Manila Standard - 2025 August 25 - Monday

By Rex Espiritu

Kennon Road project ‘useless’

By Vince Lopez and Dexter See

PRESIDENT

Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. yesterday branded as “useless” a P264 millionworth rock shed meant to protect motorists traversing Kennon Road from falling rocks, saying that those responsible for its sloppy construction deserve to be charged with economic sabotage.

During an on-site inspection, the chief executive noted how the struc ture was easily destroyed by the re cent series of typhoons coupled with the enhanced southwest monsoon, ex posing design flaws and substandard materials used in its construction.

As a result, portions of the broken structure mixed with eroded soil end ed up blocking the road going in and out of Benguet.

Mr. Marcos told reporters at the scene how the blocked road has led to the closure of local businesses.

"Because of this (pointing at the rock shed), because it closed, 35% of livelihoods were lost immediately because of it," he stressed.

The President noted that the damage goes beyond the

By Rex Espiritu

‘‘Konektadong Pinoy’’ bill has

into law, ushering in a major policy reform intended to expand internet access and boost competition among service providers nationwide. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro announced the development in a text

message to reporters on Sunday. The new law, unsigned but allowed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to lapse into law,

By Ram Superable

THE Department of Health (DOH) is coordinating with local governments and private hospitals as it expects government hospitals to reach full capacity with the nationwide implementation of the Zero Balance Billing system, also known as the “Bayad na Bill Mo” program. DOH spokesperson Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said yesterday

the department intends to tap health facilities of local governments and private hospitals to manage the anticipated surge of patients seeking treatment under the program. Domingo said the department is preparing agreements with private facilities to handle overflow cases as demand for free hospitalization increases. “But to be clear, you cannot choose a private hospital. The DOH assigns where you will be admitted," he concluded.

physical struc-

THE defense team of former President Rodrigo Duterte, through his lead counsel Nicholas Kaufman, has withdrawn its motion before the Appeals Chamber of

THE Moro Islamic Liberation Front missioning of MILF combatants. MILF Vice-Chairman Mohagher Iqbal said there has been a backlog in the compliance of the parties to the

The gridlock in the peace process is being traced to the "stalled absorption" of former combatants (or members of their families) into the Philippine National Police (PNP), he said.

In response, MILF chairman Al Hadj Murad Ebrahim issued a chairman’s memorandum last August 16 directing the MILF armed revolutionary forces

USELESS.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. checks out the eroded portion along Kennon road in Camp 6 during an inspection yesterday of road projects in Tuba, Benguet. He was accompanied by Baguio City

Mayor Benjamin Magalong. Baguio City Information Office

Navy inspects warship eyed for transfer to PH

By Rex Espiritu

THE Philippine Navy has inspected a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Abukuma-class destroyer escort being considered for transfer, according to Japanese media reports.

In July, the Navy confirmed the prospective transfer and said it was preparing for a Joint Visual Inspec-

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Human livelihoods have been severely damaged because the funds that were supposed to make infrastructure standard and reliable were siphoned off by corrupt people," he said.

"The most important part is gone, it has eroded, because the protection wall they built is very weak, very small," the President added.

Mr. Marcos was joined by City Mayor Benjamin Magalong in inspecting the extent of the damage.

The city mayor has recently been very vocal in criticizing the systemic corruption that has led to poorly-built government infrastructure projects.

MILF...

From A1 to decline all government invitations for them to participate in the fourth and final phase of the process.

The Memorandum Order No. 037 became effective on that date and follows the temporary suspension ordered by the Central Committee on July 19, 2025.

As this developed, lawyer Omar Yasser Crisostomo Sema, a member of the Bangsamoro Parliament representing the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), urged the MILF leadership and the Philippine government "to return to the peace table."

Sema said “there has already been a delay in the implementation of the Normalization Track of the Peace Process.”

‘Konektadong...

From A1 players to invest in broadband and data transmission facilities without securing a congressional franchise a requirement long criticized as ‘‘outdated’’ and unique to the Philippines.

The measure is expected to speed up the rollout of internet services to tens of thousands of underserved villages across the archipelago, particularly in remote communities and schools where connectivity remains scarce.

Some telecommunications companies, however, have expressed concern, saying the entry of new providers without a legislative franchise could put them at a disadvantage. They warned that competitors could use existing infrastructure without first obtaining cybersecurity clearance.

PLDT Inc., one of the country’s largest service providers, even hinted at

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"By law, all Filipinos are PhilHealth members. If you don’t have a record, you will be registered for free right at the hospital," he said. The program guarantees that

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on account of his former representation of [REDACTED],’’ Kaufman said in a document dated Aug. 15, 2025. ‘‘The Defense, for its part, will not impede the smooth running of proceedings by seeking the Prosecutor’s disqualification’’ the filing added. Kaufman had earlier raised con -

tion (JVI) of the ships following an official invitation from Japan’s Ministry of Defense.

"You can see it here, you can see it at the bottom of the tunnel, it has really eroded because the slope protection that was put here was very low and very weak, so when the water came in, the water weighed it down and it washed everything away," Mr. Marcos pointed out.

The President emphasized the need for prior consultation with local government units (LGUs) before project implementation.

He recalled his experience as governor, noting that project acceptance from the locality and LGU was once required to ensure the project's benefits.

"There must be acceptance from the locality and the LGU once the project is completed. Acceptance

He noted that more than 5,000 MILF former combatants or members of their families have passed the PNP eligibility set by the National Police Commission (Napolcom), but only about 300 of them, he said, were admitted to the PNP training because many have reportedly failed the neuro tests.

“In six years, 300 lang ang nakapasa (only some 300 have passed),” Sema said, adding that the neuro test requirement, as a rule, could also be relaxed like the educational attainment qualification under the Bangsamoro Organic Law (RA 11054).

RA 11065 reduces to college level the educational qualification for former guerrilla combatants for as long as they can complete in five years a college degree program after they have finished the physical training for entry into the PNP.

challenging the law in court, cautioning that the reform could create regulatory loopholes and encourage unfair market practices.

The law comes amid persistent complaints over the slow and costly internet in the Philippines, which continues to rank among the lowest in Southeast Asia in terms of affordability and reliability.

The Speedtest Global Index for July 2025 ranked the Philippines 70th out of 104 countries in mobile speed and 54th out of 153 nations in fixed broadband speed. Brunei placed 12th overall and No. 1 in Southeast Asia in mobile speed, while Singapore and Thailand ranked 1st and 10th, respectively, in fixed broadband speed.

Despite government efforts such as the Free Wi-Fi for All program and the creation of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), connectivity gaps remain a challenge for education, commerce, and governance.

patients admitted under basic accommodation in DOH hospitals will not pay for hospitalization, professional fees, medicines, or surgical procedures.

"There is no ceiling or cap. Even beyond PhilHealth’s package rates, the government shoulders the cost," he said.

cerns about Khan’s possible conflict of interest, alleging that the prosecutor once represented victims of Duterte’s anti-drug campaign when he was still a private lawyer. Khan, however, maintained that ‘‘no grounds exist’’ to justify his removal. ‘‘The Prosecutor notifies the Pre-Trial Chamber that the Prosecutor considers that there is no conflict of interest requiring him to seek to excuse himself from

NHK reported that Philippine officials visited the JMSDF’s Sasebo base in Nagasaki Prefecture to inspect the Jintsuu, one of the six Abukuma-class vessels.

The Abukuma-class ships measure 109 meters in length, displace about 2,000 tons, and are armed with antiship missiles. Japan plans to retire all vessels of the class as it transitions to more manpower-efficient warships.

"Sources say the Japanese side is

is very important as the people will say if the project will really benefit them," the chief executive said. Currently, there is no broad legal definition for economic sabotage. Specific acts of "economic sabotage" are penalized under the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act and the Anti-Agricultural Sabotage Act.

For her part, Tuba Mayor Clarita Sal-ongan emphasized that the rock shed had been useful in preventing greater damage inflicted by landslides to the main road.

She said that what is needed is for the Department of Public Works and Highways to extend the rock shed to cover a bigger portion of the landslide-prone area,

Sema said the process should continue to accommodate more former combatants into the reintegration process, “because many of them are getting older already and they suffer from a feeling of isolation.”

"The peace table has not yet been abandoned; magbalik sa pag uusap; magbalik sa table," Sema said.

Meanwhile, the Philippine government has already delivered the peace package to the first batch of decommissioned MILF guerrillas, including payments for firearms turned over by some 5,000 former MILF combatants, said the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, Reconciliation and Unity (OPPAPRU).

Decommissioning involves turnover of firearms to an Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB), which would be “rendered beyond use,” as described in the annexes, ac-

‘Unsung...

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also working to realize the plan. The move is seen as aimed at strengthening cooperation, with China in mind," the report said. Japan’s strict rules on defense equipment transfers generally prohibit the export of lethal weapons, but exceptions are allowed for joint development or production with partner nations. The Ministry of Defense said it is still reviewing whether the idea aligns with these principles.

but the project has suffered from inadequate funding.

Still, Sal-ongan seconded the statement of the President on the failure of concerned government agencies to consult with local governments on the priority projects that should be implemented within their areas of jurisdiction.

Meanwhile, Engr. Arnold Dacwag, chief of the Cordillera office of the Department of Public Works and Highways planning and design division, refused to comment on the President’s statement that the rock shed project was useless, but pointed out that the structure was designed to extend for 250 meters, but funds earmarked were only enough for 150 meters.

cords to the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed in Malacanang in 2014.

Along with the decommissioning procedures, documentation for erstwhile Moro combatants includes an application (via OPPAPRU) for certificates of live birth (CLB) and issuances of CLBs by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) for the legalization process.

This will enable the National Amnesty Commission to process them to be absolved by the state of rebellion under the Revised Penal Code.

According to the OPPAPRU, the normalization procedure has now shifted to the National Amnesty Commission for the legal process of absolving former combatants from penalties of rebellion so that the NAC can recommend them for total amnesty to the Office of the President. Nash B. Maulana and Rex Espiritu

With the theme “Isang Diwa, Isang Lahi, Isang Bayanihan,” President Marcos serves as lead guest of honor for the activity. Joining him are Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner, NHCP Chairman Regalado Trota Jose Jr., and Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano.

The program also features the launching of the new “Unsung Heroes” monument.

Republic Act No. 9492 designates the last Monday of August as National Heroes Day, honoring the sacrifices of Filipinos, who fought for independence and those who continue to serve the nation with dedication and valor.

In a statement, Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said the occasion is a reminder that heroism lives on beyond history books.

“Heroism is not only defined by the strong and valiant individuals enshrined in our history books. It is an ideal and legacy that is deeply embedded in the hearts and minds of each and every Filipino,” Galvez said.

He recognized the service of security forces, healthcare workers, educators, and peace advocates.

Galvez also underscored the government’s peacebuilding efforts, stressing that sustaining the gains of peace, freedom, and justice is a way of honoring the sacrifices of the nation’s forebears.

Teodoro, for his part, said the valor of the country’s heroes should remain alive in the nation’s consciousness.

“Defending our sovereignty is not only the duty of a few, but the responsibility of every Filipino,” Teodoro said in Tagalog. He also hailed overseas workers, teachers, fisherfolk, athletes, and health frontliners as among today’s modern heroes.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) also directed all local government units (LGUs) to display the Philippine flag in public spaces on August 25, 2025 in observance of National Heroes Day pursuant to Republic Act No. 9492 (Holiday Economics Law).

The DILG called on all Filipinos to keep the legacy of our heroes alive through service, solidarity, and love of country. With Vince Lopez

the situation in the Republic of the Philippines in accordance with rule 33,’’ he said. Kaufman noted that Khan promptly reached out to him after his appointment, assuring that he was aware of his duty to update the court should circumstances change. Meanwhile, Duterte’s defense team said it expects to spend about five hours to present arguments at the confirmation of charges hearing before the ICC in September.

Partylist urges use of PhilHealth’s ‘Gamot’ package

THE Bagong Henerasyon (BH) party-list is calling on all members of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. to take full advantage of the government’s newly launched Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment (Gamot) package that provides up to P20,000 worth of free medicines per year for every member.

BH Rep. Robert Nazal said the initiative is a major step forward in guaranteeing health care for every Filipino, and fulfills President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s promise in his State of the Nation Address.

“Every PhilHealth member is now entitled to P20,000 worth of medicines each year — not per family but per individual,” he said.

“We encourage all members to register, get their prescriptions from accredited doctors, and claim their medicines at accredited pharmacies, like Medical Depot. With this, no Filipino should be forced to skip treatment because of cost,” he added. The program, launched by PhilHealth in partnership with various private drugstore companies, with Medical Depot being the first, expands access to treatment by covering 75 types of medicines, up from 21 previously offered under the Konsultasyong Sulit Tama benefits package. It took effect on Aug. 21 under PhilHealth Circular No. 2025-0013.

The medicines included treatments for common illnesses and chronic conditions such as infections, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, heart disease, nervous system disorders, and other supportive therapies. Rio Arajo

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They warned that graft in projects meant to protect communities from natural calamities poses not only financial losses, but also a “direct and severe threat to national security.”

“When funds intended to protect our communities are siphoned off by greed, it directly endangers lives, destroys livelihoods, displaces families, and erodes the people’s trust in institutions meant to serve them,” the group said.

The AGFO lauded Marcos’ directive to investigate and prosecute those responsible for anomalies in flood control initiatives, calling it a “necessary and commendable step” to safeguard citizens.

The retired officers also urged the creation of an independent fact-finding body composed of both government officials and private citizens to conduct in-depth inquiries into corruption cases in said projects.

“We believe that a government free from corruption is the bedrock upon which a strong and resilient nation is built,” the group added.

AGFO President and Board Chairman retired Major Gen. Gerardo Layug assured that the organization remains a “dependable partner” of the Commander-in-Chief in advancing transparency, accountability, and integrity in public service.

The statement comes amid renewed scrutiny of big-ticket flood control projects across the country, which critics have long described as among the most corruption-prone sectors in government spending.

The lawyers stressed their client ‘‘did not commit any criminal offense’’ in his administrationâ’s war on drugs, during which at least 7,000 ‘‘drug personalities’’ were killed in police operations. In a three-page filing submitted to Pre-Trial Chamber 1 on Aug. 22, Kaufman outlined how the defense presentation would proceed. He said the team would allot 30 minutes each for its opening and closing statements.

President Marcos recently launched his ‘Sumbong sa Pangulo’ website, which encourages the general public to directly report questionable, substandard, and undelivered flood control projects in their respective areas.

He also visited key areas in Bulacan, where infrastructures aimed at protecting communities from heavy floods have supposedly been constructed but were not found, rendering them as nothing but ‘ghost projects.’

IN BRIEF

Van under alarm over intimidation

THE Land Transportation Office has placed under alarm a Toyota Hi-Ace van after its driver tried to intimidate a traffic enforcer by namedropping a Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) official in a confrontation in front of La Salle Green Hills, San Juan City last Aug. 8. LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II said an investigation is ongoing to identify the woman driver who berated an MMDA officer for stopping her from cutting the line of vehicles in front of the school.

“Once we establish her identity and confirm that she has a driver’s license, it will be subjected to a 90-day suspension. If she has none or her license is expired, the problem will be worse,” Mendoza said.

The LTO has already issued a show-cause order to the company that owns the van. Mendoza noted that the move is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to strictly enforce discipline among motorists. The vehicle’s owner has been instructed to appear at the LTO central office in Quezon City on Aug. 28 with the driver. The firm was also ordered to explain in writing why it should not be penalized for allowing a discourteous driver to operate its vehicle. The woman may face charges of traffic obstruction and being an improper person to drive. Rio N. Araja

‘Walang Plastikan’ in anti-plastic drive

THE Navotas City government on Saturday gathered residents, youth groups, and environmental advocates for “Walang Plastikan 2025,” a day-long event aimed at reducing single-use plastics. The program, held at the Navotas Convention Center, was organized with the EcoWaste Coalition and Smöl Productions.

