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Why Michelle Dee, Aubrey Miles, Troy Montero choose to staycation in this Makati penthouse

There was a time when the “bakasyon” meant only one thing – leave home and go to a place to experience a change in scenery.

But times have changed. People are opting to have staycations rather than go on vacation in the province or abroad.

In the busy part of Makati, there is relatively new place called Alpaca Lemon Penthouse, a spacious five-bedroom apartment (each with their own bathtub) that provides guests with business or leisure stay options.

The Penthouse’s founder Lorren Dianne Ramel-Kriso bought the Makati unit in 2023 after marrying her husband Daniel.

Its name comes from two lifelong symbols of peace: alpacas, adored for their softness and grounding presence, and lemons, a superfood known for cleansing, brightness, and emotional anchoring.

Guests are welcomed with thoughtful rituals, homemade canapés, organic refreshments, cold towels with essential oil upon arrival, eco-organic cleaning, and butler-style care.

The pet-friendly Penthouse also has six toilets, an office room with sofa beds, sleeping capacity for up to 12 guests, and event capacity for up to 20 people.

Among the celebrities who’ve visited Alpaca are couple Aubrey Miles and Troy Montero, Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Michelle Dee, comedienne-beauty queen Herlene Nicole Budol, and models Juul Missiaen and Simon Javier.

“My childhood trauma after losing my father, health struggles, misdiagnoses, near-death in an ICU and the miracle of survival – they inspired me,” shared Lorren. “So, Alpaca Lemon my dream safe place is now here and open for others.”

Also a creative entrepreneur and a wellness advocate, Lorren is also building OOMI, The Healing Cave in Bali – a hollistic spa and bathouse featuring therapeutic baths, healing domes, movement studios, non-toxic beauty rituals and a wellness cafe.

She also wants to bring OOMI in Manila and eventually create an Alpaca Lemon Farmhouse in Nusa Penida, Indonesia where people can reconnect with animals, gardens, nature, and real alpacas and lemon trees.

Daniel meanwhile is currently building hotels and resorts in East Bali which is now nearing completion. One resort will soon open its doors, and the couple is now preparing to bring its concept to the Philippines.

“This project is close to our hearts as it reflects the same vision of creating soulful spaces, rooted in nature and designed to welcome travelers all over the world,” ended Lorren.

Tigers rebound, rip Red Warriors

A few days ago, University of Santo Tomas was sent back to earth with their first loss in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament.

The Growling Tigers regained their winning touch after clawing the University of the East Red Warriors, 111-99, in their elimination round matchup Saturday afternoon at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.

After winning their first two games, the Espana-based squad hit a brick wall against the still-undefeated National University Bulldogs on Wednesday.

This Saturday, though, the Tigers heated up in the second half and left the Red Warriors in the rearview mirror to win their third contest in four contests, while keeping their opponents winless.

Nic Cabanero paced UST with 22 points and eight assists, to go with three rebounds and two steals. Collins Akowe and Forth Padrigao chipped in 18 markers apiece. The former added 17 boards and three swats, while the latter tallied six dimes, six steals and three boards.

The Tigers were leading by just four, 59-55, at the half after a buzzer-beating 3-pointer by Padrigao.

They waxed hot in the third quarter with a 13-3 run within a five-minute stretch to take a 72-58 lead.

UST’s advantage grew to as much as 20 points, 100-80, after a Cabanero 3-pointer.

UE tried to storm back and sliced the deficit to 11, 93-104, with about two minutes remaining, but finishing touches by Cabanero, Padrigao and Amiel Acido iced the game.

Acido and Mark Llemit produced 11 points apiece for the Tigers, who were the first team to breach 100 points in the season.

John Abate led UE with 27 points on 12-of-21 shooting to go with seven assists. Drayton Caoile, who had 15 points in the first quarter, finished with 23.

Barbie Forteza, Melai Cantiveros donate P100,000 for Cebu earthquake aid

Kapuso actress Barbie Forteza and host-comedienne Melai Cantiveros-Francisco have chipped in P100,000 each to help victims of the recent earthquake that struck Cebu.

A 6.9 earthquake hit Cebu last September 30, with aftershocks the last couple of days, resulting in hundreds of injuries and several fatalities.

Save the Children Philippines shared online that Barbie, who has been an ambassador of the non-governmental organization since last year, donated the amount to aid in the group’s cause supporting urgent relief and children’s education.

The organization also posted a social card featuring a statement by Barbie, who said that “children have the right to protection and education, even in the most difficult circumstances.”

