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(Story on A4) FIVE LOCAL MARCOS ACCEPTS DICT CHIEF IVAN UY’S RESIGNATION HOLIDAYS IN OCT. Technology (DICT) Secretary Ivan said an officer-in-charge (OIC) will President today. An OIC will fill the
INSIDE NEWS / A3
ISRAEL AN 8-PAGECONTINUES SPECIAL ISSUE OF HOSPITALITY SECTION TO POUND LOVE THEHEZBOLLAH FILIPINO WORLD / A6 WARMTH
By Charles Dantes
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. accepted the resignation of Department of Information and Communications
John Uy, Malacañang confirmed yesterday. Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro
be appointed to lead the agency until Marcos names a new secretary. “DICT Sec Ivan John Uy’s resignation was accepted by the
position until the President appoints a secretary,” she said in a Viber message. Uy, who was appointed in 2022, has Next page
VOL. XXXVIII • NO. 227• 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 •MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 • DICT Sec. Ivan John Uy DICT Facebook
PNP resurrecting probe into PCSO official's slay ‘Isabela bridge design flawed’ IPINO
FIL LOVE THE WARMTH
HOSPITALI
ino Love the Filip
TY SPECIAL
ISSUE
D1
warmth
dishes, regardless
of how well
MARCH 7,
LOVE THE WARMTH FILIPINO
2025
FRIDAY, Editor NICKIE WANG, Writer VILLANUEVA, Writer ANGELICA JASPER VALDEZ, l.com gmail.com tandard@gmai anilastandard@ dshow.manilas lifeandshow.m
HOSPITALITY
in the country Every festivala celebration is not just way of showing but also a warmth tourist Filipino
N
experience, from this Taking a cue section a year a dedicated in we launched the role of hospitality the country ago to highlight tourism. While landscapes, Philippine for its scenic cuisine, it is known and diverse deep history, the people who keep is ultimately back. travelers coming in Asia A standout that the acknowledge We have to competition faces stiff Philippines draws millions Thailand Japan in Asia. and temples. and with its beaches of tradition fusion offers a is a budgetVietnam modernity. rich in history. for friendly destination a top choice Bali remains tropical retreats. these popular Yet, despite Philippines holds the destinations, beaches, diving spots, remarkable, its own. The heritage are and cultural sets the country apart but what truly of its people. Philippines’ is the warmth the famed Indeed, beyond its a homestay, appeal extends Whether in , or a attractions. bed-and-breakfast leave a boutique travelers often luxury resort,of belonging. is neither with a sense hospitality Filipino
AI-driven automation
the to family traditions. seekers, For adventure offers world-class But Philippines and hiking. connections diving, surfing, personal it is the these experiences do that make Local guides memorable.
By Nickie Wang
friendships.
tourism Expanding infrastructurehospitality Filipino greatest While the country’s tourism remains to improve underway. strength, efforts are and infrastructure Manila, Cebu, in roads Airports being modernized, being Clark are systems are and transport new hotels and ecoand upgraded,
are emerging tourism initiatives demand. The growing development to meet to balance challenge is
with sustainability. of modernization the Still, no amount what makes can replace truly special. Many beaches, Philippines boast stunning destinations landscapes, and rich can breathtaking but few heritage, belong. cultural feel like they make visitors essence of Filipino trip the That is turns a simple long hospitality—it that lingers into an experienceends. after the journey
ble Luxury efines Sustaina SM Prime Red lands and Hamilo Coast at Tagaytay High spots, beaches, diving with its stunning its warm people stands out complemented by The Philippines heritage, and rich cultural
E1
The Philippine hospitality sector’s readiness The summit The Philippine alone will Hotel Owners bring together 500 delegates (PHOA) has been spearheading Association the hospitality and 100 speakers from over integrate personalized efforts to across and tourism hotel executives, hospitality industry. services into industry, including the government estate firms, As the country’s officials, real eco-tourism largest private advocates, technology providers, and in tourism, branding PHOA represents sector investor companies As for the governmentexperts. 65 member that own 200 support, early in January, of 40,000 hotels, with this year tourism leaders rooms nationwide. a total with Department the organization from PHOA In late 2023, met Christina Garcia of Tourism (DOT) Secretary enhancing guest launched initiatives aimed hotel front desk services at data and outline Frasco to review 2024 personalization experiences through advanced worldwide tourism strategies for strategies. country’s hospitality strengthening This year, the the sector. host key hospitalityPhilippines is also Frasco past interactions highlighted set to achievements, Philippine Hospitalityevents, including record-breaking uses real-time and data, hyper-personalization the 8th including Summit this information international the 8th Hospitality P760 billion month and to adjust experiences as they happen. visitor receipts in Philippines of key source September. and the recovery Conference In short, hyper-personalization markets. She in shift toward These gatherings emphasized things extra sustainable, the special for customers means making and reaffirmed high-value industry professionals serve