Lacson to give progress report on flood control probe this week
By Joel E. Zurbano
SENATE President Pro Tempore Panfi lo Lacson said he will give a progress report next week on the Blue Ribbon Committee’s probe into anomalous multi billion peso flood control pro jects. Lacson, who chairs the commit tee, said he may deliver his
By Maricel V. Cruz and Joel Zurbano
THE one third vote needed to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte and move toward a Senate trial is “not difficult to surmount,” House Committee on Public Accounts chairman Terry Ridon on Saturday said.
He said the House Committee on Justice’s 53–0 vote finding probable cause on the consolidated impeach ment complaint puts the Lower Chamber on track to secure the re maining 106 votes needed. Out of more than 300 House members, Ridon said reaching the
By Pot Chavez
THE Supreme Court has voided the dismissal of former Overall Deputy Ombudsman Melchor Arthur Caran dang, ruling that former President Rodrigo Duterte had no disciplinary authority over him.
In a 28‑page decision made pub lic Satur Court’s Division
TEHRAN – A senior Iranian military officer said on Saturday that re newed fighting between the US and Iran was “likely,” hours after Presi dent Donald Trump said he was “not satisfied” with a new Iranian negoti ating proposal.
required one third vote threshold is well within reach.
“If the minimum requirement is just 106, I don’t think it would be dif ficult to reach, but at the very best, we would want to get 215 minimum number of votes,” he said. For his part, Senate President Pro
Panfilo
commence
Lacson said that although Senate President Vicente Sotto III is eager to convene the impeachment court immediately, a timeframe of at least three weeks will likely be required to complete essential procedures.
These include the issuance of sum monses and replies, as well as the holding of a preliminary conference aimed at establishing stipulations and possibly marking evidence before the actual trial commences.
“Once the Articles of Impeachment are transmitted to us, if we follow the Turn to A4
ing its contents.
The war, launched by the United States and Israel in late February, has been on hold since April 8, with one failed round of peace talks having taken place in Pakistan since then.
“At this moment I’m not satisfied
talks on “tremendous discord” with in Iran’s leadership.
Malacañang has issued a travel authority allowing Vice President Sara Duterte to embark on rescheduled overseas travels from May 2 to 15. Duterte earlier submitted a travel plan covering several European and Asian destinations from April 23 to May 15, but had to reschedule as the previous travel authority was approved at the last minute, the OVP said.
the Iranian military’s central com mand, said “a renewed conflict be tween Iran and the United States is likely,” in quotes published by Iran’s Fars news agency.
“Do we want to go and just blast the hell out of them and finish them forever – or do we want to try and make a deal?” he added, saying he would “prefer not” to take the first option “on a human basis.”
On Saturday morning, Moham mad Jafar Asadi, a senior figure in
“Evidence has shown that the United States is not committed to any promises or agreements,” he added.
LOS ANGELES – Actors created with artifi cial intelligence will not be eligible for an Os car, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said as it launched a crackdown on the use of AI.
New rules include a requirement that only real, live human performers – not their AI avatars – are eligible for the film world’s biggest prizes, and screenplays must have been penned by a person, rather than a chatbot.
“In the Acting category, only roles cred ited in the film’s legal billing and demon strably performed by humans with their consent will be considered eligible,” the Academy said.
By Charles Dantes
AROUND 1,300 Filipino seafarers have already crossed the Strait of Hormuz safely, while at least 14 more are currently attempting to traverse the strategic waterway, Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said Saturday.
“We are monitoring the situation of our seafarers crossing,” Cacdac said, expressing hope that those in transit would complete their journey without incident.
He said the Filipino crew members remain on active duty and are not stranded, continuing operations aboard their vessels.
“They continue to work because they need to run their respective ships,” he said, noting that salaries and allotments of the Filipino seafarers remain uninterrupted.
The DMW chief also reported that Filipino offshore workers he visited in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia last week are “safe and sound,” particularly those assigned within the Persian Gulf.
Cacdac acknowledged that routine challenges such as fatigue and medical concerns among seafarers persist, requiring coordination with ship owners to ensure proper crew rotation.
He also underscored the need for additional funding, as government spending for assistance and monitoring efforts has been accelerated faster than planned.
“There is no denying that we need more funding,” he said.
On Tuesday, the DMW said a Russian super-yacht trapped in the Gulf by the Middle East war carried stranded Filipino seafarers out through the perilous Strait of Hormuz.
The Russia-flagged Nord, a 142-meter-long yacht reportedly linked to the Russian billionaire Alexei Mordashov, passed the strait last week.
Solons refile bill for more journalist benefits
LAWMAKERS are pushing for the passage of a measure granting job-related benefits and protections to journalists, citing gaps in labor standards in the media industry.
Reps. Luigi Villafuerte and Migz Villafuerte refiled House Bill 1985, or the “Media Workers’ Welfare Act,” seeking to provide media practitioners with security of tenure, hazard pay, overtime compensation, and mandatory insurance coverage.
The proposal follows House Bill 304, approved on third and final reading in the 19th Congress but left pending in the Senate.
“That this proposed measure was approved… underscored the overwhelming support… for improving the welfare of Filipino media workers,” said Luigi, a
deputy majority leader.
HB 1985 guarantees the right to self-organization, access to standard labor benefits, and a safe working environment.
It mandates minimum wage, overtime pay, night shift premiums, and social security coverage, alongside additional insurance, including up to P200,000 in death or disability benefits and P100,000 for medical expenses.
“Media workers serve as frontliners… upholding democracy,” the bill states, noting risks faced in the field.
The measure also requires employers to provide safety gear and to regularize media workers after six months of employment, addressing contractualization and unsafe conditions, Luigi said. Maricel Cruz
Mollenido for slay of wife, son
THE National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) has ordered the dismissal of Police Senior Master Sergeant John Mollenido after finding him administratively liable for grave misconduct, neglect of duty, and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.
In a decision by the Commission En Banc, NAPOLCOM held Mollenido accountable for actions linked to the deaths of his wife and minor son in January 2026.
Records showed the decomposing body of his wife, PSMS Diane Marie Mollenido, was found in Pulilan, Bulacan on Jan. 24, while the remains of their eight-year-old son, John Ysmael, were later discovered in Victoria,
Tarlac. Autopsy findings cited gunshot wound and asphyxia as causes of death, respectively.
The commission said Mollenido facilitated the immediate cremation of both victims despite an ongoing investigation and before completion of medico-legal procedures. He allegedly authorized the cremation, resulting in the destruction of possible evidence.
NAPOLCOM said the acts violated Presidential Decree No. 1829 on obstruction of justice and its own rules on grave misconduct. It also cited Department of Health guidelines prohibiting cremation in medico-legal cases without proper clearance. Rex Espiritu
PAL warns against Mabuhay Miles ticket scams
Philippine Airlines (PAL) has cautioned the public against unauthorized individuals selling discounted tickets using Mabuhay Miles, warning that such offers are linked to fraud and unlawful access to accounts.
By Maricel V. Cruz
VETERAN lawyer Lorna Kapunan on Saturday sharply criticized Vice President Sara Zimmerman Duterte, describing as “lutang” (out of her mind) any public official who issues death threats, and urging that she undergo a psychiatric evaluation as questions mount over her conduct.
Speaking at the Saturday News Forum at Dapo Restaurant in Quezon City, the lawyer said Filipinos must look beyond legal arguments and examine the character and behavior of leaders, especially those seeking the presidency.
“Let’s also look, apart from all these
By Rex Espiritu
legal arguments, at the demeanor and conduct of a president — of a vice president who wants to become president,” she said in Filipino. Kapunan also cautioned the public against what she described as coordinated “troll armies” spreading misleading narratives about the impeachment case against the Vice President, insisting the proceedings are grounded in documentary evidence, not politics.
“Magingat tayo sa social media. Ang narrative nila, wala raw ginagawa ang gobyerno kundi impeachment. Hindi totoo iyon (Beware social media. The narrative there is the government isn’t doing anything except impeachment.
That’s not true),” she said. She noted that even as impeachment hearings continue, the House of Representatives is addressing urgent economic concerns through the Legislative Energy Action and Development (LEAD) Joint Committee, which held hearings during the break on rising oil prices, supply stability, and relief measures amid the Middle East crisis.
Kapunan said the current impeachment environment differs sharply from past cases involving former President Joseph Estrada and the late Chief Justice Renato Corona, when social media had little influence on public discourse.
PHILIPPINE and American forces showcased advanced missile systems during the ongoing Balikatan 2026 exercises, with the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) deployed in Batanes and the Philippine Marine Corps’ BrahMos missile set to participate in simulated maritime strikes.
The NMESIS was featured Saturday during Maritime Key Terrain Secu -
rity Operations, a core component of the joint drills involving more than 17,000 troops from the Philippines, the United States, Japan, and other partner nations.
Staff Sergeant Darren Gibbs, chief of Section 6, Medium Range Missile Battery of the US Marine Corps, said the NMESIS is designed for shoreline defense and sea denial operations.
The airline also advised against buying Mabuhay Miles from third parties or accepting ticket offers sent via personal emails, social media, or messaging apps.
Passengers were further warned not to send payments to personal bank accounts or ewallets, or to individuals claiming to represent PAL. Joel Zurbano
PAL said these schemes may compromise personal data and urged passengers to transact only through official channels, including its website, ticket offices, contact center, and mobile app.
