said it was not the right time for fare adjustments following the series of typhoons
past earthquakes and typhoons,” Transportation acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez said.
Transportation groups have been seeking a P1 to P2 fare hike from the current P13 minimum fare for traditional jeepneys and the P15 minimum fare for modern jeepneys.
A study by the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development showed that a P1 to P2 base fare hike for jeepneys would increase the country’s inflation rate in the next two years. Aside from affecting commuters, he said the fare hike would also affect the prices of basic goods. On the other hand, LTFRB Chair Vigor Mendoza said five regions, including three of the most populous regions in the country, are against a fare hike. These include Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Bicol Region, Central Visayas and Metro Manila.
Fil-Ams told: Monitor US bill seeking dual citizenship end
High Court to weigh Trump bid to halt birthright citizenship
By Rex Espiritu
THE Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) confirmed that
tional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City. Guo was found guilty of qualified human trafficking and meted the penalty
hub in her town.
“The BJMP confirms that, at 10:48 p.m. on Dec. 5, 2025, Alice Guo, Rachel Joan Carreon, and Jamielyn Cruz were officially received by the CIW, Bureau of Corrections, following the turnover of custody from the BJMP Pasig City Jail Female Dormitory,”
By Pot Chavez
OMBUDSMAN Jesus Crispin Remulla on Saturday said they are monitoring the whereabouts of Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, who has been skipping Senate sessions since last month since news of a looming arrest warrant against him from the International Criminal Court broke.
“I guess he is still here. He is supposed to be in Pampanga,” Remulla said.
“We are tracing his whereabouts once in a while. We are able to trace him,” he added. Remulla was the first to disclose that the ICC has already issued an arrest warrant
By Charles Dantes
THE Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., on Saturday urged FilipinoAmericans to “closely monitor” a newlyintroduced bill in the United States Senate that seeks to end dual citizenship.
“Our Philippine Foreign Service Posts in the United States are closely monitoring the bill and advise the Filipino-American community to do the same and exercise caution in renouncing their citizenship,” the Embassy said in an advisory.
“Renunciation of Philippine citizenship is an irreversible legal action,” it added.
The embassy said the bill will still undergo “several stages of lengthy deliberation” in the US Congress and may or may not advance, depending on lawmakers’ decisions.
“The bill is currently a legislative proposal and has not yet been enacted into law… US lawmakers will have to carefully consider the provisions of the bill, given its possible significant impact on major immigrant groups in the country,” it said.
The advisory also highlighted that past attempts to challenge
By Charles Dantes
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. welcomed thousands of children to the Kalayaan Grounds in Malacañang for the “Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya 2025” nationwide gift-giving program, saying their presence brought back the genuine spirit of Christmas to the Palace.
Speaking before the crowd of young participants Friday, the President said the Palace is usually a place filled with serious work and weighty decisions, but the children’s visit changed the atmosphere.
“Only now, with all of you children here, you can see everyone smiling… and everyone felt the true spirit of Christmas again because we saw your smiles,” Mr. Marcos said.
IT SNOW! The Kartilya ng Katipunan in Manila is transformed into a Winter Wonderland during the city’s
Ferdinand Marcos Jr. leads the ‘Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya
at the Kalayaan Grounds in Malacañan Palace on December 6, 2025 that gathered over 3,000 attendees, including children from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Centers and nearby barangays. Revoli Cortez
TRANSFER. Former Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo undergoes processing at the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) where she was transferred late Friday night, along with other inmates Rachelle Carreon and Jaimielyn Cruz. The three were found guilty of qualified human trafficking in connection with a raided POGO hub in Bamban in June 2024. Bureau of Corrections
PCG drives China Coast Guard vessel away from Zambales
By Rex Espiritu
THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported on Saturday morning that it successfully drove a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel farther from the Zambales coastline.
“Despite rough sea conditions with waves of 2–3 meters, BRP Cape San Agustin (MRRV-4408) skillfully maneuvered and successfully
pushed the distance of Chinese Coast Guard vessel CCG-3303 further to approximately 135 nautical miles off the Zambales
coastline,” PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela said.
Tarriela shared a video showing a crew member of the 44-meter multirole response vessel BRP Cape San Agustin issuing a radio challenge to CCG-3303. Two other CCG vessels, CCG3305 and CCG-3502, are also being monitored as they “loiter and conduct unlawful patrols in the immediate vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc,” he added. According to Tarriela, BRP Cape San
Agustin took over operations from BRP Cabra, which had returned to port. He said the PCG remains steadfast in asserting the Philippines’ sovereignty and jurisdiction over the West Philippine Sea in line with UNCLOS, the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, and the final and binding 2016 Arbitral Award. He added that despite limited assets and rough seas, personnel remain resolute under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directives.
IN BRIEF
Holiday travelers urged to follow airport rules
AIRPORT authorities urged passengers to familiarize themselves with security regulations, saying compliance with the guidelines will help maintain safety and efficiency during the busy holiday period.
One of the prohibitions includes transporting firearms, amulets, gun replicas, and similar items.
Security personnel recently intercepted a pellet gun concealed inside a passenger’s baggage at NAIA Terminal 3. The item was detected during x-ray screening.
With the passenger’s consent, authorities conducted a
manual baggage inspection that led to the discovery of the pellet gun. The item was turned over to the PNP Aviation Security Group.
The passenger was later allowed to board the flight.
Officials advised travelers to inspect their baggage before heading to the airport and secure permits for regulated items.
OTS Administrator Undersecretary Gilberto Cruz stressed that pellet guns resembling real firearms may cause panic and require proper permits and safe handling. Joel E. Zurbano
DPWH steps up Metro Manila flood mitigation
THE Department of Public Works and Highways–National Capital Region reported progress in its flood-mitigation efforts during the first week of December under the “Oplan Kontra Baha” program.
More than 1,474 cubic meters of silt and debris have been cleared, or 34 percent of the weekly target.
Another 3,795 cubic meters were removed through desilting works across Metro Manila’s waterways. The DPWH said the operations aim to prevent flooding and ensure public safety.
District Engineering Offices are leading clearing activities in esteros, drainage inlets, and laterals. They are also dredging and removing spoils from major canals.
DPWH chief Vince Dizon said these efforts will help maintain smooth flow of rainwater, especially along key roads in the NCR. The agency assured motorists that operations will continue weekly.
The department committed to sustaining efforts to keep communities safer and more resilient during the rainy season. Vito Barcelo
Customs agents intercept undeclared yen
THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) intercepted undeclared foreign currency carried by an arriving passenger at NAIA Terminal 1 worth nearly P4 million.
District Collector Yasmin Mapa said personnel discovered Y10,000,000, estimated at P3.7 million, in the passenger’s luggage.
Only Y1,560,000, or about $10,000, was returned as it is within the allowable limit. The remaining Y8,440,000 was confiscated for failure to declare it in the e-Travel system.
The BOC said the violation falls under several provisions of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and BSP rules on foreign exchange reporting.
The bureau continues to strengthen inspection protocols to curb financial irregularities and smuggling attempts at ports of entry.
Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said the interception highlights their commitment to enforcing cross-border reporting and shutting down illicit financial activity. Vito Barcelo
‘Wilma’ makes landfall: 19 areas under Signal 1
By Rex Espiritu and Maricel V. Cruz
TROPICAL Depression Wilma maintains its strength as it made landfall yesterday evening even as it remained almost stationary, the weather bureau said in its 5 p.m. bulletin.
PAGASA said the center of TD Wilma was located over the coastal waters of Sulat, Eastern Samar, packing maximum sustained winds of 45 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 55 kph.
Wilma is forecast to move generally westward for the majority of the forecast period. Afterwards, it will
continue to traverse the Visayas until Sunday.
It will then emerge over the Sulu Sea and may pass over northern Palawan by Monday morning.
Wilma will likely remain as a tropical depression throughout its passage over the Visayas and Southern Luzon. However, due to dry intrusion from the northeast monsoon, there is an increasing likelihood of weakening into a remnant low while traversing Visayas, PAGASA said.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 remained hoisted over Sorsogon; Masbate including Ticao and Burias Islands; Rom-
blon; portions of Oriental and Occidental Mindoro; the northernmost portion of Palawan; Northern Samar; Eastern Samar; Samar; Biliran; the northern and central portions of Leyte; the northern and central portions of Cebu, including Bantayan and Camotes Islands; parts of Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental; Guimaras; Iloilo; Capiz; Aklan; and Antique. Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard rescued five people after their motor banca nearly capsized off Hilantagaan Island in Santa Fe, Cebu while delivering essential goods amid worsening sea conditions brought by “Wilma” and the northeast monsoon.
Pag-IBIG wins GCG Best Sustainability Initiatives Award
PAG-IBIG Fund received the Best Sustainability Initiatives Award at the 2025 Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG) Awards Ceremony held Monday, Dec. 1, in Parañaque City.
The award recognizes the agency’s integration of sustainability principles across programs, services, and internal operations, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development
Secretary and Pag-IBIG Fund Board
Chairperson Jose Ramon P. Aliling said.
He noted that the agency has expanded access to resilient housing through responsible lending and the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (Expanded 4PH) Program, while boosting digital services to reduce paperwork and improve efficiency.
Pag-IBIG Fund also promotes greener
housing by offering loans for homes equipped with solar panels and giving additional appraisal considerations to sustainable developments.
Chief Executive Officer Marilene C. Acosta said the award inspires the agency to continue delivering impactful, sustainable programs as it marks its 45th anniversary under the theme “Isang Pag-IBIG: Susi sa Bagong Bukas.”
Menchie Abalos
NEWS
Ping: Check Senate progress on budget
By Joel E. Zurbano
SENATE President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson on Saturday urged the public to observe how the Senate has implemented transparency in its version of the proposed 2026 national budget amounting to P6.793 trillion by visiting the official website of the Upper Chamber.
He emphasized that public scrutiny is essential to ensure accountability and foster trust in the legislative process. Lacson said an informed citizenry can better engage with government initiatives and hold officials responsible for their decisions.
amendments were merely whispered to the committee chairman,” he said.
