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Toyota has been swamped by orders for its first mass market hydrogen fuel-cell car, the company said Thursday, with demand in the first month nearly four times higher than expected for the whole year. The Japanese auto giant said it had received more than 1,500 orders for its "Mirai" sedan since its launch in mid-December. It had planned to sell 400 in Japan over 12 months. Roughly 60 percent of those orders are from government offices and corporate fleets, with the remaining 40 percent from individual consumers, the company said in a statement. Unexpectedly high demand for the environmentally friendly four-door car -- which has a 6.7 million yen ($56,900) price tag -- means early buyers might have a bit of a wait. "Due to the large volume of orders received, Toyota forecasts a significantly longer time to delivery than originally expected," the statement said. Fuel-cell cars are seen as the Holy Grail of green cars as they are powered by a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, which emits nothing more harmful than water from its exhaust. But a limited driving range and lack of refuelling stations have hampered development of fuel-cells and their cousin, all-electric cars, which environmentalists say could play a vital role in cutting greenhouse gas emissions and slowing global warming. The Mirai can travel about 650 kilometres (400 miles) without refuelling, some three times further than an electric car, and its tank can be filled in a few minutes like gasoline engine vehicles, according to Toyota. The car will hit the US and some European countries, including Britain, Germany and Denmark, this year, Toyota has said. It hopes to sell more than 3,000 units by the end of 2017 in the United States, and up to 100 annually in Europe. Japanese automakers, including Toyota's rivals Honda and Nissan, have been leaders in the green car sector. This week, Honda unveiled the newest version of its FCV fuel-cell car at the Detroit auto show, with the vehicle set to hit the market next year. Toyota has announced it is making thousands of patents for fuel cell vehicles royalty-free in an effort to encourage other automakers into the new industry. News of the rapid success of the Mirai -- which means "future" in Japanese -- comes a week after the Tokyo metropolitan government announced the athlete's village for the 2020 Olympics would be a futuristic "hydrogen town". On Thursday, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he wants all government departments to use fuel-cell cars, and pledged to cut red tape so it is easier to set up hydrogen re-fuelling stations.

Pope Francis attends a meeting with Filipino families in Manila January 16, 2015. Pope Francis called on the Philippine government on Friday to tackle corruption and hear the cries of the poor suffering from "scandalous social inequalities" in Asia's most Catholic country. The Pope arrived the Philippines on Thursday for a five-day visit, the second and last leg of his week-long Asian tour. REUTERS/Stefano Rellandini (PHILIPPINES - Tags: RELIGION POLITICS SOCIETY) Reuters/REUTERS - Pope Francis attends a meeting with Filipino families in Manila January 16, 2015. Pope Francis called on the Philippine government on Friday to tackle corruption and hear the cries of the …more Editor's note: Please refresh this page for the latest on Pope Francis' Philippine visit. Day 2 (January 16, 2015) Pope Francis met with several Filipino families, including those representing OFWs and PWDs, at the “Meeting with Families” at the Mall of Asia Arena and heard their testimonies. During his homily, he reminded the Catholic faithful to “protect the family”, and noted that economic challenges are tearing families apart as more people migrate in search of better employment. He also reiterated his message of defending marriage and the family, saying that every threat to the family is a threat to society. Pope Francis also reminded the audience to always take time out to pray every day and not to lose the capacity to dream, for “when you lose the capacity to dream, you lose the capacity to love.” He called for respect for life and reminded the faithful of the sacredness of every human life from conception to natural death. Related stories: Slideshow: The Happy Pope 25 things the Pope said today that totally made sense Earlier in the day, Pope Francis surprised a lot of people when he attended an activity that's not part of his Philippine itinerary. Story here: Pope's surprise meeting The pope urged Filipinos to reject corruption "at all levels" and to not deprive the poor of God-given resources. Speaking before government officials at the Palace, Pope Francis said it is high time for officials to lead by example. "As many voices in your nation have pointed out, it is now, more than ever, necessary that political leaders be outstanding for honesty, integrity and commitment to the common good," said the pope. "Upon all of you, and upon all the men, women, and children of this beloved nation, I cordially invoke God’s abundant blessings," he also said. Read: Pope's full speech at the Palace The charismatic Pope also emphasized why he is the Philippines: and that is to "express my closeness to our brothers and sisters who endured the suffering, loss, and devastation caused by Typhoon Yolanda." Meanwhile, during his first eucharistic celebration at the Manila Cathedral, the Pope called on the clergy to examine their conscience. Related photo: Pope Francis' message: (Full story) Here's a recap of Day 2: Mall of Asia Arena highlights 7:12 PM: Pope leaves MOA Arena - Pope Francis leaves the Mall of Asia Arena and heads to the Apostolic Nunciature to rest, bringing to an end his activities for Day 2. 