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CAN TOUGH LOVE REALLY PRODUCE GOOD PERSONS?
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By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco
PANKING and physical discipline with objects like sticks, brooms, or hangers were widely accepted and considered effective by many parents, favoring the “spare the rod, spoil the child” to correct the misbehavior of a child.
Such support for “tough love” has recently found its way into some arguments meant to delve into why, it seems, some of the younger generations these days seem “weak” and impulsively point to their “mental health” problems when in crisis. An expert, however, has asserted that, everything else considered, it is still not good parenting to use force on a child; and that it won’t “toughen” the child against crisis in the future. For Psychology Professor Dr. Liane Peña Alampay of the Ateneo de Manila University, more frequent spanking is linked to greater anxiety and aggression in children over time, as she cited international research that includes Filipino families. Alampay presented the findings during the recent Ateneo Breakthroughs Lecture. The findings challenge the familiar belief that “pamamalo” produces more disciplined children, pointing instead to the benefits of warm relationships in the home, clear expectations, and nonviolent disciplining.
Largest global multicultural project
IN her Ateneo Breakthroughs Lecture, Alampay drew from the Parenting Across Cultures (PAC)
research project, the largest multicultural and longitudinal study of its kind in the world. Over 15 years, the PAC project followed children and their parents in nine countries—some 4,500 families in China, Colombia, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, the Philippines, Sweden, Thailand, and the USA. As the Philippine site lead, Alampay examined how parenting shapes child development and how culture influences parent-child relationships. Alampay said that the beliefs of parents and attitudes, behaviors, relationship with children shape a personal, physical growth, psychological adjustment, cognitive development, pro-social behaviors, and anti-social behaviors. "These are borne out of of a wealth of research studies, but also in our personal experiences as children of our parents, and as caregivers ourselves" Alampay emphasized during the lecture.
Corporal punishment
ACROSS the various cultures it studied, the PAC project found that more frequent physical punishment predicted greater anxiety and aggression. Cultural acceptance of the practice sometimes weakened these outcomes, but did not transform physical punishment into a
DISCIPLINE WITHOUT VIOLENCE Dr. Liane Peña Alampay, a psychology professor at Ateneo de Manila University, discusses research showing that more frequent physical punishment is associ-
ated with greater anxiety and aggression in children. Drawing on the 15-year, nine-country Parenting Across Cultures study, Alampay challenges the belief that spanking builds discipline, emphasizing warm parent-child relationships, clear expectations and nonviolent approaches to correcting children’s behavior. CLAUDETH MOCON-CIRIACO
beneficial practice. “In no instance does corporal punishment have positive effects,” Alampay said, underscoring the project’s findings. She noted that in the Philippine context, corporal punishment is often synonymous with discipline. “But I want to correct that; there are many types and forms of discipline. We need to discipline our children, but in ways that are not harsh or inflicting pain,” she explained. Alampay’s research chal-
lenges the assumption that warm, accepting parenting is a Western approach unsuited to Filipino families. Across the nine countries, rejection, neglect, and hostility toward the child were consistently associated with later emotional and behavioral difficulties that remained from age seven to 14. In contrast, children who felt valued and accepted were protected from aggressive or antisocial behaviors, depression, and anxiety in relationships. Alampay also said that pre-
venting school violence depends on addressing children’s relationships at home and in school. Rejection or harsh parenting at home can combine with bullying and exclusion in school, leaving distressed young people vulnerable to online groups that encourage violence. “Of course, we need to make schools safe spaces, not just safe in terms of cameras and bag searches, but safe with a teacher, safe with classmates,” she said, calling for parenting support and environments where children feel accepted and can trust adults.
Authoritative vs. authoritarian parenting
THE Filipino parents represented in the research were among those reporting the strongest authoritarian attitudes, emphasizing strictness, obedience, and respect for authority. Alampay distinguished this approach from authoritative parenting, which combines rules and expectations with warmth, open communication, and recognition of the child’s perspective. Moreover, close family ties also Continued on A2
PESO EXCHANGE RATES n US 63.4190 n JAPAN 0.4045 n UK 84.9815 n HK 8.0935 n CHINA 9.5012 n SINGAPORE 49.6469 n AUSTRALIA 44.5075 n EU 71.1498 n KOREA 0.0479 n SAUDI ARABIA 16.9036 Source: BSP (October 23, 2026)
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A2 Sunday, October 25, 2026
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Children’s singer Raffi on his 50-year career, screen time and Ms. Rachel By R.J. RICO
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to a child. Children are very intelligent. They ask great questions. You should respect the intelligence of the young learner — keep in mind that young children are learning the most sophisticated tasks of language acquisition, syntax, grammar and conversational skills all without being in university.
The Associated Press
IFTY years ago, Raffi was a struggling folk singer driving across Toronto, lugging boxes containing his debut children’s album, “Singable Songs for the Very Young,” hoping to convince stores to sell the record. The album was a word-ofmouth hit and, coupled with 1980’s “Baby Beluga,” transformed the Egypt-born singer of Armenian descent into one of North America’s most famous children’s musicians. Raffi’s fun and heartwarming songs, including “Down By the Bay” and “Shake My Sillies Out,” remain a mainstay for parents and teachers of young children, even as the way kids consume music has changed significantly. “Well, the technology changes; children don’t,” Raffi told The Associated Press in a recent interview via Zoom from his home in western Canada. And the 78-year-old isn’t done yet. His latest album, “Love is Everywhere,” comes out Friday and features songs that celebrate individuality (“No One Like You”),
as well as “ABC Democracy” — a pro-voting anthem that reflects his longstanding willingness to wade into politics and activism. He’s also marking the 50th anniversary of “Singable Songs” with a special reissue Nov. 13. Raffi spoke to the AP about the enduring appeal of his music, why he once turned down a deal from the producers of Shrek, and his kinship with Ms. Rachel, the children’s entertainer who has been an outspoken advocate for kids in Gaza and those detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Remarks have been edited for clarity and brevity. AP: What’s the process of writing a Raffi song in 2026? And how is it different from when you were working in the ’70s?
RAFFI poses for a portrait on Thursday, October 1, 2026, in Toronto. ARTHUR MOLA/INVISION/AP
RAFFI: What’s the same is that I’m considering my audience and what songs would appeal directly to them, and what songs would stretch the imagination of a child. And what’s different is that I’ve got 50 years of songwriting behind me right now, so I certainly feel confident, more so than ever,
in what I’m doing. It’s a good feeling to know that when I write and record a song now, it’ll have a long shelf life. My fans still tell me that “Baby Beluga” is the one song that will calm their child when needed, and I think, “Wow, that song came out, what, 46 years ago?”
ian children, like the right of any child, to live and thrive. When we say every child, we mean it. How would anyone deny the children of any region or any people the right to self-determination, to love and respect? I’m right there with Ms. Rachel. Her heart and my heart resonate well.
The new album is called “Love is Everywhere.” At a time when so much of what’s happening in the world is so frightening, is it harder to write such hopeful songs? The theme of the album is the power of love. This album is a response to these times that, for so many of us, feel anxious and worrisome. And the fact is that love is everywhere. You can say, “How is that so?” And I would say to you, “Are there children everywhere? Yes. Is there love everywhere? Yes.” It’s so wonderful that there are others echoing this call of love, and Ms. Rachel is doing this brilliantly. I’m such a champion of this kind of effusive expression of love and caring for every child.
When “Singable Songs” was released 50 years ago, kids were listening on record players or cassettes. Nowadays, they’re listening via Spotify or YouTube. Has that changed how kids listen to music? Well, the technology changes; children don’t. It’s up to us adults, though, to make sure that the technology that children are surrounded by doesn’t interfere with the healthy development of their brains, hearts and imagination.
What’s your relationship with Ms. Rachel? I know you’ve defended her against some blowback she’s gotten, particularly regarding her comments about the crisis in Gaza. Well, Ms. Rachel is a “Beluga grad” (Raffi’s term for children who grew up listening to his music). We had a wonderful video meeting about a year ago. I told her how happy I am with what she’s done on her YouTube offerings. And then I saw her very brave stance on the rights of Palestin-
One track that stood out to me from the new album was “ABC Democracy.” What was the inspiration for that song? I wrote “ABC Democracy” a year ago and released it as a single. And then I found out that children loved that song. It must be because I wrote the best first line of a song ever: “A, B, C, Dee-mocracy!” They hear that, and they’re hooked because they love the ABCs. And then there can be this conversation with mom or dad as to, “Hey, what is this about?” Learning about our civic duties from a young age — who could ask for more than that? What do adults tend to sometimes forget or get wrong about kids? You don’t need to talk down
You’ve been clear about never wanting to exploit kids for cash through advertising, toys, etc. What offers have you left on the table? You wouldn’t exploit those who you respect, right? Why would you exploit the innocence of a young child who isn’t able to appraise the sales pitch if you’re directly advertising or even indirectly to children through fast food joints? It’s not fair to young children to have someone they look up to selling them things that they’re not old enough to understand. So I’ve consistently left on the table all these offers, including one from the producers of Shrek who wanted to make a “Baby Beluga” film. We asked the question, “Will this movie be directly advertised through fast-food joints?” “Oh yes,” they said. So we said, “No thank you. We don’t do that.” Finally, we had a lightning round of questions from kids that we wanted to pose to you. Nine-year-old Coco asks, “Do you like apples or bananas better?” Both! Four-year-old Miles asks, “What do you look like? Are you a giant?” Ha! (In deep voice) Yes I am! To a small child, I probably look quite big, but no bigger than other adults. I’m about 5-foot-8 1⁄2. Six-year-old Walt asks, “What part do you play in ‘Bananaphone’?” I’m the guy who sings about the banana and eats it too. That’s me. A troubadour with a peel! Four-year-old Henry asks, “What’s your favorite song?” It might just be “Bananaphone,” or it might be “Baby Beluga.” I really like “Baby Beluga” because, you know, it’s a love song, and when you love a beautiful creature like a Beluga whale, you want to protect it. Seven-year-old Elsa asks, “How do you choose what to sing about?” Well, I just think of what would be fun for me, and then I think of what would be fun for the audience that I’m singing with, because they sing with me. That’s how I decide.
Can tough love really produce good persons? Continued from A1
emerged as a potential strength. Valuing family responsibilities—such as helping in the home, spending time with the family, supporting siblings, and respecting parents—predicted later helpful behavior and, among Filipino participants, protected against the effects of negative parenting by shaping the meanings of parent behaviors. This variable may be related but not equivalent to “utang na loob.” How family obligations can bring about positive as well as negative effects among the youth needs further study. She added that parenting also reflects pressures outside the home: financial hardship, unsafe neighborhoods, and household instability can strain parents’ well-being and relationships, increasing the risk of harsh parenting.
Putting research into practice
AS a way of putting research into practice, Alampay discussed Masayang Pamilya (MaPa), a Philippine adaptation of the Parenting for Lifelong Health support intervention that aims to promote positive caregiver-child relationships, prevent violence in the home, and enhance caregiver and child well-being. MaPa teaches caregivers practical skills through model scripts, guided practice, illustrated stories, and stress management. A randomized controlled trial of MaPa for young children found reductions in child maltreatment sustained a year after the program. Likewise, her team is working with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to expand MaPa through family development sessions for conditional cash transfer beneficiaries.
Alampay shared that the best way to reach parents is through support and empathy, rather than judgment for most parents do not intentionally choose negative parenting. They would like to see their children thrive but do not know how to do it. “We are also products of our history and how we were parented; it is all we know,” she said, added that it is reassuring, however, that when provided with inputs, parents are motivated to unlearn past practices and learn new behaviors that will help foster positive relationships. Alampay’s lecture is part of the Ateneo Breakthroughs Lecture Series’ current focus on the family, bringing Ateneo de Manila University research into public conversations about children, relationships, and well-being.
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Sunday, October 25, 2026
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Europe’s killer heat this summer claims 50K lives. Climate change blamed for two-thirds of deaths By Seth Borenstein
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Ap Science Writer
ASHINGTON—Blistering record heat in Europe this summer helped kill more than 50,000 people, with nearly twothirds of that death toll blamed on human-caused climate change, a new study found. Researchers modeled heatrelated deaths for different age groups in 854 European cities during repeated heat waves in June, July and August and found that 50,391 people died from warmer temperatures, and of those, 32,619 died because of the extra heat caused by the burning of coal, oil and gas, according to a study in an upcoming issue of Nature Health. That’s 71% higher than the previous deadliest summer, which was 29,480 in 2022, according to the same researchers, who produced a study earlier this month tracking yearly summer heat-related deaths in those European cities. And this summer’s death figures are underestimates because they don’t count a deadly heat wave in May and they only look at deaths in those 854 cities, which are about 40% of Europe’s population, study authors said. About one-third of the deaths were from June 17 to July 1, a particularly intense heat wave when temperatures were 9.5 degrees Fahrenheit (5.3 degrees Celsius)
above normal, said study co-author Garyfallos Konstantinoudis, a biostatistician at Imperial College London. “Much of Western and Northern Europe, our infrastructure is just not designed to cope with the sort of temperatures that we are seeing now because of the effects of human-caused warming,” said lead author Clair Barnes, a climate scientist at Imperial College London. She said some European cities this summer had temperatures 21.6 F (12 C) warmer than normal. Of those 50,000, more than 32,000 died from the added heat of human-caused climate change, the study also found. Italy, France, Spain and Germany had the highest death tolls, the study said. Of all the European capitals, Rome had the highest heat death total from 2000 to 2025, according to the team’s study earlier this month.
An extra dose of heat from fossil fuel burning
THIS would’ve already been an
abnormal natural hot spell on top of a huge amount of climate change, Barnes said. She said Europe is the fastest-warming continent—although the Arctic, which is not a continent, is warming even faster—and is 4.5 F (2.5 C) hotter than pre-industrial times. “Just the underlying warming from human activity, from mostly the burning of fossil fuels, it’s increasing all of our temperatures by what sounds like quite a small amount,” Barnes said. “For many people, it’s certainly the case that that extra two-and-a-half degrees (Celsius) of warming is what’s going to tip those temperatures from uncomfortable to dangerous and potentially deadly.” More than half of the people who died in Europe’s heat were age 85 or older, but the stifling temperatures also killed more than 800 people between the ages of 20 and 44, Konstantinoudis said.
How the death numbers are calculated
THE team used an established and accepted scientific method to figure out how many of the 50,000 heat deaths were from natural high summer heat and how many were due to what heat-trapping gases have done to the climate. They ran computer simulations of a world without climate change and compared it to the deaths that happened this summer. The difference is what was caused by global warming. The percentage of heat deaths attributable to global warming has grown from about 45% in the early 2000s to 65% now, Barnes said. “Summers are getting hotter,
and the analytical tools for attributing deaths to heat are getting more accurate,” said Dr. Howard Frumkin, former director of the National Center for Environmental Health in the US, who wasn’t part of the study. “Together, these two trends yield increasingly high and increasingly accurate counts of heat-related deaths.” The scientific team also had to use statistical modeling to come up with the base count of 50,000 heat deaths because those deaths are underreported and often not listed in death certificates, despite being a major factor, Konstantinoudis said. Several outside experts agreed with him, calling the methods state-of-the-art. The researchers ran a complex mathematical equation that has been used in several previously peer-reviewed studies, Barnes said, which factors in specific age and temperatures for each of the 854 cities based on a localized optimal temperature that coincides with the fewest deaths. When it’s warmer or colder, the equation calculates excess deaths above lowest-death conditions. Researchers then checked their calculations against real-time estimates from government agencies. Mostly—but not always—they matched fairly well, Konstantinoudis said. The team’s methods for May and June British heat waves calculated 2,700 excess deaths and the United Kingdom health statistics agency said it was 2,800, he said.
Cooling and adapting are needed, but they’re not enough
“WE need to prepare for the heat
In India, police shootings of alleged cow smugglers raise alarm about impunity and bias By Erika Kinetz & Piyush Rai
Activists say the practice is now spreading to nearby BJP-run states like Haryana, Bihar, Uttarakhand and the outskirts of the nation’s capital, New Delhi.
The Associated Press
M
EERUT, India—The police videos follow a predictable script: A man shot in the lower leg hobbles through darkness as officers escort him away. Police across India’s most populous state have shot hundreds of suspects in near-identical encounters that often target Muslims accused of cow smuggling, an offense closely tied to cow protection laws rooted in Hindu religious belief, according to an Associated Press investigation. Police have publicized the shootings as part of a broad crackdown on crime and characterize them as acts of self-defense. Activists, opposition leaders and local judges, however, say the violence amounts to extrajudicial punishment and intimidation that disproportionately impacts India’s large Muslim minority, and undermines the rule of law in the world’s largest democracy. “This is a dangerous situation,” said Mangla Verma, a human rights lawyer based in New Delhi. “It’s become a routine police practice…Instead of investigating, police kill or injure a person and justice is done.” The Center for the Study of Organized Hate, a Washington-based think tank, compiled records of nearly 650 cases of suspects accused of cow smuggling who have been shot and injured by Uttar Pradesh police since 2020. Its findings were shared exclusively with the AP, which independently reviewed a sample of more than 200. The overwhelming majority of cases involved Muslims, the center found. In case after case, bullets struck the same part of the suspect’s body—the leg, most often below the knee. This reporting is based only on incidents police themselves publicized and almost certainly represents an undercount. Amitabh Yash, a senior Uttar Pradesh police official, told the AP that police are instructed to respond only in self-defense, and said police in his state have killed and injured far fewer suspects, per capita, than
Experts question the consistent pattern in shootings
A VILLAGER rides a bullock cart past a truck bearing a painting of a cow and her calf in a village near Muzaffarnagar in India’s Uttar Pradesh state, Tuesday, April 15, 2025. AP/MANISH SWARUP
police in the United States. Yash said there is no order to shoot suspects in the leg and added that he would investigate the consistent pattern of injuries if an appropriate complaint were lodged. “The police must be questioned for every action they take. Every action is open to scrutiny, whether it is a death or an injury,” he said. “In the last year, there has been no reason to punish any police officer for inappropriate use of force.”
‘Operation Lame’ is now spreading to other states
THE tactic of shooting to injure, known locally as “Operation Langda”—or “Operation Lame”—has become widespread across Uttar Pradesh. It is deployed against suspects accused of cow smuggling as well as other crimes, including theft and rape. Cattle smuggling is an offense that carries particular weight in India, where cows are revered by many Hindus and cow protection has been politically charged. India has a long history of so-called encounter killings, in which police shoot and kill a suspect often under dubious circumstances. Some activists argue that police have evolved their strategy, shooting to injure instead of kill in what are known locally as “half encounters,” to spark less
public outcry. The violence has unfolded alongside a political push for tougher policing under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his allies in Uttar Pradesh, who have promoted a “zero tolerance” policy against criminals to instill fear and promote law and order. Uttar Pradesh is led by Yogi Adityanath, a Hindu monk-turned-politician and a senior leader of Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party. From the time Adityanath took office as chief minister in March 2017 through Oct. 13 of this year, 316 suspects were killed in encounters and 110 of them were Muslim, according to state police data obtained by the AP. That’s a higher proportion than the state’s overall population, which is around one in five Muslim. Over the same period, 12,890 suspects were injured, while 18 police were killed and 1,953 injured in the line of duty. Data on the religion of suspects injured by police was not available. The zero tolerance policy “has increased fear among criminals and strengthened the feeling of security among the general public,” Uttar Pradesh police said in a May statement. “This is the reason why the state’s law and order is being appreciated at the national level.”
