SOME 30,000 fisherfolk are being paid from the International Oil Pollution Compensation (IOPC) fund nearly two years after an oil spill severely impacted Oriental Mindoro, according to Governor Humerlito Dolor.
He said that some of the beneficiaries were getting as much as P700,000, ABS-CBN News reported.
The oil spill, caused by the sinking of the tanker Princess Empress on February 28, 2023, affected the livelihoods of local residents, particularly fisherfolk, prompting compensation claims.
In addition, around 300 individuals from the tourism sector have started receiving their compensation, with an estimated 1,000 to 1,200 more expected to benefit.
PNP resurrecting probe into PCSO official's slay
In total, approximately 35,000 to 40,000 individuals from Oriental Mindoro are expected to receive compensation from the IOPC.
By Rio N. Araja
THE Philippine National Police (PNP) is reopening its investigation into the 2020 murder of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) board secretary Wesley Barayuga.
Pope Francis ‘critical’, Vatican calls for prayers
PBy Rex Espiritu
MALACAÑANG called former President Rodrigo Duterte a liar and a “one-man fake-news factory” after he accused his successor, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., of plotting to declare martial law, so he could stay in power beyond his term.
“We treat the former president’s baseless and ridiculous statements in the same way that Filipinos are dismissive of them: a tall tale from a man prone to lying and to inventing hoaxes. This hoax is another 'budol' [scam] emerging from a one-man fake-news factory,” said Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin in a statement on Sunday.
The Palace official reassured Filipinos that Mr. Marcos harbors no such thoughts.
OPE Francis is in a "critical condition", a day after he suffered a prolonged respiratory attack and required blood transfusions, according to the Vatican.
On Sunday, PNP Chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil said he ordered the reopening of the cold case after whistleblower Police Lt. Col. Santie Mendoza told the House Quad Committee that he helped carry out the killing at the behest of ex-PCSO general manager Royina Garma. Mendoza narrated before congressmen how Garma allegedly facilitated the PCSO official’s roadside assassination on July 30, 2020 by providing the necessary information about his schedule, details about his vehicle and the funding necessary to carry it out.
The Holy See however said yesterday morning that the 88-year old Pontiff spent a quiet night in the hospital.
The whistleblower also implicated incumbent National Police Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo in the planning of the murder.
"The night passed peacefully, the pope rested," the Holy See said in a short update.
Barayuga was a retired police general and lawyer who supposedly threatened to expose corruption within the PCSO shortly before he was shot dead in Mandaluyong City.
Garma, herself an ex-police Lt. Colonel, allegedly gained the top spot at the PCSO because of her in-
As this developed, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) reiterated its call to Filipino Catholics to continue praying for Pope Francis, following reports from the Vatican that his health is deteriorating.
"Let’s continue to pray for Pope Francis,” the CBCP said in a statement on Sunday.
Roman Catholics account for nearly 79 percent of Filipinos, or almost 86 million individuals as of a 2020 census.
The Argentine pontiff, head of the Catholic Church since 2013, was initially admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital with bronchitis, but it developed into double pneumonia.
"The Holy Father's condition continues to be critical, therefore, as explained (Friday), the pope is not out of danger," the Vatican said in a regular medical bulletin on Saturday evening.
"At the moment the prognosis is reserved," it said further.
Quezon presented a matrix showing Yang’s first appearance and his subsequent activities at the Quad
“We saw a pattern, and we tracked it to the top of these corporations... we stripped it of its layers , to get to the top and through it all, we have discovered and identified at least two main actors or players in the issue
Navy spokes debunks China claim of military exercises in Scarborough shoal
The two firms supposedly have connections with the Baofu Compound in Bamban, Tarlac, which, in turn, can be directly traced to disgraced ex-mayor Alice Guo.
During Friday’s Quad Comm hearing, lawmakers cited Tony Yang in contempt for “lying” to about his businesses and business partners.
“As our actions have consistently demonstrated, we will stay the course in upholding the Constitution, in adhering to the rule of law, and in respecting the rights of the people,” Bersamin said.
Quick Response Fund (QRF) in the central office of the DSWD. In Batanes, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) advised residents to secure their roofs and install window shutters as Typhoon Julian is expected to make landfall
“We will not backslide into the oppressive ways of the previous administration, when critics were jailed on trumped-up charges and when kill orders were publicly issued with glee and obeyed blindly,” the Palace official added.
By Darwin Amojelar
Bautista denied an online news report claiming that Malacañang was angry with the increase in airport fees without the approval of the Cabinet members. cious and unfounded,” Bautista said in a Viber message, referring to the website that published the said story.
“Bilyonaryo is inconsistent,” he added.
“Bautista and his long-time protege in Philippine Airlines, Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Bobby Lim, are at the center of the storm after it was
By Rio N. Araja
cent Trinidad told reporters that Manila troops did not monitor any such activity, adding that Beijing’s statement was meant only for its internal audience.
“Our troops did not observe any exercise, we have to understand that sometimes, China is doing this for their internal audience, right? For them not to look weak and embarrassed,” Trinidad said.
Two Chinese warships were monitored at a distance ranging from eight to 14 nautical miles. One of these went up to 1,000 yards at the MMCA site but eventually went away. “It was not threatening, just normal,” accord -
By Ram Superable and Rio N. Araja
THE Philippine government on Sunday publicly called for the United Nations (UN) to give it a seat on the UN Security Council, highlighting the country’s strong record and dedication to upholding the rule of law.
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo in a speech delivered at the UN Gen-
PRESIDENT Marcos will have to call a special session for the Senate to proceed with the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, Senate President Francis Escudero said yesterday.
'The Senate cannot unilaterally decide to hold a special session. There’s a process, a procedure, and a basis needed before calling one. It’s not that simple,” he told Super Radyo dzBB in Filipino.
Quoted
President Marcos, on the other hand, has said that he would call for a special session if the Senate asks for it.
Escudero's comment came after Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III argued that the trial could proceed even during Congress' break and asked for an all-senators caucus on the issue.
BALLSY . Young muscled
Eastern Samar gets its own medical school
THE House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a bill establishing a new state-owned college of medicine in Eastern Samar, House Minority Leader and 4Ps party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan announced on Sunday.
House Bill No. 11342, which Libanan authored, mandates the creation of a medical school under the Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) in Borongan City.
“Once the new state-subsidized college of medicine is established, we expect it to make medical education more accessible, particularly to students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds,” he said.
“Over time, we are also counting on the medical school to help address the shortage of doctors, especially in rural and underserved areas like Eastern Samar,” Libanan added.
Although a lawyer by profession, Libanan also holds a degree in medical technology. He is a native of Eastern Samar and previously represented the province’s lone district in Congress for nine years.
At present, only seven state-owned higher institutions of learning are offering the Doctor of Medicine program:
• Mariano Marcos State University in Batac, Ilocos Norte
• University of Northern Philippines in Vigan City
• Cagayan State University in Tuguegarao City
• Bicol University in Daraga, Albay
• West Visayas State University in Iloilo City
• University of the Philippines in Manila
Palace:...
From A1
In a speech delivered Saturday in Mandaue City, Duterte claimed that Marcos might go toward the authoritarian route like his late father and namesake by imposing martial law.
• Mindanao State University in Marawi City Between 2023 to 2024, the House of Representatives also passed five laws creating new medical colleges at:
• Benguet State University in La Trinidad, Benguet
• Southern Luzon State University in Lucban, Quezon
• University of Eastern Philippines in Catarman, Northern Samar
• Visayas State University in Baybay City
• Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University in Agoo, La Union
• Libanan had earlier urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to certify as urgent at least nine House bills seeking to establish additional medical schools in state universities.
PH, FRANCE MARITIME EXERCISE. The Armed Forces of the Philippines
engaged in a Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA), marking the AFP's third consecutive week of
The Philippine
in the West Philippine
From A1
Francis continued to be alert and "spent the day in an armchair even if he was suffering more than" the day before, the Vatican said. It said he had on Saturday morning suffered a "prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis, which also required the application of high-flow oxygen."
involved in this MCA include:
Daily blood tests also "showed thrombocytopenia, associated with anemia, which required the administration of blood transfusions," it added.
Thrombocytopenia is a condition that occurs when the platelet count in someone's blood is too low, which can cause trouble stopping bleeding—and can be life-threatening.
Meanwhile, priests and nuns from various countries gathered outside the
the
They also sang as they
around the
Convening...
From A1
Escudero emphasized that informal meetings or caucuses among senators do not equate to a special session that can establish an impeachment court.
Escudero stated that while the impeachment process may begin when sessions resume in June, the actual trial, which includes the presentation and admission of evidence, is unlikely to start until the 20th Congress convenes after July 28.
He also advised the prosecution to focus on gathering evidence and preparing their case instead of rushing the process, emphasizing that they have had ample time to get ready and should not later ask for extensions or delays.
"Everything we do in the coming days will be guided by the principle that, as much as possible, I do not want to give anyone a reason to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court and halt our process just because we yielded to those who are impatient and in a rush," he said.
However, House leaders are also appealing to their counterparts at the upper chamber to treat Duterte’s impeachment with a greater sense of urgency.
Manila Rep. Joel Chua, one of the 11 members of the House prosecution team, said the House of Representatives is all set for VP Duterte’s trial.
In a radio interview, Chua, chairman of the committee on good government and public accountability, said he believes the Senate does not have to await a special session call from the President and can convene an impeachment court on its own.
Asked about the stand of Escudero that the trial would start in July after the convening of the 20th Congress, the House prosecution panel member said they respect Escudero’s opinion. “But our stand is to immediately try the impeachment because that is the order of the Constitution. You
It can be recalled, however, that on May 23, 2017, at the start of the Marawi siege, Duterte issued Proclamation No. 216, placing the whole island of Mindanao under martial law.
The state of martial law was ex-
“Mr. Marcos is veering towards a dictatorship. I bet he will not step down after his term. It will be just like his father's time. He will impose martial law,” Duterte was quoted as saying in a mix of English and Bisaya.
know that the Constitution is not just an ordinary law,” Chua said.
For his part, House Assistant Majority Leader Jay Khonghun of Zambales appealed to senators to reflect on the gravity of the impeachment charges against Vice President Sara Duterte as they prepare for trial.
He raised a question to senators, asking “is it okay to hire an assassin to kill your wife or husband?”
“If a government official orchestrated a plot to assassinate the President, First Lady, and the Speaker of the House, and if someone made the same threat against your own families, how would you respond?” he further asked.
“This is the question senators must ask themselves as they fulfill their duty under the Constitution to try VP Duterte,” Khonghun added.
Meanwhile, House Deputy Majority Leader Francisco Paolo Ortega V of La Union called on Vice President Sara Duterte and her allies to stop abusing legal processes in a desperate bid to divert public attention away from the real issues surrounding her impeachment.
In a statement on Sunday, Ortega denounced the numerous cases filed almost daily or three times a week in the Supreme Court and Office of the Ombudsman against House leaders who upheld the rule of law in the impeachment process.
The lawmaker believes the cases were clearly meant to intimidate, harass and create media distractions, instead of seeking legitimate legal redress.
He was referring to the petitions filed by Duterte and lawyers defending her before the Supreme Court to block the impeachment proceedings last February 18.
“This is a clear abuse of legal processes. Instead of addressing the serious allegations of corruption and misuse of public funds, the Vice President and her camp are wasting the time of our courts with frivolous cases designed to harass those who simply did their duty,” Ortega said.
tended thrice by Congress at the behest of Duterte, citing the necessity to quell hostile activities perpetrated by terrorist groups, and ended with the third extension lapsing on December 31, 2019, or more than two years after the Marawi rebellion had ended.
The Duterte administration was also plagued by alleged human rights violations attributed to his bloody war on drugs.
More...
From A1
“This is the kind of reform directly felt by the people. More Filipinos can now seek immediate medical attention. They no longer have to wait for so long or to fear of high cost before going to a hospital,” he said.
With the introduction of the Facility-Based Emergency benefit in accordance with the Outpatient Emergency Care Benefit package, PhilHealth members can now receive emergency medical attention in accredited hospitals even without being admitted.
Previously, many low-income patients were turned away or forced to delay treatment because PhilHealth only covered hospital confinement.
PhilHealth has significantly increased case rate packages for nearly 9,000 medical conditions, providing higher financial coverage for pneumonia, cancer treatments, heart surgeries, maternal health services and other costly treatments.
Romualdez noted the adjustments provide much-needed financial relief for Filipino families.
“Sickness should not be a burden on every Filipino’s pocket. Before,
30,000...
From A1
Governor Dolor pointed out that Oriental Mindoro is the fastest province in the world to receive compensation for an oil spill, thanking the IOPC for the swift process.
The provincial government is also set to receive compensation for expenses related to the oil spill response, with initial assessments indicating a claim of at least P41 million.
Environmental damage claims are still being assessed. Those who
On January 26, 2023, a pre-trial chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC) authorized the court’s prosecutor to resume his investigation into the situation in the Philippines.
The investigation covers alleged crimes committed from November 2011 to June 2016, including the large number of extrajudicial killings in Davao City while Duterte was its mayor as well as in other parts of the country during his presidency.
a simple illness like pneumonia could lead to crippling debt. Now, PhilHealth covers more, and more lives are being saved,” he said.
While celebrating this milestone, the Speaker acknowledged that further improvements are necessary to make healthcare more accessible and efficient.
He stressed the need for faster claims processing, better hospital accreditation to ensure more facilities can provide PhilHealth-covered treatments, and stronger public awareness campaigns to educate Filipinos on their expanded benefits.
Romualdez reaffirmed his commitment to prioritizing healthcare reforms that protect Filipinos from financial burdens and ensure that quality medical services are available to all.
He said expanding PhilHealth’s coverage is only the beginning — what matters now is ensuring that these benefits are implemented effectively and reach those who need them the most.
“This is a big step, but the fight is not over. The real challenge is to ensure that no Filipino is deprived of medical services. The process should be easy, fast, and efficient. Health services should not be a privilege — it should be a right for every Filipino,” he said.
have not yet submitted compensation claims have until March 1, 2026, to do so.
The MT Princess Empress sank near Balingawan Point in Pola, Oriental Mindoro, while carrying nearly one million liters of industrial fuel.
The spill affected not only Oriental Mindoro but also parts of Batangas, Palawan, and Antique.
“Oriental Mindoro remains the fastest province to receive compensation for any oil spill in the world, and we are grateful that our people did not have to wait for such a long time,” said Dolor.
“It is the leader of that troubled past who is depicting us as veering toward a system where anyone can be deprived of life, liberty, and property without due process of law, as many had been on his mere sayso as a tyrant who did not respect the rights of the people,” Bersamin pointed out.
Comelec...
From A1
It said that the guidelines are intended to ensure that these debates are conducted with the same standards of fairness, neutrality and impartiality.
