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For the first time in its corporate history – DoubleDragon Corporation’s core revenue in the first 9 months of 2026 reaches ?20.78 Billion pesos.This Total Revenues comprised of pure 100% core revenues (with zero revaluation gains).

For the first time DD’s Foreign Currency revenues contributed majority or 59.03% of its quarterly total Core Revenues as the global expansion of its novel and unique Hotel101 prop-tech business model began to gain significant momentum in various countries.

DD’s subsidiary Hotel101 Global made a significant leap forward after it has opened its fully sold out perfected global prototype in Madrid Spain with 680 operating rooms

Hotel101 Global’s business model generates revenues and income twice, firstly from sale of units, and secondly generates recurring revenues from hotel operations

DoubleDragon Corporation is expected to become one of the major US Dollar currency inflow generator to the Philippine economy

DD’s core revenues both in the Philippines and Overseas continue to jump up after many years that the DD team have passionately planted and

diligently nurtured the right hard assets in the right places, and by carefully innovating the nuts and bolts of its business lines in the past several years, and the durable trees now positioned in the Philippines and abroad are now starting to produce recurring valuable fruits

DoubleDragon’s Core Net Income for the first nine months of 2026 increased by 253.59% year-on-year to ?3.91 Billion

Notably, DoubleDragon continues to demonstrate a significant acceleration in its core operating performance, with the Company’s third-quarter results reflecting a substantial increase in revenues and earnings. This marks a significant milestone in the Company’s continuing transition towards recurring and core operating revenues in the Philippine operations and globally

As of September 30, 2026, DoubleDragon’s Total Assets reached ?256.82 Billion, increasing by ?31.56 Billion from ?225.26 Billion as of December 31, 2025

Total Equity reached ?107.02 Billion as of September 30, 2026, increasing by ?5.41 Billion from year-end 2025

Worth noting too that DoubleDragon is one of the – if not the only listed investment holding company with business in the property sector that do not have any ongoing residential condominium project under development in its portfolio. DD also do not have any exposure to the large BPO locators

DoubleDragon’s Consolidated Revenues for the first nine months of 2026 reaches ?20.78 Billion, about double or 98.76% higher than the same period last year

DoubleDragon’s Core Revenues for the first 9 months of 2026 reaches ?20.78 Billion, increasing by 143.65% versus the same period last year

DoubleDragon’s Net Income for the third quarter of 2026 reaches ?1.13 Billion, increasing more than 6 folds from ?183.67 Million in the same period last year

This strategy aligns with Hotel101 Global’s disciplined, asset-light, prop-tech hospitality model and supports the Company’s ultimate vision of developing one million standardized rooms across more than 100 countries, with the goal of becoming the world’s largest single-brand hotel chain

DD has generated significant increase in its core revenues and core income, and DD expects an even higher jump in its core revenues by the second half of this year 2026, driven by the continued generation of core revenues from its leasing portfolios, new mall openings, new warehouses, new office tenants, new MerryMart supermarkets and mainly from the expected new unit sales from Hotel101 projects in the Philippines and from several countries overseas

DoubleDragon Group continues to tap various capital initiatives to further strengthen its balance sheet and boost its overall progress towards its 2035 Vision

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To date, DoubleDragon is the first and only Filipino company that has a subsidiary listed

on the U.S. NASDAQ Stock Exchange, enabling DoubleDragon to gain access to the deep capital markets in the United States for its pipeline of equity and capital raises

DoubleDragon believes that gone are the days when Philippine companies bring in foreign brands and concepts to the Philippines or copying what works abroad to the Philippine market, but rather developing a truly unique and differentiated branded business models in the Philippines and then export it to the rest of the world would have a far larger and lasting positive impact to the Philippine economy

The DoubleDragon team is committed to put in the necessary hard work, entrepreneurial grit and perseverance towards this vision and eventually aims to make Hotel101 a truly global brand operating in various jurisdictions worldwide, and eventually bring a pinch of pride and honor to our fellow Filipino countrymen.