In social media posts publicized by police, officers describe similar scenes: suspects fleeing, police coming under fire and officers shooting to disable rather than kill. But human rights advocates have long alleged that many police shootings in India occur when the suspect doesn’t pose a threat. Some question the consistent pattern of bullets delivered below the knee, arguing that it suggests the wounds were not really inflicted in self-defense. “Such incidents make a mockery of the law. They sabotage the system,” said Sandeep Pandey, an activist and opposition political leader based in Uttar Pradesh. “It’s state-sponsored violence.” Dr. Mohd Kaleem Khan, a professor of forensic medicine at Aligarh Muslim University’s Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College in Uttar Pradesh, said it is highly unlikely a bullet could be delivered horizontally, without touching bone, through the calf muscle of a person who was fleeing or fighting, especially at a distance. “It’s not a shot in defense,” he said. “It’s a deliberate close shot of a person.” Judges warn that police impunity is a threat to democracy The violence has drawn judicial scrutiny. In January, the Allahabad High Court, the state’s highest judicial authority, issued a rare public rebuke of the growing number of police shootings in Uttar Pradesh, warning that officers cannot replace the justice system and chastising police for failing to comply with legally mandated reporting and investigation procedures. “This Court has noticed that the practice of police encounters, particularly firing at the legs of accused persons, has seemingly become a routine feature,” one judge wrote See “Cow,” A4
we cannot now avoid, with urgent investments in heat earlywarning systems, equitable access to low-carbon cooling, and neighborhood buddy systems that check on and support people most at risk—while rapidly reducing the fossil fuel use driving the crisis,” said Canadian emergency room physician Dr. Courtney Howard, presidentelect of the Canadian Medical Association, who wasn’t part of the research. Adapting is only part of the answer, said Dr. Jonathan Patz of the
University of Wisconsin-Madison, who wasn’t part of the research but also praised it. “We can’t just be mopping up the mess on the floor without thinking about turning the faucet off,” said Patz, a professor of health and the environment. “So we need prevention at different levels. We need better cooling and protecting vulnerable populations from inevitable increased frequency and extreme heat waves. But we also need to go to the root of the problem and absolutely address the burning of fossil fuels.”
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In Netanyahu stronghold, signs of fraying loyalty emerge on eve of election By Melanie Lidman
K
The Associated Press
IRYAT SHMONA, Israel— Kiryat Shmona has long been a bastion of support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party. But that loyalty is no longer ironclad. Once a bustling commercial center, Israel’s northernmost city was temporarily evacuated three years ago after being battered by rockets from nearby Lebanon, and it still feels half-empty even though the attacks have mostly subsided. Although the town remains staunchly conservative, there are rumblings of displeasure with Netanyahu’s handling of the latest war against the militant group Hezbollah, and that could bode poorly for him in Israel’s election Tuesday. Vowing to stop Hezbollah’s attacks, Netanyahu led a bombing campaign in Lebanon and invaded the country twice since 2023. More than 4,000 Lebanese have been killed, and Israeli troops have occupied a swath of southern Lebanon, leveling multiple towns and displacing an estimated 1 million people. Still, Hezbollah remains active. Some in Kiryat Shmona say Israel should have been even tougher; others say they no longer trust that Netanyahu cares about them. Eti Ben Shabat, 64, says in previous elections she had always
followed her family in voting for Likud, almost without thinking. But in recent years, she said, something snapped. She pointed in part to Netanyahu’s broken promises to bring security to the north and dismantle Hezbollah. “I don’t want the lies to continue,” she said.
In previous elections, support went heavy for Netanyahu
NETANYAHU is unlikely to lose Kiryat Shmona entirely. But even a small dip in its support—and that of other traditional strongholds—could spell trouble for him. It could tip a very tight election to the man aiming to replace him, Gadi Eisenkot. Or it could streng t hen far-r ight par ties, which would likely back Netanyahu to remain prime minister but would then have even greater power in a ruling coalition. Kiryat Shmona has always supported right-wing parties, particularly Likud. In the last elections held in 2021 and 2022, around 50% of voters there chose Likud, compared to a quarter of voters na-
tionwide, according to the Central Elections Committee. “Kiryat Shmona, the way the city is socioeconomically and religion-wise, it is made for the right and specifically Likud,” said Sami Malul, 72, a retired Likud city councilor who served as the town’s acting mayor in 2008. But the town is reeling from the war. The government evacuated Kiryat Shmona and dozens of other towns and villages along the Lebanese border for more than a year – from the time Hezbollah began firing on Israel after Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel until a ceasefire with Hezbollah was reached in late 2024. Netanyahu claimed to have subdued Hezbollah. So trust in him shattered among some in Kiryat Shmona when Hezbollah missiles again started hitting in March after Israel and the US launched their war on Iran. Israel’s subsequent occupation of southern Lebanon has reduced but not stopped Hezbollah fire. Efforts by the Lebanese army to remove Hezbollah from southern Lebanon have made little progress. Kiryat Shmona claims that nearly 80% of its 22,000 residents have returned, but locals say the real figure is closer to 50%. Streets feel empty and abandoned. On the main commercial drags, several shops remain shuttered. Others are open but devoid of customers. Malul insists the government handled the war and the evacuation well, prioritizing residents’ safety. He argued K ir yat Shmona has faced attacks since its
founding and Netanyahu isn’t to blame for the current situation. Many others feel the same. “We really love Bibi, and we can’t choose anyone else, but he should see the needs of his people,” said Maimon Amsalem, using Netanyahu’s nickname. “Keeping our security is the most important thing, we don’t want anything else.”
For some, three years of war triggers a dramatic shift
NISSAN ZEEVI, a third-generation resident of northern Israel who lives in a town adjacent to Kiryat Shmona, has voted for Likud as long as he can remember. But this year he is running for a seat in parliament with the Beyachad opposition party, furious over what he calls Netanyahu’s “abandonment of the north.” During the most recent war with Hezbollah, Zeevi founded Lobby 1701, an activist group advocating for better security in the north. He wants the Israeli military to increase its attacks against Hezbollah and maintain its buffer zone in southern Lebanon until the Lebanese government identifies Hezbollah as a terror organization. “Residents in the north have been in a war for three years that hasn’t ended,” said Zeevi. “You can see the people’s great frustration and great disappointment in Netanyahu.” “Netanyahu still has his base here, who will go with him through fire and water. But people have much more political awareness now,” said Zeevi. “After 20 years, he needs to make way for new leadership.”
Russia turns to a disputed region to keep wheat exports flowing By Pyotr Kozlov Bloomberg News
R
USSI A’S g rain industr y is looking to increasingly niche solutions for shipping wheat as attacks in the Black Sea continue to choke off exports from the world’s biggest supplier. The latest alternative: a tiny port in the Kremlin-backed separatist region of Georgia. Logistics operator Modern Way is offering to transport wheat and other agricultural produce from the Ochamchire port in Abkhazia, according to four people familiar with the plans. Several Russia-based traders and brokers are reviewing the proposal to take the crops to Turkey in containers, they said. The Ochamchire port has a limited capacity, and it’s expensive and unusual to ship grains in containers, a method typically reserved for foodstuffs like highvalue spices and perishable bananas. The proposal underscores the lengths that the industry is going to in its efforts to keep grain flowing. The attacks in the Black Sea are squeezing revenues for farmers and traders, and the Kremlin has been using both pressure and incentives to maintain Russia’s dominant position in the market. Russia accounts for about a fifth of the global wheat trade and its Black Sea ports handled about 90% of exports. Attacks between Russia and Ukraine have virtually halted
shipments from the two nations’ grain hubs, causing wheat prices to spike to a three-year high in August and spurring a search for new transport routes. For Russia, that’s meant tapping the Arctic port of Murmansk and ports in the Baltic Sea. It’s been transporting grains to the Far East via rail. Its traders have also stepped up the use of containers, which are now traveling thousands of miles across Russia to ports as diverse as St Petersburg and Vladivostok on the Pacific. But so far, these alternatives have fallen short of the required volume. “Russia’s willingness to consider virtually every available export outlet indicates that security and continuity of supply are becoming almost as important as
conventional freight economics,” said Swithun Still, a consultant who spent decades trading grains. It “tells us how seriously exporters are taking the disruption to their traditional Black Sea logistics.” It’s not yet clear how many traders will choose the Ochamchire route, said the people who asked not to be named because they weren’t authorized to disclose commercial information. The terminal is ready to start shipping grains to Turkey’s Gebze, pending the opening of a quality inspection service by the end of next month, said an employee at Modern Way who asked not to be named because they weren’t authorized to talk to media. The company transports containers by sea and rail, and has of-
fices in Russia and China, according to its website. It also handles air freight and storage. Modern Way, the Ochamchire port administration, Abkhazia’s ministry of economy and Russia’s ministries of transport and agriculture didn’t respond to emails seeking comment. Abkhazia broke away from Tbilisi in the 1990s, but most of the world recognizes it as part of Georgia. Russia recognized its independence in 2008 following its brief war with Georgia. The Ochamchire container port was completed last year with Russian financial backing amid Moscow’s push to diversify its Black Sea logistics network. Grains are typically transported in dry-bulk vessels with capacity that can even exceed 100,000 tons. A standard 20-foot container can carry about 23 tons of grains, requiring extra cost and time to load, according to freight specialists Kpler. Shipping wheat in containers got a boost in recent months thanks to Russia’s railway subsidies and a collapse in domestic wheat prices as unsold grain piles up on farms. That’s helped partly offset their high freight costs. “Container shipments have moved into this economic gap,” said Arkady Zlochevsky, head of the Russian Grain Union, which represents the local industry. “But they are more expensive, so nobody sees them as a long-term solution for cargoes of this size.”
In a small town, voting along family lines
AROUND town, there’s little evidence that elections are just days away, and little outward excitement for Likud or Netanyahu. A few scattered campaign posters for the smaller right-wing parties f lutter at intersections or are glued onto mobile bomb shelters. Few residents wanted to speak about politics, citing a general feeling of hopelessness and frustration. No candidates have offered a concrete plan for the conflict with Hezbollah, beyond offering vague promises of “strong defense.” In northern Israel as a whole, support for Netanyahu dropped from around 29% just before the last election in 2022 to around 17% in a poll conducted earlier this month for Agam Labs at Hebrew University. Nimrod Nir, the director of Agam Labs, said most Likud voters frustrated with Netanyahu will likely support hardline parties like Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) and the Religious Zionist Party, which advocate tough military action against Israel’s enemies. Waiting outside a downtown hairdresser in Kiryat Shmona, Ben Shabat talked about her decision to support Eisenkot, a former military chief who ordered disproportionate force in response to Hezbollah attacks when he was a general during a 2006 war. Ben Shabat said she trusts Eisenkot as a more honest leader than Netanyahu, who she feels made little effort to connect with
Cow. . . Continued from A3
in a ruling on a bail hearing earlier this year, calling such conduct “wholly impermissible” under the rule of law. The Allahabad High Court suggested some officers may be motivated by career incentives or publicity, noting that police appear to be “misusing their authority in order to attract the attention of higher officers or to create an impression of public sympathy.” In a separate case, another Allahabad High Court judge wrote in June that he had “deep constitutional concern” over what he described as a “culture of institutional impunity” in Uttar Pradesh. Despite such public laments, judicial action in the last decade has been slow. In 2018, for example, the People’s Union for Civil Liberties, a human rights group, presented evidence of police encounter killings in Uttar Pradesh and asked the court to ensure that such incidents are investigated by an independent entity. The case is pending. Since then, the number of police shootings—resulting in both deaths and injuries—in Uttar Pradesh has surged. Yash, the Uttar Pradesh police official, dismissed allegations that justice has become politicized and said police are not rewarded for shooting suspects. “There is no policy of any career advancement related to any police engagement,” he said. “Absolutely none.”
Families say the shootings leave them destitute
THE AP spoke with the families of six Muslim men in Uttar Pradesh who had been shot in the leg by police. All spoke on condition of anonymity, saying they were too fearful to speak publicly. All six men were still in jail or living in hiding at the time. One woman told the AP that her son had supported the extended family by trading buffalo, which don’t fall under cow protection laws. “He’s been left lame. His leg has developed a large swelling,” she said. “If someone gives us something, we accept it. That’s how we’re getting by. That poor man can’t go out and work anymore. Whatever people give us, we eat.” Another woman said her son, who worked as a dairy buffalo trader, had been shot in both knees, leaving the family to
residents in the north and sent soldiers to fight while his own son was in a luxury apartment in Miami. She also pointed to his ongoing corruption trial. Netanyahu made a brief campaign stop in the town on Tuesday. He visited a high school and university, events that were closed to the public, but did not walk around downtown to mingle with residents, as other candidates have done. Her decision to vote for Eisenkot wasn’t easy in a place where Likud support is a matter of identity more than ideology. The town is overwhelmingly made up of Mizrahi Jews, who arrived from Arabic-speaking countries in the Middle East and North Africa in the 1950s. Mizrahi Jews often identify with the right and especially Likud, having faced discrimination by the European-descended elites that traditionally dominate Israeli government, military and business institutions. “Kiryat Shmona is like a small family, we’re always helping each other, it’s one of the things I love about it,” Ben Shabat said. But that close-knit support also comes with social pressure to vote a certain way. At a recent meetup for Eisenkot supporters, the room was packed, but people did not want photos taken of the audience, worrying what their family or neighbors would think, Ben Shabat said. “It’s a small place, so people aren’t speaking about it openly,” she said. “But inside, people really want a change.” survive by taking out small loans. When she went to see him in the hospital, she said, blood was oozing from his wounds. “He’s completely broken,” she said. “He just held our hands. The whole family cried. He cried continuously.”
The police shootings also have a religious dimension
ACCORDING to data compiled by the Center for the Study of Organized Hate, nearly 93% of suspects injured in cow-smugglingrelated encounters were Muslim. Both India’s population and its police are overwhelmingly Hindu. The analysis reflects only the 627 cases where names or other identifying information were available. The evidence collected on hundreds of shootings “clearly shows that the state institutions, particularly the law enforcement, are increasingly being used as the vehicles for the persecution of Muslim minority,” said Raqib Naik, the center’s executive director. “This appears to have evolved into a bureaucratization of persecution, where policing increasingly seems to appear to be intertwined with majoritarian politics.” Under Modi’s leadership, India has moved away from its founding as a secular democracy and toward a Hindufirst state. In Uttar Pradesh, the chief minister, Adityanath, has positioned himself at the hard edge of this surging religious nationalism, and critics say his tough-on-crime approach amounts to a veiled attack on Muslims that panders to the hard-line Hindu vote. “When you shoot people who are carrying cattle, you are sending a message that you are upholding a Hindu agenda,” said Pandey, the activist and opposition leader. Police official Yash said the high proportion of Muslims among cattle smuggling suspects injured by police reflects the large number of Muslims involved in the cattle trade. “The police itself has all castes and religions,” Yash said. “You cannot try to target one group.” India stopped reporting the proportion of Muslims serving as police officers more than a decade ago, when they were significantly underrepresented in Uttar Pradesh at just 4.8% of the force, according to 2013 National Crime Records Bureau data. For victims and their families, the consequences of the shootings can be lasting.
www.businessmirror.com.ph • Editor: Lyn Resurreccion
Sunday, October 25, 2026 A5
Regenerative med’s big promise meets PHL research gap
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Story & photo by Bless Aubrey Ogerio
TEM cell treatments are often discussed in terms of what they might restore: movement in patients with degenerative diseases, faster healing for difficult wounds, or developmental gains in children with autism. But for the doctors behind the Philippine Society for Regenerative Medicine (PSRM), a more pressing question is whether the country has the research capacity to determine which treatments actually work, for whom, and at what risk. The Philippines has clinicians and young researchers interested in the field, but limited facilities for cell-based research, insufficient funding and a shortage of large, rigorous clinical studies are holding back progress, PSRM leaders told BusinessMirror in an exclusive interview. “We are really frank about these things,” said Dr. Daryl Joel C. Dumdum, PSRM co-founder and vice president. Given the high cost of regenerative therapies, patients need to understand whether a treatment is likely to help them and whether it is safe, he added. The gap between scientific possibility and proven medical benefit was central to the society’s first annual convention on October 21 to 22 in Makati City, under the theme “Leading Innovation in Philippine Regenerative Medicine.”
Research is not clinical readiness
DUMDUM estimated that the Philippines is among about 30 percent of the level of more advanced countries in regenerative medicine, although he did not identify a formal benchmark or measurement system for that figure. For her part, PSRM President and co-founder Dr. Quincy P. Raya drew a distinction between producing research papers and conducting robust clinical trials that can establish a therapy’s safety and effectiveness. She also pointed to the absence of a strong research culture in medical training, where research can become a requirement to complete rather than a pursuit that continues throughout a physician’s career. “There is no financial support,” Raya said, adding that medical research also needs stronger legal and technical support. Without these resources, the PSRM head added that local doctors risk remaining dependent on findings generated overseas rather than building evidence suited to
Philippine patients and healthcare conditions. Meanwhile, Dumdum said the country has genomic research capabilities, including a genome center at the University of the Philippines, but noted that its work is different from facilities that culture and expand cells for regenerative research. For PSRM, a professional society could help researchers coordinate studies, develop protocols and subject projects to ethical review. The challenge is building the financial and institutional support to make that work possible.
Promising does not mean proven
REGENERATIVE medicine covers a broad range of approaches, including the study of mesenchymal stromal cells, which researchers are investigating for their potential effects on inflammation and tissue repair. Ot her emerg i ng tec hnolo gies include induced pluripotent stem cells, which can be reprogrammed to behave like stem cells capable of developing into different cell types. These technologies offer research possibilities, but their clinical uses differ in maturity. A biological mechanism that appears plausible does not automatically translate into a treatment that has demonstrated meaningful benefits in people. Raya identified osteoarthritis and diabetes as areas worth investigating. In osteoarthritis, researchers can measure outcomes—such as pain, joint function and cartilage changes. Studies involv ing diabetes could examine measures such as glycated hemoglobin, which
PHILIPPINE Society for Regenerative Medicine (PSRM) founders (from left) Dr. Marivic Juan, Dr. Quincy Raya, and Dr. Daryl Dumdum during a news briefing on October 12 in Makati.
ref lects average blood sugar levels over time. Dumdum also cited wound healing as an area where changes may be observable, alongside research into skin rejuvenation and chronic neurological conditions. But these should not be mistaken for established indications for stem cell therapy. The doctors’ discussion of possible applications does not establish that such treatments are proven or approved for those conditions. Raya herself emphasized that regenerative therapies are not standard diabetes care, for instance, and should not be presented as replacements for established treatment.
The danger of testimonials
THE distinction becomes particularly important in conditions such
Plants, marine sources for art ‘biocolorants’? Mindanao researchers make it possible
The different dyes called “biocolorants” taken from natural sources. SAMPLES of the art works using dyes from plant and marine resources at the recent 2026 Handa Pilipinas Mindanao Leg in Davao City. Story & photos by John Eiron R. Francisco
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AVAO CITY—Local plants and marine organisms are offering new sources of color for art materials, as researchers in the southeasternmost side of Mindanao develop a process to turn natural pigments into powdered colorants for visual artists. Under the project titled “Development of Dye as Art Medium Generated from Natural Assets” (D-Dagta), project exhibitor Eliza Dave Bakiao said the initiative was developed to initially serve Mati City’s community of visual and aspiring artists, while providing an alternative to synthetic dyes that may contain hazardous chemicals, including lead, chromium, cadmium and mercury. “This serves as an alternative to synthetic dyes because of the reported volatile organic compounds and harmful chemicals that could pose health risks and even environmental risks,” Bakiao told the BusinessMirror
in a sideline interview during the 2026 Handa Pilipinas Mindanao Leg in this city. The team calls the resulting mater ia ls “ biocolorants” because they come from natural sources. These include annatto for orange, cuttlefish ink for black, sea hare for purple, coconut for white, butterfly pea flowers for blue, four o’clock flowers (Mirabilis jalapa) for red, and turmeric for yellow. To produce the powdered colorants, the researchers suspend the extracts in distilled water and add maltodextrin, an encapsulating agent that protects the pigments from external conditions. The mixture is then fed into a spray dryer, which converts t he l iqu id for mu l at ion i nto powder by rapidly removing its moisture. Inside the machine, the liquid is dispersed into tiny droplets and exposed to a stream of hot air. The water evaporates quickly, leaving behind fine particles containing the colorant and maltodextrin.
