Manila Standard - 2026 April 25 - Saturday

By Katrina Manubay

the past year, describing themselves as “losers,” while 26 percent reported

‘DPWH responsible for flood control works’

PNP resurrecting probe into PCSO official's slay

By Charles Dantes

By Rio N. Araja

ALACAÑANG

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

on Friday pointed to the Department of Public Works and High ways as being responsible for implementing flood control projects.

Presidential Communications Of fice (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro made the statement after for mer Speaker Martin Romualdez said the Executive Branch bears command responsibility over the budget.

Castro said the executive branch’s role in the national budget is clearly defined by law, dismissing any question over its participation in the process.

On Sunday, PNP Chief Police General Rommel Francisco Mar bil 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.

"Of course, the NEP (National Expenditure Program) comes from the executive. And that’s what’s in the law. So, there is no question there," Castro said.

"(But) the implementation of flood control projects really comes from the DPWH. They’re the ones who have the mandate to do so," the Palace official added.

Mendoza narrated before con gressmen how Garma allegedly fa cilitated the PCSO official’s roadside assassination on July 30, 2020 by providing the necessary information about his schedule, details about his vehicle and the funding necessary to carry it out.

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

She said President Ferdinand Mar cos Jr. has acted on suspected irregu larities by ordering investigations as part of his duty to ensure account ability within the administration.

By Maricel V. Cruz

FORMER Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez has asked the Office of the Ombudsman to inhibit from investigating him over the alleged flood control controversy, warning that the probe is tainted by a “pattern of prejudgment” that could violate due process.

In a four-page letter dated April 22, 2026, his lawyers from Villaraza & Angangco argued that public statements by Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla and other officials indicate that a plunder case had effectively been decided even before a formal complaint or preliminary investigation.

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

“There is a reasonable impression that the Ombudsman has already resolved to prosecute our client,” the lawyers said.

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.

Addressing criticism that Mr. Marcos should not have signed the national budget if irregularities were

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

By Rolando Ng III, Charles Dantes,

and Maricel

V. Cruz

THE action taken by Czech authorities against fugitive former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co should not be considered an arrest, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ). (See related story on A2) For its part, Malacañang asserted that there was no contradiction between the statements of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the Department of Justice over Co’s status at the Czech Republic.

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 Philippine Overseas Gaming Operators (POGOs) and even organized crime.

adviser of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

FUEL SUBSIDY.

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

The letter traced the alleged bias to November 2025, when Remulla disclosed that his office had been studying the case and discussing possible plunder charges. By April 2026, these statements had escalated into public remarks that a plunder case was being “seriously prepared,” potentially involving conspiracy and multiple individuals, the lawyers added. THE Philippine government on Sunday publicly called for the United Nations (UN) to give it a seat on

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

said the Prague authorities merely “intervened” in the process which was difference from an earlier statement made by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

A DOJ-led delegation, headed by Justice Secretary Frederick Vida, has traveled to Prague to meet with Czech counterparts for formal discussions on Co’s return.

“An arrest implies that the operation is carried out by the country with jurisdiction. In the Czech Republic, you cannot lawfully arrest Zaldy Co because he has no outstanding warrant

“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

Aviation and

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

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

“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

Dozens of taxi drivers line up yesterday at the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Central Office in Quezon City, to claim their fuel subsidy amid rising fuel costs driven by war in the Middle East. Under the government’s fuel subsidy program, all eligible drivers are set to receive P5,000 in cash assistance to help cushion the impact of increasing oil prices. Manny Palmero

Navy spokes debunks China claim of military exercises in Scarborough shoal

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.

By Jeremiah Sevilla

“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

By Alena Mae S. Flores

An industry source said diesel is expected to have a rollback of about

or

by

‘DPWH...

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present, the PCO official said anomalies typically surface only during project implementation, not at the time of approval.

"An anomaly in the budget can’t be immediately seen. You can see it if the

Ombudsman...

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Romualdez’s camp said these statements went beyond neutral updates and instead revealed an early prosecution theory.

The lawyers also cited remarks from within the Ombudsman’s ranks, including a press briefing where Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano reportedly referred to Romualdez as a “master plunderer.”

They added that while Remulla acknowledged the difficulty of proving plunder under current jurisprudence, he continued to publicly discuss filing such charges—suggesting, they argued, that the outcome had already been predetermined.

Taken together, these statements create the impression that any investigation would be a “mere formality” to justify a pre-set conclusion, the defense said, warning that even subordinate officials might feel pressured to align with their chief’s public position.

Citing Supreme Court doctrine on the appearance of impartiality, the lawyers asked the Ombudsman to inhibit from the case and allow any complaint to be handled by a neutral, independent body.

“This is not about questioning integrity, but about safeguarding due process and maintaining public confidence in the justice system,” the letter said.

Romualdez’s camp emphasized that the issue goes beyond the allegations themselves, focusing on whether the country’s top anti-graft body can conduct investigations that are not only fair, but also perceived to be fair.

Palace...

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funds weren’t used properly," Castro said, adding that investigations were launched once issues such as “ghost projects" were detected.

Romualdez, who said he will not be a scapegoat in the flood control controversy, on Tuesday said he had no role in the corruption related to the 2025 national budget.

“If corruption were to occur on the

SWS:...

From A1

no change and 23 percent said it improved, according to a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey.

The latest poll showed net gainers at -26, a 19-point drop from -7 (rated “fair”) in November 2025. This follows earlier figures of +12 (“very high”) in June 2025 and -2 (“fair”) in September 2025.

By region, net gainers were lowest in Mindanao and Metro Manila, both at a very low -31, followed by the Visayas at -25 and Balance Luzon at -23.

SWS said the 19-point nationwide decline from November 2025 to March 2026 was driven by sharp drops across all areas.

In Metro Manila, Net Gainers fell

Mayor...

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8 percent in Q4 2025, representing a 13-point increase, the largest gain among all candidates.

OCTA noted that these shifts have greatly narrowed the gap between Duterte and Robredo from 30 percentage points in Q4 2025 (38 percent vs 8 percent) to 12 points in Q1 2026 (33 percent vs 21 percent).

The group also stated that while Robredo’s increase largely drives the narrowing, Duterte’s 5-point decline, which is close to the survey’s ±3% margin of error, should be viewed with caution.

He explained that an arrest can only be carried out by a country that has issued a warrant against the individual concerned.

Martinez also noted that an Interpol red notice has yet to be issued against Co, who has been out of the country since July last year.

He added that Philippine authorities can only coordinate with Czech officials to facilitate Co’s possible return.

“Different countries have different laws and processes. It would not be prudent for the Philippines to impose its laws on another sovereign state,” he said.

Co was declared a fugitive of justice as he was tagged as the subject of three warrants of arrest issued by the Sandiganbayan in November for graft and malversation charges in connection with anomalous flood control projects.

In a message to reporters, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro clarified that Mr. Marcos reported Co's detention in Prague over immigration issues.

"The statements of the President and Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida are clear. There was no contradiction. The word “arrested” did not come from the President,” Castro said.

"The President said that Zaldy Co is in the custody of the Czech Republic due to a lack of proper documentation. Zaldy Co was arrested due to immigration concerns,” Castro explained.

Castro also echoed Martinez's earlier statement regarding Co's status.

"To clarify, Zaldy Co's liberty was indeed restrained due to a lack of proper documentation. By analogy, it’s similar to a situation at the airport where a person arrives and immigration denies entry or excludes them. There is a deprivation of liberty to a certain degree," Castro said.

State witness earns ire of Sandigan justice over flood control testimony

FORMER state witness Gerald Opulencia earned the ire of Sandiganbayan Third Division chairperson Associate Justice Karl Miranda over claim that he had no knowledge of “commitments” for contractors and proponents.

“Are you kidding us? You were given immunity from suit. It means you can't be sued, but on the condition that you tell all to the court, not just parts of the truth but the whole truth. You ordered the commitment, don't you know how to do that?” an obviously irate Miranda told the witness.

Opulencia, a former Department of Public Works and Highways regional chief for Metro Manila, appeared at the anti-graft court for the bail hearing of former senator Ramon Revilla Jr.’s malversation case over an alleged ghost flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan.

Opulencia said he took instructions from ex-DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo to coordinate with district engineers pertaining the matter of submitting project lists for funding, providing project status re-

scale alleged in recent months, it is clear that it would not happen at the level of general legislative approval alone. It happens at the level of execution of the General Appropriations Act,” he said.

Romualdez added he had no part in the bicameral conference committee and the small committee budget deliberations, where insertions were allegedly made.

from mediocre to very low, dropping 19 points from -12 to -31. In Balance Luzon, it declined from fair to low, down 16 points from -7 to -23.

The Visayas also slipped from mediocre to low, decreasing 11 points from -14 to -25. Mindanao posted the steepest drop, falling from high to very low, down 33 points from +2 to -31.

The survey noted that the -26 net gainers score is the lowest in over four years, since the extreme -44 recorded in September 2021, and is 18 points below the -8 (“fair”) registered in 2025.

In urban areas, net gainers dropped from mediocre to very low, declining 22 points from -10 to -32 compared to November 2025. In rural areas, it fell from fair to mediocre, down 15 points from -3 to -18.

By sex, the score among men de-

The survey further revealed that Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko" Moreno Domagoso places third with 10 percent (from 8 percent), Sen. Raffy Tulfo registers 9 percent (from 12 percent), and Sen. Bam Aquino remains at 4 percent (unchanged from the previous quarter).

A small proportion of respondents said they are undecided (2 percent) or refused (1 percent), while other personalities account for 20 percent, indicating that preferences beyond the top five remain widely distributed and fragmented.

OCTA explained that the minor movements among other candidates, including Moreno’s slight rise and Tulfo’s decrease, are within or near the

"With respect to how the budget was deliberated in Congress, let me say this categorically: I was not a part of the bicam and the small committee budget deliberations," he said.

"However, two people were instrumental in making those budget decisions: Chiz Escudero and Zaldy Co," Romualdez added.

clined from fair to low, dropping 20 points from -8 in November 2025 to -28 in March 2026. Among women, it also fell from fair to low, decreasing 19 points from -6 to -25.

SWS also found that net gainers tended to decline with age.

As of March 2026, it was highest among those aged 18 to 24 at -4 (“fair”), followed by those aged 25 to 34 at -21 (“low”). It dropped further among older groups: -31 (“very low”) for ages 35 to 44, -38 (“very low”) for ages 45 to 54, and -39 (“very low”) for those 55 and above.

The First Quarter 2026 SWS faceto-face survey was conducted from March 24 to 31, 2026, among 1,500 respondents aged 18 and above, with a margin of error of ±3 percent for national estimates.

±3% margin of error, indicating stability rather than clear shifts. It further clarified that these are early-stage, hypothetical preferences meant to provide a snapshot of current public sentiment, which could change with evolving political conditions, candidate strategies, alliances, and issues. The face-to-face survey was conducted from March 19 to 25, with 1,200 respondents aged 18 and above. It has a ±3% margin of error at a 95-percent confidence level. Subnational estimates for the geographic areas covered in the survey have the following margins of error at a 95-percent confidence level: ±6% for Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

ports, securing commitments or a percentage of the project funds, and arranging their delivery schedules.

“I call them (district engineers) when the commitments are ready. Bernardo mentions an amount in the commitments then I will call the DEs who need commitments for this particular amount. Then I will set a date and time to deliver the commitments to Niño [Garcia],” he said.

Opulencia's credibility as state witness was questioned by the anti-graft court when he claimed he had no knowledge of the process on how the engineers obtained the commitments.

“I cannot believe you… you don't know how they will do what you ordered… that's why you were given immunity because you were expected to tell everything including what you did wrong… if you are here to shield yourself from any responsibility, the court will not allow that,” the magistrate said.

Opulencia testified that he began receiving instructions on “commitments” from Bernardo in 2024. “I owe him a lot for obeying his orders... I can't help it.”

Eala...

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to break past the second round for the third straight time in the clay court swing. The deflating result followed Eala's early exits in the Linz Open in Austria and Stuttgart Open in Germany earlier this month.

It was also her third second-round exit in the WTA 1000 Madrid Open, and second loss at the hands of Mertens following a defeat back in the Jasmin Open Monastir 2023. Despite the setback, the 20-year-old Eala bagged €31,585 or P2.2 million in prize money after her 6-3, 6-3 romp over Russian veteran and former No. 11 Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the opening round.

Eala kept it a close affair with Mertens in the early goings, but the 19th seed Belgian forced multiple errors from her younger foe to pick up three straight games and end the open-

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This is based on this week’s first four days Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS), the benchmark for oil importers, and the foreign exchange average.

The source said the rollback was due to the further unwinding of the war premium on prices.

"But with the renewed geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, both diesel and gasoline prices rebounded, and MOPS may continue its uptrend in the next two trading days. On gasoline, minimal market correction vis-àvis diesel and perceived tight supply has kept the price level higher," the source said.

Meanwhile, Shell Pilipinas Corp. said it is implementing a P5-per-liter discount on all fuels from April 24 to 30.

It said the discount is available at participating Shell stations nationwide, and motorists may avail of the price off with a minimum purchase of P1,500 for four-wheel vehicles and P200 for two-wheel vehicles, with a maximum discount of P200 per transaction.

For the public transport sector, Shell participates in the diesel subsidy program of the Department of Energy (DOE), providing a P10-per-liter discount for public utility vehicles (PUVs).

Additional discounts for PUV and TNVS drivers are available in approximately 450 Shell stations nationwide

Meanwhile, Petron Corp. announced a P33-per-kilo discount for its 11-kilo LPG products effective April 23. This is on top of the P3.30per-kilo reduction previously announced in line with the suspension of the excise tax on LPG.

The Energy Department on Friday issued an advisory to prescribe allowable price adjustments for petroleum and petroleum products due to the energy crisis.

It said that in the event of price increases, all covered entities must not exceed the maximum allowable price increase as may be determined and issued by the DOE.

In the event of price decreases, all covered entities will implement at least the minimum required price decrease as may be determined and issued by the said department.

The DOE said it will, based on prevailing international market conditions, supply dynamics, and public interest considerations, periodically prescribe and publish the applicable maximum increase and minimum decrease in prices through official issuances.

The department, in coordination with concerned government agencies and deputized entities, will monitor compliance with the advisory. It said any violation, including the imposition of price increases beyond the prescribed maximum or failure to implement the required minimum decrease, will be subject to appropriate sanctions under existing laws, rules, and regulations.

ing set in 32 minutes. The Filipina pulled one back after a rough 0-4 start in the second set. Mertens, however, stayed calm and collected to earn the straight-set win. Eala is still not out of the Madrid Open entirely as she remains in contention in the doubles event with partner Zeynep Sonmez of Turkey. Eala (world No. 101 in doubles) and Sonmez (No. 498), who are playing for the fourth time together as a wildcard pair in Madrid, will battle the second-seeded Katerina Siniakova of Czech Republic (No. 2) and Taylor Townsend (No. 5) in the Round of 16 on Sunday. The Filipina-Turkish duo swept the higher-ranked Fanny Stollar (No. 27) of Hungary and Chan Hao-ching (No. 38) of Taiwan, 6-2, 6-2, in their opening match last Thursday. Meanwhile, Mertens barged into the Round of 32 to battle No. 197 and former No. 1 Karolina Pliskova of Czech Republic, who earlier beat No. 37 Maria Sakkari of Greece, 6-4, 8-6.

THE Philippines is one of the countries hardest hit by the oil price shock caused by the war in Iran, but the country can weather this, the head of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said. "I would say we're indeed one of the hardest hit by this oil price shock," said BSP Governor Eli Remolona. "Some of our neighbors have their own oil, they export oil, whereas we import all our oil."

"So we're hard-hit, but this is a region that's one of the fastest growing regions in the world, so this is a region that can weather this kind of shock," he said.

Remolona made the remarks after the Bangko Sentral on Thursday raised interest rates for the first time since October 2023 amid quickening inflation following the war launched by the US and Israel against Iran.

The official also said he thinks the government is responding well to the situation.

"I think the response will be more than adequate. I expect the fiscal side will start to provide stimulus so that we can get closer to our potential in terms of growth," Remolona said.

"I think the fiscal side slowed down in 2025 in an effort to discipline spending. But I see that controls are now in place, and I think the fiscal side is ready to resume spending," he added.

‘PBBM to keep hands off impeach trial’

IN BRIEF

Army urges NPA rebels to cease armed struggle

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has renewed its call for insurgents to abandon their armed struggle following an armed encounter in Toboso, Negros Occidental that left 19 suspected rebels dead.

AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the operation over the weekend in barangay Salamanca resulted in the deaths of 19 suspected New People’s Army (NPA) guerillas and the recovery of 24 firearms.

“Lay down your arms, return to your families, and take part in building your communities as productive members of society,” Padilla said as she called on the NPA holdouts to surrender, emphasizing the importance of choosing peace over continued conflict.

“The AFP remains steadfast in its mandate to protect the Filipino people and support lasting peace and development in partnership with all stakeholders,” she added. Rex Esplritu

Manila Summer Pride Parade unfolds today

THE Manila city government’s Department of Tourism, Culture and Arts of Manila (DTCAM), will stage today (Saturday) an event aimed at promoting inclusivity, equality, and respect for gender diversity.

Mayor Francisco Moreno Domagoso said the affair dubbed Manila Summer Pride Parade 2026 will begin at 4 p.m. along South Road in Ermita district. He described the occasion as “a declaration that Manila stands for dignity, equality, and safe spaces for all.”

The parade will proceed to the Quirino Grandstand and culminate at Remedios Circle, bringing together members of the LGBTQIA+ community, allies, families, and various groups across the city. Pot Chavez

PNP tightens drive vs. gas-and-run incidents

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified its nationwide monitoring of gas-and-run incidents as coordination with local units and business establishments is ramped up to prevent possible escalation of similar crimes.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said they are treating recent incidents, including those reported in Metro Manila, as isolated cases for the moment, but is closely studying patterns to prevent repetition across the country.

“While we treat these as isolated cases for now, we are not letting our guard down. We are analyzing the patterns to ensure this doesn’t evolve into a common modus operandi. Let us not allow this to become the norm. Every crime reported will be met with a swift investigation and arrest,” he said. Vince Lopez

By Charles Dantes and Maricel V. Cruz

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. respects the independence of Congress in handling the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, Malacañang said Friday, emphasizing that accountability remains the administration’s priority.

Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker and La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega V asserted that Duterte’s refusal to attend the impeachment hearing and instead issue statements outside the proceedings, failed to address the most critical issue raised— the billions of pesos in transactions

flagged by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC).

Presidential Communications Office

Undersecretary Claire Castro said the President recognizes the constitutional principle of separation of powers and is not interfering in the proceedings at the

House of Representatives.

“The President knows the role of Congress and understands the separation of powers. What the administration wants is for those who should be held accountable to answer for their actions,” Castro said in a televised interview with Balitanghali.

She noted that the administration’s position on accountability extends beyond the impeachment complaint, covering alleged irregularities in various government programs, including flood control projects and other transactions flagged for possible anomalies.

Castro also dismissed Duterte’s allegation that former senator Antonio Trillanes IV is being backed by the Marcos’

political machinery, calling the claim baseless.

“That is an accusation,” Castro said, adding that the Vice President has consistently blamed the President for various issues. She further argued that financial transactions involving Duterte that were reportedly flagged by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) occurred before Marcos assumed the presidency, making it illogical to link him to those activities.

“These transactions happened when she was still a local official. The president was not part of those transactions, so how can he be blamed?” Castro said.

Marcos, FL Liza flying to Japan May 26 for state visit

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos will visit Japan on May 26 to 29 at the invitation of the Japanese government, Malacañang announced Friday.

During the trip, the First Couple will be formally received at the Imperial Palace, where they will attend a welcome ceremony and make a state call.

The Japanese Imperial Couple will also host a state banquet in honor of the Marcoses.

Mr. Marcos is scheduled to hold a one-on-one with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to discuss the future direction of the Philippines-Japan Strengthened Strategic Partnership.

The two leaders are expected to tackle key regional and global issues, including energy and food security, as well as maritime security, building on

MARGINAL FARMING. A farmer in San Mateo, Rizal rises at the break of dawn to water his plants to make sure they don’t wither under the scorching summer sun. Edd Castro

the lives of Capt. Conrado Yap and Lt. Jose Artiaga,” he said.

“This is one way to teach the youth about the sacrifice of these underappreciated heroes.”

Teodoro also called for broader efforts to correct gaps in historical understanding and to reinforce national values rooted in courage and dignity.

“We need to do something to correct this travesty in our national development and history,” he said.

younger generations.

“We will co-produce a movie—whether directed by a Korean or a Filipino—to commemorate the Battle of Yuldong and

He urged Filipinos to draw inspiration from the courage of Yap and Artiaga, stressing the importance of standing up for the country’s dignity despite chal-

previous discussions between Manila and Tokyo.

Apart from official meetings, President Marcos will also engage with Japanese business groups and meet members of the Filipino community in Japan.

This will be President Marcos’ first state visit to Japan as president. His previous trip to Tokyo was an official visit in February 2023, where he met thenPrime Minister Fumio Kishida and secured agreements on infrastructure, defense cooperation, and economic partnerships. He also visited Japan in December of that year for the ASEAN-Japan Summit. The visit comes as the Philippines and Japan mark the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations this year.

The last state visit by a Philippine president to Japan was in June 2015 during the watch of the late President Benigno Aquino III.

NBI files trafficking, drug raps against Defensor’s wife, son

THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Friday disclosed that it has filed criminal charges against the wife and son of former congressman Michael Defensor.

