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Civic leader: ‘Filipinos will not be bullied in their own waters’

Civic leader Dr. Jose Antonio Goitia has called out China’s reported underwater activities near Panatag Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc), saying Filipinos should not be expected to tolerate intimidation in waters that fall within the country’s maritime domain.

Of particular concern are reports involving retrofitted People’s Armed Forces Maritime Militia (PAFMM) platforms, described as ‘ghost research ships.’ Operating under the appearance of civilian oceanographic research, these vessels are reportedly deploying autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) to map submarine transit corridors and collect data that could be used for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), rather than to study marine life.

This is not a concern the Philippines can simply brush aside. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is investigating unidentified equipment fitted with sensors and antennas aboard a Chinese vessel spotted inside the shoal’s lagoon. Authorities are looking into whether the equipment is a submersible or intended for underwater operations.

Goitia said Beijing must not be allowed to hide potentially military activities behind the language of scientific research.

‘China must stop treating our waters as though they are its own. Filipinos have endured enough intimidation and harassment in our maritime domain. We have every right to know what foreign vessels are doing in our waters, and we will not accept activities that threaten our security or disregard our sovereign rights. We are not asking permission to defend what is ours,’ he said.

The issue also raises questions under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Article 246 generally requires coastal state consent for marine scientific research in its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, subject to the convention’s provisions. Article 240 requires such research to be conducted exclusively for peaceful purposes.

Goitia also commended the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Navy, and Armed Forces of the Philippines for continuing to monitor and protect the country’s maritime domain. He said the personnel carrying out these duties must know that the nation stands behind them.

‘They see the pressure at sea firsthand. They know what it means to face vessels that seek to challenge their presence in our own waters. The least we can do is give them our full support. The government and the Filipino people stand with them. They are not defending these waters for themselves. They are standing up for every Filipino,’ Goitia said.

The Philippines has no desire for conflict. But neither should it be expected to stay silent whenever its rights are challenged. Peace cannot mean allowing another country to dictate what Filipinos can do in their own maritime domain.

We will not bow to intimidation. We will not surrender our maritime rights. And we will not abandon our responsibility to defend our sovereignty. China must understand that the Filipino people will not be bullied in their own waters. Our defenders will never stand alone.

Exclusive: OPay halts $304m NYSE IPO over regulatory inquiry

SoftBank-backed company, OPay Limited, has terminated its planned initial public offering (IPO) on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) following a regulatory inquiry in a foreign jurisdiction, halting its planned entry into the US capital market.

The fintech company which raised $304 million in its IPO said it reached a mutual agreement with its underwriters to terminate the underwriting agreement signed on October 29, 2026, after deciding that postponing the offering was the most prudent course of action.

As a result, its American depositary shares (ADSs) will not begin trading on the NYSE as previously scheduled.

In a statement on Friday, OPay said the inquiry relates to a jurisdiction that is immaterial to its core business operations and expressed confidence that the matter would be resolved satisfactorily in the near future.

The company, valued at over $4 billion, did not identify the jurisdiction or provide further details about the nature of the inquiry.

OPay said the development should not be interpreted as a reflection of its business performance, financial condition, operational integrity or regulatory standing, adding that it was engaging relevant stakeholders to facilitate an early resolution.

The company also said the decision would not affect its operations or service delivery in Nigeria and other markets where it operates, including Indonesia, Egypt and Pakistan.

‘OPay continues to operate normally and remains fully committed to its customers, merchants, agents, business partners, employees, and the broader digital financial ecosystem,’ the company said.

The development interrupts OPay’s planned access to international capital markets, although the company has not indicated whether or when it would revive the offering.

OPay said its long-term commitment to Nigeria remained unchanged, adding that it would continue investing in the country’s digital financial services sector, promoting financial inclusion and supporting the growth of the digital economy.

The company said it would provide further updates as material developments occur.