Given this trajectory, DoubleDragon Corporation is expected to achieve its ?500 Billion Total Core Revenue goal ahead of time before its 2035 target

Established in 1987, the party-list system was designed to correct a Congress dominated by the wealthy elite. The Constitution and Republic Act 7941 envisioned a chamber where farmers, fisherfolk, workers, and the urban poor could send their own to Manila. Four decades later, that vision has been hijacked. Election watchdog Kontra Daya and the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism have found that over half of party-list representatives come from political dynasties, business clans, or the uniformed services-not from the grassroots.

This is the logical output of a broken design. The Supreme Court’s 2013 ruling in Atong Paglaum v. Comelec gutted the strict reading of Ang Bagong Bayani that party-list groups must represent the marginalized and underrepresented. Overnight, national parties, regional blocs, and non-marginalized interests were let in. Combine that with the three-seat cap in RA 7941-which rewards fragmentation by letting losing camps spawn splinter groups-and you get exactly what we have: a parallel Congress of surnames, funded by the same machinery that funds traditional politicians. Defeated candidates and term-limited officials simply switch vehicles.

Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia’s proposal is therefore not a tweak. It is an attempt to restore the original architecture. Reserving 70 percent of party-list seats for farmers, fisherfolk, women, youth, the urban poor, overseas Filipino workers, and veterans-with just 20 percent open to political parties and 10 percent for other non-enumerated groups-draws a line the political class cannot casually cross. (Read the BusinessMirror story-Comelec: Give 70% of party-list seats for marginalized groups, October 28, 2026).

The sharpest idea is the shift to intra-sector competition. Under Garcia’s model, if five seats are allotted to women, only women’s organizations contest those five. This ends the nationwide free-for-all where a cash-flush group with billboards and celebrity endorsers buries a genuine peasant federation with no television airtime. It also makes voters’ choices legible: you pick who represents your sector, not who has the catchiest jingle. Garcia’s citation of the Bangsamoro parliamentary elections as proof that sector-specific voting works is apt.

But reform is only as strong as its definitions, and the political class will not surrender quietly. Three dangers deserve scrutiny.

First, the 20 percent carve-out for political parties risks legitimizing the very backdoor critics deplore. If dynasties can still walk through that door, expect them to colonize it.

Second, ‘marginalized’ remains the battleground. Atong Paglaum must be legislatively reversed, not merely wished away. The law should demand verifiable proof: a majority of nominees genuinely drawn from the sector, not Manila-based operators wearing a farmer’s hat during filing season.

Third, sectoral categorization invites a new game of rebranding. A congressman’s wife becomes a ‘women’s group.’ A defeated governor’s son becomes ‘youth.’ Without an anti-dynasty clause on nominees and a credible accreditation audit, Comelec will spend every election chasing paperwork rather than principle.

None of this requires a constitutional amendment, and that is the proposal’s quiet strength. Charter change is a decade-long quagmire. Amending RA 7941 is achievable, and Garcia should press Congress to move now.

The party-list system was never meant to be a consolation prize for the politically inconvenienced. It was meant to be the poor’s microphone. Comelec has finally said so out loud. Congress should listen-before the next election proves, once more, that it didn’t.

Nickel Asia Corporation (NAC) held the 4th MBZ Cup Golf Tournament on October 23, 2026, at Wack Wack Golf and Country Club in Mandaluyong City. The tournament honors the legacy of its founder Manuel B. Zamora Jr.

Martin Antonio G. Zamora, NAC President and Chief Executive Officer, led the ceremonial tee-off, officially opening the tournament.

Participants competed on the 18-hole golf course, with Maddie Ibuna emerging as the Overall Champion. Ace Barbers, Ryan Jornada, and Martin Despi topped Classes A, B, and C, respectively, in the Men’s Division, while Carla Pena and Kimberly Mondejar won Classes A and B, respectively, in the Women’s Division.

Atty. Ryan Rene C. Jornada, NAC Vice President for External Affairs, Regulatory, and Community Relations, said the tourney’s purpose is to gather partners and stakeholders for a day of camaraderie beyond the boardroom.