“One of the concer ns w ith natura l dyes is that they fade easily over time and are more prone to m ic robi a l g row t h. A nd so, our process uses spray dr y ing,” Ba k iao said. The Department of Science and Technology’s National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP) funded the spray dryer used in the project, which began this year. Although research is still ongoing, preliminary observations have shown no discoloration or microbial growth in the powdered colorants during an initial monitoring period of about one month, Bakiao said. She cautioned, however, that the observation period remains limited. The researchers still need to conduct dermal irritation tests to determine whether the colorants are safe for artists who may come into contact with them. Ba k iao sa id t hese assessments are necessary before the materials can be considered for commercial use. The research team includes Wilanfranco C. Tayone, RCh, PhD; Janeth C. Tayone, RCh, PhD;
Gorjel E. Llanita, PhD; Marvin L. Tiberio; and Hayma T. Usman, with Dr. Jonel P. Saludes serving as consultant.
Coloring art, supporting farmers
LOCAL artist Marvin Tiberio, an advocate of natural pigments, said he was satisfied with the initial results of the colorants based on his own experience using them, although he acknowledged that further refinements are needed before they can be made commercially available. Tiberio said the initiative could help address the limited access to commercially available art materials among artists in Mati City, where skilled practitioners may lack the resources to pursue their craft. He also sees potential benefits for local farmers if demand for the plants used in producing the colorants increases. “If there is a demand for these plants, they will plant more because there is a demand,” he said, pointing to the possibility of creating additional market opportunities for farmers growing plants that produce yellow, red and other pigments.
as autism, where families may be searching for interventions that could improve communication, behavior or daily functioning. Raya said small improvements can mean a great deal to parents, but claims of benefit need to be measured against defined developmental and functional assessments. Evaluations by independent specialists can help reduce the risk that expectations or the involvement of the treating provider influence the results. “If you’re given a free trial, of course, your testimony is good,” Raya said, pointing to the influence that sponsored or free treatments can have on how patients and families perceive outcomes. Anecdotes can help explain why people pursue a treatment, but they cannot reliably establish
that the treatment caused an improvement. Changes may ref lect other therapies, natural development, dif ferences in assessment or other factors. Controlled studies and independent evaluation are needed to distinguish those possibilities. Dumdum, meanwhile, stressed that regenerative medicine is not a one-size-fits-all intervention, particularly for autism, a spectrum condition with varied developmental and support needs. He described stem cell treatment as a possible adjunct rather than a cure, while emphasizing that patients should continue appropriate therapies. The same caution applies to other conditions: a treatment may help some patients without benefiting everyone, and claims of guaranteed results should raise questions rather than inspire confidence.
From promise to evidence
THE PSRM’s immediate challenge is to help build the research and clinical infrastructure needed to evaluate regenerative therapies responsibly. Its outlook for 2026 to 2030 includes expanding institutional partnerships, physician education, specialized training and collaborative research, with patient safety and evidence-based standards as priorities. The society’s briefing document lists illustrative targets for 2030, including 30 to 50 institutional partners, 10 to 15 qualified training or referral sites and five to 10 collaborative research projects. These are planning scenarios, not established national commitments or forecasts.
PHL to use forest DNA database to combat illegal timber trade
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HE illegal timber and wood trade in the Philippines is severely threatening the country’s remaining forest cover driven by high international demand for premium timber and luxury forest products. Thus, the Philippines’ Science department is developing a DNA-based identification platform to strengthen the protection of Philippine forests and to make it harder to market illegally sourced timber. Through the Department of Science and Technology-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI), the Philippine Forest DNA Database is being developed as a reference system that will allow authorities and other users to identify timber species at the molecular level. Th e d at a b a s e w i l l s u p p o r t t h e identification and verification of unknown wood samples and endemic species, even those listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. said this innovation is ultimately about protecting both the country’s forests and the people who depend on them. “When we can identify our forest products with greater certainty, we strengthen our ability to protect and sustainably manage what remains of our forests,” he said “Timber can be difficult to identify once a tree has been cut, processed, or turned into a finished product. By the time wood reaches a checkpoint, port, or market, its species may already be difficult to confirm,” explained DOST-FPRDI Director Rico J. Cabangon. For years, wood identification has relied largely on examining a sample’s physical and anatomical characteristics, but this only works well when the features are still intact. When the wood is processed or heavily degraded, identifying it may pose a challenge. DNA analysis identify the wood by examining the biological information contained in the sample itself. Through the new Wood and Nonwood DNA Laboratory, DOST-FPRDI can extract DNA from wood samples and use molecular characteristics to determine their species.
According to DNA Project Lead Forester Jennifer M. Conda, the process involves the collection and grinding of wood samples, followed by cell lysis, or the the breaking down of a cell’s outer membrane or wall to release its internal contents, and contaminant removal. The DNA is then isolated, washed, and purified for further analysis. This procedure can complement traditional wood identification, and provide more specific scientific evidence when physical characteristics are difficult to recognize. Its significant use being a scientific tool for law enforcement agencies investigating suspected illegal timber. It can likewise provide stronger evidence for legitimate producers and exporters that their products are properly identified and documented. This innovation can suppor t the exportation of Philippine forest products, especially since the United States, Australia, and the European countries have strict requirements for imported timber and other forest products. Thus, reliable species identification can help demonstrate that Philippine products meet foreign requirements. “The goal goes beyond identifying wood. It is about giving the Philippines better science to protect its forests, uphold legal and sustainable trade, and safeguard the resources that future generations will inherit,” Cabangon said. The DOST-Grants-In-Aid Program funded the Wood and Nonwood DNA Laboratory, and it is being monitored by the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development. Th e D N A te a m i s co nt i n u o u s l y strengthening their capacity for DNA extraction and sequencing, with the ultimate goal of establishing a comprehensive molecular reference for Philippine timber species. The Institute plans to open the facility to the public once the database has been fully established, with testing services projected to be offered by 2030. Erika Mae V. Marmol and Maria Greatchin S. Brucal/S&T News Services
A6 Sunday, October 25, 2026
Faith
Sunday Editor: Lyn Resurreccion • www.businessmirror.com.ph
Cardinal David warns vs rise of ‘spiritual celebrities’
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ILOAN, Cebu—Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan has warned Catholic charismatic communities against the rise of “spiritual celebrities,” saying spiritual gifts must serve the Church rather than personal prestige. Addressing the second National Spiritual Direction Conference of CHARIS Philippines in Liloan town in Cebu on October 20, he said spiritual gifts should strengthen the Christian community, not elevate individuals above others. “The Holy Spirit does not distribute gifts to create spiritual celebrities. The Spirit distributes gifts to build up the Body of Christ,” David said. He said gifts such as preaching,
healing and discernment should strengthen the community, not become tools for gaining recognition, influence or authority within charismatic groups. “A charism is a gift of the Spirit not for the individual alone, but for the community,” David said, warning against rivalry and the pursuit of spiritual prestige. He also urged charismatic leaders to avoid making followers dependent on their personal gifts, saying leadership should help
CARDINAL Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan speaks at the second National Spiritual Direction Conference of CHARIS Philippines in Liloan, Cebu, on October 20. NORMAN DEQUIA
people develop their own abilities and take responsibility for the Church’s mission. “The purpose of leadership is not to make people dependent on leaders. It is rather to help them become mature disciples, capable of exercising their own gifts and responsibilities,” David said.
Authentic spiritual renewal, he added, must lead to concrete service, especially through greater concern for marginalized people, a commitment to justice and active participation in the Church’s mission. The cardinal also linked spiritual growth to synodality, the Church’s emphasis on listening, shared responsibility and collective discernment, urging communities to recognize each member’s gifts and discern the Spirit’s guidance together. The October 19 to 21 conference brought together about 165 delegates, including bishops, priests, consecrated persons and lay leaders from dioceses and charismatic groups across the Philippines. The gathering aimed to deepen participants’ formation in spiritual direction and strengthen their involvement in the life and mission of the Catholic Church. Norman Dequia/CBCP News
Bishop urges wider consultation on proposed Pax Silica hub
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HE Catholic Church’s social action arm on September 22 called for broader consultation and dialogue over the proposed Pax Silica industrial and technology hub in the Philippines, saying the project appeared to be moving too quickly. C a r it a s Ph i l ippi nes P resident Bishop Gerardo Alminaza said there had not been enough study or consultation with communities that could be affected, particularly the Indigenous Aeta communities. “It seems like they are rushing it. It also seems that there has not been enough study or enough consultation with the communities and people who will actually be affected, especially the Aeta
communities,” Alminaza said. He called for clearer information about the project’s potential impact on land, water, the environment and surrounding communities, and said authorities must ensure the development does not cause lasting harm. “The Church, especially us at Caritas Philippines, is open to reaching out and engaging in dialogue,” Alminaza said. Pa x Si l ic a i s a pro p o s e d 1,620-hectare development in New Clark City, Tarlac, intended to attract investments in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, critical minerals and advanced manufacturing. T he Bases Conversion and D e v e lo pme nt A ut hor it y h a s
CARITAS Philippines president Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of San Carlos. OUR LADY OF MT. CARMEL PARISH-ESCALANTE CITY/FACEBOOK
promoted the project as a major investment hub. Officials have said it could require about 65
million to 90 million liters of water and 3 gigawatts of power daily. “These are not minor requirements,” Alminaza said. “They demand serious public scrutiny in a country already struggling with water stress, energy insecurity and climate vulnerability.” The bishop said the Church does not oppose technology, investment or decent jobs, but cautioned against development that is rushed, opaque or disconnected from environmental limits and human rights. “Progress worthy of its name must improve lives without sacrificing the land, water, culture and future of the people who live there,” he said. Abigail Peralta/CBCP News
Church-run center offers hygiene facilities to street dwellers
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CATHOLIC-RUN drop-in center in Quezon City is providing people living on the streets access to basic hygiene facilities while encouraging them to help maintain the space. Bishop Elias Ayuban Jr., CMF, of Cubao blessed “Silong Palau” on October 12 at the Carmelite Missionaries Pastoral Center in the Tatalon area, launching the congregation’s initiative to serve vulnerable communities. The center serves organized communities of people living on
the streets who receive support and pastoral accompaniment from the missionaries. Beneficiaries are also expected to help clean and maintain the facility, promoting shared responsibility and care for the space. “Silong Palau is part of the Church’s continuing efforts to respond to the needs of people in vulnerable situations through concrete acts of service and pastoral accompaniment,” Ayuban said on Facebook.
The beads that bring us home By Pablo S. Trillana III
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OME prayers enter our lives before we understand them. Their words arrive in childhood, borne by familiar voices. Years later, when those voices have fallen silent, the prayers remain. I was brought up reciting the Rosary. I still pray it daily, with varying degrees of attention: sometimes absorbed, sometimes distracted, sometimes sustained by the simple fidelity of doing it again. The fingers move; the mind wanders; a familiar phrase brings it home. October, the month of the Holy Rosary, invites that homecoming. In Hagonoy, Bulacan, home has a particular face: the old image of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in our Santo Rosario parish, embracing Mercado, Santo Rosario, Santa Cruz, San Roque, and San Pascual. Established as a parish in 1952, it gathers communities whose devotion reaches further back. Before that image, generations have brought what no parish
register can fully record: a child’s illness, a livelihood threatened, gratitude too deep for speech. The Rosary itself grew across generations. Medieval Christians used counted prayers as a counterpart to the monks’ 150 biblical psalms. In time, the Marian Psalter of 150 Hail Marys developed. Dominican preaching helped spread the devotion; its familiar form emerged gradually. The cherished tradition linking it to Saint Dominic belongs within that longer history. Its name evokes a garden of roses. Yet its mysteries lead through more than gardens: a bir th in pover ty, a mother searching for her child, betrayal, execution, resurrection. In 2002, John Paul II proposed the luminous mysteries, bringing Christ’s public ministry more fully into the meditation. Marian in its voice, the Rosary is centered on Jesus. For a people acquainted with separation, bereavement, and stubborn hope, these
POPE Leo XIV delivers remarks during a private audience at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican with participants in the “Holiness in History” conference on October 21. VATICAN MEDIA
Pope Leo XIV: The world is poorer without saints By Vatican News/CBCP News
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ATICAN—Pope Leo XIV, in his first private audience since undergoing surgery on October 13, said the history of the world is inseparable from the history of the
saints. “The history of the world without saints would be immeasurably poorer; that is, less human,” Leo said in his address. The pontiff met on Wednesday with participants of the “Holiness in History” conference, held at the Patristic Institute Augustinianum center in Rome from October 19 to 21. Organized by the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, the conference explored the role of historical research in determining whether to declare someone a saint.
Rigor in canonization causes
IN his remarks, Leo referenced Pope Pius XI, who established the dicastery’s historical section in 1930, and emphasized that recent causes for canonization must continue to be carefully evaluated against historical evidence of one’s holiness. “The treatment of ‘recent causes’ likewise cannot dispense with a serious and rigorous examination of all the material collected,” Pope Leo said. “Causes of saints make use of the tools proper to the study of history, even though their aim is not to produce historiography, but rather to bring to light the exemplary nature, spirituality, and reputation for holiness of those proposed for the altars,” he added.
Saints must be understood in context
LEO also explained the importance of placing canonized saints in the context in which they lived, eliminating stereotypes and misunderstandings. “As the ages pass, even the profile of saints may undergo development: not to follow the stereotypes of the moment, but to interpret a particular experience through the categories of the Gospel lived out,” the pope said. “For this reason, placing the witness of a saint within the context in which he or she lived is very important. The people of God seek models for living in the present, intercessors who help members of the Church face today’s challenges and recognize their opportunities,” he added.
THE “Silong Palau” drop-in center for street dwellers CBCP NEWS
mysteries offer places to rest our own lives. A mother awaiting news of a child abroad needs little explanation of anxious love. The feast on October 7 recalls Lepanto in 1571, when the Holy League defeated the Ottoman fleet. Pope Pius V had called for the Rosary; Catholics attributed victory to Mary’s intercession. Philippine devotion carries another naval memory. In 1646, Spanish and Filipino defenders repelled Dutch attacks in five battles. Their deliverance was attributed to Our Lady of the Rosary, remembered in La Naval de Manila. There is a remarkable human detail behind the splendor. The La Naval image, dated 1593, was carved by a non-Christian Chinese artisan. Hands outside the faith helped fashion the face before which generations would pray. Today, at Santo Domingo Church in Quezon City, that image binds sacred art, public memory, and devotion. In Manaoag, Pangasinan, pilgrims come to Our Lady of the Rosary, affectionately called Apo Baket. The basilica’s history records that her image survived the church fire of 1898. Whatever burdens pilgrims carry, the journey gives them somewhere to bring them.
B eyond our shores, Lourdes and Fatima have made the beads familiar across languages. At Lourdes in 1858, Bernadette’s account describes the Lady passing Rosary beads through her fingers while Bernadette prayed. At Fatima, the children reported that, on October 13, 1917, she identified herself as Our Lady of the Rosary. These are distinc t histories and testimonies. Together, they reveal the extraordinary reach of a prayer small enough to carry in a pocket. Other faiths know the intimacy of counted prayer. Hindu devotees use “mala” (a Sanskrit word that translates directly to “garland” or “string of beads”) for “japa,” the repetition of sacred names or mantras; Buddhist traditions also use prayer beads. Muslims use strings commonly numbering 33 or 99 beads in remembrance of God. Orthodox Christians repeat the Jesus Prayer with knotted prayer ropes. Their beliefs and purposes differ. The resemblance nevertheless invites respect: across religious boundaries, people enlist the hand to steady attention and return the mind to what they hold sacred. A bead can
mark the place where distraction ends and remembrance begins. John Paul II understood repetition through the language of love. Familiar expressions can be spoken again because affection renews their meaning. Anyone who has heard a child call repeatedly for a mother can understand. Still, attention matters. Habit can preserve prayer through dry seasons; it can also become an invitation to listen more deeply. Perhaps, when my mind strays, the next bead offers another beginning. Our history gives that beginning a public meaning. In February 1986, Filipinos at EDSA faced armed troops with prayers, flowers, and rosaries. Religious faith stood alongside courage, military defections, and civic resolve. The beads belonged to people who had stepped into danger for their country. A devotion once associated with naval victory had become part of a memorable witness to peaceful resistance. Prayer found expression in a refusal to harm. The Jesuit poet Gerard Manley Hopkins addressed Mary with words of extraordinary tenderness: “Be thou then, thou dear Mother, my atmosphere.”
An atmosphere surrounds and sustains us before we notice it. So, perhaps, does the faith learned in childhood: the remembered cadence, the patient return, the hope that survives our imperfect attention. In Hagonoy, our old Santo Rosario image remains a meeting place for generations. Those who prayed before us have left their names, their descendants, their unfinished hopes. We bring our own, and someday others will stand where we stood. I think of the beads moving through those many hands. Each life has held its portion of joy and sorrow; each has needed light; each has hoped that death would not have the final word. The Rosary gathers these longings into prayer. And when the last bead has passed through our fingers, may something of its tenderness remain in our hands: enough to comfort the grieving, lift the fallen, and help another find the way home. Dr. Pablo Trillana III is a lawyer, author, former Chairman of the National Historical Institue (now the National Historical Commission of the Philippines), and a lifelong student of Philippine history and Rizal studies.
Biodiversity Sunday BusinessMirror
Asean Champions of Biodiversity Media Category 2014
Sunday, October 25, 2026 A7
Editor: Lyn Resurreccion
Who should have a say in which species are saved? The California condor offers lessons for a global biodiversity treaty
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By Shannon Gibson
N 1987, biologists captured the last free-flying condor to transfer it to captivity, and the largest flying North American bird species was officially declared extinct in the wild. Today, after decades of coordinated efforts and millions of dollars spent on captive breeding and reintroduction efforts, more than 300 condors have been restored to their natural environment. It was a victory for the species’ survival, yet this triumph was contested at nearly every step of the way. Conservationists fought bitterly over whether trapping every bird should be considered rescue or surrender. Critics argued that the cost was better spent on other threatened species. Rural communities in Utah and Arizona raised concerns about federal land-use restrictions. Hunting groups such as the National Rifle Association opposed bans on lead ammunition, a leading cause of condor deaths. The condor’s comeback illustrates several questions that governments and conservation organizations grapple with today, including which species get funded and who bears the costs. These are some of the questions being discussed at the UN Convention on Biological Diversity conference, being held from October 19 to 30, in Yerevan, Armenia. In 2022, countries worldwide adopted an agreement at that year’s biodiversity conference to halt and reverse biodiversity loss, known as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
It i nc ludes goa l s to r a i se $200 billion a year from public and private sources around the world by 2030 to conserve and manage at least 30 percent of the world’s land, coastal areas and oceans, stop human-caused extinctions and help struggling species survive. The agreement itself doesn’t choose which species to save, but its rules are designed to shape national conservation priorities and guide the funds that pay for conservation. Saving a species like the condor affects local communities and businesses whose activities have put those species at risk. Without local buy-in, pouring money into recovery efforts can fail, yet local communities are often left out of the discussions.