’FLORAL SPLENDOR 7′ | The perks of being a flower at FAM art show

Flowers have long attracted artists across centuries and genres. From the bold Sunflowers of Vincent Van Gogh, the sensual Iris painting of Georgia O’Keeffe, to the wooden sculptures of large vases filled with profuse, colorful flowers by Jeff Koons, flowers are celebrated for their complex, delicate forms and the symbols they represent.

Life. Courage. Healing. And whatever resonates with an artist when they gaze at blooms.

‘Flowers are happy subjects in the same way that we feel happy when we receive flowers. It’s as simple as that,’ said Naomi Banal, president of Floral Artists Manila (FAM), an all-women collective of floral painters.

Continuing their tradition of organizing group shows every year since 2019, the FAM artists recently opened ‘Floral Splendor 7’ at the SM Art Center in SM Negamall. Show at the SM Art Center

In partnership with Galerie Francesca, the exhibit brings together 16 artists, each offering a distinct interpretation of flowers through their unique artistic styles.

Different strokes, different

From exquisitely figurative renditions and stylized abstracts to a quietly defiant art installation, the exhibit embraces a bouquet of styles, techniques, and expressions.

Known for her transparent, layered abstract paintings, Banal’s ‘Blooming in Grace II,’ a 60″ x 60″ acrylic painting, presents a magnified perspective of white flowers. The layered glazing technique lends the pristine blooms a delicate and almost otherworldly quality.

For Butchie Peña, flowers are part of life’s joys. ‘I love looking at fresh blooms. It is a delight to the senses. And it’s one of those ephemeral pleasures,’ she said.

Pena’s 31-by-31-inch acrylic and oil pastel on canvas, ‘Moonlit Petals,’ was inspired by the double-white lilies at her Tita Estrella’s wake.

‘I was captivated by their intricate, lace-like petals and found them beautifully ethereal,’ she said.

Her floral works contrast with the tranquil mood and strong sense of place in her other paintings.

‘In a way, it is a visual break -a chance to practice and catch up with new impressions of florals. My usual paintings have mostly a kind of serenity amid the chaos of moods,’ she explained.

Meanwhile, Kat Ong’s floral calligraphy combines intentional and flowing strokes with an exuberant color story rather than realism. Her flowers, symbols of life, burst with peaches, lavenders, turquoise, and berry tones, accented by neon lemon yellow and baby pink. Echoing her recurring theme of femininity, the blooms balance delicateness with dynamic brushstrokes and vibrant hues.

‘Soliloquy,’ a striking installation by Chie Cruz, presents a disquieting contrast between dainty flowers strewn around a female figure lying on her side, eyes closed and wrists bound.

A dramatic theatrical device, the soliloquy in Cruz’s work gives voice to the woman’s inner feelings, often overlooked beneath the surface of a life that seems like a bed of flowers.

Beyond decorative

As ‘Floral Splendor 7’ has presented, floral works are not merely decor or sentimental pieces to beautify empty walls. They are also thoughtful narratives that reflect human feelings, propose ideas, and oftentimes, spur energy.

To those who consider floral paintings and still life as enhancements to interior design, considering ‘bigger-themed’ subjects like history and landscapes as more ‘serious art,’ Banal encouraged, ‘They need to see flowers. Not just our works, but other paintings as well.

‘As for painting flowers, make your own expression and whatever you feel is right. Paint not just from the eyes but also from the heart ‘

Museveni orders probe, restores security detail for ONC boss Namyalo

President Museveni has reportedly ordered a formal investigation into the unexplained withdrawal of the security detail assigned to Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, the Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs and Manager of the Office of the National Chairman (ONC), while simultaneously directing the immediate restoration of her protection.

Sources close to State House indicate that the President expressed complete unawareness regarding the initial decision to strip Namyalo of her security apparatus. In response, he instructed relevant security authorities to identify who authorized the command and under what statutory or administrative parameters the directive was issued.

The security detail, originally composed of officers from the elite Police Presidential Guard (PPG), was abruptly recalled on September 29. The sudden decision triggered intense public and political scrutiny over the command structure within the security forces and highlighted widening rifts within the ruling establishment.

