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Wanted: Fearless ombudsman

The first batch of criminal and administrative charges was finally filed against resigned Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co and 17 others over a reported anomalous flood control project found in Oriental Mindoro. Less than three weeks after it was organized, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) initiated the filing of these cases before the Office of the Ombudsman last Monday.

The three-man ICI headed by retired Supreme Court (SC) associate justice Andres Reyes Jr. acted on the findings of the team led by Department of Public Works and Highways acting Secretary Vivencio ‘Vince’ Dizon, accompanied by Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, who was then the ‘special adviser’ to the ICI, that conducted the ocular inspection of the project site pointed out to them by Oriental Mindoro Governor Humerlito Dolor.

After Malacañang spokesperson Claire Castro seemingly cast doubt on his impartiality, Magalong resigned. He was replaced by retired police chief Rodolfo Azurin as ICI investigator and ‘special adviser.’

The ICI’s first ever interim report was personally delivered by Reyes to the Office of the Ombudsman. The criminal charges included violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act No. 3019), malversation of public funds through falsification of public documents by a public officer (Article 217 in relation to Article 171 of the Revised Penal Code) and violations of the Government Procurement Reform Act (RA 9184). Co’s co-accused included DPWH district engineers and the private contractor of the project.

According to the ICI report, Co has been recommended to be charged for receiving ‘unwarranted benefits’ in relation to the construction projects of Sunwest Inc., one of the 15 contractors that have cornered P545 billion worth of flood control projects of the DPWH budget for the past three years.

‘While Cong. Co claims to have divested his interests, reports suggest he may potentially retain beneficial ownership. The Commission underscores that additional evidence is needed to establish any definitive connection,’ the ICI noted.

After submission of the ICI interim report, Reyes immediately left the Office of the Ombudsman and declined media interviews. But speaking for the ICI, its executive director Brian Keith Hosaka told reporters the ICI chairman is merely trying to ‘prudently’ and ‘carefully’ work quietly to ferret out the truth on the multibillion-peso flood control scandal. Hosaka further sought to assuage public concern over the ICI proceedings being conducted behind closed doors. He stressed the Commission is striving to shield itself from political interference, saying: ‘We cannot allow the ICI to be used by any political agenda or leverage.’

In Executive Order (EO) No. 94 signed on Sept.11, President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. (PBBM) created the ICI as a fact-finding body. Among other things, PBBM empowered the ICI to investigate the alleged ‘ghost’ flood control and other infra projects for the past 10 years. The President subsequently named Reyes to chair the ICI after he earlier appointed former DPWH secretary Rogelio ‘Babes’ Singson and SGV and Co. country managing partner Rossana A. Fajardo as Commission members.

Yesterday, Reyes signed in behalf of the ICI a memorandum of agreement with the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) in its effort to facilitate freezing of bank deposits and other assets of Co and other individuals implicated in various alleged ‘ghost’ flood control and substandard infra projects.

The current ICI is well-intentioned but is not good enough. It lacks subpoena and prosecutorial powers. As stated in EO 94, the ICI can be assisted by the ombudsman, Department of Justice (DOJ) and its attached agencies such as the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and some other government agencies that it may call upon for assistance.

While the ICI doing its own work, the Senate decided to continue with its on-going ‘inquiry in aid of legislation’ into the alleged ‘ghost’ flood control projects of the DPWH. However, its parallel congressional investigation being done by the House infra committee headed by Bicol Saro party-list Rep.Terry Ridon has been called off upon the imprimatur of newly installed Speaker, Isabela Rep. Faustino ‘Bojie’ Dy III.

Before it closed down its public hearings, dismissed DPWH district engineers of Bulacan Brice Hernandez tagged former Senate Senate pro tempore Jinggoy Estrada and majority leader Joel Villanueva. At the last House hearing, Hernandez pointed to Estrada and Villanueva as ‘proponents’ who downloaded their flood control projects in the province in the 2025 budget. On the other hand, one of the 15 DPWH contractors admitted he was an election campaign donor of ex-Senate president Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero.

