Manila Standard - 2025 August 6 - Wednesday

INFLATION DOWN TO LOWEST LEVEL IN FIVE YEARS—PSA

By Maricel V. Cruz

SC: Impeach rule executory

But Senate debates on VP Sara’s trial to push through today

By Pot Chavez, Ram Superable and Katrina Manubay

THE Supreme Court upheld its decision junking the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte as “immediately executory.”

SC spokesperson Camille Ting said the motion for reconsideration filed by the House of Representatives on Monday has no direct effect on the immediately executory nature of the decision.

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed into law a measure granting him authority to reorganize and streamline executive branch agencies in a bid to create a more responsive and efficient bureaucracy.

By Vito Barcelo, Charles Dantes and Ram Superable

AT LEAST 10 congressmen are allegedly serving as suppliers or contractors for government infrastructure projects, Senator Erwin Tulfo on Tuesday said.

“Probably 10 or more,” Tulfo said in an interview with reporters, adding that the lawmakers are incumbent members of the 20th Congress. He, however, said he was not sure if any of his colleagues in the Senate also serve contractors for government-

funded projects.

Earlier, Senator Panfilo Lacson disclosed that at least 67 House members in 2022 also allegedly served as contractors of their own government-funded infrastructure projects.

For his part, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the government will blacklist and potentially file charges against private contractors found to be involved in anomalous flood-control projects.

“If they are not able to properly explain, we will have to take it to the

By Charles Dantes and AFP

DBM to veto insertions w/out thorough study

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said it will no longer consider projects inserted into the budget from lawmakers without feasibility studies even as it pushes for a list of preidentified projects across the country.

“No, we cannot consider what is called insertion because that is not included in what we have studied,” Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said in an interview with SuperRadyo dzBB.

To prevent issue over so-called budget insertions, Pangandaman said the DBM is promoting a “menu” of pre-identified infrastructure projects, beginning with flood control programs.

The budget chief said a roster of preapproved projects would allow agencies

in

Story

DONE DEAL. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shake hands at the close

joint press conference yesterday at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, India. PPA Pool

By Ram Superable

$15k bond for US visa applicants

THE US State Department said Monday some visa applicants will soon be required to pay bonds of up to $15,000 to discourage visa overstays as part of President Donald Trump’s crackdown on migration.

Starting later this month, the pilot program will require applicants from certain countries to pay a sum of “no less than $5,000” as collateral for the issuance of their visa.

The funds will be returned if the applicant complies with all visa terms. If the applicant remains in the United States past the deadline, the funds will be forfeited.

“Consular officers may require covered nonimmigrant visa applicants to post a bond of up to $15,000 as a condition of visa issuance,” the agency said in a notice to be published Tuesday in the US Federal Register.

The 12-month program would only affect foreign nationals from countries considered to have “high visa overstay rates” based on a 2023 De -

partment of Homeland Security report, the notice said.

Bond payments will also be required by applicants from countries “where screening and vetting information is deemed deficient,” the notice added, as well as those who were granted citizenship without a residency requirement.

“The pilot reinforces the Trump Administration’s commitment to enforcing US immigration laws and safeguarding US national security,” a State Department spokesperson said in response to an Agence France Presse (AFP) inquiry.

Neither the notice nor the spokesperson specified which countries would be

impacted by the new rule.

The program, which will begin on August 20, will apply to B-1 or B-2 nonimmigrant visas, and those asked to pay bonds will have to enter and depart from the United States from a list of pre-selected airports. Since returning to the White House in January, Trump and his administration have cracked down on migration to the United States.

The State Department justified the launch of the pilot program by calling it “a key pillar of the Trump Administration’s foreign policy to protect the United States from the clear national security threat posed by visa overstays.” AFP

next step,” Mr. Marcos said in his “BBM Podcast Episode 3: Sa Likod ng SONA.”

He said some private contractors have become “notorious” in their corrupt and fraudulent schemes.

Mr. Marcos earlier directed the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Regional Project Monitoring Committee to provide a list of all flood control projects in the past three years and identify the failed and non-existent projects.

He said his decision to publicly confront the issue during his SONA stemmed from witnessing the devastation caused by substandard or faulty flood control projects during recent typhoons.

“We shouldn’t be doing this to our countrymen. This is already a sin,” the President said.

and lawmakers to select from the list of thoroughly evaluated projects.

“I hope it doesn’t come from something that wasn’t studied, that was just put there, because that menu we prepared would be wasted,” she added. According to Pangandaman, these infrastructure projects were already aligned with national priorities and available funding under the President’s budget or the National Expenditure Program (NEP).

“What we thought would be good is to have a menu of projects throughout the Philippines. If we can do it right away, let’s say in flood control and water management, we can identify ten. Let’s say, then we get funding from the President’s budget or the NEP, if they think that’s not a priority right now, they can look at the other menu we have,” Pangandaman said.

Pangandaman also said the government is moving toward a more “coordinated and data-driven approach” for allocating funds, especially for flood control.

“Flood mitigation isn’t a one-sizefits-all solution. There are many possible approaches depending on the location and area,” Pangandaman said.

In his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), the President directed the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Regional Project Monitoring Committee to provide a list of all flood control projects over the past three years and identify the failed and non-existent ones.

Pangandaman said this principle has already been integrated into the national budget process. By involving all agencies in project planning, Pangandaman said the government could maximize efficiency, save funds, and ensure projects are properly planned and executed.

President Marcos approved last month the P6.793-trillion NEP for fiscal year 2026.

The High Court also said its July 25 ruling to grant the petitions by Duterte and lawyer Israelito Torreon to dismiss the fourth impeachment complaint for violating the one-year ban on multiple impeachment proceedings was unanimous.

“The SC required petitioners Vice President Sara Z. Duterte and Atty. Israelito P. Torreon et al. to comment on the motion within a non-extendible period of 10 days from notice,” the SC said.

Duterte’s impeachment trial spokesperson, Michael Poa, said they will comply with the Supreme Court’s order.

“We will comply with the order of the Supreme Court and submit our comment within the period provided,” Poa said in a text message.

The High Court likewise “noted” the motion for reconsideration filed by Akbayan party-list Rep. Percival Cendaña and other petitioners remains pending.

As this developed, a separate motion was filed on Tuesday afternoon by the

1SAMBAYAN Coalition, represented by retired SC justices Antonio Carpio and Conchita Morales, asking the High Tribunal to reconsider its ruling on the Articles of Impeachment.

The coalition also asked the High Court to issue a status quo ante order to prevent the Senate from any further action while motions are pending.

The Senate, however, is expected to push through with its debates on the impeachment proceedings today (August 6).

Senate impeachment court spokesperson Reginald Tongol on Tuesday said the senators are already preparing for the plenary debates and may tackle a range of legal questions raised during the caucus.

“One of those is the question whether or not they should convene as an impeachment court or the Senate plenary will be able to vote on that,” he said in an interview.

“And last is the possibility for them to wait for the motion for reconsideration which was filed Monday. Senators would also consider the contents of the House of Representatives’ motion.”

“One of the motions that may also

eration in Science and Technology for 2025–2028. A separate Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on digital technologies was also signed.

possibly be raised is to defer the voting on this issue. We can possibly see that the impeachment process will not die tomorrow,” Tongol added.

Senator Bam Aquino on Tuesday argued that once the impeachment court is convened and the process has formally begun, jurisdiction already lies with the Senate.

“My position is to convene the impeachment court and let it decide. Some of our colleagues don’t want the impeachment court to convene; they want it dismissed outright,” he said.

Aquino acknowledged the Supreme Court’s differing position, but said the Senate is duty-bound to assert its institutional independence.

“At the very least, maybe it’s good to wait for the Supreme Court’s motion for reconsideration,” he said.

Senator Rodante Marcoleta earlier said the Upper Chamber chose August 6 for impeachment debates to provide a “cooling-off period” after intense discussions.

He said the decision was not made to wait for any motion for reconsideration from the House of Representatives.

ments virtually released commemorative postage stamps marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and the Philippines.

Lacson expressed full support for the President’s recent pronouncement to dissociate from political allies allegedly involved in corruption surrounding flood control projects.

“The President is on a roll and we should encourage him some more…The ball is now in his hands to make good on his promise to hold accountable all those involved—erring contractors and their cohorts in government,” Lacson said in an interview with DZBB.

Lacson said he is conducting his own investigation into questionable flood control programs.

“For the past 15 years, more than P2 trillion has been allocated for flood control projects—including drainage and desilting efforts. But dredging is difficult to audit, and corruption often goes undetected,” he said.

“Let’s start with the flood control projects. Hopefully, other infrastructure projects like road construction, repairs, and maintenance will follow,” Lacson added.

“These developments underscore the administration’s commitment to making food more accessible and affordable. The Economic Team will continue to pursue measures that keep prices stable and make everyday life easier for every Filipino.”

Speaker Martin Romualdez, on the other hand, vowed that the House of Representatives under his leadership would continue pursuing measures to reduce food prices.

Manalo and Indian External Affairs

Minister S. Jaishankar led the exchange of the Declaration on the Establishment of Strategic Partnership and the Plan of Action for 2025–2029, marking a new chapter in Indo-Philippine relations.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Jaishankar also exchanged three Terms of Reference (TOR) to institutionalize military staff talks between the Air Force, Army, and Navy of both countries. In the justice sector, Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and Jaishankar exchanged two treaties—one on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters and another on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons.

Science and Technology Secretaries

Renato Solidum Jr. and Prabhu Kumar Rita exchanged a Program of Coop -

Space cooperation was formalized through a Statement of Intent between the Indian Space Research Organization and the Philippine Space Agency, focusing on the peaceful use of outer space.

Maritime cooperation was strengthened through a TOR signed between the Philippine Coast Guard, represented by Admiral Ronnie Gavan, and Indian Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.

Tourism Secretaries Christina Frasco and Prabhu Kumar Rita signed an Implementation Program on Tourism Cooperation for 2025–2028. Cultural cooperation was also reinforced with a Cultural Exchange Program signed by National Commission for Culture and the Arts Chairman Victorino Manalo. To cap the ceremony, both govern-

President Marcos is in India to strengthen ties amid growing regional security cooperation and increasing trade prospects in the Indo-Pacific.

Meanwhile, India and the Philippines signed a raft of security deals aimed at reinforcing strategic ties as both countries navigate rising tensions with China in the Asia-Pacific.

President Marcos was accorded a red carpet welcome and honor guard before meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.

The two leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation between their armed forces—including the Army, Air Force, and Navy—with Indian warships currently taking part in patrols of the disputed South China Sea alongside Philippine vessels for the first time.

Last month, the Department of Public Works and Highways suspended and blacklisted five construction companies due to project delays, poor construction quality, and inadequate materials, prohibiting these firms from participating in any bidding for DPWH infrastructure projects until a final decision is rendered. percent, or slightly below the majority, from 57 percent while performance approval ratings dropped to 47 percent from 53 percent.

Conversely, the House saw improved numbers, with trust increasing to 57 percent from 49 percent, and performance climbing to 55 percent from 47 percent.

However, a significant number of the respondents indicated that they were undecided on the popularity issues of both chambers of Congress.

Data for the survey was gathered through face-to-face interviews of 1,200 individuals nationwide from July 12 to 17, 2025.

The survey had a ±3-percent margin of error at a 95-percent confidence level.

Republic Act (RA) 12231, or the Government Optimization Act, was signed and published in the Official Gazette on Monday as Mr. Marcos departed for a five-day state visit to India.

The new law, a priority measure of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC), authorizes the President to strengthen, merge, or abolish agencies and functions deemed redundant or misaligned, while safeguarding the welfare of civil servants. The measure seeks to “promote effi-

“The PSA report is a welcome development. It is a piece of good news for all of us, for President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ R. Marcos Jr., for Congress, and especially for our people,” Romualdez said.

“The inflation rate is not just a number. It represents more Filipino families being able to afford rice and basic food items, more Filipinos being able to fight hunger,” he added.

The Speaker noted that, in the case of rice, its retail price has been going down since the President took measures to cut import tariffs.

The House of Representatives also

ciency, equity, and ethical accountability” in government operations and enhance frontline services by eliminating duplication, simplifying procedures, and promoting digitalization and e-governance.

Under the law, the President may also scale down programs better suited for local government or private sector implementation and reassign functions across agencies as necessary.

The law allows for the creation or deactivation of agencies based on recommendations from the newly formed Committee on Optimizing the Executive Branch (COEB), chaired by the Executive Secretary. The COEB is tasked with conduct-

exercised its oversight function to check profiteering, hoarding, price manipulation, and other abusive practices by traders, wholesalers and middlemen.

“We will continue to do oversight to make sure that prices are in check and are kept low, especially that of rice,” Romualdez said, noting that the 0.9-percent inflation in July “is the lowest this year and perhaps in the last six years.”

The main driver behind the slowdown in July was a decrease in the cost of housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels, which saw a 2.1-percent

ing studies on the mandates, functions, programs, operations, structures, and staffing of government agencies, and preparing the optimized organizational structure and overall change management plan.

RA 12231 covers all executive branch agencies, including departments, bureaus, offices, and other entities under departmental supervision, as well as government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs) not covered by RA 10149 or the GOCC Governance Act of 2011. However, teaching and teachingrelated positions, as well as military and uniformed personnel, are excluded. Similarly, the judiciary, legislature,

annual increase in July, compared to 3.2-percent the previous month.

Food prices also fell, with the food and non-alcoholic beverages index declining by 0.2 percent annually, a reversal from the 0.4 percent increase in June. The transport index dropped at a faster rate, falling 2.0 percent in July compared to a 1.6 percent decline in the prior month.

Other sectors that saw slower price growth in July included education services (4.3 percent from 5.3 percent) and personal care, and miscellaneous goods and services (2.3 percent from 2.4 percent).

constitutional commissions, the Office of the Ombudsman, and local government units may choose to adopt similar reforms on an optional basis.

Senate President Francis Escudero on Tuesday welcomed the enactment of RA 12231, calling it a landmark measure for building a more agile and responsive bureaucracy.

“The signing of the Government Optimization Act marks a pivotal step toward a more efficient and responsive bureaucracy. This reform is designed to eliminate overlapping mandates and streamline operations across government agencies, ensuring faster and more effective service delivery to the public,”

“This trust belongs to the people,” Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said.

Romualdez also expressed deep gratitude to the Filipino people following the latest OCTA Research Tugon ng Masa (TNM) survey, which showed a significant rise in public trust and satisfaction with the House of Representatives.

The nationwide survey revealed that 57 percent of Filipinos now trust the House, an increase of 8 percentage points from last year, while 55 percent are satisfied with its performance, also up by eight points.

Escudero said in a statement. He emphasized that the law does not aim to downsize the bureaucracy or cut budgets, but rather focuses on structural reforms that enable better coordination among government institutions.

“Its core intent is to transform government into a well-coordinated system— one that removes institutional bottlenecks and empowers agencies to serve with greater agility and purpose,” he said.

The President is granted authority for a period of five years to reorganize the executive branch. This includes the power to merge, consolidate, transfer, divide, scale down, abolish, or create agencies as needed.

Escudero seeks jail time for AI misuse in fraud

By Ram Superable

SENATE President Francis Escudero on Tuesday announced that he filed a bill seeking to criminalize the misuse of artificial intelligence to spread misinformation, damage reputations, and promote fraudulent investment schemes.

“Used properly, AI could serve as a powerful tool for education, business, and other fields to improve productivity, research, and find solutions to complex problems,” he said. “However, the reality is that AI is being exploited by some to cause personal harm or undermine public trust.”

The proposed measure, Senate Bill No. 782 or the Physical Identity Protection Act, aims to penalize the creation and distribution of AI-generated content that simulates a person’s physical features without their consent.

Under the bill, offenders face one to two years in prison or a fine of up to P200,000. If the content is used for financial gain, the penalty increases to two to four years or a fine of P200,000 to P400,000. For fraud or criminal facilitation, the punishment is four to six years or a fine of P400,000 to P600,000. If used both for profit and crime, offenders may face up to 12 years or a fine of P600,000 to P1 million.