The withdrawal coincided with escalating friction between traditional National Resistance Movement (NRM) mobilization organs and the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) over the 2031 presidential succession agenda. Tensions erupted after Namyalo’s mobilization team in Bugisu publicly endorsed President Museveni for an extended term beyond 2031.

That endorsement drew immediate pushback from senior PLU figures, including General Secretary Twalla Fadil and Daudi Kabanda, head of the PLU Chairman’s Office, who have been building grassroots momentum for Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s prospective 2031 presidential bid.

Reports further reveal that during a high-level NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting at State House Entebbe, President Museveni floated Gen Muhoozi as a potential successor. Ms. Namyalo reportedly voiced opposition to the proposition and raised concerns about her personal safety following the recall of her guards. Although the President initially treated the complaint as a minor operational issue, he subsequently intervened with the firm directive to investigate and restore her security.

As head of the ONC-the primary administrative and political engine for President Museveni in his capacity as NRM National Chairman-Namyalo oversees key nationwide youth empowerment and grassroots mobilization programs.

Following the presidential directive, Counter Terrorism officers have been deployed to replace the previous PPG unit, allowing Namyalo to resume her official duties without further disruption while investigators trace the procedural breach that led to her guards’ recall.

Don’t let humble backgrounds limit your ambition, graduates urged

Graduates have been urged to rise above the limitations of their humble origins, stay ambitious, and renew their determination whenever they face life’s challenges.

The call was made on Friday by the Rubanda West Member of Parliament, Mr. Bruce Balaba Kabaasa, while speaking as the chief guest during the 27th graduation ceremony of Bishop Barham University College (BBUC), a constituent college of Uganda Christian University (UCU), held at the Rugarama Cathedral headquarters in Kabale Municipality.

A total of 410 students, including 10 international students, graduated across various academic disciplines, with 10 students recognized for attaining first-class degrees. The ceremony was held under the theme: ‘Renewed, transformational mindset’.

Addressing the congregation, Mr. Kabaasa cautioned the fresh graduates against letting their background dictate their future possibilities, using his personal journey as an example of resilience.

‘Some of you may be tempted to believe that your humble background has already determined your future. Never allow your background to imprison your mind, aspirations, and possibilities. I went through modest schools, but here I am not only as a Member of Parliament, but as a leader with a record of service and achievement in this country,’ Mr. Kabaasa said.

He shared that his career included two decades of uninterrupted service at Makerere University, a journey marked by significant obstacles. He noted that every time he was confronted with challenges, he chose to renew his faith to prepare for the next phase, advising the graduates to adopt the same mindset.

Speaking at the same event, the Principal of Bishop Barham University College, Dr. Alice Jossy Kyobutungi, challenged the graduates to lead with integrity, competence, and faith, drawing inspiration from Matthew 5:14. She reminded them to remain firmly grounded, quoting an African proverb that states when roots are deep, there is no reason to fear the wind.

Dr. Kyobutungi also highlighted several operational hurdles facing the growing institution, including limited academic programs, financial constraints, stiff competition from rival tertiary institutions, and deficits in staffing, infrastructure, accommodation, research funding, and transport.

Despite these setbacks, she assured stakeholders that university management, in partnership with the governing council and UCU administration, remains committed to prudent financial management, accountability, and strategic partnerships to transform these challenges into opportunities for growth. She reiterated BBUC’s goal to build a Christ-centered institution that combines academic excellence with practical skills, research, entrepreneurship, and Christian service.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of Uganda Christian University, Prof. Canon Aaron Mushengyezi, who represented the university chancellor, advised graduates to measure their success by the trust they earn and the lives they impact rather than material wealth or public recognition. He emphasized that Uganda and the wider region require professionals who serve with competence and humility across all sectors, urging the cohort to let their faith shape their conduct and their knowledge inform their decisions.

Day Olagunju, school proprietor, rolled out cymbals in praise for God’s mercies

Saturday, October 24, 2026 will remain a red-letter day for Titus Olusegun Olagunju, proprietor of Timi Group of Schools Surulere, Lagos.