‘Now in its fourth edition, the MBZ Cup carries the name of our founder, Manuel B. Zamora Jr. His vision and leadership helped build the foundation of the company we are today. This tournament is one way we honor his legacy and the importance he placed on building lasting relationships,’ Jornada said.

He likened building a successful company to playing golf, noting that both require sound judgment, patience, strategy, and the ability to adapt to unexpected challenges.

The company’s founder was also recognized at the recently held Asia Corporate Excellence and Sustainability (ACES) Awards in Malaysia, where the elder Zamora received the Industry Pioneer Award for his foundational leadership and pioneering contributions to natural resource development, mineral processing, and progressive rehabilitation in Southeast Asia.

Rep. Ysabel Maria ‘Bel’ Zamora-Jornada of San Juan City also attended the gathering, sharing what the tournament means to her personally.

‘To many in this room, MBZ is the visionary founder who helped build Nickel Asia into an industry leader in natural resources development. But to our family, Tito Manny has always been a constant reminder of what it means to lead with foresight, resilience, and genuine respect for people,’ she said.

The congresswoman compared golf to public service, emphasizing the importance of discipline, patience, and long-term partnerships.

‘In business, as in public service, no one succeeds in isolation. Real impact and sustainable development are built on the back of genuine partnerships; the kind of enduring relationships represented by everyone gathered in this room today,’ she said.

The MBZ Cup is a celebration of sportsmanship, and it provided an opportunity to strengthen the connections and reaffirm the value of collaboration between NAC officers and stakeholders.

Wilcon Depot, the nation’s leading building partner, closes 2026 on a high note as it continues its pursuit of innovation, excellence, and nationwide growth with its final store opening of the year at Wilcon Depot Enrile in Cagayan on October 23, 2026.

Marking the company’s second depot branch in Cagayan Valley following its established presence in Iguig, the new store brings affordable, quality building and home improvement solutions in a wide range of choices closer to local communities.

With the region’s continued growth and increasing demand for building products and services, Wilcon Depot Enrile offers a wide selection of products, including tiles, furniture, plumbing fixtures, DIY essentials, and home interior items to support customers’ building, renovation, and home improvement needs. The new store also creates job opportunities for local residents, contributing to the community’s economic growth and development.

Beyond its wide range of quality products, the store offers convenient services to make home improvement projects easier. The 3D Design Hub helps customers bring their ideas to life through floor plans and realistic 3D layouts of living spaces, kitchens, and bathrooms. The Tile Studio showcases a wide selection of local and imported tiles, including stylish Spanish and Italian collections featuring the latest designs and trends. Meanwhile, Tile Cutting Services, using the reliable Hills Tile Cutter, ensure precise tile sizing for a perfect fit on walls and floors.

Further strengthening its commitment not only to homeowners but also to industry professionals, the opening of Wilcon Depot Enrile highlights the MyWilcon ABCDE+ program, which offers added value alongside its wide selection of quality products. Professionals can register for free by presenting a valid ID at the ABCDE+ registration booth or through the MyWilcon App.

During the opening, Wilcon Depot EVP for Sales and Retail Stores Operations, Ms. Eden Mandap, welcomed the opportunity to serve Enrile and its neighboring communities, emphasizing the company’s commitment to being a trusted partner at every stage of their building journey, from constructing new homes and improving existing spaces to undertaking larger projects.

Government officials from Enrile and nearby municipalities and cities also graced the event, reflecting the warm support of the Cagayan community for the newly opened store. Adding to the festive celebration were exciting promotions, free loyalty membership registration, and raffle activities for customers and industry professionals.

With its continued commitment to offering quality products, convenient services, and great value, Wilcon Depot looks forward to serving the growing home improvement and construction needs of the community.

Wilcon Depot Enrile, Cagayan branch is located at Barangay III-A San Jose, Enrile, Cagayan, and is open daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Customers may also shop online through shop.wilcon.com.ph or enjoy added convenience through Wilcon Depot’s Call, Collect, and Deliver (CCD) Program via the branch’s Viber account.