Public officials found guilty will also face perpetual disqualification from public office. The bill includes exemptions for media, academia, and research using AI-generated content in good faith for factual reporting and public interest.

DSWD says AICS program open to anyone in crisis

By Maricel V. Cruz

DEPARTMENT of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian emphasized that the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program is open to all individuals facing crises or difficult life events.

“If you come visit the Department right now, the AICS is open to everybody,” Gatchalian said in a television interview when asked about accessible government support for the working class.

He noted that the AICS program serves as a safety net providing immediate and temporary aid to individuals and families, regardless of socio-economic status. “It doesn’t discriminate if you’re poor or non-poor. As long as you’re in crisis—such as a death or illness in the family—that program is open to you,” he said.

To improve service delivery, the DSWD opened a new Crisis Intervention Unit (CIU) satellite office on July 31 at Paragon Place near Ever Gotesco Commonwealth in Quezon City. The office caters to those seeking help under the AICS and Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP).

Other CIU offices are located at Victory Trade Plaza Mall in Caloocan City; Victory Food Market in Baclaran, Parañaque City; and Lianas Supermarket on Caruncho Avenue in Barangay Palatiw, Pasig City.

Paoay Lake declared protected landscape

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed into law Republic Act No. 12230, officially declaring Paoay Lake in Ilocos Norte as a protected landscape to preserve its unique biodiversity and ensure sustainable management.

Signed on August 4, the law establishes the Paoay Lake Protected Landscape (PLPL), citing the area’s rich flora and fauna and its aesthetic and ecological significance.

The declaration falls under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS), which aims to safeguard the country’s critical natural resources for present and

future generations.

“This law recognizes the richness of biological resources, both flora and fauna, that are native and distinct to Paoay Lake,” the measure read. “It is the policy of the State to secure the perpetual existence of all native plants and animals.”

The law also creates a Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) and a Protected Area Management Office (PAMO), and establishes the Paoay Lake Protected Landscape Integrated Fund to support conservation efforts through national allocations, grants, and donations.

SENSOR-BASED

MMDA, NLEX install smart traffic lights

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Corporation on Tuesday installed three sensor-based traffic signal lights in key areas of Manila and Caloocan.

MMDA Chairman Don Artes said the smart traffic signal lights were installed along Circumferential Road 3 (C-3 Road) in Caloocan, and at the corners of España Boulevard–Antipolo Street and Magsaysay Boulevard in Manila. These aim to improve vehicle flow and pedestrian safety.

IN BRIEF

QCPD arrests teen over death of girl in Novaliches

AUTHORITIES from the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) arrested a 13-year-old boy allegedly involved in the death of an eightyear-old girl, who was found in a vacant lot in Barangay Santa Lucia, Novaliches.

Initial reports said the children were neighbors, as seen on CCTV footage verified by local officials. The boy is now considered a child in conflict with the law (CICL). He is currently in the custody of the QCPD Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit for further questioning while an investigation is underway, according to Col. Randy Glenn Silvio. Personnel from the PNP Scene of the Crime Operations (SOCO) collected swab samples and fingernail cuttings from the victim for forensic analysis to establish the suspect’s identity. Rio N. Araja

HPG officer shot in Makati now in stable condition

A PHILIPPINE National Police Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) intelligence officer is in stable condition after being shot during a robbery in Makati last Friday night.

The officer was attacked by riding-in-tandem suspects near a carwash around 8:00 p.m. He sustained nine gunshot wounds—eight to the stomach and one to the shoulder.

Initially treated at a nearby hospital in Makati, he was later transferred to another facility and is now recovering. The officer was reportedly on an official mission at the time of the attack.

Authorities said the suspects stole the victim’s necklace, wallet, cellphone, and service firearm. The incident is being investigated as a robbery, but other motives are not being ruled out.

Police have identified the suspects and are currently tracking their whereabouts. The officer’s son, who witnessed the crime, is reportedly traumatized. Vince Lopez

2 found dead during trail run in Davao del Norte

TWO male participants died from heat stroke during a trail run held on Sunday in Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte, authorities reported.

One of the victims was identified as Eric Joseph David Taping, 33, a councilor from Montevista, Davao de Oro.

The other was Klent John Brua, 39, reportedly the husband of the mayor of New Bataan, although police have yet to confirm the relationship.

The victims joined a trail run on August 3 in Bukindao, Putok Narra, Barangay New Visayas. Brua failed to reach the finish line and was declared missing around 11:30 a.m. He was found unconscious at 3:30 p.m. and declared dead on arrival.

Caloocan Vice Mayor Karina Teh-Limsico welcomed the installation, saying it would help ease traffic congestion. Artes said the MMDA has removed all timer-based signal lights and replaced 90% of them with adaptive units, improving traffic flow and reducing road crashes.

“These newly installed signal lights are not just ordinary. They follow MMDA’s updated standards and use adaptive signaling systems with sensors that adjust in real time to traffic conditions,” Artes said during the ceremonial turnover. Artes highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in enhancing road safety and mobility. Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation Chief Regulatory Officer Arrey Perez added that the project supports sustainable urban mobility.

Taping collapsed during the run and was vomiting around 9:00 a.m. He was brought to a clinic, then admitted to the ICU of the Davao Regional Medical Center in Tagum City. He was declared dead at 10:00 a.m. the following day, August 4. The Davao del Norte Police are investigating the incident to assess safety risks and prevent similar occurrences in future events. Cherrie Anne Villahermosa

DISCUSSING EDUCATION. House Committee on Higher and Technical Education chairman Jude Acidre of Tingog Party-list leads discussions with representatives from leading civil society organizations regarding House Resolution (HR) No. 94.

TRADITIONAL. Farmers in Basco, Batanes manually harvest stalks of heirloom upland rice using traditional methods. Dave Leprozo

TRAFFIC. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and NLEX Corporation install sensor-based traffic signal lights at three strategic locations in Manila and Caloocan on Tuesday.

IN BRIEF

PhilSA traces Palawan blast to China rocket

THE Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) on Tuesday confirmed that the loud explosion and smoke trail seen over Palawan the night before were connected to the launch of China’s Long March 12 rocket.

“We have received reports of a visible smoke trail and a loud sound overheard by individuals in Palawan between 6:30 to 6:45 p.m. yesterday,” PhilSA said in a statements.

“Initial assessment indicates that these are associated with the launch of China’s Long March 12 rocket from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Center,” the agency added PhilSA said the Inter-agency TWG (task working group) on Orbital Debris Protocols is verifying these sightings and that further details will be released once more information is available. Rex Espiritu

4 PMA cadets pursue education in India

THE Philippine Military Academy (PMA) has deployed four cadets to India to undergo pre-commission military training, marking another milestone in the growing defense cooperation between the two countries.

The cadets will join elite Indian military institutions under a fouryear program that blends academic instruction with rigorous military training. This initiative reflects the deepening strategic partnership between the Philippines and India, which is anchored on shared democratic values, maritime security, and regional stability.

Two cadets, Renzo Mamintal and Kian Leoj Mago, are enrolled at the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Khadakwasla, Pune under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program. Their training is set to run until May 2028.

Rex Espiritu

11-day Ibanag festival kicks off on Thursday

THE 11-day Pavvurulun Afi Fest 2025 of Tuguegarao, Cagayan comes off the wraps on Thursday, Aug. 7, with a wide range of activities and performances reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Ibanag people.

Tuguegarao Mayor Maila Ting-Que and program managers have unveiled details of the much-anticipated events that will be staged until Aug. 17.

This annual affair is expected to be a significant showcase of the rich culture and identity of the Ibanag people, serving as a symbol of unity, love, and gratitude for the city’s blessings and prosperity, the mayor said. The festival invites locals and visitors to participate and experience the culture of Tuguegarao, including trade and food fairs, Ibanag cookfest, Pancit Batil Potun, drum festival, a fun run, a beauty pageant, art exhibits, motocross, dance competition, and many others. Jessica M. Bacud

LOCAL INGENUITY. A modified  tricycle handily navigates a flooded stretch of a thoroughfare in Apalit, Pampanga. Manny Marcelo

House Minority Leader delivers own hard-hitting contra-SONA

By Maricel Cruz

HOUSE Minority Leader and 4Ps party-list Rep.

Marcelino Libanan on Monday delivered a scathing contra-SONA (State of the Nation Address), commending select achievements of the Marcos administration, but warning that many Filipinos were still left behind.

In his speech, Libanan stressed that statistics alone do not reflect the everyday struggles of ordinary citizens.

“While we welcome the President’s appeal for unity, genuine unity must be rooted in meeting the people’s

SMUGGLED LAPNISAN.

The Bureau of Customs at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport foils an attempt to smuggle out of the country

P31-million worth agarwood locally known as lapnisan which is of high global demand for perfume production. BOC photo

most urgent needs—not in political convenience,” Libanan said.

He acknowledged the administration’s focus on economic growth, infrastructure development, and social programs, but said these gains

“must be felt at the grassroots, not just measured in numbers.”

Citing official data, Libanan noted that while poverty incidence dropped from 18.1 percent in 2021 to 15.5 percent in 2023, nearly 17.5 million Filipinos remained poor. He adverted to a June 2025 Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showing that 49 percent of Filipino families still consider themselves poor, highlighting the deep disconnect between economic indicators and lived realities.

On inflation and the cost of basic goods, Libanan cited the gap between the govern-

Boy, 20, dies after searching for father in toxic floodwaters

THE Catholic Church has lamented the death of a young man due to leptospirosis a few days after searching for his missing father, wading through toxic floodwaters in Caloocan City.

In a social media post, Cardinal Pablo Virgilio viewed the demise of Dion Angelo de la Rosa, 20, as “a parable of our time,” saying it came as the result of one misfortune after another.

The boy’s family said he went out to look for his father, Jayson, who went missing last July amid heavy rains

dumped by the southwest monsoon or habagat.

Angelo’s mother Jennylyn said they waited for hours on end for her son to come home with her husband, but they waited in vain.

Jayson was eventually traced three days later to the local police station, allegedly still in handcuffs.

“Nung makita siya sa substation, nakaposas. Siyempre natuwa ang anak ko at ang biyenan ko nakita si Jayson (When they saw Jayson) at the substation, in handcuffs, my son and

my in-law were naturally glad,” Jennylyn recalled. However, Angelo fell ill shortly after and died on July 27.

The grieving family slammed the police for not informing them of Jayson’s arrest, even questioning its legality.

It turned out Jayson was apprehended for allegedly engaging in kara y cruz, a form of neighborhood gambling using coins.

“Dinetain siya nang hindi pinaalam sa pamilya. Illegal ‘yung tinawag na

ganun eh. Kasi kami yung naghanap sa kanya eh. Hindi gawain ng asawa ko na umalis at di magpaalam. Tatlong araw siyang nawala. Sa tatlong araw, di namin alam nasaan siya (He was detained without informing his kin. That’s illegal. May husband is not wont to going out without telling us first where he was going. He went missing for three days),” Jennylyn recounted..

Jayson was later released on bail, enabling him to attend his son’s wake.

Rex Espiritu

BOC, PDEA seize P25-m illegal drugs

By Vito Barcelo

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) have intercepted at the Port of Clark a shipment of than P25.3 million of Ketamine, a prohibited drug, concealed in a wooden cable reel declared as “Data Cable Roll.”

The shipment, weighing 5,062 grams came from Belgium aand was bound for San Rafael, Rizal.

The illegal shipment arrived on July 24 and was flagged for physical examination due to suspicions over its declaration.

A 19-kilogram wooden cable reel, suspiciously covered with spray foam, was found to contain

six transparent plastic pouches of a white crystalline substance. Laboratory testing confirmed it to be Ketamine, classified as a dangerous drug under Republic Act No. 9165.

Customs district collector Jairus Reyes cited the vigilance and profiling expertise of the Customs frontliners at the Port of Clark.

Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno emphasized that the fight against illegal drugs remains a matter of national interest. “Smuggled narcotics pose a serious threat to public safety. Protecting Filipino lives remains at the heart of every operation we carry out, this seizure is no exception,” he said.

ment’s promises and market conditions.

“The President promised ₱20 per kilo rice. But in reality, consumers still face prices of ₱45 to ₱60. For many Filipinos, this dream is still out of reach,” he said, as he slammed smuggling, price manipulation, and the lack of agricultural reforms. He called for a comprehensive and long-term national agricultural plan—not just temporary price controls or increased imports. “We must invest in our farmers, rural productivity, and food sovereignty. The solution must come from the strength of our own harvests.”

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Tuesday announced the seizure of a shipment of expensive agarwood at a bonded warehouse in Pasay City.

Based on documents, the owner described the P31-million shipment as “Mahogany Wood Hand Carving Design” and “Pack of Dried Sibukaw Wood Sticks.”

The bureau inspected the outbound shipment and discovered it contained agarwood, an expensive wood globally used in perfumery, traditional medicine, and luxury products.

Agarwood is a resin valued for its distinctive fragrance, and it is formed when the host tree becomes infected with a mold called Phialophoraparasitica and can be found only in the jungles of the Visayas and Mindanao regions.

Authorities explained that the mold infection makes the tree produce a dark aromatic resin called aloes or agar in its heartwood. The fragrant resin is used to make incense, perfume, and medicinal products, particularly in the Middle East and Asia.

A kilo of agarwood fetches as much as P750,000. But selling agarwood, or lapnisan, is illegal in the Philippines.

“Protecting the country’s biodiversity is a shared responsibility, and the Bureau of Customs will remain vigilant against any attempt to exploit our natural resources,” said Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno.

“This interception underscores our firm commitment to strictly enforce environmental and customs laws in close coordination with our partner agencies.”

NAIA district collector Alexandra Lumontad said the shipment will be seized the Customs, tariff, and wildlife laws. She added that the items will be turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for proper handling and disposition.

OPINION

Filipino seafarers face grave risks

THE families of nine Filipino seafarers being held by Yemen’s Houthi rebels must be worried sick thinking about their current situation and when they could possibly be released by their captors.

However, there’s a glimmer of hope they could be released soon with their recent transfer to Yemen’s rebel-controlled capital of Sana’a.

According to Foreign Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs Eduardo de Vega, the government is in close contact with trusted intermediaries and seeking the help of the international community to ensure the welfare and eventual release of the Filipino crew members of the Eternity C cargo ship.

The Houthis have been targeting Israel-linked vessels in the Red Sea since 2023 to condemn Israeli military operations in Gaza, which was launched after the October 7 Hamas attack that killed over a thousand individuals in Israel.

The Houthis sank the Magic Seas and Eternity C in separate Red Sea attacks last month, after a temporary halt in their campaign against maritime traffic.

The sinking of the Magic Seas was the first Houthi attack since late last year, with the Eternity C facing a similar fate soon after. The Houthis claimed they rescued 11 crew members, including two injured, and also recovered a body from aboard the ship before it sank. The mostly Filipino crew were pulled from the sea wearing life jackets.

Eight other Filipino crew members who survived the Eternity C attack have been flown back to the Philippines. All 17 Filipino seafarers from the Magic Seas have likewise been flown home.

Our Department of Migrant Workers is exerting efforts to bring the survivors home in close coordination with the DFA.

The European Union’s Operation Aspides naval task force said that 15 of the 25 people onboard the Eternity C were still missing—with four presumed dead.

Cosmoship, the owner of the Eternity C, urged the Houthis to release its crew members “at the earliest opportunity”. The company expressed relief that “ten of our missing crew members, as well as one of the vessel’s security guards (11 in total), are alive and appear to be receiving care”, after viewing the footage released by the rebels.

“We continue to work through every available channel to support their

continued care and to facilitate their safe and swift return home to their families,” it added.

The New York-based Human Rights Watch said the rebels were unlawfully detaining the crew and their attacks on shipping amounted to war crimes. The United States has accused the Houthis of kidnapping.

