Manila Standard - 2025 April 26 - Saturday

Vatican readies for simple, high-stakes papal funeral

Marcos, world leaders to pay last respects to Pope Francis today

By Charles Dantes and Vito Barcelo

TPNP resurrecting probe into PCSO official's slay

HE Vatican made final preparations Friday for Pope Francis' funeral today (Saturday) as the last of the huge crowds of mourners filed through St Peter's Basilica to view his open coffin.

By Rio N. Araja

Over 150,000 people have already paid their last respects to Francis, whose coffin will be closed at 8:00 pm (1800 GMT; 2 a.m. Saturday, Manila time) in a ceremony attended by senior cardinals.

TAt least 130 foreign delegations have confirmed their attendance at the late pontiff's funeral, including around 50 heads of state and 10 reigning monarchs, the Vatican said.

The high-level attendees include two Asian leaders—President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., joined by First Lady Liza Marcos, and Indian President Droupadi Murmu.

HE Philippine National Police (PNP) is reopening its investigation into the 2020 murder of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) board secretary Wesley Barayuga.

After the funeral, Francis' coffin will be driven at a walking pace to be buried at his favorite church, Rome's papal basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.

The hearse will pass down Rome's Fori Imperiali—where the city's ancient temples lie—and past the Colosseum, according to officials.

Big screens will be set up along the route on which to watch the ceremony, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi said.

On Sunday, PNP Chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil said he ordered the reopening of the cold case after whistleblower Police Lt. Col. Santie Mendoza told the House Quad Committee that he helped carry out the killing at the behest of ex-PCSO general manager Royina Garma.

Francis was a champion of underdogs, and a group of "poor and needy" will be at Santa Maria Maggiore to welcome the coffin, the Vatican said.

Francis will be interred in the ground, his simple tomb marked with just one word: Franciscus.

Mendoza narrated before congressmen how Garma allegedly facilitated the PCSO official’s roadside assassination on July 30, 2020 by providing the necessary information about his schedule, details about his vehicle and the funding necessary to carry it out.

People will be able to visit the tomb from Sunday morning, as all eyes turn to the process of choosing Francis' successor.

The whistleblower also implicated incumbent National Police Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo in the planning of the murder.

‘Novendiales’ schedule

The Vatican has set the “Novendiales” Masses or nine days of mourning that will start today and will conclude on May 4.

Barayuga was a retired police general and lawyer who supposedly threatened to expose corruption within the PCSO shortly before he was shot dead in Mandaluyong City.

Garma, herself an ex-police Lt. Colonel, allegedly gained the top spot at the PCSO because of her in-

THE legal counsel of Chinese businessman Tony Yang sought to disparage lawmakers’ conclusions

By Maricel V. Cruz

items (NFIs) worth P919 million were already prepared by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Some P171 million in standby fund is also available for utilization by the DSWD, including P123 million which can be allotted as Quick Response Fund (QRF) in the central office of the DSWD. In Batanes, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) advised residents to secure their roofs and install window shutters as Typhoon Julian is expected to make landfall

Yang's lawyer mocks probers amid heated inquiry

adviser of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Fortun, a lawyer who often finds

having a fake Philippine birth certificate, is the brother of Michael Yang, a presidential economic

the top and through it all, we have discovered and identified at least two main actors or players in the issue

of illegal drugs and illegal activities associated with POGOs,” Suarez said in a mixture of Filipino and English.

The solons explained how the matrix details Yang’s connections to other individuals involved in illicit activities, including the operations of illegal POGOs.

Among the companies implicated are Brickhartz Technology Inc. and Xionwei Technology Co. Ltd., which are being linked to alleged kidnapping.

The two firms supposedly have connections with the Baofu Compound in Bamban, Tarlac, which, in turn, can be directly traced to disgraced ex-mayor Alice Guo.

During Friday’s Quad Comm hearing, lawmakers cited Tony Yang in contempt for “lying” to about his businesses and business partners.

By Charles Dantes, Rex Espiritu and Maricel V. Cruz

By

Navy spokes debunks China claim of military exercises in Scarborough shoal

By Rex Espiritu

Philippine Navy debunked on Sunday the recent announcement by China that it conducted military exercises off Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal, in the West Philip -

By Rachelle Tonelada

China reportedly made the announcement coinciding with the fourth Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity between the Philippines, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States within Manila’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the regional waters over the weekend.

Philippine Navy Spokesperson for WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vin -

cent Trinidad told reporters that Manila troops did not monitor any such activity, adding that Beijing’s statement was meant only for its internal audience.

“Our troops did not observe any exercise, we have to understand that sometimes, China is doing this for their internal audience, right? For them not to look weak and embarrassed,” Trinidad said.

Two Chinese warships were monitored at a distance ranging from eight to 14 nautical miles. One of these went up to 1,000 yards at the MMCA site but eventually went away. “It was not threatening, just normal,” accord -

Romualdez

Vito Barcelo and Rio N. Araja

Commission on Elections

A WEB OF CRIME? House leaders Aurelio Gonzales and David Suarez presented this matrix during the last QUAD Comm hearing which shows the operations of a criminal syndicate allegedly led by fugitive Michael Yang, then economic adviser of former President Rodrigo Duterte, that controlled the illegal activities of the POGOs and was involved in the drug trade and extrajudicial killings.

Marcos forms Task Force Kanlaon

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has created a national task force to respond to the ongoing volcanic unrest at Mt. Kanlaon, aiming to bolster disaster response and long-term recovery efforts for affected communities.

Under Administrative Order No. 32, signed April 24, Mr. Marcos established the National Task Force Kanlaon to coordinate the govern-

Vatican...

From A1

"These celebrations are open to all. However, each day they will involve the participation of a different group, taking into account its links with the Roman Pontiff. This variety of assemblies shows, in a certain way, both the scope of the ministry of the Supreme Pastor and the universality of the Church of Rome," the Holy See Press Office said.

On Sunday, there will be a Mass for the Jubilee of Teenagers and for Vatican employees to be followed by a mass for the Catholics and clergy in Rome on Monday.

On Tuesday, a mass will be held for chapters of the papal basilicas while a separate mass for the papal chapel is scheduled on Wednesday.

Thursday’s mass will be for the Roman Curia followed by a mass for the Eastern Churches on Friday.

The last two masses for the “Novendiales” will be for the institutes of consecrated life and apostolic societies (Saturday, May 3) and for the papal

Bookmakers...

From A1

The next pope is among the 30 most active betting markets this year, overtaking even the hugely popular FA cup, according to FairPlay.

Italian cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's chief diplomat who was Francis's number two during much of his papacy, was leading several bookies' lists in what experts say is a "multimillion-dollar global market."

British bookmaker William Hill had Parolin out in the front with 9/4 odds— a safe bet. At his heels was charismatic moderate Luis Antonio Tagle—a Filipino who could be the first Asian pope—at 3/1.

Tussling between third and fourth place across lists was Matteo Zuppi, the archbishop of Bologna who served as the late pope's special peace envoy for Ukraine.

From A1

Both Moreno and Versoza, as well as other 9 local candidates were also asked to explain the alleged vote-buying that took place in their respective campaigning activities.

Among the national bets to receive a SCO is senatorial candidate Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar who participated in activities involving the distribution of prizes while names of the candidates were being mentioned.

Video and photos of the event showed banners and posters with Villar’s name and her image, along with the banners of Villar Group companies.

The Comelec requires that all candidates must respond within a strict, non-extendible period of 3 days from the receipt of the show cause order to explain why a complaint for election offense or petition for disqualification should not be filed against them, the poll body's chief noted.

Garcia warned that the Commission can suspend the proclamation of candidates with pending disqualification cases before them.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has reshuffled around 1,700 officers in some areas to avoid

Speaker...

From A1

exempted a Department of Agriculture

(DA) initiative to sell rice at P20 per kilo to select consumers from the 45day election spending ban ahead of the May 12 polls.

chapel (Sunday, May 4). In Manila, the Apostolic Nunciature will open condolence books for public signing on Tuesday, April 29.

The condolence books will be available for signing from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Four Filipino Cardinals are expected to attend funeral -- Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines president Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David, Cardinal Orlando Quevedo, Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula and Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization Luis Antonio Cardinal who has been based at the Vatican since 2019.

However, only David, Advincula and Tagle will participate in a papal conclave.

Security preparations Italian and Vatican authorities have placed the area around St Peter's under tight security with drones blocked, snipers on roofs and fighter jets on standby.

Further checkpoints will be activated on Friday night (Saturday morning, Manila time), police said.

Vast crowds of people on Friday morning packed Via della Conciliazi-

Oddschecker, a website which compares online bets, has a section dedicated to the "next pope" which has been visited by over 100,000 users, according to FairPlay.

While bookmakers have carved out early favorites, the outcome of the secretive papal conclave remains wildly unpredictable. 'Inconsistent'

At least 15 days, and no more than 20 days after Pope Francis's death, 135 cardinal electors are due to take part in a conclave to pick a successor, usually from among their ranks.

While the Catholic Church frowns upon over-enthusiastic betters, gambling on the outcome has taken place for centuries.

"What was once a pursuit confined largely to Renaissance Roman bankers and courtiers has evolved into a multimillion-dollar global market accessible at the click of a button or a tap on a crypto wallet," said Leighton Vaughan

possible conflict of interest in the May elections.

PNP Public Information Office

Chief Col. Randulf Tuaño said those provisionally transferred to other posts include 1,681 personnel who have relatives running in the midterm elections and another 95 officers who have “close association” to candidates.

“They can be returned to their old posts after the election period,” he explained in Filipino.

Tuaño further disclosed that the Comelec has recommended that two provincial directors in the Bangsamoro region also be reshuffled.

As this developed, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) called for the protection of media workers, saying they must be able to fulfill their duties without fear of harassment or violence amid the hot political climate as elections draw near.

The Commission issued the statement after the residence of radio blocktimer, Ray Siason, was riddled with gunfire by still unidentified gunmen.

“This alarming attack sends a chilling effect across the media landscape in the country. The Commission reiterates that media workers must be able to fulfill their duties without fear of threats, harassment or violence,” the CHR said.

Romualdez said that while the initiative will be piloted in the Visayas region, the administration is eyeing to expand it nationwide.

“Providing affordable rice directly addresses hunger and ensures that assistance reaches the dining tables of Filipino families. This approach guarantees that government support translates into actual food security for our citizens,” the Speaker said.

Under the program, identified lowincome households are issued ID cards allowing them to buy rice from accredited retailers at a subsidized rate—

ment's response to the eruption, which has displaced tens of thousands and caused major agricultural losses across the Negros Island Region.

The task force will oversee planning and execution of recovery, rehabilitation and resettlement initiatives, and will be chaired by the Department of National Defense.

Key agencies, including the Department of Science and Technology, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department

one, the wide avenue leading to the Vatican, for the third and final day of the pope's lying-in-state.

"Whatever happens, we have to get inside," said Ian Delmonte, 35, from the Philippines.

"We love the pope, we feel blessed to see him a last (time)," added Michelle Alcaide, 35, also from the Philippines, as she queued.

For a second night in a row, the Vatican kept St Peter's open past the scheduled hours to accommodate the queues, only closing the doors between 2:30am (0030 GMT) and 5:40am Friday.

"Night is the most intimate moment, the Lord always manifests himself at night," said Nicoletta Tomassetti, 60, who visited the Basilica in the very early hours of Friday morning.

"It was very emotional. In prayer, I asked the pope for some things and I know he will give them to me," she told AFP.

The Catholic Church's first Latin American pope died on Monday aged 88, less than a month after spending weeks in hospital with severe pneumonia.

Williams, professor of economics and finance at Nottingham Business School.

The "papal betting market has grown substantially" from previous modern-day conclaves in 2005 and 2013, Vaughan Williams told AFP.

However, "their accuracy in forecasting the secretive papal conclave remains inconsistent," warned the researcher, who charted the outcomes of 500 years of conclave betting in a 2015 study.

In 2013, Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was not considered a favorite, and was ranked as low as 40th on some bookmakers' lists.

While Vatican experts and analysts weigh in on possible frontrunners, the cardinals who form the conclave are sworn to secrecy on pain of excommunication.

"Without solid information to trade on... markets are largely reflecting speculation, media narratives, and existing biases," said Vaughan Williams.

Marcos...

From A1

truly alarming, and as ordered by our administration, we will intensify efforts to investigate this matter deeply to uncover the truth."

This came in reaction to a National Security Council (NSC) report revealing “indicators” suggesting foreign political interference attempts, allegedly linked to China.

While it has not yet disclosed specific details, the information was serious enough to be elevated to the President.

The Chinese government, however, denied allegations of interference in the Philippines' midterm elections, as raised by the NSC.

During a Thursday press conference, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun insisted that Beijing adheres to a non-interference policy.

"China follows the principle of noninterference in other countries’ domestic affairs... We have no interest in interfering in Philippine elections," Guo said.

Castro said that the NSC has not provided further details beyond initial findings.

"The investigation is ongoing, and we will continue coordinating with the

bringing the cost down by up to 50 percent.

The discount is shouldered through a fund supported by local and national agencies, particularly DSWD, while retailers are enlisted and supported to ensure a steady supply of quality rice at lower prices.

“Instead of giving out cash that may not go directly to food, this system ensures the ayuda reaches the dinner table,” Romualdez explained.

of Public Works and Highways, and Department of Social Welfare and Development, will serve as members. The Office of Civil Defense will act as the task force’s secretariat. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has maintained Alert Level 3 at Mt. Kanlaon since last December, citing increased volcanic activity. As of this month, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Manage-

"It was like saying goodbye to a father" who "loved me and will continue to love me as and more than before," Filipa Castronovo, 76, an Italian nun said after seeing the coffin on Friday.

Global tributes

The Argentine pontiff, who had long suffered failing health, defied doctors' orders by appearing at Easter, the most important moment in the Catholic calendar.

It was his last public appearance.

Condolences have flooded in from around the world for the Jesuit, an energetic reformer who championed those on the fringes of society in his 12 years as head of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics.

He used his last speech to rail against those who stir up "contempt... towards the vulnerable, the marginalized, and migrants."

"It's impressive to see all these people," French cardinal Francois-Xavier Bustillo said of the queuing crowds, describing Francis as "a man of the people".

"It's a beautiful response, a beautiful embrace of his ministry, of his pontificate." With AFP

Social media and crypto Interest has also surged this time following the 2024 release of Oscarwinning film "Conclave," which dramatizes the pontiff's selection process behind closed doors.

One image widely-circulated on X breaks down potential successors by their ideological beliefs, with users comparing them to characters in the fictional film.

Some social media users have thrown their weight behind Tagle for his moderate views and tolerance towards LGBTQ individuals.

Another social media favorite is Cardinal Peter Turkson from Ghana who could be in the running to become the first black pontiff.

The speed with which betting activity took off this year "underscores an enduring cultural fascination with the papacy, amplified by media coverage and popular culture," according to Vaughan Williams. AFP

NSC to obtain more information. This information was brought to the President yesterday. That’s why a swift and deeper investigation is necessary," she added.

The midterm elections, scheduled for May 2025, will determine the composition of half the Senate and all seats in the House of Representatives, making them a key event that could shift the country's political landscape.

Palace officials are expected to meet further with the NSC in the coming days to determine the scope and implications of the alleged foreign interference.

At a Senate inquiry regarding China's submersible drones and alleged espionage activities, NSC spokesperson Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya suggested "there are indications that information operations are being conducted... are Chinese statesponsored in the Philippines and are actually interfering in the forthcoming elections."

Pressed on whether these operations aimed to support “pro-China” candidates at the expense of others, Malaya responded affirmatively. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has since been briefed by intelligence agencies on the alleged foreign interference, the NSC official added.