Undefeated Filipino Carl Jammes Martin stakes his 28-0 record against Mexican David Picasso in a World Boxing Council (WBC) Silver featherweight title fight on Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The 27-year-old Martin, who has 21 knockouts, faces a tough bout against the 26-year-old Picasso (33-1-1, 18 KOs) in the Mexico vs. The World card headlined by Canelo Alvarez and Christian Mbilli at Kingdom Arena.

‘I think this fight is going to be a difficult fight, but this is the kind of fight that Carl Martin is trained for, prepared for, and worked for in his entire life,’ MP Promotions president Sean Gibbons told the BusinessMirror on Friday.

Picasso’s lone defeat came against Japanese star Naoya Inoue, who won by unanimous decision in December last year. He bounced back with a second-round knockout of Colombian Maicol Rincon last August.

Martin welcomed the challenge despite the odds.

‘There is pressure but there is also an opportunity. This is what I have been waiting for. I have worked hard and waited a long time for this moment. I decided to take the fight regardless of the circumstances,’ Martin said.

REMEMBERING those who have suffered from years of conflict, which finally ended with the formation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim in Mindanao (BARMM), President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called for unity, statesmanship, and cooperation, at the first ever session of the Bangsamoro Parliament on Friday, with hopes to sustain peace and progress in the region.

In his speech, the chief executive recognized leaders from the national government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), who paved the way for peace in the conflict-torn region with the forging of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, the Bangsamoro Organic Law, and the establishment of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority.

He expressed hope that peace and progress will continue once the BARMM government starts its operation with the inaugural session of the Bangsamoro Parliament.

Prior to the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, Mindanao was plagued by several separatist wars, including one waged by the MILF.

At their first session, the 80 members of Parliament elected their Chief Minister and Speaker to lead the executive branch, and the Cabinet alongside two Deputy Chief Ministers.

After the election, the BARMM government can start enacting regional laws, approving public spending, and overseeing government programs.

‘Today’s session also launches a new phase of parliamentary governance, working within our broader presidential system,’ Marcos said.

‘The new coalition must uphold unity, statesmanship, and cooperation to build a more peaceful and progressive BARMM,’ he added.

The groups that secured seats from the Bangsamoro Parliament allocated for political parties: Bangsamoro Federalist Party (BFP) with 16 seats; United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), the political arm of MILF with 15 seats; the BARMM Grand Coalition (BGC) with eight seats; and the Raayat Democratic Party with one seat.

Of the 32 district representative seats, the BFP won 15. The rest of the seats were secured by UBJP (nine seats), Serbisyong Inklusibo Alyansang Progresibo (six seats), Progresibong Bangsamoro Party (one seat) and Al Ittihad-UKB (one seat).

The six sector representatives were Yul Adelfo Olaya and Mary Ann Arnado as representatives of the settler communities; Aida Silongan as representative for women; Sulffy Abbas as representative for youth; Muhammad Nadzir Ebil as representative for the ulama; and Marjanie Mimbantas-Macasalong as representative for traditional leaders.

The elected lawmakers will replace the members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, which governed BARMM since 2019.

Earlier this month, Marcos had congratulated BFP president Abdulraof Macacua after their political party was able to form a 46 majority bloc, which exceeded the 41-seat threshold for forming a parliamentary majority.

Marcos reiterated that the national government will provide support, including economic opportunities, in Mindanao and BARMM.

‘I reaffirm the National Government’s support for Bangsamoro autonomy and democratic institutions. We stand ready to work with the government formally constituted by this newly elected Parliament,’ Marcos said.

‘To the people of the Bangsamoro: the National Government stands with you. Your success is the success of the country,’ he added.

vivo Philippines has opened pre-orders for the vivo V80 at physical stores nationwide, through the vivo e-store and via the vivo Store app, with prices starting at Php 42,999 and exclusive offers available until November 13, 2026.

Designed for a generation that enjoys capturing memorable moments, expressing personal style, and customizing their devices, the smartphone combines ZEISS co-engineered portrait cameras, a distinctive glass design, and personalized features powered by OriginOS 7.

The vivo V80 is available in two configurations: 8GB RAM with 128GB storage for Php 42,999 and 8GB RAM with 256GB storage for Php 47,999.