The event featured advocacy booths and a concert with performers including Kiyo, Autotelic, Shortone, Space Moses, Sica, Supafly, Deny, Gat Putch, Much Love, Colt, and Omar Baliw. Mayor John Rey Tiangco reminded residents of the dangers of plastic waste to Navotas’ coastal ecosystem. “Walang Plastikan is not just a concert or fair—it is a challenge to all of us. It is hard to be plastic-free and zero-waste, but step by step, we can do it,” he said.

Tiangco highlighted ongoing initiatives such as the city’s 14 Juana Zero Waste Stores, which encourage residents to bring reusable containers for basic goods like vinegar, soy sauce, salt, and rice. The city also enforces a “No Plastic Friday” policy banning plastic bags in businesses every Friday.

LGUs back police with dip in crimes

CITIES and municipalities in Central Luzon continue to support the Police Regional Office (PRO) 3 in strengthening its operational capability, contributing to a steady drop in crime across the region.

Bocaue Mayor Jonjon Villanueva donated one mobile patrol vehicle and seven motorcycles on Saturday in support of the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) five-minute response time program. Other stakeholders have also turned over various equipment, including 31 motorcycles, 12 patrol vehicles, 112 radios, seven recording devices, three drones, and 46 GPS units. PRO-3 chief Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio Peñones Jr. said the donations enhance police mobility and communication, enabling officers to respond faster and more effectively. “These are not just equipment—they are symbols of trust and partnership,” he said.

Peñones reported a 16 percent drop in crime incidents in the region, with focus crimes from June 20 to Aug. 15 totaling 495 compared to 588 during the same period last year. He attributed the decrease to stronger police visibility, community engagement, and crime prevention strategies. Vince Lopez

DHSUD focuses on homebuyers’ safety

By Rio N. Araja

AFTER zeroing in on the backlog in its regulatory functions, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) is now strengthening efforts to better protect homebuyers as part of its mandate to safeguard all housing stakeholders.

Housing czar Jose Ramon Aliling directed Senior Undersecretary Sharon Faith Paquiz, head of the agency’s Zero Backlog Program, to implement measures to immediately address issues and concerns raised by homebuyers before DHSUD offices.

“Our homebuyers deserve peace of mind in acquiring real-estate properties. It is our duty, the DHSUD’s mandate, to ensure their protection,” Aliling said.

Since assuming office in May, Aliling has pursued an eight-point agenda aligned with

No Filipinos among New York bus crash deaths—DFA

By Katrina Manubay

THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) con-

firmed that no Filipinos were killed in the recent New York bus crash, as verified by New York State Police.

In a statement Sunday, the DFA said all passengers have been identified, their fami-

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas brand of efficient governance. Under the Zero Backlog Program, the agency has cut down 3,100 pending cases, dating back to 2020, to just 82 as of Aug. 22, which it expects to resolve in the coming days.

Aliling also transformed the Expanded 4PH program into a more people-centric initiative, introducing subdivision housing, rental schemes, and community mortgages. At least 42 private developers have committed over 250,000 housing units under the program. To protect buyers, DHSUD launched “DREAM Tips,” which guide the public on checking licenses, contracts, and project legitimacy before purchasing properties.

RISA AND LENI. Senator Risa Hontiveros and Naga Mayor Leni Robredo attend the provincial congress and workshop of the Association of Provincial Barangay Secretaries–Albay Chapter in Naga City, Camarines Sur on August 24, 2025. They also visit the grave of former Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo.

NUJP to media: Uphold ethical standards, rules

By Pot Chavez

THE National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) on Sunday called on media practitioners to adhere to ethical standards amid allegations of “pay for positive interviews.” In a statement, the group urged colleagues to revisit NUJP’s Ethical Guide for Filipino Journalists and for news managers to ensure fair compensation for staff and correspondents. It said that solicitation or acceptance of money, gifts, or favors in exchange for coverage undermines editorial independence.

lies notified, and no Filipinos were among the fatalities. It added that most passengers treated in hospitals have already been discharged, while those with serious injuries are expected to recover.

The DFA noted that no one has sought assistance from the Philippine Consulate so far. On Saturday, the Consulate General of the Philip-

BH

By Rio N. Araja

pines in New York posted its hotline for victims and families needing help: (917) 294-0196.

Reports said 54 people were on board the bus when it crashed, including Filipino, Indian, and Chinese nationals.

The DFA has not released details on the health status of Filipinos who may have been involved.

party-list

THE Bagong Henerasyon party-

list is calling on all members of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. to take full advantage of the government’s newly launched Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment (Gamot) package, which provides up to P20,000 worth of free medicines per year for every member.

BH Rep. Robert Nazal said the initiative is a major step forward in guaranteeing health care ac-

NUJP warned that such practices erode public trust and reinforce the notion that journalism can be bought. While noting that the allegations against veteran broadcasters Korina Sanchez and Julius Babao remain unproven, the group admitted that “paid content” persists in the industry, often driven by low wages. Journalism professor Danilo Arao of UP Diliman described NUJP’s call as a timely reminder. He stressed the need for media owners to improve pay and working conditions to create an environment that upholds ethical journalism.

Arao added that eliminating paid content requires strict organizational policies and compliance with internal guidelines. He said journalists must maintain the highest standards of professionalism despite financial challenges.

urges PhilHealth members to avail of free meds

cess for Filipinos. “Every PhilHealth member is now entitled to P20,000 worth of medicines each year—not per family but per individual,” he said.

The program, launched on Aug. 21 through PhilHealth Circular No. 2025-0013, covers 75 types of medicines, including those for infections, asthma, COPD, diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, heart disease, and nervous system disorders. It expands the previous Konsultasyong Sulit Tama package, which covered only 21 drugs.

PhilHealth partnered with private drugstores, with Medical Depot as the first accredited chain, to dispense the medicines. Members must register, secure prescriptions from accredited doctors, and claim medicines at accredited outlets.

Nazal said the program fulfills President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s promise in his State of the Nation Address. “Millions of Filipinos will finally have guaranteed access to essential medicines. This is a historic breakthrough,” he said.

A woman carrying a baby walks on lumber placed over sandbags to cross a damaged spillway in Brgy. Cristobal, Calamba City, Laguna on August 24, 2025. Norman Cruz

MONDAY, AUGUST 25, 2025

Hasten AFP modernization — Gibo

By Rex Espiritu

DEFENSE Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said the Philippines must hastily recalibrate its military modernization program to keep pace with rapidly evolving security challenges, stressing that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) cannot afford to work on long-term timelines.

IN BRIEF

Navy to reservists: Uphold discipline

THE Philippine Navy on Saturday reminded its reservists to maintain the highest standards of conduct and discipline, as it addressed reports linking actress and naval reservist Nadia Montenegro to an alleged drug incident at the Senate.

Navy spokesperson Capt. Marissa Martinez said all members of the reserve force are expected to carry themselves with integrity at all times, whether in uniform or in their civilian professions.

The statement came after Montenegro was mentioned in an incident report by the Senate Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms regarding an alleged drug-related odor inside the Senate premises.

Martinez clarified that the matter falls under the Senate’s jurisdiction as Montenegro’s civilian workplace. Rex Espiritu

Mayor Juris Sucro unveils Kalibo firsts

KALIBO Mayor Juris Bautista-Sucro has introduced a series of firsts in his town.

The initial phase of the Kalibo’s first overpass, which has a budget of P13 million, has been completed, he announced.

Last August 20, Sucro inaugurated the first elevator of the local government which coincided with the opening of the new Sanguniang Bayan office on the third floor at the Magsaysay Park here.

“We also inaugurated the beautification of the Gomburza shrine, a reopened rest and recreation area for Kalibo residents. We will be placing security personnel in the area to ensure peace and order. There are also closed-circuit television sets in the area,” Sucro said.

When Sucro became mayor of Kalibo in 2021, he launched the ‘Bagong Kalibo’ brand to symbolize his plans for the modernization and beautification of this town. Jun N. Aguirre

Army activates Scout Ranger Reserve Unit

THE Philippine Army has formally activated the Scout Ranger Regiment’s Standby Reserve amid emerging external threats in ceremonies led by Army chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete at the elite unit’s headquarters in Camp Pablo Tecson, San Miguel, Bulacan.

Nafarrete, himself a Scout Ranger, underscored the historic role of the elite unit and its enduring reputation for “spirit and stamina.”

During the ceremonies last Friday, he urged troops to adapt to modern security challenges “through innovation, intelligence, and unity.”

“In these changing dynamics of warfare, let us continue to adapt through innovation, through intelligence, and through the strength of our unity,” the Army Chief remarked. Rex Espiritu

zons. It’s too long and impracticable,” Teodoro said, citing the example of Ukraine, where armed forces are compelled to “retool and re-equip every three months because of artificial intelligence.”

He said the Philippines needs a more flexible and responsive approach to acquisitions, one that allows the AFP to buy and integrate new systems as threats evolve.

“There should not be any horizon. We need to acquire new systems when needed, and we need to have the wherewithal to build infrastructure to accommodate various systems, which is sadly lacking,” he added.

Teodoro also flagged the AFP’s man-

power limitations, noting that activeduty troops account for just 0.13 percent of the country’s population, or about 162,000 personnel. “It’s too small for the expanded area that we need with the tempo of operations and with the area we need to cover,” he said. He also urged a comprehensive study on the proper size of the armed forces and the repurposing of the reserve force to meet current and future security requirements. The 15-year AFP Modernization Program consists of three phases, known as Horizons. Horizon 1 took place from 2013 to 2017, while Horizon 2 ran from 2018 to 2022.

Horizon 3, however, which was set for 2023 to 2028, was overhauled to Re-Horizon 3, which was approved in January 2024, with a duration of 10 years. Horizon 1 resulted in the acquisition of Del Pilar-class frigates, FA-50 lightlift interim fighters, among others. Horizon 2 has been implemented since 2018 as the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte allotted P300 billion for the acquisition of multiple launch rocket systems, light tanks, armored recovery vehicles, multi-role fighter aircraft, frigates, among others. The present Re-Horizon 3 prioritizes achieving a self-reliant defense posture program, bringing in more sophisticated equipment such as fighter planes.

Speaker lauds reforms for overseas helpers

By Rio N. Araja

HOUSE Speaker Martin Romualdez on Sunday welcomed a set of reforms launched by the Department of Migrant Workers for overseas Filipino domestic helpers, hailing them as clear proof of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s commitment to protect their rights and dignity.

Romualdez commended the improved policies, noting that they will not only allow Filipino household service workers to better support their families, but also elevate the dignity of their work in the global labor force.

“Like other overseas Filipino workers

toiling in far-away lands, Filipino domestic workers perform work of equal value that deserves fair compensation. These reforms are not only to ensure that they can send more to their families back home, but to promote the dignity of work as members of the labor force,” he said.

The DMW cited the measures included raising the monthly minimum wage of Filipino domestic helpers from $400 to $500, which will take effect 60 days after the issuance of the appropriate directive and be reflected in all employment contracts processed by the DMW.

Additional safeguards announced by the DMW included annual DMW-funded medical check-ups for domestic work-

ers, a mandatory “know your employer” video call before contract signing, and a digital monitoring system dubbed “Kamusta Kabayan” to allow proactive welfare checks.

Stricter housing standards for recruitment agencies and an enhanced whitelisting policy will likewise be enforced to ensure only compliant and ethical agencies are allowed to deploy domestic helpers abroad.

“These measures reflect our government’s genuine compassion for our OFWs and will help ensure that they are treated in a just, humane, and dignified manner by their employers,” Romualdez said.

Tobacco Institute warns against smoking ‘tuklaw’

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Philippine Tobacco Institute (PTI) has warned the public against smoking of “Tuklaw” or “Thuoc Lao” , which has been found to contain prohibited drugs, as well as other illicit tobacco products that pose serious health and safety risks.

“These products are not compliant with government regulations or product quality standards, exposing adult consumers to dangerous substances,” Jericho Nograles, president of PTI, said. Illicit cigarettes are being sold for only P40 to P80 per pack, made possible be-

According to Nograles,

“The wide availability of cheap,

tobacco is not only depriving the

ment of much-needed revenue, it is also undermining public health by making cigarettes more accessible to the youth,”

Nograles said. Nograles also expressed appreciation to the government for its intensified antiillicit trade enforcement efforts.

“We thank our enforcement agencies for their aggressive actions against illicit trade, and we urge them to remain relentless in the pursuit of illicit cigarette and vape traders. Protecting the public from harmful, illegal products requires swift and coordinated action,” he said. Reports of suspicious tobacco products may be filed with the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Bureau of Customs, Philippine National Police, or the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency

De Lima backs creation of open budget server

By Rio N. Araja

MAMAMAYANG Liberal party-list

Rep. Leila de Lima on Sunday backed the call of civil society organizations urging the government to create an open budget transparency server in partnership with the media.

“We laud and fully support this call for an open budget transparency server to allow the public to monitor the developments in the National Budget. This is the people’s money so they should know what is happening, what services are planned to be used or transferred, especially to protect it and prevent it from ending up in the pockets of the greedy and abusive,” she said in a statement.

“Through this open budget transparency server, those with vested interests will think twice because many eyes are watching. Fund insertion and cuts that deprive the services and programs that really help the people will be avoided,” De Lima added.

During an Aug. 22 press briefing with the Social Watch Philippines, the People’s Budget Coalition said the open budget transparency server — to be modeled after the system of reporting election results — would track budget deletions and insertions in the national budget. In the 2026 National Budget analysis and briefing of the People’s Budget Coalition, one of the key messages the group raised about next year’s P6.793-trillion budget is the “major fiscal risks that can further drain the budget.” These risks include last-minute congressional insertions with minimal presidential vetoes, ballooning pension obligations, national tax allotment to local government units, advances to government corporations, and weak human capital investment.

In a press briefing on Saturday, Teodoro said the Department of National Defense (DND) will pursue a transfor-

mation initiative this year, including a review of the AFP’s modernization goals. “We cannot work with 15-year hori-

STANDBY RESERVE. The Philippine Army formally activated on Friday, August 23, the Scout Ranger Regiment (Standby Reserve) in a ceremony led by Army chief LtGen. Antonio Nafarrete at Camp Pablo Tecson, San Miguel, Bulacan, headquarters of the First Scout Ranger Regiment.

‘MADASILAK 2029’. The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) formally incorporated 314 fourth-class cadets of the ‘MADASILAK’ Class of 2029 into the Cadet Corps of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (CCAFP) in ceremonies held on August 23 at Borromeo Field in Baguio City. PMA

MAKING PROGRESS. The P20-billion Samal Island-Davao City Connector Bridge under construction in the Davao

OPINION

Swine epidemic

BACK in the 80s, former senator and budget commissioner, Dominador R. Aytona explained to this writer, then a young opposition worker assigned by Ninoy Aquino to assist Doy Laurel in forming the UNIDO, that the national budget “is the country’s economic program in pesos and centavos.”

He was describing an era when Congress before martial law was composed of two parties, the Nacionalista and the Liberal, who took turns at political power. It was a time when the Senate was truly “august,” looked up to by Filipinos as a center of political excellence, 24 “republics” under two flags with one or two independents, almost all of whom were learned professionals in their field of expertise, mostly the law.

