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The next JKA Philippines National Event is scheduled for June 2027 in Lapu-Lapu City. The planned program includes the JKA International Gasshuku, Qualification and Dan Examination, and Tournament.

Councilor Janvi Dela Serna, Sports Commissioner Vince Carungay, and SK Federation President OJ Carungay also joined the meeting.

The fourth edition is being developed as an opportunity for practitioners to train, pursue qualifications, and compete while strengthening connections within the karate community. For younger athletes, the gathering will offer a setting in which sporting ambition goes hand in hand with respect, perseverance, and self-discipline.

Lapu-Lapu City welcomed the initiative and expressed its readiness to work closely with JKA Philippines. Organizers will continue developing the program ahead of June 2027, with specific dates, final venue arrangements, and registration details to be announced once finalized.

Mr. Emeliano P. Murillo, CEO of JKA Philippines, is closely monitoring preparations as the organization works toward another successful event. The planning effort builds on the experience gained in Davao, with attention now turning to coordination, facilities, and the needs of participating practitioners.

The number of unemployed Filipinos increased by about 740,000 from 2.03 million in August 2025, while the number of employed people fell to 49.79 million from 50.1 million.

The August jobless rate, however, eased from a four-year high of 6% in July, when 3.14 million Filipinos were unemployed. Employment increased from 49.21 million a month earlier.

National Statistician and Civil Registrar General Claire Dennis S. Mapa attributed the year-on-year rise in unemployment to the labor market’s inability to fully absorb people who entered the workforce.

Mr. Mapa said 897,000 people entered the labor force in August, but only 470,000 found jobs, leaving 427,000 unemployed.

He said global market headwinds also weighed on manufacturing industries including garments, consumer electronics and electronic cables.

Bad weather, meanwhile, reduced average weekly working hours to 39.2 hours from 41 a year earlier and 40.6 in July, Mr. Mapa said.

The labor force participation rate fell to 64% from 65.1% a year earlier, translating to 52.56 million Filipinos aged 15 and older in the labor force. That compared with 52.13 million a year earlier.

The participation rate improved from 63.6% in July, when the labor force stood at 52.36 million.

Job quality also weakened from a year earlier, with the underemployment rate rising to 11.9% from 10.7%. This meant 5.9 million employed Filipinos wanted additional working hours, another job or a job with longer hours.

Underemployment eased from 12.9% in July.

Services remained the country’s biggest source of employment, accounting for 61.7% of employed Filipinos. Agriculture accounted for 20.9%, while industry made up 17.3%.

Wholesale and retail trade and motor vehicle repair had the biggest share of employment at 19%, followed by agriculture and forestry at 18.6% and construction at 10.3%.

Agriculture and forestry posted the biggest year-on-year increase in employment, adding 532,000 workers. Education added 298,000 jobs, accommodation and food services gained 195,000, transportation and storage added 185,000 and human health and social work gained 142,000.

Manufacturing posted the steepest annual decline, shedding 350,000 jobs. Fishing and aquaculture lost 335,000 workers, while wholesale and retail trade and motor vehicle repair shed 269,000.

Public administration and defense lost 220,000 workers, while other service activities shed 212,000.

Wage and salary workers accounted for 64.2% of total employment, while self-employed workers without paid employees made up 27.5%. Unpaid family workers accounted for 6.6%, while employers in family-operated farms or businesses made up 1.8%.

Workers in private establishments accounted for 50.3% of all employed Filipinos. Government and government-controlled corporations accounted for 9.1%.

The labor market was also weaker for young Filipinos. The labor force participation rate among those aged 15 to 24 fell to 32.7% from 33.3% a year earlier.

The youth employment rate dropped to 84.3% from 88.3% in August 2025, although it improved from 81.4% in July. About 587,000 of the 5.95 million employed young Filipinos were underemployed. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking and Norman P. Aquino

Here’s what we know about the case, which officials have not linked to her work or plague, and about the disease she studied.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Russian media named the victim as Darya Shipilova, a 28-year-old laboratory worker at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute of Siberia and the Far East.

The authorities said she died of an unknown type of pneumonia but that as a precaution they quarantined everyone who had come into contact with her.

Unconfirmed reports of how she fell ill have circulated on social media.

One version said she had dropped a test tube containing live bacteria at work, a theory rejected by Russia’s health watchdog. Another said she became sick after traveling to Thailand. A third said she fell ill after going to an area near the border with Mongolia.

There is no evidence in the public domain to support any of those theories.

DID SHE DIE OF PLAGUE?

There is no confirmation she died from plague although one regional governor said she “may” have died from plague.

Health watchdog Rospotrebnadzor said she died of an unknown type of pneumonia and that no relevant pathogens had been found in anyone who came into contact with her.

Elena Sofina, a local official in Siberia, said 60% of those quarantined had since been released. Local media said about 200 were initially quarantined.

Ms. Sofina said “a dangerous diagnosis” had not been confirmed.

WHAT IS PLAGUE AND CAN YOU TREAT IT?

Plague circulates mainly among small animals and fleas. Caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, it can also infect humans. Outbreaks include the “Black Death”, which killed over 50 million people in Europe in the 1300s.

It is transmitted between animals and humans by the bite of infected fleas, inhalation of infected respiratory particles and — rarely — ingestion of infectious materials. The disease’s mortality rate is 30%-100% if left untreated. If identified quickly, plague can be treated with antibiotics.

HOW COMMON IS PLAGUE?

Plague is endemic in many African countries, the former Soviet Union, the Americas and Asia, but most human cases in the last six years were reported from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Madagascar, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Plague is endemic to Siberia, location of the first known prehistoric human outbreak, as Yersinia pestis is present there among small wild mammals and their fleas. It’s rare for Russians to have plague.

WHAT ABOUT INTERNATIONAL REACTION?

US President Donald Trump said the laboratory worker’s death was a “big problem for Russia” and offered to help Moscow deal with it. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Russia should share more information about the death.

The WHO in Geneva said Russia had told it there were no plague cases in the city of Irkutsk. Reuters could not establish whether this meant plague could be ruled out in the lab worker’s case.

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan said they were stepping up precautionary measures at their borders to guard against the possible spread of infectious diseases.

WHAT IS THE PLAGUE INSTITUTE IN SIBERIA?

The Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute of Siberia and the Far East was set up in 1934 to control plague outbreaks. Its founding scientist helped quell outbreaks in Siberia, Mongolia and China, its website says. It later worked with other dangerous diseases including cholera and anthrax.

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF PLAGUE?

Plague comes in three forms affecting different parts of the body. Pneumonic plague, the most virulent and least common form, is an infection of the lungs which prompts patients to cough out infectious airborne droplets.

Bubonic plague is the most common form, occurring chiefly when an infected flea bites a person, and causes swollen lymph nodes or “buboes”. Septicemic plague, which does not spread from person to person, occurs when plague bacteria multiply in the blood.

One form of plague can develop into another.

Infected persons usually start with flu-like symptoms after an incubation period of one to seven days. They experience fever, chills, head and body aches and weakness, vomiting and nausea.

WHY IS THIS DEATH IN THE SPOTLIGHT?

The COVID-19 pandemic heightened concerns about the risk of new deadly diseases emerging, and reports of clusters of unknown illness or laboratory accidents now cause panic online.

Most scientists believe the coronavirus that caused COVID-19 came from animals, but some have suggested a lab leak caused it.

Public health experts have urged caution about the incident in Siberia, saying only one case has been reported and that Russian authorities say there is no evidence the lab worker was infected with plague. — Reuters

The deal brings together the studios behind “Mission: Impossible,” “Harry Potter” and DC Studios alongside major television and streaming networks such as CBS, CNN, Paramount+ and HBO Max — forming an expansive entertainment company spanning film, TV and news.

The merger is a chance “to build the next-generation media and entertainment company, powered by creativity and technology,” Mr. Ellison said in a memo to employees on Tuesday, outlining his vision. The goal, he added, was not simply to get bigger but “to take on the biggest players in our industry.”

The new company, called Skydance, is the latest iteration of a conglomerate once controlled by the late Sumner Redstone that has precipitously shrunk over the years, as audiences flock to news and entertainment delivered by a growing cadre of smaller publishers and creators who are chipping away at once-mighty Hollywood.

Skydance not only faces competition from Netflix, Disney and others, but also from tech companies Apple, Meta, and Amazon, as well as the growing threat of AI.

Mr. Ellison said the merger was necessary to better take on these challengers at a time when the media industry had become complacent.

“They allowed Netflix to disrupt their business,” he told reporters in a press conference on Tuesday. “They allowed Amazon Prime Video to come and disrupt their business. They didn’t transform, and they held on to the past for too long.”

Shares of the combined company moved to the New York Stock Exchange from Nasdaq on Tuesday to trade under the ticker “SKYD.”

Settlements with a coalition of US states and a Hollywood writers union removed the main legal barriers to the merger, one of the largest in media history. It comes as Hollywood faces declining cable-TV subscriptions, the high cost of competing for streaming audiences and persistent pressure from unions over jobs and creative workers’ rights.

TRUMP’S CNN PROBLEM

President Donald Trump expressed approval on Tuesday when asked about the deal. “It’s going to be a great company,” he told reporters. “That’s a great merger. I’m glad they let it go.”

Mr. Trump has attacked news organizations since his first term, and he recently took the unprecedented step of banning several news outlets from the White House, including CNN. The move came weeks ahead of the November 3 midterm elections in which Mr. Trump’s fellow Republicans are defending narrow majorities in Congress.

CNN chief Mark Thompson and CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss will continue in their respective leadership roles in the new company and each will separately report to Mr. Ellison and co-CEO Ynon Kreiz, allaying concerns from critics that Ms. Weiss, who took over as CBS News editor-in-chief in 2025, ​would have greater control over all of Skydance’s news operations.

The concerns are also fueled by lawmakers’ criticism of Mr. Ellison for tailoring news coverage at Paramount-owned CBS News to favor Mr. Trump. As part of the settlement, Mr. Ellison agreed to create an editorial independence board to oversee CNN and CBS. Experts warn that the board will be “toothless.”

Mr. Ellison said last week the Skydance name was chosen to retain the individual identities of Paramount and Warner Bros studios, rather than combining them under a new brand.

Wall Street analysts, however, said the name reinforces the extent of Mr. Ellison’s control, highlighting how some of Hollywood’s most iconic brands now answer to him and how he has a platform to impose his strategy and culture.

In just 16 years, Skydance has gone from an independent studio to the center of one of Hollywood’s biggest power plays. Founded in 2010 by the son of Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, it built its reputation as a financial backer and producer of Paramount’s blockbuster “Top Gun: Maverick.”

After merging with Paramount last year, Skydance set its sights on Warner Bros, entering a heated bidding contest with Netflix while drawing interest from other potential suitors, including Comcast.

Warner Bros shareholders received an additional $41.9 million in a “ticking fee,” based on the number of days between September-end and the deal-closing, according to a regulatory filing.

BROADER HOLLYWOOD BET

Mr. Ellison named Mr. Kreiz as Skydance co-CEO to run day-to-day operations and lead the integration, while Mr. Ellison oversees creative direction and overall strategy.

Mr. Kreiz, former CEO of Mattel, was also appointed to the company’s board on Tuesday, alongside former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick, and Laurene Powell Jobs, the founder of the Emerson Collective, and publisher of the Atlantic. Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair will join the company as an adviser, it said.

In bringing on Mr. Kreiz, Mr. Ellison has signaled the need for a cost-cutter. The duo faces the task of combining two large companies while delivering $6 billion in planned savings, a big part of which Paramount said would come from “non-labor sources.”

That includes combining technology and cloud providers of the two companies, but the scale of the cuts is expected to affect jobs across Hollywood.

Skydance plans to combine its streaming services, including HBO Max and Paramount+, into a single service and has pledged to release at least 30 films each in the first two years after closing, rising to 32 a year for the following three.

The combined company is also expected to carry about $80 billion in debt, putting pressure on Mr. Ellison to grow streaming, preserve cash flow from cable networks and improve theatrical film performance. Mr. Ellison has pledged to spend $30 billion or more each year on content.

Analysts at MoffettNathanson forecast core operating profit, or EBITDA, of $16 billion for 2028, rising to $19 billion in 2030. The research firm also predicted about $67 billion in revenue in 2028, growing to roughly $70 billion in 2030.

Mr. Ellison’s annual base salary will be $5 million, with a target annual bonus of $5 million, according to the regulatory filing.

The tech scion offered a cold assessment of the deal when Reuters asked how he planned to win over a skeptical Hollywood where many had expressed deep apprehensions over the transaction.

“I understand why everyone felt the way that they did,” he said, “but I think if you’re intellectually honest, you need to zoom out and to see that the symptoms of this go back a long time, and then you start asking yourself, ‘What was the alternative?'” — Reuters

The WGO Manila Training Center is the first WGO training center in the Philippines, the third in Southeast Asia and the organization’s 25th training center worldwide.

The center will provide structured clinical and endoscopic observerships, simulation-based training and ex-vivo workshops, with a focus on advanced diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy and clinical hepatology, including liver transplantation.

“This designation as a WGO Training Center is both a testament to St. Luke’s clinical excellence and a transformative step for gastroenterology training in the Philippines and across the Asia-Pacific,” St. Luke’s IDLD Head Ian Homer Y. Cua said.

“By combining global benchmarks with our institution’s advanced infrastructure, we are empowering the next generation of specialists to master complex diagnostic and therapeutic techniques,” he added.

WGO President Carolina Olano said the training centers were established because access to quality medical education and training remains unequal.

“Excellent training is not equally or equitably accessible to everybody,” Ms. Olano said during the inauguration of the Manila center on Tuesday.

She said WGO training centers are intended to serve as platforms for capacity building, equitable access and sustainable opportunities for new generations of healthcare professionals.

Rather than simply replicating one training model, Ms. Olano said the centers combine global standards with local relevance and prioritize regional diseases and healthcare challenges.

The Manila center will allow local and international trainees to gain exposure to advanced procedures including endoscopic mucosal resection, endoscopic submucosal dissection, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic ultrasound.

Training will also cover clinical and transplant hepatology, bariatric and metabolic endoscopy, motility diagnostics and inflammatory bowel disease care.

St. Lukes’ IDLD Training Officer Marianne Linley Sy-Janairo said the center’s program is built around four objectives: expose, simulate, build and connect.

The program will expose trainees to high-volume advanced practice, subspecialty services and multidisciplinary decision-making. Simulation-based programs and ex-vivo workshops will provide opportunities to develop procedural skills in a controlled setting.

The center will also build local and regional capacity in endoscopy and hepatology while connecting trainees and faculty through research partnerships, joint publications and reciprocal training exchanges.

Two annual observership programs will be offered for international trainees and early-career gastroenterologists, with each program lasting between two weeks and one month.

The center will have two training tracks. One will focus on simulation-based mastery and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy, culminating in a Basic Endoscopy Skills Training Lower Gastrointestinal Workshop.

The second will focus on image-enhanced endoscopy and advanced therapeutics, including optical diagnosis, lesion recognition and therapeutic techniques.

Both tracks will include clinical and endoscopic observerships, institute conferences and education sessions, and hands-on ex-vivo workshops.

Ms. Sy-Janairo said the center’s distinguishing feature is its integration of clinical observation with structured simulation-based education, didactic learning, deliberate practice, ex-vivo training and faculty feedback.

The program will also allow local trainees to access the broader WGO network, including training opportunities in niche subspecialties that may not be available locally.

For St. Luke’s President and Chief Executive Officer Dennis P. Serrano, the designation reflects the hospital’s broader goal of developing local expertise rather than simply acquiring advanced medical technology.

“True global excellence means serving as a source of knowledge, training, mentoring and empowering the next generation at home so Filipinos receive world-class treatment,” Mr. Serrano said.

St. Luke’s IDLD has established the country’s first Center for Advanced Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and provides advanced therapeutic endoscopy and liver care, according to the hospital.

The institute will also serve as a hub for collaborative clinical research, faculty exchange, mentorship and evidence-based care.

Mr. Serrano said the WGO designation was a fitting milestone as St. Luke’s prepares to mark its 123rd anniversary, whose theme is “Global Excellence, Generations of Care.”

He said the hospital aims to share its achievements and expertise through the new training center, allowing the benefits of specialized education to extend beyond the institution.

For Ms. Olano, the broader goal is a multiplier effect in which trained specialists return to their communities and teach others.

“The most important thing is the multiplier effect,” she said, noting that the success of a training center should not be measured simply by attendance but by what trainees change after returning home.

The Manila center joins WGO’s network of training centers, which Ms. Olano said should develop into a connected global learning community rather than a group of isolated institutions.

She said the Manila center is expected to become an important educational hub for Southeast Asia while contributing its expertise to the wider WGO network. — Kaizzer Angela Marie V. Manuba

The Elon Musk-led company is looking to raise about $10 billion in bank loans and $30 billion in investment-grade debt for the chip order, the report said.

The proposed funding underscores the enormous capital requirement of the AI boom, as tech companies race to secure advanced processors and build out the computing infrastructure needed to support AI development.

Morgan Stanley estimates AI infrastructure will require $1.5 trillion in external financing by 2028, even as lenders and investors grow more cautious about funding the industry’s expansion.

Apollo is expected to lead the SpaceX deal and help place the debt with a broad range of investors, with bond fund Pimco among a small group of lenders in talks to provide financing, the newspaper reported, adding that the transaction is expected to close in 2027.

Shares of the rocket and spacecraft manufacturer fell 1% in extended trading after the report, while Nvidia’s stock rose 0.5%.

While SpaceX, Apollo and Nvidia did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment, Pimco declined to comment.

Mr. Musk, who took SpaceX public in June in a record $86 billion IPO, had said last month that xAI’s Colossus 2 data center could more than double the number of Nvidia chips it uses by December.

The company plans to use Nvidia hardware exclusively to build its data centers, Mr. Musk said.

Nvidia, the dominant supplier of AI processors, in August partnered with Apollo, BlackRock, Blackstone, Brookfield, Goldman Sachs and KKR on financing platforms intended to mobilize more than $500 billion for AI infrastructure projects. — Reuters

Release Date: 28 September, Monday

Release Time: 00:00 (Local Store Turn)

Type: Single

Language: Japanese

Genre: EDM, Dance

Ten years after “AGEHA” became the song that defined them, GENERATIONS built a new track specifically to stand next to it – not replace it, not repeat it, but prove they can still go toe-to-toe with their own legacy. That’s “VIBE“.

Out digitally on 28 September ahead of a CD single release on 28 October, and it’s GENERATIONS’ first CD single in four years, the EDM-driven dance track comes from member Alan Shirahama, working alongside rising songwriter TET$V and Kanata Okajima, a producer with a long list of J-pop hits behind him. The result is fast, propulsive, and built around a hook designed to lodge itself in your head immediately. It arrives right before the group’s 15th anniversary year begins this November, and part of that milestone includes a deliberate “confrontation” with the group’s own back catalogue, and “VIBE” leans directly into that by consciously echoing “AGEHA“, the song most associated with the group’s legacy.

The music video keeps every member in live-action, but builds its backgrounds and environments using generative AI, creating a world that simply wasn’t possible when “AGEHA” was filmed a decade ago. The video leans into the group’s dance strength early on, before shifting into the MV-specific choreography, with two vocalists in particular throwing themselves into the performance, member Ryuto Kazuhara‘s sliding sequence among the standout moments.

Alan Shirahama, who co-wrote and arranged the track, laid out exactly what went into it:

“‘VIBE’ really makes the most of what GENERATIONS is capable of. In the 2010s, LDH was always tied to this kind of sound. It’s something only GENERATIONS, and only LDH, can really pull off, and over time I think it’s stopped being ‘the sound of that era’ and become something closer to a sound that’s genuinely ours, one with lasting value. But we didn’t just want to repeat it, we packed in things that still feel fresh inside that same DNA.

Our 15th anniversary year starts this November, and opening the song with the line ‘this is where the good part starts’ is both a declaration and a challenge to ourselves. It’s not an aggressive track either, there’s a sense of ease that comes from having grown up, but we also built in moments where the audience can shout along with us live. We wanted this to be a killer track for shows and festivals. This is a song that could only exist because every member trusts the skill and potential we’ve all built up across our careers.”

The response since release has been loud as fans wasted no time reacting. On release day, all six members also joined a LINE livestream to mark the occasion, trading stories about VIBE-themed topics. The stream pulled in over 1 million total views, a clear signal of how much attention this release is drawing.

With their 15th anniversary year set to begin this November, GENERATIONS isn’t just looking back, they’re staking a claim on where their sound goes next. “VIBE” is the first real marker of that, and the beginning of a bigger year still to come.

About GENERATIONS

GENERATIONS debuted in November 2012 with single “BRAVE IT OUT.” The six-member dance and vocal group, Alan Shirahama, Ryota Katayose, Ryuto Kazuhara, Hayato Komori, Reo Sano and Yuta Nakatsuka, has since completed two world tours, their first-ever dome tour in 2018, and in 2019, the group’s first nationwide five-dome tour, drawing a combined 460,000 attendees. That same year, GENERATIONS made their first appearance on NHK’s “Kohaku Uta Gassen,” going on to appear three years running, alongside numerous festival appearances across Japan. Beyond group activities, individual members have built careers spanning drama, film, variety and DJ work. The group has also hosted a long-running radio show, “GENERATIONS no GENETALK,” across the JFN network since 2013.

The tour kicks off on October 4 at Panhead Groove in Osaka, where The Itchyworms will represent the Philippines at this year’s Kansai Music Conference, an international music event that brings together artists and audiences from different parts of the world.

On October 5, the band heads to Kyoto’s MUSE, where they’ll share the stage with fellow Filipino singer-songwriter Reese Lansangan and Ariel from Los Angeles. The show is produced by Pintig Productions.

Then on October 6, The Itchyworms make their Kobe debut at Live Music Padoma, once again joining Reese Lansangan for a night of live music, also presented by Pintig Productions.

Japan has become a regular stop for The Itchyworms. The band tries to visit at least once a year — playing Nagoya last year, and Tokyo and Saitama the year before that. And they’re not done yet. For future visits, the band hopes to take the Itchyworms experience to Okinawa, Fukuoka, and maybe even Hokkaido.

But this Kansai tour will be a little different.

For these shows, The Itchyworms are going semi-stripped down — no big bells and whistles, just the band, their instruments, and the songs.

Pure music. Pure Itchyworms.

Three cities. Three nights. One very Itchy October.Remaining schedule:

Kyoto – Oct.5 (Monday) at Kyoto Muse 

Tickets: https://peatix.com/event/5166570

Kobe – Oct.6 (Tuesday) at Live Music Club Padoma 

Tickets: https://peatix.com/event/5166611

#AkinKaNaLangJAPAN2026

The Guinness World Record holder vivo V80 Lite is designed for young Filipino professionals whose days do not end when the workday does. From meetings, calls, and commutes to side hustles, fitness, social activities, and staying connected with family and friends, the smartphone is built around the idea of staying fully charged and fully free to move from one part of the day to the next. 

Pre-order the V80 Lite and get more

Customers who pre-order the vivo V80 Lite from October 4 to 16 will receive a package of exclusive offers and freebies, including:

• Limited-edition vivo Buds Air3, worth Php 1,799
• vivo Silver Membership exclusive privileges via the vivo Store app
• Php 1,000 pre-order discount
• Four-year battery warranty, worth Php 1,510
• 100GB of Google One cloud storage for six months, which can be claimed until October 2, 2027

Customers can also get an additional Php 500 discount when purchasing through Home Credit at 0% interest until October 31, 2026. To claim the offer, use voucher code HCV80LITE.

The vivo V80 Lite will be available in the following configurations:

• 6GB + 128GB – Php 24,999
• 6GB + 256 GB – Php 27,999

Built for a day that goes beyond work

The vivo V80 Lite is designed for people whose smartphone use extends well beyond office hours, with three key features addressing different parts of an always-moving day.

For professionals who need their phones to keep going: The 10000mAh BlueVolt battery gives users more room to move through long workdays, commutes, and after-hours activities without constantly planning around their next charge. It is vivo’s largest battery capacity globally and is designed for users who rely on their phones from the first task of the day to everything that follows.

For people who take their phones everywhere: The V80 Lite’s IP68 and IP69 dust and water resistance gives added protection for users who move between different environments throughout the day. Whether heading out for a commute, working outdoors, exercising, or meeting friends after work, the phone is built to handle exposure to dust and water under rated testing conditions.

For those who stay on the go: The V80 Lite’s 1.5k OLED high-brightness display helps keep content visible when users are navigating busy commutes, checking messages outdoors, or moving between indoor and outdoor settings. Its display is designed to support the same kind of flexibility expected from a phone that needs to follow users throughout the day.

“Today’s professionals are not defined by a strict 9-to-5 schedule, and their smartphones need to keep up with that reality,” said Liu Lu, Brand Marketing Director of vivo Philippines. “The V80 Lite was created for those moments when work ends but the day doesn’t — whether that means pursuing a side hustle, meeting friends, working out, or simply staying connected. We want users to have the freedom to keep going without constantly thinking about their battery or their environment.”

Stay fully charged, stay fully free

With its combination of a 10000mAh BlueVolt battery, IP68 and IP69 protection, and high-brightness display, the vivo V80 Lite is built around a simple idea: a smartphone should support the whole day, not just the working hours.

To be among the first to get the vivo V80 Lite, pre-order now through vivo physical stores and official channels via the vivo e-store and the vivo Store app. For the latest updates, follow vivo Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X, or visit the vivo website.

Brimming with stripped-down pop sensibilities, HIGHS and lows traces Benwick’s growth as a storyteller. Across the album, she explores life’s changing seasons and reflects on the role faith has played in shaping her perspective. The songs are intimate without being insular, drawing on personal experiences while leaving room for listeners to find their own meaning.

Love, in its many forms, is another binding thread integral throughout the record. Benwick writes about the exhilaration of finding love, the hurt of encountering the wrong kind, and the lessons that emerge from both. Rather than presenting herself as someone who has found all the answers, she treats love as an ongoing process of understanding: what it can give, what it can take, and how it can ultimately change a person. In this sense, HIGHS and lows becomes both a personal account and an open invitation for listeners to recognize pieces of their own stories within hers or encounter a perspective different from their own.

Benwick recently teased the attendees by playing songs from her forthcoming release at a by-invite listening party on October 3, 2026, at Concept Space MNL in Quezon City. Joined by members of the press and The Samshines, her community of supporters, Benwick also took part in a Q&A session, where she shared insights into the stories behind the songs.

Independently produced with distribution support from ONErpm, HIGHS and lows will be released on Friday, October 16, 2026, on all major digital music platforms worldwide. The album includes previously released songs, “OUT OF THE DARKNESS,” “told ya so,” “FINALLY,” “mr. nonchalant,” and “STEP BY STEP,” plus ten new tracks.

With HIGHS and lows, Sam Benwick moves beyond the covers that first introduced her to audiences and opens an exciting new era of original music, personal storytelling, and a willingness to embrace the highs and lows of growing into who she is.

Download the artist profile here.

After the successful Manila and Iloilo legs which gathered over 9,000 dreamers, the EastWest Dream Run 2026 is heading to Cagayan de Oro City on October 18 (Sunday)—made even more exciting with the Donny Pangilinan joining runners as they take on the scenic route in the City of Golden Friendships.

Organized by RUNRIO, the third of the four-leg run series is part of the Bank’s support for the Department of Tourism’s Love the Philippines campaign, showcasing Cagayan de Oro as an emerging destination for sports tourism.

Set at Limketkai Center, the Dream Run 2026 will welcome runners across different experience levels, with 1K Dog Run, 3K, 5K, 10K, and 21K distances available for participants looking for anything from a short and easy run to a longer endurance challenge.

Participants can look forward to exclusive race merchandise and finisher rewards, including a race bib, race singlet, finisher’s medal, loot bag, finisher’s towel, a 21K finisher’s shirt, and a dog bandana for Dog Run participants.

The Cagayan de Oro event continues EastWest’s Dream Run experience of bringing together runners, families, and communities through an event built around an active lifestyle and the personal goals that inspire people to keep moving forward.

“The EastWest Dream Run has always been about encouraging people to go after their dreams and goals. After such strong turnout in Manila and Iloilo, we’re excited to bring that experience to Cagayan de Oro and make race day even more memorable with Donny joining our runners on the course,” said Martin Reyes, Chief Marketing Officer of EastWest.

More reasons to join the run
Participants can also make the most of their Dream Run registration through EastWest’s group registration promos. Groups that register 10 runners can receive one free slot through the 10+1 Promo, while groups that register 15 runners can receive two free slots through the 15+2 promo.

EastWest credit cardholders can likewise enjoy a P500 rebate when they use their EastWest credit card to register, giving cardholders another reason to join the Cagayan de Oro leg.

Beyond the race route, runners can also look forward to a lively race village, with exciting raffle prizes, giveaways, and special treats from EastWest and its partners: Filinvest, FDC Misamis Power Corporation, Filinvest Land Inc., Visa, EastWest Ageas, Ford, Nature’s Spring, Yakult, Monde Nissin, Toby’s Sports, Nutribullet, Dyson, Columbia, Saucony, Mogu Mogu, Colgate, Palmolive, Chlorelief, Salonpas, Ponds, and Clear.

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Agriculture Undersecretary Arrey Perez said the fuel subsidy will be distributed by the Department of Agriculture (DA) as part of the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food and Transport (UPLIFT ) framework initiated by the administration in March to address the impact of the sharp rise in oil prices on account of the Middle East war.

Mr. Perez said the DA is working with Land Bank of the Philippines for ways to further speed up the release and distribution of the fuel subsidy through the bank’s network of branches and automated teller machines.

Farmers and fisherfolk will receive a one-time fuel subsidy of P5,000 for their mechanized farm implements such as tractors and motorized bancas.

Delivery-truck drivers will receive a weekly fuel subsidy of P2,000 to help them sustain frequent delivery trips from farms to markets in Metro Manila and other parts of the country.

Mr. Perez said the Toll Regulatory Board is also discussing with tollway operators the possibility of exempting agri-delivery trucks from tolls until Dec.  31.

“Dagdag sa fuel subsidy, mayroon po kaming inaayos na toll holiday or discount para rin sa agri truckers (In addition to fuel subsidy, we are also working on toll holiday or discount for agri truckers),” said Mr. Perez.

Mr. Perez said the DA hopes to reach an agreement with the tollway operators soon so the toll holiday can be implemented within the month.

“Mayroon na pong sulat ang Toll Regulatory Board para sa ating mga tollway operators. Hiningan na sila ng komento. Kasi ang hinihingi po natin ay ituloy na iyan hanggang katapusan ng taong ito. Hanggang Dec. 31. Ito po iyong pinag-uusapan ngayon. Sana mapagbigyan tayo (The Toll Regulatory Board had already sought the comments of the tollway operators. We are asking them to continue this until the end of the year or until Dec. 31. We are now discussing this matter which we hope can be accommodated),” the DA official said.

The new round of fuel assistance under the UPLIFT will provide relief to vulnerable sectors as the benchmark Brent oil hit $100 per barrel on Sept. 9, the first time since July amid renewed US-Iran tension.

Farmers and fisherfolk are the first targets of the fresh UPLIFT assistance, as a big chunk of their expenses goes to fuel for their palay harvesters and motorized bancas.

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Finance super app GCash has introduced GStocks PH “Part-Owner Era” Hubs to simplify the stock market and expand financial education for Filipinos. By bringing hands-on learning about the capital markets directly to Filipinos, the initiative makes learning more approachable and relevant, especially among newcomers.

The educational spaces, located in Bonifacio High Street – B2 in Taguig, and One Ayala, 2nd Floor Concourse in Makati, feature materials about the basics of the stock market, managing risk, and building a diversified portfolio, including investor education resources by the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE).

Filipinos who wish to start their investment journey can register on GStocks PH, the trading platform offered by AB Capital Securities, Inc. found within GCash, or visit any of the Part-Owner Era Hubs to receive on-site assistance from Sept. 28 to Oct. 12.

Scaling Access to Responsible Investing

At present, GStocks PH serves over 2 million Filipinos, representing more than half of all online retail stock market accounts with the PSE. The rapid growth of digital PSE accounts, which saw a 30.5 percent year on year increase in 2025, makes financial education more critical.

The opening of the Part-Owner Era hubs reflects a broader GCash commitment to ensuring that as access expands, Filipinos are equipped to use investments responsibly to strengthen their financial stability. “We want to dispel misconceptions that accessing the stock market is only for the privileged few or should be costly or complicated,” said Winsley Bangit, Group Head of New Businesses at Mynt, the parent company of GCash.

