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Powerhouse Abra Solid North and defending champion Pampanga are bound to take different routes when the Manny Pacquiao Presents MPBL 2025 Season begins its playoff round on Friday at the Gov. Andres B. Bernos Memorial Gymnasium in Bangued, Abra.

The Abra Weavers finished the round-robin elimination phase of the 30-team, two-division tournament with an MPBL record 26 straight wins and are solid picks over the tired and undermanned Ilagan Isabela Cowboys in the 8 p.m. encounter.

The Pampanga Giant Lanterns, a shadow of the back-to-back titlists, are expected to meet stiff resistance from the Caloocan Batang Kankaloo, who nipped them (90-87) in the elimination round, in the 6 p.m. opener.

Abra will again be led by Dave Ildefonso and Encho Serrano in its quest for its first MPBL title.

Solid support will be provided by Mike Ayonayon, John Uduba, Raven Gonzales, Marwin Taywan, Alfred Batino, Jolo Mendoza, Jayson Apolonio, Mark Yee and Geo Chiu.

The Cowboys bested the Bataan Risers, 74-71, in their do-or-die play-in game on Wednesday, but may have lost Top Gun Arth Dela Cruz to a right ankle injury in the third quarter.

Before Dela Cruz, the Cowboys survived the Risers without vital cogs Dennis Santos (hamstring injury) and Mike Dyke (mild pneumonia).

Even if Dela Cruz, Santos and Dyke managed to play, however, they won’t be 100 percent, putting more pressure on Agem Miranda, Donald Gumaru, Terrence Tumalip, JR Olegario and Joshua Marcos to deliver.

Pampanga will be led by Larry Muyang, Archie Concepcion, Chris Lalata, Jhaymo Eguilos, Jhan Nermal, Raymond Binuya and John Lloyd Clemente.

Caloocan’s power emanates from Jeff Manday, Jeramer Cabanag, Jojo Tayongtong, Chris Bitoon, Paul Sanga and Reil Cervantes.

It’s all systems go for an 11-day tennis and lifestyle festival billed to be the sport’s largest event in the country.

Taking place from October 10-19, at the CSA Tennis Stadium in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, Gentry Open 2025 will bring together top Filipino and international players, emerging young athletes and tennis fans from across the nation.

Designed to merge competition with culture, the Gentry Open 2025 will showcase the very best of Philippine tennis while highlighting wellness, community, and brand collaboration.

With Palawan Pawnshop, Palawan Express and Palawan Pay as official event and tournament partners, the competition underscores a shared commitment to elevate sports development and expand opportunities for Filipino athletes nationwide.

The event will feature men’s and women’s singles and doubles divisions, exhibition matches, junior showcases, and interactive off-court experiences. Visitors can also enjoy wellness zones, lifestyle booths and family-friendly attractions, making the tournament not just a competition but a holistic celebration of health and community spirit.

‘The Gentry Open is more than a tournament – it’s a movement to elevate tennis as a mainstream sport in the Philippines,’ said Hayb Anzures, president of Gentry. ‘Through the support of Palawan Express and our Platinum Sponsors, we’re creating a stage that unites passion, performance, and purpose.’

The event is presented by Great Wall Motor Philippines. Platinum sponsors include Hiessence, Purse Maison, Mobile Cart, Primoshine, Sole Avenue, Dear Face, PDAX, Darling’s Fine Jewels, Luxetrust by Amethyst, The Watch Reserve and Guapo Car Care Solutions.

Beyond competition, the event aims to position Bulacan as an emerging hub for tennis and sports tourism, setting the foundation for what is envisioned to become an annual national tradition.

Newly-installed Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said that he is prepared to move the controversial flood control project cases from his office to the Sandiganbayan for prosecution.

Remulla said that the goal is to ensure cases are filed with fully compiled evidence so they are immediately ready for trial, to eliminate the “delaying tactics” in the case.

“Kanina pinag-usapan namin ni SAJ Leonen (Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen), na continuous trial talaga para wala ng delaying tactics na pwedeng umiral na matulog nang matagal itong mga kasong ito,” Remulla said in an interview with reporters after his oath taking on Thursday, October 9.

(I spoke with SAJ Leonen this morning, and we talked about making sure the trials are continuous so that no delaying tactics can be used to let these cases languish.)

“Kailangan dito tuloy-tuloy ang daloy ng kaso,” he added.

(The case needs to move forward without interruption.)

When asked if there is a timeline for when the Office of the Ombudsman will file cases, Remulla said that it will depend on the evidence available.

“Talagang sisikapin namin na mabuo nang husto kasi ayaw namin na kami ang maging cause ng delay,” Remulla said.

(We will truly strive to complete this fully, because we don’t want to be the cause of any delay.)

