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President Marcos yesterday arrived from his participation in the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Malaysia, where he affirmed the Philippines’ stance on key issues, including the West Philippine Sea (WPS) row, and accepted the chairmanship of the regional bloc.

In his arrival statement, Marcos said the summit was an opportunity to discuss among ASEAN member-states and partners how to navigate the future in the face of various geopolitical and economic challenges.

‘I reaffirmed that the Philippines will continue to remain firm, calm and resolute in defending our sovereignty, our sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea in accordance with, of course, international law,’ he said.

The Philippines, Marcos said, would strengthen its partnerships with all countries that share its values and commitment to peace, stability and economic progress.

During one of the summits, Marcos discussed the harassment experienced by Filipino fisherfolk and Philippine vessels and aircraft in WPS.

Meanwhile, Marcos welcomed the social media characterization of the Philippines as the ‘chill dude’ member of the regional bloc, saying it reflects the Filipino values of hospitality and friendliness.

Yuchengco-led PetroWind Energy Inc. (PWEI), in partnership with the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), recently held a stakeholders’ orientation on conservation of threatened species found within the Northwest Panay Peninsula Natural Park (NWPPNP).

The event, which gathered representatives of local government units, partner schools, host communities, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-CENRO) and Protected Area Superintendent’s Office, is the first conservation orientation session rolled out under PWEI’s We Power CARE program.

The orientation explained the program’s four main components of conservation of threatened species, environmental awareness, restoration of degraded ecosystem and ecotourism, with a particular focus on the Visayan Hornbill (Penelopides panini) and Hennis’ Slipper Orchid (Paphiopedilum hennisianum) as conservation targets.

‘This is conservation in action,’ said Vanessa Peralta, PWEI’s VP for corporate communication. ‘It is only the start of a series of sessions that we will conduct across our We Power CARE program sites in the country. Our goal is not only to protect threatened species, but also to cultivate a network of empowered stewards who understand the science, urgency, and value of biodiversity conservation.’

The session featured species identification, habitat and population monitoring, and threat mitigation strategies that can be adopted by community-based conservation advocates.

‘Some of these species, like the Henny’s Slipper Orchid, exist only in the Philippines and Panay is one of their last remaining natural homes. Protecting them safeguards not only biodiversity but also our natural and national heritage,’ noted Prof. Arthur Glenn Umali, a flora conservation expert from UPLB.

Moreover, Dr. Anna Pauline de Guia, fauna conservation expert from UPLB, underscored the importance of supporting research and capacity building among scientists. ‘We cannot advocate for awareness without accurate information,’ Dr. de Guia emphasized. ‘To do that, we need to invest in researchers and trainings and improve research field stations to support science-based conservation efforts.’

Jose Tolinero, head teacher of Tagaroroc Integrated School in Nabas, Aklan, expressed his appreciation of the activity, saying ‘This session provided a rare opportunity to bring together the local government units, students, teachers and scientists in one venue to learn about conservation. As educators, we recognize our vital role in shaping young minds and instilling in them the value of protecting our environment. We hope that more educational materials, such as learning modules and videos, will be developed to help us teach the next generation the importance of biodiversity conservation.’

Filipino-American rookie guard Dylan Harper has made an immediate impact in his young NBA career, landing third in NBA.com’s first Kia Rookie Ladder released by senior writer Steve Aschburner.

The 19-year-old Harper is averaging 14.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game as the San Antonio Spurs remain undefeated to start the season.

‘Five-time NBA champion Ron Harper was 42 when his son Dylan was born, so we had no shot at ever seeing a LeBron/Bronny pairing on an active roster,’ Aschburner wrote. ‘But the five-time champion’s genes are alive and well in the Spurs rookie, who already looks savvy beyond his years. He ranks in the Top 5 among rookies in seven statistical categories.’

Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe leads the list, averaging 22.3 points per game, while Memphis Grizzlies rookie Cedric Coward is a surprise at No. 2 with 16.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per outing. Aschburner described Coward as ‘a potential steal of the draft.’

Top overall pick Cooper Flagg of the Dallas Mavericks ranked fourth, posting 13 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists through four games. The Mavericks have struggled early with a 1-3 record as Flagg adjusts to the pro level.