He said training in Batanes provides a unique operational environment for US forces.
“Training out here in Batanes allows us a different environment than what we’re normally allowed to operate in, so it gives us unique opportunities to actually utilize the system and train within our capabilities,” he said.
“The NMESIS is an autonomous missile system that is used for shoreline security and sea denial. It’s essentially to help potentially with our straits and sea lines,” Gibbs told defense reporters in Batanes, confirming that the system is designed to target ships.
DIALOGUE WITH FISHERMEN. The Department of National Defense, with Northern Luzon Command and the Armed Forces, led a coastal dialogue for fisherfolk on Saturday in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.
Over 700 affected by maritime restrictions received aid, as officials tackled livelihood, security, and environmental concerns amid Balikatan 41-2026.
Photo courtesy AFP
By Rex Espiritu
DEFENSE Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Saturday rejected calls to resume peace talks with communist rebels following a deadly military operation in Negros Occidental.
“No. I object to any peace talks with the NPA (New People’s Army),” Teodoro told reporters on the sidelines of a ceremony for the distribution of financial assistance and food packs to fisherfolk affected by the Balikatan exercises in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.
His remarks came after former government peace negotiators
urged the resumption of talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), its armed wing, the NPA, and its political arm, the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).
The former negotiators, who served in the government’s exploratory team for backchannel talks from 2014 to 2020 under
the administrations of presidents Benigno Aquino III and Rodrigo Duterte, said both sides had previously come close to forging an interim peace agreement to end the nearly six-decade insurgency. They renewed their appeal following an April 19 military operation in Toboso, Negros Occidental, that left 19 people dead.
Teodoro dismissed the proposal, saying the country is already at peace and that communist insurgents are the ones disrupting it.
“The Filipinos are at peace. They are the ones disturbing the peace. So why should we talk to them? They’re committing crimes,” he said.
“It’s terrorism. Plain and simple. So, to call for peace talks is to elevate the morality of their cause to something legitimate, which I cannot accept,” he added.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines said all 19 fatalities were armed and engaged government troops in combat. The CPP disputed the military’s account, maintaining that some of those killed were civilians and denying they were NPA members.
The Philippine Army has called for an independent investigation into the clash, saying it would help establish the truth behind what it described as recruitment and deception by the rebel groups.
By Maricel Cruz
A HOUSE leader on Saturday warned that delays in the rollout of the national ID system are hampering the government’s ability to deliver aid to transport workers affected by rising fuel costs and called for a congressional inquiry.
House Committee on Transportation chair Rep. Franz Pumaren raised the issue following a recent hearing on fuel subsidies and service contracting programs aimed at
cushioning drivers, operators, and commuters from the impact of the energy crisis.
He said the effectiveness of these interventions depends on accurate identification of beneficiaries.
“I am very disappointed with our national ID. Not even 50 percent has been distributed,” Pumaren said in Filipino during the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City.
Pumaren said he will file a resolution to investigate the rollout
under the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), citing “almost P700 million” in budget but insufficient output.
“These are sectors that are affected every day… The assistance needs to be fast and accurate,” he said.
The lawmaker noted that many transport workers, especially in the informal sector, lack valid IDs, limiting access to assistance.
“‘Yung iba walang passport, walang lisensya, kaya hirap silang makatanggap ng ayuda,” he said.
(Some of them don’t have passports or drivers licenses, so they’re having difficulty receiving aid.)
Pumaren said the absence of a unified ID system leads to data mismatches and duplication, citing “ghost riders” flagged during the hearing.
“What’s important here is accurate data. If we don’t have a proper identification system, the government will really struggle with targeting (aid beneficiaries),” he added.
By Rolando Ng III
A QUEZON City Regional Trial Court has convicted a Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) member for leading a blockade during protests tied to the arrest of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy. Eduardo Corda was among those who attempted to clog the Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway in Davao City by staging a “prayer rally” while police operations were ongoing.
The court ruled that by blocking the highway, Corda violated Section 13 of Batas Pambansa Blg. 880, or the Public Assembly Act of 1985.
Corda was sentenced to four months in prison.
“By barricading a national thoroughfare with heavy equipment, the participants exceeded the spatial authority granted. In this regard, a permit is not a license to occupy any public space at
will,” the decision stated.
The court also held that Corda exercised leadership duri----+-98TBVP ng the protest, noting his use of a megaphone to direct the crowd.
“In a mass action, the person wielding the megaphone to coordinate the group’s movements exercises functional leadership,” it said, adding that he is liable for the group’s actions.
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority General Manager Nicolas Torre III, who was Davao Region police chief during Quiboloy’s arrest, shared the ruling Friday.
“Hindi pwedeng ang sigaw ay gawing depensa… At lalong hindi pwedeng ang impluwensya ay gawing lisensya,” he said.
(You cannot use shouting as a defense… and even more so, you cannot use influence as a license [to block a highway and a police operation.])
Cops nab 2, seize P6.8m of shabu at Mabalacat
POLICE seized about 1 kilogram of suspected shabu worth P6.8 million and arrested two high-value suspects in an early morning buybust operation in Mabalacat City, Pampanga on Saturday.
The operation, conducted at around 1:12 a.m. in Sitio Bana, Barangay Dolores, also led to the confiscation of a caliber .45 firearm, a magazine, and four rounds of live ammunition. The suspects, identified only as “Kuya” and “Panggay”, are now in police custody. Authorities said the two will face charges for violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as well as firearms-related offenses.
Police Regional Office 3 (Central Luzon) director Brig. Gen. Jess Mendez commended the Mabalacat City Police’s Drug Enforcement Unit, which carried out the operation with support from the Pampanga 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region 3. Rex Espiritu 17 arrested over illegal LPG refilling THE National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) arrested 17 persons on Saturday for alleged illegal refilling and rebranding of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanks in Caloocan City. The arrests followed a police raid on a company compound along Sta. Quiteria Road, where the suspects were employed, according to a radio report.
Armed with a search warrant, authorities seized equipment used for refilling and rebranding, along with empty LPG tanks, paint, and a tanker. A representative from a petroleum company was present during the operation.
NCRPO officials said the suspects may face charges under Section 43 of Republic Act 11592, or the LPG Industry Regulation Act. Rex Espiritu
BI nabs Chinese posing as Filipino in Sibugay
THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has arrested a Chinese national for allegedly posing as a Filipino during an operation in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay. Wenyu Lin was apprehended after authorities found him carrying multiple government-issued identification cards bearing different names but the same photograph. He reportedly used aliases, including Anson Lais Lim, to conceal his identity. Lin admitted ownership of the fraudulent IDs, which included a driver’s license, tax identification cards, and health and postal IDs. Verification showed his passport had expired in 2011, rendering him undocumented. He was also allegedly engaged in unauthorized activities despite holding a retiree visa and was flagged as a potential risk to public safety and national security. Vito Barcelo
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
has ordered the withdrawal of about 5,000 troops from Germany within the next year, the Pentagon said, in the latest rift in transatlantic ties over the Mideast war.
The move came as US President Donald Trump announced that tariffs on cars and trucks from the European Union will increase to 25 percent next week, accusing the bloc of not complying with a trade deal inked last summer.
Trump has renewed criticism of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who said Monday that Iran was “humiliating”Washington at the negotiating table. Trump said Merz “thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon. He doesn’t know what he’s talking about!”
On Wednesday, the American leader said Washington was “studying and reviewing the possible reduction” of US troops in Germany, and that he would decide in a “short period of time.”
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in a Friday statement that “We expect the withdrawal to be completed over the next six to twelve months.”
“This decision follows a thorough review of the Department’s force posture in Europe and is in recognition of theater requirements and conditions on the ground,” Parnell added.
During both of his terms in office, Trump has made a number of threats to slash US troop numbers in Germany and other European allies, saying he wants Europe to take on greater responsibility for its defense rather than depending on Washington. AFP
From A1
processes, we’re talking of at least three weeks before the actual trial starts,” Lacson said. He said the preliminary conference or “pre-trial” may involve the Senate President or his legal adviser defining what issues may be taken up during the trial.
“I recall that during the trial of (the late former chief justice Renato) Corona, there was no preliminary con-
Lacson...
From A1 contain other documents or pieces of evidence not tackled in the previous hearings.
THE first global conference on transitioning away from fossil fuels wrapped up this week, but what progress was made in Santa Marta, a coal port on the Caribbean coast?
Here are a few takeaways: Roadmaps
France made headlines on the opening day of the conference when it published a “roadmap” detailing its path to eliminating the use of all fossil fuels for energy by 2050.
Analysts said no other country had published such a clear and comprehensive phaseout plan and it sent an important signal from a major economy about its direction on fossil fuels.
The splash caused some grumbling in Santa Marta as some pointed out that France was not announcing new policy but existing pledges under a different title.
Other nations contested that there was no widely accepted definition of a roadmap, and that they too had timelines to phase out coal and other planet-heating fuels, as well as renewable energy targets and plans for decarbonizing heavy industry.
‘Spaghetti’ science
One of the key outcomes was the creation of an expert scientific panel to advise governments, cities or regions in planning their own pathways away from fossil fuels.
Carlos Nobre, a Brazilian climate scientist and one of the driving forces behind the panel, said: “It will provide all the solutions – to implement them, and to finance them.”
The Scientific Panel for the Global Energy Transition was amusingly dubbed the “Spaghetti” group because of its acronym – SPGET.