Under the rules, debate organizers must ensure that all candidates are invited, accommodated, well-represented, treated equally, fairly, and impartially. Supporters and family members must be accommodated in equal numbers.
Venue arrangements and moderator attire must avoid political bias or favoritism, the Comelec said.
The debate, forum or interview series must be conducted or filmed in a safe and controlled environment to show a sense of professionalism and the observance of proper decorum for both the participant-candidate and audience and questions and topics to be tackled in the debate should not be trivial, it added. Comelec said the appearance by the candidate/s in debates, forums or interview series will not be computed against their allowable airtime.
The organizers are also required to inform, in writing, the concerned Comelec office of the conduct of said debate, forum or interview series at least one week before the conduct of such activity.
The Commission said that its participation, if invited, is only as observer/guest only, which means it shall not be held responsible for any damages, injuries or losses that may occur during the event and that the conduct of the debate, forum, or interview series should be at no cost to the poll body.
hospital entrance to pray for their leader.
stood
statue of former pope John Paul II, where well-wishers have left candles bearing Francis's picture. "We are praying today for the Holy Father, Pope Francis, and our hope is that he will recover well in the Grace of God," Brazilian priest Don Wellison told Agence France Presse (AFP). AFP with Vito Barcelo
Rep. Marcelino Libanan
(AFP) and
French Navy recently
joint maritime activities
Sea.
assets
the BRP Jose Rizal (FF150), BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PS15), C90 aircraft, three FA50s, and Philippine Air Force Search and Rescue (SAR) units. On the French side, the French Navy’s Aircraft Carrier Charles De Gaulle (R91), Frégate Européenne Multi-Mission Destroyer Provence (D652), Force Supply Vessel Jacques Chevallier (A725), Air Defense Destroyer Forbin (D620), and Aquitaine-class frigate Alsace (D656) participated in the exercise.
Teodoro slams China on recent WPS incident
DEPARTMENT of National Defense
(DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said the incident involving a Chinese air asset in Bajo de Masinloc demonstrates China’s disregard for international law, dependability, and reliability.
“They have not been a credible citizen of the world, so to speak, and that’s the Chinese Communist Party. Their expansionism, their disregard of safety, and their disregard of the rights, particularly of smaller states, is now patent and for the world to see,” Teodoro told reporters at Wallace Air Station in San Fernando City, La Union.
Teodoro also stated that the Philippines’ alliance-building activities are being expedited.
“We really need to interoperate and to band together to prevent a redefinition of international law and the world order by the Chinese Communist Party,” he said.
Earlier, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that a People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) helicopter, tail number 68, approached a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) aircraft within three meters.
PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Commodore Jay Tarriela, described this as the “most dangerous” action taken by the Chinese military to date.
He stated that the Chinese helicopter’s maneuver posed a significant risk to the safety of the pilots and passengers and violated International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regulations.
In response, the PLA Southern Theater Command accused the Philippines of spreading “false narratives” about the incident. Rex Espiritu
Survey: Most Pinoys support AKAP
By Ram Superable
MAJORITY of adult Filipinos support the continuation and expansion of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), according to a recent nationwide survey by OCTA Research.
The Tugon ng Masa (TNM) survey, conducted from January 25 to 31, 2025, found that 69% of respondents favored the program’s continuation and expansion. Survey results also showed that 79%
of Filipinos are aware of AKAP, which provides cash assistance to low-income families struggling with the rising cost of living.
DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao welcomed the
findings, stating that they confirm AKAP’s effectiveness in supporting vulnerable individuals and families.
“This validates AKAP as a program that caters to low income individuals and families who are in need of augmentation to meet their daily needs, including food and transportation,” she said.
OCTA Research, an independent and non-partisan polling organization, conducted the survey using face-to-face interviews with 1,200 male and female respondents aged 18 and above.
The survey has a margin of error of ±3% at a 95% confidence level, with
FPJ BAYANIHAN. The FPJ Panday Bayanihan Partylist holds its grand rally in Lemery, Batangas on Saturday with an estimated crowd of around 15,000 attendees.
The partylist’s first nominee Brian Poe Llamanzares, his mother Senator Grace Poe, second and third nominees Mark Patron and Hiyas Dolor attended the event.
CIDG head challenges vlogger on search warrant plea
THE head of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) urged a vlogger on Sunday to sign a counter-affidavit and provide details regarding alleged irregularities in the execution of a search warrant on his devices.
The warrant was issued in connection with a complaint filed by Police Major Gen. Nicolas Torre III with the police Anti-Cybercrime Group against vlogger Jun Abines. The complaint stemmed from a post where Abines suggested Torre was in the hospital.
subnational estimates for Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao having a ±6% margin of error.
Awareness of AKAP is highest in the Visayas at 88%, followed by Mindanao at 85% and the National Capital Region at 81%.
Awareness is also strong across socio-economic classes, ranging from 78% to 90%, suggesting the program has reached diverse income groups. Support for AKAP’s expansion varies by region, with Balance Luzon showing the highest level at 74%, while the Visayas recorded the lowest at 63%.
IN BRIEF
OCD says it’s ready to lead national Kanlaon task force
THE Office of Civil Defense (OCD) is ready to implement President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to establish a national task force addressing the needs of communities affected by the recent Kanlaon volcano eruption.
The task force will involve key government agencies and local units, focusing on a comprehensive redevelopment plan for the affected areas.
At a briefing in La Carlota City, Negros Occidental, President Marcos tasked the OCD with leading the task force and called for the construction of permanent evacuation centers for displaced residents.
OCD Administrator USec. Ariel F. Nepomuceno affirmed the agency’s commitment, stating that the safety of citizens is their top priority. He noted the OCD has been monitoring the eruption closely and is prepared to mobilize resources to support affected residents through a whole-of-government approach. Rex Espiritu
Army personnel complete historic parachute jump
THE 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division (11ID) achieved a milestone with the first-ever recorded static line parachute jump in the Municipality of Talipao, Sulu, during the 1st Quarter Airborne Sustainment Training on February 16.
In a separate Facebook post, Abines alleged that police officers confiscated his laptops and phones without giving him the chance to close his bank and personal accounts during the operation.
Torre responded, stating he would only address Abines’ claims if he submits a signed document detailing what he observed during the operation at midnight on Saturday.
In his post, Abines questioned whether Torre was sick, sharing a photo he claimed showed Torre in a hospital bed, with the caption “CTTO” (Credits to the Owner).
BOC chief vows ‘heads will roll’ on smuggling
By Vito Barcelo
BUREAU of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Bienvenido
Rubio said that “heads will roll” after reports that some of the agency’s personnel were involved in the foiled attempt to resell the P270 million worth of seized smuggled cigarettes from Capas, Tarlac.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said that it is conducting an investigation on the possible involvement of certain personnel from the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in the recent attempt to resell smuggled cigarettes that had previously been confiscated by the bureau.
“I already instructed the Intelligence Group’s Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service to look into this matter and report to me immediately. The NBI has our full cooperation and I promise that anyone found involved in this will be held accountable. Heads will roll,” Rubio said.
Lawmakers on Sunday welcomed Torre’s move to take action against the Cebu-based vlogger.
“In today’s digital age, truth matters more than ever. We commend the CIDG chief for his commitment to upholding facts and holding accountable those who deliberately mislead the public,” the group’s statement read.
The group is composed of Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante, Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega, and Zambales Rep. Jay Khonghun. Rio Araja
The training, organized by the 6th Special Forces “Lionheart” Battalion (6SFBn) under the Special Forces Regiment (Airborne), involved qualified airborne personnel from 6SFBn and various 11ID units. It reinforced the division’s commitment to continuous capability development through specialized training. Before the airborne insertion, troops underwent extensive prejump preparations at the 1101st Infantry Brigade headquarters. A Black Hawk helicopter transported the jumpers to the designated drop zone in Barangay Buntod, Talipao, where they successfully executed their jumps with precision and discipline.
Maj. Gen. Leonardo I. Peña, Commander of 11ID, highlighted that the training reflects the division’s proactive approach to strengthening military capabilities for securing Sulu and its surrounding areas. He emphasized the importance of sustained airborne proficiency in ensuring rapid deployment, force projection, and mission success in territorial defense operations. Rex Espiritu
Cops arrest suspect, cohorts in Parañaque buy-bust
A HIGH-VALUE drug suspect and two accomplices were arrested in a buy-bust operation conducted by the Parañaque City Police. The operation took place at 10:00 AM in Barangay San Antonio, where officers seized 55 grams of suspected shabu, valued at P374,000.
The arrested individuals were identified as alias “LORINA,” a 39-year-old female high-value individual (HVI) from Parañaque City, alias “RUEL,” a 30-year-old male, also from Parañaque, and alias “ANGELA,” a 30-year-old female from Las Piñas City. The operation was carried out by the Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU), led by PCPT Luis D. Gazzingan Jr., Assistant Chief PLT Aldrin Engracia, and Chief of Police PCOL Melvin R. Montante. During the operation, operatives confiscated one heatsealed plastic sachet containing suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu), as well as seven additional sachets, cash, a blue pouch, and a mobile phone used in the drug transaction. The seized drugs were turned over to the PNP Southern Police District Forensic Unit for further analysis.
MASSIVE HARVEST. Edgar Romen, a farmer, shows his vegetable harvest in Barangay Palange, Naic Cavite. Robert Gines
PANAGBENGA
IN BRIEF
Angkas leader yields own driver’s license
ANGKAS George Royeca has voluntarily surrendered his driver’s license which was suspended earlier by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) over a recent traffic obstruction incident in Cainta, Rizal. The Land Transportation Office (LTO) described Royeca’s gesture as a manifestation of accountability and leadership.
Japan defense chief tours PH bases
By Rex Espiritu
DEFENSE Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. on Sunday toured his Japanese counterpart to key military bases in Luzon with a view to enhancing bilateral defense relations.
The two Defense chiefs were accompanied on the trip by other ranking officials of the Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Japanese Defense Minister Nakatani Gen was given a guided tour of the
‘NDRRMC gets extra P500-m in ‘25 budget’
By Rio N. Araja
THE House of Representatives has allocated an additional P500 million for the calamity fund or the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund to bolster the country’s disaster preparedness and long-term climate resilience, Quezon City Rep. Marvin Rillo on Sunday said.
In the 2025 General Appropriations Law, we earmarked P21 billion for the calamity fund. This is P500 million more than the P20.5 billion allocated in 2024,” he said.
“Our goal is to ensure that government agencies are well-equipped to respond to disasters, enabling faster recovery and continuity of essential services,” he added.
Rillo is a member of the House Committee on Appropriations.
He enumerated the distribution of the P21-billion calamity fund as follows: P10.7 billion for aid, relief and rehabilitation services in calamityaffected communities, including the training of personnel and other pre-disaster activities; P9.3 billion in capital outlays, primarily for the repair and reconstruction of damaged permanent structures; P1 billion for the People’s Survival Fund, supporting adaptation projects and initiatives led by local government units and community organizations; P3 billion for Quick Response Fund for the Department of Education; P1.25 billion for the Department of Social Welfare and Development; P1 billion each for the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Public Works and Highways; P500 million for the Department of Health; P500 million for the Department of National Defense-Office of Civil Defense; P300 million for the National Irrigation Administration; P75 million for the Department of Transportation-Philippine Coast Guard; and P50 million each for the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Philippine National Police, and the Bureau of Fire Protection.
Citing the World Risk Index 2024, Rillo said the Philippines ranks as the world’s most disasterprone country.
military facilities at Basa Airbase and several other key installations including the Fuel Storage Facility, the Air Missile Defense System Training Center, and the 4-Bay Hangar and Sterling Hangar which are essential for aircraft
maintenance and operations.
The group also visited the FA-50PH Flight Simulator, a state-of-the-art training system for pilot proficiency, and the C2 Fusion Center, a command and control hub for integrated military operations.
Following the visit at Basa Air Base visit, the delegation proceeded to Wallace Air Station at Poro Point in San Fernando, La Union.
They also visited the Air Defense Simulation and Wargaming Center, which plays a key role in military training and strategic planning, and the
Mobile and Fixed Radar installations which are vital for monitoring and securing Philippine airspace.
They were given an overview of the C2 Building, showcasing advanced command and control capabilities.
With the recent Philippine Senate concurrence on the Reciprocral Access Agreement between the two countries, both officials discussed and explored ways in advancing strategic defense partnership, particularly on maritime and air defense, capacity building activities, and regional security initiatives.
The LTO slapped a 90-day suspension on Royeca’s license following the Cainta incident involving Angkas riders who allegedly blocked traffic flow in the area, Royeca, a nominee of party-list ANGKASANGGA, emphasized commitment to his team over personal interests. “As a leader aspiring for public office, I am held to a higher standard. I take full responsibility for our actions because I owe it to our riders, passengers, and the public who have supported us from day one. I would rather face suspension myself than see our riders lose their ability to provide for their families,” he said in a statement.
Bataan turtle hatchery releases 192 hatchlings
ABOITIZPOWER subsidiary GN-
Power Dinginin (GNPD) has pledged support for the Sagip Pawikan Sitio Fuerte Hatchery for another five years ending in 2031. GNPD official Joseph Mendoza announced the commitment during Friday’s release of 192 turtle hatchlings at Sitio Fuerte, Barangay Poblacion, Morong, Bataan. The hatchlings came from the local Sagip Pawikan Hatchery which has 46 more nests with 4,595 eggs remaining to be hatched.
Mendoza said since September last year, a total of 20,977 eggs were released to the ocean from the hatchery. Butch Gunio Group donates rubber boats to Marine team
THE Marine Battalion Landing Team 9 (MBLT-9) of the 3rd Marine Brigade has received two rubber boats equipped with outboard motors to beef up the unit’s humanitarian assistance and disaster response capabilities. Lt. Jenny-May Rey, spokesman of the unit, said the boats were donated by the Humanitarian Missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The turnover was held Feb. 19 at the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) headquarters in Brown Hall, Marine Barracks Rudiardo Brown, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, presided by Brig. Gen. Gregorio Hernandez, commander of the Combat Support Brigade.
“These donations highlight the importance of civilian-military cooperation in strengthening national resilience. The initiative was made possible through the facilitation of the Philippine Marine Corps Foundation Inc. (PMCFI), led by Lt. Gen. Juancho Sabban (retired), executive director, PMCFI,” Rey said. Rex Espiritu
BARMM welcomes postponement of 1st parliamentary elections
THE Bangsamoro government has expressed its support for the recently passed law that postpones the first parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
In a statement, the Bangsamoro government said the rescheduling of the
RUBBER BOATS FOR THE MARINES.
The Marine Battalion Landing Team 9 (MBLT-9) of the 3rd Marine Brigade gets two rubber boats replete with outboard motors and other gear to boost its humanitarian assistance and disaster response capabilities, courtesy of the Humanitarian Missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
elections is a welcome development “to further strengthen the foundations of autonomous governance.”