Customers who pre-order within the promotional period can enjoy the following perks:

Php 2,000 discount,

limited-edition vivo Buds Air3 worth Php 1,799,

Gold vivo membership privileges,

six months of broken-screen insurance and warranty, and

six months of 100GB Google One cloud storage for new users.

Meanwhile, here are the top three things you need to know about the vivo V80.

ZEISS portrait photography for every creative moment

Co-engineered with ZEISS, the vivo V80 features a 50-megapixel ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera and ZEISS 85mm and 100mm Center-Stage Portrait options, giving users versatile ways to frame their subjects and capture portraits with detail and depth. The different focal lengths also provide creative options for photographing people in lively environments while keeping the subject in focus.

The smartphone expands these creative possibilities with AI Creative Camera features, including studio-inspired lighting effects and Creative Sticker Collage, which lets users transform people, pets, and selected photos into movable stickers. CCD Flash Portrait adds a nostalgic, film-inspired aesthetic, giving users more ways to personalize their images and share their favorite moments.

A distinctive design inspired by the stars

The vivo V80 combines cold-carved glass, an aerospace-grade aluminum frame, and smoothly contoured edges for a refined appearance and comfortable grip.

Its Starwish Purple finish features Laser Holographic Lithography, creating a three-dimensional, galaxy-inspired effect that shifts with light. The result is a design that brings together craftsmanship and personal expression, allowing the device to complement different styles and everyday occasions.

Meanwhile, the vivo V80 is also available in Wander Green, featuring refined low-saturation tones that shift gracefully with light.

OriginOS 7 brings personality to everyday interactions

With OriginOS 7, the vivo V80 gives users more ways to make their smartphone experience their own through four customizable themes.

Wiggle features motion-responsive wallpapers, Pet Pals introduces interactive pet elements, Glint adds shimmering visual effects, and StickIt brings customizable stickers into different parts of the system. These features let users personalize their screens and everyday interactions to reflect their interests, moods, and individual styles.

‘Smartphones have become an important part of how people express themselves, preserve memories, and connect with others. With the vivo V80, we want to give users more opportunities to explore their creativity through ZEISS portrait photography, AI-powered features, and a personalized interface that reflects who they are,’ said Liu Lu, vivo Philippines Brand Marketing Director.

Flexible payment options

For customers who prefer installment payments, Home Credit offers the vivo V80 for as low as Php 85 per day over 18 months. Buyers can also receive an additional Php 500 discount voucher by using the code V80HC500.

Customers can pre-order the vivo V80 at vivo physical stores nationwide, through the vivo e-store, and via the vivo Store app until November 13, 2026.

With its ZEISS imaging capabilities, expressive design, and customizable interface, the vivo V80 brings together the tools to capture favorite moments, explore creative possibilities, and make every detail feel personal.

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday instructed all its units nationwide to set up assistance desks and to maximize their security presence in the cemeteries and memorial parks as Filipinos observed the upcoming All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day holidays, popularly known as ‘Undas’ in the country.

In a statement, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said all needs of people must be covered at the assistance desks in coordination with local government units and other stakeholders-from cases of missing children to medical assistance and other emergency situations.

He added that security measures should also be in place for small quarrels that may turn violent in the cemeteries.

Nartatez also stressed the need for strict screening at the entry points and regular patrols inside to check violations of regulations like drinking sessions and use of karaoke.

‘We will ensure that our personnel remain visible, approachable, and ready to respond to every request for assistance, especially from children, senior citizens, and other vulnerable individuals. Our presence must provide genuine reassurance to the public, and every police officer must serve with professionalism, compassion, and a strong sense of responsibility,’ he added.

Likewise, Nartatez tasked police commanders to focus on homes that may be left unattended during the holiday break and areas where thieves could take advantage of crowds.

‘Before leaving home, make sure all doors and windows are secured, electrical appliances are safely switched off, and valuables are kept out of sight. I have directed our police units to intensify neighborhood patrols and coordinate with barangay officials to deter burglars and protect homes left unattended during Undas,’ he added.