Conducting its own motu proprio investigation, the Senate Blue Ribbon committee, currently headed by Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo ‘Ping’ Lacson, has conducted six public hearings so far as of last Monday. On that day, a ‘surprise witness,’ retired Marine Sgt. Orly Guteza, testified under oath that the alleged kickbacks from these DPWH projects were delivered to the Valle Verde residence of Co and that of former speaker Martin Romualdez. Earlier that day, retired DPWH undersecretary Roberto Bernardo testified that a businessman-friend of Escudero acted as the alleged go-between of the ex-Senate chief in securing funds for projects in the DPWH budget.

With these very serious accusations, how can we expect an impartial conduct of congressional investigations when ‘almost all senators’ – as Lacson admitted – are involved in the budget mess? In the same way, as Lacson cited, there were many House members who got the bulk of budget ‘insertions.’ So how can the House investigate itself when many of their 316 or so colleagues in the present 20th Congress were re-elected from the 19th Congress that was behind the mangled 2025 budget?

Summing up, the first-best solution is to have a strong, unbiased, fearless ombudsman in the mold of the late senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, whose ninth death anniversary was observed last Monday. There are 17 candidates being vetted by the Judicial and Bar Council in the search for the new ombudsman.

The solution is to prosecute corrupt politicians, government executives and corrupt contractors; jail them – and make them pay.

1 killed, 3 wounded in Batangas ‘shootout’

A suspected illegal gun dealer was killed while three police officers were wounded in an alleged shootout that broke out in this city on Monday night.

Maj. Edgar Fabregas and S/Sgts. Arvin Ilagan and Karl Ernest Fabonan of the Batangas City police were rushed to the Saint Camillus de Lillis Hospital for treatment of gunshot wounds.

The fatality, identified as Ronald de Guzman, was killed in a pursuit operation.

Investigation showed the officers met up with a suspected gun dealer identified only as Bonsai in Barangay Bolbok to supposedly buy firearms.

However, the suspect and his companions sensed that they were dealing with undercover police officers, prompting them to draw their guns, triggering a shootout that left the officers wounded.

The suspects fled after the shooting, prompting a chase and another shootout that resulted in the death of De Guzman. A manhunt was launched for De Guzman’s cohorts.

The innovations shaping Manila Doctors Hospital under Dr. Alberto Roxas

When you walk into Manila Doctors Hospital (MDH), you will feel like you’re stepping into a mall lobby or a hotel.

It’s this transformation that MDH medical director Dr. Alberto Roxas has been constantly pushing-a facility that blends cutting-edge medicine with hotel-like comfort.

‘It is an integration of hospital care with the comfort, aesthetics and service quality of a hotel. It improves patient experience, gives MDH a competitive edge, enhances brand reputation, and influences the recovery and healing of patients,’ he shares to Philstar.com.

Roxas’ combined background as a surgeon and former dean of the UP College of Medicine gives him a unique vantage point.

For him, it has given different but complementary strengths. This unique lens combines the ‘precision and decisiveness of a surgeon with the vision and foundation of an academe.’

‘I was able to apply the learning from experiences of having been in clinical practice and the academe, to navigate the turbulent waters of crisis management, risk benefit analysis, strategic planning and interdisciplinary collaborations.’

Meanwhile, his academic experience has shaped his leadership style as a servant leader.

‘I listen to patients and doctors alike and together we shape MDH to address their needs,’ he adds.

From surgery to strategy

For Roxas, the transition from clinical practice to administration was a natural progression.

‘Clinical practice allows you to help colleagues in the same profession and to mentor residents in training, providing the opportunity to help individuals. On the other hand, being in administration lets you shape systems that improve care for entire populations,’ he shared.

After years of honing surgical skills to young doctors, he now applies the same decisiveness to hospital management.