The Senate website contains livestream videos of the deliberations, while the Budget Transparency Portal provides additional details, including documents and transcripts of hearings.
such transparency will encourage a sense of responsibility and accountability among those proposing amendments to the bill, since items that turn out to be substandard or ghost projects could be traced back to them.
Lacson stated that the Budget Transparency Portal demonstrates the reforms implemented by the Senate in the budgetary process, including livestreaming the proceedings from committee hearings to floor discussions.
Lacson said the Senate, which is set to approve the budget bill on third reading this coming week, is prepared to maintain this transparency in the bicameral conference committee.
“Overall, the crafting of the budget in the Senate was very good. I would encourage you, the public, to check the Senate website. You will see the individual amendments of each senator. Everything is on record, unlike before when we could not trace who made what amendment because the
“Hopefully the Senate will stand its ground. The bicam is a give-and-take matter, but this time, we will limit our discussions to what is contained in the Senate and House versions of the budget bill. And we will livestream the proceedings so there will be no chance for secret deals,” he said. The senator also reiterated that
“Even on matters of oversight, lawmakers who proposed amendments will guard the implementation because they will be held accountable if something goes wrong with the project,” he added.
Lacson said they also removed allocables—the so-called new pork barrel—from the Senate version of the budget bill despite some “resistance.”
He added that the Senate has eliminated “ayuda” and other elements related to political patronage from the list of items to be financed by unprogrammed appropriations.
Qatar PM: Gaza truce incomplete without Israel’s ‘full withdrawal’
DOHA— The nearly two-month-old ceasefire in the Gaza Strip will not be complete until Israeli troops withdraw from the Palestinian territory under a peace plan backed by Washington and the UN, mediator Qatar’s prime minister said Saturday.
“Now we are at the critical moment... A ceasefire cannot be completed unless there is a full withdrawal of the Israeli forces, (and) there is stability back in Gaza,” Qatari premier Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani told the Doha Forum, an annual diplomatic conference in the Gulf state’s capital.
Qatar, alongside the United States and Egypt, helped secure the long-elusive truce in Gaza, which came into effect on October 10 and has mostly halted two years of fighting between Israel and Hamas.
Under a second phase of the deal, which has yet to begin, Israel is to withdraw from its positions in the territory, an interim authority is to take over governance, and an international stabilization force (ISF) is to be deployed.
Arab and Muslim nations have been hesitant to participate in the new stabilization force, which could end up fighting Palestinian militants. AFP
Remulla:...
From A1 with the bloody war on drugs during the Duterte administration.
While the Department of Justice said it has yet to receive any official communication from the ICC or Interpol, Remulla maintained the arrest warrant has already been issued.
“I can only say it after it is said and done…There is a [warrant] but there are things I can’t say. That’s all, I will limit myself to that,” the Ombudsman said.
Earlier, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said citizens who want to hold Dela Rosa accountable for his repeated absences should file an ethics complaint.
“If we have fellow citizens who want to ask or want to hold a legislator accountable, they should file an ethics complaint. That is the best remedy for us to discuss it,” Sotto said.
However, Sotto clarified that the “no work, no pay” rule does not apply to senators, including Dela Rosa, who has missed sessions since November 11.
Sotto confirmed that Dela Rosa has not personally communicated with him but noted that the senator’s office remains operational and will not face budget cuts due to his absence.
Guo,...
From A1
spokesperson Jail Superintendent Jayrex Bustinera said in a statement.
The CIW previously said Guo, along with Cruz and Carreon, upon their arrival, will spend five days in protocol quarantine at its Reception Diagnostic Center (RDC), where they will also undergo medical examinations. After the quarantine period, they will be moved to the regular RDC
Starvation fears as more heavy rain threaten flood-ruined Indonesia
BANDA Aceh—Further heavy rain threatened Indonesia’s flood-ravaged island of Sumatra on Saturday as the governor of one hard-hit province warned that the death toll could climb beyond 883 because of starvation.
A chain of tropical storms and monsoonal rains has pummeled Southeast and South Asia, triggering landslides and flash floods from the Sumatran rainforest to the highland plantations of Sri Lanka.
Some 1,770 people have been killed in natural disasters unfolding across Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam since last week.
Indonesia’s national weather agency said rain could return on Saturday to the provinces of Aceh and North Sumatra, where floods have swept away
roads, smothered houses in silt and cut off supplies.
Aceh governor Muzakir Manaf said response teams were still searching for bodies in “waistdeep” mud.
However, starvation was one of the gravest threats now hanging over remote and inaccessible villages.
“Many people need basic necessities. Many areas remain untouched in the remote areas of Aceh,” he told reporters.
“People are not dying from the flood, but from starvation. That’s how it is.”
Entire villages had been washed away in the rainforest-cloaked Aceh Tamiang region, Muzakir said.
“The Aceh Tamiang region is completely destroyed, from the top to the bottom, down to the roads and down to the sea.
“Many villages and sub-districts are now just names,” he said.
Aceh resident Munawar Liza Zainal said he felt
“betrayed” by the Indonesian government, which has so far shrugged off pressure to declare a national disaster.
“This is an extraordinary disaster that must be faced with extraordinary measures,” he told AFP, echoing frustrations voiced by other flood victims.
“If national disaster status is only declared later, what’s the point?”
Declaring a national disaster would free up resources and help government agencies coordinate their response.
Analysts have suggested Indonesia could be reluctant to declare a disaster – and seek additional foreign aid – because it would show it was not up to the task.
Indonesia’s government this week insisted it could handle the fallout.
The scale of devastation has only just become clear in other parts of Sumatra as engorged rivers shrink and floodwaters recede. AFP
Frank Gehry, master architect with flair for drama, dead at 96
2022. AFP
Fil-Ams...
From A1
dual and multiple citizenship laws in the United States have not moved forward.
It cited a 1952 US Supreme Court ruling affirming that dual citizenship is a “status long recognized by law,” and that an individual may hold rights and responsibilities in two countries without renouncing either.
Ohio US Senator Bernie Moreno in-
Wrong...
From A1 for PUV drivers and operators, the DOTr and the LTFRB, in partnership with the Department of Justice and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, created the Anti-Colorum Task Force to go after individuals
dormitory for a 60-day mandatory orientation, diagnostics, and evaluation before being transferred to their assigned dormitory at the Maximum Security Camp.
The POGO hub, operated by Zun Yuan Technology, was located on a property leased by Guo’s Baofu company.
The sprawling POGO complex, which included office buildings, luxury villas and a large swimming pool, was raided last year after a Vietnamese worker escaped and called the police.
LOS Angeles Canada-born US architect Frank Gehry, whose daring and whimsical designs from the Guggenheim Bilbao to the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles captivated fans and critics, died on Friday. He was 96.
Gehry was perhaps the biggest of the so-called “starchitects” – an elite group that includes Renzo Piano, Rem Koolhaas, Norman Foster, Zaha Hadid and others – and enjoyed his fame, but absolutely hated the label.
“There are people who design buildings that are not technically and financially good, and there are those who do,” he told The Independent in 2009. “Two categories, simple.”
His artistic genius and boldness shone through in his complex designs
troduced the Exclusive Citizen Act of 2025 on December 1. According to the bill, it would prohibit anyone from simultaneously holding US citizenship and another country’s citizenship for the purpose of “sole and exclusive allegiance” to the United States.
As this developed, the US Supreme Court agreed on Friday to weigh in on the constitutionality of President Donald Trump’s bid to end birthright citizenship.
The conservative-dominated court
and groups behind unregistered or “colorum” PUVs.
According to a study by the LTFRB, as much as 30 percent of legitimate PUV drivers and operators are taken away by colorum PUVs.
“We will chase and catch everyone involved in these illegal operations. The DOTr and the LTFRB will not stop in our pursuit for the sake of legitimate
Remember... From A1
“We are thankful that despite being faced with challenges, at least we have a little time, especially at Christmas, when we remember our good fortunes in life, our blessings in the past year,” he added.
He thanked the children for bringing energy and joy to government workers, adding that seeing them reminds officials of who they serve.
“We in government… we remem-
-- such as the glass “sails” of the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris. He popularized contemporary architecture, and became such a sensation that he was featured on “The Simpsons” – all while insisting he was a simple maker of buildings.
“I work with clients who respect the art of architecture,” he said in 2014, according to his biographer Paul Goldberger.
Gehry’s representative Meaghan Lloyd told AFP that he died early Friday at his home in Santa Monica following a brief respiratory illness.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney hailed Gehry’s “unmistakable vision.”
Born Frank Owen Goldberg in Toronto on February 28, 1929, to a
did not set a date for oral arguments in the blockbuster case but it is likely to be early next year, with a ruling in June.
Several lower courts have blocked as unconstitutional Trump’s attempt to put restrictions on the law that states that anyone born on US soil is automatically an American citizen.
Trump signed an executive order on his first day in office in January decreeing that children born to parents in the United States illegally or on temporary visas would not automati-
PUV drivers and commuters who rely on them,” Lopez said.
Mendoza also called on unregistered PUVs, particularly unregistered transport network vehicle service (TNVS) drivers and operators, to make use of the 17,000 registration slots available for TNVS.
“This is your chance to turn your back to illegal activities. We assure
ber that the reason we work is not for ourselves, but for you,” the President said. He also called Filipino children the country’s “biggest treasure,” saying that despite the challenges confronting the Philippines, the holidays are a time to reflect on blessings and find strength in the nation’s youth. Mr. Marcos, who shared lighthearted anecdotes about his own childhood Christmases, encouraged the children to enjoy the celebration. Performances from the participants also drew laughter and applause from
Jewish family that would move to the United States in the late 1940s, he later changed his name to Gehry to avoid becoming the target of antisemitism. He studied architecture at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, graduating in 1954 before enlisting in the US Army and later continuing his studies in city planning at Harvard University, though he did not finish the program.