Deciding which species deserve protection
AN estimated 1 million species are currently threatened with extinction worldwide, and early assessments suggest the world is falling short on most of the agreement’s global biodiversity targets. Because resources are limited, conservationists must weigh trade-offs in deciding which species to protect and how. Should they fund expensive rescue efforts for a species close to extinction, or interventions likely to help multiple species at
OCEANAGOLD (Philippines) Inc. doré bar
ANDEAN CONDOR (Vultur gryphus) in flight in Farellones, Andes Mountains, Chile PHOTO BY CHARLES J. SHARP/WIKIPEDIA CC BY-SA 4.0.
once? Or maybe they should protect organisms that are unique to a specific geographic region or a species that sustains local livelihoods. Some species are valued for what they do for humanity, such as pollinating crops or purifying water, known as ecosystem services. Honeybees, for example, pollinate over $15 billion worth of crops in the US alone each year. Others hold cultural and spiritual significance, as the condor does for the Yurok Tribe in California. Many conservationists argue that living species possess an inherent right to exist independent of their usefulness to human beings. Getting support for measures to save charismatic species can be easier than for others, however. Think of Greenpeace’s “save the whales” campaign or the World Wildlife Fund ’s panda logo. A panda’s adorable face can help pay for its protection and potentially the protection of its surrounding
A CALIFORNIAN condor in flight, photographed in Zion National Park, Utah PHOTO BY PHILARMITAGE, WIKIPEDIA PUBLIC DOMAIN
habitat, helping other species living there. A 2025 study examined more t ha n 14,0 0 0 spec ies-foc used conservation projects from 1992 to 2016. Five mammal groups— primates, carnivores, whales, elephants and rhinos—received 86 percent of available funding, despite accounting for only one-third of threatened mammal projects. Plants and invertebrates, which are crucial for pollination, nutrient cycling and sustaining food webs, received only 6.6 percent of the financial backing. Conservation groups and economists at the Paulson Institute estimate that the world needs to spend an additional $1.3 trillion annually on biodiversity conservation and restoration to stop and reverse biodiversity loss.
Who bears the costs?
AT the 2026 biodiversity conference, delegates will also take up another question that can make or break species recovery: When
PRODUCTION Supervisor Charles Pangalina during underground opera-tions in the Didipio Mine
conservation affects local people, who pays and who gets a say? While conservationists celebrated efforts to return wolves to Europe over the past two decades, some farmers lost livestock to these predators and faced higher costs to protect their flocks. Current European Union funding programs help support livestock protection, but farmers’ ability to shape wolf recovery is part of the story too. Conservation can go terribly wrong if local communities aren’t consulted during planning. In the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a protected area in Tanzania, the Maasai have fought for years against government orders that they leave the land they have lived on for generations in the name of lion conservation. In March 2026, two presidential commissions recommended that the evictions continue in order to protect wildlife, in a process that included few Maasai, Indigenous peoples’ advocates at the Oakland Institute reported. Protecting vulnerable species often means also supporting the communities liv ing alongside them. At the last round of biodiversity talks in 2024, countries created a permanent advisory body to bring Indigenous peoples and local communities’ knowledge and decisions into the treaty’s decisions. At t h is yea r’s conference, known as 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17), they must agree on how that advisory body will operate, including whether these communities get a formal role in decision-making. They are also expected to adopt guidelines for how the 30 percent global conservation targets apply in Indigenous territories. The international agreement can’t dictate what happens on
the ground, but its rules shape national conservation priorities and guide the funds that pay for conservation. That is why the debate over local consultation is at the heart of the 2026 talks. Conservation that is designed for people, rather than with them, risks losing the trust and local cooperation that makes recovery last.
Keys to success
TWO key issues at the conference involve guaranteeing that Indigenous peoples and local communities have a say in decisions on their territory, including how conservation programs are designed and how resources are allocated. The global biodiversity framework calls for a “whole-of-society” approach, recognizing that protecting nature needs more than government action alone. But participation is not the same as decision-making power. A dvoc ates for I nd igenou s groups say communities are too often consulted after priorities are set, rather than being involved in setting them. Whether the farmer paying for fencing or the Indigenous community with connections to a species helps set priorities or is only asked for input after the project has been approved shows whether consultation is genuine or not. The condor’s return shows that nearly extinct species can recover with help. But sustaining a species’ recovery requires protecting the conditions—and supporting the people—that make their survival possible. Gibson, is a professor at University of Southern California. David Ginsburg and Garrett Ordonez are also from USC contributed to this article/The Conversation (CC) via AP
ACTING Superintendent Elmer Dulnuan at work in the Didipio Site
Unseen journey of gold: From underground work to everyday life
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OR many, gold marks life’s milestones: earrings given to a baby, wedding bands exchanged by a couple or a bracelet passed down by a grandmother. Be-cause it is durable and does not decay, gold can preserve value for the next gen-eration. But gold’s value extends beyond the jewelry we wear. It is used in elec-tronic connectors and semiconductors because it conducts electricity efficiently and resists corrosion—qualities important to the computing infrastructure sup-porting artificial intelligence (AI). Gold also serves a broader economic purpose. Central banks hold it in their reserves to help preserve value when inflation erodes purchasing power and currencies fluctuate. For the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), gold forms part of the country’s reserves that help the economy absorb external shocks and meet international obligations. With central bank’s purchasing 288.9 metric tons of gold during the sec-ond quarter of 2026, up 62 percent year-on-year,
and demand from AI-related applications remaining strong, the average gold price reached $4,506.29 per troy ounce, 37 percent higher than a year earlier. Yet long before gold becomes jewelry, a computer component or part of a central bank’s reserves, it must first be recovered from the earth. One of the oldest ways of finding it is through panning: swirling river sediment until lighter materials wash away and denser gold particles remain. Charles Pangalina, a 40-year-old TwaliIfugao born and raised in Barangay Didipio, an upland community in Nueva Vizcaya near Quirino, once relied on farming and gold panning. Both provided uncertain incomes. As a high-school graduate, he depended on rain-fed farming, while poor roads made it difficult to bring produce to market. “You were lucky if a vehicle made the trip once a week,” Pangalina re-called. The area where he panned was eventually depleted, leaving him without a stable livelihood. Gold, however, would remain part of Pangalina’s life. His next opportunity would take him from searching for loose
gold particles to helping ex-tract ore from deep beneath his own barangay. Unlike panning, underground mining involves recovering gold embedded in solid rock through a carefully planned system. It requires trained miners, engi-neers, drillers and equipment operators working together to develop tunnels, operate specialized machinery and safely bring ore to the surface. OceanaGold (Philippines) Inc. (OGP) began commercial production at the Didipio Mine as Pangalina was looking for work. He joined the mine as a pit technician in November 2014. Producing both gold and copper, the mine’s underground workings extend to the 2,133-meter relative level—a distance around two and a half times the height of the Burj Khalifa if the skyscraper were turned upside down. OGP employs more than 968 people, 97 percent of whom are Filipino. Pri-oritizing local residents in the workforce, almost 70 percent come from Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino, while 44 percent are Barangay Didipio residents with Indig-enous roots.
OGP provided Pangalina with three months of underground-mining train-ing. He was part of the service crew and progressed through several operational roles. His dedication earned the respect of his coworkers and supervisors, even-tually leading to his current position as production supervisor. “I asked them, ‘Why me?’ I did not finish college, I was not very good at English, and I did not know how to use a computer. They told me they liked my work ethic and made sure I received managerial training,” Pangalina recalled. He also saw his family’s farm’s income improving. “My cousins now work on our farm, and their income has increased be-cause their produce no longer spoils before reaching the market through the farm-to-market roads built by OGP,” he said. Elmer Dulnuan, a 39-year-old TwaliIfugao from Didipio, followed his own path underground. Previously a carpenter, mason and heavy-equipment opera-tor, he joined the mine in 2017 and underwent training in
underground-mining operations. Dulnuan began as a nipper, supplying crews with tools and materials. He steadily advanced and is now acting superintendent for underground mining, helping manage the people and equipment needed to bring ore to the surface and meet production targets. “I am proud to lead our team in working safely, Filipinos and expatriates alike,” he said. Once the ore reaches the surface, part of Didipio’s output is processed in-to gold doré. Under an agreement effective from March 2025 to March 2028, OGP offers at least 25% of its annual gold doré production to the BSP. In 2025, OGP sold around 6,684 ounces to the central bank, equivalent to 31% of its annual production. These sales allow locally produced gold to help strengthen the country’s reserve buffer amid inflationary pressures and global uncertainty. For Pangalina and Dulnuan, however, gold’s value is most evident at home. Charles supports six children, including
his eldest, who is studying nursing. His work has helped him educate his children, improve their home and afford family trips. Dulnuan and his high-school sweetheart, now his wife of 16 years, are rais-ing five children. His work has helped make their family more comfortable. With a high school now in Brgy. Didipio, his children no longer have to travel four hours to pursue an education. Most importantly, he can return home to them after work. Behind every piece of jewelry, electronic component or gold bar in a cen-tral-bank vault is a long journey. For those who bring gold to the surface, its value is measured not only in ounces, but in children kept in school, comfortable homes and better futures built close to family. OceanaGold operates the Didipio goldcopper mine in Luzon un-der a Financial or Technical Assistance Agreement. It is committed to safely and responsibly maximizing the generation of Free Cash Flow from its operation and delivering strong returns for its shareholders. It is a listed company with the Philippine Stock Exchange.
Sports BusinessMirror
A8 Sunday, October 25, 2026
mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph | Editor: Jun Lomibao
RECALLING ICONIC GOLF CLUBS OF 30 YEARS AGO
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FTER writing my article last week on the top clubs of 2026, I tried to recall the clubs that were popular a few years back. The nostalgia made me remember clubs from a decade ago, two decades, even three decades ago. It feels unbelievable that 1996 is what 30 years back takes us to. It might feel recent to most, but it literally is three decades ago. There were no smartphones yet, no cameras in phones, actually. There was internet…barely. I can still hear the dial-up tone whirring and beeping. In the golf world, Tiger Woods just completed his threepeat US Amateur Championship. He was about to turn pro and people were doubtful if he can translate his dominance of the amateur game to the professional ranks. Of course, we all know what happened since. In the golf equipment universe, 1996 meant people were all over Callaway’s Big Bertha Titanium or TaylorMade’s Ti Bubble Shaft driver. I can still picture that brown/bronze head with those shafts with a “bubble”
Ping’s success in the late 70s and 80s still carried forward to the 90s with their Eye series. Titleist’s DCI irons were quite popular, as well as Tommy Armour 845s made popular by Davis Love III. Japanese clubs were also making their presence felt, none moreso than Mizuno irons which Nick Faldo famously used. In Asia, the 80s-2000s were also the time of Honma irons, which seemed to be the club of choice for those who could afford its premium price. Another brand which were in a lot of bags in 90s were Hogan Apex irons.
CALLAWAY’S massively popular Big Bertha driver. FILE PHOTO (actually more of a bump) near the grip. King Cobras were also popular thanks to Greg Norman. It was actually Tiger’s driver of choice then too. Wilson’s Killer Whale was also popular, thanks to John Daly. It’s quite funny to look back and remember which clubs everyone wanted, which ones actually worked, and clubs that changed the game. I’m recalling these from memory, so forgive me if I forget a few.
Drivers
I STARTED playing in 1993 and Callaway’s Big Bertha drivers and S2H2 irons were all the rage. Fred Couples was fresh of his Masters win so his Lynx Boom Boom driver was in demand. TaylorMade had its Burner and Midsize with Flextwist shafts if I remember correctly. In the mid to late 90s, the TM Bubble Shafts came along, and some unique drivers like Cubic Balance
TOMMY ARMOUR’S 845 irons. FILE PHOTO grooveless driver, and the gold-bottomed Goldwin AVDP driver.
Fairway woods
AGAIN, Callaway was top choice for woods, especially their Heaven Wood and Divine Nine. Titleist PTs were popular with the better players, Cobras had their signature “rails” on the sole of their fairway woods, as they still do, and TM burners also sold tons. But the breakout woods in the mid to late 90s was undoubtedly Adams’ Tight Lies woods. Their low-profile, high-launching woods practically made the company.
Hybrids
HYBRIDS were around even before the 90s but gained massive popularity due to models from Taylormade’s rescue, and Cobra’s Baffler series.
Irons
WHEN it comes to irons, popularity seemed to depend more on who the top players were and what they used.
Gymnastics world championships
China’s Ke Qinqin competes in the beam during the women’s team final as the US’s Dulcy Caylor does her routine in the floor exercise at the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, last week. The fivewoman Chinese team ends the US’s dominance, 165.764-165.531, for the country’s first gold at a major international competition since the 2008 Olympics and first at the world championships since 2006. France clinches the bronze medal. AP
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OS ANGELES—Athletes and fans of women’s sports across the United States have found no shortage of reasons to celebrate: historic TV ratings, changing attitudes toward female players, high-profile wins for equal opportunities and pay. After decades of disparity and sometimes outright scorn from schoolyards to stadiums and beyond, women’s sports these days are having— you guessed it—a moment. As fans finish watching the WNBA finals and prepare for the NCAA season to start, women’s basketball is notably one of the biggest lightning rods of the recent surge of interest. Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson, who recently won the WNBA MVP for a record fifth time, predicts it is “just the tip of the iceberg.”
Wedges
BEFORE Vokey wedges dominated the game, Cleveland had its heyday in the 90s. Ping Eye2s were also in a lot of bags, as were wedges from Hogan, Cobra and Mizuno. But it wouldn’t be the 90s without mentioning the immensely popular Alien Wedge. From infomercials to store shelves, Alien’s infinitely wide sole and claims of getting out of bunkers every time sent cash flowing their way.
Putters
THE putter wars between Odyssey and Scotty Cameron started in the 90s. Odyssey was far more popular and profitable with their Dual Force series, but Scotty Cameron’s reputation slowly crept up especially when a certain Mr. Woods won loads with them in the late 90s. Ping’s classic Anser kept their iconic status and following from the 80s into the 90s, while smaller brands like Teardrop ad Ray Cook also made their names. I remember Ram’s Zebra mallets were popular, thanks to Nick Price, and Titleist’s Bullseye putters were still in use by a few pros. After the 1990s, technology made a huge leap with carbon, weight adjustability and even hosel adjustment coming into the picture. But for a kid starting to fall in love with golf in the early 90s, it was a magical time. Tiger-mania hadn’t hit until the late 90s, and before he changed the game, it was an interesting and unique time for golf equipment. As always, technology, no matter how primitive, made marketing magic and converted to sales. And just like today, promises of added distance and forgiveness were believed by gullible golfers who are forever after the holy grail. We really are a hopelessly gullible lot.
Americas’ relationship to women’s sports evolving But the current moment stands in stark contrast to much of the country’s history, which saw widespread conceptions about feminine ideals, concerns that physical activity would jeopardize female fertility and a lack of interest in or respect for women’s sports. While there have been athletes who have broken through to become household names—Billie Jean King, Serena Williams, Florence Griffith-Joyner, Mia Hamm, Simone Biles, Caitlin Clark—they have been few and far between. Today, girls’ sports participation has reached record highs. And amid unprecedented interest at the college and professional levels, investors are rushing
to build stadiums and make long overdue facility upgrades. But attacks on Title IX have also intensified. “I do think at some point the curve is going to work in the right direction. But as of now, I think it’s still a lot more negative than positives that young teams are seeing,” says New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu. As concerns linger about whether the current interest reflects a short-term trend or a real sea change, many female athletes say there’s still more work to do.
American sports designed for boys AS of last year, about three in 10 US adults follow women’s professional or college
sports, compared to about half who follow men’s sports, according to a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Those who follow women’s pro sports also are more casual in their fandom than men’s pro sports fans, tending to say they attend or watch games occasionally rather than frequently. America’s captivation with organized sports—for boys—is longstanding. The first modern Olympic Games (male competitors only) were held in 1896 and the arrival of the YMCA helped, too. By the late 19th century, sports had gained traction across the US, initiated in part by a perceived post-Civil War mascu-
Villanova will be in Vatican for hoops doubleheader
R VILLANOVA alumnus Pope Leo XIV is scheduled—health permitting—to hold a private audience with all four teams and their traveling fans. AP
OME—An hour after Robert Prevost was elected as the first American pope, Villanova’s athletic director texted sports travel expert John Anthony with the idea. “It just said, ‘ Villanova—Notre Dame. Basketball game in Vatican City?’” Anthony said, recounting how he then responded to Eric Roedl a moment later “with all caps, ‘YES. I’M SERIOUS. WE’RE GOING TO DO THIS.’” Now, one-and-a-half years later, the idea is about to become reality:
the Villanova and Notre Dame men’s and women’s teams will meet in a doubleheader in Rome—not quite Vatican City, but close enough—on November 1 that will mark the start of the college basketball season. The Catholic universities are promoting the games as a celebration of their shared mission and heritage. The event has been dubbed the Eternal City Tip-Off and there will be a Vatican component: Villanova alumnus Pope Leo XIV is scheduled—health
permitting—to hold a private audience October 31 with all four teams and their traveling fans. A total of about 7,000 people are expected in the Paul VI audience hall inside the Vatican. “He will know who they [the players] are. He’s a true, blue Villanovan,” said the Rev. Rob Hagan, Villanova’s longtime team chaplain, adding that Leo used to attend Wildcats games at the Palestra, the Philadelphia arena known as “The
linity crisis and a burgeoning military. “Men and boys needed access to sports and to the outdoors so that they could be vigorous and strong in preparation for these vigorous and highly competitive careers that were imagined for them,” says Ashley Brown, a historian at the University of Wisconsin—Madison. Girls were discouraged from participating. Concerns that athletic competition would make them overly aggressive and assertive were common, not to mention pervasive fears that strenuous physical activity would make women infertile. That changed as doctors realized some exercise could improve the concerning rate at which women were dying during childbirth, said Bonnie Morris, a historian at the University of California Berkeley. AP Cathedral of College Basketball.” “And of course he’s not unfamiliar with Notre Dame and their history and legacy,” Hagan added. “I think he’ll be very dialed in and excited to be part of it.” The plans involving the pope were made before the 71-year-old Leo had the lower lobe of his right lung removed last week and was diagnosed with lung cancer. Hagan said: “We’re rooting for him.” Leo graduated in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from Villanova, the Augustinian school near Philadelphia. He was born in Chicago— not all that far from Notre Dame, which is located in South Bend, Indiana. AP
AUSTRALIA’S top-ranked sensation Molly Picklum spearheads the charge in the women’s event. WSL PHOTO
World’s best surfers vying in Siargao WSL
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ISTORY crashes onto the shores of surfing paradise Siargao from October 30 to November 8 as the world’s ultimate wave-riders storm the legendary barrels of Cloud 9. For the first time ever, the country plays host to the World Surf League (WSL) Philippines Pro Championship Tour—surfing’s crown-jewel spectacle—bringing the sport’s most formidable global elite straight into local waters. At the center of this celebrated gathering presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is a lineup of world-class athletes, each bringing a distinct brand of brilliance to Siargao’s unforgiving reef break. Leading the men’s division is Brazil’s Yago Dora, the current World No. 1, who arrives in the Philippines with a target firmly on his back. Celebrated for his seamless blend of high-flying aerial maneuvers and razor-sharp rail work, Dora views heavy, world-class reef breaks like Cloud 9 as the ultimate canvas to prove his consistency under high-stakes pressure. Joining him from the famed Brazilian Storm are former World Champions Gabriel Medina and Italo Ferreira, two of the sport’s most explosive icons. “This will be a historic moment for Philippine surfing and the CT will usher the sport into a new era. Let it inspire a new generation of athletes,” PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio said. “Let the world discover not just our waves, but the vision, ambition, and heart of the Filipino people.’’ The country’s hosting of this global surfing spectacle was made possible through the united efforts of key national agencies with the PSC and PAGCOR—the Department of Tourism, Department of Public Works and Highways, Tourism and Events Infrastructure and Safety Administration and the National Electrification Administration (NEA) in partnership with SIARELCO. Equally vital was the steadfast support of local leadership—Surigao del Norte Governor Lyndon Barbers, General Luna Mayor Johnson Sajulga, and Vice Mayor Doc Minmin Sajulga—who stood at the forefront of preparations, guiding every step with vision and commitment.
