GOV’T HAS P7.86B FOR EL NIÑO RESPONSE—OCD By Rex Espiritu and Maricel V. Cruz
SUNSET VIEW.
THE government can tap P7.864 billion in available disaster funds to support response and relief operations amid the effects of El Niño, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said Saturday. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (NDRRM) Fund could be used for response measures needed to address the effects of the climate phenomenon, OCD sp o kesp e r s o n and Disaster Preparedness
Fishermen are silhouetted against a dramatic sunset glow along the C4 Centennial Park in Navotas City on Saturday, October 17, 2026. Kevin Araga
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China embassy dares PH: Stop bluffing, expel envoy Tarriela pushes back vs. boastful challenge of foreign guest By Charles Dantes and Joel Zurbano
T
HE Chinese Embassy in Manila dared Philippine lawmakers to make good of their call to declare Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan persona non grata – a move that the Philippine Coast Guard said only showed how boastful the foreign envoy was. In a social media post, the embassy questioned whether the
lawmakers’ statements amounted to threats or coercion before
daring them to carry out the proposed action. “Some senators and house representatives are talking about declaring the Chinese ambassador persona non grata. Is this threat or coercion? But anyway, just do it. Otherwise, STOP BLUFFING,” the embassy said. “Make no mistake: respect is mutual. China treats all countries as equals, big or small, but will never
tolerate ill-intentioned remarks, smears or provocations…Anyone who tries to provoke China will be pushed back.” The embassy even accused Filipino journalists and politicians of distorting its statement. “Some Philippine politicians and reporters have very limited comprehension about facts. But they are good at exaggeration, taking
THE Philippines is the fifth-most targeted country by Chinese state-sponsored cyber operations, according to Microsoft’s Digital Defense Report 2026. The report indicated statesponsored hacking and digital operations involving China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia. The Philippines also ranked 10th among the countries most targeted by North Korea and 12th among those most frequently targeted by cyber threats overall. Turn on A4
VICE President Sara Duterte’s defense team is seeking to streamline its presentation of evidence after the House prosecution team dropped three out of four impeachment charges, defense spokesperson Michael Poa said Saturday. In an interview with dzMM, Poa said the defense must establish the relevance of its proposed evidence, anticipating objections if they present evidence related to Article I (confidential funds), which was dropped along with Articles III (bribery) and IV (grave threats). Only Article II or accusations of
Catriona Gray joins Victoria’s Secret LA show By Jasper Valdez CATRIONA Gray is set to carry the Philippine flag at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2026, where she will attend as a special guest. The former Miss Universe is heading to Los Angeles for the Oct. 18 event. Filipino viewers can catch the global YouTube stream on Oct. 19 at 7:30 a.m. Catriona teased her appearance with an Angels-inspired shoot posted on Instagram. “Wings up, we’re inbound @ victoriassecret @victoriassecretph #VSFashionShow,” she wrote. Turn on A4
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‘PH 5th most VP’s lawyers seek to streamline presentation targeted by China By Charles Dantes and Maricel Cruz cyber hackers’ unexplained wealth remained the sole remaining count against Duterte. “We want to at least streamline the presentation, make sure whatever we present will still be relevant even if it might seem to be rebuttal evidence to the confidential funds article,” Poa said. In a separate interview with Bilyonaryo, Poa belied speculations the defense team will boycott the impeachment trial when proceedings resume on Nov. 9. “We will show up unless our client says otherwise. Doing a boycott was never in our plan,” Poa said. The defense panel earlier asked the impeachment court how it could respond to allegations that
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray will attend the upcoming Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show on October 19, 2026, as a special guest, representing the Philippines. Catriona Gray IG
prosecutors had already presented in court, particularly those involving confidential funds, after the three articles were withdrawn. The court then lifted restrictions on public discussion of the withdrawn articles, allowing Duterte and her lawyers to respond publicly, subject to existing confidentiality and other legal protections. The Senate impeachment court is scheduled to hear the defense’s presentation of evidence on the remaining article beginning Nov. 9. For his part, House prosecutor Joel Chua reiterated his challenge for Duterte’s lawyers to seek the dismissal of her impeachment case if Turn on A4
TRUMP FIRES NEW PRESS SECRETARY AFTER ONLY 5 DAYS WORLD / A4
ICE ARRESTS PINOY OVER HIDDEN CAM NEWS/ A3
ICC asked to allow prior testimonies of 5 witnesses on Rody’s ‘kill list’ By Gwyneth Nolasco THE prosecution in the crimes against humanity case against former President Rodrigo Duterte has asked the International Criminal Court Trial Chamber III to accept the prior recorded testimonies of five witnesses to speed up the proceedings. In a 12-page second application document by Acting Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang, prosecutors identified the witnesses as P-1087, P-1151, P-1158, P-1161, and
P-1204. Prosecutors requested leave to conduct a focused viva voce supplementary examination per witness. To expedite the proceedings, the length of the witnesses’ direct examination shall be reduced so as to save hours of court time. According to the prosecution, the testimonies of P-1087, P-1151, P-1158, P-1161, and P-1204 are relevant, reliable, and probative. “The introduction into evidence
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ELECTRIC MASSKARA REVELERS. A sea of some 50,000 revelers filled Upper East Avenue in Bacolod City as the
Electric MassKara Parade brought the streets to life with spectacular giant floats and street dancers dressed in vibrant, neon-lit costumes at Megaworld’s The Upper East township. Anchored on the theme ‘MassKara for All,’ this year’s festival underscores the spirit of inclusivity through activities designed to bring together people from all walks of life.
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A2 | OCTOBER 18, 2026
5 arrested in Makati over alleged illegal offshore gaming operations By Charles Dantes and Vince Lopez
G
OVERNMENT authorities arrested key personnel of a Makati City company suspected of operating an illegal offshore gaming business linked to online scams and illegal betting, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) said Saturday. The joint operation on Oct. 15 targeted Catalyst Market Solution Corp. for alleged violations of Republic Act 12312, or the Anti-POGO Act of 2025. The PAOCC said five individuals
The 5th Cordillera Festival of Festivals 2026 showcases the region’s culture and heritage through performances by contingents from six provinces and two cities. The event is organized by the Department of TourismCordillera. Dave Leprozo
Ombudsman pursues plunder probe vs. Cagayan’s Lara Lara, who served as vice chairperson of the House Committee on Appropriations during the 19th Congress, maintained financial interests in JLL Pulsar Construction Corp., JDL5 Construction Corp. and Pulsar Construction Corp., which secured DPWH contracts. An Anti-Money Laundering Council field intelligence report cited in the complaint indicated that Lara received more than P1.9 billion from relatives, affiliated entities and DPWH offices from 2019 to 2025. Investigators also alleged that he received about P3.8 billion from the DPWH, construction firms and joint ventures, while he and his wife allegedly acquired financial interests worth about P6.1 billion linked to infrastructure contracts. Rex Espiritu and Jessica Bacud
Ping questions motive of 3 minority senators over Tulfo case By Joel E. Zurbano SENATOR Panfilo Lacson questioned the motives of three minority senator-members of the Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET) who voted in favor of a motion for reconsideration to unseat Senator Erwin Tulfo. Lacson said the three had voted in favor of a motion for reconsideration with an amended petition for quo warranto filed by a petitioner who he described as “without legal standing.” “Justice and fairness went out of the window when three minority senatormembers voted in favor of an out-of-time motion for reconsideration filed by a petitioner without legal standing. Their mo-
tive may be deeper than personal issues against Sen. Tulfo,” he said. Lacson also commended the three Supreme Court justices and the other three senator-members of the SET who “undoubtedly knew” the procedural flaw and whose votes helped defeat the motion. “Let’s give credit to the three SC justice-members and the other three senator-members who undoubtedly knew the obvious procedural flaw which resulted in a 6-3 vote, thus dismissing the motion for reconsideration,” he said. On Friday, the SET voted 6-3 to deny the motion filed by lawyer Berteni Causing. Causing’s original petition sought to
unseat Tulfo, citing questions about the senator’s citizenship, alleged membership in a political dynasty and lack of academic qualifications. The original petition was dismissed due to insufficiency in form. Tulfo maintained he has no American citizenship and has never executed an oath of allegiance for United States naturalization. The senator further said that any preceding matters concerning US citizenship or related documentation were appropriately resolved through his formal execution of a renunciation document and subsequent acquisition of certification from the US Embassy in 2022.
PHAP pushes faster medicine access, stronger financing By Dexter A. See
Vargas files cyberlibel versus fake news sites QUEZON City Fifth District Rep. Patrick Michael Vargas has filed cyber libel complaints against alleged fake news sites with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), seeking accountability for the online spread of fabricated claims. “We support free speech, but we will never tolerate defamation or fake news. We will fight this and hold accountable under the law those who abuse social media platforms to spread lies,” Vargas said. Vargas personally submitted the formal complaints and digital evidence to NBI Director Melvin Matibag at the agency’s headquarters. He warned operators of malicious accounts and troll net-
traces that could indicate online betting and fraudulent activities. Authorities also seized computer systems, laptops, mobile phones, storage devices, and network and video recording equipment for further forensic examination. The arrested individuals were informed of the allegations against them and their constitutional rights, the PAOCC said. The suspects and seized evidence were brought to the CIDG’s National Capital Region headquarters for documentation and examination. Authorities are preparing complaints for alleged violations of the Anti-POGO Act, while follow-up operations continue to locate the remaining suspects.
CORDILLERA FESTIVAL.
IN BRIEF THE Office of the Ombudsman has launched a preliminary investigation into Cagayan Third District Rep. Joseph Lasam Lara and members of his family over alleged financial interests in construction firms linked to billions of pesos in government infrastructure contracts. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said Lara faces complaints for plunder under Republic Act 7080 and violation of Section 3(h) of Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, involving projects awarded by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Also named in the probe are his wife, Zarah Rose Lara; their children, Joseph Joshua, Joseph Jeremy, Joseph Kyle and Joseph II; and daughter-in-law Jessa Lara. The complaint alleged that
were arrested, including a woman identified in Securities and Exchange Commission records as the company’s supervisor and incorporator and another woman reportedly working
as an administrative assistant. Three other individuals identified in the investigation remain at large. Authorities implemented a court-issued Warrant to Search, Seize and Examine Computer Data from the Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 150. The operation involved the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group’s National Capital Region field unit, the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group, Makati police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the PAOCC. Investigators examined the company’s computer systems and electronic devices for websites, applications, and digital
works that he would pursue legal remedies to identify those behind them and stop their operations. Matibag assured him that the NBI would investigate the administrators, content creators and financial backers allegedly involved. The complaint stemmed from an alleged coordinated disinformation campaign in which Facebook pages posing as legitimate news outlets circulated fabricated accusations and AI-manipulated media. Vargas submitted forensic evidence to the NBI Cybercrime Division, including archived screenshots, URL traces and preliminary identifications of individuals and administrators linked to the flagged pages. Maricel V. Cruz
GOVERNMENT representatives, pharmaceutical industry leaders and patient advocates called for faster medicine approvals, sustainable healthcare financing and stronger supply systems to address long-standing barriers that keep treatments beyond the reach of many Filipinos, particularly in rural areas. At the 2026 Health for Juan and Juana Forum, themed “Breaking Barriers to Medicine Access,” speakers said medical innovations do not automatically translate into patient access amid high costs,
limited coverage, supply shortages and complicated assistance procedures. The forum also marked the 80th anniversary of the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP). PHAP president Dr. Diana Edralin said closer coordination among government agencies, local governments and the private sector is needed to ensure medicines move from regulatory approval to financing and actual delivery. She warned that delays in assessments, reimbursement and medicine deliveries can lead to disease progression and lost
treatment opportunities, particularly for patients with cancer, rare conditions and other serious illnesses. Edralin backed the Unified National Agenda for Health, citing stronger primary care, expanded PhilHealth medicine benefits, a more responsive national formulary, and improved procurement and supply planning as priorities. Food and Drug Administration representatives cited a shortage of evaluators, personnel turnover, incomplete technical submissions and limitations in digital systems as factors behind registration delays.
YULE PREP.