The NBI tagged Defensor’s wife Julie, chairman of Zerrin Development Corp., and son Miguel as managers of Bleu Hotel in Pasig City, as respondents in the suits.

However, Defensor dismissed the charges as baseless and “politically motivated.”

“We have absolutely no connection to the targeted establishment or its operations,” she said. She described attempts to link her family to the raid as “a deliberate, dangerous and desperate lie.”

NBI director Melvin Matibag advised the respondents to defend themselves in court, adding that the evidence against them were strong.

Matibag said the cases stemmed from

a raid by NBI agents on the Chicago Nightclub were 54 women believed victims of human trafficking and illegal drugs were apprehended.

Matibag claimed that apart from owning the hotel, Defensor was also a shareholder in a KTV bar inside the hotel.

“If you look in the documents, (there are) interlocking owners, interlocking directors, and officers. So, it’s clear that there’s only one of them,” Matibag said, adding that there was an “interlocking” of management between the establishment and the area concerned.

Bleu Hotel, allegedly managed by Defensor, occupied a portion of a government property in Pasig City which once hosted the “Payanig” attraction. Matibag said that he will also look into the business permits of Cliff Point Square, owner of the

by Bleu Hotel. Rolando Ng

Pax Silica not war-driven—Gibo

By Rex Espiritu

DEFENSE Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. dismissed claims that the proposed United Statesbacked “Pax Silica” hub in the Philippines is driven by military objectives.

In an ambush interview, Teodoro said the initiative intends to strengthen the country’s resilience and support longterm industrialization.

“It is definitely not a war-driven impo-

sition. It is a resilience initiative. If you study Pax Silica, it is a manufacturing and high-technology endeavor,” he said.

“So, the idea that it is war-driven is nonsense,” he added.

IN BRIEF

108 beneficiaries get housing unit in Manila

SOME 108 beneficiaries in the city of Manila have been officially awarded housing units from San Lazaro Residences, an in-city vertical housing project of the city government.

The distribution of keys and certificate of unit award was led by Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso and Vice Mayor Chi Atienza.

“You are just one of the few thousands who benefitted from our in-city vertical and horizontal housing program... May sarili pa kayong swimming pool,” Domagoso said in his message.

“Rest assured that your city government will not stop achieving our goals, dreams, and vision for our people,” he added.

Domagoso reminded the beneficiaries to take good care of the units, noting that they cannot sell the units funded by the capital city’s taxpayers. Pot Chavez

PNP chief welcomes SOP on POGO ban

THE Philippine National Police hailed the signing of the interagency standard operating procedures (SOP) to enforce the executive order prohibiting the operations of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the country.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said they stand firmly behind the new framework as part of the government’s continuing crackdown on illegal POGO activities. He said the SOP strengthens coordination among law enforcement and partner agencies in carrying out the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. banning POGOs.

“This new measure adds more teeth in our ongoing campaign to finally put an end to the remaining guerrilla-type operations of POGOs in the country. The success of this effort lies in the proper coordination and strong cooperation among agencies and stakeholders. We welcome this development,” said Nartatez.

Several government agencies signed on Wednesday the unified interagency SOP to fully implement Executive Order No. 74 banning POGOs. Vince Lopez

Manila hazardous waste collection starts April 28

THE Manila city government, through its Department of Environment and Public Services (DEPS), will roll out a household hazardous waste collection program across the capital on Tuesday, April 28.

“Hazardous waste should not be disposed of carelessly, to avoid illness, pollution, and accidents,” DEPS said. The program aims to prevent health and environmental risks, ensure proper disposal of hazardous materials, and maintain cleanliness and order in communities.

Items classified as hazardous waste include used or damaged batteries, leftover paint and chemicals, broken lights and fluorescent lamps, electronic waste such as defective gadgets, and contaminated containers. Pot Chavez

DENR readies 660 titles for public schools

By Rio N. Araja

THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources is set to roll out 660 legal titles for public school sites in 2026, giving these schools permanent ownership of the land they occupy.

“The most important thing we can give our children is a secure place to learn,” DENR Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said.

“When a school has a clear title, it is no longer at risk of being taken or disputed. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive is to provide this foundation that lets school leaders improve classrooms, build stronger facilities, and focus on teaching — and that helps families plan for a better future,” he added.

The undertaking is a joint project with the Department of Education providing DENR with the list of school sites and helps identify which schools need titling.

On April 17, the US State Department announced that Manila and Washington are planning to establish an industrial hub within the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC), to be designated as an Economic Security Zone aimed at strengthening supply chains for critical materials.

The Department of National Defense chief added that the hub could generate economic benefits, including job creation and increased government revenue, while reducing reliance on imported goods.

“As far as I know, there are no firm documents yet. This is still an expression of in

Teodoro said the project seeks to ensure stable access to critical resources and position the Philippines within the global minerals, that could support such an initiative, though mining projects have faced opposition.

DENR regional and field offices will handle the survey process, measuring and mapping each site, verifying boundaries on the ground with school and community representatives, and preparing the legal documents necessary for the issuance of special patents or presidential proclamations.

The DepEd list of school sites was recently updated to March 6, with a total number of 44,178 school sites.

In the process of confirming boundaries and gathering local information, the DENR regional offices invites school principals, barangay officials, and community representatives to participate in the field validation so

Labor Day fair to offer over 100,000 job opportunities

By Vito Barcelo

MORE than 115,000 job opportunities will be made available to Filipino job seekers as the Department of Labor and Employment rolls out nationwide job fairs in celebration of Labor Day on May 1, 2026. The initiative aims to expand access to employment and income-generating opportunities, particularly for individuals who remain unemployed, by bringing employers and applicants together in a single venue.

As of April 23, DOLE regional offices have

identified 88 job fair sites across the country, most of which are strategically located in shopping malls to ensure convenience, accessibility, and broader public reach.

Some 1,280 local employers are expected to participate in the simultaneous job fair activities, collectively offering 115,358 vacancies across various industries. Officials noted that the figures are preliminary and may increase in the coming days as more companies confirm participation.

Among the sectors with the highest number of openings are wholesale and retail trade, manufacturing, construction, business process outsourcing

(BPO), and accommodation and food service.

In-demand positions include stock clerks and sales associates for retail operations; production operators and workers for manufacturing; carpenters, foremen, and steelmen for construction; customer service representatives for the BPO industry; and service crew, line cooks, and baristas for the hospitality sector.

The Labor Day job fairs form part of the government’s broader push to reduce poverty by expanding employment opportunities and accelerating the reintegration of unemployed Filipinos into productive sectors.

‘Cebu now 80% ready for ASEAN Summit’

By Minerva Newman

CEBU CITY- Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro declared that the province is 80 percent ready for the 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Cebu on May 7 to 8, 2026 to happen primarily in Lapu-lapu City.

“As head of the Cebu Organizing Committee, I should say that 80% ready now,” Baricuatro said during a press briefing of the Cebu Provincial Organizing Committee. Baricuatro was joined by Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival and Mandaue City Mayor Jonkie Ouano, Lapu-Lapu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office chief Nagiel Bañacia and Department of Public Works and Highways Region 7 Director Simon Arias, who also provided updates on preparations within their respective jurisdictions.

OPINION

Honor Blanco Cabie

Revisiting regional languages

WE ARE immensely buoyed while we doff our hat to Ilokano writers in Metro Manila who will be celebrating their diamond jubilee in December as they mark six decades as a modestly connected group whose roots are chiefly from northern Philippines. What endorses this positive feeling is they will be launching two anthologies, their latest since the founding members grouped together in 1968 and crafted their literary vision and mission for the younger generations of Ilokano writers.

One is an anthology in Ilokano poetry, edited by three, and another in Ilokano fiction, edited by another set of three, expected for twin launching on Dec. 8. We appreciate the efforts of the Ilokano writers, under the chapter name GUMIL –an acronym for association of Ilokano writers – Metro Manila, the group headed by academic Hermogenes Belen of La Union, then busy with his modules at the Philippine College of Arts and Trades which has since become the Technological University of the Philippines.

We see in GMM’s continuing efforts to publish its member’s observations, sentiments, aspirations, dreams and other thoughts as a way to stand up to the challenges faced by regional and marginalized literatures, with some elevating the possibility for translation.

We have seen how marginalized literatures are facing critical challenges – including language barriers, limited publication, and national-centric biases – that regional writers must immediately address by intensifying translation efforts, adopting digital publishing platforms, and fostering local readership.

We know the Ilokano writers are aware of these challenges and they shift from passive creation to active curation and promotion of their cultural narratives, endorsed by unceasing activities lined up every year.

We have seen major challenges requiring immediate action from regional writers. For instance, regional literature is often overshadowed by national or global languages, like English, restricting its audience.

Writers must actively translate their work into national/international languages while still producing work in the vernacular to preserve linguistic heritage.

On this, we have witnessed GMM publishing members’ essays, short stories and poems in English, after they thought doing it would give them a wider audience while displaying their skills at writing in their native Ilokano and their capacity to write in a borrowed lingo.

We are glad to note some previously active in the Ilokano magazine Bannawag but have since been detached have set up their own publishing houses to accommodate

the literary outbursts of Ilokano writers –they write in Ilokano, Filipino and English -- who could not have their coupons immediately attended to by non-Ilokano publishing houses.

There are those who have suggested, and we have been quietly studying reactions, for Ilokano writers to adopt self-publishing and use digital platforms like the social media to share works and bypass traditional publishing bottlenecks.

At the same time we have seen while navigating this literary space the importance and the need for excellent, if expert, literary translators.

—“—

Ahead are interesting times

We note, following open exchanges with translation authorities, like Cles B. Rambaud who has on his template volumes of materials he is translating from English to Ilokano, that excellent literary translators require near-native proficiency in source/ target languages, deep cultural knowledge, and exceptional creative writing skills, Rambaud also expressed the wish for the government to establish a Department of Translation, an issue that invites arguments from both sides.

Those who agree with Rambaud say a government-established Department of Translation to handle regional languages could enhance public service access and foster inclusivity in a multilingual nation like the Philippines, where English is dominant but many citizens are non-native speakers.

Proponents argue it bridges communication gaps in legal, health, and education sectors, while critics raise concerns over cost, implementation challenges, and the potential dominance of English.

Translation ensures all citizens, regardless of language, can access government services, legal aid, and health information, strengthening democratic participation.

Others raise challenges for a Department of Translation, with the argument that establishing and maintaining a centralized translation department requires significant funding for staff, training, and operations, which might be viewed as less urgent than other infrastructure needs.

With rapid advancements in AI/Machine Translation, some argue that investing in AI is a more cost-effective approach than maintaining a large government bureaucracy, although AI struggles with nuanced legal or indigenous languages. Ahead are interesting times.

Moving beyond rote learning

By Armenio Manuel

THIS summer, thousands of students, including Mirko Sean Alexander, are getting ready for senior high school and the STEM education program.

We endorse experts’ thoughts that preparing today’s children to become the innovators and inventors of tomorrow begins with STEM education programs.

Experts say summer camps, after school programs and makerspaces provide opportunities to take traditional learning and pivot it to prioritize the hands-on experience and real-world application necessary for developing an innovative mind.

You may ask what a makerspace is. This is a collaborative work space inside a school, library or separate public/private facility for making, learning, exploring and sharing that uses high tech to no tech tools.

This STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) strand, primarily offered in Senior High School (Grades 11–12) as an academic track to prepare students for college degrees in engineering, medicine, and technology, is designed to foster complex problem-solving, analytical thinking, and research skills through advanced science and mathematics subjects, like Calculus and Physics.

STEM is offered in Grades 11-12 under the academic track, focusing on preparation for university-level technical courses. STEM, as an academic preparation, provides a strong foundation for STEMrelated college courses like Engineering, Architecture, Biology, and Computer Science, where students engage in research,

advanced mathematics (Calculus), and sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics). The program develops critical thinking, innovation, and technological competence required in high-demand, science-based careers and often opens doors to scholarships and advanced training opportunities.

Jobs in STEM fields are growing at a faster rate than others, making this education vital for economic opportunity

STEM education for children today, according to education experts, builds the critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity necessary to create future technologies, tackle global challenges, and drive economic growth.

It emphasizes that hands-on learning, rather than just memorization, transforms students from technology users into inventors. At the same time, STEM programs empower kids to stop just using technology (like playing games) and start creating it (like coding, designing, and building robots).

Beyond academics, STEM teaches adaptability, resilience (learning from failure), and teamwork—skills needed for future jobs that don’t exist yet.

Rescue of trafficked Filipinos

MYANMAR has released 78 trafficked Filipinos who were detained for alleged illegal entry and residency, the Department of Foreign Affairs(DFA) reported recently.

The Filipinos were recruited into scam hubs in Myanmar after being promised legitimate overseas employment. After their rescue from the scam centers, they were sentenced to one year in prison for illegal entry and overstaying.

The release of the trafficked Filipinos from detention in Myanmar is a development that highlights migration governance, transnational crime, and diplomatic engagement. While on the surface it appears as a humanitarian gesture by Myanmar authorities, the incident exposes structural vulnerabilities that continue to fuel human trafficking in the Philippines, particularly labor trafficking linked to online scam operations in Southeast Asia.

At the core of the case is a familiar trafficking pattern: Filipino nationals were lured abroad with promises of legitimate employment, only to be coerced into working in scam hubs in Myawaddy.

These hubs, widely reported across the Mekong subregion, operate as illicit enclaves where trafficked individuals are forced into cyber fraud under exploitative and often violent conditions.

The fact that the victims were subsequently detained and penalized for immigration violations highlights a persistent legal paradox—trafficked persons are sometimes treated as offenders rather than victims, complicating rescue and reintegration efforts.

The response of the Department of Foreign Affairs demonstrates the Philippine government’s continued reliance on dip-

lomatic channels as a frontline tool against trafficking.

The coordination between the Philippine Embassy in Yangon and Myanmar authorities underscores the importance of bilateral cooperation in resolving cases involving trafficked nationals.

The release of the trafficked Filipinos from detention in Myanmar is a development that highlights migration governance, transnational crime, and diplomatic engagement

However, the significance of this development goes beyond repatriation. It reflects the evolving geography of human trafficking affecting Filipinos.

Traditionally associated with domestic servitude or sex trafficking in the Middle East, trafficking routes have increasingly shifted toward Southeast Asia’s cybercrime corridors.

This requires a recalibration of Philippine anti-trafficking strategies, not just in terms of destination countries, but also in understanding the nature of exploitation, which now includes digital fraud and forced criminality.

The case also underscores gaps in predeparture safeguards.

Despite existing mechanisms such as exit clearances and overseas employment verification, traffickers continue to circumvent regulations through informal recruitment channels and deceptive contracts.

This points to the need for stronger inter-agency coordination among the Department of Migrant Workers, Bureau of Immigration, and law enforcement bodies. Intelligence-sharing, stricter monitoring of high-risk travel patterns, and enhanced public awareness campaigns are critical to intercept potential victims before departure. Equally important is the reintegration phase. Repatriated individuals often return with psychological trauma, financial distress, and in some cases, criminal records from foreign jurisdictions.

The Philippine government must ensure that these individuals are treated unequivocally as victims under the AntiTrafficking in Persons Act of 2003 and provided with comprehensive support, including legal assistance, psychosocial services, and livelihood programs. While the release of the 78 Filipinos is a positive humanitarian outcome, it is also a reminder that the Philippine government’s anti-trafficking efforts must evolve.

Diplomatic intervention remains essential, but it must be complemented by preventive, protective, and prosecutorial measures that address the full lifecycle of trafficking, from recruitment to reintegration.

Soviet architecture vanishes as Central Asia drifts from Moscow

DUSHANBE, Tajikistan – On the facade of an apartment block in Tajikistan’s capital Dushanbe, a giant mosaic depicting cosmonauts and engineers celebrates the scientific triumphs of the Soviet Union.

Like so many other relics of the Soviet past in Central Asia, it is doomed to vanish amid a distancing from Russia and a topdown drive to boost national culture.

“If we could only carefully remove it and put it on the building that will be built here. That would be good,” said Rakhmon Satiev, who lives in the apartment.

His wish will not come true. The block is about to be demolished to make way for a gleaming new residential complex, and the mosaic is to be torn down.

Over the past decade, Central Asia has shown little interest in preserving its Soviet heritage. Architectural landmarks and art, including mosaics, frescoes and sculptures, have been rapidly demolished.

“If a building is old and does not fit into the new city plan, it is torn down. The city is being rebuilt and renovated, and the past is vanishing,” Dzhamshed Dzhuraev, a mosaic artist in Tajikistan, told AFP.

Hidden from view in the courtyard behind his studio stands a monument to Vladimir Lenin, the founder of the USSR -- an awkward reminder of an era that no longer fits with the times.

‘No longer necessary’

The five Central Asian former Soviet republics -- Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan -- became independent with the collapse of the Soviet Union 35 years ago.

Their urban landscapes have since turned into a chaotic mix of new high-rises, Stalinera neoclassicism, dilapidated shacks and stalled construction sites.

Altynai Kudaibergenova, a co-founder of

Instead of studying subjects in isolation, STEM links science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to solve real-world problems (for instance, environmental issues, healthcare advancements).

Jobs in STEM fields, say experts, are growing at a faster rate than others, making this education vital for economic opportunity.

Early exposure to STEM concepts fosters curiosity and confidence, ensuring the next generation can address complex global challenges – like AI development, renewable energy, and medical breakthroughs –with an innovative mindset.

Essentially, it is a call to action to move beyond traditional rote learning and focus on experiential, project-based education

Artkana, a rare initiative group working to preserve Kyrgyzstan’s architectural heritage, said the number of lost monuments was “striking”. She fears for the visual future of the capital Bishkek, which still has “magnificent examples of socialist-modernist architecture”.

The style is popular on social media, particularly among tourists.

This architectural overhaul is being driven by ideology, which leaves no space for Soviet remnants.

—“—

Over the past decade, Central Asia has shown little interest in preserving its Soviet heritage

The region’s largely unchallenged leaders brand themselves as the founders of a new era and are cementing their own legacies with fresh symbols of power. Few say outright that is what’s going on. Still economically dependent on Russia -- even as China muscles into the region -officials frame the demolition drive as costefficient.

They say renovating crumbling Sovietera buildings is more expensive than starting from scratch, and that the region urgently needs more housing for its rapidly growing population of some 80 million.

In the Tajik capital Dushanbe, the mayor -- the son of the president -- “is doing everything possible to make the buildings as beautiful and comfortable as he can,” prominent

that equips children to invent a better future

These spaces are open to kids, adults, and entrepreneurs and have several maker equipment including 3D printers, laser cutters, cnc machines, soldering irons and even sewing machines. According to pundits and resource persons, these spaces are also helping to prepare those who need the critical 21st century skills in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). They provide hands on learning, help with critical thinking skills and even boost self-confidence. Some of the skills that are learned in a makerspace pertain to electronics, 3d printing, 3D modeling, coding, robotics and even woodworking.

Tajik sculptor Safarbek Kosimov told AFP. Soviet-era mosaics were “no longer necessary,” he added.

There are no such qualms about portraits of 73-year-old strongman leader Emomali Rakhmon -- which have replaced many of the torn-down facades. Ideological art Critics lament the campaign.

“Most Soviet mosaics were designed to convey an ideological message, but their artistic value is also important,” activist Kudaibergenova said.

“Unfortunately, businesses are rarely receptive to such considerations. Their main priority is selling square meters at a high price.” Real-estate deals in the region are often marked by corruption and collusion between officials and business interests, according to several nonprofits and international organisations.

In Bishkek, painter Erkinbek Bolzhurov is worried about the fate of the House of Artists, which stands next to the former national printing house -- of which now only the walls remain.

“We want the city to develop, of course, but not at the expense of our memory,” he told AFP.

“Great artists worked inside these walls. That is what makes the building unique -- it has a history.”

Freedom of expression is tightly controlled in Central Asia, and authorities rarely consult with the public.

Despite the current trend, Tajik mosaic artist Dzhuraev wants to believe that “the time will come” when mosaics will once again adorn buildings.

“Architects and urban planners should pay them more attention,” he said -- a “revival” of mosaics is still possible. AFP

Makerspaces are also fostering entrepreneurship and are being used as incubators and accelerators for business startups Do we get any benefits from STEM education?

But of course. STEM education creates critical thinkers, increases science literacy and enables the next generation of innovators. Innovation leads to new products and processes that sustain our economy. This innovation and science literacy depends on a solid knowledge base in the STEM areas.

(The author is a freelance writer who writes orations for necrological services as well as theses and dissertations for graduate students.)

SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

US confirms Peru purchase of 12 jets

Meta plans 10% layoffs as AI spending soars

NEW YORK – Meta plans to cut a tenth of its workforce, looking for productivity gains from its remaining workers as it invests heavily in artificial intelligence.

Meta will lay off about 8,000 employees and leave thousands of other positions unfilled next month, a source told AFP. The move comes as co-founder and chief executive Mark Zuckerberg makes a priority of delivering “superintelligence” in a costly AI race against rivals including Amazon, Google, Microsoft and OpenAI.

Reports on Thursday also indicated that Microsoft is looking to trim its ranks with voluntary buyouts of some US employees in an unprecedented move by the tech stalwart founded in 1975. About seven percent of US employees at Microsoft were reported to be eligible for an offer aimed at workers who are senior director level or lower, whose years of employment and age add up to 70 or more, according to a CNBC report. Microsoft, which has also been pouring billions of dollars into AI, declined to comment.

Meta and Microsoft are both set

report quarterly earnings next week.

