Category: Business Mirror

Student leaders from all over the Philippines gathered on June 20 as Globe and Disney staged Toy Story 5 simultaneous screenings in Clark, Bonifacio Global City, Dasmariñas, and Cebu City. The special treat brought together young changemakers, campus organization leaders, and fans for a shared experience on connection, collaboration and community.

The exclusive block screenings, attended by students invited through their schools and organizations, turned cinemas into hubs of engagement where participants exchanged ideas, expanded their networks, and connected with peers from different campuses. The multi-city activation highlighted the value of community at a time when students are navigating increasingly complex academic, social and economic realities.

The event builds on Globe and Disney’s longstanding partnership, which uses storytelling to spotlight courage, resilience and progress. Through stories of characters who face challenges with determination and purpose, the collaboration encourages students to define success on their own terms and take meaningful action toward their goals.

Students enjoyed raffle activities featuring exclusive merchandise and learned how to maximize Globe Rewards through student-focused offers available on the GlobeOne app. These included perks such as beep card load, food and beverage rewards, coffee credits, and free Timezone load, helping students make the most of their everyday experiences.

Beyond the screenings, Globe showcased the Globe Student Program, which gives student organizations the opportunity to pitch initiatives that address real needs within their campuses and communities. Through the program, students can turn ideas into projects and gain access to opportunities that help scale their impact. ‘The most powerful ideas often start within communities. Through the Globe Student Program, we want to give student leaders opportunities to collaborate, pursue initiatives they care about, and create impact that extends beyond their campuses,’ said Roche Vandenberghe, Globe consumer chief marketing officer.

Meta, just days after the launch of its latest tool, pulled Muse AI from Instagram after backlash from users that said this latest tool violated privacy by having their photos become the source for its generated images.

On July 7, 2026, Meta announced through a blog the rollout of Muse AI, an artificial intelligence model from Meta Superintelligence Labs that aimed to become a creative tool for creators and advertisers to use through ‘simple prompts and high quality outputs.’

Its capabilities included AI-powered effects for Instagram Stories and image generation. In their blog post, it was also announced there were plans for Muse Video.

However, one feature of this AI tool is referencing public Instagram profiles, with these accounts becoming the source material for its image generations. This became a massive issue for the community, stating how they do not want their or their friends’ photos to become the reference for this AI tool, and how it is nonconsensual with the platform.

On Reddit, a post on the subreddit r/technology talked about the push back from users. ‘Meta looked at feeds already drowning in recycled posts, engagement bait, fake giveaways, stolen photos and AI slop, then decided the missing ingredient was letting people generate more of it with their friends’ public pictures,’ one user noted.

‘The tool itself is not the surprising part. The surprising part is still pretending that ‘you can turn it off in settings’ is meaningful consent for normal users,’ the user added. Still, other users pointed out that this was expected from the company, stating how users have been allowing the platform to use and ‘own’ their photos for over a decade.

Nevertheless, the amount of backlash from the users worked as Meta announced on July 10 that they will be pulling Muse AI from their platform.

‘Earlier this week, we announced that one way for people to generate images in Meta AI is by mentioning public Instagram accounts that they want to reference. Our intent was to provide a useful creative tool and to give people control over whether their public content could be referenced in his way,’ its latest statement reads.

‘We’ve heard the feedback that this feature missed the mark, so it’s no longer available,’ its update continued.

SKILLS that define future leaders are changing, as the workplace is entering a new era where success is no longer defined only by expertise in one field.

With technology reshaping industries, businesses are searching for professionals who can adapt, communicate, solve complex problems, and lead through uncertainty.

According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, nearly 40 percent of workers’ existing skills are expected to change or become outdated by 2030, highlighting the need for continuous learning and adaptability.

As industries become increasingly influenced by emerging technologies, skills in artificial intelligence and big data, cybersecurity, and technology literacy are among those expected to grow in importance.

The report emphasizes that human-centered skills-including analytical thinking-remain the most sought-after core skill among employers, with seven out of 10 companies considering it as essential.

This is followed by creative thinking, curiosity, resilience, and lifelong learning, which will remain key in helping professionals navigate an evolving workplace.

The shift is also reflected in how companies view talent development. LinkedIn’s 2025 Workplace Learning Report revealed that 49 percent of learning and talent development professionals believe their organizations are facing a skills crisis, pointing out the growing need for workers who can seamlessly learn and build new capabilities.

Organizations have the say as well, as a growing gap between education and workplace expectations was seen. Deloitte’s 2025 Global Human Capital Trends Report found that 66 percent of managers and executives believe recent hires are not fully prepared, with lack of experience identified as one of the biggest challenges.