Fossil Free Zones
Popular among grassroots movements, the concept of “Fossil Free Zones” is slowly gaining traction in international meetings and found fertile ground in Santa Marta.
These zones aim to encompass territories that – due to their ecological importance, from the Amazon to the Congo Basin and Indonesian rainforest – are protected by governments that prohibit all hydrocarbon exploration and extraction within them.
The Earth Insight expert group estimates that there are 58 such protected areas worldwide.
Colombia, for example, banned the extraction of fossil fuels and minerals in the Colombian Amazon last year to “stop the expansion of the extractive frontier,” said Colombia’s Environment Minister Irene Velez Torres, host of the Santa Marta conference.
New hosts Colombia passed the baton to Tuvalu, a tiny island nation in the Pacific Ocean that will host the next fossil fuel phaseout conference in 2027.
The low-lying island is seriously threatened by rising sea levels, and has been a strong voice on the international stage for impoverished countries imperiled by climate change.
“This journey that began here in a coal port of the Caribbean Sea, now voyages to the Pacific Ocean,” said Tuvalu’s Climate Minister Maina Talia. Activists urged countries to turn up in numbers, despite the distance.
the fact that the Pacific is far away cannot be an excuse,” said Nikki
from the Center for International Environmental Law.
THE World Health Organization said divided member states want up to a year of further negotiations on the missing piece of an international agreement on handling future pandemics.
After a week of grindingly slow progress in talks at the WHO headquarters in Geneva, countries came to a stop and will decide on the next steps at the annual assembly of member states, to be held in the Swiss city from May 18 to 23.
Wealthy countries and developing nations are at loggerheads over how the pandemic treaty, which was adopted last year, will work in practice.
The agreement’s unfinalized Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) mechanism deals with sharing access to pathogens with pandemic potential, then sharing benefits derived from them, such as vaccines, tests and treatments.
“Real progress was made on the PABS annex and I am confident through con-
ference, so there was some confusion during the trial because ‘surprise’ witnesses were introduced. So it is better to have a preliminary conference where the prosecution and defense agree on which issues would be tackled and which would not before the trial,” Lacson said. Meanwhile, Ridon said the Justice panel is set to approve on Monday (May 4) its committee report containing the final consolidated articles of impeachment, as well as the corresponding resolution.
“As soon as we are done at the level
Once the privilege speech is delivered, he said he may share the contents of the Chairman’s Progress Report with other agencies, including the Department of Justice and Ombudsman for their case buildup.
Iran...
From A1
‘Stuck in purgatory’
Iran’s judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei said on Friday that his country had “never shied away from negotiations,” but added it would not accept an “imposition” of peace terms.
The White House has declined to provide details on the latest Iranian proposal, but news site Axios report-
“Our people are angry and will not forget the issue. It will take decades before the issue is gone from the public’s memory,” Lacson said.
“As Blue Ribbon Chairman I owe it to the Filipino people to update them on what happened after seven to eight hearings. There are false narratives being spread that we are covering up for some persons and targeting others,” he added.
ed that US envoy Steve Witkoff had submitted amendments putting Tehran’s nuclear program back on the negotiating table.
The changes reportedly include demands that Iran not move enriched uranium from bombed sites or resume activity there during talks.
News of the Iranian proposal briefly pushed oil prices down nearly five percent, though they remain about 50 percent above pre-war levels amid the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz. AFP
tinued negotiations differences will be overcome,”WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement.
“Member states should continue approaching the outstanding issues with a sense of urgency because the next pandemic is a matter of when, not if.
“The PABS annex is the last piece of the puzzle not only for the Pandemic Agreement but all initiatives that WHO and member states have implemented as a result of lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic.”
In May 2025, WHO members adopted a landmark agreement on tackling future health crises, after more than three years of negotiations sparked by the shock of COVID-19.
The accord aims to prevent a repeat of the disjointed international response that surrounded the coronavirus crisis, by improving global coordination, surveillance and access to vaccines.
PABS, the heart of the treaty, was left out to get the bulk of the deal
of plenary, I think within two weeks we can transmit to the Senate,” he said.
Ridon said discussions on potential public and private prosecutors will follow only after the House votes to impeach Duterte even as several names are already being floated.
Aside from Ridon, those mentioned as possible prosecutors include Reps. Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro (Batangas), House Senior Deputy Majority Leader Lorenz Defensor (Iloilo), Ysabel Maria Zamora (San Juan City), Rodge Gutierrez (1-Rider Party-list),
He said that while he respects the positions of senators who did not sign the partial report, he said the findings should not be stalled from reaching the plenary.
over the line. The outcome of this week’s work will be presented to the annual assembly, which will be asked to consider continuing the process“and submit the outcome to the next assembly in May 2027,” or an earlier special session later this year.
Only once the PABS annex is complete will countries be able to start ratifying the treaty. Access to genetic sequences remains a sticking point.
Negotiations are also stalled by a demand from developing countries for guarantees of equitable access to vaccines outside pandemics, as well as wranglings over financial contributions that participating pharmaceutical companies should make.
New Zealand’s former prime minister Helen Clark, co-chair of The Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response, said the failure to reach agreement this week was “deeply regrettable.” AFP
Jonathan Keith Flores (Bukidnon), Joel Chua (Manila), Chel Diokno (Akbayan Party-list), Leila De Lima (Mamamayang Liberal Party-list), House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan (4Ps Party-list), and Lordan Suan (Cagayan de Oro City).
“This panel of prosecutors will be elected also in the plenary,” Luistro said in a television interview.
‘’We have many lawyers (in the committee)…Perhaps the only question now is on their readiness and willingness to get into the thick of it again,” she added.
“It is our duty as members of committees, not just the Blue Ribbon Committee, to sign a committee report and indicate whether we will interpellate, amend, have reservations or will submit a separate report or opinion. We should not refuse to sign just to block the report from reaching the plenary,” he said.
AI-generated..
From A1
“In the Writing categories, the rules codify that screenplays must be human-authored to be eligible.” The ruling comes days after an AI version of the late Val Kilmer was unveiled to an audience of cinema owners, a year after the “Top Gun” star’s death. A youthful, digital version of Kilmer appeared in the trailer for archeologi-
“The
the Office of the President’s petition for review and affirmed the Court of Appeals’ ruling that invalidated Malacañang’s 2018 order removing Carandang from service for alleged graft, corruption, and betrayal of public trust.
The High Court stressed that the Office of the Ombudsman is constitutionally independent, and its senior officials cannot be disciplined or removed by the President.
“It is important to emphasize that the inhibition of then Ombudsman Carpio -Morales effectively positioned Carandang as the Acting Ombudsman for cases involving former President Duterte,” the Court said through the ponencia of Associate Justice Maria Filomena Singh.
“It would be nothing short of a constitutional paradox, and a direct affront to accountability, if former President Duterte is allowed to sanction Carandang, one of the remaining officials explicitly empowered to hold government actors to account,” the decision stated.
“Allowing the President to unilaterally discipline officials charged with investigating potential wrongdoing within the administration invites retaliation, coercion, and the suppression of oversight—conditions fundamentally at odds with transparency and accountability,” it added.
The Supreme Court also held that Carandang is entitled to full retirement benefits effective upon the expiration of his term.
It also ruled that he is entitled to receive the salaries corresponding to the period of his preventive suspension and dismissal, but only up to the end of his term.
Earlier, Lacson said the potential testimony of former Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Elizaldy Co, should he be brought back to the Philippines, may encourage more senators to endorse the partial report. Lacson previously suspended further hearings of the panel on the flood control mess until the partial report can get at least nine signatures for him to file and sponsor it in plenary. He said continuing the hearings without reaching a logical conclusion in the form of a committee report that senators can debate, amend and adopt on the floor would be pointless and contrary to Senate rules. Lacson added the panel will balance its hearings with the possible impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
cal action pic “As Deep as the Grave,” telling another character: “Don’t fear the dead and don’t fear me.”
The project was created with the enthusiastic support of the actor’s family, who granted access to Kilmer’s video archives, which were used to recreate the actor at multiple stages of his life. The use of artificial intelligence remains one of the most sensitive issues in the entertainment industry and was central to the 2023 strikes that shut down Hollywood, as actors and writ-
ers warned that unchecked technology threatened their livelihoods. Other updates to the Academy’s rules include a change in the way that films can be nominated for best international feature. Until this year, only a film selected by an official national grouping could be entered -- a problem for any critical movie made in an authoritarian state. For example, Iranian director Jafar Panahi’s “It Was
FILIPINA entrepreneurs - many of them mothers - are a major force in the Philippine economy, accounting for 66 percent of existing businesses and 62 percent of newly registered enterprises. Yet despite their strong presence, many women-led MSMEs continue to face barriers to scaling, including limited access to capital, gaps in digital adoption, and the challenge of balancing business with family responsibilities.
At the 4th Gawad Madiskarte, leaders from government and development sectors stressed that resilience alone is not enough, underscoring the need for stronger, more coordinated support systems to help women entrepreneurs grow.
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte highlighted the role of local governments in enabling this transition, citing programs like “Pangkabuhayang QC” that provide capital and mentorship to help informal businesses formalize and expand. She also emphasized childcare support as key to helping mothers focus on enterprise growth.