IN BRIEF

US soldier allegedly bet on Maduro op

WASHINGTON, DC – A US soldier faces charges for using classified information to bet on online prediction markets related to the US operation to capture former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro, the Department of Justice said Thursday. US Army soldier Gannon Ken Van Dyke, 38, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, allegedly made over $400,000 by using the online platform Polymarket to bet on outcomes related to US forces arriving in Venezuela’s capital Caracas and deposing Maduro -- an operation he helped plan and execute, according to justice officials.

The US military launched strikes on Caracas on Jan. 3, arresting Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores and whisking them to New York to face drug trafficking charges.

“Our men and women in uniform are trusted with classified information in order to accomplish their mission...and are prohibited from using this highly sensitive information for personal financial gain,” Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a statement. AFP

Chinese EVs geared up to dominate auto show

BEIJING – The world’s biggest car show opened Friday in Beijing, with hundreds of thousands of auto fans expected to descend on the Chinese capital to size up the latest sleek, teched-out models on the market.

Legacy overseas brands such as Volkswagen, Toyota and BMW once dominated in China, but have lost market share in past years to domestic firms that beat them to the electric vehicle revolution and undercut them on price.

Chinese manufacturers including BYD, Xiaomi and Xpeng are now also at the forefront of integrating AI software and autonomous driving technology into their EVs.

The Auto China exhibition, hosted at two side-by-side venues in the capital, will span 380,000 square metres (four million square feet), according to organisers -sprawling more than 50 football pitches. More than 1,400 vehicles from hundreds of foreign and domestic companies will be on show from Friday, when the show opens to industry professionals and the media, and later to the public from April 28 until May 3. AFP

India raps Trump post against immigrants

WASHINGTON, DC – India on Thursday (Friday, Manila time) criticized as inappropriate a post by US President Donald Trump that called the South Asian country a “hellhole.”

The comments come ahead of a planned visit next month to India by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who would seek to turn the page on recent tensions between the normally friendly powers.

Trump late Wednesday posted on social media a screed apparently written by someone else denouncing the US constitutional right to citizenship of everyone born in the country. The post accused Indian immigrants in the tech industry of not hiring white native-born Americans and inaccurately alleged that Indian immigrants lack English proficiency. AFP

Bill legalizing euthanasia in England set to fail

LONDON – A contentious bill to legalize assisted dying in England and Wales was set to fail Friday after running out of parliamentary time, having been stuck in the UK’s unelected upper house.

In a historic vote last June, the lower House of Commons backed legalising euthanasia for adults who have been given less than six months to live and can clearly express a wish to die.

But more than 1,200 amendments to the bill have been introduced in the second chamber, the House of Lords, meaning it will not pass before the end of the current parliamentary session.

Under the proposed change in the law, Britain would emulate several other

countries in Europe and elsewhere that allow some form of assisted dying, including Belgium and the Netherlands.

But both chambers of parliament must approve the legislation for it to become law, and bills that are still in progress when a session ends usually fail.

Supporters of the bill claim opponents in the Lords deliberately blocked the law by introducing over 1,000 amendments.

A debate on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill is scheduled for Friday, with the end of this parliamentary session expected to be announced imminently.

More than 200 peers signed a letter late on Thursday saying the bill “will fall

as a result of deliberate delaying tactics pursued by a minority of peers opposed to its passage”.

Kim Leadbeater, the MP who introduced the draft bill in late 2024, vowed to try again at the next session. She insisted she will “keep pushing for a safer, more compassionate law until parliament reaches a final decision”.

“This delay, this lack of a vote, this lack of choice has a real human cost,” said campaigner Rebecca Wilcox outside parliament on Wednesday.

Wilcox is the daughter of popular British broadcaster Esther Rantzen who is terminally ill and has spearheaded the campaign for a law change. AFP

Israel, Lebanon extend ceasefire as Iran peace talks remain stalled

WASHINGTON, DC – Israel and Lebanon extended a shaky ceasefire by three weeks, President Donald Trump said Thursday (Friday in Manila), as the United States remained at a standstill in negotiations with Iran to end the Middle East war. Trump announced the truce extension as he met with ambassadors of the two countries and despite recent Israeli strikes in Lebanon and fresh rocket fire from Iran-backed Hezbollah, which was not part of the talks in Washington. “I think there’s a very good chance of having peace. I think it should be an easy one,” Trump told reporters on Thursday. The initial truce had been set to expire on Sunday.

Still, the US president said earlier he was in no rush to end the war with Iran, adding that “the clock is ticking” for the Islamic republic as a third American aircraft carrier arrived in the Middle East.

Iranian media reported blasts over the capital Tehran, a first since the ceasefire

in the Middle East war came into effect two weeks ago. It was not clear what caused the explosions, though an Israeli security source told AFP that their country was not currently striking Iran.

Prospective peace talks in Pakistan were hanging in the balance, meanwhile, with no sign of a return to diplomacy to end a standoff in the Strait of Hormuz.

Since the ceasefire, the United States and Iran have shifted their focus to the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway through which a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas exports ordinarily flow. Iran has effectively closed it in retaliation for the war.

“I have all the time in the World, but Iran doesn’t -- The clock is ticking!” Trump said on social media. Trump, who on Thursday ruled

LIMA – US defense group Lockheed Martin on Thursday (Friday, Manila time) confirmed the purchase by Peru of 12 F-16 fighter jets in a deal that sparked fierce divisions within Peru’s government.

“We are proud that the most advanced F-16 ever produced will help protect Peru’s national sovereignty while strengthening the enduring partnership between our nations,” Lockheed Martin’s vice president said in a statement.

Peru’s foreign and defense ministers quit on Wednesday after the country’s interim president announced he was putting the deal on hold until after presidential elections in June.

The two ministers said the decision by interim president Jose Maria Balcazar undermined Peru’s reputation, insisting that the contracts with Lockheed Martin had already been signed.

The total value of the deal has not been made public.

Peru’s economy minister said Wednesday evening he had made a first payment of $462 million to Lockheed Martin.

The US ambassador to Peru, Bernardo Navarro, told Radio Exitosa that Lima had purchased a first squadron of 12 jets, due for delivery from 2029, and that “another 12 will arrive later.”

In a statement on X, he confirmed that a “technical signing” of the deal took place on Monday, “with the full knowledge of the highest level of the Peruvian government” after an earlier signing ceremony was called off at the last minute.

“Today marks a milestone in our 200year history” of US-Peruvian relations, Navarro said.

In October 2024, Peru said that it would renew its ageing air defense fleet with the purchase of 24 state-ofthe-art fighter jets for an estimated $3.5 billion.

The South American country currently has 12 Mirage 2000 aircraft, according to defense publications, as well as Russian MiG-29s and Belarusian Sukhoi Su27s, most of which are inoperative or in reserve. AFP

UST, FEU clash for stepladder survival

UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas, despite having defeated Far Eastern University twice in the eliminations, is not taking its traditional rivals lightly as the two storied programs look to advance in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball step-ladder today (Saturday) at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The winner of the 3 p.m. match will face resurgent No. 3 Adamson University in the stepladder quarterfinals—a do-or-die clash set on Wednesday.

Defending two-time champion National University earned a bye and will face the first step-ladder winner in another win-or-go-home match on May 2 to determine the other finalist.

Unbeaten De La Salle secured an outright berth in the best-of-three championship series after completing a 14-game sweep of the doubleround eliminations. The Lady Spikers, who defeated the Lady Bulldogs 27-25, 15-25, 23-25, 25-23, 15-13 last Sunday, will return to action on May 6 after a two-week break.

The Tigresses last Wednesday missed the chance to secure the No. 4 seed outright and earn crucial rest heading into the step-ladder round, allowing the Lady Tamaraws to stay alive and force a tie at 8-6.

UST squandered a two-set lead against NU and fell 25-19, 25-23, 18-25, 18-25, 13-15 last Wednesday, on the same day FEU kept its season alive with a 22-25, 23-25, 25-12, 2521, 15-10 reverse sweep of Ateneo.

For coach Shaq delos Santos, a quick recovery is what the Tigresses need most, especially with FEU coming in with renewed confidence after its reprieve.

“Good thing ay meron kaming one day tomorrow (Friday) kasi nagrecover talaga kami today (Thursday). Aaralin namin ulit yung FEU and siyempre, kami mismo, kung paano kami magpalakas. Reset lang ulit sa pagkatalo namin yesterday (Wednesday), but good experience para sa amin ’yon. Hopefully, madala namin ‘yon going into sa knockout game namin,” Delos Santos said.

FEU–Diliman nails historic 1st boys’ taekwondo crown

HISTORY was made on the final day of the UAAP Season 88 High School Taekwondo Championships as Far Eastern University–Diliman finally clinched its first-ever title in the boys’ division on Friday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Malate, Manila.

After several seasons of near-misses and what-ifs, the Baby Tamaraws broke through at last, securing the longawaited championship in taekwondo to go along with their titles in 19U Boys’ Basketball, Boys’ Football, and Boys’ Blitz Chess.

“Very happy; hindi ko ma-explain

‘yung feeling ko kasi nag-prepare talaga kami for this competition. Talagang ‘yung sacrifices ng mga bata, ng mga coaches, talagang very, very worth it,” said head coach Paul Romero, reflecting on the breakthrough.

The decisive moment came from Kleon Baquial in the over-70 kg final against University of Santo Tomas’ Jin Raphael Gaupo.

The graduating Baquial had to rally after dropping the opening round, but he shifted gears in dominant fashion to complete the comeback, 2–1 (3–4, 9–1, 10–1), sealing the historic crown for FEU-D after both teams were tied

TAIF Salama led the charge with a five-goal performance that propelled University of Makati (UMak) to a resounding 12-1 victory over Forza FC as the race for semifinal berths reached fever pitch in the PFF Futsaliga presented by the Philippine Sports Commission.

The Herons displayed relentless attacking form in the women’s division at the House of Futsal, installing them into the equation for a Final Four spot with Salama earning her third Bootcamp Player of the Match award on Matchday 6 at the Philsports Arena.

In a highly anticipated showdown, the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws and Beach Hut FC played to a 0–0 draw, showcasing defensive discipline and tactical awareness from both sides.

Tenelyn Otom stood out as an impenetrable force at the back for Beach Hut, earning Player of the Match honors after neutralizing FEU’s potent attacks. Despite the stalemate, both teams have secured their places in the Cup semifinals,

maintaining their unbeaten records.

at two golds apiece heading into the final match.

UST drew first blood in the morning session after a 1–2 finish in the under-70 kg category, with Khadryck Costina edging out sparring partner Von Ryan Romantico in three rounds, 6–3, 0–5, 7–2. FEU-D, however, responded strongly with back-to-back golds in the under-48 kg and under-55 kg divisions through Josh Pinatacan and Jayar Cruza, respectively, to swing the momentum.

Pinatacan needed just two rounds to dispatch Ateneo’s Jonathan Chupungco, 10–6, 14–2, while Cruza held off NUNS’ Ethan Chavez in a tight contest, 4–1, 3–2.

UST answered back when Akira Malonzo outlasted NUNS’ Chuck Alariao in a thrilling three-round battle, 11–10, 11–14, 13–12, setting up the all-or-nothing clash between Baquial and Gaupo.

Baquial, Pinatacan, and Cruza had

The Azkals Development Club, meanwhile, reaffirmed their dominance in the men’s division with a hard-fought 3–2 win over the previously unbeaten Philippine Women’s University (PWU).

Kenzo Chua keyed a strong performance to secure player of the match honors as ADC capitalized on a strong first-half performance, solidifying their status as the only undefeated team in the division.

MJ Libre continued his remarkable scoring form, delivering a hat trick that carried Tondo FC to a masterful 7-3 victory over the PUP Radicals in their Manila derby. Tondo FC secured a second straight win to keep the team in contention heading into the final matchday. ADC remains the lone unbeaten team, asserting its Cup bid despite a fierce challenge from PWU. UA&P’s clutch victory over Enderun elevates them into a crucial position in the standings, while Tondo FC’s resurgence ensures a dramatic fight for the final semis slots.

already known their medal scenarios since the preliminaries last Tuesday, and used the past days to prepare for their respective gold medal bouts.

“I explained the scenario to them, ‘yung scenario na kung anong mangyayari sa ‘min. Pero ang sabi ko rin, ‘No pressure. Just do your game, and just do your best.” This is their last.

Lagi ko lang silang ni-reremind na, ng coaches, na this is their last; lahat ng sacrifices nila, ibuhos na nila dito. Pero ambait talaga ni Lord, prinepare talaga sila para dito,” Romero shared.

FEU-D also added three bronze medals from Tuesday’s action to finish with a 3–0–3 tally, enough to secure the overall boys’ championship ahead of UST’s 2–2–1 record.

Defending champions National University–Nazareth School Bullpups, who collected two silvers on the final day, placed third overall with a 0–2–3 finish.

On the girls’ side, the Lady Bullpups swept all their finals assignments, capturing four gold medals to dominate the inaugural High School Girls’ competition.

Rian Akela Ramos clinched one of those titles after a commanding second-round performance against UST’s Rhiyanne Cadileña, 2–0 (2–2, 14–2), in the under-49 kg category.

Sweetest redemption: Cool Smashers’ grit-forged return to the throne

FOR a team once defined by dominance, this was a season that demanded reinvention.

And yet, in the end, it became a story of resilience anchored on belief – belief in a system, in experience, and most importantly, in each other.

“Sobrang saya. Sobrang saya talaga (I’m just so happy. Truly happy),” said Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses, his voice carrying both relief and pride.

That joy came from overcoming everything that stood in their way.

The Cool Smashers didn’t just win the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino crown – they clawed their way back to it. Through injuries that disrupted their rhythm, a rollercoaster elimination round, and a gauntlet of knockout matches just to reach their 15th Fi-

nals appearance, Creamline’s path was anything but smooth.

“This conference was really difficult. We had so many struggles as a team, and all our effort and sacrifices turned out to be worth it,” said Bernadette Pons in Filipino, who delivered a herculean performance in the clincher with 22 points, 25 excellent digs and 15 receptions.

Setter Jia de Guzman echoed the sentiment after orchestrating yet another championship run upon her return.

“We really worked for this,” she said. “It went to five sets. Cignal made it very difficult for us, but we stayed patient and pushed through until the end.”

This title – Creamline’s eighth All-Filipino crown and 11th overall – meant more

Garmin Run Marathon Series

MANILA officially joins the Garmin Run Marathon Series, the flagship global marathon circuit of Garmin.

Happening all over the world and built on international race standards, the series brings a more elevate d, world class race experience with a chance to be part of achieving a milestone.

Bringing together elite athletes and passionate young runners, the Garmin Run Marathon Series spans major running communities in Asia, including Indonesia, Taiwan, Vietnam, Singapore, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Japan, while also expanding to three cities in the United States this 2026. The mechanic is simple: runners who complete any 10 races across these key participating cities that are a part of the Garmin Run Marathon Series by 2027 will qualify for an exclusive, limited-edition 18K gold-plated medal – a reward that reflects commitment across multiple finish lines.

Designed by runners for runners, the Garmin Run Marathon Series welcomes participants of all levels, from first-time 5K runners to experienced athletes pursuing new personal bests. Guided by Garmin’s belief that running isn’t a competition but an opportunity to celebrate wellness, progress, and community.

The Manila leg of the Garmin Run Marathon Series will take place at Garmin Run Philippines on October 25, 2026, at the SM MOA Complex in Pasay City. The annual run once again invites all types of runners –those new to the sport, those taking on new distances, and those who simply run for the love of it. Gun starts at 2AM to ensure optimal race conditions. Runners can choose from three categories: 21K (P2,550), 10K (P1,850), and 5K (P1,550). Finishers who complete their respective race category within a required time will receive an electronic certificate of achievement, a completion medal, and special gifts from Garmin and its partners. Runners’ times and performance will be managed by MYLAPS to provide accurate, professional-grade tracking.

because of what came before it.

A year removed from a historic Grand Slam, the Cool Smashers stumbled into unfamiliar territory – a title-less season, missed Finals appearances, and whispers that their core was aging, perhaps even fading.

“For one year, we really didn’t make the Finals,” Meneses reflected. “That’s why this feels different – the excitement, especially in Game 2, which went to five sets. It was intense, full of pressure. So this – this is pure joy. Creamline is back in the championship.”

But the return wasn’t powered by nostalgia. It was built on evolution.

Meneses downplayed any notion of coaching magic, instead pointing to something more fundamental: collective accountability.

“We just held on to our system and pushed ourselves to improve on what we lacked last year,” he said. “But what really made the difference was the team effort.”

Grospe’s leap allows PH to match 2016 gold haul

SANYA, China — A soaring performance from Leonard Grospe propelled Team Philippines to an early surge in the medal standings as the country matched its gold medal output from a decade ago on just the second day of the 6th Asian Beach Games here.

The 24-year-old high jumper delivered the Philippines’ second gold medal after ruling the men’s high jump event on a cold and rainy Friday at Phoenix Island, even as other Filipino athletes began their own quests for podium finishes across various beach disciplines.

At press time, the 45-nation medal table showed the Philippines running third with a 2-0-1 gold-silverbronze tally.

Host China led the standings with 4-2-1, followed by the United Arab

Emirates at 2-1-1, with five days of competition still left in the Games’ return after a 10-year hiatus.

Grospe sealed the victory with a decisive first-attempt clearance of 2.05 meters, a leap that proved enough to outlast a strong international field in the outdoor setup of the artificial island venue.

Hailing from Dilasag, Aurora, Grospe’s triumph handed Team Philippines another golden breakthrough in a campaign backed by the Philippine

Olympic Committee and the Philippine Sports Commission, boosting confidence for the days ahead.

With momentum now on its side, the Philippine delegation looks to build on the early success as more events unfold in Sanya, aiming to turn a promising start into one of its most productive Asian Beach Games performances yet.

The Philippines won two gold, four silver, and 15 bronze medals in the Da Nang, Vietnam edition in 2016.

On Thursday, Jiu-jitsu’s Alexandra Luz Enriquez broke the ice for the Pinoys’ bid in this resort city by clinching the gold in the women’s 63-kilogram competition while Kaila Napolis took home a bronze in the -52kg division.

Over at the Tianya Haijiang Venue Cluster, Khylem Progella and Sofia Pagara of the Philippines scored a

21-7, 21-3 demolition of Uzbekistan’s Sabina Muzaffarova and Milana Kurbanova to go 2-0 in women’s beach volleyball play. Pinay spikers Sunnie Kalani Villapando and Gryzelle Joanice Matibag also improved to 2-0 in pool action, defeating Mongolia’s Gantogtokh Khandsuren and Munkhbayar Oyuntuya, 2110, 21-11.

Macau’s Leong On Leng and Law Weng Sam, who bowed to Progella and Pagara in the opener, bounced back with a 21-9, 21-14 victory over Kazakhastan’s Laura Kabulbekova and Nadezhda Ivanchenko.

Grospe prevailed via countback over Chinese Taipei’s Po-Ting Yeh and Hao Zhang of China, who settled for the silver and bronze, respectively, after falling short of matching the winning mark.

Nailga returns, Lago eyes 3-leg sweep in JPGT Del Monte

AFTER skipping a leg, Bukidnon’s junior standout Alexis Nailga is back in action – and back on familiar ground – determined to resume his winning ways in the ICTSI Junior Philippine Golf Tour.

Nailga headlines a deep and competitive field in the JPGT Del Monte Championship as the Visayas-Mindanao series resumes at Del Monte Golf Club from April 29 to May 1, with the 17-year-old aiming to replicate the dominant form that made him the early frontrunner in the regional swing.

The Bukidnon native opened his campaign in style, crushing the field with a commanding 15-stroke victory over Roman Tiongko in the Mactan leg. He, however, skipped the Alta Vista stop due to prior commitments, momentarily halting his momentum. Now back on home turf, Nailga is not only eyeing another title but also looking to strengthen his push for a coveted spot in the Elite Junior Finals

representing the Vis-Min squad. But the path to another victory won’t come easy.

Davao’s Matthew Reyes leads the challengers, along with fellow Bukidnon bet Clement Ordeneza with several others expected to spice up the title chase in the 54-hole championship organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc..

The Del Monte stop marks the third leg of the six-stage Visayas-Mindanao series organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc., following Mactan and Alta Vista, with upcoming tournaments set at Pueblo de Oro, Bacolod and Negros Occidental.

While Nailga’s return provides a major storyline, another compelling narrative is unfolding in the younger division.

Ethan Lago is on the brink of another victory.

The rising Davaoeño star goes for his third straight win after ruling the first two legs, both times besting fel-

low Davao bet Lucas Revilleza. A win at Del Monte would complete a dominant opening stretch in the boys’ 7-10 category set over 36 holes.

Lago, however, faces a determined field that includes Cebu’s Anthony Avila, Cagayan de Oro’s Thiago Sajulga and Bukidnon’s Lenard Sale.

Meanwhile, competition is just as fierce across other divisions.

In the girls’ 7-10 category, local bets Faith Frayco and Maxine Cabang take on Soleil Molde of Davao and Cebu’s Millah Avila, while Bukidnon’s Claren Quino leads the girls’ 11-14 division, joined by Snoe Dalisay, Francesca Geroy of Cagayan de Oro and Eliana Dumalaog.

The boys’ 11-14 side, also to be disputed over 36 holes, features former 7-10 standouts Shaqeeq Tanog and James Rolida, along with Mico Woo, Rafael Yap, Luke Habagat and Almario Sia.

UST-B sweeps Division 2 group stage in Shakey’s volley

UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas-B crushed guest squad Diverse Auckland Cubs, 25-11, 25-15, to complete a dominating sweep in the Shakey’s Girls Volleyball Invitational League (SGVIL) Rising Stars Cup Division 2 pool play Friday at the La Salle Green Hills Gym. Khurztein Asumbra starred in the Junior Golden Tigresses’ fifth win in as many outings in Pool F of the country’s biggest grassroots volleyball league, backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner and R and B Milk Tea.