He said the lower chamber is prepared to push for sufficient funding in the 2026 national budget to institutionalize this rice subsidy system, in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and local governments.

Earlier, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. confirmed that the program would allow eligible families to purchase up to 10 kilograms of rice per week at the subsidized rate.

ment Council reports that the eruption has affected more than 12,000 families—or over 48,500 individuals— and caused at least P129 million in agricultural losses.

The task force’s creation aligns with the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 and the Mt. Kanlaon National Park Act of 2001, reinforcing the government’s commitment to disaster preparedness, ecological protection and public safety.

P20-kilo rice not political gimmick—Binay

SENATORIAL candidate and Makati Mayor Abby Binay yesterday said the selection of provinces in the Visayas for the pilot rollout of the P20Rice Program was not politically motivated, but driven by necessity. Speaking at a press conference held prior to the proclamation rally of the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas in Dagupan City, Binay lamented that the government’s efforts to help indigent families and farmers are being doubted and criticized.

“Sasabihin mo ba sa mga tao, ‘after the election na lang ha, doon ko lang ibibigay yung murang bigas kasi sasabihin na namumulitika ako.’ Hindi naman po ganoon ang trabaho ng gobyerno. Kung maibibigay mo na ngayon, ibigay mo na. Hindi mo pwedeng sabihin na, “O, mag-aantay ako ng magandang timing’,” Binay said. Binay underscored that the government is launching the program to make rice more affordable especially to indigent residents, while helping farmers affected by falling rice prices in the global market as well. Many problems are beyond the control of the President, including inflation and the rising costs of electricity and fuel, which is why the government has to step in with the rice subsidy program, she said.

“Tumutulong na yung gobyerno, pinipintasan pa rin. Saan ba tayo lulugar? Ang hirap, ang hirap ng posisyon na ito,” Binay said. Binay also said the decision to make the P20 rice available in the Visayas should not be seen as politicking, otherwise Mindanao would have been the priority.

“I don't think the President, or the administration chooses it in such a way na kung saan mahina, saan malakas. I feel that the judgement call was based on sino ba yung talagang nangangailangan, kaya yun ang pinili,” Binay said.

Defense...

From A1

Agreement (RAA)—a landmark deal signed during the 2+2 Ministerial Meeting in July 2024 that facilitates joint military training and operations between the two nations.

Kazuya also announced that the two will discuss Japan’s transfer of air surveillance radar systems to the Philippines and continued support through its Official Security Assistance (OSA) program, as part of its commitment under the RAA.

“The discussions will further promote our security and defense cooperation in order to maintain and strengthen rules-based international order and enhance collaborations on various matters,” Kazuya said.

“To this day, Japan and the Philippines have seized various opportunities as maritime nations and strategic partners who share the same fundamental values and principles,” he added.

Beyond security, Japan is also keen to back President Marcos’ development agenda, particularly his vision for the Philippines to achieve upper middle-income status. This includes enhanced cooperation in technology, infrastructure, and energy.

“Japan is also supporting the Philippines in the following fields: telecommunication through Open RAN and undersea cables, infrastructure development of railways and highways, and energy in the form of liquefied natural gas (LNG),” Kazuya said in a statement.

“Japan continues to contribute to combating climate change, improving agricultural productivity and disaster preparedness in the Philippines. The Mindanao Peace Process also remains an important agenda for both our countries,” he added.

Another round of oil price hikes seen next week

By Alena Mae S. Flores

CONSUMERS can expect another big-time oil price hike next week with as much as P1.40 per liter due to concerns over tightening global oil supply.

It would be the second consecutive week of price increases in the country.

Department of Energy Oil Industry Management Bureau (OIMB) director Rodela Romero said that based on the monitoring in the international oil market, “we will expect an increase in the prices of petroleum products by next week.” Romero said gasoline may go up by P0.80 to P1.40 per liter, diesel by P0.40 to P1, and kerosene by P0.50 to P0.70.

She said this is attributed to fresh US sanctions on Iran’s oil shipping network that is seen to tighten global crude supply; and a sharper-than-expected decline in US crude inventories.

“Final adjustment will be determined after today’s trading and oil companies inputs on their related costs,” Romero said.

Meanwhile, Jetti Petroleum president Leo Bellas estimated the increase for gasoline from P1.10 to P1.30 per liter and diesel by P0.70 to P0.9 per liter based on the movement of the Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS) and foreign exchange for the first four days of the week versus last week’s full week average.

“Oil prices continued its rally due to concerns about tightening supply, following fresh round of US sanctions on Iran,” Bellas said.

PNP sees more peaceful ’25 polls

By Rex Espiritu

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) has identified fewer election watchlist areas for the 2025 midterm elections compared to the 2019 and 2022 elections.

“[In the] 2019 elections, we monitored 941 election watchlist areas or areas of concern. [For] 2022, we have 844. As of today, we are monitoring 362,” PNP director for police community relations Maj. Gen. Roderick Augustus Alba said in a press briefing on Friday. PNP spokesman Col. Randulf Tuaño

emphasized that the decline in the potential problem areas reflected a positive trend.

“Compared to previous polls, it’s lower, based on our assessment for now,” Tuaño said during the same presser.

The current count of 362 areas was also lower compared to the 401 identified in the fourth quarter of 2024. Historical

VP Sara explains support for Imee, dislike of PBBM

By Rachelle Tonelada

VICE President Sara Duterte has shed light on her decision to support the reelection bid of presidential sister Senator Imee Marcos amid her current rift with President Marcos.

In a talk with reporters Thursday evening in Tondo, Manila, Duterte said Imee consistently fulfils her promises in addressing pressing national issues. Duterte was the Presidents running mate in the 2022 elections under the UniTeam banner.

“Kilala ko si Sen. Imee since 2012, no? Ah, kilala ko si BBM since 2022 sa kampanya at alam ko kung paano mag-isip, paano magtrabaho si Senator Imee Marcos nakita niyo naman iyon (I knew Senator Imee since 2012 and I knew BBM (Bongbong Marcos) since 2022 during the campaign. And I also knew how he thinks and works),” Duterte said.

PNP data showed 941 areas of concern as of May 13, 2019, and 844 as of May 6, 2022. For the 2025 polls, the latest figure stands at 362 as of April 15, 2025.

Of the 362 areas, 34 fell under the “red” category, indicating serious armed threats and a history of election-related violence, as classified by the Commission on Elections (Comelec). This marks a reduction from 38 red areas in late 2024 and 36 in early 2025.

The Comelec has since taken control of one town each in Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur following election-related incidents, con-

FOREIGN POLL OBSERVERS. European Union delegates

tributing to the decrease.

“We’re not saying that it is fool-proof, that the election now will be more peaceful or secure.

What we’re saying is that the decrease in the election watchlist areas is a big basis in our deployment,” Alba said in Filipino. As of now, 30 election-related incidents (ERIs) have been validated, with 17 days remaining before the May 12 elections. Of this number, 22 involved violence, while eight were classified as non-violent, although further details were not disclosed.

IN BRIEF

SC: Electronic filing of civil cases now open

THE Supreme Court (SC) on Friday said annulment and nullity of marriage cases must now be filed and served electronically.

This development is part of the SC’s efforts to streamline court proceedings under the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027 (SPJI).

In a A.M. No. 25-01-13-SC, the SCexpanded Rule 13-A of the Rules of Civil Procedure mandating electronic filing and service of pleadings, motions, and other papers in civil cases in first- and second-level courts. Previously, this rule did not cover special proceedings like annulment and nullity of marriage cases. The Office of the Court Administrator recommended the inclusion as these cases follow similar procedures to civil actions. Pot Chavez

209 farmers in Quirino now proud landowners

THE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has awarded 195 electronic titles covering 674.56 hectares of agricultural land to 209 farmer-beneficiaries in Quirino province.

Quirino recorded the second-highest number of titles awarded in the Cagayan Valley region, following Isabela with 381 titles, Nueva Vizcaya and Cagayan with 25 titles and 17 titles, respectively.

EO grants special visa for

By Charles Dantes

In contrast, Duterte scored the Chief Executive for his alleged unfulfilled campaign promise to bring down the price of rice to P20 a kilo.

At the same time, she dismissed remarks by Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Clare Castro that her statements reflected “crab mentality.”

The Vice President added that Imee “always has a solution,” even citing the senator’s slogan “IMEEsolusyon.” “She (Imee) never neglected the country’s problems. Neither did she forget her promises. She always has he solution and she thinks,” Duterte said in Filipino.

Through the agency s Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (Project SPLIT), 209 beneficiaries have benefitted in Barangay Keat, Nagtipunan, Quirino.

Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III vowed to fast track land distribution to be able to meet project deadlines and deliver the benefits of land reform to more agrarian reform beneficiaries. Rio N. Araja

Calinisan takes over as NAPOLCOM vice chair

THE National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) welcomes Commissioner Rafael Vicente Calinisan as its new vice chairman and executive officer following his designation by President Marcos earlier this month

“My marching order from President Marcos is to clean the police force and to ensure that the PNP truly serves and protects the people. My commitment is to fulfill this directive to the best of my ability. I will make my one vote count in the Commission. Given everything that we have discovered in the QuadCom, we will make sure that proper reforms will be undertaken and difficult decisions will be made. Kaibigan tayo ng mga pulis, but we will not hesitate to act accordingly,” Calinisan said in a statement. Under his stewardship, NAPOLCOM is poised to spearhead transformative reforms in the administrative, operational, and disciplinary systems of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

PSALM’s term extended for 10 years

By Alena Mae Flores

RESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed a law extending the corporate life of Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management (PSALM) Corporation for another 10 years.

According to Republic Act No. 12179, PSALM Corp. shall continue to exist for a period of 10 years from the expiration of its original term on June 26, 2026.

“All assets held by it, all monies and

properties belonging to it, and all its liabilities outstanding upon the expiration of its term of existence shall revert to and be assumed by the National Government,” the new law read.

Solon seeks speedy implementation of PH natural gas law

By Maricel V. Cruz

A SENIOR legislator on Friday asked the administration to hasten the implementation of new law that mandates the establishment of the Philippine Downstream Natural Gas Industry (PDNGI).

The new law aims to accelerate the development of indigenous clean fuel and transform the country into a trading and transshipment hub for liquified natural gas (LNG) in the Asia-Pacific Region.

“The Department of Energy needs to step on the gas on this law recently signed by President Marcos, to help achieve energy security and develop a transition fuel for the government’s accelerated switch from fossil fuel to renewable,” Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte said following the release of the implementing rules and regulations for Republic Act 12120.

Villafuerte co-authored the law, otherwise known as “The Philippine Natural Gas Industry Development Act.”

The IRR provides that power produced from indigenous natural gas shall have priority over other conventional energy sources, and that it shall cover indigenous natural gas power supply contracting, including mechanisms for minimum supply requirements.

Rising online scams erode digital economy, consumer group warns

A CONSUMER rights advocate has raised concerns over the growing threat posed by high-tech online scams that exploit gaps in digital security, warning that trust in internet services is eroding at a time when the country’s digital economy is rapidly expanding.

Tim Abejo, co-convenor of CitizenWatch Philippines, called on government authorities to crack down on the malicious use of International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) catchers, also known as “cell site simulators” or “fake base stations.”

These devices mimic legitimate cell towers to intercept mobile communications and are used by scammers to impersonate legitimate telecom signals to lure unsuspecting users into revealing sensitive personal and financial data,

“PSALM Corp. shall be prohibited from collecting or charging consumers for stranded costs and stranded debts during its extended corporate life, except as otherwise approved by the Energy Regulatory Commission prior to the date of the passage of this Act.”

PSALM said its life extension ensures it can continue to fulfill its principal mandate: managing the orderly sale, disposition, and privatization of National Power Corporation (NPC) generation assets, real estate, and other disposable assets, as well as Independ-

ent Power Producer (IPP) contracts.

“The extension of PSALM’s corporate life signals our firm resolve to complete the power sector reform agenda and fulfill the intent of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001,” PSALM president and chief executive Dennis Edward Dela Serna said.

“This reform is critical in achieving a financially viable and investor-friendly power industry that benefits Filipino consumers through reliable and affordable electricity,” he added.

Created under the EPIRA, the corpo -

IN BRIEF

Marcos declares May 16 special working holiday

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed into law a measure declaring May 16 as “Education Support Personnel Day” and making it a special working holiday to honor non-teaching personnel.

Under Republic Act No. 12178, the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education were designated as the lead agencies in the preparation and implementation of the annual program of activities for the observance of the National Education Support Personnel Day.

The new law defines education support personnel as individuals employed in teaching-related or nonteaching positions in any public or private school, college, university or other educational institution.

These include teaching assistants, registrars, librarians, doctors, nurses, division counselors, counselors and counselor associates, guidance counselors, psychologists, clerks, and the rest of the professional, administrative, technical and general staff who provide support to learners, students and teaching personnel.

MMDA continues road-clearing drive

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority—Western Traffic Enforcement District joined the Special Operations Group-Strike Force in the latest road-clearing operation in Manila.

The operation conducted along Radial 10, Moriones Street, Juan Luna Street, and Capulong Street resulted in 122 illegally parked vehicles being apprehended.

The team also cleared makeshift stores and other obstructions during the operation.

“The MMDA will further intensify the clearing of designated alternate routes, or Mabuhay lanes, throughout Metro Manila to remove road obstructions,” said chairman Don Artes. Joel E. Zurbano

DOJ holds legal lecture series in Central Luzon

The Department of Justice conducted its first lecture series in Region 3 to teach future lawyers and law enforcers of the country how the criminal justice system works. In collaboration with the John Wesley School of Law and Governance and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines Nueva Ecija Chapter, 51 law students and 39 criminology students attended the lecture held at the Wesleyan University-Philippines in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija.

“As the principal law agency of the government, it is essential on our part to engage and empower our future lawyers and law enforcers to ensure that real justice for all will always be upheld not just today but for future generations,” said Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla. Pot Chavez

Customs seizes P83.7-m smuggled cigarettes in Bulacan

By Joel E. Zurbano

GOVERNMENT agents seized P83.7 million worth of smuggled cigarettes during a raid at a warehouse in Bocaue, Bulacan.

Operatives from the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service-Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP) found 717 mastercases of assorted branded cigarettes inside the warehouse, as well as six trucks loaded with cigarettes.

“Smugglers should know by now that if they try to smuggle drugs, cigarettes, counterfeit items, and many others through our borders, they will get caught and be persecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Our agents are unwavering in their mission to protect our communities from the danger that these smuggled items pose,”

Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said.

CIIS Director Verne Enciso said they received information about the possible presence of smuggled cigarettes in the warehouse.

Upon arriving in the Bulacan property, the team found 717 mastercases of assorted brands of cigarettes —Modern, TS, Two Moon, Tattoo, Fort, H&P, Xplore, Carnival, Concord, RGD, Marvels, Chesterfields, and New Orleans.

“We have estimated the total value of these cigarettes to be around P83,700,000, although a full inventory will still be done to determine the actual value of the items. For now, the warehouse has been sealed and padlocked to ensure the security of the goods until a full inventory

is done,” said Enciso.

“Operations like these illustrate the BOC’s ongoing commitment and dedication to upholding its mission of border security and protecting our people. Their work ensures that the people be-

hind these illegal activities will be held accountable, and it sends a strong message to anyone who attempts to circumvent our laws that we will stand in their way,” added Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Group Juvymax Uy.

COUNTERFEIT CIGARETTES. Customs agents seize

P83.7 million worth of smuggled cigarettes during a raid at a warehouse in Bocaue, Bulacan.