‘Admin roles give you a seat at the table to influence hospital strategy, patient safety, training and best practices in healthcare delivery,’ he says, adding that it is not unusual that senior practicing surgeons become administrators in the latter part of their professional career.

‘Their experience makes them leaders and administrators.’

Investing in innovation and people

MDH has poured resources into world-class equipment and facilities, including the expansion of its Operating Room Complex, enhancement of its flagship Cardiovascular Center and Cancer Institute, and the introduction of the COMPASS Program.

‘MDH aims for excellent patient experience, all the time!’ Roxas says enthusiastically, adding that technology should not replace but rather enhance compassionate care.

MDH’s technological investments are for improving processes, delivering care faster and ensuring better clinical outcomes.

Beyond machines, the medical director is also keen on investing in doctors themselves.

From international affiliations and partnerships, to doctor engagement programs locally and abroad, MDH makes it a point to attract, retain and nurture top medical talent.

‘We want our doctors to grow not just technically, but also in compassionate care and interpersonal skills,’ he emphasized.

‘These programs foster collegiality and collaboration; to provide developmental programs to improve interpersonal skills, compassionate care aside from continuing medical education.’

Roxas is candid about the challenges and gaps in Philippine healthcare, such as a declining workforce, outdated infrastructure, overcrowded government hospitals, and disparities between urban and rural systems.

MDH, he notes, is committed to being part of the solution, as it works with the Manila City Health Department in the move toward universal healthcare.

A stronger MDH

Roxas is most excited about the further development of MDH’s flagship centers as well as strengthening international affiliations and continuously building MDH’s reputation as a hospital that blends innovation with compassion.

With Roxas at the helm, MDH continues to be a premier hospital in Manila-not just through cutting-edge facilities, but a leadership that places people at the center of progress.

Under Roxas’ guidance, he hopes that MDH become a model of holistic leadership in medicine. His legacy would be an institutionalized ‘Patient First, Always’ philosophy and future-proofed healthcare.

And like the ‘hotelization’ of hospitals, Roxas’ leadership integrates care and service quality in management.

Asked what he hopes will be his lasting legacy, Roxas reflects: ‘A legacy of healing hands focused on patient care, of shaping minds through research and teaching, and of reforms that institutionalize a culture of Compassion + Excellence.’

When dreams do not have deadlines

DESPITE the ongoing madness in the local political landscape, the Philippines also got good news one after the other recently.

In a matter of only 24 hours, Jessica Sanchez won America’s Got Talent (AGT), Kirk Bondad was proclaimed Mister International, and Veejay Floresca took home the grand prize in Project Runway US.

Sanchez’s victory was imminent after a stunning, soul-stirring performance of ‘Die with a Smile’ ( a collaboration between Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga) during the final show before Americans started to cast their final votes.

Sanchez is from Chula Vista in San Diego and married to Ricky Gallardo. She recorded a short video upon getting home: ‘I cannot believe what just happened. I was a complete mess onstage emotionally, and I’ve just been doing interviews and stuff, and I still feel the adrenaline and I’m soaking it all in with my husband. I’m just so honored and so grateful to everyone who believed, cheered and voted for me.’

The big dream started 20 years ago when as an 11-year-old hopeful, she joined AGT but didn’t make it very far. In 2012, she almost won American Idol, finishing runner-up to Philip Philips.

In a post victory interview, Sanchez talked about her big dream. ‘That dream started on the AGT stage a long time ago and I think it ignited this fire in me to believe in something bigger. Even though I didn’t make it through that time, and I was devastated as a 10-year-old, I’m so glad to have found that little bit of strength to keep going, and throughout the years it’s really been hard and challenging trying to find myself as a woman and as an artist. But you know, the biggest message is perseverance and just finding that little bit of faith to push though and believe in yourself again. So, here I am, the AGT winner of Season 20, and it’s just so amazing and so crazy,’ she enthused.