UN Women Philippines Country Programme coordinator Rosalyn Mesina called investing in women entrepreneurs a “smart macroeconomic strategy,” noting that many remain underserved despite their significant contribution to the MSME sector.
Philippine Commission on Women chairperson Ermelita Valdeavilla emphasized digital inclusion as a growth driver, citing initiatives like Elevate AIDA that equip women with skills in artificial intelligence and data annotation, creating new income opportunities for home-based workers.
Now in its fifth year, PLDT Home’s Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH), with over 228,000 members, continues to expand its role as a growth platform for women entrepreneurs through training, mentorship, and community support.
“At its core, entrepreneurship is about building a strong support system that enables entrepreneurs to sustain growth, overcome challenges, and scale with confidence,” said PLDT chief operating officer and chief technology officer Menardo “Butch” Jimenez Jr.
From home kitchens to online marketplaces, Filipina mompreneurs are turning small ventures into thriving enterprises that uplift families and communities.
ABOITIZ Construction was recently recognized by the Safety Organization of the Philippines, Inc. (SOPI) for its strong occupational safety and health performance during the 2026 SOPI Construction Safety Awards held on April 24, 2026, in Quezon City Its construction business unit received the Award of Excellence, the highest distinction, for achieving 21,846,683 safe man-hours without a lost time incident (LTI) from January 2024 to February 2026.
The company’s project site for Big E Corporation’s food processing plant in Batangas also earned the Perfect Safety Record Award after recording 1,218,193 safe man-hours without an LTI.
Meanwhile, safety officer Adriano Ordona of the LIMA Biz Hub Project in Batangas was named Outstanding Safety Practitioner for 2025, following a competitive selection among industry peers. Another milestone was the company’s achievement of 32,646,009 safe man-hours without a lost time incident (LTI) from 2022 to March 31, 2026. “At Aboitiz Construction, safety is not just a compliance requirement. It is an organizational culture that informs our every action on the ground. These recognitions from the Safety
WITH Mother’s Day approaching, 27-year-old Louis
Pador is seeing a familiar surge in demand for his most personal product - plush toys that speak in a loved one’s voice.
The business offers a simple but powerful idea: a hug that talks back.
Through his brand, Plushies, customers can record up to 30 seconds of their own message - whether it’s a greeting, a lullaby, or a simple “I love you” - embedded inside a soft toy.
Unlike conventional voice boxes that rely on generic, pre-recorded messages commonly found in the market, each piece is designed to carry the actual voice of the sender, transforming a simple toy into a deeply personal keepsake that preserves tone, emotion, and memory.
“This is not just communication. It is a presence you can hold close, and still hear their voice as if they were right beside you,” Pador said.
A gentle push behind the business
The concept traces back to the pandemic, when distance and isolation reshaped how families stayed connected. A handmade gift soon found a deeper purpose, nudged forward by one of the most important figures in Pador’s life, his mother, Michelle.
“She was the one who told me to try selling it,” he recalled. “Back then, so many families were apart because of the pandemic, and she felt it could become something that brings comfort to them.”
That maternal instinct - to nurture, to connect - became the backbone of the business. Today, it also defines why the product resonates strongly during Mother’s Day, when emotions and distance often intersect.
“A lot of our orders now are for moms. In fact, all of our stocks were pre-ordered in time for Mother’s Day. We need to restock and start a new batch. Children or even overseas workers want something more personal than a message online. And we’re here to make that possible,” Pador said.
A personal gift, a shared experience
Pador, a licensed dietitian from the University of Santo Tomas, did not initially set out to build a business or even pursue a personal project. During the pandemic, he assembled his first prototype by hand - sourcing a stuffed toy, inserting a recording device, and stitching it together as a one-off gift.
It started as a simple, do-it-yourself experiment that gradually gained traction as demand grew, eventually evolving into a small enterprise. Today, the business produces about 100 pieces a month during peak periods, with prices starting at P999.
Building on the core voice-recording feature, the brand has also introduced themed add-ons such as “I Heart Mom” shirts and playful “Best Mom” awards—turning each order into a more complete and personalized gift set.
A community passion project
Production remains deliberately homegrown, situated in the same community spirit that shaped the business at its start.
Pador partners with a group of around 15 mothers in Marikina, whom he first connected with during the pandemic while searching online for people who could help assemble his early orders.
From a small, informal arrangement, the project has since evolved into a steady sideline for the group, with members assembling the
Organization of the Philippines, Inc. serve as a testament to our team’s disciplined execution and our commitment to ensuring that every worker returns home safely,” said chief operating officer Ramez Sidhom.
Established in 1959, SOPI is the country’s pioneer advocate for occupational safety and health, giving added weight to the recognition.
Aboitiz Construction is expanding its technical capabilities in 2026 by strengthening internal work environment monitoring and industrial hygiene expertise.
plush toys from their homes while managing their own day jobs and families.
“They’ve been with me since the start. The goal is to help them grow with the business,” Pador said. The setup mirrors the very idea behind the product-support systems built around care, presence, and family. For Pador, working with mothers is not incidental, it reinforces the emotional core of what he is trying to create.
While sourcing fully assembled products overseas would significantly reduce costs, he has chosen to keep the assembly process local, even as the business scales.
“They supported me when I had very little. I intend to keep and grow the relationship I have with my partners. It is through them that I was able to jumpstart and sustain this passion project,” he said.
Over time, Pador hopes to expand this network into a more stable livelihood for his partners, with longer-term plans of establishing a dedicated workspace or small production hub that could eventually provide full-time employment.
Digital-first, emotion-driven
The brand operates mainly online through platforms like Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok, alongside its social media pages. Seasonal demand drives sales, with Mother’s Day among the strongest periods as buyers look for more personal ways to express affection.
For many customers, however, the appeal goes far beyond novelty. Pador has seen how the plush toys become vessels for moments that are otherwise difficult to deliver in person - children falling asleep to a parent’s recorded voice, or overseas Filipino workers sending a tangible piece of themselves back home.
One story, in particular, continues to define the brand’s purpose. A family once used the plush toy to carry a final message from a father to his child before he passed away. The voice recording, preserved inside the toy, became a lasting source of comfort - something the child could hold onto long after the moment had passed.
“It encourages people to say what they really feel and that leaves an imprint on the heart that is indelible,” he said.
Experiences like these have shaped how Pador sees the business - not just as a retail venture, but as a platform for connection and healing. Even as it remains a small, home-based enterprise, he is laying the groundwork for expansion, with plans to open a physical store within the next three years and scale production alongside his Marikina partners.
For now, growth is measured not only in sales but in impact carried through every message, every voice, and every embrace.
Othel V. Campos
MRANDY M. CALUAG,
Editor
KYLE Amoroto delivered a dominant run to rule the Peri-Laili Cup 2026
CBSA Chinese Pool 9-Ball Tour, defeating fellow Filipino Anton Raga, 15-10, in the nal held at the Wantai Gymnasium in Chengmai, Hainan, China.
The victory earned Amoroto the top prize of 200,000 Chinese yuan (approximately P1.8 million), capping a strong showing against an international eld in the tournament organized by the Chinese Billiards and Snooker Association.
Amoroto controlled the championship match from the middle racks onward, pulling away from a tight contest to secure the title in the all-Filipino showdown.
“Congratulations to my Konllen teammate Kyle Amoroto for being CBSA Peri Laili 9-Ball champion held in China,” said Jonas Magpantay, the 2025 Qatar World Cup 10-Ball champion.
Several other top players reached the quarterfinal stage, including Aloysius Yap of Singapore and Filipinos Dean Marc Castronuevo and Johann Chua. Host nation China was represented in the last eight by Li Huanyu, Xu Ruian, and Sun Yiyuan.
The result underscored the continued strength of Filipino cue artists on the international stage, with Amoroto’s latest triumph adding to the country’s growing list of overseas victories.
ORE than just a day of golf, the 3rd El Presidente Cup proved to be a powerful gathering of purpose, generosity, and community, as sports leaders and supporters came together to uplift young Filipino athletes.
Held recently at the Palmer Course ofThe Orchard Golf & Country Club, the charity tournament once again underscored its mission of “playing with heart,” with proceeds earmarked for the Ramon S. Fernandez Sports and Youth Development Foundation Inc.
Named after Philippine basketball legend Ramon “El Presidente” Fernandez, the event has grown into a meaningful platform that blends sport with service—channeling resources into youth development, grassroots sports programs, and leadership formation initiatives.
“This is more than a game… “ It’s heart, purpose, and people coming together,” Fernandez said, emphasizing the deeper impact of the annual gathering.
The tournament attracted a wide field of participants and supporters, all contributing to a cause that extends far beyond the fairways. Filipino homes-backed Manfred Lawas emerged as the Overall Low Net champion, capping a competitive yet spirited day on one of the country’s premier golf layouts.
Designed by golf icon Arnold Palmer, the Orchard’s Palmer Course provided a fitting stage with its challenging fairways, water hazards, and pristine greens, testing both skill and strategy.
But while trophies were awarded, organizers stressed that the true victory lies in the
lives being shaped through the foundation’s programs.
Among its beneficiaries is promising golfer Charles Serdenia, who continues to pursue collegiate golf in the United States with support from the foundation—an example of how the tournament directly fuels athletic dreams.
Beyond competition, the event fostered camaraderie and generosity, highlighted by a fellowship dinner and awards night lled with music, re ection, and gratitude. Performances from Side A and Chad Borja added warmth to the celebration, while testimonials from beneficiaries served as poignant reminders of the tournament’s purpose.