MODERN FILIPINIANA. Some 23 Ilokanas dazzle the crowd in a cultural fashion show wearing modern interpretations of the traditional ‘kimona’ and ‘terno’ at the Domeless Belfry of St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Bacarra on April 23.

OPINION

China wins tariff war sans fighting

ON APRIL 23, 2025 the major US news outlet website CNN headlined on its business page: “Trump says China tariffs will ‘come down substantially,’ hinting at potential U-turn.”

On the same day other international news wires published the US treasury secretary Scott Bessent’s announcement, “US Treasury secretary says trade war with China is not ‘sustainable’.”

This comes only 21 days after Trump’s “Great Wall of tariffs” on April 2, 2025 “Liberation Day” declared against China. Trump started the tariff war against China roaring like a crazy, rampaging bear snorting fire, raging against China by piling upon Trump 1.0 tariffs on China with new tariffs two months into Trump 2.0 raising tariff against Chinese imports up to 245 percent on April 15, 2025. Every analyst took this to mean the inevitable “de-coupling” of the US economy from China and that bifurcation of the World economy had begun. A new economic Cold War splitting the globe into two economic major blocs. China, throughout Trump 1.0 from 2017 to 2021 and Trump 2.0 starting Jan. 20, 2025 to the present, has abided by Sun Tzu’s advice: “Winning through strategy and intelligence rather than brute force for ‘subduing the enemy without fighting’.”

Upon announcement of the tariffs Trump demanded countries make a beeline to Mar-a-Lago to “Kiss My Ass” while expecting Chinese president Xi Jinping to “request a call with Trump” that the Chinese leader quietly snubbed while internal US contradictions pressured Trump and China took reciprocal actions.

Internally, Trump faced overwhelming pressures from major US companies that rely on their manufacturing offshored to China to supply their American market, such as Apple which produces 90 percent of its iPhones in China.

American small businesses rely on Chinese imports to sell toys, cosmetics, appliances on Chinese imports, while the US health sector relies heavily on Chinese pharmaceuticals.

Just three days after “Liberation Day” on April 5, Trump had to declare a 90-day “pause” on the tariffs and specifically on cellphone, chips and pharmaceuticals.

While China imposed reciprocal tariffs to respond to Trump’s ridiculously high anti-China tariffs, the real telling actions of China were, first of all, the total export ban on rare earth elements and particularly the ban on processed critical minerals gallium, germanium, and antimony, that will disrupt US production in the energy, electronic chips, computer, defense industries that would take five to ten years to find alternative sources.

China moved to import billions of LNG and soybeans from Canada and

Brazil that it used to get from the US.

China has strategized its reduction of dependence on the US market since Trump 1.0 in 2017, reducing the share of exports to the US down to only 2.5 percent of its GDP today.

On the other hand, China has been expanding its market amongst the Global South countries where its trade has grown by more that $200-billion since 2021.

China’s biggest regional trading partner is ASEAN with close to $ 1-trillion annual turnover, while economically growing BRICS and BRI countries ensure ample expansion in the years ahead. China can do without the US.

China is the world’s friend and the Filipino people’s family

China has strategized the future since 2013 when the Belt and Road Initiative to build global infrastructure-economic corridors were launched to ensure development of emerging economies while China peacefully advanced.

It’s a two-way circulation of goods and services to and from China, the infrastructures climaxed recently in Peru’s Chancay Port to bring goods to and from Asia and South America, and in the CIIE (China International Import Expo) where 152 countries, regions and international organization show what they can sell to China.

While the US struggles to reverse its precipitous economic-financial crash, China is super-confident about its economic future with the rest of the world – starting with ASEAN.

While the US is trying to abort the rise of ASEAN with the highest sweeping tariffs of up to 49 percent China is instituting “Zero tariff” for 94.6 percent of goods from ASEAN.

China assures ASEAN of increased purchases and investments amid the US tariff and trade war threats, while Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian assures the Philippines its open door for its goods.

Meanwhile, the US continues its peddling of F-16s, Typhon, NMESIS and now MADIS missiles in military drills of the US and the AFP to sell on loan more weapons of war the Philippines needs like a hole-in-the-head while the self-rated poverty level in the country stands at 63 percent, the highest since 2003.

China is the world’s friend and the Filipino people’s family, as we all strive to achieve the “Community of Shared Future for Mankind.”

Pope of the planet and the poor

THE passing of Pope Francis marks not only the close of a significant chapter in the Catholic Church’s history but also sparks contemplation about its path forward.

His life and leadership underscored the value of servant leadership amidst the complexities of today’s world.

His legacy continues to inspire, urging the Church and its followers to live out the ideals of love, humility, and selfless service.

Pope Francis is often called the “Pope of the Poor” because of his strong commitment to advocating for marginalized, impoverished, and vulnerable groups around the world, from refugees to indigenous peoples.

Since the start of his papacy, he has consistently highlighted the importance of serving the poor and championing social justice.

He has also been called the “Pope of the planet” because of his passionate and consistent advocacy for climate and environmental justice. Francis redefined the papacy by embracing simplicity and placing service above grandeur. He championed mercy over judgment, presenting a bold and compassionate vision for the Catholic Church.

His inclusive leadership—reaching out to people of all backgrounds—redefined global perceptions of the papacy.

By stepping beyond traditional roles and spaces, he brought a more personal, relatable, and heartfelt approach to pastoral care.

His modest way of living and his final wishes spoke volumes about his belief in servant leadership.

Since the start of his papacy, he has consistently highlighted the importance of serving the poor and championing social justice

Choosing to be laid to rest this Saturday in the more accessible Basilica of St. Mary Major symbolized his enduring desire to remain among the people, especially the overlooked and underserved, embodying a legacy of humility and closeness.

Pope Francis upheld traditional views on issues such as abortion and priestly

EDITORIAL

Road rage on the rise

HOT weather and mind-blowing traffic gridlock in Metro Manila, where nearly 15 million people live, have viciously combined yet again to contribute to the frustration and stress that point to road rage.

Last year, an average 3.82 million vehicles traveled through Metro Manila on a daily basis, an increase of about 20,000 vehicles compared to the previous year.

Included in the statistics are 1.5 million cars, 125,000 jeepneys, 93,000 trucks and 87,000 plus taxis.

Metro Manila, the country’s educational and industrial center, which holds the record for the worst vehicular traffic congestion among Southeast Asian urbanized cities, continues to experience heavy vehicular traffic daily, with motorists spending a long span of time each year stuck in traffic.

The high volume of vehicles on the roads, especially during peak hours, contributes to this congestion, with many on the road in deep conviction of perceived impediments to their progress and feeling of being at risk due to reckless driving.

A potential cause of anger while driving is feeling rushed due to traffic, with the underlying argument that when one is short on time while driving to one’s destination, one may feel frustrated particularly when one comes across a situation that slows one down,

celibacy. Yet, in other areas, he broke with convention, reshaping the role of the papacy. Notably, he opened the door to blessings for same-sex couples, signaling a more inclusive and pastoral approach.

Pope Francis, beloved ‘Lolo Kiko’ to Filipinos, touched the hearts of millions of Filipinos during his landmark visit to the Philippines in 2015.

From the rain-drenched Mass in Tacloban to the heartfelt encounters in Manila, each moment highlighted the profound faith and warmth of a nation that embraced the Bishop of Rome with open arms and unwavering devotion.

At the UST Grandstand and Open Field, on Jan. 18, 2015, Pope Francis exhorted the Filipino youth:

“So let yourselves be surprised by God! Don’t be afraid of surprises, afraid that they will shake you up. They make us insecure, but they change the direction we are going in. True love makes

which might cause one to drive in a more hurried, risky way.

Earlier this month, a road rage altercation in the eastern outskirts of the metropolis turned fatal after a shooting incident claimed the life of one of four victims, prompting renewed discussions on proposed legislation to penalize road rage.

A potential cause of anger while driving is feeling rushed due to traffic

We note that since 2022, six House bills have been filed – all pending with the House Committee on Transportation to this date – aiming to reduce the number of road rage incidents, with the first filed by San Jose del Monte Rep. Florida Robes. Robes explained to reporters that penalizing aggressive behavior “sends a strong message that violence on the road, verbal or physical, has no place in civi-

you “burn life”, even at the risk of coming up empty-handed. “Think of Saint Francis: he left everything, he died with empty hands, but with a full heart.”

On a personal note, I was profoundly influenced by this first Pope from the global South. His choice of name –Francis – struck me right away after his election in 2013. I wept when I heard that name proclaimed as I have had a special affinity to Saint Francis since 1981 when I visited Assisi for the first time.

Indeed, as I have written in my memoir Ransomed by Love, my life work on climate and environmental justice and on peace and human rights began on Jan. 6 (Feast of the Magi) 42 years ago (1981) in Assisi in San Damiano.

In this church, where Jesus on the cross called on San Francesco to repair his church, I also heard the voice of the Lord asking me to always pray the Can-

lized society” – arguing that passing such bills would be more “preventive than reactive” when it comes to road rage, as “deterrence starts with definition.”

The most common adjacent triggers of road rage include one’s progress being impeded as by slow driving, being put at risk, instance reckless behavior of other drivers, as well as discourtesy or hostility of other drivers.

Depression, bipolar disorder and post traumatic stress disorder are also a few examples of mental health conditions that can lead to road rage. People with these conditions may have difficulty regulating their emotions, which can make them more prone to explosive outbursts while driving.

Other studies show that high temperatures or hot weather can increase motorists’ tendency to engage in road rage, with experts defining this as the heat hypothesis.

Heavy traffic also leads to stress, impatience and frustrations which could escalate to pugnacious attitude on the road.

Another factor is anxiety, a mental health concern common among individuals experiencing stress at work or having problems at home.

Experts said such individuals must seek professional help for the proper personality management and regulation of their strong emotions, adding the government must consider mental health assessments for those applying for a driver’s license.

ticle of Creatures and the Peace Prayer. His two encyclicals Laudato Si (2015) and Fratelli Tutti (2020) have shaped my thinking and advocacy in recent years. Indeed, I teach courses about these two encyclicals.

And I now frame my mission as loving all creatures, great and small, and loving those we do not know. I practice political love, as Francis describes it in Fratelli Tutti. In his final written words, published shortly before his death, Pope Francis reflected on death as a new beginning. He described eternal life as a deepening continuation of the love experienced on Earth, encouraging people to view death not as an end but as a transition to eternal life, a new and everlasting reality. God bless and God speed Pope Francis. Please pray for us! Facebook, X, and Bluesky: tonylavs Website: tonylavina.com

This is an AI-generated cartoon with the prompt: Generate a political cartoon in horizontal format of a gridlocked traffic scene. Inside the cars are angry people with glaring eyes and bared teeth. In the middle of the cartoon is a giant car with a devilish grin and face, sticking out of the car is a man with a monstrous face with a pig snout, drooling fangs, and a head ablaze in fire with the words ‘Road Rage.’

Russia’s Lavrov says ‘ready’ for Ukraine deal

WASHINGTON, DC – Russia’s foreign minister said Thursday (Friday Manila time) that Moscow was ready to do a deal on its war in Ukraine after Donald Trump urged Vladimir Putin to halt attacks, in a rare rebuke following the deadliest strikes on Kyiv in months.

“We are ready to reach a deal, but there are still some specific points... which need to be fine-tuned, and we are busy with this,” Sergei Lavrov said in an interview with CBS News.

Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff is due in Russia on Friday where he is expected to hold another round of ceasefire talks with Putin.

Lavrov said the talks process was moving in the right direction, and negotiations would continue with Washington.

He said the US president was “probably the only leader on Earth who recognized the need to address the root causes of this situation,” but said Trump “did not spell out the elements of the deal”.

Trump, however, issued a direct appeal to Russian President Putin following missile and drone strikes on the Ukrainian capital early Thursday which left at least 12 people dead.

It was the latest in a wave of Russian aerial attacks that have killed dozens of civilians, defying Trump’s push to bring about a rapid end to the bloodshed.

“I am not happy with the Russian strikes,” Trump said on social media.

“Not necessary, and very bad timing.

Vladimir, STOP!”

Trump, who is accused of favoring Russia and has often vilified Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, was asked by reporters what concessions Moscow had offered in negotiations to end the war.

“Stopping taking the whole country -pretty big concession,” he replied.

Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, hoping to take the country in days, but has since been bogged down in a bloody war with huge casualties on both sides.

Zelenskyy cut short a trip to South Africa to deal with the aftermath of the latest strikes.

He questioned whether Kyiv’s allies were doing enough to force Putin to agree to a full and unconditional ceasefire. AFP

Troops exchange fire in Kashmir

NEW DELHI –

Troops from Pakistan and India exchanged fire overnight across the Line of Control in disputed Kashmir, officials said Friday, after the United Nations urged the nuclear-armed rivals to show “maximum restraint” following a deadly shooting in the region.

Relations have plunged to their lowest

level in years, with India accusing Pakistan of supporting “cross-border terrorism” after gunmen carried out the worst attack on civilians in contested Muslim-majority Kashmir for a quarter of a century.

Syed Ashfaq Gilani, a government official in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, told AFP Friday that troops exchanged fire along the Line of Control (LOC) that separates the two countries.

“There was no firing on the civilian population,” he added.

India’s army confirmed there had been limited firing of small arms that it said had been “initiated by Pakistan”, adding it had been “effectively responded to”.

On Thursday, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters in New York that issues between the countries “can be and should be resolved peacefully through meaningful mutual engagement”.

“We very much appeal to both the

Australia’s PM condemns heckling, booing at dawn Anzac Day services

SYDNEY – Australia’s prime minister condemned heckling and booing Friday at two solemn Anzac Day commemorations as “low cowardice,” warning that those responsible would “face the full force of the law.”

Anzac Day originally marked the ill-fated World War I landing of Australia and New Zealand Army Corps troops at Gallipoli, in what is now Turkey, in 1915. Facing dug-in German-backed Ottoman forces, more than 10,000 Australian and New Zealand servicemen were killed in the Allied expedition.This year commemorates the 110th anniversary of the landing.

Anzac Day now also honours Australians and New Zealanders who have served in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

Large crowds gathered across cities and towns in both countries just before dawn to pay their respects.

“We, who are gathered here, think of those who went out to the battlefields of all wars but did not return,” said Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who attended a service in Canberra.

“We feel them still near us in spirit. We wish to be worthy of their great sacrifice.”

But services in Perth and Melbourne were briefly disrupted by booing and heckling during the Welcome to Country ceremony -- a traditional blessing from a local Indigenous elder before an event.

Albanese later described the interruptions as “an act of low cowardice on a day where we honor courage and sacrifice”. AFP

governments... to exercise maximum restraint, and to ensure that the situation and the developments we’ve seen do not deteriorate any further,” he said.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to hunt down the gunmen responsible for killing 26 civilians at the popular tourist site of Pahalgam, after Indian police identified two of the three fugitive gunmen as Pakistani.

“I say to the whole world: India will identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backer,” Modi said, in his first speech since Tuesday’s attack in the Himalayan region.

“We will pursue them to the ends of the Earth.”

Meanwhile, the United Nations urged India and Pakistan to show “maximum restraint” as the nuclear-armed rivals imposed tit-for-tat diplomatic measures over a deadly shooting in Kashmir. AFP

Trump targets fundraising platform used by Democrats

WASHINGTON, DC – US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Friday Manila time) directed the Justice Department to investigate the main fundraising platform used by Democrats, who responded with accusations that he was simply weaponizing the government against his political opponents.

The Republican leader signed a memorandum instructing Attorney General Pam Bondi to probe supposed foreign and other illicit payments to platforms including ActBlue, used by Democrats to process donations to election campaigns and other causes online.