Floresca was a surprise winner for Project Runway’s season 21, which has been bashed consistently for many things: choice of designer contestants and judges, constant bickering and drama, boring outputs, and just the overall quality of content in many aspects of the show.

But in the end, after the many plot twists, the US immigrant from the Philippines made history as the first-ever transgender winner of the series, much to the delight of his fans and followers.

Once more, Floresca has proven that not giving up on our dreams is indeed very crucial because it is the reflection of our deepest desires and potentials.

‘If you have thought long and hard about something and it feels right, and it does consistently feels good, then you should not let anyone talk you out of it. Reaching for our dreams require bravery. And bravery is not the absence of fear but the strength to keep moving forward despite every hurdle. The path may seem challenging, even rough, but being brave means embracing all these struggles and continuing, knowing that the reward is always worth the effort you give,’ she told us when she first learned that she made it to season 21 of Project Runway.

Floresca added, ‘Giving up was never an option because it can lead to missed opportunities. I’ve always wanted to be a designer-a good, successful and respected designer. I know Project Runway will open bigger doors and make this dream of mine come true.’ For her feat, Floresca, who competed in the local version of Project Runway in 2008, won a cash pot of $200,000, plus six-month representation by Agentry PR, a mentorship program with the Council of Fashion Designers of America and a spread in Elle magazine.

And then there’s Kirk Bondad, who won Mister International in Thailand a few days ago. Bondad, only the third Mister Philippines to have won the crown after Alexander Aquino in 2001 and Florencio Mata Jr. in 2014, was obviously nervous before he was called out as the winner.

‘Your vision is unique to you and only you, and even if others might not see what you see, it is what you think and and what you feel that matter most. After my devastating loss in Mister World, I knew I cannot give up on my dreams,’ he told us before flying to Thailand earlier this month.

Bondad, who is half German and half Filipino, carries his mom’s surname in all his modelling and pageant activities. His father’s surname is Wachsmuth.

In summation, these victories reaffirm that it takes courage to pursue a dream, especially when others doubt or dismiss it. Just always follow your inner voice, keep your heart and intentions real and pure, and your mind undistracted. It is always okay to reset, restart and refocus, but never give up on your dreams.

Indeed, the big wins of Jessica Sanchez, Kirk Bondad and Veejay Floresca only confirm that big dreams, when pursued with courage, mindset, determination and hard work, have no deadlines.

For Katrina Cuenca, the form is the message

MOST visual artists treat solo exhibitions as platforms to showcase something new, something fresh. Then there’s acclaimed abstractionist Katrina Cuenca, who, in her latest one-artist presentation, made no bones about maintaining the status quo.

‘As with all of my work, it’s the same principle,’ she said about the theme of her most recent exhibit at Art Lounge Manila-Alabang, underscoring instead the consistent sense of optimism that radiates from her colorful, kinetic artworks. ‘The intention is always for the viewers to feel some semblance of peace and happiness-a sense of calm.’

In no way does Cuenca’s statement suggest a lack of vision. If anything, it feels more like a refreshing approach, one that challenges the notion that novelty serves as the lone currency of an artist’s creativity. While Cuenca’s own practice has evolved into other mediums, she chooses to ground her artworks on the principle it’s best known for, communicating the same message she still finds fulfilment in spreading.

As always, positivity shone bright in her latest show, Elysium. Around 30 artworks comprised of paintings and her newer ventures into sculpture filled Art Lounge’s high-ceiling exhibition space at Molito Lifestyle Center in Alabang from September 17 to 29.

During the artist’s reception over the weekend, the self-taught Cuenca shared that she tries to keep true to her practice’s identity no matter what. The exhibit’s featured series, for instance, was created during a ‘dark period’ following her mother’s passing. And yet, her artworks still hold form as vintage Cuenca with its twisting forms and entrancing palette, reminiscent of a betta fish dancing underwater. It’s a disarming sight, eliciting from the viewer a sense of surrender, as if saying let go and let be.