Harper, meanwhile, is third among rookies in assists and fourth in scoring and rebounding, providing steady production while the Spurs wait for All-Star guard De’Aaron Fox to return from a right hamstring injury.

‘Not limiting myself to one thing, just trying to be all around,’ Harper said.

The rookie looked like a seasoned veteran during his home debut in San Antonio on Sunday (Monday Manila time), exploding for 20 points, eight assists, and six rebounds in just 29 minutes on an efficient 8-of-11 shooting. The Spurs won 118-107 against the Brooklyn Nets.

‘We’ve done a good job just watching film,’ Harper said. ‘They’re sitting me down, telling me what I need to correct . it’s just basketball at this point.’

Harper’s poise and versatility have drawn praise from analysts, who believe his rapid rise could create lineup challenges for San Antonio’s roulette of ultra-talented guards.

‘There’s a chance that, based on the data we have, Harper and Castle are a little farther along than anticipated,’ The Ringer’s Zach Lowe said. ‘That makes the De’Aaron Fox situation – I would classify it as a good problem to have for San Antonio. Awkward potentially in six months, but good right now.’

Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor added that the Spurs will eventually face a difficult decision on how to manage their guard depth.

‘Yes, without a doubt. But Fox can’t be traded until February 4, so there will be a long evaluation period to see how all three guards operate together,’ O’Connor said, referring to Harper, Fox, and last year’s Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle. ‘I’ve long felt one of them will have to go, but the Spurs will have time to find out. What’s clear is that Castle got better and Harper is already way ahead of schedule.’

Overseas Filipinos could soon send money home faster and at a lower cost as digital wallet platform Coins.ph and global remittance provider BCRemit announced a new partnership that will use stablecoin technology to power cross-border transfers starting Nov. 1.

The collaboration allows Filipinos in the United Kingdom, the European Union, the United States and Canada to remit funds instantly to the Philippines, cutting fees by as much as 80 percent compared to traditional channels that typically charge five to 10 percent in transaction costs and take several days to complete.

‘This collaboration with BCRemit completely aligns with the company’s mission to make innovative digital finance accessible to every Filipino,’ Coins.ph CEO Wei Zhou said in a statement.

‘By integrating stablecoin rails into remittances, we’re unlocking near real-time, low-cost transfers that give overseas Filipinos and their families more value, transparency and financial freedom.’

Through this new stablecoin-powered payment corridor, money sent from abroad is first converted into a stablecoin such as USDC or USDT, digital currencies pegged to the dollar.

The stablecoin is then transmitted over a blockchain network before being converted back into pesos by Coins.ph and deposited directly into the recipient’s account. The process bypasses several banking intermediaries, enabling near real-time transfers and allowing recipients to get more from every remittance.

BCRemit founder and CEO Oliver Calma said the partnership directly addresses the needs of millions of Filipino workers and their families abroad, particularly in regions with large Filipino communities.

‘Millions of Filipino workers and their families across the UK, Europe, the US, and Canada deserve a remittance solution that matches the speed and efficiency of the modern digital economy,’ Calma said.

‘Our partnership with Coins.ph is delivering just that: a new stablecoin-powered rail that instantly benefits these millions.’

Both firms emphasized that the service is built on a foundation of regulatory compliance. Coins.ph is licensed by the Philippine central bank as a virtual currency exchange and electronic money issuer, while BCRemit is authorized to operate as a money service business.

The companies also plan to expand the partnership next year with a QR payment collection feature, allowing Filipinos to make outbound payments from the Philippines to the UK, Europe, the US and Canada.

‘Looking ahead, the planned integration of QR-Payment Collection early next year will be a huge leap, enabling not only inbound flows but also outbound remittances, truly creating a full financial bridge that keeps more hard-earned money in the hands of Filipino families,’ Calma added.

Founded in 2014, Coins.ph is a cryptocurrency exchange offering digital payments, trading and remittance services. BCRemit, based in London, provides digital cross-border money transfers to Filipino and other diaspora markets, leveraging technology to make global remittances faster and more affordable.

An analyst at Global Source Partners Inc. cautioned that the possibility of another interest rate cut is adding uncertainty and pressure on the Philippine market.

Noting that the depreciation of the peso is not surprising, Diwa Guinigundo said the prospect of further interest rate cuts has raised concerns among business owners, with some warning that lower rates could prompt investors to move their capital abroad in search of better returns.