7:00 PM: Jamie Rivera ends the program. - Singer Jamie Rivera ends the program at the Mall of Asia by singing We Are All God's Children. 6:57 PM: Choir sings Hymn of Mary - The choir at the Mall of Asia Arena sings the Hymn of Mary as the audience brings out lights. 6:55 PM: The mass at the MOA Arena ends - Pope Francis ends the mass at the Mall of Asia Arena. 6:49 PM: The Lord's Prayer - The audience sings the Lord's Prayer in Tagalog. 6:47 PM: Prayer of the Faithful in multiple local languages - Intercessions are said in Tagalog, Ilocano, Cebuano and Kapampangan. 6:45 PM: Pope Francis ends homily - Pope Francis ends his homily by reminding the audience not to forget that Jesus slept in Joseph's arms. He also asks everyone to pray for him. 6:37 PM: Pope Francis calls for respect for life - Pope Francis quotes Saint John Paul II and says the future of humanity passes through the family. He calls for respect for life and reminds the audience of the sacredness of every human life from conception to natural death. 6:31 PM: Pope Francis talks about dangers threatening families today - Pope Francis implores the crowd to recognize the dangers threatening our families and protect them from harm. He also notes that economic challenges are tearing families apart as more people migrate in search of better employment. He reiterates his message of defending marriage and the family, saying that every threat to the family is a threat to society. View related video 6:26 PM: Pope Francis says he prays to St. Joseph - Pope Francis reveals he has a picture of a sleeping St. Joseph on his desk. He says when he has a problem, he writes it on a piece of paper and slips it under the statue so that St. Joseph can dream about it. 6:22 PM: Pope Francis reminds listeners to make time to pray - Switching back to English, Pope Francis says we must make time to pray and that rest is essential for our spiritual health, so that we can better hear God's voice and understand His message. 6:20 PM: Pope Francis asks crowd not to lose capacity to dream - Pope Francis reminds the crowd not to lose the capacity to dream. "When you lose the capacity to dream, you lose the capacity to love." 6:15 PM: Pope Francis speaks in Spanish - Pope Francis apologizes for his poor English, and asks permission to speak in Spanish with an interpreter beside him translating for the audience. 6:11 PM: Pope Francis gives homily - After the reading of the gospel, Pope Francis addresses the families and his "friends in Christ" at the Mall of Asia Arena, and says he is grateful for their presence. Pope Francis and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle are seen in a screen above upon their arrival for a meeting with families at the Mall of Asia arena, in Manila, Philippines, Friday, Jan. 16, 2015. Pope is greeted by faithful at the packed 20,000-seat arena. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) Pope Francis and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle are seen in a screen above upon their arrival for a meeting with families … 6:03 PM: Family representing PWDs gives testimony - Through his daughter, Renato Cruz shares the challenges he and his wife face as persons with disabilities. Both are hard of hearing but their children are not. Pope Francis signs "thank you" to the Cruz family. View related video 5:57 PM: OFW family gives testimony - The Pumarada family gives testimony to Pope Francis on behalf of overseas foreign workers. View related video 5:49 PM: Dizon family from Quezon City talks to Pope Francis - The Dizon family from Krus na Ligas, Quezon City gives testimony to Pope Francis. They shared how their community affirmed their love for the church. View related video 5:42 PM: Families start meeting Pope Francis - The Rodrigo family is the first family to give testimony to Pope Francis. Related story: King Rodrigo on delivering message to Pope Francis: It's scary 5:35 PM: Bishop Gabriel Reyes welcomes Pope Francis - Bishop Gabriel Reyes, chair of the Episcopal Commission for Family and Life, opens the Mall of Asia Arena event by welcoming Pope Francis. 5:32 PM: Pope Francis blesses the sick in MOA Arena audience - Pope Francis makes his way through the capacity crowd, stopping every once in a while to kiss children and bless the sick in the audience. 5:17 PM: Pope Francis arrives at MOA Arena - Waving at the enthusiastic crowd from his Popemobile, the pontiff is greeted by a thunderous welcome at the Mall of Asia Arena. He even paused for a while to kiss a baby. Pope Francis waves to the Catholic faithful as he arrives for a meeting with Filipino families in Manila January 16, 2015. Pope Francis called on the Philippine government on Friday to tackle corruption and hear the cries of the poor suffering from "scandalous social inequalities" in Asia's most Catholic country. The Pope arrived the Philippines on Thursday for a five-day visit, the second and last leg of his week-long Asian tour. REUTERS/Stefano Rellandini (PHILIPPINES - Tags: RELIGION POLITICS SOCIETY) Pope Francis waves to the Catholic faithful as he arrives for a meeting with Filipino families in Manila January … 4:58 PM: Pope Francis on his way to MOA Arena - Pope Francis has left the Apostolic Nunciature and is on his way to the Mall of Asia Arena for his meeting with Filipino families. 4:40 PM: Huge crowds at MOA Arena wait for Pope Francis - Crowds have gathered both inside and outside of the Mall of Asia Arena where Pope Francis will meet with Filipino families.