“We remain committed to upholding democratic principles, fostering meaningful political participation, and maximizing the transition period to establish a
more stable and effective government for the Bangsamoro,” the statement read.
The Bangsamoro government also expressed gratitude to President Marcos and other stakeholders that supported the legislative measure.
“As we move forward, we call on eve-
ryone to remain engaged, vigilant, and united in shaping the future of the region,” the statement added.
The President enacted the measure postponing the BARMM parliamentary elections from May 12, 2025, to October 13, 2025. Rex Espiritu
said.
The LTO Facebook Channel has so far gained over 9,000 subscribers. Rio N. Araja
A MEETING OF TWO DEFENSE CHIEFS. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Japanese Defense Minister Nakatani Gen explore ways to bolster bilateral defense relations during their meeting at the Department of National Defense headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. Teodoro also gave the visitor a tour of vital Philippine military installations in Luzon. DND photo
OPINION
Definition of terms
DEFINE “forthwith.” Now, define “clamor.”
The Supreme Court is now being asked to differentiate the meaning of “forthwith” as per MerriamWebster and Roget’s thesaurus as against Black’s Law dictionary, or even come out with its own interpretation of what “forthwith” means in the Philippine context.
In short, Chiz Escudero versus Koko Pimentel, Frank Drilon, Colmenares et al. with retired Justices Carpio and Azcuna as amicus curiae, if the high tribunal needs any. Now Davao has added another knot the Supreme Court has to cut: Was the signing of the articles of impeachment hurriedly by the 215 congressmen legally correct to begin with? And since the rush to sign the fourth complaint was done in Feb. of 2025, while the first three complaints were filed in December, does this violate the one-year impeachment rule?
The issue of timing, that is, June 2 to convene the impeachment court and July 28 to begin trial versus convening “Now Na!” even as the campaign season has officially begun is also being debated both in the traditional and social media.
As usual, everybody has an opinion, even those with neither legal expertise or brains to begin with.
To this conundrum, a new word has to be defined -- “clamor.”
In response to a journalist’s question addressed to the Senate President in a recent press conference, Escudero asked “where is the clamor?”
And forthwith (used here per Merriam-Webster) Escudero said the Senate will not move according to whether there is a clamor or not, but according to its rules and its own appreciation of time.
Enter Koko, the gentleman from Cagayan de Oro who is running for congressman in Marikina City as his term limits have been reached. He will write a second letter to Escudero and ask that the Senate be convened into a court immediately, as in March, to try the Vice-President based on the charges brought forth by 215 congressmen.
If we go by numbers in measuring clamor, pray tell me: how do we define the clamor of the leftists, the social activists, the yellow-pinks, and the newbie congressmen who sashay into TV and Youtube screens to parade their “erudition” versus the 1.8 million or so Iglesia ni Cristo members who trooped to the Luneta and parts beyond?
Why is there so much bloodlust among these “activists” to destroy
the Dutertes once and for all, and deny them their soapbox come 2028?
Is it because they weep for the victims of Duterte the father’s war on drugs? Or because a Duterte daughter in 2028 would mean a new version of “tokhang” this time upon them?
“Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned, nor hell a fury like a woman scorned”.
Enough of the legal and political theatrics
That line from William Congreve’s play “The Mourning Bride” might as well describe what is happening to our politics, where Inday Sara’s “love” for the Uniteam has turned into hatred.
Better to “kill” her, “Now Na!” than keep her alive till 2028, when hell hath no fury than a woman scorned?
I can see where the leftists and the yellow-pinks are coming from.
Duterte the father has made them near irrelevant in the political map, at least for another nine years. And Duterte the daughter can extend that to 15 more, where political resurrection may come only by 2040, when most of us shall have been gone from this benighted land.
It is now a turf war between the Marcos-Romualdez et al. dynasty versus the Duterte dynasty, and the “others” mere “saling-pusa.”
They hope that by destroying one now, and the other later, they can have the wind blowing beneath their wings for whoever they would parade as the new “savior” three years hence. Good luck to them.
This writer asks, in paraphrase of the movie’s Achilles in Troy, “is there no one else?”
Can we not instead say a “pox on all your dynastic houses”-- old, new, resurrected and whatever, and bring forth (not forthwith) a new order, a new era, led by a new knight in shining armor?
That is what most of us should be clamoring for.
Meanwhile, enough of the legal and political theatrics.
Most of our people are worried about the next meal, the next electric bill, the next tuition fee deadline, and the mounting hospital bills of our sick, unable to dream even of a sturdy roof above their heads. Let us clamor for better and not the lesser among evils for the sake of the saling-lahi.
Clear the roadblocks to transport transformation
WAKING up every day to the reality of congested roads, and the constant struggle of getting from point A to point B feels like an unending battle.
For decades, we have watched as promises of better transport infrastructure came and went, while others are delayed in the maze of government bureaucracy.
This is the systemic connectivity problem that the newly appointed Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon has been commissioned to address.
Secretary Dizon is not new to infrastructure. He has been in the trenches of urban development, proving himself capable in both govern-
ment and private sectors.
He played a key role in the development of New Clark City and the expansion of Clark International Airport—projects that have set new standards for efficiency and planning. His expertise in public-private partnerships will bring much-needed efficiency and sustainability to our country’s transportation network. Why does this matter to us, the everyday road users, the workers trying to get to our jobs, the students catching an early morning train, or the small business owners moving goods across cities?
Because our daily lives and the productivity of all industries depend
EDITORIAL
Prayers for the Pope
THE 88-year-old head of the 1.4 billion-strong Roman Catholic Church remains in critical condition, according to the Vatican.
He suffered a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis that required high-flow oxygen, and was given blood transfusions, reported Agence France Presse.
Pope Francis has been at the Gemelli hospital in Rome since last week, having been diagnosed with double pneumonia.
An update given Saturday night warned the Pope was not yet out of danger, even as he was said to
on how well the transport system functions. Every additional hour spent stuck in traffic is time taken away from our families.
For businesses—big or small—delays in supply chain mobility directly impact efficiency and productivity, creating a ripple effect across the economy and affecting our country’s competitiveness on a global scale.
—“—
We express our strong support and trust that Secretary Dizon will be our champion of people centric reforms that will transform our transport system
There is a clear roadmap ahead, and if executed well, it could transform the way we move. One of the most exciting projects under Secretary Dizon’s watch is the Taguig City Integrated Terminal Exchange at FTI, a collaboration with Ayala Land. When completed, this terminal will be a game-changer, seamlessly connecting bus routes, the Metro Manila Subway, and major expressways. Imagine the convenience of stepping off a bus from Laguna and directly transferring to a train heading
be alert, spending his day seated on an armchair. He missed his weekly Angelus prayer for the second Sunday in a row. We join the Catholic community
May we remember the Pope not for his frailty in his time of sickness, but the spiritual vigor with which he has led the Church...
in taking stock of how he has over the past few years worked hard to make the Church more humane and inclusive. There have been no drastic
to Quezon City without the hassle of multiple modes of transport and excessive waiting times. This is the kind of integration we need.
Beyond Metro Manila, connectivity must expand to the rest of the country. Major inter-island bridges—such as those connecting Matnog to Samar and Leyte to Surigao—could drastically cut travel times and stimulate economic growth in underserved regions.
For decades, these areas have been limited to ferry systems. When these bridges are built, they will provide a direct lifeline to businesses and communities who have long been isolated by geography.
Rail projects are another vital piece of the puzzle. The stalled AlabangTutuban segment of the North-South Commuter Railway, the Metro Manila Subway, and the Calamba to Clark railway must all be pushed forward with urgency.
Experts have long pointed out that expanding and modernizing our rail system is the long-term solution to urban road congestion. The same goes for the MRT-4 from Ortigas to Taytay, which, if prioritized, could finally ease the unbearable congestion on the eastern corridor of Metro Manila.
However, none of these projects can move forward without addressing the long-standing problem of
changes or about faces, expectedly, even as some sectors demand that the Church be more responsive to the times and reflective of current dilemmas and realities. What Pope Francis is doing, instead, is to open up avenues for conversation and discussion, something that may not sit well with his conservative colleagues, but is well appreciated by groups that did not feel seen or acknowledged before. Certainly, more needs to be done in the coming days. As the faithful continue to wish for his recovery, may we remember the Pope not for his frailty in his time of sickness, but the spiritual vigor with which he has led the Church and which he will continue to lead in the days to come.
right-of-way (ROW) issues. ROW disputes have stalled major projects like MRT-7, the Metro Manila Subway, and LRT extensions for years. In fact, ROW is the primary cause of delay of all major infrastructure projects.
If Secretary Dizon can break through bureaucratic red tape and local dynamics, he will demolish the biggest roadblock to all the 176 PPP projects worth PHP 2.47 trillion in the pipeline.
With only three years to lead the DOTr, Secretary Dizon must focus on high-impact initiatives that will deliver immediate and lasting benefits.
At the same time, it is crucial that these PPP projects are designed with the public’s welfare in mind, ensuring that they prioritize accessibility, efficiency, safety, and commuter convenience in reciprocal partnership with the private sector investors. If he can fast-track these projects, prioritize commuter-friendly infrastructure, and ensure transparency and efficiency in the process, he will not just be fulfilling a government mandate—he will be changing lives.
On behalf of CitizenWatch Philippines we express our strong support and trust that Secretary Dizon will be our champion of people centric reforms that will transform our transport system that is modern, efficient, and inclusive.
This is an AI-generated cartoon with the prompt: Produce a political cartoon in horizontal format of an overcrowded shanty community. Hovering above the roofs made out of tin and cardboard and other light materials is a giant hooded figure. The cowl has a long hairy mosquito needle jutting out. Amidst the tatters of the cowl and the fabric are giant striped mosquito legs piercing the shanty town.
IN BRIEF
Musk says US gov’t staff must justify work
WASHINGTON,
to
“more
in slashing government spending.
Musk — the world’s richest person and Trump’s biggest donor — has led the effort to fire swaths of the government workforce.
“All federal employees will shortly receive an email requesting to understand what they got done last week. Failure to respond will be taken as a resignation,” Musk wrote. According to a copy of the email provided to AFP, federal workers were asked to submit “approx. 5 bullets of what you accomplished last week.” The email came from the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM), with the subject line “What did you do last week?”. The deadline to reply was 11:59 pm Monday, though the message did not say failure to do so would lead to termination. AFP
Beijing accuses Australia of ‘hyping’ live fire drills
BEIJING – Beijing on Sunday said Canberra had “deliberately hyped” recent Chinese naval exercises near the Australian coast and confirmed its forces had used live fire in an incident that rattled Australian policymakers.
Authorities in Australia and close ally New Zealand have been monitoring three Chinese navy vessels spotted in recent days in international waters of the nearby Tasman Sea.
Canberra said Saturday it had not yet received a satisfactory explanation from Beijing for Friday’s drill, which saw the Chinese ships broadcast a live-fire warning that caused commercial planes to change course.
China’s defense ministry hit back on Sunday, saying the “relevant remarks of the Australian side are completely inconsistent with facts”, while also confirming the use of live ammunition.
“During the period, China organized livefire training of naval guns toward the sea on the basis of repeatedly issuing prior safety notices,” Wu Qian, a spokesman for the defense ministry, said in a statement. AFP
Rescuers search for 8 trapped in tunnel crash
MUMBAI, India – Search teams in southern India were working Sunday to rescue eight workers believed to be trapped in an irrigation tunnel that collapsed during construction, officials said.
The accident occurred Saturday in the state of Telangana after a sudden inflow of water and soil caused a part of the tunnel to cave in.
Workers positioned near a boring machine managed to escape but another eight engineers and laborers near the entrance were believed to be stuck inside, the state’s ruling Congress party said in a statement on X.
“This is an unfortunate incident, but we are committed to bringing them out safely,” state irrigation minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy told reporters, adding that a coordinated search and rescue effort was underway.
India’s national disaster response force joined rescue efforts on Saturday night, with reports saying the tunnel’s ventilation system remained functional, which ensured the supply of oxygen to the trapped workers. AFP
Taiwan players choose nuclear in Chinese game
TAIPEI – To stop invading Chinese forces seizing Taiwan, board gamer Ruth Zhong chooses the nuclear option: dropping an atomic bomb on the capital Taipei to secure the island’s freedom and her victory. The Taiwanese board game 2045 is a zero-sum contest of military strategy and individual self-interest that puts players on the frontlines of a simulated Chinese attack. Their battlefield game tactics will determine the theoretical future of Taiwan, which in the real world faces the constant threat of a Chinese invasion.
“The most interesting part of this game is that you have to make continuous decisions based on the evolving situation, and these choices can alter the entire history of Taiwan in an instant,” Zhong, 36, told AFP at Sunny Boardgame store where she played 2045 with friends.
“I saw (the nuclear bomb) as a necessary move to ensure the survival of the entire island.”
The game’s release comes as China maintains military pressure on Taiwan, which Beijing claims as part of its territory and has threatened to use force to bring under its control.
Launched by Mizo Games last month, 2045 is set in the first 10 days of a theoretical Chinese invasion of Taiwan and before help from friendly forces has arrived. AFP
Israel delays prisoner release because of ‘disgraceful rites’
JERUSALEM – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu said Sunday freeing Palestinian prisoners under the Gaza ceasefire deal will be delayed until Hamas ends its “humiliating ceremonies” while releasing Israeli hostages.
Since the ceasefire came into effect on Jan. 19, Hamas has released 25 Israeli hostages in well-rehearsed handovers, with masked militants parading the captives on stage and forcing them to wave at Gazans gathered to watch.
In the seventh scheduled prisonerhostage swap, Hamas released six Israeli captives on Saturday while Israel put off releasing Palestinian prisoners.
The Palestinian militant group called the move a “blatant violation” of the truce deal.
Israel had been expected to release more than 600 Palestinian prisoners.
“In light of Hamas’ repeated violations -- including the disgraceful ceremonies that dishonor our hostages and the cynical use of hostages for propaganda -- it has been decided to delay the release of terrorists,” Netanyahu’s office said in a statement Sunday.
The delay will last “until the release of the next hostages is ensured, without the humiliating ceremonies,” it added.
From Washington, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that Hamas would be “destroyed” if it did not release all remaining hostages.
Families of the Palestinian prisoners,
1 dead, many wounded in ‘Islamist’ knife attack
MULHOUSE, France – A man who went on a stabbing rampage in France, killing one and wounding several others in what President Emmanuel Macron called an “Islamist terrorist act,” was on a terrorism watchlist and subject to deportation orders, according to authorities.
The knife-wielding suspect, later identified by prosecutors as a 37-year-old Algerian-born man, was arrested at the site of Saturday’s attack in the eastern city of Mulhouse.