as platforms technology. tourism for How AI is reshaping by using smart to discuss achieving these PHOA’s role as a key partner strategies, and industry. goals. explore growth trends, share the hospitality in PHOA officials opportunities. provided updates Customer expectations investments on aligned with in AI-driven the Philippine hotel Industry Strategic hospitality Travelers today Hotel Action Plan 2028. They seek seamless experiences, also expressed (PHISAP) 2024and intuitive with many the Philippine their support services to expecting AI-driven for anticipate their Summit 2025, Tourism and Hotel Investment to a recent needs. According a collaborative survey by McKinsey DOT. initiative with 71 percent the & Company, of consumers Discussions expect companies deliver personalized covered improvements, to infrastructure become frustrated interactions, and 76 investment-friendly percent capacity-building when this does policies, In the hospitality not happen. programs, strategies to and marketing sector, AI-powered boost chatbots for guests appreciate the global tourism the Philippines’ presence automated quick assistance, market. in room As the hospitality recommendations preferences, and tailored driven personalization,industry embraces study by Oracle based on previous stays. positioning the Philippines AI77 percent of Hospitality and Skift found A itself is travelers prefer drive investments,to enhance guest experiences, that to enhance their hotels that use and elevate international AI ins to customizedexperience, from digital tourism. However, its standing in checkmust balance itineraries. industry leaders Filipino hospitality authentic humantechnological innovation professionals with interactions global standards continue to driven personalization to ensure set in customer service meets evolving that AIexpectations. customer
is transforming
E
facts; they provide to more than introduce visitors share stories, life, and often forge of their way
FRIDAY, MARCH
NICKIE WANG, 7, 2025 Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, JASPER VALDEZ, Writer lifeandshow.man w.manilastandar Writer ilastandard@gm d@gmail.com ail.com
How AI is resh apin the hospitality indus g try
they
guests. Wang know their reflects the upon an article Filipino hospitality layered influences— shared his ago, I stumbled country’s indigenous, OT long an American who In the Spanish, American, seen in its These are written by Filipino hospitality. and more. and cuisine. on embrace thoughts festivals, music,bold spices of how Filipinos homes, serving food, Unlike the their observed Vietnamese article, he family—ope ning ensuring their Thai or dishes emphasize dining. food, and Filipino visitors like communal are portions of comfort and and lechon tied generous at home. they are Adobo, sinigang, is just meals; guests feel more than transactional—it
By Nickie
nor traveler, scripted As a frequent Filipino genuine. how learned that of other I have differs from na? hospitality simple “Kumain ka A lead to an countries. eaten?)” can (Have you share a meal. Strangers to while invitation offer directions, their best willingly on serving hosts insist
SPECIAL ISSUE
XPERTS say personalizationhyperis the biggest customer service. trend in has been widely While it in the competitiverecognized hospitality industry,travel and it has yet to reach the level of adoption seen in other consumer-focu sectors. sed
But what exactly It refers to creatingis hyper-personalization ? highly tailored, experiences data-driven designed to engage individual This is achieved users. and analytics, by combining data, automation, occurring whenwith the most effective results Unlike standard these elements work together. personalization, which relies on
PAGASA
Gov’t readies P1.48b aid as 'Julian' strengthens
Coast, the and Hamilo developments Highlands AGAYTAY leisure residential luxury redefining blend resort and premium that Holdings, are under SM Prime with distinct lifestyles Philippines nature. living in the with Prime Inc., an SM modern convenience designed by Costa Del Hamilo, Village is
T
M Marina Estate company, Joel Luna Planning that gives Hamilo Coast’s WATG Singapore,H1 Architecture. community and access, Village is a coastal and Design, includes a direct marina offers a residents sustainable M Village Highlands featuring kiddie while Tagaytay where wellness Clubhouse adult and play highland sanctuary are at the center design elements, pools, children’s scenic and connectedness Both prestigious swimming gardens, and or properties of the community. areas, meditation strolls, biking, and recreationalluxury by residential parks for leisurely can also explore sustainable areas, contemporary embody picnics. Residents comfort and sites and camping with integrating birdwatching natural surroundings. deeper connection living with offering a is its A coastal haven Cove, Nasugbu, nature. of M Village rd Papaya Nestled in Village is the first A key highlight M an international-standa moor in Marina Batangas, proximity to residents to community of Hamilo residential marina, allowing boats and jet skis newest district de 6-meter Estates, the the success of Pico their 4- to doorstep. from 301 Coast after right at their lots ranging 177 can Loro Cove. With spacious hectares with meters, homeowners inspired Spanning seven a modern coastal to 705 square offers residences de lots, M Villageminutes from Pico design luxurious by lifestyle just shores. Developed Loro Cove’s Tagaytay Highlands