“Ang timeline niyan will depend on that, pero malamang niyan, within the next few weeks, ‘pag nagfile kami ready kami for trial,” he added.

(The timeline for that will depend on [the evidence completion], but most likely, within the next few weeks, when we file, we will be ready for trial.)

No one will be spared. Remulla also said his office’s concern is “building the case,” specifically focusing on the charges and the evidence rather than the identity of the accused.

He said that no one is exempt from the investigation, regardless of their high or low position, even if it involves family members of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“Kaya everybody comes in there, wala tayong sinisino rito. Mataas man o mababa pero sisiguraduhin natin yung ebidensya ang nakatuon ‘pag file natin ng kaso so kahit mataas ‘yan, kahit umabot ng senador ‘yan, kung saan man abutin ‘yan, gagawin natin,” he said.

(This means everyone is subject to the investigation, and we are not singling anyone out. Regardless of whether the individual is high-ranking or low-ranking, we will ensure that the evidence is the concentration when we file the case. We will see it through, even if it reaches a senator or wherever the trail leads.)

Remulla, whose family members occupy government positions in the national government and in Cavite, was then asked what he would do if any of his family members were involved in corruption.

He said: “‘Yung mga anak ko pinalaki namin ‘yan ng asawa ko na maaayos na tao at alam nila na ‘pag ang tatay nila ay nagtrabaho ay trabaho talaga,” Remulla said.

(My wife and I raised our children to be good people, and they know that when their father works, it is truly about the job.)

“They know about it. Kaya ako hindi ako natatakot na mayroon silang gagawin na masama kasi I think we raised them very well,” he added.

(They know about it. That is why I am not afraid that they will do anything bad, because I think we raised them very well.)

In October 2022, it could be recalled that his son was charged with possession of illegal drugs before a Las Piñas court.

Then justice chief Remulla vowed not to interfere in the case, saying his son “will have to face his predicament as a fully emancipated child.”

“A person should always face the consequences of their actions and I will let justice take its own course,” Remulla said in 2022.

Remulla took his oath of office on October 9 as the Ombudsman. He succeeds former Ombudsman Samuel Martires, whose term expired on July 27.

Call it a Van Sickle family reunion.

Petro Gazz’s emphatic 25-21, 25-19, 25-14 victory over Galeries Tower Thursday in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the City of Dasmariñas made it look like one as Brooke, the player, her dad Gary, the coach, and mom Lisa, the assistant coach, reunited on this unforgettable affair.

‘You’re the man of the hour,’ Brooke, who fired a match-high 14 points, told her father after the win.

‘It was a full circle moment and I’m going to try to enjoy every game, every point with them again and be coached by my parents again,’ she added.

‘We came out a little slow but overall, it was a team effort,’ said the eldest Van Sickle, who took over interim mentor Brian Esquivel.

Lindsey Vander Weide unloaded 13 hits on her return to the same franchise she led to the title of this same conference three years ago.

She liked what she saw in the team she’s returning to.

‘We have a lot of depth, anybody can step in and make a difference so that makes me really comfortable with them,’ said the 2022 Reinforced Conference Best Foreign Player.

There is hope that Vander Weide, along with the Van Sickles, could help the squad reclaim the championship it last won three years before.

And this win was a good first step toward that goal.

‘It’s going to be tough but we’ll see,’ said Vander Weide.

MJ Phillips, back after her Alas Pilipinas stint, likewise delivered and chipped in 12 hits.

The result spoiled the debut of Galeries Tower bench tactician Godfrey Okumu, who assumed the post of Lerma Giron.

Five hotels in the Philippines made the cut of the inaugural Global Michelin Keys Selection, a new benchmark of the famous Michelin Guide for excellence in lodging.

Michelin Guide Inspectors evaluted more than 7,000 hotels around the world and nearly 2,500 establishments were recognized for “truly outstanding stays” worthy of high recommendation.

This comes on the heels of the launch of Michelin Key distinctions in 15 destinations last year, which include the Copacabanda Palace in Brazil and the Capella Shanghai in China.

“Just as Michelin Stars celebrate the world’s most exceptional restaurants, Michelin Keys now honor hotels that offer truly remarkable stays, where design, service, and location come together to create unforgettable moments,” explained the Michelin Guide international director Gwendal Poullennec in a statement.

Michelin Keys are awarded based on five universal criteria that evaluate overall hospitality experience rather than individual amenities. The distinctions are as follows:

One Michelin Key : A very special stay with character and exceptional service.

Two Michelin Keys : An exceptional stay with unique charm and a strong sense of place.

Three Michelin Keys : An extraordinary stay offering the pinnacle of comfort, service, and design.

