Manila Standard - 2025 September 27 - Saturday

PNP resurrecting probe into PCSO official's slay

heading heading head NBI endorses charges vs. Co, three Senators

DOJ says 17 others to face prosecution

By Pot Chavez

By Rio N. Araja

TTaid as 'Julian' strengthens

THE government has readied P1.48 billion worth of aid for communities that may be hit hard by typhoon ‘Julian’

By Pot Chavez, Maricel V. Cruz, and Ram Superable

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

HE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has recommended the prosecution of Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co, Senators Francis Escudero, Joel Villanueva, Jinggoy Estrada, and 17 others with the National Prosecution Service (NPS), the Department of Justice announced yesterday.

“Let it be clear: inclusion in the NBI’s recommendation is not a matter of speculation or rumor. It is the result of sworn testimony under oath. If names have circulated outside of these affidavits, those are not recognized by the DOJ or the NBI until such time that they are sworn to under proper proceedings,” the DOJ said in a statement.

The Bureau's recommendation stemmed from the sworn testimonies

On Sunday, PNP Chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil said he ordered the reopening of the cold case after whistleblower Police Lt. Col. Santie Mendoza told the House Quad Committee that he helped carry out the killing at the behest of ex-PCSO general manager Royina Garma. Mendoza narrated before congressmen how Garma allegedly facilitated the PCSO official’s roadside assassination on July 30, 2020 by providing the necessary information about his schedule, details about his vehicle and the funding necessary to carry it out.

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

and

SENATE President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said his office would undertake a full record check and background investigation of Guteza as he questioned his surprise appearance at the Blue Ribbon hearing.

“Without the courtesy of notice even to the committee chairman, a totally surprise witness in yesterday’s Blue Ribbon hearing, a complete record check and background investigation on Orly Regala Guteza is in order owing to the gravity and seriousness of his testimony yesterday,” Lacson wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

To recall, Senator Rodante Marcoleta presented Guteza to the Senate

By Pot Chavez and Maricel V. Cruz

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

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

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) will request a ‘Blue Notice’ for Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy ‘Zaldy’ Co who remains out of the country ostensibly for medical treatment, Assistant Secretary and spokesman Mico Clavano said on Friday.

This as Speaker Faustino Dy III

Yang's lawyer mocks probers amid heated inquiry

said Co has informed him of his desire to return to the Philippines to answer and disprove “false and baseless accusations” against him, emphasizing that he has nothing to hide and will face his critics in the proper forum. Meanwhile, Dy also said he gave Co until Monday, Sept. 29, to come home and face the allegations against him, warning that failure to comply “shall be construed as a refusal to subject yourself to the lawful pro-

cesses of the House and will result in the initiation of appropriate disciplinary and legal actions.”

PBBM moves P195b flood control funds for disaster needs

THE legal counsel of Chinese businessman Tony Yang sought to disparage lawmakers’ conclusions about his client’s supposedly sketchy past and his alleged ties with Philippine Overseas Gaming Operators (POGOs) and even organized crime.

Lawyer Raymond Fortun questioned the House Quad Committee’s impartiality and its ability to pin Chinese national Yang down for ay wrongdoing in a real

By Darwin Amojelar

TRANSPORTATION Secretary Jaime Bautista denied an online news report claiming that Malacañang was angry with the increase in airport fees without the approval of the Cabinet members.

“The Bilyonaryo article is malicious and unfounded,” Bautista said in a Viber message, referring to the website that published the said story. “Bilyonaryo is inconsistent,” he added.

Bilyonaryo reported online that “Bautista and his long-time protege in Philippine Airlines, Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Bobby Lim, are at the center of the storm after it was

“I am very interested in how they [Quad Comm members] can prove this criminal network in court. In Congress, lawmakers act as both prosecutor and judge,” he said. Yang, who already admitted having a fake Philippine birth certificate, is the brother of Michael Yang, a presidential economic

Clavano said DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla already gave instructions to submit an application for the Blue Notice to the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol).

adviser of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Fortun, a lawyer who often finds himself at the center high-profile cases, apparently sought to mock congressmen, calling their probe “unacceptable.”

“This is based on the investigation of the Blue Ribbon Committee, as well as the NBI recommendation to prosecute,” he said.

However, House members argued they did not come by their suspicions about Yang recklessly.

On Friday, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. of Pampanga and Deputy Speaker David Suarez of Quezon presented a matrix showing Yang’s first appearance and his subsequent activities at the Quad

By Charles Dantes

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

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

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

said on Friday that he has reallocated more than P195 billion, originally intended for the flood control projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), to augment the budget for disaster response and rehabilitation efforts.

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

“We saw a pattern, and we tracked it to the top of these corporations... we stripped it of its layers , to get to the top and through it all, we have discovered and identified at least two main actors or players in the issue

Navy spokes debunks China claim of military exercises in Scarborough shoal

By Rex Espiritu

THE Philippine Navy debunked on Sunday the recent announce ment by China that it conducted military exercises off Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal, in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). China reportedly made the announcement coinciding with the fourth Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity between the Philippines, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States within Manila’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the regional waters over the weekend. Philippine Navy Spokesperson for WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vin -

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

“Our troops did not observe any exercise, we have to understand that sometimes, China is doing this for their internal audience, right? For them not to look weak and embarrassed,” Trinidad said. Two Chinese warships were monitored at a distance ranging from eight to 14 nautical miles. One of these went up to 1,000 yards at the MMCA site but eventually went away. “It was not threatening, just normal,” accord -

Mr. Marcos made the announcement during his visit to storm-hit communities in La Union, where he distributed aid. He assured farmers and families across northern Luzon that the government is mobilizing substantial resources to help them recover from recent typhoons.

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

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

“There were projects that did not address the problems they were supposed to solve, including some ghost projects,” President Marcos said. “We stopped them to ensure that public funds are used properly. This money is not the government’s, it’s the people’s money.”

Of the reallocated amount, about P36 billion will go to the Department of Social Welfare and Development for emergency programs such as the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS), which provides financial support for medical needs, hospitalization, and

CONTESTED. A copy of the affidavit of ex-Marine Orly Guzeta which lawyer Petchie Rose Espera denies having notarized. ABS-CBN grab

for Security Council seat

THE Philippine government on Sunday publicly called for the United Nations (UN) to give it a seat on the UN Security Council, highlighting the country’s strong record and dedication to upholding the rule of law.

Department of Foreign Affairs

By Charles Dantes

(DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo in a speech delivered at the UN General Assembly in New York said the Philippines continues to emphasize the “importance of upholding the rule of law and the integrity of the multilateral system in the face of today’s global challenges.”

MALACAÑANG on Friday said President Marcos has directed his legal team to review the role of Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong in the newly formed Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), following questions about possible conflicts of interest and the panel’s impartiality.

Quoted by reports, Manalo also said: “The Philippines has consistently pursued peace, the sovereign equality of states, the rights and dignity of all persons.” He added that the country is also recognized as the “first Asian Re-

“The President recognizes Mayor Magalong’s contributions, but his appointment is strictly as a special adviser. He has no investigative powers and no authority over the PNP (Philippine National Police) or CIDG (Criminal Investigation and Detection Group) which remain under the DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government),” Presidential Communications Office Claire Castro said during a Palace press briefing.

Concerns have been raised over Magalong’s dual role as mayor and

Press Officer Claire Castro said during a Palace press briefing on Friday. “Sa ilalim ng direktiba ng Pangulo, pahahabain pa ang two-month import suspension na magtatapos dapat sa November 2,”

According

the

Rex Espiritu and Charles Dantes

PAGASA

A WEB OF CRIME? House leaders Aurelio Gonzales

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

Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. comforts an elderly woman during his visit

affected by super typhoon ‘Nando’ in San Fernando City, La Union. PCO

‘OPONG’S’ WRATH. A statue of the Virgin Mary, right photo, remains standing amid the ruins of the Sta. Teresa de Calcutta church in Masbate City. Residents bring their dogs to safety on styrofoam boards as they flee to escape chest-deep floods in barangay Libertad, Ormoc City. Fr. Raymond Rhys Garrucho, PCG

Class suspensions today due to ‘Opong’

By Rex Espiritu

LOCAL government units (LGUs) on Friday announced class suspensions to various extents tomorrow in relation to Severe Tropical Storm "Opong" (international name: Bualoi) in the following areas:

National Capital Region

• Manila: All levels, public and private (alternative delivery mode)

• Marikina: All levels, public and

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of former DPWH Engineers Henry Alcantara, Brice Hernandez, and Jaypee Mendoza, as well as former Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo.

Among those implicated were former Senator Bong Revilla, former Congresswoman Mitch Cajayon-Uy, Arjay Domasig, Maynard Ngu, Carleen Villa, John Carlo Rivera, Linda Macanas, Juanito Mendoza, Sally Santos, Jesse Mahusay, alias "Beng Ramos", and alias "Mina", alias "Andrei Balatbat".

Likewise, the NBI also recommended the prosecution of Bernardo, Alcantara, Hernandez, and Mendoza. They will be required to answer the allegations against them.

"No one is above the law, and no position, title, or influence will shield anyone from accountability... The

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Meanwhile, some groups have also pointed to alleged irregularities in the construction of a tennis court in Baguio City, owned by St. Gerrard, which they claim could cast doubt on his impartiality.

Castro acknowledged these concerns, saying the President does not want Magalong’s advisory role to interfere with his responsibilities in Baguio City or place the ICI under public suspicion.

“Mayor Magalong has mentioned he is running out of time for his work in Ba-

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The Blue Notice from the Interpol aims to collect additional information about a person’s identity, location or activities in relation to a criminal investigation. The DOJ is still validating information that the lawmaker travelled to Spain from the United States.

Earlier, the DOJ said the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has recommended the prosecution of Co, and 20 others after he was linked to the anomalous flood control projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

This was based on the sworn testimonies of former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo and dismissed Bulacan district engineers Henry Alcantara, Brice Hernandez, and Jaypee Mendoza.

The possible charges included malversation of public funds, indirect bribery, and violation of the AntiGraft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Dy said Co, in a letter dated Sept. 25, said he was saddened by the revo-

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blue ribbon committee hearing without prior notice, only informing the body that the witness was referred to him by former lawmaker Michael Defensor.

Meanwhile, the lawyer who supposedly notarized Goteza’s affidavit denies having signed the documents.

“I categorically deny notarizing, signing, or participating in the preparation of the said document. The signature and notarial details attributed to me are falsified and unauthorized,” lawyer Petchie Rose Espera said in a letter sent to the House of Representatives.

In her letter demanding the deletion of the post, Espera said: “The use of my name and notarial commission in connection with said

private (face-to-face classes only)

• Muntinlupa: All levels, public and private

• Parañaque: All levels, public and

DOJ will not blink. We will see this through to its rightful conclusion, guided only by evidence, sworn testimony, and the dictates of justice," the DOJ noted.

In the case of incumbent Makati Nancy Binay, whom Bernardo also named, the DOJ said investigators are still in the process of building a “direct line” to the former senator.

However, Binay’s aide, Villa, is among those the NBI has recommended for charges.

“[The] NBI is strengthening the links so it is ripe for recommendation to the NPS,” DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano told justice reporters.

Meanwhile, the DOJ is ready to turn over the file and all supporting documents to the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI), adding that it is "in the best position to conduct a holistic evaluation of all evidence, free from the distortions of politics and speculation."

guio because of his involvement with the ICI. The President does not want him to neglect his constituents,” she said.

“Since he is not a member of the ICI, he is not required to spend all his time on it,” Castro added. Castro also said the Palace is considering several options to address the potential conflict of interest issue, including possibly reassigning Magalong to another role or even revoking his appointment if deemed necessary.

“That will depend on the findings of the legal team,” Castro said.

“If it’s determined that removing him is the best way to protect the ICI’s independence and avoid constitutional issues, then that could be the solution,” she said.

cation of his travel clearance while he was still overseas for medical treatment.

“I received news of your revocation of my travel clearance with both sadness and grave concern. I am saddened that my colleagues in the House of Representatives would deprive me of the time needed for medical care that I have long previously scheduled and gravely concerned that the decision to revoke my travel clearance was borne by pressure, rather than adherence to facts and procedure,”

Co’s letter read.

“I have every intention of returning to the Philippines. I am also intent on belying the false claims made against me before the proper forum,” he added.

Co is facing allegations that he inserted provisions into the Bicameral Report and the 2025 General Appropriations Act. He flatly denied the charge.

“The insinuation that, on my own, I had made insertions is untrue,” he wrote. “The Bicameral Report and 2025 GAA were approved by both Houses at plenary sessions and followed the proper process.”

document is spurious, fraudulent, and injurious to my reputation as a member of the Bar and as a commissioned notary public.”

As this developed Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said former House Speaker Martin Romualdez was not among those recommended for charges over flood control anomalies because the sole witness implicating him, Orly Goteza, failed to appear before the Department of Justice (DOJ) yesterday.

Guteza, who claims to be a former security aide of party-list Representative Zaldy Co, testified during Thursday’s Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing that he helped deliver proceeds from kickbacks to Romualdez’s residence.

In a press briefing, Remulla said Goteza's appearance before the DOJ would have potentially clarified inconsistencies in his testimony before

private Central Luzon

• Santa Maria, Bulacan: All levels, public and private

• Marilao, Bulacan: All levels, public and private

• Bocaue, Bulacan: (face-to-face classes only)

• Pampanga: All levels, public and private

• San Fernando: (alternative delivery mode) CALABARZON

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He noted the storm’s eye traversed Samar before making landfall in Palanas, Masbate, and later in Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro. ‘‘So, our operations will be nonstop today and we will be closely monitoring the impact of Opong,’’ he said.

Electricity remains out in all 21 municipalities of Masbate after strong winds and heavy rains toppled power lines across Masbate mainland, Ticao Island, and Burias Island.

‘‘Almost the entire province is without power,’’ OCD spokesperson Junie Castillo said. He added that while communication lines remain open, full power restoration is uncertain due to rough seas and blocked roads. ‘‘The challenge right now is reaching the major islands while the weather remains bad,’’ he added.

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continue to work to provide food for every Filipino family.

“Layunin din nitong i-stabilize ang presyo ng palay sa merkado at alalayan ang mga Pilipinong magsasaka sa panahon ng ani,” Castro said.

“Ang hakbang na ito ng Pangulo ay pagtaguyod sa kapakanan ng mga magsasaka na patuloy sa pagtatrabaho upang may maihain sa hapag kainan ang bawat pamilyang Filipino.”

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. earlier announced that the President has directed the DA to prepare the necessary orders to extend

Dy said Co was apprehensive about what awaits him upon his return, citing the wave of public opinion turning against him.

He also rejected other accusations, including claims that his family owns an aircraft allegedly used to fly former President Rodrigo Duterte to The Hague; that he sought fish import allocations for “ZC Victory Fishing Corporation;” and that he received Department of Public Works and Highways funds.

“These are false, baseless, and politically charged,” Co stressed.

The embattled lawmaker lamented that the allegations against him made in both chambers of the legislature and the media “have condemned me in the court of public opinion and have stirred public hatred against my family and me.”

“This has caused the public to condemn and prejudge me even though no complaint before the proper fora has been filed against me,” he added.

Despite the revocation order, Co reiterated his call for fairness and due process. “I hope that, when I return, I would be afforded due process and that you would ensure the safety of

the Senate. "What we have is only the Goteza affidavit. He did not show up today, and we want to clarify everything because even if we say there is an issue with notarization, the fact that it is a sworn statement delivered under oath in the Senate makes it an official statement," he told justice reporters in Filipino.

Remulla also disclosed that Goteza expressed his desire to enter the DOJ’s Witness Protection Program (WPP), prompting him to wait in vain for the arrival of the supposed witness.

Goteza was expected to arrive at the DOJ at 9:30 a.m. to meet with the Justice Secretary personally, but did not show up.

Remulla noted that the purpose of the meeting was to ascertain Goteza’s credibility as a witness, given the many inconsistencies in his testimonies.

• Laguna: All levels, public and private

• Rizal: All levels, public and private

• Cavite: All levels, public and private MIMAROPA

• San Jose, Occidental Mindoro: All levels, public and private

• Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro: (alternative delivery mode)

• Negros Oriental: (until lifted)

Bicol Region

• Sorsogon: All levels, public and

Alejandro assured the public that support is in place, with sufficient medical supplies, aircraft, and about 52,000 standby personnel ready to augment local governments. ‘‘We have more or less 52,000 personnel on standby at a given notice that can be deployed or utilized,’’ he said.

He also noted that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has about P3 billion in standby funds, while the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has 833 teams with equipment ready to support telecom services.

The national government has placed all agencies on full alert, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s order for a ‘‘100 percent mobilization’’ of resources.

‘‘Rest assured that we are in full force. We are on red alert, following the directive of President Marcos,’’Alejandro said.

the import freeze, which started last September 1 and is scheduled to end on November 2.

The extension of the two-month rice import suspension and raising tariffs on imported rice were aimed at stabilizing palay prices and protecting Filipino farmers during the peak of the harvest season, the DA said.

The import suspension was imposed to help farmers recover from falling palay prices triggered by a surge in cheaper imported rice.

According to the DA, palay prices briefly rose from a low of PhP8 a kilo to around P14 per kilo before dropping again due to the onset of the main harvest and the impact on palay quality of the heavy rains.

my family and me,” he told Speaker Dy.

The Speaker issued the ultimatum in a letter on Friday in response to Co’s reaction to the revocation of his travel clearance.

Dy said Co’s communication has been referred to the House Committee on Ethics, where a complaint is already pending.

The Speaker assured Co that “should you choose to return home, the House will coordinate with the proper authorities to secure your safety and that of your family.”

He pointed out that the cancellation of Co’s travel clearance was “a necessary opportunity to answer the allegations against you directly and in the proper forum.”

The Speaker stressed that “coming home will allow you to respond to this complaint, as well as to fully present and elaborate on the defenses you outlined in your letter.”

“The only proper way to address these matters is not through correspondence from abroad, but by returning, appearing at the proper forum, and answering the charges directly,” Dy told Co.

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other urgent expenses during emergencies.

President Marcos also highlighted the government’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), which offers training and financial support to help Filipinos start small businesses and achieve long-term self-sufficiency.

He cited examples of families who were able to send their children to school or even employ others after participating in the program.

“The SLP does not just provide help, it empowers people to rise above poverty,” he said. “Many beneficiaries are now helping their neighbors and hiring workers because of the opportunities they received,” he added.

The president underscored the resilience and determination of Fili-

private (until lifted)

• Masbate: (until lifted)

• Viga, Catanduanes: (until lifted)

• Mercedes, Camarines Norte: (until lifted)

• Paracale, Camarines Norte: (until lifted)

• Santa Elena, Camarines Norte: (until lifted)

• Camarines SurL (until lifted) Eastern Visayas

• Biliran: All levels, public and private (until lifted)

By Alena Mae S. Flores

CONSUMERS can expect a mixed movement in the prices of petroleum products by next week based on the 4-day trading in Mean of Platts Singapore, the benchmark trading of oil importers.

Rodela Romero, director of the Department of Energy’s Oil Industry Management Bureau said the forecast is based on heightened geopolitical risks brought by the US action threatening to impose tariffs on European nations which will not “immediately” stop buying Russian energy.

“This makes the oil market bullish. But additional global oil supplies are seen after Iraq resumes oil exports via pipeline to Turkey. Final adjustments will be determined after the Friday MOPS trading and the inclusion of all related expenses and premiums,” Romero said.

Jetti Petroleum President Leo Bellas said based on this week’s MOPS and foreign exchange average (first four days) versus last week’s full week average, diesel will have an increase of P0.30 to P0.50 per liter and gasoline by P0.50 to P0.70 per liter.

“Oil prices have rebounded significantly in the last two trading sessions, with diesel tracking its movement, due to worries of a tightening market, compounded by concerns that Ukraine’s intensified drone attacks on Russian energy infrastructure and renewed Western efforts to curb Russian oil and gas flows could disrupt supplies,” he said.

Bellas said further supporting oil prices is Russia’s recent announcement of a partial ban on diesel exports and extension of an existing ban on gasoline exports.

“Diesel is also supported by stabilizing industrial activity in Europe and increasing demand for harvest season in the US. Worries that the ongoing supply risks could disrupt product flows and affect supply in Asia have also lent support to diesel price,” he said.

pinos, especially those in northern Luzon, to recover from disasters and rebuild their lives.

He said the administration remains committed to ensuring that relief and recovery support reach all affected areas, citing ongoing efforts to provide food packs, health kits, fuel subsidies, fertilizers, and cash assistance to victims of recent tropical storms.

“We are here to make sure that all the assistance we prepared will reach everyone affected,” President Marcos said. “We want to ensure that even if people cannot go back to work yet, they have food to eat, they stay healthy, and their children are safe.”

The Department of Agriculture distributed fuel and fertilizer support, along with identification cards that will allow farmers to access cash aid and seed replacement programs.

Gatchalian says COA complicit in ghost projects

By Ram Superable

SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian on Friday criticized the Commission on Audit (COA) for failing to detect fraudulent flood control projects that turned out to be either non-existent or substandard.

“There was collusion, which is why anomalous and questionable projects slipped through. Our call to agencies is to fix the process and not destroy the trust of our people,” he said.

The lawmaker flagged glaring anomalies in project reports that he said COA should have identified at the review stage. One case involved a flood control project reported to be 89 percent complete only 15 days after the notice to proceed was issued. The same project was declared fully completed in just 34 days, a timeline Gatchalian said was highly questionable.

He added that the same photographs were recycled as documentation for various stages of the project’s supposed progress. A basic tabletop review of project documents, he argued, should have been enough for auditors to detect irregularities.

Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate Committee on Finance, urged COA to investigate the role of its resident auditor assigned to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). He said the scope and speed of the alleged ghost projects suggested possible complicity by COA personnel, including potential active participation in fraudulent schemes.

“I do not believe this could have passed through COA if the resident auditor was not involved in the scheme. What we want is to restore trust in COA,” he said.

DOTr: Waive fees amid ‘Opong’

By Darwin G. Amojelar

ACTING Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez has ordered airlines to provide full refunds and waive rebooking and other fees for passengers who cancel flights due to Typhoon Opong.

This action follows a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to assist affected travelers. Lopez specifically instructed the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) to enforce these policies and ensure airlines notify passengers

of flight cancellations.

“There should be no rebooking fees, and other fees should be waived. If passengers opt for a refund, then it should be a full refund,” Lopez said.

“We have also instructed the Civil

PH signs pacts with Togo, Hungary at UN summit

By Katrina Manubay

THE Philippines has signed separate memoranda of understanding (MOU) with Hungary on climate change and with Togo on political consultations during the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro said the agreement with Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó reflects the two countries’ shared commitment to environmental cooperation.

“Our meeting also continues our work for deeper political, economic, and labor ties,” Lazaro said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on September 25 in New York, or September 26 in Manila. Lazaro said the MOU with Togo Foreign Minister Robert Dussey opens a new chapter in relations between Manila and Lomé. “Looking forward to dialogue and collaboration in various fields of mutual interest,” she added.

The Philippines and Hungary will mark the 52nd anniversary of diplomatic ties on September 28, while the Philippines and Togo recently celebrated 25 years of relations last August 24.

CLIMATE CHANGE PACT. Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro (left) signs memoranda of understanding on political consultations with Togo Foreign Minister Robert Dussey (top) and on climate change with Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 25. Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro via X

Aeronautics Board that our airlines should contact their passengers to inform them whether their flights are canceled or not,” he added.

Lopez also ordered airport and port managers to provide food and drinks to stranded passengers. “We have already ordered our airports to remain open so passengers can have shelter if stranded, and food must be available,” he said.

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) are also enforcing a nosail policy to ensure passenger safety.

For stranded travelers at ports, the Phil-

DPWH, JICA monitor second San Juanico Bridge project

THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) conducted a follow-up monitoring and second fact-finding mission for the proposed Second San Juanico Bridge Construction Project, which aligns with the integrated and seamless transport system program of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

The September 23, 2025 meeting was attended by DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain, Unified Project Management Office-Bridges Management Cluster Project Director Rodrigo I. Delos Reyes, and JICA officials Risa Aramaki, Saiko Yamazaki, and Ryutaro Uchino. Members of the JICA Study Team, Yuichi Sano, Takeyuki Takada, and Takuya Kuramochi, also joined the mission.

The review covered updates on the draft final feasibility study, technical and financial requirements, and environmental and social safeguards in preparation for JICA loan appraisal. Sadain said the bridge will boost the economies of Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao, complementing projects such as the 233-kilometer Samar Section of the Samar and Agusan Daang Maharlika Road, to be funded by the Asian Development Bank, and the 15-kilometer Samar Pacific Coastal Road Phase II funded by Korea’s Economic Development Cooperation Fund. The proposed two-lane, 2,610.6-meter bridge will connect Barangay 105 (San Isidro/Suhi), Tacloban City, to Barangay San Juan, Santa Rita, Samar. The ₱20.282-billion project features a 320-meter steel arch, AASHTO girder approach spans, deep-water foundations, seismic isolation bearings, composite slabs, and aluminum guardrails. It is expected to serve 15,000 vehicles daily and ease congestion on the existing San Juanico Bridge.

ippine Ports Authority (PPA), in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), is prepared to provide food and drinks.