Hamilo Coast’s
M Village
The tropical architecture. by modern also integrates preserved flowing development forests, naturally mangrove and ponds to minimize waterways, impact, reinforcing environmental
residential generations. exclusive to Residences commitment Among its Hamilo’s Highlands Costa Del offerings, condominiums while sustainability. retreat for holistic provides low-density living spaces, A mountain with open-airMidlands West caters to continues living homeowners. Trealva at living enclave Tagaytay Highlands mountain to eco-conscious a 6.3-hectare recreation, redefine exclusive Primrose Parks, lots, offers a serene on wellness, 99 green with a focus Under Shirley with only with abundant Garden Business and sustainability. environment Terraces EVP and Chua Ong, of SM Leisure Resort spaces. Horizon Villas, a five-story, Garden Unit Head is evolving into a fully condominium Suites and it and residential townhomes, Residences, where nature low-density the integrated township meet. and three-bedroom views of it ideal modern conveniences provide panoramic beauty, makingprivacy Highlands, estate’s natural into the families seeking Divided West, and for growing Midlands Midlands, the estate offers luxury and tranquility. about Tagaytay www. wellnessGreenlands, For inquiriesvisit and by also condominiumsA master plan update a Highlands m. You can (Tagaytay oriented lots. firm 10 Design ensures tagaytayhighlands.co on Facebook (@ international community. follow them and Instagram Highlands’ cohesive, sustainable Highlands) cial). Tagaytay is Coast One of initiatives tagaytayhighlandsoffi about Hamilo can standout sustainability m. You For inquiries at a Time” reforestation one Tree (https:// the “One visit www.hamilocoast.co aims to plant them on Facebook project, which by 2044. With over also follow /hamilocoastph) m. million trees planted, the estate www.facebook.com (https://www.instagra 490,000 treesbuild a verdant, ecoand Instagram ?hl=en). to that futurecontinues com/hamilocoastph/ community for future conscious development proofs its
SECTIONS D & E
VOL. XXXIX • NO. 24 • 5 SECTIONS 24 PAGES • P20 •FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2025 •
THE government has readied P1.48 billion worth of aid for communities that may be hit hard by typhoon ‘Julian’ which PAGASA says could turn into a supertyphoon. As of 5:00 PM on Sunday, PAGASA raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 3 over Batanes and the northeastern portion of Babuyan Islands. “’Julian’ is forecast to continue intensifying over the next 24-36 hours as it moves towards Batanes and/or Babuyan Islands. With the current trend in its intensification, the possibility of reaching super typhoon category is not ruled out,” PAGASA said in its advisory. Meanwhile, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said that a total of 1.9 million family food packs worth P1.48 billion, other food items worth P276 million, and non-food items (NFIs) worth P919 million were already prepared by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Some P171 million in standby fund is also available for utilization by the DSWD, including P123 million which can be allotted as 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
Speaker grateful for PMA Class '83 vote of confidence in Quad Comm
PBBM says cost-cutting, overloading contributed to bridge collapse
By Rio N. Araja
T P
HE Philippine By Charles Dantes National Police and Brenda Jocson
(PNP) is reopening RESIDENT its investigation into Ferdinand the 2020 murder Marcos of Jr. said Thursday Philippine Charity attributed the Office collapsed Sweepstakes Cabagan-Sta. bridge (PCSO) boardMaria secretary in Isabela province to its Wesley Barayuga. “flawed, poor and really On Sunday, PNP Chief Police weak” design as well as General Rommel Francisco Marthesaid infrastructure project'sof bil he ordered the reopening the cold case after whistleblower slashed budget. 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 faNEWSofficial’s / A2 roadside cilitated the PCSO assassination on July 30, 2020 by providing information “This isthe the necessary only suspension bridge about schedule, details about Mr. his I havehisseen without cables,” vehicle and the funding necessary to Marcos said as he visited the collapsed carry it out. bridge yesterday. The alsodesigned implicated The whistleblower bridge, originally as incumbent Police Coma suspensionNational bridge, spans 990 meters missioner Edilberto the and consists of 12 Leonardo arches andin nine planning of the murder. spans of prestressed concrete girders. Barayuga was flaw. a retired police “It is a design The design general and lawyer who supposedly is wrong...The steel collapsed. If threatened to expose it's cable-stayed, it corruption would not withhave in the PCSO shortly before Next he was page shot dead in Mandaluyong City. Garma, herself an ex-police Lt. Colonel, allegedly gained the top spot at the PCSO because of her in-
Probe of other bridges eyed
Next page
A WEB OF CRIME? House leaders Aurelio Gonzales and David Suarez presented this matrix during the last QUAD Comm hearing which shows the operations of a criminal syndicate allegedly led by fugitive Michael Yang, then economic adviser of former President Rodrigo Duterte, that controlled the illegal activities of the POGOs and was involved in the drug trade and extrajudicial killings.