Asumbra had 10 points built on six kills, three aces and a kill block while Taj Teves and Ava Cinco added eight and six markers, respectively, for UST-B as it primed up for the knockout quarterfinals.

The top-seeded Junior Golden Tigresses, who kept the Cubs winless in two starts, will face the No. 2 seed in Pool H in the quarters starting Wednesday. In the other Pool F result, St. Theresa’s College-QC blanked Poveda College, 26-24, 25-22, for its first win in three games and a tie in the standings with its victim. Corpus Christi School debuted with back-to-back wins in Pool E, beating San Beda University, 25-15,

Quiambao headlines Camiguin 5150

25-13, in the morning match before taking down MGC-New Life Christian Academy, 25-21, 25-23, to build a strong case for a quarters stint in the tournament backed by Smart Sports, PusoP.com, Solar Sports Free TV, Mikasa, Asics, Eurotel, Team Rebel Sports and Rigour Technology as technical partners. Miriam College opened its Pool E campaign with a 25-17, 25-14 victory over winless The Beacon Academy.

Bacolod Tay Tung-B improved to a 3-1 win-loss record in Pool H after outplaying St. John’s Institute-B, 25-11, 25-22, to stay in the hunt for the last quarters seat in the group. The Thunderbolts will try to claim a ticket to the next round with a win over De La Salle Zobel-B on Sunday and join unbeaten University of Batangas (40) in the quarters. Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu bested St. Paul College-Pasig, 25-17, 25-19, for a 3-2 card in Pool H.

In Pool G, National University-Nazareth School-B remained unscathed in three outings after escaping gritty Immaculate Conception Academy, 25-14, 2527, while St. Jude Parish School improved to 3-1 with a 25-19, 25-17, victory over Assumption Antipolo.

BATAAN and GenSan cruised to victories on Thursday and shared top spot in the SportsPlus MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) 2026 Season at the Orion Sports Complex in Bataan. The Bataan Risers led throughout and trounced the Bulacan Kuyas, 102-68, in the nightcap to keep in step with the GenSan Warriors, who banked on a scoring binge to batter the Marikina Shoemasters, 81-64, in the opener.

The Risers and the Warriors posted their third straight win, matching the record of the Caloocan Batang Kankaloo in the round-robin elimination phase of the two-division, 28-team tournament. Egged on by the hometown crowd, the Risers pulled away, 73-45, after three quarters and padded the lead as far as 102-64 in the homestretch.

Homegrown Yves Sazon posted 19 points and 4 rebounds, Mitchelle Maynes 11 points and 4rebounds, Alex Ramos 9 points and 2 rebounds, and Dante Paguio and Chris Javier 8 points each. Dinalupihan Councilor Gary David, Alfred Roces and Edrian Ramirez joined the offensive onslaught with 7 points each.

Yves Sazon of Bataan

P20.1 billion P19.7 billion

BDO Unibank’s income rose 2% to P20.1b in Q1

By Thony Rose Lesaca

BDO Unibank Inc., the country’s largest lender, booked a net income of P20.1 billion in the first quarter of 2026, up 2 percent from P19.7 billion a year earlier, as higher net interest income offset market volatility and increased provisions.

The growth rate slowed from the 6.5-percent recorded in the same period last year. The bank attributed the performance to loan expansion and improved asset quality, but it opted to set aside larger reserves due to global instability.

“Net income was tempered by higher provisions, as the Bank is building strong reserves, primarily a pre-emptive measure undertaken in response to evolving geo-political risk conditions,” the lender said in a statement.

Net interest income rose 11 percent to P53.0 billion from P47.8 billion, fueled by a 16-percent jump in gross

SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT.

customer loans. Non-interest income also climbed 6 percent to P19.8 billion. While fee income saw a moderate 4 percent gain, trading and other income surged 11 percent and 19 percent, respectively.

BDO president and chief executive Nestor Tan said during a media briefing Friday that capital markets and investment banking fees nearly dried up because of regional conflicts, stifling large transactions.

He said trading and operational income remained robust despite being “tempered by market-to-market losses” linked to tensions in the

Ant International, International Finance Corp. (IFC) and GCash are developing a Sustainability Impact Scorecard that will make it easier for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to track their environmental and social impact, easily adopt sustainability practices in business operations, and align with global standards.

Shown are (from left) IFC East Asia and the Pacific regional advisory manager for financial institutions group Christina Ongoma, GCash group head for new businesses Winsley Bangit and Ant International vice president and head of global affairs and strategic development Carrie Suen.

PAG-IBIG Fund is extending its series of housing fairs to South Luzon and the Visayas to increase access to homeownership under the government’s expanded national housing program.

The South Luzon fair will take place on April 27 to 28 at the Jose Rizal Coliseum in Calamba City, Laguna. The Visayas leg will follow on April 30 and May 1 at the IEC Convention Center Cebu. Each event will feature more than 20,000 housing units from partner developers and the agency’s acquired assets.

The initiative supports the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the Marcos administration’s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program (4PH). The program aims to streamline the path to homeownership by consolidating housing supply, financing, and government subsidies in a single location. DHSUD Secretary and Pag-IBIG Fund board of trustees chairperson Jose Ramon P. Aliling said the agency continues to heed the call of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to make decent housing accessible.

“By continuing these housing fairs in South Luzon and the Visayas, Pag-IBIG Fund is bringing together leading private developers, Pag-IBIG Fund’s affordable

financing programs, and government assistance in one accessible venue, so that more workers can move from simply hoping for a home to actually taking concrete steps toward owning one,” Aliling said.

Featured properties include socialized housing units such as Pasinaya Heights in Laguna. A unit there priced at P1.404 million can be purchased with monthly amortizations as low as P2,257.91 in the first year.

In Bacolod, a 24-square-meter unit at Asenso Yuhum Residences priced at P1.059 million carries a first-year monthly amortization of P1,703.08. These rates are supported by a subsidized 3 percent interest rate for the first 5 years of the loan term. Pag-IBIG Fund also introduced an Early Bird Promo where the first 30,000 qualified borrowers can lock in the 3 percent rate for 10 years.

Pag-IBIG Fund chief executive Marilene Acosta said these loans allow low-income members and overseas Filipino workers to access housing at costs often lower than local rent.

“Through Pag-IBIG Fund’s affordable housing loan programs, many families may now find that what they would otherwise spend on rent can already be used to start paying for a home they will eventually own,” Acosta said.

Middle East.

The bank reported a 16-percent increase in pre-provision operating profit to P31.5 billion. While operating expenses grew by only 6 percent during the quarter, Tan described the figure as a timing issue.

“A lot of them will come in the second and third quarter of this year. So, by the end of the year, it will be closer to about 9, 10 percent,” Tan said.

Asset quality improved as the nonperforming loan ratio fell to 1.68 percent. The bank’s return on average common equity stood at 12.8 percent for the quarter.

Tan said the bank remains wellpositioned for growth, noting that the insurance business compensated for the slowdown in key income areas.

“In summary, [there is] good business growth across the board, reflecting the strength of the BDO franchise. The balance sheet is healthy, so well-positioned for growth,” Tan said.

DBP provides P2-billion loan to PH1 World Landscapes for housing drive State-owned Development Bank of the Philippines signed a P2billion loan agreement with PH1 World Landscapes Inc. to fund the construction of thousands of homes, supporting the national shelter program of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

DBP president and chief executive Michael de Jesus said the bank will provide bridge financing for 8,360 housing units under the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) program. The initiative targets low-cost and mid-tier markets to address the country’s housing backlog.

“This collaboration is seen to contribute to the fulfillment of the National Government’s goals of constructing affordable housing units that would unite families, strengthen communities and generate livelihood opportunities for our countrymen,” de Jesus said. The loan will accelerate the completion of projects in Caloocan City and the Cavite cities of Imus and Bacoor. The bank expects the developments to create jobs for more than 1,000 people.

Established in 2022 as a real estate arm of the Megawide Group, PH1 World Landscapes maintains ongoing projects in Metro Manila, Bulacan and Cavite. The company is a partner of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, the agency leading the 4PH program. DBP is the ninth largest bank in the Philippines with total assets of P1.041 trillion. It prioritizes credit support for infrastructure, logistics, small businesses, the environment and social services.

As of Jan. 31, 2026, the bank approved P1.31 billion in assistance to two local government units and one developer under its BAHAY4PH Program. The facility funds local governments, developers and contractors acting as project proponents for the national housing drive.

PH shares fall for 3rd day; peso dips to 60.70 a dollar

PHILIPPINE shares dropped for a third straight trading day Friday due to renewed risk-off sentiment following a 25-basis-point rate hike by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

The peso likewise depreciated further to 60.70 against the U.S. dollar, down from Thursday’s close of 60.48.

The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index closed the week at 5,943.49, down 40.32 points, or 0.67 percent. The broader all shares index ended at 3,352.22, lower by 17.50 points, or 0.52 percent.

“Uncertainty around the trajectory of the Iran conflict and persistently elevated oil prices continue to weigh on investor confidence,” AB Capital Securities said.

Brent crude prices returned to more than $100 per barrel amid continued geopolitical tensions, which AB Capital Securities said reinforced concerns and kept risk appetite subdued.

Most sectors ended in the red, led by financials and property, which are sensitive to higher interest rates. Financials dropped 1.63 percent and property fell 1.15 percent. Industrials was the lone sector to end in the green, rising 0.10 percent.

Value turnover reached P5.23 billion as foreign investors were net sellers, with outflows at P628.1 million.

Monde Nissin Corp. was the day’s top index gainer, rising 1.21 percent to P6.68, while Bank of the Philippine Islands was the main laggard, falling 3.46 percent to P92.10.

Oil prices extended gains Friday and stocks struggled as investors worried about a lack of progress in ending the Middle East crisis, with Tehran keeping the Strait of Hormuz closed and the US maintaining a blockade of Iranian ports.

Jenniffer B. Austria with AFP

Ayala trims 2026 spending to P180b amid headwinds

By Jenniffer B. Austria

AYALA Corp. is trimming its planned capital expenditures for 2026 to around P180 billion as it adopts a more cautious stance in response to rising inflation, elevated interest rates, and global geopolitical tensions.

The revised spending plan is lower than the earlier target of P220 billion to P230 billion. The group is focusing on preserving liquidity and maintaining flexibility amid a volatile operating environment.

“When we were entering this year, we said P220 billion to P230 billion because we were thinking of ramping up. However, we’re reviewing that number again because we might have to calibrate that down,” Ayala presi-

dent Cezar Consing told reporters in a briefing following the company’s annual stockholders meeting.

Consing said this year’s capital spending will likely be similar to last year’s, which stood at P180 billion.

Among its businesses, Consing said real estate is expected to be the most affected segment. Higher borrowing costs following recent rate hikes by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas are expected to weigh on property demand, particularly residential sales. Leasing operations, however, are expected to help cushion the impact. Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) earlier announced

theme, “Excellence Lives Here.” Organized by Brandev Insights and Consulting and the Xavier University Junior Marketing Association, with advocacy partners Mansmith and Fielders Inc. and GIGIL, MYMarkS 2026 features speakers from branding, business, hospitality, entrepreneurship, and creative communications to engage the next generation of Mindanaoan business leaders.

Repower to develop Bukidnon hydro projects via new unit

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE board of Repower Energy Development Corp. (REDC) has approved the incorporation of a new wholly owned subsidiary, Kitaotao Hydropower Corp., to develop hydro projects in Bukidnon.

The board also approved REDC’s subscription to 12.5 million shares with a par value of P1 per share, totaling P12.5 million.

Kitaotao Hydropower Corp. will operate hydropower projects in line with REDC’s existing business. The new subsidiary joins REDC’s group of units likewise engaged in the development and operation of hydropower facilities.

The expansion comes as REDC announced its 2025 net income nearly tripled to P330 million, driven by higher electricity generation and a broader revenue base.

The company reported a significant jump from its 2024 net income of P119 million. Total revenues climbed to P775.8 million in 2025 from P533.4 million the previous year, fueled by increased electricity sales and favorable feed-in-tariff adjustments.

it has halted sales of two newly launched projects, Laurean Residences and One Katipunan, due to market conditions. Consing said he believes all core businesses of Ayala Corp. will be resilient, even as some units may see weaker profits or losses. He noted the group is placing greater emphasis on cash flow, earnings, and balance sheet strength, alongside more disciplined capital allocation. He said conflict in the Middle East has altered the group’s near- and medium-term outlook for the economy, as higher inflation and negative growth could cause serious damage.

SHAKEY’S-LARK PARTNERSHIP.

Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures Inc. and Lark, an all-in-one productivity platform, announce a partnership to enhance operational efficiency.

from

are Mark Dembitz, general manager for Lark APAC, and Vicente Gregorio, president and CEO of Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures Inc.

By Darwin G. Amojelar

LIGHT Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC) has opened a new air-conditioned passenger lounge at the LRT-1 Baclaran Station northbound platform to provide commuters relief from the intense summer heat.

The project is part of LRMC’s broader commitment to enhancing the passenger experience, offering a climate-controlled space where riders can wait comfortably during the peak of the dry season.

“Our goal is to constantly find ways to make the daily journey better for our passengers. This new air-conditioned space is a simple yet significant way to provide additional comfort, especially during these hot summer months,” said Enrico Benipayo, LRMC president and chief executive.

“We remain dedicated to enhancing our station facilities and ensuring that our passengers feel valued and cared for while they travel with LRT-1,” he added.

The project was made possible through a partnership with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries–Mahajak Air Conditioners Co. Ltd. (MACO), a leader in Thailand’s air conditioning industry. By installing high-quality cooling systems, the partnership aims to provide immediate relief to commuters at one of the line’s busiest stations, ensuring the daily commute is more bearable despite high outdoor temperatures.

The air-conditioned room is open to all LRT-1 passengers. To promote an inclusive environment, priority will be given to those who need it most, including senior citizens, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities.

To ensure everyone has a fair chance to enjoy the new amenity, passengers are advised to stay in the waiting room only during train intervals. By moving to the boarding area as their train arrives, passengers can help clear the space for others.

This improvement is a key part of LRMC’s mission to modernize the transit experience. By focusing on impactful changes, the company continues to prioritize the comfort of the thousands of Filipinos who rely on LRT-1 every day.

SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2026

extrastory2000@gmail.com

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

5 foreign firms keen on Tarlac AI hub

By Othel V. Campos

Sugar stocks stable despite lower output

PHILIPPINE sugar supply remains stable and sufficient to meet consumer and industrial demand despite geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, the Philippine Sugar Millers Association (PSMA) said.

Data from an April 5 Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) report showed a solid buildup in stocks, with raw sugar inventories reaching 677,624 metric tons, up 9.59 percent from a year ago. Refined sugar stocks rose to 529,573 metric tons, providing a buffer against potential market volatility.

Raw sugar production fell 6.27 percent to 1.47 million metric tons from 1.56 million metric tons in the same period last year. However, higher carryover stocks offset the decline and kept the overall supply intact.

PSMA executive-director Jesus Barrera said the industry continues to hold strong inventory levels to support the domestic value chain.

“The latest SRA data shows inventories remain robust. We have enough supply to meet demand, and our focus is to maintain a stable and predictable market for both producers and users,” Barrera said.

The PSMA said it would continue working with government and industry stakeholders to manage market expectations and support the long-term viability of the sugar sector.

Othel V. Campos

FIVE investors from the United States and an East Asian country have sent feelers to negotiate planned investments within a proposed artificial intelligence hub in New Clark City in Tarlac province, state-run Bases Conversion and Development Authority said Friday.

The AI Native Industrial Acceleration Hub, a joint project with Pax Silica, will cover about 1,600 hectares of BCDA property.

BCDA president and chief executive Joshua Bingcang told a press briefing the project is structured as a public-private partnership positioned as a manufacturing-driven ecosystem.

“This will be a magnet for other industries to come,” Bingcang said, noting the project aims to revive domestic manufacturing and allow the Philippines to catch up with regional peers.

Multiple high-level companies involved in renewable energy and data centers have expressed interest in the site. BCDA said follow-up

discussions are ongoing and the agency plans to tailor investment packages based on industry requirements once a master plan is finished.

The project will operate similarly to an economic zone by offering an integrated environment for industrial locators.

Bingcang said the BCDA is prepared to support investors and will deploy state funds for earlystage requirements like feasibility studies.

The agency is coordinating these early requirements with US partners under the Pax Silica agreement.

While several business models remain under consideration, specific equity-sharing arrangements are not

yet finalized.

Bingcang set a two-year grace period for due diligence and planning. While projects of this scale typically require five to seven years before a full rollout, the BCDA intends to carry out development in phases.

“We are confident that within the first two years, we can at least break ground on the first phase,” Bingcang said.

He said that initial construction should begin within the current administration’s term.

The BCDA expects the hub to generate substantial job growth and investment inflows by drawing a wide range of industries focused on advanced manufacturing and AIdriven technologies.

Paywatch aims to grow userbase to 1m in 12 months as EWA demand rises

By Thony Rose Lesaca

FINANCIAL technology company

Paywatch plans to grow its user base to nearly 1 million employees globally within the next 12 months as it expands access to its Earned Wage Access (EWA) services.

The company operates in six countries and uses a business-to-businessto-consumer model. It teams up with

employers to provide workers early access to earned wages, marketing the service as a debt-free alternative to traditional loans.

“I think globally, in the next 12 months, we’re targeting a base of like a million, a little less than a million employee base across the six countries,” Paywatch co-founder and president Alex Kim said during a media briefing on Thursday.

IN BRIEF

ACMobility targets 12% market share

ACMOBILITY expects its share of the Philippine automotive market to grow to 12 percent from 9 percent in 2026 as rising fuel prices drive faster adoption of electric vehicles (EV). Ayala Corp. unit ACMobility chief executive Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala said the group is accelerating its expansion into the EV segment and supporting infrastructure. The company now projects that new energy vehicles could account for up to 50 percent of new car sales in the Philippines by 2030, a sharp increase from previous estimates of 20 to 30 percent.

“We now project up to 50 percent of new cars sold could be new energy vehicles by 2030. It’s been a significant revision from the 20-30 percent we projected a few years ago,” Zobel said.

“Our goal at ACMobility is to have a significant share of that power train segment in the industry by that point,” he said. The company anticipates turning profitable this year following a significant increase in its electrified vehicle offerings. ACMobility expanded its lineup from 5 models in 2023 to 21 models today, spanning battery electric, plug-in hybrid, and hybrid technologies. This includes distribution for BYD and Kia and retail operations for Isuzu and Denza. Jenniffer B. Austria

PEZA, Schneider sign deal on sustainable ecozones

THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and Schneider Electric Philippines signed a strategic partnership on April 16, 2026 to develop sustainable and innovationdriven economic zones. The memorandum of understanding establishes a framework for joint initiatives, knowledge sharing, and industrial automation across firms registered with the agency. The agreement aims to position the Philippines as a regional hub for smart manufacturing by advancing energy management and digitalization.

PEZA director-general Tereso Panga said the collaboration strengthens the country’s ability to attract high-value, future-proof investments.

“As we attract more investors, one key consideration is whether their investments are future-proof. This collaboration will help draw more innovation-driven investments and reinforce the Philippines’ position as a competitive destination in the region,” Panga said. Under the agreement, Schneider Electric will help the agency promote best practices and introduce solutions to improve the efficiency and sustainability of ecozone locators. Othel V. Campos

Business group backs new customs rules

THE Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) supported the Bureau of Customs issuance of Customs Administrative Order 01-2026, citing its potential to improve trade efficiency and provide greater regulatory predictability for importers.

The PCCI said the order introduces practical reforms that streamline accreditation procedures while strengthening accountability mechanisms. A key provision extends the validity of importer accreditation to 3 years, which the chamber said reduces administrative friction and allows businesses to focus on expansion.

The group also welcomed an automatic renewal system for qualified importers, specifically those with strong compliance records or those recognized under programs such as the Authorized Economic Operator and Super Green Lane. The chamber said the reform rewards compliance while improving turnaround times.

“CAO 01-2026 is a meaningful step toward a more efficient and predictable trade environment. By simplifying accreditation, enabling automatic renewals, and strengthening digital processes, we reduce friction in the supply chain while encouraging higher standards of compliance,” PCCI president Perry Ferrer said. Othel V. Campos

In the Philippines, the company maintains a user base of 100,000 employees through partnerships with 70 large corporations.

Paywatch data show that 78 percent of these users reported better expense management, while 45 percent saw a reduction in household debt and 34 percent reported an increase in savings.

Paywatch Philippines president Rowell del Fierro said organizations now recognize that providing timely access to earnings impacts financial

security and talent retention.

“Organizations are already recognizing the importance to employees of providing debt-free and timely access to earnings and its impact to their financial security and overall wellbeing,” Del Fierro said.

The company is now shifting its focus toward small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and potential government partnerships. While the firm primarily handles large employers, it has begun servicing businesses with 200 to 300 staff members.

LRT-2 offers free Santolan parking for motorists to use public transit

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) offers free parking for Light Rail Transit Line-2 passengers at the Santolan Station parking area beginning April 27, 2024 to encourage motorists to shift to public transit.

This follows a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to provide relief to vehicle owners affected by the ongoing oil crisis in the Middle East. Department of Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the agency is seeking ways to help motorists reduce fuel expenditures and save travel time through train use.

“The President has ordered us to encourage vehicle owners to ride our trains. That is why we have thought of other ways to help not only commuters but also vehicle owners who travel

every day,” Lopez said. The program includes a 50-percent discount on LRT-2 fares for passengers. Lopez said these measures provide significant savings compared to the high cost of gasoline and diesel while ensuring faster commutes.

Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) officials confirmed the complimentary parking will operate on a first-come, first-served basis from 4 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. daily.

To avail of the service, passengers should obtain a parking stub from LRTA security personnel at the Santolan Station lot. The stub should be validated at the station passenger assistance office and presented to security before exiting the premises.

The government continues to monitor global oil prices as it implements these measures to stabilize domestic transport costs.

By Alena Mae S. Flores

MANILA Electric Co. (Meralco) said Friday subsidies included in consumer electricity bills are government-mandated pass-through costs, countering social media claims regarding “additional” charges.

The power distributor said it issued the clarification to address misleading statements, saying these charges are not retained by distribution utilities.

Meralco vice-president for corporate communications Joe Zaldarriaga said the electricity bills detail components and charges in a transparent manner.

“These charges include mandated cross subsidies including taxes, which are remitted to the government through the relevant agencies. In addition, these are implemented by all distribution utilities and electric cooperatives and are not unique to Meralco,” Zaldarriaga said.

The subsidies involve the senior citizens discount, the lifeline rate discount for 4Ps beneficiaries, the feed-in tariff allowance and the green energy auction allowance.

Zaldarriaga said these are not company-imposed fees but are designed to support vulnerable sectors and accelerate the transition to cleaner energy.

The company said it itemizes all bill components to provide customers a clear view of their payments.

Zaldarriaga also reiterated compliance with regulatory orders on refunds, which appear as separate line items according to approved timelines.

Meralco encouraged customers with questions to contact its customer service touchpoints for assistance.

MS TECH & MOBILITY TRENDS THE INTELLIGENT SUMMER

Speed, clarity, and the cost of convenience

By Marielle Reyes

ARTIFICIAL intelligence has quietly become the command center of modern storytelling, especially for journalists constantly on the move. From planning coverage to capturing and editing visuals in real time, AI-powered tools now shape how stories are produced and delivered. As summer assignments ramp up, from outdoor events to fast-paced launches, the need for efficiency without compromising quality has never been more apparent.

In the field, the challenge is often less about access and more about speed. Covering an event means navigating crowds, shifting light conditions, and unpredictable moments, all while ensuring that both words and visuals meet publication standards. This is where AI steps in, not as a replacement for skill, but as a tool that helps streamline the process. Photography, in particular, has seen a significant shift. Computational photography allows even compact devices to produce images that once

required heavier, more specialized equipment. Capturing a sunset at the perfect moment or freezing movement in low light no longer feels like a gamble. Instead, AI works in the background, adjusting settings in real time to ensure that the final image holds up for editorial use.

Editing has also become more immediate. What used to take several steps on a laptop can now be done within minutes on a handheld device. For journalists working on tight deadlines, this immediacy can make a difference

between filing on time and missing the window entirely. Minor adjustments, brightness, contrast, and framing, are now part of an almost instinctive workflow.

One of the more practical uses of AI, especially in event coverage, is background cleanup. Crowded venues rarely allow for perfectly composed shots. Stray figures, distractions, or visual clutter can take away from the subject. AIpowered tools that allow for the removal of these elements have become useful in refining images for publication, particularly when the goal is to highlight a specific

moment or individual without unnecessary noise.

In my own workflow, this is where devices like the OPPO Reno14 F 5G come into play, not as the centerpiece, but as a tool that reflects how far AI integration has come. Features like object removal and on-device editing allow me to make quick, practical adjustments before submitting photos for an article, especially when working against time.

However, the growing reliance on AI also comes with important considerations. In journalism, authenticity remains non-

negotiable. While removing a distracting passerby might improve composition, altering an image beyond its original context risks misrepresentation. The line between enhancement and distortion is one that must be approached with care. For creatives, there is also an underlying tension. AI can accelerate workflows, but it can just as easily dull the creative instinct if overused. Photography is not just about producing a clean image, it is about perspective, timing, Turn to C2

Moneymaxxing in this economy: Here’s How Maya Helps You

LATELY, more Filipinos are getting intentional about their money. Not by cutting everything out—but by making what they already do count for more.

That’s where moneymaxxing comes in. It’s about getting more out of your money, letting it grow, earn, and give something back while you go about your day.

And with everything in one place, Maya, the country’s #1 Digital Bank and leading all-in-one fintech platform, makes that shift feel easier to actually keep up with.

Start by putting your money to work

If your money isn’t growing, it’s slowly losing value, especially now.

That’s why one of the easiest shifts is simply moving your money somewhere it actually does something. With Maya Savings, you can earn up to 15 percent interest per annum, credited daily, which means growth isn’t something abstract. You see it happen in real time.

And that matters more than it sounds. Because once you start seeing your money grow, even in small amounts, you’re more likely to keep going. It stops feeling like effort and starts feeling like progress.

If you’re open to exploring something new, Maya Crypto lets you start with a small amount, with offers that can earn you up to P500 on your buy transactions, making it easier to try without overcommitting.

Make your spending work both ways

Spending is part of everyday life. The real shift is making sure it gives something back.

Using your Maya debit card for fuel, for example, can get you up to P300

Do It

cashback1 for a minimum spend of P500.

If you’re spending more regularly, the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card gives you returns across categories you’re already spending on like groceries, dining, even fuel, with up to P7 per liter savings at Landers-Caltex branches with a minimum singlereceipt spend of P4,000.

And with the Maya Black Credit Card, your everyday purchases turn into Maya Miles, with up to 10x Miles at preferred merchants—which you can convert into things you’ll actually use, from travel to fuel vouchers.

And when you need extra, having a backup keeps you in control

There are moments when your budget just doesn’t stretch far enough. That doesn’t mean you did something wrong; It just means you need options

that don’t make things harder later.

For shorter gaps, Maya Easy Credit2 offers a revolving credit line of up to P50,000, designed for quick use and repayable within 30 days, so it doesn’t linger longer than it should.

For bigger needs, Maya Personal Loan 3 gives you up to P250,000, with structure that makes it easier to manage over time.

The goal isn’t to rely on credit. It’s to make sure that when you do use it, it doesn’t take control of your next month.

Moneymaxxing looks like letting your money grow daily without thinking about it, getting something back from the expenses you already have, and setting things up so you don’t have to keep starting over.

To know more, visit maya.ph or mayabank.ph, and follow @ mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay updated. Approval and offer are subject to credit evaluation. Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. www. bsp.gov.ph. For 24/7 assistance, visit the Help Center in the Maya app or call us from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily at +632 8845-7788.

1 Promo runs until April 30, 2026. For more details, visit maya.ph/ MayaFuelCashback2026.

2 Approval and offer are subject credit evaluation.

3 Approval and offer are subject to credit evaluation.

INTELLIGENT

EVS, and THE GEAR THAT THINKS FOR YOU

Creators showcase vivo V70 FE’s flip card through #FunInEveryFlip TikTok content

FOLLOWING vivo Philippines’#FunInEveryFlip

TikTok challenge, content creators are now showcasing how the vivo V70 FE’s Flip Card feature transforms everyday content into interactive lock screens.

From sports highlights to fashion and lifestyle moments, they are reimagining how their photos can live beyond social media, turning them into dynamic Flip Card wallpapers that bring movement, personality, and creativity to something as simple as unlocking a phone.

From content creation to everyday interaction

Instead of remaining in galleries or feeds, these moments become part of their daily routine, seen and experienced each time they pick up their device.

Among those showcasing the feature is UAAP and NCAA men’s basketball champion Jacob Cortez, who transformed his on-court highlights into a Flip Card lock screen.

[Embed link: https://www.tiktok.com/@ atljacobbbbb/video/7630055749560913172 ]

His content reflects how high-energy

moments can take on a new life beyond the game—allowing users to relive their passions through every flip.

Model and lifestyle creator Halla Elscher takes a more expressive approach, using a series of solo shots in a pink dress captured from different angles to create a mood-driven visual story.

“A mood for every angle with vivo V70 FE. Yes to an upgraded lockscreen, no more boring wallpaper,’’ she shared.

With each flip, her poses shift from one angle to another, showcasing how a single outfit and setting can be transformed into a dynamic, editorial-style visual that reflects her personal aesthetic.

[Embed link: https://www.tiktok.com/@ hallaelscher/video/7629914797332614408]

Lifestyle and fashion creator Anduri Sia, on the other hand, highlights versatility through transformation, where each flip reveals a different look.

In his content, every transition features a change in outfit, turning the Flip Card into a style showcase that reflects different moods

and identities in one seamless sequence.

His take demonstrates how the feature can be used not just for moments, but for storytelling through fashion.

[Embed link: https://www.tiktok.com/@ andurisia/video/7629941717122157832 ]

Built for how creators capture and create today

Behind these creative expressions is a device built to keep up with how content is made today. The vivo V70 FE is equipped with a 200MP OIS Ultra-Clear Camera, allowing users to capture detailed, high-quality visuals that translate seamlessly into Flip Card displays.

Whether it’s fast-paced action or carefully curated lifestyle shots, the device ensures that every image remains sharp, vibrant, and expressive even when transformed into interactive lock screens.

Supporting this continuous creation is a 7000mAh BlueVolt battery with a 90W FlashCharge, designed for all-day use so creators can shoot, edit, and customize without missing a moment.

Make every flip count with vivo V70 FE With more creators showcasing their #FunInEveryFlip entries on TikTok, it highlights a larger shift in how users engage with their devices, where content creation and personalization come together in one experience.

The campaign runs until May 1, inviting users to explore what they can create using their vivo phones updated to Origin OS 6 with one creator set to win a vivo V70 FE based on the highest engagement in their TikTok post.

To experience the perfect content creator phone, pre-order it starting at Php 25,999 until April 24 through vivo stores nationwide, with exclusive launch offers including Php 1,000 discount, a vivo VIP Card, vivo Buds Air3, and a Globe prepaid SIM with one year of unlimited 5G access.

You can also get it on Shopee for as low as Php 22,000 until April 25, 2026. Learn more about the vivo V70 FE by visiting the vivo website.

Powering the shift: How the energy crisis is accelerating EV adoption

By Lionell Go Macahilig

Like the COVID-19 pandemic, the current energy crisis stemming from the U.S.–Israel war on Iran is poised to drive another wave of transformation.

Just as the pandemic accelerated digital adoption across business and consumer sectors—boosting remote work and the use of apps for digital payments and e-commerce— the ongoing energy crunch is now hastening the shift toward electric vehicles (EVs), driven by persistently rising petroleum prices that weigh on traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. This shift was on full display at the Manila International Auto Show 2026, where EVs from emerging new energy vehicle manufacturers, particularly from China, took center stage.

Among the highlights were the BYD Sealion 7, BYD Atto 2, Kia EV5, Jetour GAIA G700, Jaecoo J5 SHS-H, and BAIC B40e Trailmaster, underscoring the breadth of options entering the market.

Reinforcing this momentum, Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, CEO of ACMobility, reiterated his commitment to expanding EV infrastructure nationwide.

He emphasized that electric mobility is no longer a distant prospect but an emerging norm for Filipino consumers: “For modern Filipino consumers, the transition to electric mobility is no longer a future concept,

but it is now the new standard.”

“To ensure that this journey is seamless for every EV owner, we continue to expand the Philippine EV spine charging network. We are building the backbone that connects our islands, replacing range anxiety with the freedom to explore our country’s beautiful and world-class locations,” he added.

As EV brands continue to enter the Philippine market and private sector support for infrastructure grows, the current crisis, despite its challenges, also presents a strategic opportunity to advance the Comprehensive Roadmap for the Electric Vehicle Industry (CREVI) led by the Department of Energy.

Under CREVI, the DOE aims to accelerate EV adoption in line with Republic Act 11697 (EVIDA), targeting a 50 percent EV share by 2040.

In the roadmap’s initial phase (2023 to 2028), the DOE projects 2.45 million EVs on Philippine roads—including cars, motorcycles, tricycles, and buses—alongside the

rollout of 65,000 charging stations nationwide.

Recent data from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. and the Truck Manufacturers Association further reflects this momentum, with EV sales rising by 36.2 percent in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period last year.

Ultimately, the convergence of global pressures and local initiatives is reshaping the Philippine mobility landscape at an unprecedented pace. What began as a response to external disruptions is evolving into a deliberate transition toward a more sustainable and resilient transport ecosystem.

As policy direction, private investment, and consumer behavior increasingly align, the shift to electric mobility is no longer a question of “if,” but “how fast.” The task now is to ensure that this transition is inclusive, widely accessible, and backed by strong infrastructure, so the gains of electrification reach every segment of society.

and intent. Relying too heavily on automated corrections can sometimes take away from the raw, human element that gives any content its impact.

This is why AI works best when used deliberately. It should assist in solving practical challenges, like difficult lighting or crowded frames, while leaving the core of the work untouched. The goal is not perfection through automation, but clarity through thoughtful use of available tools.

Beyond smartphones, the broader ecosystem of gadgets continues to expand. Portable power banks ensure devices last through long assignments, while wireless storage solutions make file transfers seamless. Together, these tools create a more flexible and responsive workflow, especially during busy coverage periods.

As summer 2026 unfolds, bringing with it a calendar full of events and outdoor features, AI-powered tools will continue to play a central role. Whether capturing fleeting golden-hour light or making last-minute edits before publication, these technologies allow journalists to keep pace with the demands of the job.

Ultimately, the value of AI lies not in what it can do automatically, but in how it is used intentionally. For those working in media, it offers convenience and efficiency, but it also requires discipline. When used correctly, it enhances the storytelling process. When relied on too heavily, it risks overshadowing the very creativity it aims to support.

MS TECH & MOBILITY TRENDS

THE INTELLIGENT SUMMER

AI, EVS, and THE GEAR THAT THINKS FOR YOU

The Coolest Homes Use the Least Electricity

As the Philippines enters its hottest months, SM Home makes the case that sustainable living and summer comfort are the same project — and offers the tools to prove it.

ACOOLER Filipino home uses less electricity. A kitchen built around efficient appliances uses less gas and power. A bedroom fitted with the right curtains, the right bedding, and the right fan stays comfortable on a fraction of the load an overworked AC demands. Sustainable living and summer comfort, it turns out, are the same project.

This is the thesis behind SM Home’s Smart Summer Home Edit, first articulated in full at the recent Smart Summer Home Masterclass with interior designer Raiza Poquiz (@studioraizapoquiz), lifestyle creator Rachel Kelly Davis (@haven_hnl), and food

personality Geri Lamata (@babasbites). The products below are the proof — a working toolkit for Filipino households looking to run cooler, lighter, and cleaner through peak heat. All are available now at all 78 SM Home branches nationwide and online.

Start with the envelope of the room Energy efficiency begins with what keeps heat out — or in. The Cashmere Full Blackout Curtain (P1,599) blocks 100% of light and provides thermal insulation that noticeably reduces indoor temperature through midday and afternoon peaks. The Living Essentials Blackout Curtains (from P1,199) offer the same core benefit in varied sizes, crafted from heavy, durable fabric. For rooms where full blackout feels excessive, the Royal Linen Supreme Sheer Curtain (P599) filters direct sunlight while keeping airflow uninterrupted.

Layer in the Family Home Cooling Blanket (from P2,899) and either the Royal Linen

Smart Memory Foam Pillow or the Royal Linen Cool Memory Foam Pillow (both P2,499), and the result is a sleep environment that stays comfortable overnight without the air conditioner running at full tilt. Cook more with less

The Filipino kitchen is one of the most energy-intensive rooms in the house — which makes it one of the highestleverage places to reduce consumption. The appliances below are engineered for efficiency.

The Tefal Home Chef Smart Multi-Cooker (P13,999) delivers up to 80% faster cooking with 17 functions in one unit — replacing multiple appliances and reducing overall energy use per meal. The Midea Retro Digital Blue 20L Microwave (P5,299) prepares meals in seconds while saving energy, and retains more nutrients with up to 10% less fat than frying. The Hanabishi Inverter Microwave (P4,599) goes further still, with inverter

technology that saves up to 10% energy consumption while delivering even defrost across 5 power levels.

The Dowell Induction Cooker with Pot (P3,199) and the Imarflex Built-In Induction Cooker (P8,299) heat quickly and cleanly with thermal fuse protection and energyefficient operation. The Daewoo Hot Pot with Pan (P4,799) lets families cook more while using less energy in a 2-in-1 design with adjustable heat levels and safe, efficient heating technology. And for insulation beyond the stove, the Thermos Vacuum Insulated Bottle (P2,499) keeps drinks hot or cold for hours with vacuum insulation — reducing the need to reheat or re-chill throughout the day. Airflow before aircon

The single highest-impact shift any Filipino household can make this summer: reach for airflow before reaching for the compressor.

The Hanabishi Inverter Tower Fan (P5,599) delivers powerful airflow with 150° wideangle oscillation for full-room cooling comfort — at a fraction of the wattage of air conditioning. The Dowell Circulator Fan (P3,599) and Dowell Circulator Stand Fan (P3,599) are engineered for efficient, fullroom circulation. The Daewoo 6-inch Tablefan with Remote (P3,999) keeps workstations and bedside tables cool through the longest afternoons.

For days when a fan alone isn’t enough, the 3D Air Cooler Remote (P5,599) and the Dowell White Air Cooler (P8,299.75) offer energy-efficient alternatives to air conditioning — easing the heat, adding moisture to the room, and keeping spaces comfortably cool all day long without the compressor draw.

Home Credit Makes Summer More Comfortable for as Low as P23/Day

Shop for a more comfortable summer with easy installment deals on appliances and gadgets, available with as low as 0% interest, zero down payment

”ANG init naman!” If this line keeps coming up at home every summer, it might be a sign that appliances are no longer keeping up. Home Credit Philippines is making it easier and more affordable for families to stay cool and comfortable with essential summer appliances and gadgets available through installment deals for as low as P23 per day. Running until May 15, 2026, the promo offers up to 24-month installments with as low as 0% interest and zero down payment for qualified customers. Deals are available at more than 18,000 partner stores nationwide.

Home Credit’s summer lineup includes inverter air conditioners, energy-efficient refrigerators, and mobile phones—must-have items to help households beat the heat, keep food fresh, and stay connected, all through affordable and flexible installment options.

More appliances and gadgets are also available through Home Credit’s flexible installment plans:

Among the featured deals is the Midea 1.0HP Inverter Window Type Air Conditioner, available for as low as P729 per month or P25 per day for 18 months (SRP P18,066). This unit is designed to keep rooms cool while helping households manage energy consumption. For better food storage this summer, the Condura 6.3 cu ft Inverter Two Door Top Mount Refrigerator offers reliable cooling and more space for everyday needs. It can be yours for as low as P669 per month or P23 per day for 18 months (SRP P16,578).

For those planning trips or simply in need of a dependable device, the Honor X9d 5G 256GB/12GB Sunrise Gold smartphone is available for as low as P809 per month or P27 per day for 18 months (SRP P18,999).

Get It with Home Credit

From cooling your home to upgrading

everyday gadgets, getting summer essentials is simple with Home Credit. Customers only need one valid ID, with approvals possible in as fast as one minute. A Home Credit representative will guide each step of the process, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free shopping experience. Customers may also download the Home Credit App to get preapproved, available on Google Play, the App Store, and Huawei AppGallery.

For the latest updates from Home Credit Philippines, visit its official website, www. homecredit.ph, or follow its official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts.

Home Credit Philippines is a financing company duly licensed and supervised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

Using AI to finish work faster before vacation

By Jessica Luna

THE days before a longawaited beach trip or provincial homecoming are often the most stressful at work. Deadlines pile up, inboxes balloon, and handover notes get rushed. For many Filipino professionals, however, AI tools are quietly becoming the secret weapon that clears the desk before the out-of-office email goes up.

Apps like ChatGPT and Google Gemini are now being used as “work accelerators” across offices in Makati, BGC, Cebu IT Park, and home workstations in the provinces. Instead of staring at a blank screen to start reports, presentations, or client emails, workers begin by prompting AI to produce first drafts they can quickly refine. A marketing officer preparing a campaign report, for instance, can paste raw notes and ask the AI to turn them into a clean executive summary in seconds. In media and communications teams, AI is helping compress what used to be hours of writing and editing. A PR practitioner handling multiple clients can ask AI to draft press releases in different tones, create social captions from a long article, or summarize a 10-page document into bullet points for a briefing. The human still edits for accuracy and voice — but the heavy lifting is done in minutes, not hours. For corporate employees, AI has become a reliable meeting assistant. Workers paste meeting transcripts or messy notes into the

tool and ask for clear minutes, action items, and follow-up emails. Before filing for leave, they generate comprehensive handover documents that outline project status, pending tasks, and key contacts, ensuring teammates aren’t left guessing while they’re offline on a beach in La Union or Siargao. Freelancers and small business owners are also benefiting. Online sellers use AI to write product descriptions, auto-reply templates for customer inquiries, and promotional captions for Facebook and Instagram. Virtual assistants draft client updates and invoices faster. Even teachers preparing modules before a school break use AI to format lesson plans, quizzes, and rubrics in record time.

Spreadsheets and data work, often the most time-consuming tasks, are now easier to manage with AI guidance. Employees ask for formulas, data summaries, or quick interpretations of figures without digging through tutorials. A sales associate preparing a monthly report can paste figures and request a written analysis ready to send to a supervisor. What makes AI particularly useful before a vacation is its ability to reduce decision fatigue. Instead of thinking through structure, format, and wording from scratch, workers focus only on refining output. The mental load drops, and tasks move faster. Many users say this allows them to finish two to three days’ worth of work in a single focused afternoon.