‘That’s how I wanted to feel [during that challenging period,]’ she said, ‘and I think people can relate to that, as well.’

The message pervades Cuenca’s Elysium. In the sizeable 44′ x 77′ painting Regal Atmospheres, we see her signature forms bursting from a void, its motion and drama heightened with a strategic framing made of silverleaf. Cuenca also uses goldleaf in other artworks, pointing to how as a self-confessed ‘Discovery Channel nerd,’ the idea that people are attracted to shiny objects like gold always stuck with her. She remembers that it’s also described as a ‘happy color,’ that interacting with it releases happy hormones.

‘It’s a sort of lucky charm,’ she said. ‘It’s like whoever is the custodian of my work, I’m giving that person luck.’

The same goes for Cuenca’s auspicious Talisman series, which features golden diamond backgrounds that accentuate her dynamic figures. Meanwhile, the exhibit also presented Cuenca’s more recent forays into glass sculptures, including the cerulean Fractus Caeli, which appears like an elemental block taken straight out of the ocean, frozen in time.

Cuenca’s experimentation with different materials and explorations into other mediums demonstrates her natural inquisitiveness. ‘As an abstract artist,’ she said, ‘it’s my job to keep experimenting.’

She’s also excited to test the artistic potential of various items, just like dichroic films, stretched beyond its industrial applications. Even the way she paints puts limits to the test. Her process involves her placing the canvas upside-down and in other different positions just to see how her forms dance at every angle.

What remains constant amid all the changes, however, is the positive, inspiring and enriching energy of her artwork.

Cuenca said, ‘I think that’s where I found my purpose.’

For Katrina Cuenca, the form is the message

MOST visual artists treat solo exhibitions as platforms to showcase something new, something fresh. Then there’s acclaimed abstractionist Katrina Cuenca, who, in her latest one-artist presentation, made no bones about maintaining the status quo.

‘As with all of my work, it’s the same principle,’ she said about the theme of her most recent exhibit at Art Lounge Manila-Alabang, underscoring instead the consistent sense of optimism that radiates from her colorful, kinetic artworks. ‘The intention is always for the viewers to feel some semblance of peace and happiness-a sense of calm.’

In no way does Cuenca’s statement suggest a lack of vision. If anything, it feels more like a refreshing approach, one that challenges the notion that novelty serves as the lone currency of an artist’s creativity. While Cuenca’s own practice has evolved into other mediums, she chooses to ground her artworks on the principle it’s best known for, communicating the same message she still finds fulfilment in spreading.

As always, positivity shone bright in her latest show, Elysium. Around 30 artworks comprised of paintings and her newer ventures into sculpture filled Art Lounge’s high-ceiling exhibition space at Molito Lifestyle Center in Alabang from September 17 to 29.

During the artist’s reception over the weekend, the self-taught Cuenca shared that she tries to keep true to her practice’s identity no matter what. The exhibit’s featured series, for instance, was created during a ‘dark period’ following her mother’s passing. And yet, her artworks still hold form as vintage Cuenca with its twisting forms and entrancing palette, reminiscent of a betta fish dancing underwater. It’s a disarming sight, eliciting from the viewer a sense of surrender, as if saying let go and let be.

‘That’s how I wanted to feel [during that challenging period,]’ she said, ‘and I think people can relate to that, as well.’

The message pervades Cuenca’s Elysium. In the sizeable 44′ x 77′ painting Regal Atmospheres, we see her signature forms bursting from a void, its motion and drama heightened with a strategic framing made of silverleaf. Cuenca also uses goldleaf in other artworks, pointing to how as a self-confessed ‘Discovery Channel nerd,’ the idea that people are attracted to shiny objects like gold always stuck with her. She remembers that it’s also described as a ‘happy color,’ that interacting with it releases happy hormones.