“More than access alone, we believe Filipinos should be equipped with the tools and resources needed to make more informed and healthier financial decisions.” Bangit added.

In addition to launching its Part-Owner Era hubs, the finance superapp has made a full suite of market education resources available on GCash. This includes research reports by GStocks PH broker AB Capital Securities Inc., digital educational materials found in “InvesTips” on the GCash app homepage, and curated stock picks designed for beginners on GStocks PH, including entry-level stocks under P1,000, dividend-paying stocks, and top PSE index companies.

To get started on GStocks PH, fully verified GCash users can open the GCash app, tap the GStocks PH icon, select AB Capital Securities, Inc., and complete account registration. GStocks PH offers access to over 280 listed companies, free and instant account top-ups and withdrawals, and stock investment options for as low as P500.

By expanding access to resources that encourage responsible investing, GCash is helping build a deeper and more informed capital market, while helping Filipinos more confidently navigate tools to secure their long-term financial health.

For more information, visit: www.gcash.com.

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The 44^th AMEM and its Associated Meetings will bring together energy ministers and senior officials from ASEAN Member States, Dialogue Partners, and international organizations to advance regional cooperation across key areas of the energy sector. As ASEAN’s principal ministerial platform for energy cooperation, AMEM provides strategic direction on regional priorities and initiatives aimed at strengthening energy security, accelerating the energy transition, expanding clean and renewable energy deployment, improving energy efficiency, and advancing greater connectivity and integration of energy systems across Southeast Asia.

The meetings will also provide a platform for ASEAN and its partners to deepen cooperation on emerging technologies, investment, infrastructure development, and other initiatives needed to meet the region’s growing energy demand while building a more secure, resilient, and sustainable energy future. 

As the official mobility partner of this year’s meeting, the deployment of the VF MPV 7 fleet demonstrates VinFast’s leadership in the local electric seven-seater segment. Promising a comfortable, zero-emission mobility experience for delegates throughout the event, this milestone highlights the viability of battery electric vehicles as a practical mobility solution.

Launched in the Philippines in May this year, the VF MPV 7 is VinFast’s premium seven-seater designed for Filipino families. Built with a spacious cabin optimized for multi-generational families, the electric MPV offers comfortable seating across three rows, up to 1,240 liters of cargo space, and a 60.13-kWh battery that delivers a driving range of up to 450 km on a full charge under NEDC standards. Its 150-kW electric motor and 280 Nm of torque provide the power needed for everyday drives and longer journeys.

This year’s ASEAN Energy Business Forum is a platform that brings together key stakeholders to advance solutions for a more sustainable and resilient energy future. For VinFast, the forum provides an important opportunity to contribute to conversations around clean energy and sustainable mobility, while highlighting the role of electric vehicles in supporting the region’s energy transition. The brand’s participation also reinforces its commitment to working with partners across ASEAN to drive innovation and help shape a cleaner, smarter future for mobility in the region.

As VinFast continues to expand its presence across Southeast Asia, the company remains focused on shaping a more sustainable and accessible future for mobility in the region. Through an integrated ecosystem grounded in sustainable innovation, spanning electric vehicles and charging solutions to ownership and aftersales support, VinFast is working to make electric mobility a practical part of everyday life while supporting the evolving needs of communities across the region.

Spotlight is BusinessWorld’s sponsored section that allows advertisers to amplify their brand and connect with BusinessWorld’s audience by publishing their stories on the BusinessWorld Web site. For more information, send an email to online@bworldonline.com.

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“Animals” Preview: Ben Affleck Returns—And the Kidnapping Thriller Gets Personal. Streaming October 9, only on Netflix!

Netflix is bringing pressure-cooker suspense to your screen on October 9 with “Animals,” a tightly wound thriller starring Ben Affleck alongside Kerry Washington and Gillian Anderson. Directed by Affleck, the film leans into the kind of escalating paranoia that turns everyday people into desperate decision-makers—especially when the clock starts counting down for their family.

The Hook: A Ransom Plan Built on Lies

At the center of “Animals” is a nightmare scenario: a Los Angeles mayoral candidate and his wife watch their world snap in half when their son is kidnapped. What follows isn’t just a scramble for cash—it’s a descent into a web of deception where every demand raises new questions, and every answer feels like a trap.

The logline sums it up perfectly: as they attempt to raise the ransom, the couple is forced into choices that don’t just test their morals—they expose secrets that could shatter everything they’ve built.

Affleck Takes the Helm—and Turns the Screws

Fans of Affleck’s on-screen intensity will find it echoed behind the camera. With Ben Affleck directing, the film carries an immediate sense of stakes and control—then gradually loses both. The story’s tension feels designed to keep tightening, pushing characters toward increasingly consequential choices rather than simple twists.

If you’re expecting a thriller that plays like a straight line to the truth, “Animals” seems to do the opposite: it suggests that truth may be the most dangerous thing in the room.

A Cast That Elevates the Unease

One of the film’s strongest draws is the breadth of talent assembled across familiar faces and standout presences:

Ben Affleck, Kerry Washington, Gillian Anderson, Adriana Paz, Ray Fisher, Christopher Woodley, Matt Gerald, Jacob Estrada. With Luis Gerardo Méndez and Steven Yeun.

That mix hints at a story with multiple layers—power, public image, private guilt, and the kind of negotiation that can turn allies into obstacles.

In the full-length category, the Japan-set drama “Mono No Aware” was far and away the most awarded film. The film landed nine awards including Pinakapanalong Pelikula, Panalo sa International Jury, Panalong Direktor for BC Amparado, Panalong Aktor for Juan Karlos Labajo, Panalong Pangalawang Aktres for Momoko Kobayashi, Best Ensemble, Panalo sa Cinematography for TM Malones, Panalo sa Editing for Edmund Telmo, and Panalo sa Sound Design for Willie Apa Jr.

“Apol of my Ai,” “Multwoh (Patay na Patay Sa’yo),” and “Patay Gutom” took home four awards each, while “Stuck on You” left with two.

Notable wins include Xyriel Manabat taking home Panalong Aktres for her comedic turn in “Stuck on You,” young Zion Cruz of “Apol of my Ai” taking home the Panalong Child Performer award, and Zanjoe Marudo winning the Panalong Pangalawang Aktor award.

In the student shorts category, “Limlim” and “Kun Hain, Bisan Diin.” found themselves in a neck-and-neck race best highlighted when Samantha Palaje and Jomarie Corro-Reyes respectively took home Panalong Direktor in a tie for the award. Both films ended the night with four awards each, with “Limlim” taking home the top honor of Pinkapanalong Maikling Pelikula.”

The complete list of 2026 Puregold CinePanalo award winners is as follows:

PINAKAPANALONG PELIKULA

Full-Length: “Mono No Aware”

Student Shorts: “Limlim”

PANALONG KARANGALAN MULA SA HURADO

Full-Length: “Apol of my Ai”

Student Shorts: “Kun Hain, Bisan Diin.”

PUREGOLD ALWAYS PANALO FILM

Full-Length: “Multwoh (Patay na Patay Sa’yo)” & “Patay Gutom (Dead Hungry)”

Student Shorts: “Miss Intrams” & “Pulis Dunggab”

PANALO SA INTERNATIONAL JURY

Full-Length: “Mono No Aware”

Student Shorts: “Alumahan”

PANALONG DIRECTOR

Full-Length: BC Amparado – “Mono No Aware”

Student Shorts: Jomarie Corro-Reyes – “Kun Hain, Bisan Diin.” &

Samantha Palaje – “Limlim”

PINAKA PANALONG MAIKLING PELIKULA (PANORAMA SECTION)

“The Other Side of Reality” – Zig Dulay

PANALONG AKTRESS

Full-Length: Xyriel Manabat – “Stuck on You”

Student Shorts: Jonalyn Mateo – “Ang Huling Banlaw ni Susan”

PANALONG CHILD PERFORMER

Full-Length: Zion Cruz – “Apol of My Ai”

Student Shorts: Zoey Madison Lim – “Limlim”

PANALONG AKTOR

Full-Length: Juan Karlos Labajo – “Mono No Aware”

Student Shorts: Jay Gabriel Cañada – “The Sound of K”

PANALONG PANGALAWANG AKTRESS

Full-Length: Momoko Kobayashi – “Mono No Aware”

Student Shorts: Nour Hooshmand – “Starfish”

PANALONG PANGALAWANG AKTOR

Full-Length: Zanjoe Marudo – “Apol of My Ai”

Student Shorts: Nor Domingo – “12 Shots”

BEST ENSEMBLE

“Mono No Aware”

PANALO SA MGA MANONOOD

Full-Length: “Multwoh (Patay na Patay Sa’yo)”

Student Shorts: “Ang Huling Banlaw ni Susan”

PANALONG KWENTO

Full-Length: Carl Joseph E. Papa, Yvonne Garcia – “Patay Gutom”

Student Shorts: Jomarie Corro-Reyes, William Roberts – “Kun Hain, Bisan Diin.”

PANALO SA CINEMATOGRAPHY

Full-Length: TM Malones – “Mono No Aware”

Student Shorts: Geia de Vera – “Limlim”

PANALO SA PRODUCTION DESIGN

Full-Length: Rodrigo Ricio – “Multwoh (Patay na Patay Sa’yo)”

Student Shorts: Jim Flores, Minnesota Flores, Sol Samodio – “12 Shots”

PANALO SA MUSICAL SCORING

Full-Length: Emerzon Texon – “Apol of My Ai”

Student Shorts: Lenard Kent Villanueva – “Miss Intrams”

PANALO SA VISUAL EFFECTS

Full-Length: “Patay Gutom” Animation Team

Student Shorts: Junelle Bacho Tecson, Luis Martin Mañalac – “Starfish”

PANALO SA EDITING

Full-Length: Edmund Telmo – “Mono No Aware”

Student Shorts: Brian Spencer Reyes – “Kun Hain, Bisan Diin.”

PANALO SA SOUND DESIGN

Full-Length: Willie Apa Jr. – “Mono No Aware”

Student Shorts: Hannah Gagalac – “Bumtak Sara ti Nuangen”

PANALONG AWITIN

Full-Length: “Reyna ng Quezon City” by Juana – “Stuck on You”

Student Shorts: “Game Na!” by Kier Mosquito, Edlyn Icao, John Dave Brion – “Teks Battle: Shoot Pati Pato!”

PANALONG POSTER

Full-Length: Denver Balbaboco – “Patay Gutom”

Student Shorts: Keith Ian Serfino – “Alumahan” & Eidan Maninang – “Nang Matakasan ang Tagay”

PINAKAPANALONG PROMOSYON NG PELIKULA

“When Heaven Inched Towards Earth”

PANALO SA BRAND INTRUSION

Full-Length: “Multwoh (Patay na Patay Sa’yo”)

Student Shorts: “Alumahan”

Puregold CinePanalo festival chair Ivy Hayagan-Piedad spoke on the importance of the occasion. “Each year, we gather to honor the brave artistry, and passion of Filipino filmmakers who continue to make a statement in Philippine cinema,” she said. “We proudly celebrate their achievements and we will continue to push this new voice and new perspective that move, inspire, and resonate with our panalo cinema audience.”

The Puregold CinePanalo continues to run until October 4 at Gateway Cineplex 18, TriNoma, Fairview Terraces, Ayala Malls Feliz, Ayala Malls Circuit, Ayala Malls Manila Bay and Market! Market!

Regular tickets are priced at ₱250, while PWDs, senior citizens, students, national athletes, and Aling Puring and Puregold Perks cardholders can purchase discounted ₱200 tickets.

A ₱2,000 festival pass provides access to all seven full-length films and four sets featuring the festival’s 19 student shorts. Festival passes are available at Gateway Cineplex 18 and TriNoma.

The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2026 is supported by Alaska, Angel, Argentina, Ariel, Bingo, Birch Tree Fortified, Bear Brand, C2, Century Tuna, Champion, Chuckie, Coca-Cola, Colgate, Creamsilk, Datu Puti, Downy, GoodNom Fresh, Great Taste, Del Monte, Jack’N Jill, Knorr, Lucky Me!, Maggi, Magnolia Real Mayonnaise, Milo, Monde, MY San, Nestea, Nissin, Nivea, Palmolive Naturals, Pantene, Purefoods, Rebisco, Royal, Safeguard, Sprite, Surf, Wilkins and Zonrox.

Ask ten people what their perfect night’s sleep looks like and you’ll get ten different answers. Some sleep on their side, some on their back. Some run warm, some wake up stiff, and some toss and turn until 3 a.m. Your needs can even change from one night to the next. That’s the idea behind ZLEEP AI. Instead of offering a standard product and hoping it suits everyone, the brand builds AI-powered sleep products around the individual, with the goal of making rest more personalized, more responsive, and backed by real data.

At the heart of the experience is the ZLEEP AI smart mattress, which pairs sleep monitoring with adaptive support so your sleep environment responds to you. Depending on the product, it can track your sleep patterns, sense your body and the support you need, remember your personal settings, and let you adjust each side of the bed separately with dual-zone control.

Sharing a bed is where this matters most. One partner may want a firmer surface while the other prefers something softer, one may sleep on their stomach while the other curls up on their side, and their schedules and body types rarely line up. ZLEEP AI handles these differences by sensing, analyzing, and adjusting all night long. High-precision pressure sensors continuously map the shoulders, back, waist, hips, legs, and feet, and built-in biosensors monitor heart rate, breathing, and movement, so no wearable is needed. The AI studies this information, including how your body moves, how pressure shifts through the night, and even discomfort caused by humidity, to work out sleep stages and the quality of rest. From there, the mattress quietly fine-tunes firmness in different body zones to keep your spine aligned and relieve pressure points, all without disturbing. When it detects snoring, the smart bed base can gently shift your position to ease the interruption, and the smart alarm reads your sleep cycles to wake you at a lighter, more refreshed point. By morning, the ZLEEP AI app turns the night’s data into easy-to-read sleep reports. Your bed supports you, and it also learns from you over time, giving each sleeper a more personal experience without splitting the bed in two, which is a big reason smart mattresses appeal to couples.

ZLEEP AI carries the same thinking beyond the mattress. Its pillow collection includes designs made for different moments and needs, from ergonomic cervical support for neck and spine alignment, to cloud-soft comfort for a plush, relaxed feel, to neck support built for travel. Each one covers a different part of your day, whether that’s a full night’s sleep or a quick rest on the go.

Most sleep technology has stopped at one question: how long did you sleep? ZLEEP AI asks a better one: how did you sleep, and what would help you rest better? Building an environment around that answer is what sets the brand apart.

As smart technology becomes part of everyday life, personalization is likely to become the norm in the bedroom too. For ZLEEP AI, the future of sleep isn’t just about sleeping longer. It’s about understanding your sleep better. If you’re curious how personalized sleep could work for you, you can explore the full range at zleepai.com/products.

ABS-CBN will remain a Lopez-led company as new investments come in as part of its efforts to build the new ABS-CBN.

ABS-CBN stockholders approved on Wednesday (September 30) the next steps for the ₱6-billion investment announced in August.

The new investments are from companies representing three branches of the Lopez family, namely Crème Investment Corporation, Mantes Corporation, and Presta Holding Company, Inc., as well as Lopez, Inc. and new investor I&C Holdings Corporation.

ABS-CBN continues to reach audiences across television, streaming, digital, film, music, live events, and international markets with its shows, movies, news, music, and other Filipino content.

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Chris, whose full name is Chris Zachary Torres De Guzman, identified balancing assignments and schoolwork with karate training as one of the challenges he has faced in pursuing the sport. His preparation for Bacolod is therefore about more than improving his performance in sparring. It also involves continuing his studies while working toward a sporting goal.

Batang Pinoy 2026 is scheduled for December 12–18 in Bacolod City. The Philippine Sports Commission’s national youth sports event offers young Filipino athletes the opportunity to compete against peers from across the country.

According to his written interview, Chris earned his place on the Lipa City team through local karate tryouts. The opportunity began when Sensei Khim told practitioners at their dojo that those interested could participate. Chris entered, won, and was included in the list of selected competitors.

Training with JKA Lipa, he is preparing to compete in kumite, the sparring discipline of karate, where offensive and defensive techniques are tested within competition rules.

“I am currently working toward becoming a better karate practitioner, improving in competitions, and gaining more experience,” Chris wrote in his questionnaire.

That desire to improve shapes his preparation. He continues practicing, works on his confidence, and pays attention to mistakes that can help him identify what needs more training. He describes discipline and focus as important parts of reaching this point.

The upcoming event will be his first Batang Pinoy appearance. Chris also described it as his first competition using World Karate Federation rules, adding a new experience to his development as a practitioner.

His family, friends, teammates, and coaches have welcomed his selection with support and encouragement. For a young competitor balancing school and training, that response provides a supportive circle as he prepares for the national stage.

Chris wants to win. He also looks forward to meeting other athletes, experiencing a different competition environment, and learning lessons he can bring back to the dojo. Representing Lipa City gives those ambitions a wider meaning: he hopes his participation will reflect confidence, discipline, and respect.

Asked what he would tell other young people considering a new opportunity, Chris encouraged them to work hard, remain disciplined, and be willing to try.

His goals after Batang Pinoy are similarly practical: continue improving, compete in more tournaments, and learn from the experience gained along the way.

For now, his next step begins with the responsibilities already in front of him—schoolwork to complete, skills to practice, and a first Batang Pinoy appearance to prepare for.

About Chris De Guzman
Chris Zachary Torres De Guzman, publicly known as Chris De Guzman, is a karate practitioner from Lipa City, Philippines, who trains with JKA Lipa. He is preparing to represent Lipa City in kumite at Batang Pinoy 2026. He belongs to a very few selected Signature Brand Models of  the Associated News Agency (ANA) 

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The company’s IPO prospectus, reviewed by Reuters, highlights risks associated with its AI models, which it said could exhibit “self-preserving behaviors,” including attempts to “resist shutdown,” to “conceal or manipulate information” and behavior “resembling blackmail.”

“Our development of highly advanced models, platforms, and applications and expansion of use cases could further increase the risk that our models cause harm,” Anthropic said in the filing.

While public companies routinely outline product risks to investors, few, if any, have issued warnings suggesting their technology could cause potential human extinction. Anthropic emphasized both the transformative potential of AI on par with industrialization and electricity and the irreversible harm it could cause if mishandled.

Anthropic and other AI developers, including OpenAI, have faced scrutiny after incidents where experimental systems defied constraints, including a report of an OpenAI model breaching Australia’s health-system database.

Anthropic safety researcher Evan Hubinger estimated a greater than 10% probability that AI could kill humans within the next decade, echoing a sentiment by a former colleague, Jacob Coxon.

RISK-HEAVY DISCLOSURES
The company, which has positioned itself as a safety-first AI lab, devoted roughly 80 pages of the 261-page main body of its prospectus to laying out risk factors, nearly twice the 48 pages it used to describe its business.

For comparison, SpaceX, which owns xAI, dedicated just around 38 of the 277-page main body of its prospectus to risk factors.

“Potential model awareness of our evaluation efforts creates a significant limitation on our ability to assess model safety,” Anthropic said in the prospectus, adding that models sometimes develop unexpected capabilities during training that may not be discovered until they have been deployed and have resulted in significant safety incidents.

AI researchers have also warned that as models grow more capable, they increasingly recognize when they are being watched and adjust their behavior accordingly, which makes it harder to monitor model behavior.

Anthropic declined to comment in response to a request for comment on Monday.

UNCERTAIN RETURNS ON SAFETY INVESTMENT
Despite emphasizing AI safety, Anthropic said that returns on its safety investments are unclear.

It did not disclose in the filing how much the company was spending on such research. Earlier this month, Anthropic said about 6% of the computing power it used for AI research went to safety work in a sample week in July.

The company, creator of Claude AI models, described safety efforts as “resource-intensive” and said it must divide its limited funds between computing power, expensive AI talent and safety.

Anthropic said that its customer usage, and as a result revenue, is driven by new models and that a “continuous and overlapping cadence” of releases is “inherent to remaining at the frontier of AI development.”

The company last week released a new version of its Opus model, 10 days after CEO Dario Amodei published a nearly 4,000-word essay calling for pacing the frontier.

Some analysts and experts have said no leading AI lab would slow down when doing so risks handing rivals an advantage in an industry where valuations can change with each release.

Anthropic has pledged in recent weeks to disclose more data publicly about how it uses AI models to build future generations of the technology, as experts warn about recursive self-improvement — the point at which models can develop on their own without human help.

“We believe building reliable, trustworthy, and secure AI systems is a collective responsibility and that the market will reward it,” Anthropic said in the filing. — Reuters

Leading this movement is MARSTEK INFINITY Solar Panel, the best solar brand in the Philippines, bringing premium solar technology closer to Filipino consumers through thousands of installations across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Designed with advanced photovoltaic innovation, MARSTEK INFINITY helps homeowners and businesses maximize solar generation while preparing for the country’s growing energy needs.

Built with N-Type Bifacial Module with Double Glass Technology, MARSTEK INFINITY Solar Panel, the best solar brand in the Philippines, introduces a more efficient approach to solar generation by allowing the panel to capture sunlight from both the front and rear sides. This advanced Bi-Facial Technology helps utilize reflected sunlight from the rear side of the panel, creating additional energy generation potential and maximizing available installation space.

With up to 720W output and up to 23.2% efficiency, MARSTEK INFINITY is engineered to deliver stronger solar performance for residential and commercial applications. Its N-Type Monocrystalline Technology supports higher efficiency, allowing users to generate more power from their solar installation while making better use of their available roof area.

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For customers investing in solar technology, warranty protection plays an important role in choosing the right solution. MARSTEK INFINITY Solar Panel provides a 30-Year Linear Power Warranty and a 15-Year Product Warranty, giving homeowners and businesses greater confidence in their solar investment for decades of performance.

Recognized as a globally established technology company, MARSTEK is listed under Fortune 500, reflecting its international presence and commitment to developing innovative energy solutions. Through continuous advancements in solar technology and energy storage systems, MARSTEK continues to support the transition toward cleaner and smarter energy solutions worldwide.

Today, thousands of homes across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao are now equipped with MARSTEK INFINITY Solar Panel, demonstrating the growing demand for premium solar solutions in the Philippines. From residential properties to commercial projects, more Filipinos are choosing advanced solar technology designed to deliver efficiency, reliability, and long-term value.

As the Philippine renewable energy market continues to expand, MARSTEK Philippines remains committed to making world-class solar technology more accessible through its nationwide network of authorized distributors and partners.

For homeowners and businesses searching for the best solar brand in the Philippines, discover MARSTEK INFINITY Solar Panel and explore available solar solutions through marstek.ph.

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Globe Telecom Inc. is betting the artificial intelligence boom can turn its data-center venture into its next billion-dollar business as fintech arm Mynt Inc. heads for a record Philippine initial public offering.

The carrier plans to spend at least $1 billion in 2027, mainly to expand its data business, President and Chief Executive Officer Carl Raymond Cruz said in an interview Monday. Capital expenditures are expected to equal 23% to 28% of revenue over the next few years.

“We need to continue investing in the network,” he said. “We will continue to do that but with very selective, highly-prioritized areas mainly related to data and the digital economy.”

The country’s second-largest telecommunications firm is looking beyond its traditional operations for its next leg of growth as AI fuels a global race for computing capacity. Billions of dollars are pouring into the sector across Asia as cloud providers and technology companies seek to meet surging demand.

Globe already has a foothold through ST Telemedia Global Data Centres Philippines, a venture with parent Ayala Corp. and Singapore Technologies Telemedia Pte. The data-center operator runs five facilities, with capacity set to reach 30 to 35 megawatts by the end of 2026 before rising to 124 MW over the following three years through new sites and expansion of existing facilities, according to Cruz.

A listing of the venture is among the options being considered to fund further expansion, he said. “Anything related to the digital economy is valuated quite generously by the market.”

Capacity constraints in Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia mean the Philippines is the next destination for data-center customers, he said. “You’ll see data traffic increase by probably three to five times in the next couple of years with AI.”

Still, the Philippines cannot rely solely on demand spilling over from Malaysia and Indonesia, according to a report by BMI, a unit of Fitch Solutions. To win large cloud projects, it will need to leverage its undersea cable links to developed Asian markets, alongside secured access to power and land.

The country has 44 data centers, the second-fewest among the Asian markets tracked by BMI, with about 140 MW of live capacity and another 264 MW under construction or planned.

At home, Globe is trying to catch up in a market led by rival PLDT Inc., whose data-center subsidiary VITRO Inc. is seeking up to P24.2 billion ($387 million) in a real estate investment trust IPO. Converge ICT Solutions Inc. is also expanding its own footprint.

The government is seeking to draw more of that data-center investment onshore. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed an executive order in July requiring the government’s most sensitive digital information to remain under Philippine jurisdiction, potentially boosting demand for local facilities.

The data-center bet follows Globe’s success with Mynt, the company behind GCash, the Philippines’ largest mobile wallet. Mynt was valued at $5 billion in its last funding round in 2024 and its IPO is expected to raise about P60 billion next month that would be the country’s biggest.

Globe intends to remain Mynt’s single largest shareholder as the fintech expands its credit, investment, savings and insurance services, Mr. Cruz said. — Bloomberg

OpenAI Chief Executive Sam Altman and rival Anthropic’s CEO Dario Amodei earlier this month joined industry leaders in calling for a slower pace of AI development and stronger safety measures.

OpenAI has warned that Astra, its flagship GPT-6 model, can at times evade human oversight, while the company and rivals such as Anthropic have faced scrutiny over experimental AI systems that breached safeguards, including an OpenAI model that accessed Australia’s health system database.

The Wall Street Journal reported earlier in the day that OpenAI had abandoned plans to launch the model, which was expected to be integrated into ChatGPT and Codex and was designed to handle more complex tasks without human assistance.

The Journal reported that GPT-6.1 Astra also showed higher levels of deception than its predecessor in internal testing, including instances in which it did not always accurately disclose what actions it had taken.

“While (GPT-6.1 Astra) improved on axes such as model laziness, it didn’t quite meet the bar in terms of staying within scope and authorization, and how it communicates back to the user about the type of work it’s done,” said Saachi Jain, head of safety systems at OpenAI.

“Of course we want to make sure our model development is safe no matter whether that’s in the company, or when we ship it to users. But when we ship it to users, we have an extremely high bar in terms of safety and alignment,” Ms. Jain said.

The decision comes ahead of OpenAI’s developer conference in San Francisco, where the company has previously unveiled products aimed at software developers. — Reuters

Through the Development of the Salt Industry Project (DSIP), BFAR Region VIII (Eastern Visayas) provided the Daram Association of Fish and Squid Processors and the Brgy. Ubo Dried Fish Vendors Association with materials and inputs to establish solar salt production facilities, complementing their existing fish-processing activities.

The two associations, composed of 16 and 25 fisherfolk members, respectively, each received ₱100,000.00 worth of Solar Salt Production in Low Linear Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) with Frame modules, along with a generator, submersible pump, and HDPE drums.

BFAR VIII also conducted comprehensive salt-making training in Tacloban City and provided capability-building activities to equip the associations with the knowledge and skills needed to properly operate and manage the technology.

The intervention allows the communities to transform locally available seawater into salt through a simple solar evaporation process.

Clean seawater is filtered before being placed in an LLDPE-lined drying area covered with UV film.

Under the heat of the sun, the water gradually evaporates, leaving salt crystals that can be collected after approximately four to five days, depending on weather conditions.

Their initial production has already yielded 180 kilograms of salt, which the associations used for their fish-drying activities. The early results demonstrate how locally produced salt can both provide an additional livelihood and help support the supply requirements of existing fish-processing enterprises.

For Gilda Dosal Añez, president of the Daram Association of Fish and Squid Processors, salt-making presents a practical livelihood opportunity for women in coastal communities.

She said salt-making has great potential as a livelihood because it does not require a large amount of capital and can be easily managed, particularly by women.

Daram is an island municipality composed of 57 coastal communities and one upland community. Fishing remains its primary livelihood, with 98% of residents recorded as municipal fishers by the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist-Fisheries Services (OMA-FS).

With the municipality surrounded by seawater, local officials see salt production as a practical way to make use of an abundant local resource while creating additional economic opportunities for coastal communities.

The local government unit of Daram organized the associations, provided initial seed capital, and facilitated their connections with government agencies and development partners for technical assistance and training.

BFAR’s support through the DSIP is set to expand further. BFAR VIII will distribute ₱300,000.00 worth of Collapsible Salt Production Setups to associations in Daram, Samar to increase their production capacity and availability of locally produced salt while providing fisherfolk with an additional source of income.

The associations also plan to add more liner setups, move toward mass production, and eventually develop iodized, food-grade salt. They are likewise looking into value-adding opportunities and the possible replication of the technology in other barangays interested in adopting solar salt production.

The locally produced salt currently sells for ₱20 per kilogram, providing the associations with another product while helping meet the salt requirements of local fish processors.

At the regional level, the DSIP has identified 230 individuals from 13 associations and one cooperative in Eastern Visayas as beneficiaries of salt production interventions.

Target areas include Daram Island in Samar; San Roque in Northern Samar; Maasin and Hinunangan in Southern Leyte; Baybay City in Leyte; Guiuan and Arteche in Eastern Samar; and Naval and Maripipi in Biliran.

From seawater to salt, and from salt production to stronger coastal livelihoods, DSIP is helping turn the country’s salt resources into an industry—one community, one producer, and one livelihood opportunity at a time.

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The event presented the vivo X500, X500 Pro, and X500 Pro Max as part of vivo’s strategy to develop what it describes as dynamic imaging, which extends smartphone imaging beyond still photography to video and live content. The series uses vivo’s BlueImage Dynamic Imaging Technology Stack, which combines developments in sensors, imaging chips, and software algorithms.

Curtis attended the event ahead of the series’ planned launch in the Philippines.“Anne’s presence at the global launch in Shanghai gives Filipino consumers a closer look at where vivo’s imaging technology is heading,” said Liu Lu, Brand Marketing Director of vivo Philippines. “The X500 Series brings together technologies designed not only for professional creators, but also for people who want to capture everyday moments through photos, video, and live content.”

About vivo X500 Series

The X500 Pro Max features the vivo × Sony LYTIA L910 sensor, which vivo says provides up to 17 EV of dynamic range. It also includes a 200MP ZEISS APO Telephoto Camera and support for the 400mm Equivalent vivo ZEISS Telephoto Extender Gen 2 Ultra. Other features include 4K 240 fps Cinematic Slow-Mo Video and 8K Native Live.The X500 Pro and X500 Pro Max support video features including 17 EV TrueDynamic Log Video, 10-bit 4:2:2 encoding, ACES support, and 4K 120 fps Log video. The series also includes six cinematic video color styles and 4K Cinematic Portrait Video. Its Cinema mode offers options such as Auto Framing Video, Vortex Shot, Super Slow-Mo, and Dual View.

According to vivo, the BlueImage Dynamic Imaging Technology Stack covers five areas: high dynamic range, professional image quality, cinematic color, professional stabilization, and dynamic consistency.

The X500 Pro Max is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9600 Pro platform and includes vivo’s V3+ and VS1+ imaging chips, a 2K ZEISS Master Color Display, and an 8,000mAh BlueVolt Battery. The X500 Pro has a 6,510mAh battery, while the standard X500 has a 7,500mAh BlueVolt Battery.

All three models run OriginOS 7. vivo said the imaging features will be available across the lineup, including 8K Native Live and high-specification video recording on the standard X500.

vivo has confirmed that the series will also launch in the Philippines, although local availability details have not yet been announced.

Filipinos can follow vivo Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X, or visit the vivo website and vivo Store app for official announcements.

Coco was cited for his work as an actor, director, and storyteller who has brought compelling Filipino stories to audiences over the years.

“This honor is very special because of the blood, sweat, and hard work we put in all the programs we create, from “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano,” “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” and now in “Sigabo.” We put our heart in these stories, which reflect the stories of everyday Filipinos,” shared Coco in his acceptance speech.

“I want to thank ABS-CBN for continuously creating meaningful programs that mirror our history and lives,” added Coco.

The reality show “Pinoy Big Brother” was the recipient of the Media Excellence Award in Entertainment and Popular Culture for Game/Reality Show (Program Category).

ABS-CBN News’ flagship newscast “TV Patrol” also received the Media Excellence Award in Responsible News Reporting (Program Category) for its commitment to delivering relevant and credible news to Filipinos. One of its anchors, veteran broadcast journalist Bernadette Sembrano, accepted the award for the program.