Karla Fernandez, co-organizer and wife of Fernandez, described the evening as “a reunion of hearts,” thanking sponsors, partners, and participants for transforming the event into something deeply meaningful. Major sponsors— including Cebu Landmasters, Pryce Gases, the Philippine
Sports Commission, and several corporate partners—played a vital role in ensuring the event’s success and maximizing funds directed to the foundation’s initiatives.
The impact of the El Presidente Cup extends even further. Shortly after the tournament, the foundation set its sights on another outreach effort—a children’s summer program in Argao, Cebu—aimed at bringing joy and simple opportunities to underserved communities.
By Randy Caluag
THE Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP) have joined forces to break long-standing barriers in golf, unveiling a nationwide grassroots initiative aimed at transforming the sport from an elite pastime into one accessible to all Filipinos.
The program, dubbed “Fairway to the Future,” was formalized during a recent inter-agency meeting led by PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio and NGAP secretary-general Bones Floro. The initiative seeks to decentralize talent identification, establish regional training hubs, and expand opportunities for young golfers across the country. Under the plan, NGAP-certi ed
By Alona Cochon
VETERAN Filipino mountaineer Lito De Veterbo has etched his name in history after completing a full traverse of the Philippines on foot, using the feat to promote environmental awareness and sustainable practices.
The 55-year-old ultradistance walker nished the journey in 147 days, 1 hour, 39 minutes, and 53 seconds, covering approximately 2,300 kilometers from Maira-ira Point in the country’s northernmost tip to Tinaca Point in the south. But beyond the physical challenge, De Veterbo’s expedition stood out for its strict adherence to environmental principles. Throughout the five-month journey, he avoided buying or consuming bottled water, relying instead on re llable containers.
“Bago ako umalis ng hotel, ni-re ll ko muna ang 2 liters na water bottles ko at may extra
pa akong one-liter water jug. During the walk, humihinto lang ako sa mga carinderia para mag-re ll,” De Veterbo said.
A Level 2 instructor of the Leave NoTrace Center for Outdoor Ethics, De Veterbo emphasized that his primary goal was to promote environmental awareness, with the record serving only as a secondary achievement.
“My main objective was to raise and promote environmental awareness,” he said.
“The record is a big bonus.” De Veterbo, originally from Naga City in Bicol and now based in Manila, has built a reputation around endurance sports and environmental advocacy. His journey into long-distance challenges began with marathons in 2011, progressing to ultramarathons in 2012 before shifting to extended expeditions after the pandemic in 2022. His passion for mountaineering and
From competitive swings to shared smiles, the El Presidente Cup is more than a sporting event—it is a movement grounded in generosity, showing that in golf, as in life, the most meaningful victories are those that give back.
(AFP), and the Department of National Defense (DND).
Organizers said the program will provide standardized, high-level instruction along with access to proper equipment—key factors that have historically limited participation in the sport.
“This initiative is about opening doors,” said Gregorio. “We want to ensure that talent, wherever it may be in the country, has the opportunity to be discovered and developed.”
The effort also aims to help the Philippines close the competitive gap with its Southeast Asian neighbors by strengthening its grassroots pipeline.
The multi-agency collaboration drew support from various government and private sector stakeholders. Among those present were representatives from the Department of Tourism (DOT), led by golf tourism director Lyle Fernando H. Uy, as well as officials from the Bases Conversion and Development Authority
long-distance walking eventually led him to conceptualize a cross-country trek of the Philippine archipelago. After completing similar routes abroad, he discovered that the Philippine traverse category in Guinness World Records remained unclaimed.
“Without much hesitation, I knew I had to make it happen,” he said. The journey required not only physical endurance but also careful resource management. Walking daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., De Veterbo navigated heat, fatigue, rough terrain, and unpredictable conditions while sustaining himself on simple meals such as rice, tinola, and bananas.
“What do I eat during my adventure? Rice, tinola at saging. I enjoyed it a lot,” he recalled.
In recognition of his accomplishment, De Veterbo was honored by City Government of Manila for bringing pride to the country.
GAC PHILIPPINES INTRODUCES the highly anticipated 2026 EMZOOM, marking the latest evolution of one of the brand’s most popular models. Designed for modern drivers, the updated EMZOOM arrives with a refreshed design, upgraded in-cabin technology, and enhanced comfort and convenience features across its lineup.
The 2026 EMZOOM arrives in two distinct variants: the GB, offering a sophisticated everyday look, and the R-Style, which emphasizes a sportier aesthetic. Both feature a refined exterior with a redesigned grille and sharper visual detailing.
Under the hood, the EMZOOM is a 5-seater subcompact crossover outfitted with a 1.5 TGDIengine, complemented with a 7-speed wet dual clutch transmission (7WDCT), producing 174 horsepower and 270 Nm of torque.
The interior sees a major tech boost, anchored by a larger multifunctional touchscreen display featuring wireless smartphone integration. Higher trims add premium conveniences like ventilated seats, wireless charging, and advanced parking assistance. With the GS3 EMZOOM previously proving very popular in the Philippines with over 8,000 customers, these latest enhancements ensure the nameplate remains a top contender in the market.
“The 2026 EMZOOM is a vanguard of our Philippine lineup, embodying refined quality and dynamic performance,” said Steven Wang, Senior VP of GAC International. “We are deeply grateful to our Filipino customers for choosing this vehicle, and we remain dedicated to providing them with unwavering, long-term support as we uphold our commitment to engineering precision and everyday versatility.”
The 2026 EMZOOM GB
The 2026 EMZOOM GB features a new “Star Diamond” grille design that adds a sleek and understated elegant character to this versatile subcompact crossover. It now also comes equipped with auto-sensing windshield wipers and frameless-type rear wipers for improved visibility and convenience.
The cabin is fitted with a 14.6-inch multifunctional touchscreen display with Android Auto mobile phone projection. Additional features include a second-row unfastened seatbelt warning system and automatic headlights.
The 2026 EMZOOM R-Style
The 2026 EMZOOM R-Style introduces a Black Edition package for the iconic EMZOOM grille, letting the vehicle retain its rugged and sporty look. It is equipped with a 14.6-inch multifunctional touchscreen display, a fast-charging 50W wireless charger, and Android Auto mobile phone projection. The variant is also fitted with 18-inch tires, and now comes with frameless-type rear wipers, and a ventilated driver’s seat.
LESS than a year since its launch in the Philippines, the Ford Territory Hybrid has become a household name in the electrified vehicle segment with its advanced hybrid engine that delivers a fuel-efficient performance.
Within three months since its launch, Territory Hybrid’s sales exceeded 1,000 units, a testament to its growing popularity among young affluents and starting families, particularly those who are first-time owners of a hybrid vehicle.
Fitness coach Zach Peña and environmentalist and mental health advocate Cat Triviño are among the early adopters of the Ford Territory Hybrid. Both are previous owners of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, and are proud to share their first-hand ownership experiences and how their daily drives have become more efficient and practical with the Ford Territory Hybrid. Refined and Responsive Choice
“Transitioning to a hybrid vehicle was an interesting exercise, but one that quickly proved worthwhile,” said Peña. “I’m a Ford Everest owner as well, and I’m used to hearing and feeling the car, but with the Territory Hybrid, the silence really stands out. The fuel efficiency is a huge win, so if you want to be smart about your daily costs, a full hybrid vehicle is a no-brainer.”
The Territory Hybrid is equipped with a dedicated hybrid powertrain of 1.5L Turbocharged engine mated to a 2-speed dedicated hybrid transmission and electric motor, optimizing the balance between power and efficiency. The whole hybrid powertrain produces max engine power of 150PS, max engine torque of 230Nm, max electric power of 218PS, and max electric torque of 315Nm – delivering combined fuel economy of up to 19.6 km/l.*
As a full hybrid vehicle, the Territory Hybrid recovers battery power automatically throughout the trip via regenerative braking and energy capture from the internal combustion engine.
For Triviño, a previous owner of a Ford EcoSport, the Territory Hybrid’s smaller environmental footprint is the big draw. “Sustainability is one of my advocacies. The fact that I’m able to use less fuel and reduce emissions on my everyday drives without sacrificing the comfort and performance I’ve come to expect
FASHION in the Philippines is in a throwback phase, but this time, it’s intentional. Now, it comes in the guise of “Modern Classic,” where style isn’t simply copied from the past, but refined, blending timeless elements with a fresh, trend-aware edge. Clean, curated, and expressive, it reflects a young, trendy, and fashionable generation that values both nostalgia and individuality.
It shows not just in how people dress, but how they live, favoring choices that feel effortless, styled, and personal. More than a look, modern classic is a mindset that shapes how people move. From style to movement Today, the modern classic style goes beyond clothing, it shapes lifestyle, including mobility. Movement becomes part of self-expression, where function meets style. It’s not just about getting around but doing it in a way that feels aligned with a young, trendy, and fashionable identity.
When style is intentional, it shows up everywhere, even in motion.
A modern classic, reimagined with The Giorno+
This is where The Giorno+ from Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI), the leading motorcycle manufacturer in the country, naturally fits in.