Parol makers prepare Christmas lanterns at Plaza Quezon in Las Piñas City on October 17, ahead of the holiday shopping season. Norman Cruz
DILG reports completion of governance projects THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reported Saturday that 81 percent of projects funded under the Seal of Good Local GovernanceIncentive Fund (SGLGIF) have been completed nationwide, providing critical infrastructure, stronger disaster preparedness and improved public services to communities. Latest DILG data showed that
1,261 of the 1,559 funded projects have been completed, reflecting the benefits of providing financial support to local government units (LGUs) recognized for good governance. During the DILG Kapihan media forum, DILG-Bulacan Director Myrvi Apostol-Fabia cited improvements in disaster preparedness, particularly in flood-prone communities. Vince Lopez
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OCTOBER 18, 2026 |
FOR HALLOWEEN. A subdivision gate in Quezon City features Halloween decorations ahead of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on November 1 and 2. Manny Palmero
DSWD condemns child sexual abuse, urges more protection By Maricel V. Cruz
T
HE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has condemned acts of sexual abuse against children as the agency reminded parents of their responsibility to provide a safe, loving, and nurturing environment for their children. The DSWD’s reminders follow the rescue of 16 victim-survivors of online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) in separate operations in Cainta, Rizal, and General Santos City in Mindanao on October 13. “No child should experience any form of abuse, especially when it comes from a relative or when relatives themselves cause
their children or family members to become involved in such situations. Children look to their parents for love and protection. It is the responsibility of parents to care for, guide, and protect their children from any danger, whether online or in person,” Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, the DSWD spokesperson, said. According to the Philippine Na-
tional Police Women and Children Protection Center (PNP-WCPC), investigators recovered images and videos allegedly showing the minors being subjected to sexual acts. In a letter written by the 14-yearold victim-survivor rescued in Cainta, the child appealed to parents to love, care for, and protect their children from harm. “I want to tell parents not to follow the example of my own parents. Please love your children,” the OSAEC victim-survivor said. Th e D S W D s p o k e s p e r s o n stressed that parents have a responsibility to protect their children from all forms of abuse and exploitation, provide for their needs, and ensure their safety and well-being.
“Parents should be the first to protect, love, and care for their children. It is the responsibility of parents, the community, and the government to keep our youth safe from any danger,” Dumlao said. Dumlao said the DSWD continues to strengthen the implementation of its Parent Effectiveness Service (PES) Program to equip parents and parent-substitutes with the knowledge and skills needed to raise, protect, and nurture their children. Through parenting education and support, the program promotes responsible parenthood and helps prevent child abuse by encouraging parents to provide a safe and nurturing environment for their children.
Filipino arrested by ICE over hidden camera By Gabriel Oliva A 21-YEAR-OLD Filipino national illegally residing in the United States was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after being convicted of two counts of videotaping undressed persons without consent. In a press release, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said Joshua Gabriel Car Hombrebueno was taken into ICE custody following his detention at the William G. Truesdale Alexandria Adult Detention Center in Alexandria, Virginia. ICE listed Hombrebueno on its “Worst of the Worst” list on October 13, alongside four other convicted individuals from El Salvador, Mexico, and Guatemala. “Yesterday, the brave men and women of ICE
arrested pedophiles, sexual predators, domestic assailants, and other public safety threats from our communities,” DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said. The department identified Hombrebueno as an “illegal” individual in the US. A report on the official City of Alexandria, Virginia, website states that the 21-year-old’s case dates back to Sept. 20, 2025, when a mother and her three-year-old daughter reported that a phone camera was recording inside the employee restroom. “Upon investigation, Alexandria Police Department (APD) detectives recovered a recording depicting multiple victims, including both adults and children, who were unknowingly recorded while using the restroom,” the statement read. According to the APD, a search of the device
pursuant to a search warrant revealed several other victims, including children and adults. After being identified, the victims expressed their willingness to file charges against Hombrebueno, who was then 20 years old and working at a French bakery. Following a sex offense investigation involving hidden-camera recordings inside the restaurant’s employee restroom, the APD filed three felony counts and nine misdemeanor counts of unlawful creation of an image of another person. “Hombrebueno, through legal counsel, turned himself in to Detective Quint earlier today, and the arrest warrant was served without incident,” the statement read. The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs reported in 2025 that more than 69 Filipino nationals were in ICE custody.
JBC sets public interviews for Supreme Court chief aspirants By Pot Chavez
READINESS DRILLS. Participants in the Office of Civil Defense-funded search-and-rescue training undergo practical exercises and assessments on October 16 to strengthen responders’ readiness for collapsed-structure emergencies in Western Visayas. Civil Defense Western Visayas
THE Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) will conduct public interviews of the five candidates for the position of Supreme Court (SC) chief justice ahead of the compulsory retirement of Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo. In an advisory, the SC said the interviews will be held at the En Banc Session Hall on October 22 and 26. Two applicants subject to public interviews on October 22 are Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen and Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioa. Meanwhile, Associate Justices Rodil V. Zalameda, Japar B. Dimaampao, and Jose Midas P. Marquez will be interviewed on October 26. The public interviews are pursuant to Section 2, Rule 7 of the 2020-01 Revised Rules of the JBC. In its announcement dated October 16, 2026, the JBC said the public may
submit a sworn complaint, report, or opposition against any of the candidates no later than October 27, 2026. Retired SC Associate Justice Arturo Brion has nominated Associate Justice Jose Midas Marquez for the position, citing his contributions to improving the operations of the Judiciary. Meanwhile, Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo nominated Leonen for chief justice, highlighting his “mature, effective, and collegial leadership.” During his tenure, Gesmundo spearheaded the Judiciary’s reform agenda, the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027 (SPJI), which seeks to promote efficiency, innovation, and access. The 27th chief justice of the Philippines is set to retire on November 6 upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70. Aside from Gesmundo, Associate Justice Amy C. Lazaro-Javier is also set to retire on November 16.
IN BRIEF DepEd swears in 339 metro school counselor associates THE Department of Education (DepEd) led the mass oath-taking of 339 newly appointed school counselor associates (SCAs) for deployment in schools across the National Capital Region (NCR) during a ceremony in Makati City on Thursday. The initiative, held during Mental Health Awareness Month and National School Safety Week, aims to expand mental health and wellbeing services in basic education schools. SCAs will assist in learner assessments, psychosocial support, career guidance, and referrals. Education Secretary Sonny Angara said schools should be safe and nurturing environments where students feel at home. He thanked the new associates for helping address learners’ need for guidance and support. The appointments implement Republic Act No. 12080, or the Basic Education Mental Health and WellBeing Promotion Act of 2024, which seeks to promote mental health and address learners’ concerns. DepEd said 5,445 of the 10,000 authorized SCA positions have been filled, with recruitment streamlined to 36 days Gabriel Oliva
Joint police and LGU action for emergencies THE National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) is pushing for stronger coordination with local government units (LGUs) and traffic authorities to address road obstructions that could delay police response, ambulance transport, and fire-rescue operations across Metro Manila. Acting NCRPO Regional Director Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano directed the five police districts to coordinate with local officials, traffic offices, emergency responders, and establishments to review access routes near hospitals, transport terminals, commercial centers, and other busy areas. The review will identify frequently obstructed roads, assess emergency vehicle access, and recommend measures to improve response times during accidents, medical emergencies, fires, and other critical incidents. Vince Lopez
Google offers Filipino teachers free AI educ THE Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Education (DepEd), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) have partnered with Google to provide teachers with free artificial intelligence (AI) training. Launched on October 13, the Google AI Educator Series offers online courses lasting 15 to 45 minutes, covering AI applications in classroom instruction, lesson preparation, and administrative tasks. Google Philippines country manager Prep Palacios said the initiative aims to help teachers manage their workload and focus more on teaching and building relationships with students. Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the training would reduce paperwork and help teachers become futureready. Gabriel Oliva
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WORLD
A4 | OCTOBER 18, 2026
White House new press secretary out after less than week
Katie Zacharia
WASHINGTON—White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia was pushed out Friday after less than a week in the high-profile job following a series of blunders that added to distractions for her embattled boss, President Donald Trump. “Can confirm,”a White House official told AFP, after Fox News reported that Zacharia, 41, was “transitioning out.” The writing was on the wall earlier when Trump made clear he was ready to see his newly minted spokeswoman go amid criticism that she had pretended to be a lawyer and over her one, much-mocked press briefing. “I said, ‘Katie, is this for you?’” Trump told reporters. “I said, ‘Katie, you don’t have to do this’...I said to her, ‘Honestly if I were you, I’d reconsider.’” During Trump’s first term in office, the 11-day tenure of financier Anthony Scaramucci as White House communications director was widely mocked for its brevity, and even became an internet meme. Zacharia lasted less than half that long. “Records are made to be broken,” Scaramucci wrote on X, adding: “But I take no pleasure in other people’s pain.” She took over the role from the combative Karoline Leavitt, who helped Trump reshape White House coverage by bringing in more friendly outlets and fiercely attacking critical media. Zacharia had got off to a rocky start with her debut press room briefing Tuesday morning. It lasted less than 15 minutes, beginning with a remarkably slow reading out of what she said were Trump’s many accomplishments – then taking just three questions from journalists. She then was plunged into controversy when it emerged that her previous claims to be a lawyer were not true. AFP
Catriona.. From A1
The show will also feature performances from KATSEYE, Megan Moroney, Megan Thee Stallion and Tate McRae. Gigi Hadid is among the models returning to the runway, alongside Amelia Gray, Ashley Graham, Anok Yai and Candice Swanepoel. The appearance adds to Catriona’s international activities this year, following her guest stint on Thailand’s “Academy Fantasia.”
VP’s... From A1
they truly believed the prosecution’s evidence was weak. “If they truly believe that we lack solid evidence, they should file a demurrer to evidence,” Chua said in a press briefing Saturday.
POST-TSUNAMI GENERATION. Traditional dancers perform in front of the PLTD Apung, a 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami landmark, in Banda Aceh on Saturday, October 17, 2026. AFP
Trump waives new sweeping Russia sanctions
W
ASHINGTON—President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday (Saturday, Manila time) that waived sweeping US sanctions and tariffs targeting Russia’s energy revenues, marking a new low in Washington’s ties with war-torn Ukraine. The move came as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged EU leaders to keep financing Kyiv’s fight with nearly $80 billion more next year, insisting he was standing up for his country as Trump’s support slumped. The Lindsey Graham Act – named after the deceased US senator who sponsored the bill – had allowed Trump the authority to impose duties up to 100 percent on major buyers of Russian oil and gas. The legislation, which Trump signed into law last month, targeted Russia’s energy and defense
sectors, President Vladimir Putin and other senior officials, as well as Moscow’s so-called shadow fleet of tankers used to circumvent Western sanctions. Trump’s reversal on the Russia sanctions comes after he struck a deal with Putin to ease sanctions on Russia in exchange for Moscow releasing large amounts of diesel into global markets. The US president’s war in Iran has sparked crippling oil shortages and price spikes, creating major headwinds for his Republican Party ahead of midterm elections next month. Asked if he was being made a scapegoat for Trump’s domestic woes ahead of the vote, Zelensky just smiled. “This is my answer,” he told journalists in Brussels, after an extended pause. In another sign of strained relations between the United States and Ukraine, Trump branded Kyiv’s actions a “disgrace” after Zelensky ordered his forces to resume strikes on Russian refineries. “I defend the interests of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people exclusively,” Zelensky said after talks with EU leaders.
