BusinessMirror January 03, 2026

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A broader look at today’s business n

Saturday, January 3, 2026 Vol. 21 No. 83

GROUPS URGE PBBM: VETO PORK IN BUDGET

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By Rizal Raoul Reyes

HE Roundtable for Inclusive Development (RFID) and the People’s Budget Coalition (PBC) on Thursday urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to veto what it called “shadow pork” in the form of unprogrammed appropriations worth P243 billion. PORKING AROUND THE BUDGET

₧243 B

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Investor-friendly land-lease law seen as a shot in the arm for FDIs

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HE Philippines may have just unlocked the doors to foreign capital inflow that can trigger an economic boom, according to a report in a foreign newspaper. A report published in Gulf News on January 2 says that by allowing 99-year land leases, the Philippines is “ready to rival” its neighbors in generating much-needed foreign investments The long-term lease is allowed under Republic Act 12252, which recently took effect after President Ferdinand E. Marcos Jr. signed the bill passed by Congress in September. RA 12252 amended the decades-old Investors’ Lease Act (RA 7652) and doubled the old 50-year cap on lease to foreign investors. Foreign investors may now lease lands for up to 99 years for industrial, tourism, agriculture, agroforestry and conservation projects. The new terms align more closely with those of other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The report said the new law is seen to “drive foreign

99

YEARS

The new maximum landlease period now allowed for foreign investors under Republic Act 12252. investments in energy, transportation, infrastructure, manufacturing—and, more importantly, in agriculture— as part of on-going reforms to raise the country’s status as an upper-middle income country [UMIC].” The report cited other investor-friendly provisions. Continued on A2

Unprogrammed appropriations, labeled by RFID and PBC as “shadow pork,” which the groups urged President Marcos Jr. to veto.

₧210 B

“Soft pork” allocations at risk of political patronage, including ayuda programs and confidential/intelligence funds.

₧180 B

“Hard pork” projects flagged for potential duplication, overpricing, or inefficiency, suggested for citizen monitoring.

Continued on A2

WELCOME, 2026 The first trading day of 2026 was off to a good start with the benchmark

BM Graphics: Ed Davad

The groups asked him also to minimize patronage in soft pork worth P210 billion by issuing an executive order for rules-based and rights-based guidelines to ayuda programs and confidential and intelligence funds, or otherwise putting these projects for conditional implementation and for later release. Likewise, the President was urged to cut the fat in hard pork by focusing citizen monitoring on P180-billion projects at risk of being repeat or overpriced projects and by issuing an executive order for a science-based and nature-based update of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) manuals that influence around P600 billion in infrastructure projects. In a letter addressed to President Marcos, the two civil society organizations urged the Chief Executive to issue an executive order to transform more than P210 billion worth of patronage-driven ayuda programs into rights-based and rules-based programs, in consultation with allied health professionals and social protection experts. The group said this would include the P11 billion worth of confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) that must be used for legitimate surveillance and intelligence activities with stringent transparency and accountability requirements for release. “We support the calls of universal health care advocates to real-

EJAP JOURNALISM AWARDS

A CEREMONY OF REMEMBRANCE AND OBLIGATION Sir Harry Go, KR, is knighted by Philippine Consul General Senen Mangalile during the Knighting of Members and Induction of Officers of the Knights of Rizal, New York Chapter at the Philippine Center, Manhattan, on December 26. The ceremony, held to mark the 129th anniversary of José Rizal’s execution, emphasized service, patriotism, and the enduring legacy of Rizal—Non Omnis Moriar. Story on A2. TROI SANTOS

PSEi gaining 82.14 points or 1.4 percent to 6,135.06. Value turnover was at P4.36 billion. “The gain of 1.4 percent in the PSEi on the first day of trading augurs well for the much- awaited turnaround of our stock market in the coming year,” said PSE President and CEO Ramon S. Monzon. He traced the market mood to “the success of the administration in exacting accountability from the perpetrators of the corruption scandal and the institution of strong governance reforms.” In photo (from left): PSE Market Operations Division Head Marvin M. Refuerzo, Finance Division OIC Eliza S. Rodriguez, General Counsel Atty. Veronica V. Del Rosario, COO Atty. Roel A. Refran, President and CEO Monzon, Issuer Regulation Division Head Atty. Marigel M. Baniqued-Garcia, Technology Division Head Philip A. Driz, Securities Clearing Corporation of the Philippines COO Renee D. Rubio, and Capital Markets Development Division Head Mark Frederick V. Visda. PSE

Filipino-American airman saves family in California Christmas crash Humble hero

By Malou TalosigBartolome

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FILIPINO-AMERICAN US Air Force staff sergeant is being hailed as a hero in US media after rescuing a couple and their dogs during a Christmas Day accident on a snow-covered mountain highway leading to Lake Tahoe, California. Staff Sgt. Ruben “RJ” Tala, based at Travis Air Force Base, was traveling with his wife, Yvett Bañares-Tala, and their 22-monthold daughter when he saw the SUV in front of them spin out of control. The vehicle skidded on thick snow and came to rest precariously, teetering on the edge of a hundred-foot cliff. A fallen tree pressed against the passenger side was the only thing keeping it from plunging down the mountainside. “During the day we were excited to go there, no. We like snow. And then that thing happened,” Tala recalled in an interview with Sacramento television KCRA-TV. “When I saw that car spin out, I thought about my wife and daughter. What if there’s a family in that car? Somebody has to help.”

A split-second decision

TALA rushed to the SUV and gripped its door as it dangled over the slope. Yvett later described the dan-

FILE photo of SSgt Ruben Tala, wife Yvett Bañares-Tala and daughter Luna @CAMP.TALA IG

SCREENSHOT of a dash cam video on the dramatic rescue of a couple whose SUV spun out of control on a steep ledge on Christmas Day in Highway 50 in Northern California. YVETT BAÑARES-TALA

ger: “One wrong move, he can be with that car tumbling all the way down to the slope.” Drawing on his Air Force training, Tala quickly assessed the situation. “Based on my training, I was used to this kind of highpressure situation, always putting safety first,” he told BusinessMirror. “I realized the safest way to extract the passengers was to tie the car to a metal post on the side of the road

before pulling them out.” Several good Samaritans joined him, forming a human chain to stabilize the vehicle. One motorist ran back to his truck to fetch a rope, while three others held Tala’s hand to keep the SUV from sliding further. With their help the couple, both in their mid-30s, and their two Shih Tzu dogs were safely pulled from the vehicle.

In a poignant twist, one of the rescued dogs was named Luna— the same name as Tala’s young daughter.

A Filipino-American journey

TALA’S path to service reflects both his immigrant roots and his family’s values. Petitioned to the United States by his mother in 2015, he enlisted in the US Air Force the following year.

In 2019, he petitioned his wife, Yvett, who now works as a federal employee in the Air Force. Based at Travis Air Force Base in California, the couple has built a tradition of visiting Lake Tahoe every Christmas with their daughter to celebrate a “White Christmas.” That tradition became the backdrop for Tala’s split-second decision to help a family in distress.

Family’s pride

AFTER the rescue, Yvett shared her admiration in a heartfelt Facebook post: “RJ didn’t think twice about helping the family—he kept saying, ‘Someone has to help.’ Some might call it a heroic act, but my husband is the most humble person I know. Luna and I are forever proud of you, Papa!!!”

DESPITE widespread praise, Tala insists he does not consider himself a hero. “I’m just doing my part to help somebody else,” he said. “No. That’s how we’re trained in the Air Force. We help somebody when they need help. No matter the situation.” Tala emphasized that the rescue was a collective effort, crediting the motorists and responders who rushed to assist. “Without the help of Good Samaritans and my wife, I wouldn’t be able to do that by myself,” he told the BusinessMirror.

Community praise

LT. Col. Jason Christie of the 60th Force Support Squadron commended Tala’s bravery: “SSgt Tala and Yvett’s quick action and bravery are a direct reflection of our core value of service before self. We’re proud to have them as teammates and witness them ready to help anyone in need.”

A holiday miracle

THE snow was thick along the mountain highway that day, and authorities reported multiple accidents in the area. For one family, Tala’s instinct, training, and courage—joined by the quick actions of fellow motorists—turned a potential tragedy into a holiday miracle.

PESO EXCHANGE RATES n US 58.7900 n JAPAN 0.3753 n UK 79.2195 n HK 7.5524 n CHINA 8.4058 n SINGAPORE 45.7332 n AUSTRALIA 39.2188 n EU 69.0547 n KOREA 0.0407 n SAUDI ARABIA 15.6769 Source: BSP (January 2, 2026)

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A2 Saturday, January 3, 2026

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OF MEMORY AND DUTY NYC Knights of Rizal Chapter admits new members N

By Troi Santos

EW YORK CITY—On December 26, members of the Knights of Rizal New York Chapter convened at the Philippine Center in Manhattan to commemorate the 129th anniversary of the execution of José Rizal. The observance, conducted sub auspiciis memoriae et officii—under the charge of memory and duty—also marked the formal induction of new members and chapter officers into the Order.

The program opened with a wreath-laying ceremony in the Philippine Center lobby. From there, the assembly proceeded to Kalayaan Hall, where the induction rites were conducted secundum ritum ordinatum, in accordance with established ceremonial protocol. Before the knighting began, the hall was darkened. From the rear annex, the candidates—blindfolded—were led into the hall as a bell sounded, marking their passage through the central aisle toward the stage. The rites were conducted with the blindfolds in place. Upon completion of the ritual sequence, the blindfolds

were removed, and the candidates swore their oaths under solemn affirmation. Each candidate then approached the stage individually, knelt upon a pillow, and was formally knighted with a ceremonial sword. Sponsors subsequently affixed the insignia of the Order to the newly inducted members. At the conclusion of the rite, the new knights were welcomed on stage by their fellow members. The ceremony advanced with deliberation and continuity, without interruption. The individuals knighted as Knights of Rizal were Sir Mario Dalman, KR; Sir John Dajao, KR; Sir Harry Go, KR; and Sir Father Julian Jagudilla, KR.

SIR Ramesh Buzueta, KOR NY Chapter Commander. TROI SANTOS

The ceremony was officiated by senior members of the Order, including Sir Roger Alama, KGCR; Sir Elmer Cato, KGOR; Sir Rely Manacay, KCR; Consul General Sir Senen T. Mangalile, KGOR; Sir Emilio Quinez, KGCR; and Sir Dean Suba, KGCR. Sir Roger Alama—founder of the Knights of Rizal New York Chapter in 1992—addressed the assembly. He reflected on the chapter’s origins and emphasized the importance of disciplina and officium in sustaining Rizal’s legacy. He noted that life outside the Philippines required heightened attention to conduct and purpose, and underscored education as central to the Order’s mission, shaping both character and civic responsibility. Sir Ramesh Buzueta, the incoming Chapter Commander, then presided over the induction of

chapter officers. His remarks were brief and procedural, describing leadership as a charge held ad tempus—for a time—and sustained through consistency and service. He formally inducted the officers in accordance with the statutes and customs of the Order. The newly inducted officers of the Knights of Rizal New York Chapter are: Sir Ramesh Buzueta, Chapter Commander; Sir Cayetano Paderanga, Deputy Chapter Commander; Sir Arman David, Chapter Auditor; Sir Harley Cajote, Chapter Chancellor; Sir Quinn Aranez, Chapter Exchequer; Sir Fred Agcaoili, Chapter Pursuivant; Sir Realino Santos, Chapter Archivist; Sir Gabby Cahatol Casas, Deputy Chapter Pursuivant; and Sir Bill Gleason, Deputy Chapter Exchequer. Sir Father Julian Jagudilla, KR, delivered a message on behalf of the newly knighted members. He expressed gratitude for admission into the Order while emphasizing that knighthood signifies responsibility rather than status. He observed that Rizal’s teachings call for patriotism expressed through character, sacrifice, and commitment to truth and justice. He affirmed a collective pledge to serve the Filipino people and to preserve Philippine history and values for future generations, concluding with a call to continue in service to God, country, and fellow Filipinos. As part of their knighting, members swore an oath affirming

adherence to the principles embodied in José Rizal’s life and writings. Their obligations include continued study of Rizal’s works and historical context, engagement with Philippine history and civic thought, and observance of ethical standards in public and private life. Members are expected to conduct themselves with integrity in professional and community settings and to uphold the values articulated in the Order’s statutes. These duties reflect a principle frequently associated with Rizal: Non omnis moriar—I shall not wholly die—affirming that ideas endure through responsibility and action. Participation in the educational, cultural, and commemorative work of the Knights of Rizal is required. This includes support for lectures, discussions, outreach initiatives, and memorial observances, consistent with Rizal’s conviction often rendered as Educatio est fundamentum libertatis—Education is the foundation of freedom. The Knights of Rizal defines itself as a civic and patriotic order. Members are expected to serve faithfully through active participation, fulfillment of assigned responsibilities, mentorship of prospective members, and cooperation with chapter leadership, reflecting the civic principle attributed to Rizal: Officium civis est patriae servire—The duty of the citizen is to serve the nation. NON OMNIS MORIAR.