According to Lopez, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has been on heightened alert since Thursday as part of preparations for the typhoon’s landfall. More than 5,600 PCG personnel, ships, 166 rescue boats, and 122 vehicles are on standby in affected areas.

“We have ordered all Coast Guard personnel deployed. We have about 5,600 personnel in the areas expected to be hit by the typhoon,” Lopez said.

IN BRIEF

DMW to assist Pinay facing death sentence in Kuwait

THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said it is extending legal aid to a Filipina domestic worker in Kuwait who faces a death sentence for allegedly killing her employer’s 18-month-old child.

In a statement, the DMW assured that the government will provide full support and legal defense for the worker.

Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said lawyers are assessing the worker’s mental state at the time of the incident.

“The case is currently under prosecution in Kuwait, and the DMW is closely monitoring the situation,” Cacdac added.

The Filipina allegedly placed the child in a washing machine, resulting in death. Her defense team is investigating her mental health as part of the case strategy. Vito Barcelo

Cebu

Goes Culinary 2025 highlights heritage, innovation

CEBU CITY—The Hotel, Resort, and Restaurant Association of Cebu, Inc. (HRRACI) and the National Food Showdown staged “Cebu Goes Culinary 2025,” a two-day competition featuring 740 participants from professional and student categories.

Held on September 25–26 at SM Seaside City Cebu’s Sky Hall, the event showcased 17 culinary contests.

“This is a venue for participants and establishments to showcase skills, creativity, and Cebu’s rich local ingredients,” said Carmela Malagar, event co-chair and HRRACI corporate secretary.

Events were grouped into five clusters, including Battle Royale and Klasika Moderna Kulinarya, which emphasized heritage cuisine and local ingredients elevated to global standards.

HRRACI said the competition strengthens Cebu’s identity as the Visayas’ culinary hub, highlighting both traditional dishes and modern innovations. Minerva Newman

Baguio City media camp to transform into garden

THE Baguio media camp at Burnham Park will soon be transformed into a Japanese bamboo garden.

The site, fondly called Camp Peppot, will be renovated this year with support from Japan Tobacco International and the Philippine Bamboo Foundation.

Ten varieties of imported bamboo will be planted, with the area divided into four clusters to form a miniJapanese garden.

The camp, named after media pioneer Jose “Peppot” Ilagan Jr., has been managed by the Baguio Correspondents and Broadcasters Club since 1990.

Once completed, it will also serve as a nature laboratory for students. Dave Leprozo

BRACING FOR THE STORM. Fishermen tie their motor banca at the Bulungan in Parañaque to protect them from Typhoon Opong on Friday, September 26. Manny Palmero

SAN JUANICO BRIDGE. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) conduct

follow-up monitoring and second fact-finding mission for the proposed Second San Juanico Bridge Construction Project, pictured here.

PBBM enacts nuclear energy law

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT

Ferdinand

Marcos Jr. has signed into law a landmark bill establishing the country’s first independent nuclear regulatory body and setting the legal framework to govern the safe and responsible use of nuclear energy.

Republic Act No. 12305, also called the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act, establishes the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM), a quasi-judicial agency responsible for regulating all nuclear- and radiation-related activities in the country.

The new law underscores the government’s commitment to harnessing nuclear science and technology for national development while upholding “the highest standards of safety, security, and accountability.” PhilATOM will have exclusive jurisdiction over the regulation of nuclear activities, including the issuance of licenses and enforcement of safety standards. The agency will also ensure compliance with international obligations, such as those under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The law empowers PhilATOM to oversee the transport, storage, and disposal of radioactive materials and mandates coordination with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC)

Cops track down mother who left newborn on curb

By Vince Lopez

THE Tuguegarao City police are looking for a woman who gave birth to a daughter, put the small child in a box, then left her at a village roadside.

Local residents of barangay Bagay who found the abandoned newborn early Wednesday morning contacted the police about their grim discovery.

Sgt. Ace Baggayan and Pat. Royet Lattao joined a team of the City Rescue 1111 to retrieve the baby and brought her to the Cagayan provincial hospital for medical examination.

T he newborn is currently under the care and protection of the City Social Welfare and Development Office.

Philippine National Police acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. commended the quick response of the police, saying their action “reflects the deep sense of duty and humanity that President Marcos envisions for every law enforcer.”

“Each life is precious, and the PNP will not stop until we find the person responsible for abandoning this child,” Nartatez said.

PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño echoed this sentiment, highlighting the public’s role in rescuing the baby.

for nuclear emergency preparedness and response.

RA 12305 establishes stringent safeguards for the handling, storage, transportation, and disposal of nuclear and radioactive materials.

All nuclear-related activities will require comprehensive authorization, with

violations punishable by up to P100 million in fines, plus imprisonment.

Unauthorized actions, including the construction or operation of nuclear facilities, use or disposal of radioactive materials, testing of radiation generators, and radioactive waste management, are prohibited under the

new law. The enactment of RA 12305 came as the Philippines explores nuclear energy as part of its long-term energy mix, seen as a potential solution to rising power demand and the country’s transition toward cleaner, more sustainable energy sources.

PRUDENCE IS FOOTPRINT OF WISDOM. With typhoon Opong threatening to cross over Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon mainland, giant billboards along C5 are rolled down to avoid material and financial losses. Manny Palmero

IN BRIEF

LTO ousts 68 traffic agents for corruption

THE Land Transportation Office (LTO) has fired 68 of its traffic enforcers assigned at its central office on East Avenue, Quezon City for alleged corruption.

LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II said the dismissals were based on performance evaluation following complaints and reports of wrongdoings from motorists and netizens. Mendoza earlier ordered the consolidation of all the performance evaluation, complaints, and concerns from social media and other platforms in relation to the allegations of misdemeanour, especially bribery and extortion.

The reports came from the netizens, motorists and undercover agents deployed by Mendoza to test the integrity of the agency’s enforcers with the assistance of stakeholders in the transport sector. Rio N. Araja

Cops nab 22-year-old for cyber sexual abuse

MANILA police anti-cybercrime operatives have arrested a graduating college student for alleged threats to post on social media lewd photos and videos of a 17-year-old high school female student.

The arrest was made following a complaint filed by the girl accompanied by her father, saying the suspect, identified as Andres, tricked her into having a sexual contact with him.

The complainant, identified as Riza, said the suspect offered here P20,000 to have sex with him. The suspect’s persistence paid off and the girl eventually agreed to go with him in a hotel room.

The police are currently preparing a string of criminal charges against the suspect. Vince Lopez

234 complete training at Navotas Vocational NAVOTAS City welcomed 234 new skilled workers who graduated from the Navotas Vocational Training and Assessment (NAVOTAAS) Institute on Thursday, Sept. 25. Twenty of the graduates completed Automotive Servicing I, while 22 others finished Shielded Metal Arc Welding II. At NAVOTAAS Institute Annex I, 25 trainees took up Bread and Pastry Production NC II, 14 had fDressmaking NC II, and 31 finished Basic Korean Language and Culture.

The NAVOTAAS Institute Annex II produced 26 graduates in Barista NC II, 23 in Food and Beverage Services NC II, 21 in Massage Therapy, 27 in Housekeeping II, and 25 in Bread and Pastry Production NC II.

House approves OPAPRU’s proposed P7-b budget next year

By Rex Espiritu

THE House of Representatives has approved the P7-billion budget proposed by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) to bankroll the government’s peace initiatives across the country.

OPAPRU chief Carlito Galvez Jr. thanked lawmakers for their support,

saying the allocation was crucial to sustaining the gains of the peace process.

Galvez also acknowledged the sponsorship of the agency’s allocation by Negros Occidental 6th District Rep. Mercedes Alvarez.

“This peace budget is absolutely critical in moving forward the country’s comprehensive peace process. It is the lifeblood for turning signed peace agreements into

lasting realities on the ground as part of the guidance of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr,” Galvez said.

The OPAPRU currently oversees at least five peace negotiations, including those with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Cordillera Bodong Administration–Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CBA-CPLA), the Revolutionary Proletarian Army–Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP/RPA/ABB), and the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army–National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

By Jessica M. Bacud

Aside from implementing agreements, the budget will fund peacebuilding programs such as the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) initiative and the Social Healing and Peacebuilding Office (SHAPEO).

P597-m crops to ‘Nando’

agricultural output was set back by around P1.4 billion as a result of at least four tropical storms that recently pounded northern Luzon.

Farmers affected by “Nando” are now receiving aid from the provincial government, with President Marcos giving assurance of continued support.

OPINION

Why propaganda can’t undermine PBBM’s leadership

By Jose Antonio Goitia

I HAVE to be forthright in slamming that despicable foreign social media post that dared to mock President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as “low IQ.”

Let’s call it what it is—propaganda. This is nothing but a desperate attempt to smear a leader who has consistently stood tall for the Filipino people.

These outsiders don’t understand our history, our struggles, or our aspirations.

Yet, they feel entitled to insult our President and, by extension, all of us. That is simply unacceptable.

Leadership Rooted in Sovereignty

I find the hypocrisy of these foreign critics astounding.

They claim to care about justice but are blind to their own contradictions.

Look at the facts: President Marcos has defended the West Philippine Sea (WPS) without dragging our country into reckless wars.

He has strengthened alliances without surrendering our sovereignty.

That’s leadership—it’s calm, calculated, and always with the nation’s best interests in mind.

Economic Noise vs. Real Reform

On the accusations that President Marcos has failed economically, let me be blunt: These critics cherry-pick failures and ignore entirely the gains.

Investments are coming in, tourism is recovering, and the groundwork for long-term stability is actively being laid.

Progress is not instant—it’s a longterm project—but the direction is clear, and President Marcos has firmly set us on it.

The Intelligence Insult I scoff at the insult that President Marcos is “low IQ.”

Intelligence isn’t measured by foreign commentators hiding behind

their screens.

Results measure it. And under his leadership, the Philippines has regained international respect and a stronger voice in global affairs.

To me, that is the unmistakable mark of a smart and steady leader.

Standing With the President

These attacks only prove to me that President Marcos is hitting nerves abroad.

This is nothing but a desperate attempt to smear a leader who has consistently stood tall for the Filipino people

They fear a Philippines that stands proud and independent.

They fear a President who simply won’t play along with their script.

That’s why they attack him.

I end with a clear call for unity: The Filipino people know who truly fights for them. And no amount of foreign mudslinging will ever erase the fact that President Marcos is a leader who is honestly working for the future of this nation.

(The writer, who holds a doctorate in philosophy, serves as Chairman Emeritus of four civic-oriented organizations: Alyansa ng Bantay sa Kapayapaan at Demokrasya (ABKD), People’s Alliance for Democracy and Reforms (PADER), Liga Independencia Pilipinas (LIPI), and Filipinos Do Not Yield (FDNY) Movement, through which he continues to advance the cause of sovereignty, reform, and the dignity of the Filipino people.)

Poland cools on Ukrainians despite their economic success

WARSAW, Poland-- Warsaw’s central business district is booming alongside Poland’s economy, but those teaching yoga and taking coffee orders in bustling premises under glass and steel office towers are often Ukrainian.

Economists and entrepreneurs agree: Refugees from the Russian invasion of Ukraine have proven a huge boost to Poland’s economy -- but now their contribution may be at risk.

A law governing Ukrainians’ protected status expires at the end of the month and President Karol Nawrocki has yet to sign off on a bill to renew it, threatening a million people with legal limbo.

At the ElFlex yoga and fitness center, the young women stretching and balancing in complicated poses under the colored lights maintain their poise, but concern is rippling through the community.

Gym owner Lisa Kolesnikova, 28, grew up in the Ukrainian city Zaporizhzhia, but she built her business in Poland.

She now owns two yoga studios and has franchised two more.

Two years ago most of the customers and all of her staff were from Ukraine or Belarus.

Now, that’s changing. “Polish clients come to us, and the girls now conduct training in Polish. They like us and, in fact, I have never encountered any negativity,” she told AFP.

For Kolesnikova, who employs eight people, the idea that Poland might call into question the residency rights of hundreds of thousands of hard-working Ukrainians is absurd -- but not for nationalist politicians like Nawrocki.

In March 2022, in the immediate aftermath of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Poland’s parliament passed a law granting protected status to Ukrainians. It has since been amended and extended.

Last month the newly-elected nationalist president refused to approve the latest version, demanding it be changed

to prevent Ukrainians from receiving Poland’s 800-zloty (190-euro) per child monthly benefit.

A new draft is ready, but Nawrocki is still keeping the Ukrainians and their employers guessing.

If he doesn’t sign off by Sept. 30, Ukrainians will see their legal residency expire.

Yet Poland’s total population is shrinking and unemployment in July was just 3.1 percent, the fourth lowest in the European Union

On Thursday the president said he was still studying the amended bill.

“If it hasn’t been changed, I’ll reject it again,” he said, in an interview with the new site Fakt.

At the parliament in Warsaw, lawmaker Michal Wawer of the right-wing Confederation party, which sits in the opposition in parliament, told AFP his movement hopes the president will indeed stop the bill.

“I don’t think it would be a social catastrophe,” he said. “Each of these Ukrainian citizens will be entitled to apply for legal residence as an immigrant or as a refugee.

“They will be just treated in the way that every other foreigner in Poland is treated.”

Entrepreneur Oleg Yarovi, a 37-yearold Ukrainian who owns a chain of coffee shops, does not agree.

“As someone who understands how much the Ukrainian community spends investing in the Polish market, these are very illogical steps being taken. It is simply something political, populist,” he said.

This is an AI-generated cartoon with the prompt: ‘Generate in horizontal cartoon: “Horizontal editorial cartoon in pen-andink style with bold outlines and dense cross-hatching. A monstrous typhoon cloud with claws, labeled ‘Nando / Mirasol’, looms menacingly over a flooded barangay. Filipino everyman families cling to rooftops, clutching pots and children, faces etched with fear and exhaustion. In the foreground, a cracked flood control wall labeled ‘DPWH Project’ buckles and collapses, water bursting through. On the side, a contractor in a barong tiptoes away with bulging pockets, glancing nervously. Allegorical, socially critical, urgent, dark satire.’

Public service

is no private trust

from more than a decade back.

WITHOUT doubt, officials, in both executive and legislative branches of government, saw the revulsion of a wakened and angered people in the different anti-corruption protests earlier this week.

They must now be aware that something positive must be done beyond the initial separate investigations conducted in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Such investigations have helped unmask the shameless characters, their forward lies, finger pointing, their discovered guile, who have scammed a trusting populace that, typhoons and all, they would not be awakened by rampaging and rising floodwaters as well as pulled off school building rooftops.

Such floodwaters could not have been as furious and unforgiving if the millions, nay billions, intended for flood control projects and rehabilitation of dilapidated school buildings had been spent for these.

But many, in both the executive and legislative branches, with a sleight of covetous hands, aided by their now identified and still to be named collaborators, made insertions where possible, persuaded by the thought they would not and would never be found out.

But alas, and sadly for them, their

“The Ukrainians who came here invested millions in Poland. We are currently selling one of our premises and every day if I take seven calls from people who are interested, six are Ukrainians.”

In June, consultants Deloitte estimated in a report to the UN refugee agency that the work of Ukrainian refugees now accounts for 2.7 percent of Poland’s GDP. Ukrainians are more likely to be employed than Poles, and native workers are moving into higher-paid roles.

Since Russia’s 2022 invasion, Poland’s Ukrainian population has topped one million.

cunning moves in dark zones of an unsuspecting night and a gullible broad daylight eventually showed them up ii discovered “ghost” projects and pictures of bundles of bills in the billions of pesos, not to mention upmarket wheels and upscale mansions and condominiums.

The ICI, now keenly watched by the disgusted and cheated population, must do nothing less

The billions should have been for the welfare of the previously uncomplaining public, humored to be tough and buoyant in face of natural disasters. But they have been cheated with their hard-earned tax payments they discovered rather late had changed hands among the brazenly corrupt as

Yet Poland’s total population is shrinking and unemployment in July was just 3.1 percent, the fourth lowest in the European Union.

“They integrated into the labor market in Poland very quickly. They managed, found work,” said Nadia Winiarska, an employment expert from the Lewiatan Confederation business association.

“It is not true that Ukrainian citizens in Poland primarily rely on welfare,” she told AFP, complaining that the political debate in Poland does not take into account the scale of Ukrainians’ input.

But anti-refugee politicians say they are speaking up for ordinary Polish

What is clear at this point is those insensitively venal kept on playing their cards for years in the mistaken belief that public service, with assistance from similarly insatiable private contractors, is a private trust.

As the Latin maxim says, salus furum est lex suprema.

They were blindedly convinced the welfare of the thieves is the supreme law.

But the angered population cannot and must not be angry forever, with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure or ICI already past the preheat mode.

At this point, the investigators in both houses of Congress – where at times unmannerly syllables have been exchanged among their honors – must stop forthwith.

They must allow the ICI to do its job, submit to it for appreciation whatever papers they have gathered during the initial investigations, and let it determine who should be covered by the government’s witness protection program and who must be prosecuted.

The ICI must be supported by the people, by everyone, and let it throw the book on those who deserve not just the letter but the spirit of the law.

The ICI, now keenly watched by the disgusted and cheated population, must do nothing less.

opinion. “I don’t agree that they are well integrated,” Wawer told AFP.

“There is a problem of building entire companies, an entire society that does not require its citizens to use Polish language or to accept Polish cultural norms.” Some business leaders accuse Russia’s online propaganda networks of boosting anti-refugee sentiment.

“I hope the Polish people won’t buy it,” said Andrzej Korkus, CEO of the EWL Group, a major employment agency. Referring to the law, he said “we’re coming to the end of September and still it’s not signed. There’s real concern.” AFP

IN BRIEF

UK to launch digital ID scheme

LONDON — UK Prime Minister Keir

Starmer on Friday announced plans for a new nationwide digital ID to curb illegal migration, but the move faces strong opposition in country that has long-resisted such moves.

The new digital ID will be held on people’s phones and there will be no requirement for individuals to carry or be asked to produce it, said the government.

However, it will be “mandatory as a means of proving your right to work,” a statement said.

“This will stop those with no right to be here from being able to find work, curbing their prospect of earning money, one of the key ‘pull factors’ for people who come to the UK illegally,” it added.

The government said the drive will also make it simpler to apply for services like driving licenss, childcare and welfare, while streamlining access to tax records.

The announcement comes as Labor, the party in government, prepares to hold its annual conference, with Starmer under intense pressure, particularly over immigration. AFP

US rejects WHO diseases declaration

UNITED NATIONS, New York — US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. rejected a United Nations political declaration on non-communicable diseases on Thursday (Friday Manila time), saying it “pushes destructive gender ideology” while ignoring the most pressing health issues.

The World Health Organization has said the “new, ambitious and achievable” declaration will lay out a roadmap for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases and the promotion of mental health and well-being towards 2030 and beyond.

The declaration is expected to secure approval next month from a majority of the WHO’s 193 member states despite objections from the United States.

Kennedy said at a high-level meeting on Thursday that the declaration “exceeds the UN’s proper role while ignoring the most pressing health issues.” AFP

Ukrainian YouTuber arrested in Japan

TOKYO — A Ukrainian YouTuber with more than 6.5 million subscribers has been arrested in Japan after livestreaming himself trespassing in a house in the Fukushima nuclear exclusion zone, police and media said Friday.

The arrest, which reportedly occurred in an area declared a no-go zone after the 2011 nuclear disaster, is the latest in a string of incidents involving fame-seeking foreigners behaving badly in Japan.

Two other Ukrainians were also arrested for entering the unoccupied house in Okuma Town in Fukushima prefecture on Wednesday morning, Fukushima police told AFP.

“Police officers discovered the suspects following information provided by a citizen and arrested them in the act,” the official said. All three suspects admitted to the charges, according to TV Asahi, citing police.

The broadcaster showed a clip taken from the YouTube livestream, where the three men made tea inside the home and examined objects apparently left behind by the people who lived there. AFP

India retires ‘flying coffin’ Soviet jet

NEW DELHI — India’s Russian-built MiG21s flew for the final time Friday, marking the end of an era for the country’s first supersonic fighter jet -- lauded for its valor but tarnished by a legacy of some 400 crashes. Crowds cheered as officials staged a grand farewell for the final two MiG-21 squadrons, totalling around 36 aircraft, at an air force base in the northern city of Chandigarh.

The send-off came a day after New Delhi signed a $7-billion deal to acquire 97 domestically designed and built Tejas jets as it seeks to modernize its Soviet-era fleet. The farewell ceremony included a mock dogfight between Russian MiGs and a colourful display by the Surya Kiran aerobatic team. The retired jets will likely be put up for public display, though

Trump to block West Bank seizure

UNITED NATIONS, New York — US President Donald Trump vowed Thursday (Friday Manila time) to stop Israel from annexing the West Bank as he presses to end the Gaza war, ahead of a high-stakes visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu will address the United Nations on Friday (Saturday Manila time) and later meet Trump in Washington as Israeli ministers muse of annexing the West Bank in response to recognition of a Palestinian state by France, Britain and several other Western powers.

right Israelis see as a way to kill any real prospect of an independent Palestine.

“I will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank,” Trump told reporters at the White House.

“No, I will not allow it. It’s not going to happen.”

Trump voiced optimism about ending nearly two years of devastating war, echoing the confidence expressed a day earlier on the sidelines of the United Nations by his roving envoy, Steve Witkoff. “We’re getting pretty close to having a deal on Gaza and maybe even peace,” said Trump, who also spoke to Netanyahu by telephone on Thursday. Trump met Tuesday at the United Nations with the leaders of key Arab and Muslim nations who warned him of con-

Sarkozy prepares for 5-year prison term

PARIS — A court has sentenced former French president Nicolas Sarkozy to five years in prison over a scheme for late Libyan dictator Moamer Kadhafi to fund his 2007 presidential run.

In a verdict Thursday that will make the rightwinger the first French postwar leader to serve jail time, the Paris criminal court convicted Sarkozy, 70, on criminal conspiracy charges.

However, it acquitted the former head of state, France’s president from 2007 to 2012, of corruption and personally accepting illegal campaign financing.

Plans to retire them in the 1990s were repeatedly delayed amid local production setbacks, bureaucratic obstacles and corruption scandals.

“MiG-21’s legacy is undeniable. It was a capable -- if flawed -- fighter that formed the Indian Air Force’s backbone for decades,” former Air Marshal Raghunath Nambiar told AFP on the sidelines of the event. AFP

Meanwhile, Sarkoy’s aide, urged current leader Emmanuel Macron on Friday to pardon him.

Speaking to broadcaster RTL, Henri Guaino, a former special adviser to Sarkozy, said: “What has happened is exceptionally serious” and called Sarkozy’s conviction “a humiliation for the state and its institutions.” Sarkozy, seen as a mentor to many politicians on the right, was convicted on criminal conspiracy charges and will be the first French postwar leader to serve jail time. He must serve his sentence while awaiting the outcome of his appeal.

Danish airport closes again after new drone sighting

COPENHAGEN, Denmark — A Danish airport briefly closed again following another suspected drone sighting, police and national media said on Friday, after the prime minister blamed similar incidents this week on “hybrid attacks.”

The airspace over Aalborg airport in northern Denmark was shut at around 11:40 pm on Thursday because drones had been seen in the area, public broadcaster DR reported, citing an airport official.

The regional police force later said in a statement on X that the closure had occurred due to suspected drone activity, adding that the airspace had reopened at about 12:35 am on Friday.

It was not immediately clear whether authorities had verified the presence of

any drones.

The shutdown forced a KLM flight from Amsterdam to turn around, and caused the cancellation of a Scandinavian Airlines flight from the Danish capital Copenhagen, flight tracking sites and airline websites showed. Danish police said drones were spotted on Wednesday and earlier on Thursday at airports in Aalborg, Esbjerg, Sonderborg and at the Skrydstrup air base before leaving on their own. That incident had already caused Aalborg airport to shut down for several hours.

Drone sightings also prompted Copenhagen airport to shut down earlier this week. It followed a similar incident in Norway, drone incursions in Polish and Romanian territory, and the alleged violation of Estonian airspace by Russian fighter jets. AFP

sequences if Israel moved ahead. “I think the president of the US understands very well the risks and dangers of annexation in the West Bank,” Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan told reporters.

Saudi Arabia has mulled recognition of Israel in what would be a massive symbolic step, as the kingdom is home to Islam’s two holiest sites.

The United Arab Emirates, whose 2020 normalization with Israel is seen as a top achievement by both Netanyahu and Trump, has publicly warned Israel against annexation.