Our Department of Migrant Workers is exerting efforts to bring the survivors home in close coordination with the DFA

The Houthis held the mostly Filipino crew of the Galaxy Leader merchant ship for more than a year, before releasing them in January.

Filipino sailors make up as much as 30 percent of the world’s commercial shipping force. The nearly $7 billion they sent home in 2023 accounted for about a fifth of the remittances to the Philippines.

We commend the DMW for adopting a firm stance to protect our seafarers in response to escalating threats particularly from Houthi rebel attacks in the Red Sea.

A component part of the DMW policy is that our seafarers have the right to refuse deployment on ships passing through high-risk zones such as the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and other areas prone to piracy or armed conflict. This refusal must not result in job loss or penalties.

The DMW has also issued an order mandating shipowners and manning agencies to report planned passages through dangerous waters. Filipino crews must be fully informed of the risks before deployment. Non-compliance, such as failure to report or inform crew, may result in license suspension or permanent penalties for agencies.

Following attacks on MV Eternity C and MV Magic Seas, the DMW has imposed an absolute prohibition on deploying Filipino crews to ships crossing the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

This is a timely and appropriate step in the right direction that will ensure the safety and security of our seafarers and assure their families that they can come home safe and sound after their grueling work in the high seas.

(Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

Let God build the House

(Last of two parts)

STANDING in the Manila Cathedral, I couldn’t help but think about those who came before us.

Centuries ago, during the Spanish colonial period, government officials would begin their term in prayer at that very same church.

It’s a beautiful tradition. And one we seem to have rediscovered.

That night, I learned – or maybe relearned – three things about faith. First, faith gives meaning and purpose to human life. In a world that moves so fast, where everything is measured by productivity and performance, it’s easy to forget that we are not just workers, lawmakers, or professionals – we are people with hearts and souls.

Faith reminds us that life isn’t just about what we do, but about why we do it. It roots our actions in something bigger than ourselves.

It connects our day-to-day efforts to a deeper sense of calling. When you know you’re doing something not just

for applause but for purpose, everything changes. Second, faith hasn’t lost its place in building a just society. Some people say faith has no place in public life. I disagree.

I want to help build not just a better government – but a more compassionate nation. A country that remembers its soul. A society that never forgets the God who walks with us

Faith isn’t about imposing religion. It’s about grounding our choices in values that endure – compassion, jus-

and lines

from

The sounds are growls, grrrr and are swimming around the folded

Change the tattoos into wet chicks and drenched scrawny kittens looking forlorn and shaking in fear. There are no more sound effects.

EDITORIAL

Respectfully, a petition to argue

THE House of Representatives has filed a motion for reconsideration before the Supreme Court with regard to the latter’s July 25 decision on the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte. According to the High Court, the complaint is unconstitutional and hence null and void, even as it emphasized that this ruling does not touch on the guilt or innocence of the impeached official.

The House members say they filed the motion not out of defiance of a coequal branch of government, but out of a sense of duty.

“It is an exercise in Constitutional stewardship—an affirmation that every branch must act with fidelity to the Charter that gives us all our power. We act not to provoke a clash of institutions, but to prevent the erosion of the people’s right to accountability,” a statement at the House web site read.

The House argues these: first, that the High Court misread the facts. It was only on February 5, when the HOR transmitted the fourth impeachment complaint signed by 215 members, that it archived the first three complaints. Thus, there was only one – not four –valid proceedings initiated; the House respected, not violated, the parameters laid down by the Constitution.

Then, too, the Supreme Court’s

tice, mercy, truth.

Our Constitution may separate Church and State, but it doesn’t separate leadership from moral conviction.

A nation built on laws must also be built on conscience. And conscience needs a compass. For many of us, that compass is our faith.

Third, faith can enrich the life of our nation.

Not by making us perfect. But by making us human.

It reminds us that governance is not just a science, but a form of service.

Faith teaches us to look beyond our own interests, to lift up the last, the least, and the lost. It calls us to listen more than we speak, to serve more than we command, to give more than we take.

That’s why Speaker Martin Romualdez deserves special mention. It was his quiet but meaningful ini-

statement that Ms. Duterte was denied due process because she was not furnished a copy of the compliant or given the opportunity to respond was,

Only when we set facts straight and hear both sides can we demonstrate our mutual confidence — even when we disagree

in effect, an imposition of new rules that are not in the Constitution to begin with. Such additional steps, even if reasonable, should apply only after the rules are laid down.

tiative to organize the Thanksgiving Mass. And in doing so, he reminded us that leadership is not only about power or policy – but about posture.

The posture of humility. The posture of prayer. The posture of seeking God’s wisdom before carrying out the people’s will. It may have seemed like a small gesture. But it wasn’t. It set the tone for what this Congress should be about. Because at the end of the day, the work we do – no matter how important – cannot stand on ambition alone. It must be built on something stronger. Something more enduring. If we want to build something that lasts, something good, then it must be God who builds it through us. So as I begin another term in Congress, I carry more than just the hopes

Specifically, the lawmakers are asking the Supreme Court to correct factual misreadings, and reconsider the creation and retroactive application of new procedural burdens. They want the Court to restore to the House its rightful role as the starting point of all impeachment.

We would add that the dangling of impeachment as a tool for political retribution, or as a reaction to an unfavorable act, is a corrosive ill that must be rejected at all costs.

“We seek only the space to perform our Constitutional duty—freely, faithfully, and fully,” the lawmakers said.

The SC’s July 25 decision is immediately executory, but this appeal sets a democratic process in motion. Issues of great national importance, never mind that they are also political, must be argued freely and uninhibitedly before the Court. The decision should be the product of a spirited, civilized debate.

And only when we set facts straight, and hear both sides, can we demonstrate our mutual confidence -- even when we disagree.

The issue at hand is not about personalities or political feuding, but about the upholding of processes and institutions that safeguard our democracy and protect our nation from impunity and abuse.

of those who elected me. I carry a prayer. A prayer for clarity. A prayer for strength. A prayer for the grace to lead not just with head and hand, but with heart. It’s easy to get caught up in the power, the pressure, and the politics. But in the end, what matters most is the posture of the heart. That night reminded me: I want to serve not just because I can, but because I’m called. I want to lead not just with authority, but with humility, courage, and grace. And I want to help build not just a better government – but a more compassionate nation. A country that remembers its soul. A society that never forgets the God who walks with us. Because if we let Him lead – then we can truly build something that matters.

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emanating

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arms.

Japan sets new record high temperature of 41.8 C

TOKYO

– Japan logged a new heat record on Tuesday, with the mercury hitting 41.8C, the weather office said, warning temperatures may rise further still.

Temperatures the world over have soared in recent years as climate change creates ever more erratic weather patterns, and Japan is no exception.

The scorching temperature in the city of Isesaki on Tuesday surpassed the previous record seen in the western Hyogo region of 41.2 C only last week. Tokyo has also been struggling with extreme heat.

“I’m really concerned about global warming, but when it comes to my daily life, I can’t live without turning on the air conditioner,” office worker Mayomi Saito told AFP.

“I don’t really know what I should be doing, I’m just desperately getting through each day.”

Japan’s summer last year was the joint hottest on record, equalling the level seen in 2023, followed by the warmest autumn since records began 126 years ago. Last week in tourist hotspot Kyoto the mercury hit 40C, the first time any of its observation points -- the oldest opened in 1880, the newest in 2002 -- had seen such a high, authorities said.

Experts warn Japan’s beloved cherry trees are blooming earlier due to the warmer climate -- or sometimes not fully blossoming -- because autumns and winters are not cold enough to trigger flowering. AFPT

IN BRIEF

Remains of 32 found in abandoned house

CELAYA, Mexico – Dismembered human remains found last week in an abandoned house in Mexico’s violence-wracked Guanajuato state belong to a total of 32 victims, prosecutors said Monday.

The state prosecutor’s office said 15 people had been positively identified so far from the remains, which were discovered during a search for missing people in the city of Irapuato.

The remains were in “fragmented and complex” condition, it said, adding that this had complicated the identification process.

Local media reports said investigators had found body parts in plastic bags.

Relatives of missing persons, who belong to a collective called “Hasta encontrarte” (“Until I find you”), visited the site Monday, hoping for news of their loved ones or fresh evidence.

“We hope to find our loved ones,” a woman who requested anonymity for safety reasons told AFP.

“It’s been many years and we still know nothing. When these mass graves are found, we want to be present.” AFP

Court nixes ex-leader Uribe’s house arrest bid

BOGOTA – A Colombian court on Monday (Tuesday Manila time) turned down a request by ex-president Alvaro Uribe to be granted temporary freedom while appealing his sentence of 12 years’ house arrest. Uribe’s criminal conviction -- the first to be issued to a former leader of Colombia -- marked a dismal cap for the career of one of the country’s most divisive politicians.

The 73-year-old, who remains highly popular and influential among conservatives, led a relentless military campaign against drug cartels and the FARC guerrilla army while president from 2002 to 2010.

A judge with the Superior Tribunal of Bogota on Monday ruled “to not issue the provisional measure” requested by Uribe’s attorneys, saying in the court ruling that the appeal for release “does not meet the standards of urgency” required by Colombian law. AFP

Australia to buy 11 more warships

SYDNEY – Australia will upgrade its navy with 11 Mogami-class frigates built by Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Defense Minister Richard Marles said on Tuesday.

Billed as Japan’s biggest defense export deal since World War II, Australia will pay US$6 billion (Aus$10 billion) over the next 10 years to acquire the fleet of stealth frigates. Australia is in the midst of a major military restructure, bolstering its navy with long-range firepower in an effort to deter China.

It is striving to expand its fleet of major warships from 11 to 26 over the next decade.

Beautiful” and another on “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History.” The statue, which honors Pike’s contributions to freemasonry, was the only memorial to a Confederate general in the US capital before it was toppled. Statues honoring the Confederacy -which seceded from the United States to preserve slavery, prompting the 1861-1865 Civil War -- were a prime target of vandalism during the mid-2020 racial justice movement. AFP

“This is clearly the biggest defenseindustry agreement that has ever been struck between Japan and Australia,” Marles said, touting the deal.

“This decision was made based on what was the best capability for Australia,” he added.

“We do have a very close strategic alignment with Japan.”

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries was awarded the tender over Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems.

Mogami-class warships are advanced stealth frigates equipped with a potent array of weapons.

Marles said they would replace Australia’s aging fleet of Anzac-class vessels, with the first Mogami-class ship to be on the water by 2030.

“The Mogami-class frigate is the best frigate for Australia,” said Marles.

“It is a next-generation vessel. It is stealthy. It has 32 vertical launch cells capable of launching long-range missiles.”

The deal further cements a burgeoning security partnership between Australia and Japan.

Japan is deepening cooperation with US allies in the Asia-Pacific region that, like Tokyo, are involved in territorial disputes with China.

Brazil judge

puts Bolsonaro under house arrest

BRASILIA – A Brazilian judge on Monday (Tuesday Manila time) placed former president Jair Bolsonaro under house arrest for breaking a social media ban, escalating a dramatic standoff between the court and the politician, who is accused of plotting a coup. Bolsonaro is on trial at the Supreme Court for allegedly plotting to cling onto power after losing 2022 elections to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

President Donald Trump has sought to punish Brazil, a longtime US ally, for what he sees as a politically motivated “witch

hunt” targeting Bolsonaro by imposing eye-watering tariffs on Latin America’s biggest economy.

The 70-year-old Bolsonaro is banned from social media for the duration of the proceedings, and third parties are barred from sharing his public remarks.

But on Sunday, his allies defied the order by sharing footage online of a call between the former army captain and his eldest son Flavio at a solidarity rally in Rio de Janeiro.

Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes reacted furiously, declaring that

Dutch first to buy US arms for Kyiv under NATO scheme

THE HAGUE – The Netherlands will buy 500 million euros ($577 million) of US weapons for Ukraine, becoming the first NATO member to fund a full package under a new scheme to speed deliveries from American stockpiles, the defense ministry said.

The purchase will be under the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) mechanism launched by US President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte last month.

Under the scheme, countries pay Washington for defence systems and munitions in US warehouses that are then shipped to Ukraine, which has been battling a Russian invasion since February 2022.

“The Netherlands is now taking the lead in supplying military equipment from American stockpiles,” Dutch De-

fence Minister Ruben Brekelmans said on X.

“By supporting Ukraine with determination, we are increasing the pressure on Russia to negotiate.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof in a call on Monday evening.

“These weapons are badly needed,” Schoof posted on X, highlighting the near-daily drone and missile attacks by Russia.

The Dutch package includes US Patriot missile parts and other systems tailored to Ukraine’s front-line requirements, according to the defense ministry.

Both Japan and Australia are members of the “Quad” group alongside India and the United States. Japanese government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi said Tuesday the deal was “proof of trust in our nation’s high-level technology and the importance of interoperability between Japan’s self defence forces and the Australian military.”

It was also a “big step toward elevating the national security cooperation with Australia, which is our special strategic partner”, Hayashi told reporters in Tokyo.

Japan’s pacifist constitution restricts it from exporting weapons — but in 2024 Tokyo loosened arms export controls to enable it to boost sales

the judiciary would not allow a defendant to “treat it like a fool” because of his “political and economic power.”

Criticizing Bolsonaro’s “repeated failure” to comply with the court’s restrictions on him during the trial, he placed him under house arrest at his home in the capital Brasilia. He also barred the country’s former leader (2019-2022) from receiving visitors, apart from his lawyers, and from using mobile phones, and warned that any new transgression would lead to him being detained. AFP

HANOI – Northern Vietnam is sweltering under a blistering heatwave, with 17 places across seven provinces reporting record highs for the month of August and electricity demand spiking as people try to stay cool, authorities said Tuesday. Temperatures peaked on Sunday and Monday across the densely populated Red River Delta region, a hugely important industrial and agricultural area, with the capital Hanoi experiencing its first-ever August day above 40 C. While Vietnam experiences hot weather every year, scientists say human-driven climate change is causing more intense weather patterns, including higher temperatures.

The normally bustling streets of Hanoi were quieter on Tuesday as locals hid from the burning heat. Flower seller Ngo Thu Thuy told AFP of her exhaustion from riding her flower bike in the

“I earn less as no one bothers to buy flowers in this heat. I still have to try my

to earn my living” said Thuy, 38, covered from head to toe to protect herself from the sun. A construction worker who identified himself as Nam said “too many buildings and vehicles” has turned Hanoi into “a pan on fire” over the past two days.

Records set in past heatwaves in 2021 and 2024 were broken at 17 weather stations around the north, though rain forecast for Tuesday evening is expected to bring cooler temperatures.

One weather station in downtown Hanoi recorded a high of 40.3C, beating the city’s previous August record of 39.8 C set in 2021. Outside Hanoi, stations in the provinces of Phu Tho, Tuyen Quang, Lang Son, Bac Ninh, Haiphong and Ninh Binh all reported record August

Brekelmans called the Russian air strikes “pure terror” and warned that Moscow’s advance into Ukrainian territory could pose a broader threat to Europe. AFP Beijing

alert following tens of thousands evacuated

MORE LETHAL. This undated handout photo released by the Australian Defense Force on Tuesday shows

a Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force Mogami-class frigate JS Niyodo sailing in an undisclosed location. Australia will upgrade its navy with 11 Mogami-class frigates built by Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Defense Minister Richard Marles said Tuesday. Australia is in the midst of a major military restructure, bolstering its navy with long-range firepower in an effort to deter China. AFP

Manila Marathon lures 19,000

participants

THE second staging of the Manila Marathon this coming weekend drew a huge number of 19,000 participants, making it one of the biggest running events to be held in the country this year.

International marathoner Rio Dela Cruz made the disclosure five days before the international race presented by Samsung Galaxy, fires off at the SM Mall of Asia Complex on Sunday.

The event features four races at 42km, 21km, 10km, and 5km, and offers a total of P700K in cash prizes, including P100K each for the male and female champion in the premier 42km competition.