On that day, Olagunju rolled out instruments of praise to express his gratitude to the Almighty God, who, according to him, enabled him to clock the significant age of 70.

At a moderate event themed, ‘Celebration of Life of Grace, Wisdom and Impact’, he recalled that were it not for the divine intervention, he would not have been among the living today, as a strange illness struck him two years ago.

He said that there was no way he could have pulled through the health challenges if the Lord had not been on his side.

The proprietor did not only express thanks to God for His healing touch in his life, he also expressed gratitude for the abiding presence of the Omnipotent God in his life and family.

Praising God for surrounding him with people who have his interest at heart, he prayed God to reward them all abundantly.

He expressed thanks to his family members who provided the support he needed at the critical moment, and have continued to be with him.

He was full of appreciation to the Management and staff of his schools who treat him like their own biological parents. He extended thanks to his former co-workers in the federal ministry where he retired from; his brethren from his place of worship, and all well-wishers who attended the event.

Many participants at the event also used the occasion to extol the virtues of the celebrant and what he meant in their individual lives.

Expressing gratitude to God for granting Olagunju the grace to make the age of 70 in good health, John Olaosun, proprietor of Prestige International School, Surulere, Lagos, noted that God has used the celebrant to touch many lives and that his being alive today was not an accident, but a calculated plan by the Almighty God himself. He also led other guests in a session of prayer for the celebrant.

Some children workers, who work with Olagunju in the Children ministry of his church, described him as a ‘child at heart.’

According to them, the celebrant has long adopted child-like attitude to life. He harbors no grudge against anybody and is always at his best in the midst of children.

This was corroborated by a representative of his local church where he worships in Surulere, who also added that the celebrant leads a selfless life when it comes to rendering service to God, and in his relationship with fellow human beings.

Other guests also took turns in pouring tributes on the celebrant. Management and staff members of Timi Group of Schools were jubilant in their lavish of encomiums on their boss.

Many of them shared their personal experiences of the cordial relationship that exists between them and the celebrant. Some of them said they now see him more as a father figure than their employer.

UNDASKO 2026 lights up traditions of love and remembrance

Now in its third year, Forest Lake’s annual UNDASKO celebration brought families and communities together on October 15, 2026. Combining Undas and Pasko, the initiative encourages families to celebrate life, remember loved ones, and prepare thoughtfully for the future.

Organized by Forest Lake Development, Inc., the Philippines’ leading memorial park developer, in partnership with Total Memorial Care, the celebration unfolded at Forest Lake Biñan in Laguna. The program featured ‘Habang Naririto Ka: A Celebration of Life for Ate Gay,’ followed by the Nationwide Christmas Tree Lighting across 42 participating sites and a free concert at Biñan.

‘UNDASKO 2026 brings our vision to life: creating places where generations of family memories are treasured, immortalized, and celebrated by the living. By bringing Undas and Pasko together, we allow families to appreciate those with them today and keep departed loved ones part of their Christmas traditions. Celebrate Life. Remember with Love. Prepare with Care. This message also reflects our commitment to personalized service: understanding what matters to each family, helping them create meaningful experiences, and encouraging thoughtful preparation as an expression of love,’ said Alfred Xerez-Burgos III, President and CEO of Forest Lake Development, Inc.

A highlight of the Biñan program was ‘Habang Naririto Ka: A Celebration of Life for Ate Gay,’ a living funeral planned and organized by Forest Lake. Unlike a traditional funeral, which takes place after a person’s death, a living funeral brings family, friends, and loved ones together during the person’s lifetime to share stories, express appreciation, and create memories with the honoree present. The person being celebrated can hear these expressions of affection, respond to them, and share their own gratitude, making appreciation a two-way exchange.

As each gathering is personal, Forest Lake offers personalized consultations to help families plan and coordinate an event that considers the honoree’s wishes, comfort, and privacy. A memorial chapel is the recommended setting for these gatherings, providing a space for loved ones to come together and celebrate the person’s life. Specific arrangements and services may vary by location.