Netanyahu nonetheless has defied Trump in recent months with attacks in Iran, Qatar and Syria amid US diplomacy. AFP

“A pardon does not erase the conviction and may be partial. So I don’t think it would be absurd for him to be pardoned,” Guaino said. The court ordered that Sarkozy should be placed in custody at a later date, with prosecutors to inform him on Oct. 13 when he should go to prison. He was also fined 100,000 euros ($117,000) and banned from holding public office. He has been convicted already in two separate trials but always avoided

SANAA, Yemen — Israeli strikes on Sanaa killed at least nine people and wounded more than 170 on Thursday, Yemen’s Huthis said Friday, a day after the rebels launched a drone attack on southern Israel. AFP correspondents heard explosions and saw plumes of smoke rising from three locations in the Sanaa area, in the latest retaliatory attack since the Huthis began targeting Israel in the wake of the Gaza war. Israeli forces hit several Huthilinked targets in the rebel-held capital, Israeli officials said, warning of more attacks to come.

Huthi media said the targets included a detention facility.

The Israeli military later said “a missile launched from Yemen was intercepted”, with sirens blaring in central Israel. Rescuers in Yemen were still searching for victims of Israeli strikes, which left “nine martyrs and 174 wounded”, Huthi health ministry spokesman Anees Alasbahi said in an updated toll on X. The Huthis’ Al-Masirah television channel, citing a security source, said Israel “targeted one of the (security and intelligence) service’s correctional facilities, which houses a number of prisoners and detainees.”

Al-Masirah earlier said that a power station and two residential neighborhoods had been targeted, sharing pictures that showed low-rise buildings with bombedout windows.

One picture showed twisted metal and pieces of concrete filling the street as people looked on, with another photo showing people on the roof of a badly damaged building.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the strikes “dealt a powerful blow to numerous terror targets of the Huthi terror organization in Sanaa,” They hit “several military camps... eliminated dozens of Huthi terror operatives, and destroyed stockpiles of UAVs (drones) and weaponry, , Katz said on X. AFP

Trump warns of shutdown as White House threatens mass firings

PEACE AND PALESTINE.

plume of smoke rises during

strike on the Huthi-controlled Yemeni capital Sanaa on Friday. Yemen’s Huthi rebels said nine people were killed and more than 170 others wounded in the Israeli strikes on Friday. The reports coincided with news from the

Tigers face Archers, eye 1st 2-0 start since 2019

UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas aims to end another losing streak as it faces De La Salle in the featured UAAP Season 88 collegiate men’s basketball game today (Saturday) at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Matched against another Season 87 finalist, the Growling Tigers are eyeing their first 2-0 start since UAAP Season 82 (2019) while trying to snap an almost decade-long, 16-game losing streak against the Green Archers in the 4:30 p.m. main game.

National University will also pursue a second straight win against a youthladen Far Eastern University squad in the 2 p.m. curtain-raiser.

The last time the Growling Tigers defeated the Green Archers was on October 11, 2015 during UAAP Season 78, with a come-from-behind 81-79 victory in the second round.

UST ended a nine-game losing streak against defending champion University of the Philippines with an impressive 87-67 win last Sunday, giving them momentum heading into this marquee match-up with De La Salle.

However, the 20-point rout over the Fighting Maroons does not guarantee UST a repeat performance against the

Trump suggests World Cup games could be moved from unsafe cities

WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump said Thursday he would consider moving 2026 World Cup games from US cities he regards as a security risk.

Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump said while he expected the tournament to be “safe”, he was ready to strip games from host cities that were regarded as “even a little bit dangerous.”

The United States is co-hosting next year’s World Cup with Mexico and Canada, but will be hosting the bulk of the games in the tournament, which has been expanded to include 48 teams.

US host cities include staunchly Democratic strongholds such as Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle.

“It will be safe for the World Cup,”

Trump told reporters. “If I think it isn’t safe, we’ll move it into a different city.”

Trump’s administration has deployed national guard troops to Democratic-run US cities this year over the objections of local and state leaders.

San Francisco and Seattle are both hosting six matches each at the tournament. Los Angeles is hosting eight.

“It’s actually a very fair question,”

Trump continued. “If I think it’s not safe, we’re going to move it out of that city...,” he added, before reeling off crime statis-

Trump earlier this year appointed himself as chairman of a White House task force for the World Cup, which is run by world football’s governing body FIFA.

Trump, who has a close relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, has promised that fans visiting the US can expect a “seamless” experience. Infantino has said FIFA has “full and entire” confidence in the Trump administration to help deliver a successful tournament. AFP

Reyes stars for Gilas team, hogs spotlight in FIBA tourney

TIFFANY Reyes proved she deserves her spot in the Gilas Pilipinas Women’s team.

Reyes showed this as she nailed the game-winning clutch jumper to carry the Philippines past a stunned South Korea, 77-75, for its first victory in the 2025 International Basketball Federation (FIBA) U-16 Women’s Asia Cup on Wednesday night at Seremban, Malaysia.

Reyes, who celebrated her 15th birthday in style, got the minutes in crunch time and did not disappoint, despite South Korea’s comeback from 60-69 deficit to seize the lead at 75-74. She took charge in the clutch to put her team in the win column in Group A for third place.

“Our team struggled a lot in the

THE National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the country’s first athletic collegiate league, is beginning a new era in collegiate sports via its home and official broadcast partner, GMA Network. With the theme “Building Greatness,” the NCAA Season 101, which features significant developments for the season, officially kicks off on October 1 at the Araneta Coliseum.

Hosted by Mapúa University, the new season is bringing together the league’s 10-member schools.

Season 101 Policy Board President Dr. Dodjie Maestrecampo of Mapúa University underscored the league’s renewed focus. “As we officially launch Season 101, we embark on a new era for the NCAA – one that places a deliberate focus on athletic achievement and progress for the NCAA. In line with this season’s theme, we aim to inspire a new generation of student-athletes to not only compete at their highest level, but to also build upon the legacy of greatness that this league was founded on,” he said.

first two games and even today. But I am thankful to my teammates and to coach Pat Aquino, the women’s basketball program director, that he gave me the confidence to knock down that shot for the win,” Reyes said.

“We must be consistent and hope to sustain the charge.”

The 5’11” daughter of former Philippine Basketball Association big man Jay-R Reyes, finished the game with 16 points, including four triples, three rebounds and four blocks, improving her 12-point production in a 48-74 Gilas loss to Chinese Taipei last week.

Reyes is currently no. 4 in three-point shooting field goals made with 16, alongside top three-point hitters Chinese Yuanshan Li with 38, Seun Lim of

South Korea with 31, followed by Australian Sophie Richardson with 17 threes in three games.

The Gilas Pilipinas U16 squad was to meet China on Friday at 7 p.m. in the qualification for semifinal slot.

“My priority is to help my team if I am inside the court,” she added. “I must be ready all the time. We will do our best in our next game.”

Reyes has honed her skills in Cincinnati, USA a few months ago to enhance her mental toughness and physical game despite her lanky frame, under coach Dante Harlan, who also trained other elite Filipino players like Kai Sotto, Jack Animam and Sage Tolentino.

While in the Philippines, Reyes is guided and trained by skills’ trainer coach Paolo Gorospe.

NCAA Season 101 Management Committee Chairman Melchor Divina of Mapúa University announced significant developments for this season, particularly on the new tournament format for the basketball and volleyball tournaments. “NCAA Season 101 promises to be a landmark year for the league. These changes will not only elevate the level of competition, but also bring more excitement and a thrilling experience for our fans,” said Divina. Divina is joined by members of the NCAA Management Committee: Mr. Peter S. Cayco of Arellano University; Fr. Victor C. Calvo, Jr., OP, of Colegio de San Juan de Letran; Mr. Manuel Raymund A. Castellano of De La SalleCollege of St. Benilde; Dr. Lorenzo C. Lorenzo of Emilio Aguinaldo College; Mr. Efren Y. Supan of José Rizal University; Dr. Allan Paul Layco of Lyceum of the Philippines University; Atty. Jonas D. Cabochan of San Beda University; Fr. Virgilio M.

and Mr. Francisco P.

THE men of the Philippine Golf Tour brace for an intense and highstakes conclusion to the 2025 season as the circuit heads south for a richer, more competitive Mindanao swing next month.

With a staggering P10.5 million total purse up for grabs across three events, expect fireworks on the fairways and greens. The action kicks off with the ICTSI Del Monte Championship from Oct. 14–17, followed by the ICTSI Apo Classic from Oct. 21–24, and culminating in the ICTSI South Pacific Classic from Oct. 28–31. Each leg will offer P3.5 million in prize money – among the largest in the PGT’s 16-year history. But it’s not just about the cash. These final three legs serve as pivotal battlegrounds in the race for two of the most coveted spots in Philippine professional golf – the Match Play Championship in December and The Country Club (TCC) Invitational in early 2026. With precious ranking points on the line, every birdie, every up-and-down, and every clutch putt will matter.

The TCC Invitational, considered the PGT’s flagship event, has boasted a P6 million prize pot over the past three years, making it the richest single tournament in the country. Only the Top 30 in the Order of Merit (OOM) after the Mindanao swing will earn a spot in this elite field – putting a premium on consistency, composure and killer instinct. With every leg offering a careerdefining payday and a chance to boost their OOM standing, the pros are expected to raise their games to new heights. For many, it’s not just about lifting trophies – it’s about securing legacy-defining opportunities in the Match Play Finals and earning a golden ticket to the TCC Invitational.

IIT CHAMPS. Sean Granada of College of St. Benilde-1 (second from left) and Julia Lua of La

US President Donald Trump

FSC, of De La Salle-College of St. Benilde; Dr. Jose Paulo E. Campos of Emilio Aguinaldo

College; Dr. Vincent K. Fabella of José Rizal University; Atty. Roberto P. Laurel of Lyceum of the Philippines University; Fr. Aloysius Ma. A. Maranan, OSB, of San Beda University; Fr. Rafael B. Pecson, OAR, of San Sebastian College-Recoletos; and Dr. Anthony Jose M. Tamayo of the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA.

Paredes Jr., OAR, of San Sebastian CollegeRecoletos;

Gusi,

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst.

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst.

Eala reaches Jingshan semis vs. old tormentor

By Peter Atencio

PHILIPPINE tennis pride Alexandra Eala seized the proper moment to outpoint Chinese rival Jia Jing Lu for a 6-4, 6-1 triumph in the quarterfinals of the women’s singles event on Friday (Manila time) in the WTA 125 Jingshan Tennis Open.

Lu’s errors in the fourth game of the last set proved to be her undoing, as Eala went on to take the last three game points and arrange a semifinal clash with third-seed Lulu Sun. The 35-year-old Lu was nearing match point with her service winner,

40-15, with Eala ahead at 2-1 in the second set. But when Eala went deep with her volley returns and stuck to the center back of the court with her baseline game, that was when Lu found herself in trouble.

By Randy M. Caluag

Ohtani bashes 54th homer as Dodgers clinch NL West crown

LOS ANGELES—Shohei Ohtani belted his 54th home run of the season and Freddie Freeman homered twice as the Los Angeles Dodgers clinched the National League West division title on Thursday with an 8-0 thrashing of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Ohtani’s 54th homer matched his own single-season best and the Dodgers franchise record he set last year, when he became the first Major League Baseball player ever to record 50 home runs and 50 steals in the same season. The Japanese superstar is within two home runs of Philadelphia’s Kyle Schwarber for most in the National League.

Seattle catcher Cal Raleigh leads the majors with 60 home runs this season.

The reigning World Series champion Dodgers secured their fourth straight division crown and their 12th in 13 years.

Lu began struggling with her long passing shots and conceded the next four points.

This allowed Eala to gain momentum with a 3-1 lead.

From there, Eala never looked back and broke Lu’s serves twice en route to a 6-1 finish in the final set.

The 35-year-old Sun, a ChineseCroatian netter, will now be be facing Eala for second time, since their confrontation at the Wimbledon netfest last year.

The world no. 146 Sun advanced to the semis following her 6-2, 6-4 beating of Elena Pridankina, Sun looks forward to a second vic-

tory over Eala, after ousting her in the qualifying round of the last Wimbledon netfest. Meanwhile, second seed Talia Gibson also reached the semis after turning back En Sho Liang, 3-6, 6-4, 6-0. Ma Ye Xin clashes with Gibson in the semis following a 7-5,6-2 stopping of Japanese bet Rina Saigo.

Fil-Japanese doctor wins 3rd World Master Jiu-Jitsu

A FILIPINO-JAPANESE doctor of physical therapy based in New York captured his third International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) 2025 World Master Jiu-Jitsu Championship at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino in Nevada recently.

Dr. Shawn Tomokazu Kato, 37, rose to the occasion in the finale by unleashing a footlock-submission maneuver against American Renmel Monzon Tiong in just under a minute to clinch the men’s roosterweight division title.

“I’m so grateful to be able to continue competing in the sport I love,” Kato said. “I hope to inspire other working professionals to pursue their dreams and know that with discipline, heart, and dedication, it’s possible to compete at the highest level.”

In the semifinal match of the roosterweight class earlier, Kato secured a hard-fought victory over another American in Martin Sandoval Jr., winning by two points to move to the championship round.

RISING wushu star Zion Daraliay has added another international medal to her collection, clinching the bronze in the Women’s Taijiquan event at the inaugural ASEAN-China Women’s Wushu Championships.

The competition, held in Malaysia, showcased the region’s top female talents in the Chinese martial art.

Daraliay, a taolu specialist, delivered a powerful performance in the Juniors Division, earning a score of 9.256 points to secure a spot on the podium.

The victory marks her second bronze medal on the world stage, following her third-place finish at the 2022 World Junior Wushu Championships.

The young Filipina also competed in the Women’s Taijiquan event, where she finished in 5th place, demonstrating her versatility across different divisions. The event also featured fellow national team member and multiple-time SEA Games gold medalist, Agatha Wong, who placed 4th.

Daraliay’s continued success solidifies her position as a promising talent in the Philippine Wushu team, which has consistently produced world-class athletes. Her performance, alongside the veteran Wong, highlights the depth of talent within the country’s wushu program.

The Wushu Federation of the Philippines has been a consistent source of medals for the country in international competitions, and Daraliay’s latest achievement is a testament to the federation’s efforts in developing young athletes.

The World Master Championship, organized by the IBJJF, is considered the most prestigious event for veteran grapplers. This year’s tournament broke records, drawing more than 12,500 competitors from around the world, making it the largest in its history.

Kato grew up in Manila before moving to the USA. His latest win adds to his previous world titles in 2018 and 2024, underscoring his longevity and consistency at the highest level of competition.

Beyond his athletic achievements, Kato is a dedicated health and wellness practitioner through his work as a Physical Therapist, blending his professional expertise with his passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

His journey reflects the growing movement of professionals balancing careers with elite competition, proving that excellence in sport and life can go hand in hand.

Kato trains under the Miyao Brothers at Studio 1908 and practices under Checkmat Manila when he is visiting the Philippines.

“It means a lot,” manager Dave Roberts said. “It tok a lot to get to this point and just so proud of the way that these guys fought, persevered. Everyone’s accountable, no one made excuses and we drew from a lot of adversity.”

After succumbing to a late D’Backs comeback on Tuesday and needing 11 innings to capture a victory on Wednesday, the Dodgers dominated in the series finale. Freeman’s 411-foot blast off Diamondbacks pitcher Nabil Crismatt in the second inning was immediately followed by a homer from Andy Pages. Mookie Betts singled in two runs to cap a four-run frame.

Ohtani pushed the lead to 6-0 in the fourth inning, swinging low through the strike zone for a two-run homer that splashed down in the swimming pool located beyond the right center field wall at Chase Field. Freeman followed with a two-run shot to make it 8-0.

Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto scattered four hits over six innings with two walks and seven strikeouts and three Dodgers relievers combined to finish off the shutout.

The Dodgers will finish the regular season with a three-game series against Raleigh and the Mariners in Seattle. AFP

THE Abra Solid North Weavers battered the Davao Occidental Tigers, 9256, on Thursday and secured the top spot in the North Division and overall standing of the Manny Pacquiao Presents MPBL 2025 Season at the Batangas City Coliseum. With Encho Serrano at the helm, the Weavers extended their hot streak to 25, tying the league record held by the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards, and rising to 27-1, ahead of the Rice Vanguards (26-2) and the San Juan Knights (25-3) in the North Division and overall standing of the 30-team tournament. Even if Abra drops its last game against Mindoro and Nueva Ecija prevails over Rizal, the Weavers would still emerge No. 1 owing to their 8271 victory over the Rice Vanguards in their round-robin elimination phase encounter.

Serrano tallied 15 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals to clinch best honors over Dave Ildefonso with 10 points, 5 assists and 3 rebounds, Mark Yee with 10 points plus 9 rebounds, and Mike Ayonayon with 10 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Davao Occidental fell to 11-17, but will figure in the play-in between the ninth and 10th-ranked teams in the South.

The Tigers got 15 points from homegrown Jansher Salubre, and 12 points plus 8 rebounds from Justin Alano. The Batangas City Tanduay Rum Masters thwarted the Mindoro Tamaraws, 73-66, in the nightcap to wind up with a 20-9 slate and

Dr. Shawn Tomokazu Kato

LEILA IS BACK! Leila Barros (center) nally arrives in Manila after ight hitches that had her entourage stranded for almost a day in Doha. With her are

(from left) former Brazilian national teammate Ricarda Lima (Brazil), Mireya Luis (Cuba, three-time Olympic gold medalist), and welcoming party head Ramon Eusebio of the Local Organizing Committee. PNVF Photo

Zion Daraliay

Alexandra Eala will try to get back at Chinese-Croatian Lulu Sun, who ousted the Filipina in the qualifying round of the last Wimbledon netfest. AFP

TOURISM JOBS.

Job seekers choose from the posted list of over 4,000 job openings during the National Tourism Month Job Fair on Sept. 24, 2025 at the Ayala Malls Harbor Point in Subic Bay Freeport. Around 52 locators participated during the job fair which is a collaborative effort between the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), Department of Tourism and Department of Labor and Employment in celebration of National Tourism and World Tourism Day 2025. Joseph Muego

7.5% 11.5%

Housing price growth in Q2

Price increase in provinces

2.4%

Price increase in Metro Manila

Housing prices rose 7.5% in second quarter

HOUSING prices in the Philippines rose 7.5 percent year-on-year in the second quarter of 2025, led by an increase in costs outside Metro Manila.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Friday the residential property price index (RPPI) in areas outside the National Capital Region (NCR) posted an 11.5 percent year-onyear growth.

Meanwhile, NCR housing prices rose 2.4 percent in the second quarter of 2025.

“By house type, price movements were mixed,” the BSP said in a statement.

Prices for single-attached or detached units, apartments, townhouses and duplexes went up by 13.1 year-on-year. This offset the 0.2 percent drop in condominium prices.

The RPPI measures the average price changes of various housing units using banks’ data on actual housing loans.

The BSP said it watches the RPPI to assess the country’s real estate and credit market conditions.

Thony Rose Lesaca

AMLC freezes 700 bank accounts, targets more

By Thony Rose Lesaca

THE Anti-Money Laundering Council is looking to freeze more bank accounts linked to an ongoing anomalous flood control project scandal on top of more than 700 accounts that have already been frozen, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor and AMLC chairman Eli Remolona Jr. said.

Remolona made the comments in an interview with One News’ Money Talks aired on Friday, confirming the AMLC’s widening investigation.

“We’ve frozen over 700 accounts so far. We’re looking at more accounts to freeze,” Remolona said.

He acknowledged that the large-

scale freezes could affect liquidity, but assured the public of the financial system’s stability.

“So that does affect liquidity in general. But our banks are very, very liquid at this point. I think I can say that with confidence, no bank runs,” he said.

By Othel C. Campos

A DIPLOMAT underscored the deepening commercial and economic partnership between the Philippines and the US during the second day of the Arangkada Philippine Investment Forum.

US Embassy in Manila deputy chief of mission Robert Ewing described the bilateral relationship as one “defined by shared history, democratic values, and strengthened by a commercial partnership that grows deeper each year,” adding that the partnership comes “at a better time than ever.”

Ewing noted that the US remains among the top sources of foreign direct investment in the Philippines and

Filipino consumers less pessimistic in Q3

FILIPINO consumers were less pessimistic in the third quarter of 2025, according to a survey by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) that cited new income sources, higher earnings and more working family members as key reasons.

The BSP’s latest Consumer Expectations Survey (CES) showed the overall consumer confidence index (CI) improved to -9.8 percent in the third quarter from -14.0 percent in the second quarter. A negative CI means more respondents are pessimistic than optimistic.

The outlook for both the next quarter and the next 12 months also improved, reflecting stronger

consumer confidence in the near term. Consumers expect inflation over the next 12 months to remain within the government’s target range, indicating well-anchored household inflation expectations.

The CES is a key economic surveillance tool for the BSP, and its results are important inputs for monetary policy formulation.

Like the business expectations survey, the CES also provides significant inputs to the formulation of monetary policies.

The BSP said the third-quarter survey was conducted from July 1 to 12, 2025, with 5,493 households identified as eligible respondents.

Thony

Rose Lesaca

cited the confidence of US companies in the country’s “vibrant and dynamic market.”

As part of the US government’s continuing support, Ewing announced a fresh $250,000 in assistance to address priority public health challenges, including tuberculosis, maternal health and disease preparedness. This adds to the more than $60 million in assistance announced during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit to Washington in July. That aid covered programs on energy, maritime security and economic growth.

Ewing also cited ongoing cooperation under the Luzon Economic Corridor initiative, a partnership with Japan and other allies aimed at catalyzing investment, creating jobs and

Remolona also expressed shock at the extent of the corruption, specifically the large volume of cash transactions involved.

“The sight of piles of cash on the table, that’s kind of shocking. I didn’t know this was all done in cash, in such amounts. That is shocking,” he said. He said to curb the risk of money laundering related to the scandal, the BSP recently issued a regulation limiting large-value cash transactions to P500,000.

“We wanted to make it more difficult for the contractors, for the guys involved in this flood control mess, to be able to take money out of the banks. We just realized that all these transactions are done in cash,” Remolona said.

COCONUT CONGRESS.

With the Philippines as one of the world’s top coconut exporting countries, industry stakeholders gather to showcase the country’s unique coconut products and discuss issues and challenges at the World Coconut Congress on Sept. 24 to 26, 2025 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. Opening the three-day event participated in by about 20 countries are (from left) Dr. Prabhath Kumar, chairman of the Technical Working Group International Coconut Community (ICC); Marco Reyes of the United Coconut Associations of the Philippines (UCAP); Agriculture Undersecretary Roger Navarro; Gregory Bardies, executive director of Sustainable Coconut Partnership (SCP); and United Coconut Association of the Philippines vice chair Dean Lao Jr. Norman Cruz

spurring growth in transport, logistics, energy and technology. US agencies such as the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) and the International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) are already supporting feasibility studies and financing opportunities for flagship infrastructure projects, including the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas Railway. American companies, he said, continue to expand their footprint in the Philippines, citing the shipbuilding complex in Subic Bay and the recordsetting US-ASEAN Business Council mission to Manila in August, which brought over 30 US firms to explore opportunities across agriculture, healthcare, aerospace, and defence.

SENIOR GUIDES. Thirty senior citizens from various districts of Manila participate in a seven-day Community Tour Guiding Training at the Centro de Turismo Intramuros. Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco graced the seminar to deliver a special message of support, underscoring the importance of inclusivity in tourism. DOT’s Facebook page

PAL to launch Cebu-Guam direct flights

By Darwin G. Amojelar

PHILIPPINE Airlines (PAL) said Friday it would launch thrice-weekly non-stop flights between Cebu and Guam starting Dec. 16, 2025, creating the only direct air link between the two destinations.

The new service will complement the flag carrier’s existing daily Manila-Guam service and is expected to reinforce PAL’s connectivity leadership between Guam and Southeast Asia. The new flights also strengthen Cebu’s position as an international gateway for business and leisure travel.

The expansion underscores PAL’s commitment to growing its network and supporting the demand for convenient travel between the Philippines and the US Pacific territory.

“This new service enhances Cebu’s role as a strategic gateway to international markets, while providing Guam’s large Filipino community and travelers from the US Pacific territory direct access to the Visayas and Mindanao regions,” PAL president Richard Nuttall said in a statement.

“It reflects our commitment to growing our network and supporting economic and tourism flows between the Philippines and Guam,” he said. Athanasios Titonis, chief executive of Aboitiz Infracapital Cebu Airport Corp., cited the broader economic benefits of the development.

“We are delighted to bring back direct flights to the United States with the launch of the Cebu–Guam route,” Titonis said.

“This route not only makes islandto-island travel faster and more efficient but also creates a stronger gateway for visitors from the US Pacific territories and Asia, boosting tourism and economic exchange for both destinations,” he said.

The Cebu-Guam flights are part of PAL’s strategy to broaden its international reach beyond Manila. From Cebu, PAL currently offers direct flights to Ho Chi Minh City, Incheon, Narita and Osaka, alongside domestic connections to Manila, Siargao, Bacolod, Caticlan, Iloilo, Puerto Princesa, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Butuan and Busuanga.