Even the so-called “lower House” in the majestic Legislative Building fronting the Muralla were winnowed grain from political chaff in their districts by the two parties, men and women who were distinguished by education, experience and character, but for some warlords here and there. Compare that to our present Congress, and weep.

Senator Aytona was describing a time when the Budget Commission under the Office of the President cobbled together a National Expenditure Program, proudly called “the President’s budget” after high level consultations with Cabinet and the National Economic Council, which became NEDA under Ferdinand I and now DepDev under Ferdinand II. The NEP then was consistent with our strategy to grow the economy and husband our meager resources.

That “President’s budget” was fiercely defended by the majority party in the halls of both houses which had their own congressional economic planning offices headed by academicians mostly coming from the State university, with minority party members studiously poring through the submissions of each department. Sure, there was “pork barrel,” a practice common in most legislatures around the world, which in the US of A they call “earmarks,” but back then, the slices of pork were bacon-thin, unlike these days when the favored few get the entire “liempo,” and the not so favored get chunks similar to the Chinese “dong pou ro,” or “hongba” in Fujian, “humba” which Harry Roque and some DDS quarreled over in Den Haag.

The flood control affliction that has caused the loss of lives and destroyed properties is caused by what amounts to a swine epidemic, so widespread in the last three years.

On Dec. 30, 2024, the GAA amounting to 6.326 trillion was signed by our president after squirming over the “bawasdagdag,” “himala” by the Houdini’s in the four-man “small” committee of the HoR and the bicameral Co and Poe-led bicam, and transfers to unprogrammed appropriations that have been ear-marked by a

handful.

That small committee was done in previous congresses because individual amendments in plenary would take too much time, but previous committees were not a quadcom as the Co-Quimbo-Dalipe and Libanan combo, the last being the head of the “company union.”

Recall what the new Congress after martial rule approved for 1989. The total --- 228.9 billion, of which 108 billion went into debt payments owing to the legacy debt inherited from Ferdinand I. Now compare that to the NEP submitted for 2026, a whopping 6.793 trillion, almost 30 times bigger!

—“—

Everybody has to be happy, COA and ‘mavens’ included, as long as the legislators get the biggest slice of the stinking pie, as Ping Lacson and Benjie Magalong have been claiming

1989 population was 61 million; next year, around 117 million. While population as metric for expenditure may be simplistic, a budget 30 times bigger is awesome when compared to the needs of a population that has less than doubled. Bacon then was 30 million each, then 50 apiece in Erap’s time with senators getting 70 million. Nowadays, it’s in the billions for the favored; half a billion each for lesser mortals.

Though “consultations” have been made with DPWH officials from district engineers up, then submitted to the DBM for crafting the NEP, “pahabol” in the billions are made in the GAB via the small committee and the bicam.

While the DPWH secretary has the power to appoint and reshuffle his district engineers, woe unto him if he does that without the nihil obstat of the district congressman.

With authorized contract limit of 150 million (which used to be 50 million under Babes Singson in PNoy’s time) some district engineers chop-chop flood control projects into 149 million-peso “humba.” Blinded by greed, they are not even creative enough, such that the chunks are uniformly 149 million.

Everybody has to be happy, COA and “mavens” included, as long as the legislators get the biggest slice of the stinking pie, as Ping Lacson and Benjie Magalong have been claiming. Hindi na bumubukol, per whistleblower Jun Lozada. Lumobo, while lives are sacrificed, and the economy is held hostage.

Can the Philippines seize the data center boom?

AS ARTIFICIAL intelligence continues to rewrite the rules of the global economy, we are seeing a parallel boom—one that’s less visible but just as transformational: the explosion of demand for data centers. These digital fortresses are now the backbone of everything from e-commerce to AI technologies. And Southeast Asia is quickly becoming the new battleground for cloud infrastructure dominance.

Across the region, countries are racing to attract data center investments.

Singapore, once the undisputed hub, has slowed new developments due to land and energy constraints. That vacuum is being filled by Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam—all of which are scaling up energy grids, streamlining permits, and passing data localization laws to lock in investor confidence.

The Philippines, meanwhile, is showing promise but remains at a tipping point.

Research from ASEAN Briefing (June 2025) shows our local data center market was worth $633 million in 2024, and is projected to hit $1.97 billion by 2030.

That’s a 20.9 percent compound annual growth rate—well above global averages. At the same time, internet usage is surg-

ing, and enterprise demand for secure, cloud-based systems is growing fast.

According to Mordor Intelligence, our data center capacity could more than double by 2030, and colocation revenue is on a similar growth path.

These digital fortresses are now the backbone of everything from e-commerce to AI technologies

So yes, we are on the radar. But ambition alone isn’t going to get us there.

Prof. Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit of the Stratbase Institute put it bluntly: “No power, no place at the table. That’s the hard truth in the AI economy.”

AI workloads demand not just processing capacity but round-the-clock, highdensity energy.

The countries attracting the bulk of investment are those that pair smart data policies with credible energy roadmaps.

This is an AI-generated cartoon with the prompt: Generate a political cartoon in horizontal format with pen and ink texture and colored markers. The scene is of a flooded Metro Manila. The background is a long line of stressed-out Filipinos kneedeep in floodwaters. The foreground is a corpulent crocodile smiling at the reader. It has a huge distended belly with the label ‘questionable contractors.’ Surrounding it are rats frolicking around. The rats carry the flag labeled ‘and other vermin.’

EDITORIAL

Heroes

THERE are two ways to interpret the phrase National Heroes Day.

On one hand, we can see it as a day for national heroes. By this we mean those towering figures in our history, remembered for their courage and conviction. They made sacrifices in their personal lives for a greater cause and risked many things to bring about the change they wanted to see.

Their names are written on history books so that Filipinos do not forget their contributions to society and that the younger generations could emulate their good example.

On the other hand, we could also look at the occasion as a wide-scale -national -- commemoration of heroes’ day.

These heroes need not be household names, and indeed we may not even know their names and faces. They are the individuals toiling every day in their jobs and consistently choosing to do the right thing despite the difficulties. They are the ones who fight fair even though no material rewards seem attainable despite their honest ways. Life remains hard.

For example, there are government

“We cannot talk about digital transformation,” Manhit stressed, “if we don’t solve the power equation first.”

There’s no shortage of intent from the private sector.

Local telecom players are aggressively expanding their data center footprints.

Published reports identify top foreign investors such as Equinix, Digital Edge, ST Telemedia Global Data Centres, SpaceDC, and Alibaba Cloud, all actively expanding in the Philippines and underscoring the country’s rising profile in Southeast Asia’s data center boom.

Meanwhile, the Digital Cities 2025 program is working with local governments in cities like Cebu, Naga, and Davao to expand digital infrastructure and create investment-ready ecosystems.

But here’s the caveat: investor interest is conditional. Manhit emphasized that power infrastructure—clean, stable, and sufficient—is now non-negotiable. And we’re lagging. The Department of Energy must act with urgency, fast-tracking new baseload capacities, modernizing the grid, and supporting renewable sources tailored to digital infrastructure. The Energy Regulatory Commission must also streamline

May we take after those who refuse to take the easy path to success

workers who have spent decades on the job without ever really seeing a noticeable increase in their salaries. Around them, their bosses and colleagues seem to be prospering -- and not through their official monthly pay. There are media workers who stand by the principles that moved them to choose their career despite the lack of financial stability. They look for the truth and present this to the people, helping facilitate a healthy discourse. Despite the environment of mistrust of the profession, and despite the easier path to simply give in to other interests to secure their own economic standing, they stand their ground and quietly go about their work, eschew-

the painfully slow approval processes that keep data investments in limbo. Then there’s the equally critical issue of policy.

Right now, we’re missing a piece that most of our neighbors already have: a robust, forward-facing law on data localization and governance. Our Data Privacy Act of 2012 was never designed to attract infrastructure—it was designed to protect user privacy. And while that remains essential, it doesn’t give investors the clarity they need on whether sensitive data must be stored locally. This is where a calibrated data localization policy can change the game.

It’s about giving the market clear signals: here are the rules, here are the classifications, here’s how you comply. This enables long-term planning for regulated sectors like finance, health, and logistics.

It also opens the door to hybrid models where global cloud providers like Microsoft, AWS, and Google can partner with local infrastructure without compromising national data control.

ing the temptations of glamor, personal glory, or financial gain. Sometimes the pressure comes not from outside parties but even from their peers or superiors.

The headlines that dominate our news cycles these days seem to outdo each other in terms of shock value. How could someone, for instance, live with their act of pocketing taxpayers’ money while ordinary people lose their lives and livelihood to flooding? But there are many among our officials who are in fact able to live with the consequences of their corruption –in fact, they are living it up in terms of lifestyle.

Astoundingly, these are the same people who pretend to champion good governance or applaud the admonition to stamp out corrupt in government. What an insult to our heroes who gave their lives for the nation.

As we mark this year’s National Heroes’ Day, may we follow the example of those who refused to take the easy path to success – if such is seen conventionally in terms of riches or fame. May we strive to align ourselves with the heroes who show up every day, live simply, and do the right thing despite temptation and despite the odds.

As CitizenWatch Philippines has emphasized, “Localizing data is not about isolation, but about control, clarity, and competitiveness.”

If we get this right, we create a foundation for everything else—job creation in cybersecurity and cloud management, resilient infrastructure for AI and fintech, and a real shot at becoming a regional node for digital traffic. We already have strong cards: a young, digitally native population, a growing fiber optic backbone, and the geographical advantage of sitting between North America and Asia.

We’re part of major submarine cable routes, which position us well to handle regional data flows and redundancy needs. What we don’t have—yet—is a power strategy that matches our digital ambitions, and a governance framework that invites hyperscalers without compromising cybersecurity. The world will not wait.

Data center growth is accelerating, driven by AI, edge computing, and the unrelenting demand for low-latency services.

If we want a seat at the table, we need to show the world we’re serious—not just with promises, but with ready digital infrastructure, policies, and execution. Because if we don’t, someone else will.

MONDAY, AUGUST 25, 2025

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

IN BRIEF

Indonesian child’s viral fame draws tourists

PEKANBARU, Indonesia – Armed with colorful oars, rowers pack into long boats in western Indonesia, paddling furiously in front of race crowds swelled by the viral success of a young boy famous for his dancing at the front of the traditional vessels. The annual Pacu Jalur race on Sumatra island culminates on Sunday, with officials estimating as many as 100,000 more spectators this year because of 11-year-old Rayyan Arkan Dikha’s dance moves on the fast-moving boats.

“I came to watch Pacu Jalur because I wanted to film and show the festival to the world,” Australian tourist Duncan McNaught told AFP.

“I think the guys who row are crazy. They’re awesome. I’m just looking forward to it.”

A 20-second clip of Rayyan dancing on the boat has racked up millions of views on social media. AFP

Former presidents back S. Lanka’s jailed ex-leader

COLOMBO – Three former presidents of Sri Lanka expressed solidarity with jailed ex-leader Ranil Wickremesinghe on Sunday and condemned his incarceration as a “calculated assault” on democracy.

The trio, former political rivals of Wickremesinghe -— president between July 2022 and Sept. 2024 -— said the charges against him were frivolous.

He has been accused of using $55,000 in state funds for a stopover in Britain while returning home after a G77 summit in Havana and the UN General Assembly in New York in September 2023. Wickremesinghe, 76, was rushed to the intensive care unit of the main state-run hospital in Colombo on Saturday, a day after being remanded in custody.

Doctors said he was suffering from severe dehydration on top of acute diabetes and high blood pressure.

“What we are witnessing is a calculated onslaught on the very essence of our democratic values,” former president Chandrika Kumaratunga said in a statement. AFP

Indonesia turns down ear-splitting ‘haram’

MALANG, Indonesia – People in an Indonesian village watched as a tower of loudspeakers mounted on a truck rumbled through their usually serene home, blasting a thumping bass loud enough to crack windows.

Loudspeaker towers are commonplace on Indonesia’s main island of Java, blaring a repetitive mix of electronic tunes and traditional folk music at street parties, but they have drawn the ire of local authorities and calm-seeking neighbours.

The loudspeaker stacks have proven so disruptive that officials this month have restricted their use while religious bodies have declared excessive and damaging sound from them to be “haram”, or forbidden under Islamic law.

“The sound is booming from 1 pm to 3 am. They play loud music and drink alcohol,” Ahmad Suliyat, a resident of Ngantru village in East Java province, told AFP. AFP

Musk’s megarocket faces crucial new test after failures

The world’s most powerful launch vehicle is set to lift off from the company’s Starbase in southern Texas at 6:30 pm local time (7.30 am Monday in Manila) for its 10th flight. The mission aims to put the upper stage through a series of trials as it flies halfway around the world before splashing down in the Indian Ocean. Unlike in recent attempts, SpaceX will not try to catch the booster stage with the launch tower’s giant “chopstick” arms. Starship is central to Musk’s ambition of colonizing Mars, while NASA is counting on a modified version to serve as the Artemis lunar lander for returning Americans to the Moon. But all three test flights so far in 2025 have ended in the upper stage exploding -- twice in fiery cascades over Caribbean islands and once after reaching space. In June, another upper stage exploded on the ground during a “static fire” test.

SpaceX’s “fail fast, learn fast” ethos has long been credited with its remarkable track record, giving it a commanding global lead in launches thanks to its Falcon rocket family. But the Starship setbacks

Russia claims more Ukraine land as hopes for summit fade

KYIV – Russia has said its forces had taken two villages in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region, increasing the military pressure as world leaders struggle to broker an end to the conflict. South Africa added its voice to those calling for a summit between Ukraine and Russia. Russian forces are slowly advanc-

ing in the embattled eastern region of Donetsk, grinding closer to Kyiv’s key defensive line in costly meter-for-meter battles.

Moscow’s defence ministry said on Telegram that its forces had captured the villages of Sredneye and KlebanByk. The taking of Kleban-Byk would

mark a further advance towards Kostiantynivka -- a key fortified town on the road to Kramatorsk, where a major Ukrainian logistics base is located. On Friday, Russia said its troops had captured three villages in the Donetsk region it claimed to have annexed in September 2022. On Saturday, Ukrainian military of-

Netanyahu rival offers to forge unity gov’t

NoKor test-fires 2 new air defense missiles

SEOUL – North Korean leader Kim Jong

Un has overseen the test-firing of two new air defense missiles, state media said Sunday, after Pyongyang accused Seoul of fomenting tensions on the border.

The test-firing, which took place Saturday, showed that the two “improved” missile weapon systems had “superior combat capability”, the Korean Central News Agency reported.

The KCNA report did not explain the new missiles in any detail, only that their “operation and reaction mode is based on unique

and special technology”. It also did not specify where the test had been conducted.

“The firing particularly proved that the technological features of two types of projectiles are very suitable for destroying various aerial targets,” KCNA said.

Photos released by KCNA showed air defence missiles soaring into the sky and the flash of the purported interception of an incoming projectile.

Kim is pictured listening to a briefing by a military official, a pair of binoculars sitting next to him on his desk.

Meeting South Korea, Trump could eye chance with Seoul’s rival North

WASHINGTON, DC – Since returning to the White House, President Donald Trump has boasted of ending either six or seven wars -- a matter of much dispute -- and has been pushing with mixed success to bring peace to Ukraine.

One hotspot not yet on his secondterm radar has been North Korea, despite Trump’s unusually personal diplomacy during his first term when he met leader Kim Jong Un.

Trump could find a chance to pivot on Monday as he welcomes to the White House South Korea’s new President Lee

Jae Myung, an advocate of outreach with the North.