Designed around a modern-classic concept, The Giorno+ carries the same visual language shaping today’s fashion—timeless, understated, and refined, embodying the class that lasts. Its silhouette draws from modern classic inspiration, elevated through clean lines and contemporary detailing that make it feel relevant in today’s urban landscape.
from a Ford is what made me go for the Territory Hybrid. I live in a condominium that isn’t designed for charging vehicles, and EV charging infrastructures in the Philippines are still catching up, so for now, a full hybrid vehicle gives me the best balance.”
For both Peña and Triviño, a full hybrid vehicle like the Ford Territory Hybrid was a good entry point to owning an electrified vehicle, combining practicality and convenience during these times. The shift to a hybrid vehicle was also a smart choice as it does not require changes to daily driving behavior. Confidence in Every Drive
With its hybrid technology, the Territory Hybrid can achieve a range of up to 1,000 kilometers per tank. Its spacious cabin, intuitive technology, and safety features make it a well-rounded option, supporting daily commutes and drives within the city and beyond.
As someone who’s always on the go, Triviño values versatility and peace of mind. “My work takes me around, from city drives for mental health discussions to more remote areas for community work and cleanups. I’ve found my Territory Hybrid to be very reliable, with safety features that keep my mind at ease on the road,” she adds. a premium on moving more people for less. “It’s
the second-row legroom that really stands out. A lot of people are surprised by it — it’s actually more spacious and comfortable than many SUVs in its class.” He adds, “I save on fuel, my family and friends stay comfortable, and I have confidence in the car’s durability. Whether it’s daily use or longer drives, the Territory Hybrid is a solid allaround vehicle that keeps up with everything I do.” Both Peña and Triviño also favor the availability of a
BEIJING—GEELY Auto Group attended Auto China 2026 (Beijing Auto Show) for the first time directly as an exhibitor and showcased the group’s full technology ecosystem.
On the opening day of the Beijing Auto Show, Geely Auto Group together with AFARI Technology, and CaoCao Mobility jointly unveiled China’s first purpose-built Robotaxi prototype, the EVA Cab. The debut served as a pioneering demonstration of the future of new energy mobility through “embodied intelligence.” At Geely Auto Group’s stand, Geely’s full technology ecosystem was also put on display with technological innovations such as AI embodied bipedal robots, 900V electric architecture, 12C ultra-fast charging technology, solid-state batteries, intelligent cockpits, and future intelligent assisted driving solutions designed for mobility services. The technology highlights served to illustrate Geely’s full entry into the “Full-Domain AI 2.0” era and affirm the group’s leading position as a global automotive enterprise driven by intelligent technologies.
Embodying Geely’s Full-Domain AI Technologies–EVA Cab Redefines Future Mobility
A cutting-edge technological demonstrator of Geely’s “FullDomain AI 2.0” framework, the EVA Cab Robotaxi prototype is designed to fulfill the aspirations and expectations that both users and the industry hold for autonomous driving. It leads the way in defining the future mobility experience across four key dimensions: design, hardware, software, and ecosystem integration.
The exterior design of the EVA Cab embodies the philosophy of “Tech-driven Mobility Leading to a Better Life.”
The Robotaxi features wide-opening electric sliding doors paired with a face-to-face cabin layout that seamlessly blends sophisticated aesthetics with maximized interior space. Within the cabin, intricate details such as the “Galaxy Skyroof” ceiling, “Drifting Galaxy” door panels and “Orchid Pavilion and Meandering Streams” armrests—infuse the future of mobility with a sense of warmth and human connection.
ACMOBILITY, AYALA’S MOBILITY arm
By Angelica Villanueva
HOT weather can be uncomfortable for pets, especially during days when temperatures stay high from morning until evening. Veterinarians say dogs and cats can overheat faster than many owners realize, making simple changes at home and outdoors important during the summer months.
Unlike humans, pets cannot cool themselves as easily. Dogs mainly rely on pant ing, while cats cool down through groom ing. During humid or extremely warm days, those natural ways of cooling off may not be enough.
Here are some practical ways owners can help pets stay com fortable during hot weather:
Keep fresh water available at all times
Staying hydrated is crucial for protecting against heat stress. Pet owners should make sure to fill water bowls often and place them in several spots throughout the house. Adding ice cubes can also help keep the wa ter cooler for a longer time.
Walk pets during cooler hours
Veterinarians suggest not taking pets for walks in
Araneta City expands its stray cat welfare efforts through the launch of its ‘CoMEOWnity’ program and cattery space for rescued cats
the afternoon when roads and pavements get hot. It is usually safer and more comfortable for pets to have walks in the early morn-
Watch for signs of overheating
Excessive panting, drooling, restlessness, vomiting, and unusual lethargy may signal heat exhaustion. In more serious cases, pets may have trouble breathing or may collapse, which requires immediate veterinary attention.
Create cooler indoor spaces
Fans, air conditioning, shaded areas, cooling mats, and tiled floors can help pets regulate body temperature indoors. Keeping curtains closed during the hottest parts of the day may also help reduce indoor heat.
Be careful with grooming While trimming excess fur may help some pets feel more comfortable, experts caution against
A CITY initiative is stepping up efforts to address the growing population of stray cats in Araneta City through a structured welfare and adoption program under its newly launched “CoMEOWnity,”
The citywide initiative aimed at protecting and caring for stray cats as part of its Pet Pals program treats stray cats as part of the community rather than animals on the margins, according to organizers.
“CoMEOWnity brings together our valued partners, patrons, cat lovers, and everyone who shares a deep compassion for stray cats,” said Marjorie Go, vice president for marketing of Araneta City Inc.
The initiative focuses on daily care efforts such as feeding, shelter provision, medical support, and adoption drives. It is implemented with partners including Pet Kingdom, CARA Welfare Philippines, City Cats
Cubao, and Cats of Araneta City.
A Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) program with CARA Welfare Philippines is also part of the effort to manage the stray population humanely. Rescued cats are housed in an Araneta City cattery, where they receive food, veterinary care, and supplies.
The program also runs adoption drives. At its first event on April 12 at Ali Mall, all rescued and neutered cats were adopted, according to organizers.
The initiative is dedicated to the late chef and restaurateur Margarita Forés, who was known for her affection for cats.
Araneta City said the program aims to encourage shared responsibility for animal welfare among tenants, employees, residents, and partner groups. More information is available on the official CoMEOWnity Facebook page.
Enchanted Kingdom turns its grounds into a pet-friendly playground during the one-day ‘Furever Enchanted Ogg’s Pets Day’ event
fully shaving double-coated breeds such as huskies or golden retrievers. Their coats can also help protect them from direct heat.
Never leave pets inside parked cars
Animal welfare groups continue to warn owners about the dangers of leaving pets inside vehicles, even for a few minutes. Temperatures inside cars can rise rapidly despite partially opened windows.
Adjust outdoor play and travel plans
Reducing play duration, offering shaded resting areas, using portable water bowls, and avoiding travel during peak heat hours can all reduce the risk of heat-related issues during summer activities.
Making minor changes to daily habits can help pets remain safer and more at ease during very hot weather, particularly during extended periods of heat and humidity.
ENCHANTED Kingdom opened its gates to pets and their owners on April 26 for a one-day “Furever Enchanted Ogg’s Pets Day” event, turning the theme park into a petfriendly space filled with activities, workshops, and adoption drives.
The Philippines’ first world-class theme park welcomed cats, dogs, pet owners, and animal lovers as part of its “Forever Enchanted Summer” campaign, which focused on pet bonding and animal welfare.
The event featured talks on basic obedience training, pet health and safety, responsible ownership, and animal bite awareness, led by the Santa Rosa City Veterinary Office, Animal Bite Center, and Canine Connections. Volunteers from the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) also joined the program.
A pet adoption drive was held in partnership with Second Chance Aspin Shelter Philippines Inc., giving rescued cats and dogs a chance to find new homes among visitors.
At Ogg’s Paw Ville in the Agila Grounds, pets and owners took part in play activities at a themed pet playground, photo sessions, and free services including veterinary checkups, training consultations, and anti-rabies vaccinations. A bazaar also offered pet supplies, treats, and merchandise.
The event, led in part by the park’s character Ogg the Guard, also offered discounts on regular day passes for attendees.
Enchanted Kingdom is currently open Thursdays to Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. From May 4 to June 30, it will operate Fridays to Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with more than 30 rides and attractions available. For updates, visit enchantedkingdom.ph or follow @enchantedkingdom.ph on Facebook and TikTok, and @ek_philippines on Instagram.
Celebrate summer with the Seattle’s Best Coffee’s Mango Coco Milkshake collection
SWEET mango flavor meets light and refreshing coconut in a new collection from Seattle’s Best Coffee. The Mango Coco Milkshake Collection takes this exciting pairing and turns it into a smooth, flavorful experience built for indulgence and refreshment in every sip.
At the heart of the collection is the balance between the rich sweetness of mango and the light, refreshing notes of coconut. Each milkshake is crafted to deliver an exciting taste that feels both vibrant and satisfying bringing together comfort and refreshing feel.
The Mango Coco Milkshake Collection features three distinct variants, each offering its own unique twist: Classic Mango Coco – A creamy blend of mango ice cream and coconut water, delivering a smooth, well-balanced drink with a bright finish.
Mango Coco Crisp – Topped with coconut crisps for an added layer of texture, giving every sip a subtle crunch that comple-
ments the creamy base. Mango Coco Chia – A more indulgent option finished with coconut crisps and chia seeds, offering a richer, more textured take on the original blend. Crafted for everyday enjoyment, the collection is designed to suit a range of preferences from those who enjoy something light and refreshing to those looking for a more indulgent treat.