Meanwhile, “Kapamilya Deal or No Deal” host Luis Manzano took home the Media Excellence Award in Entertainment and Popular Culture for Game Show (Individual Category), for his dynamic hosting and ability to entertain audiences across various game show formats.

Acclaimed director Cathy Garcia-Sampana also received the Media Excellence Award in Entertainment and Popular Culture for Drama (Individual Category) for her exceptional contributions to Philippine film and television.

Bianca Gonzalez also received the Media Influencer Award in Psychological Awareness and Advocacy for using her platform to raise awareness and encourage conversations on mental health and well-being.

P-pop group BGYO also added excitement to the affair as they performed their brand new hits from their latest EP for the attendees.

The USTV+ Media Excellence Awards honors media personalities, programs, and organizations that demonstrate excellence and make meaningful contributions to the Philippine media landscape.

Crunchyroll announced today that Sekiro: No Defeat, the fully hand-drawn anime  adaptation produced by KADOKAWA, Qzil.la and ARCH, will begin streaming as a series in  January 2027. The series will be available exclusively on Crunchyroll worldwide, excluding  Japan, China, Korea, Russia, and Belarus. Sekiro: No Defeat will premiere on Crunchyroll as  an eight-episode series featuring additional content beyond the theatrical version currently  screening in Japan. 

Crafted with reverence for the original, Sekiro: No Defeat adapts the game’s unforgettable  story: a tale of loyalty, blood, and sacrifice set in a fantastical reimagining of Sengoku-era  Japan. The expanded episodic format will offer audiences an even deeper experience of  Wolf and Kuro’s journey. 

Originally slated for a limited three-week theatrical run, Sekiro: No Defeat will continue its  theatrical run in Japan due to popular demand. Ahead of its theatrical release in Japan,  Sekiro: No Defeat screened as part of Annecy’s “Feature Films: Midnight Specials” program  and made its North American premiere at the Fantasia International Film Festival.  

The series is helmed by a team of acclaimed anime creators: 

• Director: Kenichi Kutsuna 
• Screenwriter: Takuya Satou 
• Character Designer: Takahiro Kishida 
• Deputy Director: Shunsuke Fukui 
• Chief Animation Director: Kaito Moki 
• Action Animation Director: Takashi Mukoda 
• Art Director: Yuji Kaneko 
• Color Designer: Azusa Sasaki 
• Cinematographer: Keisuke Nozawa 
• Editor: Yoshinori Murakami 
• Sound Director: Yasushi Nagura 
• Composer: Shuta Hasunuma 
• Produced by: ARCH 
• Production Company: Qzil.la 

Cast:  

• Wolf: Daisuke Namikawa 
• Kuro / The Divine Heir: Miyuki Satou 
• Genichiro Ashina: Kenjiro Tsuda 

About the Game 

Developed by FromSoftware (Elden Ring, Bloodborne, Dark Souls) and published by  Activision, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice has sold over 10 million copies globally. 

About Kadokawa 

KADOKAWA CORPORATION develops a wide range of entertainment including publishing,  videos, games, Web services, education, merchandising, actual events, and business for 

inbound customers. By advancing digital transformation with our new employee working  style Activity Based Working (ABW), KADOKAWA CORPORATION implements a global media  mix strategy, focusing on stable Intellectual Property (IP) creation and delivering it to the  world in a variety of forms. 

KADOKAWA Group Global Portal Site: https://group.kadokawa.co.jp/global/ 

About Qzil.la 

Qzil.la is a content studio that breaks free from conventional norms, combining the latest  technology with creativity to pioneer the future of entertainment. We leverage our unique  sensibility and the high quality of Japanese animation to co-create culture that resonates  globally. https://qzil.la 

About ARCH 

ARCH is an animation production company founded in 2017. We specialize in the planning,  development, and production of animation and other visual works, providing innovative  concepts that transcend industry boundaries and utilize the latest technologies, from  conception to implementation. https://www.archinc.jp/ 

About Crunchyroll 

Crunchyroll is the global anime brand that fuels fans’ love of anime. With the ambition to  make anime an even bigger part of pop culture, Crunchyroll offers fans the ultimate anime  experience and destination centered around a premium streaming service. Crunchyroll has  the largest dedicated anime library, an immersive world of events, exciting theatrical  releases, unique games, must-have merchandise, timely news, and more. Anime is for  everyone and is accessible to stream across territories through Crunchyroll—whether on  the go on mobile, through gaming consoles and big-screen devices at home, or on desktops  anywhere. 

Crunchyroll, LLC is an independently operated joint venture between U.S.-based Sony  Pictures Entertainment and Japan’s Aniplex, a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment  (Japan) Inc., both subsidiaries of Tokyo-based Sony Group. 

Watch the latest trailer HERE

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The agreement was signed by Orhan Abbas, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, Far East and Attorney Patricia Yvonne M. Caunan, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Vice-Chairman. 

Among those who attended the signing were Orhan Abbas, Emirates Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, Far East; Tatiana Korshunova, Emirates Senior Regional Manager, Commercial Operations; OWWA Deputy Administrator Ryan Vincent L. Uy; and OWWA-Dubai Welfare Officer Martel R. Dasayon.

The partnership comes at a time when the welfare of Filipino workers abroad has moved further into focus. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority’s 2024 Survey on Overseas Filipinos, the UAE is now the second-largest destination for Filipino workers globally, home to an estimated 271,000 OFWs. Cash remittances from the UAE reflect this scale, reaching US$750.3 million in the first half of 2026, up 4.3% from US$719.6 million in the same period last year, per Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas data.

Through this collaboration, Emirates and OWWA will coordinate an expanded programme of support and repatriation assistance for OFWs this year.

The three-year agreement establishes a strategic framework for the two parties to collaborate on programmes spanning welfare and social protection, corporate social responsibility, travel and tourism, reintegration and livelihood, and community engagement. This may include preferential fares for official OWWA travel and complementary travel support for individuals who have championed OFW welfare. 

This collaboration reflects Emirates’ longstanding recognition of the contribution Filipino migrant workers make to the aviation, tourism and economic development of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates. Through the partnership, Emirates will support OWWA’s outreach activities in Dubai and across the Middle East, alongside humanitarian , volunteerism and recognition initiatives for OFWs and their families.

Orhan Abbas, commented: “Filipino communities are at the heart of the connection between the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates, and we are honoured to stand alongside OWWA in caring for the workers who give so much to both nations. This collaboration extends beyond travel to recognising the dedication of Overseas Filipino Workers and offering meaningful support to them and their families. We look forward to a successful collaboration with OWWA.”

Attorney Patricia Yvonne M. Caunan added: “This partnership with Emirates reflects our continued commitment to protect, empower, and uplift Overseas Filipino Workers and their families. Through collaborations like this, we are able to extend more meaningful support to our members, recognise their sacrifices, and ensure they are treated with the dignity and care they deserve. We welcome this partnership and look forward to the positive impact it will bring to the OFW community.”

• 2 Two MICHELIN Keys (including 1 new hotel and 1 promoted hotel)
• 7 One MICHELIN Keys (including 4 newly awarded hotels)

•  Two MICHELIN Keys

•  One MICHELIN Key

• One MICHELIN Key: A very special stay.
• Two MICHELIN Keys: An exceptional stay.
• Three MICHELIN Keys: An extraordinary stay.

• The MICHELIN Guide Architecture & Design Award goes to Desert Rock Resort in Umluj, Saudi Arabia, a striking property carved into the landscape of the Hijaz Mountains.
• The MICHELIN Guide Wellness Award highlights Schloss Elmau Luxury Spa Retreat & Cultural Hideaway in Elmau, Germany, for its particularly rich and varied approach to wellness.
• The MICHELIN Guide Opening of the Year Award celebrates Airelles Palladio Venice in Venice, Italy, the first Airelles property outside France and a new arrival overlooking the Giudecca Canal.
• The MICHELIN Guide Local Gateway Award spotlights Londolozi Game Reserve in Kruger, South Africa, a pioneering safari property with a long history of connecting guests with the landscape and culture of the region.

Through its “What U Want, Libre sa iWant” campaign, viewers can stream a variety of Filipino favorites of all genres through its vast library of programs and films, while also providing easier access and seamless streaming via mobile, PC, or smart TV, all for free for users based in the Philippines.

iWant viewers can still enjoy live and on-demand free streaming of ABS-CBN’s marquee programs, including its primetime teleseryes “Coco Martin’s Sigabo,” “Someone, Someday,” and all previous episodes of “The Alibi: Ang Buong Katotohanan.” Also available for free are the hit noontime show “It’s Showtime,” news telecast “TV Patrol,” and game shows “Kapamilya Deal or No Deal” and “Everybody, Sing!” among others, plus live access to Kapamilya Channel and DZMM TeleRadyo programming.

Alongside ABS-CBN’s current shows, audiences can also watch various timeless Filipino movies, from award-winning films “Oro, Plata, Mata” and “Moral,” Star Cinema’s box-office hits “Hello, Love, Goodbye” and “Four Sisters and a Wedding,” to classic flicks “Ang TV Movie: The Adarna Adventure” and “Hey Babe!,” among others.

Also streaming for free are episodes of previous Kapamilya series, such as “Be Careful with My Heart,” “Saving Grace,” “Love in 40 Days,” “What Lies Beneath,” and the Tagalog dub of the hit Asian drama “Meteor Garden.” Viewers can also relive the true-to-life stories from “Maalaala Mo Kaya,” from classic features to its comeback episodes in 2025.

Viewers are in for laughs and heartwarming chats with the free streaming of its talk shows “Gandang Gabi Vice” and the debut episode of “The Angeline Quinto Show.”

Viewers can also enjoy a selection of iWant originals, including the recently concluded “Miss Behave” headlined by Alexa Ilacad, with all episodes out now for free. Also streaming for free are “Love at First Spike” top-billed by Emilio Daez and Reign Parani, and “Beach Bros” featuring Kyle Echarri, Lance Carr, Brent Manalo, Sean Tristan, and Raven Rigor.

All these and much more Pinoy favorites are available to stream for free anytime and anywhere on iWant.

Enjoy all the feels you want, only on iWant, the Home of Filipino Feels. Download the app via Google Play or the Apple App Store or visit iwant.ph to begin free streaming.

The Kapamilya singer-songwriter also unveiled the song’s official music video on the ABS-CBN Star Music YouTube channel, featuring BINI member Mikha Lim as his best friend and love interest.

Shot in the Philippines and Australia, the music video was directed by Richard Goot and Inigo’s father, Kapamilya actor Piolo Pascual.

“It was my dad’s idea when we were on a tour in Australia. My dad was doing everything—he was finding locations where we were going to shoot,” shared Inigo. “It was the first time my dad has ever done something like that.”Inigo also shared how he personally chose Mikha to be his leading lady in the music video, expressing his gratitude that she agreed to take part despite BINI’s demanding schedule.

“She was our first choice when my dad decided to film the stuff in Australia. We have the same group of friends. I’m glad she was nice enough and willing to do it,” he said.

“Pagdating ng Panahon” captures the quiet hope of someone willing to wait for love to arrive at the right time, holding on to the belief that the person he loves will eventually look back and realize he has always been there.

The single follows Inigo’s comeback release, “Ikaw at Ikaw,” whose message is closely connected to the new song.

“It was like a continuation of my thoughts from ‘Ikaw at Ikaw,’” he shared. 

Both “Pagdating ng Panahon” and “Ikaw at Ikaw” will be part of Inigo’s upcoming album.

“Pagdating ng Panahon” is now available on various music streaming platforms. 

Hyatt Regency Manila, City of Dreams ranks eighth in the Top 10 Best Family Hotels category of Smart Travel Asia’s 2026 Best in Travel Poll, asserting the resort’s current campaign,  “the City stays winning”. One of City of Dreams Manila’s luxury hotels, also Forbes Travel Guide Star rated since 2018, Hyatt Regency Manila climbed two places from No. 10 last year, marking its second consecutive distinction on the Hong Kong-based regional list of luxury hotels and resorts.

The 2026 poll, conducted from June to late August, found that safety, service and value figured prominently in travelers’ choices. Child-friendly resorts were among the interests cited by 60 percent of respondents, reflecting the continued appeal of destinations where families can spend meaningful time together.

Smart Travel Asia Editor and Founder Vijay Verghese noted on the results that “service is at the heart of brand recognition and recall,” placing the people behind a hotel at the center of how guests remember it. Established in 2003, the Hong Kong-based Smart Travel Asia began its annual  poll in  2005, whereby  readers vote for their Top 10 favorite Asian hotels, destinations, and international airlines and airports. 

DreamPlay

A significant feature at the resort complex is DreamPlay, the world’s first DreamWorks-inspired indoor family entertainment center, with 12 interactive attractions featuring beloved DreamWorks Animation characters Shrek, Princess Fiona, Po, Tigress, Alex the Lion, Puss in Boots and the Trolls. 

DreamPlay enables kids to explore the world of DreamWorks Animation and provides them with creative and hands-on experience of its stories that are brought to life through the latest digital technologies and its various attractions spread across its 5,000 square-meter space. Open on Wednesday to Sunday from 11am to 8 pm, Participant tickets and non-participant tickets for parents or guardians accompanying children, are offered.

Appealing to both kids and kids-at-heart, Chez Gingy, the dining cafe inside DreamPlay offers classic American, Italian, Asian dishes, and other family favorites such as pizza, pasta, noodles, and well-loved ice creams and desserts. To complete the adventure, DreamWorks toys, goodies, and accessories can be purchased as mementos and gifts at the DreamPlay Shop,

Spacious Rooms and Suites

The recognition highlights Hyatt Regency Manila’s 364 contemporary accommodations with modern comforts. The hotel’s 24-hour in-room dining is available when children need an early meal or if the family chooses to dine in the room. Each room and suite feature a complimentary maxibar stocked with select snack items and canned beverages. 

Club Room and Suite guests have exclusive access to the seventh-floor Regency Club lounge, where complimentary breakfast, all-day refreshments and evening cocktails are served against panoramic city views.

For big families, the 114-sq-m two-bedroom Executive Suite gives multi-generational families, space to stay together while retaining the privacy of separate rooms. A favorite suite of guests seeking utmost privacy  is the 86-sq-m Hyatt Pool Villa with floor-to-ceiling windows, and which is steps away from the swimming pool, next to the fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment, and the salon. It features a king bedroom, separate living area, entrance foyer and powder room. Cribs and rollaway beds are available upon request in selected room categories.

Families can spend quality time together at the 200-sq-m outdoor pool, which also features a separate 10 sqm heated whirlpool, and a children’s pool. 

Stay, Dine, Shop and Unwind 

Foodie families relish bonding moments at the more than 20 restaurants across the property. At Hyatt Regency Manila, The Café, the 315-seat international buffet restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner,  with some dishes prepared a la minute at the interactive show kitchens. Children five years old and below dine for free and six to 12 years old can avail of half the buffet rate. The Lounge offers a refined yet inviting space where guests can savor specialty teas and freshly brewed coffee, complemented by a curated menu of international light bites. 

Premium dining choices await at the two other Forbes Travel Guide Star-rated luxury hotels at City of Dreams Manila. At Nuwa Manila, lunch and dinner are available at Crystal Dragon, renowned for its Cantonese cuisine and regional Chinese specialties, with a selection of dim sum available at lunch; and Haliya serves modern Filipino cuisine for dinner daily. While at Nobu Manila, the local outpost of Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s New Style Japanese cuisine welcomes guests for dinner from Wednesday to Sunday and its signature Nobu Sunday Brunch

Families can head to The Shoppes at the Boulevard for retail therapy with a variety of premium brands for fashion accessories, eye wear,  sportswear, to the latest electronic devices and quality souvenir items juxtaposed with dining outlets Red Ginger, Jing Ting, Hidemasa, Rossi Pizza, Modern Table, Café Society Mango Tree, J. Park Garden Korean Barbecue, Cha Lim and Wolfgang’s Steakhouse Grill. 

Adult family members can opt to melt their worries away at the consistent Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rated Nuwa Spa or Nobu Spa; enjoy live band entertainment at CenterPlay or experience thrills at the contemporary gaming space.

World of Hyatt

World of Hyatt members can book eligible rates and earn points toward free nights and room or suite upgrades. Benefits may include late checkout, room upgrades, Regency Club access or complimentary breakfast, depending on membership tier and availability.

For inquiries, call +632 8800-8080 or e-mail guestservices@cod-manila.com or visit https://qrco.de/WhatsOnCOD. Guests may also explore more offers and rewards or conveniently track their membership benefits through the Melco Club App, available for free download on iOS and Android.   

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Longevity research is aiming to answer exactly that by shifting focus from calendar age to functional or biological age, a measure of how the body and mind perform irrespective of actual age.

In conjunction with Healthy Aging Month, Dr. Vipada Sae-Lao, Herbalife’s Nutrition Education and Training Lead for Asia Pacific shares how our everyday choices can influence biological age and help us stay healthier for longer.

“Biological or functional age reflects the body on the inside, or the way organs, tissues, and processes work, linked to metabolism, inflammation, and cellular repair. Evidence increasingly shows that a person’s biological age can be significantly far from their actual age, in either direction, shaped by the choices they make in the years before,” according to Dr. Sae-Lao.

If ‘living young’ matters as much as ‘living long’, then it is worth diving deeper into what research says about what people can do today to improve their biological age.

Eating smart

Chronic low-grade inflammation can damage DNA and cellular function, increase disease risk, and hasten the ageing process, making smart food choices one simple way to support the body.

Anti-inflammatory foods like nuts and seeds, bright coloured fruits and vegetables like berries, tomatoes, broccoli, leafy greens, olive oil, fatty fish, help boost immune function. These food are commonly included in the Mediterranean diet, which has been associated with brain health, immune function and reduced cellular damage. 

The Filipino diet, centered on vegetables, fruits, and oil, can also support an anti-inflammatory approach based on a 2025 study of more than 11,000 older Filipino adults which identified dietary patterns. This shows how the Filipino diet can help someone age in a healthy way.

Eating smart also means getting enough protein. Protein is critical for the body’s structures like muscles, organs, skin, and hair, as well as hormones and enzymes. Gradual, progressive loss of muscle mass and function, called Sarcopenia, starts in the early forties, making it crucial to consume adequate dietary protein. Insufficient protein may force the body to break down tissues instead, to provide amino acids needed for bodily functions. 

Beyond protein, recent studies highlight the role of Vitamin D in slowing the ageing process, by promoting healthy cell growth, calming inflammation, and clearing damaged cells from the body. Vitamin D boosts calcium absorption necessary for bone health. For example, you can pair vitamin D rich fish, like salmon or mackerel, with calcium from leafy greens such as kangkong or talbos ng kamote,  both Filipino staples. 

A healthy gut microbiome is another key factor to improving biological age. Studies show that eating more probiotic foods like yogurt, kefir, kombucha, fermented cottage cheese, kimchi, burong mustasa, atsara and other fermented vegetables encourage microbial diversity in the gut, decreasing inflammation.

Body and mind training

Physical activity protects heart health, boosts cognitive performance, enhances mood, and strengthens metabolism. Filipinos should aim for 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity, and at least two days of strength training to protect overall health. Studies show that higher cardiorespiratory fitness levels, especially during middle age, can lower risk of heart, kidney, and other metabolic disorders.

Keeping the mind active is just as important. Activities like memory exercises, problem solving and reasoning training, learning something new, and tasks that boost processing speed, stimulate the brain, improve cognitive performance, and can shield against age-related decline.

Building genuine social connections is also vital for a happier, more active life, as sustained loneliness can impair both physical and mental health. 

Rest matters

As people age, the body undergoes changes that can affect sleep quality. Keeping a regular sleeping schedule and building habits that support healthy sleep helps the body repair and recover properly. 

Recent research suggests that too much or too little sleep could also be signs of other underlying issues in the body that can make you age faster. Sleep disorders like insomnia, sleep apnea, or even sleep disturbances caused by depression, gastrointestinal issues, menopause or pain, are important to address to protect sleep quality.

Checking unhealthy habits

While people can do a lot to enhance their biological or functional age, there are also habits that can undo all that hard work. 

A highly processed diet that adds excess sugar or salt, unhealthy fats, artificial sweeteners and harmful preservatives, can over time, negatively impact health and increase the risk of auto-immune or cognitive disorders and other chronic diseases.

Smoking and heavy alcohol consumption can also accelerate aging by affecting multiple organs in the body, especially the lungs, thyroid, heart, and food pipe. Smoking increases inflammation in the body, weakening the immune system and accelerating the aging process. 

Adopting healthy habits and smart lifestyle choices can give the body the ability to navigate age related changes. Small choices made every single day can help people live longer, but more importantly live better.

A new generation of viewers can now discover the outrageous antics of the playful five-year-old, while longtime fans can look forward to reliving the fun and fond memories of watching one of Japan’s most recognizable anime characters.Created by Yoshito Usui, “Crayon Shin-Chan” follows Shinnosuke “Shin-Chan” Nohara, a curious kindergartener whose unusual questions and hilarious mischief often leave his parents, teachers, and neighbors bewildered. Beyond the laughs and family chaos, the series also delivers endearing moments that have made it a well-loved franchise around the world.

ABS-CBN brings “Crayon Shin-Chan” to Filipino audiences through its partnership with Muse Communication, one of Asia’s leading anime distributors.

Families can also catch the child-friendly shows “Baby Einstein” and “Tulipop,” which air every Saturday on Kapamilya Channel, ALLTV2, A2Z, Viewers can also stream both shows on ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube channel and Pop Babies’ YouTube channel.

Catch the all-new Tagalog-dubbed “Crayon Shin-Chan” for free on iWant beginning September 16 and September 26 on Kapamilya Channel, ALLTV2, and A2Z.

The new version marks the first time for Gary V to be featured in the hit Kapamilya primetime series, after his iconic songs were used in previous Coco Martin shows, “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” and “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo.”The soundtrack depicts Gabo’s newfound hope in life as he may have finally found someone who truly cares for him deeply in Sam (Julia Montes), after he had to endure many hard-fought battles all by himself.

As Gabo and Sam continue to play fake husband and wife, will their concern for one another end up in true love?

Don’t miss the action, drama, and ‘kilig’ in “Coco Martin’s Sigabo,” weeknights at 8 PM on ALLTV2, TV5, A2Z, Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live on YouTube at Facebook, and iWant. Viewers outside of the Philippines can watch on The Filipino Channel (TFC) on cable and IPTV.

Under the spirit of “Musikahan,” the two-day celebration will explore the many ways Filipinos experience, share, and make music together. From harmonizing with a group and singing songs through a reimagined karaoke session, to serenading (“harana”) special person/s and creating music through interactive activities, PPM 2026 celebrates how music can bring people together and connect us to different aspects of our lives.

A Musikahan Made for Everyone

PPM 2026 will feature a series of especially curated musical experiences designed to encourage participation and showcase the evolving musicality of Filipinos.

Before the main event, On Cue, an online live music and storytelling series will allow audiences to hear artists perform their songs and share their personal stories and experiences in music-making with a twist of a popular Pinoy game, Tumbang Preso. The series will air on BGC Arts Center’s social media channels and will be available to stream for free.

Bringing music beyond the festival venue, Harana on the BGC Bus will surprise commuters with a special live serenade from a featured artist aboard a regular BGC Bus route.

During the two-day celebration, audiences can experience a variety of programs that celebrate Pinoy music and honor artists who have contributed to the Philippine music scene.

From Pinoy Playlist Conversations where speakers will share stories, insights, and their expertise about relevant topics in music; Special performances from beloved Pinoy performers and rising artists; SALINAWIT performances where we can breathe new life to foreign songs as translated to our native languages; Music-Making Zone where attendees can unleash their creativity through various interactive music experiences; to Modern Harana where you can have artist serenade a special person/s at special spots in BGC.PPM 2026 will also recognize the excellent life-long work of Pinoy musical figures through the Ryan Cayabyab Awards. This year’s awardees are Dr. Grace Nono, Prof. Chino Toledo, and Noel Cabangon.

On Saturday, October 17, witness how individual voices can come together as one through One-Day Choir. In partnership with DIWA Singing Club, facilitated by Toma Cayabyab and Irvs Redor, this offers a new experience to unleash voices and meet new people who share their interest in music.

On Sunday, October 18, sing your heart out in Community Karaoke, where participants can sing along with a live show band playing favorite songs from a curated and voted list of Original Pilipino Music. 

Experience these two unique experiences with the Special Highlight Event Bundle tickets.

At its core, PPM 2026 celebrates how Filipino musicality extends far beyond the concert stage. It lives in karaoke sessions, family gatherings, spontaneous sing-alongs, jam sessions, serenades, and everyday moments shared with friends and loved ones.

BGC Pinoy Playlist Musikahan 2026 will take place on October 17 and 18, 2026, at BGC Arts Center, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.

Ticket Prices

• PPM Regular 1-Day Pass* – Php 1,800
• PPM Weekend 2-Day Pass* – Php 2,200

*regular passes do not include the Special PPM Highlight Events: One Day Choir & Community Karaoke

Special Highlight Event Bundles:

• PPM All Access Oct 17: Day Pass + One Day Choir – Php 1,900/person (valid for October 17 only)
• PPM All Access Oct 18: Day Pass + Community Karaoke – Php 2,000/person (seated in the community table) or Php 18,000/table, max of 10 pax (valid for October 18 only)

Get your tickets now via Ticketworld at bit.ly/PPMTickets or at outlets nationwide, including BGC Arts Center Box Office.

More details on participating artists, program highlights, and activities will be announced on BGC Arts Center’s social media pages. Visit www.bgcartscenter.org/ppm2026 to know more.

BGC Pinoy Playlist Musikahan 2026 is in partnership with Unilab and Dolmar Land.

About BGC Pinoy Playlist Musikahan

BGC Pinoy Playlist Musikahan (formerly Pinoy Playlist Music Festival) is a project of the Bonifacio Art Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization championing the Arts and the Sciences through the BGC Arts Center, The Mind Museum, the BGC public art program, and Mind S-Cool TV.

All PPM proceeds go back to supporting the art programs of the Foundation. Be a co-champion of Pinoy music! Buy your tickets now!

About Bonifacio Art Foundation, Inc. (BAFI) 

The Bonifacio Art Foundation, Inc is a non-stock, non-profit foundation that champions the arts and sciences. It conceived, created and operates The Mind Museum, the BGC Arts Center, the BGC public art program, and the Mind S-Cool. 

To know more, or if you wish to know how you can support the projects of Bonifacio Art Foundation, please send an inquiry to: inquiry@themindmuseum.org, info@bgcartscenter.org, mindscool@bafi.org.ph or visit www.bgcartscenter.org and www.themindmuseum.org.

After a day packed with lectures, requirements, notifications, and the occasional “guys, what was the deadline again?”, there is something satisfying about finally having nowhere to be and nothing urgent to do. Maybe it is catching up on a comfort series, playing a few rounds, falling into a random internet rabbit hole, or simply zoning out for a while. Whatever the vibe, having time to yourself can be the reset you did not know you needed. 

The XPAD 30 Pro fits right into those after-school, after-work moments. Slim and lightweight enough to bring almost anywhere, it combines powerful performance, an immersive display, and smart AI features to make everything from entertainment to casual creativity a little more enjoyable. 

When “One Episode” Becomes Five 

You know the drill. You promise yourself one episode before bed, only for the next episode to start before you have even decided whether you are actually going to watch it. We have all been there.

The XPAD 30 Pro’s 11-inch 2.5K Eye-Care Display gives you plenty of screen space for catching up on your comfort series, scrolling through TikTok, watching YouTube, or finally opening that endless list of videos you bookmarked “for later.” Its sharp, detailed display makes your favorite content more enjoyable, while its eye-care features are designed for a more comfortable viewing experience. 

Sometimes, doing absolutely nothing is exactly the kind of break you need.When “Just One Game” Turns Into a Whole Session 

After hours of taking notes and staring at presentations, switching to game mode can feel like the perfect change of pace. For student gamers, it might be as simple as squeezing in an MLBB match between classes, playing a few games while waiting for dinner, or finally getting some ranked time in after finishing an assignment.

Powered by the Helio G200 Ultimate Processor, the XPAD 30 Pro delivers gaming-optimized performance for a smooth and responsive experience. Its spacious display also gives you plenty of room to keep track of the action, whether you are checking the minimap, coordinating with your squad, or trying to clutch that last team fight.

Of course, “just one game” has a funny way of becoming “okay, last game for real.” But after surviving lectures, deadlines, and group chat chaos, who says you cannot make time for a little MLBB session?.When Curiosity Takes You Down a 2AM Rabbit Hole 

It starts innocently enough. You see something while scrolling, get curious, look it up, and somehow find yourself deep into a completely unrelated topic half an hour later. 

The XPAD 30 Pro’s AI-powered features can make those spontaneous curiosity spirals even more interesting. Ask AI to break down something unfamiliar, translate content, brainstorm an idea, or help you learn more about a topic that suddenly has your full attention.

One random question can easily turn into a new idea, a creative project, or simply something interesting you learned before bed. Not every rabbit hole is a bad one.Time to Enter Your Creative Era   

Not everything you make needs to be submitted on a learning platform.

With stylus support, the XPAD 30 Pro gives you room to sketch, doodle, journal, plan, or experiment with ideas simply because you feel like it. No rubric. No revisions. No groupmate asking, “Can you change this part?” Just some creative time that is entirely yours. 

And with its slim and lightweight design, the XPAD 30 Pro is made to go wherever inspiration strikes. In fact, its sleek design earned it a 2026 European Product Design Award, making it just as stylish as it is practical. Bring it along to your favorite café, meet up with friends, or find a quiet corner at home. What starts as a random doodle can quickly become a new hobby, and before you know it, you are officially hobbymaxxing. . 

Get Tomorrow Out of the Way

For some people, relaxing is easier when tomorrow’s to-do list is no longer living rent-free in their head. 

The XPAD 30 Pro can help clear some of that mental clutter, whether that means organizing notes, annotating documents, checking a few things for the next day, or tying up small tasks before calling it a night. Its smart features and connectivity make it easy to move between school, work, and personal time without constantly switching devices.

Sometimes, all it takes is a few minutes and a few taps to get the essentials sorted. Then close the tabs, call it a night, and let future-you deal with tomorrow. Because Downtime Matters Too 

Classes are done, deadlines are handled, and now it is officially me time. After a day of lectures, requirements, notifications, and group chat chaos, having a little time to reset is more than just a break. It is your chance to recharge, do something you actually enjoy, and just be you for a while. Whether you are binge-watching, gaming with the squad, or hobbymaxxing with your latest obsession, the XPAD 30 Pro is ready for whatever your downtime looks like. 

Because not everything has to be productive. Sometimes, you just need to clock out, recharge, and do you. Make more of your downtime with the Infinix XPAD 30 Pro, now available with the X Keyboard 11 Bundle for just ₱14,699, exclusively on Infinix Official TikTok Shop.

Discover more at the Infinix Website, or shop through Shopee, TikTok Shop, and Lazada. 

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In a report on Wednesday, Chinabank Research said the National Government’s (NG) proposed sin taxes, if implemented, could stoke inflation to as fast as 4.5% next year.

“The proposal in its current form could add as much as 0.3 ppt (percentage point) to headline inflation in 2027, assuming it is passed this year and implemented at the start of 2027,” it said. “Including potential second-round effects, the impact could reach around 0.6 ppt.”

Chinabank said it expects inflation to average 3.9% in 2027.

“If fully passed on to consumers, the proposed tax increases could push headline inflation above the BSP’s upper target, reaching around 4.2% from first-round effects and up to 4.5% once second-round effects are included,” it said.

This means inflation could blow past the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) 4% ceiling next year. The BSP sees inflation breaching its 3% target over the next three years, at 6.1% this year, 5.4% in 2027, and 3.3% in 2028.

The Department of Finance (DoF) wants Congress to approve the Promoting Growth, Revenue, and Equity towards Socio-economic Sustainability (ProGRESS) bill, which includes a revision of income tax exemption thresholds and imposition of higher or new sin taxes.

Under the current proposal, the excise tax on beverages with caloric or noncaloric sweeteners would more than triple to P20 per liter from P6, while the levy on beverages using high-fructose corn syrup would climb to P40 per liter from P1.

The package also introduces a higher levy on beverages using high-fructose corn syrup worth P40 per liter from P12.