Maynilad’s IPO plan postponed to November

By Jenniffer B. Austria

THE initial public offering (IPO) of Maynilad Water Services Inc. has been postponed for a second time, now to November 2025, to give cornerstone investors more time to evaluate the offering, the company announced Friday.

Maynilad, one of the two main water concessionaires in Metro Manila, said in a disclosure to the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. that the listing date is now targeted for “not later than Nov. 7, 2025.” The previous target was Oct. 31, 2025.

“Following accommodation of cornerstone investors for the IPO, the corporation is extending [the] IPO timetable for investor education, ensuring that investors gain a deeper understanding of the corporation and its business model for more informed investment decision,” the company stated.

Reports indicate that multilateral lending institutions the Asian Development Bank and the International Finance Corp. are among those eyed as cornerstone investors.

The P45.8 billion IPO was originally planned for July but was moved to October after strategic investors, who had expressed strong interest, requested more time to complete internal approvals. The offering could be the last

major IPO in the country this year.

Maynilad’s offering, which has been approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), involves the sale of up to 1.66 billion common shares at a maximum price of P20 apiece. It also includes an overallotment option for another 249 million shares and a preferential offer of up to 24.904 million shares.

The company expects to list on the main board of the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) under the trading symbol “MYNLD.”

Maynilad has named BPI Capital Corp., HSBC, Morgan Stanley and UBS as joint global coordinators and joint bookrunners for the offer.

Proceeds from the IPO will fund Maynilad’s capital expenditures and general corporate purposes.

The company is required under its concession agreement with the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) to offer at least 30 percent of its shares to the public on or before January 2027.

D&L Premium Foods Corp. (DLPF) and Natura Aeropack Corporation (NAC), subsidiaries of D&L Industries, secured an additional two-year Income Tax Holiday (ITH) for their Batangas plant.

Originally approved for four years and set to end on June 30, 2027, the ITH will now run for a total of six years, from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2029, D&L said Friday in a disclosure to the stock exchange.

The approval was granted by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).

Pioneer status is awarded to companies introducing new or innovative technologies and industries considered important to national development. These projects typically involve large invest-

THE local stock barometer showed no signs of rebound Friday as the market plunged for a fifth straight trading day on corruption woes and a weaker peso.

The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) went down 15.16 points, or 0.25 percent, to end the week at 6,027.12. The wider all shares index dipped 8.70 points, or 0.24 percent, to 3,644.80.

The peso remained unchanged against the U.S. dollar, closing at 58.1 on Friday, the same level as Thursday.

“The local market declined for a fifth straight day as dismay over the Philippine flood control projects’ corruption issues continued to dampen sentiment,” said Japhet Tantiangco, research head at Philstocks Financial Inc.

“The negative cues from Wall Street and the depreciation of the peso below the P58 level against the dollar also contributed to the drop,” he added. Trading remained thin, with value turnover reaching P4.74 billion. Sectors ended mixed, led by mining and oil, which rose 0.71 percent, followed by financial and industrial, which advanced 0.66 percent and 0.22 percent, respectively. Property shed the most, down 1.55 percent. ACEN Corp. was the day’s top gainer, as its share price increased 6.58 percent to P2.43. JG Summit Holdings Inc. was at the bottom, as its share price dropped 3.27 percent to P23.65.

ments and offer economic benefits such as job creation and technology transfer.

The approval was based on the companies’ use of advanced automation and sustainable manufacturing technologies at their Tanauan, Batangas, facility. Specifically, they are using a Distributed Control System (DCS) that automates and centralizes production, allowing real-time monitoring, safer operations, and minimal human intervention.

According to D&L, this is the first time such technology is being used locally in the production of specialty fats and oils, specialty ingredients, coconut oil fractions, and coconut-based surfactants. The system allows the companies to produce highquality, consistent, and sustain-

MANILA Water is steadily advancing its renewable energy initiatives as part of its broader climate change mitigation strategy, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability, responsible use of energy and operational resilience.

To date, the company has energized more than 3,000 kilowatts peak (kWp) of solar capacity across multiple facilities. This includes the landmark installations inaugurated in February 2025, which remain the largest solar plant installations in the Philippine water utility sector. These facilities, developed in partnership with Ditrolic Energy, span three strategic locations and continue to reduce grid dependency while lowering operational costs.

Manila Water’s renewable energy efforts have since expanded further. In December 2024, the company signed a Power Purchase Agreement with MSpectrum to support additional solar projects, underscoring its long-term commitment to clean energy. The solar installations are being rolled out in 10 East Zone facilities, aligning with the government’s renewable energy goals and the company’s Energy Masterplan and Outlook.

These initiatives form part of Manila Water’s Accelerate Decarbonization strategy, which also includes the integration of four pilot electric vehicles into fleet operations and the adoption of energy-efficient technologies.

“Our renewable energy initiatives reflect our long-term commitment to climate action and sustainable operations. By investing in solar power and energy efficiency, we are not only reducing emissions but also building a more resilient water utility for future generations,” said Arnold Mortera, Manila Water East Zone chief operating officer.

Asian markets retreated on Friday as nagging uncertainty about the US interest rate outlook was compounded by data showing the world’s biggest economy faring much better than expected and fresh tariff warnings from President Donald Trump. Jenniffer B. Austria with AFP

able products for both domestic and export markets.

Once the ITH ends in 2029, DLPF and NAC will continue to enjoy a 5 percent tax on gross income until Dec. 31, 2034, in line with the CREATE MORE Act, which covers businesses in special economic zones.

“This approval underscores our commitment to innovation, advanced manufacturing technology, and world-class automation systems. It reflects our long-term vision of positioning the Philippines as a hub for sustainable, high-value manufacturing that is globally competitive,” said D&L president and chief executive Alvin Lao.

D&L opened the P10 billion Batangas plant in 2024. Jenniffer B. Austria

SM Investments certified as great place for work

SM INVESTMENTS Corporation (SM Investments), the parent company of the SM group, has been certified as a Great Place to Work for 2025 by the global authority on workplace culture, Great Place to Work®.

This certification is anchored on the Trust Index Survey, wherein SM employees affirmed longterm trust and satisfaction in the company. It also considers a Culture Brief that highlights SM’s employee programs and workforce demographics.

“We are grateful to be part of this list among Philippine companies. This recognition reaffirms our commitment to nurture a dynamic and inclusive environment for our employees who remain at the heart of our business. When our people thrive, business and communities thrive as well,” said Frederic DyBuncio, president and chief executive of SM Investments.

Other SM companies also earned Great Place to Work® Certification this year, including SM Prime Holdings, Inc., SM Development Corporation, and SM Supermalls.

With a workforce spanning generations, from Baby Boomers to Gen Z, DyBuncio said SM consciously cultivates a workplace where perspectives blend, mentorship opportunities flourish, and innovation is enriched by diversity.

“Cross-generational teamwork has become a natural strength of our organization, creating a workplace that reflects the evolving society we serve,” DyBuncio added.

Globally, Great Place to Work® is the data scientist behind the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For™ list and other respected benchmarks, drawing insights from more than 100 million employees across 150 countries.

AI WORKSHOP. Educators from 12 schools across Metro Manila, representatives from the Department of Education - Manila Division, Google for Education, Aboitiz Foundation and TELUS Digital Philippines came together for a 3-day AI workshop to empower teachers with future-ready tools in celebration of National Teachers’ Month. The workshop equipped teachers with practical AI skills through lectures, interactive sessions, and hands-on training led by Google for Education experts. Educators learned prompt engineering, explored AI tools, and applied solutionbuilding approaches.

QUALITY CONTROL LEADER. Eduard Lazo Jr. (middle) of Toyota Motor Philippines receives his Gold Medal at the 2025 Toyota Asia Pacific Skills Contest held in Thailand. Lazo emerged as the top performer, earning the gold medal in the highly competitive ‘Quality Control - Team Leader’ category.

PH power supply sufficient despite ‘Opong’, says DOE

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Department of Energy (DOE) on Friday reported that the country’s overall power supply remains sufficient, with the Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao grids continuing normal operation despite the adverse weather conditions.

However, the DOE said precautionary shutdowns and localized interruptions have been recorded in certain areas due to Severe Tropical Storm Opong.

With round-the-clock monitoring and rapid coordination among power generation, downstream oil and transmission and distribution stakeholders, the DOE assured that lifeline facilities are prioritized and that restoration measures are ready to be deployed at the earliest possible time.

“While our foremost priority is the safety of our people and the resilience of our energy systems, the Department, through the Task Force on Energy Resiliency, is working nonstop and that restorations of power in all affected areas will be in full swing once the weather allows,” said Energy

Secretary Sharon Garin.

As of noon Friday, Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) said that around 8,900 affected customers, who are mostly in the provinces of Quezon, Laguna and Cavite, are experiencing outages but restoration is ongoing.

The DOE has instructed power plant operators, the National Power Corporation (NPC), the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), the National Electrification Administration (NEA) and distribution utilities to immediately implement measures that will restore and sustain electricity services.

This united action underscores the Marcos government’s commitment to safeguard lives, maintain essential services and provide comfort to communities even amid severe weather conditions.

process to Cebu Vice

Codeveloped

THE Philippines’ water stress level rose to 28.5 percent in 2024 from 27.9 percent in 2023, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

The PSA’s Water Accounts of the Philippines released on Friday showed that the ratio of freshwater withdrawal to available supply has consistently fallen within the low-level classification range of 25 percent to 50 percent set by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) since 2015. Data also showed that the total

freshwater withdrawals increased to 93.08 billion cubic meters (bcm) in 2024 from 91.20 bcm in 2023.

The country’s overall water use efficiency (WUE) in 2024 was recorded at P231.36 per cubic meter of water used. This was an increase of 3.9 percent from P222.75 per cubic meter of water used in 2023.

The services sector accounted for the highest WUE at P1,453.94 per cubic meter of water used. This was followed by the industry and agriculture sectors, with WUEs of P392.89 and P15.92 per cubic meter of water used, respectively. The Water Accounts provide indicators such as water use efficiency and water stress, as well as water abstraction and water expenses of different sectors. The supply and use of water resources follow the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting 2012 Central Framework, which was adopted as an international statistical standard and is aligned with the System of National Accounts.

APECO secures partnerships to open Super Health Center in Aurora

By Othel V. Campos

THE Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) has secured back-to-back partnerships with international and local private firms to fully equip and operationalize its newly built Super Health Center in Casiguran, Aurora, providing health care access for residents and positioning the ecozone as a future retirement hub.

On Sept. 22 and 25, APECO signed two agreements with International Workplace Group (IWG) Philippines and Freya Trading, Inc., for the facility management and equipping of the Super Center, respectively.

“This generous commitment allows us to fully equip the Super Health Cen-

Bohol province wins top tourism destination award

THE Province of Bohol has been recognized with the Philippine Tourism Excellence Award for Tourism Destination Province for 2025–2027 at the inaugural Philippine Tourism Awards.

Representing the Bohol Provincial Tourism Council chairman, Governor Aris Aumentado, co-chairman lawyer Lucas Nunag accepted the award on Sept. 8 at Okada Manila — a proud moment highlighting Bohol’s decades-long leadership in Philippine tourism.

Bohol was also named a finalist for the Eco-Tourism Destination award, with Loboc and Panglao earning finalist spots in the Best Tourism Destination (Municipality) and Best Dive Destination categories, respectively.

In the same event, Lourdes Sultan received recognition as a Tourism Pillar Awardee for 2025.

Aumentado, through his official Facebook page, expressed gratitude to the Department of Tourism for honoring Bohol and its tourism partners.

“This milestone reaffirms Bohol’s enduring charm — from the Chocolate Hills and pristine beaches to its cultural treasures — and its standing as the country’s first UNESCO Global Geopark,” he said.

“The provincial government remains steadfast in promoting sustainable tourism, protecting its environment, and supporting communities toward a shared and inclusive future,” the governor added.

ter without putting additional strain on public resources. It’s a clear example of how partnerships with the private sector can deliver meaningful, sustainable solutions for our people,” said APECO president and chairman Gil Taway.

The management deal is IWG’s first foray into health care facility management worldwide, bringing its global expertise in efficiency, facility management and service delivery to the ecozone.

Under the agreement with Freya, APECO will provide land and infrastructure support, and Freya will fully fund the procurement, installation and upgrading of medical equipment and supplies at no cost to the government.

The firm will also train health center staff, creating new jobs and opportuni-

ties for the surrounding municipalities of Dinalungan, Casiguran and Dilasag (DiCaDi).

The P16.83 million Super Health Center, completed earlier this year, is envisioned to cater to both the local community and future locators of the ecozone. It will provide a wide range of services — from outpatient consultations, preventive care, diagnostics and laboratory services to emergency care, urgent medical attention and minor surgeries.

“For IWG to choose APECO as the site for this pioneering business model reflects the rising confidence of global companies in Bagong APECO. Together with Freya’s investment in equipment and IWG’s global management expertise, this facility is set to deliver

world-class health care while supporting Aurora’s inclusive development goals,” Taway said. Freya’s managing director Emmanuel Cueto emphasized their trust in APECO’s vision, noting that its decision to invest and provide medical equipment at no cost to the government stems from the trust in APECO’s leadership.

“This partnership will bring lasting benefits to the community and set a strong example of public-private collaboration,” he said.

The Super Health Center is also seen as a cornerstone of APECO’s plan to attract investments in retirement facilities, with a foreign company currently exploring opportunities to establish a retirement village within the ecozone.

Robinsons rebrands, upgrades Go Hotels Bacolod to ‘Go Hotels Plus’

ROBINSONS Hotels and Resorts, the hospitality arm of Robinsons Land, has officially rebranded Go Hotels Bacolod as Go Hotels Plus Bacolod, marking a new era of comfort for travelers in the heart of the “City of Smiles.” This transformation brings modern amenities, refreshed interiors — including an updated lobby — and upgraded guest experiences, all while staying true to the brand’s commitment to offering budget-friendly stays.

With its upgraded features, central location and elevated comfort, Go Hotels Plus Bacolod is ready to be a home for the MassKara Festival 2025 — a welcoming and stylish base for guests looking to celebrate one of the Philippines’ most vibrant cultural events. “Today marks a significant milestone

for us as Go Hotels Bacolod transitions into Go Hotels Plus,” said Barun Jolly, Robinsons Land senior vice president and Robinsons Hotels and Resorts BU general manager. “Our guests deserve more than just a place to stay — they deserve comfort, style and convenience. This rebranding reflects our continued commitment to elevating their experience while keeping affordability at the core.”

At Go Hotels Plus Bacolod, guests can enjoy the newly upgraded rooms, signature local delicacies and the hotel’s versatile function room, an ideal venue for events. Designed to accommodate up to 50 guests, the space is a modern, flexible setting perfect for business meetings, corporate functions and intimate celebrations.

Toyota PH top taxpayer, partner in Santa Rosa

TOYOTA Motor Philippines Corp. (TMP), the country’s leading automotive manufacturer and distributor, was recently recognized by the City Government of Santa Rosa for its outstanding contributions to economic growth and environmental stewardship.

At the annual “Lion Awards,” held at the Santa Rosa Multipurpose Complex, TMP received multiple distinctions, including the coveted “Hall of Famer Award” among the “Top Business Taxpayers,” a “Top Manufacturer Award” and a “Top Real Property Taxpayer - Company Category Award.” According to city records, TMP was the top revenue contributor to Santa Rosa with total taxes and fees amounting to P1.16 billion in 2024 — a significant boost to the city’s fiscal performance.

Santa Rosa City Mayor Arlene Arcillas lauded TMP and other awardees, noting that the city is one of the largest contributors to the Philippines’ Gross Domestic Product (GDP). She emphasized the crucial role of businesses and individuals in sustaining Santa Rosa’s rapid growth and its contribution to the national economy.

Toyota’s impact in Santa Rosa extends beyond TMP alone. Its wholly owned logistics arm, Toyota Motor Philippines Logistics, Inc. (TLI), and its franchised dealership, Toyota Santa Rosa, Laguna, Inc. (TSR), were also honored at the Lion Awards, underscoring the broader Toyota network’s contribution to the city’s economic strength.

DESALINATION PLANT. Vivant Water president Jess Anthony Garcia explains the “sea-to-tap” desalination

Mayor Osmeña during a recent visit to the Isla Mactan Desalination Plant in Cordova.

by global experts in water technology and Vivant Water, the water arm of Cebu- based Vivant Corp, the plant is the country’s first utility- scale seawater desalination facility. Designed to deliver 20 million liters of potable water daily, enough to serve nearly 29,000 Cebuano households, the project is in its final stages of testing and commissioning, before supplying the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) by end-2025.

Named Tourism Pillars for Travel & Tours at the 1st Philippine Tourism Awards after receiving their awards from Tourism Secretary

Christina Frasco (4th from right) are (from left): Ma. Lourdes Sultan - Travel Village Tours & Travel in Bohol; Alice Queblatin - Southwind Travel & Tours in Cebu; Macrina Fuentes - Orientwinds Travel & Tours – Dumaguete; Tourism Promotions Board chief operating officer Margarita Nograles; Alejandra ‘Dading’ Clemente – Rajah Tours Phil., Manila; DOT Undersecretary Shalimar Tamano; and Jojo Clemente, Rajah Tours. Bohol province was also recognized with the Philippine Tourism Excellence Award for Tourism Destination Province for 2025–2027.

KFC LUBAO. KFC Philippines opens its first store in the robustly growing town of Lubao in Pampanga, giving motorists and residents in the area easier access to their well-loved KFC OG meals. Leading the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the KFC store located on Jose Abad Santos Ave., Brgy. San Nicolas 2 are (from left) Lubao Councilor Jayson Victorino; Mayor Esmie Pineda; KFC operations manager Sherwin Santos; and KFC VP for business development Jun Cruz.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2025

extrastory2000@gmail.com

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor

ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

BSP to close digital bank applications in December

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said Friday it will stop accepting new applications for digital bank licenses by Dec. 1, 2025.

The BSP’s Monetary Board approved a moratorium on digital bank licensing on Sept. 18, 2025, which will remain in place until further notice.

Aspiring applicants have until Nov. 30, 2025, to submit their complete applications. These will be evaluated on a first-come, firstserved basis and must meet all of the BSP’s documentation and licensing requirements. Submissions that are incomplete or noncompliant will not be accepted

after the deadline.

The BSP said the move is part of its effort to balance digital innovation with financial stability.

It said that by carefully evaluating applicants, it aims to ensure that only those with sound governance, robust risk management frameworks, and a compelling value proposition will be granted digital banking licenses.

There are six licensed digital banks operating in the country. In January 2025, the BSP lifted a previous moratorium and increased the cap on the number of digital banks to 10, or an additional four new licenses.

PH business confidence declined in Q3

By Thony Rose Lesaca

PHILIPPINE business confidence declined in the third quarter of 2025, according to a survey by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

Companies cited slack in demand during the “ghost month” and the onset of the rainy and typhoon season as among the challenges. People who observe the “ghost month” typically postpone big or costly decisions like opening a business, entering partnerships, investing in new

ventures and stocks, the BSP said. The overall business confidence index (CI) fell to 23.2 percent in the third quarter from 28.8 percent in the second quarter. A positive CI indicates that more firms are optimistic than pessimistic. Looking ahead, business

United Airlines to replace Guam-based fleet with Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft

By Darwin G. Amojelar

UNITED Airlines said Thursday it will replace its entire Guam-based Boeing 737-800 fleet with Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, with the first delivery scheduled for February 2026.

The new planes will operate United’s intra-Asia flights, which include daily service from Manila to Guam, a twice-weekly service from Manila to Palau, and a daily service from Cebu to Tokyo-Narita.

The Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft will feature United’s signature interior, including seatback entertainment, larger overhead bins, and wireless Bluetooth connectivity.

The planes will seat up to 166 passengers, including up to 16 in United First. All seats will have access to

USB charge ports and seatback entertainment with accessibility features.

“Our investment in new aircraft to service our intra-Asia routes will deliver the premium experience our customers expect of United,” said Kenichi Kiriyama, United Airlines’ director of sales for Asia and Micronesia.

“For customers with connecting flights to or from the mainland U.S., these investments will mean a consistent, seamless experience from checkin to landing,” he said.

United is the only US airline with non-stop trans-Pacific flights to and from the Philippines, with 30 weekly services. This includes a daily service from Manila to San Francisco, which will increase to twicedaily from Oct. 26.

sentiment strengthened for the fourth quarter, with the CI rising to 49.5 percent. However, the outlook for the next 12 months softened to 48.1 percent.

Despite the lower year-ahead CI, it remained positive, reflecting continued business optimism about near-term economic prospects.

Global headwinds such as higher US tariffs, geopolitical tensions and weaker foreign demand also weighed on sentiment, the BSP’s Business Expectations Survey (BES) showed.

Firms also expect inflation over the next 12 months to stay within the government’s target range, indicating firmly anchored business inflation expectations.

The BSP uses the BES as a key economic surveillance tool to help formulate monetary policy.

The third-quarter survey was conducted from July 4 to Aug. 17, 2025. Some 1,523 firms were surveyed nationwide, consisting of 580 companies in the National Capital Region and 943 firms outside NCR, covering all 17 regions nationwide.

Rockwell Land eyes P20b from bond sale to support capital expenditures

By Jenniffer B. Austria

ROCKWELL Land Inc., the real estate arm of the Lopez group, is returning to the bond market with a P20billion fixed-rate corporate bond sale. Rockwell said Friday its board approved the bond offering of up to P20 billion under a shelf registration. As an initial tranche, the property firm plans to offer P10 billion in fixed-rate bonds.

“Proceeds will be used to partially finance the company’s capital expenditures,” Rockwell said in a disclosure to the stock exchange.

Rockwell had earlier said it would accelerate its horizontal and geographic expansion due to strong market demand for premium developments outside Metro Manila.

In Cebu, the company is expanding its presence through the mixeduse IPI Center Done Rockwell, fol-

lowing the acquisition of an adjacent 7,500-square-metre lot. Rockwell also plans to launch a full-service hotel at Aruga Resort and Residences in Mactan.

The group spent P4.9 billion for project and capital expenditures in the first six months of 2025. Bulk of the expenditures pertained to land acquisitions and development costs, mainly for Edades West, Mactan and BenCab projects. These were funded mainly by internally generated funds.

Rockwell posted a consolidated net income of P1.91 billion in the first half of the year, or 2 percent lower than P1.94 billion in the same period last year.

First-half revenues amounted to P9.63 billion, up 8 percent from last year’s P8.8 billion. Residential development accounted for 78 percent of total revenues in 2025, higher than 76 percent last year.

Over 400 families expected to benefit from 3 newly-approved ECMP projects

MORE than 400 families in Isabela and Cagayan provinces and Zamboanga City are set to benefit from the latest project approvals of the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) under the Enhanced Community Mortgage Program (ECMP).

The SHFC said it approved loan applications for Plaridel Village CMP Homeowners’ Association Inc. in Santiago, Isabela; Ibay’s CMP HOAI in Solana, Cagayan; and Maria Navarro HOAI in Zamboanga City. SHFC president and chief executive Federico Laxa and members of the agency’s Credit Committee approved the applications on Sept. 25, 2025.

The projects will provide secure housing opportunities for families

from both the formal and informal sectors. The agency said the approvals demonstrate the SHFC’s commitment to inclusivity, ensuring the poor and marginalized are included in the government’s housing efforts.

The initiative also supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) program, which is implemented by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and led by Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling.

“SHFC will continue to push forward with the 34 ECMP projects we committed to Secretary Aliling to help more Filipino families achieve affordable and secure housing,” Laxa said.

Nine to Fine! Looking ahead to the next era of digital innovation

By Patricia Taculao-Deligero

THE digital landscape is constantly evolving, with a pace of innovation that feels both exhilarating and overwhelming as it promises to redefine how people live, work, and interact with the world. This next wave of digital innovation isn’t just about faster computers or more connected devices but a fundamental shift in how technology understands and responds to us, creating a more intuitive, intelligent, and integrated experience.

At the very heart of this new era is the continued evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). No longer a futuristic concept that’s only available in mainstream media, AI is already deeply integrated into our daily lives, from personalized streaming recommendations to smart assistants in our homes. The next era, however, will see AI move beyond mere automation and into a realm of genuine collaboration and autonomy. Agentic AI, which is AI systems that can not only process information but also take independent action to complete complex tasks based on natural language instructions, is already leaving its impact on society. For businesses, this means AI agents could autonomously manage customer service interactions, qualify sales leads, and even assist in medical diagnostics, freeing up

human workers to focus on more creative and strategic challenges. The integration of AI will also extend to the very fabric of our digital world, with applications in cybersecurity, for instance, where AI can be used to proactively identify and neutralize threats in real time.

This exponential growth in AI is intrinsically linked to another critical innovation: the development of Quantum Computing. While classical computers use bits that are either a 0 or a 1, quantum computers use “qubits” that can exist in multiple states simultaneously, a principle known as superposition. This allows them to perform complex calculations at speeds that are orders of magnitude faster than any supercomputer today. The practical applications of quantum computing are still in their early stages, but the potential is enormous.

