: Dili is positioning itself as a strategic gateway, with Ambassador Karlito Nunes outlining future cooperation with India amid Independence Day diplomacy. Cebu City Health Alert: Cebu City’s anti-rabies vaccine supply has dropped so low that officials warn they can’t reach herd immunity without emergency action. Local Governance Watch: Cebu’s Lapu-Lapu Expressway will affect about 130 households, with residents raising concerns over appraisal and coordination.