The Republican said he wanted the probe to look at the use of “fundraising platforms to make ‘straw’ or ‘dummy’ contributions and to make foreign contributions to US political candidates and committees, all of which break the law.”

While the order urged a broad investigation, Trump specifically cited ActBlue, a non-profit group whose platform has become a small-dollar juggernaut but which has long been the target of unsubstantiated accusations by Republicans.

Top Trump advisor Elon Musk tweeted multiple times about the organization in March, accusing it -- without providing evidence -- of fraud and posting: “Something stinks about ActBlue.”

Action against one of the main sources of income for liberal causes could hamper Democrats’ ability to compete in the midterm elections next year that will decide who controls Congress for the remainder of Trump’s second term.

Straw donations -- donors giving money in other people’s names -- and foreign contributions to federal political candidates or political action committees are against US law.

But Trump’s memo drew accusations for the third time in as many weeks that he was abusing his power for personal and political ends.

Earlier this month he signed memorandums ordering criminal investigations into two officials who had defied him during his first term.

One of the officials, Chris Krebs, was targeted for dismissing Trump’s false claims

IN BRIEF

Noblewoman’s remains found in Peru dig

LIMA – Archaeologists in Peru said Thursday (Friday Manila time) they found the 5,000-year-old remains of a noblewoman at the sacred city of Caral, revealing the important role played by women in the oldest center of civilization in the Americas.

“What has been discovered corresponds to a woman who apparently had elevated status, an elite woman,” archaeologist David Palomino told AFP. The mummy was found in Aspero, a sacred site within the city of Caral that was a garbage dump for over 30 years until becoming an archaeological site in the 1990s.

Palomino said the carefully preserved remains, dating to 3,000 years BC, contained skin, part of the nails and hair and was wrapped in a shroud made of several layers of fabric and a mantle of macaw feathers. AFP

Brazil’s Supreme court nixes de Mello’s appeal

BRASILIA – A Brazil Supreme Court judge rejected former president Fernando Collor de Mello’s appeal on Thursday, reimposing his nearly nine-year prison sentence on corruption and money laundering charges. Collor de Mello, Brazil’s first democratically elected president, was forced to resign halfway through his term in 1992 after congress launched impeachment proceedings against him for allegedly taking bribes. He was later elected senator.

“Alexandre de Moraes, of the Federal Supreme Court (STF), rejected the second appeal of the defense and determined the immediate arrest of the former president of the Republic and former senator Fernando Collor de Mello,” the court said in a statement.

The decision is “immediately” enforceable but will be put to a vote by the full Supreme Court on Friday. In 2023, the 75-year-old former president was sentenced to eight years and 10 months for receiving 20 million reais ($3.5 million at the current exchange rate) in bribes between 2010 and 2014 when he was a senator. AFP

US judge partly blocks Trump order

WASHINGTON, DC – A US judge on

Thursday (Friday Manila time) partially blocked an executive order by President

Donald Trump aimed at sweeping election reforms, the latest legal setback in enacting his agenda. Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly specifically prevented the Trump administration from requiring voters to provide proof of US citizenship when registering to vote at the state level.

The executive order, signed at the end of March, set its sights on restricting mailin voting, which Trump has criticized for years. The order faced legal challenges as soon as it was signed, with the Democratic Party itself launching court proceedings against it.

Kollar-Kotelly justified enacting a preliminary injunction against Trump’s order by arguing that on further review of “the merits, the plaintiffs are substantially likely to prevail.”

“Our Constitution entrusts Congress and the States — not the President — with the authority to regulate federal elections,” she wrote in her 120-page decision. AFP

‘CROSS-BORDER TERRORISM.’ Protesters clash with security personnel during a protest march towards the Pakistan High Commission condemning the Pahalgam tourist attack, in New Delhi on Thursday. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to punish all those responsible for the worst attack on civilians in contested Muslim-majority Kashmir for a quarter of a century. At least 26 people were killed when gunmen opened fire on tourists, security sources told AFP, in the insurgency-hit region’s deadliest attack on civilians since 2000. AFP

TO HONOR COURAGE. Thousands of people gather to watch the annual Anzac (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) Day parade in Sydney on Friday. Dawn services were held across the two countries on the anniversary of the

Spurs’ Sochan to headline Rising Stars PH

THE National Basketball Association (NBA) announced that Jeremy Sochan of the San Antonio Spurs will headline the NBA Rising Stars Invitational Philippines Qualifiers presented by Gatorade taking place in Metro Manila from May 7 to 10.

The NBA Rising Stars Invitational, the league’s first regional high-school basketball tournament, will feature boys’ and girls’ teams from 10 countries and territories across Asia-Pacific competing in Singapore from June 25 to 29 as part of a multiday immersive basketball and entertainment festival.

Operated by Eventscape Manila, the Philippines Qualifiers will feature four boys’ teams and three girls’ teams from across the country that were identified in collaboration with the local basketball federation.

The Philippines Qualifiers will consist of pool games at the Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong City from May 7 to 9, which will determine the top two teams in each division that will advance to the final games on May 10 at the Smart

Thunder rally from 29 down to stun Grizzlies; Morant hurt

LOS ANGELES—Oklahoma City made a stunning 29-point comeback after Memphis lost star guard Ja Morant to a hip injury as the Thunder beat the Grizzlies 114-108 on Thursday to reach the brink of a playoff sweep.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 31 points, Jalen Williams added 26 and Chet Holmgren scored 23 of his 24 points in the second half to spark the second-largest NBA playoff victory fightback since 1997.

“It wasn’t pretty. They hit us first. But we did what we had to do and came away with a win,” Holmgren said. “It was a team mentality. Everybody was saying something when we went into that locker room. Then we came out and we cleaned it up.”

Oklahoma City seized a 3-0 lead in

the Western Conference first round best-of-seven series with a chance to complete the sweep in game four at Memphis on Saturday.

Morant suffered a bruised left hip late in the second quarter when he drove to the hoop and leapt high into the Thunder’s Luguentz Dort and fell face-first onto the court, writhing in pain for several minutes and eventually leaving the game for good.

The Grizzlies took their largest lead at 69-40 seconds after Morant’s departure with 3:15 to play in the second

quarter and Memphis led 77-51 at halftime, but Oklahoma City outscored the hosts 63-31 in the second half.

Memphis interim coach Tuomas Iisalo said the injury to Morant, the Grizzlies points and assist leader this season, sapped his team’s energy and ability to execute plays.

“I would say quite drastically from the result, not only the energy but the execution,” Iisalo said.

“We did a great job fighting for 48 minutes but against this team it’s not enough to fight. You also have to be able to execute.”

As for Morant, he added: “He’s going through further evaluations tomorrow and then we’ll know more.” Great response

The only greater NBA playoff collapse in the past 25 years came in 2019 when the Los Angeles Clippers

rallied from 31 points down to defeat Golden State.

“Our response, in a game that doesn’t feel attainable in certain parts of it, was great,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said.

The Morant injury play evoked memories of Golden State’s Jimmy Butler falling awkwardly Wednesday, with an MRI on Thursday reportedly showing a deeply bruised gluteus muscle that left him uncertain for game three against Houston on Saturday.

Other playoff results Thursday saw New York win 118-116 at Detroit and the Clippers rout visiting Denver 117-83.

Scotty Pippen Jr., who led Memphis with 28 points and a career-best six three-pointers, sparked the Grizzlies early, a 25-5 span seeing the Thunder shoot a woeful 2-of-15. AFP

Bugna stays unstoppable at PPS Roxas; Castigador wins

KATHRYN Bugna extended her remarkable winning streak on the PPS-PEPP National Tennis Circuit, notching another dominant three-title performance at the Vistec Roxas National Juniors Tennis Championships at the Villareal Sports Complex in Capiz last Thursday.

The rising star from the Batang Onay Tennis Club in Brgy. RSB, La Carlota City steamrolled through the girls’ 14-and-under division, culminating in a commanding 6-0, 6-1 victory over Claire Fungo. Bugna then clinched the 16-and-U title with a pair of shutouts and a 6-1, 6-1 demolition of Atila Deocampo in the finals.

This sweep stretched her title streak to seven, adding to her five earlier wins across multiple age categories in Pasig and Iloilo, including the premier 18-and-U crown. Her consistent success further solidifies her reputation and national

ranking in the Palawan Pawnshop circuit, sponsored by president/CEO Bobby Castro.

In the boys’ division, Iloilo’s Bjorn Castigador mirrored Bugna’s feat with titles in the 14-and-U and 16-and-U brackets. He dispatched Francisco De Juan III, 6-1, 6-3, before overcoming Andrian Rodriguez, 6-3, 7-5, to clinch both crowns and share the MVP honors with Bugna.

Kalibo’s Andrei dela Cruz and Aleeva Suace of Santa Barbara, Panay, shared the spotlight in the premier 18-and-U category. Dela Cruz edged Rodriguez, 6-4, 6-4, while Suace toppled Deocampo, 6-3, 6-2.

In 12-and-U category, Francisco De Juan (boys) beat Angelo Patobo, 6-2, 6-0, for the boys’ title, while Kate Chavez dominated Abby Joy Castigador, 6-3, 6-0, for the girls’ crown. Marie Balbon outplayed JM Perlas, 4-2, 4-1, in the 10-and-U unisex finals.

Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. The winning boys’ and girls’ team will then represent their schools at the NBA Rising Stars Invitational, where they will compete against other standout high-school teams from across Asia-Pacific. The culminating event of the Philippines Qualifiers will also feature an NBA Cares clinic with 40 boys and girls from Childhope Philippines, a non-governmental organization dedicated to helping street children, and a live performance by Filipino singer and producer FELIP.

“Gatorade has always empowered athletes across all sports at all levels,” said Gatorade Marketing Manager Raf Baradas. “Presenting the Philippines Qualifiers of the NBA Rising Stars Invitational is one of the many ways the brand brings to life the importance of sports participation among Filipino youth. Together with the NBA, we are committed to growing the game at the grassroots level and are excited to deliver a new platform that will showcase the country’s rising stars.”

San Juan edges Rizal; Zambo, Marikina prevail

SAN Juan weathered Rizal Xentromall’s fourth quarter surge, then leaned on Michael Calisaan and Dexter Maiquez to prevail, 79-78, on Thursday and stretch its unbeaten run in the Manny Pacquiao presents 1xBet-MPBL 2025 Season at Ynares Arena 2 Montalban in Rizal Province. Calisaan drilled in a side jumper while Maiquez scored from under after grabbing the ball from the hands of Eric Camson with 20.1 seconds left to lift the San Juan Knights to their sixth straight win in the round-robin elimination phase of the 30team tournament.

Rizal then missed twice, on a Camson jumper with 9.6 seconds to go and an alleyoop by Alwyn Alday with 1.1 ticks left, to absorb its third straight defeat after winning its first four.

Ahead after three quarters, 63-54, the Knights fell behind 69-74 after the Golden Coolers greeted the fourth quarter with a 20-6 spurt capped by a Keanu Caballero triple.

The Golden Coolers were still up, 78-75, following two charities by Mike Canete with 1 minute and 7 seconds remaining, but went silent after that.

Maiquez posted 21 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists, while Calisaan wound up with 19 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals for the Knights, who drew 8 points and 4 rebounds each from Arvin Gamboa and Nikko Panganiban.

Rizal got 17 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals from Canete, 12 points from Alday, 11 points and 4 rebounds from Samboy De Leon, and 10 points, 8 rebounds from Camson.

The Knights trail only the Nueva Ecija Vanguards (7-0) and are ahead of the Abra Weavers (6-1), the Pampanga Giant Lanterns (6-1) and the Quezon Huskers (6-1) in the chase for playoff spots.

Zamboanga SiKat struck from afar and trounced poor-shooting Bacolod, 87-63, in the opener of the triple-bill.

The Zamboanguenos hit 15 triples, which spelled the difference as the Tubo Slashers could only convert 3 of 22 attempts.

Roi Sumang shone for Zamboanga with 21 points, spiked by 5 triples, 3 assists and 2 steals, followed by homegrown Jul-Ashri Ignacio with 15 points, all from rainbow territory, 6 rebounds and 3 assists.

MILO, SWIM Philippines make waves promoting grassroots sports, life skills

IN its commitment to making sports accessible for all and to inspiring young children to pursue their potential, MILO® Philippines has partnered with SWIM Philippines (SWIM PH), the umbrella organization of the esteemed Bert Lozada Swim School (BLSS), known to be the biggest in the country. This partnership continues the brand’s mission to build well-rounded athletes who are Champions in sports and in life. Renowned for having produced several Olympians, national athletes, and record-breaking swimmers, all while having taught over 600,000 students how to swim over the last 69 years, and serving over 30,000 enrollees annually, Bert Lozada Swim School brings decades of

expertise and supports the MILO® vision of sports for all. Through this partnership, MILO® Philippines reinforces its dedication to empowering future Champions to grow and succeed through discipline, grit, and teamwork. Together, MILO® and SWIM PH with BLSS aim to make a deeper impact on the future of swimming in the Philippines. Kicking off the MILO® and SWIM PH partnership would be the Inter-School Swimming Competitions, referring to regional meets that will be held in long and short course formats across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. At the heart of this initiative is a shared goal—to discover and nurture young talent from the grassroots level, starting in

schools where many future champions first learn to love the sport.

SWIM PH and BLSS will also lend their expertise to flagship programs such as the MILO® Summer Sports Clinics, helping to provide young swimmers with the essential life skills and training needed to kickstart their athletic journey. In addition, novice-level competitions will also be held nationwide, offering opportunities for Champs in the making to showcase their potential and gain valuable experience.

With more than 40 active branches in the country, BLSS with SWIM PH continues to be a key player in grassroots sports development, now with the added strength of MILO®, the country’s leading advocate for youth sports and active lifestyles.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket during the second half against Jaren Jackson Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies during Game 3 of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. AFP

Jeremy Sochan

Double champs Kathryn Bugna (second from left) and Bjorn Castigador (second from right) display their trophies alongside Villareal Tennis Club o cials Mark Gonzales (left) and Cromwell Teves after completing impressive twin-title runs in the Vistec Roxas National Tennis Championships.

MILO Philippines reinforces its dedication to empowering future Champions to grow and succeed through discipline, grit, and teamwork

2 route of the MPTC Tour of Luzon: The Great Revival. Roman Prospero

Eala earns P1.98m in Madrid

By Peter Atencio

THE Philippines’

Alexandra Eala may have bowed to world no. 2 Iga Swiatek.

But she expressed her satisfaction on how she battled Swiatek after their second-round match in the Mutua Madrid Open at the Manolo Santana Stadium late Thursday.

“I’m happy with the match, happy with how I competed. Obviously, (I was) up a set and a break is a good situation to be in, but you have to remember that there’s another person on the other side of the court,” said Eala.

“More so, a multiple Roland Garros champion. She did well also. (I got) things to take back and to learn,” added Eala of her world no. 2 foe, whom she upset 6-2, 7-5 in the quarterfinals of the Miami Open last month.

Eala will leave Madrid with 30,895 euros, or P1.98-million, to go with 35 WTA points for reaching the second round.

She heads next to the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Italy, slated from May 6 to 18. Swiatek pulled through after

struggling with her game, recovering from a frustrating first set to repulse Eala, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2.

This saw Swiatek escaping from a big setback at a WTA 1000 event in nearly four years, after having been beaten in the second round of a tournament of this magnitude at the 2021 Cincinnati Open.

And Swiatek admitted that she did

RONNE Malipay ruled the men’s triple jump on Thursday at the 85th Singapore Open Track and Field Championships 2025.

The 29-year-old Malipay cleared 15.49 meters to claim the gold medal, with his performance coming within range of the 15.66 meters he did in the PATAFA weekly relays last October.