“We’re happy to announce that we already have 19,000 runners,” said Dela Cruz in Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the conference hall of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

“‘Yung ating 42k ay merong 3,000 (participants), at ito ‘yung nakakagulat, ‘yung ating 21k ay may 7,000 runners, making it one of the biggest 21k that we have organized. 10k is within 5,200, and ‘yung 3k almost 4,000 runners.”

With the big number of participants, safety and security of the runners are of foremost concern for the organizers, according to Andrew Neri, managing director of Run Rio Inc., who also appeared in the Forum presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Smart/ PLDT, MILO, and the country’s 24/7 sports app ArenaPlus.

“Parang dalawang event ito in terms of numbers kasi ang average namin is around 8,000 to 10,000. Ngayon nasa 19,000. So ang ginawa namin doble din ‘yung security namin, ‘yung doctors namin, ‘yung ambulances namin, since for us, safety and security are top priorities,” said Neri.

Sanctioned by the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association and recognized as part of the World Athletics’ rankings competition, the race will showcase members of the national team such as Christine Hallasgo, Artjoy Torregosa, Richard Salano, and Arlan Arbois as well as entries from Japan, the US, Singapore, UK, Canada, Malaysia, China, South Korea, Kenya, France, Poland, Switzerland, among others.

“This race is not only important for me but also for our country dahil ito ay qualifying by our national team for the Southeast Asian Games,” said Dela Cruz, president and CEO of Run Rio Inc. “So karamihan po sa kanila ay tatakbo para makita nila ang kanilang performance. At kung maabot nila yung standard ng SEA Games, maaari silang makuha.”

The SEA Games is Dec. 9 to 20 in Thailand.

The race will run through four cities, namely Manila, Makati, Paranaque, and Pasay, while it will also take runners through some of the iconic landmarks in the country’s capital such as the Rizal Park, Intramuros, Roxas Boulevard, and the CCP Complex.

Fox inks 4-year $229-m pact with Spurs

LOS ANGELES—NBA All-Star guard

De’Aaron Fox has agreed to terms on a four-year contract extension with the San Antonio Spurs worth $229 million, according to multiple reports on Monday.

Fox, who would have become a free agent next year but is now set through the 2029-30 campaign according to ESPN and The Athletic, was obtained in a trade with Sacramento last February.

The 2023 NBA All-Star and 2024 league leader in steals averaged 19.7 points, 6.8 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 1.5 steals a game in 17 appearances for the Spurs last season before season-ending surgery on his left pinkie finger last March.

Fox spent more than seven seasons in Sacramento and has career averages of 21.5 points, 6.1 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 1.4 steals a game.

The 27-year-old American becomes a key player in the Spurs future plans alongside 21-year-old French star big man Victor Wembanyama, the 7-foot3 (2.21m) All-Star who averaged 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.1 steals and a league-high 3.8 blocked shots a game last season after being the NBA Rookie of the Year two seasons ago.

San Antonio, which boasts last season’s NBA Rookie of the Year in guard Stephon Castle, also selected guard Dylan Harper with with second pick in June’s NBA Draft. AFP

Wimbledon champion Swiatek bombs out of Canadian Open

MONTREAL—Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek became the latest seed to fall at the WTA Canadian Open on Sunday, stunned 7-6 (7/1), 6-3 by 19thranked Dane Clara Tauson in the fourth round.

Swiatek, ranked third in the world and seeded second in Montreal, followed topseeded Coco Gauff, third-seeded two-time defending champion Jessica Pegula and fourth-seeded Mirra Andreeva out the door.

Fifth-seeded American Amanada Anisimova followed later with a straight-sets loss to Elina Svitolina.

Tauson avenged a fourth-round loss to Swiatek at Wimbledon and called her second career victory over a top-five player “unreal”.

“Obviously it’s really great and it shows all the hard work I’ve been doing has been the right thing,” Tauson said. “I’m getting more confidence in this kind of level and feeling like I belong here a bit more. I think that really helped me today in the important points.”

Tauson booked a quarter-final berth against Australian Open champion Madi-

son Keys, who saved two match points on the way to a 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 victory over Czech Karolina Muchova. It was the American’s third match win of the year in which she overcame a match point.

Meanwhile, it was clear sailing for former world number one Naomi Osaka, who needed just 49 minutes to blast past Anastasija Sevastova 6-1, 6-0.

The second-quickest win of Osaka’s career put her into her first quarter-final at the 1000 or Grand Slam level since Doha in 2024.

Swiatek, playing her first tournament since winning her sixth Grand Slam title at the All England Club last month, looked out of sorts from the start on a breezy centre court. She fell behind a quick break and failed to convert a pair of break chances in the eighth game as Tauson took a 5-3

lead in the first set.

The Polish star appeared to be finding her rhythm as she won the next three games to get her nose in front 6-5.

But Tauson, who won her third WTA title and her first since 2021 in New Zealand in January, held to force the tiebreaker and dominated, Swiatek surrendering the set with a double fault on the Dane’s first set point.

Swiatek had saved a pair of break points in the eighth game of the second set when another untimely double fault gave Tauson the break and a 5-3 lead.

Tauson calmly served it out, claiming the victory when Swiatek belted a backhand into the net.

Keys ‘really happy’

Tauson will be up against a battle-tested opponent in Keys, who saved two match points on her own serve in the 10th game of the third set, striping a forehand on the first and escaping the second as Czech Muchova misfired on a service return.

“I’m really happy to get that win,” Keys told the crowd. “After losing the first set and even being match point down, being able to figure it out -- it’s always a great day.” AFP

Kim grabs Caliraya lead as Ababa rallies; Superal stumbles

CAVINTI, Laguna—Korean Kim Seoyun pulled ahead with a solid frontside surge and steady play coming home, holding off a fiery rally from Sarah Ababa and capitalizing on Princess Superal’s costly lateround stumbles to emerge as the surprise leader with a 69 in the opening round of the ICTSI Caliraya Springs Championship here Tuesday.

Kim anchored her round with birdies on Nos. 4 and 7, spiking a 34-35 card in hot conditions at the Lakeside course and taking early control of the P1 million, 54-hole championship as Ababa ran out of holes in a torrid backside charge to settle for a 70, and Superal squandered a three-under round with a bogey-bogey finish for a 71.

Martina Miñoza also rallied with two birdies in the last five holes at the front, while Florence Bisera dropped a shot on the 18th and joined Superal at third. With just two strokes separating the top five, the race for the crown shapes up to be a test of

will, poise and finishing strength.

Chihiro Ikeda strung up three birdies in a four-hole stretch from No. 3 but gave up a stroke on the ninth to settle for an even-par 72 for solo sixth, while defending champion Harmie Constantino continued to struggle for consistency, mixing three birdies with four bogeys for a 73 and a share of seventh with Korea’s Eun Hua Nam.

Nam actually grabbed a share of the early lead after a one-under backside start but faltered coming home with a 38, marred by a double bogey on the par-4 No. 2.

Tiffany Lee, trying to recapture the form that saw her win her pro debut at Splendido Taal, closed out with a birdie on the ninth to save a 74 despite an otherwise erratic round featuring a bogey and a double bogey. Still, she remained within striking distance, just five shots off the pace.

with a double bogey on No. 13 and two more bogeys on the back nine, offsetting a lone birdie on the par-5 16th and slipping to a 75.

Mafy Singson, who had a decent frontside performance of 36, lost grip

Kim, looking to redeem herself from a near-miss here at Caliraya Springs in 2023, revealed a renewed focus on put-

Pacatiw’s spot is safe — for now

JEREMY Pacatiw may have walked out of the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, last weekend with a bitter taste in his mouth, but not all is lost for the Filipino rising mixed martial arts star. The 29-year-old native of Kapangan, Benguet endured a tough outing against Elbek Alyshov on the undercard of ONE Fight Night 34 this past Saturday, August 2, suffering a second-round submission setback in a 148.5-pound catchweight contest. It was a one-sided affair from the get-go. Alyshov, an undefeated

Azerbaijani making his promotional debut, dictated the proceedings with masterful grappling, pinning Pacatiw to the mat and advancing position with precision. The end came via a suffocating arm-triangle choke — an emphatic finish for the newcomer and a sobering setback for the mainstay. Yet, for all of Alyshov’s brilliance, he came in 3.5 pounds over the organization’s 145-pound bantamweight limit, despite providing a hydrated urine sample subsequent to failing his initial hydration test and weigh-in during the three-hour window. Consequently, the match proceeded at a 148.5-pound catchweight, with Alyshov forfeiting 40 percent of his purse and becoming ineligible to earn a place in the bracket’s rankings. That technicality is the sole rea-

son why Pacatiw’s No. 5 position in ONE Championship’s bantamweight MMA rankings remains intact — at least for now.

The promotion’s Athlete Rankings Panel met after the event but only made considerations for the featherweight MMA and bantamweight kickboxing ladders. Pacatiw, therefore, lives to fight another day in the top five. But make no mistake — the ground beneath him is beginning to shift.

A growing number of up-andcomers are eyeing his spot, including two familiar names from the Philippine MMA circuit. Carlo Bumina-ang has been turning heads with his crisp striking and finishing instincts, while Jhanlo Sangiao authored an impressive return to action following a twoyear hiatus over a month ago. With another resounding triumph, both will have strong arguments for inclusion in the upper echelon of the weight class.

ting after making key adjustments during the offseason of the circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

“I missed a nine-footer on No. 10, my first hole, and a couple more after that. I didn’t do anything special today, just played normal,” said Kim. “It’s hard to make good strokes, so I changed my putter and spent four hours a day on the practice green. I think it’s really working.”

She also credited her coach for helping her regain confidence and emphasized her motivation to make up for her failed bid two years ago.

“I missed winning here in 2023. That was a big feeling for me,” she said. “This time, I want to do my best. I’ll do everything I can to win.” Ababa, one of the local tour’s most seasoned campaigners, stood just one stroke back after a dramatic comeback. She rebounded from a three-over card through 10 holes by nearly acing No. 11 and riding the momentum with a string of birdies on Nos. 14 to 16 before closing w ith another on 18.

It’s clear that the pressure is on for Pacatiw. Staying in the conversation as a top-tier bantamweight means more than just surviving. It requires decisive wins, improved performances, and a renewed sense of urgency.

The debate over whether referee Olivier Coste should have reset the position when Pacatiw was tangled in the ropes — or whether MMA bouts should be confined to a cage entirely — is another matter, and one that ONE Championship may have to confront down the line.

For now, Pacatiw remains one of just two Filipinos in the bantamweight MMA top five, alongside his Lions Nation MMA teammate Stephen Loman, who holds the No. 2 spot.

But if he hopes to stay there, Jeremy Pacatiw must regroup, refocus, and return with fire. The road ahead is steep — but far from closed.

(For comments or questions, reach the author at nissi.icasiano@gmail. com or visit his Facebook page at www.facebook.com/nissi.icasiano.)

De’Aaron Fox

Korean Kim Seoyun

Clara Tauson of Denmark celebrates a victory against Iga Swiatek of Poland during their fourth-round singles women’s match on Day Eight of the WTA 1000 National Bank Open at IGA Stadium in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. AFP

In The Red Corner Nissi Icasiano

Rio dela Cruz (left) and Andrew Neri

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2025

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

Que’s class, Corpus’ grit light up ICTSI Caliraya golf

CAVINTI, Laguna—In what could signal a compelling clash between seasoned campaigners and rising stars, veteran Angelo Que and young gun Carl Corpus fired identical six-under 66s to forge ahead of a stellar field after 18 holes of the ICTSI Caliraya Springs Championship here Tuesday.

They stood two shots clear of a tight chasing pack composed of Jay Bayron, Jerson Balasabas, Kristoffer Arevalo, Justin Quiban, Russell Bautista and Fidel Concepcion, who all turned in 68s at the Arnold Palmer-designed layout under calm but scorching conditions.

A mixed group of veterans and young talents likewise emerged at joint ninth with 69s, including Josh Jorge, Jeffren Lumbo, Rupert Zaragosa and Jhonnel Ababa, further underscoring the depth of competition in the P2.5 million championship organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

Also carding 70s to stay in the early mix were Keanu Jahns, Nilo Salahog,

Dino Villanueva, amateur Jet Hernandez and Korean Ji Sung Sheon, making for a tightly bunched leaderboard heading into the second round.

But it was Que and Corpus who stood tallest in the first round, showcasing contrasting styles shaped by experience and youth but driven by a common goal: to dominate.

Que, a three-time Asian Tour champion, displayed the class and control that made him one of the most decorated players in Philippine golf. The 46-yearold launched his round with a fiery backside start, highlighted by precise wedge play and solid putting, knocking down six birdies against two bogeys.

“My start was really good. I hit precise wedge shots, and the putts were mostly inside eight feet,” said Que, who ruled the early part of the season with back-to-back wins at Pradera Verde and Eagle Ridge, and a runnerup finish at Forest Hills.

Though he cooled off a bit on the

front nine with two more birdies and a stretch of steady pars, Que was satisfied with his performance.

“I didn’t actually struggle (at the front) but just couldn’t hit it close. But all in all, I’m happy with a 6-under. I didn’t come in with a target number. I just wanted to see

how things would go,” he said.

“I’m hitting it well, feeling healthy, and mentally, I’m ready,” he added.

“I’m confident, but we’ll see. Things can still change.”

Despite acknowledging the younger generation’s edge in power and technology, Que continues to refine his

Suyom assured of bronze with semis slot in Asian U22 Boxing

By Randy M. Caluag

PHILIPPINE boxers Ronel Suyom and Xian

Baguhin secured bronze medals at the Asian Boxing U19 and U22 Championships in Bangkok, Thailand, after hard-fought victories in their respective quarterfinal bouts.

Baguhin pulled off a split decision win over Japan’s Moena Kashiwada in the U19 women’s 51kg division.

Meanwhile, Suyom advanced to the semifinals of the men’s bantamweight (55kg) category after defeating China’s Shaoqing Li via unanimous decision.

Suyom, an IOC Scholar for the

San Juan, Abra share MPBL lead

SAN Juan and Abra Solid North took different routes toward the top spot in Manny Pacquiao presents 1xBet-MPBL 2025 Season on Monday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

The San Juan Knights warded off Zamboanga SiKat’s challenge in the second half and prevailed, 80-69, in the nightcap, while the Abra Weavers battered Manila Batang Quiapo throughout en route to a 117-63 rout in the opener.

San Juan and Abra raised their record to 20-1 and moved ahead of Nueva Ecija (19-1) in the round-robin elimination phase of the 30-team tournament.

Trailing in the first quarter, San Juan, with Michael Calisaan and Orlan Wamar at the helm, seized control at the break, 36-33, and never yielded it back to Zamboanga, which dropped to 15-7.

Calisaan posted 20 points and 8 rebounds while Wamar notched 13 points, 10 assists and 4 rebounds. AC Soberano and Kenneth Villapando provided support with 13 and 10 points, respectively.

Zamboanga got 14 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists from Carl Bryan Cruz, 13 points and 4 rebounds from Ichie Altamirano, and 12 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists from JP Cauilan.

Also-ran Bacolod stunned listless Basilan Starhorse, 76-73, in the second game to improve to 3-18. Basilan erased a 57-69 deficit and briefly held the lead, 72-71, following back-to-back triples from Lorenzo Navarro.

The Tubo Slashers, however, countered through Aldave Canoy and split free throws by Aldave Canoy, Mart James Barrera and Mark Ray Dubouzet to pull down the Portmasters to 10-10.

2028 Los Angeles Olympics, is guaranteed at least a bronze medal but However, his status for the semifinals remains uncertain after he sustained a cut above his left eyebrow from an accidental headbutt.

The bout was halted before the start of the third round due to the injury, but Suyom was awarded the win based on

the judges’ scorecards from the first two rounds.

ABAP officials and the team doctor are closely monitoring Suyom’s injury and will decide whether he will be cleared to compete in tomorrow’s (August 6) semifinals.