Local prosecutor Nicolas Heitz said the suspect, who he did not name, was registered on France’s terrorist watchlist.
Speaking at the police station, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau said the man had “a schizophrenic profile” and his act had “a psychiatric dimension”.
Retailleau said France had repeatedly attempted to expel him from the country, but Algeria refused to cooperate.
The rampage occurred around 4 pm (1500 GMT) near a busy market in Mulhouse, a city of around 110,000 people near the German border. At the time, demonstrators were rallying in support of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
A 69-year-old Portuguese man was fatally wounded while parking attendants and police were also hurt.
Two officers were seriously wounded, with one sustaining an injury to a carotid artery, and the other to the upper body, prosecutor Heitz told AFP, adding that the latter officer was able to leave hospital.
Three other officers suffered minor injuries, prosecutors said. AFP
meanwhile, waited hours on Saturday for their loved ones to be released from Israeli custody, only to be disappointed.
“We wait for them, to hug them, and see them, but Netanyahu is always stalling,” said Fatiha Abu Abdullah, a mother in the southern Gaza city of Khan Yunis.
“God willing, they will be released soon,” added Abdullah, whose son has been in an Israeli prison since November.
‘Coming back home’ The Palestinian Prisoners’ Club advocacy group had said Israel would free 620 inmates on Saturday, most of them Gazans taken into custody during the war. Before Netanyahu’s announcement, Hamas spokesperson Abdel Latif alQanou said Israel’s “failure to comply with the release... at the agreed-upon time constitutes a blatant violation of the agreement”.
Qanou called on the truce mediators to pressure Israel to “implement its provisions without delay or obstruction”.
The six Israelis released Saturday were the last group of living hostages set to be freed under the truce’s first phase. The deal is due to expire in early March.
Negotiations for a second phase, which is meant to lead to a permanent end to the war triggered by Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, have yet to begin.
At a ceremony in Nuseirat, central Gaza, Eliya Cohen, 27, Omer Shem Tov, 22, and Israeli-Argentine Omer Wenkert, 23, waved from a stage, flanked by masked Hamas militants, before their handover to the Red Cross.
“I saw the look on his face, he’s calm, he knows he’s coming back home... He’s a real hero,” said Wenkert’s friend Rory Grosz. AFP
Doncic stars as Lakers
rout Nuggets, Suns win
LOS ANGELES—Luka Doncic delivered a dominant 32-point performance as the Los Angeles Lakers snapped the Denver Nuggets’ nine-game winning streak on Saturday with an impressive 123-100 victory on the road in Colorado.
playing only his fourth game for the Lakers since his blockbuster trade from Dallas, was in scintillating form as the Lakers conjured a statement wire-to-wire win over their Western Conference rivals.
The Slovenian superstar was the standout performer on a night when the Lakers saw four players finish with 20 points or more for the first time this season.
Doncic finished with 32 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists while LeBron James backed him with 25 points. Austin Reaves added 23 points and Rui Hachimura 21.
“I’m starting to feel a little bit more like myself -- that’s why I was smiling the whole game,” Doncic told ESPN afterward.
“There’s still a lot of room for improvement and this is only my fourth game. Chemistry takes time. But you saw today that things are getting better.”
Doncic had signalled he was in the mood for a stellar performance early in the first quarter, arrowing a couple of superb passes to James and Jaxson Hayes to help the Lakers ta ke an 8-3 lead.
A sublime three-pointer from Doncic put the Lakers into a 31-18 lead as the
visitors remained firmly on top.
Doncic finished the first quarter with 16 points, four rebounds and three assists and was soon back into the groove in the second quarter.
A delicate lobbed assist to James for an alley-oop dunk made it 60-52 before Doncic unfurled a 24-foot three-pointer to put the Lakers 11 points up.
The Nuggets closed the deficit to 6354 at the half, but the Lakers remained in control for much of the third quarter, taking a nine-point advantage into the final frame.
The Lakers continued to keep the scoreboard ticking over in the fourth, and Doncic put Los Angeles into a 20-point lead at 117-97 with just over four minutes remaining after another Denver turnover to effectively ice the game.
The Lakers improved to 34-21 with the win and remain fifth in the West. The Nuggets fell to 37-20 with the defeat.
Suns down Bulls
In other NBA action on Saturday, the Phoenix Suns halted their fourgame losing streak with a 121-117 road victory over the Chicago Bulls.
Devin Booker finished with 29 points while Kevin Durant added 27 and Bradley Beal 25 as Phoenix fought back from an early 13-point deficit to claim a win that lifts them to 27-29 in the Western Conference. AFP
Acid test for powerhouse Perpetual Junior Altas
By Dennis Abrina
PRE-SEASON favorite Perpetu-
al Help will be tested on Monday against Mapua-Malayan School in the National Collegiate Athletics Association Season 100 Juniors’ Basketball Tournament at the FilOil EcoOil Center in San Juan City. Gametime is 10 a.m.
After last year’s bridesmaid finish, the Perpetual Junior Altas of coach Joph Cleopas resume their quest for a first title, with nine holdovers responsible for the team’s first finals’ appearance last season since joining the league in 1985. Cleopas will lean on graduating player Lebron Jhames Daep, along with Jan Roluna, Aries Borja, Kelsey Baldoria, Icee Callangan, JD Pagulayan, Jericho Cristino, TJ Tabbuan and Lance Nitura.
The Las Piñas city-based school
hired six rookies to replace those who graduated, namely Amiel Acido, who is now with the University of Santo Tomas, JP Panelo, who is with with the Pirates, and Regie Ayon.
Rookie Kurt Velasquez and Louie Rosales are from the Batang Gilas, Felix Corpuz and Hanz Llupar came from Cebu, Kurt Patalinghug is from Lapu-Lapu City, while Renzo Zanoria is from Cebu City,
all of whom are expected to assist the veterans of the Junior Altas.
“We are focused and determined to win, one game at a time,” said Cleopas, noting that the teams to beat this season are Letran, Mapua, San Beda University and Emilio Aguinaldo College.
Newly installed Squires’ head coach Willie Miller will parade his new recruits Dwyne Miranda from Far Eastern University and Daryl Valdeavilla from University of the Philippines-Integrated School. Meanwhile, the Lyceum of the Philippines University Junior Pirates will meet back-to-back champion Letran at 8 a.m.
In other games, Arellano University and Jose Rizal University clash at 12 noon, La Salle-Greenhills takes on San Sebastian College at 2 p.m. and San Beda battles EAC at 4 p.m.
Wide-open race awaits as PGT kicks o at Pradera Verde
LUBAO, Pampanga—A new season signals fresh opportunities on the Philippine Golf Tour, but it also brings a fresh wave of challenges, particularly for the Tour’s battle-hardened veterans. With a new batch of promising Q-School graduates eager to make their mark, the race for supremacy is wide open, promising unpredictable outcomes and electrifying finishes.
The ICTSI Pradera Verde Championship marks the official start of the 10-leg PGT circuit, with all of last year’s leg winners returning, each fine-tuning their skills during the offseason to stay ahead of the curve.
Yet, they won’t have an easy path to victory, as the new season introduces a new crop of hungry challengers, including 26 of the 30 Q-School qualifiers who battled grueling conditions at Splendido Taal to earn their Tour cards. Among them, Korean standout Jeff Jung and former national team ace Carl Corpus, who finished 1-2 in the four-day elims, enter the fray armed with confidence and momentum.
Unlike past seasons where dominant players emerged early, this year’s field is more evenly matched, promising intense battles and thrilling finishes across all 10 legs of the ICTSI-sponsored Tour, staged at the country’s premier championship courses.
The well-maintained Pradera Verde layout – with its vast fairways offering aggressive shot-making opportunities – rewards both power and precision.
While big hitters may capitalize on reachable par-5s, the ever-changing winds and demanding pin placements ensure that no single style of play will guarantee success. It will also be a true test of strategy, patience and execution.
Even five-time Order of Merit champion Tony Lascuña, despite his wealth of experience, acknowledges that the competition is fiercer than ever.
“There’s no room to relax this season. The young players are getting stronger, and the course conditions will test everyone,” he said in Filipino.
This unpredictability is what makes this year’s PGT circuit especially compelling. Clyde Mondilla, who dominated the Caliraya Springs leg last season, is eyeing another triumph at Pradera Verde, a venue where he clinched victory in a historic five-man playoff in 2020.
He’ll be joined by other leg winners including Rupert Zaragosa (Negros Occidental), Reymon Jaraula (Bacolod), LJ Go (Palos Verdes), Angelo Que (Philippine Masters), Sean Ramos (Lakewood), Keanu Jahns (Forest Hills), Jhonnel Ababa (Apo), and Zanieboy Gialon (Iloilo) – all of whom have proven they can win under pressure.
Adding to the intrigue, multi-titled Guido van der Valk, former leg winners Ira Alido and Michael Bibat, and title-hungry Hyun Ho Rho, Aidric Chan, Ryan Monsalve, Russell Bautista, and reigning The Country
PUERTO Princesa is gearing up for an electrifying edition of IRONMAN 70.3 on March 2, as race organizers unveil a faster and more scenic course designed to challenge elite endurance athletes from around the world. Race director Julian Valencia confirmed the adjustments to the race central location and course layout, which promise to elevate the competition.
“We’ve made a few adjustments, including a slightly modified bike course that is not only faster but also more picturesque, as well as an all-new run course that takes athletes through the heart of Puerto Princesa City,” said Valencia. With over 400 participants from 42 countries, including powerhouses from Australia, China, France and the United Kingdom, the battle for supremacy in this grueling 1.9km swim, 90km bike, and 21km run will be nothing short of spectacular.
A new set of champions will be crowned this year, with top contenders already emerging. Among the men, Mervin Santiago, Julian Teves and Jeremy Ruiz are expected to lead the locals’ charge, while in the women’s division, Filipinas Bianca Española, Mary Pauline Fornea, Nina Pascua and Melody Amorin will face stiff competition from international challengers such as Thailand’s Anna Lobanova, Indonesia’s Citra Melati, Japan’s Mitsuki Tanaka-Tan, and the US’ Megan Brazell.
Adding to the event’s prestige, the organizing Sunrise Events Philippines, part of the IRONMAN Group, has confirmed an influx of world-class triathletes from South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, Canada, Germany, South Africa and more, setting the stage for an intense battle.
Beyond the main event, the IRONMAN 70.3 Puerto Princesa offers an action-packed race weekend. The festivities kick off with the Princesa Run on Feb. 28, a women-focused fitness run drawing over 300 participants. On March 1, young athletes will take center stage in the IronKids Swim-Run and Kids Run, while the Sunrise Sprint, a short-distance triathlon, provides an entry point for beginners and seasoned racers alike, also set on Sunday.
to encourage more people to prioritize their health,” he added. A successful turnout and exciting rewards
The event welcomed Home Credit team members, customers, first-time runners, and seasoned running enthusiasts, all united by a shared commitment to health and wellness. Participants received running shirts, race bibs, and loot bags from event partners, and finisher medals will also be shipped to them. Additionally, podium finishers in the 10K, 5K, and 3K categories took home exciting cash prizes—including a ₱10,000 grand prize for the fastest runner in the 10K distance. And since Home Credit Philippines is currently in its 11th year since its inception, special awards will also be given to the 11th placers per distance. Additionally, Home Credit and its partners made the event even more rewarding with exciting prizes, including gift certificates for ON Running Shoes and Suunto, Park Access vouchers, and smart home appliances from Xiaomi. Podium finishers also took home insurance vouchers from Singlife—₱7,500, ₱5,000, and ₱2,500 for both male and female first placers of the 10KM, 5KM, and 3KM categories respectively. These winnings are just one of the many ways Takbo #ParaSaLife continues to champion holistic well-being while making every stride even more worthwhile.
Joma Unabia, a first-time fun run participant and 10K finisher, shared his excitement about joining Takbo #ParaSaLife. “This was my first time joining a fun run, and I never imagined I could complete the 10K category—but I did! It was such an incredible experience. Thanks to Home Credit, I got to challenge myself and achieve something I never thought possible. This event has inspired me to stay active, set bigger fitness goals, and make running a part of my lifestyle. I hope to join again next year and push myself even further!” Looking Ahead
With the success of Takbo #ParaSaLife, Home Credit Philippines is already gearing up for next year’s edition—promising an even bigger, better, and more exciting event.
Members of the Perpetual Junior Altas team Dennis Abrina
GOLF CHAMPS. Members of the Eastridge-Primehomes team receive the Men’s Championship division trophy from PAL Director David Ong ( fth from left) and PAL OIC Executive Vice President – General Counsel Atty. Carlos Luis Fernandez (in white) during elaborate Awards Ceremonies on Friday night, bringing the curtains down on the 76th PAL Interclub golf tournament in Bacolod. Jeremiah Alagaban
Club Invitational champion Minwook Gwon are all in the mix, ensuring no clear frontrunner heading into the season opener.
Luka Doncic AFP
Doncic,
Tony Lascuña
MONDAY,
RIERA U.
RANDY M.
Filipinos aim for wellness at Home Credit’s fun run
MORE than 2,000 runners took a step toward a healthier lifestyle today as they joined Takbo #ParaSaLife, Home Credit Philippines’ (HCPH) first-ever fun run. As the country’s leading consumer finance company, Home Credit continues its mission of supporting Filipinos— not just financially, but holistically—by promoting physical and mental well-being.
Held at Parqal in Aseana City, and organized in collaboration with WeKenRun, a running group led by renowned marathon coach Ken Mendola, the event featured 1K, 3K, 5K, and 10K categories, making it accessible to runners of all fitness levels.
Apart from the fun run participants and the Home Credit executives and team members, guests and personalities, including Lester Cruz, CEO of Singlife Philippines, also graced the event to support Home Credit’s drive for healthier lifestyles. Employees from Boltech
Tall Blacks’ firepower too much for Gilas, says Cone
By Peter Atencio
GILAS Pilipinas was stunned by the New Zealand Tall Blacks’ firepower and coach Tim Cone felt their foes showed a better game.
Cone said this after the Tall Blacks displayed a ferocious spirit before a hometown crowd in an 87-70 victory in Window 3 of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers on Sunday morning.
“We just wished we could have played better and gave them a better fight,” said Cone as Team Philippines conceded the no. 1 spot in Group B to the Tall Blacks, when action ended at the Spark Arena in Auckland.
The Tall Blacks started strong and were shooting from all angles, with Cone ruing his wards could have been better as they absorbed their second straight loss.
Cone said Team Philippines felt the intensity of the Tall Blacks’s game with the energy they showed in building up a big lead early in the game.
“They came out. The Tall Blacks came out. And they smashed us early. They just gave us a smashed mouth and we just never really recovered,” added Cone. With big man Tohi Smith-Milner leading NZ by scoring 25 points and hauling nine rebounds, NZ con-
cluded its Group B assignment with a 5-1 win-loss record.