‘It’s a sort of lucky charm,’ she said. ‘It’s like whoever is the custodian of my work, I’m giving that person luck.’

The same goes for Cuenca’s auspicious Talisman series, which features golden diamond backgrounds that accentuate her dynamic figures. Meanwhile, the exhibit also presented Cuenca’s more recent forays into glass sculptures, including the cerulean Fractus Caeli, which appears like an elemental block taken straight out of the ocean, frozen in time.

Cuenca’s experimentation with different materials and explorations into other mediums demonstrates her natural inquisitiveness. ‘As an abstract artist,’ she said, ‘it’s my job to keep experimenting.’

She’s also excited to test the artistic potential of various items, just like dichroic films, stretched beyond its industrial applications. Even the way she paints puts limits to the test. Her process involves her placing the canvas upside-down and in other different positions just to see how her forms dance at every angle.

What remains constant amid all the changes, however, is the positive, inspiring and enriching energy of her artwork.

Cuenca said, ‘I think that’s where I found my purpose.’

When dreams do not have deadlines

DESPITE the ongoing madness in the local political landscape, the Philippines also got good news one after the other recently.

In a matter of only 24 hours, Jessica Sanchez won America’s Got Talent (AGT), Kirk Bondad was proclaimed Mister International, and Veejay Floresca took home the grand prize in Project Runway US.

Sanchez’s victory was imminent after a stunning, soul-stirring performance of ‘Die with a Smile’ ( a collaboration between Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga) during the final show before Americans started to cast their final votes.

Sanchez is from Chula Vista in San Diego and married to Ricky Gallardo. She recorded a short video upon getting home: ‘I cannot believe what just happened. I was a complete mess onstage emotionally, and I’ve just been doing interviews and stuff, and I still feel the adrenaline and I’m soaking it all in with my husband. I’m just so honored and so grateful to everyone who believed, cheered and voted for me.’

The big dream started 20 years ago when as an 11-year-old hopeful, she joined AGT but didn’t make it very far. In 2012, she almost won American Idol, finishing runner-up to Philip Philips.

In a post victory interview, Sanchez talked about her big dream. ‘That dream started on the AGT stage a long time ago and I think it ignited this fire in me to believe in something bigger. Even though I didn’t make it through that time, and I was devastated as a 10-year-old, I’m so glad to have found that little bit of strength to keep going, and throughout the years it’s really been hard and challenging trying to find myself as a woman and as an artist. But you know, the biggest message is perseverance and just finding that little bit of faith to push though and believe in yourself again. So, here I am, the AGT winner of Season 20, and it’s just so amazing and so crazy,’ she enthused.

Floresca was a surprise winner for Project Runway’s season 21, which has been bashed consistently for many things: choice of designer contestants and judges, constant bickering and drama, boring outputs, and just the overall quality of content in many aspects of the show.

But in the end, after the many plot twists, the US immigrant from the Philippines made history as the first-ever transgender winner of the series, much to the delight of his fans and followers.

Once more, Floresca has proven that not giving up on our dreams is indeed very crucial because it is the reflection of our deepest desires and potentials.

‘If you have thought long and hard about something and it feels right, and it does consistently feels good, then you should not let anyone talk you out of it. Reaching for our dreams require bravery. And bravery is not the absence of fear but the strength to keep moving forward despite every hurdle. The path may seem challenging, even rough, but being brave means embracing all these struggles and continuing, knowing that the reward is always worth the effort you give,’ she told us when she first learned that she made it to season 21 of Project Runway.

Floresca added, ‘Giving up was never an option because it can lead to missed opportunities. I’ve always wanted to be a designer-a good, successful and respected designer. I know Project Runway will open bigger doors and make this dream of mine come true.’ For her feat, Floresca, who competed in the local version of Project Runway in 2008, won a cash pot of $200,000, plus six-month representation by Agentry PR, a mentorship program with the Council of Fashion Designers of America and a spread in Elle magazine.