Developing leaders

FOR the next generation of professionals, this means leadership skills must be honed before their workforce entry. This was the type of environment created at the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) Business Leadership Program (BLP) 2026.

Through business case competitions and interactions with industry professionals, student delegates experienced realities of decision-making and entrepreneurship. The program allowed students to move beyond theory and practice the skills needed in real business settings.

Among the participants who demonstrated these capabilities were students from Enderun Colleges, who earned recognition for their ability to transform ideas into practical business solutions.

As ‘Best Female Presenter/Speaker’ of the edition, Enderun student Chevy Tan showed the value of communication and storytelling in leadership. She exemplified that, when professionals articulate ideas clearly, they engage audiences and create alignment among stakeholders. Such facets better influence decisions and drive meaningful outcomes.

The Business Plan Competition also showcased the importance of strategic thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving in addressing real-world business challenges. Marielle Domingo and her team’s second-place finish, along with Tan and her team’s third-place achievement, demonstrated the school’s academic excellence in shaping future leaders with creativity, analysis, and execution to develop solutions and identify opportunities in a rapidly changing business landscape.

Beyond awards

MORE than academic knowledge, future-ready professionals need the ability to work with different perspectives, communicate with confidence, adapt to change, and make decisions in environments where problems do not always have simple answers.

Through opportunities like the AmCham BLP, students start developing leadership skills before they officially enter their careers. They learn that leadership is not simply about having ideas, but about turning ideas into action and creating meaningful impact.

As the workplace continues to transform, the ability to communicate, adapt, and solve complex problems will be what sets the next generation of leaders apart.

Small-and-medium enterprises (SMEs) no longer need to make hefty investments in technology to begin their digital transformation, according to Telavi, a cloud communications platform that aims to level the playing field between small businesses and large corporations.

Erwin Co, president and CEO of Gur Lavi Group and founder of Telavi, told BusinessMirror in an e-mail interview that many SMEs delay digitalization because they believe it requires significant capital spending on hardware, software and dedicated IT personnel.

‘Small businesses don’t need a big budget to go digital. That’s the whole point of how we built Telavi,’ Co said.

He explained that Telavi operates entirely on the cloud, eliminating the need for businesses to purchase expensive equipment or maintain their own IT infrastructure. Instead, customers pay a monthly subscription based on the number of users, allowing them to scale services as their business grows.

‘We’re cloud-based, so there’s no equipment to buy and no IT team needed to run it. You just sign up, pay per user each month in pesos, and you’re up and running in hours, not months,’ he said.

The subscription-based model enables even small clinics, retail stores and startups to access enterprise-grade communications technology without large upfront costs.

Beyond affordability, Co said cybersecurity remains one of the biggest concerns among SMEs as more business operations move online.

He said Telavi addresses this by embedding security into its platform instead of treating it as an optional feature.

‘Security isn’t something we sell as an add-on. It’s built in, in layers, for every customer we have,’ Co said.

The company is certified under ISO 27001:2022, the international standard for information security management, and complies with the Philippines’ Data Privacy Act. Since Telavi manages its services through the cloud, software updates, monitoring and security maintenance are handled by the company, allowing SMEs to benefit from enterprise-level protection without hiring dedicated cybersecurity teams.

Co said the platform serves a broad range of industries, including retail, healthcare, education, banking, logistics, construction and government agencies.

One example involved a retail client that discovered missed customer calls were costing the business about ?800,000 in potential monthly sales.

According to Co, as many as 30 percent of calls to Philippine businesses go unanswered, while 85 percent of customers who fail to reach a business never call back.

‘That’s the kind of problem we solve,’ he said.

As e-commerce continues to reshape the business landscape, Co said SMEs must be able to respond quickly to customers across multiple digital channels.

To address this, Telavi offers solutions such as OneChatAI, which enables businesses to manage customer inquiries from platforms including WhatsApp, Telegram and Messenger through a single interface. The AI-powered system can respond in English, Taglish and other languages before seamlessly transferring conversations to human agents when necessary.

Another solution, Tap2Call, allows website visitors to connect directly with businesses through a single click, reducing friction and minimizing missed sales opportunities.

‘Together, they mean faster replies and fewer missed customers, without needing extra staff just to keep up,’ Co said.

Furthermore, Co said Telavi plans to deepen its presence in the Philippines while exploring opportunities in international markets. The company also intends to expand its investments in artificial intelligence to help businesses improve productivity without significantly increasing manpower.