Trump, who did not secure a deal on Ukraine during an August 15 summit in Alaska with Russian President Vladimir Putin, has an “appetite for big news,” said Victor Cha, a top advisor on Asia to

former president George W. Bush.

“Having the Alaska summit not go as well as he wanted may make the president much more interested in seeing this meeting with South Korea come off very well,” said Cha, Korea chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Trump had expressed striking fondness for Kim after their three meetings, once offering that he and the young totalitarian “fell in love.”

But Trump could find a new Kim this time, one emboldened since their diplomatic love affair.

North Korea, one of the most sanctioned and isolated countries, has cashed in with Russia by supplying more than 10,000 troops plus weapons to Moscow’s offensive in Ukraine, according to Western and South Korean intelligence. AFP

ficials said its forces had stopped a Russian advance and recaptured the village of Zeleny Gai in the Donetsk region in a post to Telegram. In July, Russia claimed the capture of the village, on the border with Dnipropetrovsk, adding that it was an important stronghold used by Ukraine to protect the area. AFP

TEL AVIV – Israeli former defense minister Benny Gantz has called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to forge a unity government along with members of the opposition to help release the hostages held in Gaza.

Netanyahu’s coalition government depends on support from far-right members who oppose ending the war and making any deal with Palestinian group Hamas, whose October 2023 attack on Israel sparked the Gaza war.

Gantz, a rival of Netanyahu who nonetheless joined his government in the early days of the war, proposed a temporary coalition that would side-step far-right parties and strike a hostage release deal.

“I am here on behalf of the hostages who have no voice. I am here for the soldiers who are crying out, and whom no one in this government is listening to,” Gantz told a televised press conference.

“The duty of our state is first and foremost to save the lives of Jews and all citizens,” added Gantz, calling on fellow opposition party leaders Yair Lapid and Avigdor Lieberman to also consider the offer. Both opposition chief Lapid and Lieberman have previously rejected joining any Netanyahu-led government. Netanyahu’s coalition faces a risk of collapse after the parliament’s summer recess ends, following the loss of support from ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties over legislation seeking to draft students of religious seminaries into the military.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, a far-right member of Netanyahu’s ruling coalition who could be sidelined if Gantz’s plan succeeds, was quick to dismiss it.

The North Korean leader separately communicated an “important task” for the defence science sector to carry out before a key party meeting, the report added.

South Korea’s military said Saturday it had fired warning shots at several North Korean soldiers who briefly crossed the heavily militarised border separating the two countries earlier in the week.

UN Command put the number of North Korean troops that crossed the border on Tuesday at 30, Yonhap news agency reported Sunday. AFP

“Right-wing voters chose a right-wing policy -- not Gantz’s policy, not a centrist government, not surrender deals with Hamas, but yes to absolute victory,” Ben Gvir said in a statement.

The government has faced increasing domestic pressure to secure an end to the war in Gaza, with mass protests calling for a deal that would see the hostages released. Earlier this week, Netanyahu said he had ordered negotiations aimed at freeing the remaining hostages, adding that the diplomatic push would accompany a new offensive to take control of Gaza City. AFP

Venezuela rallies volunteers in response to US ‘threat’

CARACAS – Civil servants, housewives and retirees alike lined up in Venezuela’s capital Caracas on Saturday (Sunday Manila time) as thousands volunteered to join the country’s militia in case there is a US invasion.

President Nicolas Maduro called on citizens to respond to the current US “threat” and sign up over the weekend to the Bolivarian Militia, a civilian corps linked to the South American country’s armed forces. The show of force is also intended to send a message to Washington, which has issued a $50 million bounty for Maduro -- who is accused by the Trump administration of leading a drug cartel -- and has stationed three warships off Venezuela’s coast for what the US says are anti-drug operations. Militia registration centers were set up in the capital’s squares, military and pub-

lic buildings and

“Have

Trump: World Cup draw set for December in Washington

WASHINGTON—US President Donald Trump announced Friday that the draw for the 2026 World Cup will be held in Washington on December 5 -- and then jokingly asked if he could keep the golden trophy for himself.

The draw for the 48-team football championship will be held at the Kennedy Center in the US capital, where Trump recently installed himself as chairman in what he called a war on “woke” culture.

“It’s the biggest, probably the biggest event in sports,” Trump, flanked by FIFA chief Gianni Infantino, said as he made the announcement in the Oval Office of the White House.

The 2026 World Cup is being hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico next year, and Trump has made a big deal about it happening during his presidency.

Infantino, who has fostered close ties with the billionaire US president, brought the World Cup with him for the announcement and even let Trump get his hands on it.

“Only the FIFA president, presidents of countries, and then those who win can touch it, because it’s for winners only. And since you are a winner, of course you can as well touch it,” Infantino said.

“Can I keep it?” replied Trump, who won a second term in the White House last year, as he lifted the trophy with both hands. “That’s a beautiful piece of gold.”

Trump appeared to be joking -- although the separate FIFA Club World Cup trophy remains in the Oval Office more than a month after English side Chelsea won it in New Jersey last month.

Putin ‘may be coming and he may not’

There was a brief moment of nerves as Trump appeared to fumble the World Cup before placing it on his desk -- as Infantino reached out a hand to steady it.

Infantino later presented the US leader with a giant ticket -- Row 1 Seat 1 -- for the World Cup final on July 19 at the MetLife stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, just outside New York. Trump also suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin may attend the World Cup. AFP

High Speed Hitters poised to enter finals

Games Monday 4 p.m. – PLDT vs Kobe Shinwa

6:30 p.m. – Cignal vs ZUS Coffee

IN a week that demands more than just talent and skills – where stamina, mental toughness and recovery could make or break a campaign – four teams enter a critical stretch in the PVL Invitational, all chasing a coveted spot in the finals. Leading the charge is the seemingly unstoppable PLDT High Speed Hitters, whose run of dominance has only grown stronger with every match.

Fresh off a championship sweep in the PVL On Tour, PLDT has maintained its blistering form with back-to-back straight-set victories in the Invitational. With a flawless 3-0 record, the High Speed Hitters stand just one win away from practically securing their place in the finals scheduled for Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.

The High Speed Hitters have not only looked invincible – they’ve been untouchable. Their depth, consistency and firepower have overwhelmed every opponent so far. Coach Rald Ricafort’s roster is a well-oiled machine, able to rotate freely without losing momentum. Whether it’s the explosive hitting duo of Savi Davison and rookie sensation Alleiah Malaluan, the intimidating net presence of Kim Dy, Majoy Baron, Mika Reyes and Dell Palomata, or the steady contributions from Jovie Prado, Jessey de Leon and Kiesha Bedonia, PLDT has shown no weak links.

of Italy returns a ball during a practice

of the

Sinner, Sabalenka eye rare 2025 US Open repeat wins

NEW YORK—Defending

champions Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka are chasing rare repeat US Open triumphs as the final Grand Slam of the season gets under way in New York on Sunday.

Women’s world number one Sabalenka opens the defense of her 2024 crown on the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center’s Arthur Ashe Stadium showcourt against unseeded Swiss player Rebeka Masarova in one of the highlights of the opening day of the singles, which is being held on a Sunday for the first time in history.

Italy’s world number one Sinner, meanwhile, begins his bid for back-to-back titles on Monday, when he takes on unseeded Czech Vit Kopriva.

Both Sabalenka and Sinner are attempting to become the first players to successfully defend their titles for more than a decade.

No woman has repeated at the US Open since Serena Williams won the last of a hat-trick of titles

in 2014 following wins in 2013 and 2012.

On the men’s side, it has been 17 long years since a succesful title defense, with Roger Federer’s 2008 victory capping a remarkable run of five straight championships.

Sabalenka believes difficulty in repeating is part of the challenge of Flushing Meadows fortnight, where everything is noisier, flashier and simply bigger than other Grand Slams.

“I think it’s a lot of pressure, definitely,” the Belarusian said.

“Just because this place is so big, and it feels bigger than the other slams in some ways.

“Maybe every time defending champions comes and they put so much pressure on themselves. But I feel like I’m experienced enough to just focus on myself and try to replicate that result.”

Asked for her thoughts on the fact that the last 11 US Open titles have been split by 10 players, Sabalenka quipped: “My thought is to change it.”

‘Very difficult’

Sinner echoed Sabalenka’s comments, attributing the difficulty of repeating in New York to a combination of factors -- season-ending fatigue, scheduling of games and size.

“We are heading towards the end of the season, so some players, they are tired,” Sinner said.

“It’s also the last big trophy of the year. Things can change... I don’t know what’s gonna happen this time. But of course it’s a very, very difficult tournament to play.”

Sinner and Sabalenka are the top seeds in a field that will be rewarded with a record $90 million purse, making the US Open the richest tournament in the world. The men’s and women’s singles champions will receive $5 million each. The biggest threat to Sinner’s hopes of defending his title is likely to come from Spain’s second seed Carlos Alcaraz.

The 22-year-old, winner of the US Open in 2022, has already faced Sinner twice in Grand Slam finals this season, winning a five-set classic in the French Open in June before losing to the Italian in the Wimbledon final last month.

“Every time we face against each other on court, we raise the level to the top,” Alcaraz said on Saturday as he prepared to face unseeded American Reilly Opelka in the first round on Monday. The men’s draw will also see former world number one Novak Djokovic take another tilt at winning a record 25th Grand Slam. Djokovic, 38, has not played since reaching the semi-finals at Wimbledon last month, where he was comprehensively beaten by Sinner. AFP

Lady Knights cruise past Lady Cards for 2nd straight win

COLEGIO de San Juan de Letran survived a tight second set to complete a 25-19, 25-23, 25-18 sweep of winless Mapua University, securing its second straight victory in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Sunday morning at the Paco Arena Events and Sports Center in Manila.

Riding the momentum of their hard-fought fiveset triumph over the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA the day before, the Lady Knights once again leaned on the trio of Judiel Nitura, Sheena Sarie, and Gia Maquilang to climb to solo fourth place in the eight-team tournament organized by Sports Vision.

Nitura led the charge with 16 points off 13 attacks and two blocks, while Sarie stepped up with 15 points on 13 attacks and added 10 excellent receptions. Their efforts propelled Letran to an even 2-2 record heading into a crucial clash with unbeaten Adamson University on Wednesday, September 3, at the same venue.

“We played very well today. I told the girls we needed to finish this game in three sets, and they delivered. Yesterday was a tough five-setter, but today we were much smoother,” said Lady Knights head

Paul vs. Davis: The circus boxing didn’t need

In The Red Corner

BOXING just can’t help itself. Every time the sport starts picking itself up, brushing off the dust, and looking respectable again, someone decides to drag it back into the mud. Case in point: Jake Paul vs. Gervonta “Tank” Davis on November 14 in Atlanta.

Yes, you read that right. Jake Paul — the internet sensation-turned-boxer who was supposedly in talks for a heavyweight clash with Anthony Joshua — is now set to meet Davis, the WBA lightweight champion who should be running it back with Lamont Roach Jr. Instead, the two are linking arms for a Netflix payday disguised as a “fight.”

Let’s stop pretending. This isn’t boxing. It’s a cash grab with gloves. The spin is predictable: Paul brings eyeballs, Davis brings credibility, and together they’ll create a “cultural event.” Sure. And

WWE creates extravaganzas every April called WrestleMania. At least they’re honest about it. The weight disparity alone makes this farce laughable. Paul is a cruiserweight masquerading as a pugilist, while Davis is a lightweight with dynamite in his fists but no business sharing the ring with someone eight weight classes bigger. So what’s the workaround? Easy. Call it an “exhibition,” and suddenly all those pesky commission regulations don’t matter. You can almost hear the rulebook being shredded in the background.

Ever since Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Conor McGregor hoodwinked the world in 2017, promoters and even governing bodies have been addicted to these sideshows. The money’s too good, and the spectacle is too irresistible. But at least “Money May” was at the twilight of his career, playing a victory lap for nine figures. Davis is in his prime. He’s supposed to be the guy carrying boxing forward — not moonlighting in Paul’s clown show. And that’s the real tragedy here. The sport has been clawing back momentum. Saudi Arabia’s Turki Al-Sheikh and his Riyadh

coach Aleksi Lähteenmäki.

“We just need to continue building our own game. Keep our serves and passes consistent, and we can challenge the stronger teams,” he added. Mapua showed signs of life in the third set, briefly taking an 11-9 lead behind a Nicole Ong quick attack and a Freighanne

ace and consecutive quick attacks from Jade Isar sealed Letran’s perfect weekend in just 75 minutes. Mapua also had its moments in the second frame, rallying from three points down to tie the set at 21-all. However, the Lady Knights stayed composed, pulling off a set-clinching 4-2 run capped by a Nitura crosscourt hit and a Maquilang ace to move two sets ahead.

Maquilang finished with 13 points and 10 excellent digs, while Natalie Esteller orchestrated the offense with 18 excellent sets and chipped in five points.

Season project have been giving us genuine blockbusters: the best fighting the best, champions settling scores, a sense that boxing might actually be serious again. Then along comes Paul vs. Davis to remind us that, no, boxing can still be the world’s most self-sabotaging sport. Will they throw punches? Of course. Will someone get buzzed? Probably. But let’s not confuse violence with validity. This isn’t about legacy. It’s about Netflix streams, merchandise sales, and two men cashing checks so fat they’ll need wheelbarrows.

Boxing fans deserve better than freak shows wrapped in satin robes. Prospects grinding in gyms across the world deserve better. Champions waiting on unifications deserve better. And the sport itself — battered, mocked, and barely hanging on to its dignity — deserves a whole lot better.

So yes, Paul vs. Davis will trend. It’ll dominate social media. It’ll sell tickets. But don’t kid yourself. This isn’t the sweet science. It’s sweet poison. And every sip drags boxing closer to the abyss.

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

Nissi Icasiano

Jannik Sinner

session ahead

2025 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in the Queens borough of New York City. AFP

TEAM NORTH LEADERS. Rafa Anciano (second from left) and Jakob Taruc (second from right) show their medals alongside John Hay Golf Club director Joyce Ann Senete (left) and ICTSI Media Relations head Ronnel Javier during the awarding ceremony of the15-18

Anciano and Taruc will lead

Country Club in Laguna.

CSJL Lady Knights’ Lastlie Isar smashes one in.

MONDAY, AUGUST 25, 2025

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

University of San Carlos assured of SSL podium finish

MANDAUE CITY, Cebu—University of San Carlos came back from a set down to beat University of Southern Philippines Foundation, 22-25, 25-17, 25-23, 25-14 and secure a podium finish in the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals Cebu Leg Sunday at the Mandaue Sports Complex here.

Fueled by school pride, the Lady Warriors rebounded from a shaky start to stamp their class over archrival Lady Panthers in a thrilling rematch of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) Season 24 championship.

“Siguro ‘yung eagerness ng mga girls na lang, ‘yung eagerness nila noong second set, tumaas. Noong first set, nag-a-adjust pa,” said Lady Warriors’ head coach Grace Antigua. USC, which shocked Ateneo de Manila University in a gruelling five-set battle last Saturday, finished the tournament backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner and R and B Milk Tea with a 2-1 win-loss record.

The reigning CESAFI champion can end up with a second place finish if unbeaten Adamson University wins over the Blue Eagles in their match, still being played as of press time.

“Malaking bagay talaga, and thankful kami na nagpunta rito ‘yung Shakey’s Super League. Kasi ito ‘yung parang preliminary game namin before Cesafi,” added Antigua, who was a part of the national team that won gold in the 1981, 1985 and 1987 Southeast Asian Games.

Ghanna Suan led the Lady Warriors’ balanced scoring with 14 points anchored on 13 attacks. Middle blocker Angel Galinato had 11 markers while Juliane Yu got all of her 10 points from kills including USC’s last two points of the match.