PH lobbies UN for Security Council seat
INSPECTION. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. conducts an inspection of the
collapsed span of the Cabagan-Santa Maria Bridge. The bridge, spanning 990 meters and consisting of 12 arches and nine (9) spans of prestressed concrete girders, was designed for light vehicles only and is a vital route linking Cabagan and Santa Maria to Enrile, Cagayan and Tabuk City, Kalinga. PCO
Yang's lawyer mocks probers amid heated inquiry THE legal counsel of Chinese businessman Tony Yang sought to disparage lawmakers’ conclusions about his client’s supposedly sketchy past and his alleged ties with Overseas hospitals Gaming deniedPhilippine claims of accredited Operators (POGOs) and even due to late filing, the state health organized crime. insurer on Thursday said. Lawyer Raymond PhilHealth President and CEOFortun Edwin questioned the House Quad Committee’s impartiality and its ability to pin Chinese national Yang down for ay wrongdoing in a real criminal court. “I am very interested in how they [Quad Comm members] can prove this criminal network in court. In Congress, lawmakers act as both prosecutor and judge,” he said. Yang, who already admitted having a fake Philippine birth certificate, is the brother of Michael Yang, a presidential economic
adviser of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Fortun, a lawyer who often finds himself at the center high-profile cases, apparently sought to mock congressmen, calling Mercado the P8.8 billion their is part probe of the “unacceptable.” P59.6 billion total in unpaid claims. However, members argued "Ensuring House access to healthcare is a they did not come by their suspicions coordinated effort, with PhilHealth helping about Yang recklessly. On Friday, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. of Pampanga and Deputy Speaker David Suarez of Quezon presented a matrix showing Yang’s first appearance and his subsequent activities at the Quad Comm hearing. “We saw a pattern, and tracked THE Department of we Education it(DepEd) to the has top expelled of these55 corporations... schools from we stripped it of its layers get to its senior high school (SHS), to voucher the top and through it all, we have program while 12 other academic discovered at least over two institutions and areidentified under review main actors or players in the issue "ghost students".
of illegal drugs and illegal activities associated with POGOs,” Suarez said in a mixture of Filipino and English. The solons explained how the matrix details Yang’s connections to other to easeindividuals the financial involved burden...Atintheillicit same activities, including the operations of time, we need to be aware of the services illegal POGOs. provided by healthcare facilities. That’s Among the companies implicated Next Inc. page are Brickhartz Technology and Xionwei Technology Co. Ltd., which are being linked to alleged kidnapping. The two firms supposedly have connections with the Baofu Compound in Bamban, Tarlac, which, in turn, can be directly traced toIIIdisgraced ex-mayor Guo. at the DepEd, toldAlice congressmen During Friday’s Quad that the schools were bootedComm out of hearing, lawmakerseducation cited Tonysubsidy Yang the government inprogram contempt for “lying” to about his for questionable claims made businesses business partners. from 2021 and to 2024.