“I think for us, there was a lot of importance on this game to come in and secure the top seed, first and foremost, out of our pool and into the Asia Cup,” said new TallBlacks’ coach Judd Flavell.
Gilas, which never recovered from the Tall Blacks’ first-quarter blitz, settled for second spot with a 4-2 slate.
The Tall Blacks, who avenged their 89-93 loss to the Philippines in November last year, took the lead behind three triples from Corey Webster, Smith-Milner and Max Darling for a 25-13 score in the last 2:53 of the first, after moving away from an 8-7 count.
Webster and Reuben Te Rangi chipped 14 and 12 points, respectively, for the Tall Blacks.
“They came out with all guns firing, Jordan Nga Tai with a couple of threes before he got to the rim, and that set the tone,” added Cone.
Both sides have already made it to the tournament proper of the Asia Cup in Saudi Arabia, with the Tall Blacks, getting a place in the best pool in August.
The Tall Black’s flurry of three pointers in first half handed them a 53-33 spread at halftime.
They were up by as much as 28 points and stayed in the lead even if Gilas came to within 11, 77-66, with 6:28 to go in the final frame behind Chris Newsome and Justin Brownlee.
NU Bullpups near twice-to-beat advantage
NATIONAL University Nazareth
School inched closer to securing the first twice-to-beat advantage in the UAAP Season 87 Boys’ Basketball Final Four after an emphatic 89-70 victory over University of the East on Sunday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre. Later in the day, University of Santo Tomas clinched at least a playoff berth with an 82-72 triumph over Ateneo de Manila University.
With their 10th win of the season, the Bullpups are now just one victory away from securing a playoff incentive and three wins short of an outright Finals berth.
“Malayo pa kami sa goal namin, which is ‘yung championship,” said Bullpups head coach Kevin De Castro. “For this game, maganda na madaming nag-step up para sa amin, kasi ‘yun nga, malapit na ‘yung Final Four.”
Reigning MVP Collins Akowe recorded his 10th double-double of the season, finishing with 18 points, 18 rebounds,
two assists, one steal, and a block. Akowe was not alone in carrying the offensive load, as Macmac Alfanta led the Bullpups with 18 points, Chad Cartel contributed 13 points and five
assists, while Migs Palanca added an efficient 10 points and seven rebounds. Grade 11 guard Mot Matias also had a standout performance, dishing out eight assists without a single turnover
while chipping in five points.
“This game, talagang naglaro sila. They showed up as a team. ‘Yun nga, 27 assists—heto naman ‘yung gusto ko sa team namin,” De Castro added.
NU set the tone early, taking a 2314 lead in the opening period before blowing the game wide open with a 30-point advantage, 75-45.
Meanwhile, Koji Buenaflor, off a suspension, powered UST’s bounceback effort following a narrow loss to FEU-Diliman.
The 19-year-old big man, who missed the Baby Tamaraws game after accumulating two unsportsmanlike fouls, made his presence felt with 14 points and eight rebounds, helping the Tiger Cubs improve to 9-2.
FEU-Diliman (7-2) was still playing UPIS (0-10) as of publishing time.
“Ever since nu’ng first round, lahat ng panalo namin ay dahil sa good start. So I keep on telling the boys na malaking factor ‘yung magandang start namin palagi, so kailangan i-maintain namin ‘yan every game,” said Tiger Cubs’ head coach Manu Inigo.
Superal, Constantino lead chase as LPGT Pradera Verde fires o
LUBAO, Pampanga—The ICTSI Pradera Verde Championship ushers in the new season of the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour with one of the strongest fields ever assembled, setting the stage for a highly competitive and unpredictable battle for supremacy at Pradera Verde here today (Monday, Feb. 24).
Leading the charge is a star-studded lineup featuring Asia Pacific Cup champion Princess Superal, reigning Order of Merit (OOM) winner Harmie Constantino, multi-titled Daniella Uy, Chanelle Avaricio, Sarah Ababa, Florence Bisera and Chihiro Ikeda. They’ll be joined by a talented crop of rising stars, including Mafy Singson, Mikha Fortuna and Tiffany Lee, all eager to make their mark. Also in the fold are experienced campaigners Marvi Monsalve, Gretchen Villacencio and Pamela Mariano, along with Laurea Duque, Velinda Castil, Sam Bruce, Kayla Nocum and the returning Sunshine Baraquiel and Seoyun Kim.
With this stacked field, the season opener is shaping up to be a thrilling and unpredictable showdown.
Among the contenders, Bisera enters with momentum, having emerged as the top-performing Filipina in the recent ICTSI-WWL Group Philippine Ladies Masters at The Country Club. Her showing in the elite international event gives her a confidence boost as she takes on Pradera Verde’s demanding layout, where aggressive shot-making is both rewarded and tested.
The course’s meticulously maintained fairways offer opportunities for bold play, but Pradera Verde’s shifting winds and tricky pin placements ensure that success will require more than just length off the tee. Shot selection, course management and mental toughness will be key in the 54-hole championship, where no single playing style guarantees victory.
All eyes will be on Constantino, who looks to bounce back after withdrawing from the PH Ladies
Masters due to injury. The four-leg aiming to replicate season, where she tournaments. While she struggled midway through the year, she regained form just in time, clinching the season-ending leg in brutal conditions at Negros Occidental to secure another OOM title.
However, the new season presents a different challenge—there is no clear favorite, and the title is up for grabs. With such a stacked field, anyone could emerge on top after 54 holes. While Superal has been a dominant force in the past, she is eager to bounce back from a string of lackluster performances. The former US Girls’ Junior champion has set the standard in Philippine women’s golf, but she remains cautious about her form heading into the season opener.
and SM, along with valued event partners from Xiaomi, Park Access, and Singlife, also joined the race.
Championing holistic wellness
“According to the World Health Organization, about 38% of Filipinos are physically inactive, putting them at risk for lifestylerelated diseases. As the Filipinos’ trusted ally, not just in financial inclusion but in overall well-being, Home Credit is committed to encouraging communities to embrace a healthier lifestyle,” Petr Lukosz, HCPH Chief CRM Officer and 2x Ironman Philippines Champion said.
“Seeing people of all ages and backgrounds come together for this run is truly inspiring. At Home Credit, we believe that wellness is an essential part of living a fulfilling life. Takbo #ParaSaLife is more than just a race—it’s a movement that we hope will continue beyond today. We look forward to maki ng this a n annual tradition
AGELESS Rachel Ann Daquis is defying Father Time.
Once thought to be all but retired in competitive volleyball, the 37-yearold living legend is back in full force in the 2024-2025 PVL All-Filipino Conference as she turned in a vintage 19-point outing in Farm Fresh’s thrilling reverse sweep of Capital1 last Tuesday, plus 13 excellent digs for a wellrounded line. With swinging attacks consistent as the hands of time itself, Daquis stepped up as the much-needed veteran presence in the clutch for a young Farm Fresh squad, and fittingly, hammered the match-winning kill to lift the Foxies to a franchise-best 5-6 record at the end of the preliminary round.
For her throwback exploits, Daquis earned herself a unanimous selection as the PVL Press Corps Player of the Week presented by Pilipinas Live for the period of February 18 to 22.
The former Cignal mainstay, playing in her first tournament since the 2023 Invitational Conference, bested fellow icon Alyssa Valdez of Creamline, Petro Gazz’s MJ Phillips, Cignal’s Vanie Gandler, Choco Mucho’s Isa Molde, and PLDT’s possible MVP candidate Savi Davison for the weekly plum decided by reporters covering the competition streamed live and ondemand via the Pilipinas Live app and on www.pvl.ph.
Though already fulfilled in her career and just content with helping out the younger volleyball generations, Daquis remains hungry by example for her teammates as they scale a steep incline towards a breakthrough PVL title in the sixmonth competition organized by Sports Vision.
“Kulang pa talaga kasi kung okay kami hindi kami aabot ng fifth set eh, so una palang babanat na kami,” she said after the win over Capital1. “Ibig sabihin, kulang pa, pero may progress. ‘Yun naman importante eh, ‘yung paangat kami one step at a time.”
Over 2,000 runners participated in Takbo #ParaSaLife, Home Credit Philippines’ rst-ever fun run held at Parqal in Aseana City. Organized with WeKenRun, the event o ered 1K, 3K, 5K, and 10K categories, promoting health and wellness among Filipinos and reinforcing Home Credit’s commitment to supporting customers not just nancially, but holistically.
NU’s Roje Matias celebrates after scoring a basket.
Rachel Ann Daquis
SRA readies plan to import 165,000 tons of refined sugar next month
165,000 MT
Planned sugar imports in March 2025
250,000 MT
Planned sugar imports in 2025
66,000 MT
Sugar exports to US under quota system
Ayala Land eyes
15 logistic hubs, 4,000 hotel rooms
By Jenniffer B. Austria
PROPERTY developer Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) is making big bets on hospitality and industrial real estate to complement its core residential and mall businesses.
ALI president and chief executive Anna Ma. Margarita Dy said in a recent analyst briefing the group plans to build 15 logistic parks across its properties over the next five years. Four of them will be launched this year.
“On these logistic parks, we will build a nationwide network of cold storage facilities providing logistic requirement of various industries,” Dy said.
“This way we can use our assets and capabilities to help improve our country’s supply chain and food security,” she said.
ALI through its unit Ayalaland Logistics Holdings Corp. ended 2024 with warehouse gross leasable area of 340,000 square meters. It also launched two cold storage facilities last year, one in Batangas and another in Mabalacat, Pampanga.
ALLHC said it continues to increase its industrial park footprint with the expansion of existing technoparks this year. It is also expects warehouse leasing and cold storage segments to grow with the addition of new sites and facilities for the leasing portfolio.
Dy said for the hospitality business, the company plans to add 4,000 hotel rooms over the next five years.
“These include expansion of hospitality portfolio by adding new brands to serve different market segment,” she said.
ALI is set to complete the refurbishment of four hotels this year, including Lagen Resort in El Nido, which will reopen in the third quarter. Another six hotels will undergo renovation this year.
By Othel V. Campos
BACOLOD CITY—The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) is set to approve the importation of some 165,000 metric tons (MT) of refined sugar by March 2025 to replenish stocks following the planned export of 66,000 MT to the United States under the country’s sugar quota program.
“If we export 66,000 metric tons, we will need to import approximately 165,000 metric tons of refined sugar to offset the cost difference,” said SRA administrator Pablo Luis Azcona during the turnover ceremony for P38 million worth of farm machinery to sugar farmers in La Granja, La Carlota, Negros Occidental over the weekend.
Azcona said traders were buying raw sugar at a loss from farmers to participate in the export program, following US prices, and the importation would allow them to recoup their investments.
The approval process has been ongoing since August 2024,
undergoing several revisions to assess its impact on farmers, local supply and pricing, while waiting for additional comments before proceeding with proposed importation before endMarch.
The SRA reported that the inventory of raw sugar is increasing, with about 200,000 MT of raw sugar equivalent seen in January, February and March.
Azcona said the initial plan was to import 250,000 metric tons of sugar this year, as suggested by the Sugar Board and the Department of Agriculture, but the final decision is expected by May.
To participate in the import program, applicants are required to purchase 500,000 metric tons of local sugar to qualify for an import allocation of 250,000 metric tons.
POWER PROFILE
By Jimmy Montejo
FRUITS don’t always fall close to the tree.
Dr. Aivee Aguilar-Teo, who comes from a long line of politicians, pursued a medical profession and found success.
She is the founder and president of the Aivee Group, whose flagship Aivee Clinic is known for skin care and non-invasive beauty treatments.
She said becoming a doctor of medicine was her father’s wish, not her own. She obliged, not realizing the difficulties, sacrifices and hard work involved.
Her father, Vergel Aguilar, served as Las Piñas mayor for six terms, or 18 years, followed by her mother, Imelda, in 2016. Her sister, April AguilarNery, has been vice mayor since 2019. Their late patriarch, Dr. Felimon Aguilar, was Las Piñas mayor for 23 years.
Aivee graduated from the University of Santo Tomas in Manila and trained in dermatology and cosmetic procedures in Louisville, Kentucky; Ramathibodi Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand; and the National Skin Center in Singapore.
She is known as a specialist in non-invasive aesthetic medicine, particularly in skin management, laser technologies, weight loss programs and regenerative therapies.
“We always have to make room in learning and discovering new treatments to provide patients the results that they want,” she said.
She began her professional journey in 2002, working at Asian Hospital and Las Piñas Doctors Hospital.
In 2009, she opened the first Aivee Clinic at
Dr. Aivee Aguilar-Teo: Beauty goes beyond physical appearance
Circle, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City. She said success came through perseverance, hard work and determination in the competitive dermatology industry.
“My husband and I combined our strengths. We focused on providing excellent care to our patients
By Alena Mae S. Flores
and building strong relationships. Together, we ensured growth by constantly innovating, staying ahead with the latest technologies and we continue to educate ourselves by attending conventions and trainings around the world,” Aivee said in an interview.
She explained her vision statement, “Building confidence, changing lives.”
“This vision stems from our belief that aesthetics goes beyond physical appearance — it’s about changing lives by boosting self-esteem. When people feel good about themselves, they carry that confidence into their personal and professional lives. I wanted to create a space where patients could achieve their best selves and leave feeling empowered. This philosophy has been at the heart of everything I do,” she said.
She credits her husband, Dr. Z Teo, a Singaporean cosmetic surgeon. They have two sons, Ken-Z and Kenzo, and a daughter, Kelicia.
“I met my husband Z in Singapore when I did a fellowship training at the National Skin Centre,” Aivee said.
Her recipe for success: perseverance, hard work and keeping up with the latest beauty trends. While looking forward to business expansion, including four more branches, one outside Metro Manila, Aivee considers Beauty Beyond Borders her “proudest achievement.”
She said the project enables her to reach out to underserved communities and help people build their confidence through aesthetic treatments.
“Changing lives and making a real difference in the lives of people who need it the most is something I truly value,” she said.
Burgos
Aivee Group founder Dr. Aivee Aguilar-Teo. Source: Facebook page of Dr. Teo
Analysts see PSEi moving sideways this week
By Jenniffer B. Austria
PHILIPPINE stocks are expected to trade sideways this week amid a lack of catalysts to push the index higher. Online brokerage firm 2TradeAsia. com said over the weekend the benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) is hampered by weakness in property and holding firms, which are index heavyweights. Overseas developments, particularly economic policies by the Trump administration and a dovish stance by the US Federal Reserve, are also contributing to the market’s overall weakness.
“Expect protracted risk-off sentiment pending stabilization of external noise, particularly concerning inflation-interest rate trends and geopolitics as the second quarter approaches,” 2TradeAsia.com said.
“Stay liquid for opportunities while the index finds a stronger identity around 6,000,” it said.