Investor-friendly land-lease law seen as a shot in the arm for FDIs Continued from A1

For example, the lease may be assigned, transferred or used as collateral for bank loans, providing access to credit and financing. “Analysts say the extended lease period significantly improves investment certainty, especially for capital-intensive projects that require long payback horizons,” the report noted. “This is expected to benefit manufacturing, ecozones, renewable energy, logistics, and ecotourism developments, where land security is critical to project viability,” it added. By boosting long-term foreign investments, the reforms can generate millions of jobs and spur regional development. It complements existing incentives in economic zones and tourism estates. “Business groups say the measure supports inclusive growth by channeling foreign capital into productive sectors rather than speculative land buying,” the report said. The 1987 Constitution prohibits foreigners from owning Philippine lands. But by allowing long-term lease, the law strikes a balance between “investor confidence and constitutional safeguards,” the report said. “For investors, it offers time, certainty, and flexibility. For the Philippines, it promises stronger FDI inflows, job creation, and sustained growth—without selling an inch of national soil,” it added.

Groups urge PBBM: Veto pork in budget Continued from A1

locate P51 billion in Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) to PhilHealth so that the government complies with provisions of the universal health care law,” the groups said. “If such a revised executive order cannot be produced by the time the President signs the budget, then these projects can be tagged For Conditional Implementation and For Later Release to ensure safeguards in their implementation. Politicians must be excluded from the process of selecting beneficiaries, prevalent under the inhumane and unconstitutional guarantee letter system that encourages post-enactment intervention by legislators in the budget. These must be implemented strictly,” they said. The letter sent to the President was signed by former Finance Secretary Ramon R. del Rosario Jr. and other RFID co-convenors; Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David; and Kenneth Isaiah Ibasco Abante and Reycel Hyacenth Nacario Bendaña of the People’s Budget Coalition. The RFID and PBC expressed grave concern that the move by the bicameral conference committee nearly tripled soft pork to P210 billion compared to the President’s proposed budget. It expressed disappointment that the House and

the Senate even increased their own budgets amid the flood control scandal. “Soft pork is composed of ayuda programs at risk of political patronage that reduce our citizenry to begging from politicians, as opposed to rights-based and rules-based programs which citizens deserve with dignity; and also confidential and intelligence funds other than legitimate surveillance and intelligence activities at risk of dubious purposes that exacerbate political patronage,” it said. “CIF should be allocated only to agencies involved in maintaining public safety and internal and national security in accordance with COA-DBM-DILG-GCG-DND Joint Circular No.2015-1,” they said. The RFID and the People’s Budget Coalition also reiterated their call for systemic reforms to restore trust in the budget cycle. It recommended the co-creation among civil society, the legislature, and the executive of an Open Budget Transparency Server by setting standards for machine readable files that can be accessed by citizens and media. “We have attempted a pilot for citizens and media to monitor the budget via 2026-budget.bettergov.ph and transparency.bettergov.ph,” the groups said. The RFID and the PBC also called for the participation of mul-

tisectoral committees with scientists and civil society to review the 2027 budget early as the budget preparation stage, even before the National Expenditure Plan is finalized, to ensure outcomes-based and science-based planning and budgeting. “This can help allay the public’s fears that more of the corruption has moved from legislative “insertions” into executive “allocables,” they pointed out. The groups also urged the President to certify as urgent the Cadena Act for Budget Transparency, Freedom of Information Law, Public Financial Management or Budget Modernization Bill, Public Financial Management or Budget Modernization Bill, Independent People’s Commission bill and the Political Party Reforms in Congress to address the structural issues in the 2027 budget. The Cadena Act for Budget Transparency has now hurdled third reading in the Senate. It was certified as a priority bill by President Marcos Jr. under the LEDAC (Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council) agenda. The Freedom of Information Law 2026 version of the bill includes the creation of an independent Freedom of Information Commission. This body would have quasi-judicial powers to adjudicate disputes and penalize agencies that deny valid requests without basis. The Public Financial Management or Budget Modernization Bill, with provisions for People’s Participation in the Budget Process, is a top priority of the LEDAC and is designed to fix the “leaks” in how the government spends its multi-trillion budget. While it did not pass before the 2025 year-end break, Senate President Vicente Sotto III has officially said that the Independent People’s Commission bill is slated for passage in early 2026, now that the 2026 National Budget has been ratified. After years of being stalled, the Political Party Reforms Bill (often referred to as the Political Party Development and Financing Act) was officially certified as a priority measure by President Marcos Jr. in December 2025.

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Saturday, January 3, 2026

DFA monitors safety of Filipinos in Iran amid widening protests

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By Malou Talosig-Bartolome

HE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is closely monitoring the situation in Iran following widening demonstrations over the country’s economic crisis, with the Philippine Embassy in Tehran confirming that no Filipinos have been reported affected. PROTESTERS march in downtown Tehran, Iran, Monday, Dec. 29, 2025. FARS NEWS AGENCY VIA AP

An estimated 800 Filipinos reside in Iran, and the Embassy has issued a comprehensive safety advisory urging the community to remain vigilant and prioritize personal security. “Members of the Filipino community are advised to avoid unnecessary movements, especially into crowded areas,” the DFA said in a statement Friday. The Embassy also reminded the Filipino community to stay informed, exercise caution, respect local laws, secure belong-

ings, avoid large gatherings, and keep emergency contacts readily available. Most of the Filipinos residing in Iran are spouses of Iranians. For any security-related incidents or requests for assistance, Filipinos may contact the Embassy through: ATN Hotline: +989122136801 Email: tehran.pe@dfa.gov.ph Facebook: /PHinIran Instagram: /phliniran Context: Protests escalate in Iran

According to the Associated Press, protests over Iran’s worsening economy have spread into rural provinces, resulting in the first fatalities among demonstrators and security forces. Authorities confirmed at least seven deaths across four cities over two days, most in areas populated by the Lur ethnic minority. The unrest, described as the most significant since the 2022 protests over the death of 22-yearold Mahsa Amini in police cus-

tody, has slowed in Tehran but intensified elsewhere. The most violent clashes were reported in Azna, Lorestan province, where videos showed fires in the streets and gunfire as crowds shouted “Shameless! Shameless!” Iran’s semiofficial Fars news agency reported three deaths in Azna, though state-run media has downplayed the violence. Journalists covering the unrest face restrictions, echoing the crackdown seen during the 2022 protests.

PNP beefs up ‘26 budget to ramp up classroom security after construction amid huge shortfall N. Cotabato grenade attack By Rex Anthony Naval

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CTING Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Friday directed all local police units to identify and arrest the suspects behind a grenade attack in North Cotabato during the New Year’s celebration which injured 22 civilians. In line with this, Nartatez ordered local police units to immediately step up checkpoints and roadblocks to locate the suspects. “The PNP strongly condemns this heinous incident and reaffirms our commitment to protecting the public. We urge anyone with information to cooperate with authorities in ensuring that all the perpetrators are held accountable,” he said. Initial investigation disclosed that two men on a motorcycle threw a hand grenade at a New Year’s Eve celebration in Barangay Dalapitan, Matalam, North Cotabato past midnight on Thursday. At least 22 individuals were hurt, and some of them were rushed to hospitals for treatment of shrapnel wounds. Nartatez assured the public that the situation is under control as he directed the Cotabato police to deploy additional police personnel on the ground for increased patrol operations. The PNP also coordinated closely with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, local government units, and intelligence partners to identify and arrest the perpetrators. Meanwhile, Nartatez reminded citizens to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through official hotlines.

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HE 2026 national budget, which President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is expected to sign this week, will significantly ramp up classroom construction to address the persistent backlog in basic education facilities, according to Senate Finance committee chairman Win Gatchalian. Under the enrolled 2026 budget measure, P85 billion is allotted for the construction and rehabilitation of classrooms. Of this amount, P65.9 billion is allocated for the

construction, replacement, and completion of kindergarten to secondary school buildings, as well as technical-vocational laboratories. “We didn’t just allot a bigger amount to build classrooms. We also made sure construction can be accelerated through the active involvement of different sectors,” said Gatchalian, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance. He pointed out that the 2026 national budget will give the Department of Education (DepEd)

Co-op chamber seeks legislative probe of ‘opaque’ Prime Water sale By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

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HE Philippine Chamber of Cooperatives (Co-op Chamber) has called for a legislative inquiry aimed at protecting consumers, citing the “sudden and opaque” acquisition of Prime Water Infrastructure Corp. by Crystal Bridges Holding Corporation, which it called a “midnight sale” deal. According to the Co-op Chamber, the national umbrella organization and unified voice of primary cooperatives in the Philippines, they are profoundly alarmed by the “midnight sale,” which transfers the stewardship of a critical public utility serving over 1.7 million households “without the necessary transparency, public consultation, or regulatory scrutiny essential to public interest.” Noel D. Raboy, Co-op Chamber Chairperson, stressed that water is a human right, “not merely a commodity for corporate speculation.”

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staff that I left behind in 2022, plus a few assets more. With renewed tenacity and hard work, I am even more encouraged to expose more corruption issues that are similar to what has become the most blatant and unprecedented misuse and abuse of the national budget since I left the Senate three years ago,” he said. “With a more awakened and angrier citizenry who have never been exposed before to more detailed acts of corruption and plunder of their hard-earned tax money, our national leaders have

Government Services Without Borders Delivering public service directly to overseas Filipinos

flexibility when it comes to the modalities for classroom construction, including public-private partnership. To allow simultaneous constructions nationwide, the DepEd may enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), qualified local government units, civil society organizations (CSOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the Armed Forces of the Philippines Corp of Engineers. Butch Fernandez

to brace themselves to address more corruption issues in 2026,” he added. Lacson returned to the Senate in mid-2025 after earning the people’s mandate during last year’s midterm elections. He played an active role in detailing the plunder of public funds through substandard and ghost flood control projects by delivering two privilege speeches and presiding over Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearings. See “Lacson,” A4

Some Davao City residents explode firecrackers, ‘Lantaka’ cannons By Manuel T. Cayon

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AVAO CITY—Police here had their hands full running after some youngsters who defied the decades’ old firecracker ban in the city on both Christmas and New Year festivities. At least seven, including a minor, were arrested on New

Year’s Day festivities. It was the first widespread report of mostly youngsters and minors exploding firecrackers, firing improvised kerosene-fired cannons called Lantaka and lighting fireworks although the pranksters often scampered for hiding when police arrived. Most complaints were logged

“The transfer of ownership from one conglomerate to another, conducted behind closed doors, raises serious questions regarding the protection of consumer welfare and the stability of water services in covered provinces and cities” Raboy said. The Co-op Chamber underscored the need for advocating for a legislative inquiry and reviewing regulations that would allow water service cooperatives to provide potable water to HUCs (highly urbanized cities) and key urban areas by levelling the playing field and urges Congress to act on pending legislative measures to strengthen water service cooperatives. Founded by the country’s leading cooperatives, the Coop Chamber serves as the principal advocate for the sector’s sustainability, protecting the rights and privileges of cooperatives as engines of economic growth and social justice.