Five Philippine keys

Three of the five Philippine hotels with a Michelin Key are located outside Metro Manila, all three on island havens.

Amanpulo on Pamalican Island in Palawan was described by inspectors as “a secluded paradise with pristine beaches, private villas and holistic wellness experiences.”

Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu Resort in Cebu was recognized for its modern Thai-inspired design, lush gardens and panoramic views of the Magellan Bay from a tropical beachfront.

Nay Palad Hideaway Siargao in Mindanao was commended for its bespoke villas, artisanal cuisine and immersive island experiences within its barefoot luxury retreat identity surrounded by nature.

The remaining two establishments are the neighboring Fairmont and Raffles hotels in Makita, both recognized for offering “refined urban luxury with elegant interiors, exceptional service, and access to world-class shopping and dining.”

Special awards

The Michelin Guide also presented special awards to four hotels for achievements beyond traditional categories and celebrating excellence and uniqueness in specific areas of hospitality.

Atlantis The Royal in Dubai, United Arab Emirates was given an award for its architecture and design, while the Brgenstock Resort Switzerland was recognized with a wellness award.

The La Fiermontina Ocean in Larache, Morocco received the Local Gateway Award and the Opening of the Year Award, sponsored by United Overseas Bank, went to the Burman Hotel in Tallinn, Estonia.

Later this year, Filipino and Philippine-based restaurants will make their debut on the Michelin Guide and the Bib Gourmand Selection.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) trimmed its benchmark interest rate by another 25 basis points at its October meeting, marking its fourth straight cut this year as inflation remains subdued and economic growth shows signs of slowing.

The central bank announced Thursday that the Target Reverse Repurchase Rate, or RRP, was lowered to 4.75% from 5%, following a similar reduction in August.

With the latest move, the rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities were also reduced to 4.25% and 5.25%, respectively.

Within target. The BSP said its decision reflects a ‘benign’ inflation outlook that remains ‘well within the target range.’ It noted that inflation expectations are ‘well-anchored,’ despite potential upward risks from possible power rate adjustments and higher rice import tariffs.

The central bank added that these pressures are expected to ease in the months ahead, keeping overall inflation manageable.

Growth outlook weakens. The Monetary Board, however, said the outlook for domestic economic growth has softened. It cited weaker business confidence linked to governance concerns surrounding public infrastructure spending.

‘Indications of moderating demand also reflect lingering uncertainty from the external environment,’ the BSP said.

The statement added that as the effects of previous rate cuts continue to filter through the economy, the central bank ‘will remain attentive to emerging risks while maintaining price stability conducive to sustainable growth and employment.’

Sen. Raffy Tulfo questioned the allegedly overpriced body cameras purchased by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) in 2020, each costing as much as P879,000.

During the Department of Transportation’s budget hearing on Thursday, October 9, the senator exposed the PPA’s purchase of 191 body cameras from a little-known supplier, Boston Homes, under a P168-million contract.

‘Skandaloso na masyado ito,’ Tulfo said, calling the procurement ‘too scandalous.’

When his office went to the company’s address, they found that Boston Homes was merely an apartment. The winning bidder also had a startup capital of only P10 million.

Repeat purchases. The Commission on Audit had previously flagged Boston Homes for delivering defective equipment to the Environmental Management Bureau in 2020.

Despite that the PPA awarded Boston Homes another contract the following year, in 2021, for 164 more body cameras – this time priced even higher.

Tulfo said the deal amounted to P168 million, translating to more than P1 million per unit.

PPA defends procurement

At the hearing, Tulfo grilled PPA General Manager Jay Santiago over the body camera procurement.

Santiago, who initially wanted to verify the amounts Tulfo mentioned, told senators the equipment cost included not only the cameras but also an integrated operating system compatible with the agency’s CCTV network.

He said each winning bid undergoes assessment before final approval.

Tulfo, however, questioned why such post-bidding assessment failed to detect red flags with the supplier. He then suggested that those involved in the evaluation be dismissed.

DOTr acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez told the committee he would investigate the issue personally.

The Bureau of Customs said it has already taken ‘proactive measures’ to clean up its ranks well before the US State Department released a report that cites bribery at the bureau as one of many barriers to courting more foreign investment in the Philippines.

In a statement on Thursday, October 9, the bureau said Customs Chief Ariel Nepomuceno – who took office in July – introduced a series of reforms within his first 100 days in office to curb corruption and conflicts of interest inside the bureau. These included a ban on accepting any form of ‘take’ money and new rules requiring employees to disclose business or family ties to customs brokerage firms.

‘The reforms we introduced within my first 100 days were not reactionary,’ Nepomuceno said. ‘They were proactive measures rooted in our commitment to clean governance.”