Malipay finished ahead of Singapore’s Gabriel Lee (15.2 meters) and Yuito Sueto of Kansai Unive (14.76).

Alfrence Braza grabbed the silver medal in the men’s 1500m run open, with his clocking of 3:56.25. Braza trailed behind gold winner Yad Hapizudin of Indonesia, who was first at 3:53.99. Hong Kong’s Mohammad Kamran Khan (3:57.35) settled for the bronze.

Clinton Bautista clocked 14.36 seconds in the heats of the men’s 100-meter sprints and took fourth at 14.44 seconds.

Ang Chen Xiang of Singapore grabbed the gold in reaching the finish line at 13.8 seconds.

Liu Hiu Long and Cheung Siu Hang earned the silver and bronze with times of 13.83 and 13.96 seconds, respectively.

Anfernee Lopena was fifth at 10.74 in the men’s 100-meter finals, with Marc Louis of Singapore taking the gold at 10.49 seconds.

Thawatchai Himaiad of Thailand and Soraoat Dapdang claimed the silver and bronze with their times of 10.52 and 10.7 seconds, respectively. Peter Atencio

not have an easy time in dealing with Filipina sensation.

“It wasn’t easy to get into the rhythm and feel the right timing, so I’m happy that I was just patient,” said Swiatek, who found her second wind in the middle of the second set and held her ground in the two-hour, 15-minute encounter.

The 23-year-old Swiatek lost her

composure after an aggressive Eala took the early lead, 3-1, and eventually grabbed the first set, 6-4.

Swiatek was visibly frustrated, knowing that she’s in big trouble if she does not settle down soon. This continued until the eighth game of the second set when the contest remained tied at 4-all.

A service winner in the ninth game, got Swiatek into the lead, and a steady baseline game gave her the second set, 6-4. Finding her rhythm and game in the third set, Swiatek coasted to a 5-1 lead.

“What was different (between Madrid and Miami) was that, in my opinion, she executed better in the important moments, and had a little higher level than me in specific moments of the match,” said Eala.

Swiatek overcame 25 unforced errors in the first set and four lost serves.

In all, Eala unloaded three aces and won 30 points off 47 first serves, while Swiatek struck home with 35 points on 69 first serves.

It was Swiatek’s first triumph in a deciding set since winning over Linda Noskova from a set behind in the third round of the Qatar Total Open in February.

Felipe brothers team UE dominate UAAP fencing

FELIPE brothers, Nicollei and Khiane, powered University of the East to two more gold-medal finishes on Day 4 of the 87th University Athletic Association of the Philippines Fencing Championships on Friday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

This was after the 21-year-old Nicollei helped the Warriors to the team gold in the men’s sabre event, while the 17-year-old Khiane scored points that pushed the Junior Warriors to the foil honors.

Nicollei first strung up three big wins in carrying the Warriors to a 4537 edging of the University of Santo Tomas Tigers. He now has four podium finishes after earlier settling for the silver in the individual epee finals, rallying to a 15-12 beating of fellow Red Warrior Robert Cabaero, 15-12, in the men’s foil gold-medal match. Nicollei’s other silver came in the men’s

also entered in the team epee event. A bronze medalist in team foil at the 32nd Southeast Asian Games, Nicollei

Standard Insurance takes Tour’s 2nd stage

By Riera U. Mallari

first handed UE a 10-8 lead, with a his 5-4 verdict over UST foe Dennis Villanueva before UE took a 20-13 on his 5-1 rout of Larco Cortez. UE, which reached the finals after getting past Ateneo, 45-40, in the semifinals, gained an 11-point lead, 35-24, on Nicollei’s 5-1 downing of Ricardo Fuenzalida Jr. Meanwhile, Khiane and the UE Junior Warriors turned back UST, 45-27, in the boys’ junior boys finals. Khiane came up with a 5-3 victory over UST’s Ranzelle Aberilla, and then bounced back from a 2-11 setback to Rayne Maravailla with a 5-2 stopping of Prince Geronimo. UE, led by Queenie Dalmacio, also grabbed the women’s team epee crown with a 45-41 verdict over the Janna Catantan-led UST side. UST, behind Bailey Olayres, Estelliah Gilliana and Kathleen Tuy,

rounded out the podium in second and third place, respectively. Go for Gold secured the higher position due to their top three riders finishing with a faster combined time than 7-Eleven.

The 7-Eleven team initially celebrated what they believed to be a Stage 2 victory, only to be moved to third place after the final official recount, surprising the young team led by former Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Mark Galado.

MPT DriveHub finished with the second-fastest time of 1:24:18 but incurred an undisclosed time penalty for providing nutrition to their cyclists outside the designated feeding zone near the Ilocos Norte arch, 30 kilometers from the Stage 3 starting point at Paoay Church.

The 130-kilometer Stage 3 -- the third of eight stages, is set Saturday at 8 a.m. from the Ilocos Sur capitol building and heads to San Juan, Ilocos Sur.

Alcaraz withdraws from Madrid Open with thigh injury

MADRID—World number three Carlos Alcaraz withdrew from the Madrid Open on Thursday with a thigh injury, in a blow for his French Open title defence preparations.

The Spaniard, a four-time Grand Slam winner, sustained the problem during his Barcelona Open final defeat last Sunday by Holger Rune.

“I did everything that was in my hands but it didn’t improve a lot over the (last few) days,” Alcaraz told a news conference.

“Things didn’t work out as I wanted to be able to play here, and we have decided not to take risks.

“If I played, I was going to be messed up for longer than expected... hard decisions had to be made, and I think we made the right one.” Alcaraz was hoping to lift the trophy in Madrid for the third time after his 2022 and 2023 victories.

The 21-year-old had not trained all week after arriving in the Spanish capital on Monday.

Alcaraz did not rule out competing in the Italian Open and said he was sure he would make the French Open, with the main draw beginning on May 25.

“I think I will definitely be at Roland Garros and I will do everything possible to be in Rome,” said Alcaraz.

“On Monday I’ll have another test to see how it’s evolved, and from there we’ll take the timings and evaluate how the next few weeks are going to be and how my body is doing.”

Alcaraz said in addition to the right thigh injury he suffered in Barcelona he had also noticed a problem with his left hamstring.

He has struggled for consistency over the first few months of the year, knocked out early in Miami but then winning the Monte Carlo Masters in April.

“It was the first year I went really far in Monte Carlo but it was also the first year I lost in the first match in Miami, so I had time to prepare for the clay season,” Alcaraz said. AFP

Riders from Excellent Noodles negotiate a portion of the short 68.5-kilometer Stage

Philippines’ Alexandra Eala returns the ball to Poland’s Iga Swiatek during their 2025 WTA Tour Madrid Open tennis tournament second round singles’ match at the Caja Magica in Madrid. AFP

Ronne Malipay

Khiane Felipe (second from left) with his UE teammates

HOUSING COOPERATION. The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the United Nations Human

Gov’t sells P300b worth of 10-year Treasury notes

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) said it raised P300 billion from the offering of 10-year benchmark fixed-rate Treasury notes (FXTNs) amid strong investor appetite.

The offering was made available to investors across various account types, including corporates, cooperatives, trust funds, retirement funds, provident funds and other institutional investors.

It said the settlement and listing on the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. Fixed Income Board is scheduled on April 28, 2025.

The benchmark FXTNs, with a tenor of 10 years and a fixed coupon

IN BRIEF

previous survey round. Banks tightened their loan standards for enterprises due to the deterioration in borrowers’ profile and profitability of banks’ portfolios.

Over the next quarter, the modal approach showed that 85.5 percent of participating banks anticipate generally unchanged lending standards for enterprises. Darwin G. Amojelar

19.6-MW San Jose solar farm completed

SAN Jose Green Energy Corp. (SJGEC), the Yuchengo Group-led developer of the 19.6-megawatt San Jose Solar Power Project, filed a certificate of compliance (COC) with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) on April 15, 2025 in preparation for the start of its commercial operations.

SJGEC is a subsidiary of Rizal Green Energy Corp. (RGEC), a joint venture of PetroGreen Energy Corp. (PGEC) and Japan’s TAISEI Corporation.

Upon the COC’s issuance and submission of formal notice of start of commercial operations in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), the power supply agreement (PSA) with SJSPP’s offtaker, SN Aboitiz Power-Magat Inc. (SNAP-MI), will take effect.

“When this commercial operation milestone is reached, the SJSPP will become PGEC’s eighth utility-scale renewable energy power plant, further boosting PGEC’s power generation asset and revenue stream,” said PGEC assistant for power markets Dave Gadiano. Alena Mae S. Flores

PH asks World Bank, IMF to hike support THE Philippines, through the Department of Finance (DOF), urged international financial institutions (IFIs) to increase their support for emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs)) amid the increasing global challenges and risks.

“International financial institutions, such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, must be adequately equipped and are called upon to step in more decisively to support EMDEs through timely and accessible financing, technical assistance, knowledge support, and enhanced policy dialogue,” DOF International Finance Group (IFG) Undersecretary Joven Balbosa said during the Intergovernmental Group of Twenty-Four (G-24) Ministers and Governors Meeting on April 22, 2025 at the IMF Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Balbosa represented Finance Secretary Ralph Recto during the meeting. Recto previously chaired the G-24 Bureau from 2023 to 2024, and now sits as a non-executive member of the Bureau.

With the theme, Enhancing Domestic Responsiveness in a Shock-Prone World, the highlevel meeting convened Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of G-24 member countries to discuss key areas where IFIs can heighten support for EMDEs. Darwin G. Amojelar

rate of 6.375 percent per annum, attracted robust demand from the market during the auction date and the public offer period.

The BTr kicked off the issuance on April 15, 2025, with significant market support, garnering P197.3 billion in bids for an oversubscription of 6.6 times the minimum issue size of 30 billion, which allowed for an upsized award of P135 billion at the rate-setting auction.

The initial momentum persisted into the offer period, which raised an additional P165 billion within the first five days, with total bids amounting to P307.05 billion.

Having reached a substantial benchmark size of P300 billion, the BTr said it shortened the offer period to close on April 23, 2025.

“This inaugural public offering of the 10-year benchmark FXTNs is not only about raising funds – it’s about giving the market more ways to invest in their future and take part in the Republic’s programs and goals. We thank all our investors for their trust and support for this historic milestone in the development of the Philippine fixed-income market,” said National Treasurer

BSP expands list of hedging instruments

THE Monetary Board of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said it approved new amendments to foreign exchange (FX) regulations to broaden Filipinos’ access to more hedging instruments and deepen the country’s capital market.

The amended regulations, contained in BSP Circular No. 1212, expand the list of allowable FX hedging instruments involving the Philippine peso. Currently, permitted instruments are deliverable and non-deliverable FX forwards, FX swaps and crosscurrency swaps. Under the revised rules, non-deliverable swaps, non-deliverable cross-currency swaps, and FX options would also be allowed.

Hedging, which refers to the use of financial instruments to mitigate risks from fluctuations in exchange rates and interest rates, benefits individu-

als and businesses such as overseas Filipino households, exporters and importers.

The Monetary Board said it also approved other amendments to FX rules including lifting the requirement for deliverable FX forwards to have maturity dates matching the underlying FX exposure.

Maturity dates can now be equal to or shorter than the underlying FX exposure, allowing flexibility when no matching FX derivatives are available.

Other amendments include clarifying the rules applicable to banks when transacting in FX derivatives for their own account and in transacting with customers and implementing an online system for the submission of applications for registration of foreign investments.

Roque visiting US next week for tariff talks

By Othel V. Campos

DEPARTMENT of Trade and Industry Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque is set to fly to Washington D.C. on April 29, 2025 for high-level negotiations with the United States Trade Representative (USTR), with tariff reductions and stronger bilateral trade ties at the top of the agenda.

“We’re set already on the 29th,” Roque confirmed on the sidelines of the Franchsie Asia Philippines 2025, referring to her upcoming trip with Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick Go. The official visit will run until May 2, 2025 Roque said the Philippine delegation is scheduled to meet with USTR officials and her direct counterpart, although the full list of American participants is yet to be finalized.

“Our goal in the meeting is to get what’s best for our country, to bring down tariffs and strengthen the USPhilippine trade relationship,” she said.

While no specific targets have been set, Roque said her team has been consulting extensively with stakeholders across industries—including manufacturers, exporters, and importers—to build a unified negotiating position.

“We want a consensus. It shouldn’t just be based on what we think, but on what the industries need,” she said.

The DTI has gathered inputs from manufacturers and is now reviewing recommendations from importers, she said.

She said stakeholders wanted tariffs that are lower than those of the ASEAN neighbors, giving Filipino products a competitive edge in the US market.

PH has only two active bird flu cases, says BAI

THE Philippines has only two active cases of avian influenza (AI), the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) said Thursday. BAI officer-in-charge Director Christian Daquigan issued the statement to counter reports of three active bird flu cases.

“We would like to clarify that the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Animal Industry is the sole official source of AI case reporting in the Philippines. As of April 18, 2025, there were only two active cases, both located in Pampanga,” Daquigan said. “The last confirmed AI case in Tarlac was on Oct. 3, 2024, while Nueva Ecija’s most recent case was on Sept. 20, 2024.” He also clarified that Leyte province was declared AI-free under DA Memorandum Circular No. 44, Series of 2024, signed on Oct. 29, 2024, by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. The case in Leyte was also confirmed as resolved in the World Animal Health Information System.

Daquigan said that while 52 municipalities across eight provinces have yet to regain their AI-free status as of April 18, 2025, “this does not indicate the presence of active cases.”

“Rather, these are just provisions/ procedures which still have to be complied with before they could achieve their AI-free status, as outlined in BAI MC No. 25, s. 2022,” he said.

Meralco launches nuclear energy strategic transition program

By Alena Mae S. Flores

POWER retailer Manila Electric

Company (Meralco) on Thursday launched its Nuclear Energy Strategic Transition (NEST) program, which includes studying the revival of the mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant in a bid to drive innovation and advance the Philippine energy landscape. Meralco introduced NEST as the company’s flagship initiative to incorporate nuclear power into the Philippine energy mix as a longterm, low-carbon energy solution during the opening of the two-day

Giga Summit 2025: The Fusion of Power and Intelligence organized by the Meralco Power Academy (MPA).

“Today, Meralco’s NEST has been launched. This is our internal program to assess what it would take to responsibly put up a nuclear power plant in the Philippines,” Meralco chairman and chief executive Manuel Pangilinan said. The program adopts a multi-track approach to evaluate all viable pathways for nuclear power deployment in the Philippines.

These include initiating largescale greenfield projects through

partnerships with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) and nuclear operators from France and South Korea; exploring the potential deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) in collaboration with the US; and studying the feasibility of rehabilitating the mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP).

Meralco chief operating officer Ronnie Aperocho said the company is studying the viability of rehabilitating BNPP. The study, led by the DOE, is in partnership with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP).

Settlements Programme

(UN-Habitat) convene a high-level bilateral cooperation meeting at the DHSUD Central Office in Quezon City. Shown are DHSUD Undersecretary Henry Yap (left) welcoming the delegation led by UN-Habitat Undersecretary-General and executive director

JAPAN GRANT. Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya (left) signs a contract with the Japanese non-governmental organization (NGO) Ikaw-Ako for the third phase of the project ‘Construction of Rainwater Tanks to Provide Safe Water Supply and Sanitary Education to Prevent Infectious Diseases in Bohol with Frequent Droughts.’ The total grant amounting to $149,612 is supported under

Projects.

Stocks surge on easing trade tensions, hopes of Fed rate cuts

THE country’s main stock index rallied on Friday after several days of sideways trading as US and Asian stocks ended higher on easing trade tensions.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) surged 110.27 points or 1.79 percent to close at 6,268.75 while the broader all shares index rose 37.44 points or 1.02 percent to 3,695.69.