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 General Assembly in New York said the Philippines continues to emphasize the of upholding the By “importance Ram Superable, rule of law and the Joel Zurbano integrity of the multilateral system in the face of toandglobal Vincechallenges.” Lopez day’s Quoted by reports, Manalo also WITH temperatures rising, said: “The Philippines has concerned consisgovernment agencies turned their tently pursued peace, have the sovereign attentionoftostates, helping travelers equality thestudents, rights and digand public servants, among others, nity of all persons.” cope thethat season's heat wave. Hewith added the country is also On Thursday, recognized as the the “firstDepartment Asian Re- of Education (DepEd) clarified there is no automatic suspension ofNext classes pagedue to extreme heat, but local government units (LGUs) may declare suspensions Next page in affected areas.
PhilHealth to pay hospitals P8.8b in denied late claims in 15 days DepEd, agencies Next page
DOTr’s Bautista says online news report‘unfounded' By Ram Superable
PHILHEALTH will begin to pay in 15 days almost P9 billion in previously
55 schools kicked out of DepEd SHS voucher program over 'ghost students'
On Thursday, Tara Rama, Government Assistance and Subsidies Service Project Manager
BAUTISTA
By Darwin Amojelar
Navy spokes debunks China claim of military exercises in Scarborough shoal By Rex Espiritu
THE Philippine Navy debunked on Sunday the recent announceTRANSPORTATION Secretary Jaime CAKESdenied GALORE. A judge of theby cakes displayed opening ment China thatatittheconducted Bautista an online news checks report out one of the Bakery Fair 2025 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. Teddy Pelaez military exercises off Bajo de claiming that Malacañang was angry Masinloc, also known as Scarborwith the increase in airport fees without ough Shoal, in the West Philipthe approval of the Cabinet members. pine Sea (WPS). “The Bilyonaryo article is maliChina reportedly made the ancious and unfounded,” Bautista said nouncement coinciding with the in a Viber message, referring to the fourth Multilateral Maritime CoThe Philippine Statistics Authority website that published the said story. By Darwin G. Amojelar operative Activity the (PSA) reported that between the country's “Bilyonaryo is inconsistent,” he added. Philippines, Australia, unemployment rate declined toJapan, 4.3% THE country’sreported unemployment Bilyonaryo online rate that New Zealand, and from the aUnited in January 2025, higher record rose in January to theprotege seasonal “Bautista and his due long-time in States within Manila’s 2024. exclusive low of 3.1% in December drop in employment after the holiday Philippine Airlines, Undersecretary for economic zone (EEZ) the reThe January figure,inhowever, season, coupled with Bobby the impact Aviation and Airports Lim,ofarea gional waters over weekend. was lower than thethe 4.5% recorded petrochemical shutdown at the center of company's the storm after it was Navy Spokesperson in Philippine January 2024. and the ongoing exit of POGOs from NextVinpage for WPS Rear Admiral Roy Next page the Philippines.
Jan. job losses, underemployment up
Next page Rama, however, was unable to tell the House Committee on Basic Education and Culture exactly how Next page
take steps to deal with heat
Comelec names Lakas as leading dominant party
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 audiBy Vito Barcelo ence, right? For them not to look weak and embarrassed,” Trinidad THE Commission on Elections (Comesaid. lec) hasCommittee officiallyofdeclared Lakas– AWARD. Hans Sy, Chairman of the Executive SM Prime Holdings, Two Chinese warships were Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) wasengages honoredAron by the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) with its Outstanding EYE TO Speaker ranging Martin G. Romualdez Emilsson, monitored at EYE. a distance as the leading majority party while Filipino Retailers President Chairperson of the Foreign Affairs Committee Parliament of Sweden in a Award for his visionary leadership in retail development. from eight to 14 nautical miles. designating the Nacionalista Party as (From left to right): PRA Director and Director of SM Retail Jorge T. Mendiola, PRA conversation during their meeting at the Manila Golf and Country Club in One Makati of these went up to 1,000 principal party for the upVice President and Golden, ABC,minority Inc. (The Penshoppe Group) City Thursday afternoon. During the meeting Emilssonand andPresident members of COO ofthe Aliceand T. Liu, SM Prime of the Executive Committee Hans T.ElecSy, yardshisatcommittee the MMCA site but 2025 National and Local discussed with evenSpeaker Romualdez other HouseHoldings MembersChairmancoming PRA President and Chairman of Quorumtions International, tually went away. “It was not the bilateral (NLE). Inc. (Toby’s Sports) Roberto various avenues to further strengthen relations, as well as S. Claudio, and PRAVer Director and President of Sportshouse Int’l. Leisure, Inc. Nextand page threatening, normal,” accord-between the economic just and defense cooperation two countries. Noveno Next page
proponent of PRA OFR President’s Award Mars C. Chua