Gehry eventually returned to Los Angeles to start his career working for Victor Gruen, a pioneer in the design of shopping malls. He went on to work in Paris with Andrew Remondet in 1961 before returning to Los Angeles, establishing his own architectural practice the following year. AFP
cally become US citizens. Lower courts have ruled the order to be a violation of the 14th Amendment, which states: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.” Trump’s executive order was premised on the idea that anyone in the United States illegally, or on a visa, was not “subject to the jurisdiction” of the country, and therefore excluded from this category. With AFP
you there will be a fair and quick process. This is better than living in fear of getting caught, jailed, and fined,” he said.
On Thursday, Transport group Manibela threatened to stage a nationwide transport strike from December 9 (Tuesday) to 11 (Thursday) over excessive penalties and slow processing of documents.
the President, who praised their enthusiasm. Joined by
Lady Liza AranetaMarcos and presidential son William Vincent, Mr. Marcos welcomed over 3,000 children from Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Centers and nearby villages for the Palace event. The Kalayaan grounds were transformed into a festive play zone featuring inflatable attractions, games, circus acts, entertainment, food stalls, and a special children’s performance for the First Family.
AFTER THE FLOOD. A damaged bunny doll is being sun-dried next to a villager affected by flash floods clearing mud from his home in Central Tapanuli, North Sumatra province. AFP
First
File photo shows US architect Frank Gehry posing in front of the Guggenheim Bilbao Museum during its 25th anniversary celebrations in the Spanish Basque city of Bilbao on October 17,
APRIO, a US-based advisory and accounting firm, is deepening its presence in the Philippines as its preferred hub for knowledge process outsourcing (KPO) with the opening of its second office at One Ayala East Tower on Thursday.
The company said the country’s technical talent, low attrition rate and ability to support complex, high-value professional services were central to its decision.
In an interview during the launch, global solutions delivery leader and partner at Aprio Dave Kothari said the firm’s Philippine operations have become a critical component of its global delivery network.
“We chose the Philippines because of its people. We’re able to find employees with the technical expertise to support every one of our service lines. That diversity of talent is something we don’t find in other countries,” he said.
Aiming to increase its manpower to 750 by 2030, the company employs more than 400 workers after starting official operations in the Philippines in 2022, following a threeyear build-operate-transfer arrangement.
Since then, the workforce has grown more than fivefold from only 75, supported by rising demand from its US client base and backing from its private equity investor.
Kothari said the Philippines handles “onethird” of the work it is capable of doing, and Aprio plans to shift more roles to Manila and Clark as part of its global solutions strategy. KPO hub
Aprio handles no local clients, as its Philippine entity serves purely as a global
Aprio taps Manila as global KPO hub
delivery center. Employees here, of which 90 percent are university graduates and about half certified public accountants, perform the same advisory and accounting work as their US counterparts.
Attrition in the Philippines remains below 15 percent, which Kothari described as significantly lower than US levels, helping the firm maintain continuity and service quality.
Aprio has been building up its technology capabilities, including the acquisition of a USbased AI company and the establishment of an automation team in Clark to support robotics process automation (RPA) and AI development.
“Our AI tools will automate repetitive work such as processing tax returns,” Kothari said.
“This allows CPAs to focus on higher-value client work.”
He said fears of redundancy do not apply to Aprio, noting rapid organic growth and 17 acquisitions in the past 18 months that continue to expand the firm’s global workload.
Expansion plans
With continued hiring and a target of boosting billable hours by 70 percent next year, Aprio is studying expansion beyond Metro Manila and Clark. Cebu is among the locations being evaluated due to its strong accounting talent base and value as a diversification site.
“We look at where the graduates are. Cebu is a growth driver for us,” Kothari said, adding that spreading operations across multiple locations also mitigates disruption from natural disasters.
Aprio has around a dozen university partnerships, including Asia Pacific College and schools in Clark, enabling it to train interns
who later join the company as full-time staff.
The One Ayala office operates on a Board of Investments-registered floor, and Aprio expects to secure its BOI certification in the coming months. Its hybrid setup remains highly flexible, with no mandatory returnto-office requirement.
To safeguard data, all client information is stored in the United States, supported by a dedicated InfoSec team and three-factor authentication for added protection.
While the Philippine unit currently serves no local clients, the firm is studying opportunities to offer tax and advisory services in the domestic market.
“We see a lot of people here who need help with taxes. It’s a strong possibility,” Kothari said. Othel V. Campos
DOLE hails MSMEs in 2025 Productivity Olympics for efforts lifting jobs, wages
THE Department of Labor and Employment
(DOLE), through the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC), honored nine outstanding micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) for demonstrating how improving productivity uplifts businesses, workers, and communities.
Marking its tenth cycle, this year’s Productivity Olympics was joined by thirty finalists to showcase their best practices in agribusiness, industry, and services, highlighting productivity’s role in sustaining enterprise sustainable growth, competitiveness, and impact on the economy.
“A highly productive economy means that we produce more goods or services with the same amount or fewer resources. This boosts our competitiveness, and this helps the economy
attract more investments for employment, offer low prices of goods and services, and provide higher wages,” DOLE Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma said in his speech.
“We want to improve productivity because we want to improve our living standards, reduce poverty, and create an enabling business environment where enterprises can thrive and grow,” he continued. He also cited DOLE programs such as the Adjustment Measures Program to support MSMEs, which account for 98 percent of enterprises, employ 6.2 million workers, and contribute 40 percent of the country’s GDP, as they grapple with challenges from technological advancements and economic disruptions.
The initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s 2025 State of the Nation Address
Livelihood winners shine in DOLE 2025 Kabuhayan Awards
workers across the country showed how small dreams can grow into sustainable ventures with the support of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). DOLE honored at the 2025 Kabuhayan Awards the outstanding beneficiaries and implementers of its flagship Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), which provides livelihood tools and equipment to individuals and groups to help them build sustainable sources of income. This initiative aligns with the
directive of the Marcos Administration to strengthen support for workers, whose hard work and ingenuity make them vital contributors to the country’s economic growth.
Caraga’s Lynn Sheryl T. Reasol won the national award for Best DOLE-Assisted Livelihood Project under the Individual Category for her Rattan Making Project, while the Hinatuan Seaweed Farmers Fishermen Cooperative, also from Caraga, took the top spot in the Group Category for its Seaweed Farming Project.
For the Individual Category, Bicol’s Tablea Processing Project was named 1st runner-up, while Davao’s Wooden Craft and Manufacturing Project placed 2nd runner-up. For groups, the Northern and Southern Sagada Indigenous Guides Association from the Cordillera Administrative Region earned 1st runner-up honors for its Eco Tour Guiding Project, while SOCCSKSARGEN’s Makilala Transport Cooperative placed 2nd runner-up for its Gasoline Station Project.
Cooperative
LOCAL fisherfolk
Davao fisherfolk benefit from TUPAD program
pronouncement, where he underscored the government’s commitment to strengthening support for small businesses and microenterprises, expanding employment opportunities, and providing capital and protection for innovation and intellectual property.
The winners For the agribusiness sector, the winners are Rey’s Bakeshop from MIMAROPA in the micro category, Amamio Farm Products from Caraga in the small category, and Muravah Foundation from the Bicol Region in the medium category. In the industry sector, Mira’s Food and Agriventure, Inc. from CALABARZON won in the micro category, BB’s Sweets Company from the Ilocos Region in the small category, and Allen Stick and Trading from Caraga in the medium category.
DISPLACED workers of Agrinanas Development Company, Inc. and Strellas Labor Service Cooperative received employment assistance and access to other government services through a simultaneous special job fair and a one-stop shop of government services spearheaded by the Department of Labor and Employment Northern Mindanao (DOLE Region 10), in partnership with the local government units of Talakag and Libona. The job fairs gathered 13 participating employers offering 1,169 job vacancies in agribusiness, food processing, construction, and service industries. A total of 676 displaced workers
registered for the one-day
Aprio opens its second office in the Philippines on Dec. 4, 2025, at KMC One Ayala, Makati City. Leading the event are (from left)
Dave Kothari, global solutions delivery leader and partner at Aprio; Philippine office leader and director Gemma Raab; and Philippine offshore operations director Paul Rubner.
KABUHAYAN 2025 WINNERS. Caraga’s Lynn Sheryl T. Reasol (center, left photo) and the Hinatuan Seaweed Farmers Fishermen
(center, right photo) receive their awards as national winners of the Best DOLE-Assisted Livelihood Project during the 2025 Kabuhayan Awards held in Clark, Pampanga. Photos by Ali Creo/DOLE-IPS
DOLE, BFAR CONVERGENCE PROGRAM. A total of 70 fisherfolk in Davao City
through a convergence program between DOLE and BFAR under the TUPAD program. Photos from DOLE Region 11
B2 | DECEMBER 7, 2025
MILO RIVERA, Issue Editor
email: medarlo.e.rivera@gmail.com
All-new Prelude takes center stage at ‘Honda Fest’
35 years of Honda Cars in PH celebrated with 3-day dynamic fiesta
By Milo Rivera
HONDA Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) has given the public a first look at the allnew 2026 Honda Prelude, displayed until the end of today at the Festival Mall Promenade Parking in Alabang. Although this is only a preview appearance, the twodoor hybrid coupe is set to properly launch in the Philippines by 2026, as confirmed by HCPI earlier this year.
The new Prelude features Honda’s next-generation Sports e:HEV powertrain - an electricmotor paired 2.0L inline-4 gasoline engine. The combined power units deliver a maximum output of 141 horsepower (engine) and 181 horsepower (electric motor), with peak torque at 315 Newton-meters. It boasts a highly efficient fuel consumption rating of 23.6 kilometers per liter (WLTC standard) and is capable of a top speed of around 188 km/h. The drivetrain is complemented by Honda’s S+ Shift technology, which simulates virtual gear changes, and paddle shifters for manual control.