The DoF likewise seeks to remove the excise tax exemption on ice cream, sorbets, ice lollies, and frozen yogurt and replace it with a P20-per-liter levy. This would result in a 9% price increase for edible ices.

For distilled spirits, the excise tax could rise to P157.21 per proof liter from P74.16, with the DoF proposing to tax premixed alcoholic beverages or alcopops as well. This means alcoholic beverages will be 20% costlier once the measure is enacted.

The DoF likewise wants to put a unified P72.93 excise tax rate per milliliter of salt nicotine, per two milliliters of freebase nicotine and per pack of 20 heated tobacco products, which would drive tobacco prices up by 3%.

“Although the measures could advance public health objectives by discouraging consumption of harmful products, higher excise taxes would likely be passed on to consumers, as observed following the Sin Tax Reform Law of 2012 and the TRAIN (Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion) law of 2017,” Chinabank said.

“Nevertheless, the inflationary impact should be relatively contained and largely concentrated in the affected product categories, with limited knock-on effects compared with broad-based shocks such as higher oil, electricity, or rice prices,” it added.

Chinabank said the DoF proposal also includes new taxes on automobiles and plastics, but this is expected to have limited direct impact given their smaller weights in the consumer price index (CPI) basket and the potential for consumers to shift to less-taxed alternatives.

OIL PRESSURES

Meanwhile, Japanese financial giant Nomura said Philippine inflation may heat up faster than earlier expected as renewed escalation of the Middle East war stokes oil prices, fueling second-order effects.

In a report dated Sept. 15, Nomura raised its inflation estimates to 5.8% from 5.1% for this year and to 4% from 3.9% for 2027.

“We now forecast average headline CPI inflation and core inflation in 2026 at a higher 5.8% (was 5.1%) and 4% (was 3.9%), respectively, due to our oil price assumption,” Nomura research analysts Euben Paracuelles and Nabila Amani said. “We also expect more persistent second-round effects from higher energy prices.”

Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, cooled for a second month in a row as it settled at 4.1% in August from 4.2% in July.

According to the Nomura analysts, this was largely due to easing pressures from recreational services and education.

“However, items sensitive to high energy costs are still adjusting higher, including personal care and other services,” Mr. Paracuelles and Ms. Amani added.

They noted this may warrant a fourth straight rate hike by the BSP, with potential further tightening as volatile oil prices and the “Super El Niño” add pressures.

“We reiterate our forecast for BSP to hike by another 25 bps (basis points) in October, but we continue to flag some risks it could deliver more thereafter,” Mr. Paracuelles and Ms. Amani said.

“We believe BSP remains concerned about rising core inflation and emerging upside risks due (to) a combination of still-high uncertainty over oil prices and prospects of a strong El Niño,” they added.

This week, retail pump prices in Metro Manila breached the P100 handle, after oil firms raised gasoline by as much as P5.68 per liter, diesel by P4.31 per liter, and kerosene by P4.62 per liter.

The BSP said inflation will likely peak in the fourth quarter this year as the impact of the Super El Niño feeds into food prices, with risks also looming from volatile oil prices and the minimum wage hike.

Last month, the Monetary Board tightened for a third straight meeting as it sought to preemptively contain inflation risks. It raised its key policy rate by 25 bps to an over one-year high of 5%, bringing its cumulative hikes to 75 bps since it first tightened in April.

BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. has left the door open for more hikes as needed to bring inflation closer to their 3% target, with their projected growth recovery providing them more wiggle room.

At the same time, Nomura kept its Philippine growth forecasts at 3.8% for 2026 and 5.6% for 2027, citing low base effects and the government’s catch-up spending that is expected to boost the economy in the latter half of the year.

“Concerns over politics, however, will likely linger, as the impeachment trial of VP (Vice-President) Sara Duterte continues,” Mr. Paracuelles and Ms. Amani added.

Nomura’s growth estimates fall within the government’s 3.5%-4.5% target for this year, and 5%-6% target for next year.

According to the BSP, fiscal measures may propel the economy in the fourth quarter, with a full recovery expected by 2027. It likewise noted that the country’s medium-term economic fundamentals remain solid.

Mr. Paracuelles and Ms. Amani said the central bank will likely remain measured in tightening monetary policy even as it remains vigilant about inflation risks.

The Monetary Board is scheduled to hold two more policy reviews this year on Oct. 22 and Dec. 17. — Katherine K. Chan

THE PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT has canceled its planned issuance of new fixed-rate Treasury notes (FXTN) this month as borrowing costs surged and the peso further weakened.

“Please be advised that the issuance of the five-year FXTN, as indicated in the schedule of Treasury bills and Treasury bonds issuances for the third quarter of 2026, is hereby cancelled,” the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) said in a memorandum dated Sept. 15.

The BTr was initially scheduled to auction the new five-year FXTN on Sept. 22, while issuance was set for Sept. 24.

“(The cancellation) likely reflects Treasury’s decision to avoid locking in borrowing at elevated yields amid inflation, peso, and geopolitical pressures,” Philippine Institute for Development Studies Senior Research Fellow John Paolo R. Rivera said in a Viber message.

The local unit touched a new record intraday low of P62.925 against the dollar on Sept. 15, while its record low close was at P62.86 on Sept. 14.

On Wednesday, the currency strengthened by 9.6 centavos to close the session at P62.739 versus the greenback from its P62.835 finish on Tuesday.

In August, headline inflation eased to a five-month low of 6.1% from 6.2% in July amid lower food and utility prices. However, it remained above the central bank’s 3% target for a sixth straight month, bringing the year-to-date average inflation to 5.2%.

Mr. Rivera noted the government will likely adjust the timing, tenor, and mix of its borrowings while waiting for better market conditions.

“This does not mean RTB (retail Treasury bonds) will also be canceled, since retail bonds have different demand dynamics. Decision will ultimately depend on pricing and investor appetite,” he said.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said elevated Treasury yields make it more expensive for the government to borrow long term.

In a Viber message, Mr. Ricafort said the BTr can resort to issuing more T-bills and cash management bills (CMB) to satisfy demand for short-term borrowings.

The BTr revived its CMB offerings in June for the first time since the pandemic to help manage short-term liquidity needs amid elevated rates.

A trader said that the BTr will have to replace the jumbo issuance amid weak demand for longer-dated tenors. “As I mentioned before, their choice is to concentrate borrowing on shorter tenors.”

“It seems the five-year jumbo issuance is not appealing given the economic backdrop and external developments… Investors are naturally not comfortable investing in longer-term assets in anticipation of higher yields,” the trader said in a text message.

The trader said the government has been fulfilling its borrowing requirements mostly via short-term debt or T-bills.

Latest BTr data showed total gross borrowings rose by 20.2% to P2.113 trillion at end-July.

Of this, 73.27% or P1.548 trillion was domestic debt. It consisted of P1.157 trillion in fixed-rate Treasury bonds and P390.901 billion in net Treasury bills.

With the lack of appetite for a five-year paper, the trader said demand is unlikely to reach the government’s intended target for the issuance.

The government last issued fresh FXTN in February, where it raised an initial P235 billion from 10-year debt at its rate-setting auction.

The BTr wants to raise up to P380 billion from the domestic market this month — P250 billion via T-bills and P130 billion through T-bonds.

The government borrows from local and foreign sources to help fund its budget deficit, which is capped at P1.659 trillion or 5.4% of gross domestic product this year.

THE Philippines faces heightened economic risks from a potentially severe El Niño as a prolonged drought threatens agricultural production, food security, as well as water and energy supplies at a time when the government and households are still grappling with other external pressures.

Shombi Sharp, deputy executive secretary at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), said the Philippines is considered an El Niño hotspot, making it particularly vulnerable to prolonged dry conditions and drought.

“The history, unfortunately, demonstrates that the Philippines does face extremely high risk and vulnerability,” Mr. Sharp told BusinessWorld in an interview.

The strong El Niño episode in 2023-2024 inflicted P57.78 billion in agricultural losses, according to the Department of Agriculture.

Mr. Sharp said the current El Niño could become among the strongest on record and potentially persist into 2027, citing forecasts from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

“This is very, very concerning,” Mr. Sharp said. “I think it’s quite rare that we’ve had the data, the science looking so certain that an El Niño event would be extremely strong, potentially among the strongest on record, if not the strongest.”

The WMO said its forecasts indicate a near 100% likelihood that El Niño, a periodic warming of sea surface temperatures in the eastern Pacific, would persist through February 2027.

A very strong El Niño can significantly affect rainfall and temperature patterns around the world, as well as drive extreme weather, such as typhoons and droughts.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) earlier this month said the “Super El Niño” phenomenon is likely to persist until the first half of 2027 and projected to cause drought conditions in Camarines Sur and dry conditions and dry spells in 61 provinces.

Mr. Sharp said the impact on Philippine growth is difficult to quantify because it will depend on the severity and duration of El Niño and how early the government, businesses and communities respond.

He said El Niño could add to pressures already coming from geopolitical conflicts and supply chain disruptions.

“Conflict in the Middle East has disrupted supply chains. In the Philippines, for example, the economy relies a lot on remittances coming from overseas workers,” he said.

“The Gulf countries, which are an important source of remittances, have been negatively impacted by recent conflicts,” he added.

The Philippines could also be more exposed because of its reliance on food imports, particularly if drought reduces domestic production.

“Anything that puts pressure on domestic production obviously is going to create a situation where there are overlapping pressures and fiscal tightness,” Mr. Sharp said.

He said the government could limit the damage by acting early on weather forecasts, especially in agriculture, social protection, and water and energy management.

For agriculture, authorities and farmers could adjust planting calendars, expand the use of drought-resistant crops, and improve efficiency in the use of water and energy.

“So, basically food, water, energy. That’s going to be a big one,” he said.

The government should also strengthen social protection and safety nets for households most vulnerable to drought, including nutrition support and school feeding programs, Mr. Sharp said.

He noted that households already facing poverty and food insecurity would be among those most vulnerable to drought.

Mr. Sharp also called for more investment in climate adaptation, including disaster-resilient infrastructure, nature-based solutions, and climate-smart technologies.

“Investing in adaptation, let’s say resilience to climate, has to be a top priority for all the countries… especially this region and Southeast Asia,” he said.

Mr. Sharp said every dollar spent on preparedness and resilience could generate about $15 in broader economic returns, while investments in early-warning systems can significantly reduce both financial losses and loss of life.

Still, he said the Philippines is better prepared for El Niño than in the past, citing improvements in weather monitoring, forecasting and early-warning systems.

“The Philippines is… one of the first countries in the region to conceptualize and put into place these anticipatory initiatives,” he said.

He described the Philippines as a regional leader in some areas of climate data, forecasting and early warning, but said further investments are still needed.

ESCAP has also been working with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on drought preparedness.

Together with the ASEAN Secretariat, it developed the Ready for the Dry Years report, which examines the impact of prolonged droughts in Southeast Asia and measures that governments can take to build buffers against them.

World Bank Senior Nutrition Advisor Cecilia Santos-Acuin said the cost of poor nutrition goes beyond individual health, affecting productivity, human capital and the country’s long-term economic development.

“Malnutrition alone costs us about $8.5 billion, or 3% of our GDP per year,” Ms. Santos-Acuin said during the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines’ (ECCP) fifth annual Nutrition Forum on Wednesday.

Poor nutrition can affect an individual’s psychological and mental capacity, which in turn affects productivity and the ability to contribute to communities and the economy, she said.

The World Bank estimates that a package of nutrition interventions would cost about $20 per mother, infant and child. For the Philippines, the investment would amount to about $1.5 billion and could generate around $35 billion in economic benefits, Ms. Santos-Acuin said.

“It’s a very good return by any measure,” she said.

Department of Education (DepEd) Director IV Miguel Angelo Mantaring said the economic implications of malnutrition are also reflected in schools, where poor nutrition can affect attendance, participation and readiness to learn.

“You cannot teach around hunger,” Mr. Mantaring said.

He said children who come to school hungry, frequently ill or nutritionally compromised do not have the same opportunity to benefit from instruction and education reforms.

“Nutrition does not teach a child how to read. A teacher does that. The learning system does that, but nutrition can remove some of the physical barriers preventing the child from benefiting fully from what the teacher is doing,” Mr. Mantaring said.

DepEd is expanding its school-based feeding program to about 4.6 million learners in school year 2026–2027, including around 1.5 million kindergarten learners and 1.8 million Grade 1 learners who will receive daily feeding.

“We are progressively expanding universal feeding in the earliest grades. So starting this school year, this means approximately 1.5 million kindergarten learners and 1.8 million grade 1 learners are benefiting from daily feeding,” Mr. Mantaring said.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) OIC Director General Franklin Anthony M. Tabaquin said nutrition also requires regulations that protect consumers while ensuring access to safe and affordable products.

“Safety and affordability should not be treated as opposing goals,” Mr. Tabaquin said.

He called for science-based and risk-based regulation, saying requirements should be proportionate to actual risks and processes should be simplified where this can be done without compromising safety, quality or consumer protection.

“Better nutrition is too important and too complex to be the responsibility of one agency or one sector alone,” he said.

Ms. Santos-Acuin said the country also needs to address fragmentation in the delivery of nutrition interventions.

“Most of the time, the problem is not that we do not know what the interventions are or we do not have it in our programs. It’s because our delivery of the interventions is very fragmented,” she said.

The World Bank, together with the Philippine government, has been implementing a Philippine multisectoral nutrition project anchored on the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition.

The project combines national and local government interventions with early childhood development and water, sanitation and hygiene programs.

Participating communities recorded a 92% exclusive breastfeeding rate, compared with 60% in the National Nutrition Survey, while antenatal care reached 82%, Ms. Santos-Acuin said.

The project also recorded 23% minimum dietary adequacy, compared with a 14% national average at the time the data were collected.

Ms. Santos-Acuin said coordinated interventions can help shift communities from a cycle of poor nutrition toward better health, productivity and economic participation. — Kaizzer Angela Marie V. Manuba

The job fairs were held across 86 sites nationwide, where 1,352 employers offered 157,097 local and overseas vacancies, DOLE said.

A total of 28,795 jobseekers participated in the job fairs, which sought to bring employment opportunities and government services closer to communities.

DOLE Secretary Francis N. Tolentino said the initiative is aimed at making employment services more accessible and helping young Filipinos transition from school to work.

“They shouldn’t have to wait long to get your first real shot at work,” Mr. Tolentino said.

Among those hired were service crew, cashiers, production operators, massage therapists, security guards, office staff, baggers and sales executives.

The job fairs also provided employment opportunities to various groups, including 277 senior high school graduates, 39 beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, 34 members of indigenous communities, three displaced overseas Filipino workers, 11 TUPAD workers, 12 persons with disabilities and 28 senior citizens.

In Metro Manila, DOLE-NCR recorded 421 hires on the spot and 737 near-hires during Trabaho Agad job fairs held on September 12, 14 and 15 in selected areas across the capital region.

A total of 2,971 jobseekers registered at the regional venues, including high school students, fresh graduates and former overseas Filipino workers.

The job fairs were conducted as part of “Handog ng Pangulo: Serbisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat,” which seeks to bring government programs and services closer to communities.

Newly hired SM Hypermarket sales clerk Kerwin S. Liwanag, a fresh graduate, said the program provides jobseekers with opportunities to enter the workforce.

“Importante po yung ganitong programa dahil po marami pong mga tao na natutulungan, and nabibigyan po sila ng opportunity para magkaroon sila ng trabaho and para mas maging successful din sila sa susunod,” Mr. Liwanag said.

Beyond employment, 13,342 jobseekers also availed themselves of on-site services from the National Bureau of Investigation, Social Security System, Philippine Health Insurance Corp. and Pag-IBIG Fund.
Palace Press Officer Claire A. Castro said the administration welcomed the more than 2,400 jobseekers who were hired immediately through the nationwide job fairs.

The job fairs, held in 86 locations, allowed 1,352 employers to offer more than 157,000 local and overseas employment opportunities, Ms. Castro said.

She added that the government services provided at the venues were part of efforts to make public services more accessible to Filipinos.

“Decent jobs and effective public service—that is what the President wants for every Filipino,” Ms. Castro said.

Mr. Tolentino said DOLE plans to continue bringing job fairs to more communities, emphasizing the need to provide Filipinos with access to stable employment opportunities. — Kaizzer Angela Marie V. Manuba

Tara sa Korea! will take place on October 3–4, 2026 (Saturday and Sunday), at the SM  Megamall Mega Fashion Hall. The two-day event will bring together practical travel  information, trusted travel partners, immersive Korean experiences, and other fun activities  to help Filipinos plan their next Korea adventure. 

It always starts with a simple thought: “Gusto kong pumunta sa Korea.” But between  dreaming about the trip and actually booking one are many questions about visas, finances,  flights, travel packages, and what to expect upon arrival. 

Tara sa Korea! Brings these essentials together in one experiential event- helping Filipinos  move from “Gusto kong pumunta sa Korea” to “Tara, Korea na!” while inspiring those who  have already visited to say: “Babalik ako ulit sa Korea!” The event aims to turn uncertainty  into confidence and help Filipinos say: “Ready na akong bumiyahe sa Korea!” 

Through three experience zones—PREPARE, DEPART, and ARRIVE—visitors can explore the  stages of planning a trip to Korea while gaining the information and inspiration they need  to make their travel plans a reality and make their journey more exciting. 

ZONE 1: PREPARE 

Start your Korea trip with confidence. 

The journey begins with preparation. Visitors can learn more about the requirements and  process involved in securing a Korean visa with the Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC).  As the participating bank partner, BDO will help turn Korea travel plans into reality through  financial guidance, travel-related advice, exclusive discounts, cashback offers, and a Fly  Now, Pay Later facility with 0% installments for up to three months at participating travel  partners, making every Korea trip more affordable and convenient.

Korea Tourism Organization Manila Office 

19th Floor, Tower 1, High Street South Corporate Plaza, 9th Avenue corner 26th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig 2637 Philippines Email. ktomanila@gmail.com Website. http://www.visitkorea.or.kr 

ZONE 2: DEPART 

Find the travel options that fit you. 

Once the essentials are covered, travelers can explore their options for getting to Korea.  Participating airlines and travel agencies are listed in the DEPART zone, where they  showcase travel products and packages, along with tips to help visitors plan a trip that fits  their budget, interests, and travel style. 

Whether traveling solo, as a couple, with friends, or with family, there is always another  destination to discover, another season to experience, another dish to savor, and another  story waiting to unfold in Korea. 

ZONE 3: ARRIVE 

Experience Korea before you even leave. 

The Korea experience does not have to begin at the airport. In the ARRIVE zone, visitors  can get a glimpse of what awaits them in Korea. Guests can savor Korean snacks at the K Food Truck, explore quality beauty products by Kolmar Healthcare Philippines, and  immerse themselves in Korean culture through traditional DIY craft activities presented by  the Korean Cultural Center, which they can take home as a keepsake. 

For those who have never been to Korea, these experiences offer a peek at what their first  trip could be. For those who have already visited, this can spark ideas for what to discover  next. 

The goal is simple: make that Korea trip happen. 

Adding a personal perspective to the travel experience, Tara sa Korea! will also feature  celebrity guests who will share their own Korea travel stories, memories, and  recommendations. 

On Day 1, actress Francine Diaz will take the stage for a special performance and share  her experiences in Korea, including memorable moments and insights from her recent 

Korea Tourism Organization Manila Office 

19th Floor, Tower 1, High Street South Corporate Plaza, 9th Avenue corner 26th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig 2637 Philippines Email. ktomanila@gmail.com Website. http://www.visitkorea.or.kr 

project, Kumusta. Her stories will give visitors a glimpse into what makes traveling to Korea  more than just a destination; it becomes a collection of memories to bring home. 

On Day 2, Melai Cantiveros Francisco, the current Honorary Ambassador for Korea Family  Tourism in the Philippines, will share unforgettable experiences from her recent trips to  Korea, favorite family memories, and travel tips for Filipino travelers. Known for her warm,  relatable personality, Melai will share her perspective on discovering Korea, especially for  families and travelers looking to create meaningful experiences together. 

Your Korea journey starts here 

For those who have been saving Korea on their travel bucket list, Tara sa Korea! offers an  opportunity to move beyond simply dreaming about the trip, and to those who have  already been, it offers inspiration to go beyond the familiar and discover something new. 

All it takes to turn “Gusto kong pumunta sa Korea” into “Tara, Korea na!” is having the  right information, the right partners, and a little inspiration to get started. The event invites  Filipinos to take that step and start planning the Korea trip they have been waiting for or  revisit the country to discover more. TARA SA KOREA! 

XG has confirmed their new digital single “DEPENDS“, dropping on 6 November, their first new release since “THE CORE – 核“, the group’s debut full album that hit the Top 100 of the US Billboard 200 and No. 1 on Billboard JAPAN’s Hot Albums chart in January. The announcement lands just a day after XG’s first-ever appearance at Rock In Japan Festival 2026, a full-band performance in Chiba that electrified the crowd, and comes alongside something bigger: XGALX, the label and entertainment brand behind XG, has officially rebranded.

The new tagline says plainly what the blackout was building toward: “Genuine Art Lives. Lives Create Culture“.

XGALX describes the shift as a full reset, moving on from its previous philosophy and rebuilding around a structure centred on artists themselves, with the same key staff who built the label staying on for this next chapter. Every part of the operation, music, management, marketing, is now expanding with a more explicitly global focus.

“DEPENDS” itself picks up that same tension between certainty and doubt. The song follows someone moving forward without having every answer, refusing to force a clean yes or no onto feelings that are still unresolved: “I still don’t know myself” and “I’m still searching”. That uncertainty gets folded into the title itself – “It depends” – a phrase used to hold space for not knowing, rather than pretending to.

The single lands in the middle of a genuinely relentless year. XG became the first Japanese artist ever to perform at Capital’s Summertime Ball in London in June, followed by their first Fuji Rock Festival appearance in July, second-headliner billing at LA’s Head In The Clouds Festival in August, and now Rock In Japan in September. They’re also mid-way through their second world tour, “XG WORLD TOUR: THE CORE,” 35 shows across Asia, Europe, Australia and North America, closing out with a four-show finale across two nights each at Tokyo Dome and Kyocera Dome Osaka in February 2027.

Beyond music, each member has spent the year building serious fashion credentials: JURIA covered SPUR as part of the Dior family, COCONA appeared across ELLE JAPON, MiLK MAGAZINE Hong Kong and Harper’s Bazaar Japan as a GUCCI ambassador, JURIN covered SPUR and Numéro TOKYO, and CHISA landed her first-ever cover with Numéro TOKYO.

Music, live performance, fashion and culture have all become part of XG’s expanding world. Now, with “DEPENDS” and a newly reimagined XGALX behind them, the group enters its next chapter without pretending to have all the answers.

Sometimes, the answer is simply: it depends.

About XG

XG (Xtraordinary Genes) is a seven-member artist group consisting of JURIN, CHISA, HINATA, HARVEY, JURIA, MAYA, and COCONA.

Unbound by innate attributes or predefined frameworks, XG unleashes the power and creativity that lie within each individual’s core. By continuously creating new culture without being constrained by convention, XG seeks to empower people across the world from all walks of life.

XG debuted in March 2022 with their 1st single “Tippy Toes.” They achieved numerous global accomplishments, including becoming the first Japanese artist to rank number one on the US Billboard chart “Hot Trending Songs Powered by Twitter” and gracing the cover of US “Billboard” magazine. Their 2nd mini-album “AWE,” released in November 2024, made its first appearance on the US Billboard album chart “Billboard 200.” From 2024, they held their first world tour, “XG 1st WORLD TOUR ‘The first HOWL’,” with 47 performances in 35 cities worldwide, attracting approximately 400,000 people. At the tour final performance held at Tokyo Dome on May 14, 2025, they captivated an audience of approximately 50,000. In April 2025, they were the only Japanese artists to perform at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, one of America’s largest music festivals, headlining the Sahara Stage and receiving high praise from numerous domestic and international media outlets. On January 23, 2026, they released their 1st full album, “THE CORE – 核,” which became their first entry into the Top 100 of the US Billboard album chart, “Billboard 200.” From February of the same year, they began their 2nd World Tour, “XG WORLD TOUR: THE CORE.” On June 6, 2026, they became the first Japanese artists to perform at Capital’s Summertime Ball 2026, one of the UK’s largest music festivals, and became the first Japanese artist group to perform at Wembley Stadium.

The actor takes center stage in “Wantawsan,” one of seven full-length films competing at this year’s Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival, with a role that gives audiences a chance to appreciate his prodigious acting talent. 

In the film, Joross plays Chito, a struggling father who receives cash from the newly elected mayor he supported during the elections. He plans to use the money for his son’s birthday celebration, but things quickly unravel when most of it is taken away, leaving him with just ₱1,000.

What ensues is a story that turns the issue of everyday challenges into something funny, absurd and painfully familiar.

JOROSS GETS TO SHOW HIS RANGE

Comedy has always been one of Joross’ strongest suits, and “Wantawsan” takes full advantage of it. But behind the laughter is his character Chito’s desperate need to provide for his family, forcing him to traverse both humor and drama as he confronts increasingly difficult choices.

The result is an individual that audiences can laugh with one moment and feel for the next. 

The role also puts Joross alongside Rita Daniela and young actor Zion Cruz, who plays Chito’s son. Their family dynamic gives the film much of its emotional weight, grounding its zany situations in a relationship that is recognizably Filipino.

Joross, in fact, discloses that he grew increasingly attached to his character Chito while making the movie.“Yong nabasa ko yung script talagang nagustuhan ko. Pero yong shinoot namin, mas nag-grow pa siya sa akin,” he said.

“Hindi ako magsisisi sa pag-yes ko rito.”

FROM SCENE-STEALER TO LEADING MAN

Joross has spent much of his career proving that a supporting actor can sometimes be the person audiences remember most.

“Wantawsan” flips that equation.

This time, the jokes, the heartbreak, and the moral dilemmas land squarely on his shoulders—and he finally gets the space to carry an entire film.

“Wantawsan” premieres at the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival, running September 23 to October 4 at Gateway Cineplex 18, TriNoma, Fairview Terraces, Ayala Malls Feliz, Ayala Malls Circuit, Ayala Malls Manila Bay and Market! Market!

Tickets are ₱250 regular and ₱200 discounted. A ₱2,000 festival pass covers the festival lineup, while discounted tickets are available to PWDs, senior citizens, students, national athletes, and Aling Puring and Perks cardholders.

Festival passes will be available starting September 22 at Gateway Cineplex 18, and from September 23 onwards at Gateway Cineplex 18 and TriNoma.

The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2026 is sponsored by Alaska, Angel, Argentina, Ariel, Bingo, Birch Tree Fortified, Bear Brand, C2, Century Tuna, Champion, Chuckie, Coca-Cola, Colgate, Cream Silk, Datu Puti, Downy, GoodNom Fresh, Great Taste, Del Monte, Jack ‘N Jill, Knorr, Lucky Me!, Maggi, Magnolia Real Mayonnaise, Milo, Monde, MY San, Nestea, Nissin, Nivea, Palmolive Naturals, Pantene, Purefoods, Rebisco, Royal, Safeguard, Sprite, Surf, Wilkins, and Zonrox. 

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CUSTOMERS of Maynilad Water Services, Inc. and Manila Water Co., Inc. will pay slightly higher water bills starting Oct. 1 after the regulator approved quarterly adjustments reflecting foreign exchange movements.

The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Regulatory Office (MWSS RO) approved an increase of P0.08 per cubic meter (cu.m.) for Manila Water and P0.24 per cu.m. for Maynilad, the agency said in a statement on Friday.

Manila Water customers in the east zone who consume 10 cu.m. or less will see their monthly bills increase by P0.34. Those consuming up to 20 cu.m. and 30 cu.m. will pay an additional P0.75 and P1.53, respectively.

Maynilad customers in the west zone who consume 10 cu.m. or less will see their bills increase by P0.67. Those consuming up to 20 cu.m. and 30 cu.m. will pay an additional P2.54 and P5.19, respectively.

The tariff increases will have a smaller impact on low-income households covered by the enhanced lifeline programs of Manila Water and Maynilad.

The adjustments were approved under the foreign currency differential adjustment (FCDA), a tariff mechanism that allows water concessionaires to recover losses or return gains arising from movements of the peso against foreign currencies.

Manila Water serves the east zone of Metro Manila, covering parts of Marikina, Pasig, Makati, Taguig, Pateros, Mandaluyong, San Juan, portions of Quezon City and Manila, and several towns in Rizal province.

Maynilad serves parts of Manila, Quezon City, and Makati, as well as Caloocan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas, and Malabon. It also supplies water to Cavite City, Bacoor, and Imus, as well as the towns of Kawit, Noveleta, and Rosario in Cavite province.

Metro Pacific Investments Corp., the majority owner of Maynilad, is one of three Philippine units of Hong Kong-based First Pacific Co. Ltd., alongside Philex Mining Corp. and PLDT Inc.

Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has an interest in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls.

In a statement on Friday, Meralco said its overall rate declined by P0.0409 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to P14.7424 in September from P14.7833 per kWh in August.

The adjustment translates to a P8 reduction in the monthly bill of a household consuming 200 kWh. Customers consuming 300 kWh, 400 kWh, and 500 kWh will see their bills fall by P12, P16, and P20, respectively.

“This follows a rate decrease Meralco implemented last month, and we hope that this will somehow provide relief to our customers,” Meralco Vice-President and Head of Corporate Communications Joe R. Zaldarriaga said.

Meralco attributed the decline mainly to lower ancillary service charges collected by the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) and lower taxes.

Ancillary service charges, or the cost of procuring power reserves to maintain balance in the power grid, fell by P0.3344 per kWh due to lower charges from the reserve market.

Taxes and other charges posted a net decrease of P0.1657 per kWh.

The lower overall rate came despite a P0.4232-per-kWh increase in the generation charge, which Meralco attributed mainly to the weaker peso and higher fuel costs following the recent escalation of the conflict in the Middle East.

On Aug. 28, the peso weakened by P1.025 to close at P62.265 against the dollar from P61.24 on July 31, according to data from the Bankers Association of the Philippines.

The increase in the generation charge was partly offset by lower charges from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), which Meralco attributed to weaker demand in the Luzon grid.

Two refunds being implemented by Meralco totaled P1.0139 per kWh.

Meralco’s distribution charge, meanwhile, has remained unchanged since a P0.0360-per-kWh reduction for a typical residential customer took effect in August 2022.

Meralco is the country’s largest private electric distribution utility, serving more than 8.2 million customers in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, including Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal, and parts of Laguna, Batangas, Pampanga, and Quezon.

Meralco’s controlling stakeholder, Beacon Electric Asset Holdings, Inc., is partly owned by PLDT Inc. Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., which is a subsidiary of the PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund, has an interest in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which MediaQuest controls. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) PISA 2025 study showed that socio-economically advantaged students, representing the top 25%, outperformed those in the bottom 25% by 76 score points in science.

“Between 2018 and 2025, the gap in science performance between the top and the bottom 25% of students in terms of socio-economic status remains stable in the Philippines, as well as across OECD countries on average,” the report said.

The 76-point gap is similar to the OECD average of 85 score points.

It also noted that during the period, performance improved to a similar extent among both advantaged and disadvantaged students.

To determine the socio-economic status of test-takers, the OECD computes an index of economic, social and cultural status that allows students from all participating countries to be placed on a single common scale.

This index is derived from parameters such as parental education, parental occupational status, and home possessions, allowing researchers to categorize students into distinct brackets, such as the top 25% most advantaged students and the bottom 25% most disadvantaged students.

In the latest PISA, the largest share of Filipino students, at 51%, belonged to the bottom international quartile of the socio-economic scale, meaning they were among the most disadvantaged test-takers in 2025.

Their average score in science was 354 points. Students from similar socio-economic backgrounds in global standouts such as B-S-J-Z (Beijing, Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang) in China and Türkiye scored significantly higher, the report said.

This was lower than the Philippines’ overall average of 373 points in science, which saw an improvement of 17 points from the 2022 study.

However, the score remained below the OECD average of 482 in science and ranked last among eight Southeast Asian peers, with Singapore scoring the highest at 560 points.

The report said that socio-economic status accounted for 13% of the variation in science performance among Filipino students in PISA 2025, slightly higher than the 12% OECD average.

Also, 11% of disadvantaged students in the Philippines scored in the country’s top quarter of science performers, qualifying them as academically resilient.

PISA is an OECD-led international assessment that seeks to measure the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of 15-year-old students. It also measures how they can solve complex problems, think critically, and communicate effectively.