The duo’s podium finish follows the recent success of John Wayne Vicera, who bagged bronze in the men’s 51kg division of the Guizhou International Boxing Tournament in China. Vicera, a native of Bago City, Negros Occidental, advanced from the quarterfinals after beating a Kazakh opponent before bowing to a hometown favorite in the semifinals, earning his first international medal.

Day 4 of the Asian Boxing U19 & U22 Championships featured a packed slate of quarterfinal bouts in both morning and evening sessions, with 40 intense matchups determining the next set of medal contenders.

The action included dominant victories, razor-thin split decisions, and several referee stoppages as U22 fighters battled for podium spots.

The morning session opened with seven women’s quarterfinals in the Light, Welter, and Light Middleweight divisions. Among the standout performances were India’s Priya, who swept all five scorecards in her 60kg bout, and Korea’s Seo Eun Kim, who impressed with sharp

Chef de Mission Arapoc confident of PH’s chances

CHENGDU — Team Philippine Chef de Mission Stephen Arapoc is unfazed by the looming challenges in this World Games where the Filipino athletes exude might more than being the usual underdogs.

The muay thai president is never lacking the confidence when he rallies behind the 47-strong delegation in the 11-day competition, with some bets even getting marked by foreign rivals in a rare occasion of this magnitude of tournament.

And he sure has the numbers in his mind, but Arapoc would rather be modest than overassuring.

“With team work and strong support from the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Philippine Sports Commission, there is no doubt we will produce champions here,” said Arapoc, who is flying to this Chinese

CAPITAL1 Solar Energy nailed its first title since its first foray in women’s football last March, outlasting the fancied Kaya FC-Iloilo, 1-0, to rule the PAGSS Women’s Futsal Cup on Sunday, Aug. 3, in grand fashion at the University of Asia and Pacific gym.

In a tense-filled finale, Regine Rebosura stood tallest after producing the lone goal in a sequel of brilliance in the second half to cap Capital1 Solar Energy’s dominating show in the event.

The title win was the first for the team co-owned by sisters Milka and Mandy Romero and revered Far Eastern University coach Let Dimzon.

And it was sweet and convincing as the Solar Spikers topped the elims without yielding a goal – also big thanks to the rock-solid performance of Yasmin Elauria. They eventually won the crown undefeated in six games.

“This win at the Women’s Futsal Cup is a meaningful step for our young Capital1 Solar Strikers team. With a solid mix of experienced players and top-tier coaching, we’re on the right path in building stronger foundations for the team,” said Milka Romero.

“Our team showed resilience and cohesion from the very start. Congratulations to our players and to all the other teams that participated as we aim to build and support women’s football altogether,”

city Wednesday afternoon.

With world champions and veterans in the mix, Team Philippines is counting down the days before the actual action begins and start making bold statements across venues dotted around this ultramodern metropolis that has rolled down the red carpet by every inch from the Tianfu Airport to the humongous billeting complex.

Wushu stars Agatha Wong and Jones Inso, and cable wakeboarder Raph Trinidad tasted the world-class treatment touched by Chinese hospitality upon arriving Tuesday morning.

Minus the language barrier that has created both the confusion and friendship afterwards, everything felt just like home — the kindness, the delectable selection of food at the big dining area, and the surprising hot weather that mimics Manila.

“Food and room are great, so far everything is okay,” said floorball president Marco Ortiz, whose team was first to dip its toes on the mainland as the players needed to prepare for their preliminary game against Latvia Thursday morning.

With everyone about to settle at the Tianfu International Hotel Complex — one of the two “Villages” for both the athletes and officials — Team Philippines is slowly getting the manpower with the arrival of the dragon boat team, muay standout Rudzma Abubakar, and the duathlon squad led by Kim Mangrobang on Wednesday.

The numbers are surely important with the opening ceremony set at the Tianfu International Convention Centre the following day, with athletes all enjoined to join the parade and wave the Philippine flag.

Members of the Capital1 Solar Strikers pose with supporters and league officials after winning the PAGSS Women’s Futsal Cup.

Three-time Asian Tour champion Angelo Que launches his round with a ery backside start, highlighted by precise wedge play and solid putting, knocking down six birdies against two bogeys. Manny Marcelo

craft and compete with fierce focus. Corpus, meanwhile, took a different path to the top. The 23-year-old rookie, still fresh from a breakthrough victory on the Asian Development Tour in Morocco last June, rebounded from an early bogey on No. 10 with a sensational rally.

combinations before narrowly losing to Vietnam’s Thi Tuyet Tran. China and Uzbekistan also delivered strong tactical displays in the women’s division.

Ronel Suyom

Michael Calisaan of San Juan

added Mandy Romero. For her sustained brilliance, Rebosura was the hands down choice for the adidas MVP award while Elauria took the Bootcamp Golden Glove. They also led the Cherry Turf Mythical Five together with Yonah Dela Calzada (Makati FC), Maye Mendaño (Kaya FC-Iloilo) and Regina Aliping (Azzurri FC).

Spearheaded by Rebosura and Elaura, the Solar Strikers launched their title bid with a 2-0 win over Makati FC before following it up with a massive 10-0 win over Forza, 1-0 over Pinay 5 and 5-0 over Beach Hut.

In advancing to the final, the Solar Strikers survived a huge scare from Azzuri, 3-2.

Megaworld’s income up 23% to P12.09b in first six months

By Jenniffer B. Austria

PROPERTY developer Megaworld

Corp. on Tuesday reported record first-half and second-quarter profits, driven by strong performance across all its core businesses.

The company’s net income for the first half of the year surged by 23 percent to P12.09 billion, while second-quarter profit grew 31 percent to P6.26 billion. The figures were disclosed to the stock exchange.

“Our strong first-half and secondquarter results reaffirm the strength and adaptability of our township strategy,” said Lourdes Gutierrez-Alfonso, president and chief executive of Megaworld.

“We are always focused on ensuring that our core segments will continue to deliver exceptional performance even in challenging environments,” said Alfonso.

Consolidated revenues for the first half climbed 10 percent to P43.09

billion, with second-quarter sales also rising by 10 percent year-on-year.

Megaworld’s leasing segment was a significant growth driver.

Office leasing sales increased 17 percent to P7.40 billion in the first half and almost 18 percent to P3.7 billion in the second quarter. This growth was attributed to new leases, rent increases and the addition of new assets.

The company secured nearly 100,000 square meters in new office leases during the second quarter, with demand coming from business process outsourcing (BPO) firms and multinational companies.

Retail leasing revenues rose 10 percent to P3.33 billion in the first half and 9.4 percent to P1.67 billion in the second quarter. This was a result of higher consumer foot traffic and the entry of new tenants. Megaworld Lifestyle Malls leased more than 30,000 square meters of new retail space during the first half of the year.

By Othel V. Campos

TSlower GDP growth, illicit trade threaten BIR tax collection goal

HE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) faces a challenging path to hitting its P3.23-trillion

BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. said the agency met its first-half collection goal, but hitting the full-year target will be “challenging.”

“The goal is really high, and it was set based on a 6-percent GDP

growth assumption. But with GDP now tracking at 5.4 percent, that gap alone creates a major shortfall,” Lumagui said on the sidelines of the Combatting Illicit Trade in Southeast Asia forum on Tuesday. He said even a 0.1-percentage

point difference in GDP growth could significantly impact tax projections when dealing with multi-trillion-peso targets.

Lumagui also pointed to the persistent problem of illicit trade, particularly in tobacco and vape products, as a major source of revenue leakage.

“For tobacco alone, it’s hard to estimate because of the shift in consumer preference and the rise of vaping. But we know it’s significant,” he said.

While exact figures are unavailable, Lumagui described the losses as “substantial” and running into “billions per quarter.” He stressed the

FIVE Philippines-based companies—

A. Soriano Corp., Apex Mining Co. Inc., Converge ICT Solutions Inc., Figaro Coffee Group Inc. and Philippine Bank of Communications (PBCOM)— were among the 200 top-performing small and mid-sized firms recognized across the Asia-Pacific region.

The list features publicly-listed companies with annual revenue between $10 million and $1 billion.

The five Philippine firms represent a range of industries, including telecommunications, banking, mining food services and investment.

Forbes said the list aims to high-

light companies that demonstrate consistent financial performance and strong governance amid global economic challenges.

A. Soriano, a diversified investment holding company, reported sales of $226 million, a net income of $82 million and a market value of $643 million.

Apex Mining, a local gold and silver producer, recorded sales of $254 million, a net income of $76 million and a market value of $687 million.

Converge ICT, a major fiber broadband and connectivity provider, posted sales of $709 million, a net income of $189 million and a market value of

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has issued a show cause order (SCO) to South Premiere Power Corp (SPPC) over alleged anti-competitive behavior at its 1,200-megawatt Ilijan Power Plant in June 2022. The ERC issued the order on July 24, 2025, after a recommendation from the Philippine Electricity Market Corp. (PEMC), the governance arm of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market. The ERC directed SPPC, a unit San Miguel Global Power Holdings, a subsidiary of San Miguel Corp., to submit a verified explanation within

$2.33 billion.

Figaro Coffee Group, which operates cafes and food brands, reported sales of $97 million, a net income of $11 million and a market value of $65 million.

PBCOM, a commercial bank, had revenues of $195 million, a net income of $39 million and a market value of $170 million.

The companies were selected from a pool of more than 19,000 publicly traded firms in the Asia-Pacific region. To qualify, companies should have positive sales and earnings growth and manageable debt levels.

Jenniffer B. Austria

15 days on why it should not face administrative sanctions. The firm is accused of violating Section 46 of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) of 2001. The order follows the ERC’s evaluation of an assessment report from PEMC, which found the Ilijan plant was on “open breaker status” from June 5 to June 25, 2022. This status disconnected the plant from the grid, preventing it from supplying power. Sources said the Ilijan plant stopped operations in June 2022 after its gas contract from Malampaya expired. It only resumed operations in 2023 after importing liquefied natural gas (LNG).

need for stronger enforcement and monitoring systems.

The BIR is awaiting the Department of Finance’s approval for a new QRbased track-and-trace system to combat smuggling.

Another factor affecting the outlook is the impact of healthdriven policies, such as efforts by the Department of Health to reduce smoking and vaping. While aligned with public health goals, these efforts are expected to further dampen excise tax collections.

P3.23 trillion

P1.5 trillion 5.4%

BIR collection goal for 2025 BIR collection in first half GDP growth in first quarter

ICTSI’s first-half income climbed 15% to $483.8m

By Darwin G. Amojelar

(ICTSI) said

its net income grew 15 percent in the first half of 2025 from a year ago on higher operating income and improved trade activity across its global terminals. The port terminal led by businessman Enrique Razon Jr. posted a net income of $483.84 million from January to June this year, up from $420.55 million in the same period last year.

Excluding the income from the settlement of legal claims at ICTSI Oregon and the impact of the deconsolidation of PT PBM Olah Jasa Andal (OJA), Jakarta, Indonesia in the first half of 2024, net income attributable to equity holders would have grown 20 percent.

ICTSI’s net income amounted to $244.31 million in the second quarter, up 16 percent from $210.67 million in the same period last year.

“We have seen significant growth both operationally, an 11 percent increase in consolidated volume, and in the value we create for our shareholders, with a 17 percent increase in diluted earnings per share, demonstrating the resilience of our business and success of our growth strategy,” ICTSI chairman and president Enrique Razon Jr. said.

TOURISM MEETING. The Department of Tourism (DOT) leads the 62nd ASEAN National Tourism Organizations (NTOs)

LGU SHARE. Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman and administrator Eduardo Jose Aliño (fourth from right) poses for a souvenir photo after the distribution rites for the LGU revenue shares worth P197. 85 million on Aug. 4, 2025. With him are (from left) Castillejos representative for Mayor Jeffrey Khonghun, Subic representative for Mayor Jonathan Khonghun, Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino Jr., Hermosa Mayor Anne Inton, Morong Mayor Leila Muñoz, San Antonio Mayor Arvin Antipolo and Dinalupihan representative for Mayor German Santos Jr. Joseph Muego

PH stocks rise, peso weakens to 57.63 a dollar on inflation report

By Jenniffer B. Austria

PHILIPPINE shares closed marginally higher on Tuesday despite a betterthan-expected July inflation rate.

The main-share Philippine Stock Exchange index inched up by 4.98 points, or 0.08 percent, to close at 6,353.63. The broader all shares index advanced by 4.34 points, or 0.12 percent, to 3,770.94.

The peso slipped to 57.63 to the US dollar on Tuesday from 57.29 on Monday.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that the inflation rate eased to 0.9 percent in July from 1.4 percent in June. Core inflation, however, picked up slightly to 2.3 percent from 2.2 percent.

Year-to-date, average inflation stands at 1.7 percent, which is below the government’s target range of 2 percent to 4 percent.

Bank of the Philippine Islands lead economist Emilio Neri Jr. said headline inflation continues to reflect the decline in food prices, particularly rice.

“Inflation is expected to remain subdued in the coming months due to lower rice prices,” Neri said.

“However, the impact of favorable base effects may begin to fade by September, and inflation could move closer to 3 percent by year-end.”

Neri noted that the benign inflation and “dovish signals” from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas make a rate cut in August “highly probable.”

The property sector led all sectors, increasing by 1.02 percent. Services and mining and oil also saw gains, rising by 0.95 percent and 0.93 percent, respectively.

Value turnover was thin at P4.53 billion. Market breadth was positive, with 93 gainers versus 86 decliners, while 67 stocks were unchanged.

Petron’s first-half income reached P5.3b

By Alena Mae S. Flores

OIL industry leader Petron Corp. posted a net income of P5.3 billion for the first half of the year, an 11.7 percent decline from P6.02 billion during the same period last year.

The company, in a statement Tuesday, attributed the decrease to low international oil prices and decreased sales volumes.

Petron said escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, global

Xtelify, Globe team up to boost customer service

By Darwin G. Amojelar

XTELIFY, a subsidiary of Bharti Airtel, has signed a multi-year, multi-dollar partnership with Globe Telecom to deploy its next-generation, AI-powered customer service platform in the Philippines.

The platform, called Xtelify Serve, aims to help Globe improve its customer experience through omni-channel service assurance, streamlined internal processes, and intelligent data-driven operations.

“At Globe, our North Star has always been our deep desire to help uplift the lives of Filipinos by creating meaningful, reliable, and human-centered experiences,” said Carl Cruz, Globe president and chief executive. “This partnership with Airtel and Xtelify is a bold step forward in that aspiration, empowering us to serve our customers with greater empathy, intelligence, and speed.”

Cruz said that by integrating Xtelify’s AI-powered Case Management Platform, the company is committing to “best-in-class service across every journey, from the first touchpoint to final resolution.”

Gopal Vittal, vice chairman and managing director of Bharti Airtel, called the deal a “pivotal moment in our history as we take our world-class, home-grown platforms... to businesses in India and telcos all over the world.”

He said Xtelify’s platforms have been used to power over 590 million customer touchpoints for Airtel and have solved some of the most complex telecom challenges globally.

Vittal also announced the launch of Airtel Cloud, a sovereign, telco-grade cloud platform. The platform, which can handle 1.4 billion transactions per minute, was originally developed for Airtel’s use in India but is now being offered to businesses.

Airtel Cloud is hosted on sustainable data centers with Gen-AI-based provisioning. It offers IaaS, PaaS, advanced connectivity, and guarantees secure migration, effortless scaling, and lower costs.

tariff tensions, and the decision by OPEC plus members to unwind production cuts pushed Dubai crude prices to a low of $64 per barrel in May before recovering to $69 in June.

As a result, Dubai crude averaged $72 per barrel in the first half of the year, 14 percent lower than last year’s average of $83 per barrel.

Petron president and chief executive Ramon Ang underscored the key factors behind the company’s performance amid market challenges.

“Our results continue to reflect our resilience in overcoming market challenges, while highlighting the strength of the Petron brand across different customers and industries,” Ang said.