LEADING the men’s division is Brazil’s Yago Dora, the current World No. 1. WSL PHOTO
BusinessMirror
The rumor mill at work
When gossip protects coworkers and when it backfires
October 25, 2026
2
BusinessMirror OCTOBER 25, 2026 | soundstrip.businessmirror@gmail.com
ON THEIR OWN TERMS
YOUR MUSI
XONARA charts its own course in P-pop
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Story by Justine Xyrah Garcia
song can begin with one person’s experience and end up meaning something entirely different to someone listening halfway across the world. For XONARA, that connection is part of what makes music worth sharing. The seven-member P-pop girl group draws from personal experiences in songs such as “Tabi,” “Pula” and “Imperfect,” hoping listeners will find comfort and recognition in stories that may not be their own. The idea took on a new dimension when the group performed internationally for the first time at Music Matters Live in Singapore. For lead vocalist Dominique, watching audiences connect with their music despite differences in language and culture showed that a song’s emotional reach need not stop at the borders of its home country. “Seeing people connect with our music
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despite language and cultural differences showed us that emotion is universal,” Dominique told BusinessMirror’s SoundStrip in an email interview. As the group looks to reach more listeners beyond the Philippines, it is also working to establish what makes it distinct in the local music scene.
Turning personal stories into music
For XONARA, its songs offer a way to communicate feelings that can be difficult to put into words. Visual and lead vocalist Ella said the group hopes its music will reassure listeners that vulnerability does not preclude strength, particularly when they are going through difficult experiences. “Our goal is for these songs to act as a comforting presence—a reminder that healing isn’t linear and that strength often comes from acknowledging your honest feelings,” she said. Creating and performing the songs has also helped the members understand how their individual strengths work together. Main dancer and sub-vocalist-rapper Megumi said the process taught them to turn raw emotions into music while building trust among the members. Their different personalities and vocal styles, she added, contribute to the group’s chemistry. “We wouldn’t have unlocked that level of synergy without going through the creation and performance process together,” she said.
Beyond the SB19 connection
As the first girl group under 1Z Entertainment, the company behind SB19, XONARA enters the industry with a connection to an established P-pop act.
XONARA. Photo from their Facebook page
For the members, however, that relationship is a source of inspiration rather than a blueprint. Lead dancer and lead rapper Lei said they regard SB19 as mentors rather than a template to copy. “We’re defining XONARA’s identity by bringing our own authentic stories, female perspectives, and distinct musical sound,” she said. “While we share SB19’s work ethic and dedication to P-pop, our goal is to build a signature style that is uniquely XONARA.” That style, according to makn vocalist Namie, combines high-energy performances with personal, introspective storytelling. "What XONARA brings to the vibrant P-pop sceneisourrawstorytellingandemotionalhonesty," she added. The group hopes to reach listeners looking for emotional honesty and comfort in music. By pairing that intimacy with energetic performances, XONARA wants to offer audiences both a compelling stage presence and songs they can connect with on a personal level.
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Before reaching an international stage, XONARA’s members spent about two years training in vocals and dance. The preparation demanded long practice hours and the discipline to keep working without knowing exactly when their efforts would lead to a debut. For leader, main rapper, and lead dancer Eurekah, the uncertainty was among the hardest parts of the experience.
“There were so many long days where you were pushing your body to its absolute limits in vocal and dance rooms, balancing life outside training, and constantly wondering if or when everything would finally pay off,” she recalled. Even after debuting, the members continue to grow into their roles as performers. Lead rapper and lead dancer Tin said they are learning to trust their instincts and believe that their voices matter. "Coming out of trainee years where you're constantlyevaluatingyourself,ittakestimetoswitch your mindset from 'Am I good enough?' to 'I am worthy of this moment,'" she also said.
A wider stage for P-pop
XONARA’s performance at Music Matters Live allowed the group to introduce its music to listeners outside the Philippines. The members said the experience offered valuable lessons in performing for an international audience. They also hope to help showcase the diversity of P-pop to listeners abroad, with ambitions that include performing at major international festivals such as Coachella and touring across Asia and the Americas. Those goals remain ahead of them, but Singapore provided an early opportunity to bring their music to a wider audience. As the group sets its sights on bigger stages, it hopes to be known not only through its connection to SB19, but also for the songs, stories, and sound that make XONARA its own.
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soundstrip.businessmirror@gmail.com | OCTOBER 25, 2026
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BUSINESS
COST OF MAKING MUSIC
Sam Benwick leaps with HIGHS and lows
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Story by Bless Aubrey Ogerio
OR an independent musician, the price of making an album is not always measured in studio bills or production costs. Sometimes, it is measured in hours that could have been spent somewhere else—at home, with family, or simply getting some sleep. Filipino-British singer-songwriter and producer Sam Benwick relates to that, mentioning those as the hardest part of making HIGHS and lows, her first full-length album, which is set for release on October 16. “Time away from my family was, I think, the most burdensome for me,” Sam told SoundStrip. There were nights when the 22-year-old stayed awake to write, record and finish the album. There were also days when she chose music over the ordinary things she enjoyed with her family, even when they were only in the next room. “There were times where I would cry because I just wanted to be with my family,” she explained. “Not that they were far away from me, they were just in the other room.” That trade-off says something about the album itself, AS HIGHS and lows is not simply the latest entry in Benwick’s growing catalog. Eight months, or perhaps years SAM has been making music since she was young, eventually releasing her self-produced debut EP, Songs About Heartbreak, in 2020. Covers helped introduce her to listeners, but writing and producing her own material has remained central to her work. For HIGHS and lows, the immediate production process took roughly seven to eight months. But fitting that work around school and other responsibilities stretched the process closer to a year. And even that does not tell the whole story. Some of the songs on the 15-track record were written years before Sam began putting the album together. They were pieces of different periods of her life that eventually found a place within the same record. “So in actuality, this album did take years to make,” the rising artist told this newspaper.
That longer timeline also gives context to the album’s subject. HIGHS and lows follows Sam’s changing understanding of love—from the excitement of finding it to the pain of encountering the wrong kind, and the lessons that remain after both. Itislessadeclaration that she has figured love out than a record of what she learned while trying to understand it. Her faith became part of that process, too. Choosing faith over fear MAKING the album independently brought its own uncertainty. Sam knew the decision would
be difficult, but she wanted to take the step rather than wait until everything felt safe or perfectly timed. That mindset shaped her decision to make a full album now. She has already released singles and two EPs, but a full-length record had been something she wanted to make for years. Eventually, the question became less about whether she was ready and more about whether she was willing to begin. “I would always base my decisions on fear instead of on faith and hope,” Sam said. “But now, I'm turning over a new leaf.” The album, she said, is an attempt to make music for herself, her family and people who might need to hear what she has to say and, above all, for God. That does not make the record a simple statement of certainty. If anything, its title suggests the opposite: that the experiences worth writing about often exist somewhere between the extremes. The highs matter because there were lows. The lows matter because they changed what came after. For the ones who stayed FOR Sam, that circle extends beyond her family. Her supporters, known collectively as the Samshines, have followed her through the years as she moved from covers and earlier releases toward increasingly personal original music. For her, their encouragement became particularly meaningful as she took on the uncertainty of working independently. Now, they are part of the album’s next chapter. Some members of the community have had the chance to hear HIGHS and lows in full before its official release during her listening party earlier this month, turning what began as a largely private process—late nights, old songs, new recordings and time away from family—into something shared. Sam admits she could have made the album faster. But speed was never really the point. For an artist who spent years writing
songs before deciding they belonged together, the record is as much about finally taking the risk as it is about the music itself. “I just wanted to release an album and not let my fears get in the way,” she said. And perhaps that is where HIGHS and lows ultimately begins—not with having all the answers, but with deciding that waiting for certainty is no longer a reason not to make the next song.
Sam Benwick
The rumor mill at work
When gossip protects coworkers and when it backfires By Cathy Bussewitz The Associated Press
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EW YORK— Stephanie Joseph was working at a television station when someone started a false rumor claiming she and a married colleague were romantically involved.
Joseph, then 20, barely knew the man in question and didn’t hear the gossip until a producer told her it was circulating. “I’m thinking to myself, this is crazy,” she recalled. “This particular male co-worker, although he was young, he was married with a family. So that made it even more insulting because I thought, ‘I’m friendly with these people. Don’t they know my character?’” Details about the private lives or behavior of other people have a way of buzzing through workplaces. Gossip can damage the reputations of both its subjects and the people spreading it, who may come to be seen as untrustworthy. While those downsides are widely known, sharing the latest rumblings at work can also have benefits, experts said. Whispered warnings about managers or colleagues who engage in abusive or problematic behavior may help coworkers avoid painful experiences, for example. Gossiping can also increase cooperation and foster a sense of belonging in the workplace, said Rebecca Greenbaum, a professor of human resource management at Rutgers University who studies workplace gossip. Many people gossip out of a need to connect with others who get their experience, and sharing sensitive information is a way of showing vulnerability and caring, she said. “We need each other, right?” Greenbaum said. “For survival reasons, we need to know who we can trust. We need information, too, that’s helpful to us to figure out who to stay away from.” Workplace experts and people who have experienced gossip explain when it helps, when it hurts and how to disengage without damaging professional relationships.
Talking about someone else’s behavior at work is sometimes essential
CONTEXT and intent matter when evaluating the value of gossip, said Stephen Lee, assistant professor of management, information systems and entrepreneurship at
CONTEXT and intent matter when evaluating the value of gossip, said Stephen Lee, assistant professor of management, information systems and entrepreneurship at Washington State University.
‘For survival reasons, we need to know who we can trust.’ —Rebecca Greenbaum, professor of human resource management at Rutgers University Washington State University. Gossip is often a sign of an overlooked or ignored issue that organizations need to address, he said. “One of the motives that we see a lot is this desire to warn or protect someone else, like ’Hey, watch out for this, I want to give you a heads-up about this person,’” Lee said. The person receiving advice like that may be grateful and more inclined to assist the messenger down the road, he added. If information is conveyed to caution colleagues about something serious, tell someone who’s in a position to solve the problem, such as a human resources representative, said Bev Vitali, leadership and capacity building fellow at the Tennessee Nonprofit Network. “It becomes more proactive at that point where we’re going to actually make a case to help this situation,” Vitali said.
a way to manage difficult emotions and to get support at work, Lee said. “It can give someone a greater sense of control over the situation,” he added. Dispensing timely updates about someone can sometimes contribute to a better working environment. For example, sharing that a coworker is in a bad mood may cue colleagues to stay out of that person’s way for a while or to act exceptionally nice, Greenbaum said.
Venting may help keep emotions in check and build camaraderie on the job
Gossip doesn’t have to mean communicating bad news or negative views. Colleagues can share endorsement-based gossip, saying they really liked what someone did even though that person isn’t there to accept the praise, Lee said.
TALKING with a trusted colleague about an upsetting or aggravating interaction with a manager or coworker gives people
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Productivity and reputations may suffer when water cooler chit-chat takes over CHOOSE carefully whom you gossip with and how often because becoming known as someone who constantly dishes may cause coworkers to lose trust in you. “When it comes to your personal brand, it’s all about trust and credibility,” said Mariah Humbert, an etiquette and image consultant based in New York City. “And if you are constantly engaging in negative talk or in gossip, that would be at risk.” Vitali recalled participating in gossip at a former job amid rumors about a potential merger and layoffs. She remembers feeling less productive at work when engaging with the rumor mill. “I found myself spending a lot of valu-
‘When it comes to your personal brand, it’s all about trust and credibility.’ —Mariah Humbert, New York City-based etiquette and image consultant
OCTOBER 25, 2026
able work time talking to my colleagues about ’What do you know? What have you heard? What’s going on?’” Vitali said. n Inside and cover photos by Felicity Tai on Pexels.com
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Editor: Anne Ruth Dela Cruz | Sunday, October 25, 2026 C1
At Obscure Table, the Filipino salo-salo gets a creative makeover Two chefs turn years of corporate experience and a shared passion for cooking into an unconventional dining experience in Silang, Cavite.
Grazing Board with Balut Pate, Eggplant Tapenade, Ensaymada Coffee Butter, Maple Walnut Cream Cheese, Scallion Spread and Curated Breads of the Day
Act III – The evening closes in another space for dessert and conversations
Chicharonillo, the star of the night
By Anne Ruth Dela Cruz
Familiar flavors, a different perspective
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HERE is something distinctly Filipino about gathering around a table laden with food. Meals are meant to be shared, conversations flow as dishes are passed around, and the pleasure of eating lies as much in the company as in what is served. At Obscure Table in Silang, Cavite, chefs GB Barlao and Dennis Hipolito take this familiar tradition and give it a contemporary twist. Their concept revolves around the Filipino salo-salo, but instead of keeping diners in one place for the entire meal, they invite them to experience dinner in three acts, moving through three distinct spaces on the property. For the two chefs, Obscure Table is the culmination of a friendship built over years in the food industry and a shared desire to return to their first love: cooking. Both studied at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, although they met only after graduation. Their professional paths eventually crossed, leading to a friendship and working relationship that would span nearly two decades. Hipolito spent years in Singapore working with Yum! Brands in the Asia-Pacific region, developing products for brands including KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell. Barlao, meanwhile, built experience in culinary education, ingredient sourcing, and product development.
Understanding food beyond the kitchen
THEIR corporate careers gave them an understanding of food beyond the kitchen, encompassing innovation, marketing, and operations. But the desire to cook and create something of their own remained. “We wanted to pursue the passion of cooking,” Hipolito recalled, describing conversations that began before the pandemic about leaving corporate work and exploring their culinary ambitions. Initially, they envisioned a café that would transform into a supper club in the evening. The opportunity that eventually presented itself, however, was different. A relative of Hipolito offered them a property in Silang. Expecting a simple farm space, the chefs discovered an old family dining hall, a patio, and several distinct areas that could accommodate different dining experiences. Rather than force their original concept onto the property, they allowed the space to shape their plans. The result was Obscure Table, a destination built around the idea of making the meal itself a journey.
Three acts, one communal experience
OBSCURE Table describes itself as an elevated salo-salo told in three acts. Operating by reservation, it accommodates 15 to 20 guests for one seating each night from Friday to Sunday. The evening begins in an indoor-outdoor garden, where guests enjoy breads, spreads, and appetiz-
Pata Kare Special made of Spiced Lamb Shank and Slow Cooked Oxtail and Tripe Kare Kare Stew
The chefs behind Obscure Table – Dennis Hipolito and GB Barlao
ers. The experience then moves into another space for the main courses before concluding in a separate area for desserts and conversation. Each setting has its own atmosphere, with distinctive lighting, furnishings, and tablescapes contributing to the progression. The chefs drew inspiration from their dining experiences in the Philippines and abroad. They wanted to preserve the communal character of Filipino eating while offering something different from conventional tasting menus, where diners typically remain seated and receive individual portions throughout the meal. At Obscure Table, dishes are
served in sharing portions, allowing guests to choose what they want and return for second servings. Those booking individual places may also find themselves sharing a long table with people they have never met. The chefs initially wondered whether diners would embrace communal seating, so they tested the concept through dinners with invited guests. The feedback encouraged them to continue, with conversations sometimes leading to new friendships and professional connections. For Barlao and Hipolito, bringing people together is as important as the food itself.
“WE don’t claim authenticity. We claim sincerity,” Barlao explained, describing their approach to cooking. The chefs take familiar dishes and apply culinary techniques, layers of flavor, and contrasting textures to present them differently without losing their recognizable character. The September menu served during the media preview illustrated this philosophy. The meal began with a grazing board of balut pâté, eggplant tapenade, ensaymada coffee butter, maple walnut cream cheese, and scallion spread, accompanied by curated breads. One of the more enjoyable parts of the meal was the pulutan platter, which showcased the kitchen’s playful approach to Filipino favorites. A “Tokwa’t Baboy” terrine with prune chutney and crispy tokwa reimagined a familiar pairing, while mini embutido corndogs gave the well-loved meatloaf a different presentation. The “Sinuglaw” Agua Chile de Camaron with Thai BBQ pork brought together seafood and pork in an inventive combination. The main courses continued the reinterpretation of familiar flavors. Bulalo Dashi with Chili-Manis Patis offered a different dimension to the comforting flavors associated with bulalo, while the spiced
Grilled Hamachi Collar en “Tocho”
lamb shank and slow-cooked oxtail and tripe kare-kare stew provided a more substantial take on the beloved peanut-based dish. Equally welcome were the vegetable courses, which balanced the richer meat offerings. Carrot cake pavé, charred cabbage with fish sauce caramel, and ginataang calabasa casserole brought contrasting textures and flavors to the table. Rather than treating vegetables as mere accompaniments, the menu gave them a distinct place in the overall spread. Dessert continued the progression with the Obscure Table Pianono, dacquoise, and caramel crémeux, combining familiar pastry references with contemporary techniques. For the chefs, the goal is not simply to make dishes look different. Their experience in product development and culinary operations gives them the technical grounding to work with flavor, texture, and execution while keeping the pleasure of eating at the center of the experience.
The dish that started it all
AT the heart of Obscure Table is Chicharonillo, the chefs’ original creation combining cochinillo with a specially developed chicharon skin. Developed through repeated trials, the dish brings together crisp pork skin and tender meat, accompanied by several accoutre-
ments. It is presented whole and carved tableside, turning its arrival into a shared moment for diners. The name is trademarked, and the creation has become a defining feature of the concept. It is included in the Grand Menu, while guests choosing the Salo-Salo Menu may order it separately. A limited holiday-season release will also make it available outside the private dining experience for the first time. Hospitality at Obscure Table extends beyond the guests. The chefs also prepare meals for accompanying drivers, mindful that finding food for them can be difficult while their passengers dine. Their kitchen team likewise gets to enjoy meals prepared by the chefs themselves. After years of working behind the scenes, Barlao and Hipolito are now exploring the Philippine dining scene through a concept that brings together their corporate experience and culinary ambitions. Obscure Table may be an unconventional destination, but its underlying idea is familiar. Filipino dining has always been about salosalo—sharing food, making room for others, and finding pleasure in the company around the table. Here, that tradition becomes a three-act experience, shaped by two chefs who believe that food can be creative and thoughtfully prepared without losing its most important quality: the ability to bring people together.
ROEN HOUSE OF ROBATA | Kiwami’s newest fire Why The Standard Group is now building its own Japanese brands By Joshua Castro Dizon Contributor
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HEN the Standard Hospitality Group (SHG) opened Yabu in 2011 with nothing but katsu on the menu, people thought the idea was crazy. “Everyone thought we were insane for just having katsu,” said Nicole Concepcion, group brand manager at SHG. “They were like, ‘Where’s the sushi?’” Fifteen years later, specializing in a single dish or a focused category has become the group’s signature. At Kiwami, its home for Japanese Master Kitchens, six specialists share one space, each with its own kitchen, equipment and Japan-trained chefs. The newest addition, ROEN House of Robata, is different from the rest. Most of Kiwami’s kitchens represent concepts from Japan. ROEN is homegrown.
A fresh take on the familiar
THE group already served yakitori at Kiwami through Hachibei, along with Hibachi, a small in-house grill concept whose hanger steak was “booming,” Concepcion said. The team then spent about eight months in Japan developing a full-fledged robata concept with Chef Yuta Saito, a chef and entrepreneur who combines Japanese roots with French technique. The group was already familiar with charcoal grilling. It brought Hikiniku to Come, a Japanese concept specializing in charcoal-
The Yakisoba (bottom left), a close second to the Butabara, and the hanger steak with chimichurri (center), a holdover from Hibachi, anchor a spread made for the middle of the table. Photo courtesy of Kiwami
grilled hamburger steak served over rice, to the Philippines, opening its second branch at SM Megamall in September. “They are one of our best franchises we’ve ever worked with,” Concepcion said. “We consider ourselves charcoal experts because of them.” At ROEN, the grilling techniques remain traditional. What sets the concept apart are the sauces Saito developed specifically for its menu and charcoal-grilled dishes. “We did not want to touch any of the Japanese grilling technique,” Concepcion said. “It’s the pairings of the flavors. That’s what makes it modern.” Building its own brands is a deliberate move for the group. “Sometimes we just need to make our own concept because we know what’s going to
work for the local market,” she said.