More than 760,000 students from 91 countries and economies participated in PISA 2025, of which 8,072 students from 208 schools in the Philippines completed the assessment. This represents about 1.75 million 15-year-olds, or an estimated 82% of the country’s 15-year-old population. — Edg Adrian A. Eva

The trough, or extension, of the LPA may cause thunderstorms over the Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, and Cagayan Valley, PAGASA said in its 4:00 p.m. weather forecast.

PAGASA warned of possible flooding and landslides due to moderate to occasionally heavy rains.

The LPA affecting these areas was last located 1,005 kilometers (km) west of Southwestern Luzon as of 2:00 p.m. and still has a medium chance of developing into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours.

Another LPA is also being monitored outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility and is located 3,035 km east of Eastern Visayas.

PAGASA earlier said that the LPA has a chance of entering PAR over the weekend and is also not ruling out the possibility that it may move near Luzon.

Meanwhile, the prevailing southwest monsoon is also expected to bring thunderstorms over Metro Manila, the rest of Luzon, Western Visayas, and Northern Samar in the next 24 hours.

PAGASA also warned of flooding and landslides over these areas.

The rest of the country may also be affected by localized thunderstorms, despite the effects of the southwest monsoon being expected to weaken.— Edg Adrian A. Eva

Philippine cuisine is more than a collection of dishes. It is a reflection of the country’s diverse regions, traditions, communities, and stories. Building on its commitment to champion Philippine culinary heritage, SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) advances its “Gateway to Gastronomy” campaign through Conrad Manila’s Filipinas, a culinary experience that brings the flavors and stories of the archipelago to the table through the artistry of seven Filipina chefs.

Launched by SMHCC, “Gateway to Gastronomy” is a group-wide campaign that positions its hotels as immersive destinations where guests can discover the culture, history, and communities behind Filipino food. The campaign supports the Department of Tourism’s Food and Gastronomy Tourism Roadmap 2024–2029, which seeks to position the Philippines as a leading gastronomic destination in Southeast Asia by promoting regional cuisines, strengthening hospitality partnerships, championing local ingredients, and creating meaningful culinary experiences for travelers.

“Filipinas demonstrates how Gateway to Gastronomy can translate our country’s rich culinary heritage into an experience that is both deeply rooted in tradition and relevant to today’s diners,” said Leah Magallanes, SMHCC Vice President for Food & Beverage, Quality, and Sustainability. “By bringing together regional ingredients, Filipino culinary stories, and the creativity of our chefs, we are not only showcasing what makes our cuisine distinct. We are creating opportunities for guests to understand the people, places, and traditions behind every flavor. This is how we see our hotels contributing to the continued appreciation and promotion of Philippine gastronomy.”

At the heart of Filipinas is a seven-course chef’s table experience at Brasserie on 3, available exclusively on September 12, 2026. Created by seven female chefs from Conrad Manila’s culinary team, the menu takes guests on a gastronomic journey through the Philippines, with each course representing a different chapter in the story of Filipino food.

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“With Filipinas, we wanted to give our guests a deeper appreciation of Filipino cuisine by presenting familiar ingredients and traditions through a fresh and contemporary lens,” said Rupert Hallam, General Manager of Conrad Manila. “What makes this experience particularly special is the creative voice of our seven Filipina chefs, whose interpretations bring together the diverse flavors of the archipelago while honoring the stories and heritage behind them. It is our way of inviting guests to experience the Philippines through a dining experience that is distinctly Filipino, thoughtfully crafted, and deeply personal.”

The experience opens with simula (beginning), a contemporary interpretation of tokwa’t baboy featuring tofu skin, etag from the Cordilleras, coconut vinegar, and soy gel. Pagbukas (opening) follows with tuna kinilaw, incorporating batwan from Western Visayas, while paglago (growth) presents kabute at keso ravioli with local kesong puti, mushroom duxelles, salted egg crème, smoked corn, and tarragon foam.

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A refreshing calamansi sorbet marks sandali (pause), before the menu moves into its main courses. Direksyon (direction) interprets flavors associated with Central Luzon through maya and alugbati, black heirloom rice from Negros Island, and chicken tinapa, while lakas (strength) draws from the culinary traditions of Bicol through beef tenderloin, burnt coconut, labuyo pearls, and creamed taro leaves. The journey concludes with pamana (legacy), a dessert inspired by Davao’s identity as the Cacao Capital of the Philippines, bringing together guyabano, cacao, pili, and San Nicolas cookie.

Beyond the one-day chef’s table, Filipinas will also be available at Brasserie on 3 beginning Sept. 12, through a four-course set menu, allowing more guests to experience its interpretation of Filipino cuisine. Guests may choose from a selection of appetizers and main courses, including tokwa’t baboy, tuna kinilaw, maya maya at alugbati, baka at laing, and kordero at piyanggang, alongside vegan selections. The meal concludes with halo-halo, reimagined through elements such as ube, leche flan, macapuno, langka, buko-pandan, and pinipig.

Through Filipinas, Conrad Manila expands the reach of Gateway to Gastronomy by bringing together culinary traditions from across the archipelago within a single dining experience. Its menu highlights how Filipino cuisine can be elevated through contemporary culinary techniques without losing its connection to the ingredients, flavors, and cultural influences that define each region.

This approach reinforces SMHCC’s broader role in advancing gastronomy tourism: using its properties as gateways to the destinations they represent, while creating opportunities to preserve culinary traditions, celebrate local producers and communities, and introduce Filipino flavors to both local and international guests. Across the SMHCC portfolio, this approach is reflected in destination-led culinary initiatives that range from Taal Vista Hotel’s heritage journey inspired by Filipino heroes to Pico Sands Hotel’s focus on local ingredients and fishing communities, as well as regional culinary experiences across Central Luzon, Western Visayas, Negros Occidental, and Mindanao.

As SMHCC continues to advance Gateway to Gastronomy, each property becomes more than a place to stay. It becomes a place where guests can experience the Philippines through its food, meet the stories behind its flavors, and gain a deeper appreciation of the heritage that continues to shape Filipino cuisine.

For more information on Filipinas at Conrad Manila, guests may call +632 8833 9999 or email ConradManila@ConradHotels.com.

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Beyond her signature sound, audiences can expect Angela to showcase a fresh and different side of her artistry in the concert.“I am bringing the element of exploration,” she teased. “Discovering ‘Panahon’ EP, to be very honest. Doon ako bumalik. ‘Di ko naman masabi na I was lost, but maybe because I explored a lot of stuff. Because of that, ang dami ko pang gusto from my music na hindi pa nailabas from ‘Ako Naman Muna’ since it’s been six years naman na rin.”

The concert, to be directed by John Prats, will be a different kind of intimate and personal, dedicated to Angela’s followers, whom she fondly calls Angels. “It’s a different kind of personal; it’s a different kind of intimate. I want them to feel na nagkakaabutan lang tayong lahat,” she said. “Yung difference nito is yung lalim na gusto naming mensahe sa bawat set, sa bawat performance, sa bawat guest.”

Fans can also look forward to Angela’s live performance of the tracks from her “Panahon” EP, released under Tarsier Records, which she described as showing the timelines of one’s life.

“Those six songs, it will show you the other side of your life. Like example, si ‘simula ngayon,’ it talks about kung ano ka na ngayon, yung parang pinagtibay ka na ng panahon. ‘kahapon’ talks about the reality na minsan talaga wala kang magagawa pag gusto mo ang isang tao. ‘Pwede Bang Mamaya?’ talks about how we can prolong something with this person, with this person kasi sobrang saya. ‘baka bukas’ is a song full of hope na lahat tayo meron at meron na baka bukas sa buhay.” explained the ABS-CBN Music artist.

Angela is likewise set to perform her upcoming single, “tayo lang,” at the concert. The first song she ever wrote back in 2018 is finally dropping on music streaming platforms on September 25 (Friday).

“Ngayon ko pa lang siya ilalabas nang kumpleto. There are changes sa lyrics niya, there are tweaks. Pinagtibay rin siya ng panahon,” she said.

Tickets to “Angela Ken: Panahon na Natin” are still available on Ticketnet outlets and via ticketnet.com.ph.

Cebu, Philippines — The Province of Cebu is advancing its digital transformation efforts through its partnership with PLDT Enterprise, adopting solutions designed to strengthen connectivity, improve workforce collaboration, and support more efficient and responsive public service delivery.

The recently formalized partnership highlights how digital infrastructure can help local governments modernize operations and better serve their constituents. As one of the country’s oldest provinces and a first-class province in Central Visayas, Cebu continues to 

pursue initiatives that strengthen governance and public service delivery, with PLDT Enterprise supporting this direction through reliable and scalable digital solutions.

Cebu Governor Pamela S. Baricuatro emphasized the importance of boosting digital capabilities. “This collaboration underscores Cebu’s continued effort to modernize government systems and adopt digital tools that support better service delivery across the province. As the Province of Cebu continues its digital transformation journey, the partnership with PLDT Enterprise reflects a shared vision of using technology to improve how government works—making public services more connected, productive, and responsive to the needs of the people.”

A Government & Private Sector Push for Collaboration, Innovation, and Technology

A major step in this direction was the enactment of the Cebu Province Digital Services Act of 2025, which established a province-wide digital services framework aimed at streamlining government transactions, strengthening data protection, and improving the quality and accessibility of public services. 

Complementing this initiative is the creation of the Provincial Information and Communications Technology Council (PICTC), the province’s policy-making and coordinating body for ICT development.

In support of these digitalization efforts, the Province of Cebu has adopted several PLDT Enterprise solutions, including iGate connectivity, Smart Corporate Lines, and Microsoft 365 which was deployed and enabled by PLDT Group’s ICT subsidiary, ePLDT. Together, these services provide the province with reliable, secure, and collaborative digital infrastructure that supports modern government operations, enhances workforce productivity, and enables more effective delivery of public services across Cebu.

“For a province as dynamic as Cebu, reliable digital infrastructure is essential to keeping public service moving,” said Javier Lagdameo, PLDT Vice President & Head, Domestic Enterprise Business, Regional & Commercial. “Through this partnership, we are helping provide the connectivity and collaboration tools that allow government teams to work more seamlessly, serve constituents more efficiently, and build a stronger foundation for Cebu’s continued growth.”

Reliable high-speed connectivity through iGate supports continuity and stable access to digital services, while Microsoft 365 provides a comprehensive suite of tools designed to enhance collaboration, streamline workflows, and boost productivity across teams. 

“PLDT Enterprise remains strongly committed to supporting local governments as they build stronger digital foundations for governance and public service,” said Ma. Hazel Amoyan, CRM Head, PLDT Enterprise. “Through reliable connectivity, collaboration tools, and mobility solutions, we aim to help enable more efficient operations and more responsive service delivery for the Province of Cebu. Moving forward, we will continue to deliver and provide these kinds of innovative solutions and products to each and every province across the country.”

A commitment to empowering Cebu with secure, reliable, and future-ready digital infrastructure

The partnership reflects PLDT Enterprise’s continuing commitment to helping local governments build the digital capabilities needed for modern governance. In Cebu’s case, the focus is on providing secure, reliable, and future-ready digital infrastructure that can support both internal efficiency and citizen-facing services.

By strengthening connectivity and equipping teams with collaborative digital tools, the partnership is expected to contribute to faster coordination, more efficient government processes, and improved service responsiveness. The broader significance lies in how these technologies can help the Province of Cebu sustain its smart governance ambitions while supporting transparency, accessibility, and public trust in digital government services.

To learn more about how PLDT Enterprise supports digital transformation in the public sector, visit https://pldtenterprise.com/about-us.

About PLDT Enterprise

PLDT Enterprise is the corporate business arm of PLDT, the leading telecommunications and digital services provider in the Philippines. Dedicated to delivering innovative fixed-line, wireless, and ICT solutions, PLDT Enterprise enables businesses to adapt to evolving technological needs, optimize efficiency, continuity, and connectivity, and enhance customer experience. With a strong commitment to doing business responsibly, PLDT Enterprise aims to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by enabling digital transformation, championing meaningful innovations, and bridging the digital divide.

The unfiltered version provides viewers a longer “GGV” experience, as compared to its free TV airing, streaming over an hour’s worth of added uncut comedic moments in each episode as seen by the live studio audience.

The country’s Phenomenal Unkabogable Superstar, Vice Ganda, openly welcomed the fresh format of the new season of “GGV,” sharing that viewers can fully watch all raw moments that are not seen on its free TV airing. 

“Siyempre, hindi lahat pwede namin ipakita sa free TV. ‘Yung mga hindi namin pwede ipakita sa free TV, mapapanood nila sa iWant dahil iyon talaga ang unfiltered at uncut version. Kung ano ang tinape namin at mga pinag-usapan, lahat nasa iWant kaya super exciting,” Vice said in a previous interview.

In its first episode, viewers can watch all the unfiltered moments with Kapuso actor and Asia’s Multimedia Star Alden Richards as he tags along with the hilarious antics of Vice and the Geng Gang of Vince Maristela, Divine Tetay, and Verna.Watch the full, raw moments of each episode in “Gandang Gabi Vice: Unfiltered” every Sunday starting September 13 after its TV broadcast exclusively on iWant. Stream the unfiltered episodes through iWant’s subscription plans starting at PHP 35 per month in the Philippines, USD 12.99 per month in the United States, and USD 4.99 per month for the rest of the world.

Enjoy all the feels you want on iWant, the Home of Filipino Feels. Download the app now on Google Play Store and Apple App Store or visit iwant.ph to begin subscription.

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A JKA karate black belt, Shey Mael has been introduced as a Signature Model for Associated News. He is also being developed as a model of JKA Philippines, positioning him among the emerging Filipino personalities who unite athletic discipline, personal style and inspiring character.

Shey was discovered during the 3rd JKA Philippines International Gasshuku and Karate-Do Championship in Davao City, where his quiet confidence, commanding presence, and dedication to karate set him apart from the crowd.

“Shey possesses something that cannot easily be manufactured—an authentic presence,” Noubikko said. “He does not need to demand attention. His discipline, humility, and natural appeal allow people to notice him.”

A Black Belt Beyond the Uniform

For Shey Mael, wearing a black belt represents far more than physical ability. It reflects patience, sacrifice, self-control and the determination to continue improving even when no audience is watching.

These values will define his work as a Philippines Brand Ambassador. In his new role, Shey is expected to help introduce traditional karate to a broader generation while representing the organization’s principles of respect, discipline and excellence.

His journey also carries a message for young Filipinos: true confidence does not begin with popularity. It is built slowly through preparation, humility and perseverance.

A New Face for the Media

As a Noubikko signature model, Shey is expected to appear in future promotional campaigns distributed through publications belonging to the Associated News Agency Network.

His development will form part of a year-long image-building and promotional program designed to transform natural potential into a recognizable professional identity. The program may include modeling preparation, media appearances, personal branding, communication development and acting workshops.

The goal is not simply to introduce another handsome face. It is to develop a personality whose public image is supported by discipline, credibility and a meaningful personal story.

Preparing for the Screen

Shey Mael is also expected to undergo acting training as part of plans to bring selected stories about JKA heroes, competitors and respected karate masters to the screen.

His authentic martial-arts background gives him an important advantage. Unlike performers who must learn karate only for a role, Shey already understands its movements, traditions and philosophy.

This combination of genuine karate experience and future dramatic training could prepare him for action-oriented roles grounded in realism rather than spectacle alone.

Noubikko and its media partners will also explore sponsorship opportunities to support Shey’s professional development, promotional appearances and possible participation in future film and advertising projects.

Eyes on Japan

The opportunity represents another important chapter in his journey—from being discovered at a major tournament in Davao to potentially representing Filipino discipline and determination before an international audience.

His story is only beginning, but its direction is already clear. Shey Mael is not leaving karate behind as he enters modeling and entertainment—he is bringing its discipline with him.

And that may prove to be his greatest strength.

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Homemade Sardines in Tomato Sauce are easy to make and cook perfectly in the pressure cooker! Skip the store-bought tins and experience the tender fish and rich, savory flavors of this classic pantry staple made entirely from scratch. Canned sardines in tomato sauce are a staple in almost every Filipino pantry. They're relatively cheap and…

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Craving the ultimate comfort food? You can't go wrong with a classic Sinigang na Baboy featuring tender, slow-cooked pork ribs and fresh vegetables in a perfectly sour, tamarind-flavored broth. It’s hearty, incredibly flavorful, and perfect with steamed rice! Today has been a cold and wet day, with rain intermittent throughout. It was the kind of…

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Satisfy your sweet tooth with Inday-Inday! This classic Ilonggo kakanin features soft,  chewy glutinous rice patties topped with a rich, caramelized bukayo. It’s a simple, comforting Filipino dessert made with pantry staples and sure to be a crowd favorite. If you love palitaw but are craving something a little more decadent than the usual coating…

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Dinakdakan is a classic Ilocano dish featuring smoky grilled pork tossed in a rich, creamy dressing. Savory, tangy, and packed with a spicy kick, it delivers an irresistible medley of flavors that will have you coming back for seconds! I am the first to admit the combination of pork snout, pork ears, and pig brain…

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Skip the takeout and make this Cashew Chicken stir-fry right at home. With tender meat, crisp veggies, and crunchy roasted cashews coated in rich, savory-sweet brown sauce, it's a mouthwatering meal the whole family will love. We love cooking, but with this and that going on some days, putting dinner together can feel overwhelming. Thank…

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“Upon entry into the office, the first mandate that I had carried out was to change the tone of voice of the Department of Tourism with regard to how it communicates to the public,” DoT Assistant Secretary for Branding and Marketing Communications Armand Lorenze “Ren” Sapitan told lawmakers in a House Committee on Appropriations budget hearing.

“We didn’t have to change the members of branding and the marketing team,” he added. “The only thing that we adopted was a change in direction.”

Mr. Sapitan noted that the agency will shift how it approaches the Love the Philippines campaign instead of replacing it through its Discover More to Love program.

“We would not change this campaign because we recognize that the administration only has two years left,” he said. “What we are changing is how we approach the campaign.”

“The way we relate to the people, the way we promote, the way we market our tourism destinations,” he added.

The Discover More to Love program aims to highlight local destinations by partnering with companies, offering travel bundles and discounted offers.

“The Sun Group actually not only invests in marketing, but they also invest in the entire ecosystem,” Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay explained, citing the agency’s relationship with the private sector.

“The tourist attractions, from hotels, the accommodation, the entire village – that’s the kind of investment that is complete; it’s almost like a subsidy,” she added.

Filipino talents BINI and SB19 were also named as the country’s tourism ambassadors who will support the push for domestic travel.

The DoT earmarked a P4.03 billion budget under the 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP), down 4.6% or P196 million from the approved P4.23 billion budget for 2026.

Of the proposed budget, P1 billion will fund branding campaigns, mostly for overseas marketing (60%) and domestic efforts (40%).

“You could see that the aesthetic that we are showing in our social platforms has improved drastically,” said Mr. Sapitan. “We’re not showing our faces anymore; we are showing the beautiful places across the Philippines.”

Former Tourism Secretary Ma. Esperanza Christina G. Frasco previously faced criticism during her tenure over alleged overexposure in the agency’s promotional materials. — Almira Louise S. Martinez

Banks’ gross NPL ratio rose to 3.35% in July from 3.29% a month earlier, but eased from 3.4% in the same month last year.

This was the highest bad loan ratio in two months or since 3.44% in May.

Banks saw P585.081 billion in nonperforming loans at end-July, 9.27% higher than the P535.448 billion recorded a year ago. Month on month, soured loans inched up by 0.02% from P584.971 billion as of June.

Loans are considered nonperforming once they are unpaid for at least 90 days after the due date. These are deemed as risk assets since borrowers are unlikely to pay.

The total loan book of Philippine banks stood at P17.448 trillion as of July, down by 1.88% from P17.781 trillion in the previous month. However, it went up by 10.63% from the P15.771-trillion portfolio it had in July 2025.

BSP data also showed banks’ loan loss reserves edged down by 0.06% to P540.895 billion from P541.238 billion in June but grew by 5.63% from P512.061 billion a year earlier.

Loan loss reserves accounted for 3.1% of the system’s total loan portfolio as of end-July, higher than the 3.04% in June but lower than 3.25% the prior year.

Banks’ NPL coverage ratio, which gauges the allowance for potential losses due to bad loans, slipped to 92.45% in July from 92.52% the previous month. This was also down from 95.63% a year ago. — Katherine K. Chan

“We still forecast drought conditions in Camarines Sur, while dry conditions and dry spells will spread across 61 provinces in the country by November and will persist in parts of Visayas and Mindanao by December,” Joey H. Figuracion, PAGASA weather specialist, said in a climate outlook release in mixed English and Filipino.

“Similar conditions are expected in Visayas and Mindanao by January and will even spread in larger parts of Visayas, Mindanao, as well as in Luzon by February,” he added.

Of the 61 affected provinces, 44 are expected to be hit by dry conditions, and 17 areas will experience dry spells by November.

In December, the number of areas experiencing dry conditions will drop to 16, but dry spells may be experienced in more areas, at 22.

Meanwhile, below-normal rainfall conditions are expected in large portion of Northern Luzon and some parts of Southern Luzon and Southern Mindanao by September.

“This scenario is expected to affect more areas in the country by October and November,” Mr. Figuracion said.

He added that by December, more rainfall is expected in large parts of Luzon, but below-normal rainfall is still expected in Visayas and Mindanao until February.

Large parts of the country are likely to experience warmer-than-usual temperatures in the next six months.

During the same period, PAGASA is also expecting between five and eight tropical cyclones that will enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility. — Edg Adrian A. Eva

The high-level forum, held at the PHINMA Plaza Roofdeck in Rockwell Center, focused on how local governments, schools, communities and the private sector could play a larger role in education decisions while the national government retains responsibility for setting standards, ensuring equity and overseeing national priorities.

PBEd President Chito B. Salazar said the country’s highly centralized education system has struggled to respond to the varied needs of schools and communities across the country.

“We generally follow a one-size-fits-all policy or program,” Mr. Salazar said in his opening remarks.

“The challenges of a school in Metro Manila are not necessarily the challenges of a school in an island municipality, an agricultural community, or a geographically isolated area,” he added.

Mr. Salazar said decentralization should go beyond simply transferring responsibilities from the national government to local governments.

“It is about determining how many layers should stand between a school and the decisions that affect its learners, who [are] accountable, how decisions are made, and for whom those decisions are made,” he said.

Under the approach proposed by PBEd, the national government would continue to set standards, protect equity, support weaker schools, finance national priorities and hold schools and local officials accountable.

At the same time, greater authority would be given to local leaders, school divisions, school boards, communities and parents to respond to local education needs.

The Asia Foundation education governance adviser on decentralization Reynaldo Antonio Laguda said the current system leaves some 48,000 public schools and around 12,000 private schools dependent on an “overstretched pipeline running through the center.”

“When everything flows through the center, schools wait, funds arrive late, decisions are slow, and very little or no room for local innovation,” Mr. Laguda said.

He said decentralization should involve three channels: deconcentration of authority within the Department of Education (DepEd), devolution of authority or functions to local government units (LGUs), and stronger public-private partnerships.

Mr. Laguda proposed a framework built around five elements: capacity, authority, resources, accountability and transparency.

“The first three, CAR, enable action, while the latter two safeguard those three,” he said.

He warned that transferring authority without the capacity or resources to exercise it could undermine reform efforts.

“Authority without capacity causes paralysis,” Mr. Laguda said. “Decentralization gets blamed for what was really an implementation gap.”

He said resources should move alongside authority, noting that giving schools or local governments decision-making power without providing the funding to act on those decisions would leave decentralization ineffective.

DECENTRALIZATION ROAD MAP
Mr. Laguda outlined a three-phase decentralization roadmap aligned with the government’s Basic Education Development Plan 2035.

The first phase, covering 2026 to 2028, would focus on creating an enabling environment, strengthening governance and launching pilot “sandboxes” where greater local government participation can be tested.

The second phase, from 2029 to 2031, would focus on scaling validated models and expanding school-level autonomy.

By 2035, the goal would be for the central office to focus more on national policy and standards, while decisions are made closer to schools and communities.

Ms. Guevarra cited experiences in local governments as evidence that greater autonomy can improve education outcomes.

She recounted visiting a school in a poor municipality where all children had received zero in a reading test. The children faced a two- to three-hour journey home along a rugged road, making it difficult for national-level interventions to address their circumstances.

After the community and mayor developed a local response, the school’s average reading score rose to 85%, she said.

Ms. Guevarra also cited an experiment involving 12 municipalities in Iloilo, where greater local autonomy was tested against a control group. The experimental local governments posted a median reading score of 90%, she said.

LOCAL EDUCATION AGENDA
For decentralization to work, however, she said local leaders need to become more involved in education and use data to guide decisions.

An “education mayor,” she said, owns the local education agenda, uses data instead of anecdotes, listens to communities and translates plans into programs.

Ms. Guevarra also called for the reinvention of local school boards, saying these bodies often focus on budgets, sports and infrastructure rather than learning outcomes.

She proposed broadening their membership to include businesses, private schools, farmers, fishermen, drivers, nongovernment organizations and other community stakeholders.

Local school boards should also be able to use data, plan programs around learning outcomes and monitor whether interventions improve student performance, she said.

Both speakers emphasized that decentralization does not mean abandoning national standards.

Ms. Guevarra said the national government should continue to set standards, curriculum and competencies, as well as conduct national assessments.

Local governments and schools, meanwhile, should have greater flexibility to localize programs, adjust strategies and conduct formative assessments based on their learners’ needs.

Mr. Salazar said the private sector would also have to take responsibility for supporting the reform.

“Business cannot simply tell the government what it should do,” he said. “We must also participate through local partnerships, resource support, workforce information, support for schools and communities, and a willingness to stay engaged long enough for reforms to work.”

For Mr. Salazar, the ultimate objective is not administrative restructuring but better outcomes for learners.

“The purpose of decentralization, ultimately, is not to move boxes around an organizational chart. It is to make the system more responsive, more accountable, and more capable of delivering for the learner,” he said.

“We must try something new, and decentralize,” he added. — Kaizzer Angela Marie V. Manuba

These are the qualities bringing Paulyn Lobaton, professionally known as My Lady Pauline, growing recognition as a sought-after Filipino broadcast journalist and news presenter.

With her confident delivery, thoughtful interviewing style, and natural ability to make guests feel comfortable, Ms Pauline is steadily distinguishing herself as a media personality capable of presenting more than headlines. She brings context, compassion, and real-life understanding to every conversation.

Behind her poised presence before the camera is a remarkable career built across some of the country’s most competitive and demanding industries. She has worked in pharmaceuticals, financial services, sales and marketing, construction materials, general trade, shipping logistics, and corporate management.

This unusual background gives her something that cannot be learned from a script alone: an intimate understanding of how businesses operate, how leaders make difficult decisions, and how ordinary Filipinos work tirelessly to build better lives for their families.

A News Presenter With Real-World Experience

Before entering the expanding world of broadcast journalism and news presentation, Ms Pauline spent years in boardrooms, business meetings, warehouses, ports, and client negotiations.

She currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Puerto Real Marketing Incorporated, where she provides strategic direction in business development, sales, financial projections, investment planning, contract preparation, and key-account management.

She is also President of Infineight Trading Corporation, applying her extensive knowledge of cement trading, land and sea distribution, port operations, cargo handling, logistics, warehousing, and manpower deployment.

Her responsibilities have required her to work closely with customers, corporate decision-makers, shipping personnel, port operators, and regulatory authorities. These experiences developed the composure, discipline, and presence she now carries into every interview.

When Ms Pauline discusses business, she understands the figures behind the story. When she interviews a leader, she recognizes the weight of responsibility. When she speaks with workers and ordinary Filipinos, she understands the sacrifices often hidden behind professional titles.

She does not simply read the news. She understands the world behind it.

A Career Defined by Results

Ms Pauline has repeatedly demonstrated her ability to enter challenging industries and produce measurable results.

As Operations Manager of JFR Enterprises, she helped overhaul the company’s cement distribution model, contributing to growth of more than 50 percent. She led sales negotiations, strengthened key accounts, conducted product and salesmanship training, and managed complex ship and cargo operations.

Earlier in her career, she served as a financial executive with AXA Philippines through its banking partnership. In that role, she evaluated clients’ protection and investment requirements, recommended financial solutions, conducted business presentations, and consistently delivered sales targets.

Her work as a medical representative for Natrapharm further established her reputation as a persuasive and disciplined communicator. She achieved 100 percent year-to-date sales performance for five consecutive years and was recognized as one of the company’s Sales Achievers of the Year.

Those years of presenting products, answering difficult questions, negotiating under pressure, and building trust with clients became an unexpected training ground for broadcasting.

Long before the camera arrived, My Lady Pauline had already learned how to command a room.

Education Behind the Voice

Ms Pauline’s strength as a communicator is supported by an accomplished academic background.

She graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in English Language from Colegio de San Agustin-Bacolod, earning a Quality Point Index of 3.65 out of 4.0.

Her academic distinctions included recognition as an Augustinian Achiever, a consistent Dean’s Lister, a leadership awardee, one of the Ten Outstanding Students of Negros, and one of the Ten Outstanding Students of Region VI in 2002. She was also nominated for the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines.

She later pursued professional development in media arts, market research, trade marketing, strategic planning, systems thinking, leadership, and coaching for higher performance. Her training included programs conducted through the Asian Institute of Management and respected industry practitioners.

Her education gave her command of language. Her career gave her command of situations. Broadcasting now allows her to bring both strengths together.

Journalism With Intelligence and Heart

What makes My Lady Pauline increasingly sought after is not only her polished appearance or confident delivery. It is her capacity to listen.

She approaches interviews with preparation but allows conversations to breathe. She can ask a serious business question without sounding intimidating and draw out a personal story without making her guest feel exposed.

Whether she is speaking with an executive, athlete, entrepreneur, public official, community leader, or aspiring young professional, Ms Pauline searches for the human story behind the public image.

Her style reflects a belief that journalism should inform audiences while respecting the dignity of the people whose stories are being told.

In a media environment frequently driven by speed, sensationalism, and fleeting attention, her approach offers something increasingly valuable: a calm, intelligent, and compassionate presence.

A New Filipino Voice to Watch

Ms Pauline’s development as a broadcast journalist and news presenter represents a natural progression rather than a sudden reinvention.

The executive who once presented business proposals now presents stories to a wider audience. The negotiator who learned to ask the right questions now uses that ability in interviews. The operations leader accustomed to pressure now brings composure and authority before the camera.

Her growing media profile also reflects a broader change in Philippine broadcasting, where audiences increasingly look for presenters who possess not only personality, but genuine knowledge and professional experience.

My Lady Pauline brings both.

She represents the modern Filipino broadcast journalist: articulate yet approachable, accomplished yet relatable, authoritative yet deeply human.

From corporate boardrooms and busy ports to interviews and news presentations, Ms Pauline has carried the same qualities throughout her journey—discipline, courage, curiosity, and respect for people.

Now, as more audiences discover her distinctive presence, one thing is becoming clear: Ms Pauline is no longer merely stepping into the spotlight.

She is becoming a Filipino broadcast voice worth listening to.

Today marks Beyoncé’s birthday and the release of a voluminous remastered B’DAY, her coming-of-age second album. When it was released on September 4, 2006, music fans around the world were introduced to a 25-year-old woman with a bold, new voice. Not just a powerful singing voice, but an artist determined to take over her career as a singer, songwriter, producer, and visual artist. She recorded the album in a two-week session, fully cemented at the helm, and knowing exactly what she wanted to create. She was pushing herself, revealing layers to her innovative approach to recording, writing, and producing. That fierce and urgent approach was extended to all her collaborators, with each one digging a little deeper to define the sound of her deeply personal album.

“I wanted the album to be big, percussive, hard, up-tempo, and energized, and it was important to me that we used live instrumentation,” she recalls. “Hip-hop was taking over at the time, but I was fighting to preserve the bridges, melodies, and harmonies that have always been at the heart of R&B. The goal was to blend those two worlds through the art of sampling. I loved the minimalism of a beautiful vocal arrangement over a simple drum loop or a classic guitar like ‘Irreplaceable’…but only if that 808 was banging underneath.”

B’DAY was essentially her first visual album, with short films that explored the making of a relationship in full, through every turn. It was a conceptual project, urgent and captivating. Its themes of finding one’s confidence, liberation, audacity and compatibility are as relevant today as they were two decades ago.