‘As part of UNDASKO 2026, ‘Habang Naririto Ka: A Celebration of Life for Ate Gay’ gave a personal expression to our message of celebrating life. Forest Lake helped plan and organize the gathering around appreciation, relationships, and gratitude. More broadly, a living funeral creates space for someone to hear what they mean to loved ones and express thanks in return. Alongside the tree lighting and free concert, it reflected UNDASKO’s purpose of bringing people together to share meaningful moments,’ said Carlos Miguel V. Locsin, National Sales and Marketing Head of Forest Lake Development, Inc.

Later that day, Forest Lake held its Nationwide Christmas Tree Lighting across 42 participating sites. Lighted trees and Christmas decorations marked the occasion across its memorial parks, giving visitors a festive setting for the season. While the nationwide lighting took place on October 15, other Undas activities at individual sites followed their respective local schedules.

‘Across our parks, UNDASKO creates a welcoming Christmas setting where families can spend time together while remembering departed loved ones. The lighted trees and Christmas décor help keep them part of the season’s traditions. The nationwide tree lighting brought our communities together, while Forest Lake Biñan’s free concert added an evening of music and laughter. Each site’s Undas activities follow its local schedule, with the same commitment to a meaningful visitor experience and respect for families who come for quiet remembrance,’ said Gambi Dizon, Chief Operating Officer of Forest Lake Development, Inc.

At Forest Lake Biñan, the festivities continued after the tree lighting with a free concert featuring Ate Gay, alongside guests Henry G., AJ, Boobsie, and friends, with special guest AZTER. Admission to the Biñan tree lighting and concert was free, allowing visitors to enjoy an evening of music and entertainment as part of the UNDASKO celebration.

UNDASKO and Forest Lake’s personalized approach to living funerals reflects its vision: ‘To build a better place where generations of family memories are treasured, immortalized, and celebrated by the living.’ Through its Total Memorial Care offerings, Forest Lake continues to emphasize value, innovation, and personalized service, helping families create meaningful experiences and prepare for the future with care.

A car shouldn’t be a symbol of status -Experts say

Motor vehicle experts have urged young people against wasteful spending on vehicles, saying that a car should not be a symbol of status and urging that one must understand their needs before purchase.

‘We all agree that a car is no longer a luxury but rather a necessity. We all need a car, but that doesn’t mean that we need an expensive car,’ said Arthur Kisenyi, the founder and host of For the Love of Cars Uganda.

He explained that with luxurious mindsets, many people end up buying expensive cars that they do not need, which in turn translates into financial burdens.

”Because the majority of people, especially youths, look at the car as a status symbol. Most people, when buying a car, the first thing that crosses their mind is wanting to buy a car that they do not need. You need safety from fumes, accidents, and also understanding where you are going.’

Mr Kisenyi who is also an automotive educator and motoring broadcaster further said that every person intending to buy their first car should first understand the daily distance they intend to travel daily which will inform the decision on the choice of the car.

‘For example, there is a gentleman who is buying a car to take his children to school, which is 2km away. It means he can safely drive a 1.0-cc vehicle. There is a person who wants to drive 100km which means he will need a car which is at least 2.5-cc and in terms of fuel money he will invest more,’ he said.

Mr Kisenyi was speaking at the NSSF Financial Literacy Program dubbed Move with confidence: Smart transport choices.

‘If you understand your needs, it will help you balance the position and end up not making financial mistakes. A car is both an asset and a liability, and all this starts with the choices you make. For example, if you are driving Kampala to Masaka daily and use a Toyota Passo, that’s automatically a liability since you expect regular breakdowns, etc so if you buy according to your needs, it will save you a lot and become an asset since the car eases life,’ Mr Kisenyi said.

Christian Muwambe, the Country Director of Safe Boda, said that people who are not yet financially ready to own cars should not force it because the real repercussions are felt afterwards.