“We remain confident in our ability

to drive growth as we further enhance our operations toward greater efficiency and sustainability.”

Petron’s strategic marketing initiatives helped its Philippine operations capture local demand growth, with retail volumes increasing by 13 percent. This, combined with optimized plant operations and increased production, helped cushion the impact of weak regional refining cracks and the overall drop in prices during the period.

Petron continues to operate the Philippines’ only remaining refinery, the Petron Bataan Refinery in Limay with a capacity of 180,000 barrels per day, as well as the Port Dickson Refinery in Malaysia.

Wilcon Depot optimistic about rebound despite weak first-half results of P1.16b

WILCON Depot Inc. remains optimistic about a potential rebound in financial performance for the second half of the year, despite posting weak results in the first half.

The company saw its net income drop 23 percent in the first half to P1.16 billion, down from P1.51 billion recorded in the same period last year, according to a stock exchange filing on Tuesday.

“We are already seeing an upward trend in our sales and our same-store-sales growth is already in positive territory in June,” said Wilcon president and chief executive Lorraine Belo-Cincochan.

“It was mainly during the long holidays in April and May that foot traffic was affected, as expected.”

Belo-Cincochan also noted that the company has implemented cost-cutting measures.

“We’ve reconfigured some of our

processes and adjusted employed resources such as manpower and equipment, to minimize the growth or even reduce certain expense items,” she said.

She expressed confidence that the company could reverse the decline in net income if sales growth continues to trend upward and expenses remain under control.

During the first six months, Wilcon opened three new stores and reopened its Baliwag, Bulacan, store, which had been destroyed by fire last year.

“While we’re still pursuing our store network expansion, we’re also working on improving the profitability of old stores, given the changes in their respective markets,” Belo-Cincochan said. “We’re looking at not only refreshing products, layouts and displays but also reducing selling and operating areas, which we expect to lead to lower operating costs.” Jenniffer B. Austria

THE Keepers Holdings Inc., the country’s largest liquor importer, posted a net income of P1.62 billion for the first half of 2025, a 13.7 percent increase from P1.43 billion in the same period last year.

In a disclosure to the stock exchange Tuesday, the company attributed the growth to robust sales in its imported brandy segment. Consolidated revenue for the period rose 17 percent to P9.04 billion, boosted by a 22 percent growth in the volume of cases sold.

The company, owned by businessman Lucio Co, said its flagship brand, Alfonso, has already exceeded its prepandemic sales levels. A recovering on-premise market and a shift toward more premium products also contributed to the higher sales.

The Keepers also reported that its board of directors has approved a proposal to establish a new subsidiary. The new company will operate a chain of retail stores focused on alcoholic beverages and related products.

The Keepers recently acquired a 50 percent stake in Cervia Global Trading Inc., marking its entry into the premium local spirits market. Cervia is the maker of Sula, a line of flavored liqueurs in coconut, dark chocolate, and coffee varieties, using locally sourced ingredients.

The company said the acquisition supports local producers while also serving as a platform for future international expansion.

The Keepers imports and distributes a wide range of global liquor brands in the Philippines, including Johnnie Walker, Chivas Regal, Glenfiddich, Suntory, Jinro, Jose Cuervo, Jim Beam, Penfolds, and Red Bull. Jenniffer B. Austria

PAL named 2nd most preferred airline in Southeast Asia

PHILIPPINE Airlines (PAL) has been recognized as the second most preferred airline in Southeast Asia, according to the 2025 Flyers’ Choice Awards by AirlineRatings. com. The awards, which opened for voting on April 3, 2025, are based on a combination of passenger votes, feedback, and expert analysis from aviation editors and industry professionals. AirlineRatings.com is a leading global authority on airline safety and product ratings, covering more than

385 airlines worldwide.

“We thank the voting travelers for this special honor, reflecting the trust and satisfaction that all of us in Philippine Airlines strive to earn from our passengers by delivering friendly service, an unwavering focus on safety and reliability, and the genuine care that comes from the heart,” said PAL president Richard Nuttall.

In April 2025, the flag carrier was also ranked among the Top 10 Best Asia Pacific Airlines and was the most punctual in the region, posting an 86.07 percent on-time rate, according to a Cirium report.

Darwin G. Amojelar

The Flyers’ Choice awards are based on thousands of verified votes and are widely followed across the aviation and travel industry. Earlier this year, PAL was named the Best Travel Brand, ranking first in the Philippines and second in Southeast Asia, according to Campaign Asia-Pacific’s Southeast Asia’s Top 50 Brands.

BUSINESS

Buhawind secures grid study for 2,000-MW wind project

By Alena Mae S. Flores

BUHAWIND Energy Northern Luzon Corp. (BENLC) on Tuesday announced it has secured facilities study approval from the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) for its 2,000-megawatt Northern Luzon Offshore Wind Power Project.

Yuchengco-led PetroGreen Energy Corp. (PGEC), the renewable energy holding firm of publicly listed PetroEnergy Resources Corp., formed BENLC with Danish renewable energy firm Copenhagen Energy.

Visayas grid placed on yellow alert amid plant outages

THE National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) declared a yellow alert for the Visayas grid from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday due to thin power reserves.

A yellow alert is issued when the operating margin is insufficient to meet the transmission grid’s contingency requirements.

NGCP said the Visayas’ available capacity was 2,528 megawatts as of 1:30 p.m., compared to a peak demand of 2,475 MW.

The corporation noted that 11 plants have been on forced outage from April to August, with six other power plants out since 2023. Additionally, six power plants are running on derated capacities, making a total of 733.5 MW unavailable to the grid.

Among the factors that contributed to the yellow alert were an 88 MW increase in forecasted demand and a 30 MW decrease in power imported from Mindanao due to an additional plant outage.

The Luzon and Mindanao grids, however, remained under normal conditions.

NGCP also raised yellow alerts for the Visayas grid on August 1 and August 4 due to low reserve levels.

The company said it continues to improve its grid response capabilities by conducting annual blackout drills, which align the contingency response of every player in the energy sector, particularly generation plants.

NGCP operates the country’s power transmission highway and serves as the grid system operator.

Alena Mae S. Flores

PGEC vice president for technical operations Paul Elmer Morala thanked NGCP for the approval of the study, which was filed in June following NGCP’s approval of the amended system impact study in April 2025.

“NGCP’s meticulous study and evaluation of the grid connection requirements put BENLC in a stronger position to design and deliver power infrastructure that not only meets the highest technical standards but also contributes meaningfully to the Department of Energy’s agenda,” Morala said.

The facilities study, approved on July 24, outlines the technical requirements for integrating the project into the national grid, including specifications for substation components and control systems.

The Northern Luzon Offshore

Wind Power Project, which involves installing 15 MW to 20 MW wind turbines off the coast of Burgos, Bangui, and Pagudpud, is expected to be operational by 2028 to 2030. The project is one of the most advanced offshore wind developments in the Philippines and is projected to create an estimated 24,000 jobs during its construction and operational phases.

NGCP’s planned 500 kV Burgos Substation is the designated connection point for the project, and its completion is a key prerequisite for the project’s energization.

per hectare climbed to 38-year high, says PSA

was also the top producer in the second quarter, accounting for 25.1 percent of the total with 1.10 million tons. Cagayan Valley followed with 964,370 tons (22.0 percent), and Bicol Region with 354,540 tons (8.1 percent). These three regions collectively produced 55.2 percent of the country’s total.

The area harvested for palay also increased by 9.2 percent to 970,000 hectares from 890,000 hectares a year earlier. Cagayan Valley led with 187,360 hectares (19.3 percent), followed by Central Luzon with 180,830 hectares (18.6 percent) and Bicol Region with 92,160 hectares (9.5 percent).

OFWs now qualify for socialized housing under expanded 4PH program

OVERSEAS Filipino workers (OFWs) may now avail of socialized housing units under the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program regardless of their monthly income, subject to other requirements, according to the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).

DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling said this was among the salient features of a circular released by the Pag-IBIG Fund under its Expanded 4PH exclusive programs. The move is part of the administration’s way of honoring the sacrifices of

CLEARING OPERATIONS. Clearing operations have begun in 11 identified areas that caused flooding in North Luzon Expressway, following a meeting between the Department of Transportation, Toll Regulatory Board, NLEX Corporation, Valenzuela and Meycauayan LGUs and Department of Public Works and Highways last Saturday. This is in response to the President’s directive for government agencies to work together to prevent flooding during the rainy season.

Siargao Airport expands terminal

CONSTRUCTION of an expanded passenger terminal building at Siargao Airport is set to begin Friday, following an order from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to improve travel and ensure comfort and safety for tourists, according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon said the project would ease congestion and provide a more comfortable experience for visitors to the popular tourist destination.

The current terminal can accommodate 200 passengers, and the new building will triple its capacity to 750 passengers daily.

The Siargao Airport project is part of a bundled unsolicited proposal for the modernization and expansion of Davao and Bicol Airports, submitted by the JG Summit and Filinvest Groups under a public-private partnership (PPP) deal.

OFWs, who are considered the country’s modern-day heroes, he said.

“This is in line with the order of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to expand 4PH so that more Filipinos, including our OFW heroes, can benefit,” Aliling said in a statement.

“This is a small thing compared to the sacrifices of working abroad, being away from family, and the contributions to the economy of our OFW heroes,” he said.

The new qualification for OFWs is among the key provisions of PagIBIG Fund Circular No. 473, signed by chief executive Marilene Acosta

on July 10, 2025. “OFWs shall be qualified to avail of the program, regardless of the decile classification,” the circular said, among other new guidelines in the implementation of the Expanded 4PH.

The qualification is still subject to other requirements, such as having an active Pag-IBIG Fund membership. Applicants should also be first-time homeowners, not more than 65 years old at the date of application, insurable and not more than 70 years old at loan maturity, among others.

As of 2023, there were an estimated 2.16 million OFWs around the world.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting

(ASM) of the aforementioned Corporation will be held virtually or via remote communication on 29 August 2025 at 2:00PM via Zoom webinar. Stockholders can register at https://bit.ly/ SoldivoFundsASM2025. Webinar password will be sent via email after registration.

The Agenda of the Meeting is as follows:

I. Call to Order

II. Certification of Notice and Quorum

III. Approval of the Minutes of the Annual Shareholders Meeting held on 08 August 2024

IV. Management Report

V. Presentation of the Audited Financial Statements as of 31 December 2024

VI. Ratification of the Corporate Acts of the Board of Directors since the last annual stockholders’ meeting

VII. Election of Directors for 2025 to 2026

VIII. Issuance of Units of Participation

IX. Appointment of External Auditor for 2025

X. Other Matters

XI. Adjournment

Only holders of issued stocks of record as at the close of business hours on 30 June 2025 and whose status as stockholders on that date has been satisfactorily established in accordance with the corporate records of the Stock and Transfer Agent and the Corporate Secretary of the Company, will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the scheduled stockholders’ meeting.

Stockholders who intend to participate in the meeting via remote communication and to exercise their vote in absentia must notify the Corporate Secretary by registering through the Company’s website for the 2025 annual meeting of the stockholders on or before 19 August 2025. All information submitted will be subject to verification and validation by the Corporate Secretary by 22 August 2025. Successful registrants will receive an e-mail with instructions on how to access an online web address which will allow them to join the meeting and cast votes in absentia or by proxy in favor of the Chairman of the meeting. The procedures for participating in the meeting through remote communication and for casting their votes in absentia are set forth in the Information Statement. The Definitive Information Statement including its exhibits are to be released to the shareholders via email on August 07, 2025, and will be available on the Company’s website. Makati City, Philippines, 03 July 2025. (Sgd.)

For non-OFWs, Filipino first-time homebuyers belonging to income deciles 7 and below are qualified to avail themselves of socialized housing units under the flagship program. These are families with a monthly income of no more than P47,000 for Metro Manila and P34,684 outside the capital. Under the latest guidelines, socialized vertical and horizontal housing enrolled in the Expanded 4PH will only be subject to a 3-percent interest rate for up to 10 years. This is almost half of the prevailing interest rate of 6.25 percent per annum.

Only holders of issued stocks of record as at the close of business hours on 30 June 2025 and whose status as stockholders on that date has been satisfactorily established in accordance with the corporate records of the Stock and Transfer Agent and the Corporate Secretary of the Company, will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the scheduled stockholders’ meeting. Stockholders who intend to participate in the meeting via remote communication and to exercise their vote in absentia

in absentia are set forth in the Information Statement. The Definitive Information Statement including its exhibits are to be released to the shareholders via email on August 07, 2025, and will be available on the Company’s website. Makati

Philippines, 03

ENERGY AUDIT. (From left) Miguel Apolinar of EEI Power Corp.; Oliver Chua, vice president of Plastic Container Packaging Corp.; and Jhonsen Sales of EEI Power show the certificate of completion of the energy audit for PCPC, one of the country’s top producers of plastic containers and PET bottles. This reflects both companies’ commitment to reducing energy costs and advancing sustainability in the manufacturing sector.

ACEN’s net income dropped 88% to P763m in first half

By Alena Mae S. Flores

to 3,228 gigawatt-hours (GWh),

“ACEN continues to face macro and sectoral headwinds in 2025, underscoring the challenges of energy transition. The company’s underlying health and long-term prospects remain robust, and we have been leveraging opportunities to increase contracted capacities and expand investments in energy storage,” said ACEN president and chief executive Eric Francia.

ACEN said first-half results reflect challenges in key markets, particularly in the Philippines and Australia. In the Philippines, lower year-onyear prices in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) coincided with the company’s increased net seller position.

by new contributions from international plants.

Gov’t raises P210b from retail bond sale

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Philippine government raised P210 billion through a new offering of its five-year retail treasury bonds (RTB31) aimed at small investors, the Bureau of the Treasury said Tuesday.

The initial auction on Tuesday received bids of P354.2 billion, nearly 12 times the initial offer of P30 billion, prompting the government to increase the awarded amount. The bonds carry a gross interest rate of 6.0-percent per annum, with quarterly payments until their matu-

Digitalization key to business growth,

says

By Othel V. Campos

Uy

CONVERGE ICT Solutions Inc. cofounder and chief executive Dennis Anthony Uy on Tuesday called for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors to drive digital transformation in the Philippines.

Uy, who is also the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) director for ICT and chairman of this year’s Philippine Business Conference and Expo (PBC&E), said businesses should adapt to new technologies to stay competitive.

He cited the need to address infrastructure gaps and align policies to support a nationwide digital shift.

“Digital transformation requires more than just ambition—it requires action, investment, and alignment from all stakeholders,” Uy said at the Sponsors Launchpad for the 51st PBC&E.

He said the PCCI is working with government agencies to develop the country’s national framework for artificial intelligence (AI) to help industries integrate the technology.

Uy’s comments come as the country expands its digital infrastructure, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent State of the Nation Address, which declared internet connectivity a national priority.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) announced at the launch that Phase 2 of the Philippine Digital Infrastructure Project is now underway.

The initiative will deploy 1,800 kilometers of new fiber optic cables in underserved areas, including Cagayan Valley, CALABARZON, Bicol, Eastern Visayas, and Mindanao. The project is expected to be completed by 2028.

“With the digital infrastructure we are building, the Philippines can emerge as a leader in cloud computing and connectivity in Southeast Asia, and generate digital-enabled jobs and attract more investments,” the DICT said.

The 51st PBC&E, organized by the PCCI, is scheduled for October 20 to 21 at the SMX Convention and Exhibition Center. The event is expected to gather global technology leaders, government policymakers, and business stakeholders to explore digital solutions and growth strategies.

rity in August 2030. The offer period will run from Aug. 5 to Aug. 15. The bonds are accessible with a minimum investment of P5,000. Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said the offering was part of the government’s commitment to make investment opportunities available to all Filipinos while contrib-

uting to national development.

To make the bonds more accessible, the government is offering them through over-the-counter bank transactions, online banking, and the GCash-based GBonds platform, which allows investments as low as

PUREGOLD Price Club Inc. said it continues to expand its presence in Mindanao with the opening of its first store in Zamboanga del Norte, a province that has seen consistent economic growth, particularly in the food and services sectors.