BAGONG BAYANI NG MUNDO:

Lacson turns up heat on corruption in ‘26, hopes Marcos does the same I AYING the Filipino people expect no less from their public servants, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson said on Friday that he will turn up the heat against corruption, even as he hopes President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will bring the same fire to the fight, this being the Year of the Fire Horse. Lacson said the people have become more awake and angry after learning how their hardearned tax money was plundered. “On a personal note, I thank 2025 for bringing me back all my

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by residents from the northern barangays of Sasa and Panacan as police often found only the unexploded firecrackers and Lantakas, although, the minor was arrested here and was turned over to the City Social Welfare and Development Office. Five others either See “Lantaka,” A4

N line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen government engagement with overseas Filipinos, the Philippine government implemented the Bagong Bayani ng Mundo–OFW Serbisyo Caravan 2025, a large-scale overseas service delivery initiative led by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). From June to October 2025, the caravan brought essential government services directly to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) across 11 international cities, transforming foreign venues into fully operational one-stop government service centers. The initiative was designed to address long-standing challenges faced by OFWs, particularly the difficulty of accessing multiple government offices abroad. By consolidating services into a single platform, the caravan allowed OFWs to complete critical transactions efficiently, saving time, resources, and travel costs. Participating agencies provided frontline services such as contract verification, overseas employment documentation, civil registry assistance, national ID enrollment, welfare and legal support, and access to social protection programs. The caravan’s global rollout began in Hong Kong on June 8, 2025, where thousands of OFWs accessed government services in a single venue. It then expanded to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on July 18, followed by Osaka, Japan on July 20, serving both long-term residents and technical intern trainees. Subsequent stops included Doha, Qatar on July

25 and Dubai, United Arab Emirates on August 3, ensuring wide coverage in OFW-dense regions. Additional deployments in Jeddah and Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia on August 8–9 and August 15–16 further strengthened outreach in the Kingdom. The caravan later reached Shanghai on September 13–14, before concluding its European leg in London, Rome, and Milan in October. Across all locations, the caravan served 18,790 OFWs and completed 31,638 government transactions. Beyond the numbers, the OFW Serbisyo Caravan 2025 strengthened the government’s direct engagement with overseas Filipino communities. Each stop became an opportunity not only to deliver services but also to listen to the concerns, challenges, and aspirations of OFWs. DMW officials and partner agencies conducted consultations and informal dialogues, allowing policymakers to gain ground-level insights that will inform future programs and reforms for migrant workers. The success of the caravan reinforced the value of proactive, mobile governance. By meeting OFWs where they are—rather than requiring them to navigate fragmented systems—the government demonstrated a service model anchored on accessibility, empathy, and efficiency. As additional caravan deployments roll out through the end of 2025, the initiative continues to embody the administration’s commitment to ensuring that Filipino workers abroad remain fully supported as modernday heroes of the nation.

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PNP eyes link in 2 smuggling tries, worth ₧2.6B, in Batangas, Malabon

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By Rex Anthony Naval

CTING Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartarez Jr. on Friday ordered an investigation to determine the potential connection between the discovery of some P2.6 billion worth of allegedly smuggled tobacco products in separate operations in Batangas City and Malabon City on New Year’s Eve. He added that the PNP is now determining whether there is a possible operational link between the seizure of P1.5 billion worth of undocumented cigarettes in Malabon City and the earlier confiscation of unregistered cigarettes valued at P1.1 billion in Batangas City. Elements of the PNP Highway Patrol Group (HPG) discov-

ered around P1.1 billion worth of alleged smuggled cigarettes in Batangas City during an anticarnapping operation on Dec. 31. Later that night, the PNP-HPG also seized about P1.5 billion worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes at a dockyard in Malabon City after discovering the contraband during an anti-carnapping

operation. Nartatez said the two incidents involved large volumes and were conducted almost simultaneously, prompting authorities to examine whether a common smuggling network is behind the operations. “We are now looking into the possible link between the undocumented tobacco products we seized in Batangas and those in Malabon. Intelligence works and coordination with concerned government agencies are ongoing to determine if we are dealing with the same group or people and the same modus,” he added. The PNP is working closely with the Bureau of Customs, the Bureau of Internal Revenue, and other law enforcement agencies to trace the source, distribution routes, and possible financiers of the seized cigarettes. Nartatez also said the scale of the recent seizures reflects the nature of the smuggling threat facing the country. He said these are not isolated or small-time operations as they

involve warehouse-level storage, planned logistics, and significant capital, which point to the involvement of organized criminal groups. “These two cases are serious offenses. We will exhaust all the measures to identify those responsible, we will get to the bottom of this case,” Nartatez noted.

Napolcom chief commends PNP

R EL AT EDLY, Nat iona l Pol ice Commission (Napolcom) Chief Commissioner Ralph Calinisan has commended the PNP for the successful seizure of the P2.6 billion worth of alleged smuggled cigarettes. Calinisan praised the vigilance and operational effectiveness of the PNP, emphasizing that the large-scale confiscation underscores the importance of sustained intelligence-driven operations and inter-agency coordination in combating smuggling and other organized crimes. “The fight against smuggling is a fight for the people. This is not

just a case of illegal products; but of funds stolen that could be used for public service. We applaud the PNP foir its sacrifice, bravery and commitment to service,” Calinisan said, speaking in Filipino. The Batangas discovery was made after operatives of the PNPHighway Patrol Group (HPG) tracked a stolen red Hyundai Accent reported missing in Las Piñas City. During a site inspection in Sitio Singko, Balete, Batangas City, HPG personnel found several trucks and container vans later confirmed to be loaded with smuggled cigarettes. Meanwhile, in Malabon City, HPG operatives arrested four individuals and confiscated approximately P1.5 billion worth of unregistered imported cigarettes. The operation resulted from a police pursuit after two motorcycle riders without helmets evaded authorities. The suspects were cornered inside a logistics facility along M.H. Del Pilar Avenue, where 18 containers of undocumented cigarettes were discovered.

₧6B allocated for ‘Supermax’ facility in Mindoro, says Bucor

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AJOR infrastructure upgrades to the country’s correctional system are expected to start in 2026, including the planned construction of a “Supermax” facility in Occidental Mindoro for persons convicted of heinous crimes. Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. said Congress has allocated P1.5 billion for the project

in 2026, followed by P2 billion in 2027 and P2.5 billion in 2028, for a total of P6 billion. Catapang said the goal is to ensure strict punishment and prevent high-risk inmates from coordinating or planning criminal activities while incarcerated. “What they want is for those who have committed crimes to be truly punished and to ensure that these people can no longer

operate or plot sinister activities,” he said, partly in Filipino, on Bagong Pilipinas on Thursday. The facility will be built in Sablayan, the country’s largest municipality, which also hosts the Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm, a minimum-security facility focused on inmate reformation and reintegration through livelihood programs. Catapang also announced plans

to develop the unused areas of the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Palawan into an economic zone, including the construction of a university complex. “We will be making Palawan as the new frontier of our country,” he said. BuCor is c u r rent ly decongesting t he New Bi l ibid Pr ison in Munt in lupa as par t of pl ans t o c o nv e r t t he 2 7 9 - he c t a re

property into a government center with housing and commercial components. The agency also plans to establish a corrections academy on its 270-hectare property in Tanay, Rizal. Catapang said the academy will raise training standards to match those of Singapore, Norway, and the United States in the coming years. PNA

Manila Water touts full compliance

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ANILA Water said on Friday it continues to meet government wastewater standards across all its sewage treatment plants, posting 100-percent compliance in November 2025 and consistently surpassing the 95-percent regulatory target. This achievement underscores its commitment to safeguarding rivers and communities through responsible wastewater management, the company said in a statement. The standards cover key indicators such as biochemical oxygen demand, oil and grease, total suspended solids, surfactants and fecal coliform, as required by the

Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Laguna Lake Development Authority. All 28 wastewater treatment facilities operated by Manila Water complied with these requirements, reinforcing the company’s focus on environmental protection and regulatory excellence. Strengthening these efforts is the newly inaugurated Hinulugang Taktak Sewage Treatment Plant in Antipolo City which can treat up to 16 million liters of wastewater daily and supports the rehabilitation of the Hinulugang Taktak National Park and the Upper Marikina River Basin. “Manila Water is expanding

sustainable wastewater services across the East Zone by adding treatment capacity, extending networks and maintaining strict compliance with effluent standards to protect waterways and advance climate resilience,” Manila Water Corporate Communication Affairs Group Director Jeric Sevilla said. All treated effluent discharged by the company’s sewage treatment plants complies with standards for Class C receiving waters, a classification intended for the propagation and growth of fish and other aquatic resources, recreational activities such as boating and fishing and agricultural uses including irrigation. As of October 2025, Manila

ONE of 28 wastewater facilities of Manila Water, the Olandes Sewage Treatment Plant is capable of treating up to 10 million liters of wastewater per day before the effluent is discharged to Marikina River. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Water has a total of 361,177 connections in its sewer network, and continues to invest in projects that

improve sanitation and reduce pollution, ensuring cleaner waterways for generations to come.

Lacson. . . Continued from A3

“I am looking forward to being actively involved again, along with my team of like-minded individuals with renewed vigor and courage to contribute our share in informing the public through our investigations and research work in ways we know best,” he said of his expectations for 2026. Lacson also voiced hopes the President will show he is not wavering against corruption in his remaining years in office, noting he appeared to have the momentum after his “Mahiya naman kayo” statement in his State of the Nation Address (SONA). “I hope the President will not waver in his remaining years in office. I thought the momentum was already on his side with his famous ‘Mahiya naman kayo!’ SONA remark. Unfortunately, the Filipino people’s perception has not been kind to him, as what the latest surveys have indicated,” he said. Butch Fernandez

Lantaka. . . Continued from A3

surrendered or were arrested. The police said cases would be filed against them. In Panacan, several minors fled the scene after the police arrived. This also happened in Sasa. In Leon Garcia Street, Agdao near población area, police gathered 14 Lantaka left by youngsters who fled in different directions when they saw police vehicles. In barangay center of the northwestern district of Calinan, police only found 16 Lantaka cannons abandoned by youngsters and minors to avoid police arrest. At least two posts by a local newspaper reporter and a resident showed short video clips of fireworks in their neighborhood in the southern suburbs. Only a few days earlier on December 29, police arrested in an entrapment operation a 27-yearold man selling firecrackers inside the Toril Public Market, some 17 k ilometers south of downtown. The city is the first and only city in the country to impose a ban on exploding firecrackers or lighting pyrotechnic devices during the Yuletide season. This placed the city as the lone city with zero or a few cases of firecracker injuries in the last 23 years, apparently due to the strict implementation of the ban since 2002. It was only in this latest Christmas festivities that more incidents were reported as the city lost hold of control of the police in the city following the Dutertes’ public rift with the Marcos administration, and after Camp Crame installed its appointed men to key posts in the police office and its stations.

Business group seeks rehab of Samar’s vital Calbiga bridge

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ACLOBAN CITY—The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) TaclobanLeyte, Inc. has asked the Regional Development Council (RDC) in Eastern Visayas to push for the immediate rehabilitation and structural upgrading of Calbiga Bridge in Samar province. PCCI Tacloban-Leyte president Eugene Tan appealed to RDC Chair and Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla to endorse the request to concerned national government agencies and the Office of the President. The group said the recent increase in the load capacity of vehicles allowed to cross the San Juanico Bridge has been a welcome development for the business and logistics sectors, as it significantly eased transportation constraints and reduced operational costs. “However, the existing limitations of the Calbiga Bridge have now become a critical bottleneck,” the group said in its letter dated Dec. 29, 2025, With the bridge’s current limitations, heavy trucks are forced to take alternative routes of about 250 kilometers or use roll-on/roll-off shipping,

adding an estimated PHP10,000 to PHP15,000 per trip in logistics expenses. “These added costs place a significant burden on businesses, contractors and suppliers operating in Eastern Visayas and other regions that depend on Calbiga Bridge as a key transport link,” the group said. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) imposed a 15-ton gross vehicle weight limit on the bridge on Oct. 27, 2025 due to structural deterioration caused by age and repeated overloading. Since then, heavy vehicles have been rerouted through Eastern Samar via the Buray-Taft Road to reach Tacloban City. The group said swift action would improve regional mobility, ensure public safety and support economic growth in Eastern Visayas. Calbiga Bridge is one of the steel truss bridges in Eastern Visayas where the DPWH has imposed load limitations this year due to structural concerns. The DPWH Samar 2nd Engineering District previously requested a P140-million budget for the bridge’s retrofitting and repair. Roel Amazona/PNA

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2026: A sea change or see change?

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’M neither a fan of apocalyptic movies nor a conspiracy nut. I’m repelled by doomsayers. I take the predictions of self-promoting feng sui experts with plenty of salt. Yet I feel some rumbling in the ground beneath our feet. I sense an apocalyptic determination to finally root out systemic corruption in government but more significantly to put an end to the old ways that are embodied by old political family dynasties. This time, it looks like the deep sense of discontent won’t go

platform: “Corruption doesn’t start in Malacañang or Congress. It starts at home—in the small white lies we tell, the shortcuts we take, and the excuses we make. If we want honest leaders tomorrow, we must raise honest children today. Stop corruption — start at home!” Corruption starts quietly: a small bribe, a small favor, a small lie. Admit it, we elders are guilty of laying the foundation for the normalization of corrupt and unethical practices for young little Juanito de la Cruz at home.