Imagine being able to model complex molecules to accelerate the discovery of new drugs and cures, or optimizing logistics for global supply chains in a way that’s currently impossible. Quantum computers will not only supercharge existing AI models by processing massive datasets in a fraction of the time but also enable new forms of AI that require a level of computational

power most don’t yet have. However, this also presents new challenges, particularly in cybersecurity, where quantum computers could eventually break current encryption methods, necessitating the development of post-quantum cryptography.

Beyond the sheer power of computation, the way society experiences digital content is also set for a revolution, led

by advancements in Extended Reality (XR), an umbrella term encompassing virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). The clunky, expensive headsets of the past are giving way to lighter, more powerful, and increasingly affordable devices. VR will continue to transform industries like gaming and entertainment, creating fully immersive virtual worlds. Meanwhile, AR, which overlays digital information onto our real-world view, will become more seamlessly integrated into daily life. Think of AR glasses that provide turn-by-turn directions, translate a foreign language in real time, or allow a surgeon to view a patient’s medical data directly in their line of sight.

The real magic, however, lies in mixed reality, which allows for genuine interaction between real and virtual objects. These technologies will blur the line between the physical and digital, creating a new form of “spatial computing” where people can manipulate digital information with gestures and voice commands, unconstrained by a traditional screen.

The foundation for this interconnected future is being built on the principles of Web 3.0, a vision for a decentralized internet. In contrast to the current Web 2.0, Turn to C3

A-list ambassadors fuel vivo’s big 10th year celebration

THE excitement is undeniable as vivo Philippines counts down to its 10th anniversary on October 5, unveiling an electrifying behind-the-scenes (BTS) video with a-list ambassadors.

The clip, released September 20, showcases vivo’s all-star ambassadors Anne Curtis, Marian Rivera, Alden Richards, and Maine Mendoza during a stunning anniversary photoshoot with the newly launched vivo V60. Together, they deliver a heartfelt greeting: “Happy 10th Anniversary vivo family!”

Watch the full video here:

[Embed video: https://www.tiktok.com/@vivo_ philippines/video/7552005049384176914]

Fans are absolutely loving it

The moment the video dropped, the vivo family flooded social media with excitement and love. It’s clear these ambassadors inspire so much admiration and nostalgia.

• @KathryneDMT on X (Twitter) said: “the power this vid hold omg”

• @nan.vlogs.2024 on Facebook wrote: “Grabe mamahalin mga endorsers”

• @jheanna08 on Instagram commented: “My AlDub heart is happy to see Alden and Maine together. Ganda ni Maine at ang gwapo ni Alden grabe sila. Syempre si Marianne at Anne din. Ang GORGEOUS nilang apat grabe sila!”

vivo executives share their gratitude

The leaders at vivo are just as excited. Liu Lu, vivo Philippines Brand Marketing Director, shared a hint of what’s coming, saying, “We have so much in store for everyone, not just incredible devices like our newly launched vivo V60 but also exciting giveaways and surprises through year’s end.”

Zeng Kai, vivo Philippines CEO, expressed his deep thanks, adding, “Our hearts are full of gratitude. Ten amazing years are possible only because of our fans and partners. Your support drives us to create technology that connects and empowers.”

As October 5 approaches, fans should keep an eye out for exclusive promos, surprise giveaways, and unforgettable parties. It’s all part of vivo’s commitment to bringing people closer together.

Make sure you don’t miss any of the thrilling updates! Follow vivo Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X.

Nine...

From C2

where a handful of large tech companies control most of the data and platforms, Web 3.0 aims to give power back to the users. It’s built on a framework of decentralized technologies like blockchain, which ensures that data ownership and transactions are transparent and secure without a central authority. This shift has the potential to revolutionize how people handle everything from personal data and digital identity to financial transactions. It promises a “trustless” and “permissionless” digital world where users can interact directly with each other, giving them greater control over their own information.

While still in its early stages, elements of Web 3.0, such as cryptocurrencies and decentralized applications, are already laying the groundwork for a more open and equitable digital economy.

The convergence of these innovations is also having a profound impact on highly specialized fields like biotechnology and digital health. The ability of AI to analyze vast datasets of genomic information, for example, is accelerating the move towards personalized medicine, where treatments are tailored to an individual’s unique genetic makeup. Digital health solutions, such as wearable devices, are becoming more sophisticated, monitoring everything from heart rate to blood sugar levels in real time and providing doctors with a constant stream of data for proactive care.

AI integration and machine learning are also speeding up the drug discovery process, while augmented and virtual reality are being used to train surgeons and provide immersive, interactive therapy sessions. Furthermore, blockchain technology is being explored as a secure and transparent way to manage sensitive patient data during clinical trials.

Of course, with this unprecedented level of connectivity and data, the challenges

of cybersecurity and data privacy become more critical than ever. As our lives become more digitized, the potential attack surface for cyber threats grows exponentially. The future of cybersecurity will be a constant cat-and-mouse game, with sophisticated AI-driven tools on both sides. On one hand, hackers will use AI to develop more potent and evasive malware. On the other hand, cybersecurity professionals will use AI to build more intelligent defense systems that can detect and respond to threats in realtime.

Data privacy will also continue to be a major societal concern. As technology becomes more personal and integrated, there is a growing push for stronger regulations and frameworks that protect individual information. Privacy-preserving machine learning and homomorphic encryption, which allow data to be analyzed without ever being decrypted, are just a few of the innovations being developed to help strike a balance between harnessing the power of data and protecting personal privacy.

The future of digital innovation is not a single technology but an ecosystem of interconnected advancements. Each thread—from the immense processing power of quantum computing to the user-centric design of Web 3.0 and the transformative applications of digital health—is weaving together to create a new digital reality. The next era promises a world that is not only smarter but also more intuitive, where technology works in the background to enhance our lives in ways we are only just beginning to imagine. It will require us to be both innovative and cautious, embracing the opportunities while thoughtfully navigating the ethical and security challenges that come with such a powerful transformation.

Don’t just watch your money go —make it grow with Maya!

LET’S be real: Money these days feels like it disappears the second it hits your account. Prices keep climbing, bills never take a break, and that dream trip? Always just a little out of reach. If you’re already grinding this hard for every peso, it’s only fair your money hustles just as hard for you. That’s where Maya, the #1 Digital Bank in the Philippines, changes the game. Unlike the small returns you get from other banks, Maya Savings gives you one of the highest rates with up to 15% per annum. You only need to use Maya for your daily transactions. That’s your money multiplying faster than your weekend plans stack up. You can even get extra intentional with your finances by

Maya Wins 7 Quill Awards for PR and Marketing Excellence

MAYA, the Philippines’ leading fintech ecosystem and digital bank, won seven trophies at the 21st Philippine Quill Awards, which recognized its standout PR and marketing campaigns that made banking relevant, aspirational and part of the daily lives of young Filipinos.

The Quill Awards, organized by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), is one of the most prestigious events in the PR industry. Entries are rigorously screened by seasoned PR practitioners in the Philippines.

• Maya Credit reframed borrowing as responsible and confidence-building, positioning its credit line as a lifeline for everyday needs without the stigma of debt. setting up to five Maya Personal Goals accounts. Each one earns 4% p.a. from the get-go, and the rate grows every time you add ₱20,000—going up to 8% p.a. on deposits up to ₱100,000. Whether it’s for travel, concert, or a

“At Maya, marketing isn’t an afterthought—it’s how we build trust and relevance from day one. These awards prove that when bold storytelling is anchored on real products, you can change how Filipinos see and use money. The Quill win pushes us to keep raising the bar for what PR and marketing can do in shaping a digital bank that feels like part of everyday culture,” said Pepe Torres, Maya Group Chief Marketing Officer.

Maya’s seven Quill wins spanned four flagship campaigns—Get Banked with Maya, Maya Credit, Seasonal Campaigns and Maya Card for Travel—recognized under marketing and brand communications. Additional awards for Maya’s TikTok account, and the short film and launch event of the Get Banked with Maya campaign, underscored Maya’s strength across audio-visual, social media and experiential categories. At the

core of these wins are campaigns that reshaped how Filipinos engage with finance:

• Get Banked with Maya showed that opening a bank account can be effortless and rewarding, encouraging Gen Z and Millennials to take their first step into formal finance.

• Seasonal Campaigns turned cultural moments—like tuition deadlines, summer spending and back-to-school shopping—into smarter financial choices through cashback and savings nudges.

• Maya Card for Travel tapped post-pandemic wanderlust, showing how rewards and perks can stretch travel budgets further.

The campaigns were amplified through Maya’s TikTok-first strategy, which turned financial tips into entertaining, bite-sized content Gen Z actually wanted to engage with.

This recognition builds on Maya’s momentum as a rising fintech brand. Customer accounts more than doubled to 8.2 million in the past year, deposits reached P50.4 billion by June 2025, and loan disbursements grew 147% year-on-year in Q2, bringing cumulative lending to P152 billion.

This latest haul at the Philippine Quill Awards adds to Maya’s list of prestigious industry recognitions in the field of marketing and public relations. Earlier this year, Maya earned top honors at the 2025 PR Awards Asia-Pacific, taking home Gold for PR Event and Silver for Best Brand Strategy, alongside four trophies at the 60th Anvil Awards. Together, these wins underscore Maya’s leadership in redefining how finance connects with culture and everyday life.

on dining, and 1% everywhere else. Whether it’s groceries, date nights, or little splurges, you’re always getting something back. The truth is, not everyone gets handed financial advantages, but that doesn’t mean you can’t build your own. With Maya’s powerful savings and rewarding credit cards, your money isn’t just safe, it’s stretching, multiplying, and hustling right alongside you. Visit maya.ph or mayabank.ph, and follow @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay updated. Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (www.bsp. gov.ph). Deposits are insured by PDIC up to ₱1 million per depositor.

Globe celebrates you: GDay 2025 honors Ka-Globe employees, strengthens community engagement

GLOBE marked this year’s GDay with a heartfelt celebration centered on one of its most important stakeholders, its employees. Under the theme Globe Celebrates You, the company paid tribute to the passion, hard work, and dedication of Ka-Globe, while also turning the celebration into an opportunity to give back to communities through active partnership with cause-oriented groups.

Leaders kicked off the celebration by surprising employees with treats and tokens of appreciation. This was followed by a Thanksgiving Mass presided by Father Jerry Orbos SVD, setting a tone of gratitude for the day. Across offices, Ka-Globes enjoyed Activities such as food booths, games, personalized GDay pins featuring each employee’s avatar, buskers and an interactive video booth.

In the weeks leading up to the big day, employees joined the G Raffle Rush, which featured daily challenges and surprise prizes like travel vouchers, staycations, and exclusive 917 items. The GDay Shoutouts further spotlighted Ka-Globes, with teams nominating peers in categories such as Team Spirit, Hype Machine, Connector, Happy Helper, and Everyday Hero, recognitions that reflected everyday acts of kindness and teamwork.

91.7 Minutes of Globe of Good GDay also underscored Globe’s enduring commitment to community service. Employees across the country dedicated 91.7 Minutes of Service with 7 partner NGOs, turning the celebration into a day of collective effort.

More than 3,000 volunteers were assigned to different activities. Some joined disaster response efforts by repacking relief and hygiene kits with ABS-CBN Foundation/Sagip-Kapamilya and Save the Children, while others worked with Ayala Foundation to prepare food packs for schoolchildren. Education and youthfocused initiatives included assembling Kindness Boxes for primary students with World Vision and holding livelihood projects with Project Pearls and

Globe President and CEO Carl Cruz joined Globe employees in commemorating 917 GDay 2025, a celebration of gratitude and volunteerism. With over 3,000 volunteers and the support of seven NGO partners, the event showcased the dedication of Globe’s workforce as they actively gave back to communities reflecting the company’s strong commitment to service and social responsibility.

GROW Nanays. To promote inclusion and well-being, Ka-Globes partnered with Special Olympics Pilipinas, an organization supporting athletes with special needs, for an athlete care kit preparation. Environmental action also played a role, as employees supported Hands On Manila’s Bokashi Project, creating eco-balls to help clean the filthy esteros in Manila.

Team Globe of Good Brand Ambassadors joined the efforts, dedicating their time alongside employeevolunteers and demonstrating the company’s culture of care in action.

Complementing volunteer efforts were fundraising initiatives such as T-Shirt for a Cause, where employees contributed a portion of their work hours or salaries.

Through this collective spirit, Ka-Globes initially pledged to raise ₱917,000 for partner beneficiaries, and to date have surpassed expectations by generating over ₱2 million.

More Than a Celebration

For Carl Cruz, Globe’s President and CEO, his first GDay as chief executive carried special meaning.

“You are the reason we are here. Every single one of you embodies the spirit of GDay, and your passion and commitment make it possible for us to serve our customers and our communities. Our employees are Globe’s greatest asset, and this celebration is more than a day of appreciation, it’s a testament to our shared purpose of care, malasakit, and innovation. Together, let’s make every day a GDay. Globe celebrates you.”

“Today we celebrate two milestones in our company’s history: 10 years of 917 GDay and 10 years of Employee Volunteer Time Off,” said Yoly Crisanto, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer. “Your small acts of kindness combined create a resounding Globe of Good. And creating a Globe of Good is our purpose in action, it is relatable, impactful, and above all human and humane.”

For more information about Globe, visit www.globe. com.ph.

By Peter Paul Duran

AHow ethical is AI, really? Bias,

privacy, deepfakes in the age of Artificial Intelligence

S ARTIFICIAL intelligence becomes more deeply woven into everyday life—from hiring processes and banking to how we consume news—ethical concerns are no longer academic. They are urgent, real-world issues that demand public understanding and policy responses.

One of the most pressing issues is algorithmic bias. This occurs when AI systems unintentionally produce unfair outcomes due to flawed or biased training data. The AI Ethics Lab at Rutgers University notes that such systems can amplify existing social inequalities if not properly audited and designed. In the UK, AI tools used by local councils have been found to underrepresent women’s health concerns in official summaries—a reminder that AI doesn’t just reflect data; it shapes lives.

AI systems require enormous amounts of data to function. But who owns that data? And how is it being used?

In the Philippines, the National Privacy Commission (NPC) recently issued guidelines reminding developers that AI applications must comply with the Data Privacy Act. This includes transparency, accountability, and “privacy by design.”

A 2024 report by KPMG Philippines also highlights risks to consumer data, especially in sectors like finance and healthcare, where AI is being rapidly deployed without robust safeguards. AI now enables the creation of

“deepfakes”—hyper-realistic but fake audio, video, and images. These are already being used to mislead the public, create fake endorsements, or even impersonate public officials. The Department of National Defense in the Philippines has gone as far as banning the use of AI-generated photo apps among its personnel due to identity theft and security concerns.

Globally, researchers warn that the ease of creating misinformation could erode public trust. A paper from ScienceDirect warns that AI, if left unchecked, could lead to what they call “truth decay”—where manipulated content is indistinguishable from real evidence.

Experts agree that legal frameworks and ethical standards need to catch up. Bias audits, clearer regulation, public awareness campaigns, and better training for developers are all part of the solution. More importantly, consumers must ask harder questions: Is this system fair? Is it transparent? Can I opt out? In the era of AI, ethics isn’t optional— it’s foundational.

realme 15 Series 5G, now available in the Philippines for

realme has officially unveiled the latest entry in its popular Number Series, the realme 15 Series 5G, offering fans a smartphone that combines flagshiplevel performance with powerful imaging. Anchored on the #LiveForReal campaign, the new lineup inspires users to embrace the beauty of raw, authentic moments and immortalize them through the lens of the realme 15 Series 5G. Exclusive Early Bird Offers

To make the realme 15 Series 5G even more accessible, limited-time offers are available on Shopee and TikTok: Product SRP Discounted Price

realme 15 5G

(12GB+256GB) P23,999 P18,999 (TikTok Shop)

realme 15 Pro 5G (12GB+256GB) P27,999 P20,999 (Shopee)

realme 15 Pro 5G (12GB+512GB) P30,999 P23,999 (Shopee)

Pre-orders at partner retailers nationwide run until September 26, 2025, with each bundle including freebies worth up to P3,897, such as the TechLife Smart Band Fit, TechLife Clip-On Earbuds 2, and a one-year Screen Damage Protection plan. Pro-Grade Cameras, Smarter Shots

Meanwhile, the realme 15 5G features a 50MP main camera, an 8MP wide-angle lens, and a 50MP selfie camera, capable of recording 4K video at 30fps. Both models also support Dual View Video mode, allowing users to capture front and rear perspectives simultaneously.

To further empower creativity and help the Squad truly #LiveForReal, the series integrates AI-powered tools such as AI Party Mode, which enhances colors and details to capture the energy of every celebration; AI Smart Remover 2.0, which instantly erases distractions for cleaner, sharper shots; and AI Nightscape, which delivers brighter, more vivid low-light photography. Powerful Yet Slim The realme 15 Series 5G is built to power through whatever the day demands, combining top-notch performance with a sleek, durable design.

as low as P18,999

realme 15 5G offers a sleek flat frame that’s just 7.66mm thin, available in Suit Titanium and Silk Pink, with up to 4,500-Nit peak brightness. Both models boast AMOLED displays with a super-smooth 144Hz refresh rate and are rated IP66, IP68, and IP69 for dust and water resistance, bringing together performance and premium visuals in a design that’s as stylish as it is reliable, empowering users to live for real.

Adding to the celebration, realme partnered with Hollyland and Fujifilm to enhance the storytelling experience. The Hollyland Lark A1 wireless microphone ensures clear, professional-grade audio capture for vlogs and podcasts, while the Instax mini Link 3 printer turns digital shots into instant prints, giving fans tangible keepsakes of their favorite memories.

Fans can now enjoy the realme 15 Series 5G and capture authentic moments as they #LiveForReal. For more updates on the realme 15 Series 5G, follow realme’s official website and Facebook page.

Rethinking creativity with artificial intelligence

By Patricia Taculao-Deligero

IN THE vast, ever-expanding digital landscape, a new kind of revolution is taking place, one that challenges the very foundation of what it means to be a creator. This is the era of Generative AI, a technology that has moved from the realms of research labs to the public consciousness with breathtaking speed.

Groundbreaking tools such as OpenAI’s DALL-E 3 and Midjourney for visual art and the widely known ChatGPT for text have suddenly given everyone the ability to conjure images, compose music, and write stories with nothing more than a few descriptive words through a simple command known as a prompt. This newfound power has sparked a global conversation, filled with both excitement and anxiety, forcing us to re-examine the intricate relationship between technology and human ingenuity. The central question is not whether AI can create, but rather what a world looks like when the lines between human and machine creativity begin to blur.

The rise of these generative tools has democratized creation on an unprecedented scale. No longer does a person need to spend years mastering a paintbrush to create a stunning piece of art or learn music theory to compose a melody. A few keystrokes can summon a hyper-realistic photograph of a majestic dragon soaring over a futuristic city or an abstract painting in the style of a famous artist.

For many, this is a liberating force, a way to visualize ideas that were previously confined to their imagination. It serves as a powerful new form of expression for

individuals who may not have had the time, resources, or traditional skills to bring their creative visions to life. It also acts as a powerful brainstorming partner for seasoned professionals, allowing them to rapidly prototype concepts, experiment with different styles, and overcome creative blocks by offering novel perspectives.

The collaboration between human and machine can lead to a synergy where the creator provides the vision and ethical judgment, and the AI serves as a tireless and efficient assistant, handling the more labor-intensive aspects of production. This model of co-creation, where AI is an enhancer rather than a replacement, is becoming a central theme in the modern creative workflow, from graphic design to filmmaking.

In social media, Filipinos leverage the power of AI to join photo trends where they follow the style of the renowned Japanese animation film studio Studio Turn to D3

Happy

9th anniversary, Manila Standard Tech!

Nine years of innovation and sharp tech stories—here’s to more breakthroughs and bold ideas ahead.

From:

All-new BYD Tang

DM-i

officially unveiled: Smart performance meets premium family comfort

Delivering long-range capability, premium features, and intelligent safety for every family occasion

BYD Cars Philippines, a subsidiary of ACMobility, has officially launched the all-new BYD Tang DM-i, marking a major milestone in the brand’s expansion of its Super DM-i lineup. Built to give Filipino families the freedom to go farther, drive smarter, and move with more confidence every day, the BYD Tang DM-i delivers a unique blend of electric efficiency, intelligent features, and spacious comfort, redefining what an electrified family SUV can offer.

The BYD Tang DM-i blends the efficiency of BYD’s advanced powertrain with the versatility and presence of a 7-seater SUV. With the combination of electric driving, premium features, and intelligent safety, the Tang DM-i redefines expectations for family mobility in the Philippines.

“With the introduction of the all-new BYD Tang DM-i, we are expanding our Super DM-i lineup to address the diverse needs of Filipino families,” said Bob Palanca, Managing Director of BYD Cars Philippines. “As the largest model in our SUV range, the Tang DM-i delivers the space, versatility, and advanced technology that many families look for in an SUV, while reinforcing our commitment to make electric mobility more accessible.”

Super DM-i Power Without Limits

The all-new BYD Tang DM-i is powered by BYD’s Super DM-i technology, which combines a turbocharged onboard generator with a 21.5 kWh Blade battery, delivering a total output of 271 PS and 315 Nm of torque which enables it to 0-100 km/h in 7.5s. This advanced system ensures exceptional energy efficiency while covering a dynamic and responsive driving experience. With a combined driving range of over 1,000 kilometers and 110 kilometers of pure EV mode driving, the BYD Tang DM-i is built to support both everyday mobility and long-distance travel, giving drivers the freedom to go further without compromise.

When it comes to charging efficiency, the BYD Tang DM-i can charge from 15 percent to 100 percent in about three hours using AC power or from 30 percent to 80 percent in 22 minutes via DC charging. The inclusion of Vehicleto-Load (V2L) functionality adds further versatility, allowing the SUV to

power external devices. This makes it ideal for outdoor adventures, family trips, or emergencies. Designed for modern lifestyles, the Tang DM-i delivers a smart and sustainable alternative to traditional SUVs. Comfort, Connectivity, and Everyday Versatility

Inside, the Tang DM-i offers a spacious 7-seater cabin that blends practicality with premium comfort. High-quality materials, thoughtfully designed seating, and advanced infotainment features ensure every journey feels effortless. Quick access via NFC card and smart connectivity through the BYD App add to the convenience, while seamless wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the 15.6-inch touch screen paired together with the premium 12-speaker Dynaudio sound system to keep everyone effortlessly connected and entertained. Its versatile interior layout also makes it equally suitable for family road trips, daily commutes, or spontaneous getaways. Confidence in Every Journey

The Tang DM-i is equipped with BYD’s DiPilot system, a comprehensive suite of advanced safety systems and intelligent driver-assistance technologies, ensuring confidence and security on every journey. Its ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) includes features such as adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera, automatic emergency braking, and more, helping drivers navigate both city streets and highways with greater ease and assurance. From active collision avoidance to real-time driver alerts, safety is seamlessly integrated into every aspect of the SUV’s design. Comprehensive Warranty Coverage for Long-term Confidence

To support a worry-free ownership experience, BYD offers industryleading warranty coverage for the Tang DM-i. This includes 8 years or 160,000 kilometers for the Blade Battery, 8 years or 150,000 kilometers for the electric motor and control systems, and a 6-year or 150,000-kilometer new vehicle warranty. These assurances reflect BYD’s dedication to reliability and lasting customer satisfaction.

“With the Tang DM-i, we aim to show how electrified mobility can be seamlessly integrated into the everyday lives of Filipino families,” said Adam Hu, Country Head of BYD Philippines. “By combining efficiency, safety, and versatility, we are proud to deliver a vehicle that helps drivers embrace a smarter and more sustainable way to move.”

The new BYD Tang DM-i is priced at ₱2,098,000, offering Filipino families an electrified SUV that blends premium design, advanced performance, and cutting-edge technology at exceptional value. It will be offered in three sophisticated color options, Moonstone Gray, Pearl White, and Silver Sand Black, each carefully selected to complement the SUV’s commanding design and give customers the flexibility to choose a look that matches their individual style. In addition to dealership availability, the Tang DM-i will also be featured at an upcoming BYD Tech Tour event at SM Clark, Pampanga from Sept 18 to Sept 21, 2025 where customers can experience its features up close.

For more information on the existing vehicle lineup of BYD Cars Philippines, visit www.bydcarsphilippines.com.

The evolution of AI and the workforce

By Patricia Taculao-Deligero

THE conversation surrounding artificial intelligence has undergone a fundamental shift, particularly here in the Philippines. For years, the popular narrative was dominated by a single, fear-inducing question: “Will AI take my job?”

This query, often sensationalized in both local and international media, painted a picture of widespread technological unemployment, where robots and algorithms would systematically replace human workers across every industry. It was a concern that resonated deeply in a country where the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector is a cornerstone of the economy, employing millions of Filipinos and serving as a vital source of foreign currency.