The PNP has mobilized more than 141,000 personnel and force multipliers nationwide for security, traffic management, and public assistance operations. The deployment covers 73,034 PNP personnel, 16,560 personnel from other government units, and 51,578 force multipliers.

Police operations will cover 5,311 cemeteries and columbaria as, well, as major thoroughfares, transportation hubs, places of worship, tourist destinations, and other strategic areas nationwide.

With crowds expected to swell ahead of All Saints’ Day on Nov. 1 and All Souls’ Day on Nov. 2, Nartatez reminded cemetery-goers to guard their belongings and remain alert in crowded areas where thieves may exploit distractions.

‘Stay vigilant, keep your valuables secure, avoid displaying large amounts of cash or expensive jewelry, and never leave your belongings unattended. Criminals take advantage of distraction and crowded places, so remain alert, look after your loved ones, and immediately report suspicious activities to the nearest police personnel,’ he said.

All PNP offices and units will be under full alert status from 12:01 a.m. on Oct. 30 until 12:01 a.m. on Nov. 3.

CEBU CITY – Philippine police have begun examining electronic devices and other materials surrendered by Thomas Markle Jr. in Cebu as part of an investigation into alleged inappropriate content, with the regional prosecutor’s office saying it will pursue charges if evidence warrants prosecution.

Regional Prosecutor Graeme Elmido said the Philippine National Police (PNP) had secured a warrant to examine computer data, allowing investigators to proceed with the forensic examination of the items.

Some devices have reportedly been sent to the PNP central office in Manila because the regional anti-cybercrime unit in Cebu lacks the necessary tools to examine certain materials, Elmido said in an interview on Friday, Oct. 30, 2026.

The investigation began after a man identifying himself as Thomas Markle Jr. went to the prosecutor’s office several days earlier to report that he had allegedly discovered materials containing inappropriate content and wanted to surrender them to authorities.

According to Elmido, the complainant expressed his intention to turn over all the items, including personal belongings, after encountering material he considered inappropriate. The PNP subsequently arranged to receive the items.

Elmido said he had not personally inspected the boxes or their contents.

He cited the complainant’s account that the materials included cellular phones, photographs, small film reels, hard drives, books and other items.

The prosecutor emphasized that the PNP is responsible for examining the materials and determining whether they contain evidence of criminal activity.

‘We will follow where the evidence leads us,’ Elmido said, stressing that investigators must establish the facts before identifying anyone who may be held accountable.

The prosecutor’s office will assist the police if needed.

Should the investigation produce sufficient evidence against a particular individual, the PNP may file a complaint with the prosecution service for preliminary investigation.

Under the procedure outlined by Elmido, prosecutors would issue a subpoena directing the respondent to answer the allegations. If the evidence establishes sufficient grounds for indictment, the case could proceed to court.

The possibility that a respondent may be outside the Philippines would not automatically prevent the case from moving forward, he said.

If a case is filed in court and the accused is abroad, authorities may pursue extradition, subject to applicable legal requirements and procedures.

Elmido said the entire process is ideally completed within 90 days, although he cautioned that the actual duration would depend on several factors, including court schedules and holidays.

He declined to predict when the investigation would conclude, noting that the forensic examination and other investigative steps would determine the next course of action.

The prosecutor also sought to separate the investigation from the public attention surrounding the Markle name, saying authorities must evaluate the evidence objectively and respect the rights of anyone who may eventually face charges.

While Cebu prosecutors have handled numerous cases involving abuse to children, Elmido said each case must be assessed on its own merits.

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He noted that outcomes depend on the strength and credibility of the evidence, among other factors.

He also highlighted the need to protect child complainants from further trauma during legal proceedings, particularly when testifying could require them to recount distressing experiences.

Elmido said prosecutors must consider ways to pursue cases without unnecessarily exposing children to further psychological harm, while ensuring that the evidence is sufficient to support a prosecution.

He warned foreign nationals against traveling to the Philippines to engage in child exploitation or similar criminal activities, saying authorities would pursue the full extent of the law when evidence establishes wrongdoing. | Carmel Pedro