The breakdown between Trump and Zelensky has fueled fears that the US leader is siding with Moscow. Those concerns have been heightened by disruptions to a critical US-provided satellite system that has hampered Ukraine’s ability to counter Russia’s intense bombardments. Ukraine uses technology from Elon Musk’s SpaceX for battlefield communications, but the tech billionaire – a virulent Zelensky critic – said his company was not behind the disruption, while a US official denied any intervention by Trump. European leaders put on a show of unity with Zelensky as he grappled with Trump. “This is no time to withdraw support to Ukraine. This is no time to relieve Russia’s sanctions,” European Council chief Antonio Costa said. “Now it is time to increase our support, to increase our pressure.” Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten said that “the situation in Ukraine is currently truly dire, with numerous Russian attacks and a tense relationship between Ukraine and the US.” AFP
Haze triggers highest alert level in southern ASEAN zone—monitor SINGAPORE —Ongoing fires in Indonesia that have blanketed parts of Southeast Asia with toxic haze have triggered the highest-level alert by the regional bloc’s climate and fire monitor. “Activation of Alert Level 3 for the Southern ASEAN region,”the Singapore ASEAN Specialized Meteorological Centre said on its website, seen on
Saturday. Based near Singapore’s Changi Airport, the ASMC uses a four-tiered alert level system, from zero to three, with the highest triggered if there is a “high risk of severe transboundary haze in the region.” This included significant and persistent hotspot activities with widespread
moderate to dense smoke haze, observed over two or more consecutive days, dry weather persisting and wind continuing to blow haze towards neighboring ASEAN countries. The ASMC alert was issued Friday, but similar alerts have already been handed out twice this year – on August 26 and March 27.
The months-long spell of haze has been disrupting life in large parts of Southeast Asia, closing schools and spiking respiratory complaints. Singapore said on Friday it would issue warnings to seven companies in Indonesia it identified as responsible for fires but warned the worst may yet to come. AFP
China...
the legislature,” Tarriela said. Earlier, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he will summon Jing after the latter’s remark that Beijing could easily defeat Manila by force, which the commander-in-chief described as a “threat. “It sounds very much to me like a threat, and it is not a very diplomatic statement to be made. We perhaps would like to understand what exactly it is that he means,” Mr. Marcos said. “I think that deserves a discussion between the ambassador and my-
self,” he added. The Chinese embassy said it welcomes “such good opportunity of face-to-face communication” with the President. “Ambassador Jing looks forward to exchanging views on certain important and sensitive issues with the President. Especially how to prevent some individuals from pushing bilateral relations into a dangerous situation,” the embassy said. Jing made the remark late Thursday in response to criticism from De-
fense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., who described Beijing as a regional “troublemaker.” “If we want to use force, we may easily win. But no, we will not choose force, and we love peace,” Jing said. “We should feel fortunate enough that you have a neighbor like China in this region.” The Department of Foreign Affairs criticized Jing’s statement as a “poor choice of words” that appeared to convey a “thinly veiled threat of the use of force.”
tion and Management Council reported that 109 areas across seven regions have declared a state of calamity due to the prolonged El Niño. These include 66 areas in Cagayan Valley, 23 in Caraga, 12 in Bicol, four in Calabarzon, 2 in Cordillera Administrative Region and one in Soccsksargen and Eastern Visayas. As this developed, a resolution filed at the House of Representa-
tives called for a whole-of-nation approach in addressing the water supply disruptions already affecting parts of the country due to the El Niño phenomenon. Filed by Bagong Henerasyon party-list Rep. Robert Nazal, House Resolution 1555 specifically assigns the Task Force El Niño, the NDRRMC, state weather bureau PAGASA, concerned national
agencies, and local government units to strengthen national readiness and immediately execute coordinated measures to mitigate the impacts of El Niño. The resolution urged Task Force El Niño to immediately review, update, and implement the Strategic El Niño National Action Plan for 2026–2027 using the latest PAGASA forecasts and ground assessments.
presidency of Duterte, as well as noted that the Duterte list emboldened officers with a sense of impunity. P-1151 further described the killings of the PNP, Operation Double Barrel, and the Duterte list. They outlined a system of rewards, including monetary incentives, for the alleged involvement of police officers in the killings, Duterte’s appointment of personnel to positions that were crucial to the crimes, and making statements to encourage killings of alleged criminals. While the accounts from P-1158 and P-1161 were not disclosed, their prior recorded testimonies also indicate proof of a policy to neutralize violent crimes and alleged criminals. P-1161’s evidence presented the former President’s alleged involvement in the Duterte list, providing evidence for and discussing the said list.
‘PH...
at 24 percent and Japan at 20 percent. Hong Kong at 3 percent and the Philippines at 2 percent rounded out the top five. Other targets included Malaysia, Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany and Belgium. Chinese state actors have reportedly employed various cyber techniques, including exploiting vulnerabilities in publicly accessible applications, uploading web shells or malicious scripts, and deploying remote access trojans. Artificial intelligence has further enhanced the capabilities of these threat actors, Microsoft said. “Chinese state actors experiment with new technologies as they gain adoption, fitting them into existing workflows. Some actors now use AI tools to search for vulnerabilities or tips on exploiting them,” the report said.
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things out of context, and creating hype,” it said. PCG spokesperson for the WPS Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela, for his part, pushed back against the embassy’s dare. “This is how boastful the foreign Ambassador is while inside our own country. After threatening us, he is the one being prideful and challenging an entire branch of government,
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Service Director Vic Tomas said. “The P7.864 billion NDRRM Fund is available for any response that we need to undertake for the El Niño phenomenon,” Tomas said at a news forum in Quezon City. The National Disaster Risk Reduc-
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of the Prior Recorded Testimonies is not prejudicial to or inconsistent with the rights of the Accused, as the Five Witnesses will be available for cross-examination by the Defense and any further questioning by the Chamber, the parties, and the Common Legal Representatives of Victims (the “CLRV”),” Niang wrote. Should the witnesses be introduced into evidence, the prosecution requested to conduct a streamlined supplementary examination. According to the testimony of P-1087, he expressed doubt over the reports of the Philippine National Police regarding the killings in police operations, described how killings became normalized during the
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Microsoft said Chinese state actors focused on large-scale information gathering from a wide range of targets. “This supports their government’s international objectives and whole-ofstate intelligence fusion, an approach that combines political oversight, military apparatus, and commercial industries into a single party-led apparatus,” the report said. “The goals of Chinese state actors remain largely consistent over time and center on long-term access to facilitate espionage,” it added. The United States was the most targeted country by Chinese state actors, accounting for 27 percent of the reported activity, followed by Taiwan
UNIQLO reopens GenSan store, aids earthquake recovery UNIQLO reopened its store at SM City General Santos on October 15, four months after an earthquake disrupted the city, while completing its first classroom under an education initiative supporting underserved communities. After the June 2026 earthquake, the retailer opened a temporary pop-up store and partnered with ABS-CBN Foundation to distribute clothing, hot meals, and financial assistance to affected families. Fast Retailing, UNIQLO’s parent company, donated Y30 million, or about P11.3 million, to SM Foundation and ABS-CBN Foundation. UNIQLO Philippines also provided P1 million in emergency cash assistance, clothing, and RE.UNIQLO donations, benefiting more than 7,000 individuals. “At UNIQLO, we believe that clothing has the
LG Electronics Philippines Inc. managing director Nakhyun Seong
OTHEL V. CAMPOS, Issue Editor / email: extrastory2000@gmail.com
BUSINESS
power to support people through everyday life, especially during challenging times,” said UNIQLO Philippines chief operating officer Geraldine Sia. The retailer also completed a classroom at Bagong Silang High School in Barangay San Jose in partnership with HOPE Foundation. The facility was built under UNIQLO’s Supporting Brighter Futures Through Education initiative,
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LG Electronics Philippines has opened its HVAC Academy and Business Innovation Center (BIC) at Silver City in Pasig to provide hands-on technical training and showcase commercial building solutions. The facility brings together technical education and product demonstrations, giving customers, par tners, engineers, consultants and contractors opportunities to learn about HVAC technologies and their practical applications. “The opening of the HVAC Academy and Business Innovation Center is about bringing technology and expertise closer to the people who use them every day,” said LG Electronics Philippines Inc. managing director Nakhyun Seong. The HVAC Academy offers training for specifying engineers, architects, mechanical contractors, commissioning technicians, facilities managers, maintenance engineers, and LG’s business-to-business sales and technical teams. Co u r s e s c o v e r e n g i n e e r i n g d e s i g n and software simulation, advanced HVAC systems, installation and commissioning, troubleshooting, and smart building controls and cloud management. The training covers the HVAC lifecycle, from planning and system design to operation, diagnostics and maintenance. The facility also features energy-efficient solutions, including variable refrigerant flow systems, heat pumps, chillers and smart controls. LG said the center aims to address growing demand for reliable cooling and building management systems in sectors such as artificial intelligence data centers, semiconductor facilities, commercial real estate, hospitality and healthcare.
funded through customer purchases of select AIRism products. Founded in 2017 with 66 learners from the B’laan and Tboli tribes, the school now has 164 students from Grades 7 to 12. Classes were previously held in shared facilities or a semicovered court exposed to heavy rain. UNIQLO also donated 200 AIRism shirts to students and teachers.
Singapore dietitian promotes nutrition for PH cancer patients
OR Filipino families facing cancer treatment, keeping patients adequately nourished adds to the cost of medicines and hospital care. Affordable food-based nutrition can help ease the burden without compromising the calories and protein needed to maintain strength during treatment.
Korean consumer goods company opens HVAC academy in Pasig
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Dr. Fahma Sunarja, senior principal dietitian and senior manager for Allied Health at Parkway Cancer Centre (PCC) in Singapore, said expensive specialty products are not necessary for every patient. “Good nutrition during cancer treatment does not have to be expensive, and patients do not necessarily need specialty or imported foods,” she said. Chemotherapy and radiation increase the body’s demands and can cause nausea, poor appetite, and taste changes. Significant weight and muscle loss can weaken patients, increase fatigue, and affect their ability to tolerate treatment. “Early nutritional support can help maintain nutritional status and strength throughout treatment,” Sunarja said. Food count Rice remains a useful source of energy during cancer treatment, and patients generally do not need to eliminate it. The priority is balancing carbohydrates with protein and other nutrient-rich foods. “What is more important is the overall balance of the meal,” Sunarja said, recommending fish, chicken, eggs, tofu or beans alongside vegetables and appropriate portions of rice. Affordable options include tilapia, bangus, galunggong, tokwa, and monggo. Lugaw and oatmeal can be enriched with eggs or milk powder, while saba, bananas, and kamote provide additional energy. Snacks such as taho, bread with peanut butter, and boiled kamote can also help meet nutritional needs. Families can boost the calorie and protein content of ordinary meals by adding powdered milk or eggs to lugaw, soups, and mashed vegetables. Local and seasonal produce can also help control food expenses. Specialty nutritional products may be necessary when patients cannot meet their requirements through food alone, but their use should depend on individual needs. “The important thing is to work with foods that are familiar, affordable and acceptable to the patient,” Sunarja said. “During treatment, the best food is often the food that the patient is able and willing to eat.” Nutrition treatment Treatment side effects can make eating difficult, requiring families to adjust familiar dishes, portions and meal schedules. “The approach should be flexible because each patient may experience different side effects, and their tolerance can also change from day to day,” Sunarja said. Smaller, frequent meals may be easier to manage than three large servings. Patients experiencing nausea may better tolerate less oily foods with milder aromas, including steamed or soup-based dishes such as tinola. Those who find meat or fish bitter or metallic can try eggs, tofu or chicken. A little kalamansi may refresh the palate, while lugaw and arroz caldo can be cooked until very soft for patients with chewing difficulties. “The key is not to force the patient to eat foods that no longer appeal to them,” Sunarja said. She advised families to find alternatives and preparation methods that patients can tolerate while still providing needed nutrients.