Yet as AI has evolved from a futuristic concept into a tangible, day-to-day tool, the discussion has matured. The new,

more pertinent question that now defines the modern Filipino workforce is, “How will AI change my job?” This pivot from outright displacement to a focus on transformation and augmentation is critical to understanding the true impact of AI on the Philippine job market. In reality, AI’s influence is a complex duality of job displacement and the creation of entirely new opportunities. On one hand, it is undeniable that AI and automation are poised to disrupt certain roles, particularly those built on routine, repetitive tasks. A report from Goldman Sachs, for example, Turn to D4

Home Credit hits 12 million customers, reinforces leadership in consumer finance

HOME Credit Philippines proudly marks a new milestone ahead of its 12th anniversary: 12 million customers served with accessible financial solutions as of August 2025.

Since entering the Philippine market in 2013, Home Credit has become a trusted leader in consumer finance—helping millions of Filipinos access essential goods and services through affordable installment plans, cash loans, and digital solutions. This milestone reflects the company’s unwavering commitment to making its credit solutions more accessible, especially for everyday needs.

“Reaching 12 million customers is more than just a number—it’s a reflection of the trust Filipinos have placed in us,” said David Minol, Chief Executive Officer of Home Credit Philippines. “We’ve seen a significant increase in new customers compared to last year, driven by the growing demand for inclusive financing and the relevance and attractiveness of our offers.

As of this writing, Home Credit has disbursed close to Ph500Bn in total sales across its different credit offerings. This reinforces its position as a leading player in the consumer finance industry and highlights the growing demand for inclusive and accessible financial solutions.

This item’s classification is Internal. It was created by and is in property of the Home Credit Philippines. Do not distribute outside of the organization.

Now available in over 18,000 retail stores nationwide and

Rethinking...

From D1

Ghibli, Disney, and even 90s cartoon reimagination to transform their photos into something else entirely.

However, this accessibility comes with a cloud of complex and deeply personal issues, especially concerning copyright and intellectual property. The foundation of these AI models is a massive dataset often scraped from the internet, which includes the works of countless Filipino artists, designers, and photographers—often without their consent or compensation.

For local artists, this feels like a profound betrayal. Many voiced this sentiment publicly, lamenting how AI tools exploit the work of “legit artists” to create new, profitable content, leaving the original creators behind. This raises a critical question: how do we protect the intellectual labor of Filipino creators when their work can be fed into an algorithm and reused without permission?

Under the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines, a work is only granted copyright protection if it is an “original intellectual creation” by a “natural person” or a human author. This means that a piece of art generated solely by an AI, even with a human-made prompt, is currently not eligible for copyright. This legal gray area creates a significant challenge for Filipino creators who use AI in their process, as it raises questions about who truly owns the final product. The ongoing debate highlights the need for the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) to develop new guidelines that can keep up with the pace of technological change while safeguarding the rights of local artists.

Beyond the legal and ethical jargon, the proliferation of AI-generated content forces us to confront the very heart of Filipino creativity. If an AI can mimic the style of a celebrated Pinoy painter or a National Artist, what is the value of the original, human-made art? For many in the local creative community, the answer lies in the human touch—the personal

experiences, the unique cultural nuances, and the emotional depth that a machine simply cannot replicate.

Some consider the modern take on art to be soulless, as it lacks the intention and vision that define true artistry. A humanmade piece, even with its imperfections, carries the story of its creation—the late nights, the emotional struggles, and the cultural context that make it unique.

Despite the anxieties, the future of creativity in the Philippines is not about a total replacement of artists by machines, but a necessary evolution. The most compelling vision is one where Filipino creators and AI systems work as partners, each complementing the other’s strengths. Humans will remain the source of vision, emotional storytelling, and cultural integrity, while AI will serve as a powerful tool to accelerate ideation and handle repetitive tasks. This hybrid model is already being embraced by some, using AI as a tool to explore “impossible realities” and “imagine futures” that would be difficult to create through traditional means.

Nonetheless, the debate about authenticity in art using AI remains a hot topic in debates across the world. Additionally, many view AI as a threat to the creative process, especially for professionals whose careers align with the arts. This fear of being obsolete contributes to the growing dislike of generative AI among those who create art from scratch. Ultimately, the conversation around generative AI in the Philippines is a call for a new kind of creativity—one that is not defined by the tools we use, but by the thoughtful and purposeful choices we make. There’s no denying that AI has already made a significant impact in society and will continue to be relevant as long as it continues to develop, but the responsibility of its use falls to the people. Hence, the need to create comprehensive guidelines on how to use generative AI and when is it considered safe.

SmarTrade and ATFX Empower Filipinos with Financial Education and Innovative Trading Tools

SMARTRADE , a financial education company, has reached significant milestones by empowering thousands of Filipinos through free learning sessions, nationwide events, and personalized coaching.

From teaching money management and online trading fundamentals to promoting responsible investing, SmarTrade continues its mission to make financial literacy accessible and impactful, showing how education can transform lives and communities.

In pursuit of this mission, SmarTrade partners with ATFX, a global leader in online trading, to merge education with innovation. Through this partnership, learners not only gain essential financial tips and know-how from SmarTrade’s educational programs but also have access to innovative tools such as the AT Go app. This mobile platform empowers users to explore global markets anytime, anywhere, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world trading.

The AT Go app offers a user-friendly interface, real-time market updates, and

features designed to support informed decision-making. For Filipinos taking their first steps in trading, the app works handin-hand with SmarTrade’s educational initiatives, ensuring learners are equipped not only with knowledge but also with the right tools to confidently navigate today’s fast-changing financial landscape.

By combining financial education with technology, SmarTrade and ATFX create more opportunities for Filipinos to achieve financial empowerment. This partnership reflects the importance of making trading and investment knowledge approachable, relevant to the current economic environment, and aligned with the evolving needs of the community.

Start your journey toward financial empowerment today. Visit www.smartradeph. com to sign up for a free learning session or book one-on-one coaching. Discover how the right knowledge, paired with innovative tools, can help you build a more secure financial future.

Surf2Sawa by Converge furthers drive for affordable internet services, surpasses 500,000 active prepaid broadband subscribers

LEADING fiber broadband and technology provider Converge

ICT Solutions Inc. has marked steady growth in its prepaid brand Surf2Sawa (S2S) as it recently reached 500,000 active subscribers just two years after its rollout to provide affordable and inclusive broadband internet.

Converge CEO and CoFounder Dennis Anthony Uy said this reflects the strong adoption of the market to prepaid broadband services which have started to become mainstream, with more customers looking for budget friendly and on-demand connectivity.

“It’s been over two years since Converge introduced the prepaid model and we are pleased that this resonated deeply with consumers, as shown by the numbers. We see competitors have followed our example and introduced their own prepaid offerings. We see this as a win for wider broadband access. More than a milestone, this is a big step in advancing digital inclusion as well as meeting the changing needs of customers. We are only just getting started in our commitment to bringing every Juan, Maria, and Pedro— every Filipino—to be online and ready for the future, through S2S Prepaid,” added JP Aguilar, Officer-in-Charge (OIC) and Head of Consumer and SME at Converge.

Surf2Sawa, a brainchild of Uy, was launched in end-2022 to cater to the connectivity needs of the mass market, known to be more budget-sensitive and often unable to avail entry-level postpaid internet plans.

Addressing their specific needs, S2S features flexible topup options from P50 to P700, unlimited internet, minimal installation requirements and fees, and a contract-free setup. It accommodates up to six connected devices, serving an average speed of up to 50 Mbps.

“For years, many Filipinos have had to rely on wireless alternatives that, while useful, often fall short in offering reliable connectivity. S2S fills in that gap, and we’re glad to see that more

customers are embracing this. The growth runway for us is still wide, as we continue to improve awareness and accessibility of our brand,” said Converge VP and Product Management Business Unit Head of Surf2Sawa Conrado “Dhing” Pascual.

He added that the demand for S2S has been particularly strong in major urban centers in the National Capital Region (NCR), as well as South and Central Luzon, where many homes are experiencing fiber connectivity for the first time. It has also been picking up steam in different regions

in Visayas and Mindanao, supported by the firm’s growing network presence and continuous rollout of fiber infrastructure.

Pascual mentioned that the customers’ reception to S2S can also be attributed to their innovative approach to marketing which include grassroots promotions through BRGY. S2S, or those fiesta-style events in select communities for residents to know about Surf2Sawa firsthand.

The company also introduced an all-mom P-pop girl group MAMAMO, composed of celebrity

moms Melai Cantiveros-Francisco, and former SexBomb Girls Rochelle Pangilinan-Solinap, Jopay PaguiaZamora, Sunshine Garcia-Castro, and CheChe Tolentino, to represent Surf2Sawa as brand ambassadors.

Converge celebrated its half-million-prepaid-subscriber achievement last September 9 through an engagement activity with employees in its headquarters in Pasig. The company had a ceremonial countdown to watch in real-time the subscriber count climb of S2S. Some players from Converge FiberXers joined the event, which included a karaoke contest, games, and prizes for employees.

Converge conducted a celebration activity in its headquarters in Pasig to mark its 500,000-prepaidsubscriber milestone last September 9. (From third from left) Converge Residential and SME Business Group OIC John Paul Aguilar, Converge VP and Head of Marketing Orange Ramirez, and Converge VP and Product Management Business Unit Head of Surf2Sawa Conrado “Dhing” Pascual led the ceremonial countdown to officially mark the milestone.

SmarTrade and ATFX

From left: Converge FiberXers Guard Alec Stockton; Converge FiberXers Forward-Center Justine Baltazar; Converge Residential and SME Business Group officer-in-charge John Paul Aguilar; vice president and head of Marketing Orange Ramirez; Converge FiberXers Forward-Center Paolo Javillonar; Converge vice president and Product Management Business unit head of Surf2Sawa Conrado ‘Dhing’ Pascual; Converge FiberXers Forward and Kevin Racal

BPI named Best Bank in the Philippines at the 2025 Euromoney Awards for Excellence

THE Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) was recognized at the 2025 Euromoney Awards for Excellence, a testament to its commitment to customer obsession and nation-building through responsible and inclusive banking.

BPI received three distinctions at this year’s awards: Best Bank in the Philippines, Best Bank for SMEs, and Best Investment Bank for ECM—recognitions that highlight its efforts to support businesses, expand access to financial solutions, and strengthen the country’s capital markets.

“These awards reflect not just BPI’s work, but also the trust of our clients and communities. Our commitment is to keep building solutions that help families thrive, for businesses to further grow, and for the Philippine economy to become stronger and more sustainable,” said TG Limcaoco, BPI President and CEO.

Presented by Euromoney, a globally respected financial publication, the annual Awards for Excellence spotlight institutions that exemplify outstanding performance, innovation, and leadership in banking. Now in its 30th year, the program is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious and competitive in the global financial industry. As the Philippines’ best bank, BPI continues to break barriers to financial inclusion, offer innovative retail products, and bring formal banking to more Filipinos through innovation and digital transformation.

The Bank recorded 5 million new clients in 2024, many of whom were onboarded digitally through streamlined online account opening and third-party portals that enable even those without formal IDs to open wallet accounts. By leveraging its branches and partner stores, BPI also expanded its reach to underserved areas, offering financial products like teachers’ loans, motorcycle loans, salary-on-demand, and instant credit lines for small businesses.

The Bank posted a record net income of Php62.0 billion in 2024, up 20% yearon-year, driven by strong revenues and improved efficiency. BPI also maintained

The BPI Salary On-Demand allows clients to instantly withdraw a portion of their earned salary before payday.

Lanang,

its #1 NPS ranking among fullscale local banks, underscoring its customer-first approach. It also marked sustainability milestones as the first IFC EDGE-certified green bank branch in the country and the first Philippine bank to shift all its high-rise buildings to 100% renewable energy. The ‘Best Bank for SMEs’ award underscores BPI’s critical role in supporting the Philippine economy by empowering small and medium enterprises.

BPI established Business Banking to cater to SMEs, helping them achieve their goals and position for longterm growth with fast and convenient financial solutions.

Its Ka-Negosyo loan products— Credit Line, SME Loan, and Ready Loan—provide value and support at every stage of the business journey. For added convenience, BPI launched Ka-Negosyo On the Go, a digital platform for online loan applications, and BPI BizLink, an online banking service offering secure cash management via web and mobile.

BPI Capital Corporation continues to take the lead in

developing domestic Equity Capital Markets, solidifying its position as a trailblazer in the Philippine equity space through several landmark deals in 2024. Notable transactions include Cebu Landmasters, Inc.’s maiden preferred share issuance, Robinsons Land Corporation’s private placement of RCR shares, and Filinvest Land, Inc.’s tender offer for its outstanding shares in exchange for Filinvest REIT shares. BPI Capital completed nine ECM transactions in 2024, up five deals from the previous year, with a cumulative Bloomberg league table credit of over USD350 million through a combination of overnight private block placements and perpetual preferred share issuances. Amid challenging and uncertain Philippine and global markets, BPI was ranked first in the domestic ECM league table, up two spots from its third-place finish in 2023. Winning the ‘Best Investment Bank for

The evolution...From D2

estimates that artificial intelligence could expose as many as 300 million full-time jobs to automation globally. While a direct translation to the Philippine context is complex, we can anticipate a significant impact on sectors heavily reliant on data entry, customer service, and administrative support. Occupations like basic data encoders, virtual assistants handling repetitive tasks, and even some call center agents are among the most vulnerable, as their daily work often involves data processing and scripted interactions, tasks at which AI excels.

The impact is already being seen, with a Stanford University study noting a 6% decline in employment for younger workers in highly AI-exposed jobs since late 2022. This suggests that AI is already acting as a headwind for entry-level positions in some sectors, as businesses leverage technology to boost efficiency and reduce their reliance on human labor for a variety of tasks. For a Filipino call center agent whose job is primarily to answer frequently asked questions, the rise of AI-powered chatbots and voice assistants presents a clear challenge. These technologies can handle thousands of inquiries simultaneously, twenty-four hours a day, at a fraction of the cost. However, viewing this as a onedimensional problem of job loss is a mistake. The same technological forces displacing some roles are simultaneously creating a new class of jobs that simply didn’t exist before. The World Economic Forum projects that while 75 million jobs may be displaced by AI, a staggering 133 million new jobs will be created, leading to a net gain of 58 million opportunities. This trend is a testament to history, as previous technological revolutions, from the steam engine to the internet, also made old jobs obsolete while laying the foundation for entirely new ones. The roles emerging in the wake of AI’s rise are often high-skilled and focus on developing, maintaining, and overseeing these new systems. We are now seeing the rise of roles like Prompt Engineer, a specialist who crafts and refines the inputs to generative AI models to achieve a desired output; AI Ethics Specialist, who ensures that AI systems are developed and used responsibly and without bias; and AI Literacy Trainer, an

HONOR Magic V5 Now Available Nationwide with FREE HONOR Choice Earbuds Clip!

LEADING smart devices provider HONOR Philippines announced the nationwide availability of its newest and most durable foldable HONOR Magic V5! You can now get it from any HONOR Partner and Experience Stores or online via: Lazada (https://bit.ly/ Laz_V5_PR), Shopee (https://bit.ly/Shop_ V5_PR), and TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/ TikTok_V5_PR). And only until September 30, you can get it with a FREE HONOR Choice Earbuds Clip worth P4,999! Foldable with Unparalleled Durability

The HONOR Magic V5 sets a new industry benchmark for portability in foldable smartphones, featuring an ultra-slim 8.8mm body and weighing as little as 217g. These advancements reflect HONOR’s relentless pursuit of engineering excellence, made possible by the industry leading AI-powered manufacturing system. This revolutionary process enhances structural reliability and integrity, delivering an almost crease-free fold and elevating the user experience that can be felt with every interaction.

The HONOR Magic V5 features IP58 and IP59 ratings for dust and water resistance. Engineered with HONOR’s Carbon Fiber Reinforced Inner Display Panel and Antiscratch NanoCrystal Shield on the outer screen, the device delivers exceptional resilience against scratches and everyday impact. Internally, a carbon fiber layer with 380GPa deformation resistance acts as a

powerful shock buffer. The HONOR Super Steel

Hinge also has an impressive tensile strength of 2300MPa, further strengthening the device while enabling smooth folding action. Available in three stunning colorways Ivory White, Dawn Gold, and Reddish Brown, you can now get HONOR Magic V5 for only P89,999 at any HONOR Partner and Experience Stores or online via Lazada (https://bit.ly/Laz_ V5_PR) , Shopee (https://bit.ly/Shop_V5_PR) , and TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/TikTok_V5_ PR) with FREE HONOR Choice Earbuds Clip worth P4,999 until September 30, 2025! For more information about the HONOR Magic V3, you may visit: https://bit.ly/Web_V5_ PR. To be in the loop of exciting updates, follow HONOR Philippines’ social media platforms on: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines).

HONOR Philippines sets global benchmark, celebrates 3 years of phenomenal growth at HONOR SEA, Middle East Summit

IN JUST three short years, HONOR Philippines has gone from market re-entry to becoming one of the most recognized, fastestgrowing and thriving technology brand in the entire HONOR global network. This success story took center stage at the HONOR SEA & Middle East Summit, where leaders from 35 countries gathered to exchange strategies, celebrate milestones, and learn from each other’s journeys. At the summit, HONOR Philippines presented its phenomenal rise since August 2022, sharing the winning formula that led to its rapid growth—strategic product launches, strong partnerships, and a deep understanding of Filipino consumers. The team also engaged in an interactive Q&A session, gaining valuable insights from other countries while offering their own strategies for navigating the highly competitive smartphone landscape.

From day one, our mission has been clear: to bring the best technology and experiences

educator who helps others understand and use AI tools effectively. These new vocations highlight a future workforce where collaboration with intelligent systems, rather than competition, is the norm.

This brings us to the rise of AI-literacy. This is more than just knowing that AI exists; it is about understanding its capabilities and, more importantly, its limitations. It means knowing how to effectively work with AI tools to enhance one’s own productivity and stay relevant in the evolving workforce. An AI-literate individual can critically evaluate the output of an AI, recognizing where the system provides useful insight and where human judgment, creativity, or ethical reasoning is still required. This is a skill set becoming essential across all professions, not just tech. A recent study found that while nearly 80% of small and mid-sized businesses adopting AI report it is transforming their operations, three-quarters of their workers feel a lack of proper training is holding them back from fully leveraging these tools. This gap underscores a critical need for education and reskilling.

The most tangible way AI is changing our daily work is by acting as a personal assistant for virtually everyone, from writers and marketers to project managers and analysts. AI tools are becoming adept at handling the tedious, time-consuming tasks that previously consumed a significant portion of a workday, allowing humans to focus on more complex, creative, and strategic work. For a writer, this might mean using AI to brainstorm ideas or create a rough outline, freeing them to concentrate on developing their unique voice and crafting a compelling narrative. For an analyst, AI can process and summarize vast datasets in minutes, turning raw information into actionable insights that would have taken a human hours to compile. AI-powered tools are now capable of drafting emails, summarizing lengthy documents and meeting transcripts, organizing complex schedules, and even generating first drafts of code or marketing copy. By automating these daily tasks, AI isn’t replacing the professional; it’s streamlining their workflow, removing friction, and unlocking their potential to do higher-value work.

The

Philippines: Tom Yuan, retail sales director; Sean Yuan, country manager; and Stephen Cheng, vice president.

From breakthrough and success: HONOR Philippines expands as growth soars in just three years

HONOR Philippines is growing stronger than ever. In just three years since its re-entry into the Philippine market, the global tech brand has achieved milestone after milestone—now culminating in the expansion of its Philippine office at GLAS Tower Ortigas, a testament to its remarkable success and vision for the future.

to the Filipino people,” said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines. “Being recognized on a global stage and sharing our story with over 35 countries is a proud moment for us. It validates our hard work and fuels our drive to keep pushing boundaries—not just to lead locally, but to inspire globally.”

HONOR Philippines’ 3-Year Key Milestones:

• 40+ devices launched to meet diverse consumer needs across price segments.

• No. 1 Hero Product ranking for three

consecutive years

• Consistent 100%+ year-on-year sales growth, with record-breakers like HONOR X9b, HONOR X9c, and HONOR 400.

• Multiple sold-out launches, including HONOR 400 selling out in just 3 days

• Grew 2,500+ Retail Stores with 2,000+ Regional Sales Advisor

A Local Success Story with Global Impact

HONOR Philippines’ trajectory has become a blueprint for success within the HONOR global network. Its story proves that with the right combination of innovation, customer connection, and strategic execution, a brand can rise to the top—even in a highly competitive market.

With this recognition, HONOR Philippines is poised to further expand its influence, delivering world-class technology to Filipino consumers while contributing to HONOR’s mission of becoming a global leader in smart devices.

The office expansion marks more than just an increase in space—it stands as a testament to HONOR Philippines’ rapid rise and growing influence in the country. This milestone is fueled by back-to-back product launches, strong consumer demand, and the brand’s unwavering commitment to delivering consistent innovation tailored to the needs of Filipinos. Since reestablishing its operations in 2022, HONOR has swiftly climbed the ranks to become one of the most recognized and trusted tech brands in the Philippines. Its diverse portfolio—from affordable devices to premium, AI-powered flagships—has struck the perfect balance between breakthrough technology and accessibility, resonating strongly with Filipino consumers.

“This office expansion is a reflection of our growth story here in the Philippines,” said Sean Yuan, Country Manager of HONOR Philippines. “In just three short years, we’ve gone from reintroducing the HONOR brand to becoming one of the fastest-growing tech companies in the country.” Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines, added, “Our expansion enables us to better serve our Filipino consumers while setting the stage for even bigger opportunities ahead.”

HONOR’s local growth mirrors its global momentum, with the brand earning recognition as one of the most dynamic players in the international smartphone and IoT market. The expansion of its Philippine headquarters highlights the country’s strategic importance to HONOR’s regional and global roadmap.

BPI’s first prime phygital branch in Mindanao located in Azuela Cove in

Davao City.

BPI Ka-Negosyo Loans helps business owners achieve their goals with quick and flexible solutions.

innovative breakthrough event was spearheaded by the executive and leadership team of HONOR

AI in healthcare and wellness: How it’s changing the way Filipinos stay healthy

By Millie Manahan

OH, we’ve already gone past the robot clichés. Artificial intelligence—or AI—isn’t about talking machines or sci-fi fantasies anymore. Every time you check Waze to avoid traffic, that’s AI at work.

Every time your smartwatch tracks your steps or warns of an irregular heartbeat, that’s AI keeping tabs on your health. From the wrist to the hospital ward, it’s now reshaping how Filipinos experience wellness.

Globally, AI in healthcare is projected to grow into a $187 billion industry by 2030, according to Grand View Research. In the Philippines, the transformation is already visible: AI-powered imaging machines in hospitals, new academic programs training future engineers, and wearable tech quietly influencing everyday habits. So how does this technology really work—and what does it mean for Filipinos?

Personalized Medicine:

One Size Doesn’t Fit All In traditional healthcare, patients with the same illness often receive the same treatment. But our bodies are not all the same. Some

respond well to certain drugs, others don’t. AI is changing this by making medicine more personal.

Imagine two patients with the same cancer diagnosis— one responds well to chemotherapy, the other doesn’t. By analyzing DNA, medical history, and lifestyle data, AI can help doctors predict which treatments are most likely to work for each individual. Abroad, oncologists are already using AI to match cancer patients with therapies based on tumor profiles.

In the Philippines, personalized medicine is still developing and is often limited to private hospitals that offer genetic testing. While cost remains a barrier, the promise is clear: more effective treatments, fewer side effects, and care that recognizes every Filipino as unique.

Wearables: AI on Your Wrist

For many Filipinos, AI has already slipped into daily life through wearables. Smartwatches and fitness trackers are more than just step counters. They measure heart rate, oxygen levels, sleep cycles, and even stress markers. With AI algorithms interpreting the data, these devices can give meaningful insights—nudging you to move after hours of sitting, showing trends in your sleep quality, or flagging an irregular heartbeat.

These devices aren’t replacements for doctors, but they empower Filipinos to take a more active role in health management. A generation ago, this kind of realtime feedback was unthinkable. Now, it’s worn on the wrist.

Medical Imaging: AI as a Second Pair of Eyes

Perhaps the most striking use of AI in healthcare is Turn to E3

foodpanda partners with DSWD Walang Gutom Kitchen to support communities in need

IN A move to help address involuntary hunger faced by vulnerable communities, foodpanda Philippines, through its ‘Let’s do our PAUrt’ initiative, joined forces with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through its flagship initiative, Walang Gutom Kitchen (WGK) under the Pag-abot Program. This collaboration reflects foodpanda’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Goal 2: Zero Hunger and highlights the power of public-private partnerships in building inclusive initiatives and driving equitable access for communities to essential resources.

Through this partnership, foodpanda provided grocery donations and meals to WGK through its grocery arm pandamart. The initiative also engaged the foodpanda Logistics’ delivery partners, giving them a chance to witness firsthand the social impact of their work beyond daily deliveries.