Editor: Angel R. Calso • Saturday, January 3, 2026 A5

Parking space for PWDs in Laoag not for seniors

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By Leilanie Adriano

AOAG CITY—The Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office (PDAO) in this city is urging commercial establishments here to observe the proper use of parking spaces for persons with disabilities (PWDs). “A reserved PWD parking space is meant for PWDs only and not for senior citizens,” Christoper King Medina, head of the PDAO, said in a media interview on Thursday after observing that there are some commercial establishments, particularly in downtown Laoag, that are not observing the PWD parking law. Under the law’s implementing rules and regulations (IRR), the accessible parking slots shall be for

vehicles driven by persons with disabilities or vehicles with passengers with disabilities. Medina said senior citizens with mobility issues may use the parking space only if they have PWD ID. He said PDAO is issuing a car pass or parking permit for PWDs for easier identification on the use of PWD parking spaces. With the support of public and private stakeholders, Medina has

A PERSON with disability presents a slogan on December 3, 2025 highlighting the rights, participation, and inclusion of all individuals regardless of differences. In Laoag, the Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office is reminding establishments to be more considerate in using parking spaces for PWDs. PNA FILE PHOTO BY LEILANIE ADRIANO

urged more establishments to ensure that non-discriminatory priority parking policies are in place to provide reasonable accommodation and accessibility to all vulnerable and disadvantaged sectors. Meanwhile, the Federated Associa-

tion of PWDs in the province has reiterated the call to the public to honor the benefits and privileges for PWDs accorded to them by law, regardless of the type of disability, or whether the disability is apparent or non-apparent. PNA

VR helps elderly forge closer real-life connections By Michael Liedtke | AP Technology Writer

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away like what has happened so many times in the past. Now that it’s clear they have been robbing us not just of our tax money but more importantly the future of thousands of victims of ghost, unfinished and substandard flood projects, our politicians will now be reckoning with how deeply unpopular they are with the public. They are going to have targets on their backs this year and years to come. So, is this a year when something will have to give? There is a term I’ve been itching to use, waiting for the right moment. The word is chthonic, which comes from the Greek word, chthon. The word chthonic (“kuh-thonic”) is used in Greek mythology to describe divine creative forces that move to effect a change in the horizon. Pundits and social observers talk about a “sea change” in our political and cultural landscape. This implies not just slight shift but a sweeping and profound upheaval or transformation. We hope it would happen. But more than superficial sea change in our society as a whole, what I am more interested in is to see change in each one of us. Have we learned anything? Have we learned enough to make us to resolve to make changes in our habits, in our attitude, no matter how small? Instead of indulging in vilifying or throwing raw eggs or tomatoes at the gallery of rogues among our elected leaders and their cohorts, let our distrust, discontent, and disgust of the status quo be the catalyst to ignite a kind of national renewal or at the least, a re-claiming of traditional values such as hiya, palabra de honor, civility, and so on. Let the change begin with me, you and our family. As one netizen posted on a

A father who proudly boasts of connections and using them to get his son a job even if others are more qualified. A mother who ingratiates herself with the principal or teacher in school by giving gratuities for better grades for her daughter. A senior citizen grandfather who allows a young relative to use his senior card for discounts. If we want to remove corruption from our society, let’s begin by living justice and honesty within our own families by telling the truth, being accountable for our actions. Corruption begins at home so let the eradication of unethical practices begin at home. Transform ethical practices into lasting habits of the heart, starting in childhood, so that being ethical becomes our defining character. So, before we plunge ourselves fully into our activities for this year, let us take the time to introspect, to pray, to attend to our inner lives and to scrutinize our behavior in that way. Philip Goldsberg, author and spiritual counselor, writes: “The world needs evolving individuals who can dip into the depths of their being and pour into the world a measure of the serenity, compassion, love, and insight they find within.” With one heart, one home, one family transformed at a time, I am certain we will soon see the profound change we want to happen in our society. To set the tone for the new year, allow me to say a little prayer, adopted from “A Book of Blessings” by Marcia Falk with slight change: “May truth and justice guide our acts, and compassion temper our lives that we may blossom as we age and become the best version of ourselves.”

OS GATOS, California—Like many retirement communities, The Terraces serves as a tranquil refuge for a nucleus of older people who no longer can travel to faraway places or engage in bold adventures. But they can still be thrust back to their days of wanderlust and thrill-seeking whenever caretakers at the community in Los Gatos, California, schedule a date for residents—many of whom are in their 80s and 90s— to take turns donning virtual reality headsets. Within a matter of minutes, the headsets can transport them to Europe, immerse them in the ocean depths or send them soaring on breathtaking hang-gliding expeditions while they sit by each other. The selection of VR programming was curated by Rendever, a company that has turned a sometimes isolating form of technology into a catalyst for better cognition and social connections in 800 retirement communities in the United States and Canada. A group of The Terraces residents who participated in a VR session earlier this year found themselves paddling their arms alongside their chairs as they swam with a pod of dolphins while watching one of Rendever’s 3D programs. “We got to go underwater and didn’t even have to hold our breath!” exclaimed 81-year-old Ginny Baird following the virtual submersion. During a session featuring a virtual ride in a hot-air balloon, one resident gasped, “Oh my God!” Another shuddered, “It’s hard to watch!” The Rendever technology can also be used to virtually take older adults back to the places where they grew up as children. For some, it will be the first time they’ve seen their hometowns in decades. A virtual trip to her childhood neighborhood in New York City’s Queens borough helped sell Sue Livingstone, 84, on the merits of the VR technology even though she still is able to get out more often than many residents of The Terraces, which is located in Silicon Valley about 55 miles south of San Francisco. “It isn’t just about being able to see it again, it’s about all the memories that it brings back,” Livingstone said. “There are a few people living here who never really leave their comfort zones. But if you could entice them to come down to try out a headset, they might find that they really enjoy it.” Adrian Marshall, The Terraces’ community life director, said that once word about a VR experience spreads from one resident to another, more of the uninitiated typically become curious enough to try it out—even if it means missing out on playing Mexican Train, a dom-

JIM HOLTSHOUSE and his son, Mike Holtshouse, watch video through Rendever virtual-reality headsets at the Forum at Rancho San Antonio retirement community in Cupertino, California on June 11, 2025. AP PHOTO/TERRY CHEA inoes-like board game that’s popular in the community. “It turns into a conversation starter for them. It really does connect people,” Marshall said of Rendever’s VR programming. “It helps create a human bridge that makes them realize they share certain similarities and interests. It turns the artificial world into reality.” Rendever, a privately owned company based in Somerville, Massachusetts, hopes to build upon its senior living platform with a recent grant from the National Institutes of Health that will provide nearly $4.5 million to study ways to reduce social isolation among seniors living at home and their caregivers. Some studies have found VR programming presented in a limited viewing format can help older people maintain and improve cognitive functions, burnish memories and foster social connections with their families and fellow residents of care facilities. Experts say the technology may be useful as an addition to and not a replacement for other activities. “There is always a risk of too much screen time,” Katherine “Kate” Dupuis, a neuropsychologist and professor who studies aging issues at Sheridan College in Canada, said. “But if you use it cautiously, with meaning and purpose, it can be very helpful. It can be an opportunity for the elderly to engage with someone and share a sense of wonder.” VR headsets may be an easier way for older people to interact with technology instead of fumbling around with a smartphone or another device that requires navigating buttons or other mechanisms, said Pallabi Bhowmick, a researcher at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign who is examining the use of VR with older adults.

“The stereotypes that older adults aren’t willing to try new technology needs to change because they are willing and want to adapt to technologies that are meaningful to them,” Bhowmick said. “Besides helping them to relieve stress, be entertained and connect with other people, there is an intergenerational aspect that might help them build their relationships with younger people who find out they use VR and say, ‘Grandpa is cool!’” Rendever CEO Kyle Rand’s interest in helping his own grandmother deal with the emotional and mental challenges of aging pushed him down a path that led him to cofound the company in 2016 after studying neuroengineering at Duke University. “What really fascinates me about humans is just how much our brain depends on social connection and how much we learn from others,” Rand said. “A group of elderly residents who don’t really know each other that well can come together, spend 30 minutes in a VR experience together and then find themselves sitting down to have lunch together while continuing a conversation about the experience.” It’s a large enough market that another VR specialist, Dallas-based Mynd Immersive, competes against Rendever with services tailored for senior living communities. Besides helping create social connections, the VR programming from both Rendever and Mynd has been employed as a possible tool for potentially slowing down the deleterious effects of dementia. That’s how another Silicon Valley retirement village, the Forum, sometimes uses the technology. Bob Rogallo, a Forum resident with dementia that has rendered him speechless, seemed to be enjoying taking a virtual hike through Glacier National Park in Montana as he nodded and smiled while celebrating his 83rd birthday with his wife of 61 years. Sallie Rogallo, who doesn’t have dementia, said the experience brought back fond memories of the couple’s visits to the same park during the more than 30 years they spent cruising around the US in their recreational vehicle. “It made me wish I was 30 years younger so I could do it again,” she said of the virtual visit to Glacier. “This lets you get out of the same environment and either go to a new place or visit places where you have been.” In another session at the Forum, 93-year-old Almut Schultz laughed with delight while viewing a virtual classical music performance at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado and later seemed to want to play with a puppy frolicking around in her VR headset. “That was quite a session we had there,” Schultz said with a big grin after she took off her headset and returned to reality.

New deal to rescue failed China Alzheimer’s drug By Foster Wong

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HANGHAI Fosun Pharmaceutical Group Co. will acquire a controlling stake in a Chinese company that developed the country’s first Alzheimer’s drug, with plans to revive halted trials and bring the suspended drug back to the market. Under the 1.41 billion yuan ($200 million) deal, Fosun Pharma will buy a 53% stake in Shanghai-based Green Valley Pharmaceutical Co. via a unit and a special-purpose vehicle, according to a filing to the Shanghai Stock Exchange on Monday.

The deal would expand Fosun’s product pipeline in central nervous system therapies, the company added. It comes just days after Fosun announced it is co-developing an obesity drug candidate with Pfizer Inc., underscoring its ambition to pivot from generics and diagnostics to innovative medicines that address major diseases. Earlier this year Green Valley Pharmaceutical said its Alzheimer’s drug license had lapsed, with renewal still under regulatory review — raising questions about the treatment’s prospects. Following the acquisition, Fosun said, it will push forward the post-marketing confirmatory trials mandated by Chinese regulators to secure

approval as quickly as possible. The company also plans to initiate international multi-center trials, according to the filing. Fosun’s Hong Kong shares tumbled as much as 9.66 percent Tuesday morning, the most since April, sending the stock to a four-month low. Its Shanghai shares fell as much as 4.4 percent. Green Valley’s drug—a seaweedderived compound known as sodium oligomannate, or GV-971—was hailed as a major advance when China’s drug regulator gave it conditional approval in 2019, as the first new therapy endorsed for Alzheimer’s in 17 years. The drug has benefited hundreds

of thousands of patients and enjoys a strong reputation, Fosun said in a WeChat statement. Yet, both local and international experts have raised doubts about sodium oligomannate’s ability to slow or reverse Alzheimer’s-related cognitive decline, citing the relatively brief trial and inconsistent results from its late-stage clinical trial in China. The company launched a global clinical trial in 2020, seeking to enroll some 2,000 patients across China, the US and Europe. The study was terminated two years later due to a lack of funding and Covid-19 pandemic disruptions. Bloomberg

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Saturday, January 3, 2026 • Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

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ChatGPT and its role in the e-commerce landscape:

Are people buying via Instant Checkout? PHOTO BY VIRALYFT ON UNSPLASH

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HERE is no doubt that AI is taking over the world. While I have never used the large language model (LLM) platform ChatGPT for writing because I am, after all, a writer, I am losing freelance writing jobs to people who can’t write a proper sentence but can come up with an article, thanks to ChatGPT. Sure, the articles will be full of mistakes such as “threadmill” for “treadmill” because in the first place, the person using ChatGPT thinks treadmill is spelled as threadmill. But I still acknowledge that generative AI is useful and, in fact, essential. Hundreds of millions of people go to ChatGPT every day and they ask for help for anything from writing an article to creating a menu for a dinner. One of people’s favorite things to do on ChatGPT is to find products so it makes a lot of sense that it will now have links to those products and Instant Checkout, right? Retail giant Target is one of the brands that now allow people buy from ChatGPT. DoorDash has also enabled recipe-based grocery shopping in ChatGPT For brands, this is not as simple as putting your products in a virtual basket so people can shop. Aside from registering your site/brand, you also need to submit your brand to open AI. That is only the beginning. There is a step-by-step ChatGPT optimization plan that is strongly suggested such as expanding your digital footprint, creating a brand GPT, creating lists that include your brand, and improving your site’s structure. So how does shopping on ChatGPT work? You can ask, “I need a blue-based dark red lipstick for under $10” and the chatbots will search its partner sites to give you choices and facilitate payment once you’ve made a decision. A paper published by Maximilian Kaiser (University of Hamburg) and Christian Schulze (Frankfurt School of Finance and Management) showed that consumers’ LLM proficiency presents additional barriers. For example, technology anxiety

and lack of familiarity with conversational Al reduce adoption for shopping purposes and this is shown in only 2.1 percent pf ChatGPT conversations involving purchasable products. “Empirical findings consistent with these concerns include Adobe [2025] reporting oLLM conversion rates 9 percent lower than ‘non-AI’ channels, and SALT [2025] finding engagement levels 27 percent below organic search in most categories,” said the study. The study found that referral traffic from ChatGPT converts far worse than traditional marketing channels such as Google Search, email, and affiliate links after looking at 12 months of first-party data from 973 e-commerce sites generating a combined $20 billion in annual revenue. “Time-trend analyses suggest gradual convergence with traditional channels, but projections indicate LLM will not achieve parity with organic search within the next year. These findings challenge narratives of LLMs as immediate ‘Google killers,’

while suggesting potential for long-term channel evolution,” wrote Kaiser and Schulze. And while the study showed that ChatGPT accounts for over 90 percent of all e-commerce traffic originating from large language models, this traffic is still 200 times smaller than Google’s organic search. The largest ecommerce site on the web is still Amazon with nearly 1.3 million monthly unique visitors, according to SimilarWeb. At No. 2 is Temu with 314.9 million unique visitors. Temu, by the way, leads in monthly active users its app (651.7 million), followed by Shopee (392.8 million). According to Kaiser’s and Schulze’s study, affiliate links were 86 percent more likely to convert than ChatGPT referrals, while organic search outdid ChatGPT by about 13 percent. These insights, while not exactly encouraging for AI, are not holding back brands from being early adopters. And I expect things to change in the coming months as more people become ChatGPT users.

MAKING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR BONUS WITH THE REALME C85 5G AND TECHLIFE PAD PRO 12 LTE CONTINUED FROM A7 comfortable indoors and serviceable in shaded outdoor settings, though direct sunlight can still be a challenge. The aspect ratio deserves special mention. With a 3:2 layout, the screen feels more laptop-like than entertainmentfirst tablets. It’s noticeably better for documents, spreadsheets, browsing, and split-screen multitasking, while still wide enough for video streaming and casual gaming. YouTube playback supports up to 1440p at 60fps, which helps the display show its strengths in clarity and motion. Physically, the TechLife Pad Pro 12 LTE is slimmer than its size suggests. At 7.3mm thick and weighing just over 600 grams, it feels well-balanced in both portrait and landscape orientations. The aluminum alloy back gives it a sturdier, more premium feel than plastic-bodied competitors, with a subtle two-tone finish that helps mask fingerprints. The tablet is available in Storm Grey, Ashy Cyan, and Radiant Gold. Audio is one of the tablet’s strongest assets. Quad stereo speakers are positioned to maintain balance regardless of orientation, and the result is louder, clearer sound than expected in this segment. While bass remains limited, vocals and dialogue come through cleanly, making the TechLife Pad Pro 12 LTE well-suited for video calls, media consumption or gaming. Under the hood, the TechLife Pad Pro 12 LTE is powered by a MediaTek Helio G200 processor paired with 8GB of physical RAM and up to 8GB of RAM expansion. Storage is sufficient at 256GB, with microSD expansion supported up to 1TB to 2TB depending on configuration. In practice, this setup handles everyday tasks smoothly. Web browsing, document editing, streaming, and light multitasking all feel responsive, while productivity-focused benchmarks consistently score higher than graphics-heavy tests. Note that this isn’t a gaming tablet built for demanding 3D titles, but casual games and MOBAs run comfortably at reasonable settings. The TechLife Pad Pro 12 LTE runs Android 15 with a clean interface and minimal pre-installed apps. Productivity features include PC Mode that transforms the interface into a desktop-style layout with a taskbar, while split-screen and freeform window support allow multiple apps to run side by side or float independently. For students and office users, this adds real value. It’s just unfortunate that it does not come with a keyboard case out of the box. The TechLife Pad Pro 12 LTE is equipped with a 10,000mAh battery paired with 33W fast charging. In real-world use, the tablet comfortably lasts through a day of moderate activity—streaming, browsing, and document work—with charging speeds that recover more than half the battery in under an hour. Heavy use compresses endurance more quickly, but charging from empty to full still lands within roughly two and a half hours, which remains reasonable for a device of this size. Like most tablets, the cameras here are functional rather than aspirational. The 13MP rear camera and 8MP front camera are best suited for video calls, document scanning, and basic snapshots. Image quality is acceptable in good lighting but struggles in low-light situations. The TechLife Pad Pro 12 LTE succeeds by focusing on the fundamentals. It delivers a large, comfortable display, strong speakers, reliable performance for daily tasks, useful productivity tools, and LTE connectivity—all at a price that keeps it accessible. It doesn’t chase flagship-level power or premium display tech, but it doesn’t need to. For users who want a dependable, big-screen tablet that works equally well for school, work, and entertainment, this tablet gets the everyday right.

Do’s and don’ts of using AI to help with schoolwork BY KELVIN CHAN & JOCELYN GECKE� The Associated Press THE rapid rise of ChatGPT and other generative AI systems has disrupted education, transforming how students learn and study. Students everywhere have turned to chatbots to help with their homework, but artificial intelligence’s capabilities have blurred the lines about what it should—and shouldn’t—be used for. The technology’s widespread adoption in many other parts of life also adds to the confusion about what constitutes academic dishonesty. Here are some do’s and don’ts on using AI for schoolwork: ■ Don’t just copy and paste. Chatbots are so good at answering questions with detailed written responses that it’s tempting to just take their work and pass it off as your own. But in case it isn’t already obvious, AI should not be used as a substitute for putting in the work. And it can’t replace our ability to think critically. You wouldn’t copy and paste information from a textbook or someone else’s essay and pass it off as your own. The same principle applies to chatbot replies. “AI can help you understand concepts or generate ideas, but it should never replace your own thinking and effort,” the University of Chicago says in its guidance on using generative AI. “Always produce original work, and use AI tools for guidance and

clarity, not for doing the work for you.” So don’t shy away from putting pen to paper—or your fingers to the keyboard—to do your own writing. “If you use an AI chatbot to write for you—whether explanations, summaries, topic ideas, or even initial outlines—you will learn less and perform more poorly on subsequent exams and attempts to use that knowledge,” Yale University’s Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning says. ■ Do use AI as a study aid. Experts say AI shines when it’s used like a tutor or a study buddy. So try using a chatbot to explain difficult concepts or brainstorm ideas, such as essay topics. California high school English teacher Casey Cuny advises his students to use ChatGPT to quiz themselves ahead of tests. He tells them to upload class notes, study guides and any other materials used in class, such as slideshows, to the chatbot, and then tell it which textbook and chapter the test will focus on. Then, students should prompt the chatbot to: “Quiz me one question at a time based on all the material cited, and after that create a teaching plan for everything I got wrong.” Cuny posts AI guidance in the form of a traffic light on a classroom screen. Green-lighted uses include brainstorming, asking for feedback on a presentation or doing research. Red lighted, or prohibited AI use: Asking an AI tool to write a thesis statement, a rough draft or revise an essay. A yellow light is when a student is unsure if AI use is allowed, in which case he

tells them to come and ask him. Or try using ChatGPT’s voice dictation function, said Sohan Choudhury, CEO of Flint, an AI-powered education platform. “I’ll just brain dump exactly what I get, what I don’t get” about a subject, he said. “I can go on a ramble for five minutes about exactly what I do and don’t understand about a topic. I can throw random analogies at it, and I know it’s going to be able to give me something back to me tailored based on that.” ■ Do check your school’s AI policy. As AI has shaken up the academic world, educators have been forced to set out their policies on the technology. In the US, about two dozen states have state-level AI guidance for schools, but it’s unevenly applied. It’s worth checking what your school, college or university says about AI. Some might have a broad institutionwide policy. The University of Toronto’s stance is that “students are not allowed to use generative AI in a course unless the instructor explicitly permits it” and students should check course descriptions for do’s and don’ts. Many others don’t have a blanket rule. The State University of New York at Buffalo “has no universal policy,” according to its online guidance for instructors. “Instructors have the academic freedom to determine what tools students can and cannot use in pursuit of meeting course learning objectives. This includes artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT.” ■ Don’t hide AI use from teachers. AI is not the

educational bogeyman it used to be. There’s growing understanding that AI is here to stay and the next generation of workers will have to learn how to use the technology, which has the potential to disrupt many industries and occupations. So students shouldn’t shy away from discussing its use with teachers, because transparency prevents misunderstandings, said Choudhury. “Two years ago, many teachers were just blanket against it. Like, don’t bring AI up in this class at all, period, end of story,” he said. But three years after ChatGPT’s debut, “many teachers understand that the kids are using it. So they’re much more open to having a conversation as opposed to setting a blanket policy.” Teachers say they’re aware that students are wary of asking if AI use is allowed for fear they’ll be flagged as cheaters. But clarity is key because it’s so easy to cross a line without knowing it, says Rebekah Fitzsimmons, chair of the AI faculty advising committee at Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy. “Often, students don’t realize when they’re crossing a line between a tool that is helping them fix content that they’ve created and when it is generating content for them,” says Fitzsimmons, who helped draft detailed new guidelines for students and faculty that strive to create clarity. The University of Chicago says students should cite AI if it was used to come up with ideas, summarize texts, or help with drafting a paper.

www.businessmirror.com.ph • businessmirror.lifestyle@gmail.com

BusinessMirror

Making the most out of your bonus with the Realme c85 5G and Techlife Pad Pro 12 LTE

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HAT year-end bonus often arrives with mixed emotions. There’s relief, gratitude, and the quiet pressure to spend it wisely— especially after a year that tested our patience and priorities. With rising costs and unpredictable routines, many of us are approaching our bonuses less as an excuse to splurge and more as an opportunity to invest in tools that genuinely improve daily life. In this light, technology choices feel more deliberate. The question is no longer about chasing the latest or flashiest device, but about what offers lasting value. Sometimes, making the most of your bonus simply means choosing tech that works— consistently, reliably, and long after the holidays are over. So the question now is this: could the Realme C85 5G and the TechLife Pad Pro 12” LTE be the kind of tech pairing that actually sets you up better for 2026?

REALME C85 5G: A LONG AND LASTING CHARGE BY the time the holidays arrived, many Filipinos were already running on empty. The year tested patience in familiar but exhausting ways—stronger

typhoons that disrupted work and school, prolonged rains that turned daily commutes into gambles, and those corruption controversies that just made everything feel much worse. And yet, as always we Filipinos adapted. We adjusted habits, managed expectations, and carried on because many of us had no other choice. That resilience has shaped how many are approaching the holiday season this year. There is less interest in excess, and more appreciation for things that simply work. Reliability has become a form of comfort, and we want devices that can ease our daily lives, not complicate them. It is within this context that the Realme C85 5G makes sense. The Realme C85 5G is the latest—and arguably the most ambitious—entry in Realme’s long-running C Series, built with endurance as its clear priority. Anchored by the largest battery the series has seen so far, it favors consistency over spectacle, choosing long-lasting power and everyday reliability instead of chasing performance records or camera tricks. The 7,000mAh battery changes how the day feels, with fewer charger checks, fewer midday top-ups, and less stress when you realize you left home without plugging in. Even the final sliver of power can still stretch to around 40 minutes of calls or up to nine hours on standby—enough to check directions, send messages, or get home without panic. It’s the kind of detail you don’t appreciate until you need it. It is supported by 45W fast charging, bypass charging to manage heat, reverse charging for emergencies, and battery tech designed to perform across extreme temperatures and maintain long-term health. Battery confidence is only part of the story. The Realme C85 5G is also built to handle real-world accidents. With IP66, IP68, and IP69K ratings, it’s protected against dust, heavy rain, submersion, and even high-pressure water jets at elevated temperatures. In controlled tests, the phone can withstand submersion of up to six meters for 30 minutes, with dive simulations lasting as long as 60 days. That protection extends beyond clean water. The Realme C85 5G is tested against exposure to 36 different liquids, from hot coffee and cold cola to common cleaning solutions. While no phone is invincible, this added layer of resistance provides reassurance in everyday situations. If water does find its way into the speaker, the builtin Speaker Cleaner uses sound vibrations to eject trapped liquid, helping restore

audio quickly. Beyond water resistance, the device also meets MIL-STD 810H military-grade shock resistance standards. It has been tested for repeated micro drops—up to 14,000 times—and improved bend resistance compared to the previous C Series generation. Slips from a pocket, desk, or bag are less likely to end in disaster, reinforcing the phone’s focus on everyday durability. The Realme C85 5G also has a display tuned for outdoor practicality. The large 6.8-inch screen reaches up to 1,200 nits of brightness and runs at a 144Hz refresh rate, making it responsive and easy to read under harsh sunlight. Whether navigating unfamiliar streets or replying to messages on the move, visibility remains reliable. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300, the Realme C85 5G focuses on consistency rather than speed. Everyday tasks—social media, messaging, browsing, streaming, and navigation—run smoothly, supported by generous RAM, virtual expansion, and a large vapor chamber that keeps temperatures stable. It’s not meant for heavy gaming or demanding AI workloads, but for daily routines, the experience feels steady and predictable. Camera performance follows that same line of thinking. The 50-megapixel main camera is reliable for daylight shots, documentation, and social sharing. While it would have been nice to see an ultrawide lens or higher video capture options, the current setup covers the basics well. The Realme C85 5G feels more purposeful than flashy, but it delivers on its promise. The only sticking point is its ₱14,999 retail price, where competition is stiff. If you’re considering this phone, make sure to take advantage of any holiday discounts available.