Gilas 3x3 Women 9th place in FIBA Azerbaijan meet

GILAS Pilipinas Women settled for ninth place in the Sabail leg of the 2025 FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series on Saturday in Azerbaijan.

The team, led Afril Bernardino, Hazelle Yam, Kaye Pingol, and Sam Harada, lost twice in Group B, absorbing an 18-17 overtime loss to Czechia before falling to host Azerbaijan, 21-14.

Gilas Women, which missed the last three legs in Sumgait, Edmonton, and Bordeaux are now at no. 14 spot in the world rankings with 193 points.

The Filipinas will miss the last leg in Debrecen next week.

The top eight teams in the world will make it to the Shanghai finals. In their game against Czechia, Harada forced overtime with a clutch two-pointer.

Kateřina Galíčková struck first in the extra period, but Bernardino quickly answered. Peter Atencio

ANGONO, Rizal—Monique Mendoza dished out a performance that defied both the elements and a compact, competitive field, carding an 11over 83 to rule the weather-disrupted Round 4 of the ICTSI Eastridge Intercollegiate Tournament at the Eastridge Golf Club here Sunday.

Navigating the par-72 mountaintop layout under unpredictable and testing conditions – alternating between searing sunshine and sudden downpours – Mendoza kept her composure through a virtual survival test. Play was suspended for nearly two hours due to a lightning threat, halting momentum and demanding both mental and physical recalibration from the field.

Despite the tough conditions, Mendoza of Ateneo-1 turned in a gritty 42-41 round, battling through a double bogey and nine bogeys in a tournament where birdies were as rare as holes-in-one.

Even with three closing bogeys, Mendoza held firm to secure a commanding six-stroke victory over

Garra smashes 2 age-group marks in SEAG swim tryouts SPORTS

RISING star Sophia Rose Garra stole the spotlight from her more seasoned rivals after breaking two national age-group records in the Philippine Aquatics, Inc. (PAI) National Tryouts for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games over the weekend at the Teofilo Yldefonso Swimming Center in Malate, Manila.

The 13-year-old protégé of Olympian backstroker Jenny Guerrero from the WaveRunners Swim Club clocked 1:06.50 in the girls’ 13-under 100-meter backstroke, eclipsing her own mark of 1:06.65 set last April at the Smart Juniors Nationals. She accomplished the feat in a stacked field featuring Olympian Kayla Sanchez (1:02.38), Cambodia SEA Games champion Xiandi Chua (1:03.07), veteran Quendy Fernandez (1:03.23), 2023 SEAG gold medal-

ist Teia Isabelle Salvino (1:03.85), and 2022 SEAG titlist Chloe Isleta (1:03.91) — all of whom surpassed the SEA Games qualifying standard of 1:05.17.

However, per SEA Games rules, only the top two finishers per country will make the team for Bangkok.

During Friday’s opening day, Garra also reset the girls’ 13-under 50m backstroke record with 30.70 seconds, smashing her previous mark of 31.00.

“Congratulations, Sophia Rose Gar-

ra, for breaking not just one, but two national age-group records! Your hard work, dedication, and passion for the sport are truly inspiring,” said PAI secretary general Eric Buhain. Meanwhile, national mainstay Xiandi Chua reinforced her standing as the top local bet, winning the girls’ 200m individual medley in 2:18.38, ahead of US-based Isleta (2:21.87) and Shairinne Floriano (2:27.01), while also dipping under the QTS of 2:18.47. Olympic relay medalist Sanchez and Fil-British swimmer Heather White both qualified in the girls’ 200m freestyle, clocking 2:01.41 and 2:05.40, respectively, way ahead of the 2:07.17 QTS. Sanchez also booked another slot in the 50m butterfly, placing second at 27.46 behind Fil-Am Miranda Cristina Renner (27.34). The event QTS is 27.69

Spotlight on Esmaeilnezhad as Iran seeks FIVB worlds glory

ASIA’S Best Opposite spiker Amin Esmaeilnezhad will lead a young Iran team which the Philippines’ Alas Pilipinas takes on next after Tunisia in Pool A action of the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Volleyball Championship at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The Alas Pilipinas-Tunisia match kicks off the world championship at 6 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on September 12—which will be followed by an electrifying opening ceremony featuring the K-pop group BOYNEXTDOOR—while the Iranians will be up last in Pool A for the Filipinos at 5:30 p.m. at the end of pool play on September 18.

Esmaeilnezhad, 28, is one of the most seasoned players on Team Melli, which boasts an average age of 23.8 years and an average height of 6-foot-5. Iran is the second-highest world-ranked Asian team at No. 13 in the elite 32-team field behind Japan (No. 5).

With former Asian Volleyball Confederation Best Setter Javad Karimi handling the plays and Italian

Pradera Verde leg champion Shane Tan in the 18-hole tournament, the fourth and final leg of the groundbreaking circuit, co-developed by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. and the Philippine Golf Foundation. Mendoza, who placed third at Royal Northwoods but missed the Caliraya and Pradera legs due to academic responsibilities, showcased her return with authority. “I didn’t expect to win, especially since I haven’t really been playing much golf lately,” said 20-year-old Mendoza. “Going into the tournament, I was just hoping for the best. Thankfully, my swing held up pretty well.”

She credited her short game as a key factor in the victory. “My putting also clicked,” she said. “But more than anything, the key was maintaining a strong mindset throughout, despite the challenging weather and tough conditions.”

Asked what helped her seal the win, Mendoza shared: “You just have to stay focused on what’s ahead and keep playing your game.”

With Simi Tinio carding a 93, Ateneo-1 secured the team championship with a total of 176, followed by Ateneo-2 at 196 and La Salle-1 with 198.

Riding high on their sweep of both individual and team honors, Mendoza remains determined. “We just have to keep pushing forward and hold on to the belief that we can win in the finals,” she s aid. Tan birdied the 16th but bogeyed the last two holes to finish with an 89 and secure runner-up honors, while Ateneo individual player Julia Lorenzo, Caliraya Springs leg champion and individual overall leader Addie Manhit of UP-1 and Tinio matched 93s.

Royal Northwoods leg winner and returning standout Julia Lua of La Salle-1 finished sixth with 95, followed by Renee Heredia, another individual player from Ateneo, who carded a 96, Natasha Bantug of College of St. Benilde, who posted a 102, and Andrea Joson of Ateneo-1, Janine Yusay of La Salle-1, and Deborah Escote of UST-1, who all shot 103s.

coach Roberto Piazza calling the shots, Team Melli looks to build on the momentum of rising three rungs up the rankings since last July. Iran, just like Alas Pilipinas which went on a training camp in Morocco, Romania and Portugal, also honed overseas for the world championships which will also be played at the Smart Araneta Coliseum—tickets to the games are available throughofficial website https://www. philippineswch2025.com/.

The three-time defending Asian Games champions will train for a week in Doha, before flying to Manila as one of the early birds come the first week of September.

After facing Egypt and Qatar twice in Doha, Team Melli—also featuring opposite spiker Ali Hajipour and outside hitters Morteza Sharifi, Amirhossein Esfandiar and Ali Haghparast—will play friendlies in Manila against Slovenia on September 9 and Germany on September 10.

Players from University of San Carlos strike a post after securing a podium nish (third place) in the 2025 Shakey’s Super League National Invitationals Cebu

Leg Sunday at the Mandaue Sports Complex on Sunday. Roman Prospero

Amin Esmaeilnezhad

Sophia Rose Garra

Competition body clears Ayala’s acquisition of 2.8% iPeople stake

2.8% 36.3% 6%

iPeople stake sold by Anscor

Ayala’s new stake in iPeople

Anscor’s remaining iPeople stake

ERC reviews bidding rules to get more investments

THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) plans to review the rules for power supply agreement (PSA) of generating companies and distribution firms to address a regulatory backlog and encourage more investment, a top official said over the weekend.

ERC chairperson Francis Saturnino Juan said the current rules for power supply agreements (PSAs) are too “rigid and time consuming.” He said that even after a PSA has undergone a CSP, the ERC still conducts its own review and determines what the allowable rates should be based on a costbased review. This often leads to rates that are unacceptable to the parties, causing them to terminate the agreements, Juan said.

He said that as an example, a generator won a contract with a distributor at a price of P5 per kilowatt-hour, but the ERC only approved P1.

“He just won’t implement it. He’ll just terminate the contract because that’s not my bid. So there are situations like that. The investment just doesn’t continue,” Juan said.

He said the Supreme Court, in the Alyansa case, declared that the CSP should be the “open and transparent way of procuring power,” which would satisfy the distribution utilities’ (DUs) obligation to secure the least cost of supply under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act.

By Othel V. Campos

THE Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) said over the weekend it approved Ayala Corp’s acquisition of an additional 2.8-percent equity stake in iPeople Inc.

Ayala acquired the stake from A. Soriano Corp. (Anscor) through a secondary share agreement, boosting its ownership in iPeople to 36.3 percent from 33.5 percent.

Anscor has a remaining 6-percent stake in iPeople.

The PCC said the transaction, carried out through a special block sale on July 29, 2025, would not

substantially lessen competition in the relevant markets.

Ayala is a leading Philippine conglomerate with interests in real estate, banking, telecommunications and energy.

iPeople, jointly owned by House of Investments Inc. and Ayala, manages educational institutions such as Mapua University.

Anscor is a diversified holding firm with local and international investments.

The PCC’s Mergers and Acquisitions Office (MAO) conducted a phase 1 review starting June 13, 2025, assessing vertical relationships across various sectors.

It concluded the deal would not harm competition, citing the parties’ small market shares, the presence of strong competitors, and the dominance of larger players.

The Philippine Competition Act mandates the PCC to review mergers and acquisitions to ensure they do not restrict competition or adversely affect consumer welfare.

B3

B4

By Alena Mae S. Flores

FIRST Gen’s vice president and chief customer engagement officer Carlo Vega said the target still stands but the company would likely “revisit how 13 GW would be” following the partnership with Prime Infrastructure.

First Gen’s chief customer engagement officer Carlo Vega said the company would likely “revisit how 13 GW would be” following

the partnership with Prime Infrastructure.

The company announced the share purchase agreement, which follows a term sheet signed on May 30, 2025. The transaction is subject to approval from the Philippine Competition Commission and other conditions.

The deal will establish a strategic partnership, with Prime Infrastructure indirectly owning a 60-percent stake in several gas assets.

Globe tests 10 Gbps Google technology

By Darwin G. Amojelar

Globe Telecom Inc. and its subsidiary Fiber Infrastructure and Network Services Inc (FINSI) completed a field trial of a long-range Free Space Optics (FSO) technology in partnership with Google’s TAARA project.

senior director and head of technology strategy and innovations Gerhard Tan.

Vega said First Gen would focus on expanding its geothermal portfolio using the P50 billion in proceeds from the sale.

The assets included in the sale are the 1,000-megawatt (MW) Santa Rita, 500-MW San Lorenzo, 450MW San Gabriel and 97-MW Avion power plants, as well as the proposed 1,200-MW Santa Maria power plant and the interim offshore liquefied natural gas terminal.

“What we plan to do is make sure

that we make the most out of the proceeds from the gas sale and put it in geothermal where, you know, it’s our 24x7 renewable energy source,” Vega said.

“So we’re looking to beef that up significantly along with the other technologies, but I guess as a priority, we’re looking at focusing on our geothermal portfolio,” he said. Vega said that before the sale, the company’s power generation portfolio was “a little over 50-percent gas, and

Juan said the Supreme Court also upheld the validity of the CSP circular issued by the Department of Energy, and the ERC “has no option but to follow the circular.” Under the proposed amendments, if the required CSP process has been followed and “there are no badges of anti-competitive behavior,” the results of the CSP would be upheld and adopted. Alena Mae

S.

Flores

The trial achieved a 10Gbps wireless optical connection over a distance of 11 kilometers, showcasing the potential of laser-based communications to revolutionize wireless transport without the need for fiber or licensed spectrum.

“This milestone represents a significant leap forward in our quest to deliver future-ready and costeffective transport solutions that are rapidly deployable,” said Globe

The field trial used Google’s TAARA free space optics link to bridge a long-distance aerial gap. The system underwent rigorous testing, including the Enhanced RFC2544 test suite and a 24-hour Bit Error Rate Test (BERT), meeting all of Globe’s technical requirements.

Google’s TAARA free space optics uses highly focused beams of light to deliver multi-gigabit data transmission, offering a solution for areas where deploying fiber is impractical or too expensive. The trial over Laguna Lake, where traditional terrestrial infrastructure would face major challenges, demonstrated the platform’s resilience and reliability.

Domestic trade hit P1.23t in first quarter, driven by road transport

By Thony Rose Lesaca

Road transport accounted for P736.77 billion of the total trade value, marking the first time the PSA included the data in its commodity flow survey. Water-transported goods came in at P492.79 billion, a 2.7-percent increase from P479.92

JOINT FORUM. A high-level business forum is held at the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) headquarters in Taguig City as part of the ongoing initiatives to deepen economic cooperation and explore more opportunities between the Philippines and Indonesia. The business forum aimed to promote trade and investments across several strategic sectors including nickel and critical minerals, halal and Syariah finance, agriculture, healthcare, IT, infrastructure and Ro-Ro connectivity, among others. Leading the forum are (from left) PCCI chairman George Barcelon, PCCI president Consul Enunina Mangio, Indonesian Ambassador to the Philippines Agus Widjojo, Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) vice chairman for foreign affairs Bernardino Moningka Vega who is also the president/ director of PT. Pembiayaan Digital Indonesia.

cues may lift PH stocks this week

By Jenniffer B. Austria

SHARE prices are expected to trade sideways with an upward bias this shortened trading week, buoyed by positive signals from the US Federal Reserve.

Financial markets are closed Monday in observance of National Heroes Day.

“We expect the local bourse to trade sideways with a slight upward bias, as investors anticipate the BSP to sustain its easing cycle with a 25-basis point policy rate cut,” said Peter Louise Garnace, an equity research analyst at Philstocks Financial Inc.

Garnace added that investors would also be digesting Fed Chairman Jerome Powell’s Jackson Hole speech for signals on policy direction, which could influence global risk appetite. Analysts said Powell’s remarks during the speech raised hopes of a US rate cut next month. US shares also rose over the weekend because of Powell’s dovish comments.

The market may also weigh a slew of economic data releases, including Philippine trade data and the US Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, the core personal consumption expenditure (PCE) price index, Garnace said.

Last week, the Philippine Stock Exchange index declined 0.54 percent to close at 6,281.58, while the broader all shares index slipped 0.36 percent to 3,737.58.

Average daily value traded declined to P6.49 billion from the previous week’s average of P10.03 billion. Foreign investors also became net sellers, with outflows reaching P1.53 billion versus the previous week’s inflows of P1.86 billion.

Wall Street shares rallied Friday as US Federal Reserve chief Jerome Powell left the door open to cutting interest rates, which also sent the dollar dropping against the euro and other major currencies.

Investors had been eagerly waiting for Powell’s speech all week, hoping to hear hints that the Fed would cut rates at its next meeting in September to spur economic growth.

New York’s three main indexes surged following his remarks, rebounding after a tech sell-off this week.

European stock markets also got a bump in afternoon deals, though the gains were limited by the impact of President Donald Trump’s tariffs on the German economy, which shrank in the second quarter. With AFP

GREEN LIGHT

Jake Go

Aboitiz Infra unit plans to expand to Mindanao

By Othel V. Campos

Monica Trajana, AIC vice president and head of commercial strategy, said the company is closely monitoring growth opportunities in the Visayas and Mindanao regions. AIC plans to leverage existing group assets, such

as airport operations in Bohol and Laguindingan Airport in Cagayan de Oro.