The supermarket chain inaugurated its store in the town of Sindangan on July 26. The move aims to support micro, small, and medium-sized entrepreneurs (MSMEs), such as local sari-sari stores and food stalls.

“We are proud to mark our presence in Zamboanga del Norte, where we see tremendous potential for growth,”

Puregold Price Club president Ferdinand Vincent Co said in a statement.

“More than becoming another retail player in the area, our brand has the unique opportunity to play a key role in accelerating the development of its MSME sector,” he said.

The new branch also introduces the Tindahan ni Aling Puring program, a loyalty and membership program offering free training, seminars, and access to financial institutions and competitively priced goods for MSMEs.

“We believe that when small businesses thrive, the entire community benefits,” Co said.

“This is our vision for Sindangan and all other new locations where we will open our doors this year,” he said.

The Zamboanga del Norte branch is the company’s 17th new store this year. Puregold plans to open eight more outlets in Northern and Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The company currently operates more than 500 branches nationwide.

Puregold allocated P1.9 billion for store expansions this year. Its net income rose 6.5 percent to P2.64 billion in the first quarter of 2025.

P500 without a bank account. Recto said the government would use the funds to support public priority programs and projects. He emphasized that every peso invested is part of the Philippines’ growth

ry,

The

DOT chief pushes direct flights, tourism agreements with India

DEPARTMENT

travel and forging tourism agreements during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s state visit to India.

As part of the president’s trade and investment mission, Frasco will meet with Indian counterparts to push for direct flights and strengthen tourism cooperation. These efforts are aligned with the government’s goal of boosting economic and people-to-people ties with India.

The top items on her agenda include negotiations with executives from Air India, the country’s flagship airline, and IndiGo, its largest budget carrier.

The meetings will focus on establishing direct routes between India and the

Philippines to make travel more accessible for Indian tourists and to facilitate business and leisure mobility. Frasco is also scheduled to hold bilateral talks with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) to explore formal cooperation agreements and joint promotion strategies. These initiatives aim to position the Philippines as a key destination for Indian travelers. More meetings are planned with stakeholders from India’s tourism, hospitality, and travel sectors to promote the Philippines as a film, leisure and cultural destination. She will also engage with the National Film Development Corporation Limited (NFDC) to explore partnerships in film tourism and content collaborations. Othel V. Campos

ACCOUNT OPENING. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) calls for wider use of the National ID in opening of financial accounts during the ‘National ID Forum’ on July 18, 2025 at its head office in Manila. Leading the event are BSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr. (fifth from right), with (from left) Deputy Governors Zeno Ronald Abenoja, Bernadette RomuloPuyat and Mamerto Tangonan; assistant secretary Kristine Joy Diaz-Teston from the Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Economic and Investment Affairs; deputy national statistician Rosalinda Bautista; Monetary Board members Rosalia de Leon and Jose Querubin; and BSP assistant governors Redentor Bancod and Arifa Ala.

BANKING AWARDS. Security Bank wins 10 awards at the Asian Banking & Finance Awards in Singapore on July 3, 2025. Shown are Security Bank executive vice president and business banking segment head John David Yap and senior vice president and retail channels head Myla Untalan, along with contributing editor of Asian Banking & Finance Magazine Nick Atkinson.

Puregold Price Club Inc. inaugurates its store in the town of Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte, on July 26. The new branch also introduces the Tindahan ni Aling Puring program, a loyalty and membership program offering free training, seminars, and access to financial institutions and competitively priced goods for MSMEs.

TPB champions tourism recovery, community resilience in Catanduanes

Piso para sa Kabataan: Cabalen Group @39

IN celebration of its 39th Anniversary, The Cabalen Group proudly launches a meaningful Corporate Social Responsibility campaign under its foundation, Cabalen Para Sa Kabataan Foundation, Inc., anchored on the theme “Sarap ng Salu-Salo.”

By Lyschelle Joy Armijo & Gianne Salamatin

WHEN we think of Makati, we often imagine towering condominiums, upscale lifestyle hubs, and a vibrant appreciation for art and culture. But right in the middle of this bustling city is a refreshing weekend escape—Salcedo Market.

Held every Saturday at Jaime C. Velasquez Park in Salcedo Village, this beloved open-air market has been a staple since 2004. Inspired by European village markets, it offers a cozy, community-driven atmosphere filled with white tents, handmade crafts, baskets of fresh produce, and the aroma of sizzling dishes. It was built through the efforts of both Filipinos and expats with a shared mission: to support local farmers, Small and Medium-size Enterprises (SMEs), and artisans while fostering a sense of connection. What makes Salcedo Market even more special is its diverse mix of people and cultures. You’ll see visitors from various nationalities—Indian, Spanish, German, Thai, Chinese, Korean— browsing through an equally eclectic array of offerings: Chicken Biryani, Moroccan tagines, Bicol Express, Ilocos empanada, freshly baked cookies, and more. It’s a flavorful showcase of global and local tastes. Two female visitors, each holding a small bouquet of fresh flowers bought from one of the stalls, paused to admire the surroundings. “We decided to spend our Saturday here after hearing so many good things about it,” they said with a smile. “There are so many different kinds of food and nice places to explore around Salcedo.” But Salcedo is more than just a food destination—it’s a lifestyle space. Market-goers flaunt their best OOTDs, snap photos under the trees, and move freely in a space that feels both social and laidback. For one regular, the appeal lies in the rare mix of leisure and inclusivity. “What makes this place stand out is how pet-friendly it is,” they shared, gently holding onto a leash. “I have a dog, and weekends are the only time I really get to spend with him since I work almost every day.” Others come for a more peaceful reason. One foreign visitor shared how the environment itself keeps them coming back. “Mostly, I enjoy the weather,” they said. “There’s a lot of trees for shade, and I really like to eat the food at the market stalls.”

As part of this milestone year, the group rolls out “PISO PARA SA KABATAAN”— an in-store donation drive that invites diners from Cabalen, Mangan Restaurant, Tsurumaru Udon x Tempura, Soi Thai Restaurant and Suki-Ya Eat All You Can Sukiya & Shabu-Shabu to share a simple one-peso donation with every visit.

The campaign aims to raise support for San Jose Elementary School in Caloocan City, where 749 students and 25 teachers continue to persevere despite limited resources. With 87% of the learners coming from low-income and underserved households, the initiative focuses on providing school supplies, hygiene kits, nutritious meals and a vibrant day of celebration for both students and teachers this coming August 2025.

“For nearly four decades, Cabalen has been a place where families come together, stories are shared and the richness of Filipino culture is celebrated with every meal. As we mark our 39th year, we hope to bring the spirit of salusalo beyond our restaurant walls. We want to serve hope, joy, and opportunity to communities who need it most,” said Maritel O. Nievera, Founder and President of The Cabalen Group.

Starting August 8, Piso Para sa Kabataan will transform spare change into a shared commitment—proving that even the smallest acts of giving can feed dreams, fuel learning, and foster a future full of promise.

THE Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines successfully conducted the TPB Members’ Inspection Tour with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Activity under the Destination Marketing Assistance for Tourism Recovery Program (DMATRP) from July 8-12, 2025 in the island province of Catanduanes.

This island province in the Bicol region is home to the proud and resilient Catandunganons. Once called “The Land of the Howling Winds” due to its location within the typhoon belt and the frequent setbacks it endured, Catanduanes now embraces its more fitting moniker after having tourists casually remarking the province as a “Happy Island”. The DMATRP aimed to foster community resilience, promote volunteerism, and support tourism recovery following Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, which struck the island province in 2024. TPB brought this program to Catanduanes to engage its members in meaningful, tourism-driven initiatives. This marks the second leg of DMATRP’s inspection tours with CSR, following its first leg in Batanes, held from May 19 to 23 earlier this year.

The five-day inspection tour provided 14 TPB members an opportunity to explore the communities and tourist attractions of Catanduanes. Upon their arrival in Virac, the delegates were warmly welcomed by Governor Hon. Patrick Azanza and Provincial Government Tourism Officer Carmel B. Garcia, followed by a courtesy visit to the Provincial Tourism Office and its museum.

The program’s CSR activities included a series of meaningful initiatives, including the ceremonial turnovers of donations such as school materials and an art therapy session for the students of Talisoy Elementary School; protective gear for the Agricultural Division of Virac’s Local Government Unit, which oversees sea turtle conservation; donation of tourism site signage; and uniforms for community tour guides. To further highlight environmental protection efforts, the CSR component included root crop planting at the community garden of Summit View Park, a “One Tourist One Tree” tree-planting activity at Binurong Point, and mangrove planting at Batalay Mangrove Ecopark. Turnover of TPB Members’ donated school supplies to Talisoy Elementary School

“The TPB Membership Program has always been about building a stronger tourism community; and our members are as dedicated as us in this endeavor. This (DMATRP) program has become an avenue for tourism stakeholders to join our collaborative efforts towards resilient, sustainable tourism recovery,” said Marge San Jose, Chief of TPB Domestic Promotions’ Industry Relations and Services Division.

In between CSR activities, the tour brought members to Tuwad Tuwadan Lagoon, Cagnipa Rolling Hills, Puraran Beach, Bato Church, and Maribina Falls. The itinerary also featured islandhopping adventures to Patag Islet, Poseidon’s Rock, and Turtle Island, along with a demonstration of the making of latik, Catanduanes’ iconic rice cake delicacy. TPB members engaged with the local tourism sector in the Networking Dinner, where the delegation met with 21 Catandunganon private sector stakeholders to explore business opportunities in support of the province’s recovery efforts. Assistant Department of Tourism

THE Ateneo de Manila University’s Business Insights Laboratory for Development (BUILD) is looking at ways for artificial intelligence (AI) to augment and enhance—rather than replace—human labor in small businesses, which make up the bulk of the Philippine economy. The Ateneo de Manila University’s Student Enterprise Center houses a variety of student-led food stalls, an ideal test bed for AI-assisted tools aimed at empowering small businesses. PHOTO: Ccai Llamas / The Guidon BUILD researchers Zachary Matthew Alabastro, Joseph Benjamin Ilagan, Lois Abigail To, and Jose Ramon Ilagan pay particular attention to a very ubiquitous tool of everyday business: the humble pen-and-paper logbook. Low cost, simple, and reliable, this analog solution is indispensable for keeping track of the multitude of small items that change hands throughout the day in small businesses, from shopping center food stalls to neighborhood “sari-sari” or convenience stores.

A handwritten ledger can be counted on for record-keeping even in the bustling and oftentimes hectic environment of a kitchen or backroom, where an electronic tablet might be too cumbersome or fragile to use. But despite their

dependable simplicity, handwritten logs can be painstaking to tabulate and make sense of—especially when one is trying to glean insights into how to better run a business. Meanwhile, AI lends itself perfectly to business data analysis: it makes short work of identifying which products are performing well or poorly; tracking sales trends over time; and offering recommendations on inventory, pricing, and restocking.

Understandably, however, many small business owners and workers hesitate to digitize out of concern over steep learning curves and job redundancy. But the Ateneo researchers propose a “copilot” model, in which AI complements and supports human effort. Their study, presented at the recent Artificial Intelligence in Human-Computer Interaction Conference 2025 in Sweden, explores how optical character recognition (OCR) and large language model (LLM) technology can turn handwritten sales

Catanduanes Governor Hon. Patrick Azanza and Provincial Tourism Officer Carmel B. Garcia warmly welcomed the delegation upon arrival in Virac

Turnover of TPB Members’ donated school supplies to Talisoy Elementary School

TPB members networking with local private sector stakeholders of Catanduanes

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2025

SHOWBIZ

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

THEY’VE been in our living rooms for decades, telling stories, breaking news, making us laugh, cry, and sometimes dance along to a catchy jingle. Now, on its 75th anniversary, GMA Network is pausing to say two simple but powerful words to its viewers: Maraming salamat.

In a newly released station ID titled Forever One with the Filipino , the Kapuso network celebrates a legacy built on connection—with its viewers, its talents, and the stories that shaped generations. The tribute opens with a powerful thank you. Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera, Alden Richards, Jessica Soho, Michael V., Mel Tiangco, Heart Evangelista, Dennis Trillo, and Jennylyn Mercado appear onscreen to say: “ Kapuso, maraming salamat sa inyong pagmamahal, sa inyong walang sawang pagsuporta, sa pagtitiwalang patuloy n’yong ibinibigay, sa inyong matatamis na ngiti, sa mahigpit n’yong yakap na damang-dama naming lahat, at sa inyong pagtanggap sa amin sa inyong puso at tahanan .” From its early years as a radio station to becoming one

of the country’s top media institutions, GMA has remained close to home for many Filipino families. The anniversary station ID highlights that enduring

By Angelica Villanueva

K-POP sensation BTS is not involved in a

rumored Michael Jackson tribute album.

On Tuesday, Aug. 5, Big Hit Music, the group’s agency, denied speculation circulating among fan communities and social media platforms that BTS would be featured on a tribute album containing unreleased songs by the late pop icon.

“We would like to address the inaccuracies in the recent reports regarding BTS’s participation in the Michael Jackson tribute album,” the agency said in a statement.

Big Hit also denied claims that BTS had

recorded at Grouse Lodge studio in Ireland, a location mentioned in the online rumors.

The speculation stemmed from a post in a Michael Jackson fan community, which claimed that the group had already completed its recording for the project.

The agency added that it is taking steps to prevent the spread of misinformation.

“We sincerely thank the fans who always cherish and support BTS. We will do our best to support our artists’ activities going forward,” the statement continued.

As of writing, the Michael Jackson estate has not issued an official statement regarding the tribute album or its artist lineup.

closeness—no special effects needed, just familiar faces and a heartfelt message.

are

by

Forteza, David Licauco, Julie Anne San Jose, Rayver Cruz, Ruru Madrid, Bianca Umali, Sanya Lopez, Miguel Tanfelix, Gabbi Garcia, Jillian Ward, and Sofia Pablo

Also featured are wellknown names who’ve shaped local entertainment and media—Boy Abunda, AiAi delas Alas, and a long list of journalists from GMA Integrated News, including Vicky Morales, Emil Sumangil, Arnold Clavio, Howie Severino, Kara David, Pia Arcangel, Atom Araullo, Ivan Mayrina, Melo del Prado, and Orly Mercado

The music ties it all together. Isa Sa Puso ng

IRISH pop group Westlife is marking 25 years of music and memories by giving fans in the Philippines the chance to fly to London for their anniversary concert at the Royal Albert Hall this October—all expenses paid.

As part of the campaign, two lucky fans will be treated to round-trip flights, hotel accommodations, exclusive Westlife merchandise, and front-row seats to the band’s milestone performance at one of the world’s most iconic venues.

The band, which has long enjoyed massive popularity across Asia, shared, “Asia has always held a special place in our hearts. This is our way of saying thank you for the love you’ve

, performed by Julie

and fellow

singers, was arranged with the help of the Orchestra of the Filipino Youth Its lyrics—written by Brian James Camaya, Christine Autor, Samantha Toloza, and Rina L. Mercado capture the spirit of the celebration: one of unity, gratitude, and love for the Filipino audience. GMA’s 75th anniversary station ID feels more like a reunion than a production. It honors the past, celebrates the present, and continues the connection it has built with viewers across the country. The full video is available on GMA Network’s official YouTube channel and Facebook page.

see you in London.” Fans in Metro Manila have been some of the most loyal over the years, with thousands showing up for the group’s sold-out shows at the Araneta Coliseum during their Wild Dreams Tour in February 2023. Their backto-back performances drew crowds that sang along to every word—a reminder of how deep Westlife’s roots run in the Filipino music scene. From airwaves to karaoke nights, the band’s music has become part of everyday

Celebrity couple Jennylyn Mercado (left) and Dennis Trillo are present in GMA’s anniversary tribute

Alden Richards celebrate GMA Network’s 75 years on air

icon Heart Evangelista is featured in GMA’s 75th year celebration station ID

Celebrity Collab’ alumni Shuvee Etrata flashes a heart sign in GMA new station ID

From left: Kapuso actors Derrick Monasterio, Miguel Tanfelix, Allen Ansay, and Anton Vinzon appear in barong-inspired looks for GMA’s anniversary campaign

Barbie Forteza (right) and David Licauco join GMA’s thanksgiving campaign Marian Rivera (left) and Dingdong Dantes lead GMA’s 75th anniversary tribute

Joining the tribute

rising Sparkle stars led

Barbie

Pilipino

Anne San Jose

Kapuso

Kapuso executives, artists, and journalists gather to thank Filipino viewers and mark GMA Network’s 75th anniversary

LIFE & SHOWBIZ

Expressionist turns heartbreak into healing in solo show

WHEN abstract expressionist

Coeli Manese picked up the

paintbrush for her The Light That Never Goes Out exhibit for Conrad Manila’s Of Art and Wine, it was not ambition that drove her—it was survival. She was reeling from heartbreak and searching for a reason to keep moving forward.