24 years after it was discontinued, the Prelude has made it back to Honda’s production lines, instantly regaining its reputation as one of the brand’s most iconic nameplates. The re-introduced, 6th generation coupe has already generated significant interest in its home market, surpassing sales expectations with around 2,400 reservations in its first month in
Japan.
The Prelude shall remain on display for mall goers and Honda fanatics alike at “Honda Fest,” which celebrates 35 years of Honda Cars in the Philippines. Test drives, nostalgic displays, Honda club meets, exclusive deals, and other festivities await attendees to laud the past, present and future of the automaker’s Filipino identity. As a showcase of its evolution, displayed were preloved units of the 2000YM CR-V, 1998YM Civic SiR, 2001YM HR-V, and 1993YM Prelude beside their current, electrified versions. Also on full display were the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) models in HCPI’s lineup. Also making its debut at Honda Fest was the Pro Honda engine oil. The brand aims to make things more convenient for owners as this product was manufactured specifically for Honda, eliminating the need to turn to third-party alternatives. Eventually, more products will be introduced, such as other lubricants and chemicals
Motorcycle sales surge 19% in October as demand persists
Lexus extends warranty coverage to five (5) years
EXCLUSIVELY available for all brandnew units acquired at the recently opened Lexus Manila Gallery, the program essentially extends the standard ownership protection plan by an additional two (2) years. Coverage commences on the vehicle’s delivery date and is structured in two phases: the standard 3-Year or 100,000-kilometer Manufacturer Warranty (whichever comes first), followed by an additional 2-Year Service Rewards Warranty. Notably, this extension offers unlimited mileage coverage which sets aside mileage concerns for owners during the fourth and fifth years of ownership (terms and conditions apply).
Exclusive deals on City, BR-V models to wrap up 2025 HONDA Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) continues its “Honda Holiday Deals” throughout December, with a massive P100,000 discount on both the City 1.5 S CVT Honda SENSING (2025 year model) and the BR-V 1.5
S CVT (2026 year model) bannering the promotion. Customers can also receive up to two months of free amortization on specific BR-V and City RS Sensing variants through participating banks BPI and RCBC. This requires a 15% or 20% all-in low cash-out financing scheme over five years (60 months). The all-in package includes one-year comprehensive insurance, threeyear LTO registration, and PPSR fees. In addition, prospective 2025 BR-V buyers can also benefit from a One (1) Year Free Periodic Maintenance Service (PMS) voucher. Customers can also benefit from up to P200,000 in total cash discounts through financing options including all-in downpayments of as low as 10% (or P10,000). Low cash-out packages or extended loan terms via BPI are also available. Full details are found on the Honda Cars Philippines website.
Ford to conclude year with FIC at BGC, extended holiday deals FORD Philippines is concluding its calendar year by bringing together its final Ford Island Conquest (FIC) event and extending its popular Year-End Sale (YES). The immersive three-day
FIC (December 12-14, 2025, at the BGC Amphitheatre) will be an allin-one outdoor showroom with a dedicated test drive track. Aside from several festivities throughout the weekend, on display and available for test drives are some of the brand’s best-selling models: the Everest, Territory Hybrid, Mustang Mach-E, Ranger Raptor 3.0L V6, Bronco, Ranger Wildtrak, Explorer, and Everest Titanium. Ford will also be hosting a thanksgiving concert on December 12 in partnership with Billboard Philippines, with performances by local singer-songwriter Rob Deniel and popular band Lola Amour, among others. The dual campaigns offer significant purchasing incentives. Customers who secure a Ford vehicle purchase during the FIC can receive cash discounts totaling up to P120,000, which includes a P20,000 outright cash discount supplemented by a pick-a-prize promotion offering up to P100,000 in additional cash savings. These deals are layered atop the extended YES offerings, which include low all-in down payments, zero percent interest financing options, and service freebies across various models. The Everest Trend is available with an
ACCORDING to the latest data released by the Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association, Inc. (MDPPA), nationwide sales reached 183,502 units for the month of October - a 19% increase compared to the 154,168 units sold during the same period in 2024. The robust October figures have further bolstered the industry’s annual standing. Cumulative data shows that year-to-date sales for the first ten months of 2025 have climbed to 1,581,817 units — a 13.5% growth from the 1,393,426 units recorded between January and October of the previous year. Industry observers attribute this steady momentum to the economic reality faced by many Filipinos. As traffic congestion remains a challenge and fuel prices fluctuate, motorcycles have solidified their status as a preferred mode of transport. The MDPPA believes that the demand is driven by a search for affordability, fuel efficiency, and traffic resilience. With the fourth quarter performance exceeding expectations,
all-in down payment of P89,000 and low monthly amortization, while other Everest variants offer up to P70,000 in cash savings. For the newly launched New Territory Hybrid, Ford announced improved stock availability for the month, maintaining its introductory price of P1,399,000, which notably includes a complimentary 3-Year Scheduled Service Plan. The iconic Ranger XLS 4x2 AT variant is also available at a special price of P1,379,000 or with a low monthly fee of P23,034. The YES program also highlights attractive zero percent interest financing packages for premium models. This includes the Explorer at 20% down payment for 60 months, and the Bronco at 50% down payment for 60 months, with both offers available through partner banks EastWest Bank and BPI. All Year-End Sale offers are valid at Ford dealerships nationwide until December 31, 2025.
Geely to end year with special offers
SIGNIFICANTLY larger discounts and enhanced loyalty rewards are available nationwide until December 31, 2025, as the Chinese automaker Geely reveals several model-specific
ON THE ROAD
the MDPPA has expressed high confidence in the industry’s year-end outlook. The association projects that full-year sales will surpass 1.79 million units, supported by consistent demand across various regions in the archipelago.
Engr. Alexander A. Cumpas, President of the MDPPA, emphasized that the sales figures represent more than just distinct purchases; they indicate the deep integration of twowheeled vehicles into the daily socioeconomic fabric of the country.
“With just two months to go, we are on pace to surpass our earlier targets, and we expect full-year sales to reach more than 1.79 million units,” Cumpas stated. “This growth reflects how deeply motorcycles have become a part of everyday life for Filipinos. Whether for personal use or livelihood, they continue to be the most accessible and reliable way to move forward.”
The industry is poised for continued momentum heading onto the holiday season, traditionally a strong period for vehicle sales, likely ensuring that 2025 targets are met or exceeded.
promotional packages. Buyers of the GX3 Pro can avail themselves of a P60,000 discount, while the Emgrand Luxury is available with an P87,000 discount. Valid for cash and bank financing purchases, these offers also accommodate fleet and internal purchases and may be combined with other dealer promotions. In addition, the EX5 Max receives a P100,000 discount and will come with a complimentary Meizu Note 22 smartphone and a free EX-5 wall charger with installation. This particular offer is available for Cash, Bank Purchase Order, Bank Financing, and In-House Financing purchases. Beyond model-specific savings, the Geely Owners Program provides an additional, stackable P50,000 discount to current and former Geely owners, as well as their firstdegree relatives, purchasing any new Geely vehicle. Furthermore, the Refer & Earn Promo allows existing Geely customers to refer up to ten potential buyers. Successful sales resulting from a referral reward the existing customer with a P10,000 PMS voucher and the new buyer (the referee) with a P4,000 PMS voucher. Full terms and conditions for all offers are available through Geely’s official communication channels.
DOT South Luzon Swing
familiarization tour rolls out world-class golf experience
By Randy Caluag
BATANGAS and Cavite served as an ultimate playground for golf enthusiasts when the Department of Tourism (DOT) recently hosted the Southern Luzon Swing: Golf Tourism Playing Familiarization Tour.
Designed to showcase the Philippines as a rising star in Asia’s golf scene, the tour offered participants a unique blend of world-class courses, networking opportunities, and the warm hospitality the country is known for.
Golfers from Taiwan, India, Thailand, and key local institutions flocked to the region to experience firsthand the sweeping greens, challenging fairways, and unforgettable landscapes of Southern Luzon. Over four days, these delegates discovered that the Philippines is not just a destination—it’s an experience.
The tour took participants through some of the region’s most celebrated golf courses. They teed o at Summit Point Golf & Country Club and Mount Malarayat Golf & Country Club, both in Lipa City, Batangas, and wrapped up at Eagle Ridge Golf & Country Club in General Trias, Cavite. Each course
presented its own character— from rolling slopes to intricate greens—and left an impression on visitors.
“It was impressive. Each course had its own charm,” shared a delegate from Taiwan. Golfers from India laughed about “consistently bad golf but consistently great experiences,” praising the diversity of layouts and the thrill of each hole. Many vowed to return next year, promising larger groups and even more excitement.
STRENGTHENING TOURISM
The Southern Luzon Swing was more than just a golf tour—it was a platform for collaboration and growth. DOT Director for Golf Tourism, Lyle Uy, extended heartfelt thanks to all who made the event possible, especially Newport World Resorts, whose support elevated the experience for every participant. Behind the scenes, the ground handling and event management teams
PalawanPay
PALAWANPAY has renewed its commitment to the UP Fighting Maroons, strengthening a partnership built on shared values of discipline, perseverance, and excellence. The e-wallet arm of the Palawan Group of Companies reaffirmed its support through a ceremonial UP x PalawanPay shirtgiving event — a symbolic gesture underscoring the unity between the two institutions.
The renewed collaboration highlights PalawanPay’s belief in supporting hardworking Filipinos and uplifting communities, values that the Fighting Maroons exemplify both on and o the court.
Palawan Group Chief Financial O cer Lilian Castro-Selda expressed deep appreciation for the team’s relentless drive:
“We’re proud to celebrate your victories, but what matters most is that our support remains constant, whether you win or lose. We admire the team’s drive to keep improving and the discipline to grow stronger with every game. That same spirit inspires us at Palawan Group to stay humble, work harder, and make a meaningful difference not just for our customers, but for the country.”
Messages from UP coaches and PalawanPay executives further highlighted mutual respect and a shared commitment to growth. A ceremonial ball-shooting activity
ensured every swing, every round, and every interaction went o without a hitch.