‘Everyone should spend in a 5:3:2 method where 50 percent of your money should go to what you need, 30 percent to what you want and 20 percent to savings or investments. So, if I unpack the 50 percent, transportation alone should be at least 15 percent which is tough means it should be tending towards the bottom needs,’ he said.

”There are scenarios where owning a car is the best option, where you live outside the city, where even when you come to me, Safe Boda, I will charge you for being out of the city, and for that situation you will need a car. But if you live near the city in places like Bukoto, Kyanja, Kisasi, and you have a car, the fuel consumption is high, and thus you may need services from firms like Safe Boda more.’

With skyrocketing fuel prices, motor vehicle experts warn that Ugandans must be deliberate while making decisions about owning cars, emphasising that knowing one’s needs rather than wants is very important before the decision is made.

Stephanie Divine: The Nigerian woman taking on the business intelligence challenge with Marketbrain OS

In an industry where women are still fighting for greater visibility, Nigerian entrepreneur Stephanie Divine is building her own place in technology. Her ambition is bold: to create a platform that helps businesses make smarter decisions, improve their marketing and compete with greater confidence.

Behind every successful business are hundreds of decisions that never make the headlines. Which customers should it target? Which marketing campaign deserves the budget? Why are potential customers leaving without buying? And how can a business owner know whether an idea is worth pursuing before investing precious resources in it?

For many entrepreneurs, answering these questions means hours of research, expensive consultations, trial and error, and, sometimes, costly mistakes. For Stephanie Divine, this was more than a business problem. It was a challenge she had experienced herself-and one she believed technology could help solve.

That conviction became the foundation of Marketbrain OS, a technology platform she founded to help businesses approach marketing and business decisions with greater clarity.

Divine, who hails from Lagos, Nigeria, and currently lives in Germany, is the founder and chief executive officer of Marketbrain OS. Having spent much of her time building away from the public spotlight, she is now bringing the platform to a wider audience, introducing her work to entrepreneurs, business owners and professionals who face similar challenges.

Her story is not one of overnight success. It is the story of a founder who identified a problem, decided to work on a solution and committed herself to building something she believes could make a meaningful difference to how businesses operate.

A Woman with a Bigger Vision

Technology has created extraordinary opportunities, but visibility, access to resources and recognition remain important challenges for many women building businesses in the sector. For women entering fields that have historically been male-dominated, establishing credibility can demand persistence as well as technical and commercial ability.

Divine is entering that landscape on her own terms.

Rather than building her public identity around recognition alone, she is putting a product at the centre of her entrepreneurial journey. Her approach is grounded in a simple belief: useful technology should solve real problems, and the people who build it should remain focused on the needs of those who will use it.

Those who know her describe a personality marked by kindness, warmth, a strong instinct for problem-solving and a particular attention to detail. She is not someone who is easily satisfied with work that could be better. That desire to improve things has become part of the thinking behind Marketbrain OS.

For Divine, the challenge is not merely to launch a technology product. It is to build a business that earns its place in the daily operations of the people it serves.

Turning a Personal Challenge into a Business

The idea behind Marketbrain OS began with Divine’s own experience of trying to make business decisions without always having the right information or analytical support readily available.

She recognised that the problem was not unique to her. Small-business owners, entrepreneurs and marketing professionals frequently have to make important decisions while juggling limited budgets, tight deadlines and competing priorities.

Some struggle to identify the right message for their customers. Others spend money promoting products before adequately evaluating their marketing approach. Many have good ideas but lack the time or resources to examine those ideas thoroughly.

Divine saw an opportunity to address part of this problem by developing tools that could help users examine their options before committing resources.

Marketbrain OS, available at www.marketbrainos.app, offers specialised tools for evaluating marketing ideas, comparing advertising messages and identifying weaknesses in landing pages and marketing materials.

Its AngleMiner X tool helps users explore marketing angles and audience motivations. TestLab Pro compares different versions of marketing messages and assesses their relative strengths, while Conversion Doctor Elite examines landing pages and marketing copy to identify potential obstacles to conversion.