And then there’s Kirk Bondad, who won Mister International in Thailand a few days ago. Bondad, only the third Mister Philippines to have won the crown after Alexander Aquino in 2001 and Florencio Mata Jr. in 2014, was obviously nervous before he was called out as the winner.

‘Your vision is unique to you and only you, and even if others might not see what you see, it is what you think and and what you feel that matter most. After my devastating loss in Mister World, I knew I cannot give up on my dreams,’ he told us before flying to Thailand earlier this month.

Bondad, who is half German and half Filipino, carries his mom’s surname in all his modelling and pageant activities. His father’s surname is Wachsmuth.

In summation, these victories reaffirm that it takes courage to pursue a dream, especially when others doubt or dismiss it. Just always follow your inner voice, keep your heart and intentions real and pure, and your mind undistracted. It is always okay to reset, restart and refocus, but never give up on your dreams.

Indeed, the big wins of Jessica Sanchez, Kirk Bondad and Veejay Floresca only confirm that big dreams, when pursued with courage, mindset, determination and hard work, have no deadlines.

Lauren Dyogi credits BINI’s Coachella gig to world tour, denies ABS-CBN payment

ABS-CBN executive Lauren Dyogi shared the details on how the Nation’s Girl Group BINI was invited to perform at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival next year.

In an interview with Karmina Constantino on the latter’s “KC After Hours” YouTube channel, Dyogi said that BINI’s recent world tour paved the way for their Coachella 2026 gig.

“Laging ang nasa utak natin, one way to go international is to be invited in big festivals [like] Coachella and Lollapalooza,” Dyogi shared.

He added it was the vision of ABS-CBN CEO Carlo Katigbak to hire an international group of consultants to guide them in bringing artists to global stages.

“When we were able to get an agent nadala tayo sa promoters na non-Filipinos. And these promoters, ang vision talaga ‘nun is if we were able to impress the promoters, itong mga promoters na ‘to, sila din ‘yung magdadala sa atin sa festival,” Dyogi said, referencing promoters like Live Nation and All Things Live.

Dyogi continued by saying that the BINIverse world tour was an investment rather than a revenue-making tour for the group.

“Wala tayong kita diyan. It was really a risk on our end. It was really Carlo’s vision, Tita Cory (Vidanes) saying, ‘Kailangan niyong gawin yan,'” Dyogi went on. “Because that’s a month of being away from more lucrative opportunities locally. But we took that risk, we went there.”

The executive explained they had to prove the P-pop act had a crowd, and big shows in Dubai, Los Angeles, and San Francisco were evidence of a global audience, and in Dyogi’s eyes led to the Coachella invitation.

Dyogi also denied that ABS-CBN paid the long-running music festival to include BINI in the lineup.

“Sinasabi ng tao ngayon binayaran daw natin, hindi naman po totoo ‘yun, hindi ganun,” Dyogi stated.

BINI will be the first all-Filipino group to perform at Coachella. Next year’s festival will be headlined by Justin Bieber, Sabrina Carpenter, and Karol G.

LOOK: The Stanley 1913 x Jennie luxe hydration collection is a must have

Stanley 1913 partners with global superstar Jennie of chart-topping K-pop group Blackpink to launch the new Stanley 1913 x Jennie collection.

The limited-edition capsule features the Quencher Luxe Tumbler and All Day Slim Luxe Bottle in Midnight Ruby. It blends fashion, functionality and Jennie’s signature style across the brand’s most coveted hydration silhouettes.

The collection also follows successful launches with global artists such as Olivia Rodrigo and Tyla, among others.

Jennie brings her authenticity, bold style and creative energy to Stanley 1913’s renowned quality and performance. The collaboration celebrates self-expression, fashion and individuality-values championed by Stanley 1913 and Jennie and shared with fans around the world.

‘I love how the products turned out, and I think fans will notice the ‘Jennie’ touches that represent me,’ Jennie expressed. ‘I hope they feel the personality and energy we poured into every detail.’