Meanwhile, the Philippines’ exit from the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) gray list is expected to attract more foreign investors to the stock market.
“With our exit from the FATF gray list, we are optimistic that the international community will see the Philippines as an even more attractive destination for business and investment,” Securities and Exchange Commission chairman Emilio Aquino said.
The market’s support is seen at 6,000 this week, while resistance is at the 6,300 to 6,400 level,
The PSEi rose 0.61 percent last week to close at 6,098.04, staying above the 6,000 level. The broader all-shares index climbed 0.85 percent to 3,660.28.
San Miguel eyes more solar, LNG, coal plants
By Alena Mae S. Flores
SAN Miguel Global Power Holdings Corp. (SMGP) is lining up several expansion projects, including 2,400-megawatt-peak solar facilities, small scale liquefied natural gas (LNG) power plants and the proposed 600-MW Masinloc coal plant expansion to address the country’s growing power demand.
“The company plans to continue its strategic development of greenfield power projects in parallel with its plan to acquire existing power generation capacity. The company balances the need for reliable and cost-efficient operations with environmental performance, and views clean coal technologies and LNG power plants as viable and sustainable options for its greenfield power projects,” SMGP
said in its securities offering prospectus.
“SMGP also actively seeks to identify and pursue renewable energy investments such as hydroelectric power and solar power projects, subject to the outcome of viability and feasibil
ity analysis,” it said.
It said the planned expansion nationwide through greenfield power plants over the next few years would
depend on market demand.
SMGP through subsidiary SMC Global Light and Power Corp. (SGLPC) plans to develop up to 2,400 MWp of solar facilities by 2039 in line with the company’s decision to significantly reduce its carbon footprint and transition to cleaner sources of energy.
SGLPC is putting up 117 solar power projects together with potential partners under the first phase of its expansion program totaling1,300 MWp across various sites in Luzon including in the provinces of Bataan, Bulacan and Isabela by 2028.
The second phase of the planned solar projects is expected to have an aggregate initial capacity of 1,100 MWp by 2039 across Pagbilao, Bohol, and various locations in Mindanao, including Davao.
WECAP Financial Inc. began its trading activities at the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), effective Feb. 14, 2024.
Headquartered in Makati, the boutique securities brokerage and investment advisory firm now operates under broker code 358 and short name WCAP, marking its entry as the latest trading participant in the PSE.
The launch of its trading platform follows a four-year journey that began in October 2021
SENTRIA GROUNDBREAKING.
Avida Land executives (from left) Jefrey Abergas, technical services group head; Raizel Matibag, project development division head for South Luzon and VisMin; Maan Martinez, innovation and design division head for condominium projects; Jeanette Saturnino,project marketing division head; Milfa Pagsisihan, sales operations division head for South Luzon and VisMin; and Aris Gonzales, project and strategic management group head lead the groundbreaking for Tower 1 of Sentria Storeys Vermosa, a 15-story building marking a significant milestone in its expansion within Cavite’s thriving property sector.
when WeCap acquired the trading rights of the now-defunct BDO Nomura Securities Inc. from BDO Unibank.
The company teamed up with PSE subsidiary Premier Software Enterprise, Inc. in 2024, which now serves as its order management platform.
WeCap also secured a broker-dealer in securities license from the Securities and Exchange Commission and approval as a trading
STI Education Systems Holdings Inc. (STI) said over the weekend it plans to continue building campuses to take advantage of its growth.
STI chairman Eusebio Tanco said its education business is poised to expand its school network, having achieved economies of scale and making the business profitable.
“The last few years we hit the economies of scale, meaning any growth in the topline will go directly to the bottomline. I think two or three years ago, we hit that sweet spot,” Tanco said.
STI reported a profit of P912.2 million IN the first half of its fiscal year ended December 2024, a 76.17-percent increase from P517.8 million reported in the same period last year.
The company’s revenues grew 34 percent, reaching P2.63 billion, from P2 billion in the previous year.
Tanco said the company’s success came from its business model, which required significant investment.
“That sweet spot is because of the model. We spent a lot on the model. I think the challenge on STI right now is capacity. We just have to build more capacity. Build more schools,” he said.
He also noted that STI is open to acquisition opportunities.
STI acquired Philippine School of Business Administration (PSBA), including licenses, trademarks and trade names in 2024.
The company revealed it would spend P950 million this month to build a new STI ESG campus in Alabang, set to open next year.
STI saw a 15-percent increase in student enrollment for the school year 2024-2025, reaching 138,060 students, compared to 119,543 in the previous school year. Jenniffer B. Austria
participant from the PSE.
“Our trading platform represents a key product that we offer to our clients, and our long-term goal is to launch our mobile and online trading platform that will make trading of Philippine stocks more accessible to more Filipinos, which is an objective we share with the PSE,” WeCap president Job Ambrosio said. WeCap also provides capital raising and advisory services. Jenniffer B. Austria
BUHAWIND Energy Philippines, a joint venture between Copenhagen Energy of Denmark and PetroGreen Energy Corp., is validating its project’s 2,000 megawatt estimated wind resource with its “extensive onsite confirmatory studies.”
Copenhagen Energy said the measurement campaign, designed with the help of DNV, a leading technical authority in wind generation, deploys two met masts and pair of dual scanning Viasala (light detection and ranging) LIDARs.
“The campaign incorporates access to three years of historic quality data, providing even deeper understanding of the wind resource potential. This ensures that we are well-positioned to bid in the GEA5 auction,” the company said. BuhaWind Energy earlier an-
nounced plans to install wind turbine generators of about 15 MW to 20 MW capacity each for the 2,000-MW North Luzon offshore wind power project, eyed to be operational by 2028 to 2030.
Thr project is among the most advanced offshore wind developments in the Philippines to date and will contribute to substantial direct and indirect jobs in the region, estimated at 24,000 over a two-year construction phase and thirty-year operational period.
The
DENGUE AWARENESS. Takeda Healthcare Philippines Inc. led by country manager Loreann Villanueva (seated, second from the left) and Otsuka-
Philippines Inc. president Ken Saito (seated, second from the right), with the support of the
of Japan in the Philippines represented by Health
Filipino inventor reengineers school building
By Roderick T. dela Cruz
SAN PEDRO, Laguna—A
Filipino inventor has reengineered school building construction, offering classrooms that can be built in a month and are floodproof, structurally-sound and heatresistant.
Gary Vazquez calls his technology Vazbilt Version 2—an enhanced version of his modular housing system that uses prefabricated posts and panels and massive screws. It allows for easy assembly and disassembly for expansion or relocation.
“With Vazbilt Version 2 used in school building construction, there would be no more suspension of school classes because of high temperature,” Vazquez said during a tour of his demonstration site at his three-hectare Field of Dreams/ Inventions N Innovations Center in this town.
“The interior of the traditional school building becomes a natural oven. In Vazbilt Version 2, air-conditioning is no longer needed because the air is free-
Filipino inventor Gary Vazquez explains how Vazbilt Version 2 reengineers school building construction in the Philippines to make it learning-friendly and convenient for students.
flowing,” he said.
Vazbilt Version 2 uses giant screws for the building’s foundation, instead of traditional concrete and steel. The floor is elevated to allow air, water or moisture circulation. “It is floated, actually, with a minimum of 60 centimeters. And we can go up to 1 meter high,” he said.
The prefabricated frames are easily assembled, while the walls are made of insulated panels, instead of heattrapping concrete hollow blocks.
The system employs a double-roof design to cool the interior by allowing the hot air to escape upward. Instead of air conditioning, the classroom uses a misting system, complemented by a high-pressure electric fan, also invented by Vazquez.
Vazquez said the misting system also helps prevent the spread of dengue.
He said he developed the new construction technique because of climate change. “Concrete absorbs heat, and in the evening when it’s cold outside, the heat is resonating inside. But during the day, cold also comes out. So the energy cost is high,” said Vazquez, who won a 15-year legal battle with a property developer over his Vazbilt system.
“With my experience of building 5,000 houses, I know what we need. So I started collaborating with friends of mine,” he said.
When inspiration sleeps: Ignition in a world of repetition
GREEN LIGHT
AS A VISUAL artist, I’ve gone through the motions between commercial and artistic work- a balance of self-expression, exorcism, and the need to eat. The interplay of client mandatories and creativity is a dance in which all designers engage. A time comes when utility outweighs novelty, and a designer’s work seems stuck in the void of formulaic compositions and concepts.
I get rare requests for design jobs, and recently, I was contacted by a former colleague who offered me one. While I appreciated the opportunity, I couldn’t help but feel perplexed. This person was from a marketing department with an in-house team of artists and creatives. It made me wonder if something was off, especially if they sought external help. It was not because of a lack of a workforce; they had many team members with impressive experience. The work had become redundant and mundane, lacking any hint of innovation or even a touch of, or at least, the notion of the contemporary.
The idea of ‘no idea’- or the occasional creative block is nothing new. As I prodded my friend regarding the situation, this was no isolated case of catching a designer at a bad time but was a symptom they have noticed amongst most of their design team through the years. The artists seemed content with repeating visual styles, concepts, and compositions that had worked in the past, with no motivation towards something new. This had to be addressed, especially in an industry where companies and brands must be competitively at the top of minds and engaged with the market.
I teach advertising visualization and art direction, and I occasionally meet students who are unsure of their abilities and hesitant due to their limited knowledge of art and design. I assure them that creativity and innovation, while traditionally seen as an individual trait people are born with, can nevertheless be learned, instilled, and developed. Besides, we do not work in isolation, as creative output in marketing and advertising is a product of collaborative work, capitalizing on everyone’s strengths.
In an exploratory study to determine effective creative processes, Johar, Holbrook, & Stern (2001) compared several pairings of advertising creatives and provided them with a common client background document and strategic brief for developing creative direction. It was observed that the team who were open to a collaborative back and forth among members and eager to explore different creative routes beyond their pre-existing orientations was evaluated as the most appealing and effective.
This Cross-Pollination of Ideas – where members are teamed with other collaborators (including external creatives and artists), or rotated across different projects, is a concept worth looking into. Management, as a facilitator of the nexus of the collaborative space, can bring much to the table to limit stagnation. Some actions include fostering
An organizational culture that allows no room for mistakes and penalizes missteps can foster risk aversion, leading individuals to rely on proven processes rather than exploring innovative ideas.
a healthy space for diversified idea generation, as seen above, as well as encouraging a culture of experimentation – through the implementation of design “sprints”- such as design or innovation challenges to push individuals beyond their comfort zones; the allocation of time for passion projects; and recognition of the quality of performance and excellence in the workplace.
Management must also acknowledge that experimentation entails mishaps and unexpected outcomes and be seen as an inevitable part of the process toward insight. An organizational culture that allows no room for mistakes and penalizes missteps can foster risk aversion, leading individuals to rely on proven processes rather than exploring innovative ideas.
These are but a few strategies management can explore to address creative stagnation, which can erode the innovative edge of a company. By encouraging a culture of experimentation and cross-pollination, companies nurture continuous innovation.
Creativity issues are not solely in the area or realm of the creative department, nor are they necessarily an individual process or issue, but are organizationallevel challenges (more on this later). We have only scratched the surface, with much more to consider regarding motivations, strategies, systems, and processes.
February is National Arts Month, celebrated by highlighting the creativity and talent of Filipino artists with various activities and platforms encouraging artistic expression and innovation as spearheaded by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). I encourage everyone to take advantage of this celebration of creativity and the arts when, more so than usual, access to work is at the forefront. These allow for fresh perspectives, inspiration, and an intermingling of creative spirits, all distinctly ours.
Dr. Miguel Paolo L. Paredes, a 2024 National Academy of Science & Technology awardee, specializes in creativity, design, advertising, sustainable consumption, and business. He is an Associate Professor and Vice Chair of the Department of Marketing & Advertising at De La Salle University’s Ramon V. del Rosario College of Business.
The views expressed above are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official position of DLSU.
industry. The increased volume of imports, both in absolute terms and relative to domestic production, was found to be the substantial cause of the over-all impairment in the local industry.
Further, pursuant to Section 8 of RA 8800 which provides that, “in critical circumstances where a delay would cause damage which would be difficult to repair, and pursuant to a preliminary determination that increased imports are the substantial cause of serious injury to the domestic industry”, a provisional safeguard measure in the form of a cash bond amounting to ₱400/MT or ₱16.00/40kg bag classified under AHTN Code Nos. 2523.29.90 and 2523.90.00, shall be imposed while the case is under formal investigation by the Tariff Commission. The provisional measure shall be imposed for a period of Two Hundred (200) days from the date of issuance by the Bureau of Customs of the relevant Customs Memorandum Order/Customs Memorandum Circular.
Imports originating from developing countries listed in Annex “A” covered by Rule 8.8 of the IRR of RA 8800 shall not be subject to the provisional safeguard measure.
Importers of Ordinary Portland Cement and Blended Cement from a country that is exempt from the safeguard duty shall submit a Certificate of Origin (CO) issued by the authorized agency/office in the source country of manufacture, subject to affixation of “Apostille” to the document or authentication by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate General, as applicable.
Moreover, Rule 5.2 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (lRR) of RA 8800 provides that “the Secretary when establishing that the application of a safeguard measure will be in the public interest shall take into consideration the following factors; among others: x x x (ii) the extent to which such imposition will cause a shortage of a product under consideration in the domestic marker’.
Accordingly, the DTI has established that the imposition of the provisional safeguard measure shall be in the public interest. With the commitment of the domestic industry to upgrade its facilities, and improve its production efficiency, consumers will have a better and wider range of products to choose from at competitive prices. However, while DTI is mandated to protect consumers, there is a need to balance this with the other sectors such as the investors and industries which provide employment to Filipinos. There is also a need to moderate imports to balance trade. If local manufacturers can adequately supply domestic requirements, they need to be provided a level playing field to enable them to compete with imports. This will allow the expansion of the industry’s manufacturing base and sales which will generate more jobs for Filipinos and allow the continuity of employment for the existing employees of the industry.
Further, users/consumers of Ordinary Portland Cement and Blended Cement will retain their option to choose between local and imported cement since imports will still be allowed. The imposition of the safeguard measure will only be temporary and is not expected to cause a shortage of cement in the domestic market considering that cement manufacturers have sufficient capacity to meet the domestic demand.
WHEREFORE, IN VIEW THEREOF, the case records will be transmitted to the Tariff Commission for the conduct of a formal investigation to determine whether or not there is a need to impose a definitive safeguard measure.
The non-confidential report of the preliminary safeguard measures investigation can be accessed at the DTI website: https://bit.ly/SG_Prelim_Cement
The notification and consultation requirements under Article 12 of the WTO Safeguards Agreement and Section 17 of RA 8800 and its IRR shall be complied with. Imports originating from ASEAN member states shall be governed by the provisions of Articles 11 and 23 of the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA). Other imports originating from member states of Free Trade Agreements that the Philippines entered into, such as ACFTA, PJEPA, AJCEPA, AKFTA, AIFTA, AANZFTA, PH-EFTA FTA, AHKFTA, and RCEP shall follow the notification and/or consultation requirements provided under the said FTAs.