“I hope more people will come together to support the children of Northern Cebu, because they deserve to feel safe, cared for, and hopeful again,” Barbie added.

Both Barbie and Save the Children Philippines are still calling on the public to help children in need.

Bisaya content creator Randolph Valmoria, also known as Run Dolph Vibes, shared on Facebook that Melai had donated P100,000 to the fundraising they were a part of.

Randolph shared the message Melai sent them for transparency, and called on others doing fundraising to do the same and not be fooled by corrupt politicians.

The creator also thanked Melai for her humility and generosity, dating back to when Randolph was organizing relief operations during the pandemic.

Oil prices fall as OPEC plans to produce more

The world oil market is facing a shock as OPEC plans to increase oil production. Oil prices fell again on Thursday, marking the fourth straight day of decline.

Brent crude dropped to its lowest level since early June, as traders worried about too much oil in the market.

Sources say OPEC+ may agree to raise production by as much as 500,000 barrels per day in November three times more than the increase for October. Saudi Arabia is reportedly leading this move to regain its share of the market.

Jorge Montepeque, Managing Director of Onyx Capital Group, said some banks, including Macquarie, are warning of a possible ‘super glut’ meaning there could be far more oil than needed, which is lowering market confidence.

Meanwhile, the finance ministers of the G7 countries said on Wednesday they plan to increase pressure on Russia by targeting those who keep buying Russian oil.

The United States also plans to give Ukraine intelligence to help with long-range missile strikes on Russian energy sites. According to officials, this will help Ukraine attack refineries, pipelines, and other key facilities to cut Russia’s oil revenue.

UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo said there are renewed concerns that Russian oil supplies could be disrupted. However, he added that unless actual disruptions occur, the effect on oil prices will likely be small.

Death toll in Cebu quake rises to 70 – NDRRMC

The number of individuals who died from the major earthquake in Cebu has reached 70, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported on Saturday.

In its latest update, NDRRMC said almost half, or 32, of the fatalities were from Bogo City, Cebu, the epicenter of the magnitude 6.9 quake that struck on the night of September 30.

Meanwhile, 15 deaths were recorded in San Remegio, 14 in Medellin, six in Tabogon, and one each in Sogod, Tabuelan, and Borbon, Cebu.

NDRRMC likewise said 559 individuals in the province sustained injuries due to the tremor.

It was around 10 p.m. on September 30 when the quake struck in Cebu, one of the deadliest natural disasters to hit the province in recent history.

Following the quake, more than 5,000 aftershocks-ranging in magnitude from 1 to 5.1-have been recorded as of Saturday. /mr

Pagasa forecasts thunderstorms in Metro Manila, nearby provinces

Metro Manila and some nearby provinces are expected to experience cloudy skies with rain showers and thunderstorms, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration on Saturday morning, October 4.

In its latest 24-hour weather forecast, Pagasa reported that Metro Manila will also experience moderate winds blowing from the south to southeast, with Manila Bay waters expected to be moderate.

Similarly, Laoag City, Baguio City, Clark Zone, Olongapo, Tagaytay City, and Lipa can expect the same weather conditions. Subic Bay’s coastal waters will also be moderate.

In other parts of the country, partly cloudy to at times cloudy skies with rain showers and thunderstorms might be experienced in Legazpi City, Puerto Princesa City, Kalayaan Group of Islands, Bacolod City, Iloilo City, Metro Cebu, Tacloban City, Cagayan de Oro City, Valencia City, Metro Davao, Zamboanga City, and Tuguegarao City.

Meanwhile, the rainfall warning over Bataan and Zambales due to severe tropical storm Paolo is now terminated.

In a separate advisory, Pagasa said that threats of storm surge over the Philippine coastal areas have ceased as Paolo’s maximum winds moved farther offshore. However, wind-driven waves may still affect low-lying coastal communities.

Paolo has exited the Philippine area of responsibility as of Saturday morning, but Pagasa reported that they are monitoring a new low-pressure area that has a medium chance of developing into a tropical depression outside of PAR within the next 24 hours. /das

Agusan del Sur athlete shines in endurance tilt in Thailand

Leaders of Agusan del Sur province hailed a local athlete for a recent triumph in the international arena, providing inspiration for aspiring ones to emulate.

In separate statements, House Representatives Adolph Edward Plaza and Alfel Bascug, and Governor Santiago Cane hoped that Elias Tabac’s glory at the 2025 Spartan Thailand Trifecta Series in Chiang Mai last Sept. 28 would attract more young people to embrace athletics.