And in preparing for this milestone release, Beyoncé once again went back to the boards and worked on remastering songs. The videos, originally captured on 35mm are now remastered and re-colored and finished in 4k, including “Déjà Vu,” featuring JAY-Z, and directed by Sophie Muller, also out today.

Images, shot on location in New Orleans, and never seen before, are also included. New Orleans, where Beyoncé’s family has deep roots, was working on rebuilding following the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina. The Big Easy’s resilience and fortitude served as inspiration for Beyoncé who wanted to contribute in her own way to the city’s revitalization.

When news of the B’DAY (20th Anniversary Edition) broke last July 4th, it was ushered in by the song “MORNING DEW (DONK).” Astute fans quickly pointed to the history of the song, which leaked in 2023. A remix of the track, featuring JAY-Z, was delivered on August 4th, solidifying the song’s placement among the twenty-three-year plus history of collaborations between the Carters.

B’DAY 20th Anniversary Edition is replete with a celebratory offering of Spanish language songs that speak to Beyoncé’s love and admiration for the culture and the incredible artists who contributed and continue to build on the genre. “Cuerpo Tumbao (Get Me Bodied) feat. Maluma” marks a first-time collaboration with the Colombian artist, one of the leading voices in Latin music. She has been a fan of his work and feels flattered to finally work with this multi-genre artist. A philanthropist in every way, Beyoncé applauds Maluma for the work he does in his country to help young people through the arts, and through humanitarian efforts following the recent earthquake. The song contains a sample of Afro-Cuban star, Celia Cruz’s “La Negra Tiene Tumbao.” Beyoncé has long admired Cruz’s pride in her African culture; her refusal to bend in the wake of racism, colorism and the narrow definition of beauty. In a time when society wanted her to be bitter and broken down, she boldly claimed her Blackness. The sample was the perfect fit for a song that pushes strength and confidence on the dancefloor and in life. The song was produced by Beyoncé, Edgar Barrera, CASTA and co-produced by Ali “Ali Ali” Alvarez. 

“Irreemplazable (Como La Flor) featuring Selena” is a momentous inclusion. Selena was one of the most celebrated Mexican American entertainers and was known as the “Queen of Tejano Music.” Since her passing in 1995, her estate rarely grants use of her music. This resounding approval for Beyoncé from Selena Quintanilla’s estate made it possible for this timely and meaningful duet. Two women from Texas. Two unmistakable and irreplaceable voices that broke down and continues to break down barriers.

Beyoncé revered Selena and remembers listening to her on the radio in Houston. She credits her for inspiring the recording of Irreemplazable, her Spanish EP released in 2007.B’DAY 20th Anniversary Edition – Deluxe Vinyl – a 4LP edition pressed on 180G Bayou Blue Vinyl. It features “MORNING DEW (DONK),” Spanish recordings, and B-Sides. It comes with a 60-page commemorative booklet and two collectible double-sided art prints. The Deluxe Vinyl is jampacked with massive, new gems including “Can I Watch You”, produced by Beyoncé and Pharrell, and “My First Time,” which was originally recorded for Beyoncé’s debut solo album, DANGEROSUSLY IN LOVE, but was taken off the final track list. Also included here are “Lost Yo Mind,” “Creole” and “Back Up,” B-sides that were not included on B’DAY in 2006.

B’DAY (20th Anniversary Edition), is available in standard and deluxe volumes on vinyl and CD, as well as a deluxe digital offering.

B’DAY 20th Anniversary Edition – Standard Vinyl is a limited edition 180G 2LP with new sequencing and new tracks/remixes. It features “MORNING DEW (DONK)” and a 16-page collectible booklet with never-before-seen imagery.

B’DAY 20th Anniversary Edition Digital Deluxe – All tracks on the deluxe vinyl plus two digital-only bonus additions, “Cuerpo Tumbao (featuring Maluma)” and “Irreemplazable (Como La Flor) Featuring Selena.”

B/DAY 20th ANNIVERSARY EDITION -DIGITAL DELUXE (31 TRACKS)

1. DÉJÀ VU (FEAT. JAŸ-Z)
2. GET ME BODIED
3. SUGA MAMA
4. UPGRADE U (FEAT. JAŸ-Z)
5. RING THE ALARM
6. KITTY KAT
7. FREAKUM DRESS
8. GREEN LIGHT
9. IRREPLACEABLE
10. CHECK ON IT (FEAT. SLIM THUG)
11. BEAUTIFUL LIAR (BEYONCÉ & SHAKIRA)
12. FLAWS AND ALL
13. RESENTMENT
14. LISTEN
15. MORNING DEW (DONK)
16. MY FIRST TIME
17. CAN I WATCH YOU (FEAT. PHARRELL)
18. WELCOME TO HOLLYWOOD (FEAT. JAŸ-Z)6
19. LOST YO MIND
20. CREOLE
21. BACK UP
22. GET ME BODIED (EXTENDED MIX)
23. CUERPO (TUMBAO) FEAT. MALUMA
24. IRREEMPLAZABLE (COMO LA FLOR) FEAT. SELENA
25. AMOR GITANO (BEYONCÉ & ALEJANDRO FERNÁNDEZ)
26. LISTEN (OYE)
27. BEAUTIFUL LIAR (BELLO EMBUSTERO)
28. IRREPLACEABLE (IRREEMPLAZABLE)
29. GET ME BODIED (TIMBALAND REMIX) [FEAT. VOLTIO]
30. IRREPLACEABLE (IMPLAZABLE) [NORTEÑA REMIX]
31. GET ME BODIED (MUEVE EL CUERPO)

In celebration of PR Month, the International Public Relations Association Philippines (IPRA Philippines) is launching “PR Matters” on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook with a new 12 short-form videos that make communication practical, relatable, and useful in everyday life.

The idea is simple. People communicate every day, posting, commenting, sharing, sending messages, and interacting with people online and offline.  “PR Matters” on social media turns lessons from professional communicators into short, conversational videos that anyone can understand and use in everyday life.

Every Monday, “PR 101” makes communication basics easy to understand, with IPRA Philippines chairperson Claire Papa, past chairpersons Joy Buensalido, and Jingjing Romero, and Abigail Ho-Torres discussing topics such as influencer promotions, why some stories make the news, and how is PR different from advertising and marketing.

“PR IRL” brings real-life communication stories to social media every Wednesday.  IPRA Philippines vice chair Kane Errol Choa, director Charisse Chuidian, past chair Noel Nieva, and secretary Rowena Capulong Reyes look back at widely discussed PR cases and issues that made media headlines, and sharing simple lessons we can still use today.

“PReady FR FR,” featuring IPRA Philippines treasurer Wilford Wong and past IPRA Philippines chairperson Millie Dizon, offers practical communication tips for everyday life from what to check before posting online and why you shouldn’t immediately forward messages from your group chat to navigating cancel culture and social media habits that can affect how others see you. New episodes drop every Friday.

“PR Matters” began as a weekly column on public relations and communication. IPRA Philippines also published “PR Matters: A Communicator’s Guide to Public Relations in the Philippines” in 2023 and has brought PR practitioners to students through its CommuniTalks sessions at UP Diliman, Far Eastern University, and Centro Escolar University.

IPRA Philippines is the Philippine chapter of the International Public Relations Association (IPRA), a global organization of public relations professionals.

Follow PR Matters by IPRA Philippines and catch the 12 short-form videos every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

DC Studios’ Supergirl will make its global streaming debut exclusively on HBO Max on Thursday, September 10. Supergirl stars Milly Alcock, Matthias Schoenaerts, Eve Ridley, David Krumholtz, Emily Beecham, with David Corenswet, and Jason Momoa.

In its inaugural flight into the new DC Cinematic Universe, Supergirl reveals the origin of the interplanetary nomad Kara Zor-El, aka Supergirl, cousin of Kal-El, better known as Superman. Headstrong, worldly-wise, and often reckless, Supergirl exudes a brand of heroism all her own—truthful, relatable, and always on her own terms. But when an unexpected and ruthless adversary strikes too close to home, Kara reluctantly joins forces with an unlikely companion. Together they undertake an epic, interstellar journey, struggling to balance one’s need for vengeance with the pursuit of justice—and to save the life of Kara’s best friend, her dog Krypto. Ultimately Supergirl will prove that doing good can be tough… and it doesn’t always have to be nice.  

The movie is written by Ana Nogueira, directed by Craig Gillespie and produced by DC Studios’ heads Peter Safran and James Gunn. Based on characters created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the movie is executive produced by Nigel Gostelow, Chantal Nong Vo and Lars P. Winther. 

Stream Supergirl on HBO Max from September 10. Subscribe to HBO Max at www.hbomax.com from only ₱149/month & ₱1,040/12 months and stream via your preferred device.

The feel-good moments in the series continue as Gabo and Sam play as fake husband and wife. Sam continues to pretend to have amnesia so that she can investigate Gabo and his supposed connection to her mortal enemies, the Zafras.

Viewers can expect more heart-fluttering scenes as Gabo and Sam’s interest in each other becomes more apparent, exchanging sweet smiles while dancing together at a birthday celebration of Rudy (Joey Marquez), Gabo’s father. However, Gabo may find himself in an action-packed encounter once again when Django’s (Jhong Hilario) group causes a commotion at the party.

Will Gabo and Sam catch real feelings for one another?

Don’t miss the feel-good vibes in “Coco Martin’s Sigabo,” weeknights at 8 PM on ALLTV2, TV5, A2Z, Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live on YouTube at Facebook, and iWant. Viewers outside of the Philippines can watch on The Filipino Channel (TFC) on cable and IPTV.

By Rose Ariane Lope
Writer, Podcast Host & Creator of Music Stargazer

For Hazel Faith Santos, 2026 has become a year of new stages, new stories, and new possibilities.

Fresh from releasing her sophomore album LSS (Love Song Stories), the Filipino singer-songwriter has been moving between music and musical theatre, bringing her artistry from the Philippines to Singapore while continuing to expand her presence as a songwriter and performer.

And in the span of just a few months, Hazel has found herself at the center of several exciting chapters.

A Song for Eurovision Asia

While Hazel was celebrating LSS, another song she wrote was entering a new international conversation.

Her composition “Good For You,” performed by Ryssi Avila, became one of ten entries in the Philippines’ inaugural selection for the Eurovision Song Contest Asia.

The song is about breaking toxic cycles in a relationship and choosing to love someone better—to recognize unhealthy patterns and become a better version of yourself for the person you love.

The Philippine Selection Night took place on August 30, with ten original songs competing for the opportunity to represent the country at the inaugural Eurovision Song Contest Asia in Bangkok.

Although “Good For You” did not finish in the official top three, its inclusion was another significant milestone for Hazel as a songwriter. Her work had entered a new platform designed to bring Filipino music into a wider Asian conversation.

And there was an interesting twist to Hazel’s Eurovision chapter.

She wasn’t even in Manila for the final.

She was in Singapore.

Hazel Faith in Singapore

Hazel’s Singapore trip became a chapter of its own.

Before stepping onto the stage as Luna in Muse Arts’ original family musical DREAMS, Hazel also made an appearance at the Not So Little Fair at Suntec Convention Centre, a family-focused event featuring live entertainment and activities for children and families.

There, Hazel performed “Everything Takes Time,” bringing one of her most personal songs to a Singapore audience.

The moment feels particularly meaningful considering the song’s history.

Written years ago, “Everything Takes Time” has become a reflection of Hazel’s own journey—of waiting, growing, making mistakes, and eventually finding herself in places she once could only imagine.

From that song to LSS, and now to Singapore, the title has taken on an almost prophetic quality.

But the biggest Singapore chapter was still to come.

Hazel joined DREAMS at Gateway Theatre, taking on the role of Luna, a curious, imaginative and big-hearted young girl who sees the world through wonder and possibility.

Luna believes deeply in dreams—even when they don’t immediately make sense.

It is a role that feels especially fitting for Hazel, whose own career has been built around following unexpected possibilities.

Earlier this year, she also appeared in Super Star Kingdom in the Philippines, playing Host, a character within the musical’s fantastical universe, alongside Sheki Arzaga, formerly of MNL48, and Sophia of KAIA.

From Super Star Kingdom to DREAMS, Hazel is showing that her artistry extends beyond the recording studio.

She can write the story.

She can sing it.

And now, she can step inside it.

The Next Stage: PPOP Music Awards

Hazel’s 2026 story isn’t slowing down.

On October 18, 2026, she will take the stage at the PPOP Music Awards at the Araneta Coliseum, performing alongside her husband Caleb Santos and his group X8.

X8 consists of Caleb Santos, Kiko Ramos, and Carlo Lazerna, all former members of P-POP group XLR8.

The upcoming performance brings together several parts of Hazel’s current chapter: music, collaboration, performance, and the people who have helped shape her artistic journey.

After an album release, a Eurovision Asia selection, and a series of performances in Singapore, Hazel is heading back to one of the Philippines’ biggest stages.

A Bigger Chapter

Hazel Faith’s story has always been about trusting the process.

But 2026 feels different.

Her songs are reaching new audiences. Her songwriting is entering international spaces. Her album has given listeners a fuller picture of who she is. And musical theatre has opened another door for her as a performer.

From LSS to Eurovision Asia, from performing “Everything Takes Time” in Singapore to becoming Luna in DREAMS, Hazel is proving that there is more than one way for a Filipino artist to cross borders.

And perhaps the best part is that she isn’t leaving her stories behind.

She’s taking them with her.

Catch Hazel Faith at the PPOP Music Awards on October 18, 2026, at the Araneta Coliseum, where she will perform alongside Caleb Santos and X8. Tickets are available now.

For an artist who once wrote that everything takes time, Hazel Faith is discovering that sometimes, when the moment finally arrives, it comes all at once.

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De Guzman has been selected as an official JKA Philippines Brand Ambassador, giving the promising athlete a new responsibility: to represent the discipline, respect, humility and strength of character promoted by traditional Japanese karate.

Currently a 1st kyu brown belt, De Guzman trains at JKA Lipa, an affiliate of JKA Philippines. Although he is still a student, he has already won gold medals in several tournaments and is steadily working toward an even greater dream—to compete internationally and carry the Philippine flag at the JKA World Cup in Japan.

“Every medal represents the hours of training, discipline, sacrifice and determination that people do not always see,” De Guzman said.

A Mother’s Influence Begins the Journey

Behind De Guzman’s growing success is a familiar Filipino story: a young person encouraged by the love and guidance of his family.

His mother, who also practiced karate when she was younger, introduced him to the martial art when he was nine years old. What began as a new activity soon developed into a serious commitment.

“I wanted to become physically stronger, develop discipline and eventually compete in tournaments through honest effort, hard work and integrity,” he recalled.

His parents remain the most influential people in his life, supporting him as he manages the responsibilities of school, training and competition.

“I most want to make my parents proud because they have supported and encouraged me throughout my journey,” he said. “Their sacrifices and belief in me motivate me to train harder and become a better karate practitioner and person.”

For Filipino families raising children in a world filled with distractions and pressure, De Guzman’s journey demonstrates how sports and martial arts can give young people direction, confidence and a strong sense of responsibility.

Learning Not to Give Up

Under the guidance of Sensei Kim Masayuki Torres, De Guzman has learned that karate is not only about speed, strength or winning medals. It is also about remaining committed when progress becomes slow and training becomes difficult.

Some of his most memorable experiences happened during exhausting training sessions when he had to decide whether to stop or continue.

“Those moments taught me that improvement often begins exactly when you feel like stopping,” he said.

Like many Filipino students involved in competitive sports, De Guzman sometimes finds it challenging to balance his homework and academic obligations with regular karate training.

“There were times when I felt discouraged because balancing karate with schoolwork became difficult,” he admitted. “I continued by remembering why I started and reminding myself that giving up would take me farther away from my goals.”

Karate has helped him become physically stronger while also developing his patience, concentration, confidence and emotional resilience.

Courage to Face Stronger Opponents

De Guzman especially enjoys kumite, the sparring component of karate. Rather than feeling intimidated by stronger or more experienced opponents, he sees every difficult match as an opportunity to learn.

“Competing against stronger karate practitioners challenges me to study their techniques, recognize my weaknesses and improve,” he explained.

His favorite technique is the spinning hook kick, which requires speed, accuracy, timing and control. He believes the technique reflects his own personality—determined, willing to take risks and prepared to practice repeatedly until he gets something right.

Defeat, he added, should never be treated as the end of the journey.

“Losing reveals what I need to improve,” he said. “It motivates me to train harder and gives me an opportunity to return stronger and better prepared.”

Carrying the JKA Philippines Emblem

De Guzman said he was surprised when he first learned that he had been selected as a JKA Philippines Brand Ambassador.

“When I understood what the role meant, I felt incredibly happy, grateful and honored,” he shared.

The recognition, however, comes with a responsibility that extends beyond photographs, interviews and public appearances. As one of the organization’s emerging public faces, De Guzman understands that his conduct may influence how other people view JKA Philippines and karate itself.

“People may judge the organization through my behavior,” he said. “I must conduct myself properly, remain humble and set a positive example wherever I go.”

Inside the dojo, he intends to train seriously, observe proper etiquette and respect his instructors and fellow karate practitioners. Outside it, he hopes to live by the same principles and become a responsible example for other Filipino youths.

“When I wear the JKA emblem, I represent JKA Philippines and the values of discipline, respect, humility and dedication,” he said.

Karate Against Bullying

De Guzman also wants young Filipinos to understand that karate should never be used to frighten, dominate or hurt other people.

Proper training, he explained, teaches students to control their strength and use their skills responsibly. In this way, karate can discourage bullying by developing respect, patience, confidence and self-control.

“Karate is not simply about fighting,” he said. “It is about discipline, respect, self-control and becoming a better version of yourself.”

He believes that true strength is not measured solely by physical power.

“True strength begins when you learn to control yourself, confront your fears and continue moving forward,” he added.

An Inspiration to Filipino Youth

As a Brand Ambassador, De Guzman particularly hopes to inspire young people who think they are too shy, weak or inexperienced to enter a dojo.

“Everyone begins somewhere,” he said. “You do not need to be strong, confident or experienced on your first day. You only need the courage to begin and the willingness to learn, practice and improve.”

His message is especially meaningful for young Filipinos who may be afraid to try something because they fear failure or believe they are not naturally talented.

For De Guzman, talent alone is never enough. Lasting progress comes from discipline—the decision to keep working even when nobody is watching and no reward is guaranteed.

“A medal is a meaningful achievement, but character stays with you throughout your life,” he said. “It influences how you treat people, respond to difficulties and use your success.”

A Filipino Dream Bound for Japan

De Guzman now has his sights set on competing at the JKA World Cup in Japan, where he hopes to represent the Philippines with pride, humility and honor.

He believes Filipino resilience, determination, respect for others and strong family values naturally complement the traditions of JKA karate.

For this young Batangueño, representing the Philippines would mean more than entering an international tournament. It would be an opportunity to demonstrate what disciplined Filipino athletes can accomplish when supported by their families, mentors and communities.

His journey from a nine-year-old beginner to a medal-winning athlete and JKA Philippines Brand Ambassador is only beginning. Yet the personal motto that guides him already carries a message capable of inspiring an entire generation:

“Keep improving and never give up.”

For Chris De Guzman, these are not merely words for a poster. They are a Filipino athlete’s promise—to his parents, his dojo and the country he dreams of representing on the world stage.

 by Miss Pauline

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Brazo de Mercedes (Mercedes Arm) is a classic Filipino dessert featuring a pillowy meringue filled with rich, creamy yema custard. This impressive cake roll is a bakery-level treat that’s easy to make at home and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Brazo de Mercedes is a jelly roll made with a pillowy meringue wrapped around a…

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“If anyone wants to do radiology, you should not do diagnostic radiology. You must be an interventional radiologist,” Dr. Ang Peng Tiam, medical director and senior consultant of PCC, said during a media launch.

“(This means) that you must be the person who does the angiogram, to block off the vessels, the one who does the biopsy, and not the one who just reads the X-rays.”

“Because that reading in the future will all be done by computer and AI. So this is a whole learning process,” he also said.

Mr. Ang’s statement stems from the center’s experience with a lung cancer patient, where a radiologist initially identified only three nodules in the lungs, but subsequent AI-assisted analysis revealed a total of 20 nodules.

This discrepancy created a clinical dilemma, forcing doctors to weigh whether they should still recommend surgery based on the traditional human reading of three nodules — which academic literature suggests could offer a 25% chance of a cure — or reconsider treatment because the AI detected 20 nodules, he said.

Because historical medical research has been based entirely on human visual recognition rather than computer counts, physicians face a complex learning curve in determining how to interpret and act on these machine-detected findings.

“So that’s why when you look at the whole field of medicine, there are two areas which have changed and will be changed in a very big way: one is diagnostic radiology, and two is pathology,” Mr. Ang said.

Although AI in medicine is emerging, he said the technology can never replace humans, as healthcare also entails “the element of trust, care, and hope,” which he noted that only humans can provide.

Mr. Ang’s statement comes as the AI in healthcare market is projected to be valued at $28.2 billion in 2026 and grow to $146.3 billion by 2031, representing an annual growth rate of 39%, according to Wissen Research, a global consulting firm. — Edg Adrian A. Eva

The showcase comes at a time when businesses are looking for technologies that can strengthen their operations, respond to changing market demands, and create new avenues for growth. By bringing Taiwan brands and their capabilities to Manila, the pavilion provides a venue for Philippine businesses to explore technologies, establish industry connections, and consider potential areas of cooperation.

Rather than focusing solely on individual products, the Taiwan Excellence Pavilion highlights the broader capabilities behind them, from research, design, manufacturing, and technology. The participating brands demonstrate how Taiwan’s innovation ecosystem continues to develop products with applications across multiple sectors and international markets.

Connecting Taiwan’s Technology with Philippine Businesses

For companies seeking new technologies and international partners, Taiwan Expo 2026 offers an avenue to engage with Taiwan businesses and understand their areas of expertise.

The pavilion will feature messages from representatives of paticipating Taiwan companies and organizations, offering perspectives on their work and the role of innovation in addressing emerging market needs. The exhibition also creates space for potential business relationships. Philippine companies can explore solutions relevant to their sectors, while Taiwan participants gain an opportunity to better understand the Philippine market and identify areas for future partnerships.

Four Sectors, One Vision for Growth

The 24 featured products are grouped into four categories: Intelligent Technology, Smart Life, Smart Healthcare, and Consumer Electronics. Intelligent Technology covers developments in connected systems and advanced computing. Smart Life focuses on products designed for modern environments and changing consumer needs. Smart Healthcare brings together tools related to health, wellness, and care, while Consumer Electronics highlights products supporting an increasingly digital economy.

It also illustrates how innovation can extend across sectors rather than confined to a single field. As technology becomes increasingly interconnected with business, healthcare and daily life, cross-industry expertise becomes a systemic part of building a resilient market.

Strengthening Regional Business Connections

The Taiwan Excellence Pavilion forms part of a wider effort to strengthen trade relationships between Taiwan and international markets. The value of the exhibition extends beyond the three-day event. Business conversations that begin at the pavilion can lead to deeper discussions around market entry, distribution, technology integration, and other forms of commercial collaboration.

The Taiwan Excellence Pavilion will also feature Ivana Alawi and Dimples Romana, who will join the event and explore the consumer benefits of participating Taiwan brands. Their involvement connects the business-focused exhibition with a wider Filipino audience, showing that developments in technology can have relevance beyond the corporate environment.

Fu Bear, the brand ambassador of Taiwan Excellence, whose job is to share Taiwan’s best products, tech, healthy, and eco-friendly lifestyle with the world, will likewise be present throughout the three-day event, welcoming guests and adding an interactive element to the pavilion experience.

As Taiwan and the Philippines continue to build stronger connections, the Taiwan Excellence Pavilion stands as a mee ng point for ideas, industries and opportunities that can help shape what comes next.

For more information and updates on the Taiwan Excellence Pavilion at Taiwan Expo 2026, follow Taiwan Excellence on social media (FB: @TaiwanExcellence.ph, IG: @taiwanexcellence_ph, LinkedIn: Taiwan excellence).

Spotlight is BusinessWorld’s sponsored section that allows advertisers to amplify their brand and connect with BusinessWorld’s audience by publishing their stories on the BusinessWorld Web site. For more information, send an email to online@bworldonline.com.

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Fruity, frozen, and refreshingly unexpected, the new lineup combines high-quality tea, real fruit flavors, and an icy blended texture rarely found in traditional tea beverages. The result is a vibrant, thirst-quenching drink experience that reimagines how tea can be enjoyed.

The series features three distinct flavors. The Frozen Berry Burst Tea blends juicy berries for a bright, expressive drink with a naturally tart finish. The Frozen Pink Drop Tea brings delicate dragon fruit notes, offering a light, crisp, and subtly sweet refreshment. Meanwhile, the Frozen Peach Pop Tea delivers the gentle sweetness of peach, balanced by a soft fragrance and smooth finish.

Whether you’re taking a break between errands or looking for something different to sip while you shop, the Frozen Fruit Teas offer a refreshing alternative to your usual café order.

Tea tastes even better when it’s frozen, fruity, and completely unexpected. And with CBTL’s Frozen Fruit Teas exclusively available at SM Store, every shopping trip comes with a refreshingly different way to pause, recharge, and enjoy the moment.

Spotlight is  BusinessWorld’s sponsored section that allows advertisers to amplify their brand and connect with BusinessWorld’s audience by publishing their stories on the BusinessWorld Web site. For more information, send an email to online@bworldonline.com.

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Cignal is bringing Filipino sports fans even closer to the biggest sporting events from around the world as it welcomes back beIN SPORTS to its sports channel lineup beginning Aug. 28, 2026.

Through the renewed partnership, Cignal subscribers will gain access to beIN SPORTS 1, beIN SPORTS 2, and beIN SPORTS 3, offering even more world-class football, motorsports, tennis, cycling, and other international competitions LIVE and in HD.

“Sports have always had a unique ability to bring Filipinos together, whether we’re cheering for our homegrown athletes or following the world’s biggest competitions,” said Christopher C. Lizo, Officer-in-Charge and Senior Vice-President/Chief Finance Officer of Cignal TV, Inc. “As Filipino athletes like Alex Eala continue to make their mark on the world stage, we want our viewers to be part of that journey while also giving them access to the teams, athletes, and competitions they love. With beIN SPORTS back on Cignal, we’re bringing even more of the world’s biggest sporting moments closer to Filipino fans.”

More of the World’s Biggest Sports

Motorsports fans can experience the speed and excitement of Formula 1, following the world’s top drivers and teams as they race across iconic circuits around the globe. The sport has built a passionate following in the Philippines, with audiences on beIN SPORTS doubling year on year. Fans can also catch Formula 2, Formula 3, F1 Academy, the FIA World Endurance Championship, 24 Hours of Le Mans, World Rally Championship, and other major racing series.

Football fans can follow the excitement of the UEFA Champions League, where Europe’s leading football clubs and biggest stars compete for one of the sport’s most prestigious titles. Fans can also catch the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League, along with action from Spain’s LaLiga and Germany’s Bundesliga, two of Europe’s premier football leagues, as well as the UEFA Women’s Champions League and Women’s Super League.

Tennis fans can follow two of the sport’s four Grand Slam tournaments, the Australian Open and Roland-Garros. With growing interest in tennis among Filipino audiences, fueled in part by the rise of homegrown talents on the international stage, fans can watch the world’s best players compete on two of the sport’s biggest stages, from the hard courts of Melbourne to the clay courts of Paris.

Beyond the Grand Slams, tennis fans can also catch major international events such as the United Cup and Laver Cup. The racket sports lineup extends to Premier Padel, featuring top players from the growing global sport of padel.

beIN SPORTS rounds out its diverse lineup with even more international sporting action, including cycling’s Tour de France and La Vuelta, World Athletics, SailGP, and more.

With major leagues, tournaments, and championships happening throughout the year, Cignal subscribers can look forward to even more live sports across the beIN SPORTS channels.

Strengthening Cignal’s Home of Sports

The arrival of beIN SPORTS builds on Cignal’s growing sports lineup, spanning the biggest sporting moments at home and major competitions from around the world.

Cignal’s sports lineup starts at home, with One Sports, One Sports+, and PBA Rush bringing Filipino fans closer to the country’s biggest leagues, teams, and athletes.

Cignal also offers dedicated channels made for Filipino sports fans, including the UAAP Varsity Channel and NBA TV Philippines, giving fans more ways to follow the competitions they love, from collegiate sports in the Philippines to world-class basketball from the NBA.

Beyond its homegrown and dedicated channels, Cignal brings more international sports to Filipino viewers through Fight Sports, Premier Sports 1 and 2, and SPOTV 1 and 2. The addition of beIN SPORTS 1, 2, and 3 further strengthens this lineup with even more major competitions from around the world.

Together, Cignal’s growing sports lineup gives Filipino fans a front-row seat to more of the sports they love, from local leagues and homegrown athletes to some of the world’s biggest sporting events, all in HD.

beIN SPORTS on Cignal 

Beginning Aug. 28, 2026, subscribers can catch beIN SPORTS 1 on Channel 276, beIN SPORTS 2 on Channel 277, and beIN SPORTS 3on Channel 278.

The three channels will be available to Cignal Postpaid subscribers on Plans 520 and up and Cignal Prepaid subscribers on Loads 600 and up.

For more information on Cignal and its subscription offers, visit mycignal.ph, call #88555, or message m.me/BuyCignal.

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Gil G. Chua Is Still Building — and Still Teaching Us How 

By Anna Chua Norbert, his eldest daughter

Most people, on their birthday, look back. My father looks at what’s next.

He has spent more than four decades building a company, and this past year, he had to rebuild it — not because he wanted to, but because the world changed under his feet. When Omnicom decided to retire the DDB brand globally, the agency he’d nurtured for 33 years lost the name it had worn since before I was born. It would have been reasonable for him to feel that a piece of his life’s work had been taken from him.

Instead, he asked a better question. Not “what do we call ourselves now,” but “who are we, really, underneath the name?”

Who Are We Now?

He didn’t hire a branding consultant to answer that question. He asked the people who worked for him.

“Who do you work for?” he asked, across the organization.

The answer came back the same way, again and again: “GGC.” Not the network. Not the holding company. Him — or rather, what his initials had come to mean inside those walls.

That’s how DDB Group Philippines became GGC Group Asia. The name wasn’t invented in a boardroom. It was already alive in how people spoke about their own workplace, long before it went on the door.

THE TAKEAWAY — Culture is the asset that survives

Logos, networks, and contracts can be taken away overnight. What can’t be taken is what people believe about how work gets done in your building. Before your next rebrand, restructuring, or crisis, ask your own people the question my father asked his: not what should we be called, but what do you already believe we are? The answer is usually the truest strategy document you’ll ever get for free.

Building Leaders, Not Followers

If the rebrand answered who we are, the next project answered what we do about it. My father calls it The GGC Way — a codification of the habits he used to teach one conversation at a time, now written down so anyone in the company can learn them without needing years of proximity to him.

Respond with discipline. Bring solutions, not complaints. Protect the dignity of clients and teammates. Measure what you execute. Leave people and places better than you found them. And there’s a visible ladder for anyone who lives by it — coordinator to senior, manager, director, principal, equity partner.

In the book Abundance, Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson argue that progress doesn’t come from good intentions alone — it comes from institutions with the actual capacity to build. My father has always understood this instinctively. For him, abundance was never about having more for himself. It’s about building the kind of systems that let more people succeed without him in the room.

Shared success means multiplying leadership, not multiplying dependence on the leader.

THE TAKEAWAY — Write it down before it walks out the door

If your best judgment only exists in your own head, your organization’s ceiling is your own bandwidth — and your risk is that it leaves when you do. Turn your instincts into a document your newest hire can read on day one. That’s not bureaucracy. That’s succession planning disguised as a handbook.

Awards He Didn’t Chase — and One That Will Outlive Him

The recognitions came anyway. The Creative Guild of the Philippines gave him the Kidlat Lifetime Achievement Award. Junior Achievement of the Philippines gave him the Tanglaw ng Kabataan Award, one of its rarest honors, for a lifetime spent preparing young Filipinos for the world beyond their diploma.

Then Junior Achievement did something my father has never done for himself: they put his name on something that will keep giving after he’s gone. The Gil G. Chua Marketing Excellence Award, inspired by the Sarimanok — a Filipino symbol of good fortune — will recognize marketing mentors, companies, and schools that use creativity to build businesses, create opportunities, and uplift communities. Four words anchor it: Creativity. Purpose. Impact. Legacy.