Art, cliché as it may sound, truly saves Manese. Maybe not in the romanticized way this idea is often portrayed, but in the raw way that survival sometimes demands. While nursing her heart, she found herself searching for something that could anchor her.

When words failed and prayer felt distant, she turned to paint. While mixing colors, layering strokes, and building textures, she began putting herself back together. For Manese, every brushstroke was a prayer when she couldn’t pray. Each canvas became a mirror of her soul— fractured at first, but gradually healing. Every finished work was proof that she was still here, still creating, still feeling, still moving forward.

In her ongoing show at Conrad Manila’s Gallery C, Manese explores the transformative power of divine love, peace, and resilience. Her works draw inspiration from biblical stories and reflect the

teachings through symbolic colors from a nuanced palette.

“The artworks in this collection are a deeply personal reflection of my journey through faith, resilience, and creative awakening,” said Manese.

She added, “Each piece is born from moments of quiet introspection, guided by the enduring presence of divine love and light. Through symbolic colors and layered textures, I hope to evoke a sense of peace and spiritual connection. [I hope] this collection illuminates your own path and stirs within you the same hope and wonder that inspired its creation.”

This solo exhibition focuses on three themes: Eternal Light, symbolizing an enduring presence beyond what is visible; Inner Illumination, reflecting the quiet force of insight and personal transformation; and Resilient Hope portraying faith’s quiet triumph over adversity. Her nuanced use of mixed media and color deepens this narrative, with each hue carrying emotional and symbolic resonance. Through this palette, her works become more than visual expressions—they are contemplative spaces for grace, reflection, and renewal.

Take, for instance, Payne’s Grey, which stands for wisdom and growth; turquoise for healing and renewal; and burnt sienna for humility and devotion.

In the triptych Set a Fire, the neutral tones of grey and white call for introspection, inviting the audience to mute the noise and clear their minds. In Matchless, a series of three paintings, the artist infuses a tinge of Burnt Sienna to signify devotion and divinity.

Manese has been experimenting with combining acrylic and gouache to create a variety of textures on the canvas. “Instead of applying colors straight from the tube, I mix my paints with Golden mediums to achieve different consistencies—some thin and fluid, others thick and layered. It allows me to express a range of emotions and energy in a single piece.”

She describes her artistic style as Earthwhisper, a term she coined to capture the quiet, intuitive dialogue with nature, rendered through fluid movement and soft, grounded tones. For Manese, this art style is a way of seeing the world not just as it is, but as it feels.

“ Earthwhisper reflects a deep connection to the natural world, approached with subtlety and sensitivity. The word ‘whisper’

ARTIST Richard Arimado presents a new collection of paintings that highlight scenes of rural and communal life in his solo exhibition Chronicles, on view at Galerie Joaquin Rockwell.

Known for his stylized, rounded figures and vibrant color palette, Arimado’s work draws from familiar aspects of Filipino daily life. The exhibit features aerial-view compositions that depict townscapes and market scenes, where vendors, commuters, and bystanders appear as part of a unified visual plane.

Arimado’s paintings blur the lines between folk art and social narrative, using exaggerated forms and compressed spatial perspectives to underscore shared memory, identity, and place. His signature approach elevates ordinary moments—such as walking, waiting, or trading— into what he describes as visual archives of cultural continuity.

“Chronicles” is less about documenting reality and more about affirming the value of daily rituals and local traditions. Through carefully choreographed vignettes viewed from above, Arimado offers a portrait of imagined communities rooted in nostalgia and connection. The exhibition is on view until Aug. 17 at Galerie Joaquin Rockwell, R3 Level, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Center, Makati. For inquiries, contact +63915-4145502 or galeriejoaquin@gmail.com.

Rodin’s ‘Thinker’ replica buried in plastic to highlight UN pollution talks

speaks to the gentle, restrained quality of my work—how the paints flow, the layers breathe, and the tones speak without shouting. It’s about capturing the quiet beauty of the everyday—the overlooked, the fleeting, the simple,” she explained.

Manese began her painting career in 2018, developing a unique abstract expressionist style, primarily rendered in oil, acrylic paint, and mixed media. She incorporates subjects of reflection and spirituality, grounding these grand ideas in kinetic and tantalizing visual forms marked by technical expertise.

In 2019, she earned a Certificate in Curating and a Certificate in Arts Marketing from Sotheby’s Institute of Art in London. In 2020, she obtained two more certificates: one in In the Studio: Post-War Abstract Painting and another in Modern Art & Ideas from the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Since then, Manese has had three solo exhibits and various group exhibitions in the country.

Despite her achievements, Manese remains grounded. “I’m grateful for the gifts and talents God has given me. I’m committed to using them to bring glory to His name. As an artist, I strive to create works that reflect His beauty, creativity, and love, inspiring others to seek Him and experience His joy.”

Presented in collaboration with Space Alt, the exhibit runs until September 13, 2025. It is part of the Of Art and Wine series of Conrad Manila.

“Coeli’s abstract works align beautifully with Conrad Manila’s design philosophy—bold, intuitive, and layered with meaning. Her ability to translate inner emotion into visual form invites thoughtful connection, something we believe our guests deeply value,” shared Conrad Manila general manager Fabio Berto

Through The Light That Never Goes Out, we continue our mission to showcase contemporary Filipino talent in a setting that inspires both introspection and conversation,” the hotel executive added.

SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation president Elizabeth Sy led the opening, alongside SMHCC executive vice president Peggy Angeles guest of honor Brigido Simon Jr., and Conrad director of operations Lucky Ou

A REPLICA of Auguste Rodin’s famous sculpture The Thinker outside the United Nations headquarters was being slowly submerged in plastic rubbish Monday as countries gathered in a bid to finalize a global treaty on plastic pollution.

The sculpture will gradually disappear under layer upon layer of bottles, toys, fishing nets, and other garbage during the 10 days of talks starting Tuesday, aimed at sealing the first international accord to tackle plastic pollution. Six meters (20 feet) tall, the artwork, entitled The Thinker’s Burden, is being constructed by Canadian artist and activist Benjamin Von Wong

He hopes it will strike a chord with diplomats from the UN’s 193 member states and make them think about “the health impacts of plastic pollution: not just on our generation, but on all future generations,” Von Wong told AFP

Sitting on a representation of Mother Earth, this Thinker holds crushed plastic bottles in one hand and looks down at a baby held in the other.

“Over the course of the next 10 days, we’re going to be slowly adding more and more plastic to this art installation to show the growing cost that is being passed on to future generations,” Von Wong said.

“If you want to protect health, then we need to think about the toxic chemicals that are entering our environment,” he said. “We need to think about limits on plastic production. We need to think about a strong, ambitious plastics treaty.”

Well over 400 million tons of plastic are produced globally each year, half of which is for single-use items. While 15 percent of plastic waste is collected for recycling, only nine percent is actually recycled.

Nearly half—46 percent—ends up dumped in landfills, while 17 percent is incinerated, and 22 percent is mismanaged and becomes litter.

In 2022, countries agreed to find a way to address the crisis by the end of 2024, but a fifth round of talks in December last year in Busan, South Korea, failed to overcome fundamental differences.

Plastics break down into bits so small that they not only find their way throughout the ecosystem, but also into human blood and organs, recent studies show—though the consequences remain largely unknown. AFP

Benjamin Von Wong’s installation ‘The Thinker’s Burden’ has crushed plastic bottles in one hand

One of Manese’s two-piece ‘This Too Shall Last’ painting

Richard Arimado’s solo exhibition, ‘Chronicles,’ showcases rural and communal life scenes at Galerie Joaquin Rockwell

Arimado’s exhibit features aerialview compositions of Filipino townscapes and market scenes, depicting vendors, commuters, and bystanders

His paintings blend folk art and social narrative, using exaggerated forms to depict shared memory and cultural continuity

Capturing the heartbeat of Filipino community in vivid colors

Glazing Life

Glaiza Lee

‘Of Art and Wine’ featured artist, abstract expressionist Coeli Manese

Manese’s artpieces, ‘Limitless’ (left) and ’All Powerful’

WEDNESDAY,

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

Art exhibit explores Filipino identity and civic engagement

THE Rotary Club of Makati launched Ugnay, a fundraising art exhibit that explores Filipino identity through memory, abstraction, and civic engagement.

Held at The Peninsula Manila throughout July, the show featured installations across the Upper Lobby, Escolta Corridor, Rubio Art Studio, and a one-day display at the Rigodon Ballroom Foyer.

Renowned painter Dominic Rubio headlined the exhibit with his signature depictions of elongated figures in colonialera attire, often set in romanticized versions of Old Manila or the countryside.

A native of Paete, Laguna, Rubio studied Commercial Arts at the University of Santo Tomas and has shown work at Sotheby’s and Christie’s. Among his major commissions is the Great Promenade of Philippine-American Friendship mural at the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C.

“Dominic’s work captures the essence of Filipino culture,” said art patron Rosita Lara Lumagui, managing director of Worldwide Resource Solutions Philippines.

Also featured were contemporary artists Aaron Virata Mempin, Jean Uy Yam, and Anton Cabrera Mempin, who signs his work as “A,” exhibited minimalist geometric abstractions influenced by coastal landscapes. Uy Yam, a lawyer and mother of two, presented vibrant pieces combining realism and abstraction, while Cabrera showed textured works in subdued tones.

“Each artist brings a unique perspective,” Lumagui said.

“Together, they create a balanced and compelling dialogue.”

Mempin credited lawyer Howie Calleja for organizing the event and praised Rubio’s collaborative approach.

“Ugnay isn’t just about art—it’s about connection,” he said.

The event is the Rotary Club of Makati’s first major activity for the 2025–2026 term, with proceeds going to the club’s community service projects.

Gateway to the world from the Filipino plate

Primer Chong Ardivilla

FILIPINO cuisine is having its moment—a moment that now spans a couple of decades—wherein foreigners, particularly white people, are crowing about the curious tastes of our food.

The Filipino diaspora has fueled the global reach of our cuisine, which is now being showcased in numerous TikTok videos featuring different nationalities as they leverage Filipino content to increase their views, driven by our people’s deep-seated insecurity about our own culture.

Published by Anvil, Kulinarya is a definitive book of our culinary expressions. It was initially released at a time when the current Western adoration of Filipino cuisine was but a dream.

Kulinarya has provided an elevated sense of presence through the beautiful photography by Neal Oshima and the book design by Ige Ramos (for the first volume), curating our food into more palatable imagery for a global

Among the guests at the July 9 opening were Lumagui, COMELEC Commissioner Ferdinand Maceda Jr., Rotary Club of Makati president Eduardo Galvez, Supreme Court Justice Midas Marquez, Rotary District 3830 governor Reginald Alberto Nolido, past district governor Maria Concepcion Camacho, and Malaysian Ambassador Abdul Malik Castelino Inquiries may be directed to The Peninsula Manila concierge or rcm3830@gmail.com.

in, in terms of gastronomical relevance, in a world still craving Western approval. There is little information available about the life of Jose Honorato Lozano, who was reportedly born in Tondo, Manila, in the early 1800s. His works became de rigueur among the rising native and mestizo middle class, as well as among those who ran foreign businesses in Manila at the time when the colonial city was opened to global interests. This occurred after 1810, when Spain lost Mexico to independence and the shift from Bourbon rule in Spain took place. This opened Manila to globalization at that time. That is an essential note because it made Manila an even more exciting point of contact for different regions across the planet. It also enabled non-Spanish people in the Philippines to attain wealth and give rise to what eventually became the ilustrado class, such as the families of Jose Rizal and Juan Luna . The artist came before the ilustrados , but he is a precursor of what is to come: that is, a local or native who gained the capacity to depict his people’s own stories and images.

audience. Much is written about the participation of notable Filipino chefs in this endeavor.

In one of the illustrations, done in watercolor on paper, is the very Filipino hapagkainan , where there is a sense of community cohesion in the joy of eating. Even though the image is from the mid1800s, with its colorful traditional attire, it resonates with the present day, where food truly binds us Filipinos.

However, in the book Kulinarya , there are artworks created by Honorato Lozano the mid-1800s that demand our attention. These images, although scant on a page inside the book, serve as a gateway to understanding how the notions of “Filipino” and “cuisine” evolved into what we currently take pride

‘Intramuros Evenings’ returns with play on history, identity, change

THE Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the Intramuros Administration (IA) have brought back Intramuros Evenings with a new theatrical production, Ganito Na Kami Noon, Paano Na Ngayon?

The play, which opened on July 19 at the Centro de Turismo in Intramuros, Manila, is part of CCP’s Out-of-The-Box Series. It is written by Jose Victor Torres and directed by CCP artistic director Dennis Marasigan Set in the 1950s, it follows Kulas, an aging farmer suspected of leading the Huk, as he confronts questions of identity, memory, and change. Inspired by the works of National

Jose Honorato Lozano, I argue, painted the nascent images of a “Filipino identity” at a time when “Filipino” was not yet ours but rather belonged to the Spaniards born in the archipelago. The image is a precursor to what Filipinos will be in the ordinariness of acting, simply eating, and basking in the senses brought about by the tapestry of cuisines from a time when Manila was open to the world.

You may reach Chong Ardivilla at kartunistatonto@gmail.com or chonggo.bsky.social

Artists Alejandro Roces (We the Filipinos Are Mild Drinkers), F. Sionil Jose (Po-on), and Eddie Romero (Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon?), the piece features performances by the Tanghalang Pilipino Actors Company, including Arjhay Babon, Jonathan Tadioan, Marco Viaña, Mark Lorenz, Sarah Monay, Lhorvie NuevoTadioan, Anya Evangelista, and Rey Correjado Design and production credits include Ohm David for set design, Meliton Roxas Jr. for lighting, TJ Ramos for sound, Winter David for video graphics, Daniel Gregorio for costumes, and Rommel Serrano for styling. Marasigan said the production

is a fitting start to the revival of Intramuros Evenings as it looks back at history to shed light on the present. The partnership coincides with the IA’s 46th anniversary and aims to further its mission of preserving and promoting the heritage of the Walled City. The event also strengthens the longstanding collaboration between IA and CCP, which has presented cultural programs in Intramuros since the first Intramuros Evenings in 1996. The show is free and open to the public, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. For updates, the public may visit the

Rubio’s paintings and collaborations with other artists

Artist Domimic Rubio’s painting of a woman and a man each riding a bicycle with a boy and a girl

‘Ganito Na Kami Noon, Paano Na Ngayon?’ follows the story of Kulas, an aging farmer suspected of leading the Huk, grapples with identity, memory, and change

CCP and the Intramuros Administration (IA) have reintroduced Intramuros Evenings with a novel theatrical production, titled ’Ganito Na Kami Noon, Paano Na Ngayon?’

‘Kulinarya’ is a book that documents the culinary expressions of the Philippines

A popular Filipino street food, isaw is made from barbecued pig or chicken intestines