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The World Bank said Wednesday the Philippines can eliminate poverty within a generation as sustained economic growth in recent years has translated into more jobs and higher incomes. The bank said in a report that more than a million jobs were created between October last year and October 2013, pulling unemployment down to a 10-year low of 6 percent. Real incomes of the bottom 20 percent of Filipinos grew much faster than the rest of the population and unemployment among the poor dropped. The government's program of conditional cash transfers is effective in reaching those most in need, the report said. Poverty has remained at high levels in the Philippines relative to some East Asian countries, reflecting a succession of corrupt governments in past decades and the country's vulnerability to natural disasters including typhoons. The bank forecasts the Philippine economy will expand 6.5 percent this year, slightly down its earlier forecast of 6.7 percent. It estimated full-year growth last year at 6 percent, down from an earlier forecast of 6.4 percent due to slower government spending and lower farm production. It said sustaining such high growth and accelerating reforms can lead to massive cuts in poverty and to wealth being shared by more people. Government data shows that about a quarter of the country's 100 million people have income of less than 18,935 pesos ($1,290) a year. "If growth is sustained at 6 percent per year and the current rate at which growth reduces poverty is maintained, poverty could be eradicated within a single generation," said Rogier van den Brink, a World Bank economist. Over the long-term, if growth is sustained at 6 percent per year, per capita income can double within a decade, grow five times in two decades, and increase 11 times in three decades, the report said. But it said a more aggressive approach to addressing stubbornly high underemployment in required. The report said changes needed include increasing investments in infrastructure, health and education; enhancing competition; simplifying regulations to promote job creation and protecting property rights to encourage more investments.

Not this time. The San Miguel Beermen made sure there would be no collapse this time as they defeated the Alaska Aces 88-70 in Game 4 to turn the PBA Philippine Cup Finals down to a virtual best-of-three duel. The Beermen were dominant for most of the game as they quelled multiple Alaska rallies en route to an easy victory, Wednesday night at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum. After losing Games 1 and 3 where they led by 22 and 21 points, respectively, the Beermen finally figured out how to hold on to their huge lead in Game 4. Playing MVPs Arwind Santos and June Mar Fajardo in the third quarter, head coach Leo Austria kept his best players fresh for a possible Alaska comeback in the fourth quarter. The Aces tried to lean on Ping Exciminiano and Calvin Abueva to start their rally once more but it was not nearly enough to overhaul SMB’s huge lead this time around. Alex Cabagnot exploded for 22 points in the game to lead the Beermen after starting in the finals for the first time. Ronald Tubid added 13 while Chris Lutz, June Mar Fajardo, and Arwind Santos all added 11 apiece for a balanced San Miguel Beer attack. Abueva led Alaska once more with 22 points and seven rebounds but no other Ace scored in double digits. They got a combined 17 points off the bench from Ping Exciminiano and Vic Manuel but outside Abueva, Alaska’s starting five only chipped in a total of 10 points. Just like in Game 1, the Beermen started the game well as they built a 33-16 advantage after the first 12 minutes. They shot an outstanding 57% from the field and made six triples to erect a huge lead once again. The scoring slowed down considerably in the second quarter for SMB but Aces remained cold from the field. The Beermen ended the first half with a 10-2 run to erect a 49-26 lead. Largely absent in their first three