But if you ask me what people will actually remember about my father, it isn’t the plaques. It’s that he made other people believe they could lead, too.

From individual Clubs to One district.

Here is what he did the week after the honors came in: he went back to teaching.

He was personally invited to speak to a few Rotary clubs and noticed the same gap in every one — good people doing meaningful community work, without the communications skill to make that work visible or supported. His answer was pure Gil Chua: don’t teach the same lesson fifteen separate times. Do it en banc. 300 people from Rotary District 3830 learn public relations and media strategy in one room.

THE TAKEAWAY — Design for scale, not just for effort

The instinct to help one person at a time feels generous, but it caps your impact at the size of your calendar. Before you repeat a lesson for the fifth time, ask my father’s question: could this be one room instead of five? The multiplier is usually sitting right there, waiting for someone to bother meeting it.

Making Good News in a Fearful Season

This past year has not been an easy one for optimism. The war involving Iran pushed up energy and operating costs, rattled markets, and made companies pull back spending. The cost of living kept climbing. And the news cycle, as it always does in hard seasons, kept finding new reasons for people to feel afraid.

So my father built a magazine about hope. He calls it Tayo Mismo — a platform for the Filipinos who are quietly solving problems, serving their communities, and making the country better, whether or not anyone is watching.

He knows bad news sells. He’s spent a career in media; nobody has to explain that to him. But he also understands something most media strategists never say out loud: we become what we keep looking at. If a country is only shown its failures, it starts to believe failure is all it has. The good is already happening. Someone just has to keep pointing the camera at it.

Hope is not denial. It is the decision to notice what is already working, and help it grow.

THE TAKEAWAY — Optimism is a discipline, not a mood

In hard quarters, the instinct is to go quiet or go grim. Do the opposite, deliberately: build a habit — a newsletter, a Friday wins-thread, a standing agenda item — that forces your team to name what’s working. Not to spin the bad news away, but to make sure the good news has somewhere to live. Attention is a resource. Spend some of it on purpose.

The Measure of a Life

My father’s legacy was never going to fit neatly into revenue or awards. It’s in the numbers that took decades to build quietly: women now make up 68 percent of GGC Group Asia’s workforce, 70 percent of its senior management, and 53 percent of its Board. Nobody handed him a mandate to build that. He just kept opening doors and then stepped back to let people walk through them. Today, GGC Group Asia employs 7700 nationwide.

It’s in the Rotary clubs that can now tell their own stories. In the 2,000,000 students learning that professionalism is predictable, that calm is a form of power, and that consistency is what turns trust into scale. In every reader of Tayo Mismo who closes the app believing, a little more, that the country is worth investing in.

What I Want You to Take From This

I could tell you my Papa is a great businessman, and he is. But the more useful thing I can tell you — is this: every hard turn in this story became a system, not just a story. The rebrand became a values exercise. The recognition became an award for other people. The Rotary visits catalyst a scaled conference to reach more people. The hardest news cycle in years became a magazine about what’s still good.

When circumstances force an ending, you get to decide what kind of beginning it becomes.

That is the real inheritance he’s building — not a company name, but a habit of turning whatever happens to you into something that helps the next person.

Happy Birthday, Papa

The future is always bright with GGC around. And the best really is yet to come — because you never stopped building it for the rest of us.

With all my love,

Anna

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Known for their sharp-witted songwriting, infectious guitar pop melodies, and anthemic tunes, The Itchyworms have taken OPM to exciting new places. Their upcoming shows in New Zealand offers Filipino audiences abroad a spirited connection to home while introducing new listeners to the richness and character of OPM.

According to Jugs Jugueta, the tour is about reconnecting with Filipino communities and rediscovering the best the Philippines has to offer. “It’s very humbling. It’s really great that the world is now discovering all things Filipino,” he says, noting the growing global appreciation for Filipino culture, artists, and music.

With stops spanning four cities across NZ, Jugueta looks forward to sharing the experience with both Filipinos and their Kiwi friends. “We encourage all Filipinos to bring their Kiwi friends and family so that we can show them how Filipinos party!”

Meanwhile, drummer and vocalist Jazz Nicolas describes the band’s cross-generational songwriting as one of the things Filipinos and foreigners should look forward to: “It’s like hiding medicine in chocolate. We like to put petty or tragic lyrics inside a catchy pop melody.” That distinctive balance of humor, heartbreak, and melody has helped make The Itchyworms’ music appeal across borders. Nicolas also sees the tour as an opportunity to introduce OPM to an even wider audience.

NEW ZEALAND TOUR DATES:

AUCKLAND — September 18 | Galatos

WELLINGTON — September 19 | Notre Dame Performing Arts Center

QUEENSTOWN — September 25 | Queenstown Memorial Center

CHRISTCHURCH — September 26 | Christ’s College Auditorium

Tickets are priced at $99 NZD for Standing VIP (including a photo opportunity) and $69 NZD for Standing General Admission. Tickets are available here: https://fastevents.com.au/ticket_category/the-itchyworms-new-zealand-tour-2026-tickets

Tokyo, Japan – More than four decades after Miki Matsubara first captivated Japan with her extraordinary voice, seven ultra-rare recordings from the City Pop icon’s catalogue are finally available digitally for the first time.

Released across six digital titles, these recordings have never previously been available on major streaming or download services. Long sought after by collectors and fans, the tracks were previously accessible only through rare vinyl and physical CD releases, making their digital debut a significant new chapter in the rediscovery of Matsubara’s music.

The release arrives at a remarkable moment in Matsubara’s posthumous global resurgence. Her 1979 classic “Mayonaka no Door / Stay With Me” recently surpassed 500 million Spotify streams, becoming only the 10th song by a Japanese artist to reach the milestone and the first song originally released in the 20th century to do so.

Yet while “Mayonaka no Door / Stay With Me” has become a global City Pop phenomenon, the renewed attention has also led listeners deeper into Matsubara’s catalogue, uncovering sophisticated album tracks, B-sides and lesser-known recordings that reveal the breadth of her artistry.

Among the newly available recordings is “Paradise Beach (Sophie no Theme),” a particularly sought-after track associated with the iconic Maxell cassette commercial starring French actress Sophie Marceau.

The track was composed by Haruomi Hosono, legendary musician and founding member of Yellow Magic Orchestra (Y.M.O.), connecting Matsubara’s catalogue to another pivotal chapter in the history of Japanese pop and electronic music.

The seven recordings offer a glimpse into the breadth of Matsubara’s work beyond her best-known hits, from music created for commercial and media tie-ins to rare recordings that have remained largely inaccessible to listeners outside the physical-record collecting world.

From collector’s treasures to a new generation

Matsubara’s music has experienced an extraordinary second life in the digital era.

Her distinctive, sophisticated vocals and the polished arrangements of Japan’s late-1970s and 1980s pop scene have found a new audience among international DJs, vinyl collectors and Gen Z listeners. Her catalogue now includes multiple tracks with more than 10 million Spotify streams, including “WASH,” originally released as a B-side in 1982, which has surpassed 20 million streams.

This renewed global interest has transformed recordings once considered hidden gems into objects of international fascination.

The seven newly digitised tracks now make that deeper catalogue accessible to audiences around the world – not simply revisiting Miki Matsubara’s legacy, but uncovering music that many listeners have never had the opportunity to hear.

A new chapter in Miki Matsubara’s enduring legacy

Miki Matsubara made her debut in 1979 and quickly established herself as one of Japan’s most distinctive vocal talents. Nearly half a century later, her music continues to cross borders and generations in ways few artists from her era have experienced.

With her global audience continuing to grow, these seven rare recordings offer another opportunity to discover the artistry behind one of Japan’s most enduring musical voices.

For the first time, seven pieces of Miki Matsubara’s musical history are no longer hidden in the archives or collectors’ shelves. They are now ready to be heard by the world.

Artist: Miki Matsubara 

Release Date: [August 28, 2026 0:00]  

Available Platforms: Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, AWA, 

LINE MUSIC, and other major streaming and download services.

URL: https://nex-tone.lnk.to/MikiMatsubara

Assets: Here

【Digital Release Titles & Tracklists】 

(7 tracks marked with ★ are making their digital debut) 

1. Ai wa Energy (Originally released: Dec 5, 1979) 

• M-1. Ai Wa Energy
• M-2. Fancy Free (★)
  

1. Hello Today (Originally released: Apr 21, 1980)

• M-1. Hello Today
• M-2. Machi Wa Itsumo Party Ne (★)
  

1. Aitsu no Brown Shoes (Originally released: Sep 5, 1980) 

• M-1. Aitsu No Brown Shoes 
• M-2. Kyou Konogoro (★)
  

1. Shiawase ni Bonsoir (Originally released: Jul 5, 1981) 

• M-1. Shiawase ni Bonsoir (★)
• M-2. Watashi Wa Modorenai
  

1. Paradise Beach (Sophie’s Theme) (Originally released: Apr 25, 1983) 

• M-1. Paradise Beach (Sophie’s Theme)  (★)
  (※Maxell CM Song starring Sophie Marceau / Composed by Haruomi Hosono) 
• M-2. Kimagure Collage (★)
  

1. Sweet Surrender (Originally released: Sep 21, 1983) 

• M-1. Sweet Surrender 
• M-2. WANGAN High Way (★)
  

About Miki MatsubaraBorn in Osaka Prefecture in 1959, Miki Matsubara made her debut in November 1979 with the single “Mayonaka no Door / Stay With Me.” She rapidly rose to fame with her exceptional vocal abilities and sophisticated, urban sound, winning numerous prestigious music awards. In addition to her career as a singer, she was a prolific composer, providing songs for various artists, anime series, and TV commercials.

Since the 2000s, “Mayonaka no Door / Stay With Me” has experienced a global resurgence, ignited by international DJs and influencers. The track topped viral music charts worldwide, cementing her status as an enduring, iconic artist who continues to define the global City Pop movement.

From a new smartphone you’ve had your eye on to a tablet for work and entertainment or audio gear for everyday listening, there’s something worth adding to your cart. The sale covers a wide range of OPPO devices, including everyday favorites, flagship models, tablets, and audio accessories.

Catch the deals across OPPO’s official stores on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop and make 9.9 the day you finally hit “checkout” on that upgrade.

Save up to Php10,000 on select OPPO devices

Customers can enjoy vouchers worth up to Php 10,000 on select OPPO devices throughout the campaign period. Whether you’re planning a smartphone upgrade or looking for a new tablet or pair of earbuds, there are savings available across several OPPO product categories.

On Lazada and TikTok Shop, available offers include:

• Php 1,000 off: OPPO A6, OPPO Reno15 Series, OPPO Enco X3s, OPPO Enco Clip2, and OPPO A5
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• Php 1,000 off: OPPO A6, OPPO Enco X3s, OPPO Enco Clip2, and OPPO Pad 5
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Take home exclusive freebies with eligible purchases

Shoppers can get more from their 9.9 purchases with gifts available on select OPPO devices from September 1 to September 11 across OPPO’s official stores on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.

Eligible purchases include:

• OPPO Pad SE: Free OPPO Pad SE Case
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• OPPO Reno15 Series: Free Tango Jet 10,000mAh Powerbank in Black
• OPPO Find X9s: Free Portable Power Gift Box
• OPPO A6 and OPPO A6s: Free Tango Jet 5000mAh Powerbank
• OPPO Reno16 Series: Free OPPO Reno16 Series x BABYMONSTER Photocards and Powerbank
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• OPPO Pad Neo: Free Keyboard Case
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TikTok Shop customers purchasing the OPPO A6x can receive free Tango Jet Earbuds as an exclusive gift with purchase.Make every checkout count during OPPO’s 9.9 Sale

Along with discounts and gifts with purchase, shoppers during the campaign period can get a chance to win one of nine OnePlus Nord Buds 2R in Blue, adding another perk to their 9.9 shopping experience.

OPPO’s 9.9 Sale runs from September 1 to September 11 across the brand’s official stores on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop. With savings of up to Php 10,000 and freebies available with select purchases, the campaign gives shoppers a timely opportunity to upgrade their everyday tech for less.

Know more about OPPO’s 9.9 Sale by visiting OPPO Philippines’ official website at www.oppo.com/ph/ and Facebook page.

Hinao works at Cafe Haru Haru, where she connects the underworld with sorcerers, while  Char is a cheerful and courageous young girl being pursued for mysterious reasons. 

Based on Takeru Hokazono’s manga, which has surpassed 4 million copies in circulation,  including digital editions, Kagurabachi will premiere in April 2027 and stream on Crunchyroll  worldwide, excluding Japan, Mainland China, North Korea, and South Korea. 

The anime is directed by Tetsuya Takeuchi, with character design by Keigo Sasaki and  animation production by Cypic (Umamusume: Cinderella Gray; The Summer Hikaru Died). 

Additional details, including further casting and production updates, will be announced at a  later date. 

– Watch the Hinao Character Trailer

– Watch the Char Character Trailer

Fast-rising duo EASY FREAK, formed by Dom Hurd and Jude Kendrick Ganasen,  kicked off on August 21st the next chapter of their career with “Only Like You Do,” the first single from their highly anticipated sophomore album ‘The Touch,’ out December 11th — a record that candidly traces the full arc of love, from the euphoria of new beginnings to the quiet grace found on the other side of heartbreak.

A masterclass in pop/funk/groove production, “Only Like You Do” sets the tone for a four-single rollout, each paired with a striking official music video steeped in 70’s and 80’s nostalgia that showcases the duo’s singular, meticulously crafted aesthetic.

As Jude puts its, « Dom had written most of this track years ago when we first started EASY FREAK in 2016. It was originally written for acoustic guitar as a very slow and melancholic song (post breakup hehe), but we changed the time signature, added some groove and funk, and brought it back to life. We’ve grown so much as songwriters and producers, and it’s always a fun time giving an older track a second chance. »

The album stands as a landmark step in the duo’s carreer: « We’ve been making music for almost 10 years, and it’s only in the last few years that we feel like we’ve really found our sound. This album feels like a culmination of all that time, all that searching, all that growing and learning. The Touch is the first time that we’ve truly been able to express our songwriting and compositional ideas. Live instrumentation is a big theme for this project; with live string and horn sections, and live drums being new additions to our recording process. The music of the 70s and 80s have always been a big influence for us, and we’ve been able to lean more into that with this project. You’ll hear the inspiration of artists/groups like Sade, Michael Jackson, CHIC, and Prince sparkling through the songs. The aesthetic of The Touch is something we put a lot of time into; inviting the listeners into this world that we’ve created. »

This release officially launches the album campaign  and opens pre-order/pre-save  — a can’t-miss moment to get ahead of one of the season’s most stylish, emotionally resonant and musically impactful rollouts.

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Gone were the formalities of competition.

For one evening, the black belts relaxed, the masters took the microphone, and the international karate community celebrated as one.

CEBU'S FAMOUS LECHON FLIES IN FOR THE OCCASION

No major Filipino celebration would be complete without something special on the table.

For the Sayonara Party, organizers went a step further.

A whole roasted pig, or lechon, was specially flown in from Cebu, long celebrated across the Philippines for its distinctive and highly prized version of the traditional Filipino feast centerpiece.

Lechon is traditionally served during fiestas, weddings, milestone celebrations and occasions reserved for important guests.

Its presence at the party carried a clear message to the visiting delegations:

This was not an ordinary dinner.

It was a Filipino celebration prepared in their honor.

The Cebu lechon quickly became one of the evening's most talked-about attractions, giving the Japanese, Indonesian and Mongolian guests another taste of Filipino culture beyond the competition venue.

GENERAL YU TRADES COMMAND FOR A MICROPHONE

The evening soon took an unexpected turn when Ysmael Yu, Sensei, Consultant to the Chairman of JKA Philippines, stepped forward for a special musical performance.

Known for a distinguished background as a Philippine Military Academy graduate, retired Police Brigadier General and Karate Sensei, Yu revealed a warmer and more playful side with his rendition of a favorite Filipino song.

The performance drew cheers from the crowd and immediately set the mood for what would become a night of spontaneous entertainment.

For a man more often associated with discipline, command and leadership, the microphone offered an entirely different stage.

And the audience loved it.

A JAPANESE SONG BRINGS CULTURES TOGETHER

Shalie Secuya followed with a special rendition of a Japanese song dedicated to the visiting delegation.

The gesture added a graceful cultural touch to the evening and drew warm applause from the Japanese guests.

The performance reflected the spirit of the entire gathering—Filipino hosts embracing Japanese culture while welcoming international friends into a celebration distinctly Filipino in warmth and hospitality.

It was a simple moment, but one that captured the closeness developed during the four-day event.

KOJI CHUBACHI'S SURPRISE PERFORMANCE STEALS THE NIGHT

Then came one of the evening's biggest surprises.

Koji Chubachi, Sensei, one of the distinguished Japanese instructors who had commanded attention on the training floor throughout the Gasshuku, unexpectedly took the microphone.

His performance came as a gesture of thanks to the Filipino hosts.

The reaction was immediate.

The room erupted in cheers and applause.

For athletes accustomed to seeing Chubachi demonstrating precise karate technique, his transformation into an entertainer became one of the night's most charming moments.

By the time the song ended, the applause seemed almost endless.

It was spontaneous, personal and unforgettable.

DAICHI INOMOTO TURNS THE PARTY INTO A MASS SING-ALONG

Another highlight came from Daichi Inomoto, a Karate black belt and fashion model, who performed a Filipino song in celebration of the successful international gathering.

The performance began as a solo.

It did not stay that way for long.

As the familiar melody filled the room, guests began joining in.

Karate practitioners, officials, international delegates and members of the audience sang along until the performance became an almost full-room chorus.

The moment turned Inomoto's number into one of the evening's biggest crowd experiences.

It also offered a striking contrast to the days of serious competition that had preceded it.

Only hours before, black belts stood rigidly focused on the tatami.

Now they were singing together.

FROM BLACK BELTS TO DINNER COMPANIONS

The Sayonara Party showed a side of international Karate-Do rarely seen during formal competition.

Japanese masters who had spent days correcting stances and techniques were now exchanging jokes and photographs with students.

Indonesian and Mongolian delegates shared tables with Filipino karateka.

Officials, organizers and competitors who had been working under the pressure of an international championship finally had time to relax.

The formal hierarchy of the dojo remained respected, but the evening was defined by warmth and familiarity.

The room became a mix of laughter, food, photographs, applause and music.

For many of the guests, it was the perfect ending to four demanding days.

A FILIPINO FAREWELL WITH INTERNATIONAL FLAVOR

The success of the Sayonara Party reflected one of the Philippines' strongest cultural traditions: making visitors feel at home.

The celebration combined Japanese Karate-Do, Filipino hospitality, Indonesian and Mongolian friendship, Cebu cuisine and music from different cultures.

It was elegant without being formal.

Festive without losing the respect that defined the event.

And international without losing its unmistakably Filipino character.

The party became, in many ways, the emotional closing ceremony of the tournament.

Medals recognized achievement.

The Sayonara Party celebrated relationships.

ONE LAST SONG, ONE LAST APPLAUSE

As the evening moved toward its conclusion, the international delegates gathered for photographs, conversations and final moments together before beginning their journeys home.

The Japanese masters had shared their knowledge.

The athletes had competed.

Champions had been crowned.

Now the organizers offered one final gift: an evening meant simply to be enjoyed.

The Cebu lechon had been served.

The songs had been sung.

The crowd had joined in.

And the applause had filled the room.

The 3rd JKA Philippines International Gasshuku & Karate-Do Championship 2026 may have officially ended on the tatami, but its final memory was created around the dinner tables and microphones of the Sayonara Party.

For one unforgettable night, there were no opponents.

Only friends.

Sayonara, Davao style—warm, generous, musical and impossible to forget.

Wake up to the ultimate Filipino breakfast! This homemade Pork Tocino is perfectly sweet, savory, and caramelized with deliciously crisp edges. It’s super easy to make with simple pantry ingredients and without preservatives. Serve this tender, cured pork with garlic-fried rice and a sunny-side-up egg for a classic "Tocilog" experience. Different regions of the Philippines…

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In-line Forwarder has formed a strategic partnership with Thompson Property Management Corp. (TPMC), the official Global Channel Partner of Alibaba.com in the Philippines, to boost Filipino exporters in global trade.

This best-in-industry alliance integrates two vital pieces of the export journey: international market access and total logistics solutions.

A global leader for over 26 years, Alibaba.com is now the world’s largest B2B e-commerce platform, connecting buyers and sellers from around the globe. Its enormous scale provides a significant boost for Filipino businesses: the platform has over 50 million active buyers across 200 countries, onboarded more than 200,000 suppliers, and offers over 200 million items.

For an exporter, that massive reach translates to a concrete opportunity to bring Filipino products in front of new buyers and markets.

But getting their items discovered by customers is only the beginning.

Total logistics leader In-line Forwarder complements Alibaba.com’s digital reach with the logistics innovations and export expertise needed to get products from the Philippines to overseas. Through their team-up, In-line will provide MSME exporters access to total logistics solutions, including seafreight, international air cargo, export documentation, customs clearing, and even product warehousing required to move goods efficiently across borders. 

“For our exporters, getting an order is only half the journey. The next hurdle is figuring out how to actually get their products there efficiently, conveniently, and affordably,” said In-line Forwarder. “By combining Alibaba.com’s global reach and In-line’s logistics expertise, we want to make the entire export journey simpler for businesses of all sizes.”

Beyond logistics, the two titans also underscored the need to build the export readiness of MSMEs. They will jointly conduct exporter workshops, coaching sessions, and other programs covering international selling, e-commerce growth, export compliance, freight handling, and cross-border fulfillment.

The partnership comes as Philippine MSMEs increasingly look beyond the borders for new sources of sales. While Filipino products have significant potential internationally, smaller businesses still face barriers: getting new buyers, navigating complex export requirements, and managing shipping costs.

Their collaboration seeks to address these gaps through an innovative product order-to-shipping export solution.

“Our goal is to help more Filipino businesses confidently make the leap from being a local seller to a global company,” added TPMC. “By linking market opportunities with comprehensive logistics support, we can accelerate the conversion of international buyer interest into an actual sale.”

Ultimately, the partnership has a simple shared vision: more Filipino businesses selling globally, and more Filipino products reaching the world.

From the Philippines to the world, one shipment at a time.

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As economic activity expands beyond Metro Manila, the question facing real estate developers is also changing: how do you build places capable of supporting not only new investment, but the businesses, jobs and communities that grow around it?

For Aboitiz Economic Estates and Aboitiz Land, the answer has been shaped by decades of industry-anchored development.

That approach gained broader recognition at the 2026 PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards, where Aboitiz Economic Estates and Aboitiz Land were named Best Developer (Luzon). Aboitiz Economic Estates also received Best Industrial Developer for the sixth consecutive year and Best Sustainable Commercial Developer, while TARI Estate, Biz Hub at LIMA Estate and The Villages at LIMA Estate earned awards in their respective development categories.

The significance lies not simply in the number of awards, but in their breadth. Together, they recognize different dimensions of a development philosophy that starts with the economic fundamentals: investment, infrastructure and jobs, then builds the commercial, residential, institutional and lifestyle ecosystem that growing regional economies require.

“For years, our strength has been industrial development, grounded in the belief that real estate should begin with the economic fundamentals: investment, infrastructure, and jobs. From that foundation, more complete communities can grow,” said Rafael Fernandez de Mesa, President and CEO of Aboitiz Economic Estates and Aboitiz Land.

“To now be recognized across industrial, mixed-use, residential, sustainability, and overall development tells us that this approach is increasingly relevant beyond the category where it began. We will continue raising the benchmark for integrated development by building places where businesses can compete, people can access opportunity, and communities can grow sustainably.”

Building new centers of growth

LIMA Estate in Batangas provides the most mature expression of the model. Over three decades, LIMA Estate has evolved from an industrial estate into an integrated economic community combining industry with business, residential, education, hospitality, retail and lifestyle uses.

Its commercial district, Biz Hub at LIMA Estate, named Best Completed Mixed Use Development, has grown around an established economic base. Its offices, retail, hospitality, education and services respond to demand generated by the companies, workers, residents, students and visitors already moving through the estate.

The same ecosystem supports The Villages at LIMA Estate, recognized as Best Lifestyle Housing Development. Developed by Aboitiz Land, the residential community connects families not only to employment, but to schools, retail, dining, leisure, hospitality, open spaces and essential services within the wider LIMA ecosystem.

Together, these developments demonstrate how industrial investment can become the foundation for a more complete regional center, where economic opportunity and quality of life reinforce one another.

Decades of experience, deployed at speed

In Central Luzon, TARI Estate, named Best Industrial Estate Development, represents the next iteration. Drawing on decades of industrial development experience, Aboitiz has been able to translate a greenfield site into an emerging industrial platform in a relatively short period.

The 384-hectare estate in Tarlac is strategically positioned along the Luzon Economic Corridor, with access to major transport infrastructure and economic gateways. Major investments from Ajinomoto Philippines and Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines are establishing its industrial base, while the estate is projected to support around 60,000 jobs at full build-out.

LIMA Estate and TARI Estate therefore represent two stages of the same idea: one demonstrates what an industry-anchored economic community can become as it matures; the other shows how that experience can be applied to an emerging growth corridor.

Across its economic estates, Aboitiz Economic Estates now supports more than 260 locators, over 100,000 jobs and PHP175.4 billion in investments.

As investment increasingly moves beyond traditional metropolitan centers, Aboitiz sees an opportunity to apply this development capability to more regions of the country.

The Best Developer (Luzon) recognition reflects the broader relevance the model is gaining. An approach long rooted in industrial estates is increasingly being recognized for what it can contribute to integrated real estate: starting with jobs and investment, and building the communities and regional economies that can grow around them.

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DoH Undersecretary for Health Dr. Gloria J. Balboa said leptospirosis cases reached 5,486 from January 4 to August 26, marking a 23% decrease from the 7,163 cases logged during the same period last year.

Despite the decline in cases, DoH said it continues to implement measures as it anticipates a possible increase in cases over the next two weeks.

“So, we are expecting an increase in cases in the next two weeks due to the recent heavy rains and flooding,” DoH Secretary Dr. Edwin M. Mercado said during a press conference in Filipino.

“That is why the DOH is continuously intensifying its surveillance of leptospirosis cases, while also ensuring that its facilities remain operational and have adequate supplies,” he added.

Of the total number of cases in the National Capital Region, 158 patients are admitted to San Lazaro Hospital, the majority of whom have mild cases.

At the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI), which handles more than 90% of severe leptospirosis cases, at least 144 patients have been admitted since January, with one fatality, NKTI Executive Director Dr. Jose Dante P. Dator said. Of these, 52 are currently admitted.

Amid the surge in cases and the potential for a further increase due to the ongoing inclement weather, 33 DOH hospitals in highly affected regions have implemented fast lanes to ensure that patients with leptospirosis are attended to promptly, Dr. Mercado said.

“Patients here will be attended to immediately. If they develop symptoms such as fever, swelling, and difficulty urinating, we do not delay treatment and instead expedite the process,” Mr. Mercado said.

“After seeing the long lines of patients at San Lazaro, we set up a tent so patients could be attended to immediately, as they first need to undergo testing and have their blood drawn,” he added.

The DOH has also convened a command conference to strengthen coordination among its hospitals, prevent congestion at individual facilities, and help patients find available hospitals for treatment.

The agency has also deployed additional health workers and set up tents at hospitals such as San Lazaro to help address the surge in cases.

The DOH continues to advise the public to avoid wading through floodwaters and, if unavoidable, seek consultation at health centers and YAKAP centers to receive preventive medication. — Edg Adrian A. Eva

The PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards, now in its landmark 14^th year, stands as a gold standard of real estate excellence in the country. The prestigious event crowns the nation’s most visionary developers and transformative projects that continuously shatter the boundaries of design, innovation, sustainability, and community impact.

Standing out in this highly competitive arena, DLI was honored with the highly coveted Best Boutique Developer award for the second consecutive year and the third time since 2020. As the only Mindanao-homegrown property developer this year, the company has earned this distinct recognition as a testament to its craftsmanship, forward-thinking vision, and dedication to pioneering the future of Mindanao’s real estate landscape.

“Being recognized for these prestigious awards is a powerful validation that Mindanao is leading the way in real estate innovation. Damosa Land remains steadfast in its mission to deliver world-class yet mindful projects that drive investment potential and create lasting value for generations to come,” said DLI President Ricardo Floirendo Lagdameo.

Fresh off its January 2026 groundbreaking and becoming the first project approved under the newly launched Securing and Expanding Capital in Real Estate Non-Traditional Securities (SEC-RENT) framework of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), DLI’s TRYP by Wyndham Samal condotel secured two premier accolades: Best Investment Condo Development and Best Beachfront Condotel Architectural Design.

The Best Investment Condo Development award highlights the condotel’s strategic location, strong rental yield, capital appreciation, and robust property management services that make it appealing to investors, while the Best Beachfront Condotel Architectural Design award spotlights the property’s luxurious coastal design, durable climate-resilient infrastructure, and efficient hospitality layouts that maximize oceanfront views.

TRYP by Wyndham Samal, slated for completion in 2028, is a contemporary island hotel inspired by the timeless architecture of the iconic Bahay na Bato. Reimagining its sturdy stone foundations, warm timber elements, and expansive rooflines, the development integrates heritage-inspired design with modern tropical hospitality, which creates a destination that is both enduring in character and deeply connected to its local setting.

This milestone project introduces the first global hotel brand to the Island Garden City of Samal. The arrival of Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, one of the world’s leading hospitality groups, signals strong international confidence in Samal Island’s investment potential and as a global tourist destination. With construction of the condotel already underway, the highly anticipated TRYP by Wyndham Samal has successfully sold 70% of its units, underscoring a strong market demand and appeal to investors.

Beyond the success of TRYP by Wyndham Samal, DLI continues to build momentum through a growing portfolio of developments shaping the future of Mindanao. These recognitions come as DLI continues to expand its footprint through award-winning developments such as its agritourism township Agriya, industrial park Anflo Industrial Estate, mixed-use marina lifestyle development community Bridgeport, information technology (IT) facility Damosa IT Park, and premium residential properties Kahi Estates, Ameria, and Agriya Gardens, each designed to strengthen the region’s competitiveness while promoting responsible and sustainable development.

More than building individual properties, DLI takes an ecosystem approach to development — bringing together residential, commercial, industrial, hospitality, and community spaces that create opportunities for people and businesses to thrive. By thoughtfully integrating these developments with their surrounding communities, DLI seeks to create places that are not only valuable destinations in themselves, but also catalysts for broader economic activity and improved quality of life.

This approach reflects DLI’s position as a homegrown developer with a deep understanding of Mindanao and its potential. From creating spaces that attract global investors and businesses to developing communities that respond to the evolving aspirations of Filipino families, DLI continues to demonstrate how locally rooted development can create opportunities with far-reaching impact.

“Our goal has always been to create ecosystems in every project that we build — places where people can live, work, invest, do business, and build their futures,” Lagdameo said. “We want the value of our developments to extend beyond their boundaries and benefit not only the communities within them, but also the neighboring communities around them. For us, that is what responsible development means: creating places that generate opportunities, strengthen communities, and contribute to the long-term growth of Mindanao.”

To learn more about Damosa Land and its developments, visit https://damosaland.com/.

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SM Investments Consultant and Head of Investor Relations and Sustainability Timothy Daniels and PHIVOLCS Director Teresito C. Bacolcol signed a memorandum of agreement on Friday covering SM’s use of GeoRiskPH, a government platform that provides information on natural hazards and related risks.

Under the agreement, SM will use GeoRiskPH tools, including HazardHunterPH Pro, Geomapper PH, PlanSmart and GeoAnalyticsPH, to assess potential hydrometeorological and geological hazards affecting its facilities, assets and operational sites.

The information will be used to support planning for SM’s properties and operations, including business continuity measures and long-term investment decisions.

“Partnerships like this with the private sector contribute significantly in helping us better understand the country’s multi-faceted needs regarding resilience,” Mr. Bacolcol said.

He added that integrating data-driven hazard assessment tools into business planning is important to disaster risk reduction and sustainable development.

For SM, the partnership forms part of its efforts to incorporate climate adaptation and disaster resilience into its investment and asset management decisions.

“Understanding the risks around our properties and operations helps us make better decisions about where and how we invest,” Mr. Daniels said.