A kitchen built for sharing
ROEN takes its name from two Japanese words: ro, meaning hearth, and en, meaning feast. The concept is designed around how Filipinos like to eat. “Filipinos are family-centric,” Concepcion said. “They want to share everything.” The restaurant operates two grills fueled by bamboo Ogatan charcoal: one for modern yakitori and another for larger plates designed for sharing. The Butabara is a compelling reason to visit. Thick slices of pork belly are grilled until their edges turn crisp and the fat renders into something almost buttery. A garlic-lime sauce cuts through the richness just enough to make you reach for another skewer. Of ev-
erything on the table, it was the dish everyone kept returning to. The Yakisoba is the surprise. A plate of noodles is easy to overlook on a menu built around the grill, but this one is a revelation: balanced and never heavy, yet full of flavor, with every strand soaking up the smoke and sauce. It comes a close second to the Butabara. The hanger steak, carried over from Hibachi, is tender, with a clean, smoky char from the Ogatan. A glossy, savory-sweet glaze reminiscent of teriyaki provides much of the flavor, while chimichurri adds a bright, herbal contrast. The Tebasaki, grilled chicken wings coated in Saito’s onion-milk sauce, comes off the grill perfectly cooked. The Beef Sukiyaki Spinach Enoki roll, meanwhile, is meant to be dipped in raw egg and soy sauce, following the Japanese sukiyaki tradition. The egg lends each bite a silky texture. Chef Minehiro Ishii, Saito’s sous chef, manned the grill during the media preview at Kiwami SM Mall of Asia on October 7, 2026.
yond Kiwami remains an open question. “My dream for the future is to have standalones for both Koyo and ROEN,” Concepcion said. For now, Kiwami serves the purpose for which it was built. “It’s kind of a place where we can test the waters,” she said. “Not much risk.” The group that once had to defend a katsu-only menu is now testing its own concepts alongside the Japanese brands it brought to the Philippines. If ROEN succeeds, the next master kitchen may not need to come from Japan at all.
A low-risk lab
ROEN opened at SM Mall of Asia on October 1, followed by Kiwami Alabang Town Center on October 15 and Kiwami BGC on October 29. The staggered rollout allows the team to apply lessons from one branch to the next. That includes guest feedback, which staff members summarize after every service and review each morning. Whether ROEN will eventually move be-
Butabara and chicken over bamboo Ogatan charcoal. At ROEN, the Japanese grilling technique stays untouched, and the modern part is in the sauces. Photo courtesy of Kiwami
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C2 Sunday, October 25, 2026
FROM SHORE TO TABLE | Giving Filipino seafood a place in fine dining How Tindagat connects small-scale fisherfolk with chefs to bring the best of Philippine waters to the table By Anne Ruth Dela Cruz
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HE Philippines has an abundance of seafood, yet getting fish from the fishing grounds to restaurant kitchens while maintaining quality and ensuring fair compensation for fisherfolk remains a challenge. Tindagat, a social enterprise working directly with small-scale fishing communities, hopes to change this by connecting fishers with restaurants and other buyers, creating a more direct route from the sea to the dining table. Its collaboration with Chef Kevin Endaya of Lemuria demonstrates how this approach can benefit both sides: helping fishing communities find better markets while giving chefs access to quality local seafood. “Instead of importing seafood, we can use local seafood, showcase it internationally in quality,” Endaya said, describing the potential he sees in the initiative. During a tasting at Lemuria, familiar Philippine fish took on new identities. Tulingan, commonly fried or cooked in coconut milk, became a tartlet with dill cream. Himallit, or flying fish, was cured and prepared as boquerones, while surahan inspired a fish-based spread reminiscent of Spain’s sobrasada. The dishes showed how creative cooking can introduce diners to local varieties beyond the preparations they may have grown accustomed to. For Endaya, the collaboration
Poached surahan in butter and paired with king oyster mushroom
also addresses a longstanding concern about seafood quality. Fish caught in the provinces can pass through several intermediaries before reaching Manila, with handling and transport potentially affecting its freshness. He recalled the reaction of his kitchen team when they opened a shipment from Tindagat. “When we opened the vacuum pack, hey, it smells like the sea,” he said. “It doesn’t smell like the market.” For him, this was a testament to the quality of the products and the care taken in handling them.
Shortening the supply chain
FOUNDED in 2021, Tindagat began as an MBA capstone project before developing into a social enterprise. It initially focused on retail customers but later recognized the opportunity to work with restaurants, hotels and other food-service businesses.
Himalit, or flying fish, was cured for a day and made into a boquerones which is submerged in olive oil and other aromatics like olives, thyme and fresh garlic. It is then placed on toasted bread and chunky tomato sauce.
According to Marco Acevedo, Tindagat’s business development specialist, the enterprise aims to connect small-scale artisanal fishing communities directly with markets in Manila and other urban centers. The goal is to improve livelihoods while ensuring that fisherfolk receive a fairer share of the value of their catch. Traditional seafood supply chains can involve seven to 11 players, leaving small-scale fishers with limited bargaining power. When catches are abundant, prices can fall sharply, even when considerable work has gone into harvesting the fish. Tindagat seeks to shorten this chain by acting as a marketing and sales partner for fishing communities. “We treat them like our business partners,” Acevedo said. The enterprise also trains fishers in filleting, cleaning, pro-
Cheese is not just for pasta By Anne Ruth Dela Cruz
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HEESE has long been a familiar companion to pasta and pizza, grated over steaming noodles, melted into sauces or scattered across a freshly baked pie. But what happens when chefs take it beyond these familiar roles and make it an essential ingredient in salads, vegetable dishes, meat courses and even dessert? At Osteria Antica in The Podium, the USA Cheese Chef’s Table offered a delicious exploration of these possibilities, demonstrating how American cheeses can bring distinct flavors, textures and character to a variety of dishes. Held on September 29, 2026, the culinary showcase brought together Chef Carlo Miguel, director of the Wildflour Hospitality Group, and Chef Muhammad Imran, culinary consultant to the USA Cheese Guild, for a specially curated menu celebrating the diversity of cheeses from the United States. The result was a showcase of creativity and balance, with each cheese selected not simply for its flavor but also for how it could complement the other ingredients on the plate. For Chef Carlo, the challenge of developing a menu centered on cheese was knowing when to let it shine and when to exercise restraint. “When you put a menu together like this, it can get overbearing because it’s all cheese,”
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he explained. The key, he said, was to balance the more intensely flavored aged and blue cheeses with milder, creamier varieties. That philosophy was evident from the antipasti to the desserts, where familiar ingredients took on new dimensions through thoughtful combinations.
A fresh take on starters
AMONG the menu’s standout creations was a dish that brought together two ingredients often associated with different culinary applications: Toma cheese and cream cheese. The cream cheese- and Toma-stuffed zucchini flowers, served with anchovy aioli, reflected Chef Carlo’s approach to balancing flavors. Toma, a semi-hard cheese with a full flavor, lends itself to the Italian-inspired preparation, while cream cheese tempers its intensity and adds a creamy texture. Lemon zest and basil complete the filling, bringing freshness to the dish. It is an example of how cheese can do more than provide a finishing touch. Here, it becomes part of the dish’s identity, contributing both flavor and texture while working in harmony with the other ingredients. Another highlight was the blue cheese salad with fresh figs, hazelnuts and lavender dressing. The combination brings together the savory character of blue cheese, the sweetness of figs, the nutty notes of roasted hazelnuts and
the floral nuances of lavender. For Chef Carlo, the choice of ingredients also reflects his commitment to seasonality. At Osteria Antica, he looks to the seasons in Europe to guide his menu, incorporating ingredients when they are at their best. The salad demonstrates how a strongly flavored cheese can find its place in a lighter preparation, where contrasting ingredients help create a more balanced experience.
Beyond the usual pasta topping
PASTA may be one of cheese’s most familiar partners, but the menu offered a reminder that the possibilities extend well beyond grating it over a finished dish. The wild mushroom casarecce with Old World Aged Cheddar fonduta brought together house-made pasta flavored with arugula, assorted wild mushrooms and a rich cheese sauce made with Fiscalini Farmstead’s aged cheddar. The cheese was a particular favorite of Chef Carlo, who said it reminded him of aged British cheddars, complete with the crystals associated with well-aged varieties. Having encountered it through the USA Cheese Chef’s Table, he was impressed by its quality. For him, the cheddar could hold its own against the best cheddars in the world. Its role in the pasta illustrates why choosing the right variety matters. An aged cheese
cessing, freezing and packaging, enabling them to supply products that are more convenient for restaurants and potentially command better prices. Its approach emphasizes traceability, wild-caught seafood and proper post-harvest handling. Customers can learn where their fish came from and, in some cases, identify the fisher who caught it. Tindagat also works with communities using registered fishing methods and promotes responsible sourcing. By freezing seafood within hours of landing, the enterprise aims to preserve quality and make storage and transport more manageable.
Rediscovering local fish
BEYOND improving seafood supply, the partnership gives chefs an opportunity to explore the variety of fish available in Philippine waters. One example is himallit, which can contribute depth and a pronounced savory character, while the mushrooms provide another layer of flavor. The trick is to create a combination in which the ingredients complement rather than overwhelm one another. The menu also demonstrated how milder cheeses can be just as useful in the kitchen. Wood-fire-roasted chicken was served with white cheddar polenta, while an Iberico pork chop came with cauliflower gratin made with Colby Jack. In the chicken dish, white cheddar lends creaminess and a savory note to the polenta. In the pork preparation, Colby Jack brings its own character to the gratin, showing that everyday cheese varieties have a place alongside more distinctive artisan selections.
A sweet ending with a savory twist
PERHAPS the most unexpected expression of cheese’s versatility came with dessert. The apple crostata, served with Malaga gelato, salted caramel and Old World Aged Cheddar, played on the familiar pairing of apple pie and cheddar. The combination brings together the sweetness of apples and caramel with the more complex, savory character of aged cheese. It is a reminder that cheese need not be confined to the savory side of the menu. Depending on its flavor profile and texture, it can provide contrast, depth and an element of surprise in a sweet preparation. The menu also featured lemon torta caprese with whipped lemon cream cheese, ex-
was traditionally dried in the community where Tindagat sources it. The enterprise saw potential in processing the fish into fillets, making it more accessible to chefs and consumers. It has since become one of the products sought by its restaurant partners. Acevedo believes there is considerable room to expand appreciation for local seafood, particularly when consumers and restaurants tend to gravitate toward familiar or imported varieties. “We just want to be able to shine a light on that,” he said, referring to the country’s rich marine resources and the many local fish that remain underappreciated. For Endaya, working with Tindagat also means being flexible. Rather than requiring a fixed supply of particular species, he can develop dishes around what fishing communities have available. “I don’t want you to focus on just one thing. I want the partnership to be sustainable,” he said. This approach allows the kitchen to experiment with seasonal catches while helping buyers and fishers coordinate their needs.
Building livelihoods beyond the catch
TINDAGAT’S work extends beyond supplying restaurants. It also aims to equip fishing communities with the skills to manage more of the commercial process themselves. Jaime Oyao, a fisher-entrepreneur based in Lubang, Occidental Mindoro, was among Tindagat’s pioneering fishing partners. The enterprise also works with com-
www.businessmirror.com.ph munities in Busuanga, Palawan, and Zamboanga Sibugay, while developing initiatives in other areas, including Bantayan Island in Cebu. Training includes not only seafood processing but also costing and bookkeeping, helping fishers better understand the value of their products and prepare to manage transactions independently. Building this capacity takes time. Communities must learn to meet buyers’ specifications, maintain quality and fulfill orders consistently. Tindagat is working toward a model in which fishing communities can eventually manage their own operations with greater independence. Supply remains a challenge, particularly when weather conditions disrupt fishing and affect the availability of particular species. Expanding the enterprise will require continued training, reliable cold-chain facilities and sustained demand from restaurant partners. The collaboration will take center stage at Lemuria in November 2026, when the restaurant showcases its partnership with Tindagat through a menu highlighting the diversity of Philippine seafood. The offerings will reflect the fish available through Tindagat, allowing Endaya to explore different varieties and develop dishes around their individual characteristics. For diners, the collaboration offers an opportunity to discover local fish in new ways. For fishing communities, it represents a chance to connect their catch with a market that values quality, traceability and responsible sourcing. Ultimately, the initiative seeks to connect the people who harvest the country’s marine resources with the chefs who transform them into memorable dining experiences. By giving local fish greater visibility and fishing communities better access to markets, Tindagat hopes to demonstrate that the value of Filipino seafood lies not only in what comes from the sea, but also in how it is handled, appreciated and shared.
Chef Carlo Miguel, director of the Wildflour Hospitality Group, and Chef Muhammad Imran, culinary consultant to the USA Cheese Guild, pose at the graizing table
tending the exploration of how cheese can be incorporated into desserts. For chefs, these applications open up opportunities to reconsider ingredients they may already know and discover ways to use them beyond conventional recipes.
Rethinking American cheese
THE evening also challenged a familiar perception of American cheese as limited to processed slices and standard applications. Chef Imran, who has worked with the USA Cheese Guild since 2022, said he initially shared that misconception. His experience with the wider range of American cheeses, however, introduced him to the variety, craftsmanship and creativity behind the country’s cheesemaking. American cheeses, he explained, offer chefs another set of possibilities, from distinctive flavor profiles to different textures and melting characteristics. These qualities can influence how a cheese performs in a sauce, a baked dish or a
more unconventional preparation. For the USA Cheese Guild and the LTB Philippines Chefs Association, the Chef’s Table was also an opportunity to encourage culinary professionals to explore these possibilities. The collaboration forms part of broader efforts to familiarize chefs with American cheese varieties and their applications, including through specialized training for culinary instructors. Ultimately, the dinner’s most compelling message was a simple one: working with cheese is as much about understanding its character as it is about choosing a particular variety. Whether it is a creamy filling for zucchini flowers, a rich fonduta for handmade pasta or an unexpected finishing touch for an apple crostata, the right cheese can change the way a dish comes together. And while pasta and pizza will always have a place for cheese, there is a much bigger world of possibilities waiting beyond the familiar grate.
Conrad Manila marks 10 Years of culinary excellence with Chef Jereme Leung’s return to China Blue
S Conrad Manila marks its 10th anniversary, the hotel recently welcomed back Chef Jereme Leung, the chef behind China Blue by Jereme Leung, for a three-day return from October 9 to 11, 2026. The visit marked a return to one of the hotel’s most enduring culinary collaborations. Working alongside executive Chinese chef Eng Yew Khor, Chef Leung introduced a new collection of dishes created for China Blue’s next chapter, bringing a contemporary perspective to Chinese culinary traditions while building on the restaurant’s identity established since Conrad Manila opened in 2016. The new dishes will remain on the menu following Chef Leung’s visit, giving the anni-
versary collaboration a lasting place within the restaurant’s evolving culinary direction. “Our 10th anniversary is an opportunity to look back at the relationships and experiences that have shaped Conrad Manila, while also thinking about what comes next,” said Rupert Hallam, general manager of Conrad Manila. “Chef Jereme Leung has been part of China Blue’s story from the very beginning. Bringing him back to work with Chef Khor on a new menu feels like a fitting way to celebrate that history while continuing to move the restaurant forward.” Chef Leung is known for his contemporary approach to Chinese cuisine, drawing on traditional techniques and regional influences while reinterpreting them for modern dining. Since
opening in 2016, China Blue by Jereme Leung has become an established part of Conrad Manila’s dining identity and is included in the MICHELIN Guide Philippines 2026 selection. Created collaboratively by Chef Leung and Chef Khor, the new menu introduces dishes across appetizers, soups, mains and desserts. Highlights include: Appetizers: Crispy sea cucumber stuffed with mushroom and garlic, served with Sichuan chili sauce; Pan-seared lotus root filled with shrimp mousse, lemon-yuzu dressing, and raspberry pearls; Candied hawthorn wrapper gift box with roasted duck salad Soup: Abalone, bird’s nest, snow crab
Baked lobster with white wine and cheese sauce
claw, fish maw, and egg white soup; Sun-dried scallops, roast duck, water bamboo, winter melon, and moringa soup; Fried Chilean sea bass, stuffed morel mushrooms, and tomato fish soup Main Course: Roasted stuffed pigeon
with seafood treasure and abalone; Braised whole abalone (two heads) with sea cucumber, morel mushrooms, and crab meat; Baked lobster with white wine and cheese sauce; Wokfried orzo pasta with minced beef, garlic, onion, and fresh mushrooms Dessert: Chilled Yunnan white coffee panna cotta with espresso caviar; Deep-fried banana fritter with salted caramel ice cream; Rum ice cream and coconut sponge cake with chocolate dome “I am delighted to return to Conrad Manila as it celebrates such a significant milestone,” said Chef Leung. “Over the past decade, it has been a privilege to be part of the hotel’s journey and to witness the continued success of China
Blue. This latest collection reflects our shared passion for honoring Chinese culinary traditions while embracing creativity and innovation.” The launch of these new menu additions reflects Conrad Manila’s continued commitment to creating meaningful and memorable dining experiences, reinforcing the hotel’s reputation as a premier culinary destination as it celebrates ten years of excellence and looks toward the future. China Blue by Jereme Leung is open daily for lunch from 11:00 am to 2:30 pm and dinner from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. For inquiries and reservations, please call +632 8833 9999 (telephone), +639176504043 (mobile), or email MNLMB.FB@ConradHotels.com.
Wine&Dine
BusinessMirror
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A TASTE OF MARRAKECH
Bacha Coffee has arrived in Manila
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T was only last March, while aboard the Disney Adventure cruise’s maiden voyage, when I was introduced to the captivating brews of Bacha Coffee. Amid the cruise’s high-seas luxury, I first encountered two variants of the legendary Moroccan coffee made from 100 percent Arabica beans: the berry-noted I Love Paris and the hazelnut-flavored Happy Gianduja. Sachet-wrapped drip coffee bags of both brews were available in our room and served in all of Disney Adventure’s restaurants. That unforgettable four-day cruise where I had my repeated fills of Bacha Coffee was more than enough to get me hooked. Since then, I went on to ask an overseasbased friend to send me Bacha Coffee’s Navigator sampler, which allowed me to enjoy its numerous other variants, including the fruity 1910 and the Marrakech Morning Coffee with its mixed flavor notes. For the uninitiated, which until recently included myself, Bacha Coffee is the legendary Moroccan coffee house founded in 1910
within the historic Dar el Bacha in, yes, Marrakech. Following its global revival in recent years, V3 Gourmet, the same group behind the equally exquisite TWG Tea, opened its first international store in Singapore in 2019. Now, I’m very happy to learn that Bacha Coffee is now available here in the Philippines with not just one but two locations in Metro Manila: SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City and Greenbelt 3 in Makati City. These flagship stores bring both the art of traditional coffee preparation and coffee gastronomy directly to Filipino coffee lovers. “Bacha Coffee is the product of a rich legacy, a brand that has ripened over storied brews since 1910. Our latest destinations will ignite the imagination of our guests in the same way that coffee transports us to faraway destinations. We have combined old and new into one experience, paying homage to the past and inventing the future, with 100 percent Arabica specialty coffee playing center stage in this theatre of life,” noted Taha Bouqdib, Presi-
Specialty croissant at Bacha Coffee
Bacha Coffee at Greenbelt 3
dent & CEO of V3 Gourmet. Reflecting the heritage of its birthplace in Dar el Bacha, both spaces feature the brand’s signature visual spectacle: rich, warm
ochre tones, intricate geometric zellige tilework, hand-carved cedar wood ceilings, polished brass detailing, and striking black-andwhite inlaid marble floors.