‘You know, our country still has limited capital or investment. That is why the Philippines continues to rely on foreign investments coming in,’ Guinigundo, a former deputy governor at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), said in a radio program yesterday.

The peso weakened for the 10th consecutive trading day, closing at 59.13 against the dollar on Tuesday, its lowest level on record, as market worries over slowing economic growth and potential monetary easing persisted.

The BSP previously reduced its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 4.75 percent, which represents the lowest since September 2022. The Monetary Board also reduced the interest rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities to 4.25 percent and 5.25 percent, respectively.

‘They still plan to lower it, which has become a concern for many business owners. They are saying that if interest rates in the Philippines continue to drop, what else can I gain here? I might as well go to America or invest elsewhere,’ Guinigundo said.

According to Guinigundo, the peso’s decline was partly driven by political uncertainties, noting that despite allegations of wrongdoing and reports of illicit transactions, no one has been charged or held accountable months after the controversies surfaced.

‘The non-fundamental factor here is political uncertainty. When investors or business owners in the Philippines see that there is bad governance, where almost 30 to 40 percent of the national budget ends up in the pockets of some politicians and contractors,’ Guinigundo said.

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto has estimated that economic losses from corruption in flood control projects may have averaged between P42.3 billion to P118.5 billion annually from 2023 to 2025.

Without these losses, Recto said the economy could have expanded by as much as six percent, and the potential number of jobs created could have ranged from 95,000 to 266,000, essentially enough to boost economic activity.

A couple had quite the precious surprise after “Lord of the Rings” star Elijah Wood unexpectedly showed up at their hobbit-themed wedding in New Zealand.

Wood was in New Zealand for the Armageddon Expo with franchise co-star Andy Serkis when he paid a visit to the Hobbiton set in Matamata, where scenes of the “Lord of the Rings” franchise were shot over two decades ago.

The location has since become a tourist attraction and even a site for fans to have their nuptials, which was the case when Wood came across an intimate wedding taking place.

Social media accounts for the Hobbiton attraction show a casually-dressed Wood appear behind wedding guests who were all wearing hobbit attires.

“Oh my God!” the groom exclaimed upon seeing Wood, who approached the couple to congratulate them just as “Concerning Hobbits” – a music track from the films – played in the background.

The actor posed for pictures with the couple, the ceremony’s presider, and a photographer before commending everyone’s commitment to the theme.

“This is amazing, and everyone is dressed as hobbits!” said Wood, who played Frodo Baggins in the popular franchise.

Thirty-nine (39) Hobbit Holes were dug across 12 acres of land in Matamata for the production of “Lord of the Rings,” which was based on the books by J.R.R. Tolkien.

By the end of filming, 17 Hobbit Holes were left standing and ultimately became a popular tourist attraction. These were again used as a set for “The Hobbit” movies with more Hobbit Holes constructed.

A back-to-back victory is a rare feat in pageantry.

And though few and far between, it happens once in a while – the latest being the Philippines’ historic back-to-back feat at the recently-concluded Miss Grand International competition.

With Australia winning the title as 2024 Miss Earth, Philstar.com asked this year’s delegate, Alexa Roder, if her country is ready to achieve a back-to-back win.

“Australia would love to achieve a back-to-back victory. I am ready to take on the responsibility from my compatriot Jessica Lane,” said Alexa. “As a Law graduate, I would partner with an Australian law firm that specializes on environmental work. My Law degree made me understand about reforms.

The beauty queen commended Australians as strong pageant contenders, praising her predecessor’s connection with global audiences and sharing her own advocacy centered on food production and caring for Indigenous people.

The Filipino-Australian was chosen as the Bronze medalist as Darling of the Press during a media presentation alongside Ghana’s Cheri Nana Ama Asher Ayisi (Gold medalist) and Belize’s Paris Cawich (Silver medalist).

Alexa just completed her academic requirements for her Bachelor of Laws, with Honors at the Queensland University of Technology and will be dabble in Corporate and Environmental Space upon commencing her legal profession.

“There’s a place and time to what needs to be done. I enjoy being an environmental advocate as I deeply care for Mother Nature,” Alexa continued. “I grew up in a small coastal town in Australia called Yeppoon. It’s where you’ll feel the waves, the sand, as well as hear the laughter of children playing on the beachfront.”