TECHLIFE PAD PRO 12 LTE: A BIG-SCREEN TABLET FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT

LARGE-SCREEN tablets often sit at two extremes: either aggressively budget with obvious compromises, or premium-priced machines that feel excessive for daily use. The TechLife Pad Pro 12 LTE positions itself deliberately in the middle. Priced at ₱13,999, it targets students, young professionals, and home users who want a generous display, reliable performance, and all-day flexibility without paying flagship money. The TechLife Pad Pro 12 LTE’s size immediately defines the experience. The 12.2-inch display dominates the front, framed by fairly thick bezels that may not look trendy but serve a practical purpose— making the tablet easier to hold during long reading or viewing sessions. The panel uses an IPS LCD with a 2400 × 1600 resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. In daily use, that combination delivers sharp text, smooth scrolling, and fluid app navigation. Brightness peaks at around 480 nits, which is

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TECHLIFE Pad Pro 12 LTE

REALME C85 5G KV2

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos • Saturday, January 3, 2026

KICK OFF 2026 WITH SPECTACULAR DEALS FROM OPPO

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CELEBRATE your New Year goals with unbeatable deals and perks at the Oppo 1.1 New Year Sale. From December 31, 2025 at 8 pm to January 5, 2026, grab the best deals on all of Oppo’s best-selling devices, ranging from entry-level essentials to premium flagships. Enjoy exclusive discounts and freebies available via Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop, and Oppo’s official online store. Treat yourself to the max without the guilt with Oppo’s All-Day Vouchers via Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop—all applicable without minimum spend for the following devices: P100 off on all variants of Oppo A3, P101 off on Oppo A3x, P200 off, on Oppo A5i, P500 off on Oppo A6 Pro, P500 off on Oppo Enco X3s, P500 off on Oppo Reno12 4G/5G, P500 off on Oppo A6x, P1,000 off on Oppo A5, P1,000 off on Oppo Watch X2 Mini, P1,000 off on the Oppo Reno13 Series, P1,000 off on the Oppo Reno14 Series 5G, P1,500 off on Oppo A5i Pro, P1,800 off on Oppo Pad SE WiFI/ LTE, P2,000 off on all variants of Oppo A5 Pro, P2,000 off on Oppo Reno12 5G and Oppo Reno12 Pro 5G, and P2,000 off on Oppo Find X9. You can also get P1,000 off on the affordable Oppo A6x via Oppo’s LivestreamExclusive Vouchers, with no minimum spend. Meanwhile, more New Year deals are up for grabs, including a P500 discount on the Oppo A5x with a minimum spend of P3,999, and P3,000 off on the Oppo Find X8 with a minimum spend of P19,999. Make the most out of your New Year shopping spree with platform-exclusive deals, ranging from discounts and flexible payment terms: P2,500 off on all variants of Oppo A5 Pro on Lazada; P1,000 off on all variants of Oppo A5x on the TikTok Shop; while Shopee offers SPayLater 0% Interest Installment for 3 months from January 2 to 5, 2026. To know more about Oppo’s 1.1 New Year Sale, check out www.oppo.com/ph/ or the Oppo Philippines Facebook page.

EU WARNS OF POSSIBLE ACTION AFTER THE US BARS 5 EUROPEANS ACCUSED OF CENSORSHIP BY LORNE COOK The Associated Press BRUSSELS—France, Germany, the European Union and the United Kingdom on Wednesday hit out at a US decision to impose travel bans on five Europeans the Trump administration accuses of pressuring tech firms to censor or suppress American views. The EU’s executive branch, the European Commission, which supervises tech regulation in Europe, warned that it would take action against any “unjustified measures.” It said it had requested clarification from the US State Department, which announced the bans on Tuesday. The five Europeans were characterized by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio as “radical” activists and “weaponized” nongovernmental organizations. They include the former EU commissioner responsible for supervising social media rules, Thierry Breton. Breton, a businessman and former French finance minister, clashed last year on social media with tech billionaire Elon Musk over broadcasting an online interview with Donald Trump in the months leading up to the US election. Rubio wrote in an X post on Tuesday that “for far too long, ideologues in Europe have led organized efforts to coerce American platforms to punish American viewpoints they oppose.” “The Trump Administration will no longer tolerate these egregious acts of extraterritorial censorship,” he posted. The European Commission countered that “the EU is an open, rules-based single market, with the sovereign right to regulate economic activity in line with our democratic values and international commitments.” “Our digital rules ensure a safe, fair, and level playing field for all companies, applied fairly and without discrimination,” it said. French President Emmanuel Macron said on X that he had spoken to Breton about the US move. “We will stand firm against pressure and will protect Europeans,” Macron posted. Macron said the EU’s digital rules were adopted by “a democratic and sovereign process” involving all member countries and the European Parliament. He said the rules “ensure fair competition among platforms, without targeting any third country.” He underlined that “the rules governing the European Union’s digital space are not meant to be determined outside Europe.” The four other Europeans banned by the US are Imran Ahmed, chief executive of the Center for Countering Digital Hate; Josephine Ballon and AnnaLena von Hodenberg, leaders of HateAid, a German organization; and Clare Melford, who runs the Global Disinformation Index.

Education BusinessMirror

A8 Saturday, January 3, 2026

Editor: Mike Policarpio

AI brings ‘marked improvement’ in education data—DepEd chief

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DUCATION Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara has highlighted the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) in improving data within the learning sector. In a statement, Angara lauded the reforms almost a year after the Department of Education (DepEd) launched the Education Center for Artificial Intelligence Research (ECAIR). Under the center, AI use is integrated into education governance, with focus on data quality, decisionmaking, and operations. “If you look at the quality of data a year ago versus now, there is a marked improvement,” he said. “But there is still a long way to go.” The education chief cited how the agency is now advancing in efficiency as a data-driven organization: “ECAIR helps us make deci-

sions more accurately—something that is long-awaited, being the biggest bureaucracy with the biggest budget, hopefully.” To date, the center has covered several projects pertaining to appointments of school heads, management of learners’ data, and resource allocation. Among these are the projects “Dashboard for Understanding NASH Outcomes and National Grade-generation” or “DUNONG,” “System for Intelligent Growth and Learner Anthropometry” or “SIGLA,” and “Tracking Adoption Locations and Infrastructure Network Operations” or “TALINO.” With the faster leadership selec-

Pinoys strengthen data, AI skills as PHL quickens digital evolution ANGARA (left) addresses the department’s officials and partners during the Education Center for Artificial Intelligence Research’s yearend event. DEPED/PNA

tion process, 4,410 aspiring principals passed the National Qualifying Examination for School Heads in 2025, resulting in about P5 million in savings for proper consolidation of records under clearer standards. In terms of data encoding of learners’ health, the time spent by

teachers has been reduced to 1.87 hours from about 3.75 hours per year. For proper resource allocation, real-time visibility on school infrastructure and operation updates has also been developed to ensure transparency. Stephanie Sevillano/PNA

Consulate gen. conducts exchange PCG donates books to Xiamen University program with Japan elem. school

CONSUL GENERAL Shirlene C. Mananquil (second from left) with Mayor Kazuaki Hibi (second from right), Education Board Superintendent Atsushi Asai (right) and Principal Michiyasu Ito (left). NAGOYA PCG

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ONSUL GENERAL Shirlene C. Mananquil and officials of the Philippine Consulate General in Nagoya, Japan’s Cultural Section were warmly welcomed by Mayor Kazuaki Hibi of Tsushima City, Education Board Superintendent Atsushi Asai and Principal Michiyasu Ito to the Nishi Elementary School, where they conducted a cultural exchange with the school’s elementary students. Last month’s cultural exchange consisted of the consulate’s presentation on Philippine history, culture and heritage, while the Grade 6 learners of Tsushima Nishi Elementary school gave a presentation on the school’s history, as well as a demonstration on Japanese calligraphy and kendama (sword and ball) game. A traditional Japanese skill toy, kendama is now considered a skill sport or competitive discipline, and was sampled by Mananquil and the consulate’s staff.

The consul general also led the donation of 12 books on Philippine history, culture and language to the students and teachers of Nishi Elementary School. Philippine friendship bracelets and tourism brochures were also handed out as tokens to the students and teachers. Cultural exchange activities between the consulate general and Tsushima City schools began in 2023. The interactive events were part of the city’s efforts to promote multiculturalism in their society, while furthering cultural understanding and harmony. Mananquil expressed her appreciation to Hibi for giving the consulate the opportunity to promote the Philippines through cultural exchange activities, which also builds closer ties with Tsushima City—a host to a sizable number of Filipino nationals whose children attend their elementary schools.

CULTURAL OFFICER Sheila Solas (from left) and Consul Charleson Hermosura, Bond Antivola of the Filipino community in Xiamen and Consul General Winston Dean Almeda of Xiamen PCG, with Xiamen University educators and officials. XIAMEN PCG

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HE Philippine Consulate General in Xiamen donated Philippine books to Xiamen University (XMU) in China last December. Consul General Winston Dean S. Almeda was accompanied by Consul Charleson Hermosura, Cultural Officer Sheila Solas, translator-interpreter Fubin Hang, along with Filipino community member and artist Jose Noel “Bong” Antivola, who was part of the editorial board of two of the donated Philippine books. XMU’s International Office director Prof. Zhong Wei, Office of International Cooperation and Exchange deputy director Chen Huang, and International Chinese Education/Overseas Education College dean Chen Zhiwei welcomed the Filipinos and received the following Philippine books: Made It in China by the Philippine Embassy in Beijing. The book commemorating the 50th anniversary of

Philippines-China diplomatic relations features overseas Filipinos in China who excelled in their respective careers and succeeded there; “Isang Ngiti Mo Lamang:” A Collection of Filipino Love Songs and “Kundiman,” performed by Emiliano Cruz and compiled by Dr. Evelyn F. Cabanban, HC; “Himig:” An Anthology of Philippine Folk Songs-Bicol (Volume 1), compiled, edited, and transcribed by Dr. Evelyn F. Cabanban HC. Almeda also discussed with XMU the consulate’s plan to participate in the latter’s upcoming International Culture Week from April to August 2026. Established in 1921, XMU consistently ranks as one of China’s top universities domestically and internationally, with globally top-rated programs in economics and finance, hospitality and tourism management, chemistry, oceanography, and engineering and technology.