Nutrition myths Restrictive diets based on misinformation can further undermine nutrition, particularly when patients are already struggling with appetite or weight. The claim that patients must eliminate sugar because it “feeds cancer” oversimplifies how the body uses glucose. While added sugar should be consumed in moderation, severely restricting carbohydrates or food intake can worsen nutritional deficiencies. “However, completely eliminating carbohydrates or significantly restricting food intake in an attempt to ‘starve’ the cancer can be counterproductive, particularly for patients who are already struggling with their appetite or weight,” Sunarja said. She also rejected the misconception that chicken, eggs and fish should be avoided because they will “feed” or spread cancer. Protein helps maintain muscle and supports recovery. Patients should also consult their oncology teams before taking herbal remedies or supplements that may interact with cancer medicines. For caregivers, Sunarja advised offering smaller portions and familiar foods rather than pressuring patients to finish meals. Persistent poor intake or weight loss warrants early consultation with the oncology team or a dietitian. Her advice is to “focus on nourishment rather than restriction” while adapting meals to patients’ changing needs and observing food safety. Othel V. Campos
Dr. Fahma Sunarja, senior principal dietitian and senior manager for Allied Health at Parkway Cancer Centre (PCC) in Singapore
Digital tools nearly double Davao del Sur farmer’s coconut sales FA R M E R E d g a r Vi l l a n u e v a o f Kiblawan, Davao del Sur, has nearly doubled his coconut sales by using digital tools to find buyers, compare market prices, and improve farm management. Once hesitant to embrace t e c h n o l o g y, V i l l a n u e v a n o w researches farming techniques, monitors weather and soil conditions, and checks prices for his banana, cacao, and coconut products to make better-informed decisions. He was among the first participants in the Digital Farmers Program (DFP), an initiative of the Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI) with PLDT and Smart, in coordination with the Davao del Sur provincial government and
the Kiblawan Municipal Agriculture Office. “Through the DFP, I now know how to reach more buyers online. Before this, finding customers was difficult, especially for small-scale sellers like us,” Villanueva said. His farm is now an accredited DA-ATI Learning Site for Agriculture. Through the Kiblawan Multi-purpose Cooperative and DA-ATI’s FarmTech training package, “We at PLDT and Smart advocate for digital inclusion, especially in the agriculture sector, and together with DA-ATI, we aim to empower farmers to thrive in the digital economy through the Digital Farmers Program,” said PLDT and Smart assistant vice president and head of stakeholder
engagement Stephanie V. Orlino. The DFP is part of the PLDT Group’s #KonektedforLivelihoods program, which trains farmers and micro, small, and medium enterprises to use mobile technology and digital platforms. Since 2019, DA-ATI’s core training has reached around 9,000 farmers, while PLDT and Smart have reached more than 5,000 others through related learning sessions, webinars and partner activities. The program has reached more than 14,000 agricultural stakeholders, suppor ting the government ’s digitalization drive and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on poverty reduction and decent work and economic growth.
B2 | OCTOBER 18, 2026
TGR Philippine Cup season finale promises thrills and 2027 Teasers at CIS
ON THE ROAD EDGARD HILARIO, Issue Editor / edgardhilario@yahoo.com
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inFast has officially opened pre-orders for the all-new VF 8 in the Philippines, the first international market to introduce the D-segment electric SUV. Developed on a new-generation technology platform, the VF 8 is designed to elevate the driving experience.
VinFast opens early bookings for the all-new VF 8 in PH Interested customers can r e g i s t e r t h r o u g h V i n Fa s t ’s authorized dealerships nationwide. The first 1,000 customers who place pre-orders from today through November 5, 2026, will receive a free one-year battery subscription. The VF 8 is VinFast’s all-new D-segment electric SUV and will be introduced in the Philippine market. Developed with comprehensive advancements in design, technology platform, features, and driving experience, the VF 8 is designed to deliver a modern, comfor table, and intelligent mobility experience that meets the increasingly diverse needs of Filipino customers. In terms of design and comfort, the all-new VF 8 is developed around the “Tech Fluid” design philosophy, focusing on seamless lines, sophistication and a strong sense of motion. The overall design combines technology, emotion and everyday practicality in a modern, dynamic package. Alongside its technology and performance upgrades, the all-
new VF 8 offers added peace of mind with a vehicle warranty of seven years or 160,000 km and a battery warranty of 10 years or 200,000 km. From now through November 5, 2026, Philippine customers can place a deposit for the all-new VF 8 through VinFast’s authorized dealerships nationwide, with a non-refundable deposit of PHP 5,000-10,000. The first 1,000 c u s to m e r s w h o p l a ce t h e i r deposits during this period will receive a complimentary oneyear battery subscription. The all-new VF 8 will officially launch in the Philippines in November 2026, with the first vehicles expected to be delivered starting the same month. Antonio “Toti” Zara III, chief executive officer of VinFast Philippines, said: “The tremendous demand for VinFast’s innovations here in the Philippines inspired us to launch this early booking program for the all-new VF 8. Built for the performance and tech-focused Filipinos, the VF 8 promises a premium midsize
crossover e-SUV experience. The pre-order program is our way of giving Filipinos a chance to be among the first in the Philippines to experience our newest offering. We cannot wait for the arrival of the VF 8 in the Philippines this November, and we are even more excited to welcome more Filipinos to the VinFast ecosystem.” Vi n Fa s t i s b u i l d i n g a comprehensive “For a Green Future” EV ecosystem across key markets in Southeast Asia. In the Philippines, the launch of the all-new VF 8, together w i t h V i n Fa s t ’s d i v e r s e E V lineup and customer support policies, further strengthens the foundation for the company’s development in the market. VinFast is also investing in aftersales ser vices and charging infrastructure with the support of V-Green and local partners, providing practical benefits, helping reduce ownership costs and making EV ownership more convenient, while contributing to the Philippines’ transition toward greener mobility.
TOYOTA Motor Philippines (TMP) is holding the fourth and final race weekend of the 2026 TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Philippine Cup season on October 22-24 at the Clark International Speedway in Mabalacat, Pampanga. The event is open to the public and admission is FREE. The season finale is set to bring bigger thrills as the races deliver double the points, pushing drivers to push the limits for better to secure their place on the podium. Leading the standings as of Race Weekend 3 are Red Diwa for the Super Sporting Class, Bern Zaragoza for the Sporting Class, and Iñigo Anton for the Tamaraw Class.
Race Weekend 4 of the 2026 TGR Philippine Cup will also be broadcast live on TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Philippines’ Facebook Page. The TGR Philippine Cup has been serving as a “rolling laboratory” since Race Weekend 2 in July, when TMP first introduced the use of low-carbon biofuels for the One-Make Races (OMR) of the Vios and Tamaraw. TMP has been testing E20 fuel, a 20% bio-ethanol blend, on the Vios, and B5 fuel, a 5% coco-biodiesel blend, on the Tamaraw as part of efforts to test alternative solutions toward energy security while supporting the country’s agricultural sector and the decarbonization of the transportation sector.
As i d e f ro m t h e s p r i n t a n d endurance races, fans can look forward to fun side activities such as the remote control or RC track and simulator racing rigs. Enthusiasts looking to mod their rides can also visit the sponsors’ booths, while those in the mood to elevate their wardrobe can check out the new lineup of official GAZOO Racing merchandise. Fans who have been following the TGR Philippine Cup are in for an exciting 2027 season, with an addition that is sure to bring greater thrills to the series. Details will be announced during Race Weekend 4. “We hope the developments we are planning for the 2027 season will attract new motorsports fans,” shared TMP First Vice President for Vehicle Sales Operations Elijah Marcial. “It has always been our mantra at TGR Philippines to continue pushing the limits for better not just for the activities we are already doing, but also when looking for new ways to bring the thrill closer to Filipino motorsport fans,” she added.
Race Weekend 4 will mark the culmination of this rolling laboratory initiative, with key findings to be consolidated and shared by TMP to relevant stakeholders to support informed and productive applications moving forward. The TOYOTA GAZOO R acing Philippine Cup is brought to you by Official Tire Partner GT Radial, Official Engine Oils Partner Petron RevX and Petron Blaze Racing, Official Partner TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Academy and Premier Race Partner DENSO. In cooperation with MOMO Italy, PIAA, Sparco P h i l i p p i n e s, To yo t a Fi n a n c i a l Services Philippines, Autoplus, ROTA, and VARTA. This event is also supported by 3M, AVT, QUAD, myToyota Wallet, OMP, Tuason Racing Sports Unlimited, Brakes by AutoPerformance, GENCHEM, Toyota Tsusho, and Toyota Aisin. Contributing sponsors are Aguila Auto Glass, Kinto One, AutoQuix, HKR Philippine Inc., Technol Eight, and Sun Logistics Technology Inc.
Hyundai Truck & Bus launches 2nd Before Service Activity HARIPHIL Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai Truck & Bus (HTB) in the Philippines, continues its commitment to customer care through the second leg of its Before Service Activity, running from October 1 to November 28, 2026. The Before Service Activity provides Hyundai Truck & Bus with an opportunity to serve loyal customers while reaching new partners, fostering stronger relationships and encouraging a more proactive approach to vehicle maintenance. Through participating HTB dealerships, the initiative brings customers closer to professional aftersales assistance available across the network. Throughout the campaign period, participating dealerships may offer the following services and benefits: Free 35-Point Check-Up Free Vehicle Inspection using GDS (Global Diagnostic System) Actual Diagnosing and Product Orientation Giveaways and Freebies The complimentary 35-point check-up is designed to identify potential concerns early, helping owners address issues before they develop into more serious problems. Meanwhile, the GDS inspection enables trained technicians to perform more accurate diagnostics using Hyundai’s advanced diagnostic tools and systems. More than a routine inspection, the BSA encourages owners to take a proactive approach to maintaining their commercial vehicles. It also provides an opportunity for Hyundai Truck & Bus to better understand customer needs, re-engage inactive owners, and introduce new prospects to the services and expertise available through its dealership network. “Our responsibility does not end when a customer drives a vehicle out of the dealership. It continues through every kilometer, every delivery, and every journey their business takes,” said Maria Fe PerezAgudo, Vice Chairman, President, and CEO of HARI.
Manila
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Position title – MANDARIN ACCOUNT MANAGER Job Description: - is responsible for overseeing the financial health of the organization. This role includes preparing financial reports, developing budgets, conducting financial analysis, ensuring compliance with financial regulations, and advising management on financial planning and risk management. The Finance Manager leads the finance team to support strategic and operational decision-making through financial insights and with constant communication with the senior professionals in China, Taiwan and other Mandarin speaking counterpart and clients. Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): -College or University Graduate -Bilingual in Mandarin and English -Accounting/Finance Related Experience
Company hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Department of Labor and Employment - National Capital Region located at 967 Maligaya Street Malate Manila
Company/ Employer PH GLOBAL JET EXPRESS INC. 20TH & 21ST Floors Ecoprime 32nd street Corner 9th Avenue Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City of Taguig Nature of business: Other Services Activity Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position Name: ZHANG ZHONGDONG Address: Bonifacio Global Taguig City Nationality: CHINESE Intended period of employment: Three (3) year/s
Any Filipino jobseeker who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is intended to be hired for, may file an objection at DOLE Regional Office National Capital Region located at 967 Maligaya Street Malate Manila
Please inform DOLE NCR if you have any information on criminal offences committed by the foreign nationals.