Analysts said investor sentiment is being boosted by hopes that US President Donald Trump will soften its stance on tariffs and possible rate cut by US Federal Reserve during its next meeting slated early May. Only the mining and index ended in the red, declining by 0.72 percent. Holding firms rose 2.31 percent, while property and services improved 1.83 percent and 1.5 percent, respectively.Value turnover reached P6.35 billion with 117 advancers, 79 decliners and 45 names unchanged.

Bloomberry Resorts Corp., emerged as the top gainer for the day, rising by 18.89 percent to P3.21 per share after the company announced plans to launch its online gaming venture in the second quarter of the year.

Meanwhile, Asian and European stocks climbed on Friday, buoyed by a rally on Wall Street and the prospect of trade deals progressing between the United States and some of its economic partners.

US stocks rallied for a third straight session on Thursday, shrugging off signs that US trade deals with China and the European Union aren’t imminent despite promising signs elsewhere.

Beijing said on Thursday any claims of ongoing trade talks with Washington were “groundless” after US President Donald Trump played up the prospects of a deal to lower the 145 percent tariffs he imposed on most Chinese exports.France’s economy minister Eric Lombard said a trade deal between the United States and the European Union was also a way off.

However, global markets appear to have brushed aside the lack of progress.

“There are mixed signals about whether there have been some talks about trade between the US and China,” said Lloyd Chan, a senior currency analyst at MUFG.” Jenniffer B. Austria with AFP

Maynilad makes headway in 2nd treatment facility

WEST Zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad) is making steady progress on its second New Water facility, which is now under construction in Pasay City.

The pioneering project converts used water into potable water, offering a sustainable solution to help strengthen Metro Manila’s water supply.

The Pasay NEW WATER treatment plant is 82 percent complete as of March 2025, with a multi-stage treatment process to purify used water, ensuring it meets the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water (PNSDW) set by the Department of Health (DOH).

Once operational, the facility is expected to improve water access in underserved communities in Pasay. Slated for completion by December 2025, the P700-million plant will produce 12 million liters per day (MLD) of new water, enough to serve about 60,000 residents.

Maynilad already operates a similar facility in Parañaque City, which marked its first venture into potable water reuse.

Parañaque currently supplies 5 MLD of safe drinking water to two barangays and was named “Water Reuse Project of the Year” at the 2023 Global Water Awards.

Maynilad is also expanding its NEW WATER program with more facilities in the pipeline, along with an upgrade of the Parañaque plant. By 2027, the program is projected to deliver a combined output of up to 90 MLD, providing Metro Manila with a reliable, climate-resilient alternative water source.

Othel V. Campos

BDO profits climbed 6.5% to

P19.7b in first quarter

By Jenniffer B. Austria

BDO Unibank, Inc. (BDO), the banking arm of the Sy group, reported a net income of P19.7 billion for the first quarter of 2025, up 6.5 percent from P18.5 billion recorded in the same period last year driven by strong growth across its core businesses.

Return on average common equity (ROCE) stood at 13.8 percent, the bank said Friday in a disclosure to the stock exchange. “Despite economic uncertainties arising from US tariffs and trade policies, the Philippines is expected to

remain resilient being a domestic and consumption-based economy,” BDO said. The bank said it is remains wellpositioned to navigate potential risks and achieve sustainable growth and profitability with its strong business

franchise, market leadership, and robust

Gross customer loans rose by 12 percent to P3.3 trillion during the period, showing broad growth across all market segments.

Deposits grew by 6 percent to ₱3.8 trillion with Current Account and Savings Account (CASA) ratio remained high at 70 percent. Net interest income increased by 6 percent due to growth in earning assets. Non-interest income jumped 21 percent, supported by higher feebased revenues. Asset quality improved.

The bank’s non-performing loan (NPL) ratio dropped to 1.77 percent. NPL coverage was at 143 percent under updated BSP guidelines. Shareholders’ equity rose 12 percent, driven by continued profits. Book value per share increased by 12 percent to ₱111.13. The common equity tier 1 (CET1) ratio improved to 14.4 percent from 13.6 percent last year.

BDO has the country’s largest distribution network, with over 1,800 consolidated operating branches and more than 5,800 teller machines nationwide.

EastWest declared P1.5-b dividends from P7.6-b 2024 income

EAST West Banking Corp. (EastWest), the banking arm of Gotianun family, has declared a P 1.5 billion cash dividend following its strongest financial performance to date.

The dividend is equivalent to P 0.68 per share and will be given to shareholders on record as of May 12, 2025. Payment is scheduled for May 31, 2025, the bank reported during the its annual stockholders’ meeting held Thursday.

EastWest posted a record-high net

income of P7.6 billion in 2024, up 25 percent from the previous year. This growth was driven by strong consumer loans, steady deposit inflows, and high margins.

“This dividend declaration is the result of the solid financial foundation we have built over the years. We’re proud to share the success of EastWest with our stockholders as we mark our 30th year,” said EastWest chief executive Jerry Ngo.

“Our disciplined strategy and

DigiPlus provides P150-m grant to foundation

DIGIPLUS Interactive, together with BingoPlus, reaffirmed its commitment to empowering communities across the country with a P150 million grant to amplify the programs of its social development arm, BingoPlus Foundation.

The contribution announced during the BingoPlus Night held on March 27, 2025, at the Marriott Hotel in Pasay City, marks a pivotal moment for the foundation as it enters a new chapter of scaling its community programs nationwide.

Since its inception, BingoPlus Foundation has remained steadfast in delivering programs deeply rooted in community empowerment.

BingoPlus Foundation impacted over 120,000 Filipinos in 2024 through its core pillars and special programs centered on technology education, accessible healthcare, community resilience, and responsible

digitalization. With new funding, efforts to multiply the good are set to grow.

The donation comes at the heels of recognition for BingoPlus Foundation’s FutureSmart Program with a Silver Anvil in the 59th Anvil Awards and a Gold Stevie Award in the 2024 APAC Stevie Awards for its efforts to support over 5,200 individuals with investments in technology education. BingoPlus Foundation awarded high-potential students nationwide with IT scholarships, complemented by the PLUS Factor leadership development program, while target public schools received robotics and programming learning tools and training.

Together with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), persons with disabilities also gained vocational training in computer skills and digital design.

operational execution enabled us to deliver this milestone year.”

Return on equity rose to 10.8 percent.

Total assets reached P523.7 billion. Consumer loans grew by 16 percent, while deposits increased by 8 percent. The bank maintained a CASA ratio of 81 percent, above industry averages.

EastWest plans to expand further in 2025. Its focus will be on growth, stronger customer relationships, and

more digital services.

“2024 was not only our best year financially—it also marked a period of transformation as we deepened our capabilities, embraced innovation, and laid the groundwork for sustained growth,” Ngo said.

“With our customers at the center, we look forward to going even further in 2025.”

The share price of EastWest closed higher by 4.21 percent to P10.88 apiece on Friday. Jenniffer B. Austria

Mitsubishi Motors’ 2024 sales increased 12% to 91,639 units

By Othel V. Campos

MITSUBISHI Motors Philippines

Corporation (MMPC) reported record retail sales of 91,639 vehicles in the Philippines for fiscal year (FY) 2024, a 12 percent increase from the previous year. This is the second consecutive year the company has surpassed its sales record in the country.

“Mitsubishi Motors has contributed to the auto market and economy in the Philippines for more than 60 years, and in Vietnam for over 30 years,” said Mitsubishi Motors executive vice president Tatsuo Nakamura.

The launch of the Xforce compact SUV boosted demand, complementing strong sales of the Xpander seven-

seat crossover MPV. Nakamura highlighted the company’s ability to earn the trust of customers by introducing strategic vehicles to the ASEAN market and developing dealership networks with high brand loyalty.

“This fiscal year, we will be launching the production model of the Mitsubishi DST Concept, which premiered in the Philippines last year. We aim to enhance our presence in the ASEAN market and to further expand sales in the Philippines and Vietnam, which are our key markets,” he said.

The continued popularity of the Mirage G4 compact sedan and L300 compact commercial vehicle also supported overall growth.

SHAKEY’S BRANCH. Shakey’s Pizza Parlor open its first branch in Pagsanjan province. Attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony are (from left) Carlos Robles III, national operations director of SPAVI, Shakey’s Philippines’ parent company, Rev. Fr. Jeffree Lorica, Rosalina Basa and Arsenio Basa, property lessors instrumental in securing the branch’s location; Binan Brgy. chairwoman Teresita Principe, Cesar Areza, Municipal Mayor of Pagsanjan, Lilith Areza, the mayor’s spouse and active community partner; and Onie Mercado, Shakey’s operations manager. Roy Tomandao

BingoPlus Foundation’s Project Clean uses the MVP filtration system to provide clean water to communities in need. This system filters 99.9 percent of bacteria and protozoans from 1 million gallons of water and lasts 5+ years, potentially impacting 100 people per filter.

SHOWBIZ

Viva Films honors Nora Aunor with exclusive film screening

VIVA Films is honoring the legacy of National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Nora Aunor with The Superstar Collection: A Tribute to the National Artist, a special cinematic showcase of her iconic films.

The collection, which starts screening exclusively in select cinemas nationwide on April 25, offers fans a rare opportunity to revisit Aunor’s powerful performances. The tribute offers an opportunity to celebrate the enduring legacy of Nora Aunor, whose work continues to shape the cultural landscape of the Philippines.

Born Nora Cabaltera Villamayor on May 21, 1953, in Iriga City, Camarines Sur, Aunor rose from humble beginnings to become one of the Philippines’ most celebrated and influential artists. Known as Ate Guy, Aunor’s career spanned over five decades, with more than 170 films

to her name. She is widely regarded as the greatest Filipino actress of all time, recognized for her emotional depth and her ability to evoke truth through her performances.

Aunor’s career boasts numerous milestones, including a Grand Slam in 1990 for her role in Andrea, Paano Ba Maging Isang Ina?, making her the first actress to sweep all five major Philippine film awards. Her international acclaim includes a Best Actress award at the Cairo International Film Festival for The Flor Contemplacion Story (1995) and additional Best Actress honors at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards and the Asian Film Awards for Thy Womb (2012).

In 2022, she was conferred the Order of National Artist, the Philippines’ highest cultural distinction, and this year, she is set to receive the Presidential Medal

‘Untold’ brings back the thrill of shared fear inside cinemas

THERE’S something about watching horror in a dark cinema with strangers that hits differently. The tension feels heavier, the screams louder, and every jump scare lands harder when you’re part of an audience bracing for the next jolt. That’s what Untold , Regal Entertainment’s latest psychological horror film, manages to revive.

of Merit posthumously, recognizing her extraordinary impact on Philippine culture and the arts.

The Superstar Collection includes three films: Beloved (1985, directed by Leroy Salvador), in which Aunor stars alongside Hilda Koronel in a gripping drama about friendship, betrayal, and moral choices; The Flor Contemplacion Story (1995, directed by Joel Lamangan), one of her most critically acclaimed roles, which portrays an overseas Filipino worker fighting for justice; and Mananambal (2024, directed by Adolfo Alix Jr.), Aunor’s final film appearance, costarring Bianca Umali, which blends horror and drama to explore mysticism in Siquijor. Tickets for the Superstar Collection are priced at P150 each, with screenings available in SM Cinemas, Robinsons Movieworld, Fisher Mall Cinemas, and Gateway Mall.

conference during the official launch of the movie, Jodi said Untold isn’t only made to scare. It also challenges viewers to think—about the intentions behind misinformation, the consequences, and the difficulty of knowing what’s real.

Meanwhile, it was great to see a packed advance screening, filled with students and members of the entertainment press. The collective

Directed by Derick Cabrido, Untold builds fear through timing, silence, and grounded performances. From the opening scene, the audience was already screaming—and it continued throughout. You could feel the room tighten during quiet moments, then break into gasps and nervous laughter with each scare. This film is meant to be experienced together. The lead star of the movie, Jodi Sta. Maria, plays Vivian, a journalist chasing a major scoop who finds herself confronting something terrifying. Her performance is gripping. She carries the weight of trauma and ambition with conviction, balancing strength and vulnerability in each frame.

Jodi proves once again why she’s one of the most versatile actors in the industry. Whether she’s unraveling in fear or holding

back tears, she delivers. Mylene Dizon commands attention in her scenes, and Juan Karlos brings a relaxed, natural energy to his role. The film also explores the impact of fake news. In a separate press Juan Karlos Labajo joins the cast of ‘Untold’ as Jasper Torres

Aside from being a horror film, ‘Untold’ also explores fake news, challenging viewers to think about misinformation and its consequences

form of escape. With horror, it’s better if you’re watching it with someone—the experience is better when you watch a horror film with company.”

They’re right. Horror works best when shared. The reactions, the silence, the sudden shrieks— they all remind us how cinema connects us.

Joining Jodi, JK, and Mylene in the cast are Joem Bascon, Kaori Oinuma, Sarah Edwards, Lianne Valentin, Gian

energy—the gasps, the reactions, the occasional laughter—reminded us what going to the movies used to feel like.

Speaking with Manila Standard Entertainment, producer Roselle Monteverde shared her hopes after the screening: “Well, I hope it would encourage people to go back to the

In March, GMA Network

5.6

cinemas. You’ve seen the sound and the visual effects—it’s a different experience when you’re in the cinema.”

Her son, Attorney Keith Monteverde, emphasized the value of watching horror films as a communal activity: “It’s a shared experience and it’s nice to watch something as a

Magdangal, and Gloria Diaz

The summer

film opens in cinemas on April 30.

Nora Aunor’s film collection screens exclusively in select cinemas nationwide

Very Wang Nickie Wang

Joem Bascon (left) and Kaori Oinuma in a scene from the horror film ‘Untold’

horror

Jodi Sta. Maria plays as Vivian, a journalist chasing a major scoop who confronts something terrifying

SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 2025 lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

How a jeweler built

also close to the floating dock where islandhopping tours originate.

El Nido’s hidden gem

NESTLED in the breathtaking landscapes of El Nido, known for its pristine beaches, towering limestone cliffs, and crystalclear waters, Sea Cocoon owner Eric Sugui has established himself as a visionary in the hospitality industry.

As a hotel owner, Eric combines his passion for service with a deep commitment to sustainability and authentic Filipino hospitality, ensuring that guests experience the best of paradise. Eric was born and raised in Manila. His family was in the jewelry-making business, and their products were exported abroad. When business wasn’t that good anymore because of competition, they thought about venturing into

a different line of business.

Eric and his business partners went to El Nido, Palawan, in 2012 and made plans to sell the property in Manila to move and start a business there. In 2015, they were able to sell the property, and it was also the time they moved to Palawan for good and officially started operating Sea Cocoon on the 21st of September.

This 2025 will be their 10th year in operation. The hotel has evolved from operating only one building, which offered 27 rooms, and in 2019, it grew by adding a new building adjacent to the existing hotel, thereby adding 17 more rooms for a total of 44.

“Our slogan says, ‘your comfort is our pride,’ so we aim to provide comfort to all our guests. Our spacious and cozy rooms were meticulously designed and carefully engineered, and they are equipped with the basic necessities for comfort. Our elevator is a plus since this is not a common thing in a place like El Nido,” shared Eric about keeping his guests happy.

Southeast Asia consumers

offset 4,000 tons of CO2 through green purchases

WATSONS, the flagship health and beauty brand of AS Watson, said on Earth Day it has expanded its carbon offset partnership with ClimatePartner, aiming to neutralize more than 4,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions through customer purchases of selected products.