Let this Order be published in two (2) newspapers of general circulation and let individual notices be sent to all interested parties including the country members concerned.
Further, member
This Order shall take effect upon the issuance of the relevant Customs Memorandum Order/ Customs Memorandum Circular by the Bureau of Customs.
Miguel Paolo Paredes
Roderick T. dela Cruz
VITRO activates GPU servers to boost AI adoption in PH
By Darwin G. Amojelar
VITRO Inc., the data center arm of the PLDT Group and a subsidiary of ePLDT, said it activated the NVIDIA-powered graphic processing unit (GPU) servers at its data center facility in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna.
Built to support enterprises, hyperscalers and AI platforms, VITRO Sta. Rosa (VSR), the 50-megawatt mega facility, is specifically designed to accommodate the rising demands of AI workloads.
Activating and operating live GPU servers showcases VSR’s advanced AI capabilities and enhances ePLDT’s innovative GPU-as-a-Ser-
DTI freezes prices in four Palawan areas
By Othel V. Campos
THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Sunday it imposed a price freeze on basic necessities in Puerto Princesa City, Narra, Brooke’s Point and Aborlan in Palawan, following the declaration of a state of calamity in these areas due to the prolonged effects of a shear line.
Effective for 60 days, the price freeze locks the prices of basic goods at their current levels, as mandated by Section 6 of Republic Act (RA) 7581, or the Price Act, as amended.
DTI Secretary Cristina Roque said the price freeze aimed to protect consumers from profiteering.
“The DTI is actively monitoring prices to ensure that essential goods remain affordable and accessible to all affected communities. Any attempt at price manipulation or profiteering will be met with swift and decisive action,” she said.
“This commitment is part of the ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ agenda—ensuring the welfare of every Filipino, no matter the circumstances,” she said.
The basic necessities covered by the DTI include canned fish, all forms of processed milk, coffee, laundry soap, candles, budget breads, iodized salt, instant noodles and bottled water.
Retail establishments found violating the regulation face sanctions that may include imprisonment for one to ten years, or fines ranging from P5,000 to P1 million.
DOE
endorses
vice (GPUaaS) offerings.
The milestone allows businesses to utilize cost-effective, high-performance computing, and accelerating AI-driven digital transformation.
“We envision VITRO Sta. Rosa to be the Philippines’ AI hub, forming the first AI ecosystem in the country,” said Victor Genuino, president and chief executive of ePLDT and
VITRO.
“This new milestone showcases VSR’s true capabilities to host the latest AI platforms that will reshape our digital landscape today,” he said.
To meet the increasing demands of AI, VSR continues to innovate, with ready plans to support up to 100 kW per rack. As AI technologies evolve, VSR will integrate the latest power and cooling solutions to stay ahead of AI’s rapidly changing requirements.
By enabling cutting-edge technologies such as AI, VSR contributes to positioning the Philippines as a digital hub in the Asia-Pacific, attracting global investments and fostering technological advancements that drive economic growth and innovation.
IN BRIEF
Group supports new DOTr secretary’s ‘pro-people’ stance on RFID policy
DEPARTMENT of Transportation
(DOTr) Secretary Vivencio Dizon gained support for his decisive action in suspending the mandatory full cashless payment system on expressways.
CLICK Partylist said it has long maintained that imposing penalties on motorists for non-compliance with the radio-frequency identification (RFID) system is anti-poor and creates unnecessary burdens for ordinary Filipinos, especially those who rely on cash transactions for their daily transportation needs.
Dizon’s statement that such a mandate “makes the lives of people difficult” is a testament to his commitment to a fair and people-centered transportation policy, the group said.
CLICK Partylist earlier raised concerns over the premature implementation of the RFID system, citing technical issues such as undetectable RFID tags, faulty barriers and unreliable topup mechanisms. These led to traffic congestion, un-
11 power projects for grid impact study
THE Department of Energy endorsed 11 power generation projects with a combined capacity of 4,500 megawatts to the transmission and grid operator National Grid Corp. of the Philippines for a system impact study in January 2025.
“In January 2025, the DOE issued 11 SIS endorsements, which are composed of two amendments and nine new applications,” the company said.
The SIS will determine the capacity of the power grid to accommodate additional capacities and identify necessary improvements needed such as transmission lines, transformers or substations
The DOE endorsed to NGCP the 2,000-MW Maton pumped storage
hydro project of Pan Pacific Renewable Power Phils. Corp., a subsidiary of Philippine Geothermal Production Company (PGPC), which is led by SM Investments Corp. PPPPC is developing the hydro project located in the municipalities of Pudtol and Kabugao, province of Apayao.
The agency also endorsed two pumped storage projects of San Miguel Corp.-led San Roque Hydropower Inc. (SRHI) with a combined capacity of 1,600 MW located in Itogon, Benguet province.
These are the 800-MW San Roque Lower East hydro project in Barangay Dalupirip, Itogon and the 800-MW San Roque West hydro project in Barangay
Ampucao, Itogon.
Other projects are the 82-MW circulating fluidized bed coal plant Toledo Power Co. of Meralco PowerGen Corp. in Barangay Daanlungsod, Toledo City in Cebu and the 304-MW wind project of Gemini Wind Energy Corp. owned by Vena Energy in Northern Samar.
The DOE also endorsed three projects of Airstream Renewables Corp. for grid impact study, including the 200-MW Real offshore wind farm in Quezon, the 100-MW Silang Maragondon wind farm in Real, Quezon and the 40-MW Pandan Labayat wind farm in Real, Quezon. Airstream is a subsidiary of listed NexGen Energy Corp.
warranted penalties and frustrations among motorists, it said.
The group said Dizon’s decision to prioritize system improvements before any mandatory implementation is a welcome move and a victory for Filipino motorists.
“We commend Secretary Vince Dizon for listening to the concerns of the people and making a decision that prioritizes the welfare of the commuting public. This is a pro-people, propoor stance that we fully support, and it reflects the position that CLICK has advocated since the issue of RFID penalties was first raised last year,” said CLICK Partylist first nominee Atty. Nicasio Conti.
CLICK Partylist said while it supports the modernization of toll collection systems, it has consistently called for a more inclusive, gradual and wellimplemented approach to ensure that no Filipino is unfairly penalized due to technical failures or economic constraints.
GLOBE Telecom Inc. said it is on track to positing positive free cash flow, driven by reduced capital expenditures (capex) of under $1 billion. Free cash flow refers to the amount of cash remaining after a company covers its investments needed to grow the business.
“Our focused approach to capex, coupled with the ongoing optimization of our network, has enabled us to achieve strong income growth and improved free cash flow. We are excited to continue building on this momentum in 2025,” Globe president and chief executive Ernest Cu said.
Globe’s capex for the year amounted to P56.2 billion, down 20-percent decrease from the previous year, and remained within its full-year guidance. About 90 percent of the capex was directed towards data-related investments, ensuring that Globe’s network infrastructure continues to meet growing demand for digital services. The capex-to-revenue ratio decreased from
Victor S. Genuino, president and CEO, EPLDT and VITRO Inc.
Robinsons Land transforms Sierra Valley as Rizal’s new hub
PROPERTY giant Robinsons Land is transforming the 18.3-hectare Sierra Valley in Cainta and Taytay, Rizal, into a bustling new hub for dynamic living, business, and leisure.
This development aims to create a sustainable, inclusive community where modern residential spaces, commercial opportunities, and lifestyle amenities come together seamlessly.
Sierra Valley, which is being designed as a new destination estate, will build on Robinsons Land’s successful track record of creating thriving communities, such as the well-regarded Bridgetowne in Pasig and Quezon City.
Flourishing residential community
The development is also set to redefine shopping and dining in Rizal. Robinsons Land is building the Robinsons Sierra Valley Mall, which will be the largest shopping mall in Cainta, covering about six hectares.
This retail haven will be home to a range of stores, including UNIQLO’s first-ever Logo Roadside Store in the
Situated along the highly accessible Ortigas Avenue Extension, the project is set to become a prime location for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. With the upcoming MRT-4 line connecting Rizal to Metro Manila, commuting to and from Sierra Valley will be even easier, making it an attractive choice for those seeking both convenience and connectivity. At the heart of Sierra Valley is Robinsons Land’s vision to offer a perfect balance between work and leisure. The residential component, Sierra Valley Gardens, provides modern, mid-rise homes nestled in a cooler, greener environment, with expansive open spaces, tree-lined pathways, and a peaceful atmosphere. It’s an ideal setting for families and individuals looking for a retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life, while still being close to commercial centers and business hubs.
Ayala Land and The Blue Leaf break ground on Arca South events venue
AYALA Land Estates, Inc. (ALEI) and The Blue Leaf broke ground on The Blue Leaf at Arca South, a premier events venue set to open in 2026. Located within the 74-hectare Arca South Estate, the venue reflects both companies’ commitment to sustainability, innovation, and community-building, further enhancing the district’s dynamic lifestyle offerings. The integration of The Blue Leaf into Arca South strengthens the estate’s diverse mix of developments, reinforcing its position as a highly connected business and lifestyle community. With an integrated and
mixed-use masterplan, Arca South balances accessibility, sustainability, and urban efficiency, making it a thriving hub for modern living.
“Before Arca South was Food Terminal, a food consolidation center where farmers and buyers would meet to trade food and produce. We honor that history by designing The Blue Leaf at Arca South to become not just a destination for gatherings, but a destination for great food experiences as well,” said Eugene Sandejas, managing director of The Blue Leaf.
Mayi Rodriguez, Ayala Land senior vice president and senior project
development head of estates group added said the integration of Blue Leaf into Arca South is a synergistic approach to strengthen the mix of developments within the estate.
“It is a key component in ensuring our promise of delivering a mixed-use estate that has diverse uses for a holistic and dynamic urban living experience,” Rodriguez said.
The Blue Leaf at Arca South offers a single, exclusive events hall accommodating up to 250 guests, ensuring privacy and personalized service. Designed with a focus on foodcentered experiences and advanced theatrical features, the venue promises memorable and multi-sensory gatherings.
This venue is the most environmentally friendly in The Blue Leaf portfolio, featuring rainwater catchment systems, energy-efficient appliances, and solar power harvesting. These initiatives align with Ayala Land’s commitment to sustainable development.
Positioned strategically in Taguig City with planned access to the Skyway and C5, Arca South’s accessibility and strategic developments foster economic growth and community engagement. The addition of The Blue Leaf further enhances its role as a vibrant urban destination for business, leisure, and celebrations.
With this partnership, Arca South and The Blue Leaf set a new standard for premier events spaces in the Metro.
Filipino design takes center stage at PIFS 2025
THE Philippine International Furniture Show (PIFS) and Interior & Design Manila (IDM) are set to co-locate from March 6-8, 2025 at the SMX Convention Center Manila, showcasing the best of Filipino design to the world. PIFS 2025 proudly presents its theme, “Philippines: An Archipelago of Design,” while IDM features “Neue Waves.” Attendees can anticipate a stunning display of premium furniture, lighting, and home décor, highlighting the rich cultural heritage and artistic innovation of Filipino craftsmanship. The event will feature hundreds of bespoke pieces, demonstrating the intricate details and blending of traditional and modern aesthetics that define Philippine design. “By showcasing the exceptional talents of our local interior designers, furniture makers, and craftsmen, we celebrate and acknowledge the significant contributions made in the industrial design sector. Indeed, their creations are a testament to their relentless pursuit of merging functionality and beauty in an everevolving global landscape,” stated the President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in a
dedicated message. This event aims to position the Philippines as the “Milan of Asia,” attracting international buyers and solidifying the country’s presence in the global design market. The focus will be on unique, high-quality offerings, emphasizing sustainable materials and innovative techniques from across the archipelago.
The event will offer a dynamic platform for emerging and established designers, with activations including an art installation by Leeroy New and a pavilion designed by Anton Mendoza.
The Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines and the MICE Industry Forum will also host an insightful seminar. Highlights include the Designer Awards, a Design Talk on diversity in Filipino craftsmanship and regional designs, and the “MVMT” Design Competition, inspired by the Movement 8 collective. Pre-register for free until March 4 at https://pifs.ph/registration. Walkin visitor fee is P300. Follow on Facebook for updates. Visit www.pifs. ph or www.interioranddesignmanila. com, or email info@pifs.ph or info@ interioranddesignmanila.com for more information.
PIFS is organized by Next One Now in collaboration with the Chamber of Furniture Industries of the Philippines (CFIP), Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation (CFIF), and Pampanga Furniture Industries Foundation (PFIF), and managed by Global-Link MP Events International Inc. IDM is organized by Global-Link MP with creative direction from the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID). The event supports the Ayala Foundation, Inc.
Philippines, ensuring that residents and visitors alike have access to latest fashion, lifestyle trends, and services. Alongside the mall, the Shops at Sierra Valley will offer specialty stores and services to further enrich the retail experience, turning Sierra Valley into a prime shopping and dining destination. A Prime Hub for Logistics and Business Growth
For businesses, Robinsons Land is also bringing its expertise in creating thriving commercial spaces to Sierra Valley with RLX Sierra Valley, a 2-hectare logistics facility designed for modern e-commerce, warehousing, and distribution. Equipped with Grade A infrastructure and located in a strategic commercial corridor, this logistics hub offers
businesses seamless access to major transport routes, ensuring efficient operations and growth.
Sierra Valley also offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities, with nearby parks, biking trails, and recreational spaces, as well as access to top-tier healthcare institutions like The Medical City and Metro Rizal Doctors Hospital. By carefully planning and developing Sierra Valley as a hub for modern living, business, and leisure, Robinsons Land is setting the stage for a vibrant future in Rizal. The project reflects their commitment to shaping the future of urban living, creating a community that’s as forward-thinking as it is welcoming, where residents, businesses, and visitors can thrive together.
WELLS Fargo Philippines has been awarded LEED Platinum certification, the highest distinction in the globally recognized Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system. With a score of 85 out of 110, its Block D building surpasses rigorous sustainability standards, joining a select group of just under 50 LEED Platinum and Gold-certified buildings in the Philippines.
LEED certification recognizes buildings that excel in key areas such as Site Sustainability, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality, and Innovation in Design. This achievement reinforces Wells Fargo’s commitment to sustainability as it continues to integrate environmentally responsible practices into its operations.