Filipino students participate in Barcelona architecture workshops

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27-MEMBER strong student delegation recently immersed themselves in a melting pot of historical design and futuristic innovation, as they took part in the 14th edition of La Salle-URL Architecture Workshops in Barcelona, Spain. The immersion, themed “Barcelona: Between the Traditional and Modern,” was attended both by learners from the La Salle Barcelona-Universitat Ramon Llull (URL) and the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s (DLS-CSB) School of Environment and Design (SED) Architecture Program. The Benilde contingent was guided by Ar. MC Tubera and Ar. Jerry Chun. The international linkage allowed participants to develop a critical analysis of material reality and reflect on construction systems while using sustainability as a criterion. It included masterclasses to refine their skills and explore specialized areas within the broader field of architecture and student presentations to aid

BENILDEANS at the Sagrada Familia Church in articulating ideas. There was also a dedicated space where they engaged in the process of architectural design, and a guided tour of the city’s architectural landmarks, notable buildings, and urban spaces. During the study visit, the team

experienced practical sessions at studios and companies within the sector, which reinforced various concepts and best practices. The students also had an opportunity to widen their urban knowledge of the city, create timeless designs, while familiarizing themselves with established architectural solutions. “The Urban Plan: Urban Growth and Landscape Integration” lecture, conducted by Ar. Pedro Garcia and Ar. Lorenzo Kárász, delved on the relationship between modernity and tradition in contemporary Barcelona. It involved architectural and theoretical classes. The aspiring architects also learned that Barcelona’s urban evolution strikes a balance between structured planning and organic development, where parks and public spaces play important roles in shaping the city’s identity. In “Reinterpreting Parc Güell: Architectural and Landscape Explorations,” they examined the formal, structural, and material qualities of an architec-

tural or landscape element from Parc Güell, a UNESCO World Heritage site designed by Antoni Gaudí. The group mentored by Ar. Adrià Llorens and Ar. Mikel Lopez used graphical documentation such as sketches, diagrams, and notes. They also explored the historical and cultural significance of their chosen element. Meanwhile, “Materiality of Historical Architecture” allowed the participants to document examples of historical stone and stucco applications and perform a material mapping on the city through a “photographic safari” across Barcelona. A hands-on workshop of traditional stone carving and stucco techniques was part of the study spearheaded by Ar. Pedro Ayesta Borràs and conservatorrestorer Ferran Màuriz. The visit was completed with a Holy Mass at the architectural wonder, Spain’s iconic Sagrada Família— now considered as the world’s tallest church.

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EADING global online learning platform Coursera has unveiled its 2025 learner trends for the Philippines, based on its more than 3.1 million enlisted users’ insights. This year, the country posted strong momentum across data, project management, cybersecurity, digital tools, language learning, and foundational skills on artificial intelligence (AI)— reflecting the country’s ongoing shift toward a more digital, connected, and skillsfirst economy. National digital priorities echo these learning patterns, according to Coursera. The country’s Digital Philippines vision and AI Roadmap emphasize talent development to strengthen competitiveness in a fast-evolving economy. Such need is reinforced by external benchmarks: A study by the International Monetary Fund finds that 40 percent of local jobs are significantly impacted by AI, with 14 percent of workers at direct risk of displacement, reinforcing the need for continuous learning as roles transform. AI and data continued to anchor the Philippines’ learning patterns in 2025. The country recorded one GenAI enrollment every 7 minutes on Coursera— up from one every 15 minutes last year—contributing to more than 125,000 total enrollments to date. While foundational courses such as “Introduction to AI” and “Generative AI: Introduction and Applications” remained popular, learners progressed to more application-based programs like “Maximize Productivity With AI Tools,” “Accelerate Your Job Search with AI,” and “Generative AI: Prompt Engineering Basics,” underscoring the rising need for pros who can operationalize AI across policy, operations, and human development.

AI and beyond

BEYOND AI, Filipinos also invested heavily in building capabilities in project execution, policy analysis, engineering and technical systems and psychology. For Coursera, the learning diversity signals a workforce building both broad and deep capabilities to meet the demands of increasingly cross-functional roles. “Filipino learners are steadily building the digital and professional skills that will open doors to stronger opportunities and long-term career growth,” said Coursera Asia Pacific Managing Director Ashutosh Gupta. “We’re seeing sustained interest in AI, data, cybersecurity and essential workplace skills– a combination that will anchor the country’s transition toward a more digital and globally competitive workforce. As the Philippines deepens its skills-first transition, Coursera remains committed to delivering highquality learning that fuels national growth and shapes the next generation of talent for an

AI-powered economy.” The surge in skills development is also translating into meaningful outcomes. Coursera’s Learner Outcomes Report 2025 reveals 95 percent of Filipino learners reported positive career outcomes like securing a new role or progressing in their current one, 39 percent improved their on-the-job performance, and 98 percent reported personal benefits such as greater confidence and a deeper sense of achievement. Coursera’s 2025 data also revealed the fastest-growing skills in the country.

GenAI tools and AI-assisted productivity: Skills that help learners use AI tools, prompt patterns and basic automation to improve everyday work efficiency. Operational efficiency and project execution: Skills on planning, coordination and process-improvement that boost execution and help teams work more effectively. Cybersecurity and digital resilience: Security awareness, risk mitigation and compliance skills that help organizations protect systems and stay resilient against rising digital threats. Communication and collaboration: Skills that strengthen clear communication, teamwork, and effective collaboration across diverse, fast-moving work environments. Human capital development: Skills in instructional strategies, learner engagement, coaching, and organizational effectiveness that help institutions and employers develop talent and prepare a future-ready workforce. The 10 most popular courses in the Philippines in 2025 are: (1) Foundations: Data, Data, Everywhere from Google; (2) Foundations of Project Management f rom Goog le; (3) Foundations of Cybersecurity from Google; (4) AI For Everyone from DeepLearning.AI; (5) Foundations of Digital Marketing and E-commerce from Google; (6) Learning how to Learn: Powerful Mental Tools to Help You Master Tough Subjects from Deep Teaching Solutions; (7) Technical Support Fundamentals from Google; (8) First Step Korean from Yonsei University; (9) English for Career Development from University of Pennsylvania; and (10) Introduction to AI from Google. Meanwhile, the 10 most popular GenAI courses in the country for the year are: (1) Introduction to AI from Google; (2) Introduction to Artificial Intelligence from IBM; (3) Google AI Essentials from Google; (4) Maximize Productivity With AI Tools from Google; (5) Accelerate Your Job Search with AI from Google; (6) Use AI Responsibly from Google; (7) Stay Ahead of the AI Curve from Google; (8) Generative AI: Introduction and Applications from IBM (9) Generative AI: Prompt Engineering Basics from IBM; and (10) Introduction to Generative AI from Google Cloud.

Tourism&Entertainment BusinessMirror

Tourism Editor: Edwin P. Sallan

Saturday, January 3, 2026 A9

CAPITAL OF JOY

Historic and culturally rich Salvador in Brazil

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Story & photos by Joshua Berida

025 was a year where I visited new countries (and continents). A country that has been atop my bucket list for a while now was Brazil. I didn’t just visit Rio de Janeiro, but went to a few other cities. One of the most interesting places I visited was Salvador also often referred to as “Capital of Joy.”

Despite ra n k ing consistent ly among the world’s most dangerous cities (visible poverty, homelessness, and income inequality are factors), Salvador is a noteworthy destination. The city has a metro, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, delicious local cuisine, and malls among others. Salvador is a historic and culturally rich destination because of the mix of Europeans, Africans, and Native Americans that lived there. However, this diversity comes with a dark past that spanned centuries. The Portuguese colonizers established Salvador as the capital of their new colony Brazil in 1549. During colonial times, the city became a hub for the African slave trade in the Americas. The colonizers seized millions of Africans from their countries and took them across the ocean to work in their plantations. Millions died even before they reached Brazil. Fast forward to today, the descendants of the African slaves developed their own culture expressed in food, dance, songs, clothes, religion, and art among others. You’ll also still see remnants of the city’s colonial past through its architecture and museums.

A Hub of Culture and History MOST tourist places of interest in Salvador are within the historic center of the city. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site lined with centuries old colorful and beautiful colonial buildings. The district is a melting pot of African and Portuguese influences reflected on the food, drinks, culture, history and architecture you’ll see while exploring. Despite its beautiful appearance, the

Pelourinho is tied to the country’s colonial past. Its name refers to a pillory the colonizers used for public punishments inflicted on slaves. They used it to shame and keep the slave population under their control. In this area, you’ll find one of the filming locations of Michael Jackson’s hit song “They Don’t Care About Us.” You can go up to the balcony and do your best Michael Jackson impersonation if you buy a souvenir at the shop on the first floor. Salvador was the Portuguese’s last line of defense during Brazil’s war for independence. The Brazilians finally expelled the Portuguese conquistadors in 1823. You can see a number of churches in the old town. One of the most recognizable is the Igreja São Francisco. Franciscan Order friars had this church built in the late 16th century. The current church building you’ll see now finished construction in the 18th century. Restaurants and shops flank the church. During my stay in Salvador, there were frequent cultural performances in different parts of the old town. You can listen to live samba and/or bossa nova music while dining out. If you’re lucky, you might be able to attend a free concert during your stay. One of the things I liked about Brazilians is that they know how to have fun regardless of their age. Once they start hearing a tune (fast or slow), they start dancing. I would recommend watching a cultural show at the Balé Folclórico da Bahia. There’s a show every Friday night. It showcases the different dances they cultivated over the centuries. The most familiar dance

PELOURINHO is part of the city’s historic center.

THERE’S plenty of beautiful buildings in Salvador’s UNESCO-listed historic center.

SALVADOR’S UNESCO World Heritage-listed old tow.

THE beautiful and historic Igreja São Francisco.

MONUMENT of the Fallen Cross

PELOURINHO is one of the filming locations for Michael Jackson’s hit song “They Don’t Care About Us.”

I saw was capoeira but there were other dances that dive deep into the myths and religions the African slaves brought with them. A visit to the Museu da Misericordia provides a look into the centuries long history of Brazil. Within the complex is Bahia’s first gasoline-powered vehicle and the state’s first hospital. The carefully preserved halls and collections depict historical events and show vestiges of a bygone epoch. Not too far from the museum is the Monument of the Fallen Cross. The cross commemorates and serves as a reminder of the old Se Church. The local authorities had the church and other buildings demolished to make way for their modernization program. The location of the cross is one of the best spots for overlooking views of the city. The Elevador Lacerda is an iconic structure that connects the upper and lower towns. This Art Deco-inspired public elevator that’s 72m high dates to the late 19th century. My friend and

PASTEL colored buildings line the historic center.

THE Art Deco-inspired Elevador Lacerda.

I used this elevator to reach the lower town to visit the harbor, the Nossa Senhora da Conceição da Praia, and the Mercado Modela. Always bargain if you plan on shopping in the mercado. Like in many places, vendors will often charge tourists a higher price than locals. The Nossa Senhora

da Conceição da Praia dates to 1623 but the construction of the current building you’ll see now started in the 1730s and concluded in the 1840s. The church’s ceiling painting that depicts Our Lady of the Conception is a highlight because of its 3D-like appearance. You can’t leave Salvador without

trying some of its local specialties. Moqueca is a popular dish that you must try while in the city. It’s seafood (fish or shrimp or a mix of both) and/ or vegetable stew mixed with coconut oil. It comes with rice and/or pirão. The latter is a side dish that usually mixes manioc flour with chicken, fish, or beef stock. Every time I have this dish I mix the pirão and the rice then top it off with the moqueca’s sauce. Acarajé is a street food staple you shouldn’t miss. It’s a deep fried bun stuffed with shrimps and a spicy paste. If you’re planning to visit Brazil, consider adding Salvador to your itinerary. The city might have a bad reputation; however, it’s not the only defining factor. Bad things can still happen to you even where you’re from. The tasty food, rich cultural heritage, history, and beautiful old town are just a handful of things to like about Salvador. It’s already one of my favorite cities not just in the country, but among the other cities I’ve been to around the world.