Tabac, the pride of Barangay Calaitan in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur, clinched a historic silver medal in Chiang Mai. Tabac, who represented the Philippines, placed second in the grueling Super 10K race, finishing behind the Italian champion. The Spartan series is regarded worldwide as one of the toughest endurance competitions, combining long-distance running with obstacle challenges.

He was earlier regarded as ‘Spartan King’ after conquering Leg 3 of the 2025 Spartan Philippines National Series on August 2 at The Trails, Nuvali in Laguna. The Agusan del Sur native is no stranger to international triumphs. In 2021, he conquered the World’s Highest Obstacle Course Race at the crater of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania-a feat verified by Guinness World Records. He completed the high-altitude event in one hour and 15 minutes.

At home, Tabac serves as athletics coach for Agusan del Sur, whose athletes dominated the 2025 Caraga Regional Athletic Games. They are now preparing for the 2026 Palarong Pambansa, set to be hosted at the newly built Datu Lipus Makapandong Sports Complex in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. Tabac dedicated his silver finish to his athletes and their families, while expressing gratitude for the support of Cane, Plaza, and Bascug.

Rice safeguards needed for survival

Since our rice industry is in a crisis, with our farmers losing their incomes as never before, the Department of Agriculture (DA) must now totally support the possibility of safeguards for our rice farmers’ survival. This will enable our farmers to once again earn an income as well as produce the rice we need for our own food security.

Last Sept. 2, the International Trade Committee of the public-private Philippine Council of Agriculture and Food (PCAF) unanimously approved the following resolution: to restore immediately the current 15 percent tariff on imported rice to 35 percent, and explore a higher tariff rate to adequately protect our rice farmers.

The request for a Tariff Commission hearing on an increased rice tariff was likewise approved. However, Raul Montemayor of the Federation of Free Farmers (FFF) stated that this would take time. He suggested that other methods be used because our farmers were suffering too much.

Alyansa Agrikultura had previously written to the Tariff Commission for a hearing on raising the rice tariff. To date, there has been no positive response.

Last Sept. 29, Montemayor, acting as the FFF national manager, filed a petition for safeguard measures. He was joined by Argel Joseph Cabatbat, acting as the chair of the Magsasaka Partylist.

Safeguard measures

I first learned about safeguard measures when I was chair of the Technical Working Group of the Cabinet-level Committee on Tariffs and Safeguard Measures. When I became president of the Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines and the Asean Federation of Cement Manufacturers, we requested safeguard measures to protect the cement industry for its survival.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) further helped us by filing the safeguard measure ‘motu proprio.’ This means that ‘the action is initiated voluntarily by the authority itself.’ Therefore, the cement manufacturers would be significantly helped by the DTI.

What resulted was more complete data, much faster action and increased credibility. When the petition was submitted to the Tariff Commission, the safeguard was granted.

What is a safeguard in international trade terms? It is a temporary restriction that a country applies on imports of a certain product to protect an industry from serious injury (or such a threat) because of an import surge. This can take the form of an additional tariff. This is exactly what our rice farmers need now.

History

In 2019, the Philippines had to comply with its Worlf Trade Organization commitment to stop the quantitative restriction of rice imports. Instead, a 35-percent tariff was imposed.

At that time, both the Alyansa Agrikultura and the FFF filed separate petitions to the DA for a safeguard measure which would increase the rice tariff. This was because 35 percent was too low and would significantly harm our rice farmers.

Both petitions did not get even a response from the DA. As a result, though rice retail prices decreased by only 2 percent from its normal level, our rice farmers lost 23 percent of their income.

To make matters worse, when the government further brought this rate down to 15 percent in July 2024, the rice farmers suffered even more. Asking for the rice safeguard now is imperative. It meets the three conditions for a safeguard to be valid.

Three conditions

First, for evidence of an import surge, we used to import approximately one million tons a year. In 2025. We imported three million tons. In fact, the import volume we have this year is 5.4 million tons. This is double the 2.65 million rice supply gap stated by the Department of Economy, Planning and Development.

Second, for damage to industry, this is abundantly clear. For the first time, the average production cost per kilo is less than the farm-gate price. That means loss rather than profit. The cost is P14.28 a kilo, while the selling price is P11 a kilo. The damage has been disastrous.

Third, regarding the import surge being the cause for the damage to the rice industry, the landed import price forced the farmers to sell their palay at a much lower price. That is, to be able to compete with the cheap imported rice, as a result of the very low 15 percent tariff.