“This event gives golfers a clear picture of how the sport is played and experienced in the Philippines,” said DOT Undersecretary for Special Projects Ferdinand “Cocoy” Jumapao. “We aim to become Asia’s top golf destination. Golfers love the sport, and we want them to love the Philippines even more.”
LOCAL PRIDE
For local golf institutions, the tour offered a stage to shine. Representatives from Iloilo Golf & Country Club, home to the historic Sta. Barbara Golf Course shared their gratitude for the chance to showcase the Philippines’ oldest golf course. “We treasure the new friendships we formed with golfers from here and abroad,” said Tina Ita-as, Ed Kanapi, and Joey Avila. “This inspires us to elevate Iloilo as a future landmark on the country’s golf map.”
From Mindanao, Dakak Golf’s Mike Besa echoed this sentiment: “Congratulations on a successful and enjoyable event! We look forward to future collaborations to grow golf tourism across the Philippines.”
Even industry partners joined in the excitement.
Golf tour Jet Revilla described the tour as a “meaningful experience, a chance to mingle with players from different countries, and a step toward expanding international golf networks.”
A NEW EAR
The Southern Luzon Swing proved that the Philippines is ready to stake its claim as a premier golf destination in Asia. Beyond the fairways and greens, the event highlighted the country’s hospitality, its passion for golf, and the untapped potential waiting to be discovered by international visitors.
symbolized teamwork and unity, followed by a shirt-giving segment and light refreshments that fostered camaraderie among players, coaches, and corporate partners.
UP Coach Patrick Tancioco expressed his gratitude for the brand’s steadfast backing:
“Palawan Group has been with us every step of the way. Their support goes beyond financial assistance; it’s the genuine care, time, and encouragement that make a di erence.”
Since 2019, the Palawan Group — led by founders Bobby and Angelita Castro and their five
children, all UP alumni now serving as company executives — has been a loyal partner of the Fighting Maroons. Their support extends beyond sponsorship, providing encouragement and forging a lasting relationship with the team.
The long-standing alliance has been celebrated through various milestones, including PalawanPay’s active participation in the ‘Sugod, UP! UAAP Season 88 Pep Rally’ and the Champions’ Thanksgiving Dinner held on December 18, 2024, at UP Diliman, honoring the Maroons’ UAAP Season 87 championship triumph.
As the nal rounds concluded and participants packed up their clubs, one thing was clear: this wasn’t just a golf tour—it was a movement. A movement to put the Philippines on the global gol ng map, one fairway at a time.
And with next year’s edition already eagerly anticipated, the future of Philippine golf tourism has never looked brighter.
Europe-based Ramilo, Labadan set to carry PH
colors in SEAG
By Alona Cochon
TWO of the Philippines’ brightest rhythmic gymnasts training in Europe — Breanna Labadan and Jasmine Althea Ramilo — are poised to banner the country at the coming 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand. Labadan, 19, a Hungary-based standout from Butuan City, enters the competition riding the momentum of a stellar performance at the 2025 Garcia Kupa held last August 12–15, where she collected two gold and two bronze medals. A seasoned competitor, she remains the last Filipina to secure a SEA Games medal in rhythmic gymnastics after winning bronze in the 2021 edition.
Joining her is 17-year-old Jasmine Ramilo of Santa Catalina, one of the country’s fastest-rising young talents on the international stage. Training under Italian coach Claudia Mancinelli, Ramilo has sharpened her craft through high-level meets across Europe, gaining invaluable exposure against elite global competitors.
“Busy na po kami preparing for our trip to Thailand. Nandoon na rin ang ibang gymnastics athletes. We’re leaving next week,” said Fhey Ramilo, Jasmine’s mother, in an interview. “Kasabay ni Jasmine si Coach Claudia. Sana nga makasungkit ng medal ang Philippine team. After SEA Games, tuloy kami sa Pilipinas — doon na po kami magpa-Pasko.”
Ramilo recently added to her growing résumé with gold and silver medals at the 7th Winter Cup in Leverkusen, Germany. She also earned podium nishes at the Liga Iberdrola in Valencia, Spain, and gained signi cant exposure competing in the World Cup legs in Baku and Milan, as well as the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Labadan and Ramilo have previously proven to be a formidable pair.
At the 2024 AGU Rhythmic Gymnastics Asian Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Labadan nished 10th while Ramilo placed 13th — both impressive results in a deep and highly competitive eld.
Their partnership extends beyond competition mats. Last summer, the two shared a brief vacation in Rome with the Labadan family, strengthening their camaraderie before resuming rigorous preparations for the Asian and SEA Games.
With Labadan’s experience and Ramilo’s emerging momentum, the Philippines heads into the SEA Games rhythmic gymnastics events with renewed optimism. Both gymnasts continue to carve their place not only in the European circuit but also on the world stage, illustrating the growing strength and global relevance of Philippine gymnastics.
They join a powerhouse Philippine delegation that also features Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, Olympic medalists Nesthy Petecio and Eumir Felix Marcial, alongside world-class athletes Kayla Sanchez, EJ Obiena, and other Olympians and World Cup veterans.
Close to 50 local and international golfers experienced the best of Batangas and Cavite’s greens
Jump of excitement before the rst swing
Caddies line up to carry the players’ gears.
Jasmine Ramilo and Breanna Labadan Photo by Fhey Ramilo
The UP Fighting Maroons get a boost from PalawanPay
CATS are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies are designed to depend on nutrients found mainly in animal tissues. While many people choose vegetarian or plantbased diets for personal, ethical, or environmental reasons, cats cannot safely follow the same path. A fully vegetarian diet may suit humans, but for cats, it poses significant nutritional risks and can lead to long-term health problems.
“A cat’s digestive system, metabolism, and nutrient requirements are all centered on animal protein. While some nutrients can be synthesized or supplemented, many are absorbed more efficiently from animal sources,” said Dr. Margaret Miller in “Can Cats Be Vegetarian?” published in the Cat Lifestyle website.
Below are the key reasons why a vegetarian diet is not suitable for cats:
Essential
Nutrients From Animal Sources
According to Dr. Miller, cats require several nutrients that are either not enough or absent from plants:
· Taurine
o Found almost exclusively in animal tissue
o Essential for heart health, vision, reproduction, and digestion
o Deficiency may cause dilated cardiomyopathy (heart failure) or retinal degeneration leading to blindness
· Arachidonic Acid
o A fatty acid necessary for inflammation control and skin health
o Cannot be produced by cats internally
o Only available naturally through animal fats
· Preformed Vitamin A (Retinol)
o Cats cannot convert beta-carotene from plants into vitamin A
o Needed for immune function, vision, and skin health
· Vitamin B12
o Found only in animal-based ingredients
o Crucial for nerve function and metabo-
lism
These nutrients can be supplemented, but relying on supplements alone increases the risk of improper formulation and inconsistent absorption.
Protein Requirements
Cats need more protein than dogs or humans. This is because:
· Protein is their primary energy source
· Plant proteins lack several amino acids cats require
· Plant proteins are less digestible for felines
· Low-quality protein intake can lead to:
o Muscle loss
o Weakness
o Poor immune response
o Reduced overall vitality
o Digestive System
Unlike omnivores, cats have digestive systems built for meat:
· Shorter intestines optimized for animal tissue
· Lower levels of enzymes needed to break down plant starches
· Carbohydrate-heavy diets can lead to:
Prof. Bengal unveils science-based cat food formula
PROF. Bengal, the feline-focused sister brand of Dr. Shiba, has officially expanded its product line with the introduction of Kind Kibble for Cats and Cat Paste Treats. The launch marks a significant step in the brand’s commitment to improving everyday nutrition for cats through science-based, veterinariansupported formulas. The products were unveiled during “Prof. Bengal University,” a campusthemed event held at Pause Pet Lodge. The gathering brought together veterinarians, media, and cat owners for an in-depth look at the research and purpose behind the new offerings. The program highlighted the brand’s belief that proper feline nutrition should be both accessible to pet owners and genuinely enjoyable for cats. At the heart of the launch is Prof. Bengal Kind Kibble, a high-protein, grain-free dry food made specifically for adult cats. Designed around the natural dietary needs of obligate carnivores, the formula contains 38 per cent protein sourced mainly from animals to help maintain muscle development, energy levels, and overall vitality. The recipe includes essential nutrients intended to support heart health, digestion, vision, and immunity. The kibble uses natural ingredients, avoids artificial additives, and focuses on complete daily nutrition. Feeding trials conducted by the brand showed strong acceptance even among picky eaters, indicating that the formula balances palatability with nutritional value.
Alongside the kibble, Prof. Bengal also introduced Cat Paste Treats, the Philippines’ first functional paste treats developed specifically for feline health. Unlike conventional snack-style pastes, these are formulated to provide measur-
able wellness benefits. The line consists of five variants: Happy Tummy for digestive support, Pro Immune for immunity, Silky Fur for skin and coat, Bye Bye Floof for hairball control, and Easy Peesy for urinary care. Each variant contains ingredients suited to its purpose, including prebiotics, natural fiber, cranberry
powder, fish oil, taurine, and other functional compounds. Veterinary experts helped develop the formulas to ensure safety and effectiveness. Prof. Bengal conducted multiple palatability and digestibility trials, confirming that the pastes are well accepted even by senior and selective cats. The smooth texture makes them easy to serve—either directly, mixed with food, or used when administering medication.
Philipp “Phil” Renner, founder and CEO of both Dr. Shiba and Prof. Bengal, emphasized the importance of purposeful formulation in the brand’s products. He explained that every ingredient was selected with intention, ensuring that each treat or meal contributes positively to a cat’s overall wellbeing. He added that the team’s goal is to provide cat owners with healthier options that remain enjoyable for their pets and affordable for households.