She calls her mom, also a lawyer, her inspiration for joining pageantry and growing, “Growing up with a Filipino mom made me see all the Filipina queens that you somehow wanted to be like them.”

It comes as no surprise that a fellow Filipino-Australian is another inspiration for Alexa, “Catriona Gray resonates the most with me. She has the bigger purpose and her resilience is awe-inspiring.”

The Davao-born beauty queen shared a time she experienced an earthquake in the province, something she never gets in Australia as it isn’t on a tectonic plate.

“My hometown is far from the snow-capped mountains where the winters are. Our town is hot, that’s why I dream about a white Christmas,” ended Alexa.

Jennifer Lane of Australia is the reigning Miss Earth winner. Her victory last year catapulted Australia into the circle of pageant powerhouses that include Venezuela, the Philippines, USA, Puerto Rico, and Brazil.

She will relinquish her crown to the new Miss Earth titleholder on November 5 at the Okada Manila. Among the hopefuls is the Philippines’ own Joy Barcoma. Stay tuned!

As thousands of Filipinos are expected to travel to the provinces for Undas this long weekend, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has urged the public to stay vigilant against fraudulent Airbnb listings and ‘rent-tangay’ vehicle rental scams.

PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño urged people to be cautious of houses and vehicles offered online at unusually low prices, warning that these may be scams.

‘If it’s too good to be true, it probably is. This means that if the offer is too cheap, it’s likely a scam,’ Tuaño said during a media forum organized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government on Tuesday.

The PNP has intensified its public information campaign to warn travelers against fraudulent rental transactions.

It has also begun deploying police officers ahead of the expected surge of travelers and cemetery visitors during the observance of Undas.

‘This proactive measure aims to ensure smoother coordination and preparedness before the expected influx of travelers later this week,’ acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement.

Police units across the country were placed on heightened alert status yesterday until Nov. 3 to maximize visibility as people visit cemeteries, columbaria and memorial parks to honor their departed loved ones.

Under Oplan Ligtas Undas 2025, more than 50,253 police officers have been deployed nationwide to implement security and public safety measures – over double the 21,000 personnel mobilized during last year’s observance.

With large crowds anticipated in cemeteries, transport terminals and major roads, Nartatez ordered police commanders to strengthen their presence on the ground.

‘My directive is to ensure that our countrymen feel the presence of the police – not to intimidate, but to reassure,’ he said.

‘Protect kids, elderly’

Meanwhile, the Department of Health has urged the public to protect young children and the elderly from flu and other respiratory illnesses.

‘Young people and senior citizens are the most commonly affected by flu during gatherings. They are also more likely to experience complications from these diseases,’ the DOH noted.

To prevent flu-like and respiratory infections, the DOH advised ensuring adequate water intake for both children and the elderly, wearing face masks and washing hands frequently.

The agency also reminded the elderly to stay home if they experience flu symptoms, while children are encouraged to avoid crowded areas such as cemeteries.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) urged the public to visit their nearest Yaman ng Kalusugan Program para Malayo sa Sakit (YAKAP) clinics at the first sign of flu-like symptoms.

‘We encourage everyone to avail their PhilHealth YAKAP benefit. Let us not wait for the cough, fever or cold to worsen,’ PhilHealth president and chief executive officer Edwin Mercado said.

PhilHealth, according to Mercado, covers consultations, essential medicines and laboratory tests, if recommended by the primary care physician in YAKAP clinics.

He added that PhilHealth provides an influenza case rate package of P12,870 for patients requiring hospitalization.

An outpatient emergency case benefit is also available for those brought to the emergency room and classified as emergent or critical cases.

‘Pray for the departed’

Filipinos are reminded of the spiritual significance of the weeklong commemoration.

Laoag Bishop Renato Mayugba said that offering prayers for the deceased from Nov. 1 to 8 could grant plenary indulgence for departed loved ones.

‘On these days we can apply plenary indulgences for our beloved dead when we visit our cemeteries or when we pray for our beloved dead in our parish churches. Praying for our beloved dead has been revealed as a most praiseworthy work of charity,’ he said in his two-page circular titled ‘Call to Holiness.’