DA should not only review carefully the safeguard petition filed by Montemayor and Cabatbat. In addition, the DTI must consider using the more effective and much faster motu proprio mode. If the DTI used motu proprio to help the cement industry survive, the DA must do its own investigation, speed up the process and file a motu propio petition if the information they speedily collect warrants it. INQ

Cinemalaya opens 21st edition calling for accountability, more gov’t support

The 21st edition of the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival is now underway, finding a new home this year at the Shangri-la Plaza mall in Mandaluyong.

With Cinemalaya’s main home the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) still in renovation, the renowned festival has been shifting locations the past couple years, setting up shop in the Philippine International Convention Center and Parañaque’s Ayala Malls Manila Bay.

Shangri-la Plaza hosted the festival’s opening ceremony last October 3 ahead of 10 days of screenings, an honor it shares with select cinemas across Metro Manila including Gateway Cineplex and U.P. Town Center.

Actress-singer Julia Clarete, Directors Showcase Best Supporting Actress winner of Cinemalaya 2011 for “Bisperas,” hosted the ceremony which culminated in a screening of Indian film “Ha Lyngkha Bneng (The Elysian Field)” by Pradip Kurbah.

This year’s edition bears the theme “Layag sa Alon, Hangin, at Unos” which CCP president Kaye Tinga said reflects how festival entries “capture movements to moments in space and time.”

Deputy festival director Tess Rances noted in her speech that five of last year’s entries, led by Best film winner “Tumandok” and Special Jury Prize winner “Alipato at Muog,” received numerous accolades in different competitions.

“While millions of taxpayers are skimmed by politicians who are supposed to be in service of them, artists scrape the bottom of the pot to bring their ideas to life,” said Rances, taking a dig at lawmakers recenty tagged in corruption.

Rances urged the government to allocate funds for the arts, particularly for programs dedicated to film, “Laban po lahat ang korupsyon at suportahan ang sining.”

Veteran actress and Cinemalaya Foundation president Laurice Guillen, in formally opening this festival’s edition, noted in her own speech that 197 films by 165 filmmakers have been screened since Cinemalaya began back in 2005.

Echoing Rances’ words, Guillen recalled how National Artists Lino Brocka and Ishmael Bernal reflected Philippine society in their films during 1970s and 1980s.

Guillen said Bernal’s films, regardless of genre investigated the human condition and articulated such through his characters while noting that Brocka described the injustices of his time as “madness” and his characters “fought against all odds to bring sanity back in a world gone mad.”

“Every voice can bring hope, every voice that believes in the triumph of the human spirit is a spark that can bring change,” Guillen ended. “That is the challenge for the creative industry, for our filmmakers, and for Cinemalaya.”

The 21st Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival runs until Oct. 12, 2025.

Aboitiz-Vivant-Vena JV to build Northern Samar transmission assets

Lihangin Wind Energy Corp. (LWEC) will build point-to-point transmission facilities to directly connect its wind park in Northern Samar to the power grid.

LWEC secured on Thursday the Energy Regulatory Commission’s approval of its proposed project. That is, to develop its own point-to-point transmission facilities for its 206.25-megawatt San Isidro Wind Power Project in Northern Samar.

LWEC is a joint venture of Aboitiz Renewables Inc., Vivant Energy Corp. and Singapore-based Vena Energy.

The facilities would be linked to the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines’ (NGCP) Calbayog substation. However, NGCP will operate and maintain these facilities.

LWEC said building the transmission assets was necessary to supply the grid system with added power.

Online by February 2026

The firm tapped Powerchina Philippines Corp. as its engineering, procurement and construction contractor for the said planned transmission facilities.

The wind park is designed to have 33 wind turbine generators, with commercial operation expected by February 2026.

‘LWEC is one with Department of Energy’s vision of boosting the generation of electricity from renewable sources and reducing the environmental impact brought by the use of traditional fossil fuels,’ it said in a separate document.

The group also said that the timely completion and operation of the wind project could jack up the Visayas’ electricity needs. The grid was placed under ‘yellow’ and ‘red’ alert ‘several times’ last year due to thin reserve margins.

In a yellow alert, the power supply can still meet demand, but it will serve as a warning that when a plant breaks down one way or another, it will result in brownouts.

A red alert, meanwhile, means that supply is no longer sufficient to meet demand. Brownouts could happen if demand is not managed. INQ