The move builds on a 2023 initiative that initially included seven product ranges. It now covers 30 ranges of Watsons Sustainable Choice products sold across its online and physical stores in Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Turkey, and GCC markets.

In addition to reforestation efforts in Rimba Raya, Indonesia, Watsons is supporting afforestation in Dingxi, mainland China, an area severely affected by desertification and drought. The project includes planting native, droughtresistant tree species to restore degraded land and create new forested areas.

The initiative also provides job opportunities for local communities, particularly for women, in tree planting and forest maintenance roles.

Watsons said its sustainability campaign has received positive feedback from customers and has been integrated into local employee-led programs. In the Philippines, the brand said it has planted over 5,800 trees through eco-tours and collected more than 30 sacks of waste during coastal cleanups.

The company said these efforts are part of its broader push to engage both customers and employees in environmental action as part of a long-term climate strategy.

While El Nido is famous for its natural wonders, the town itself has a laid-back, rustic charm. The main Barangay Buena Suerte is lined with cozy cafés, beachfront bars, and boutique resorts. At night, the town comes alive with reggae music, fire dances, and fresh seafood feasts by the shore. Due to its fragile ecosystem, El Nido has implemented strict environmental policies, including visitor limits to popular sites and a ban on single-use plastics. Travelers are encouraged to respect nature and support eco-friendly businesses.

“Living here in El Nido and building a hotel is like a giant leap for us, like a new chapter in our lives. We came from a big city and now live in a small town, but it is very lively and full of excitement. We believe that this is our destiny, and we are so happy about it. No regrets because we now live in ‘paradise,’” said Eric.

Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway or an adventure-filled retreat, let Eric Sugui host you as Sea Cocoon Hotel elevates the El Nido experience with its impeccable service and breathtaking surroundings. The hotel is conveniently located in the

SM PRIME Holdings has begun construction on SMXCITE, a new international exhibition center in Pasay City set to become the Philippines’ largest under the SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) portfolio.

Located within the SM Mall of Asia Complex and directly across from the SM MOA Arena, SMXCITE will add over 18,000 square meters of leasable trade hall space when completed in early 2027. The new venue will double the capacity of SMX Convention Center Manila, bringing the combined total to more than 35,000 square meters of exhibition space.

The project was formally launched in a groundbreaking ceremony led by SMHCC president Elizabeth T. Sy, SM Engineering Design and Development Corp. president Hans Sy Jr., SMHCC executive vice president Peggy Angeles and SMHCC senior vice president for operations Walid Wafik

SMXCITE will house five

From left: Hans ‘Chico’ Sy, Jr., president, SM Engineering Design and Development Corp., Peggy Angeles, executive vice president, SM Hotels and Conventions Corp., Elizabeth T. Sy, president, SM Hotels and Conventions Corp., and Walid Wafik, senior vice president for Operations, SM Hotels and Conventions Corp., during the groundbreaking ceremony of SMXCITE

and

SM Prime breaks ground on PH’s largest international exhibition venue

exhibition halls, four meeting rooms, and two VIP lounges. The venue is designed to accommodate over 18,000 guests and up to 803 standard 3x3-meter booths. It will also feature energy-efficient and eco-friendly infrastructure aligned with SMX Manila’s sustainability benchmarks.

Once completed, SMXCITE will boost SMX Convention Center’s nationwide leasable footprint to nearly 60,000 square meters, spanning locations in Manila, Taguig, Mandaluyong, Clark, Olongapo, Bacolod, Cebu, and Davao.

“SMXCITE marks a pivotal step

in our continued efforts to build future-ready venues that meet global standards,” said Wafik. “With this new exhibition center, along with exciting projects on the horizon in Cebu and in Cabanatuan, we’re expanding our reach and reinforcing our commitment to elevate the Philippine MICE experience across the country.”

SM Prime’s latest development aims to strengthen Metro Manila’s role as a key destination in Southeast Asia’s growing MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) industry.

Watsons supports large-scale reforestation efforts in different parts of the world to restore degraded lands and empower local communities

The Sea Cocoon team proudly upholds comfort, quality service,

Filipino warmth in El Nido

Guests at Sea Cocoon enjoy panoramic views of El Nido

Globe CEO Cruz outlines strategic direction, innovation, digital inclusion

CARL Raymond Cruz formally stepped into his role as Globe’s new President and Chief Executive Officer, outlining a strategic direction anchored on purpose and customer centricity.

At the “Go Forward Together” media briefing, Cruz presented a clear roadmap for the company, centered on innovation, digital inclusion, and customer-first thinking to uplift lives and shape a better tomorrow for the company and the nation.

His message reinforces Globe’s market leadership amid a stabilizing economy and favorable conditions for expanded digital access. According to the 2025 Digital Report Study, Filipinos now rank third globally in daily internet usage, averaging 8 hours and 52 minutes.

“With the Philippines entering a phase of economic normalization and a large digital-native customer base driving longterm demand, Globe is well-positioned to lead the country’s digital progress,” Cruz said. “We are focused on inclusive growth by widening access to technology and financial tools that make everyday life better.”

Globe’s strength lies in the synergy of its dual growth engines. With connectivity from Globe and financial inclusion via GCash, the company serves everyday needs across the digital lifestyle spectrum, making Cruz’s vision of digital inclusion more attainable.

The telco leader boasts a strong mobile and fiber footprint, while GCash serves 8 out of 10 Filipinos and connects over 6 million merchants and social sellers through e-commerce, payments, lending, insurance, and investments.

“Our ambition is to be the largest, most profitable, most admired, and highly engaged telecom company in the country. Backed by purpose, technology, and people, we are

building a progressive and inclusive digital nation,” Cruz added.

Globe’s solid performance in 2024 demonstrates that it is advancing in step with the industry. The company reported an all-time high PHP165 billion in gross service revenues, a 2% increase year-on-year, while maintaining its lead in mobile with 60.9 million subscribers.

At the same time, GFiber Prepaid reached 260,000 subscribers, which combined with postpaid fiber, delivered the first sequential broadband revenue hike in 13 quarters since 3Q 2021. Core services under the Corporate Data segment also rose by 9%, underscoring the relevance of its connectivity solutions.

High user demand signals market strength but also highlights the

need for continued expansion. To address congestion and deliver better service, Globe optimizes network investments, especially on mobile, while shifting fiber strategy toward port utilization.

As in previous years, the majority of capital expenditure was allocated to data-related requirements, ensuring customers can access reliable, highquality digital connectivity.

In 2024, Globe deployed 1,212 new cell towers, including in-building installations, and upgraded 4,613 mobile sites. It also fired up 587 new 5G installations, bringing 5G outdoor coverage to 98.69% of the National Capital Region and 96.95% of key cities in Visayas and Mindanao, reaching approximately 106 towns. Globe’s digital inclusion efforts

also include the rollout of over 600 cell sites in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) and online safety initiatives such as #MakeITSafePH, Senior Digizen, and the Digital Thumbprint Program.

Meanwhile, customer experience continues to evolve, prompting Globe to invest in automation, proactive service, and network reliability to keep customers first.

Globe enhances customer interactions through an AI-powered relationship manager that delivers real-time insights, predictive recommendations, and automated support for personalized customer interactions.

Likewise, it advances proactive network upgrades through AI-driven predictive maintenance for enhanced

—“—

With the Philippines entering a phase of economic normalization and a large digital-native customer base driving long-term demand, Globe is well-positioned to lead the country’s digital progress.

—Globe CEO Carl Raymond Cruz

reliability and efficiency.

Globe also remains a leader in responsible business practices, maintaining an “AA” MSCI Rating for two consecutive years and receiving the Five Golden Arrow Award from the Institute of Corporate Directors for three consecutive years, demonstrating leadership in both ESG and corporate governance, alongside multiple awards for prioritizing employee well-being.

As Globe moves forward under Cruz’s leadership, the company is committed to delivering sustainable growth, expanding digital and financial access, and aligning stakeholders around its ambition to Go Forward Together.

To learn more about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.

Grab Philippines celebrates Earth Day 2025, kicks off mangrove planting project in La Union

DULAO, LA UNION—Grab Philippines has planted the first 1,000 of 80,000 pledged mangrove trees in Dulao, La Union, marking an early milestone in its newly launched Green Programme. Done in celebration of Earth Day 2025, the initiative underscores the superapp’s broader push to embed environmental sustainability into the country’s ridehailing and on-demand delivery industries.

The Green Programme, which was launched in the Philippines in February 2025, empowers users to play an active role in environmental stewardship through tech. By enabling the Green Program toggle on the Grab App, users get to contribute PHP 2 for every GrabCar ride and PHP 1 for every GrabFood or GrabMart delivery transaction.

Grab for good forest in Dulao, La Union

One of the flagship initiatives to emerge from the program is the GrabForGood Forest in Dulao, La Union—a planned five-hectare mangrove enrichment site set to nurture thousands of mangrove seedlings. The initiative is a collaboration between Grab, the Dulao Fishpond and Fishpen Producer’s Cooperative, the Philippine-based sustainability NGO Fostering Education and Environment for Development (FEED), and the environmental tech platform EcoMatcher.

La Union’s coastal village of Dulao is among the communities in the country that grapple with escalating water and food security threats driven by climate change, notably rising sea levels, and intensifying typhoons. Mangrove enrichment has become a pivotal strategy to fortify natural defenses. This initiative is a cornerstone of the “Ridge to Reef” (R2R) strategy, championed by FEED and Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU), alongside various private, public, academic, NGO, and community-led efforts in La Union. This collective endeavor fosters an enabling environment for inclusive, integrated, multi-stakeholder collaboration aimed at sustainable development. Mangrove forests are crucial habitats for marine biodiversity and enhance the livelihoods of Dulao’s fishing community.

The project kicked off with the community mangrove-planting event led by volunteer Grab users, driver-partners, employees, representatives from partner organizations, and the local community—a grassroots

Grab Philippines Director for Strategy Greg Camacho (first from right) and Grab’s Head of Group Sustainability Iris Chang (second from right) spearheaded the planting of the initial batch of mangrove trees in Dulao, La Union, together with volunteer Grab users, driver-partners, and employees push to anchor long-term resilience. FEED and the Dulao Fishpond and Fishpen Cooperative took an active role in facilitating the orientation, providing a comprehensive introduction on proper mangrove planting techniques, and explaining the positive impact of this initiative on the community. Delailah Lacadue, Head of Dulao Fishpond and Fishpen Producer’s Cooperative, notes, “We wish to express our gratitude to Grab, FEED, DMMMSU, the local government of Aringay, EcoMatcher, and to all stakeholders for this mangrove enrichment project. This will surely help us in terms of environmental protection and livelihood as well. Kami po ay kasama ninyo sa pangangalaga ng Kalikasan para sa mga susunod pang henerasyon. We, the local community, commit to being your active partner for sustainability.”

“This is just the beginning—a pivotal first step in our long-term commitment to environmental sustainability,” said Greg Camacho, Director for Strategy at Grab Philippines. “The Green Programme is grounded in a simple yet powerful idea: when eco-friendly choices are made easy, inclusive, and accessible, they can inspire real positive impact for communities like Dulao. The planting of this first wave of mangroves, made possible by initial contributions via the Green Programme, proves that climate action doesn’t have to be distant or difficult—it can be seamlessly integrated into the daily lives of millions.”

The partnership with EcoMatcher enables tree tracking, ensuring transparency in where contributions are directed. “For sustainability-minded consumers, transparency is key,” said Bas Fransen, CEO of EcoMatcher. “Partnering with Grab Philippines through the Green Programme allows us to bring our advocacy for transparency-driven sustainability closer to Filipino consumers in a meaningful way.”

With growing participation among users, the leading superapp is geared to scale the environmental impact of the Green Programme and turn individual contributions into lasting, collective change in more areas across the country.

Turn up the heat on portraits this summer with vivo V50’s ZEISS Style Bokeh

SUMMER is officially here, and it’s time to turn up the heat—not just with your style, but with the way you capture it with vivo V50. With the power of vivo V50’s ZEISS Style Bokeh, users can now elevate their mobile photography with refined depth, emotion, and artistic precision—tailored for modern professionals, content creators, and anyone who values visuals that offers perspective.

Pro Portraits, Instantly

The vivo V50’s 50MP OIS Main Camera already takes sharp, highquality images, but summer is the perfect time to explore its ZEISSpowered Bokeh Flare Effects. These eight iconic styles don’t just blur your background—they bring your vibe into focus.

You’re wondering, how to turn it on? (Spoiler: It’s easy!)

Next time you’re in Portrait Mode, check the middle right corner of your screen. See that ZEISS icon? Tap it. Boom — seven iconic bokeh styles ready to play. Biotar—This one’s a little hypnotic. The swirl effect draws all

Hongqi PH launches all-electric EH7, E-HS7

IN the electrifying realm of clean transportation, luxury automotive icon Hongqi, together with its exclusive distributor EVOxTerra, is confidently redefining all-electric vehicles with the arrival of its two new groundbreaking models into the Philippine market.

The EH7 and E-HS7 boldly showcase Hongqi’s mastery of sleek, minimalist design. This design language confidently signals Hongqi’s commitment to achieving the perfect harmony of sophistication and simplicity, tailor-made for trailblazing Filipinos ready to make a statement.

These new EH7 and E-HS7 models stand in stark contrast to their predecessors, featuring an all-new vehicular design language. With these vehicles, Hongqi firmly establishes itself as a leader in electric vehicle design, boasting clean exterior profiles, smooth, sharp lines, and an undeniable presence that commands attention with quiet authority, and a 5 star Euro NCAP safety rating on top of it all.

“Introducing the EH7 and E-HS7 in the Philippines is more than just a vehicle launch – it’s a declaration of a new design ethos,” stated Rashid Delgado, President of Hongqi Philippines. “These models embody Hongqi’s unwavering commitment to continuously push the boundaries of design, sophistication, and innovation.”

In addition to the striking exteriors, the interiors of both the EH7 and E-HS7 have been completely reimagined to amplify the luxurious comfort that the marque prides itself on, offering drivers the ultimate electric experience. With an infotainment system that flows seamlessly within the driver’s field of vision onto the dashboard, atmospheric ambient lighting, a heat & UV rejecting panoramic glass roof, and the finest premium materials, the EH7 and E-HS7 deliver a uniquely contemporary experience that is unmatched. These vehicles are guaranteed to shock the industry with an innovative overhaul of their design and features.

“We at Hongqi firmly believe that unparalleled comfort is the ultimate expression of luxury,” added Delgado. “Riding in a Hongqi transcends mere transportation; it’s an immersive experience. An experience we want you to indulge in, from the moment you step into the EH7 and E-HS7.”

Beyond their stunning aesthetics, the EH7 and E-HS7 are dynamic performers, boasting impressive specifications and functionality that rival any luxury electric vehicle on the market. The EH7 sedan, starting at P2,280,000, provides a remarkable 650 km range on a single charge, ensuring premium mobility for daily commutes and driving through the city with ease.

For those seeking greater versatility, the E-HS7 midsize SUV delivers up to 540 km of range per charge, eliminating any concerns about range during family trips or leisure getaways, perfect for the outdoors. The E-HS7 is competitively priced, starting at P2,580,000.

eyes to you. Inspired by the legendary ZEISS Biotar lens, this dreamy aesthetic usually comes with a price tag of PHP 23K. Now, it comes with a tap!

B-Speed—Inject energy into stillness. This effect creates a distinct and pleasing out-of-focus area with a shallow depth of field. This bold style is based on the ultra-rare B-Speed lens, valued at jaw-dropping PHP 219K!