Applications may be sent to: PH GLOBAL JET EXPRESS INC. hqrecruitment@jtexpress.ph
Honda PH Launches New City Lineup and Civic RS e:HEV with S+ Shift HONDA Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) had officially launched the New City, New City Hatchback, and New Civic RS e:HEV on Saturday. With these latest offerings, the brand aims to strengthen its sporty roots and enhance models well-loved by Filipinos. The new models will be on display at the Glorietta Palm Drive Activity Center until October 18, Sunday. T h e a c t i v a t i o n , t i t l e d ‘ B e yo n d Sensational’, gives customers the opportunity to be among the first to see the newly unveiled vehicles up close. Visitors can browse the display and avail of an ‘Experience Pass’ to learn more about the updated models. Attendees may also enjoy complimentary treats from HCPI, including coffee, pastries, and exclusive merchandise. The new models are now available across all 41 Honda Cars dealerships nationwide. New Honda City Launched locally in 1996, the Honda City nameplate has evolved alongside Filipinos for 30 years. Currently in its fifth generation, the New Honda City features a sharper and more refined design, tailored for professionals seeking a rewarding daily drive. New Honda City Hatchback The nameplate marked a new evolution in 2021, when HCPI launched the City Hatchback. It offers a sportier look and greater versatility for customers with active lifestyles. Updates for the New City and New City Hatchback While the City and City Hatchback cater to different lifestyles and preferences, both receive complementary updates that deliver a modern aesthetic while remaining true to Honda’s sporty DNA. Exterior The New City and New City Hatchback feature new 16-inch alloy wheels, a new clear lens taillight design, and a new
The New City comes in the following connected headlight profile that enhances variants and colors: night-time road visibility, creating a safer 1.5 S CVT Honda SENSING overall experience when driving either 1.5 V CVT Honda SENSING model. 1.5 RS CVT Honda SENSING The New City 1.5 RS CV T Honda Available Colors: SENSING variant adds a new trunk accent Urban Gray Pearl (NEW) (RS Only) and High Gloss Black door handles, while Blazing Red Pearl (NEW) (RS Only) the New City Hatchback 1.5 RS CVT sports Platinum White Pearl (RS and V) a refreshed rear bumper design. Crystal Black Pearl (RS and V) These exterior updates have been Meteoroid Gray Metallic added to increase customers’ sense of Lunar Silver Metallic (S) confidence as they turn heads on and off Taffeta White (S) the road. The New City Hatchback on the other Interior hand is available in the 1.5 RS CVT variant The New City 1.5 RS CVT Honda SENSING in the following colors: variant and the New City Hatchback now Urban Gray Pearl (NEW) come with a larger 10-inch Display Audio Blazing Red Pearl (NEW) system for easier infotainment access. Platinum White Pearl Updated seat trims and rear USB-C Meteoroid Gray Metallic charging ports are now standard on both Brilliant Sporty Blue Metallic RS variants on the New City and New City MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Racing Corporation Hatchback, as well as the New City 1.5 V CYAN Honda In the spirit of strengthening its CVT Honda SENSING grade. connection to its sporty roots, HCPI Drivetrain also announced the local availability Powered by a 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC engine of Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) paired with a Continuously Variable accessories. In addition to elevating the Transmission (CVT), both models produce sporty appeal of these new models, this 121 PS and 145 Nm of torque. This makes encourages customers to personalize the New City and New City Hatchback and upgrade their Honda cars. Various fun-to-drive and efficient at 25.17 km/L* HRC accessories can be seen outfitted and 25 km/L*, respectively. on the New Honda City 1.5 S CVT on *Based on Honda-AAP Eco Run 2021 display at the Beyond Sensational event Safety this weekend. The New City (S, V, and RS variants) and For now, only the New City and the New New City Hatchback come standard with City Hatchback will have compatible HRC Honda SENSING, Honda’s driver-assist system. Aligned with Honda’s global accessories. New Honda Civic RS e:HEV, goal of realizing Zero Traffic Collision Now with S+ Shift Fatalities involving Honda automobiles The hybrid variant of the sporty Civic and motorcycles by 2050, the New City 1.5 RS CVT Honda SENSING and the New sedan, the New Civic RS e:HEV E-CVT, City Hatchback are also equipped with now comes with the S+ Shift feature. First features geared towards ensuring a safer introduced on the Honda Prelude earlier this drive every time. These updated variants year, S+ Shift delivers a unique and engaging now have Rain-Sensing Wipers, Honda experience & exhilarating performance LaneWatch Camera (LWC), and an Autothat fully embodies the fun of driving with Dimming Rear View Mirror. Honda’s e:HEV full hybrid system.
NICKIE WANG, Editor, ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer JASPER VALDEZ, Writer email: lifeandshow. manilastandard@gmail.com
Yim Si-wan, Seorina explore romance and mystery in ‘Love in Disguise’ By Angelica Villanueva
SHOWBIZ
Korean stars Yim Si-wan (left) and Seorina at the press conference of their upcoming series ‘Love in Disguise’
KOREAN stars Yim Si-wan and Seorina find themselves on opposite sides of a murder investigation in Love in Disguise, a Korean series that mixes romance, comedy and action with a case built around a secret identity. The Prime Video series follows Kang Jaehee (Seorina), a former special forces officer turned police detective who disguises herself as a man to join the security team of Yoon Yijun (Yim), a wealthy heir suspected of murder. Her investigation takes an unexpected turn as Yi-jun develops feelings for the person he believes to be his male bodyguard. At a press conference ahead of its Oct. 19 premiere, the cast and director Park Dhan-hee discussed the characters and relationships at the center of the series, which is based on the web novel Why Don’t You Know It’s a Girl? The original work has garnered more than 8.15
million views on Kakao Webtoon. Si-wan described Yi-jun as a character whose privileged upbringing leaves him with little control over his own life. “He was born into a life where everything he had to do was already decided for him, leaving little room for what he actually wanted,” the actor explained. His character’s extravagant wardrobe also reflects his emotional struggles. “The lonelier someone is, the more extravagantly they tend to dress,” Si-wan shared, describing how the character’s polished appearance contrasts with his inner emptiness. Meanwhile, Seorina cut her hair short for the role of Jae-hee. Rather than relying solely on masculine gestures and mannerisms, she focused on understanding the detective’s personality and dedication to her work. “I wanted to focus on who Kang Jae-hee truly is,” she said.
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The central romance develops through misunderstandings as Yi-jun remains unaware of his bodyguard’s real identity. Seorina described their relationship as a progression “from suspicion to trust,” while Si-wan characterized it as one grounded in “purity.” The series also features Kim Junghyun as lawyer Kim Si-hyun and Yeonwoo as Lee Hye-jung, a secretary at Taekang Group. Their relationship offers a more mature romantic storyline alongside the lead couple’s playful dynamic. Park said he worked to balance the show’s different genres and the characters’ personal struggles. “I focused on how they collide, fall in love and heal each other’s wounds,” the director explained. Love in Disguise premieres Oct. 19 on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories, with new episodes released weekly.
The ‘Lierge effect’ Content creator Lierge Perey goes from beauty reviewer to cover girl
Lierge Perey talks about her beauty career and collaboration with Vice Cosmetics
By Jasper Valdez A SMARTPHONE can reveal someone’s whereabouts, social media posts can expose private information, and a single security breach can put thousands of people at risk. These are familiar concerns in an increasingly connected world, but they have also provided the material for some of film and television’s most unsettling stories. As the Philippines observes Cybersecurity Awareness Month this October, here are six local and international titles that offer different perspectives on digital security, privacy and the dangers of sharing information online.
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ROM sharing makeup reviews to landing a magazine cover, Lierge Perey has watched her career grow alongside a community that follows her beauty recommendations. Years after building her following through makeup reviews, her journey has now brought her to the cover of MEGA Magazine’s October 2026 digital issue. For the content creator, the recognition carries personal significance, bringing her back to a publication she credits with supporting her work before she gained wider recognition in the beauty community. “I’m a MEGA fan because back then, MEGA really saw the vision. I wasn’t that relevant back then. But they featured me for a six-page feature,” Lierge shared. Her relationship with the magazine continued in 2024, when she received its Multicultural Creator of the Year award. Becoming a cover girl, she said, makes the latest recognition especially meaningful. “This is such a full-circle moment for me because, again, I’m a cover girl now,” she added. MEGA editor-in-chief Peewee Reyes-Isidro said the digital cover was an opportunity to tell a story about Lierge beyond her latest beauty project, exploring her growth, influence, and ambitions. “We wanted to capture not only, of course, the collection, but also the woman behind it. Her evolution, her influence at the beginning, and of course, her real ambition,” Reyes-Isidro said. Liergel has built her presence in the beauty community through makeup reviews and social media content, where she engages with followers and keeps track of their interests. She considers their feedback an important part of her work, particularly when identifying products and makeup styles that deserve more attention. “If they think that I’m such a huge influence to them, they’re also a huge influence to me. What they want, what they request, that’s also what I follow,” Lierge explained. Her connection with her audience also informs her work beyond makeup reviews. Lierge recently collaborated with Vice Cosmetics on a collection developed with her input, from the concept and shades to the products’ design.
Beauty content creator Lierge Perey celebrates her journey from makeup reviewer to magazine cover girl in MEGA Magazine’s October 2026 digital issue
Lierge Perey joins MEGA editor-in-chief Peewee Reyes-Isidro for the unveiling of her October 2026 digital cover at the launch of her new collaboration with Vice Cosmetics
She described the project as a bigger responsibility than her earlier partnership with the brand because she had greater involvement in the creative process. Lierge said she approached product development with the needs of different consumers in mind, considering various skin tones and makeup styles rather than relying solely on her personal preferences. What began with makeup reviews and conversations with her online community has grown into a career that now includes product development and a magazine cover. For Lierge, returning to MEGA as a cover girl makes the recognition especially meaningful, as it also serves as a celebration of her new project with the brand Vice Cosmetics.
Six films and series that show the dangers of life online four seasons, the American thriller explores hacking, corporate surveillance and the vulnerabilities of digital networks, while raising questions about who should control sensitive information. ‘Unlocked’ Losing a phone becomes a nightmare for Na-mi,
‘Click, Like, Share’ Starring Francine Diaz, Kyle Echarri, Seth sault circulates online. As she seeks justice, Rica faces public judgment and the effects of having a deeply personal experience exposed without her consent. The ABS-CBN drama examines victimblaming, privacy violations and the damage caused by sharing sensitive content. Fedelin, and Andrea Brillantes, this Filipino anthology series follows teenagers whose dependence on social media exposes them to unexpected problems. Its episodes tackle cyberbullying, online obsession and the consequences of irresponsible internet use. ‘Viral Scandal’ Charlie Dizon plays Rica, a young woman whose life changes after a video of her sexual as-
‘Mr. Robot’ (2015–2019) Rami Malek stars as Elliot Alderson, a cybersecurity engineer who becomes involved with a hacker group called fsociety. The group targets powerful corporations, using their computer systems against them. Across
played by Chun Woo-hee, in this South Korean thriller. After finding her smartphone, a stranger secretly installs spyware before returning it. He then monitors her movements, contacts and personal activities. The film shows how an unsecured device can give someone access to private information and allow them to interfere with another person’s life. ‘The Great Hack’ This Netflix documentary investigates the Cam-
bridge Analytica scandal and the use of personal data collected through Facebook for political targeting. Featuring people connected to the controversy, it illustrates how information shared online can be collected and used to influence behavior. The documentary raises concerns about data privacy and how much control internet users have over their personal information. ‘Searching’ John Cho plays David Kim, a father searching for his missing teenage daughter. With few leads available, he turns to her laptop and gains access to her messages, social media accounts and online connections. Told largely through computer and phone screens, the mystery thriller shows how digital footprints can reveal details about someone’s life that even their closest family members may not know.
B4 | OCTOBER 18, 2026
RANDY M. CALUAG, Issue Editor
By MS Golf & Leisure
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OR children who grow up watching their parents carry golf bags or tend greens, the game can seem close enough to touch yet difficult to pursue. The Philippine Sports Commission hopes to give more of them a chance to step onto the fairway and develop their own talents.
That aspiration brought more than 100 golfers to Luisita Golf and Country Club in Tarlac on Oct. 9 for the inaugural PSC Chairman’s Cup, a gathering that connected government officials, private sector partners, media representatives and junior players through a shared cause. Organized by the PSC and the National Golf Association of the Philippines, the tournament rallied support for Fairway to the Future, a grassroots program seeking to make golf instruction and training facilities accessible to young Filipinos who might otherwise struggle to enter the sport. PSC Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio initiated the program in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen grassroots sports, with Commissioners Gaston and Walter Torres helping advance the initiative. “We believe golf talents can be found all over the country, and through this program, we might discover a diamond in the rough who
PSC Chairman Patrick ‘Pato’ Gregorio joins sports officials, stakeholders and junior golfers during the inaugural PSC Chairman’s Cup at Luisita Golf and Country Club in Tarlac.
PSC, NGAP bring golf closer to Filipino youth can become a champion,”Gregorio said. Young golfer Winter Serapio headlined the event, representing the emerging talent the program hopes to nurture. The presence of junior players alongside established sports officials and supporters gave the tournament’s purpose a visible face: children who need opportunities to
PSC Chairman Patrick ‘Pato’ Gregorio receives a customized Philippinethemed VESSEL golf bag from NGAP president Al Panlilio and secretarygeneral Bones Floro during the awarding ceremony.
learn, compete and improve. Fairway to the Future targets golfers aged 18 and below, including children of caddies, greenskeepers and other club employees, public school students, out-of-school youth and young players from provincial communities. Its proposed framework combines community and schoolbased instruction with standardized coaching, regional training centers and a structured competition pathway. Participating facilities would provide
designated practice areas free of charge and waive green fees for registered juniors during prescribed hours. These measures aim to address practical barriers to participation, giving young players access to both instruction and places where they can regularly develop their skills. “ We intend to expand our par tnerships as we continue the program. Hopefully, more stakeholders will join us in providing opportunities for our children,” Gregorio said.