‘Our mission is to give Filipino businesses, especially small and medium ones, the same level of technology and reliability that used to be reserved for big companies, so they’re not left behind as the country goes digital,’ he said.

The Philippines has stepped up its campaign for stronger international protection of senior citizens by backing negotiations for a legally binding United Nations treaty that would recognize older persons as rights holders, not merely beneficiaries of social services.

National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Ma. Merceditas Gutierrez represented the country during the inaugural session of the UN Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG) on Older Persons in Geneva, Switzerland, where she urged the crafting of a comprehensive global framework to safeguard the rights and dignity of older persons, according to a news release Tuesday.

‘The Philippines envisions an instrument that unequivocally recognizes older persons as rights holders, not merely recipients of care or charity from the state and society. Its objective should be to empower older persons everywhere so they can live in autonomy, dignity, and full participation in society,’ Gutierrez said.

The Philippine delegation also called for stronger provisions on affordable long-term and palliative care, protection of caregivers, particularly migrant caregivers and an inclusive negotiation process involving civil society and national human rights institutions while preserving the intergovernmental nature of the talks.

The IGWG, established by the UN Human Rights Council, began its first session on July 13 and is tasked with negotiating a legally binding international instrument promoting and protecting the human rights of older persons.

The Philippines is among the countries supporting the initiative, alongside Brazil, Slovenia and Gambia, as global discussions intensify amid projections that people aged 65 and older will outnumber children under 18 worldwide by the late 2070s.

Guided by Republic Act 11350, the NCSC said it will continue working with member states and stakeholders toward a global framework that strengthens the rights, dignity and welfare of older persons in the Philippines and around the world.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a vital signaling molecule produced naturally in the body, primarily by the endothelium (the lining of blood vessels). It relaxes and widens blood vessels, improving blood flow, oxygen delivery, and nutrient transport while reducing blood pressure and inflammation. As we age, NO production declines significantly-often starting in middle age and accelerating in seniors-due to reduced enzyme activity, oxidative stress, and lifestyle factors. This decline contributes to endothelial dysfunction, chronic low-grade inflammation (‘inflammaging’), stiff arteries, reduced stamina, cognitive fog, slower wound healing, and higher risks of cardiovascular disease, which are hallmarks of accelerated aging.

Boosting nitric oxide naturally offers a promising, low-risk strategy for elderly individuals to support vascular health, combat inflammation, enhance energy and mobility, and promote healthier aging. Research highlights dietary nitrates, exercise, lifestyle habits, and specific foods as effective approaches. Always consult a healthcare provider before major changes, especially with medications or conditions like low blood pressure.

The science: Why nitric oxide matters for seniors

Nitric oxide acts as a vasodilator, anti-inflammatory agent, and antioxidant supporter. It inhibits platelet aggregation, reduces oxidative stress, supports mitochondrial function, and aids tissue repair. In older adults, low NO links to hypertension, atherosclerosis, fatigue, poor exercise tolerance, and cognitive decline. Studies show that enhancing NO bioavailability can improve exercise capacity, vascular function, and overall vitality in seniors.

Expert Dr. Nathan Bryan, a leading nitric oxide researcher, emphasizes that NO deficiency is a root cause of many age-related issues, including tiredness and impaired healing. In interviews, he explains how restoring NO levels supports longevity by improving circulation and reducing inflammation.

Dr. William Li, physician and author focused on food as medicine, highlights NO’s role in vascular resilience. In his talks, he notes that healthy blood vessels are key to fighting aging, as declining NO accelerates vessel stiffness and inflammation.

Natural ways to boost nitric oxide

1. Consume nitrate-rich vegetables:

Leafy greens and beets are top natural sources of dietary nitrates, which the body converts to NO via the nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway (especially important as the arginine pathway weakens with age).

Beets and beet juice: High in nitrates; studies show benefits for blood pressure and endothelial function in postmenopausal women and older adults.

Leafy greens: Arugula, spinach, kale, Swiss chard, lettuce-consume raw or lightly cooked for maximum nitrates. Aim for 1-2 servings daily.

Dr. Li’s practical tip: Start the day with a beet-spinach smoothie or roasted beets in salads. Dr. Li recommends beets as a primary food for boosting NO and energy.

2. Incorporate antioxidant and polyphenol-rich foods:

Antioxidants protect NO from degradation by free radicals. Polyphenols enhance production.

Berries (blueberries, strawberries): Rich in antioxidants and compounds supporting NO.

Citrus fruits, garlic, nuts/seeds, dark chocolate (70 percent + cacao): Garlic provides allicin; cocoa flavanols boost NO; moderate dark chocolate (2-3 squares) supports circulation.