“At foodpanda, we believe that access to nutritious food is a basic human right,” said Lew Lopez, Director of Public Relations and Public Affairs at foodpanda. “Supporting DSWD is a step toward the goal of is a step toward the goal of ensuring that no Filipino goes hungry, while also uplifting , while also uplifting communities in need.in need.”

Lew further emphasized the collaborative nature of the effort: “We wanted to maximize the resources we have and be participatory—not just providing assistance, but also giving our delivery partners a

chance to understand the impact of their work. It’s a meaningful way to empower everyone involved.”

Walang Gutom Kitchen operates every day from 6 a.m. for breakfast and 11 a.m. for lunch, providing nutritious meals to around 600 people daily (300 per batch). These meals are complemented by groceries donated by partners like foodpanda, enough to sustain the daily needs of all beneficiaries.

They also shared that many vulnerable groups, especially individuals in street situations, are often overlooked—particularly during typhoons. There are days when operations must close due to heavy rains for the safety of staff, raising concern about where clients will eat.

“Partnerships like this are highly beneficial to the mission of Walang Gutom Kitchen. They highlight a whole-nation approach that ensures inclusivity in delivering basic needs, particularly in addressing involuntary hunger among our target beneficiaries. Collaborations like this strengthen our ability to fulfill our purpose and continue serving those who need it most,” said Ramil B. Mapoy, Social Welfare Officer, Pag-Abot NPMO, DSWD.

Atty. John Dwight B. Cruz, Chief Administrative Officer of DSWD, also acknowledged the role of private sector collaboration: “Hunger and malnutrition remain pressing challenges in the Philippines, with one in eleven individuals affected. Corporate social responsibility efforts, like those of foodpanda, are important in helping us extend support and achieve sustainable food security.”

This partnership highlights foodpanda’s commitment to using its platform, network, and delivery partners to create meaningful social impact. Beyond providing meals, it shows how businesses can actively contribute to inclusive growth and the sustainable development of vulnerable populations. Collaborations like this show that when private sector resources align with government initiatives, the collective effort can reach further, foster social responsibility, and build a stronger, more caring society.

Fortinet named a leader in the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Hybrid Mesh Firewall Fortinet

placed highest in Ability to Execute

FORTINET, the global cybersecurity leader driving the convergence of networking and security, today announced it has been recognized as a Leader in the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Hybrid Mesh Firewall (HMF) and was positioned highest for Ability to Execute.

As a Leader in the inaugural Gartner Magic Quadrant for Hybrid Mesh Firewall, Fortinet is now recognized in 12 Gartner Magic Quadrant reports. Powered by custom-built ASICs for accelerated performance, and FortiOS, a single operating system unifying hardware and virtual deployments, Fortinet solutions comprise a truly converged networking and security platform. Fortinet appliance, virtual, and cloud-native firewalls are built for today’s network complexity, securing environments that span data centers, clouds, remote edges, and constantly shifting workloads.

“Being recognized as a Leader in the inaugural Gartner Magic Quadrant for Hybrid Mesh Firewall and placed highest in Ability to Execute, we believe, validates our commitment to delivering convergence and best-of-breed security with FortiOS everywhere. With FortiAI innovations, integrated SOC, and early adoption of post-quantum cryptography, Fortinet continues to set the standard for protecting organizations across hybrid, dynamic environments.”—Nirav Shah, Senior Vice President of Products and Solutions at Fortinet Customers can confidently partner with Fortinet, knowing they are investing in a vendor that combines long-standing leadership with forward-looking advancements in AI-driven automation and quantum-resistant security. Fortinet FortiGate firewalls deliver integrated security, AI-powered innovation, and flexible licensing to help organizations confidently secure hybrid environments. These benefits are realized through:

• Integrated security: Fortinet unifies FortiOS, FortiGuard Labs intelligence, and AI-powered security within the Fortinet Security Fabric platform to align closely with customer needs. This consolidation reduces complexity and operational overhead, while centralized analytics enable faster threat detection and response. Seamless interoperability across Fortinet solutions lowers integration costs and ensures consistent security policy enforcement. The result is an

integrated security architecture that is easier to manage, more effective, and continuously evolving to meet real-world challenges.

• Innovation in AI and post-quantum cryptography: Fortinet is setting the standard for innovation with FortiAI-Assist, which combines GenAI, agentic AI, and AIOps to simplify network operations and accelerate response with intelligent automation and analytics. This helps NOC and SOC teams improve efficiency, close resource gaps, and counter more threats with fewer resources. Fortinet also leads in future-proof protection with early support for post-quantum cryptography (PQC), ensuring sensitive data remains secure even against tomorrow’s quantum computing threats. Together, these innovations deliver faster, smarter defense and sustainable, long-term data protection.

• Operational flexibility: The FortiFlex licensing model delivers usagebased security licensing that moves at the speed of digital acceleration. Customers can seamlessly shift between hardware, virtual, and cloud firewall options without the expense or delays of traditional procurement. Pay-asyou-go, points-based licensing optimizes spend by ensuring customers only pay for what they use. This flexible approach accelerates time to value for new initiatives, supports evolving hybrid environments, and enables longterm scalability without locking customers into a single deployment model. Driving the Convergence of Networking and Security for Today’s Hybrid World

Fortinet believes its recognition in both the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Hybrid Mesh Firewalls and the Gartner Magic Quadrant for SASE Platforms underscores its vision for the new-generation SASE firewall. By natively converging critical networking and security functions, including network firewall, SD-WAN, ZTNA, secure web gateway, CASB, and DLP within a single operating system, FortiOS, Fortinet enables customers to simplify adoption and operations, reduce costs, and enhance user experience. This integrated approach delivers consistent, hybrid secure access across data centers, cloud environments, remote edges, and dynamic workloads, helping organizations keep pace with today’s rapidly evolving environments.

Download the report for more information about the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Hybrid Mesh Firewall.

HONOR, Alibaba announce strategic AI collaboration

HONOR and Alibaba officially cemented a landmark strategic cooperation agreement in Hangzhou, China.

James Li, chief executive officer of HONOR Device Co., Ltd. and Eddie Wu, chief executive of HONOR Device Co., Ltd. of Alibaba Group, jointly witnessed the signing. This pivotal strategic cooperation agreement is built upon a shared vision for growth and strategic imperatives.

The two industry leaders are embarking on a comprehensive, multi-faceted, and systematic collaboration, focusing on critical strategic areas including AI ecosystems, AI models and capabilities, and intelligent services. Together, we aim to cultivate a thriving AI ecosystem, seizing the immense opportunities presented by AI-driven industrial transformation and the convergence of intelligent device ecosystems.

In the realm of AI agent ecosystems, HONOR and Alibaba will leverage their distinct technological and ecological strengths in AI agents, large AI models, intelligent services, and innovative application experiences. This will translate into comprehensive and deep cooperation across a multitude of core service scenarios, including travel navigation, tourism services, lifestyle, mobile office, e-commerce, and entertainment. The partnership will foster technical exchanges and resource sharing across different fields, jointly exploring new groundbreaking features and interaction paradigms for mobile devices. For AI models and capabilities,

the collaboration will center on joint development based on the Qwen opensource model. This includes vertical application models for on-device AI, AI agents, and multimodal understanding and generation. The ultimate goal is to co-create a globally leading “clouddevice integrated” intelligent device experience, seamlessly merging the power of the Qwen large model with HONOR’s cutting-edge hardware, operating systems, and diverse scenarios. This joint effort will accelerate the evolution of large model technology which focuses on scenario-specific and on-device improvements, delivering more intelligent, personalized, secure, and fluid AI services and experiences to HONOR MagicOS users.

Mapúa Education Group unveils co-intelligence AI integration

THE Mapúa Education Group is redefining the future of education with the groundbreaking launch of its CoIntelligence AI (Artificial Intelligence) Strategy, a forward-thinking initiative to empower students, faculty, and employees to thrive in a world where human creativity and critical thinking integrate seamlessly with artificial intelligence.

The official launch was marked with an event held at the Mapúa University campus in Makati City led by Mapúa University president and chief executive officer Dr. Dodjie S. Maestrecampo and key officials from the network of Mapúa Education Group including Mapúa University, Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapúa MCL), Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao (Mapúa MCM), and Mapúa Malayan Digital College (MMDC).

“AI is no longer optional. It is reshaping industries, redefining skills, and reimagining learning. This is why today we are formally launching the Mapua Education Group’s CoIntelligence Strategy. It is our collective response to this transformation and that is to be done through Co-Intelligence. In this, we will learn with AI using AI tools to enhance teaching and learning; we will learn about AI, embedding AI literacy and critical thinking skills across every program; and we will work with AI, equipping our faculty members, staff, and professionals with AI tools to use in teaching, research, and operations,” Maestrecampo remarked.

The Mapúa Education Group CoIntelligence AI Strategy is a holistic and comprehensive initiative designed to

cultivate a future-ready ecosystem of learning, including students, professors, and employees. Through the valuable integration of AI literacy, real-world experiences, and industry-recognized credentials into every aspect of the Mapúa programs, the graduates will be equipped to thrive and lead in a highly innovative and rapidly changing world. With AI literacy as the highlight of CoIntelligence, strategic initiatives were set to ensure comprehensive and effective AI integration in the institution. Among these initiatives include AI-infused Curriculum, which incorporates AI in every aspect of curriculum design including learning objectives, activities, and assessments to enhance the learning experience of students and improve critical real-life skills. The project also implemented embedded AI courses to equip students across all courses with essential AI and critical thinking skills to enable them to apply AI technologies across various disciplines.

To ensure that these innovative programs are effectively taught, the Co-Intelligence strategy also includes AI-focused professional development. Through this, upskilling programs centered on AI technologies and a formal education on AI were offered to faculty, staff, and professionals outside the university to gain in-depth knowledge about it. Beyond the classroom, another significant component of the initiative is Long-Term Experiential Learning and Academically-Linked Work Learning which engages students in projects and professional experiences that empower them to apply their knowledge in real life with AI technologies.

Pioneering a new era of AI-driven mobile experiences through comprehensive clouddevice integration. James Li, chief executive of HONOR Device Co. Ltd. (left) and Eddie Wu, chief executive Alibaba Group.

foodpanda riders and volunteers with DSWD officers Atty. John Dwight Cruz, Ramil Mapoy, and Nikka Mae Pablo

The Walang Gutom Kitchen team prepares meals for the second batch, just in time for lunch.

AI in healthcare...

in medical imaging. Reading X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and mammograms requires years of training, but even skilled radiologists can miss subtle signs of disease. AI steps in as an extra pair of eyes, scanning images for patterns the human eye might overlook.

At this year’s Mobile World Congress in Shanghai, tech leaders showcased AI-powered MRI systems claiming up to 99% accuracy in detecting specific conditions. These advances wowed the global audience—but experts emphasize that machines still require human interpretation. In practice, AI is not a replacement but a partner, giving doctors more confidence and speed in diagnosis.

The Philippines is not far behind. The Medical City now uses AI software for chest X-rays and mammograms, reaching detection rates close to 99%.

Makati Life Medical Center recently installed the country’s first AI-powered PET/CT scanner, a game-changer for cancer care. In the north, the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center introduced a helium-free MRI with built-in AI features, bringing advanced diagnostics to communities outside Metro Manila. These milestones show that AI in healthcare is no longer a theory—it’s already at work in Filipino hospitals.

Education: Training the Next Generation Technology is only as powerful as the people who use it. For AI in healthcare to succeed, the country needs professionals who understand both medicine and machine learning.

Mapúa University is taking a lead with the Philippines’ first Bachelor of Science in AI Engineering, set to train students in designing and deploying responsible AI systems. At its School of Medicine, Mapúa is also introducing AI-powered simulations and virtual reality tools to prepare future doctors. The goal:

From E1

graduates who aren’t just end-users of AI but informed gatekeepers who understand its strengths, limits, and risks.

This blend of medical knowledge and digital fluency may become the standard skill set for tomorrow’s healthcare workers.

The Road Ahead:

Promise and Pitfalls

While the progress is exciting, challenges remain. Technically, AI systems trained mostly on Western patients may not perform as accurately on Filipinos due to genetic and lifestyle differences. Data privacy is another concern—sensitive medical and genetic records must be handled with strict safeguards. Cost is also a hurdle, as advanced AI-powered machines are expensive and often concentrated in major cities.

And beyond technology, there’s the human side. Machines can spot patterns and crunch numbers, but they cannot replace the empathy, intuition, and holistic judgment of doctors, nurses, or pharmacists.

From Data to Daily Life, The Choice is Still Ours

The real shift isn’t just in machines— it’s in culture. Patients are starting to trust data as much as doctors’ notes. Doctors are learning to work with algorithms as teammates. And students entering med school today will likely graduate into hospitals where AI is as common as a stethoscope.

The Philippines may be a smaller player in the global AI healthcare race, but its early adoption—backed by innovation in hospitals and forwardlooking academic programs—shows it’s ready to keep pace.

AI is here to stay, but the choice is still ours. It won’t replace doctors, nurses, or pharmacists. What it will do is give them sharper tools, clearer images, and more time to do what they do best: care for people.

Outplay the rest and become a gaming master with the Infinix GT 30

THE world of mobile gaming is changing, evolving from a casual pastime to a serious passion for millions. No longer is highperformance gaming a luxury reserved for a select few with expensive rigs; it is a landscape where “Everyone can be a Gaming Master”. This is the very essence of the Infinix GT 30, a revolutionary ‘high-performance gaming phone’ designed to empower both the casual gamer and the aspiring pro alike. It’s a device that understands the need for power, precision, and style, proving that a truly great gaming experience can also be a beautifully versatile one. Several factors stand out of the Infinix GT 30 at first glance. The rear panel is a masterpiece of design, a physical embodiment of the “Cyberpunk” aesthetic that has captured the imagination of a generation. Its intricate lines and geometric patterns aren’t just for show; they are a statement. But the real magic happens when the lights come on. The phone features interactive white lighting effects, dubbed “Mechanical Light Waves,” that pulsate across 14 different system scenarios, providing practical cues for notifications and incoming calls while also synchronizing with sound and vibration to enhance the emotional atmosphere of games and music.

Infinix also makes a proud declaration of supporting the gaming lifestyle through the Infinix GT 30’s colors, which come in the classic Blade White and Shadow Ash joined by the striking new variants, Cyber Blue and Pulse Green. At the heart of the GT 30’s gaming prowess is a feature that redefines mobile gaming controls: the GT Trigger. The Infinix GT 30 is the only phone in its class to be equipped with exclusive capacitive dual shoulder triggers. With a touch sampling rate of 520 Hz and an ultra-low hardware latency of just 7ms, the GT Trigger provides a “ConsoleLevel Control” experience that elevates gameplay. In MOBA games, players can use the triggers for rapid actions like switching gear or using quick-swap moves, giving them a crucial edge in fast-

paced battles. For FPS games, the GT Trigger enables four- or six-finger operations, allowing them to execute complex maneuvers like quick scope-crouch and aimshoot with console-like precision and ease.

But the GT Trigger’s versatility doesn’t end with gaming. Its capabilities extend into daily life, transforming the way users interact with their phones. A single tap on the trigger can snap a photo, while a long press enables burst shooting for those perfect action shots. It also offers a “9 + 1” shortcut suite, providing quick access to nine built-in system functions and one customizable third-party app shortcut, even when the screen is locked. Whether it’s for taking a photo, recording a screen, or controlling video playback on apps like YouTube and Netflix, the GT Trigger turns multi-step actions into instant, one-tap controls, enhancing efficiency and adding a layer of convenience to everyday life.

Under the hood, the Infinix GT 30 is a powerhouse built for peak “Performance Unleashed”. Powered by the MediaTek D7400 5G chipset, it delivers a stable and smooth experience even under heavy gaming loads. The phone’s performance is further optimized through Infinix’s proprietary innovations, such as the Intelligent In-Frame Prediction & Recovery and Game Thermal Control Engine, which work together to safeguard a stable, high-frame gaming experience. The gaming experience is also elevated by the stunning 1.5K & 144Hz AMOLED display. With a 144Hz refresh rate and a high resolution, the screen delivers smooth, blur-free visuals and sharp details. It’s also gentle on the eyes with TÜV-Certified Eye Care, making it perfect for marathon gaming sessions or binge-watching.

As the MPL Official Smartphone Partner, the Infinix GT 30 has been certified to handle a list of popular games at high frame rates. This certification is a stamp of approval from game publishers, guaranteeing a superior and stable gaming experience. The list of certified games is extensive, and includes: Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), PUBG Mobile, ROV, Standoff 2, Honor of Kings, BGMI, Call of Duty Mobile, Free Fire, and Delta Force. The GT 30 is MLBB Certified at 120 FPS, ensuring that players can experience the game with ultra-smooth visuals and responsive controls. It also supports Delta Force at 90 FPS.

With all this power, the GT 30’s features are designed to help avoid common gaming mistakes. A common mistake in intense combat is fumbling on the touchscreen, leading to missed shots or slow reactions. The GT Trigger solves this by giving a tactile, console-like control that is both precise and instantaneous. Use the triggers to map essential actions like shooting, aiming, or using special abilities, allowing players’ thumb to focus on movement and camera control. In a game like MLBB, players can assign the triggers to quick-swap gear or use a specific spell, giving gamers a competitive edge and preventing them from fumbling with onscreen buttons during a crucial clash. Similarly, in FPS titles, the triggers are perfect for quick-scoping or executing a burst-fire, turning a difficult maneuver into a fluid, instinctual action.

The Infinix GT 30 is a gateway to becoming a gaming master. From its cyberpunk design to the groundbreaking GT Trigger and powerful MediaTek D7400 5G chipset, every aspect is crafted to give users the upper hand. Don’t miss out on the chance to outplay the rest and unlock true gaming potential.

Harvesting digital skills: Over 8,000 Filipino farmers gain digital financial literacy, easier access to insurance claims

IN A major push for financial inclusion in rural communities, GCash—the Philippines’ leading finance superapp and largest cashless ecosystem— and the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) brought a nationwide digital financial literacy caravan to farming communities, educating over 8,000 farmers in key agricultural regions on using digital tools to access insurance payouts and manage their finances more efficiently.

The initiative helps address the critical challenge of financial inclusion among Filipino farmers, many of whom have traditionally relied on cash or chequebased systems for financial transactions. This process often resulted in delays and inefficiencies, particularly in receiving insurance claims.

GCash provided a robust solution to this problem through its Funds Disbursement Service, enabling farmers to have the option to receive their insurance claims in real-time through the app. This digital approach reduces the waiting time associated with cheque clearances and empowers farmers to manage their funds with greater ease. For many, this represents a crucial step towards wider participation in the digital economy.

“We extend our sincere gratitude to GCash, the country’s biggest digital finance platform, for their unwavering commitment to

promote financial inclusion even in our rural communities,” said Israel Dela Cruz, PCIC Business Development and Marketing Manager. “Their dedicated efforts to educate our farmers are instrumental in ensuring financial inclusion for all and that vital financial services reach those who need them most.”

Complementing this effort, the nationwide caravan also delivered essential digital financial literacy education, which equipped farmers with the knowledge and skills to navigate the formal financial system. It visited agricultural communities in provinces including Camarines Norte, Pampanga, Bulacan, Cagayan, Nueva Ecija, Negros Occidental, Leyte, Iloilo, Aklan, Occidental Mindoro, Pangasinan, Agusan del Sur, Batangas, Quezon,

Negros Oriental, and Camarines Sur.

During the sessions, participants learned practical digital finance skills, such as navigating mobile wallets, understanding financial transactions, managing funds, and maximizing the benefits of digital services for everyday needs. These efforts were specifically designed for farmers, helping them build confidence in using digital tools for budgeting, saving, purchasing, and microloans.

“GCash is making significant strides in promoting financial inclusivity for farmers in the Philippines by providing them with easy access to vital financial services—such as receiving insurance payouts from PCIC, paying bills, and purchasing agricultural supplies directly through their mobile phones,” said Alda Lou Cabrera, GCash Manager

for Public Sector National Accounts. “Additionally, our financial literacy caravan initiative educates and creates awareness among farmers, empowering them to make informed financial decisions, manage their resources better, and build resilience in the face of challenges.”

The partnership with PCIC reflects the broader mission of GCash to ensure that every Filipino, regardless of location or livelihood, can benefit from digital finance. By going directly to farming communities, GCash continues to work toward a future where no one is left behind in the country’s digital and economic transformation. For more information, please visit www.gcash.com.

The Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, in partnership with GCash, educates over 8,000 farmers from key agricultural communities nationwide through a series of on-ground digital financial literacy caravans. This initiative aims to empower farmers to make informed financial decisions and take greater control of their future.

Future-proof your business with a cyber resilience strategy

FOR many organizations in the Philippines, from banking and BPO to retail, digital platforms are

to daily operations. When these systems are

the consequences extend beyond

often resulting in data

financial

and lasting reputational challenges. In recent years, the increasing number of ransomware incidents has revealed how exposed businesses remain in today’s digital environment. This trend highlights the urgent need for organizations to rethink and strengthen their data protection strategies. Prevention alone can no longer guarantee security. The true measure of resilience is the ability to recover quickly, securely, and with confidence—and that is what cyber resilience provides.

How a multi-layered defense strategy can help enterprises face a crisis

Using the recent Microsoft SharePoint cybersecurity incident as an example, attackers didn’t strike directly; they exploited a vulnerability from a third-party vendor to steal credentials and then infiltrate the SharePoint system. Companies serious about resisting cyberattacks can no longer rely only on firewalls or antivirus tools. Instead, organizations must adopt a multi-layered security approach that includes endpoint security, network segmentation, data encryption, access controls, behavioral detection, and backup methods. They must also impose strict requirements on the vendors to ensure they meet cybersecurity standards, regularly undergo security assessments and audits, and establish clear security compliance regulations.

Let’s take a look at some key features and their importance as part of the overall cybersecurity strategy: Strengthen your endpoint security Deploy Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions as well as antivirus software to proactively block threats. Hackers often start by attempting to breach a single endpoint. Once breached, they may cause the entire system to come under attack.

Secure your networks Implement network segmentation as well as firewalls to isolate critical systems. With Intrusion Detection System (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention System (IPS), you can analyze traffic, detect anomalies, identify insider threats, and immediately intercept suspicious network connections.

Safeguard your data

Reduce the risk of data leaks by encrypting personal and proprietary data. Pair encryption along with Data Loss Prevention (DLP) to prevent sensitive data from being copied, exported, or uploaded. Implement role-based access controls

Enforce zero-trust and least-privilege access principles, along with multi-factor authentication (MFA), to prevent identity theft. Integrate Single Sign-on (SSO) and Identity & Access Management (IAM) to centrally manage identities and permissions.

Monitor and identify threats

Leverage Security Information and Event Management’s (SIEM) advanced analytics to collect and analyze security events, block abnormal data access, and proactively spot emerging threats that may indicate any upcoming attacks.

Routinely update and patch systems

Update software and hardware with patches regularly to defend against evolving cyber threats. Fix existing vulnerabilities and optimize system security for the long term.

The

vision

Perform backups and recovery

Back up critical data regularly and safeguard multiple versions and off-site copies of your data. By relying on backups, companies can avoid paying a ransom and minimize damage in the event of a ransomware attack. The key to cyber resilience: Business continuity and data recoverability

Backups are often regarded as the last line of defense. When everything else fails and your data is encrypted or even deleted, backups are the only way a business can restore its operations. To strengthen its cyber recovery , a company must back up all operational data, enhance data isolation , and regularly verify backup recoverability.

As enterprises today operate with a diverse range of platforms and tools, any protected workload becomes a vulnerability waiting to be exploited by ransomware.

When platforms and data stored on them are linked together, companies must ensure that no backups are left behind and that source and device is included in the backup strategy.

Implementing a cyber resilient architecture is essential, as businesses cannot rely solely on a single defense mechanism. Synology, the leading data protection solution provider, recommends companies leverage data isolation techniques such as immutability and offline backups. Immutable backups ensure that data cannot be changed or deleted during the retention period, reducing the risk that backup servers are compromised. Offline backups are physically isolated and inaccessible from external networks, lowering the risk of ransomware infiltration while minimizing the risk of security loopholes due to human errors.

Merely backing up your data isn’t enough. The key is to verify data usability. Without verifying backup integrity, companies face the risk of being unable to restore their backups when needed, even though they exist. Organizations should implement backup verification and disaster recovery drills as standard operations and use solutions that come with built-in support for these features to recover operations immediately in the event of a ransomware attack.

Cyberattacks may be inevitable, but data loss does not have to be. Combine layered defense with isolation, immutability, and verified recovery. That’s real cyber resilience—the difference between a multi-week outage and a confident comeback.