The platform’s website lists 14 tools across five suites covering marketing, sales, strategy and operations. It is designed to serve individuals, small businesses, agencies and teams, with a free entry tier and a paid Pro plan.

These tools are intended to give users a more structured way to examine their marketing decisions. They do not guarantee campaign success, but they offer another layer of analysis before businesses commit time and money to execution.

For a founder concerned with efficiency, that distinction matters. The objective is to help people think through their decisions more carefully, not to suggest that technology can eliminate uncertainty from business.

Building Through the Difficult Parts

The public launch is only one part of Divine’s story. Behind the product is the less visible work of trying to turn an idea into a functioning business.

Funding is one of the realities she has had to contend with. Building also requires time-time that must be taken from other responsibilities, including family life and personal commitments. The sacrifices are not always dramatic or visible, but they accumulate through long hours, difficult choices and the pressure of keeping a project moving when resources are limited.

For Divine, perfection is an aspiration, but building a business also requires learning when to make progress, listen to feedback and continue improving. A product cannot grow if it remains hidden from the people it was created to serve.

That is why bringing Marketbrain OS into the public eye represents an important step. It opens the door to conversations with potential users, gives people an opportunity to explore the product and allows the company to learn from the businesses it hopes to help.

It also introduces Divine herself to a wider audience-not as a personality seeking attention, but as an entrepreneur asking people to examine what she has built.

The Ambition Goes Beyond Marketing

Divine’s long-term vision for Marketbrain OS is considerably larger than its current collection of tools.

She wants it to become a go-to operating system for businesses: a central destination where people can access the intelligence and resources they need to understand problems, assess opportunities and make decisions.

The ambition is to make Marketbrain OS for business what widely used digital platforms have become for other everyday needs: a familiar place people turn to when they need answers, tools and direction.

Achieving that goal will require sustained product development, dependable performance, a strong understanding of customer needs and the trust of businesses that choose to rely on the platform. It is an ambitious undertaking in a competitive market, but it gives the company a clear direction as it begins to grow.

Divine also wants access to useful business intelligence to be economically realistic. Her vision includes individuals and small teams, not only large enterprises with the budgets to engage expensive consultants or maintain extensive research departments.

That focus could become an important part of the company’s identity as it develops and learns which needs it can serve most effectively.

A Nigerian Founder Looking Beyond Borders

Divine’s journey from Lagos to Germany also reflects the increasingly international nature of entrepreneurship. Ideas can originate in one country, be developed in another and serve customers across several markets.

For Nigerian founders, this creates an opportunity to participate in the global technology economy by developing products around problems they understand and experiences they have lived.

It also brings responsibility. Ambition must be matched by delivery, and a compelling vision must eventually be supported by results. For Marketbrain OS, the next stage will be defined by how well its tools serve users, how effectively the company responds to feedback and whether it can establish a sustainable place in the market.

Divine is now inviting entrepreneurs, business owners and technology enthusiasts to discover the platform and follow its development.

Her public journey is just beginning, but the intention behind it is clear: build something useful, make it accessible to more people and keep improving it.

For a woman choosing to build in a competitive technology landscape, that is a statement of intent in itself.

Stephanie Divine is not asking the world to celebrate a finished success story. She is opening the doors to a business she believes can grow into something significant-and giving people the opportunity to be part of that journey.

Whet your wanderlust with these Pinoy globe-trotters

It was a September to remember as I had the privilege of meeting and celebrating milestones with some of the most well-traveled Filipinos who take globe-trotting to an entirely different level. They’ve elevated the usual leisure travel into a career, a record-chasing extreme sport of sort, and even a means of livelihood.

Coincidentally, September 26th of each year marks Map The Planet Day in honor of the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan and the first true circumnavigation of the earth. It’s a day global travel communities celebrate. September 27th on the other hand, is World Tourism Day, a date marked by the United Nations World Tourism Organization to highlight the value of global travel.