Other helpers: Green tea, apples, coffee, pomegranate.

Dr. Li points to blueberries, dark chocolate, beets, and apples as practical daily options for NO support and inflammation reduction.

3. Regular, moderate exercise:

Physical activity is one of the most potent stimulators of endothelial NO production. Even in seniors, consistent movement enhances blood flow and NO synthase activity.

Aerobic: Brisk walking, swimming, cycling (30 minutes most days).

Resistance: Light weights or bodyweight exercises (squats, resistance bands).

Gentle options: Yoga, tai chi- combine with breathing for added benefits.

Studies indicate benefits visible in 10 weeks with 30 minutes, 3+ times weekly. Seniors should start slowly and build up.

4. Prioritize nasal breathing and oral health:

Mouth breathing and antibacterial mouthwash reduce NO. Nasal breathing and humming increase it.

Breathe through the nose during rest and light activity.

Humming during exhalation boosts sinus NO.

Maintain oral hygiene without overusing mouthwash; good bacteria on the tongue convert nitrates.

Dr. Bryan frequently discusses nasal breathing and humming as simple, powerful tools, noting their importance for older adults whose enzyme function may be impaired.

5. Sunlight, stress management, and lifestyle habits:

Moderate sunlight: Supports skin NO production and vitamin D.

Stress reduction: Chronic stress harms endothelium; try meditation or nature walks.

Sleep and hydration: Essential for vascular repair.

Avoid: Excessive processed foods, sugars, smoking, and (if possible) overuse of mouthwash.

Supplements (with caution for elderly):

L-citrulline or L-arginine may help, but food-first is safer. Beetroot powder or nitrate supplements show promise; consult a doctor for interactions.

Sample daily routine for seniors:

Morning: Beet-spinach smoothie + nasal breathing/humming.

Midday: Walk outdoors + handful of berries/nuts.

Evening: Leafy green salad with garlic, moderate dark chocolate, light yoga.

Throughout: Stay hydrated, prioritize nose breathing.

Consistency yields cumulative benefits: better energy, reduced inflammation markers, improved mobility, and slower vascular aging.

Expert videos to watch:

Dr. Nathan Bryan on The Diary of a CEO: Comprehensive discussion on NO deficiency, fatigue, aging, and practical boosts (nasal breathing, foods, lifestyle). Highly recommended for depth.

Dr. William Li on boosting NO with foods: Explains foods like beets, berries, and dark chocolate for inflammation reduction and reverse aging effects.

Dr. Bryan interviews (e.g., with Max Lugavere or Dhru Purohit): Dive into longevity, inflammation, and natural restoration methods.

Boosting nitric oxide naturally empowers elderly individuals to take control of inflammation and aging through accessible habits. A nitrate-rich diet, regular movement, smart breathing, and protective foods can restore vascular health, enhance quality of life, and support graceful aging. Results vary, but many report more energy and better well-being within weeks. Pair these with regular check-ups for personalized, safe implementation. The science is clear: supporting this ‘miracle molecule’ is a foundational strategy for healthy longevity.

FOR most Filipino households, pets are (rightfully) considered full-fledged family members. Owners aren’t just owners anymore; they’re fur-parents now, they call pets their ‘fur-babies,’ celebrate their birthdays, and worry about them constantly when we are away-just like real parents do and should.

But as the world moves faster and we find ourselves balancing office days, social lives and daily errands, maintaining a flawless pet care routine can feel like a precarious tightrope walk. Are they eating on time? Are they drinking enough water? Is the house smelling a little too much like a pet sanctuary?

Fortunately for many Filipino fur-parents, raising a healthy, happy pet doesn’t have to conflict with a busy modern lifestyle. For those who need help keeping pets loved and well-maintained at home, global tech giant Xiaomi has got solutions that can completely transform your daily pet care routine, offering you peace of mind and your pet a healthier, more comfortable life.

1. Mealtime, always on time. One of the biggest anxieties of leaving the house is missing mealtime, and the Xiaomi Smart Pet Food Feeder 2 takes the guesswork and worry out of the equation.

This smart feeder allows you to schedule precise portions at specific times through your phone. Whether you are stuck in traffic or working late on a project, your pet’s feeding schedule remains completely uninterrupted. Plus, with its sealed design, every bowl of kibble stays as fresh and crunchy as the moment you opened the bag.

2. Encouraging healthy hydration. Just like humans, pets need constant access to clean water to prevent urinary tract issues-a common concern for both cat and dog owners alike.