“The whole goal is to replicate this across the country,” Trajana said. “We’re very conscious of the

REAL ESTATE CHAMPION.

Pueblo de Oro Development Corp. (PDO) vice president for sales and marketing John Vincent Rapiz is recognized as Asia’s Champion for Smart Solutions in Real Estate at the 2025 Asia’s Golden Icon Awards held recently at Okada Manila. The honor highlights his pioneering efforts in sustainable and inclusive development.

—“—

EVER sat through rush hour in Metro Manila, wondering why we can’t seem to fix traffic, waste, flooding, or even outbreaks of disease? We have the answers all around us, buried in mountains of data that simply refuse to talk to each other.

As Metro Manila races toward greater urbanization, we find ourselves caught in a web of traffic jams, trash woes, climate threats, and a stubborn digital divide. The government has rolled out dozens of projects aimed at making our cities more livable under the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11). Yet there’s a critical, often-overlooked piece: data interoperability.

Data interoperability means that different systems and organizations don’t just hoard their data—they share it in a way everyone can understand and use. It’s not just some IT buzzword; it’s the glue that holds smart cities together. Studies are clear: the cities that figure out how to make their data “speak” to each other are the ones making real progress on SDG 11.

Let’s make this real. Every LGU logs waste schedules and routes. Private haulers keep their own records. Health offices monitor diseases tied to poor sanitation. But without a way for this data to talk, we’re left making guesses—and missing big opportunities to connect the dots. We’re not short on information; we’re drowning in silos and lost potential.

Here’s why getting our data to talk matters for all of us:

Too many LGUs still rely on old systems, agencies are wary about sharing, and there’s no national ‘must-do’ to make data sharing the norm.

Better Urban Planning: If MRT-3’s ridership and MMDA’s traffic feeds finally merge with local business data, we could re-route traffic faster or spot communities left behind by infrastructure—you would feel the difference on your daily commute.

Transparency: Imagine your barangay’s water quality test results feeding straight into a national dashboard. It’s not just good for trust; it means smart budgeting and real-time accountability.

Real Collaboration: Sustainable cities will only succeed if everyone shares in the effort. When telcos, universities, NGOs, and businesses can plug into the same data ecosystem, we all benefit—faster responses, smarter innovations, better planning.

So what’s slowing us down? We need to admit it: too many LGUs still rely on old systems, agencies are wary about sharing, and there’s no national “must-do” to make data sharing the norm.

But we’re not starting from scratch. The government’s Philippine Development Plan 20232028 talks about data integration. The DICT’s open data projects are promising. But now we need action, not just plans.

infrastructure being developed and enhanced, particularly in the Visayas and Mindanao.”

While AIC has a strong presence in Luzon through the Luzon Economic Corridor—anchored by the Lima Estate in Batangas and the upcoming Tari Estate in Tarlac—Trajana noted that emerging domestic markets in the Visayas and Mindanao present new opportunities.

The company also operates two major estates in Cebu: the 540-hectare West Cebu Estate in Balamban and the Mactan Economic Zone 2 Estate.

Trajana said AIC is open to developing estates for specific industries like agribusiness and pharmaceuticals, particularly where Aboitiz has existing landholdings and infrastructure investments.

“Our estates lend themselves to a variety of industries,” she said. “Whether it’s agri, food, or pharma, we’re already studying how we can support these sectors in the regions where we operate.”

To support its expansion, AIC is also strengthening its land acquisition and services team nationwide to identify and maximize opportunities around the group’s assets.

“Mindanao is very much part of the conversation,” Trajana added.

“With our presence in key airports, we want to explore how we can co-locate and create synergies for industries that will benefit from improved connectivity.”

If Metro Manila truly wants to be a model of SDG 11, we have to stop thinking of data interoperability as some back-office project. It’s the foundation of sound governance—and it needs buy-in from everyone: each barangay captain, mayor, startup, and citizen. Business and tech should offer solutions that work for everyone, not just their own bottom line. Civil society must demand transparency and privacy. Together, we can break the silos and make smarter cities a reality.

Because, at the end of the day, building a smarter Metro Manila isn’t just about new gadgets or apps. It’s about creating cities that listen to us, learn from us, and work with us. And that starts by making sure our data—yours and mine—can finally talk.

Let’s make it happen.

Jake Go is the CEO and Managing Partner of Springboard Philippines (www.springboard.com. ph), where he drives not only private sector growth but also supports public sector and community initiatives as part of the company’s broader service offerings. In addition to this leadership role, Jake educates the next generation of business innovators at De La Salle University, teaching under the Department of Decision Sciences and Innovation. He is also actively pursuing his doctorate in business at the same university, further deepening his expertise and commitment to sustainable business and public service.

FREE SHUTTLE.

The city government of Pasay resumes free shuttle rides for another year, starting Aug. 12, 2025, building on the success of the Toyota Community Shuttle (TCS) program from December 2023 to January 2025. Toyota Mobility Solutions Philippines Inc. (TMSPH) continues as the digital mobility solutions provider, offering a oneyear free subscription to the ‘myTOYOTA Shuttle PH’ app for optimized route planning and seat reservations, along with the ‘Toyota Fleet Connected Service,’ which supplies vehicle usage and driving behavior data to administrators.

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Energy Regulatory Commission has granted interim approval to the power supply agreement (PSA) between Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) and GN Power Dinginin Ltd. Co. for a 100-megawatt capacity, subject to certain conditions.

Meralco and GNPD filed a joint application with the ERC on Sept. 17, 2024, for the approval of their 15-year PSA, with contract delivery starting on Aug. 26, 2025.

“After due deliberation, thorough evaluation of all the evidence submitted and appreciation of all information gathered during the hearings, the commission, pursuant to its regulatory powers, hereby resolves to grant interim relief to applicants Meralco and GNPD and allow them to implement their PSA starting 26 Aug. 2025,” the ERC said. The commission considered several factors in granting the interim relief, including compliance with the competitive selection process, the supplydemand scenario, key features of the PSA, bid prices and the PSA rate, and rate evaluation.

“Based on its appreciation of the pieces of evidence offered by the applications vis-a-vis these parameters, the commission finds merit and necessity to allow the parties to implant their PSA pending the issuance of the final decision in this case,” the ERC said.

The ERC noted that the new PSA rate is lower than a previously approved PSA rate between GNPD and Meralco. It also said the proposed rate in the new PSA is lower than the rates Meralco pays for power from coal and natural gas.

Batangas’ newest port eyed as Luzon multimodal gateway

THE newly inaugurated Sinisian Lemery Batangas Port and Industrial Park Corp. (SLBPIPC) is positioning itself as a key multimodal hub in Luzon. The facility aims to complement the proposed Luzon Economic Corridor, a flagship railway project that will connect Subic, Clark, Manila, and Batangas.

Located on a 7-hectare site along Batangas’ western coast, the private port is envisioned as a southern gateway for cargo, cement and fuel shipments. It features two dedicated berths capable of accommodating Panamaxclass vessels of up to 50,000 DWT and fuel tankers of up to 30,000 DWT.

With a 13-meter outer berth and a 10-meter inner berth, the facility can handle heavily loaded international and regional ships. The port also houses a 2-hectare warehouse zone to support cargo consolidation, storage and onward distribution.

“This is a port designed not just for today’s logistics needs, but for tomorrow’s transport system,” said SLBPIPC chief executive Ferdinand Co. “Our location, depth, and service capacity posi-

tion us to complement the Subic-ClarkManila-Batangas (SCMB) Railway and serve as a multimodal node connecting land-based freight with seaborne trade.”

The launch is part of the Luzon Economic Corridor, a trilateral initiative of the Philippines, the United States and Japan to enhance infrastructure connectivity and boost economic activity across the country’s major growth hubs.

Currently in its first phase, the port already provides a full suite of services, including cargo handling, pilotage, tugboat assistance, chandling, bunkering, watering, tendering, ship agency, cargo surveying, trucking and warehousing management.

These services are expected to improve turnaround times while supporting a more decentralized and resilient logistics network in Luzon. The project is also seen to create new employment opportunities in the transport, fuel, logistics and warehousing sectors.

“We are building this with national priorities in mind, particularly the need for alternative ports, regional gateways and connectivity to inland rail systems,” Co said. Othel V. Campos

P500-m cold storage to open in CamSur

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said it expects to open the Bucana Bridge Project, which spans the Davao River, to motorists by the last quarter of 2025. DPWH senior undersecretary Emil Sadain said the 1,340-meter Bucana Bridge Project is now 94 percent complete. The entire superstructure is finished, with only minor work remaining, including installing traffic barriers and pedestrian railings, painting the 19.5-meter-high pylons, and preparing for the waterproofing and asphalt overlay of the bridge deck. Construction on the approach roads is ongoing. Work includes laying and compacting embankment soil, preparing the subbase course, installing a drainage system, building a concrete fence and installing guardrails.

The Bucana Bridge, an integral

component of the Davao City Coastal Bypass Road, is being built by the DPWH Unified Project Management Office – Bridges Management Cluster, with China Road and Bridge Corp. as the civil works contractor.

The bridge will connect the eastern and western coastal areas of the city, which are currently separated by the Davao River.

Sadain said that as the Bucana Bridge nears its official opening, it “stands not only as a vital infrastructure asset for Davao City but also as a symbol of strong bilateral cooperation and the Philippines’ commitment to building resilient, future-ready infrastructure through strategic global partnerships.”

Funded through a P3.126-billion China Aid Grant program from the Government

Aboitiz’s bulk water project seen resolving Iloilo City’s water needs

THE Iloilo Bulk Water Supply Project is being considered a practical and reliable solution to secure water for the city’s future due to its inclusive and transparent framework, ability to complement current and future infrastructure projects, and broad-based support from key public and private stakeholders.

Designed to enhance system redundancy and ensure sustainable and reliable bulk water delivery to off-takers and distribution companies, the project stands to deliver substantial benefits to both households and businesses across Iloilo.

“We see the Iloilo Bulk Water Supply Project as a critical step in building a more resilient and future-ready

Iloilo,” said Cosette Canilao, president and chief executive of Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc. (AIC), the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group. “By working closely with public and private stakeholders, we aim to create a water infrastructure system that not only meets today’s needs, but also supports the city’s growth and competitiveness in the years ahead.”

With a total investment of P5 billion, the project proposes diverting water from a raw source through a water intake facility. After a thorough treatment process, the water will be delivered to city off-takers. The project is unique because it will sell to multiple off-takers, benefiting more Ilonggos.

of the People’s Republic of China, the Bucana Bridge is a landmark achievement of sustained international cooperation and high-quality project implementation.

Also referred to as the China Aid Localized Project for the Davao River Bridge, the Bucana Bridge serves as a critical component of the Davao City Coastal Road Network.

This project supports the “Bagong Pilipinas” vision, which seeks to drive regional development, improve traffic flow and enhance the quality of life through modernized infrastructure.

By Othel V. Campos

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and Camarines Sur Gov. Luis Raymund Villafuerte confirmed over the weekend that a P500-million cold storage facility in the province is on track for completion by December

benefit from it as early as next

“This mega cold storage facility will soon be operational, capable of storing vegetables, meat, chicken, and fish,” Laurel said. The facility uses solar power to lower electricity costs and includes a blast freezer and a processing and packing area to support value-adding services for farmers.

The complex will house six refrigerated warehouses with a combined capacity of more than 1,300 tons, making it the largest in Bicol and a vital hub for products moving to Metro Manila and other markets.

Laurel said the project will directly benefit local farmers by extending the shelf life of their harvests, reducing spoilage and opening new market opportunities.

Villafuerte welcomed the project as a “game-changer” for the community, saying it will create jobs, attract investments and help farmers add more value to their produce.

“This will help our farmers di-

ENCHANTED ILIJAN. Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco (left) and Tubigon Mayor Marlon

Amila sign a memorandum of agreement for the development of the ‘Enchanted Ilijan Plug of Tubigon Project’— the top-ranked entry in the Visayas under the DOT’s Tourism Champions Challenge (TCC) program. Source: DOT’s Facebook page

KFC LAOAG.

KFC Philippines opens its first store in Laoag, Ilocos Norte, at the lower ground Floor of SM Laoag on

Steven

KFC Philippines operations director Linda Jalandoni; and director for QA and training department Jane San Juan.

Economists expect GDP to grow faster by 5.8% in Q3

By Thony Rose Lesaca

ECONOMISTS from the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) expect the Philippine economy to rebound in the second half of 2025, with its gross domestic product (GDP) projected to grow 5.8 percent in the third quarter.

The UA&P experts said low inflation and employment gains in the second quarter of 2025 helped the economy expand 5.5 percent year-onyear, hitting the low-end of the government’s revised 5.5 percent to 6.5 percent target for the year.

Gross national income (GNI) surged by 8.2 percent year-on-year, while the country’s net primary in-

PH to remain Southeast Asia’s top pharma market

THE Philippines is expected to maintain its position as the largest pharmaceutical market in Southeast Asia, according to a report by BMI, a Fitch Solutions company.

“We forecast the pharmaceutical market to rise to P438 billion ($7.5 billion) by 2029 from P352 billion in 2024, growing at a five-year compound annual growth rate [CAGR[ of 4.5 percent in local currency terms and 4.1 percent in U.S. dollar terms,” the BMI report said.

The report noted the recent announcement by AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals (Philippines) that it would invest in the country’s first Pharma Innovation Hub.

This plan, along with the existing operations of Merck Business Solutions and Royale Life Pharma in Philippines Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)accredited zones, “underscores the Philippines’ established position as a key pharmaceutical manufacturer in the Southeast Asia region,” BMI said.

The report, however, listed risks to growth, including a “considerable gap in both financial resources and skilled human capital necessary for advanced pharmaceutical research” and the regulatory landscape.

come expanded by 32.8 percent.

Robust domestic demand growth also helped accelerate economic growth, despite its 4.8 percent year-on-year growth being slower than the recorded expansion in the first quarter.

“Strong household consumption and some government projects supported the quarter’s overall print. On the other hand, ongoing global un-

certainty dragged investment growth but also induced front-loaded export growth. The April-May election ban on public works also hampered Q2 growth,” the UA&P economists said in a report.

Unemployment rate dropped to 3.7 percent in June 2025 as the number of employed Filipinos increased to 50.475 million.

The industry sector led the generation of new jobs with 301,000 new workers on a monthly basis, while both the agricultural and services sector experienced a decline in employment.

The Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) earlier unveiled a recalibrated development roadmap that projects the

country will achieve upper-middleincome status soon and its gross national income (GNI) per capita will exceed $5,000 by 2026.

The updated plan includes several key economic targets, including GDP growth of 5.5 percent to 6.5 percent in 2025, and 6 percent to 7 percent from 2026 to 2028.

It expects the gross national income (GNI) per capita to reach $4,814 to $4,920 by 2025; $5,124 to $5,210 by 2026; $5,452 to $5,589 by 2027; and $5,882 to $6,081 by 2028.

The ultimate goal is to lead the Philippines toward becoming an upper-middle-income country with inclusive growth that benefits all regions, not just major urban centers, DEPDev said in a statement.

IN BRIEF

DHSUD boosts efforts to protect homebuyers, address regulatory backlog

THE Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) said it is intensifying efforts to protect homebuyers after addressing a significant backlog in its regulatory functions.

DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon

Aliling directed Senior Undersecretary Sharon Faith Paquiz, who leads the DHSUD Zero Backlog Program, to immediately resolve issues raised by homebuyers. “In line with President Ferdinand

R. Marcos Jr.’s directive for fast and clean service, we will intensify our campaign to help resolve the problems faced by our homebuyers as soon as possible,” Aliling said in a statement.

“Our homebuyers deserve peace of mind in acquiring real estate properties,” he said.

Aliling launched the Zero Backlog Program in May as part of the agency’s 8-Point Agenda, which aligns with President Marcos’s “Bagong

Business group urges more transparent education budget

THE Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) on Saturday asked Congress to prioritize the Filipino people in the 2026 budget deliberations, demanding full transparency and greater investment in education and human capital.

“We must allocate our resources where it matters most, because every peso wasted denies our people access to vital programs—such as education, nutrition and healthcare—that they rightfully deserve,” PBEd executive director Hanibal Camua said in a statement. The group noted that education remains underfunded, with the 2026 National Expenditure Program allocating around P1.178 trillion for edu-

SOLARINSTALLATION.

Philippine National Oil Company switches on a newly-installed solar photovoltaic (PV) system at the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) Region IV-A Office on Aug. 6, 2025, marking another milestone in the company’s Rooftop Solar for Government Buildings Project. This initiative helps

and

emissions. It also supports the Department of Energy’s directive for the 100-percent installation of solar PV systems in all government buildings nationwide.

cation, representing only about 3.8 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP), falling short of the UNESCO standard of 4 percent to 6 percent.

The non-profit organization founded in 2006 by top CEOs in the country cited a report by the Second Congressional Commission on Education showing that over the past decade, education spending has averaged only 3.2 percent of GDP.

Despite the constitutional mandate to give education the “highest priority,” the Philippines continues to fall short of global standards due to chronic underinvestment, it said.

“We cannot afford to let insertions and inefficiencies eat into the educa-

tion budget,” Camua said.

“Every year we delay meeting the standard, we risk losing a generation. Opening the budget deliberations from start until its passage will help strengthen accountability and ensure that public funds truly serve the people,” said Camua.

PBEd also expressed support for the creation of the high-level interagency Education and Workforce Development Group (EWDG) under Administrative Order No. 36, an administrative measure to improve coordination among education agencies.

“The creation of the EWDG is a crucial step toward bridging the gap between what our schools teach and what our industries need,” Camua said.

Pilipinas” brand of governance.

The program reduced a backlog of more than 3,100 transactions, some dating back to 2020, to just 82 issues as of Friday. The DHSUD expects to resolve the remaining issues in the coming days.

The department has also transformed the “Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino” housing program into the Expanded 4PH, a more people-centric initiative that includes horizontal, subdivision-type developments and rental housing.

The program, which has received commitments for more than 250,000 housing units from 42 private developers, also revived and enhanced the community mortgage program. Paquiz urged the public to file formal complaints against “erring developers” so the department can provide proper assistance. The DHSUD is also conducting an information and education campaign called “DREAM Tips” to guide the public on real estate transactions.

MOBILE data now accounts for 86 percent of Globe

Telecom’s mobile revenue, cementing its role as the company’s primary growth driver.

The telecommunications company is expanding its user engagement and monetization strategies, backed by increasing 5G adoption and personalized offers tailored to customer behavior.

It said that in the second quarter of 2025, mobile data traffic rose 7 percent from the previous quarter. Usage on the 5G network saw even faster growth, with average daily mobile traffic increasing 58 percent since December 2024.

This reflects a significant increase in digital habits, with users consuming an average of 33 percent more data, highlighting the growing importance of mobile

connectivity in how Filipinos work, learn and transact. Globe president and chief executive Carl Cruz noted that the behavioral shift reflects a deeper transformation.

“The way we use data today is a mirror of how we live. Every stream, every payment, every moment shared online is part of a larger shift. Our goal is to make those digital experiences seamless, safe, and rewarding for everyone, wherever they are,” Cruz said. Core net income for the quarter increased 30 percent quarter-on-quarter, a result of improved yields and stronger participation across Globe’s

INDONESIAN INVESTORS. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Roque welcomes the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry to further strengthen bilateral business cooperation between the Philippines and Indonesia. The meeting highlighted both countries’ shared commitment to deepening economic ties and exploring new opportunities for collaboration in support of regional growth and development. It also served as a platform to discuss upcoming high-level engagements between the two nations. Source: DTI’s Facebook page

SPACE SCIENCE. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen statistical systems by using space science and technology applications. Signing the agreement are (from left) PSA deputy national statistician Divina Gracia del Prado, PSA Undersecretary Claire Dennis Mapa, PhilSA deputy director general Denis Villorente and PhilSA director Ariel Blanco.

REAL ESTATE

PH1 World Developers launches P11-b project in Pasig

PH1 World Developers has unveiled its newest residential project, Lykke Kondo, a Scandinavian-inspired, vertical community expected to generate ₱11 billion in its initial phase.

The three-tower development sits on a one-hectare prime property near the Ligaya intersection in Pasig City, with convenient access to LRT2 Marikina-Pasig station and major malls like Ayala Malls Feliz and Robinsons Metro East.

Lykke, the Danish word for “happiness,” reflects the project’s vision of combining minimalist,

modern living with extra space through the company’s trademark

Addloft Technology, which provides up to 40 percent more space than typical condo units.

“Our vision for Lykke Kondo is an intimate urban sanctuary where we bring the benefits of modern Scandinavian design to reality―a calm and serene environment, a connection with nature through natural light and fresh air, and most importantly, a sensible practicality,” said PH1 World Developers president Gigi Alcantara.

Each unit comes fully fitted with

Robinsons offices tops Q2 2025 PH office leasing market

ROBINSONS Land Corp. (RLC), celebrating its 45th anniversary, has emerged as the leading office developer in the Philippines for the second quarter of 2025, according to property consultant CBRE Philippines.

premium finishes and smart home features under the company’s All-Out Fit-Out for Free offer, potentially saving buyers up to ₱4 million. Inclusions range from smart door locks and switches, to kitchen appliances, air conditioning, and cabinetry.

“Simply put, you get extra space at no extra cost. For instance, you can enjoy a two-bedroom unit at the price of a one-bedroom unit,” Alcantara added.

The project aligns with the broader vision of parent company Megawide to promote first-world living in the Philippines. PH1 has previously developed notable loft-style projects like My Enso Lofts in Quezon City and Modan Lofts Ortigas Hills in Taytay, Rizal.

Vista Land offers new housing options for Filipino families

VISTA Land & Lifescapes has launched Lessandra, its newest housing brand under the Villar Group, aimed at providing a wide range of affordable and quality homes for Filipino families.

Lessandra is designed to meet the needs of different types of homeowners, from first-time buyers to young professionals and growing families. The brand features a selection of residential developments with various price points and layouts, all located in strategic areas across the country.

“Our vision is to help every Filipino find their dream home and community where they can truly thrive. Lessandra is more than just a home; it’s a foundation for creating lifelong memories. We’re proud to offer quality homes that meet the aspirations and budgets of a wide range of Filipino families,” said Red Rosales, Lessandra Group Head.

• Nirvana—A low-density residential building with only two units per floor, offering more space and privacy for professionals and small families.

Diverse housing options

Lessandra’s residential offerings are also built to match the changing needs of today’s homebuyers. Among its initial offerings are:

• Tuscany Homes—Affordable starter homes built for first-time buyers and young families.

• Nativo Flats—Compact, secure living spaces near schools and business districts, ideal for students, city workers, and property investors.

Each development also includes a Centrale area, a commercial and community space that brings essential services and retail options closer to residents.

Smart investments

Robinsons Offices, RLC’s office leasing arm, closed nearly 50,000 square meters of new office leases in Q2, the highest among all developers in the country. The company also secured the largest share of IT-BPM sector deals, highlighting its support for this key job-creating industry. Their latest project, GBF Center 2 in Bridgetowne, was the top-performing office building during the quarter, accounting for 27,100 square meters of new leases. The building features energy-efficient systems and smart technologies and reflects Robinsons Offices’ focus on premium, accessible, future-ready, and sustainable developments.

“We

GoBio,

Jericho P. Go, senior vice president and general manager of Robinsons Offices, added, “Our strong second quarter shows the trust of the IT-BPM sector and other industries in Robinsons Offices. We plan to expand especially in emerging business hubs, offering premium workspaces that create jobs and support families.” Robinsons Offices continues to focus on delivering future-ready spaces that help local and international companies

• Celadon Village—A quiet, spacious community designed for families looking to settle down in a healthier, more relaxed environment.

Lessandra’s housing concept reflects the changing needs of today’s buyers, who are not only looking for affordability but also convenience, security, and a sense of community. With developments that

MEADOW at LIMA

Estate is drawing strong interest from homebuyers and investors who see value in owning property within one of Southern Luzon’s fastest-growing economic zones.

Located inside LIMA Estate in Batangas, Meadow offers residential lots ranging from 251 to 1,500 square meters, in a walkable, bike-friendly community. Its appeal lies in the combination of space, security, and access to estate-managed amenities — all within a mixed-use development known for its long-term growth and sustainability.

The demand is driven by LIMA Estate’s continued expansion as a business and industrial hub. With over 185 local and global companies and a workforce of 75,000, the area generates steady housing demand from professionals, families, and investors.

blend residential and commercial spaces, the brand aims to support daily life with accessible amenities and open spaces. The company also emphasized its focus on long-term value. With well-planned layouts, quality construction, and reliable property management, Lessandra communities are built to be sustainable and appealing for future generations. These features make the properties attractive not just to end-users but also to investors seeking rental or resale opportunities. By offering homes in both urban centers and emerging cities, Lessandra is targeting buyers who may be priced out of Metro Manila but still want access to key infrastructure, transport links, and job opportunities.

The expansion into over 30 locations nationwide is part of Vista Land’s broader strategy to strengthen its presence in highgrowth areas.

Lessandra’s entry into the market comes at a time when demand has grown for residential spaces that allow for more flexibility, comfort, and room for personal activities. Through its synergy with the Villar Group, Lessandra brings not only real estate expertise but also access to a wider network of commercial centers, transport projects, and community developments.

Property

and infrastructure developments. The estate benefits

Spacious Ariana homes at Celadon Village, perfect for growing families A perfect blend of nature,

Lykke Kondo showcases loft technology through the engineering expertise of PH1 World Developers’ parent Megawide Construction.

Lykke Kondo redefines modern urban living with Scandinavian-inspired efficiency and practicality

MONDAY, AUGUST 25, 2025 lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

Writer

JASPER VALDEZ,

for his outstanding

By Jasoper Valdez

VICE Ganda marked a career milestone after winning his first Best Actor award at the 73rd Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Awards on Aug. 22.

During It’s Showtime the following day, the comedian and TV host recalled the moment he was named Best Actor for his role in And The Breadwinner Is…

“It’s an overwhelming joy, immeasurable joy,” he said, describing the win as “the biggest clapback.”

Vice dedicated the recognition to Filipino breadwinners and the LGBTQIA+ community, telling young queer viewers to embrace “limitless possibilities.”

He also thanked his family, his partner Ion Perez, his colleagues at ABS-CBN, and filmmaker Jun Robles Lana, who directed the film.

The TV host admitted he did not expect to win and only attended to support the production, which earned multiple nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director.

He shared how fellow nominees Vilma Santos and Nadine Lustre held his hands before the winner was announced, making the moment more surreal.

Vice’s FAMAS win comes after years of success as one of the country’s top box-office stars.

He said the recognition came at “the perfect timing,” adding, “Maybe He made me win because He wanted to redeem me.”

Joining Vice in the big winner’s circle is Marian Rivera, who won for her performance in the Cinemalaya 2024 entry Balota. This is Marian’s third Best Actress trophy for Balota, after also winning at Cinemalaya 2024 and The Eddys 2025.

Nadine, meanwhile, earned her third FAMAS trophy after being named Best Supporting Actress for her role in Uninvited. She previously won Best Actress at the FAMAS twice: in 2019 for Never Not Love You and in 2023 for Greed.

By Jasper Valdez and Angelica Villanueva

PSHOWBIZ

AYDAY Friday meant heavy traffic around Cubao, one of the busiest areas in the metro, with commuters inching their way through buses, jeepneys, and long MRT lines. But inside the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Aug. 15, the slow crawl outside was replaced by a crowd of excited fans, their cheers filling the venue for Viva One Vivarkada: The Ultimate Fan-con and Grand Concert.

Viva One stars take over The Big Dome

The three-hour show gathered Viva One’s rising stars and casts from its most popular digital series, including the University Series The Rain in España, Safe Skies, Archer Chasing in the Wild and Avenues of the Diamond and other Wattpad-based series, Seducing Drake Palma and Ang Mutya ng Section E. It was a chance for the fans to see their favorite love teams and characters live onstage. For the artists, on the other hand, the show was an opportunity to step out of the streaming screen and into the live spotlight.

The show began with songs from Miia Bella and Kylu, followed by lively sets from P-pop groups

RAYA and GAT. Energy rose even higher when the “Univerkada Girls”— Heaven Peralejo, Krissha Viaje, Hyacinth Callado, Aubrey Caraan, Bea Binene, and Nicole Omillo—performed Donnalyn Bartolome’s “Kakaibabe,” drawing screams from the crowd.

Other highlights came one after another. The “Univerkada Boys”—Marco Gallo, Jerome Ponce, Gab Lagman, Lance Carr, Wilbert Ross, and Jairus Aquino—performed with their fellow heartthrobs.

Aubrey returned to the Big Dome

stage, impressing everyone inside the venue with her performance of “How You Feel,” one of the official soundtracks of her series, Avenues of the Diamond Popular pairings such as MarVen (Marco and Heaven), HyGab (Hyacinth and Gab), KrisshRome (Krissha and Jerome), LanceBrey (Lance and Aubrey), WilBea (Wilbert and Bea), and JaiNicole (Jairus and Nicole) gave fans kilig moments through duets and fanservice interactions onstage.

the crowd with dance numbers and surprise entrances.

Atasha Muhlach drew attention with a strong performance of “Handa Na Ako,” the theme song of Bad Genius: The Series, while Ashtine Olviga moved the audience with her heartfelt version of “Sa Bawat Sandali.” The loudest cheers, however, were for “AshDres”—the team-up of Ashtine and Andres Muhlach. Their duet of “Minamahal,” from their upcoming film directed by Jason Paul Laxamana, brought the arena to its feet. Fans screamed even louder when Andres kissed Ashtine on the forehead and shared a touching message of support onstage, a moment that quickly spread online.

NETFLIX’S gargantuan hit film KPop Demon Hunters has captured the global zeitgeist this summer, smashing streaming and music chart records. Now, it is coming to movie theaters.

An animated musical about a trio of Korean pop starlets who fight demons with infectious songs and synchronized dance moves, Demon Hunters has been watched 210 million times and currently has five of the global top 10 songs on Spotify.

In an unlikely journey, the streaming mega-hit is tipped by analysts to hit number one at the box office this weekend, with thousands of cosplaying fans headed to sold-out “singalong screenings” in theaters across five countries.

“Insane, crazy, surreal,” singer EJAE, who co-wrote the film’s biggest track, “Golden,” and performs heroine Rumi’s songs, told an advance screening at Netflix’s Hollywood headquarters this week. “I’m just really grateful I’m able to be part of this crazy cultural phenomenon.” joy, describing thanked not earned

The show also showcased performances from the upcoming Viva film I Love You Since 1892, which brought cultural flavor with folk dance and kundiman songs, while Angela Muji, Rabin Angeles, and

The kilig extended beyond the performance when Viva released the second teaser for Minamahal: 100 Bulaklak Para Kay Luna. The movie opens nationwide on Sept. 24, and the concert served as an early push for the film. Before the finale, fans were also treated to previews of upcoming Viva One shows based on popular Wattpad stories, including Golden Scenery of Tomorrow, Project Loki, My Husband Is a Mafia Boss, Hell University, Ang Mutya ng Section E: The Dark Side, Dating Alys Perez, and Our Yesterday’s Escape. The announcements added even more excitement for the months ahead. The night ended with the full cast returning for a final performance of GAT’s “DalengDale.”