The small items that quietly save Sustainability at home is often a story of the least glamorous items. The Lock & Lock Microwave Stainless Steel containers (from P579) enable batch-cooking and reduce food waste — airtight, leakproof, and built for microwave-to-freezer convenience. The Daewoo 1.5L Lunch Box (P1,999) encourages bringing meals from home rather than ordering in. The Kyowa Juice Extractor (P2,499) brings fresh juicing into the kitchen—an everyday alternative to packaged drinks, with less plastic, less transport, and none of the additives. Efficiency is the new aspiration

“We are being deliberate this season,” says Christopher S. Ang, Vice-President for Marketing at SM Home. “This is not a sale campaign dressed up in green language. This is SM Home putting forward a real proposition: that the most beautiful Filipino summer home is also the most efficient one, and that our job as a home retailer is to carry the products that make that true. The Home Smart direction will continue beyond this summer. The bills aren’t going away. Neither is the heat. We intend to keep helping.”

All featured products are available now across the SM Home network of 78 branches nationwide and online. Customers are invited to Rediscover SM Home — and a cooler, lighter, more efficient way of living through the Filipino summer.

Canon PIXMA G4770: A Cost-Efficient Workhorse for Everyday Printing

By Bernadette Araño and Lyschelle Joy Armijo

CANON’S PIXMA G4770 MegaTank printer enters the market as a straightforward yet purposeful addition to the MegaTank lineup, built for users who prioritize low-cost, high-volume printing without sacrificing essential office functions.

Designed as a 4-in-1 device, the PIXMA G4770 handles printing, scanning, copying, and faxing within a compact, space-saving frame—an advantage for home offices and small workspaces where efficiency and footprint matter. Its performance, rated at up to 11 images per minute (ipm) for monochrome and 6 ipm for color, aligns with the steady demands of day-to-day document production.

Where the printer makes its strongest case is in long-term economy. Equipped with high page yield ink bottles, the G4770 can produce up to 7,600 pages in black and 8,100 pages in color (both in economy mode). The refill system is equally practical: each bottle is keyed to fit only its corresponding tank, reducing the risk of spills or incorrect refilling.

Productivity features are equally considered. A 35-sheet automatic document feeder allows for batch scanning and copying, minimizing manual intervention, while an easy-to-replace maintenance cartridge simplifies upkeep and supports sustained use. Canon recommends a monthly print volume of 150 to 1,500 pages, positioning the device comfortably within the needs of small offices and growing home-based operations.

Connectivity is in step with current expectations. The PIXMA G4770 supports Wi-Fi, Wireless Direct, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria Print Service, alongside mobile and cloud printing through Canon’s

PRINT and Easy-PhotoPrint Editor applications. This ensures flexibility for users working across multiple devices and platforms. The printer does not attempt to compete on speed or advanced interface design, and its appeal lies instead in reliability, efficiency, and ease of use. For users seeking a dependable workhorse that keeps operating costs in check, the PIXMA G4770 delivers where it matters most.

For more information on the Canon PIXMA G4770, visit the official Canon Philippines website at https://ph.canon, or visit authorized Canon stores and dealers nationwide to explore the device firsthand.

MS TECH & MOBILITY TRENDS

THE INTELLIGENT SUMMER

AI, EVS, And THE GEAR THAT THInKS FOR YOU

Somewhere between the city and the sea: A smarter kind of summer

By Millie Manahan

WHEN summer calls for a quick escape from the city, Tagaytay is always the easy answer. I’m lucky enough to live somewhere that still feels cooler even in peak heat, where the air moves freely, carrying that faint mix of pine and coffee, and the view opens up instead of closing in. It’s simple, familiar, and always enough. But of course, there are also places like Baler, Zambales, and La Union, those longer drives that promise salt air, open roads, and a different kind of reset.

Maybe that’s what summer 2026 feels like now: less about the act of escape and more about how you get there. It isn’t just movement; it’s intelligence quietly shaping the journey with you.

The Xiaomi Electric Scooter 4 Lite keeps things simple but smart— lightweight, easy to carry, and possessing just enough power to navigate short city runs without overthinking it.

Apart from the accessibility of the local area, having an electric scooter for quick errands is a modern relief.

It’s the kind of everyday mobility that removes the friction from a quick trip to a café or a short crossing between blocks, replacing stopand-go traffic with

something direct and fluid.

On the way out of the city, travel no longer feels like a blur of congestion. It feels coordinated. AI now sits in the background, suggesting routes that avoid bottlenecks, adjusting timing based on weather, and even predicting when you’ll hit that stretch of open road just before sunset. We’ve been utilizing AI in apps like Google Maps or Waze for years, but now, the integration feels seamless.

When the road finally opens up, travel stretches beyond convenience and

becomes an experience again. The drive itself starts to matter. Conversations last longer; stops are less about necessity and more about choice. Electric vehicles used to live in forums and comment sections. Something people questioned or weren’t quite sold on yet. But lately, they’ve started to feel like a natural next step. Not because we have to switch, but because they simply make sense. They eliminate the small frictions we’ve grown used to: fuel stops and unexpected price hikes, and the constant “range

anxiety” check. Suddenly, the shift doesn’t feel forced at all.

I recently drove the Kia Sorento Hybrid from Tagaytay to Baler and never once worried about range. What stood out most was how it kept me in check on the road; its lane-keeping assist is something you truly appreciate on the unpredictable, winding roads of the Philippines.

It’s subtle, but it makes a significant difference over long hauls. The Sorento Hybrid fits into this space naturally, making the journey easier to enjoy. The shift between power sources is seamless, and the cabin is quiet enough to let the scenery take center stage.

For longer, more ambitious routes, the BYD Tang DM-i brings a different kind of intelligence into the picture. It doesn’t just move; it manages.

GCash upholds zero tolerance on ‘quishing’ scam, blocks fake illegal sites

GCash has blocked over 4,900 fraudulent merchants using ‘quishing’—a new tactic where scam-mers use fake QR codes to steal payments.

GCASH , the Philippines’ leading finance super app, has intensified its crackdown on illegal merchants, blocking suspicious accounts and scam websites that impersonate official GCash payment pages to de-fraud users.

With rising transportation costs adding to broader economic pressures, GCash continues to strengthen its antifraud efforts as Filipinos become more deliberate with every peso they spend, underscoring the im-portance of staying vigilant against schemes and safeguarding their hard-earned money.

The rise of “quishing” scams

Recent monitoring has uncovered schemes where fake websites mimic legitimate GCash payment pages and use QRPh codes to collect payments.

An example of a growing scam flagged by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is known as “quishing” or QR phishing.

In these schemes, fraudsters exploit QR codes to redirect users to malicious payment pages or steal sen-sitive information, while misusing official branding to appear credible and deceive users into completing unauthorized transactions.

In some cases, fraudulent QR codes are embedded in posters, emails, receipts, or messages. When scanned, these can redirect users to fake login pages for e-wallets or banks, or even to sites that install harmful software on their devices. As a result, users may unknowingly send money to illegitimate accounts, even if the transaction appears familiar or routine.

What to watch out for GCash reminds users to stay alert for key warning signs before completing any payment: Suspicious website URLs

that imitate GCash domains (e.g., “gcash-payments.com”, “gcsh.payment.com” instead of the official “payments. gcash.com”) Mismatch in merchant identity, especially when the name displayed is random, incomplete, or unrelated to the actual business (e.g., “XJ82q” or “Merchant_123”) Payment pages that feel inconsistent or unfamiliar, despite using GCash or QRPh logos If any of these signs are present, users should stop the transaction immediately.

Proactive enforcement and collaboration

GCash has blocked wallets linked to these activities and escalated

fraudulent sites for takedown.

The company continues to work closely with government partners to strengthen enforcement and disrupt online fraud.

These efforts build on GCash’s sustained anti-fraud and cybersecurity campaigns such as GSafe Tayo. In 2025, GCash, in collaboration with the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), has blocked over 3,200 merchants linked to illicit activities, which are often used as channels for fraudulent transactions and scams.

“By proactively blocking unauthorized actors and reporting them to our regulators and authorities, we are helping protect Filipinos and maintain trust in the country’s digital financial

ecosystem,” said Miguel Geronilla, Chief Information Security Officer at GCash.

“Scammers are evolving alongside digital payments,” said Miguel Geronilla, Chief Information Security Officer at GCash. “We have zero tolerance for these actors and are actively blocking and reporting them to protect our users.”

“Protecting users is at the core of our platform,” Geronilla added. “We will continue to strengthen our safeguards and work hand-in-hand with the government to keep the ecosystem safe.”

Protecting every peso

GCash urges users to verify website URLs and merchant details before completing transactions and to stop immediately if anything appears suspicious.

GCash users can report suspected scams through the GCash Help Center at help.gcash. com by chat-ting with Gigi and selecting “I want to report a scam”, or by calling the official GCash hotline at 2882.

Users may also report incidents to the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group at (02) 8414-1560 / 0998-5988116 or acg@pnp.gov.ph, and to the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) via hotline 1326, mobile 0991-4814225, or report@cicc.gov.ph. By staying vigilant and using trusted platforms, Filipinos can better protect their funds and ensure that every peso counts.

More information is available at www.gcash.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2026

advertise@manilastandard.net

Record-Breaking Run: ACMobility, BYD, and the DOT electrify the archipelago

WITH fuel prices hitting the roof every Tuesday like clockwork, the timing is perfect. ACMobility and BYD Cars Philippines, in tandem with the Department of Tourism (DOT), just wrapped up a 22-day marathon that effectively debunked the biggest myth in local motoring: the idea that electric vehicles aren’t ready for the “probinsya” road trip.

They call it “Drive Electric. Love Pinas,” and it wasn’t just a scenic drive. It was a 3,500-kilometer statement of intent.

Two World Records later…

Led by adventurer Wil Dasovich, a convoy of electrified vehicles traversed the entire length of the archipelago. By the time they reached the finish line, they had bagged two Guinness World Records for visiting the most cities in a continuous journey—one for a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) and another for a Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV).

Beyond the Pavement

The journey started where the road usually ends: the La Paz Sand Dunes in Ilocos Norte. The BYD Shark 6 DMO, featuring their signature Blade Battery, didn’t just handle the sand; it later ate up the steep, winding climbs of Baguio with the kind of torque that makes traditional internal combustion engines feel a bit dated.

But the real party trick was the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology.

In Pampanga and Cebu, the cars weren’t just transport, they were power sources. We’re talking about powering off-grid gear in a gorge

and running an entire DJ booth at BYD Cebu Central. It turns out, when you drive an EV, you’re basically bringing a massive power bank to the fiesta.

From Makati to Mindanao

The logistics were the real test. The fleet utilized the ACMobility Philippine EV Spine Network, which now boasts over 160 charging points. They topped up at the country’s fastest 480kW DC charger in Makati before heading south through the pottery gardens of Quezon and across the sea to the Visayas.

In Mindanao, the trip got personal.

Between whitewater rafting in Cagayan de Oro and paragliding in Bukidnon, the team made a stop at the House of Hope Foundation in Davao to spend time with kids battling cancer. It was a reminder that while the tech is impressive, the goal is a better, cleaner future for the next generation of Filipinos.

Range Anxiety?

What Range Anxiety?

Crossing 102 cities and municipalities should put “range anxiety” to bed once and for all. With 79 dealerships now dotting the map and a charging network that stretches from Robinsons Pagadian to PTT stations in the north, the infrastructure is finally catching up to the ambition.

The “Drive Electric. Love Pinas” campaign proved that the tech is ready for our rugged terrain and island-hopping lifestyle. The future isn’t just coming; it’s already here.

Ready to hit the road? Plan your route at tourism.gov.ph, join the movement at goev.ph, or explore the BYD lineup at bydcarsph.com. When you’re ready to charge, find your nearest plug at acmobility.ph.

AI, EVS, and THE GEAR THAT THINKS FOR YOU

Chinese EVs look to sideline foreign brands at Beijing auto show

BEIJING—The world’s biggest auto show opens in Beijing on Friday, as Chinese manufacturers solidify their status as industry innovators and foreign brands face ferocious competition in the country’s giant car market.

Brands such as Volkswagen, Toyota and BMW once dominated in China, but have steadily lost market share to domestic firms that beat them to the electric vehicle revolution and undercut them on price.

Electric cars are also getting a boost as oil prices sent spiking by the Mideast war nudge drivers away from fossil-fuel powered models.

Dozens of carmakers will display their latest models at the 10-day exhibition in the Chinese capital, with domestic manufacturers like BYD, Xiaomi and Xpeng now at the forefront of integrating AI software and autonomous driving technology into their EVs.

Foreign brands have been “too slow to localise decision-making and product development”, said Bill Russo, founder of Shanghai-based consultancy Automobility.

“The basis of competition in China has fundamentally shifted from hardware and brand to software,

Mercedes-Benz’s China sales plunged 19 percent last year, while fellow German brand BMW saw sales hit their lowest level since 2017.

Volkswagen, long the largest seller in China, is battling to maintain a Chinese market share while also fending off competition at home.

The German car giant plans to

cut 50,000 jobs domestically by 2030, after post-tax earnings fell 44 percent last year.

‘Centre of gravity’

“China is now the centre of gravity for automotive innovation, not just production,” Russo said.

Foreign automakers are increasingly collaborating with local companies to keep pace with technological advances. BMW has partnered with battery

maker CATL, while Audi is using Huawei’s driving assistance systems and Volkswagen is developing EVs together with Chinese brand Xpeng.

“The golden time for foreign brands has passed,” said Ernan Cui, an analyst at Gavekal Dragonomics in Beijing.

“Chinese brands... are upgrading much faster.”

Foreign manufacturers also face being outcompeted in other

markets, as Chinese carmakers look abroad to boost profitability.

Chinese brands already control around a fifth of the auto market in Latin America, and plan to boost overseas production to 3.4 million vehicles by 2030 from 1.2 million in 2025, according to consulting firm AlixPartners.

Major players like BYD have high hopes for the Middle East and European markets, with sky-high tariffs keeping Chinese models out of the United States.

The European Union had imposed tariffs of up to 35.3 percent on EVs imported from China, but in January agreed that Chinese carmakers could accept minimum prices to sell into the bloc.

Still, BYD is building a factory in Hungary to manufacture cars for Europe, Leapmotor is due to start making EVs in Spain this year and Chery said Tuesday it wants to produce a small electric vehicle in Europe.

Too many players

But Chinese brands are also facing headwinds as a ferocious price war at home eats into profit margins.

“There are still too many players in the market with too much investment behind them,” according to Cui.

“The losers are not quitting the market as fast as they are supposed to because they have investors’ backing, local governments’ backing, who do not want their existing investments to be written off,” she said. AFP

MS TECH & MOBILITY TRENDS

THE INTELLIGENT SUMMER

AI, EVS, and THE GEAR THAT THINKS FOR YOU

Planning a trip? AI mo na ‘yan!

By Jessica Luna

SUMMER in the Philippines means beaches, fiestas, food trips, and family reunions, and for many, that also means hours of Googling, opening dozens of tabs, and second-guessing plans. This year, AIpowered tools are turning what used to be a chore into a conversation.

Filipinos are increasingly turning to assistants like ChatGPT and Google Gemini to brainstorm destinations, build realistic itineraries, find deals, and even line up reservations, saving precious time for sunshine and “sinigang” at the beach.

From the moment a trip idea forms, AI can help shape it into a workable plan.

Instead of starting with flights or hotel tabs, many users begin by telling their AI assistant what they want in plain language: a beach escape in Palawan for four days on a P15,000 budget, a familyfriendly Bicol loop with whale shark watching and spicy local food, or a relaxed Cebu weekend focused on cafés and heritage sites.

In seconds, the AI responds with a structured, day-by-day outline that includes suggested routes, activity timing, and meal ideas. This becomes the backbone of the trip — something travellers can refine with follow-up prompts like “make

it more budget-friendly,” “add kidfriendly stops,” or “skip nightlife.”

Once the skeleton itinerary is set, travellers plug it into familiar booking platforms. If the plan calls for island hopping, they head to Klook to compare tours and transfers. If it suggests a beachfront stay near Station 1 in Boracay or a central hotel in Cebu, they jump to Agoda to check rates and availability.

For attractions, reviews, and operating hours, they validate ideas on Tripadvisor. AI acts as the strategist; these platforms handle the actual bookings.

Dining plans fit neatly into the same flow. After AI recommends must-try restaurants or food districts in Manila, Iloilo, or Siargao, users can ask for reservation links or search

those places directly on Google. The result is a seamless loop: inspiration from the AI, confirmation and booking through trusted local and global services.

One of the biggest advantages shows up when plans change. If a flight to Cebu is delayed or rain threatens an outdoor activity, travellers can simply tell their AI assistant the new situation and ask it to rebalance the day. Within seconds, the schedule adjusts, swapping time slots, suggesting indoor alternatives, or reordering stops to make the most of the remaining hours. What used to require frantic searching becomes a calm, real-time adjustment.

Filipinos are also discovering that AI is useful for uncovering lesser-

known destinations. By describing interests such as heritage churches, food markets, quiet beaches, or road-trip scenery, users often get suggestions beyond the usual Boracay-Bohol-Palawan circuit.

Small towns in Luzon, hidden coves in Mindanao, or underrated food stops along expressways surface in ways that standard search results might not prioritize. Many travellers now follow a two-step approach: draft the overall plan with AI, then double-check details and reviews on Tripadvisor or book experiences on Klook.

Getting the best results, however, depends on how clearly the trip is described. Specific dates, budgets, travel companions, and interests help the AI produce more practical

Unregulated AI ‘speeding with no steering wheel’

GENEVA—Artificial Intelligence

pioneer Geoffrey Hinton insisted Tuesday on the need to strictly regulate the technology, warning that it remained unclear if humanity could co-exist with super intelligent AI.

Hinton, considered the “Godfather of AI”, told the 2026 Digital World Conference in Geneva that there was a dire need to strengthen governance frameworks and ethical safeguards around the technology. But, he warned via video link, huge investments were going into convincing the public that regulating the technology was akin to slowing down progress.

Those opposed to regulation say “unregulated AI is like the accelerator, and regulation is like a brake”, said the British-Canadian computer scientist who won the 2024 Nobel Physics Prize for his work on AI.

“They want a very fast car with no steering wheel,” he said. His comments came at the end of the day-long Geneva conference on the importance of international cooperation in shaping the social dimensions of AI. The participants raised concerns over how global debates on AI remain

Co-laureate of the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics Canadian-British computer scientist and cognitive psychologist Geoffrey Hinton. AFP largely driven by technical advances and commercial applications, with less focus on social impacts in areas including labour markets, inequality and public services.

Hinton warned about the impact AI will have on job losses.

The technology can certainly improve productivity in areas like health care, where there is always a need for more.

But in other sectors, like call centres, AI can already do the jobs as well as people and soon will do

it better, he said, saying it was clear that no amount of re-training will counter that.

And “if we get super intelligent AI, any intellectual job it will be able to do,” he said, meaning that “even if new jobs are created, AI will be a cheaper way to do them”.

Hinton, who made headlines when he quit Google in 2023 warning of the “profound risks to society and humanity”, said he remains concerned as AI progresses at lightning speed.

“We don’t know whether we can co-exist with super intelligent AI,” the 78-year-old said.

“But we are constructing it.”

Humans “still have a lot of control”, he said, stressing that “we should be careful to construct in a way where we still continue to exist, and we can live in harmony with it.”

The problem is that there are “very few models of far more intelligent things allowing far less intelligent things to have freedom”, he warned.

“We’re at the point in history when it’s urgent to try and solve this problem,” he said, yet “very few resources are being put into it”.

He suggested “maybe one percent” of work on AI was going into making it safer. AFP

Google unveils latest chips for powering AI

LAS VEGAS—Google unveiled new generation tensor processing units (TPUs) for training artificial intelligence and powering digital

“agents” that are all the rage in the tech world.

Google, along with Amazon, have taken to making their own cutting-edge AI chips, taking control of designs and seeking to reduce reliance on coveted Nvidia graphics processing units (GPUs) that dominate the market.

High-performance TPUs were among innovations touted at Google’s annual cloud computing conference in Las Vegas on Wednesday.

“In the era of AI agents, infrastructure needs to evolve to take on the most demanding AI workloads,” Google chief executive Sundar Pichai said in a blog post.

“This year, we’re bringing the eighth generation of our Tensor Processing Units with a dual chip approach.”

One of the new TPUs is optimized for training large language models that power AI and the other is tailored for a reasoning and decisionmaking process called “inference” used by AI agents. AI agents are digital assistants that can independently tend to computing tasks.

The TPUs, created in partnership with semiconductor maker Broadcom, will be available later this year, according to Google Cloud unit leader Thomas Kurian.

Nvidia early this year announced production of new Vera and Rubin GPUs for powering AI, shortly before cloud computing giant Amazon unveiled the latest generation of its custom Trainium processors.

Google, Amazon, and Microsoft continue to integrate Nvidia GPUs into their computing infrastructures. AFP

itineraries. Travellers can go further by asking for packing checklists, estimated transport times, or daily budget breakdowns. And while AI provides structure and ideas, users still verify prices, schedules, and availability on booking sites to ensure accuracy.

AI won’t replace travel agents anytime soon, especially for complex bookings, but it has transformed the way planning happens.

What once took an entire weekend of comparing tabs and secondguessing choices can now begin with a short conversation. For many Filipino travellers this summer, the smartest travel companion isn’t a person, it’s an AI assistant that helps think through the journey before it even begins.

On a trip from Tagaytay to Pampanga and back, the car handled the heavy lifting. AI managed the energy use and route efficiency in real-time, while voice commands allowed me to adjust the cabin temperature or open the panoramic sunroof without taking my eyes off the road.