With a whopping library of over 200 varieties of 100 percent Arabica specialty coffees, meticulously sourced from 35 premier coffee-producing regions worldwide, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration at all to consider Bacha Coffee as the ultimate coffee experience. Divided across Single Origin, Fine Blended, Fine Flavoured—including the beloved I Love Paris—and Naturally CO₂ Decaffeinated categories, guests can explore the awe-inspiring stores through its three distinct concepts: an intimate Coffee Bar, a retail Coffee Boutique, and a fullservice Takeaway experience. For those seeking an immersive sit-down experience, the Bacha Coffee Bar offers an exclusive setting—seating up to 15 guests at SM Mall of Asia and 8 guests at Greenbelt 3. True to Moroccan tradition, no espresso-based beverages are served here. Every brew is meticulously prepared and poured from signature golden pots. The coffee is accompanied by gourmet and freshly baked treats, including the Philippines-exclusive Soy-Marinated Chicken & Potato Croissant. There are also signature desserts like the decadent Bacha Coffee Tiramisu, served in an amber glass jar layered with coffee jelly and Arabica-soaked biscuits. The Coffee Boutique features floor-to-ceiling columns of ochre canisters. Coffee enthusiasts can purchase loose beans by weight or have them freshly ground by in-house Coffee Masters to match their exact brewing setup. The retail collection also offers exquisite gift choices, such as the Signature Nomad Collection—featuring rare
Sunday, October 25, 2026 C3
origins like Yemen’s Grand Moka Matari Coffee—along with singleserve Coffee Bag Gift Boxes, bone china from the Heritage Collection, and curated gift hampers. And yes, the Navigator sampler, a box of 25 individually wrapped, single-serve drip coffee bags, is also available here and the one I’ll most likely come back for the most. Bacha Coffee also elevates the takeaway experience. Each takeaway order, whether served hot or iced, is presented on a silver-toned designer tray complete with vanilla bean-flecked Chantilly cream, a raw sugar stick, a wooden spoon, and a reusable glass straw. As someone who has fully embraced Bacha Coffee’s timeless tradition after first experiencing it in, of all places, the open seas, being able to enjoy its rich brews at home and, yes, in their new Metro Manila stores is nothing short of a wonderful treat. As I kept telling Maranda Barnes, co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of V3 Gourmet, Bacha Coffee’s Marrakech roots reminded me of “Marrakesh Express,” the classic folk song by Crosby, Stills & Nash. With its upbeat tone and inviting lyrics, I found myself on board this particular train thanks in large part to Bacha Coffee. Looking forward to seeing more Bacha Coffee stores open here in the Philippines in the near future. Destination Guide: •Bacha Coffee SM Mall of Asia: Ground Floor, Main Mall, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City. Open daily from 10 am to 10 pm. •Bacha Coffee Greenbelt 3: Ground Floor, Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City. Open Sunday to Thursday from 11 am to 9 pm, and Friday to Saturday from 11 am to 10 pm.
BEYOND THE BOTTLE | Australian wine looks for its next pour in PHL By Bless Aubrey Ogerio
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USTRALIAN wine is looking to expand its presence on Philippine tables, with producers hoping to turn a growing appetite for wine into stronger distribution, greater consumer awareness and opportunities beyond the varieties drinkers already know. The Philippines ranked as the fifth-largest wine market in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) by value in 2025, with sales just under $170 million, according to data from IWSR, cited by Wine Australia. Australian wine was the country’s secondlargest imported wine category, with shipments reaching 2.5 million liters worth A$11.5 million in the 12 months to June 2026. However, the next stage of growth, according to Sarah Roberts, Wine Australia’s regional manager for Asia Pacific, depends partly on broadening the range of wines available to local buyers and helping the trade introduce consumers to styles they may not have tried. “Rather than focusing on a particular price, we’d encourage consumers who are new to Australian wine to explore different varieties and styles according to what they enjoy and the occasion,” Roberts told BusinessMirror in an interview.
This effort was part of the Australian Wine Showcase Southeast Asia 2026, which made a stop in Manila on October 12 at Grand Hyatt Manila.
More than reds, whites
MORE than 120 grape varieties are grown across Australia’s 65 wine regions, spanning diverse climates, landscapes and winemaking traditions. Its wine offerings range from established names such as Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay to lesser-known grape varieties and lighter, fresher styles. For consumers still finding their way around wine lists, this diversity can make the category seem intimidating. Roberts said, however, that exploring Australian wine does not require a particular level of expertise or a fixed spending threshold. “There are plenty of options that work particularly well alongside Filipino food and social dining occasions, giving consumers a range of approachable starting points, from fresh and aromatic wines through to fuller-bodied reds,” she said. Food pairing could help make wine less of a special-occasion purchase and a more familiar presence at the table.
Philippine dining often centers on dishes with contrasting flavors, from salty and savory grilled meats to rich sauces, seafood and dishes with sharp, acidic notes. Australian wine’s range of styles, Roberts said, makes it adaptable to the region’s diverse food traditions and shared dining experiences.
Building business beyond a tasting
FOR Wine Australia, the Manila showcase was not designed around a specific export-order or revenue target. Instead, Roberts said, the goal was to create opportunities for producers and local trade partners to build relationships that could eventually lead to new listings, distribution arrangements and longer-term business opportunities. There are already 46 Australian wine exporters serving the Philippine market, giving the industry an established network to build on. The showcase was intended to broaden the range of Australian wines available to local buyers rather than simply reinforce the category’s existing presence. “We don’t set a specific target for export orders or revenue from an individual event,” Roberts said. “Our focus is on connecting Aus-
tralian wineries with importers, distributors, retailers, hospitality professionals and other influential members of the Philippine wine trade.” The Manila stop formed part of a wider Southeast Asian program held from October 5 to 16, with representatives from more than 25 Australian wineries visiting Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Manila, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta. The showcase builds on a 2024 program that drew almost 800 trade visitors across four Southeast Asian markets. Malaysia joined the itinerary for the first time this year.
Growth without a fixed forecast?
EXPORTS of Australian wine to Southeast Asia reached A$293.9 million in the year to June 2026, increasing by an average of 7.2 percent annually over the past five years, according to Wine Australia. The Philippines recorded average annual growth of 7.6 percent in Australian wine export value over the same period, reaching A$11.5 million. Roberts did not provide a growth projection for the Philippine market, saying the focus was on supporting sustainable, long-term ex-
One of the Australian wine brands that participated in the Australian Wine Showcase Southeast Asia 2026
pansion through greater awareness, stronger trade relationships and better opportunities for producers to reach local consumers. “The Philippines is a market where we see further opportunity for Australian wine, as consumers continue to explore new varieties, styles and wine occasions,” she said. The broader push, branded “Taste Beyond,” encourages trade partners to look
beyond the best-known regions and grape varieties and consider the diversity of Australian wines being produced today. For a market already spending nearly $170 million on wine annually, the question is not simply whether Filipino consumers will try Australian wine. It is whether producers can give them enough reasons—and accessible choices—to come back for another bottle.
From guzzle to gastronome: The changing relationship with alcohol By Charo Logarta Lagamon Contributor
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OME years back, going out on a “Sabado Night” meant buckets of beer, a slew of shots and hours of indulgence and “inuman” with friends and acquaintances on alcoholic beverages. These days, many Filipinos, especially the Gen Zs, are drinking much less, if at all. Research shows that the decline in drinking is caused by several factors which include adulting in the midst of pandemic-related quarantines and liquor bans, rising consciousness about health and wellness, as well as more non-alcoholic alternatives such as coffee, teas, juices and beverages with zero alcohol.
Mere bar chow no more
TO re-ignite appreciation for alcoholic drinks, mixologists, bar-owners and wine and spirit
retailers have had to get creative through IGworthy cocktails; a more curated and discriminating array of bubbly, gins and reds; or wines and cocktails paired in culinary experiences. Food and drink pairings aim to elevate and enhance flavors in a dish. An increasing number of alcohol brands have been turning to gastronomy to get people to drink. San Miguel for one, has been collaborating with various restaurants to create menus paired with beer. For the 2026 Philippine Cocktail Fiesta which will be held in Cebu from November 13 to 15, four cocktail pairing experiences bring visiting bartenders together with Cebuano chefs and restaurants, connecting cocktails with each venue’s culinary identity.
The pairings
TONIC Liu, co-founder of Kaohsiung top-rated bar Maltail will be paired with Chef Masahiro Kinoshita at AKA Mactan for cocktails served with contemporary Japanese cuisine at Crimson
co-founder of Sidecar in New Delhi, India, with Head Bartender Souvik Rana Lama, collaborating with Chef Chris Navarro from Anzani Restaurant for contemporary Indian cocktail served together with New Mediterranean cuisine. “What started in Manila last year has grown into something much bigger than a singlecity festival,” says Tatum Ancheta, Founder of DrinkCollectiv and Festival Director of The Philippine Cocktail Fiesta, “Beyond bringing great bars and bartenders together, these dinners give guests the opportunity to discover the Philippines through our bars, food, and hospitality.” Banana Milk is a signature cocktail of Cebu speakeasy The Lost Unicorn that is made with dark rhum, black tea, banana milk and yogurt (PHOTO COURTESY OF DRINKCOLLECTIV)
Resort and Spa. Meanwhile, Pinoy pride reigns with Filipino-inspired cocktails created by Jon Bunoan from Hong Kong’s Filipino bar Dara paired with coastal Filipino cuisine by Chef Marcel Ramos at Davos.
The food and cocktail pairings also include Filipino comfort food from Chef Joanne Sakai at Balai Brunch by Cafe Plus meeting ingredientdriven mixology by Grasshopper Bar Head Bartender Jonathan Matienzo; and Yangdup Lama,
Drinking with moderation and intention
WITH more people drinking to mark milestones, create memories or get in the moment of occasions that they deem worthy of a drink, they are doing so with a more discriminating taste in their choice of alcoholic beverages. These days, the grape variant matters.
The region matters. The cocktail flavors matter. People know their Cabernet from their Pinot Noir. Retailers such as The Marketplace are stocking up on a much wider variety of wines and other spirits as Filipinos become more sophisticated drinkers. The Marketplace brings together a thoughtfully curated selection from exclusive finds and highly rated wines to exciting varietals and prestigious Bordeaux. Through its partnership with Vivino, the world’s largest wine app and community, The Marketplace helps explore the world, one bottle at a time with feedback and ratings from experts and consumers from all over the world. Guests can explore different labels, regions, and unique flavor profiles in one destination—from familiar favorites to bottles waiting to become your next go-to. So while drinking habits, patterns and preferences are shifting, one of the world’s oldest products will always have a place in society—whether it’s an occasion or simply meeting friends.
Wine&Dine
BusinessMirror
C4 Sunday, October 25, 2026
DILLINGERS AT 16 | The Makati bar its diners turned into a restaurant
REDEFINING THE PLATE
How hotel dining has evolved in recent years I
The Tomahawk Steak, finished tableside with a torch over a pat of butter, with Truffle Pasta in the background. PHOTO BY JOSHUA DIZON
By Joshua Castro Dizon Contributor
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NNIVERSARIES are usually told as a straight line: a founding, a following, a milestone. Rarely does a host stand up and talk about the nights when the room was empty. At the Dillingers 1903 media preview on September 28, 2026, on the third floor of Greenbelt 3 in Makati, President Sean Fariñas did exactly that. “By around our eighth year, there were nights when it felt like all we had left were a handful of loyal regulars,” he told BusinessMirror. It was an unusual opening for a brand celebrating 16 years. It also helps explain what Dillingers is doing next.
From inuman to a full table
DILLINGERS opened in 2010 as the brainchild of Fariñas’ friend, the late Perry Quimbo. In its early years, it was, in Fariñas’ words, “a bar in every sense of the word,” with crowds that sometimes spilled into the mall hallway. Then the crowds thinned. Bars thrive on novelty, and novelty eventually wears off. What brought people back was not a new drink. New faces began showing up, and the team could not figure out why until they came across videos online featuring an old Makati bar serving good steaks at great value. “We honestly didn’t know where they were coming from,” Fariñas said. The diners had decided Dillingers was a restaurant before its owners did.
Food as a way to keep people
THE pandemic turned that gradual shift into a strategy. With the bar shut down and sales at zero, Fariñas’ priority was to keep his staff employed. Food was the only thing Dillingers could still sell, so the team focused on its food offerings and priced its steaks well below those of better-known steakhouses. TikTok did the rest. In the first few weeks, with only a week’s worth of inventory on hand and no customers, the team cooked everything it had and delivered the meals to hospital frontliners. “At a time when we didn’t know if we would still have a business to come back to, at least Dillingers was still able to serve people,” Fariñas said. That instinct runs through the rest of the story. Fariñas speaks about his roughly 70-member Greenbelt team with the same pride that many owners reserve for their signature dishes. Vice President for Operations Rene Sebana, meanwhile, has been with the business since day one. In an industry where staff turnover is common, that kind of loyalty is an operational advantage, not just a reflection of goodwill. In its 14th year, with business stable, Fariñas decided it was time to renovate.
“A lot of people asked me, ‘Why? Things are okay,’” he recalled. To him, okay was not enough. Sales eventually tripled, he said. He now jokingly calls Dillingers the “birthday capital” of Greenbelt, a go-to destination for celebrating over good food without a hefty bill.
A light hand on the menu
THE latest step was bringing in Chef Kevin Villarica, a co-founder of Michelin-starred Hapag who had already developed a steakhouse menu from scratch at Le Feu. At Dillingers, his brief is narrower but no less challenging: improve a menu people already love without losing what makes it special. His philosophy is simple: “I don’t mess with something that’s good.” That restraint shows on the plate. The Spinach and Artichoke Dip is well-balanced without being overly cheesy, allowing the spinach to come through clearly. The Mushroom Soup, meanwhile, is generously studded with mushroom pieces. The ribeye remains the reason many diners come and the dish that first drew the TikTok crowd. It arrives sliced across the plate, with charred grill marks and a pink center. A knob of butter melts into the cuts, accompanied by half a head of roasted garlic, green beans and blistered cherry tomatoes. The Tomahawk, the centerpiece of the anniversary menu, is designed for sharing at the center of the table. Both steaks are served with Steak Fat Garlic Rice and Mashed Potato and Gravy. At the preview, they were paired with Grower’s Gate Cabernet Sauvignon from South Australia. The bar, it turns out, never left. It simply learned to pour alongside the food.
A second address
THE next test lies beyond Makati. A second Dillingers is set to open in Nuvali, Laguna, in the fourth quarter, with families in mind. Back in Greenbelt, a three-storey dining concept called 1903 is also scheduled to open late this year. In Greenbelt, diners discovered Dillingers through steaks shared after work. In Nuvali, the focus shifts toward family gatherings, with the new location catering to a different kind of occasion.
What never changed
FARIÑAS closed his speech with a toast to Quimbo, the regulars and the staff who stayed “through the good years and the difficult ones.” Sixteen years ago, the crowd spilled into the hallway for the drinks. Then it left, only to find its way back through phone screens and videos showcasing the steak. Through it all, one thing remained constant: Dillingers’ commitment to keeping its people employed.
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By Edwin Sallan
N recent years, hotel dining has reached a point where it’s no longer just about filling tables or serving silver-cluttered continental courses. In today’s travel ecosystem, space, story, and local identity happily come together in what is quietly shaping up to be a deliberate evolution. At the Manila Marriott Hotel at Newport World Resorts, Marriott International recently unveiled its annual white paper, the “Future of Food Asia Pacific 2027.” The study offers a comprehensive look at the shifting appetites of modern travelers across Asia Pacific (not counting China). The result of a collaborative survey of 284 participating properties alongside chefs, restaurant operators, and designers, the report serves as a roadmap for one of the world’s largest food and beverage operations, covering more than 1,500 restaurants and bars. In an interview with BusinessMirror, Petr Raba, Vice President of Food & Beverage for Marriott International APEC, provided insights into the broader consumer shifts and the core rationale behind these emerging trends. Raba actually helped open Manila Marriott in 2009 and worked on the design of its grand ballroom. Having spent 15 years in Asia and worked across four continents, Raba understands how food deeply defines a destination. “We started this about three years ago to identify what the trends are within the industry. Being one of the largest restaurant operators with 1,500-plus restaurants and bars, we have a lot of customers visiting us every single day. We want to understand what customers’ expectations are, what they want moving forward, and how we can adapt to stay ahead of the trends,” Raba noted.
Spatial dining and micro-concepts
ONE of the key shifts underscored by Raba and his team during the unveiling is what they refer to as “the spatial shift.” As food is no longer confined to rigid restaurant layouts, roughly 45 percent of guests seek unique dining experiences across non-traditional areas like lobby lounges, al fresco spaces, and poolside venues. To optimize these environments, Marriott is championing the idea
of a “micro-concept within the concept” or as Raba puts it, “how a simple venue can transform into a more specialized, limited-seating restaurant, optimizing space for a more exclusive setup.” “A lot of customers today are looking into different spaces for dining. What is the sweet spot? Is it 40 to 50 seats in the restaurant where you can interact, engage, and provide great experiences? How do we design restaurants for breakfast, and what happens after? How can we make them smaller and maybe focused on a specific cuisine?” A prime example of this concept was the transformation of the GreatRoom’s al fresco area at Manila Marriott into the Selva Shrimp House, an interactive, sustainable platform dedicated to responsible seafood sourcing and environmental awareness.
Authentic localization and ‘The Rise of Place’
WHILE modern design and spatial flexibility provides structure, the soul of the experience remains tied to native ingredients and heritage cooking. According to Marriott’s report, the single strongest trend across participating properties involves 95 percent of guests demand for local signature dishes. “Travelers tend to resonate more with moments unique to their destinations, hence the increase in demand for regional cuisine,” says Raba. “Ingredients, meals, drinks, and wellness traditions are becoming central to what they value. Local dishes are requested three times more than Asian and Western cuisine.” Local ingredients, destinationdriven storytelling, and spatial design converge all conspire in placing emphasis on authentic localization consistent with the study’s overarching theme, “The Rise of Place.” “The Rise of Place is a combination of findings from the report. It’s about the spatial shift, the rise of local cuisine, and the destination itself, where people want to have different experiences in unique spaces,” Raba further explained. “Wherever I go, I always eat local,” Raba himself reveals. “I always ask the team to take me where they go, not in a fancy restaurant, but whether it’s a food stall, a food truck, or a hole-in-the-wall restaurant where they have the best single dish. That’s always what I like to eat.”
Marriott International Philippines brings the Future of Food Asia Pacific 2027 to the Philippines, exploring the evolving culinary landscape through local flavors, unconventional dining concepts, and sustainable food experiences, showcasing how food continues to shape the way travelers discover and connect with culture and place.
From 99-minute fine dining to wellness
BEYOND spatial design and local flavors, the Future of Food 2027 report outlines several operational shifts catering to modern lifestyles: The 99-Minute Fine Dining: Recognizing that modern travelers have packed itineraries yet still desire elevated culinary storytelling, hotel kitchens are condensing traditional marathon tasting menus. “People are busy, but they want to have great experiences in a shorter period of time,” says Raba. “How do we deliver the four-hour, 15-course meal in a smaller form, maybe in 99 minutes, where you still have great dishes, great ingredients, and great stories around the food?” Eat Well & Spirit-Free: Health and mindful consumption continue to rise, with 43 percent of guests preferring nutritious options and 40 percent seeking sugarfree items. Additionally, 77 percent of Philippine properties reported a surge in low- or no-alcohol beverage sales. “People are drinking less,” Raba observes. “In the Philippines, 77 percent of hotels saw an increase in low- or no-alcohol sales. We’ve made a spirit-free program available so our hotels can execute delicious, good-looking cocktails that go far beyond the standard Virgin Mojito.” Solo Dining & Multi-Sampling: With a significant rise in solo travelers, menus are pivoting toward smaller, shareable, or multisample portions. “We see a huge rise in solo diners,” Raba points out. “How can we deliver these experiences for them? Maybe a smaller portion where you
can try five local dishes instead of having one big dish.”