Aside from prayers, the faithful are also urged to offer masses and light candles for the dead as symbols of faith and eternal life.

Travel surge

To accommodate the surge of travelers during the Undas break and the upcoming Christmas season, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) is ramping up its manpower at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and other major airports nationwide.

BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said the number of passengers is expected to peak today and Friday, reaching around 50,000 to 55,000 daily departures due to the long weekend.

She noted that this year’s travel figures reflect a steady increase compared to last year’s 49,000 to 59,000 peak, as many Filipinos are eager to travel abroad, while overseas Filipino workers are returning home to celebrate the holidays.

To ensure smooth processing amid the influx, immigration officers have been deployed in full force, with mobile counters set up to expedite document checks and passenger movement at international ports, particularly NAIA.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the bureau has opened applications for additional Immigration officer positions to strengthen frontline services at international ports of entry and exit.

‘This initiative ensures that we have adequate manpower to provide faster and more efficient immigration services during the peak travel season,’ he said.

Viado added that successful applicants will undergo intensive training at the Philippine Immigration Academy in Clark, covering immigration laws, arrival and departure procedures, document inspection and national security enforcement before deployment.

Newly trained officers will then be assigned to various airports and offices across the country.

The recruitment drive is part of the BI’s ‘Bagong Immigration’ initiative, which aims to modernize and enhance the bureau’s efficiency in managing high travel demand during peak seasons.

Security Bank Corp. has raised P21 billion from the issuance of peso bonds due 2030 amid strong investor demand, marking the lender’s largest bond offering to date.

The bonds, carrying a fixed rate of six percent per annum with a five-year tenor, were listed yesterday on the Philippine Dealing and Exchange Corp.

‘Strong investor demand prompted the bank to exercise its oversubscription option, accepting well above the initial P5 billion target,’ Security Bank said in a regulatory filing.

Proceeds from the issuance will be used to diversify the bank’s funding sources and support its lending activities across key sectors.

‘We’re grateful for the market’s confidence,’ Security Bank executive vice president and financial markets segment head Jim Yap said.

‘This successful issuance reaffirms investor trust in our strategy and strengthens our ability to fund growth while delivering on our BetterBanking promise,’ he said.

Security Bank Capital Investment Corp. and Philippine Commercial Capital Inc. acted as joint lead arrangers and selling agents for the transaction.

The latest fund-raising activity supports the bank’s strategy to expand lending capacity while maintaining a stable funding base amid a competitive market environment.

The income of Security Bank Corp. rose by eight percent to P5.9 billion in the first half on the back of double-digit revenue gains and robust loan growth. As of June 30, Security Bank had total assets of P1.15 trillion.

Last month, the bank announced that it has tapped seasoned Singaporean banker Victor Lee Meng Teck as its next president and chief executive officer, marking a key leadership transition for the 74-year-old lender.

Lee will formally assume the top post in early January 2026, pending completion of his work permit, visa and other regulatory requirements.

He will succeed Sanjiv Vohra, who will continue to lead Security Bank until the transition and will thereafter serve as senior advisor to the board.

Established in 1951, the bank has been operating for 74 years and currently has 363 branches and 637 ATMs, cash recycler machines and cash acceptance machines nationwide.

With Filipinos tired of the government’s slow-paced flood control inquiry, Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco has filed a bill that grants more powers to a panel tasked with probing anomalous infrastructure deals nationwide.

House Bill 5699 seeks to create the Independent Commission Against Infrastructure Corruption.

The ICAIC will have the power to file cases, issue subpoenas and seek preventive suspensions and hold departure orders against officials suspected of corruption.

‘We are also giving it power to. apply in court to recover and sequester properties,’ Tiangco said.

‘In past hearings, we saw the limitations in the powers of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure to investigate. They have no power to issue contempt when those issued with subpoenas did not attend,’ he noted.

Findings and recommendations of the ICAIC will aid the ombudsman and Department of Justice in case build-up, Tiangco said.

‘This is to ensure that cases filed in court will be successfully prosecuted and that convictions will be obtained,’ he asserted.

At the Senate, Sen.Francis Pangilinan has filed a bill proposing the creation of an Independent People’s Commission, which will have the power to issue subpoenas and cite in contempt those who ignore the summons.