Comedian Vice Ganda is recognized with Best Actor award

‘Seducing Drake Palma’ stars Rabin Angeles (left) and Angela Muji share a kiss in front of the whole Araneta audience

Dylan Menor, along with their fellow cast members of Seducing Drake Palma, pumped up

Ashtine Olviga (left) and Andres Muhlach deliver a duet of ‘Minamahal’, receiving the loudest cheers from the crowd

Atasha Muhlach gives a powerful performance of ‘Handa Na Ako,’ the theme song of her show, ‘Bad Genius: The Series’

The ‘Univerkada’ of ‘University Series’ makes a reunion performance at The Big Dome stage

LIFE & SHOWBIZ

‘Shrek The Musical’ comes alive at Newport

By Angelica Villanueva

WHEN Shrek the Musical opens at the Newport Performing Arts Theater on Oct. 31, audiences can expect more than fairy-tale parody and pop culture gags. For director Dexter Santos and the Full House Theater Company (FHTC), the swamp is a stage where outsiders find belonging, and where an allFilipino cast can bring fresh layers to a global hit.

Based on the 2001 DreamWorks

by William Steig, Shrek has

The Broadway musical adaptation, with music by Jeanine Tesori and lyrics by David LindsayAbaire, first opened in 2008 and has since been staged across the globe.

Philippine audiences first saw it in 2014, but this year’s revival at Newport World Resorts promises a bigger, bolder spectacle.

“This is a world-class production with a distinctly Filipino heart. It’s a celebration of love, friendship, and unapologetic real self,” said John Lucas, chief hospitality officer of Newport World Resorts, during a

By Nickie Wang

THERE’S something grounding about making chocolate in the cool air of Baguio. At John Hay Hotels, the scent of roasted cacao mingles with pine, and for a moment, you’re connected to a tradition that began long before craft chocolates became a trend.

The hotel has partnered with Angeleah Montilde, founder of Kokomo Chocolate, to offer artisan chocolate-making workshops that immerse guests in the legacy of Cordillera cacao.

Montilde, based in Baguio, has built Kokomo around working with smallholder farmers in Benguet, Mt. Province, and surrounding communities—families who have nurtured heirloom cacao trees for generations. Some of these varieties are believed to trace back to the Criollo beans brought by the Spanish in the 17th century, prized for their distinct flavor profiles.

The workshops, held in the serene settings of John Hay Hotels, take guests through cacao’s journey from highland soil to delicately crafted bars. Participants are guided in roasting, grinding, and tempering singleorigin chocolate. They experience tasting rituals, learn about zero-waste production, and see how each step of the process supports local livelihoods.

The sound of tempered chocolate snapping, the scent of roasted beans mixing with the mountain breeze, and the stories passed down by farming families make the sessions as much about connection as they are about craft.

For John Hay Hotels, this collaboration is part of its purposeful luxury initiative under Landco

Lifestyle Ventures.

“Purposeful luxury means every experience must have soul,” says Erickson Y. Manzano, President and CEO of Landco Pacific Corporation and Landco Lifestyle Ventures. “Sustainability, heritage, and storytelling aren’t marketing words for us. They’re what make these chocolate workshops special. Guests don’t just taste chocolate here; they taste the Cordilleras.”

For Montilde, the partnership is a way to honor the people and traditions behind every bean.

“Chocolate, for me, is ancestral,”

she shares. “It’s a story of heirloom cacao, the rituals that surround it, and the communities who nurture it. When guests temper chocolate with their own hands, they feel its rhythm. They understand its roots, giving voice to the quiet history and heritage of the Cordilleras.”

Kokomo’s approach goes beyond flavor. It’s a movement rooted in sustainability, cultural preservation, and community support. By sourcing beans exclusively from smallholder farms, Montilde ensures that cacao farming remains viable for the next generation. The collaboration with John Hay Hotels aligns with this vision, adding depth to the brand’s commitment to immersive experiences that enrich both guests and the places they visit.

This series of workshops is part of a broader initiative by John Hay Hotels to offer meaningful encounters with the region’s culture, from collaborations with Baguio’s Mountain Man to environmental practices inspired by the Cordilleras. Each activity invites visitors to engage with the land, its people, and its stories—turning a stay in Baguio into something more enduring.

press conference on Aug. 13.

Leading the cast is veteran theater

actor Jamie Wilson as the greenskinned ogre, joined by Krystal Kane as Princess Fiona, Topper Fabregas as Donkey, Alfredo Reyes as Lord Farquaad, and Julia Serad as Dragon.

The ensemble includes a full roster of fairytale misfits, from Pinocchio to the Big Bad Wolf, who belt out anthems like “Freak Flag” and the feel-good finale “I’m a Believer.” For Wilson, the role resonates beyond comedy.

“He’s been outcast by society just because he was born an ogre. Because of everybody telling him how he should act, he realizes that, ‘No, I don’t have to be like that. I can be a hero, and so can everybody else should you choose to be,’” Wilson explained.

Associate director Michael Stuart Williams echoed that sentiment, describing the production as “wildly funny, heartwarming, and visually spectacular,” but one that ultimately peels back to “reveal something real and relatable.”

In the Philippines, that message of belonging hits home. As singer Marvin Ong, understudy for Donkey, noted, many Filipinos know what it’s like to be judged for sexuality, appearance, or social class.

“Without being preachy, I think the truth is that everybody wants to belong,” he said.

Assistant director Cara Barredo added that the production takes care not to turn its “freaks” into caricatures.

“In our version, the freaks and the fairy folk are just going to be themselves without making fun of what they’re supposed to be,” she said.

Meanwhile, Wilson, who has often been cast in villainous roles, joked that he himself resembled Shrek before shaving his goatee.

“If they only knew, I’m a mamon, I’m a teddy bear,” he said, adding that like his character, he knows what it’s like to be judged by appearances.

The Newport staging also aims to dazzle visually. Santos has described his approach as “theme park blocking,” with elaborate set pieces, vibrant choreography, and even an

SMX Convention Center Manila underscored its role as a leading venue for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) with the staging of Culinaire 2025: Canvas Reimagined, an event that combined culinary artistry, technology, and local culture.

The annual showcase, held at Halls 1 to 3 of SMX Manila, featured immersive technology, including a smart registration system with realtime voting, AI chat terminals for ondemand event information, and an AIpowered co-host who joined host RJ Ledesma on stage.

“Culinaire 2025: Canvas Reimagined is more than just a showcase of culinary mastery—it’s a celebration of collaboration, creativity, and innovation in the events industry,” said Michael Albaña, vice president and general manager of SMX Convention Center.

“This also marks our return to a much bigger canvas—quite literally. With the expansion of our event spaces and a growing portfolio of eight SMX branches nationwide, including new venues rising in Cabanatuan, Sta. Rosa, Sto. Tomas, Cebu, and right here in Pasay—we’re unlocking more opportunities to bring meetings, conventions, exhibitions and milestone events to more destinations across the country,” Albaña added.

The evening’s highlight was a three-course dining experience inspired by contemporary art and

“extensive dragon scene” designed to delight both children and adults. Meanwhile, artistic director Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo said the size of the theater challenged the team to push further.

“Because our stage is so massive, we really need to make it visually stimulating for the children. The material is a little bit adult, so it might just go over their heads, and they may not even be familiar with the cartoon anymore,” Lauchengco-Yulo explained.

The creative team includes music director Ejay Yatco, choreographer Stephen Viñas, video designer GA Fallarme, sound designer RV Dimaculangan, and costume execution by Eric Pineda, with prosthetics crafted by Carlos Tiongco. The Manila Philharmonic Orchestra, led by conductor Nicky Jacinto, provides the live score. Shrek the Musical runs from Oct. 31 to Nov. 17 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. Tickets are available through Ticketworld, Newport World Resorts Box Office, and Helixpay.

Filipino heritage. SMX’s partner caterers worked with local artists to present dishes that doubled as visual installations, including collaborations between Bizu Catering and Ycoy Sitchon, Conrad Manila and Mark Justiniani, Hizon’s Catering and Patrick Pura, Juan Carlo the Caterer and Katrina Cuenca, Kitchen City and Mylene Quito, M Catering and Jaime

Atienza, Richgold Weddings and Samuel Penaso, The Creamery Catering

John Hay Hotels hosts a chocolate workshop lead by chocolatier Angeleah Monttilde (left), founder of Kokomo Chocolate

From left: Julia Serad as Dragon, Jamie Wilson as Shrek, Topper Fabregas as Donkey, Krystal Kane as Fiona, and Alfredo Reyes as Lord Farquaad

MONDAY, AUGUST 25, 2025

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA,

JASPER VALDEZ,

Writer

Writer

By Nickie Wang

THE Philippines is finally earning the recognition it deserves on the global hospitality stage.

When the Department of Tourism (DOT) announced in October 2024 that six of the country’s finest hotels had made it to the Michelin Guide, it felt like a breakthrough moment. By May, five more properties joined the prestigious list. And now, just last week, nine more hotels have been added, bringing the total to 20.

“It not only strengthens the Philippines’ positioning as a destination of choice for world-class hotel and tourism experiences but also affirms the renowned Filipino warmth and excellence in hospitality, which serve as hallmarks of the country’s tourism brand,” the DOT said in May when five more hotels were added. The new additions show the variety of experiences the country can offer.

Take The Westin Manila in Ortigas. A city hotel that goes beyond plush bedding, it’s built around wellness, think menus designed to nourish, state-of-the-art fitness spaces, and spa treatments for stressed-out travelers navigating the capital.

Down south, Nustar Hotel Cebu and Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort are upping the game for Visayas. Nustar’s oversized rooms and skyline-to-sea views show off Cebu’s cosmopolitan side, while Sheraton’s beachfront suites remind guests why Mactan remains a top draw.

Nearby, Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu Resort is weaving together two cultures—Filipino warmth and Thai refinement—served with a view from one of the most striking infinity pools in the region.

NOT too long ago, I embarked on a captivating journey through the heart of Uzbekistan, a part of the legendary Silk Road, which was a network of Asian trade routes popular from the 2nd to the mid-15th century.

The tour brought me to ancient cities where timeless traditions came alive as I explored grand squares, ornate mosques, and bustling bazaars, including crossing the golden sands of a desert. But that’s putting the cart before the horse. Let me start from when I arrived in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan.

This city, a cosmopolitan hub at the crossroads of cultures, is the largest in the country and is in the northeast, near the border of Kazakhstan. As I walked around the city, I marveled at the colorful pavilions of Chorsu Bazaar and passed by some architectural gems such as Independence Square and the Monument of Courage. But what got me really interested was the history attached to Amir Timur Square, the main attraction of the city. Amir Timur was of Turkic origin, and his not being a Mongol prevented him from claiming to become a Khan, a title exclusively reserved for Genghis Khan’s descendants. Yet, he is highly respected in the country as a statesman because he led a movement to liberate the region from Mongol enslavement. He founded and became the first ruler of the Timurid Dynasty, and the square named after him has his statue on horseback.

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Over in Palawan, the choices are equally compelling. The Funny Lion in El Nido proves boutique hotels can still surprise, with clever room layouts and balconies made for catching that island breeze. Piece Lio, also in El Nido, strips things back with minimalist design in a setting so natural it’s hard to believe you’re in a luxury property.

In Manila, Nobu Hotel at City of Dreams is as sleek as they come, a celebration of Japanese aesthetics with a dining experience

The next day brought me to Khiva, a walled city, the main attraction of which is Ichan-Kala, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This is the old part of the city and has more than 250 old houses and 50 monuments, among them the towering Kalta Minar, the impressive Kunya Ark Fortress, the ornate Djuma Mosque, and the beautiful Romanov’s Mansion. Every corner of this part of town whispers stories from centuries past.

The following day brought me to the seemingly endless golden sands of the Kyzylkum Desert, the second largest in Central Asia and 15th largest in the world. Its name means “red sand.”

Because of the massive area it covers, the desert extends to Kazakhstan,

Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. It is popularly known as the home of the Russian tortoise and the large lizard known as the desert monitor.

Bukhara is another ancient city in Uzbekistan and was a prominent stop on the Silk Road trade route. It was a medieval center for Islamic theology and culture, as proven by the existence of many madrasahs (colleges for Islamic instruction) and khanakahs

to match. Grand Hyatt Manila, meanwhile, towers above the city, offering large-scale luxury that feels both modern and personal. And then there’s The Lind Boracay, contemporary yet unmistakably Filipino, with service that reminds you why Boracay still holds its crown despite the competition.

The Michelin Guide itself underlined the significance of the country’s hospitality boom, noting its upcoming restaurant selection for Manila and Cebu will “shine a spotlight on the Philippines’ most talented chefs and dedicated teams, celebrating their passion, innovation, and deep respect for local flavors and traditions.”

What unites these nine hotels, apart from Michelin’s seal of approval, is their ability to deliver world-class stays without losing the country’s identity. Whether it’s minimalist chic in El Nido, skyscraper glamour in Manila, or resort comfort in Cebu, these properties prove that Filipino hospitality can compete with the very best—and do it with a smile.

which also features the country’s traditional dances and music performed by students.

After going through a scenic mountain pass, my next stop was at Shahrisabz, the hometown of Amir Timur. The city’s name is Persian for “green city,” describing its emerald green parks and rivers. Its main attraction is the Dor-iTilavat, a place where the Quran is read and recited.

(places for spiritual rituals).

Dominating the city’s skyline is the intricate Kalon Minaret and Mosque, the beautifully preserved Samanid Mausoleum, and the Ark Citadel. I also spent time at local workshops to witness centuries-old crafts like carpet weaving and puppet making.

My next stop was Samarkand, where the main attraction is the Registan,

a plaza bordered by three ornate, majolica-covered madrasahs dating to the 15th and 17th centuries, and the towering tomb of Amir Timur.

The square is so massive, and the humongous structures around it are all so interesting that I couldn’t help spending time poring over the intricate details of its interiors, awed by its beauty and artistic appeal. The identifying trademark of this city’s rich craft and stunning architecture is its turquoise tile mosaics.

My friends and I ended the day with a hearty dinner at Mojiza, the city’s most popular fine dining restaurant,

On the last day of my tour, I was back at Samarkand and spent time taking a closer look at the Ulugh Beg Observatory, home to a 15th-century astronomical marvel. This was built by a Timurid astronomer as a school of astronomy and was the last of its kind from the Islamic medieval period. Inside the structure is a huge sextant, a doubly reflecting navigation instrument that measures

chance to stroll along the enchanting Silk Road, contact Intas Destination Management at info@intasdestinations.ph or through (632) 8723 5198. For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@ gmail.com

Mercury Rising Bob Zozobrado

Strolling along the enchanting Silk Road

Samarkand

The Registan is Samarkand’s main tourist attraction

The majestic Romanov’s Mansion in Khiva

Scenic view of Bacuit Bay’s limestone cliffs and turquoise waters with The Funny Lion El Nido in the foreground

Nobu Hotel at City of Dreams epitomizes sophistication, seamlessly blending Japanese aesthetics with an exceptional dining experience

Breathtaking view of the island’s world-famous beach from a hotel room at The Lind Boracay