Sinagtala takes center stage
“Filipino cuisine is great, but it needs a little bit more amplification outside of the Philippines,” Raba pointed out. Raba noted that while Filipino cuisine possesses immense depth, it remains an underrated treasure globally that deserves wider international spotlighting. To help address this, Marriott introduced the Sinagtala Philippine Culinary Arts Program. Borne out of an internal competition among Marriott chefs across the Philippines, Sinagtala institutionalizes regional classics. The resulting “Sinagtala Recipe Book,” curated alongside Director of Culinary Chef Meik Brammer, showcases winning entries from various properties: Clark Marriott’s Pork Adobo, The Westin Manila’s Vegetable Kare-Kare and Sisig, and Manila Marriott’s Sinigang na Hipon and Chicken Inasal. “We invited all the chefs to compete and create the best pork adobo, sisig, and kare-kare, and put them all together in a recipe book. What we want to do now is take this and make it available in all our hotels across Asia Pacific so they can run Filipino promotions and put these signature dishes on their menus,” Raba enthused. For local food enthusiasts wanting to experience these findings firsthand, the Future of Food x Sinagtala Buffet runs exclusively at the Manila Marriott Hotel through December 2026—offering guests a direct taste of where regional heritage meets the future of hotel dining.
Old favorites and new flavors at Crystal Dragon By Joshua Castro Dizon Contributor
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RYSTAL Dragon, the Cantonese restaurant of City of Dreams Manila, has introduced a new a la carte menu, and longtime guests will be glad to find that some of their favorites have stayed. The menu was presented at a media lunch on October 9, 2026, at the restaurant on the upper ground level of Nüwa Manila in Parañaque. It was created by Chef de Cuisine Chan Choo Kean and his culinary team, who added new dishes alongside the ones regulars return for, while the dining room has been refreshed with new carpet and tableware.
The team behind the menu
CHAN has led Crystal Dragon’s kitchen since 2015. He began in 1994 as a barbecue chef in Kuala Lumpur and went on to cook in kitchens including Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur before moving to Manila. He works with City of Dreams Manila Executive Chef-Chinese Khoo Teng Jin, known as Chef Danny, who guides menu development, and Dim Sum Chef de Cuisine She Chong Ngooi. Under Chan, the restaurant was named the Philippines’ Best Hotel Restaurant at the World Culinary Awards in 2024 and 2025.
What’s new on the menu
THE new dishes include Baked Crab Shell Stuffed with Mushroom and Black Truffle, Braised Fish Maw with Grouper in Superior Broth and TeaSmoked Australian Beef Short Ribs served with homemade buns. Diners can also pick their live seafood, from grouper to green lobster and mud crab, and decide whether it is steamed, deepfried, stir-fried, baked or poached. At lunch, the dim sum selection adds new pieces such as “Ham Sui Kok” with Iberico pork and black garlic, and a six-course set menu is available at P3,800 net per person, for a minimum of two.
A meal paired with tea
THE media lunch was served with a tea pairing in place of wine. An Osmanthus Oolong welcomed guests. A Jasmine Cold Brew came with the dim sum and soup, and an Aged Pu-erh from Yunnan carried the meal from the mains through dessert. The meal opened with a small bun shaped like a porcupine, perched on a bed of bright green ice in a stone bowl. It was almost too pretty to eat, but the filling was rich and savory. A tasting platter of four dim sum followed, each also available a la carte. The Goldfish Dumpling Filled with Shrimp and Diced
The Wok-fried Vermicelli with Crab Meat, Scallops and Egg looks simple, but it turned out to be the surprise of the meal. PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF DREAMS MANILA
Pumpkin is delicate and familiar. The Deep-fried Black Swan Taro Puff, with its lacy black shell and curved neck, tastes as good as it looks. The Traditional Fujian Five Spice Iberico Pork Roll with Taro is the most distinctly Chinese of the four, with the five spice leading. The standout is the Steamed Lobster with Bamboo Shoots Dumpling, crowned with caviar, luscious and full of flavor. The Braised Hot and Sour Soup with Sea Treasures lives up to its name, with seafood in every spoonful. It is among the best versions of the classic this writer has had. For the main course, Chan finished the Baked Live Sea Grouper with Fragrant Garlic Sauce in Claypot at the table himself. The fish
was fresh, tender and delicate, and full of flavor. The Braised Pork Belly with Preserved Vegetables will remind Filipino diners of pata tim, the Chinese restaurant staple, but with more finesse. Its rich, glossy sauce is made for the steamed mantou served alongside. The Wok-fried Vermicelli with Crab Meat, Scallops and Egg looks simple, but it turned out to be the surprise of the meal and a favorite around the table. Dessert came as a trio. The Chilled Mango Pomelo Sago with Milk Custard gives a familiar classic a richer finish, and the Crystal Dragon Cranberry Red Wine Snow Skin carries the restaurant’s own name. The Deep-fried Black Pearl with Homemade Salted Egg Lava is an explosion of flavor, the salted egg spilling out at the first bite.
The favorites that stay
FOR all the new faces on the menu, some things at Crystal Dragon are not up for change. The Traditional Whole Roasted Duck still arrives whole and is carved beside the table, and it still leads a barbecue selection that includes Crispy Roasted Chicken and Roasted Crispy Pork Belly. The porcupine and the black swan may be what first-timers photograph, but the duck is what regulars will keep coming back for.
Sunday, October 25, 2026 | Edited by Jose F. Lacaba
The terrible irony of 2 Valid IDs
JOSE F. “PETE” LACABA
Salinawit ni Pete Lacaba:
A Tribute Story on page 2
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By Seymour Barros Sanchez
OLLOWING its triumphant run at the 2026 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, the award-winning political drama 2 Valid IDs is taking its deeply human message beyond local shores for its international premiere at the 46th Hawai’i International Film Festiva (HIFF). Directed by Ma-an Asuncion-Dagñalan and written by Abet Pagdagda-
gan Raz, the film has been selected for the HIFF’s Panorama section and
nominated for the Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema (NETPAC) Award. 2 Valid IDs brings the urgent realities of Filipino administrative inequality to a global audience. The film centers on Sylvia, played by Marietta “Pokwang” Subong in a standout performance that earned her the Cinemalaya 2026 Best Actress award. Sylvia is a poor Ilocana farmer whose world turns upside down when her husband, Ramon (Joey Marquez), is hospitalized with severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. When a relative living overseas remits money to help transfer Ramon to a private facility, Sylvia faces an unexpected wall. The remittance center refuses to release
the funds because she cannot present two valid IDs. Her only form of identification, a PhilHealth card, is not accepted. Desperate to save her husband, Sylvia navigates endless queues, administrative errors like name mismatches and predatory fixers. As days pass, the family’s limited money drains into daily expenses while Ramon’s medical condition rapidly deteriorates. Aside from Subong and Marquez, 2 Valid IDs also features Meryll Soriano, Zaijian Jaranilla, Bombi Plata, Marife Necesito, Chase Salazar, Nour Hooshmand, Joem Bascon, Maey Bautista, DMs Boongaling, Yian Gabriel, Michael Angelo “Mike” Dagñalan, and Jun Sabayton. The film was also recognized at
Cinemalaya with the Audience Choice Award and Special Jury Award. The blockbuster hit made its nationwide theatrical release last October 14, following its August premiere at Cinemalaya. Its Hawaii festival run is a significant milestone for the team, which is supported by the International Film Festival Assistance Program of the Film Development Council of the Philippines. The film made its HIFF debut on Oct.7. It will likewise be screened on Oct. 27 and on Nov. 5. Asuncion-Dagñalan also collaborated with executive producers Geo Lomuntad, Claudia Diaz Cojuangco, Ben Tsai, HJ Li, Paolo Fernandez, Mitch Fernandez, Jim Baltazar, and
Lydia Gapas, cinematographer Neil Daza, editor Vanessa Ubas- De Leon, production designer Mao Fadul, sound designer Jannina Mikaela Minglanilla, musical scorers Mikey Amistoso and Jazz Nicolas.
DIGNITY & ACCESS
IN her director’s statement, Asuncion-Dagñalan highlighted the story, which asks fundamental questions about dignity and access. “It’s only in the Philippines that we are asked to show two valid IDs to get another ID,” she noted. “What happens to those who don’t have any? What is the value of a human life in a broken system?” Continued on page 2
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Tony&Nick BusinessMirror
Sunday, October 25, 2026
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It’s only in the Philippines that we are asked to show two valid IDs to get another ID
MARIETTA “POKWANG: SUBONG
JOEY MARQUEZ, Zaijian Jaranilla, and Marietta Subong in 2 Valid IDs
Continued from page 1
Asuncion-Dagñalan is a filmmaker recognized for her debut feature Blue Room, which bagged Best Foreign Film at the 2023 LA Femme International Film Festival in Los Angeles, California. She also won Best Director honors at the Cinemalaya Film Festival in 2022 and the FAMAS Awards in
2023. She is part of both the Directors Guild of the Philippines, Inc. and the Filipino Screenwriters Guild.
SOCIAL RELEVANCE
BY placing a human face on systemic administrative hurdles, 2 Valid IDs serves as both an eye-opening cinematic narrative and a call for institutional empathy and reform. Perhaps the strongest justification
for Subong’s Best Actress win is how she transforms Sylvia’s seemingly mundane struggle into something emotionally palpable. There are no grand monologues or overtly dramatic confrontations in her performance. Instead, Subong allows Sylvia’s exhaustion to accumulate through her restrained expressions, body language, pauses, and quiet persistence. Every queue, rejection, and additional
requirement gradually wears Sylvia down, and Subong makes that erosion visible without overplaying it. This restraint becomes especially effective in Sylvia’s most emotionally revealing moments. At the billing station, when she discovers that her name has been recorded incorrectly and that she may need yet another ID to correct the mistake. Subong’s contained rage could
arguably have been more explosive for greater cinematic impact. Yet her restraint also feels true to Sylvia’s character. This culminates in the ending, when Sylvia silently cries at the back of the truck, with no grand breakdown or explanatory dialogue. Subong captures that quiet resilience with remarkable restraint, making the ordinary act of obtaining two IDs feel
like what it truly represents. For a film built around such a familiar experience, the challenge was never simply to show that getting an ID is difficult. That is where 2 Valid IDs differs: the most effective social commentary does not need to shout. Sometimes, it only needs to make us look again at the things we have learned to consider normal.—with reports from Hjadoeya Calica
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Sunday, October 25, 2026
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Pete Lacaba’s night of song adaptations By Kris Lanot Lacaba | Photos by Nilo Ocampo
M
Y Brother’s Mustache-Hive Hotel along Scout Tuazon in Quezon City was jampacked last October 10. Friends, colleagues, and stalwarts of the entertainment, literary, and journalism fields came together to give Tatay—poet and screenwriter Jose “Pete” Lacaba—a tribute, celebrating his beloved translations of popular songs. Multimedia journalist, actor, and screenwriter Joel Saracho was the evening’s main stage host and performing guest artist. The Salinawit Tribute drew poignant renditions of spoken word performances from Tatay’s screenplays. Actress-singer Jackielou Blanco performed monologues from Tatay’s movie, Sister Stella L. Broadcast journalist Atom Araullo read passages from Tatay’s Days of Disquiet, Nights of Rage. Bobette Bernadas and Ferdie Borja provided music accompaniment and backing. As mentioned by Tita Joan Maglipon, this year’s Salinawit included “translations of English standards to Tagalog that go from heartwarming to elegant, from bawdy to tearful, and from simple to sublime. If you hear these Lacaba renderings, you are either anointed of just plain lucky.” Artist friends that rendered choice performances included Mitch Valdez, That’s All (Yun Lang) and Try a Little Tenderness; Cooky Chua, La Vie En Rose and Yesterday (Kahapon Lang); Leah Navarro, Love Me Tender; Pat Castillo, Sangandaan; and Bayang Barrios, Imagine. Capping the evening were composers and multi-instrumentalists Noel Cabangon, Joey Ayala, Chikoy Pura, Nathan Abella, Rey Abella, and Wacki Ignacio. Tita Jo-Ann Maglipon led the informal group that spearheaded the event. She and Tatay go way back, being friends from before martial law. They last worked together at Yes! magazine, where Tita Jo-Ann was editor-in-chief and Tatay was executive editor. In 1983, Tatay, Nanay (Marra PL Lanot), and Tita Jo-Ann were among those who joined in the formation of the Concerned Artists of the Philippines (CAP), led by Lino Brocka, National Artist for Film (1997); and National Artists for Literature Nick Joaquin (1976), Bienvenido Lumbera (2006), and Nicanor Tiongson (2026). During that year, Tatay served as secretary-general and later, chair of CAP. Nanay and Tita Jo-Ann were also very close, being part of Women Writers in Media Now, along with Karina Bolasco, Marites Danguilan Vitug, Ma. Ceres P. Doyo, Leonor Aureus Briscoe, Arlene Babst Vokey, Sheila S. Coronel, Neni Sta. Romana Cruz, Fanny A. Garcia, Mila Astorga Garcia, Sol F. Juvida, Fe Panaligan Koons, Gemma Nemenzo, Sylvia L. Mayuga, Lilia Quindoza Santiago, Paulynn Paredes Sicam, Rochit I. Tañedo, and Criselda Yabes.
SONG & FILM
AS screenwriter, Tatay has created valuable works in Philippine film, which focus on the lives of ordinary people, social injustice, and political and personal struggles, exemplified in such films as Jaguar (co-written with National Artist for Literature Ricardo Lee), Bayan Ko: Kapit sa Patalim, and Orapronobis (all three directed by National Artist for Film Lino Brocka), Rizal sa Dapitan (directed by Tikoy Aguiluz), and Eskapo (co-written with Roy Iglesias and directed by Chito Roño). Tatay also penned the scripts for
Angela Markado (from a story written by the late Carlo J. Caparas), Experience for Brocka and Segurista and Bagong Bayani for Tikoy Aguiluz. At a recent screening of the 4K restoration of Sister Stella L. (directed by Mike de Leon), held on September 20 at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila, Tatay was in attendance along with other members of the cast and crew, which included actors Vilma Santos, Laurice Guillen, Gina Alajar, Pen Medina, Raquel Villavicencio, and Mae Paner, musical director Ding Achacoso, and Ellen Ongkeko (who wrote additional dialogue for the film). Also present were relatives and representatives for de Leon, producer Lily Monteverde, film editor Jess Navarro, and original poster designer Antipas Delotavo, and members of the film restoration team. Sister Stella L., co-written by Tatay with Mike de Leon and Jose Almojuela, tackles the life of a nun who joins a strike organized by laborers, inspired by real-life activist nuns Sister Chayong Battung, Sr. Mary Pilar Versoza, and Sister Mary John Mananzan. Vilma Santos’s closing monologue in Sister Stella L. was adapted from the writing of Ditto Sarmiento, a journalist martyred during Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s martial law. It was Tatay who wrote the theme song, “Sangandaan” (Crossroads) for the film.
RAQUEL VILLAVICENCIO
BAYANG BARRIOS
LEAH NAVARRO
JOEL SARACHO, main stage host
POETRY, JOURNALISM
TATAY has produced memorable poetry collected in such books as Ang Mga Kagilagilalas na Pakikipagsapalaran ni Juan de la Cruz, Sa Daigdig ng Kontradiksyon, Sa Panahon ng Ligalig, and Edad Medya. He wrote features and essays collected in Days of Disquiet, Nights of Rage, Showbiz Lengua, and Notes on the Bakya and Other Essays. His contributions to activism and social practice have shaped national consciousness informed by his belief that artists are most instrumental when they dare to tell the truth. In 1990, Tatay joined the revived Philippines Graphic under the stewardship of businessman-philanthropist Antonio L. Cabangon Chua. The magazine had as its first editor-in-chief National Artist Nick Joaquin. There, Tatay worked as Executive Editor from 1990 to 1993. He later BusinessMirror in 2023 as editor of “Tony & Nick,” the newspaper’s arts and literature section named after Antonio L. Cabangon Chua and National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin. Tatay has been recognized with lifetime achievement awards, such as the 1999 CCP Centennial Honor for the Arts; the 10th Cinemanila International Film Festival Lifetime Achievement Award 2008; the 2009 Gawad Tanglaw ng Lahi from the Ateneo de Manila University, Natatanging Gawad Urian (Lifetime Achievement Award) in 2011; the 2012 Gawad Francisco Balagtas; the 2013 Gawad Plaridel; and the Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino’s Gawad Dangal ni Balagtas in 2016. Alongside Mrinal Sen, Tatay was given the Aruna Vasudev Lifetime Achievement Award for Writing on and for Cinema in 2008 at the 10th Osian’s-Cinefan Festival of Asian and Arab Cinema. In 2024, he receive the Gawad CCP (Cultural Center of the Philippines) Para sa Sining.
A PORTMANTEAU
IT was Tatay who coined and popular-
KRIS LANOT LACABA
JOAN MAGLIPON and Pete Lacaba
ATOM ARAULLO and Pete Lacaba
JACKIELOU BLANCO
ized the word “salinawit.” It’s a portmanteau—a single word made by blending two existing words together. In this case, it is a combination of the Tagalog words salin (translate) and awit (song). These days, Tatay misses Nanay deeply. He tells me and my kids how much he misses her. Now, we try to get him to eat with us, with the kids. I think he enjoys his grandchildren. On his own, Tatat no longer goes out a lot. But he joins his cousins when they invite him to go out.
YUN LANG
SA himig ng “That’s All” Lyrics: Alan Brandt Music: Bob Haymes Salinawit: Pete Lacaba Tunay na pagmamahal sa habangbuhay Yan naman ang aking maiaalay At ang tanging puso ko, nakalaan sa iyo Yun lang, yun lang Alay ko sa ’yo’y pamamasyal sa araw At kamay na kakapitan sa ulan At mainit na dibdib, sa gabi ng taglamig Yun lang, yun lang Ang iba ay maraming pangako At handang ibigay ang mundo Matamis na halik ang suyo Yun lang ang maihahandog ko Kung pangarap ko ay ibig mong malaman Ang isasagot ko’y simple lang naman Basta’t sabihin mong ako, ako lang ang mahal mo Yun lang, yun lang.
KULAY-ROSAS
Sa himig ng “La Vie en Rose” Music: Louiguy (Louis Guglielmi) French Lyrics: Edith Piaf Salinawit: Pete Lacaba
MITCH VALDEZ
INTRO: Akala ko, sa awit lang Ang tunay na pagmamahal. Iyon pala ay totoo. Nadama ko sa halik mo. Nang ibigin mo ako, Nagbago ang mundo. Ito’y nagkulay-rosas. Sa init ng ’yong halik, Yakap na mahigpit, Mundo’y nagkulay-rosas. Puso ko’y umaawit, Pag-ibig ang himig, Sa tuwing maririnig... Ang tinig mong Katulad sa anghel Na may timyas
Ng tunay na dalangin. Dahil sa pag-ibig mo, Ngayon ang buhay ko: Kulay-rosas.
KAY GANDA NG MUNDO
SA himig ng “What a Wonderful World” Words & music by Bob Thiele and George David Weiss Salinawit: Pete Lacaba Ang mga bulaklak Na kay bango, Namumukadkad Para sa ’yo. Nakikita ko, Kay ganda ng mundo. Ang mga bituin Sa kalangitan,
Ang takipsilim At bukang-liwayway— Nakikita ko, Kay ganda ng mundo. Iyang bahaghari, Sarisaring kulay, Tulad ng mga tao Sa ating buhay. Ang kaibigan mo, Pag kinamayan ka, Ibig sabihin Ay mahal ka niya. Ang mga sanggol, Gumagapang pa, Sasayaw na Paglaki nila. Tunay at totoo, Kay ganda ng mundo.