The event also featured Hollywood actress and brand ambassador Liza Hope Soberano, who joined the program as a “Visiting Professor.” Soberano has been a long-time advocate of better pet care through her partnership with Dr. Shiba. Now a new cat owner herself, she spoke about how Prof. Bengal’s products have become part of her routine in caring for her recently adopted cats, noting the improvements she observed and the trust she places in the company’s sciencebased approach. Supporting the technical side of the program, Dr. Roxanne Ignacio, veteri-
o Digestive upset
o Gas and bloating
o Poor stool quality
o Increased risk of obesity
Vegetarian foods generally rely on grains, legumes, and starchy vegetables, which can strain a cat’s digestive system.
Risks of Nutrient Deficiency
Dr. Miller emphasizes that attempting to formulate a complete vegetarian diet for cats is extremely challenging. Even small errors can lead to severe health consequences.
· Nutrient deficiencies often develop slowly and may not show symptoms until advanced
· Damage caused by deficiencies—especially taurine deficiency—may be irreversible
· Supplement-based diets may still result in:
o Poor nutrient absorption
o Imbalanced amino acids
o Long-term metabolic issues
Veterinarians generally advise against vegetarian diets because even well-intentioned formulations can fail to meet a cat’s strict nutritional needs.
Behavioral
and Physical Challenges
Cats are naturally drawn to animal-based scents and flavors. Introducing a vegetarian diet can lead to refusal to eat, which carries its own dangers.
· Food refusal can cause hepatic lipidosis, a life-threatening liver condition
· Many cats will simply reject plant-based foods due to lack of appealing aroma
· Forcing dietary change may cause stress and behavioral issues
“Some pet owners explore vegetarian diets to reduce environmental impact or out of concern for animal welfare. But even carefully combined plant proteins rarely match the nutritional profile of animal proteins in quality and biological availability,” Dr. Miller noted. While these intentions are understandable, cats’ biological needs should take priority. Providing a meat-based diet that aligns with a cat’s natural biology remains the safest, healthiest, and most reasonable choice for their long-term well-being.
About the Author: Niko Gabriel Salgado is a graduate of consular and diplomatic affairs from De La Salle College of Saint Benilde, and worked at the House of Representatives. He is now an entrepreneur and a volunteer of the animal welfare group Save Animals of Love and Light- Save ALL.
narian, delivered a talk on the increasing significance of functional nutrition for cats. She explained how formulas like those from Prof. Bengal allows pet owners to maintain a balance between taste and targeted health support— something especially useful for cats with specific nutritional needs or sensitivities. Prof. Bengal’s expansion aligns with Dr. Shiba’s rapid growth across Southeast Asia. In just three years, Dr. Shiba and
While supplements may help fill gaps, they still carry risks, and mistakes in formulation can lead to serious, sometimes irreversible health problems. (Photo from eleneleonova | Getty Images)
Cats cannot thrive on a fully vegetarian diet because their bodies are built to depend on nutrients found only in animal-based ingredients. (Photo from AlenaPaulus | Getty Images)
protein—cannot be reliably met through
sources alone. (Photo from PhotoIris2021 | iStock Photo)
Philipp Renner, Founder and CEO of Dr. Shiba and Prof. Bengal with Liza Soberano
Prof. Bengal’s Kind Kibble and Cat Paste Treats
Czaczacza unveils newest lineup of cakes, crunchy bites and czinnamon rolls
CZACZACZA, a proudly local café and commissary owned and operated by husband-andwife tandem Chef Czarina Sevilla (pastry chef) and Chef Marvin Sevilla (savory chef), unveils its exciting lineup of new baked creations. Known for its playful charm and “deserveko-’to” treats, Czaczacza continues to elevate everyday indulgences with products that are fun, creative, and made with heart.
The launch of the new products followed Czaczacza’s vibrant 5th anniversary celebration in July, marking steady growth and a strong community presence across Metro Ma-
nila through five kiosks, two full-service cafés, and a central commissary.
There’s the Brownie Cake – a fudgy, dense brownie topped with chocolate ganache at priced P1,600, as well as 21-inch slab cakes that includes the "Titamisu" made with espressosoaked layers with mascarpone cream; Chocolate, a moist sponge cake with rich ganache; and Strawberry Shortcake made with vanilla chiffon with fresh strawberries and cream.
The Crunchy Bites line comes in three flavors and packed in boxes of 12 pieces each: Pistachio, Reese and Biscoff.
Eight new flavors of soft and indulgent Czinnamon rolls join the Czaczacza family: Classic, S’mores, Red Velvet, Caramel Pili Praline, Pistachio, Chocolate, Biscoff and Blueberry. These can be ordered in boxes of eight or 15 pieces. Czaczacza also rolled out indulgent jars perfect for everyday celebrations: Meringue Kisses, Macaroons, Lengua De Gato, and Broas.
These new products are available in all Czaczacza locations – at its flagship café in Marikina City and at kiosks across SM Marikina, SM Masinag, SM San Mateo, SM North EDSA, SM Grand Central and SM
CRA INGS
Christmas reunions made more joyful with Magnolia Chicken Timplados
WITH the holiday season in, one of the most anticipated moments for many people is the Christmas reunion – a time when family and friends gather to celebrate and reconnect.
However, the idea of preparing a delicious Christmas feast can be overwhelming and can lead to stress. Between planning the menu, grocery shopping, and cooking, it’s easy to feel like the holidays are more about hustle than a joyful celebration.
This is why Magnolia Chicken Timplados makes meals that are easy to prepare and comes in flavorful options, removing the stress out of meal preparation.
Whether it’s Fried Chicken or Smoked Pepper Roasted Chicken, it is made with quality, real chicken that’s sure to win hearts at any Christmas reunion feast, bringing families and friends together over meals filled with joy, flavor, and festive warmth.
Magnolia Fried Chicken delivers golden, delicious and crispy goodness right to your Christmas table. A classic favorite, it is perfect
it with breading and deep fry.
Magnolia Smoked Pepper Roasted Chick en, on the other hand, brings a classic favorite to an entirely new level. What makes it spe cial is its bold yet balanced flavor – the smoky aroma mingling with sweet, caramelized skin, the sharp bite of pepper meeting the natural richness of roast chicken. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet sophisticated enough for entertaining guests.. With ready to cook Magnolia Chicken Timp lados, it’s possible to enjoy a delectable holiday meal without the chaos of traditional cooking. Sarap Super Moms and Timplanners can spend less time worrying about the kitchen, leaving more time to create happy and unforgettable moments to cherish with loved ones.
(To learn more about Magnolia Ready-to-Cook Chicken Timplados, visit magnoliachicken.com or follow Magnolia Chicken on social media)
SHREK The Musical fans are in for a treat, literally. With the production delighting audiences at Newport Performing Arts Theater, Newport World Resorts has rolled out limitedtime-only dishes and drinks inspired by the ogre, his swamp, and the whole fairytale squad. Whether enjoyed as energizing preshow bites or satisfying post-show indulgences, the lineup serves a full fairytale feast. Sheraton Manila Hotel at Newport World Resorts brews a playful punch with the Swamp Bloom at P425 – a bright green cocktail that blends gin with zen green tea and white pepper syrup.
At Hilton Manila Newport World Resorts’ Madison Lounge & Bar, the swamp spirit keeps swirling with the Matcha Bog Sundae. The dessert, priced at P250, layers velvety matcha with dark Oreo crumbs that mimic muddy texture.
Sip on the Mango Green Tea at The Greatroom in Holiday Inn Express Manila Newport World Resorts. The refreshing drink delivers a big bright beautiful burst of tropical flavors for P280 nett.
Casa Buenas presents the Avocado Smoothie, priced at P280 nett, like a treat plucked from the pages of a fairytale book:
smooth avocado cream blends into sugary gra ham dust.
Garden Wing Café channels the sweetness beneath Shrek’s layers through the Swamp Panna Cotta priced at P260 while at The Whisky Library, the That Will Do! mocktail, priced at P400, lands like Dragon’s breath in its softest form. The food already brings swampy fun, but Shrek The Musical dining bundles add a more royal treatment.
Gordon Ramsay Bar and Grill Philippines rolls out the Once Upon a Dinner package at P4,778 that includes a ticket to the show. Booking is open until December 15, 2025, with dining available until January 31, 2026. Across Newport World Resorts’ international hotel brands, the Fairytale Feast buffet bundles let guests feast big before settling
Café at Manila Marriott Hotel serves elevated global fare with interactive stations from P4,071. S Kitchen at Sheraton Manila Hotel offers a decadent, highend spread beginning at P4,740. Yawaragi at Hotel Okura Manila highlights refined Japanese cuisine starting at P3,224.
(Witness the ogre-sized production of Shrek The Musical until December 13, 2025 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. Tickets are available at Ticketworld and Newport World Resorts Box Office: P4,500 (SVIP), P4,000 (VIP), P3,000 (GOLD), P2,000 (SILVER), and P1,500 (BRONZE). For inquiries, contact Customer Care at 7908-8888 or info@fhtcentertainment.com)
That Will Do! mocktail at The Whisky Library, Newport World Resorts
Cheesy Chicken Fingers
Chicken Inasal
Log cakes: The 'Titamisu,' Brownie Cake and Strawberry Shortcake
Chef Czarina Sevilla
A box of eight Czinnamon rolls in premium flavors
CinePanalo student winners to get scholarship grants
WINNERS in the Student Shorts category of the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival will receive full scholarships and tuition discounts through a new partnership between the festival and the Asia Pacific Film Institute (APFI).
The agreement adds to the festival’s P200,000 creative grant for each student short. Now in its third year, CinePanalo has positioned itself as one of the country’s leading film festivals, backed by funding that supports emerging filmmakers, including students.
Under the partnership, APFI will grant full scholarships to the recipients of the Best Film, Jury Prize, and
SHOWBIZ
Best Director awards. The institute will also offer full scholarships for selected subjects, including Advanced Cinematography, Production Design, Scriptwriting, Acting, Editing, and Sound Design.
All student participants, crews, and members of each competing film— whether in the student or full-length categories—will receive a 10 percent tuition discount on designated APFI courses. The institute will also host career talks during the festival to guide student filmmakers pursuing work in film and media.