“These measures directly respond to the very issues highlighted in the U.S. State Department report, and we will continue pushing forward with both short and long-term solutions,” the customs chief said in the press release.

The bureau said it ‘acknowledges the concerns’ raised in the U.S. State Department’s 2025 Investment Climate Statements report, which cited complaints from American companies about bribes, inconsistent fees, and intrusive customs inspections in the Philippines.

The report, released September 26, says the US Embassy in Manila received reports of ‘facilitation fees,’ or informal payments allegedly solicited to speed up transactions, as well as complaints of inconsistent customs charges and intrusive inspections.

It Bureau of Customs as ‘still considered to be one of the most corrupt agencies in the country’ and said corruption in the country remained a key factor discouraging foreign investment.

The bureau’s response to the report also included that it “acknowledges the concerns” raised in the report.

Reforms under Nepomuceno

The BOC said its “No Take’ policy strictly prohibits any form of bribery within the agency. Employees caught violating the directive face immediate disciplinary action and referral to law enforcement.

In July, Nepomuceno also banned customs personnel from owning or holding interests in brokerage businesses, saying this was to prevent conflicts of interest in processing import and export transactions.

Staff were ordered to declare any family connections to brokers and to file affidavits detailing previous ties to customs-related firms, according to the BOC statement.

Responding to complaints from traders about their “overly intrusive audits and enforcement activities,” the BOC said it has temporarily suspended unserved Letters of Authority and Mission Orders – documents used to authorize raids and inspections – while the bureau reviews its procedures to make enforcement ‘more targeted and risk-based.”

The BOC also said Nepomuceno intends to increase the bureau’s dialogue with business groups and foreign chambers through the Customs Industry and Advisory Council (CICAC), a body meant to formalize consultations and promote policy transparency.

Long-term reforms, according to the bureau, will focus on digitalization and automation of customs systems to reduce “human discretion” and prevent corruption.

The bureau also encouraged the public to report irregularities via its complaint channels and assured that all reports would be handled confidentially.

Joy Aseo took over the scoring task in the absence of Shaina Nitura to propel Adamson University to the second round in a quick sweep of Arellano University, 25-21, 25-17, 25-19, in the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Preseason Unity Cup on Thursday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Aseo whipped up 12 points in the Lady Falcons’ second straight victory in as many games as they joined playoffs-bound and also unbeaten Far Eastern University at the top of Pool B.

Adamson, which rested Nitura, was in full control of the match and booted out the Lady Chiefs in just 77 minutes.

‘Naging patient lang kami sa isa’t isa and nag-team work. Sinasabi sa amin ni coach na gawin ang best namin para manalo. Win or lose man, it’s OK, basta yung best namin pinu-push namin,’ said Aseo, who had eight kills and four aces.

Red Bascon finished with eight markers while Abegail Segui and Frances Mordi added six points each for Adamson, which annexed the National Invitationals Cebu Leg two months ago.

The Lady Falcons battle the Invitationals Batangas Leg champions on Friday at the same venue when the preliminary round of the league’s centerpiece tournament, backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner and R and B Milk Tea, comes to a close.

Jazmine Palalon and Jayde Dela Cruz scored seven and six points, respectively, to pace Arellano, which ended its campaign with a 1-2 win-loss record.

Meanwhile, College of Saint Benilde rallied from a set down and survived an extended fourth frame in an 18-25, 25-13, 25-23, 33-31, victory over Ateneo de Manila University to complete a three-game sweep of Pool D.

The Lady Blazers turned to veteran Zam Nolasco for the finishing blows in the furious fourth set race to the finish to emerge unscathed in the group stage of the competition, supported by Asics, Mikasa, Smart Sports, Summit, Team Rebel Sports, Belo Deo, Eurotel- Apo View Hotel, Batangas Country Club, Executive Optical, Baic Auto Philippines, SM Tickets and PusoP.com as technical partners.

CSB squandered three match point advantages and had to fight through five set point deficits.

Nolasco tied the fourth frame one last time at 31 with a booming kill before shutting the door on Zey Pacia to push the Lady Blazers to match point.

The two-hour, two-minute encounter ended when Pacia smashed her spike attempt straight to the net.

Nolasco had 19 points from 15 kills and four kill blocks, Shahanna Lleses added 12 markers while Rhea Densing scored 11 for the four-time NCAA champion CSB.

Ateneo slid to a 1-1 card despite the 19-point effort of Ana Hermosura and 17 markers by Pacia. Faye Nisperos chipped in 14 points in a lost cause.

The Blue Eagles are in a must-win situation in their second round bid when they face also-ran San Sebastian College-Recoletos (0-2) on Friday.

Games in the SSL Preseason Unity Cup are available live and on demand via PusoP.com and Solar Sports.