THE ART OF SLOWING DOWN

Finding balance in Lipa, Batangas

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Story & photos by Nicole Paler

IME always stretched differently in Lipa, Batangas. The air felt softer, and your pulse, that’s so used to keeping up, would start to match the rhythm of rustling leaves around. Likha Wellness Resort is one of such places I recently went to, which has a presence reminding you to breathe deeply. Sat quietly in Barangay Bolbok; the trip was less than a couple of hours from Manila. As we went through its gates, the city hum faded, and for a brief, quiet moment, you’d forget you’re still in Lipa at all. Built on a 1.5-hectare property, Likha is one of the newest destinations managed by Approache Hospitality Management. But its roots are deeply personal. Owner Erica Eddun first created it as a private sanctuary during the pandemic—a space for health, reflection, and balance. That private vision has expanded into a haven for those who, like her, have learned that quality rest is something you have to create. And that’s what Likha means in Filipino—to create. Here, creation is a kind of healing. You sense it in how time seems to slow from the moment you arrive, walk-

ing past fruit trees and small gardens, the bonfire pit, and open amphitheater. That sense of creating can be as small as molding clay in a pottery class, and in the way the day unfolds without urgency. This path leads you to Villa Alab, the main house that anchors the resort. Inside, it felt lived-in and generous, with a sunken lounge perfect for karaoke or game nights with friends or family, a kitchen/bar with a long dining table, and loft suites that flow between openness and rest. Outside, there’s a jacuzzi, an infrared sauna, and a swimming pool surrounded by trees and foliage. Despite its proximity to the city, Likha felt like the old Lipa; those times when it was a true countryside. You’d feel it marked by slow breaths during yoga and quiet moments spent looking up to find the stars. During our stay, we joined a sound bath healing session led by Teacher Sheila Mae Matias, one of Likha’s professional practitioners. I’ve tried meditation and sound frequency healing tracks online before, but this was completely different. The vibrations from her singing bowls were tangible—deep, steady waves that seemed to resonate through skin and bone. It’s not something a YouTube video

could recreate; it’s an experience that roots you in the present moment. Within minutes, my thoughts began to loosen, my breath slowed, and all I could hear was the hum of the sound bowl and the quiet rhythm of my own heartbeat. It was, in every sense, a call to slow down. Later, after dinner, a long Haplos massage continued that quiet undoing, and left my body and mind as light as air. Operations Manager Iris Samar explained that Likha’s concept of wellness is fluid, and they pride themselves on the service they can give guests. Guests can book the entire property or share it with others, depending on the kind of retreat they need, complete with a personal butler to cater to their possible needs. They have suites that are built to bring the outside in through their picturesque windows, and spa-like baths with a freestanding tub, to lofts made for groups, along with their own common space. While set up to have different rooms for different guests, the entire resort can comfortably host around 40 guests overnight, making it ideal for family reunions, retreats or even intimate weddings framed by trees and soft natural light. From pottery and yoga, bonfires with

OUTDOOR sitting area by the pool at Likha Wellness Resort.

THE common area of Villa Alab, featuring a sunken living room for karaoke or game nights

MS. SHEILA MAE MATIAS and her healing crystal bowls for sound bath.

STUNNING pool views in Likha Wellness

s’mores, to art workshops for children, these experiences are designed not to push transformation, but to make space for it. There’s no rigid schedule or forced detox here; the idea is not to escape life, but to meet it slowly and gently. The food, prepared by Chef Edmund Bascon, reflects the same philosophy. Meals

are indulgent yet familiar—Filipino favorites cooked with care, like bamboo rice and Pampano or the Batangas staple Bulalo, paired with fresh fruit harvested from the property’s trees as dessert or as a drink. It’s comfort food for the soul, a reminder that wellness doesn’t have to mean restraint. In Likha, rest is not an escape from life

but a return to it—slower, steadier, and more mindful. Between the echo of the sound bowls, the scent of coffee scrubs from the spa, and the sight of mango trees swaying in the late afternoon light, you begin to understand that slowing down isn’t about stopping. It’s about remembering what it feels like to be fully here.

Sports BusinessMirror

A10 Saturday, January 3, 2026

mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph | Editor: Jun Lomibao

Two major events up for PHL hosting O NLY on the second day into the new year and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) has lined up two major international events up for the country’s hosting in late 2027 and early 2028. A day after announcing the Philippines’ inaugural hosting of the Southeast Asian Plus Youth Games or SEA Plus YG, POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said that also hot on the calendar are the Asian Beach Games or ABG. After email correspondence and phone calls with Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) brass, the country will be hosting the SEA Plus YG in late 2027, instead of early 2028, according to Tolentino. The ABG, the POC chief said, will be in early 2028 but withheld announcing the venue. “The Asian Beach Games will have its third edition this April in Sanya [China] so it will be two years after when we host the games in 2028,” Tolentino said. He said that the two international hosting chores run in consonance with the Philippine Sports Commission’s (PSC)—through its chairman, Patrick “Patò” Gregorio—intensified sports tourism campaign. “We will submit both letters [of intent] to the OCA before its General Assembly later this month in Tashkent,” Tolentino said. “It’s

PHILIPPINE Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino is also bringing the Asian Beach Games to the country. POC PHOTO a mere formality. After getting the official approval from the OCA, we’ll immediately be proposing to the PSC on hosting both events.” Tashkent is hosting the important OCA activity that will also tackle Uzbekistan’s hosting of the 2029 AYG. The POC and PSC are on the same page on the sports tourism campaign with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. setting into motion last year the multi-pronged National Sports Tourism

MRI shows no ligament damage on Wembanyama’s injured knee

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AN ANTONIO—The San Antonio Spurs say an MRI showed center Victor Wembanyama sustained no ligament damage in his injured left knee, and their All-Star center will not play Friday in Indiana. The Spurs said Thursday that Wembanyama’s status is day-to-day. He did not travel with the team to face the National Basketball Association (NBA)worst Pacers (6-28), and instead will rehabilitate the injury in San Antonio. Wembanyama hyperextended his left knee with just under 11 minutes remaining in San Antonio’s 134-132 victory over the New York Knicks on Wednesday. Wembanyama said he felt fine after the game and expected to play Friday against the Pacers, but said San Antonio’s medical staff could decide otherwise depending on tests. “It’s a good thing it was just a hyperextension,” Wembanyama said. “It should be minimal, whatever this thing is.” Wembanyama was injured while leaping to gather an offensive rebound over Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns with 10:32 left in the rematch of the NBA Cup final. Wembanyama lost possession when he landed. Replays showed there was no contact with a defender, but Wembanyama’s left foot slid forward. Wembanyama is averaging 24.3 points and 11.7 rebounds for the Southwest Division-leading Spurs (24-9).

Inter-Agency Committee (NST-IAC) which Gregorio heads. “These coming international events fit well with the goal of the NST-IAC and we at the POC are remaining proactive on these efforts,” said Tolentino, also the president of the national federation for cycling, PhilCycling, which is hosting the Asian Cycling Confederation Track Championships in March at the brand-new and International Cycling Union-standard Tagaytay CT Velodrome. Tolentino said expectations are high for Filipino athletes’ participation at the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics next month as well as at the Sanya ABG set April 22 to 30. Also on the POC calendar are the Nagoya Asian Games in September and the Jeddah Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games. The SEA Plus YG are designed for athletes aged 17 and under who will compete in two mandatory sports, a maximum of 12 Olympic sports, maximum of five Asian non-Olympic sports and one traditional sport with up to six medal events. Tolentino is the founding president of the SEA Plus YG which counts as members Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam and Timor Leste. The “Plus” refers to at least one invited Asian NOC in other Asian subregion for each edition of the Games for the purpose of providing added competition for the region’s grassroots.

THE Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama’s status is day-to-day as Kevin Durant plays a final game for the Nets also with a knee injury caused when someone fell into his leg. AP

Durant talks about ‘injury prone’

KEVIN DURANT left what ended up being his final game with the Brooklyn Nets after getting hurt similar to the way Nikola Jokic just was. In fact, Durant missed time two seasons in a row with a knee injury caused when someone fell into his leg. “One thing I don’t want to see with Nikola is like, they started calling me ‘injury prone’ after that, but hopefully they don’t start with him because it’s one of those freak injuries that you can’t really control,” Durant said Thursday night after the Rockets beat the Nets, 120-96, in his return to Brooklyn. “You can do all the work you can, but somebody falls into your knee, that’s just tough.” Jokic, the three-time NBA MVP, was hurt Monday night in Miami when Denver teammate Spencer Jones stepped on the center’s left foot while defending a drive by Miami’s Jaime

Serious tennis time going on Down Under

Solid team from the north The Abra Solid North Weavers dominate the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League in 2025 with a 3-0 sweep of the Quezon Huskers to extend their record winning streak to 36 games behind MVP Dave Ildefonso, National Finals Best Player Jason Brickman, Rookie of the Year Raven Gonzales, three-time national champion Encho Serrano and former Finals MVP Mike Ayonayon. The team went 28-1 won-lost in the season, absorbing the lone defeat in the eliminations. MPBL PHOTO

GINEBRA’S RJ Abbarientos—shown against Converge’s Justin Arana during their knockout quarterfinals game—is named Player of the Week. PBA IMAGES Jaquez Jr. as time was about to expire in the second quarter. Jokic’s knee buckled a bit and he collapsed to the court, grabbing at the knee. The Nuggets said Tuesday he will be evaluated again in four weeks. Durant sprained the medial collateral ligament of his left knee in January 2022 when teammate Bruce Brown was knocked backward and fell into his knee. He ended up missing 21 games with that injury. Then, Durant was hurt on the same court as Jokic when then-Heat star Jimmy Butler fell backward into his right knee in a January 8, 2023, game, causing another sprained ligament. He never played again for the Nets, who traded him to Phoenix a month later. He finally got on the court for the Suns in March after a 20-game absence. Jokic’s injury was a hyperextension, perhaps allowing him to return more quickly. “So it’s good to see it’s only four weeks and it’s not anything too big,” Durant said. “It wasn’t an MCL sprain or Level 2, it felt like it was just a tweak and he’s going to be back out there soon. He’s great for the game and you want to see the best players on the floor at all times.” AP

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RISBANE, Australia—If it’s a new year, it must be serious tennis time Down Under. Just over six weeks since the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) and Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) held their respective 2025 Finals, players on the men’s and women’s tours are arriving in Australia and New Zealand for a crammed two-week schedule of tournaments ahead of the Australian Open, the year’s first Grand Slam event starting January 18 in Melbourne. Leading the way is the United Cup, a mixed teams event which will be played in Perth and Sydney beginning Friday and finishing January 11—the tournament will feature four of the world’s top 10 men and women including Coco Gauff, Taylor Fritz, Alex de Minaur, Iga Świątek, Alexander Zverev, Jasmine Paolini and Felix Auger-Aliassime. Also during the first full week of 2026, the Brisbane International will be headlined by defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, fresh off the Battle of the Sexes exhibition against Nick Kyrgios in Dubai. Also on from January 4 to 10 is the Canberra International, a joint ATP Challenger and WTA 125 tournament in Australia’s capital city. But missing from the pre-Australian Open tournaments are the two biggest names in men’s tennis: No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz and second-ranked Jannik Sinner. AP

Fireworks start to go ablaze as PHL Cup semis get going

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By Josef Ramos

HE semifinals for the most important Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) crown fire off the blocks on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum—defending champion San Miguel Beer against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and TNT Tropang 5G versus Meralco. Sister teams taking on each other in best-of-seven series—TNT-Meralco at 5:15 p.m. and SMB-Ginebra at 7:30 p.m. It’s an almost even showdown in both semifinals putting in strong consideration that PBA teams genetically go ballistic and top-level tactical come the playoffs—they burn more midnight oil strategizing. For SMB coach Leo Austria, Ginebra will always be extremely tough opponents especially for this one where the Gin Kings’ fabled armor went to work against an overachieving Converge side. “Experience remains as one of Ginebra’s primary weapon besides them having a great sixth man—the crowd,” Austria told BusinessMirror on Friday. “We know how good they are and we are all extremely excited to meet them at the series.”

DEFENDING champion Aryna Sabalenka will headline the Brisbane International. AP

Despite topping the eliminations at 9-2 won-lost—including an 8381 victory over Ginebra—Austria expects the semifinals to be peppered with humps. If they don’t get it in four, Austria said the series would be done in six— worst, go the full route. But he’s blessed no Beerman is limping to the semifinals. “Everybody’s healthy,” he said. “And the players are expected to do whatever it takes to play a high level of basketball.” Nine-time MVP 6 June Mar Fajardo remained true to form with 17.4 points, 15.3 rebounds and 5.08 assists in the elimination round—he had 26 points, 23 rebounds and six assists in SMB’s 101-94 win over NLEX in the quarterfinals. Cone, on the other hand, views the Beermen as an adversary who they’re familiar with and vice versa. “We know them and they know us, that’s why we’re preparing so hard…no break for us during the holidays,” Cone said. The Gin Kings toppled the FiberXers’ twice-to-beat advantage and needed coldblooded baskets from Jeremiah Gray— three charities to force overtime—and Stephen Holy—a buzzer-beating threepointer to snatch victory. Tropang 5G, meanwhile, cruised to the semifinals with their 118-109 rout of Magnolia in the quarterfinals—but they’ll face the Bolts who’re inspired by the scars of their quarterfinals battle with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters that went the full two games. They beat the Elastopainters, 96-79, and 98-89 in the knockout encounter only last Monday. For coach Luigi Trillo, his team which won the cup last season have to dismantle the defense their semifinals opponents are known for. “We need to crack the defensive code, we know how good TNT is even without RHJ [Rondae HollisJefferson],” Trillo said. “This team came so short of winning a grand slam, that’s a testament to their toughness.” Meralco beat TNT, 3-2, when they last met in in the semifinals of the 2019 Governors Cup but in this conference’s eliminations, the Bolts squandered a 46-23 lead for a 98-100 overtime loss.