(The Mango Coco Milkshake Collection will be available for a limited time in all Seattle’s Best Coffee stores nationwide. Enjoy it for dine-in, take-out, drive-thru and delivery via Grabfood and foodpanda)
SINGAPOREAN hawker
cuisine continues to find its place in Metro Manila’s evolving dining scene.
And for Kaokee Singaporean Kitchen, it brings its signature take on Singaporean comfort food with the opening of its third branch at the 4th Level of SM Podium in Mandaluyong City.
“I didn’t start Kaokee with a business plan in mind,” said founder Reagan Tan. “During the pandemic, I was just cooking Hainanese
chicken at home because I loved it. I shared it with my neighbors, word spread, and before I knew it, the dish had taken on a life of its own. That unexpected journey led to our first branch, which we opened quietly, with no fanfare, just the food.”
Kaokee translates to “Stall Nine,” a nod to the numbered hawker stalls of Singapore, where reputation matters more than branding.
The number also reflects the team’s journey, representing the many refinements they undertook before arriving at the menu they serve today.
“Stall Nine is not a name we chose to stand
email: joyce.panares@gmail.com
out,” Tan said. “It is a name we chose to stand among the hawkers who inspired us. We did not inherit a legacy. We earned ours.” Known for its Hainanese Chicken, Claypot Rice, and Laksa, Kaokee highlights the depth of flavor and consistency of Singaporean cuisine while remaining approachable to the local palate.
The new branch features interiors inspired by the Singaporean kopitiam, reinterpreted for a more elevated setting. In Singapore, kopitiams are everyday spaces where people pause, gather, and enjoy their meals and kopi. Kaokee brings that same spirit to
dishes amid the pace of city life. Alongside its savory offerings, Kaokee also offers egg tarts, a popular Singaporean teatime staple. While the SM Podium branch was under construction, the team set up a small pop-up kiosk, initially meant as a temporary presence. “The kiosk was never meant to be the star, but people kept lining up and coming back,” Tan said. “The egg tarts took on a life of their own. Because of that, this new branch now has a dedicated takeout counter, something we never originally planned.”
Kaokee is part of the Mc Wilson Corporation portfolio, the group behind concepts such as Gringo, Tatatito, Honeybon, and Tokyo Bubble
(For updates and more information, follow Kaokee PH on Facebook and @kaokee.ph on Instagram)
(Meryl Streep) famously remarking over her late order: “Is there some reason that my coffee isn’t here? Has she died or something?” According to Starbucks, the new sequel will also feature the brand.
“From first sip to final scene, Starbucks invites customers
By Jasper Valdez
KEHLANI has released a self-titled fifth studio album, arriving after the R&B artist won two Grammy Awards for the single “Folded.”
Released on April 24, Kehlani’s birthday, KEHLANI includes 17 tracks and features appearances from Brandy Usher, Missy Elliott, Cardi B, Lil Wayne, Clipse, T-Pain, Lil Jon, Big
Sean, and Leon Thomas
The album follows the run of “Folded,” which won Best R&B Song and Best R&B Performance at the Grammy Awards. Instead of leaning only on one sound, the album brings Kehlani into different corners of R&B and hip-hop. Brandy appears on “I Need You,” Usher joins “Shoulda Never,” while Missy Elliott is featured on “Back and Forth.”
The self-titled release comes after
By Angelica Villanueva
THE first thing I noticed when I arrived at Spotify x BTS: SWIMSIDE was the music already echoing across Glorietta Activity Center.
While We Wait 2, which Kehlani released in 2024. It also adds to a catalog that includes “SweetSexySavage,” “It Was Good Until It Wasn’t,” “Blue Water Road,” and “Crash.”
Other tracks on the album include “Anotha Luva” featuring Lil Wayne, “No Such Thing” featuring Clipse, “Pocket” featuring Cardi B, “Lights On” featuring Big Sean, and “Sweet Nuthins” featuring Leon Thomas.
a temporary fan space designed around how ARMYs celebrate BTS’ comeback together.
Together with my friend and colleague, Jaehwa, we came a little bit early, before the other media guests fully poured into the venue, while staff members were still making final checks around the space. But even then, BTS songs from its ARIRANG album were already playing through the speakers, filling the otherwise quiet mall area with the familiar sound of comeback season.
At that hour, the giant Spotify lighthouse standing at the center of the venue welcomed us while colleagues slowly gathered outside, some already carrying ARMY Bombs, while others were slaying their BTS-themed outfits.
Without the usual concert-level noise yet, I had enough time to actually take in the details of the setup.
This long weekend, Manila has become one of only six cities worldwide hosting Spotify x BTS: SWIMSIDE, Spotify’s immersive fan experience inspired by BTS’ latest album, ARIRANG Following runs in New York, Seoul, Tokyo, and Jakarta, the Manila stop transforms Glorietta into
By Angelica Villanueva
STREAMING platform Prime Video is rolling out the month of May with a lineup that spans globe-trotting espionage, emotional romance, fantasy returns, and franchise films, underscoring the streamer’s push for high-stakes storytelling and audience-driven adaptations across genres. From the return of major series like Citadel and Good Omens to new originals and literary adaptations, the month’s slate leans heavily on familiar IPs while expanding into new character-driven narratives. Here are the five series you can look forward to this month of May.
Citadel Season 2 (May 6)
The spy thriller returns with Mason Kane (Richard Madden), Nadia Sinh (Priyanka Chopra Jonas), and Bernard Orlick (Stanley
network Manticore. The new season expands its ensemble while deepening its focus on betrayal, loyalty, and shifting alliances.
Love is Never Gone (May 8)
Kapamilya stars Joshua Garcia and Ivana Alawi headline this crime-romance drama about Teo, whose life is turned upside down after he falls for Yana, a thief hiding a secret past. Their relationship unravels into betrayal, imprisonment, and shifting identities as Teo later meets a woman who looks like his lost love, pushing him into a confrontation with crime syndicates and long-hidden truths.
Good Omens Season 3 (May 13)
Michael Sheen and David Tennant return as Aziraphale and Crowley in the next chapter of the fantasy comedydrama. With Aziraphale now the Supreme Archangel and Crowley at rock bottom in Soho, the pair must confront a fractured friendship while the Second Coming looms over Heaven and Earth.
Last Thursday, April 30, Manila Standard Entertainment got to have a sneak peek of what Filo ARMYs could look forward to when they arrived at the concept space. As more guests filled the area, the atmosphere changed almost immediately. The moment they entered the space, phones started coming out and loud cheers began to fill the silence as familiar BTS tracks continued to play. The experience unfolds room by room.
The Wave Room quickly became one of the busiest areas, with fans posing inside the ocean-inspired photo space while staff photographers moved around taking printed keepsakes visitors could bring home. Nearby, the Deep Dive Stream room turned into a louder watch party area as fans joined to sing along with BTS members through their performance videos through Spotify. But the loudest reactions easily came from the Fan Chant Lighthouse.
“It’s one of my most favorite experiences, because ARMY can bring their ARMY bombs inside and they can sing their heart out,” a Spotify representative said during the media preview.
Inside, fans waved their ARMY Bombs while shouting fan chants and singing along to BTS songs without hesitation. For a few moments, it stopped feeling like a mall activation and started feeling closer to a mini concert crowd.
The experience also includes smaller interactive details longtime fans would immediately recognize. Visitors who complete the BTS Music Quiz can redeem themed drinks at the Sound Wave Bar, while those finishing the entire SWIMSIDE journey receive exclusive Spotify x BTS merchandise kits created for Filipino ARMYs.
Before leaving, one thing became especially clear to me. Filipino ARMYs really do know exactly how to turn a BTS comeback into a memorable event.
Off Campus Season 1 (May 13) Based on the bestselling book series, this college drama follows Briar University’s hockey team and their relationships, focusing on a romance between student songwriter Hannah and star athlete Garrett amid themes of friendship and comingof-age.
Spider-Noir (May 27) Nicolas Cage leads this live-action Marvel series set in 1930s New York, playing Ben Reilly, a down-on-his-luck private investigator forced to revisit his past as he becomes the city’s lone vigilante amid rising criminal threats.
Timex brings Harry Potter details into everyday watches, tapping into fan nostalgia ahead of the franchise’s upcoming TV adaptation
By Angelica Villanueva
TIMEX is introducing a new collection of watches that draw inspiration from the hit classic Harry Potter series.
The newest collection seamlessly integrates well-known elements from both the books and films into a diverse range of watches that are suitable for everyday wear.
The Harry Potter collection includes designs inspired by well-known parts of the series, such as Platform 9 3/4, Butterbeer, the Sorting Hat, and the four Hogwarts houses.
The Weekender model stands out with its Timex Indiglo backlight, revealing Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin colors.
By Jasper Valdez
FAnother premium piece, the Waterbury Skeleton Automatic, features the Hogwarts crest alongside a visible 21-jewel automatic movement through its open-worked dial.
“At Timex, we love creating products that connect people to the stories they love,” Timex chief marketing officer Shari Fabiani said in a statement.
“‘Harry Potter’ has a remarkable ability to bring generations together through shared memories and house pride,” she added.
The release comes before the new Harry Potter TV adaptation of the original fantasy series, which is set to start on Dec. 25.