APFI said the collaboration aligns with its mission as an independent, industry-focused film school that
supports young storytellers.
General manager Russel Frederick Oledan said participants have already shown strong potential, and the school is “honored to support their journey.”
Puregold senior marketing manager Ivy Hayagan-Piedad said the partnership strengthens CinePanalo’s efforts to support Philippine cinema by investing in new filmmakers.
This year’s festival will be held at Gateway Cineplex 18 and select Ayala Cinemas, featuring seven fulllength films and 20 student shorts. Several past CinePanalo films have screened and won awards at local and international festivals.
The
Zeke Polino and Heart Ryan’s one hell of a ride
By Angelica Villanueva
PLAYING the lead roles of Ace and Zein in the upcoming series Hell University still feels “surreal” for young actors Zeke Polino and Heart Ryan, their first time starring in a series adaptation.
The two will headline Viva One’s upcoming adaptation of KnightInBlack’s Wattpad novel, which has more than 179 million reads. Zeke and Heart both admit they’re still processing what it means to bring such well-loved characters to life.
For Heart, the moment she found out she booked the role is something she still holds close. She recalled getting the call from her handler and said even now, it doesn’t quite feel real.
“I still can’t believe it even until now. It’s really hard to believe. When I got the announcement, I got it directly from [my handler]. I was actually on the phone, and when she told me, I cried. I don’t know how to explain,” Heart told Manila Standard Entertainment.
She also added that Hell University was the kind of project she only dreamed about joining when she first started acting. Bringing Zein to the screen, she said, comes with excitement and a bit of fear but mostly gratitude.
Zeke, meanwhile, learned the news in a way he didn’t expect. He said the reality of being cast as Ace is something he’s still trying to process.
“Till right now, everything still feels really like a dream. I still can’t believe it, but it slowly starts to sink in, especially with the media conference and everything like that,” Zeke explained.
He vividly remembers the exact moment the news came.
“I still very much remember yung time na na-cover yung news. It was around 12:00 a.m. while I was about to sleep, and then my manager called me and said, ‘Zeke, you’re going to be Ace,’” he shared.
alt-pop
rock band making nostalgia feel new
Revisors is taking as they open a new chapter.
He said the weight of playing Ace Craige sank in only during their early workshops, where he began breaking down the character’s emotions, history, and guarded nature.
Both actors said the pressure is real—not only because Hell University has a massive online following, but also because the characters are already deeply rooted in their readers’ imaginations.
“The pressure is there, but I focus on what I can do. I’m doing my best to give justice to Ace,” Zeke said.
Heart echoed the sentiment, saying she tries to stay grounded by remembering why she pursued acting in the first place.
“Ever since I was young, I’ve been doing my best to pursue acting, and sometimes it really felt overwhelming. There were times I felt like I had nowhere to turn, especially when I was juggling school, work, and auditions,” the actress shared.
“But now, looking back, I realize that all of those struggles made me stronger. They reminded me why I started in the first place. Those moments keep me grounded,” she added.
Preparation was crucial for the two, who spent weeks in workshops to shape their characters and build chemistry.
Heart said it helped her grasp Zein’s emotions,
Zeke Polino plays the role of Ace in ‘Hell University,’ Viva One’s upcoming Wattpad adaptation
Alt-pop rock band Revisors continues its new chapter with the release of its single ‘Pagupit’
From left: CinePanalo festival director Chris Cahilig, APFI’s Russel Frederick Oledan, and Puregold’s Ivy Hayagan-Piedad formalize the CinePanalo–APFI partnership granting scholarships and tuition discounts to student filmmakers
Zeke Polino (right) and Heart Ryan behind the scenes of their new series
Heart Ryan says portraying the role of Zein in ‘Hell University’ still feels surreal
By Nickie Wang
STUDENTS explored technology and business innovations at SMITENSITY 2025, a week-long fair hosted by the De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) School of Management and Information Technology (SMIT).
Future changemakers
participate in tech and business fair
Themed “Continuum: Code the Future, Lead the Change,” the event featured exhibits, workshops, expert talks, and competitions to promote creativity, professional skills, and real-world impact.
SMIT Dean Joana Diñoso said the theme highlights the continuous evolution of technology and the need for leaders who can use it for positive change. Benilde Chancellor Benhur Ong noted the college brings together innovators, entrepreneurs, coders, marketers, and analysts, all focused on making meaningful contributions across fields like cybersecurity, social innovation, business intelligence, game design, and human resources.
ADIDAS Philippines has introduced its first collaboration with a Filipino fashion designer, unveiling a specialedition adidas Jabbar and a line of tees designed with Rik Rasos of Proudrace.
The collection, released on Nov. 21, features Rasos’ reinterpretation of the retro Jabbar silhouette, the first signature shoe of basketball great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The project reflects the brand’s effort to work with local creatives and bring Filipino heritage into global design. Rasos, Proudrace’s creative director, is known for oversized shapes and Filipino-inspired details. For the collaboration, he incorporated elements tied to his personal memories and family history, including textures reminiscent of hardwood floors, lace curtains from his grandmother’s home, and stamp-like patches inspired by letters sent by his father while working overseas.
“This theme speaks to the continuous evolution of technology and the ever-increasing need for leaders who can harness its potential for positive change,” Dean Diñoso shared. “In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, the ability to blend technical expertise with strategic business acumen is not just an advantage. It is actually a necessity.”
Participants viewed capstone projects in business, logistics, and marketing, sustainable product designs from entrepreneurship programs, and research posters advocating innovative ideas. Industry expert talks offered career guidance and insights into social enterprise, marketing, human resources, export, and global business management.
Students also joined competitions and interactive challenges, including quizzes on ethics, real estate, and finance, as well as team-based problem-solving exercises.
The SMIT-Analytics, Computing, and Infotech Cluster hosted innovation talks on digital platforms, storytelling tools, and communication technologies, alongside a data analytics case competition, workshops, and hands-on activities.
Booths and presentations showcased the college’s cybersecurity program, systems analysis, business process improvement, project management, and strategy.
SMITENSITY 2025 gave students a chance to apply classroom learning to practical experiences while emphasizing sustainability, creativity, and leadership in technology and business.
The designer worked with adidas’ global team to merge these themes with the clean lines of the Jabbar model. He hoped the design would resonate with wearers regardless of background, while acknowledging the shoe’s roots in basketball and its connection to Abdul-Jabbar.
The Jabbar Lo retails for P7,000 and is available starting Nov. 21. Two tees— the Proudrace Stamp Tee and the Proudrace Souvenir Tee—are priced at P2,900 and will be released on Nov. 28.
The collection is sold through select adidas stores in Metro Manila and regional malls, the adidas app and website, and partner retailers including Zalora, Foot Locker, Commonwealth, Titan, and atmos BGC.
GAP has teamed up with New York designer Sandy Liang on a limited-edition collection launched in the Philippines in November.
The collaboration reimagines Gap’s iconic styles with Liang’s playful, nostalgic aesthetic, highlighting girlhood and self-expression.
The launch is accompanied by an animated short film, Sandy’s Dream Closet, by visual artist Annie Choi. Set above Liang’s father’s Cantonese restaurant, Congee Village, on New York City’s Lower East Side, the film portrays her childhood imagination and early fashion inspirations.
“Growing up, Gap was the pinnacle of fashion. This collaboration lets me reimagine pieces that meant something to me as a child,” Liang said.
Since 2014, Liang has built a reputation for blending feminine nostalgia with downtown edge. The collection translates her signature style into Gap classics, from bow-adorned denim to outerwear, creating playful yet wearable designs with crossgenerational appeal.
Gap president and CEO Mark Breitbard said Liang’s perspective “reimagines our heritage pieces into something entirely new, yet familiar,” keeping the brand culturally relevant. Key pieces include the Pleated Denim Mini Skirt (P5,650), Vegan Fur Crop Denim Jacket (P10,950), Low Rise ’90s Loose Carpenter Jeans (P4,650), Heavyweight Bow Oversized Hoodie (P6,950), Reversible Vegan Leather Sherpa Jacket (P13,350), and Shoe Sweater (P4,650).
Liang develops designs in a small New York studio near her father’s restaurant, drawing
and
Benilde students display original illustrations and merchandise at SMITENSITY 2025, highlighting creativity in tech and business innovation
C4 | DECEMBER 7, 2025
, Editor
VIRGILIO DC GALVEZ
email: vcgalvez@manilastandard.net
LIFE Good
Keeping bones healthy is key to aging well
By VC Galvez
PEOPLE don’t really think much about bone health when, in fact, they should. It’s only when one gets fractured or is diagnosed with a bone ailment that bone health becomes an immediate concern.
With the Philippines transitioning to an aging society, bone health has become a primary issue for a growing number of senior citizens, especially women.
According to the Osteoporosis International Foundation, one in three women and one in five men aged 50 years and over will suffer an osteoporotic fracture. Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and fragile, so that they break easily – even as a result of a minor fall, a bump, a sneeze, or a sudden movement. Fractures caused by osteoporosis can be life-threatening and a major cause of pain and long-term disability.
Experts, however, say one does not monitor bone health only when one’s hair turns to grey.
Forgetfulness, never
By Frances Mae Ramos
THE recent anti-corruption protests at EDSA, the so-called Trillion Peso March, set on the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of martial law and Bonifacio Day, recall the activism of the 1970s, this time launched with the extended concerns of the Gen Z and Millennial cohorts. Today’s youth might be doing it their way, but the historical rhymes and full circles are owed to the militancy of their parents, who are now well in their late 60s and early 70s.
While the EDSA protests led by yellow and pink forces in this current iteration was more of a family affair, with generations Y and Z and their boomer parents in attendance, a substantial number of the latter lived and fought through the marked event of Dekada 70, the so-called First Quarter Storm triggered by the heavy hand of the then authoritarian regime. Meanwhile, their forebears were driven to the streets this year by the very son of the late dictator who exposed the plunder of the people’s coffers. They positioned ourselves against systemic ills denounced through Vice Gandaisms, instead of the red book of Chairman Mao. The former governor Chavit Singson, who was shunned and booed out of EDSA, had some sense in remarking that the Luneta and EDSA rallies lack cohesion and unifying protest framework.