It even extends its utility beyond driving, turning the vehicle into a practical power source when you reach your destination.

What used to be a process of planning, calculation, and compromise is now handled in the background. AI helps remove the stress from decisions that once defined road trips: where to stop, when to charge, and which route makes sense. You’re still choosing your journey, but fewer parts of it feel like work.

Even the arrival feels different. You don’t show up exhausted from managing logistics; you arrive with more of yourself intact. There is still the heat, the distance, and the unpredictability of travel, but the stress that used to sit on top of it all has evaporated.

Somewhere between the city and the sea, travel has evolved. It hasn’t necessarily become faster, but it has become more aware of us. And that might be the real shift of summer 2026: not that we are traveling further, but that we are finally traveling in a way that keeps up with how we actually want to live.

AI takes over our summer: The power gap between the summer of today and the past

By Earl Maghirang

SUMMER is here, and as we hit the beach or go to far-flung adventures its nice to do a little comparison of what we had 20 years ago and what we have today, and how it has drastically altered the way we spend our vacation with friends and family.

Let’s start with something we all need for summer. Communication and entertainment. In 2006, yes, 20 years ago, we didn’t have the same sophisticated smartphones that we have today. We were transitioning from 3310s to the newer ones, including the Nokia 3650 with that weird curve design at the bottom. For the 40-somethings now, we were entering college, and phones were still just phones for the most part. In 2026, phones are everything. It’s the extension of our lives. We use this to call, chat, take photos, and record videos. It’s where we get information and news and even some juicy chismis on the side. The iPhone 17 and all the variants have dominated the market, with Android phones always hot on its heels. Artificial

Intelligence, or AI, has also made sure that we get information more smoothly, faster, and more concisely.

Still on the subject of phones and AI. Remember back then, when taking photos on our phones was so new, there were still people who preferred to bring their point-andshoot cameras? These days, cameras have become niche products, while smartphones with their AI systems have dominated our daily lives, especially when traveling or on summer trips. We also had to be content with the low-resolution photos that we printed out with our “colored phones”.

These days as long as you have the A.I. tag on your phone, you’ll be sure to get cool features. If you told me back in 2006 that the phones

we’ll be using today would be able to remove or erase people, add new elements in the background using AI or even open the eyes of people in the photo who have closed them, I would have said that that’s some serious sci-fi vibes. Yet here we are in the year of our Lord 2026. Having phones that can actually do the things I just described and more. Moreover, the high-end phones are also capable of assisting in taking photos, whether assisting in the shot or sharpening the images. Let me go off tangent a little bit by also thanking the tech gods for giving us water-resistant and shock-proof smartphones. You cannot imagine how hard it was in 2006 how hard it was to take photos with those classic phones and how sensitive they

were. Nowadays, the tougher the phone, the better! All these new features on our smartphones using A.I. have definitely elevated our summer getaway experience to the next level. We can take as much photos as we want, edit them and share them. We can change the hue and add filters for our photos and even add crazy, wacky stickers. That’s such a far cry from what we had 20 years ago. Traveling in 2006 had its ups and downs, and traffic then wasn’t really different from what it is now. AI, though, has taken some things and made it easier for the 2026 driver. We have better cars now, with greater fuel efficiency and a lot more creature comforts. EVs or Electric Vehicles are also taking the world by storm, especially with the continued

surge of fuel prices. Traveling now is also simpler thanks to new technology, giving us the best routes, warning us of traffic, and offering alternate routes. Do you remember back in 2006, when we didn’t have any of those and driving was really more about going into survival mode?

Smartphones and EVs are also working hand in hand in providing comfort for our daily lives, not just for summer vacations. But summer is really when it gets pushed to the limits. I can only imagine how much better our road trip from the South to Baguio was in the early 2000s with all the modern technology we have. Imagine being connected to 5G mobile data in the 2000s on your BYD or your Tesla or any EV car brand today and getting all the important data on your dashboard, including traffic conditions, the shortest routes, and more.

Then, with your current smartphone, you can look up great places to eat and take selfies. You can take photos with your AI-friendly camera, helping make photos sharper and clearer. Alas, we can’t break the timeline by bringing things from 2026 to 2006. We can only dream of those situations and appreciate how technology has improved and touched our lives, and more importantly, made our summers a lot better. So thanks, A.I. and modern technology.

Globe Business empowers PH enterprises with context-rich, real-time AI through new managed data streaming platform

GLOBE Business has launched its Managed Data Streaming Platform in partnership with Confluent, establishing itself as the authority enabling intelligent transformation for Philippine enterprises. This new real-time data infrastructure is designed to power the next generation of context-rich, dataintensive AI applications.

The platform addresses a critical bottleneck: the AI stall. Studies show up to 95 percent of AI efforts underdeliver because they are fed with stale and fragmented data from legacy batch systems. To bridge this gap, Globe Business is providing the data-in-motion foundation that activates stagnant information into a high-velocity

stream of actionable, context-rich intelligence.

“In the race for AI leadership, success will depend not only on model quality, but on the ability to continuously capture and act on fresh, real-time data,” said KD Dizon, Vice President and Head of Globe Business. “By making realtime data an operational reality, we are giving businesses the highvelocity fuel they need to achieve true intelligent transformation” Built by the original creators of open source Apache Kafka® — trusted by over 80% of the Fortune 100 — Confluent offers a complete data streaming platform that allows enterprises to stream, connect, process, and govern data as it flows

throughout their business in real time. Confluent’s proven, enterprisegrade technology is now hosted on Globe’s local Virtual Private Cloud enabling Philippine businesses to transform raw data into reusable AI-ready data products that fuel the next generation of intelligent applications.

This managed approach significantly lowers the total cost of ownership compared to self-managed systems, allowing enterprises to bypass the steep expenses of specialized talent and complex infrastructure. By removing these financial and technical hurdles, companies across the banking, retail, logistics, manufacturing, and

service sectors can build AIpowered applications faster while ensuring full support for local data residency compliance.

“AI is only as powerful as the data behind it,” said Kamal Brar, Senior Vice President of Partners and Technology Group at Confluent.

“Through this collaboration with Globe Business, enterprises in the Philippines can tap into realtime data streams that are secure, reliable, and ready for scale.”

Early adopters have seen measurable gains. Retailers using real-time data streaming have raised inventory accuracy to 95 percent. Customer service teams supported by AI agents have automated up to 80 percent of inbound requests,

cutting resolution time from hours to minutes. Companies like Notion report saving hundreds of thousands of dollars annually after switching to managed data streaming. Globe Business is also applying these lessons internally. With 80 percent of its

MS TECH & MOBILITY TRENDS

THE INTELLIGENT SUMMER

AI, EVS, And THE GEAR THAT THInKS FOR YOU

EVERY year on April 22, Earth Day highlights the importance of protecting our planet to ensure a brighter future for all its inhabitants.

EARTH DAY 2026

Somewhere between the city and the sea: A smarter kind of summer

By Millie Manahan

WAs a global technology company serving over 760 million users in more than 90 countries and regions worldwide, OPPO recognizes its responsibility and influence in shaping a more sustainable future. More than just creating exceptional products and experiences, OPPO integrates sustainability across its operations and innovation and has pledged to make its entire operations carbon-neutral by 2050. With this goal firmly on the horizon, the company is continuing to implement greener practices, develop more environmentally friendly products, and inspire people all around the world to take real steps to building a sustainable future.

Upgraded Packaging Materials and Processes Drive Green Transition

Sustainable future with OPPO

HEN summer calls for a quick escape from the city, Tagaytay is always the easy answer. I’m lucky enough to live somewhere that still feels cooler even in peak heat, where the air moves freely, carrying that faint mix of pine and coffee, and the view opens up instead of closing in. It’s simple, familiar, and always enough. But of course, there are also places like Baler, Zambales, and La Union, those longer drives that promise salt air, open roads, and a different kind of reset.

Excessive packaging has become a widespread environmental challenge for the consumer goods industry. OPPO has introduced the “3R+1D” principle of Reduction, Recyclability, Reusability, and Degradability into its packaging, promoting more sustainable packaging through upgrades to both processes and materials.

According to data from the World Wildlife Fund, around 405 million tons of paper and

Maybe that’s what summer 2026 feels like now: less about the act of escape and more about how you get there. It isn’t just movement; it’s intelligence quietly shaping the journey with you.

The Xiaomi Electric Scooter 4 Lite keeps things simple but smart— lightweight, easy to carry, and possessing just enough power to navigate short city runs without overthinking it.

Apart from the accessibility of the local area, having an electric scooter for quick errands is a modern relief. It’s the kind of everyday mobility that removes the friction from a quick trip to a café or a short crossing between blocks, replacing stopand-go traffic with

something direct and fluid. On the way out of the city, travel no longer feels like a blur of congestion. It feels coordinated. AI now sits in the background, suggesting routes that avoid bottlenecks, adjusting timing based on weather, and even predicting when you’ll hit that stretch of open road just before sunset. We’ve been utilizing AI in apps like Google Maps or Waze for years, but now, the integration feels seamless. When the road finally opens up, travel stretches beyond convenience and

becomes an experience

The

paperboard are produced globally every year , and paper-based packaging alone consumes approximately 3 billion trees, placing ongoing pressure on forest resources. To reduce paper consumption, OPPO has actively shifted paper-made product guidance information to digital

Conversations last longer; stops are less about necessity and more about choice. Electric vehicles used to live in forums and comment sections. Something people questioned or weren’t quite sold on yet. But lately, they’ve started to feel like a natural next step. Not because we have to switch, but because they simply make sense. They eliminate the small frictions we’ve grown used to: fuel stops and unexpected price hikes, and the constant “range

anxiety” check. Suddenly, the shift doesn’t feel forced at all.

I recently drove the Kia Sorento Hybrid from Tagaytay to Baler and never once worried about range. What stood out most was how it kept me in check on the road; its lane-keeping assist is something you truly appreciate on the unpredictable, winding roads of the Philippines.

It’s subtle, but it makes a significant difference over long hauls. The Sorento Hybrid fits into this space naturally, making the journey easier to enjoy. The shift between power sources is seamless, and the cabin is quiet enough to let the scenery take center stage.

For longer, more ambitious routes, the BYD Tang DM-i brings a different kind of intelligence into the picture. It doesn’t just move; it manages.

greater public participation in environmental initiatives.

Across Africa’s vast savannas, researchers are photographing the unique eye patterns of rhinos to track their movements, migrations, births, and deaths. To better protect these extraordinary and endangered animals, OPPO has partnered with the Peaceland Foundation and Impact Steps to donate OPPO Find X9 series smartphones to Kenya’s Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Taking advantage of the smartphone’s advanced telephoto capabilities, researchers can now use more lightweight equipment to photograph these rhino eyes in high detail from a distance while also streamlining data collection and enhancing the accuracy of subsequent identification work.

GCash upholds zero tolerance on ‘quishing’ scam, blocks fake illegal sites

GCash has blocked over 4,900 fraudulent merchants using ‘quishing’—a new tactic where scam-mers use fake QR codes to steal payments.

GCASH , the Philippines’ leading finance super app, has intensified its crackdown on illegal merchants, blocking suspicious accounts and scam websites that impersonate official GCash payment pages to de-fraud users.

With rising transportation costs adding to broader economic pressures, GCash continues to strengthen its antifraud efforts as Filipinos become more deliberate with every peso they spend, underscoring the im-portance of staying vigilant against schemes and safeguarding their hard-earned money.

GOOGLE announced a new enhancement to Chrome, adding built-in AI to help people in the Philippines seek and understand information with much more ease. Powered by Google’s latest AI capabilities (Gemini 3.1), these browser enhancements will be first available on desktop and iOS. People using Android can also activate Gemini while using Chrome and other apps by simply holding the power button.

The rise of “quishing” scams

IN AN era where the home has become the ultimate sanctuary, the quality of the air we breathe indoors has never been more critical. With the Philippines’ fluctuating weather patterns and the rising prevalence of indoor allergens, Xiaomi introduces its latest “health shield” for the modern Filipino family: the Xiaomi AIoT Wellness campaign.

Centering on the concept of “Total Indoor Air Management,” Xiaomi highlights the powerful synergy between the Mijia Smart Air Purifier 6 and the Xiaomi Smart Dehumidifier Lite. Together, these devices ensure that indoor environments are not only free from harmful pollutants but are also maintained at the ideal humidity levels to prevent respiratory discomfort and mold growth.

Mijia Smart Air Purifier 6: A New Standard in Air Purification

breath taken is a clean one.

Lite addresses this with an 8L daily capacity, effectively balancing the moisture levels in the home. Designed specifically for sensitive spaces like nurseries and bedrooms, the Dehumidifier Lite features a Whisperquiet Sleep Mode that operates at just 33.82 dB(A). This ensures that while the device works to keep the air dry and comfortable, the family’s rest remains undisturbed.

The Power of Xiaomi’s AIoT Synergy As part of Xiaomi’s

Key features arriving with this update include: Interact with web content without switching tabs

Recent monitoring has uncovered schemes where fake websites mimic legitimate GCash payment pages and use QRPh codes to collect payments.

An example of a growing scam flagged by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is known as “quishing” or QR phishing.

Whether you need to synthesize a complex article or spark a new idea, you can now do so without losing your place on the web. With Chrome’s side panel, you can multi-task with ease and instantly get help with whatever you’re working on, without ever having to switch tabs. Just click the icon in the top right corner of your current tab and start chatting with your personalized browsing assistant. Chrome’s new AI enhanced capabilities can help you summarize lengthy web content, perform tasks like creating a pop quiz for your upcoming final, answer questions like “how can I make this recipe vegan?” and even remember pages you’ve previously visited so you can finally close the tabs you’ve set aside for later. Get the best of Google with innovative integrations

In these schemes, fraudsters exploit QR codes to redirect users to malicious payment pages or steal sen-sitive information, while misusing official branding to appear credible and deceive users into completing unauthorized transactions.

By connecting your workspace tools within the browser (such as Gmail, Maps, Calendar, YouTube and more), Chrome helps you act on information the moment you find it. With ease, you can schedule meetings on your Calendar, see location details from Maps and ask questions about YouTube videos. Integration with Gmail means you can even compose and send emails without leaving your current page. Just open the side panel and ask to send an email. Once it’s finished, you’ll have the option to make any necessary edits and then get it sent with a single tap or click.

In some cases, fraudulent QR codes are embedded in posters, emails, receipts, or messages. When scanned, these can redirect users to fake login pages for e-wallets or banks, or even to sites that install harmful software on their devices. As a result, users may unknowingly send money to illegitimate accounts, even if the transaction appears familiar or routine.

The Mijia Smart Air Purifier 6 is engineered to provide peace of mind for families with young children or elderly members who are sensitive to air quality. Equipped with an advanced five-sensor system, the device constantly monitors the environment for even the smallest changes in air composition.

that imitate GCash domains (e.g., “gcash-payments.com”, “gcsh.payment.com” instead of the official “payments. gcash.com”) • Mismatch in merchant identity, especially when the name displayed is random, incomplete, or unrelated to the actual business (e.g., “XJ82q” or “Merchant_123”)

Get work done faster across tabs Gemini in Chrome can work across multiple open tabs, so you can easily cross-reference and consolidate information into a single view. For example when planning a team building activity, Chrome can bring together all of your research to plan the perfect offsite ice breaker. For shopping, you can easily create a

What to watch out for GCash reminds users to stay alert for key warning signs before completing any payment: Suspicious website URLs

Payment pages that feel inconsistent or unfamiliar, despite using GCash or QRPh logos If any of these signs are present, users should stop the transaction immediately.

Users can visualize their home’s health in real-time through the upgraded LCD color display. Efficiency is at the heart of its design; the Mijia Smart Air Purifier 6 is capable of clearing a standard room in as fast as 3.5 minutes, removing up to 99.9% of common allergens and odors, ensuring every

fraudulent sites for takedown.

The company continues to work closely with government partners to strengthen enforcement and disrupt online fraud.

Xiaomi Smart Dehumidifier Lite:

Perfecting Your Home’s Climate Clean air is only half of the wellness equation—high humidity in tropical climates often leads to a “sticky” feeling and promotes the growth of mold and mildew.

The Xiaomi Smart Dehumidifier

ecosystem,” said Miguel Geronilla, Chief Information Security Officer at GCash.

To learn more about these devices, visit http://mi.com/ph.

Proactive enforcement and collaboration

GCash has blocked wallets linked to these activities and escalated

These efforts build on GCash’s sustained anti-fraud and cybersecurity campaigns such as GSafe Tayo. In 2025, GCash, in collaboration with the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), has blocked over 3,200 merchants linked to illicit activities, which are often used as channels for fraudulent transactions and scams.

“By proactively blocking unauthorized actors and reporting them to our regulators and authorities, we are helping protect Filipinos and maintain trust in the country’s digital financial

“Scammers are evolving alongside digital payments,” said Miguel Geronilla, Chief Information Security Officer at GCash. “We have zero tolerance for these actors and are actively blocking and reporting them to protect our users.”

“Protecting users is at the core of our platform,” Geronilla added. “We will continue to strengthen our safeguards and work hand-in-hand with the government to keep the ecosystem safe.”

Protecting every peso

GCash urges users to verify website URLs and merchant details before completing transactions and to stop immediately if anything appears suspicious.

GCash users can report suspected scams through the GCash Help Center at help.gcash. com by chat-ting with Gigi and selecting “I want to report a scam”, or by calling the official GCash hotline at 2882.

Users may also report incidents to the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group at (02) 8414-1560 / 0998-5988116 or acg@pnp.gov.ph, and to the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) via hotline 1326, mobile 0991-4814225, or report@cicc.gov.ph.

By staying vigilant and using trusted platforms, Filipinos can better protect their funds and ensure that every peso counts.

More information is available at www.gcash.com

Record-Breaking Run: ACMobility, BYD, and the DOT electrify the archipelago

All-new, colorful MacBook Neo launches at Power Mac Center

PREMIER Apple partner Power Mac Center unveiled the all-new MacBook Neo in a fun and vibrant simultaneous launch in Greenbelt 3 and SM Megamall.

WITH fuel prices hitting the roof every Tuesday like clockwork, the timing is perfect. ACMobility and BYD Cars Philippines, in tandem with the Department of Tourism (DOT), just wrapped up a 22-day marathon that effectively debunked the biggest myth in local motoring: the idea that electric vehicles aren’t ready for the “probinsya” road trip. They call it “Drive Electric. Love Pinas,” and it wasn’t just a scenic drive. It was a 3,500-kilometer statement of intent.

Two World Records later…

and running an entire DJ booth at BYD Cebu Central. It turns out, when you drive an EV, you’re basically bringing a massive power bank to the fiesta.

From Makati to Mindanao

The logistics were the real test.

The fleet utilized the ACMobility Philippine EV Spine Network, which now boasts over 160 charging points. They topped up at the country’s fastest 480kW DC charger in Makati before heading south through the pottery gardens of Quezon and across the sea to the Visayas.

is available with any MacBook Neo payment option.

1 Infinite: As a limited “double burn” offer (1 point = P2) from PMC’s loyalty program 1 Infinite, members can redeem up to 2,500 points (P5,000 off), with no minimum spend required. This offer is applicable to both device and accessory purchases and is valid from April 23 to 26, 2026 only.

Led by adventurer Wil Dasovich, a convoy of electrified vehicles traversed the entire length of the archipelago. By the time they reached the finish line, they had bagged two Guinness World Records for visiting the most cities in a continuous journey—one for a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) and another for a Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV).

Customers who joined the launch received the event exclusive bundle including an AirPods Pro 2 and AirTag 4-pack, stackable with over P12,000 worth of freebies for those with qualified pre-orders. In addition, those in Greenbelt 3 and SM Megamall who lined up until 7PM also got a chance to win up to P600,000 worth of prizes (P300,000 per location).

While attendees were the first to access exclusive perks, PMC is extending its opening promotions over the coming days, ensuring more customers can take part in the excitement.

Beyond the Pavement

The journey started where the road usually ends: the La Paz Sand Dunes in Ilocos Norte. The BYD Shark 6 DMO, featuring their signature Blade Battery, didn’t just handle the sand; it later ate up the steep, winding climbs of Baguio with the kind of torque that makes traditional internal combustion engines feel a bit dated.

“We are taking Apple fans on a lifestyle journey worthy of the anticipation for the new MacBook Neo. With every device Power Mac Center launches, we make sure our customers know we stand behind their purchase, helping them choose better, set up faster, and get more out of what they’re upgrading to,” PMC Director for Marketing and Product Management Joey Alvarez.

Mac&Me: Easy to use and easy

But the real party trick was the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology. In Pampanga and Cebu, the cars weren’t just transport, they were power sources. We’re talking about powering off-grid gear in a gorge

In Mindanao, the trip got personal.

Between whitewater rafting in Cagayan de Oro and paragliding in Bukidnon, the team made a stop at the House of Hope Foundation in Davao to spend time with kids battling cancer. It was a reminder that while the tech is impressive, the goal is a better, cleaner future for the next generation of Filipinos.

Range Anxiety?

What Range Anxiety?

Crossing 102 cities and municipalities should put “range anxiety” to bed once and for all.

With 79 dealerships now dotting the map and a charging network that stretches from Robinsons Pagadian to PTT stations in the north, the infrastructure is finally catching up to the ambition.

The “Drive Electric. Love Pinas” campaign proved that the tech is ready for our rugged terrain and island-hopping lifestyle.

to own, Made for More

As the premier Apple partner in the Philippines, PMC extends its exper-

The future isn’t just coming; it’s already here.