The Stanley 1913 x Jennie Collection in Midnight Ruby

At the heart of the collection are two inaugural Luxe products from the brand, delivering a premium experience for those who want to elevate their hydration accessories.

The new 30oz Quencher Luxe Tumbler is a fitting debut for the artist’s bold, fashion-forward style.

Each tumbler features a silicone base plus translucent Tritan handle and etched logo for an elevated look. Collectible charms with Jennie’s personal touches-including a “Ninibara,” an exclusive capybara design created by Jennie; a bear; and a “JENNIE” name plate-adorn the Quencher Luxe.

Also featured is the 12oz All Day Slim Luxe Bottle-lightweight, portable and effortlessly chic. Silver floral accents, a heart-shaped graphic, etched logo and the artist’s signature are featured on both elevated, limited-edition products.

In the Philippines, the collection is now available exclusively at the Stanley Pop-Up Store in SM Mall of Asia until October 1 only, so hurry!

A dynamic creative campaign brings the collection to life with bold blacks, deep reds and metallic silvers reflecting Jennie’s powerful aesthetic. Imagery and video highlight her signature boots, sunglasses and hydration accessories, capturing the energy and personality of the collection.

Consumer activations in Seoul, Shanghai, Jakarta, Bangkok, Manila, Taipei and Los Angeles provide fans with a ‘backstage’ look into the artist’s world while celebrating her music, style and individuality.

‘Our brand lives at the intersection of culture, lifestyle and entertainment. We aim to surprise and delight customers around the world through authentic partnerships, and we found an ideal one in Jennie,’ said Matt Navarro, global president, PMI WW Brands, LLC.

‘Her global presence, musical prowess, and ability to energize her global fan base make her a cultural powerhouse, and we are excited to partner with her to bring a truly one-of-a-kind, special collection to our consumers.’

Shettima, DBN, SMEDAN, stakeholders map road to MSME Growth

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its resolve to reposition micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as the foundation of Nigeria’s economic transformation.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by the Special Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs, Dr. Tope Fasua, gave the assurance at the 6th Annual Lecture of the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) held in Abuja on Thursday.

Shettima noted that MSMEs account for more than 80 percent of national employment and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s GDP, making them central to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

‘MSMEs are not peripheral actors; they are the lifeblood of our economy. As government provides policy clarity and enabling infrastructure, institutions such as DBN are vital in turning vision into action,’ he said.

The Vice President highlighted key reform measures of the administration, including the removal of fuel subsidies, foreign exchange unification, infrastructure renewal, human capital investment, and stronger global engagement-all designed to stimulate enterprise, attract investment, and widen opportunities for small businesses.

DBN Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Tony Okpanachi, described the bank as more than a financier. He said DBN had become ‘a convener of ideas, a builder of capacity, and a partner in national transformation,’ stressing that Nigerian entrepreneurs can rise stronger with access to finance, knowledge, and enabling policies.

SMEDAN Director-General, Charles Odii, announced fresh strategies to boost the global competitiveness of Nigerian SMEs. These include regulatory reforms to ease exports, shared infrastructure such as garment hubs, financial and non-financial support for expansion, and innovative logistics partnerships.

‘These small but significant steps are designed to make our SMEs not only visible globally but also competitive,’ Odii said, noting Nigeria’s recent ‘Best Pavilion’ award at the International Africa Trade Fair as evidence of growing potential.

Keynote speaker, Kenyan entrepreneur Flora Mutahi, urged African businesses to scale deliberately as a way to address youth unemployment across the continent. With 10-12 million youths entering the labour market annually but only 3-4 million formal jobs available, she said entrepreneurship must be backed by resilience and determination.

At the end of the session, stakeholders, including policymakers, financiers, and entrepreneurs, agreed that the success of Nigeria’s economy is inseparably tied to the growth and sustainability of its MSMEs.