The Harry Potter collection is now available on the Timex website.
OR many fresh graduates, the question of working from home or reporting to the office is not only about convenience. It is also about learning how to work, when to ask questions, and how to build confidence in a real professional setting.
That is why hybrid work may be the most practical middle ground for young workers entering their first jobs.
Several summa cum laude graduates from the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde said office work still offers a kind of learning that is difficult to fully copy online. Jan Nicholas Bagaman a Business Management graduate, said fresh graduates may miss out on mentorship in remote setups.
“In-office environments allow for osmotic learning through spontaneous questions, faster feedback, and direct observation of senior colleagues tackling daily tasks and challenges,” Bagaman said.
Denise Lorraine Janabon, a Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management graduate, said she learns better when she sees or experiences tasks firsthand.
“Immediate mentorship is given in the said
By Jasper Valdez
setup, which means we get instant clarifications to our questions; thus, we, fresh graduates, would be able to learn and grow faster in our respective careers,” Janabon said.
Saira Katriz Mamucod, also a Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management graduate, said remote work can slow down the natural learning process.
“Quick questions, careful observations, and informative conversations are more likely to occur in face-to-face settings,” Mamucod said.
For some fields, physical presence matters even more. Jasmine Audrey Cuyos, a Cybersecurity graduate, said office work can expose fresh graduates to real Security Operations Center environments and direct mentorship. Still, she said remote work has its own advantage.
“A hybrid setup may provide the best balance, where onsite time is used for hands-on experiences and team building, while remote
FRIENDSTER is making an unexpected return a decade after going offline, this time pitching itself as a social media platform focused on “real connections” instead of algorithms.
On its website, Friendster announced that users can add friends by simply tapping their phones together. The revived platform also promised an experience free from ads, spam accounts, and algorithm-driven feeds.
“No ‘suggested strangers’—your network is built from real connections,” Friendster said.
The company also said it will not sell user data, a move that comes as privacy concerns continue to dominate conversations around social media platforms.
For now, the Friendster app is only available to Apple iOS users.
Friendster was once among the world’s biggest social networking sites before shutting down its social networking services in 2011, admitting at the time that “it’s a Facebook world.”
The platform briefly returned in 2012 as a social entertainment site centered on games and music, but later announced in 2015 that it would “take a break and pause” operations due to the “evolving landscape in our challenging industry.”
Its latest comeback is already sparking nostalgia online among users who remember the platform as an early social media pioneer.
time is for independent learning,” Cuyos said. That balance also applies when it come to work in the creative fields. Frances Bianca Bautista, a Multimedia Arts graduate, said the priority is for fresh graduates to start gaining industry experience.
“What matters more for fresh graduates is that they begin dipping their toes in their respective industries, whether that be remote or face-toface,” Bautista said.
For Animation graduate Klark Lynus Marquez, studio work can help young artists understand feedback better and build connections.
“Receiving hands-on feedback from studio heads is better when one wants to gain experience and hone their skills more effectively,” Marquez said.
Remote work, however, still has a place. Robin Nathan Ng, an Information Systems graduate, said it can support growth when companies are
intentional about mentoring.
“Structured mentoring programs, regular check-ins, and collaborative platforms can recreate guidance and connection,” Ng said. Jillian Ngo, a Fashion Design and Merchandising graduate, said being in the office helps, but it does not automatically lead to growth.
“Without a strong learning environment, being physically present does little,” Ngo said. For fresh graduates, hybrid work offers a practical compromise. It gives them room to learn directly from people, build workplace habits, and still have the flexibility that has become important to young workers. The setup works best when companies treat mentorship as part of the job, not an afterthought.
C4 | MAY 3, 2026
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
YOU’VE probably noticed that travel these days comes with more second-guessing than it used to. Costs shift. Budgets feel tighter. For anyone in Manila or across Southeast Asia planning a trip, there’s often a quiet question: Is this really the right time?
Based on what I’m hearing from recent guests, the answer is yes, if you choose carefully. Not because Cebu is cheap (it isn’t always), but because some places on the ground have started thinking like problem-solvers rather than just hoteliers.
At a recent wayfarers’ assembly event, I talked to guests from Manila and other parts of Asia who had just returned from Mactan. They didn’t just rave about beaches, they talked about math. Specifically, they found an unusual program at Plantation Bay.
Here’s how it works: a P20,000 prepayment into resort credits instantly becomes P40,000. That’s a 100 percent bonus on money you were planning to spend anyway—on food, drinks, spa, or activities.
What’s interesting is the logic behind it. Instead of discounting rooms, this setup acts as a financial buffer. That extra P20,000 in value effectively gives you breathing room. One guest put it bluntly: “My trip felt lighter because my stay was already half-covered before I even landed.” That’s not a sales gimmick. It’s a structural response to a real problem:
DISCOVERY Resorts, composed of Discovery Boracay, Discovery Samal, and Discovery Coron, recently honored its top accounts at a producers’ appreciation event held at Discovery Primea in Makati.
Styled as a coffee rave-inspired soirée, the gathering recognized key business partners whose support has helped shape the properties into sought-after island destinations.
Dubbed “Afternoon Beats and More,” the event featured music from DJ Ron Poe, a longtime Discovery Boracay resident DJ, alongside gourmet fare and an upbeat atmosphere.
For this year’s edition, Discovery Resorts tapped artist Kalem (Camille Tolentino) to design bespoke trophies inspired by Philippine coral reefs, symbolizing resilience and collaboration. The celebration also featured a runway presentation of Avel Bacudio’s Spring/Summer 2027 collection, Piñabel, made with sustainable textiles from pineapple, banana, waterlily, and bamboo
for
escape close to the airport and within reach of Cebu’s leisure spots
travel feels more expensive across the board. By doubling resort credits upfront, the program is designed to absorb financial pressure, letting you focus on the experience rather than the calculator.
Think of it this way: by the time a traveler lands, the resort has already replenished a chunk of their spending power. The cost of getting there is met with an equal or greater increase in onthe-ground value. That matters because Mactan’s strength has never been about being the cheapest option—it has been the density of reliable, high-standard hospitality just minutes from the runway.
Now, is this a reason to fly across the world? Probably not. But for someone in Manila, Cebu, or even a short hop from Taiwan, Korea, or Singapore, the math starts to work exactly when budgets feel squeezed elsewhere. You’re not ignoring rising travel costs—you’re neutralizing them on the other side. The more honest take: no destination is immune to tighter travel budgets. But a model that front-loads a 100 percent credit bonus is essentially acknowledging that reality and building a workaround. That’s not advertising. That’s just clever trip engineering.
If you’re recalculating your travel budget, don’t just look for cheap options—look for places where the landing softens the blow. Right now, a number of travelers are quietly doing that in Mactan, finding that a smart local deal can still make a getaway worthwhile. Sometimes the best travel hack isn’t a secret beach. It is simple arithmetic.
THE Lind Hotels is expanding beyond Boracay, with Coron set to open next year and Siargao to follow.
The move marks the next phase for the independent Filipino brand as it grows from a single property into a curated multi-island portfolio shaped by a guest-first approach.
The Lind Boracay, located on Station 1 White Beach, has long anchored the brand. The property, the first Michelin Guide-listed hotel in Boracay, has built its reputation on location and a guest-centered philosophy that guides every decision.
The recognition from the Michelin Guide remains a key milestone that continues to define its positioning.
fibers. Bacudio is known for his ecoconscious fashion work, aligning with Discovery Resorts’ sustainability focus.
Guests were also given a preview of upcoming projects, including Kip&Kin properties in Siargao and El Nido, a new hybrid accommodation brand blending hostel and hotel concepts under its “Live Unbound” positioning for younger travelers.
An early look at Elize Point in Davao, a luxury residential estate development, was also presented, featuring amenities such as an infinity pool, clubhouse, function rooms, and an eco-boardwalk.
The event highlighted partnership across the tourism industry and its role in supporting local communities.
For more information about Discovery Boracay visit www. discoveryboracay.com, Discovery Samal at www.discoverysamal. com, and Discovery Coron at www. discoverycoron.com. Social media: @ discoveryboracay, @discoverysamal, @discoverycoron.
Rather than following rigid international frameworks, the hotel was designed as a place its founders would personally want to stay in— personal, considered, and evolving. guest loyalty, with repeat visitors forming a core base. Over time, the property has evolved through guest feedback, including new dining concepts such as Thai restaurant Yim and enhanced wellness offerings.
ourselves is simple: if we were the guest, what would we enjoy?” said The Lind Hotels. open next year, will
introduce a villa-led experience on a peninsula offering seclusion while remaining accessible. It will feature multiple dining options, a dive center, and expanded wellness and recreational facilities.
The Lind Siargao follows a similar strategy, targeting destinations with strong appeal but limited high-end supply. Known as the surf capital of the Philippines, the island presents an early opportunity for the brand in a growing market.
Expansion, for The Lind, is not about scale alone. Each site is chosen for long-term potential and a distinct interpretation of the brand.
“We chose to remain independent because it allows us to
move quickly and adapt,” Henrichs said. “We are not trying to grow everywhere at once. We want to do it properly, step by step.”
That independence has allowed the brand to respond quickly to guest needs and maintain a clear identity across properties.
“As we expand into Coron and Siargao, the priority is to keep that same spirit—independent, adaptable, and shaped around the guest,” Henrichs said.