PSC Commissioner Fritz Gaston, commissioner-in-charge of the Chairman’s Cup, joins members of the tournament’s Technical Working Group.
ECCP sets 24th European Golf Tournament Nov. 13
Babaero Golf Cup set Nov. 25 at Summit Point REGISTRATION is now open for the Babaero Golf Cup, which will be held on November 25 at Summit Point Golf and Country Club. Organizers are inviting golfers to team up with their golf buddies and register early, with limited slots available for the tournament. The registration package includes green fees, shared use of a golf cart, special giveaways, raffle entry and meals from lunch to dinner. Interested participants must submit their team name, player names and proof of payment through the official
online registration form at https:// forms.gle/GsAQGc8krS8zqfXJ6. They may also access the form by scanning the QR code on the tournament’s promotional materials. Registration payments may be made through BPI, BDO or GCash, with payment details provided in the event announcement. Carrying the theme “Shades On, Ready to Par-tee,” the Babaero Golf Cup promises a day of golf and camaraderie, with giveaways and raffle prizes adding to the festivities.
Singer-actor Randy Santiago invites golfer-friends to his Babaero Cup.
Putt & Play rolls out portable greens for parties, events
Putt & Play brings portable mini golf courses and clubs to corporate events, parties, weddings and school gatherings in Cavite, Laguna and Metro Manila.
At Luisita, participants competed in a four-person scramble using the Molave point system, with divisions for Juniors, Government Partners, Private Partners, Media and PSC–POC. The team format encouraged cooperation, fitting an event built around collective support for youth development. During the awarding ceremony, NGAP president Al Panlilio presented Gregorio with a customized Philippine-themed VESSEL golf bag bearing the same design used by the national team at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The presentation linked the country’s international golf campaign with the grassroots work needed to develop future national players. NGAP secretary-general Bones Floro and Tarlac Gov. Christian Yap also joined the gathering. The PSC and NGAP will lead the nationwide program in partnership with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, Bases Conversion and Development Authority, Armed Forces of the Philippines and Department of National Defense. The tournament received support from major sponsors Smart, John Hay Golf and Malbon Golf, alongside Asia Brewery, Pocari Sweat, Milo, Patton Studio, Bluebird Golf and Philippine Airlines, with assistance from Philippine Golf Resort Reservations. For the children Fairway to the Future hopes to reach, the most meaningful result will come beyond tournament day—when access to a lesson, a practice area and a coach gives them a chance to play the game themselves.
A NEW venture is bringing mini golf beyond the clubhouse and into parties, corporate gatherings and school events through portable courses that can be installed at different venues. Putt & Play, founded by entrepreneurs Gabriel Mendoza and Marian Lacson, has launched this October with mobile mini golf services covering Cavite, Laguna and Metro Manila. Based in Silang, Cavite, the company offers portable setups for corporate events, birthday celebrations, weddings and school family days, giving organizers an interactive activity for guests of different ages. The service brings the course and clubs directly to the venue, allowing participants to enjoy putting games and friendly competition as part of their event. With the tagline “Memories on Every Putt,” Putt & Play aims to bring generations together through an accessible sporting activity. Its mobile format gives hosts an option for incorporating golf-themed entertainment into their gatherings. Beyond event rentals, the company operates an online shop offering golf apparel and accessories for delivery to customers. Its merchandise includes men’s and women’s polo shirts, windbreakers, tote bags and caps, complementing its event services with products for golf enthusiasts. The launch introduces another leisure option for event organizers across its three service areas, with Putt & Play seeking to make the putting experience part of celebrations and community gatherings.
THE European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines is inviting golfers and corporate partners to join the 24th European Golf Tournament on Nov. 13 at The Orchard Golf & Country Club in Dasmariñas City, Cavite. The annual event, which the ECCP describes as the largest and most attended golf tournament organized by a foreign chamber in the country, is accepting player registrations and partnerships across several sponsorship categories. Leading the partnership packages is the title sponsorship at P300,000, followed by the Fun Hole package at P200,000. Classic Hole partnerships are available at P100,000, while the Trophy Partner package is priced at P75,000. Companies may also support the tournament through prizes, golf apparel and giveaway items. The Hole-in-One partnership calls for a cash prize or item worth P300,000. According to the organizers, the prize will be raffled off if no player scores an ace. The Major Prize partnership requires gift certificates or items worth P150,000, while the Prize Partner category accepts contributions valued at P75,000. For golf apparel and tournament merchandise, the ECCP is seeking partners to provide 200 shirts and bags under its Golf Wear and Swag Bag package. A separate Swag Bag partnership offers companies the opportunity to contribute 200 giveaway items, such as caps, umbrellas and other golf-related merchandise. The range of packages allows prospective partners to support the annual tournament through cash sponsorships or products for prizes and participant giveaways.
Fresh sashimi and sushi at the Sakura Sumi station
Juicy shrimps at Food Exchange Manila
Raising the bar for a premium, By Joyce Babe Pañares
F
OR most buffets, maintaining the quality of the food as well as its presentation can be a challenge. And we’ve all had our disappointing moments, big or small -- smeared ladles, stations that take forever to be replenished, empty chafing dishes, and even dried out sauces an hour or less after the buffet opens. For the culinary team of Novotel Manila Araneta City, the vision was to transform its signature restaurant, Food Exchange Manila, into a modern, premium and sustainable buffet, anchored on the concept of “Freshfinity.” “The experience of the first guest to enter our buffet restaurant must be the same experience that our last guest will have,” said
sustainable buffet Cluster Executive Chef for Outlets Athena Tuble. Food Exchange Manila was transformed into seven well-curate stations with an eye on ensuring freshness and consistent quality from start to finish. At its Sakura Sumi station, for example, the imported salmon Chef is blast-frozen to lock in texture, Athena Tuble flavor and nutrients. “We only partner with importers that can do blast freezing because we want to ensure the freshness of our meats,” Tuble said. The same high standard for freshness and sustainability is applied to local-
Putting a little more fiber on the Filipino table By Angelica Villanueva
add to your fiber count,” Sebastian added. Oats figured prominently in the discussion because they contain beta-glucan, a soluble fiber. SeFILIPINO breakfast staples are taking on a new form bastian explained that soluble fiber attracts water as Quaker puts oats into familiar dishes, from arroz and forms a gel during digestion, slowing the movecaldo and paella to sarciado and mango float. ment of food through the digestive system. Quaker Oats brought back its Quaker Fit Breakfast She also highlighted oats as a practical ingrediClub for its 2026 edition for a cook-along built around ent for busy households. One cup Filipino dishes reworked with oats. of cooked oats contains Dubbed “Quaker Salu-Salo,” roughly 3 to 4 grams of the event tackled a nufiber, she said, while a tritional gap often 40-gram serving conoverlooked at the tains about 1 to breakfast table. 1.5 grams of The Philippine Dibeta-glucan. etary Reference The cookIntakes sets a daily along put those nutrifiber target of 20 to 25 tional points into familiar Filigrams, while the average pino dishes. Filipino gets only about Chef Nat Sundiang, head chef of 6 to 8 grams, according Oat-infused breakfast paella Turo Filipino Kitchen, demonstrated to figures cited during Chicken Oats Caldo and Mushroom the event. Oats Caldo, using quick oats as the base for savory Nutritionist and content creator Jo Sebastian versions of the Filipino comfort food. An oat-infused pointed to limited fruit, vegetable, and whole-grain breakfast paella followed, while Oats Sarciado comconsumption, the rising cost of fresh produce, busy bined eggs, tomatoes, oats and fried fish. lifestyles, and nutrition misinformation online as Dessert received the same treatment. Sundiang factors behind the fiber gap. prepared an oat-based mango float using oats and “Instead of us thinking, ‘What can I add to my milk as a substitute for some of the cream traditiondiet?’ We’re always just told what we shouldn’t eat. ally used in the no-bake dessert. Our goal is to, of course, reach our needs while still “Oats are one of the most forgiving ingredients in enjoying our food,” Sebastian said. the kitchen. They take on broth, pimentón, tomato She encouraged people to approach fiber as an sauce, even mango, whatever you give them,” Sunaddition rather than another restriction. diang said. “Making things healthier doesn’t have to be “The goal was never to hide the oats. It was to let something scary. But more importantly, it doesn’t them carry the flavors Filipinos already love, with a have to feel impossible,” she said. modern spin that still tastes like home,” he added. “With just small additions, you can easily make The event also built on Quaker’s 2025 launch of something more nutritious, and you can already the Fit Breakfast Club, which aimed to encourage conversations around nutrition and breakfast. Macy Monsod, marketing lead at PepsiCo Inc. Philippines, said the latest edition was designed to expand the way Filipinos think about oats beyond a conventional sweet breakfast. “We want to make sure that Filipinos understand the nutrition credentials of oats. But beyond the nutrition credentials, we actually want to have a discussion about the benefits of oats, like, what are the health benefits that we can get from oats,” Monsod said. Oats did not have to replace the flavors of home. They simply joined them, finding their way into caldo, paella, sarciado, and even mango float in recipes Oats have found their way into caldo, sarciado, and designed to make one overlooked nutrient easier to even mango float in recipes designed to make one add to the Filipino diet. overlooked nutrient easier to add to the Filipino diet.
ly-sourced ingredients, too. “When we buy local ingredients from a specific farm, we put the Accor seal to these produce. So these have to meet our standards from farm to table because they carry our brand. We even do site visits to see if their community practices are aligned with our Accor values,” Tuble added. With abundance and responsible practices already a given, the proof of the pudding is still always in the eat-
C1
CRAVINGS
Crabs cooked a la minute
OCTOBER 18, 2026 |
JOYCE PANGCO PAÑARES, Issue Editor / email: joyce.panares@gmail.com
The Flavors of Asia is one of the several stations at the reimagined ‘Freshfinity’ buffet concept of Novotel Manila Araneta City
ing. Taste is king, and in this aspect, Food Exchange Manila does not disappoint There’s cooked a la minute crabs, oysters, scallops and shrimps at the Brasserie Maison station. A lovely sisig pizza was the runaway winner at the Cucina Italiana station, a concept of one of the younger chefs under Tuble. “We harness talent -- we want our team to shine. The sisig pizza was actually a contribution from one of our newly-regularized chef,” she said. Meat lovers will also be spoiled for choice at the Butcher’s Block station, with chef-selected cuts carved to order. To cap the experience, the dessert station has decadent cakes, fresh fruits, and premium gelato for a sweet finish.
Australian wine producers bring ‘Taste Beyond’ to Manila The showcase encourages trade partners to look beyond the familiar and discover the people, places and ideas shaping Australian wine today AUSTRALIAN wine producers and winemakers are taking part in the Australian Wine Showcase Southeast Asia 2026, bringing the spirit of “Taste Beyond” across six cities and inviting trade partners to discover more of what Australian wine has to offer. From 5 to 16 October, more than 25 Australian wineries and winemakers traveled across Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Manila, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta, connecting with importers, distributors, retailers, sommeliers, hospitality professionals and other trade partners through tastings, masterclasses, networking sessions and local market engagements. The regional showcase came as Southeast Asia continues to be an important market for Australian wine. As at the year ending June 2026, Australian wine exports to Southeast Asia were valued at A$293.9 million, growing by an average of 7.2 per cent each year over the past five years. Under the theme “Taste Beyond,” the showcase encouraged trade partners to look beyond the familiar and discover the people, places and ideas shaping Australian wine today – from lesser-known regions and alternative grape varieties to evolving styles and new approaches to winemaking. Australia’s wine landscape offers plenty to explore. With more than 120 grape varieties grown across 65 wine regions, differences in climate, soil, elevation and geography influence the grapes grown and wines produced across the country, from cool-climate expressions to wines shaped by warmer growing conditions. This diversity is matched by a spirit of experimentation. Generations of winemaking knowledge sit alongside producers exploring alternative grape varieties, emerging regions and evolving styles, while sustainability continues to play an increasingly important role across the industry.