Ready to hit the road? Plan your route at tourism.gov.ph, join the movement at goev.ph, or explore the BYD lineup at bydcarsph.com. When you’re ready to charge, find your nearest plug at acmobility.ph.

UpTrade: Score up to P4,000 in additional trade-in value when you trade in your MacBook Air (M2 or earlier) and upgrade to the all-new MacBook Neo or MacBook Air (M5) from April 23 to May 10, 2026. Offer available at all Power Mac Center stores nationwide. Mobile Care and Basecamp: Customers who purchase the MacBook Neo until April 30, 2026 can also receive a 90-day complementary software fix from Mobile Care Service Center, PMC’s official service arm, and free training for MacBook Neo + AI Toolkit for Beginners provided by Basecamp, PMC’s official training arm. To avail the free training, please register here <https:// docs.google.com/forms/d/ e/1FAIpQLSe_z0LeHOubTSrH4guDE7H1gaZICevgaQ15fF0tqxI7CB-aQw/viewform>.

tise to support customers, reinforcing how the Mac is made for more than ordinary, with powerful capabilities

Gen Z is Google’s most active users as AI transforms Search into intelligent partner

GEN Z is now the most active generation on Search, a trend clearly reflected in the way people across Southeast Asia including Philippines are engaging with the platform.

AI is taking Search beyond its foundation of providing information, transforming it into a truly intelligent partner. Powered by Google’s most advanced multi-modal reasoning model Gemini 3.1, Search can have an intuitive, back-and-forth conversation and it will get people’s complex and highly nuanced intent.

As AI natives, this shift resonates with Gen Zs. They are no longer just entering keywords, they are researching, planning, brainstorming, and even having conversations with Search. AI-powered features like AI Mode and Search Live make it faster, more natural, and more intuitive to find and act on information, allowing people to search in multimodal ways including text, voice and visual. As a result, Gen Z has emerged as the most active generation on Search. Signed-in users globally aged 18 to 24 now is-

Bthis growth, showing Search is more relevant than ever . The Philippines’ young, AI-native population uses Search to expand their world and make decisions they can trust.

In the Philippines, this shift is even more undeniable.

The country has one of the youngest, most AI-native populations in the world. Gen Zs lean heavily into Search, with 89% using it every day to make smarter, more intentional choices for a wide array of decisions. From researching on upcoming travel destinations to exploring the latest trends, this generation relies on Search to navigate the journey from curiosity to the final checkout—ensuring that they always make decisions that are guided by the reliable information they find online.

Partners: Get special Grab vouchers on purchases of the MacBook Neo until April 24, 2026. Education, SMB, and Enterprise: PMC also offers special Education pricing for students and members of the academe. Meanwhile, businesses and organizations looking to boost their operational efficiency and service delivery can approach any PMC store for a consultation on Apple integration.

DigiCon ‘26 signals age of collaboration

CREATIVITY is evolving and with it, how innovation happens. As the world marks World Creativity and Innovation Day, a defining shift is taking shape: today’s most meaningful breakthroughs are no longer driven by single ideas or standalone efforts, but by collaboration across industries, disciplines, and technologies.

Chinese EVs look to sideline foreign brands at Beijing auto show

sue more daily queries than any other age group . Google sees over 5 trillion searches annually with Gen Z driving

These days, social media might be where Gen Z discovers a trend, but Search is where they deep-dive about it and fact-check it. Instead of simply following a viral hype or long queues, they use Google reviews on Maps to find the truth behind the filter. They rely on Search to look up a brand’s history, find honest feedback, and compare prices to see if a product is actually worth the buzz. Search provides the credibility they need to make a move.

From artificial intelligence enhancing human imagination, to brands building ideas alongside creators and platforms, innovation is increasingly the result of co-creation.

markets,

EIJING—The world’s biggest auto show opens in Beijing on Friday, as Chinese manufacturers solidify their status as industry innovators and foreign brands face ferocious competition in the country’s giant car market.

efficient day-to-day use.

REALME has officially unveiled the realme 16 Series 5G in the Philippines via a livestream on its official Facebook page, introducing a lineup focused on improved photography, longer battery life, and smarter AI features. The lineup includes the realme 16 Pro+ 5G, realme 16 Pro 5G, and realme 16 5G. 200 Master Portrait for Moments that Matter

daily use. The Pro variants support 80W SUPERVOOC charging, allowing for quick top-ups when needed. Performance-wise, the realme 16 Pro+ 5G runs on the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4, while the realme 16 Pro 5G is powered by the Dimensity 7300 Max, both supported by an Airflow Vapor Chamber Cooling System for sustained performance. The realme 16 5G uses the Dimensity 6400 Turbo, optimized for

Smooth displays and durable builds

The Pro models feature AMOLED displays with up to 144Hz refresh rates and peak brightness of 6,500 nits, offering a smooth and bright viewing experience even outdoors. Meanwhile, the realme 16 5G comes with a 120Hz AMOLED display in a more compact form.

Durability is also a key highlight, with

the entire Series rated IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K, providing strong resistance against dust and water exposure.

The lineup also introduces distinct finishes across models: the realme 16 Pro+ 5G comes in Master Gold, the realme 16 Pro 5G is available in Pebble Grey and Orchid Purple, while the realme 16 5G features a lighter design in Air White and Air Black, complete with a built-in Selfie Mirror at the back.

profitability. Chinese brands already control around a fifth of the auto market in Latin America, and plan to boost overseas production to 3.4 million vehicles by 2030 from 1.2 million in 2025, according to consulting firm AlixPartners.

Major players like BYD have high hopes for the Middle East and European markets, with sky-high tariffs keeping Chinese models out of the United States.

Brands such as Volkswagen, Toyota and BMW once dominated in China, but have steadily lost market share to domestic firms that beat them to the electric vehicle revolution and undercut them on price.

Electric cars are also getting a boost as oil prices sent spiking by the Mideast war nudge drivers away from fossil-fuel powered models.

Dozens of carmakers will display their latest models at the 10-day exhibition in the Chinese capital, with domestic manufacturers like BYD, Xiaomi and Xpeng now at the forefront of integrating AI software and autonomous driving technology into their EVs.

The biggest highlight across the Pro models is the 200MP Multi-focal LumaColor Camera System, designed for detailed shots across different focal lengths. The realme 16 Pro+ 5G adds a 50MP 3.5x telephoto lens, making it more versatile for portraits and zoom photography, while the realme 16 Pro 5G brings the same 200MP main sensor to a wider audience. For those looking at a more accessible option, the realme 16 5G features a dual 50MP portrait camera system powered by a Sony IMX852 sensor, offering reliable image quality for everyday shots. To make content creation easier, the Series is also equipped with AI tools like AI Edit Genie 2.0, AI Instant Clip, and AI Portrait Glow, allowing users to edit and share photos faster. There’s also room to play, with features like Vibe Master Mode and AI Photo Pop-

Foreign brands have been “too slow to localise decision-making and product development”, said Bill Russo, founder of Shanghai-based consultancy Automobility.

“The basis of competition in China has fundamentally shifted from hardware and brand to software,

Pricing, Availability, and Launch Offers

The realme 16 Series 5G is now available nationwide with the following SRPs: ● realme 16 5G (8GB+256GB)P25,999 ● realme 16 Pro 5G (8GB+256GB)

- P31,999 ● realme 16 Pro 5G (12GB+512GB) - P37,999 ● realme 16 Pro+ 5G (12GB+512GB)

- PHP 43,999

Pre-orders (April 23-30) come with freebies such as realme Buds Air7 or realme Watch S2, a 5000mAh power bank, and a Privilege Card, plus discounts of up to P2,000, with total perks valued at up to P8,900, For a limited time, Shopee buyers (April 23-May 5) can enjoy up to P9,000 off, receive a free AKASO EK7000 series action camera, and get the device for as low as PHP 22,499 For more updates on the realme 16 Series 5G, follow realme’s official website and Facebook

The European Union had imposed tariffs of up to 35.3 percent on EVs imported from China, but in January agreed that Chinese carmakers could accept minimum prices to sell into the bloc.

This is transforming how creativity works in practice. What used to be linear processes are now collaborative ecosystems—where marketers, technologists, creators, businesses, and communities contribute to shaping ideas from concept to execution. In this environment, innovation is no longer owned by one sector, but built through shared inputs and continuous exchange.

Still, BYD is building a factory in Hungary to manufacture cars for Europe, Leapmotor is due to start making EVs in Spain this year and Chery said Tuesday it wants to produce a small electric vehicle in Europe. Too many players

But Chinese brands are also facing headwinds as a ferocious price war at home eats into profit margins.

“There are still too many players in the market with too much investment behind them,” according to Cui.

“The losers are not quitting the market as fast as they are supposed to because they have investors’ backing, local governments’ backing, who do not want their existing investments to be written off,” she said. AFP

At the center of this evolution is the Digital Marketing Association of the Philippines’s (DMAP) flagship conference, DigiCon. Now in its 11th year, DigiCon 2026 embraces this reality through its theme, “Interoperability: Welcome to the Age of Collaboration.” Happening on October 15–16 at the Manila Marriott Hotel Grand Ballroom, the conference is designed as a platform where industries intersect and where collaboration becomes a driver of innovation. Built over a decade with 2,000 participants annually, DigiCon has evolved beyond a conference into a catalyst for collaboration connecting disciplines and emerging technologies to turn ideas into real-world, crossindustry impact.

SHOWBIZ

Cup of Joe serves it real

How the country’s fast-rising band keeps its feet on the ground

By Jasper Valdez

AS Cup of Joe gets more popular, there’s more pressure to look a certain way, act a certain way, and fit expectations that come with fame. But instead of chasing that image, the band members are saying what matters most is staying true to who they really are—their values, personalities, and love for music.

“What’s real for us is our dedication to music,” said vocalist Raphaell Ridao. “We don’t like to fake anything. We want to stay authentic and let our individuality shine so the group can shine as well.”

That mindset carried into their performance at the Tang Refreshing Rave in San Juan, La Union, on April 17, where the Baguio-based group headlined a beachside crowd made up largely of Gen Z listeners.

The casual and open setting mirrored how the band approaches both its music and its relationship with fans.

Frontman Gian Bernardino said the group makes a conscious effort to stay connected, not just onstage but within the band itself.

“We take time to sit down and talk and give space to each other so everyone feels they belong,” he said. “We celebrate individuality, and we try to reflect that in our songs and how we present ourselves.” Bernardino said they want that same openness to carry into their shows, where the audience can feel at ease to be their

authentic selves.

“We want people to feel that they belong,” he said.

Cup of Joe’s steady rise—from playing together in senior high school to performing for larger crowds—has not changed how they work behind the scenes.

Lead guitarist Gab Fernandez recalled how the group once had to balance school with music before deciding to commit fully.

“During college, we had to balance school and music, and it was difficult to focus on both,” he said. “Eventually, we decided to fully commit to our music careers.”

Even as their reach expands, communication remains central to how they operate as a group.

“Communication is the most important thing when you’re in a group like this,” said rhythm guitarist CJ Fernandez. “We always make sure to talk things through, especially when someone has a problem, so we can support each other and adjust.”

Keyboardist Xen Gareza said these conversations also help them stay aligned. “Sometimes we have downtime, and we just sit down and talk about what’s happening,” he said.

The Tang Refreshing Rave carried a similar idea, built as a space for young people to connect in person rather than through screens.

“As Gen Z becomes more connected online, they also struggle with face-to-face interaction, and that really connects to what a real moment means,” said Mondelēz International Philippines marketing director Adrian Manlapig.

“We wanted them to be in a safe space where they can express themselves, meet new friends, or reconnect,” he added.

Some

Mondelēz senior category marketing manager Karol Canlas-Apelo said the event “celebrates refreshingly real moments and creates a safe space for people to have fun without pressure.”

AURORA Music Festival is marking its fifth year with a two-day event on May 2 to 3 at Clark Global City in Pampanga, drawing thousands of music fans for one of the country’s major Original Pilipino Music (OPM) gatherings.

The annual festival, which began as a platform to highlight Filipino music, has grown into a large-scale event featuring multiple artists across genres and generations.

This year’s lineup is led by P-pop group SB19 and band IV of Spades. Organizers said the event will also feature performances from Sarah Geronimo, Ben&Ben, December Avenue, Armi Millare, SexBomb Girls, Parokya ni Edgar, Kamikazee, and Kitchie Nadal

The festival has built its reputation on bringing together established and emerging Filipino acts in a single event, offering audiences a mix of pop, rock, and folk music.

Over the years, Aurora Music Festival has positioned itself as a venue for showcasing local talent, amid a concert scene often dominated by international performers.

The Clark edition will feature a range of artists from different eras of OPM to showcase the genre’s continued evolution.

Aurora Music Festival 2026 is presented by Epic Events. Tickets are available through official ticketing platforms.

Touchbass Yugel Losorata BINI,

YOU have heard of Coachella being the biggest music festival nowadays, and that the Philippines’ very own BINI was among the most anticipated and applauded acts that performed in its latest edition.

Another source of Pinoy pride, and something legit – not mere hype, blown up to appear bigger than it actually is.

Headliners of the show included Justin Bieber and Sabrina Carpenter, who brought in, as a special guest, who else but Madonna

And yet this apparent world-stage accomplishment still has some detractors from, you guessed it, some of their compatriots.

I find it unnecessary to put in the negative comments about the group that can be found on social media. Just stating the obvious painful truth is enough: that despite such a big achievement, there are Pinoys implying that they got the majority of their support from fellow Filipino, and not foreign, fans. Of course—and who cares about that stat? They made it big time, however you see it.

Let me tell you that I really don’t dig these sing-and-dance groups, not as much as bands playing and composing hits themselves. Their songs don’t really resonate with me as much as a classic rock song taped via analogue recording would.

But my personal take on current music and live performing can’t get in the way of acknowledging the fact that these girls did something special at Coachella. There’s no reason for anyone born in the Philippines or with deep Filipino roots not to be proud of them.

Unless … you’re suffering from a “mental disease” called crab mentality. Yes, the crabs who keep pulling down those on their way up embody the social cancer that keeps killing the Filipino resolve.

I am writing this piece merely to reiterate what was said by ace songwriter and music industry specialist Trina Belamide in her particular Facebook post about this matter. She opened that viral post by saying, “Hindi ko alam kung matatawa ako o malulungkot sa mga bashers ng BINI.”

She stressed her sharp, pointed sentences later: “BINI made it to the world’s biggest stage, performed very well, and made an impact internationally. Period. It is a big deal and I think it’s something we should absolutely be proud of.”

There’s no need to rephrase what she posted. And I agree with her, not because I’m forever amazed that she wrote the song “Tell the World of His Love,” which, back in my youth in 1995, welcomed Pope John Paul II with a superbly uplifting tune during his World Youth Day visit. In other words, she’s the real deal and highly respected among peers in the music sphere.

I agree with Trina’s take on BINI primarily because it is simply right. Yeah, why does someone have the nerve to even pinpoint that the media engagement resulting from BINI’s historic appearance “does not mean commercial success”?

Trina does say that “iilan lang naman ang may crab mentality so hayaan na lang natin sila” and that “most of us celebrate these ladies’ success.” That’s the happy ending to her post, which leaves a good taste.

Going back to crab mentality: if an act like BINI, right after performing at Coachella, could still be the object of vitriol, how will lesser acts navigate being performers trying to find their spot in the cutthroat Philippine entertainment scene?

Unfortunately, this disruptive thinking cannot be righted in this lifetime. It will take the next generations to seriously fix a set of people infested with toxicity in the head. Positive change may happen from the way children are raised to how adults truly act in the real world. The naturally good must never succumb to a broken system. We can always take the first steps to fighting crab mentality head-on, and make future Filipinos significantly more selfless and less judgmental.

I don’t want to dig deeper, though. It’s plain and simple that Filipino artists should uplift other artists, especially their kababayans—anywhere in the world. It’s never cool hearing horror stories about a true talent complaining of having been duped or backstabbed by, of all people, a compatriot.

I can say something about being a newbie in another country. It’s a sad thing when you feel like your own kababayan doesn’t really make an effort to help you establish your footing, and more often, as I have heard or observed, one gets embraced only after they have already somehow made it—practically by their own efforts, and with significant help from, uh, likely non-Filipinos. By that time, the same person is a tired, wounded, angry soul who’d probably do the same to the next wannabe. It’s a vicious

SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2026

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

Beyond the stage

The laid-back style and easy charm of BGYO

THERE aren’t many places where you can appreciate great music, fresh fashion, and genuine good manners all at once. But that’s exactly what happened at the recent Pull&Bear store opening in Alabang. I went for the style and the beats. What stayed with me, though, was something else entirely—the surprising warmth of BGYO

When the Filipino boy band recently stepped into Pull&Bear’s new store opening at Alabang Town Center, expectations were naturally high. What I didn’t expect, however, was how refreshingly normal—and genuinely kind—the five-member group would be up close. The event itself was a sleek affair. Pull&Bear unveiled its latest retail space at ATC, complete with laid-back urban aesthetics, denim displays, and a vibe that matched the group’s youthful, energetic brand. When Gelo, JL, Mikki, and Nate (Akira was unwell at the time) emerged in coordinated casual fits from the store’s new collection, the energy in the space immediately shifted.

But here’s the surprise: between the posed photos and the scripted greetings, I had the chance to sit down with the boys for a quick chat near the fitting rooms. No booming stage monitors. No towering handlers. Just these young men who, despite their rapid rise to P-pop stardom, greeted every crew member, stylist, and fan with a warm “thank you” and direct eye contact.

You know what I love about BGYO? Their story feels earned. The five of them—Gelo, Akira, JL, Mikki, and Nate—didn’t just get plucked off the street. Back in 2018, ABS-CBN’s Star Hunt Academy held auditions, and over 250 hopefuls showed up. These five were among them. For two years, they trained intensely— local mentors and South Korean coaches pushing them on vocals, dance, and stage presence. Gelo, the oldest and the leader, handles lead rapper and dancer duties.

Akira and JL are your main vocalists, the ones who give you chills. Mikki is the main rapper with that sharp, confident energy. And Nate? He’s the bunso, the youngest, but also the main dancer—and trust me, he moves

like he’s been performing for decades. They first appeared on TV in late 2020, covering Sarah G’s hits, and by January 2021, they officially debuted with “The Light.” What stuck with me? They cowrote those Tagalog lyrics themselves. No one handed them a script. That’s when I knew this group was different. In an industry where ego can sometimes overshadow talent, BGYO remains startlingly polite and down-to-earth. They talked about their families, their nerves before big events, and how they still get starstruck meeting senior OPM artists. There was no entitlement, no rush to move to the next interview.

BGYO has the choreography, the vocals, and the visuals—that’s never been in question. But after that afternoon in Alabang, I walked away convinced that their real superpower is something quieter: humility. And in a world of perfectly curated personas, that kind of genuine warmth doesn’t just surprise you. It stays with you.

THE Philippines is bringing its fashion industry back to Milan, with applications now open for FASHIONPhilippines Milan 2026, the second edition of its showcase at Milan Fashion Week.

JUST in time for Mother’s Day, The Body Shop is launching a new seasonal fragrance collection inspired by floral and fresh scent notes.

The White Tea and Elderflower collection, launching on April 30, is described by the company as a light floral blend designed for body care use. It opens with notes of sparkling tonic water, cucumber, and lemon, followed by apple orpur. The fragrance features dewy elderflower and white tea, rounded out by conference pear and a base of cedarwood and soft musk.

The range includes bath and shower gel, body butter, body yogurt, hand cream, and fragrance mist.

The Body Shop collection uses ethically sourced Community Fair Trade ingredients, including shea butter and

almond milk, as part of its long-running sourcing commitments.

The company, founded in 1976 by Dame

Anita Roddick in Littlehampton, England, continues to follow its “Beauty with a Heart” philosophy, built around corporate social activism and five core values: against animal testing, support community fair trade, activate self-esteem, defend human rights and support the planet.

The products are available in stores nationwide and through the brand’s website at thebodyshop.com.ph. For launch details, contact Jun Bernabe at leonardojr.v.bernabe@ thebodyshop.com.ph.

The program follows the country’s debut appearance in 2025, which organizers described as a breakthrough for Filipino designers on the international stage.

The initiative is led by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) and the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI), in partnership with the Philippine Consulate General in Milan, the Philippine Fashion Coalition and LIT Fashion Consultancy.

Organizers said the 2026 edition will feature a larger exhibition, expanded European market access, additional mentorship, and a stronger focus on export readiness and brand positioning.

Selected designers will be reviewed by a Europe-based panel of fashion and business industry professionals who will also serve as mentors throughout the program. Applications are open until April 26.

The program includes business development sessions with international experts, collection development using Filipino innovation textiles, participation in a three-day exhibition in Milan

during Milan Fashion Week, and market exposure activities such as retail visits and showroom tours.

Mentorship will also include portfolio reviews and consultations covering design, buying, marketing, creative direction, and sales.

To qualify, applicants must be Filipino-owned and registered businesses, be members of the Philippine Fashion Coalition, have released at least two collections in the past two years, and be willing to integrate Filipino textiles into their work. They must also submit 15 to 20 exportready designs and pay a USD 500 participation fee upon acceptance.

Required documents include a brand profile, past collection line sheets with pricing, lookbooks, product and packaging photos, business registration papers, passport copy, and links to digital platforms and press materials. The program begins Sept. 21, with mentoring sessions, followed by a three-day exhibition from Sept. 22 to 24 in Milan alongside Milan Fashion Week. Organizers said the initiative aims to strengthen Filipino fashion brands for international markets through training, exposure, and industry engagement.

FASHIONPhilippines serves as the country’s export promotion platform for fashion enterprises and has previously brought local brands to trade events in Hong Kong and