games, Cabagnot played big for the Beermen in the first 24 minutes as he scored 16 points for the Beermen. Abueva paced the Aces with 12. The Beermen erected their biggest least of the ballgame at 55-26 after a basket from Doug Kramer, However, Alaska threatened several comeback attempts in the third quarter. Luckily for SMB, Ronald Tubid kept their heads above water as he scored nine points in the period. SMB head coach Leo Austria played a unique lineups in the third as Fajardo and Santos player only eight minutes combined in an effort to keep them fresh for the final quarter and the expected Alaska rally. The Beermen held a 73-49 lead after the third quarter as Tubid ended it with a putback. The Main Man: Cabagnot set the tempo of the game for the Beermen as he scored 16 points in the first half. With points coming from the point guard spot, things opened up for the rest of the Beermen. Honorable Mentions: Outside of Tubid getting 13 and Fajardo, Santos, and Lutz scoring 11 each, Marcio Lassiter also played well with 10 points while adding six rebounds and four assists. Game Turning Point: The Beermen were already up big in the third quarter when they unleashed a 13-0 run to build a 29 point lead at 55-26. Stat of the Game: Alaska got killed on the boards falling 53-35. This equated to a 19-4 advantage in second chance points. Next Game: Game 5 of Friday, January 16, at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum (7 pm) He Said It: SMB head coach Leo Austria: The main thing for this win is that we were able to sustain our energy. Our defense was there from start to finish. Na-match namin yung energy ng Alaska. It’s reduced for a best of 3 and Game 1 is very important in a best of three. We have the momentum pero yung respeto namin sa Alaska mataas. The scores: SAN MIGUEL 88 - Cabagnot 22, Tubid 13, Lutz 11, Fajardo 11, Santos 11, Lassiter 10, Kramer 6, Ross 2, Semerad 2, Omolon 0, Pascual 0, Maierhofer 0, Fortuna 0, Chua 0. ALASKA 70 - Abueva 22, Manuel 9, Exciminiano 8, Baguio 6, Hontiveros 6, Jazul 5, Banchero 4, Thoss 4, Dela Rosa 4, Menk 2, Eman 0, Dela Cruz 0, Casio 0. Quarter scores: 33-16, 49-26, 73-49, 88-70.

A magnitude-6 earthquake shook several parts of Luzon, including Metro Manila, early yesterday morning but authorities said there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. Renato Solidum of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the tremor occurred at 3:32 a.m. with its epicenter traced at 30 kilometers southwest of San Antonio, Zambales. The tremor was felt at Intensity 5 in San Antonio, Botolan, Subic, San Felipe, San Narciso and Olongapo, all in Zambales. It was felt at Intensity 4 (moderately strong) in the cities of Pasig, Manila, Quezon, Makati, Parañaque, Malabon, Pasay and in the municipality of Pateros. The quake was felt also at Intensity 4 in San Mateo, Binangonan and Montalban, Rizal; Hagonoy and Obando, Bulacan; Dagupan City; Lingayen, Pangasinan; Indang and Kawit, Cavite; Bacolor, Angeles City and Clark, Pampanga; Mariveles, Bataan, and Pakil and Los Baños in Laguna. The tremor was felt at Intensity 3 (weak) in Tagaytay City; San Miguel, Tarlac; Baler, Aurora; Gapan, Nueva Ecija; Santa Barbara, Pangasinan. It was slightly felt at Intensity 2 in Baguio City, Batangas City and Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro. Solidum said aftershocks are expected from the quake. “No expected damage from this quake. Aftershocks are possible, most likely small events,” he said. Solidum said the quake was triggered by a movement along the Manila trench. “The earthquake was deep at 85 km so its source would be subduction along the Manila Trench,” he explained. He said large earthquakes (magnitude 7 or greater) had happened due to subduction along the Manila trench. The trench runs from the Batanes islands, curving through the waters off Pangasinan, Zambales and into Mindoro island. Solidum urged the public to be always prepared for strong earthquakes. “They should know what to do before, during and after strong earthquakes,” he said.