Learn more about secure your data: https://www. synology.com/en-ph/backup/overview Contact Synology for your inquiries: https://www.synology.com/en-ph/ company/contact_us

Speaker: Tony Lin, Senior Product Manager- Data Protection Group

behind the screens: Samsung enriches entertainment and lifestyle with vision AI

GLOBAL number 1 TV brand Samsung has long led the way in television innovation, driven by its commitment to deliver valuable experiences to consumers. Beyond sharper images and better sound, Samsung shows how innovation can enhance the daily living of Filipino families with the latest Samsung Vision AI TVs. The Samsung Vision AI TVs are not only built to enhance entertainment, but also to enrich smart lifestyles as the ultimate everyday companion in modern Filipino households. Its AI-driven features make smart device management and support wellness. This September, Samsung brings the Vision AI TVs closer to home with the Great Samsung TV Sale.

8K Viewing and More In Your Control Powered by Samsung’s most advanced AI processor yet, the NQ8 AI Gen 3, the Samsung 85” Neo QLED 8K Vision AI TV pushes the boundaries of what a TV can achieve. The TV’s processor uses 768 neural networks to optimize every frame, and 8K AI Upscaling Pro and Color Booster Pro to transform content with ultra-high definition. This makes fine textures, minute details, and subtle contrasts more visible, allowing viewers to see depth, clarity, and realism in images like never before.

The Neo QLED Vision AI TV also takes sound to new heights. Object Tracking Sound Pro delivers sound that moves with the action, while Q-Symphony syncs the TV’s speakers with compatible Samsung Q soundbars to wrap viewers up in the action. Adaptive Sound Pro adapts audio to your environment, making voices clearer and ambient effects more balanced. More than elevated entertainment, the TV also makes managing smart home devices more effortless with SmartThings. This built-in smart hub lets you manage your smart devices effortlessly, which you can easily view on the screen with 3D Map View, and helps you reduce your TV’s power consumption with AI Energy Mode. For effortless control, just connect your Galaxy Watch to the TV and use hand gestures to select an option or to pause and play your content, or pair your smartphone to the TV and use it as a remote. Crisp 4K Display and Smarter Lifestyle

Leading global TV brand Samsung continues to redefine what televisions can bring to Filipino families with smarter home experiences from Vision AI TVs Crystal Clear Entertainment Without Worry Samsung’s 75” Crystal UHD 4K Smart TV is built for modern Filipino homes that want more than just screentime. With its Crystal Processor 4K, it renders every shade of color as intended. 4K upscaling enhances every content with richer, sharper detail. The TV opens up a world of unlimited entertainment with the Samsung TV Plus app, giving you every content you love at no cost.

The Samsung 65” QLED 4K Vision AI TV adds vibrant viewing and intelligent convenience to enrich every experience in your home. Its powerful Q4 AI Processor elevates every home viewing experience with crisp, lifelike visuals that immerse viewers in every scene, thanks to the brilliant color expression brought by Real Quantum Dot Technology

lineup of Vision AI TVs reinforces Samsung’s position as the global number 1 TV brand and emphasizes its commitment to creating meaningful experiences for consumers. With advanced display and sound technology combined with intelligent features, the Samsung TVs become essential companions for modern living. Upgrading your smart lifestyle is easier than ever with the Great Samsung TV Sale, running until September 30, 2025. Save up to 40,000 on Samsung Neo QLED 8K, Neo QLED, Samsung OLED, and QLED Vision AI TVs and Crystal UHD TVs, plus get a free soundbar worth P82,499. Avail lasting care for your

AI-backed robot painting aims to boost artist income

MONTREAL , Canada—Montreal-based artist AudreyEve Goulet was initially uncertain as she watched an AI-powered robotic arm reproduce one of her works, but said the outcome was “really impressive.”

“I was surprised, in a good way,” she said, as she watched the device grab a brush, dip it into a pot of paint, and replicate her work stroke after meticulous stroke.

Goulet had agreed to work with Acrylic Robotics, a Montreal-based company that says it aims to help artists earn a living by making high-quality replicas of their work, with their consent.

Company founder Chloe Ryan told AFP the idea began after coming to a discouraging realization about her own income.

She said she first starting selling paintings at 14, but grew frustrated at the weeks, or even months, required to make each piece.

“I did the back of the napkin math, and I said, ‘Oh my god, I’m making $2 an hour.’”

Ryan studied mechanical robotics at Montreal’s McGill University, and began considering how robots could help reproduce her own work, before launching a company to make the technology accessible to artists worldwide.

‘The last layer’

Assessing the robot’s performance, Goulet said: “It truly looks like one of my works.”

“I like that you can see the strokes... You can really see where the brush went and the shape it drew,” she said, conceding the

robotically producing version had “less story behind it” than her own.

“My final piece might have gone through five lives before getting to this, but the robot only sees the last layer,” she said. Ryan said that by replicating “stroke chronology” her company’s reproductions can capture “the aura of a piece...in a way that a photo print simply never could.”

To reproduce Goulet’s piece, an Acrylic Robotics specialist recreated the work using digital brush strokes and pigments, developing instructions to guide the robot.

Ryan plans to advance the technology, allowing artists to upload images directly. She wants to create an on-demand market where clients could make special requests, like a portrait of their dog in the style of their favorite artist.

‘Waitlist’

Ryan said she understands the artistic community’s concerns about generative AI, but stressed her company is grounded in the so-called “Three Cs” demanded by artists: consent, credit and compensation.

“A lot of people, before they understand the why of what we’re building, see a robot painting and go, ‘Oh my god, this is the worst thing I’ve ever seen,’” she told AFP.

Acrylic Robotics is focused on boosting artist income, especially for those who don’t break into the elite gallery circuit, Ryan said. AFP

alike.

“We are incredibly excited to support a premier hospitality brand like Best Western,” said Quennie Joy Lopez, Converge Global Business sales acting sector head (Luzon). “This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to empowering the hospitality industry with world-class digital solutions. By providing a dependable, high-performance connectivity, we are helping Best Western deliver a new standard of luxury and convenience that will delight their guests and contribute significantly to the local tourism economies of Subic and Angeles City.”

Converge Global Business sales acting sector head Quennie Joy Lopez (fifth from left) joins Savers Group Holdings Inc. chairman and chief executive officer Jaime ‘Jack’ Uy (fourth from left) and executive vice president Justine Shaun Uy (third from left), together with key members of the Best Western Plus and Converge Global Business IT and marketing teams.

Chloë Ryan, chief executive officer and founder of Acrylic Robotics, works in the company’s studio in Montreal, Canada. Montreal-based artist Audrey-Eve Goulet didn’t know what to expect after agreeing to let an AI-powered robotic arm reproduce one of her paintings. AFP

TECH

TCL Unveils Next-Gen Smart Air Innovations at IFA 2025

ON SEPTEMBER 5, the 2025 Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin (IFA 2025) kicked off grandly in Berlin, Germany, where TCL Air Conditioner appeared with a series of core products such as the TCL FreshIN C7 and FreshIN 3.0 fresh air conditioners, TCL VoxIN voice controlled air conditioner, TCL SaveIN AI energy-saving air conditioner, Free Match multi-split systems, and Unitary air conditioners, drawing the attention of worldwide consumers for frontier technologies and leading product experiences.

TCL is committed to meeting users’ demand for ‘healthy air’ by focusing on the fresh air segment

TCL Air Conditioner has always been focusing on the fresh air segment, defining new-generation air conditioners, and leading their development through three major product lines – AI health, AI voice control and AI energy-saving –based on the “FreshIN smart health technology engine”.

At IFA 2025, TCL Air Conditioner exhibited its leading technologies in this segment to worldwide visitors.

Of particular note is that the TCL FreshIN 3.0 fresh air conditioner drew extensive attention as a typical product. TCL FreshIN 3.0 bagged the “AI Energy-saving Technology Gold Award” in the IFA Global Product Technology Innovation Awards for its outstanding innovations in AI energysaving technology.

As people increasingly pursue a healthy lifestyle, conventional air conditioners that focus on air conditioning only while neglecting air quality can no longer meet all consumer needs.

The TCL FreshIN 3.0 fresh air conditioner responds precisely to this trend by meeting users’ demand for comfortable and healthy indoor air by eliminating odor, mouth dryness and dizziness when one wakes up with the aid of the quadruple purification filter system and TVOC gas sensors. It also achieves 16 dB(A) quiet fresh air by applying the quadruple noise reduction technology, so that consumers can enjoy a quiet, comfortable experience while enjoying healthy fresh air.

In addition, the offline voice control function enables free conversation, the continuous recognition of user commands, and instant response to all needs, and creates the convenient

experience of supplying air to the sound source and freeing up both hands.

In terms of AI voice control, the TCL VoxIN air conditioner enables fast, accurate, and hands-free offline voice control, without relying on an internet connection. It can continuously recognize commands and even locate the sound source to direct airflow toward or away from the user.

Add to that, VoxIN introduces another breakthrough designed to elevate everyday living. Equipped with advanced T-AI smart energysaving technology, it goes beyond basic cooling by adapting to real-

life needs, ensuring homes stay comfortable, fresh, and efficient throughout the year. Sleek, powerful, and practical, the VoxIN positions itself as a premium alternative that delivers high-level performance without the expensive markup.

Meanwhile, the upcoming new TCL SaveIN air conditioner feature advanced AI energy-saving functions.

Powered by an upgraded chip and advanced big data algorithms, TCL air conditioners deliver up to 35% additional energy savings compared with non-T-AI inverter models— providing smarter, greener comfort.

Together, these innovations create a true “comfort zone” for match

watching and gatherings, and present global consumers with a smarter and healthier way of living.

TCL Air Conditioner defines new-generation air conditioners with AI health technology, and creates a smart health breathing experience

TCL Air Conditioner has always been committed to technological innovation and product R&D, and defining new-generation air conditioners with AI health technology. It has created three major product lines – AI health, AI voice control and AI energy-saving, and launched innovative products in the FreshIN series constantly, providing

users with an ultimate smart health breathing experience.

In terms of production capacity and global layout, TCL Air Conditioner has established 11 production bases in Zhongshan in Guangdong, Wuhan in Hubei, Jiujiang in Jiangxi, Nansha in Guangzhou, Indonesia, and Brazil, with an annual production capacity of over 38 million air conditioners. It ranks among the top two in the industry in terms of export volume, with its products selling to over 160 countries and regions.

In 2024, TCL Air Conditioner’s production and sales volume exceeded 20 million air conditioners, and its fresh air conditioners ranked first in terms of global sales volume, showing strong market competitiveness.

This February, TCL formally became an Olympic global partner. In August, TCL announced that freestyle skier Eileen Gu was appointed as TCL’s global brand endorser, who would also serve as an “Inspire Greatness” athlete of Team TCL, opening up a new chapter of “Inspire Greatness” together with TCL in preparation for upcoming Olympic events including the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.

As an important business unit of TCL, TCL Air Conditioner will further strengthen its emotional connections with consumers and enhance the brand’s influence among worldwide consumers through this partnership.

In the future, TCL Air Conditioner will adhere to the value proposition of “smart health”, drive product and technology upgrading constantly closely around user needs, and make the healthy green lifestyle brought by air easily available to more people.

Xiaomi launches 15T and 15T Pro flagship series

M

UNICH, Germany— Xiaomi unveiled its latest flagship smartphones, the Xiaomi 15T and Xiaomi 15T Pro, at a global launch event in Munich today. The new 15T Series represents a bold evolution for Xiaomi, blending advanced mobile technology and a refined design with a strong focus on elevated imagery.

Next-Level Leica Co-Engineered Optics

The core of the 15T Series is an advanced triple camera system co-engineered with Leica. Both models feature a 50MP main, ultra-wide, and telephoto camera, with the Pro variant stepping up the zoom capabilities significantly.

Leica Summilux Main Camera: At the heart of the system is a 50MP main camera with a Leica Summilux optical lens. The 15T Pro boasts an f/1.62 aperture and a high-specification Light Fusion 900 image sensor, offering a 13.5 EV high dynamic range for superior clarity and tonal accuracy, while the standard 15T features an f/1.7 aperture. Both deliver exceptional detail, color, and high contrast, even in low-light.

5x Pro Telephoto: The Xiaomi 15T Pro introduces a Leica 5x Pro telephoto camera to the T Series, providing an impressive 5x optical zoom, 10x optical-level zoom, and up to 20x Ultra Zoom. The 15T Pro’s rear cameras span a versatile focal range from 15mm to 230mm, while the 15T ranges from 15mm to 92mm.

Computational Photography: The cameras are enhanced by Xiaomi AISP 2.0, the brand’s next-generation computational photography platform. This system includes features like Master Portrait with all-new bokeh effects (like Wide and Bubbles), and the dedicated Leica street photography mode for quick capture from

the lock screen, complete with iconic focal lengths up to 135mm on the Pro model.

Pro Videography: The 15T Series delivers professional video features, including 4K 30fps HDR10+ recording across all focal lengths. The 15T Pro pushes boundaries further with highspecification 4K 120fps on the main camera for cinematic clips, and 4K 60fps 10-bit Log recording with LUT input for ample postproduction flexibility.

Breakthrough Connectivity and Global Debut of HyperOS

The 15T Series redefines mobile connectivity with the new Xiaomi Astral Communication suite.

Offline Communication: Xiaomi makes a global debut with Xiaomi Offline Communication, allowing for direct voice communication between two 15T Series devices over distances up to 1.9km for the Pro and 1.3km for the standard model, even without cellular or Wi-Fi signals. This feature is ideal for remote

areas and off-grid reliability. Stable Connection: The system includes the Xiaomi Surge T1S Tuner and a Super Antenna Array with AI Smart Antenna Switching to ensure strong and stable connectivity across streaming, navigation, and gaming. Xiaomi HyperOS 3: The series will receive the latest software with Xiaomi HyperOS 3, which will roll out with an elevated user experience. It features enhanced multitasking, quicker app launches, redesigned interface elements, and increased productivity through system-level intelligence from Xiaomi HyperAI.

Powerful Performance and Immersive Display Both

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2025

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

Mikoy Morales, Esteban Mara keep it real in queer love ‘Got My Eyes on You’

By Jasper Valdez

Mikoy Morales and Esteban Mara say love comes without any manual, much like their roles in Puregold’s vertical series Got My Eyes on You , now streaming on TikTok.

Morales plays Drew, an ambitious operations manager torn between work and family duty, while Mara is Shawn, the guest relations manager who unsettles both his career and his heart.

At the show’s press launch on Sept. 16, Morales brushed off labels when asked about stepping into the

By Nickie Wang

SBL genre. “Love is love,” he said.

“Being in a BL doesn’t mean you approach it differently. It’s just another story of two people, and you have to play it with the same honesty.”

Mara, who described himself as an advocate of understanding, echoed the sentiment. He explained that his portrayal wasn’t about imitating stereotypes but about grounding it in truth.

SHOWBIZ

“I just looked at it as a concept of love,” he said. “For me, it was simple: I see Drew (as Shawn) as someone I love. That truth is what I

INGER-ACTRESS Aubrey Caraan is set to fly to South Korea for the first time to promote her collaboration with South Korean singer-actor Daewon Lee on their new single, “Selfish Guy.”

Caraan, a self-professed K-drama fan, said it was an honor to be personally chosen by Viva Communications CEO Vic del Rosario Jr. for the project.

“I asked Boss Vic why I was chosen. He said that when he heard Daewon’s voice and the material, my voice seemed to fit perfectly,” she shared. “Out of the female singers in Viva, he thought of me. I’m used to ballads and belting, so the song felt right for me.”

The track, composed by Daewon himself, features both Tagalog and Korean lyrics.

“I already know some Korean words because I’m a fan of K-dramas, but on the day of recording, they taught me how to pronounce each word in Korean properly,” Caraan said. “I am so glad I got to experience singing in another language.”

She also praised her collaborator’s talent and dedication, saying Daewon is the perfect collaborator because he’s a multi-talented Korean performer.

“The first time I heard him singing in Tagalog, it was so smooth, like he’d studied it for years. I’m really proud of him,” she said.

Recording the song came with challenges, she admitted. “He’s very technical. To be honest, I struggled, but they were so helpful. They always asked, ‘Are you still okay?’ sometimes I got frustrated hitting the notes, and of course, I was shy too. They were patient and never made me feel like I was doing something wrong.”

Aubrey Caraan hits the right

intertwine love and career,” he said, noting that Drew’s dilemma mirrors the cultural push and pull between duty and personal happiness.

Producer Chris Cahilig , who has championed Puregold’s push for vertical storytelling, emphasized that the show was built on sincerity, not gimmicks.

“We want real narratives,” he said. “What matters is casting good actors who commit to their characters. When audiences watch, the goal is for them to say, ‘Wow, that feels real.’” Set in a resort where ambition and romance collide, the series has already drawn strong reactions from Gen Z and LGBT audiences online. But for its creators and cast, the real win is normalizing queer love stories as part of everyday storytelling.

“Acting is about being true to the character,” Mara added. “When you start from a place of understanding, it becomes real—and that’s what audiences connect with.”

With episodes dropping thrice weekly, Got My Eyes on You is shaping up to be less about fleeting trends and more about portraying love stories that, as Morales puts it,

Daewon also spoke about the collaboration and what he hopes the project will bring to both Filipino and Korean artists in the future.

“The Philippines and South Korea are both music-loving countries with well-developed industries. Collaborating allows us to create beautiful music together,” he said.

“It’s a good opportunity for us to work with international artists. I think this is just the start of many more opportunities for Filipino talents to expand our horizons and experience working with foreign artists,” Caraan added.

By Angelica Villanueva and Eton Conception

MODEL and wellness advocate Kirk Bondad brought pride to the Philippines after outshining 41 contestants from across the globe to win the Mister International 2025 title Thursday in Nonthaburi, Thailand.

The 28-year-old Filipino-German model and fitness coach, who previously made the Top 20 in Mr. World 2024, became only the second Filipino to claim the Thailandbased crown, following Neil Perez ’s victory in 2014. Alexander Aquino earlier won the now-defunct Grasim Mr. International in 2001.

Bondad was sashed by outgoing Mister International 2024 Nwajagu Samuel and also took home the Dr. Face special award.

Lebanon’s Saadedine Hneineh finished first runner-up, followed by South Korea’s Seung-ho Choi , Nigeria’s Bethel Mbamara , Costa Rica’s Roberto Mena, and Thailand’s Kanapol Treesongkiat, rounding out the Top 6.

The rest of the Top 11 included Brazil’s Rodrigo Sonin , Canada’s Liam Thibault , France’s Axel Pallier, Mexico’s Guillermo Inurreta, and Vietnam’s Công Vinh Đoàn Bondad’s parents, Patrick and Jane Wachsmuth , flew in to witness his win. He credited his Igorot mother from Mountain Province for instilling discipline and independence, saying she always reminded him to be proud of his heritage.

During the Top 6 Q&A, Bondad was asked why critical thinking is vital for democracy amid fake news.

“Social media is acting as a double-edged thorn. It can divide but it can also unite,” he said. “Critical thinking gives us the ability to see what truly matters. If we can work together as humanity, we can progress in this world with peace and progress.”

In the final round, he highlighted children’s rights when asked what issue he would raise at the United Nations if crowned.

“We need to protect children and cultivate education because today’s children will be tomorrow’s leaders,” he said.

The finals night was hosted by Mister International 2023

Thitisan Goodburn , Thai radio DJ Anusith Sangnimnuan , and Miss Universe Philippines 2025 Athisa Manalo at MCC Hall, The Mall Ngamwongwan.

Mikoy Morales (right) and Esteban Mara pose for the camera at the press launch of Puregold’s vertical series ‘Got My Eyes on You’

Director Dizelle Masilungan explained that the series was designed to move beyond surface-

level romance, exploring struggles familiar to many Filipinos.

Aubrey Caraan (left) and Daewon Lee team up for a new song

Aubrey Caraan (right) and Daewon Lee pose for fans as they promote their new single ‘Self ish Guy’

Healing the heart through art and self-care

By Jasper Valdez

INSTEAD of waiting in a clinic for test results, guests at Watsons’ #heARTworks event attended a guided workshop on using oil pastels in an art gallery.

The session, held at drybrush Gallery’s Mall of Asia branch on Sept. 18, combined art activities with free health checks to promote heart care.

Filipino visual artist Noli Española led the class, teaching participants how to draw a simple flower arrangement. The step-bystep lesson encouraged people to pause, focus on the activity, and take a break from their routines.

Research shows that activities such as painting or drawing can reduce stress, lower cortisol levels, and improve mood, supporting both mental and cardiovascular health.

As participants focused on their sketches, free blood pressure and glucose checks nearby reinforced the idea that caring for the heart means keeping both the mind and body in check.

“We live in a fast-moving world, and too often we forget to pause

and check in on ourselves not only physically, but emotionally,” said Joweeh Liao , Watsons Philippines director for health business unit, finance, property, and store development. “Through this act of creating art,

Participants at Watsons’ #heARTworks event focus on their oil pastel sketches during the guided art activity

NUSTAR Online has been named a major sponsor of the RED Charity Gala 2025, one of the Philippines’ most prominent fashion and philanthropic events. The annual gala, co-founded by philanthropists Tessa Prieto and Kaye Tinga, has raised millions for charity while showcasing Filipino design on the runway. This year’s edition will feature a new collection by celebrated designer Rhett Eala

“At NUSTAR Online, we believe that true luxury finds its highest purpose in uplifting others,” said Krizia Cortez, the company’s public relations director. “Our partnership with the RED Charity Gala goes beyond celebrating fashion and culture, it is a testament to our enduring commitment to empower communities.”

Known for bringing together Manila’s fashion, business, and social leaders, the gala blends style, society, and service. Organizers said this year’s partnership with NUSTAR underscores the company’s support for initiatives that unite creativity, generosity, and innovation.

NUSTAR Online, licensed under the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), is positioned as a premier gaming and entertainment platform, highlighting innovation, elegance, and responsible play.

THE College of Architecture and Fine Arts (CAFA) at Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology (EARIST) is carving its place as a hub of innovation, thanks to a string of initiatives under Dean and architect Diane A. Jose Jose, who also heads the United Architects of the Philippines Manila Metro Chapter’s executive officers and board (2024–2026), has laid out plans that combine technology with traditional design, push sustainability, and expand outreach to give students real-world exposure.

“We want to build a place where creativity can grow,” Jose said, citing inspiration from her mentor and former CAFA dean, architect Fernando “Nanding” Pamintuan, who coined the slogan “Let Talents Thrive!”

EARIST CAFA students have consistently made their mark in major competitions, including Shell’s National Students Art Competition, Petron’s Vision National Student

Art tilt, Metrobank’s MADE, ArchiNEXT, AYDA, Graphika Manila, UST’s On-the-Spot Painting contests, Manila Bulletin Sketchfest, and PASUC-NCR Festival.

The college has also showcased interior design excellence through the Estilo de Vida and American Standard contests, while thesis exhibits such as “Panday Diwa,” “Lipad,” and “Yugto” have highlighted its creative depth. Its annual “Likha ni Amang,” staged with SM City Sta. Mesa, further raised the profile of its young talents.

Behind the wins is a powerhouse faculty that includes NCCA executive committee member Dr. Esmeralda W. Ayag, ArcHive founder and awardwinning coach Ar. Gerald Allan P. Adane, and artists-educators Prof. Wendel J. Candawan and Prof. Michael Jay Ramos. The roster also counts accomplished leaders such as Dr. Mary Ann B. Capilitan, Ar. Maundelito S. Florendo, Ar. Maria Lourdes de VeraFrancisco, top board passers Ar. Ulysses

we hope people can find a moment of calm, or even inner peace.”

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the Philippines, responsible for nearly 19 percent of total deaths in 2024 — that’s about 13 Filipinos every hour.

With stress and lifestyle habits among the biggest contributors, the program underscored how a creative outlet can ease stress while encouraging people to take small but meaningful steps toward self-care.

“This special activity is a testament to our commitment, not only to our customers but to every individual who values their wellness journey,” said Sharon Decapia, senior AVP for marketing, PR, and sustainability. And that commitment extends to showing people that heart care does not have to feel clinical. It can also be reflective, expressive, and even enjoyable.

Prof.

and Prof. Rowena Jasmin-Macahiya

CAFA’s push for growth has been matched by institutional milestones. The college secured Certificates of Program Compliance for BS Architecture, BS Interior Design, and BFA Painting & Visual Communication, became a founding member of the Philippine Architecture Schools Association (PhilASA), joined the Council of Interior Design Educators (CIDE), and launched Project HULMA with alumni and industry partners to upgrade its facilities. CAFA’s creative output has also reached international stages, with interior design thesis projects showcased in Vietnam as part of its Asia-Pacific exposure. Jose summed it up: “Our goal is to graduate not only skilled professionals but also responsible stewards of culture and the environment.”

Eduardo B. de Guia Jr. and Ar. John Vincent Lopez, as well as art mentors

Teresa J. Herrera

NUSTAR online director of public relations Krizia Cortez (left) and co-founder of RED Charity Gala Tessa Prieto at the partnership signing for this year’s edition of the event

Watsons Philippines executives and brand partners gather at the #heARTworks event at drybrush Gallery, Mall of Asia

Artist Noli Española (center) is recognized by Watsons executives

Joweeh Liao (right) and Sharon Decapia (left) at the #heARTworks wellness program

The #heARTworks painting workshop is designed to highlight the link between creativity and heart health