Terra Twist, a premium line of Australian wine in modern single-serve cartons, comes in Chardonnay, Rose, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Shiraz For Philippine trade partners, this provided an opportunity to discover wines that can complement the country’s vibrant dining culture, from fresh and balanced styles suited to shared meals to more expressive wines for celebrations and special occasions. The Philippines continues to grow as an important wine market in the region. According to IWSR 2025 data, the Philippines is the fifth-largest wine market in ASEAN by value, with wine sales valued at just under USD170 million in 2025. Australia is the second-ranked imported wine category in the market, while Australian wine exports to the Philippines reached 2.5 million liters valued at AUD11.5 million in the 12 months to June 2026.
Luxe weekend
C2 | OCTOBER 18, 2026
HOSPITALITY
NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer JASPER VALDEZ, Writer email: lifeandshow.manilastandard.gmail.com
escape in Makati
Dee-tails
Ardee de los Angeles
T
HERE’S a distinct feeling that comes with checking into a hotel in your own city, a curious blend of escape and familiarity. It’s the sense of stepping out of your daily rhythm without ever crossing the city limits, of becoming a visitor in the place you call home.
Between city plans, guests can slow down by the outdoor pool and make the most of the property’s leisure amenities
Last weekend, I rediscovered that feeling at Ascott Makati Serviced Residences, where I spent two blissful nights in a 1-Bedroom Executive Suite. Surrounded by quiet luxury yet only minutes from my everyday life, I found myself slipping effortlessly into a slower, softer pace. It was exactly the reset I didn’t know I needed. Ascott Makati sits right in the heart of the business district, conveniently connected to Glorietta and just steps from Greenbelt’s dining and shopping scene. The location alone makes it a compelling choice for a staycation. However, the moment I stepped into the lobby, I knew this was going to be more than just a convenient escape. The staff greeted me warmly, and check-in was refreshingly quick. My suite was spacious, thoughtfully laid out, and felt more like a well-appointed apartment than a typical hotel room. The living area came with a comfortable sofa, a dining table, and a flat-screen TV, perfect for lazy afternoons. A fully equipped kitchenette, complete with a
Ascott Makati pairs a central business-district location with residential-style comforts for guests looking to recharge without leaving the metro
refrigerator, microwave, and cookware, meant I could have easily prepared my own meals. I didn’t, of course. This was a staycation, after all. The bedroom was a sanctuary in itself. The king-sized bed was dressed in crisp, high-quality linens, and the blackout curtains did their job so well that I slept far later than I intended, a true luxury for anyone with a busy schedule. The en-suite bathroom was equally impressive, with a separate bathtub and shower, plush towels, and premium toiletries that made every shower feel like a spa treatment. One of my favorite spots was the window overlooking the Makati skyline. Watching the city light up at night while sipping tea was easily the highlight of the weekend.
A 1-Bedroom Executive Suite gives staycationers apartment-style space, a full kitchenette, and added privacy for a more relaxed city break
THERE is a science to screaming together, and Plantation Bay is banking on it this Halloween. Psychological research suggests that sharing a controlled scare can trigger an adrenaline rush, followed by feelings of excitement and relief that may bring people closer. For couples, families and groups of friends, getting frightened together could make for an unusually memorable getaway. Plantation Bay, a Real Resort with a Real Spa, is putting that theory to the test with Haunted Hotel Halloween – A Month-Long Halloween Nightmare, running Nov. 15, at its property in Mactan, Cebu. Rather than confining the frights to Halloween night, the resort is stretching the spooky season across an entire month, turning its expansive grounds, lagoons and pathways into a setting for eerie encounters, frightening adventures and creepy sweet treats. The idea is simple: bring someone along and find out who screams first. A Halloween getaway with a twist Designed for families, couples and friends, the experience combines resort relaxation with a healthy dose of horror. Guests can explore the property through the Haunted Hotel Adventure, which promises eerie stories and spooky discoveries, or test their nerve at the House of Horrors. The two attractions are available on alternating days, allowing guests staying for at least two nights to experience both. The Halloween package costs P9,000 nett per room per night, with a minimum stay of two consecutive nights. Inclusions cover breakfast for all registered occupants, one of the two alternating Halloween attractions, a platter of Scary Sweets served at the guest’s preferred time,
Amenities worth staying in for Beyond the comforts of the suite, Ascott Makati’s amenities are designed for guests who want to truly unwind. The outdoor pool is a gem: serene, never overcrowded, and framed by lounge chairs perfect for reading. and 20 gaming machine tokens. The package is based on a Runof-the-House room category, with a maximum occupancy of two adults and two children, making it an option for families seeking something beyond the usual Halloween party. Bookings are non-refundable, so guests are advised to confirm their travel dates before committing to the experience.
Across its 11.4-hectare Mactan, Cebu property, Plantation Bay combines Halloween attractions with lagoon-style pools, a private beach, and other resort activities
Plantation Bay checks into the spooky season with month-long fright fest
Families, couples, and groups of friends can alternate between the Haunted Hotel Adventure and House of Horrors during the month-long Halloween program
Frights beyond Halloween night The month-long schedule gives visitors more flexibility to plan their stay, whether they prefer an October long weekend, a Halloween escape or a post-Halloween break before the festive season begins. The alternating schedule of the Haunted Hotel Adventure and House of Horrors also means that a two-night stay can accommodate both signature attractions, while longer visits offer more time to enjoy the resort’s other facilities. Beyond the scares, Plantation Bay
The fitness center is wellequipped for those who want to keep up with their routine, though I chose to skip it in favor of pure relaxation. Breakfast at Mesclun, the onsite restaurant, was a pleasant surprise, offering a mix of Filipino and international favorites. I found myself lingering over coffee longer than usual, simply enjoying the unhurried pace. What truly elevated the experience, however, was the service. The staff struck that rare balance between attentive and unobtrusive. Requests were handled promptly, housekeeping was impeccable, and everyone I encountered seemed genuinely invested in making my stay comfortable. All in all, Ascott Makati’s 1-Bedroom Executive Suite is ideal for anyone craving a weekend of quiet luxury without leaving the metro. Whether you’re a couple seeking a romantic retreat, a solo traveler needing a mental reset, or a small family wanting space to spread out, this suite delivers. It’s not just a place to sleep. It’s a place to slow down, recharge, and remember what a weekend should feel like. offers 11.4 hectares of landscaped grounds, lagoon-style swimming pools and a private beach, giving guests plenty of opportunities to unwind between frightening encounters. And who should join the adventure? A spouse, children, friends or even someone on a promising first date could make suitable companions. After all, a shared scare might provide the perfect icebreaker — assuming nobody runs away first. For those looking to trade a conventional holiday for something more sinister, Plantation Bay’s Halloween offering serves up a month of thrills, treats and opportunities to scream together. Haunted Hotel Halloween – A Month-Long Halloween Nightmare runs from Oct. 16 to Nov. 15. Rates start at P9,000 nett per room per night, with a minimum two-night stay. For details and reservations, visit plantationbay.com/halloween.
Mogambo Springs offers guests a quieter break between the resort’s seasonal attractions and other leisure activities during longer stays
LIFE
Young
NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
OCTOBER 18, 2026 |
C3
email: lifeandshow.manilastandard.gmail.com By Angelica Villanueva
L
UXURY has always involved a little distance. The boutique, the packaging, the price tag and the carefully controlled image all contribute to the feeling of entering a world not meant for everyone.
Charity T-shirt project backs skills training for disadvantaged youth
Presentation and pricing are key factors in whether online selling preserves the mystique associated with high-end products
Does live selling make luxury brand less luxurious? So when a luxury beauty brand appears in a live-selling session on TikTok, where products are demonstrated in real time and shoppers can purchase without leaving the app, the format can feel jarring. A Threads post recently captured the reaction. The author questioned whether YSL Beauty loses some of its “ka-sosyal” appeal by going on TikTok Live, using YSL perfume as an example. The post drew hundreds of reactions, with commenters divided over whether the move weakens the brand’s image or simply reflects how people shop now. Some saw live selling as a practical marketing move. One commenter who identified herself as working in e-commerce noted that other luxury brands are also entering the format, allowing them to reach consumers who might not regularly visit their boutiques. Another commenter, who described herself as a social media strategist, admitted being surprised to see YSL on TikTok Live but viewed the move as evidence of established brands paying attention to where consumers are spending their time. Others questioned the assumption behind the criticism. One commenter asked why live selling is automatically associated with being “cheap” and whether TikTok is really a platform only for consumers with less purchasing power. Martha Sta. Barbara-Villarama, founder of MSB Marketing Consultancy and a beauty enthusiast, sees the issue differently. For her, TikTok itself does not diminish a luxury brand. The way a brand uses the platform matters more. “TikTok live-streaming doesn’t necessarily make luxury beauty brands Livestream commerce does not automatically cheapen a premium image, but constant discounts and bundling can weaken its sense of exclusivity
Luxury beauty labels are using livestream shopping to reach consumers beyond boutiques while testing how far accessibility can go without diluting prestige
look inherently cheap, but it’s the way it is used,” she explained. Luxury brands have increasingly embraced TikTok for discovery, storytelling and consumer engagement. TikTok reported in 2025 that its research involving more than 3,000 luxury consumers in the United Kingdom, United States, France and Italy found the platform becoming a growing channel for luxury discovery and purchase. Academic research also complicates the idea that livestreaming automatically weakens luxury perceptions. A study in the International Journal of Advertising, based on 432 Chinese consumers who had watched luxury-brand livestreams, found that social presence and interaction with streamers could strengthen perceptions of luxury. For Sta. BarbaraVillarama, the greater risk comes when accessibility starts resembling mass-market selling. “In the case of live-selling, luxury brands may lose their exclusivity if there’s always massive sales,
discounts, and bundling,” she said. “Luxury brands sell because of the ‘myth’ surrounding them, and too much access dilutes or completely dismantles this myth.” The distinction matters. A livestream focused on fragrance notes, craftsmanship, beauty education or product discovery communicates differently from one dominated by flash discounts, bundles and urgency. TikTok’s commerce model is built around discovery, with livestreams and shoppable videos designed to move consumers from entertainment and product discovery toward purchase. In the Philippines, TikTok Shop has promoted live commerce as part of its expanding retail ecosystem. So the question may not be whether luxury belongs in live selling. It is whether luxury can become more accessible without becoming ordinary. For consumers who associate luxury with exclusivity, seeing a coveted name behave like every other seller on their feed can feel like the loss of something intangible. For brands, live selling offers direct access to audiences who might never walk into a boutique. The tension is no longer between luxury and accessibility. It is between access and mystique, and luxury brands are deciding how much of one they can offer without giving away too much of the other.
At the PEACE FOR ALL ASEAN event in Singapore, Yukihiro Nitta outlines how the initiative has expanded support for education, livelihoods, and community programs across several countries
FOR young Filipinos facing limited opportunities for education and employment, access to practical training can make a difference in preparing for work and earning a living. Such opportunities are among the programs supported by Uniqlo’s PEACE FOR ALL initiative, which has raised more than US$22.2 million for humanitarian and community projects worldwide since its launch in June 2022. The clothing retailer recently shared the initiative’s progress during an event at Whitestone Gallery in Singapore, where humanitarian partners discussed projects addressing poverty, education, and challenges affecting vulnerable communities. In the Philippines, the initiative supports Youth RISE, a program introduced in June through a partnership between Uniqlo Philippines and Plan International Pilipinas. Youth RISE, which stands for Resilience, Innovation, Skills, Entrepreneurship, and Employability, aims to help underserved Filipino youth, particularly young women, gain practical skills and prepare for employment or entrepreneurship. The program was launched in Valenzuela City, where organizers highlighted the importance of providing young people with access to training and opportunities that may otherwise be difficult to obtain. “Children and young people do not lack talent or ambition; too often, they lack opportunity,” said Elizabeth Teare, corporate partnership and philanthropy manager at Save the Children Thailand, during the Singapore event. “PEACE FOR ALL helps provide the safe spaces, skills and support they need to shape their futures,” she added. Similar efforts across Southeast Asia include skills development programs for disadvantaged youth in Thailand, initiatives addressing early marriage in Vietnam, and school violence prevention efforts in Cambodia. According to Uniqlo, PEACE FOR ALL has supported 24 projects across 17 countries, with more than 11.8 million T-shirts sold worldwide as of August 2026. The initiative also works with Save the Children and the United Nations refugee agency to support humanitarian programs addressing education, displacement, livelihoods, and community protection.