“Achieving LEED Platinum certification is a significant milestone for Wells Fargo, demonstrating our long-standing commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices,” said Mike Whyte, Country Head – Philippines, Wells Fargo. “This recognition points to the dedication and hard work of our team as we continue to reduce our environmental footprint and create healthier spaces for our employees and the communities we serve,” adds Edzel Reyes, Executive Director, Corporate Properties Group. “In line with our global sustainability
initiatives, we are committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, waste, and water usage, as well as achieving full renewable energy consumption for our electricity needs by 2030.” Wells Fargo has also taken steps to further its sustainability efforts in the Philippines. The company has completed solar-powered charging stations for twowheelers and is expanding solar-powered lighting across open areas at its McKinley campus. It has also been actively tracking carbon footprint reduction through the Move-in-Sync app for employee transport and will introduce fully electric buses to its fleet in Q1 2025. In addition, all Wells Fargo buildings in the Philippines have been running on 100% green energy since December, with
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2025 lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
Very Wang Nickie Wang
NSHOWBIZ
Camille Prats
EARLY 30 years after portraying the beloved Princess Sarah, Camille Prats remains grateful that audiences still remember her iconic role.
Speaking with Manila Standard Entertainment, she expressed gratitude that the role has remained in the audience’s consciousness, noting that even after the role has opened doors for her.
“I’m so grateful that people still remember my character, even up to now,” Camille said. “Before, I used to question it because my struggle growing up was to break free from that role. For a very long time, people saw me as Princess Sarah, especially when I had a child. They were like, ‘Huh? Princess Sarah has a child?’ So I made a lot of efforts to mature and did so many things to move away from being Princess Sarah.” Camille starred as Sarah Crewe in Sarah... Ang Munting Prinsesa, a 1995 adaptation of A Little Princess. The film cemented her as one of the most recognizable child stars of the ‘90s. Despite her early efforts to move past the role, she has come to embrace its significance.
“I truly see it as a blessing because that was the turning point of my career. And it’s also something that’s really nice to look back on,” she said. “I think Sarah will always have a special place in the hearts of those who grew up in the ‘90s.”
Now an actress, TV host, and mother, Camille has built a career beyond her childhood fame. Camille is one of the lead stars of the latest GMA
afterrnoon drama premiering today – Mommy Dearest
In the series, she takes on her first villain role as Olive, an overprotective mother whose love for her daughter, Mookie (Shayne Sava), borders on obsession. The psychological drama explores Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy, a disorder in which a caregiver fabricates or induces illness in someone under their care.
The series, directed by Ralf Manuel Malabunga also stars Katrina Halili, Dion Ignacio, and Winwyn Marquez Camile, a mother of four—including two teenagers—found a personal connection to her role.
“We all have good intentions for our children, even if sometimes they feel suffocated or hurt,” she said.
“Even if they don’t always understand where our love is coming from, it always stems from good intentions. I think that’s also the message of Mommy Dearest.”
“The series is anchored in love, but sometimes, we act on the belief that our intentions are good, without realizing they may not be what’s best for others. It’s a reminder that love comes in different forms—what feels like love to us may not be the kind of love others need,” she added.
Mommy Dearest airs weekdays at 3:20 p.m. on GMA Afternoon Prime and Kapuso Stream, with global audiences able to watch via GMA Pinoy TV.
CHRIS Pine stars in The Contractor an action thriller about betrayal, survival, and the harsh realities faced by former soldiers. Pine plays James Harper, a former U.S. Special Forces operative discharged against his will. Struggling with debt and a lost sense of purpose, he joins a private security firm led by a calculating contractor (Kiefer Sutherland). Sent to infiltrate a Berlin lab suspected of illicit activities, Harper is soon caught in a deadly conspiracy. On the run, he fights to stay alive while uncovering layers of deceit and seeking a way back to
our veterans, the ideas of freedom and democracy— these are all things I want people to take away from it.”
The film reunites Pine with Ben Foster for their third collaboration.
“It’s a joy to work with people you respect,” Foster told Looper. “It makes the job that much better.”
The Contractor is now streaming on Lionsgate Play in the Philippines, available
month.
BLOCKBUSTER star Kathryn
Bernardo will make her debut as a talent show judge in the upcoming seventh season of Pilipinas Got Talent (PGT), joining Freddie “FMG” Garcia, Eugene Domingo , and Donny Pangilinan on the panel.
“This is another first for me, and I want to experience it,” the 28-yearold actress said. “I think it’s a good breaker after doing Hello, Love, Again and before I start a new project.”
Comedian and actress Eugene Domingo said the panel brings a
mix of expertise, energy, and fresh perspectives to the long-running reality competition.
“FMG is the authority. I add the fun. Kathryn is the heart. And Donny represents the young generation,” she said.
Donny, who has co-hosted various programs, said being part of PGT had long been a goal.
“Pangarap namin ni Robi (Domingo) to do PGT together. Dati pa as in MYX days. I’m so glad they have put so much trust in me, and
right now, I’m just going to try to learn as much as I can,” he said. FMG, the only returning judge, said he was eager to see new talent emerge.
“It feels so good because it’s been so long. I’m so excited kasi baka ngayon ko makita yung talent na hinahanap ko ,” he said. Pilipinas Got Talent returns in March.
Hollywood actor Chris Pine in a scene from the film ‘The Contractor’
The newest set of ‘Pilipinas Got Talent’ judges—(from left) Freddie ‘FMG’ Garcia, Kathryn Bernardo, Eugene Domingo, and Donny Pangilinan
From left:
‘Mommy Dearest’ cast Katrina Halili, Shayne Sava, Camille Prats, and Dion Ignacio
Seasoned actress Camille Prats takes a villain role in ‘Mommy Dearest’
DISNEY Cruise Line has announced a range of new experiences for its upcoming ship, the Disney Adventure, including several firsts for the fleet, as it prepares for its maiden voyage from Singapore on Dec. 15, 2025. Among the highlights are the debut of Marvel Style Studio, a superhero-inspired salon, and the first-ever appearance of Duffy and Friends on a Disney cruise. Guests will also experience themed activities such as Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and the Royal Society for Friendship and Tea.
New experiences at sea
The Disney Adventure will introduce Marvel Style Studio, a salon offering hair, makeup, and costume transformations inspired by Iron Man, Spider-Man, and other Marvel superheroes. The venue will also serve as an adults-only lounge with beverage tastings at select times. For younger passengers, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique will provide royal makeovers, offering Disney princess and knight costumes, hairstyling, and accessories. The boutique will
Michelin Guide’s arrival: What it means for the Philippine food scene
the Michelin Guide arrives in a country, it’s like getting a stamp of approval from one of the biggest names in dining. It puts local restaurants and chefs on the global map, attracting food lovers and tourists eager to try the best eats.
A Michelin Star—or even a Bib Gourmand mention—can mean packed tables, more buzz, and a major boost in reputation. It also pushes restaurants to step up their game, raising the bar for the entire dining scene. Plus, it can bring in more investment and innovation, making the food culture even more exciting.
The Michelin Guide is finally coming to the Philippines. With inspectors already discreetly exploring Manila, Cebu, and nearby regions, the guide’s 2026 debut is set to spotlight the country’s rich gastronomic heritage and contemporary dining scene.
The Michelin Guide’s upcoming selection will feature restaurants in Metro Manila and Cebu, with potential inclusions from Pampanga, Tagaytay, and Cavite— regions celebrated for their culinary traditions.
“Our Michelin Inspectors have been following
the evolution of the Filipino culinary scene with great excitement. The country’s deep-rooted culinary traditions, combined with a strong openness to global influences, create a uniquely diverse dining culture,” said Gwendal Poullennec , international director of the Michelin Guide.
“In Manila, we see young, talented chefs redefining Filipino cuisine with fresh perspectives, while Cebu, as a leading tourist destination, offers an impressive range of dining experiences with world-class hospitality.”
For many Filipinos, food is an integral part of culture and identity. The archipelago’s 7,641 islands offer a wealth of regional specialties, from the heirloom dishes of Pampanga to the seafood feasts of Cebu. The Michelin Guide’s arrival is expected to elevate these culinary traditions to an international audience while giving local chefs a new platform to showcase their skills.
The Department of Tourism has welcomed the guide’s arrival, seeing it as a boost for the country’s culinary tourism sector.
“The arrival of the Michelin Guide is not only a testament to our country’s culinary excellence but also a significant leap forward for Filipino tourism, with gastronomy now forming a key part of our national tourism priorities,” said Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco . “In the Philippines, every dish tells a story, and every flavor is an invitation to experience our nation’s rich cultural tapestry.”
The Michelin Guide rates restaurants based on quality, skill, flavor, uniqueness, and consistency. Those that qualify can earn one to three Michelin Stars. It also features the Bib Gourmand category for quality dining at reasonable prices.
The list will be announced in late 2025 and published online.
Hong Kong tourism welcomes one-millionth Filipino visitor
THE connection between the Philippines and Hong Kong grew even stronger in November as the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) celebrated its one-millionth Filipino visitor of the year. To mark the occasion, HKTB hosted a
Mercury Rising Bob Zozobrado
THUS goes the first line of that hit song “Gangnam Style” and the phenomenal dance craze performed by the South Korean rapper, singer, and songwriter Park Jaesang, better known as PSY, which affirmed the bombastic entry of K-pop into the consciousness of the world.
The music video of the song became the first YouTube video to reach one billion views and was the most-watched for nearly five years. It was no surprise then that on this latest Seoul visit, I made it a point to know more about Gangnam. When translated to English, the word means “south of the Han River” and refers to a wealthy district in Seoul, which has luxury condominiums, fine dining restaurants, and boutiques that blend opulent fashion, avant-garde culture, and refined taste.
The many events held in this part of town feature the exuberant spirit of youth—dancing, singing, and performing with twinkle-eyed enthusiasm—serving as the catalyst for Gangnam’s pivotal role in the birth of K-pop.
Every autumn, the district hosts the very popular Gangnam Festival, which includes a Fashion Fiesta, open-air concerts, gourmet tours, street performances, and a separate show featuring up-and-coming K-pop stars. It is actually more than just a festival—it’s a sensory journey bannering the essence of contemporary Korea.
I was pleased to stay in a hotel right in the middle of Gangnam District. It was easy for me to take a stroll in all directions, enjoying its many attractions, although the minus-15degree weather was quite a challenge to handle. Totally bundled up from head to foot, I managed to visit and see the city’s tribute to PSY—an outdoor giant golden replica of the signature cross-hands in the Gangnam-style dance, as shown on this page.
The many high-end establishments in the Gangnam district have also
special dinner titled “Juan in a Million,” bringing together key partners and industry leaders. HKTB executive director Dane Cheng expressed appreciation for Filipino visitors and reaffirmed Hong Kong’s commitment to providing new and exciting experiences.
“Thanks to the collective efforts of our partners, we are proud to announce that we have not only reached the historical milestone of receiving 1 million Filipino visitors but have also surpassed previous arrival numbers with a record 1.2 million arrivals in a year from the Philippines. This is a remarkable achievement,” said Cheng.
Cheng also reassured Filipino travelers that more exciting experiences await.
“As we look ahead in 2025, we remain committed to offering our visitors a million reasons to explore Hong Kong and bringing the city even closer to the hearts of Filipinos,” he added.
Over the past year, Hong Kong has seen a surge in Filipino visitors, fueled in part by celebrity-led campaigns that captured imaginations. The romantic film Under Parallel Skies , starring Janella Salvador and Thai actor Win Metawin , portrayed Hong Kong as a dreamy destination, while the music video Be With U , featuring real-life couple KD Estrada and Alexa Ilacad, further showcased the city’s charm.
Food lovers also had plenty to celebrate. The Four Hands Dinner event, featuring acclaimed chefs Margarita Forés and Vicky Cheng, highlighted Hong Kong’s rich culinary scene. This gastronomic affair served as a perfect appetizer for the highly anticipated Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, a much-loved event
showcasing the city’s best flavors. Additionally, HKTB’s Of Course, Hong Kong campaign spotlighted hidden gems through the eyes of four Hong Kong-based Filipinos, giving travelers fresh insights into the city’s lesserknown delights.
What’s in store for 2025 Hong Kong isn’t slowing down anytime soon. 2025 promises even more attractions and events to keep visitors coming back for more.
One of the most exciting highlights is the debut of twin panda
proven to be “telegenic.” When I had a drink at the Alvin Avenue Lounge Bar, I found out that the exact spot where I was seated was once occupied by the star of the very popular Korean comic-drama Melo Is My Nature in one of its episodes.
When I had dinner with my friends at the nearby Wolfgang’s Steakhouse, in the course of our sumptuous meal, the maître d’ started a small conversation with us and told us that the table we occupied was the same one used by the stars of the Korean hit drama Crash Landing on You in its opening episode. Of course, we immediately saved the occasion with a photo-op.
My friends and I were fortunate that the expo we participated in was held in a venue (COEX) attached to the humongous Starfield Mall, which houses 320 stores. Of course, a foreign trip is never complete without
Gangnam District’s tribute to PSY’s phenomenal hit song and dance is a giantsized golden replica of the signature ‘cross-hands’ the dance is known for
‘Oppan Gangnam Seutail’
shopping, so you can easily guess how we spent our evening hours.
The Instagrammable Byulmadang Library has bookshelves 13 meters high. It has a collection of 50,000 volumes covering a range of topics such as liberal arts, economics, special interests, and utilities. There are sections for foreign editions and e-books for iPads. Its Magazines Section has 600 different foreign and domestic periodicals. It even has thousands of children’s books, much to the delight of parents who leave their children in the library while they go around the mall shopping. Looking at the library’s façade, I wondered how I could get to see the books on its topmost shelves.
I was also very pleasantly surprised to see a Pan Am store. My first job straight
YOUR MONDAY CHUCKLE
I just realized I still have so many unanswered questions. I still don’t know, “who let the dogs out?”
out of college was at Pan Am, once the biggest airline in the world. It had a branch in Cebu City, and there were only two of us—my manager and myself—so I had to be a multi-tasker, handling reservations, ticketing, accounting, and marketing. Thanks to this challenging start to my career, I learned so many things in such a short period of time, which I now credit as the best training anybody in the travel industry could get.
Unfortunately, Pan Am ceased operations in 1991. The store in Starfield Mall was no longer an airline office but one selling Pan Ambranded fashion apparel, accessories, and travel-related merchandise. It was such a nostalgic moment browsing around the store, as it reminded me of the golden days of the travel industry, when everything was much simpler, easier, and cheaper. There are many other attractions in Gangnam that visitors can entertain themselves with. No wonder this district in Seoul is named the center of the Korean Wave. As PSY delightfully declares, “Oppan Gangnam Seutail.” For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@ gmail.com
Victoria Harbour stands as a prominent tourist destination, renowned for its stunning skyline views
KD Estrada (rightmost) and Alexa Ilacad (second from right) pose with HKTB executives
The modern skyline of Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City
The Byulmadang Library at Gangnam’s Starfield Mall
The Bongeunsa Temple in the center of Gangnam District is where tourists