Meeting The Philippine Global Explorers

On September 26, 2026, during the celebration of Travelers Day in the Philippines, I finally met the key movers and members of The Philippine Global Explorers (PGE), somehow formalizing my membership in this elite organization of Filipino travelers.

As we celebrated Map The Planet Day, it was a thrill to share stories with hyper-active travelers who have a shared passion for adventure and connection.

With close to 200 official members (and hundreds more in the broader community), PGE is a community of travelers who support each other in exploring the world and harness collective experiences in service of the wider community. Its members include Filipinos who have visited all 193 sovereign member states of the United Nations-a feat completed by less than 700 people around the world, including six Filipinos or of Filipino descent.

Since it was founded in 1999, PGE continues to advocate for sustainable and responsible travel, forge collaborative partnerships with industry stakeholders, and espouse easier visa access for Philippine passport holders.

16 years of rich travel experiences from The Poor Traveler

Many years ago, Yosh Dimen and I were work colleagues. Even in the nascent years of social media and blogging in the Philippines, Yosh was already active in many platforms.

Eventually, Yosh left the corporate life and together with his now-husband Vins Carlos, founded The Poor Traveler-a blog, YouTube Channel, podcast, and online community for travel planning-helping their audience avoid mistakes and get information on must-tries and worth-it experiences with authentic and honest feedback, commentary and content.

Worth it or rethink it?

With about 70 countries and territories visited, Yosh and Vins gamely shared their thoughts on some practices of many Filipino travelers.

Travel is still a luxury. If going to other places will impact the budget for necessities and other vital expenses such as tuition and utilities, rethink that travel plan.

Rethink your eligibility for a visa. While Japan and South Korea are in the bucket lists of most Filipino travelers, these countries require a visa. Visa applications typically require bank and financial information, travel history, and may consider employment tenure. Assess whether or not you have all the requirements for a visa and if not, prepare for these before lodging an application. These include opening a bank account and sustaining account activity and building a travel history, starting with countries that offer visa-free access for Philippine passport holders.

Packing cubes are a must to keep things organized and actually saves space. It’s worth it to invest in good quality packing cubes in various sizes. A luggage strap and TSA lock are also worth adding as it helps secure your luggage and bags, especially if you leave these at a hotel concierge or baggage locker.

Rethink carry-on baggage. Even as you maximize the allowed baggage limit, know the weight even before reaching the airport. It’s a risk and a hassle to repack and remove contents of hand-carried baggage at the airport.

Rethink random decisions. Find the balance between planning an itinerary and spontaneity. Having a rough itinerary or plan will help save time and cover more ground. At the very least, do research and learn the basics such as holidays and closing times for attractions and establishments.

Rethink ignoring user-generated reviews. Sometimes, online bookings don’t mention all the information such as check-in times and where to pick-up keys. Read reviews and comments for specific instructions and other details.

Rethink timings in an itinerary. Allot ample time for getting from one place to another. Check timings and travel distances for traveling by plane, bus, train or other modes of transportation.

It’s worth it to slow the travel pace a bit and take in a place. Instead of the mad rush of taking photos and rushing to the next attraction or destination, take a few minutes to relax, feel a place and appreciate it

Rethink the budget. Add a contingency for any incidental expenses or price fluctuations. There is no room for rigidity in travel, and you must make room for flexibility.

An app that’s apt for travelers on a budget

From online content, The Poor Traveler is in the final stages of developing an app that will help in travel planning-from timely reminders on applying for a visa, make the final bookings for accommodation, and even e-travel filings.

‘There are so many questions and we personally answer each one. Because we tend to give lengthy explanations, we thought it best to put all this information in an app that you can use even without a data connection,’ said Yosh.

‘Today, AI queries tend to give suggestions that may be outdated. We want to give information based on our actual personal experience.’

‘It’s a simplified version of the TPT website-very user-friendly with travel guides and sample itineraries. You can also build your own itinerary based on our travel guide,’ Vins added.

Now on final testing, the TPT app is set to launch before year-end on both Google Play and App Store.