The PEACE FOR ALL T-shirt project channels proceeds from its global designs into humanitarian programs, including skills training for underserved Filipino youth
PH inventions for dialysis, earthquake safety earn global recognition exchanges, potentially reducing the physical demands of treatment. It is designed to work with commonly available dialysis supplies. “Seeing BiDaKidney reach the Global Top 20 is something we once only imagined – it feels incredible that this has become reality!” the developers said. Meanwhile, Aldrei created Sentinel, a sensor designed to detect hidden damage in concrete structures. His invention transforms an ordinary
Andrew Jacob Buensalido (left) and Allyson Cabrestante develop BiDaKidney, a portable semi-automated system designed to make home peritoneal dialysis easier to manage
By Jasper Valdez THREE young Filipino inventors have earned international recognition for developing technologies that could help kidney patients manage dialysis and make buildings safer during earthquakes. University of the Philippines Diliman graduates Andrew Jacob Buensalido
and Allyson Cabrestante, along with De La Salle University graduate Aldrei Ong, made the Global Top 20 of the 2026 James Dyson Award. It marks the first time two Philippine entries have reached the competition’s international shortlist. Andrew and Allyson developed BiDaKidney, a low-cost, semiautomated machine designed to make
Aldrei Ong’s Sentinel turns a concrete spacer block into a low-cost sensor that can help detect hidden structural damage after earthquakes
peritoneal dialysis easier to manage at home. The idea came after Andrew learned about the difficulties dialysis patients face through his older sister, who works at a government hospital. Their 2.5-kilogram prototype uses pumps and sensors to manage fluid
concrete spacer block into a monitoring device that measures changes in electrical resistance when structural damage occurs. The information can then be transmitted to a digital dashboard. Estimated to cost approximately P10 per sensor block, Sentinel could help engineers identify potential building damage following earthquakes. “Living in an earthquake-prone country means structural safety cannot be something we think about only after disaster strikes,” Aldrei said. Both inventions remain under development. BiDaKidney requires clinical testing, while Sentinel needs further field validation before wider adoption. The James Dyson Award recognizes engineering and design solutions addressing real-world problems. This year’s international finalists were selected by Dyson engineers from several countries. The global winners will be announced on November 4, with the top prize offering With Sentinel, Aldrei Ong works on a P10 approximately P2.39 sensor block that could give engineers another million to support tool for assessing damaged structures further development.
C4 | OCTOBER 18, 2026
PETS
DESIREE CARLOS, Editor / email: daycarlos28@yahoo.com
By Mariana Burgos
C
ATS are often associated with a love for fish, and it is common for cat owners to offer fish as a treat or part of their pet’s diet. However, feeding cats a diet consisting solely or predominantly of fish over a long period is not advisable. While fish can be a good source of protein, relying on it exclusively can lead to serious health problems for cats. Fish as a Protein Source but Not a Complete Diet
According to the article “Cat Fish Diet Long Term Safety” by Petco’s veterinary experts, fish can be a good source of protein for cats as long as it is part of a nutritionally complete diet and the cat is not allergic to it. Fish contains essential amino acids that cats need, but it lacks several other nutrients vital for feline health. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their diet must include specific nutrients found primarily in animal tissues, such as taurine, arachidonic acid, and certain vitamins. A diet based solely on fish often fails to provide these nutrients in adequate amounts. The article from Petco emphasizes that feeding fish exclusively can lead to nutritional imbalances. For example, fish is low in vitamin E and high in certain fatty acids that can cause oxidative damage if consumed in excess. Moreover, some fish contain high levels of mercury and other toxins that can accumulate in a cat’s body over time, posing long-term health risks. Thus, while fish can be a healthy part of a cat’s diet, it should never be the only food offered.
Risks of Nutritional Deficiencies and Toxicity
The article “Lil Bite of the Day: Fishy Feeding” from CatNutrition.org highlights the dangers of nutritional deficiencies when cats are fed an all-fish diet. One of the most critical concerns is taurine deficiency. Taurine is an amino acid essential for heart function, vision, and reproduction in cats. While fish contains some taurine, it is not sufficient to meet a cat’s daily requirements if fish is the sole diet component. Taurine deficiency can lead to serious conditions such as dilated cardiomyopathy (a heart disease) and retinal degeneration, which can cause blindness. Additionally, the CatNutrition.org article points out that fish contains an enzyme called thiaminase, which destroys thiamine (vitamin B1). Thiamine is crucial for a cat’s nervous sys-
tem and metabolism. A diet high in fish without proper supplementation can result in thiamine deficiency, leading to neurological problems, seizures, and even death if untreated. Another significant risk is the accumulation of heavy metals and pollutants. Some fish species accumulate mercury, lead, and other toxins from polluted waters. Feeding cats large amounts of fish regularly increases their exposure to these harmful substances, which can cause kidney damage, neurological issues, and other chronic health problems.
Feeding Cats an All-Fish Diet: Why It’s Not a Good Idea An orange cat is trying to take a fish off a plate on a table. (Photo from iStock royalty-free images.)
Imbalance of Fatty Acids and Other Nutrients
Fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial in moderation. However, an allfish diet can create an imbalance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. According to the Petco article, this imbalance can lead to inflammation and other health issues. Cats require a balanced ratio of these fatty acids to maintain A cat is given a small healthy skin, fish as a treat by his coat, and imfurparent. (Photo mune funcfrom iStock royaltyfree images.) tion. Moreover,
fish lacks adequate calcium and phosphorus in the correct proportions needed for bone health. Feeding only fish can lead to mineral imbalances, resulting in weakened b o n e s and dental problems. The absence of other essential nutrients found in a varied diet further exacerbates these issues.
Potential for Allergies and Food Sensitivities
A cat is eating fish on the ground. (Photo from iStock royalty-free images.)
While fish is often considered a hypoallergenic protein source, some cats can develop allergies or sensitivities to it, especially if fed fish exclusively. The Petco article notes that repeated exposure to the same protein source increases the risk of developing food allergies. Symptoms can include itching, digestive upset, and chronic ear infections. Rotating protein sources and providing a balanced diet helps reduce this risk.
Practical Recommendations
Given the risks associated with an all-fish diet, cat owners should aim to provide a bal-
anced and varied diet that meets all nutritional requirements. Commercial cat foods formulated to be complete and balanced are the safest choice, as they are designed to provide the right amounts of protein, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. If fish is included in a cat’s diet, it should be given as an occasional treat or part of a mixed diet rather than the sole food source. According to the article by Petco, cooked fish without bones is preferable to avoid choking hazards and exposure to parasites. Raw fish should be avoided altogether due to the risk of bacterial contamination and thiamine destruction. For those interested in homemade diets, consulting a veterinary nutritionist is essential to ensure the diet is complete and balanced. Supplementation with taurine and other nutrients may be necessary when fish is a significant component of the diet. According to the article by Petco, fish can be a healthy protein source but only as part of a nutritionally complete diet. The insights from the article by CatNutrition.org further underscore the dangers of taurine and thiamine deficiencies and the accumulation of toxins from fish. Cats require a balanced diet that includes a variety of protein sources and essential nutrients to maintain optimal health. While fish can be an enjoyable and nutritious treat, it should never be the sole component of a cat’s diet. Responsible feeding practices and awareness of the risks associated with an all-fish diet will help ensure cats live long, healthy lives. About the Author: Mariana Burgos is a freelance artist, writer, and tutor. She has been a solo parent for 19 years now because she is the wife of Jonas Burgos, a Filipino desaparecido. She and her daughter are animal lovers and are active in advocating not only human rights but the rights of animals as well.
From Compassion to Accountability:
Reflections on the First Philippine Animal Law Conference By Atty. Heidi MarquezCaguioa
animals another chance. But rescue also brings us to a difficult question: What happens to the person ANIMAL welfare laws exist. It is now who caused the harm? important to ensure that the laws are An animal may be rescued, but if the evtapped to protect the animals. idence is lost, the incident is not properMoving towards ensuring ly investigated, or the case does this, lawyers, veterinarians, not move forward, the cycle legislators, government of cruelty can simply conofficials, advocates, tinue. academics and aniThe Philippines mal welfare organialready has laws zations gathered that recognize the in Quezon City for need to protect the First Philipanimals. The Anipine Animal Law mal Welfare Act Conferenc on and our wildlife September 4. protection laws It was the first provide a legal national forum of framework. But its kind to bring having a law is together differonly the beginent sectors to ning. The real test look closely at a is what happens question that has when that law confronted anihas to be used. mal advocates for A cruelty case years: How do we may begin with a Atty Heidi Marquez- Caguioa make the law work for welcomed the participants concerned citizen and resource speakers to the animals? making a report. From first Philippine Animal Law For me, the conference there, there may be veteriConference. was personal. nary assessment, documenAt Animal Kingdom Foundation tation, evidence gathering, inves(AKF), much of our work begins with an tigation, coordination with government animal in distress—a dog rescued from agencies and, when warranted, prosecucruelty, an animal abandoned or netion. Each step matters. A weakness in any glected, or a case that calls for intervenone of them can affect the entire case. tion. We rescue, provide veterinary care This is where I believe animal law has and rehabilitation, and try to give these an important role.
Animal protection cannot be limited to dogs and cats. The discussions at the conference made this clear. Animal law must also address wildlife, farm animals, aquatic animals and animals affected by disasters, commerce and other human activities. Farm animals deserve particular attention. They are among the animals most extensively used by people, yet their suffering can become almost invisible when it occurs on a large scale. A practice that would immediately be recognized as cruel when done to one animal can become normalized when repeated across thousands or millions. Food production and food security are important. But they should not be reasons to disregard animal welfare. We should be able to pursue food security while also demanding humane and science-based standards in the way animals are raised, handled, transported and slaughtered. This means that animal law must not only respond to individual acts of cruelty. It must also look at the systems and practices that allow suffering to become routine. Another point that stood out during the conference was the need for different sectors to work together. Veterinarians understand the animal and the evidence of harm. Lawyers understand the legal process. Law enforcement officers investigate. Prosecutors determine whether the evidence can support a case. Local governments and government agencies have their own mandates and responsibilities. Animal welfare organizations are often the ones on the
The participants, resource speakers, and officers and movers of the Animal Kingdom Foundation, an animal welfare group. ground when an animal needs immediate help. These roles are different, but they are connected. From our experience at AKF, we have seen cases where the animal was successfully rescued but accountability remained elusive. We have encountered situations where evidence was not immediately preserved or where it was unclear which agency should take the lead. These are not merely technical or procedural problems. For the animal, they can determine whether protection stops at rescue or continues through the justice system. That is why the conversation about animal welfare must also become a conversation about accountability. The First Philippine Animal Law Conference was a beginning. It brought together people who may approach animal protection from very different perspectives, but who share a responsibility to make the system work better. The challenge now is to take what was discussed beyond the conference room to strengthen implementation, improve
coordination, build capacity for investigation and evidence gathering, and make enforcement more effective. At the same time, where existing laws are inadequate, we must continue working for reforms. Animal welfare has always been rooted in compassion. But compassion cannot end with feeling sorry for an animal that has been harmed. It must lead us to act, to build better systems, and to demand that the law provide real protection. Compassion must lead to law, law must lead to action and action must lead to accountability. This is the only way we can fulfill true animal protection. At the end of the day, the measure of an animal protection law is not simply what it says on paper. It is what happens to the animal when protection is needed most. As a lawyer and an animal welfare advocate, that is the work ahead and it is the work that we must continue. About the Author: Atty Heidi MarquezCaguioa is the president and program director of the Animal Kingdom Foundation, an animal welfare group.