Sonnar—Smooth and subtly glamorous, this mode is inspired by the ZEISS Sonnar lens (worth PHP 28K), perfect for a dressed to impress for that “quiet luxury” vibe on warm summer evenings. Planar—Designed after the ZEISS Planar lens (worth PHP 60K), this one’s all about precision. It masterfully manipulates both sharpness and soft focus to pin point the background lighting.

Distagon—It creates a distinctive circular, often centrally placed, softfocus spot within the image. This effect reflects the PHP 83K value of the actual ZEISS Distagon lens. Cineflare—Add a kiss of nostalgia

some signature light play with this dreamy style. Borrowing from the Cineflare lens, a filmmaking favorite worth around PHP 136K, it

—Moody, dramatic,

When

feels

a scene from a film, this bokeh, inspired by the Cinematic lens (also worth a solid PHP 136K), brings the shadows, tones, and storytelling straight to your shots. Your Iconic Portrait Starts Here. Whether you’re refreshing your feed with aesthetic reels, documenting your travels, or just vibing with friends by the shore—vivo V50 is the summer magic! This isn’t just about portraits, it’s about preserving every feeling, every light leak, and every memory in style. Enjoy the exquisite collection-

Along with the EHS7, Hongqi is unveiling another electric vehicle offering in the EH7 - Hongqi’s All-New All-Electric sedan Turn

Biotar B-Speed Sonnar

Planar Distagon Cineflare

Cinematic

The Dulao Fishpond and Fishpen Producer’s Cooperative is at the forefront of sustainability efforts in their community, emphasizing the critical role of environmental action and conservation in supporting their livelihood and daily lives.

TCL celebrates 25 years of innovation for every ‘Juan’

FOR a generation of Filipinos, the brand TCL has become synonymous with quality and innovation. And from bustling urban condominiums to cozy provincial homes, the Filipino lifestyle often centers around family, entertainment, and creating comfortable havens, all made possible with TCL.

TCL’s journey in the Philippines mirrors the country’s technological evolution. From the living room centerpiece: the television, to essential home appliances like washing machines and air conditioners, TCL has consistently delivered products that cater to Filipino families’ specific needs and aspirations. This dedication has earned them recognition as the new Triple Global Top 1 TV Brand in the burgeoning Mini-LED, intuitive Google TV, and immersive UltraLarge Screen (85 inches and above) categories, as declared by OMDIA in 2024. This achievement underscores TCL’s global leadership and keen understanding of evolving consumer demands.

From the immersive visuals that bring teleseryes to life to the convenience of energy-efficient washing machines and the cool respite offered by smart air conditioners, TCL has consistently addressed the practical needs of Filipino families. This dedication to understanding and catering to local demands has fueled the brand’s remarkable growth, particularly within its “Whitelines” category, encompassing refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners, and its dominant position in the television market.

TCL’s Whitelines appliances aim to enhance your home and lifestyle, blending advanced technology with sleek design to offer unmatched comfort and convenience. They provide various options, from refrigerators to window-type, splittype, and industrial air conditioners, catering to home and business needs.

Griffin Zhang, general manager of Asia Pacific Business Group, TCL Industries, highlighted this success:

“Our TV and AC sales both hold the number 1 market share in sales volume and have become trusted brands among consumers. The Ref & WM category has also maintained a rapid growth trend, with a constantly expanding market share.” This impressive performance speaks volumes about the trust and loyalty TCL has cultivated among Filipino consumers.

Under the leadership of Peter Chen, the CEO of TCL Philippines, the brand is set to scale even greater heights. Chen articulated TCL’s core philosophy: “Being innovative has always been in TCL’s DNA. We are not a follower but a trailblazer.”

In the Whitelines category, TCL presented compelling advancements. Eric Li, Senior Product Manager, highlighted the TCL Super Drum Combo+ C682 Front Load Washer and Dryer, emphasizing its efficiency and intelligent features designed to simplify laundry. The newly introduced bottom-mounted refrigerator AAT Inverter+ C436BMSB promises enhanced convenience and energy savings for everyday living. These products reflect TCL’s commit-

ment to providing appliances and solutions that seamlessly integrate into modern Filipino lifestyles.

The air conditioning segment also saw significant innovation with the award-winning TCL FreshIn 3.0 Air Conditioners. Bert Cheung, Deputy Product Director, emphasized the groundbreaking “fresh air function,” intelligent AI controls, and AI energy-saving capabilities. Rhian Ramos, one of TCL’s newest brand partners, enthusiastically shared her experience with the FreshIn 3.0, praising its voice command feature and energy efficiency. “It’s amazing how I can stay cool without worrying about the energy bill skyrocketing,” he noted, highlighting a key concern for many Filipino households.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary in the Philippines with the grand “Legendary Moment, Timeless Greatness” launch in Okada Manila, TCL reaffirmed its commitment to the nation, underscored by its recent recognition as the new Triple Global Top 1 TV Brand in MiniLED, Google TV, and Ultra-Large Screen TVs (85 inches and above) by

realme rolls out hottest picks for summer

WITH summer in full swing, Filipinos are gearing up for travel or looking to refresh their tech devices and digital lifestyle. With realme, that upgrade is made easier and more affordable than ever. Whether you’re a student on the go, a young professional balancing work and play, or simply looking for a stylish, allaround device, realme offers the perfect smartphone to suit every lifestyle and need.

This summer, realme is rolling out price drops on some of its best-loved models, giving everyone the chance to level up without going over budget. From budget-friendly essentials to performance-driven powerhouses, these smartphones are built for everyday wins.

SMARTPHONES THAT FIT EVERY LIFESTYLE

This summer, realme introduces three lifestyle personas—and the perfect phone to match each one:

The Campus Hustler: realme C61 (4GB+64GB) – now P4,599

Designed for all-day learners and social media multitaskers, the realme C61 is a budget-friendly smartphone that supports school activities, group chats, and content creation without straining your budget. Powered by the efficient Unisoc T612 processor, it effortlessly manages everything from online classes to late-night video edits. The realme C61 also offers a quality champion

experience, featuring realme Essential tools like Air Gestures for seamless navigation and a 5000mAh battery, ensuring long-lasting power to keep users connected with friends, classmates, and their online communities throughout the day. On top of that, the device is backed by a 48-month Fluency Certification and is built with realme Quality standards, ensuring smooth performance even after years of use. Available in Sparkle Gold and Dark Green, the realme C61 is now even more affordable with a temporary price drop from P4,999 to P4,599, making it a smart and stylish choice for students and young users.

THE YOUNG PRO: REALME 13+ 5G (12GB+256GB) – NOW P17,999

Designed for young professionals who juggle work, life, and play, the realme 13+ 5G is a feature-packed smartphone that combines seamless performance with reliable speed, making it the ideal companion for on-themove professionals and casual gamers. Powered by AI Boost 2.0 and realme’s GT Mode, the realme 13+ 5G ensures responsive and optimized gameplay, whether users are immersed in intense gaming sessions or quickly switching between video calls, emails, and meetings. Meanwhile, the TÜV SÜD LagFree Mobile Gaming Certification and 120Hz OLED Esports Display work together to provide a consistently smooth,

ultra-fluid user experience—perfect for gaming, scrolling, or staying productive throughout the day. To keep things running cool and stable, this work-andplay device also features an advanced 3D Vapor Chamber Cooling System that helps maintain peak performance during extended use. The realme 13+ 5G (12GB+256GB)— available in Victory Gold and Dark Purple—is now permanently priced at P17,999 (down from P19,999) nationwide.

THE ALL-AROUND WINNER: REALME C75 SERIES—STARTING AT P7,999, WITH OPTIONS UP TO P10,999

Built for those who need a phone that works as hard as they do, the realme C75 Series—including the new realme C75x—combines style, durability, and reliable performance for everyday use. With IP66, IP68, and IP69 ratings, these devices are built to handle dust, spills, and splashes. For an immersive audio experience, the ultra-linear speaker delivers 400% UltraBoom sound, providing loud and clear sound even in noisy environments. In addition, SonicWave Water Ejection technology uses the speaker to expel moisture, ensuring your phone stays safe after being exposed to water.

With AI Smart Loop and up to 24GB dynamic RAM, the realme C75 Series is built to handle everything from streaming and work to daily multitasking—effortlessly.

OMDIA 2024. This milestone isn’t just about past achievements; it’s a vibrant declaration of TCL’s ongoing journey to shape the future of home technology for Filipinos.

During this time, TCL executives took the opportunity to launch several notable additions to the brand’s product lines. The brand further solidified its dominance in the television market with the upcoming launch of the advanced X11K QD-MiniLED TV, unveiled by Charlie Huang, Deputy Product Director. This flagship product underscores TCL’s position at the forefront of display technology, promising unparalleled visual experiences for Filipino viewers.

As TCL commemorates 25 years of success in the Philippines, the brand, guided by strong leadership and fueled by a relentless pursuit of innovation, looks forward to many more years of enriching Filipino homes. TCL remains committed to innovating, connecting, and redefining technology to create a better life and continue shaping the landscape of Filipino homes for generations to come.

IN A busy summer season where you are almost always on the go, you need a smartphone like the OPPO A5 Pro 5G to keep up with all your activities in life. The most durable and strongest A Series from OPPO is built for the unpredictable and everything in between. Strong for the summer and all season Life moves fast and sometimes your phone takes a hit for it. Whether it slips out of your pocket while rushing to get on a jeepney or gets run over by a motorcycle, its reinforced interior keeps it protected. Built with Military-Grade Shock Resistance, the OPPO A5 Pro 5G can survive drops from up to five meters. POWER THAT KEEPS YOU GOING, NO MATTER THE GRIND

For those long days that blend work, study, and play, a smartphone with a battery that gets drained halfway through isn’t an option. The OPPO A5 Pro 5G’s massive 5,800mAh battery will keep you powered for as long as 35.7 hours, enabling you to study onthe-go or scroll mindlessly between breaks without hunting for a charger. And when you do need to juice up, its 45W SUPERVOOCTM fast charging gets you back to 100% in just 83 minutes. With a 4-year battery lifespan and 1,600 charge cycles, it’s in it for the long haul—just like you. BUILT TO SURVIVE SPLASHY MOMENTS Between juggling attending classes and other activities, accidents are bound to happen. The OPPO A5 Pro 5G

Cyd Montebon, TCL Philippines deputy director of sales, and Wesley Yang, deputy director of retail

TCL executives, joined by guest celebrities, Rhian Ramos, EJ Obiena, and Valeen Montenegro,

commemorate the 2025 TCL grand launch in a night of celebration and innovation.

Peter Chen, CEO of TCL Philippines

Griffin Zhang, general manager of Asia Pacific Business Group, TCL Industries

BEACH TRIP

Conquer the heat with these gadgets

By Patricia Taculao-Deligero

PHILIPPINE summers are legendary for their intense heat and humidity. The sun beats down with relentless energy at this time, turning even a short walk outdoors into a sweaty affair. Yet, this fiery season also heralds the much-anticipated beach season. The allure of calm ocean waters, fine sands, and the promise of relaxation draws Filipinos in droves to the coast.

Having the right gadgets is key to making the most of these precious summer escapes and keeping the discomfort at bay. Forget bulky, unnecessary items; this is about innovative technology that enhances your beach experience, keeps you connected (if you want to be), and ensures you stay safe and entertained under the tropical sun.

CHOOSING YOUR BEACH-READY COMPANIONS

Selecting the right gadgets for your beach adventures requires careful consideration of several factors. Material is paramount; opt for devices and accessories constructed from durable, water-resistant, and ideally sand-proof materials like silicone, rubber, or ruggedized plastics. These materials can withstand the corrosive effects of saltwater, the abrasive nature of sand, and accidental splashes. Consider the durability rating – look for IP (Ingress Protection) codes that indicate the level of protection against dust and water. A higher IP rating signifies greater resistance.

Your budget will naturally play a significant role in your choices. While high-end gadgets often boast superior features and durability, many reliable and affordable options are available. Research different brands and models, compare specifications, and read user reviews to find the best balance between price and performance. Remember to factor in the cost of essential accessories like waterproof cases, extra batteries, and protective bags.

V50’s resilience extends beyond connectivity. It’s built to withstand the rigors of daily life, boasting IP68 and IP69 dust and water resistance.

User needs should also dictate your selection.

Consider what activities you plan to engage in.

If you’re an avid photographer, a rugged action camera with underwater capabilities is necessary. If relaxation and entertainment are your priorities, a waterproof e-reader and a portable Bluetooth speaker might be higher on your list. Think about the size and weight of the gadgets as well; you’ll want items that are easy to carry and won’t weigh you down. Finally, consider the battery life of your devices and whether they are compatible with portable power banks or solar chargers, especially if you plan on spending extended periods away from power outlets.

CAMERAS, FANS, AND MORE…

First and foremost, capture those unforgettable beach moments with a reliable and preferably rugged action camera. These little powerhouses can withstand the elements – sand, water splashes, and even accidental drops. Their wideangle lenses are perfect for capturing sweeping seascapes and fun group shots. Moreover, their

underwater capabilities open up a new world of aquatic adventures, from snorkeling alongside colorful fish to simply splashing around in the shallows. A small, floating hand grip can also be a lifesaver for underwater filming and photography. Don’t forget extra batteries and a largecapacity microSD card to ensure you never run out of storage mid-adventure. Speaking of staying connected and keeping gadgets functional, a high-capacity power bank is essential to keep your devices powered up throughout your beach day. The last thing you want is your phone dying just as you’re trying to capture a stunning sunset or navigate back to your accommodation. Look for power banks with multiple USB ports so you can charge several devices simultaneously – your phone, camera, and even a portable speaker. Opt for a rugged, water-resistant design for added peace of mind. Consider a solar-powered power bank for a truly off-grid charging solution, although these typically charge more slowly than their traditional counterparts.

As Hongqi expands its footprint across the Philippines, the EH7 and E-HS7 are more than just additions to its lineup. They are definitive statements that establish the bold design direction Hongqi is confidently pursuing. For the discerning Filipino seeking to embrace clean driving while standing out from the crowd, Hongqi delivers an unmatched fusion of cutting-edge technology, superior performance, environmental consciousness, and breathtaking design, going beyond the confines of what it means to own one’s drive.

Hongqi is accepting reservations for the first limited batch of EH7 and E-HS7 units. Those interested may reserve and learn more through Hongqi’s official website at https:// www.hongqi.ph or inquire through Hongqi’s showrooms nationwide in BGC, Manila Bay, Alabang and Quezon City. Visitors can also explore the marque’s other vehicles at any of the aforementioned dealerships. Additional information and updates are available through Hongqi’s official Facebook page at https:// www.facebook.com/hongqi.philippines/ and Instagram at @hongqi.ph.

18-month installment plans at 0% interest, you can upgrade without the upfront stress. Prefer using your credit card? Enjoy the same worry-free experience with 6- or 12-month 0% interest installment options at OPPO Stores.

Dance your way to a million pesos at the #OPPOA5ProSnapandSlay Dance Challenge! Get your dance moves on and join the #OPPOA5ProSnapandSlay Dance Challenge for a chance to win 1 Million Pesos by following these easy steps:

● Film your best dance moves using the #OPPOA5ProSnapAndSlay Dance Challenge’s official audio for a minimum of 15 seconds while creatively incorporating different weather elements like heavy rains, hot weather, or windy days. Check out OPPO’s how-to post or posts from Jackie Gonzaga, Ken San Jose, Joshua Decena, Aira Casim, and Sesable for the official track and inspo!

● Post your video on TikTok using the hashtag #OPPOA5ProSnapAndSlay, tag @oppophilippines, and ask your friends to hype up your entry by engaging on your post.

● Secure your entry by filling out this Google Form (https://bit.ly/4k5CoXX) and manifest your success!

Solar-powered power bank

Acerpure Cozy HF1