Yet what kept the EDSA spirit alive were the legacies and memories that could be fading with the advancing age of the cohort that embodied best the spirit of protest in Philippine postindependence history.
Millennials and Gen Z hardly take after their boomer parents and professors in mobilizing. While they had the hide and the vigor for a day out, rain or shine, lusting for the rolling heads of lawmakers named in the colossal flood control projects kickback scheme, and nodding to the self-appointed influence of celebrities and their infectious denunciations of politicos on social media, the activist movements of the 1970s penetrated jungles, rice fields, urban poor and remote communities. This latter framework and utter immersion of protest threaten to be bygone modes of struggle and sacrifice. Present youthful generations of Filipinos, at least as could be gleaned from the EDSA and Luneta mass actions, are turned off by violence and any form of armed conflict. There were no sightings of agents provocateurs among university students, and hardly any Nepal-, Indonesia-, and now Madagascar-level shakeups.
Just a day before the Trillion Peso March, former activists were pondering with levity about their state of health for rallies. “Will I even be able to march along EDSA?”, my own mother’s friends asked out loud, to the laughter of her longtime barkadas from college. They were former members of LIKAS, a progressive history-oriented organization of the University of the Philippines, Diliman, gathered into a mini-reunion for the launch of Mga Dasô, a compilation of martial law stories in the Bicol Region, at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani in Quezon City. Among them were the book proponent and editor Soliman S. Santos, a retired judge, and Paz Verdades Santos, a retired literature professor, who are currently based in Naga City. The couple have kept at it — the writing, not so much the street protests. Their work cuts out the efforts of remembering and retelling of the activism during the martial law years to the younger generation driven by the mission of preserving historical accuracy. . The measured scope of Dasô, a “regional approach” to documenting the gruesome martial law years, feels like the gentle shove needed for the young to take up the research and figure out the current parallels.
In an interview with the Good Life, Dr. Vandana Garg, orthopaedic surgeon and Medical and Scientific Affairs Director of Haleon for Southeast Asia and Taiwan, and Dr. Charles Villamin, an orthopaedic surgeon based in the Philippines, say that bone mass reaches its peak at age 30 and thereafter begins to decline.
“You know, physiologically, the bone mass peaks around 30. Around that age, that’s where you have the highest bone mass. After that, it’s all downhill,” says Garg.
‘You can’t restore it to the original condition. That’s why early prevention is very, very necessary,” she points out.
“It’s common among the aging population… women are protected by estrogen all throughout their lives and during menopause it drops down and this protective hormone reduces the bone density of these patients, which makes them susceptible to fragility fractures or bone fractures,” says Dr. orthopedic surgeon Charles Villamin, who teaches at the University of Santo Tomas and practices at St. Luke’s Medical Center.
“It’s a very common disease, a silent disease. But ultimately when the bone breaks, it’s catastrophic for the patient and also for the entire family due to financial burdens,” he points out.
If not addressed, the decline in bone health becomes pronounced at age 50, particularly for menopausal women, who are at risk of having osteoporosis and other musculoskeletal conditions such as knee pain and back pain.
According to the Philippine College of Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolism (PCEDM), “fractures of the spine, hip, and wrist are the most common fractures associated with osteoporosis. Hip fracture is a major cause of morbidity and occurs more frequently among the older age group. It is a source of disability, leading to loss of independence, and a major economic burden.”
3. Lifestyle – Avoid negative lifestyle habits. Maintain a healthy body weight, avoid smoking and excessive drinking.
4. Know your risk factors – Find out whether you have risk factors. Bring these to your doctor’s attention, especially if you’ve had a previous fracture, have a family history of osteoporosis, or take specific medications that affect bone health
5. Get Tested – Get treated if needed. If you’re at high risk you will likely need medication and lifestyle changes to help protect yourself against fractures. Dr. Villamin further breaks the steps down, saying that the elderly should engage in low-impact exercises, like walking, swimming, yoga, zumba and ballroom dancing. Weight training is also suggested because “muscles need weight, need pressure to be strong.”
“If you don’t use it, you will lose the strength of your muscles,” says Villamin.
“As for food, meat, eggs, dairy products and vegetables are a rich source of calcium,” he adds.
You know, physiologically, the bone mass peaks around 30. Around that age, that’s where you have the highest bone mass. After that, it’s all downhill.
— Dr. Vandana Garg, Medical and Scientific Affairs Director of Haleon for Southeast Asia and Taiwan
“Besides fracture, which is the most serious complication of osteoporosis, it can also limit your mobility and cause instability during daily activities….Loss of mobility results in loss of independence and leads to a feeling of isolation and depression. Pain caused by fractures may be so severe that they become debilitating and decrease their quality of life,” adds PCEDM.
In the Philippines alone, osteoporosis carries an annual cost of USD647.7 million from healthcare, premature deaths, and productivity losses.
According to a study of the International Osteoporosis Foundation,
l Less than half of hip fracture patients ever walk the same way again.
l Up to one in four die within a year of their fracture.
l Among survivors, 40% can’t walk unaided and 60% require daily help. Calcium: Building block of bones
Villamin says studies show that 97 percent of Filipinos are calcium deficient because of their lifestyle and diet and many are lactose intolerant.
“Processed food is cheaper right now,” he says. “They’re consumed by more people both in urban and rural areas.”
In order to keep the bones sturdy after it reaches its growth peak and correct the calcium deficiency, the Osteoporosis Foundation prescribes five steps:
1. Exercise – Exercise regularly - keep your bones and muscles moving. Weight-bearing, muscle-strengthening and balance-training exercises are best.
2. Nutrition – Ensure your diet is rich in bone-healthy nutrients. Calcium, vitamin D and protein are the most important for bone health. Safe exposure to sunshine will help you get enough vitamin D.
Text and photo by Diana
B. Noche
OUR legs reveal our true age. No, we don’t need to wear long skirts and ankle-length pants to conceal how much we’ve aged.
With pinches of whoosh! escaping from our nostrils, we make a few steps, sort of child-like hobble, and there it is, the sharp proof: We’re old! The people who used to be crackling wires of energy doing social roarings would now rub butter to their spine and knees to keep them walking strong past sixty for coordination and balance. The average person can walk the equivalent of five times around the world in his lifetime. One who nears his senior years is advised to take 10,000 steps a day to stay healthy. Probably a wise advice, but nevertheless, lessening the number of steps say, from 4,000 steps to 2,337 can positively reduce the risks of a cardiovascular disease death. One conclusive note: regular walkers have shorter sick days when taken ill. Our feet are the anchors and sustaining foundation for the whole body for support, balance, and proper posture. Strong legs are indispensable for individual mobility --- to walk, stand, run, jump, and sensibly absorb shock. Weak legs bring about faster aging and consequent mobility loss. Balance is compromised, stepping off a curb calls for some spunk. Legs are the first thing to weaken and lose strength as we age. Feet deficiencies can negatively impact the knees, hips, spine, and likely, our mental health. Walking is the most accessible workout. It is good for the heart --- a medicine to combat a winnable war: life’s risks,
ageing, and dying young. It is the ultimate exercise, improves mood, boosts oxygen supply in the brain which means less of an unlikely chance of an Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, raise energy levels and burns surplus calories. Walking improves digestion and stimulates the stomach and intestines. Get off the treadmill. Stop weaseling and flipflopping. Ignore the unpleasantness of copious perspiration and the idea of stumbling from exhaustion. No pain. No gain. So we get cracking, draw in the morning air and get moving as the sun warms up. Nature walks in the morning sunlight relieves anxiety and the previous night’s insomnia. Enjoy the sights and sounds around you. Breathe deeply to relax the lungs. Shake off
Dr. Garg, howeve,r offers a cautionary tale: “In today’s world, we want to stay indoors more in the air con, you know, or even if we go out, we put lots of sunscreen or cover ourselves with a cap or umbrella, we cover our skin. “So we are not, you know, able to get that enough vitamin D, which is also very important for calcium absorption,” she adds.
“Then if your diet is not giving you enough of these nutrients, then you need to top up. And the top up has to be an external source, like a supplement like Caltrate, you know?”
Dr. Garg points out the need for more information about the right kind of food to be able to have the amount of calcium in one’s body.
Bone Density Measurement Tests
One effective method for early detection is through Bone Mineral Densitometry or Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) testing, a noninvasive method that measures bone density, says Dr. Villamin.
‘It’s mostly required when a woman reaches menopause age, and for older men.” he says. “If you have low body weight or poor nutrition, if you have a sedentary lifestyle, you have smoking habits, you are a heavy alcohol drinker, you have medications that would lower the density like steroids, you might want to have a bone mineral densitometry.”
And if the test shows that one has low bone density, then the central bone mineral density test could give a more accurate picture of the condition of one’s bones, says Dr. Villamin.
Improved detection of individuals at high risk of osteoporotic fractures is crucial to ensure that they receive the treatment they need to reduce this risk, according to a recent report by impact.economist.com.
The report, Health drives wealth: the economic impact of health inclusivity, points out that in 2019, only 29% of women at high risk of osteoporosis fractures were receiving treatment. Worse, even after an older person suffers a fracture, 80% are still not assessed or treated for osteoporosis, it added.
The study further states that “improving bone health through better access to osteoporosis detection and care to reduce osteoporosis-related fractures of the hip or spine…results in an annual economic benefit of US$31bn in healthcare savings and productivity gains.
Walking the walk
PAST AND PRESENT MEET. Protesters from two generations take to the streets to call for reforms and accountability in the wake of revelations of scandalous plunder of the country’s budget. Edd Castro
HARD FACTS. Taken from the Health Inclusivity Index — a multi-phase project developed by Economist Impact and supported by Haleon, to assess health inclusivity in 40 countries spanning regions and income levels globally. Haleon