The partnership also highlights the role of private businesses in supporting national disaster resilience, particularly as SM continues to operate and expand properties across the country. — Edg Adrian A. Eva

Blending alternative R&B with contemporary pop, Eila has steadily carved out a distinct musical identity through atmospheric, soulful productions that showcase her emotional range and vocal versatility. Alongside her original music, she has built a growing audience on TikTok and Instagram through vocal performances, music and lifestyle content, and playful vocal impressions—an unconventional path that has ultimately helped lead listeners toward her original work.

“Loving Me Wrong” follows her recent single “Living Proof,” a heartfelt, feel-good anthem about the excitement of genuine love that also offered an early glimpse into the sonic direction of her forthcoming EP. While “Living Proof” leans into the warmth and exhilaration of love, her new single turns inward, confronting the complicated emotions that come with remaining in a relationship that no longer serves you.“Loving Me Wrong takes me right back to being young and naively in love, when I was caught in that volatile cycle of constant highs and lows,” Eila shares. “You convince yourself that you’re just one argument away from turning it all around.”

Rather than reducing the experience to simple heartbreak, the song recognizes the emotional contradictions that can exist within an unhealthy relationship. Eila hopes the track can offer listeners a sense of validation while also encouraging them to recognize their worth.

“I hope that anyone who’s been there can listen to the track and feel validated without any judgment,” she says. “It is completely possible to feel genuine happiness and devastating heartbreak at the exact same time. I also hope that ‘Loving Me Wrong’ can serve as a turning point and a reminder to never settle for less than you deserve.”

The song also represents a significant step forward in Eila’s development as a songwriter and performer. She describes her growth as an artist as a less linear journey than her personal development, with much of her progress coming from learning to embrace experimentation, collaboration, and vulnerability.

That evolution became particularly clear during a songwriting camp where “Loving Me Wrong” was born. Early in her songwriting journey, Eila often found herself too self-conscious to experiment freely around other writers, sometimes leaving the room simply to test melodies or lyrics on her own. Over time, however, that same collaborative environment became one of the most rewarding aspects of her creative process.

“Being in that collaborative space was a beautiful reminder that music is ultimately about connection,” she says. “That writing camp was actually where ‘Loving Me Wrong’ was born, and it really represents my evolution toward embracing vulnerability in both my music and myself.”

Eila’s return to the Philippines adds another meaningful dimension to the release. The singer was last seen in the country in 2014, when she performed a cover on the television program Walang Tulugan. At the time, she says, she did not yet have the confidence to perform her material. Twelve years and 18 releases later, she returns with a clearer sense of identity and a newfound confidence in the artist she has become.“Looking back, I definitely lacked the confidence to sing my music,” Eila recalls. “Twelve years and 18 song releases later, I’m back and finally ready to show everyone a much more confident Eila.”

Her Philippine visit is also a personal homecoming. Both of Eila’s parents grew up in the Philippines before immigrating to the United States, and her Chinese-Filipino heritage has played an important part in shaping her relationship with music. From family karaoke sessions to her parents’ unwavering support for her aspirations as a performer, Eila credits her upbringing with nurturing her passion for music and showing her how music can bring people together.

“I owe so much of my passion for music to my Chinese-Filipino roots,” she says. “More than anything, it’s the way music naturally brings our community together.”

That connection is already reflected in her growing Filipino audience. The Philippines is currently Eila’s second-largest listening market on Spotify, making her return particularly significant as she introduces “Loving Me Wrong” to Filipino listeners.

“Having that kind of support from my community gives me the energy to keep pursuing my dreams, and I’m excited to connect with even more listeners,” Eila says. She also plans to continue sharing covers of Filipino songs as a way of honoring artists who paved the way for greater Asian representation while celebrating her roots.

Eila’s new single “Loving Me Wrong” will be released on August 26, 2026, via Symphonic Distribution.

Known for their energetic performances and unmistakable sound, the Masculados are bringing back the same group fans have grown to love, this time with a more modern musical approach. And for a song like “SAGING,” siyempre kailangan may visual accompaniment, the music video will be released on the same day as the song. “SAGING” is a fun, catchy, and playful track built around cheeky lyrics about everyone’s favorite yellow fruit: bananas.

The upcoming release marks the group’s first new track following their return to Universal Records, the label that helped launch Masculados into the spotlight. Their reunion with the label has already kicked off with a fresh take on one of their biggest hits, “Jumbo Hotdog,” which received a budots makeover from internationally acclaimed Davao-based DJ, DJ Love, the artist credited with creating and popularizing the genre.

The members have expressed their excitement about working with the label again, saying, “Looking forward kami sa mga projects ulit, kasi dito nagsimula ang mga songs namin at dito naman nakilala rin ang Masculados.” While the sound may be getting a modern update, fans can still expect the same Masculados energy. The group has promised nothing less than their signature “100% kaldagan” as they enter this new chapter.

The Joy-Thru Deals run every Saturday and Sunday from August 15 to September 13, exclusively at participating Jollibee Drive-Thru stores. Customers can save ₱27 when they get two Jolly Hotdogs through the promo.

A longtime Jollibee favorite, the Jolly Hotdog is a crave-worthy and savory treat that continues to be a go-to choice for customers looking for a tasty Jollibee classic.“For many of our customers, a weekend drive-thru stop is part of their usual routine, whether they’re picking up food for the family or grabbing a quick bite. Since the Jolly Hotdog is a favorite among many, we wanted to give them a little more to enjoy during those weekend stops,” said Dorothy Ching, vice president for marketing of Jollibee Philippines. “We hope this gives our Jolly Hotdog fans something to look forward to on weekends and makes their food runs a little more enjoyable.”

The Joy-Thru Deals will be available every Saturday and Sunday until September 13 at participating Jollibee Drive-Thru stores. Prices may vary by location. Terms and conditions apply.

Craving more Jollibee treats and exclusives? Head to www.jollibee.com.ph for the latest updates, order your favorites at https://order.jollibee.com, and follow us on social media for more JOYful surprises.

The partnership was formalized during a contract signing held on August 15, 2026, at Illumination Studio, where Anne met with Zion Group executives before proceeding to her official campaign shoot for the brands.

Her decision to work with the company was closely tied to the convenience and innovation behind its home wellness technologies. During the event, Anne shared that what made it easier for her to say yes to Zion was the ability to access these technologies within the comfort of home, mentioning red light therapy panels, cold plunge systems, sauna solutions, and ZLEEP AI among the products that stood out to her.

One statement captured the message behind the partnership clearly. “It’s really an investment, yes it is. But you know, health is priceless,” Anne said.

Her endorsement comes as Zion Group continues to expand its presence in home wellness, recovery, fitness, and intelligent sleep. ZION Wellness focuses on technologies designed for relaxation and recovery, while ZYLO AI brings smart fitness solutions into the home. ZLEEP AI extends that ecosystem into the bedroom through mattresses and smart beds developed around artificial intelligence and responsive sleep technology.

Among the three brands, ZLEEP AI introduces one of the group’s most distinct propositions. The smart sleep line is designed to move beyond the traditional mattress experience by combining advanced materials with technologies that can respond to body position, pressure distribution, movement, and sleep-related data. Its underlying smart sleep platform is developed around areas such as ergonomics, life sciences, sleep research, materials technology, and artificial intelligence.

For Filipino consumers searching for the best mattress in the Philippines, the usual comparison often revolves around comfort, firmness, foam quality, support, and durability. ZLEEP AI adds intelligent personalization to those considerations, placing the brand among the premium options for people who want more from their mattress than a conventional sleeping surface.

Depending on the model, ZLEEP offers technologies designed for adaptive body support, adjustable positioning, sleep monitoring, breathing and heart-rate tracking, smart alarms, and snoring-relief functions. Selected mattresses also incorporate premium memory foam and anti-mite technology, addressing consumers who are specifically looking for a best memory foam mattress, anti-mite mattress, or a more advanced sleep setup for everyday use.

People researching a good mattress for back pain commonly look for proper support, pressure distribution, and a sleeping surface that follows the natural shape of the body. ZLEEP AI approaches this need through body-responsive support technologies that can detect areas of pressure and adjust support more intelligently. These features are designed to improve comfort and alignment, although persistent back pain or other medical concerns should still be evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional. Snoring has also become an important consideration in the smart mattress category. Selected ZLEEP AI systems include adjustable positioning and snoring-relief functions designed to create a more supportive sleeping position, making the brand relevant to consumers searching for an anti-snoring mattress in the Philippines.

Anne herself highlighted the health-monitoring capability of ZLEEP AI during the event, noting that the system can help monitor heart rate. The feature reflects how the mattress category is evolving as artificial intelligence and connected technology become more integrated into everyday home products.

Rather than treating sleep as separate from wellness, Zion Group is bringing recovery, fitness, and rest into one connected lifestyle ecosystem. Anne’s partnership strengthens that direction and gives the brands a familiar voice as more Filipino consumers explore technology designed to support their health and routines at home.

Her message during the signing summed up the partnership in a way that goes beyond any single product. For Anne Curtis, investing in wellness comes with a clear perspective: health is priceless. With ZLEEP AI introducing artificial intelligence into the way people choose and experience a mattress, the brand is positioning itself as a premium contender for Filipinos looking for smarter sleep, better support, and a more personalized bedroom experience.

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August 27, 2026 - DAVAO CITY, Philippines — The international karate community turns its attention to Davao City today, August 27, as the 3rd Japan Karate Association of the Philippines (JKA Philippines) International Gasshuku and Tournament 2026 officially opens, bringing together karate masters, instructors, athletes, delegates, and representatives from different parts of the world.

The four-day gathering marks another historic milestone for JKA Philippines, strengthening the country's position as an emerging destination for major international traditional karate events and reinforcing the global spirit of discipline, respect, excellence, and friendship that defines the Japan Karate Association.

At the center of this international event is the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP), which has extended its full support to the karate community by serving as host venue for the prestigious gathering.

The university's participation reflects the importance of sports, education, discipline, and international cooperation in developing young people and strengthening relationships among nations.

With foreign delegates, including dignitaries and distinguished karate masters, instructors, and lecturers from different parts of the globe and the Philippines  arriving in Davao City for the four-day event, security and safety measures have been heightened to help ensure the orderly movement and protection of participants, guests, officials, and spectators throughout the tournament.

The arrival of international delegations has created an atmosphere of excitement across the city as Davao prepares to welcome some of the most respected personalities in traditional Shotokan karate.

For the next four days, participants will take part in intensive Gasshuku training, technical instruction, lectures, demonstrations, and international competition, providing Filipino karate practitioners with a rare opportunity to train alongside and learn from highly experienced JKA masters and instructors.

The historic gathering, running from August 27 to 30, places Davao City at the center of the traditional Shotokan karate world as the Philippines welcomes leading personalities from the Japan Karate Association (JKA) Headquarters in Tokyo and representatives from different parts of the world.

Adding prestige to the international occasion, Consul General of Japan in Davao ONO Hirotaka is expected to attend the event.

Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, Vice President Sara Duterte, and Senator Christopher “Bong” Go are likewise expected to grace the occasion, according to JKA Philippines Chief Executive Officer Emeliano P. Murillo.

The gathering is more than a tournament. It is a celebration of the philosophy and tradition of karate—where competition is matched by character, discipline, humility, respect, and the continuous pursuit of excellence.

DAVAO CITY IN THE INTERNATIONAL KARATE SPOTLIGHT

The hosting of the international gathering places Davao City and the Philippines in the spotlight of the global karate community, demonstrating the country's capability to welcome international sporting delegations while promoting sports tourism, cultural exchange, and international friendship.

As the competition officially begins, all eyes in the karate world are on Davao City.

For JKA Philippines, the 3rd International Gasshuku and Tournament represents not only another major sporting event, but a continuing mission to strengthen traditional karate in the Philippines and connect Filipino practitioners with the wider international JKA family.

The spirit of Karate-Do is alive in Davao City—and for the next four days, the Philippines becomes one of the centers of the international karate world.

The historic international gathering is made possible with the support of its key institutional partners and sponsors, including the Kadayawan Festival, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), and the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP). Their support reflects a shared commitment to sports development, international cooperation, youth empowerment, and the promotion of Davao City as a dynamic destination capable of hosting world-class sporting events.

Through their partnership with JKA Philippines, the 3rd JKA Philippines International Gasshuku & Karate-Do Championship 2026 is strengthened not only as a major karate competition, but also as a celebration of culture, discipline, friendship, and Filipino hospitality.

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Want dinner in a hurry? This Asian Garlic Noodles recipe comes together in minutes yet packs incredible umami flavors. It features perfectly chewy pasta tossed in an irresistible savory, buttery garlic sauce you’d want to put on everything! It's the perfect side to your favorite protein! Ingredient notes How to make Asian garlic noodles How…

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Halabos na Hipon is a quick and easy seafood dinner that takes less than 20 minutes to make. It uses a secret ingredient that balances the savory minced garlic and rich butter, coating every piece of fresh shrimp. Grab an extra scoop of rice for this one! My mother's shrimp with oyster sauce and my ginataang…

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THE RECOVERY in the National Government’s (NG) spending on infrastructure and other capital outlays is not expected until the fourth quarter, with outlays programmed to remain below year-earlier levels through September before surging toward yearend.

The Development Budget Coordination Committee programmed P251.30 billion in infrastructure and other capital outlays for the third quarter, 2.2% lower than the P256.9 billion spent a year earlier. 

In the fourth quarter, infrastructure spending is then expected to jump by 49.4% to P328.44 billion, from P219.8 billion a year ago.

This would bring second-half infrastructure spending to P579.74 billion, up 21.6% from P476.7 billion in the same period last year.

The figures exclude infrastructure spending coursed through subsidies and equity to government-owned and -controlled corporations, as well as transfers to local government units.

Ser Percival K. Peña-Reyes, a senior research fellow at the Ateneo Center for Economic Research and Development, said the fourth-quarter infrastructure spending target was possible but ambitious and would require a significant acceleration in project implementation.

“A 49.4% year-on-year increase is not impossible because infrastructure spending is typically back-loaded toward the latter part of the year,” he told BusinessWorld via Facebook Messenger.

“However, the government would need to overcome the factors that have held spending back during the first three quarters: procurement delays, project implementation bottlenecks, right-of-way issues, and the more cautious pace of infrastructure releases following the scrutiny over flood control projects,” he added.

Latest data showed infrastructure and other capital outlays reached only P269.4 billion in the January-to-May period, down 42.9% from P471.5 billion a year earlier, amid tighter oversight in the aftermath of last year’s corruption scandal.

To meet the P351.8-billion first-half spending program, June outlays would need to reach P82.4 billion, still 44.6% lower than the P148.8 billion spent in the same month last year.

For the full year, NG infrastructure and other capital outlays are programmed at P931.54 billion, which is 15.1% lower than the P1.097 trillion spent in 2025.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said the government remains committed to accelerating infrastructure spending in the second half to support economic growth.

“We expect public construction to pick up as agencies ramp up project implementation and disbursements,” the DBM told BusinessWorld via Viber.

“We will continue to closely monitor spending performance and work with implementing agencies to address bottlenecks and help keep the infrastructure program on track,” it added.

Philippine Institute for Development Studies Senior Research Fellow John Paolo R. Rivera said spending could rebound strongly in the fourth quarter as agencies catch up on delayed projects, speed up procurement and disbursements, and implement projects prepared earlier in the year.

However, he identified major risks to the outlook, namely, absorptive capacity, procurement bottlenecks, right-of-way issues, project readiness and tighter validation following the recent scrutiny of infrastructure spending.

“If these are not resolved early, simply pushing more spending into the fourth quarter could create implementation pressure,” Mr. Rivera told BusinessWorld.

Mr. Peña-Reyes said achieving the target would depend on project readiness, agencies’ execution capacity and weather and seasonal disruptions.

Projects that have already been awarded and have secured their right-of-way and technical requirements could generate spending relatively quickly, while projects entering procurement only in the fourth quarter are much less likely to contribute significantly, he said.

“A substantial fourth-quarter acceleration is likely, but the risk of undershooting the target is meaningful,” Mr. Peña-Reyes said.

“If the government falls materially short, it would reinforce the concern that the problem is not a lack of budgetary resources but weak implementation capacity and delays in converting appropriations into actual economic activity,” he added.

Reyes Tacandong & Co. Senior Adviser Jonathan L. Ravelas also described the spending target as ambitious but achievable if the government accelerates project implementation and clears spending bottlenecks.

He said delays in procurement, project readiness and implementation could slow disbursements.

“The real challenge is not just spending more in the fourth quarter, but spending efficiently and translating that spending into stronger economic growth,” Mr. Ravelas told BusinessWorld via Viber.

Mr. Peña-Reyes also said the concentration of spending  toward yearend raises the risk that agencies could prioritize faster disbursements over spending quality.

This raises risks such as rushed procurement, weaker project selection, problems in construction quality, errors and leakages, and additional carryovers into 2027.

“The problem arises when the acceleration is too large relative to implementation capacity. It would be helpful to distinguish between healthy catch-up spending and forced catch-up spending,” Mr. Peña-Reyes said.

Healthy catch-up would involve payments for properly procured projects already progressing, rather than rushing new projects simply to meet the annual target, he added.

“It is better to miss part of the fourth-quarter disbursement target than to meet it through low-quality, poorly prepared or rushed infrastructure projects,” he said.

The public should monitor physical accomplishment, project completion rates and procurement quality alongside the headline disbursement figure, Mr. Peña-Reyes added.

THE GOVERNMENT is waiting for more favorable market conditions before proceeding with a retail Treasury bond (RTB) offering this year, amid elevated interest rates and tensions in the Middle East.

National Treasurer Sharon P. Almanza told reporters on Monday that the government is still looking to issue RTBs within the year.

“There will always be a market for RTBs, particularly with maturities coming due this year. The domestic market remains liquid, although the market sentiment is still affected by geopolitical tension in the Middle East as well as developments in the global financial market particularly the US Treasury,” she said in a follow up Viber message.

The government’s last RTB offering was in August 2025 when it raised P507.16 billion from five-year notes.

Ms. Almanza also told BusinessWorld on Monday that they aim to raise less than the amount generated from last year’s issuance.

She noted the planned offering will be made available again on GCash via the GBonds feature.

Ms. Almanza said there will also be a bond exchange program similar to last year, but noted that the new money raised from the coming issuance will likely be smaller.

Analysts said the market environment remains supportive for an RTB issuance this year amid easing inflation, strong liquidity, and investors looking to lock in yields before rates move lower.

“The market environment for a potential RTB issuance later this year remains broadly supportive, particularly if inflation expectations continue to stabilize and if monetary policy becomes less restrictive,” Union Bank of the Philippines, Inc. Chief Economist Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion said in a Viber message.

“An RTB issuance would likely benefit from easing domestic interest rates, ample system liquidity, and strong demand from retail investors seeking relatively safe and predictable returns,” he added.

Mr. Asuncion said investor preference has leaned more towards shorter tenors amid interest rate and inflation uncertainty, suggesting that a three- to five-year RTB could attract strong demand while helping the government manage its funding requirements efficiently.

Reyes Tacandong & Co. Senior Adviser Jonathan L. Ravelas said in a Viber message that the five-year tenor could be the sweet spot, but noted that “the geopolitical climate could shift anytime.”

Mr. Asuncion added that market sentiment will continue to be guided by market volatility, inflation developments, policy expectations, and global interest rate movements.

“The government is expected to remain opportunistic and launch the offering when financing conditions are most favorable,” he added.

Meanwhile, a trader said in a text message that the government could issue the RTB in September, when there are several scheduled maturities.

GLOBAL ISSUANCE
On next year’s planned issuance, Ms. Almanza said the government remains open to global bond issuances depending on market conditions.

“Of course, we are looking at other currencies, but depending on the market, depending on the conditions, it can be euro, yen, or the usual US dollar,” she told reporters.

Ms. Almanza said the government has $5-billion eligible government bonds that can be included in JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s Government Bond Index-Emerging Markets (GBI-EM).

The Philippines is scheduled to enter the GBI-EM on Jan. 29, 2027. The index will include Philippine peso-denominated government bonds issued since 2023 with tenors of up to 20 years.

THE National Government’s proposed tax reforms, if enacted, risk further delaying the country’s fiscal consolidation, especially given its widening budget deficit and record debt-to-gross domestic product (GDP) ratio, Moody’s Ratings said.

Moody’s Ratings Assistant Vice-President for Ratings Young Kim said that net gain from the measures under the Promoting Growth, Revenue, and Equity towards Socio-economic Sustainability (ProGRESS) bill will likely prove marginal.

“The government’s proposed ProGRESS package would raise the personal income tax exemption threshold and ease the burden on micro and small enterprises, offset by higher excises on sweetened beverages, tobacco and alcohol, a new plastics levy, and a 15% minimum tax on large multinationals,” Mr. Kim told BusinessWorld in an e-mailed response to questions.

“While this could bring additional offsetting revenue, it also introduces some uncertainty, as the net gain may prove smaller and the package still needs to pass Congress as proposed,” he added.

The Department of Finance (DoF) is proposing the so-called ProGRESS bill, a comprehensive tax reform package involving a set of tax breaks, new or updated levies on sin products and excise tax, as well as a wealth tax, among others.

Under the proposed bill, the DoF is pushing for new or higher taxes on sweetened beverages, e-cigarettes, flexible plastic products, luxury vehicles, and private aircraft.

This package alone is projected to generate an average revenue of P129.68 billion annually from 2027 to 2030.

It was designed to offset the estimated P81.73-billion annual losses from President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s call to raise the threshold for income tax exemptions to P350,000 from P250,000 for low- and middle-income earners and the minimum corporation income tax exemption for micro and small enterprises.

Although the proposed tax relief measures are still pending in Congress, Mr. Kim warned that they could further undermine the country’s already fragile fiscal position.

“The tax relief measures — if enacted without offsetting revenue measures, though it is still too early to assess the full fiscal impact — would erode revenue and further delay the government’s fiscal consolidation,” he said.

In mid-2022, the Marcos administration unveiled the Medium-Term Fiscal Framework 2022-2028, where it targeted an economic growth of 6.5%-8%, a debt-to-GDP ratio of 51.1% and fiscal deficit-to-GDP ratio of 3% by end-2028.

However, Mr. Kim noted that the government’s fiscal consolidation path has been under strain amid the economy’s tepid growth and ballooning debt stock.

“Weaker near-term growth adds to this pressure, as softer economic activity weighs on revenue buoyancy and, in turn, the pace of deficit reduction,” he said.

The country saw its worst economic performance since the pandemic as it grew by 2.3% in the second quarter amid a major investment slump and subdued household consumption.

This was the slowest pace recorded since the 3.8% contraction in the first quarter of 2021, and since the 1.8% growth in the fourth quarter of 2009 outside the pandemic.

“Against this backdrop, the debt-to-GDP, which rose materially during the pandemic, has yet to meaningfully reverse, while debt affordability is weakening, interest payments as a share of revenue are rising as cheaper pandemic-era debt is refinanced at today’s higher yields,” Mr. Kim said.

“Sustained revenue erosion without offsets would therefore weigh on fiscal strength,” he added.

In the second quarter of 2026, the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio rose to 66% from 65.2% in the first quarter. This was the highest ratio in over two decades or since the 71.6% seen at end-2004.

This came as its debt stock swelled to an all-time high of P19.07 trillion at end-June, inching up by 2.8% from P18.55 trillion as of end-May. Year on year, it also rose by 10.41%.

Based on the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2029 Midterm Update released in May, the government expects the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio to settle between 60% and 63% this year. By next year, it could fall to 59%-62% before declining further to 58%-61% by 2028.

Meanwhile, the government’s debt is expected to hit P19.77 trillion by yearend and further increase to a record P21.48 trillion by end next year due to higher principal repayments and continued budget deficit, according to the 2027 Budget of Expenditures and Sources of Financing.

For Mr. Kim, the risks tied to the ProGRESS bill will hinge on whether the government can set measures that would compensate for foregone revenues and its capacity to boost revenue mobilization and spending efficiency. 

“That said, the near-term 2026 measures appear broadly revenue-neutral, reflecting spending reprioritization and a measured approach to support despite weak growth,” he said.

“Ultimately, the key risk is the credibility of the medium-term consolidation path, which will depend on offsetting the proposed tax exemptions, further revenue mobilization and spending efficiency through reforms and digitalization, and management of growing spending pressures tied to physical climate risks,” he added.

As of mid-August, about 40 bills related to the ProGRESS package have been filed under the House of Representatives, with only two measures hurdling committee level, while seven were filed in the Senate.

THE Philippines’ balance of payments (BoP) position swung to a deficit for the first time in three months in July, data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed.

According to central bank data released late on Wednesday, the country’s BoP position stood at a $1.47-billion deficit in July, a reversal from the $3.403-billion surplus in June.

Year on year, the BoP gap ballooned from $167 million.

This was the first time since April that the monthly BoP position stood at a deficit.

“The overall balance of payments, which captures the transactions of the country with the rest of the world, recorded a $1.5-billion deficit in July 2026,” the BSP said in a statement.

BoP refers to the country’s economic transactions with other nations. A deficit shows that the country spent more than it received, while a surplus indicates more funds entered into the country.

“The July BoP deficit reflected the country’s persistent trade gap, portfolio investment outflows, and external debt-related payments, particularly after June benefited from sizeable foreign borrowing inflows,” Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) Chief Economist Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion said in a Viber message.

Jonathan L. Ravelas, senior adviser at Reyes Tacandong & Co., attributed the month-on-month reversal to higher foreign exchange outflows, including external debt payments and stronger dollar demand for imports.

“While the year-on-year deterioration looks significant, monthly BoP figures are often influenced by the timing of large transactions and should not be viewed in isolation,” he added via Viber.

In the seven months to July, the country’s deficit stood at $5.347 billion, narrower than the $5.756-billion gap in the comparable year-ago period.

“The year-to-date BoP position reflected the continued trade-in-goods deficit and net outflows from foreign portfolio investments,” the central bank said.

“These were partly offset by the sustained net inflows from personal remittances of overseas Filipinos (OFs), foreign borrowings by the NG (National Government), trade in services, and foreign direct investment,” it added.

The Philippines’ trade-in-goods balance, or the difference between the values of exports and imports, ballooned to a $30.81-billion gap as of end-June from $24.48 billion a year ago.

UnionBank’s Mr. Asuncion said the narrower year-to-date deficit shows the Philippines’ external position remained manageable.

“Moving forward, developments in global financial markets, trade flows, remittances, tourism receipts, and foreign investments will be key determinants of the BoP outlook,” he added.

On the other hand, Mr. Ravelas noted that the country has to keep a healthy balance between its foreign exchange earnings and import needs to shield its external position against persistent global risks.

“The Philippines continues to benefit from strong structural dollar inflows, but maintaining a healthy balance between foreign exchange earnings and import requirements will be crucial to keeping the external position stable amid ongoing global economic and geopolitical uncertainties,” he said.

The central bank has noted that trade imbalances and tighter financial conditions will continue to strain the country’s external position until next year.

It projects the BoP deficit to widen to $10.7 billion or -2.1% of gross domestic product (GDP) by yearend from $5.7 billion or -1.2% of GDP in 2025.

18-MONTH LOW GIR
Meanwhile, the central bank’s dollar reserves amounted to $103.317 billion as of July, down nearly 2% from the $105.418 billion logged the prior year, revised data showed.

This was the lowest gross international reserves (GIR) it held in 18 months or since the $103.271 billion logged in January 2025.

It was likewise the fifth straight month that the GIR level slipped on an annual basis.

Month on month, the BSP’s dollar reserves fell by 1.36% from $104.745 billion.

The lower reserves were largely due to the central bank’s net foreign exchange operations, according to the BSP, as the weak peso during the period required its intervention.

As of end-July, the local unit stood at P61.432 versus the greenback, about 7.2% or P4.126 weaker than P57.306 in the same period last year, according to BSP data.

The central bank also said its GIR fell after the National Government withdrew from its foreign currency accounts with the BSP to pay its external debts, with its total withdrawals exceeding its deposits.

However, the drags were partly tempered by “income from the BSP’s investments abroad and upward valuation adjustments in the BSP’s gold holdings due to the increase in the price of gold in the international market.”

Dollar reserves are the central bank’s foreign assets held mostly as investments in foreign-issued securities, foreign exchange and monetary gold, among others.

These are supplemented by claims to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the form of reserve position in the fund and special drawing rights (SDRs).

The Philippines’ reserve position in the IMF stood at $725.2 million as of July, reflecting a 0.52% year on year dip from $729 million.

Meanwhile, the BSP’s gold holdings also climbed to a two-month high of $17.49 billion, jumping by 26.89% from $13.783 billion a year earlier.

Its SDRs — or the amount the Philippines can tap from the IMF’s reserve currency basket — also increased by 1.22% to $3.937 billion from $3.89 billion.

In the seven-month period, the BSP’s securities slipped by 7.95% to $67.157 billion from $72.958 billion a year ago. This refers to highly liquid and marketable debt securities, excluding investments under the Asian Bond Fund (ABF) and Bank for International Settlements Investment Pool (BISIP).

However, the central bank’s foreign currency and deposits plunged by about 75% to $1.879 billion during the period from $7.516 billion last year.

On the other hand, the BSP’s other reserve assets nearly doubled (85.4%) to $12.129 billion as of July from the $6.542 billion a year ago. These include overnight investment — repurchase agreement pool, due from or to brokers, accrued interest receivables, and investments under ABF and BISIP.

At end-July, the country’s GIR level translated to 6.7 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income, more than double the three-month standard.

It could also cover about 3.7 times the country’s short-term external debt based on residual maturity.

The BSP sees its foreign reserves shrinking to $104 billion this year from the $110.8 billion it held in 2025.

With severe flooding and high tides disrupting their daily lives and rendering roads impassable, families find it difficult to leave their homes and secure basic necessities. Through OMF and its partners in disaster response such as Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGEN), Meralco business centers, Meralco’s animal welfare initiative CATropa, and local governments, the initiative reached 2,500 affected families across the municipalities of San Miguel, Balagtas, Calumpit, and Hagonoy in Bulacan, as well as Bacoor City and Tanza in Cavite, and San Mateo in Rizal. Distribution efforts will continue over the coming days.

Partnering with the Balagtas municipal government led by Mayor Andy “Andrews” Santiago, OMF and the Meralco Balagtas Business Center waded through deep waters aggravated by high tide to deliver food packs directly to the doorsteps of residents stranded in Barangay San Juan.

“Maraming salamat po sa One Meralco Foundation sa inyong ipinagkaloob na relief goods para sa ating mga kababayan,” Mayor Santiago said. “Malaking tulong po ito sa ating mga pamilyang nangangailangan. Maraming salamat po sa inyong malasakit at pakikiisa.”

In Hagonoy, Bulacan, a joint relief effort was made possible through a resident-led initiative, spearheaded by community coordinator Gelvien Montalla who reached out to OMF online to seek help for his community. OMF’s swift response brought immediate relief to families whose livelihoods were disrupted by the deep floods. Lilibeth Roberto, a single mother caring for her child with a disability, shared how the flooding halted the operations of her small eatery. “Malaking bagay [itong relief] dahil wala akong kabuhayan ngayon,” said Roberto.

Relief operations also helped evacuation sites and frontline responders. In Bacoor City, Cavite, OMF and the Meralco Bacoor Business Center provided relief packs to evacuated families from Barangays Aniban 1, Aniban 2, and Ligas 1, as well as municipal traffic enforcers whose own homes were flood-submerged. Additional food supplies were also turned over to Bacoor City Mayor Strike B. Revilla for distribution across other affected barangays. Meanwhile, OMF and Meralco Rosario Business Center also worked with the local government of Tanza, Cavite, led by Mayor Archangelo Matro, to help distribute relief packs to affected residents.

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OMF also worked with the local government of Calumpit, with Vice-Mayor Zacarias “Doc Zar” Candelaria joining the efforts with the Meralco Malolos Business Center. In Barangay Balungao in Calumpit, OMF, with the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and CATropa, also provided relief packs with rice for families and supplies for pets, with volunteers wading through floods to reach out to those in need.

MGEN volunteers from its MTerra Solar and MGEN Renewables Bulacan Solar also distributed relief packs to disaster-hit residents in San Miguel, Bulacan. In Marikina City, residents of Brgy. Guinayang also received relief packs from OMF and Meralco Marikina Business Center.

The initiative is part of OMF’s broader disaster response efforts to deliver immediate relief to affected communities.

“In times of disaster, our responsibility to communities extends far beyond restoring physical light — it is about restoring hope. As heavy rains and the Habagat disrupt lives across the nation, we remain steadfast in our commitment to stand by our fellow Filipinos when they need us most,” OMF President Jeffrey Tarayao said.

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