The Xiaomi Smart Pet Fountain 2 solves this by mimicking the flowing natural streams that animals instinctively love. With its multi-stage filtration system, it ensures your pet always has access to fresh, oxygen-rich running water. It operates quietly in the background, making sure your pet stays hydrated throughout the day without interrupting your focus.

3. A breath of fresh air for everyone. Living with pets often means living with pet hair, dander, and those unmistakable ‘pet odors.’ While most fur-parents have gotten used to the different kind of air at home, that doesn’t mean it’s always healthy.

To keep your indoor air clean and healthy for both you and your fur-baby, the Xiaomi Smart Pet Care Air Purifier is a household game-changer. Specially optimized for pet-owning homes, it quickly captures floating pet hair and neutralizes common pet odors, ensuring your living space always smells fresh, clean, and welcoming.

4. Keeping a loving eye from afar. Even when all their physical needs are met, you’ll still miss your pets when you’re out-that’s just the ruff reality of being a fur-parent.

For clingy parents and babies, the Xiaomi Smart Camera C701 Pro helps you stay connected. With its advanced pet detection feature, the camera can intelligently recognize when your pet is active or moving around the room. Instead of constantly monitoring a live stream, you will receive a handy notification whenever your pet does something cute, letting you check in, say a quick hello, and smile during a busy workday.

More information about the Xiaomi Smart Pet Care lineup can be found at Xiaomi offline stores or via Shopee, Lazada, and the Xiaomi Online Store.

AS a teenager, my neighbor named Junior taught me how to drive an old battered jeep (one of those left behind by the American army after liberation). It was my tentative initiation to manual driving using two pedals for clutch and gas. I stalled out the first time I tried to get the vehicle started. Then the second time. And then a third time. Junior kept yelling at me: ‘Timplahin mo yung tapak mo sa gas at pedal!’ Finally, on the fourth attempt, I got the old jeep going. When Junior saw that I could stop and start the car consistently and shift gears without grinding the clutch, he left me to it.

I really didn’t get the hang of it since it was only for one day, actually just a few hours. I didn’t get the chance to improve my driving skills further because our family didn’t own a car.

I did not drive my own car till I was 25. It was my first car, a second-hand Volkswagen Beetle made in Brazil. I enrolled in a nearby driving school. In two weeks, I re-learned the skills from my initial driving lesson with Junior as a teenager.

More than five decades have passed and stick shift driving is still the only way I know when I’m behind the wheel. The sequence of primera, segunda, tercera, quatra is now embedded in my mind. Quinta came later. Just my ever-curious mind asking: why the Spanish terms? Did Filipino drivers learn to drive the automobile during Spanish colonial times? Most people these days never learn how to drive manual. It takes real timing and coordination to get the clutch and gas right. This is why new models are now automatic, featuring one speed driving.

But some people I know say that driving a 5-speed car is more fun. There are at least 11 songs about the glories of stick shift driving. From the Beach Boys to Bruce Springsteen.

But I’m not one to sing ‘Fun Fun Fun’ with the Beach Boys. To be fully honest, I’ve never been inclined to drive. I only drive because I have to. Unlike some of people, I don’t find pleasure in driving.

Driving can be taxing and tiring for me, especially as I’m in my mid-70s. I prefer to sit and let someone else do the driving. That way, I can look at the passing scene with more concentration. This is why when I’m alone, I like to park our car somewhere and then go by commuting by train or ride sharing. When I have to take a taxi, I like drivers to be reticent to allow me to think better or to look out the window without being distracted by idle chatter. I use the time in between destinations for mental jogging-to daydream, compose my jangled thoughts, conjure concepts.

This is the reason I seldom drive nowadays. However, I do get on the driver’s seat for a few reasons: to bring my wife to her doctor, or the mall or to one of the wakes of one of her deceased friends or former classmates. She is afflicted with severe arthritis on both knees. She uses two canes and a portable wheelchair, which my eldest, a daughter who is still single by choice, is only too glad to push.

When I’m behind the wheel, I try to apply Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching, which dates back to 2,500 years ago. Tao is translated as ‘the way.’ I keep in mind one of the encompassing insights of Lao Tzu:

Be like water.

I look at the road like a river. On a boat, I go with the flow.

I become one with the car. Without being conscious about it, each movement of the gear stick-first gear, second gear, third gear, fourth gear-is like my inner energy flowing. The balancing of one foot on the clutch and another on the gas pedal happens instinctively. Driving is done at an unconscious level, as the hand shifts gears and feet pedal in and out in one graceful movement like in a dance.

As someone says: ‘It is Tao in a car. It is balance and beauty, restraint and movement, human and machine.’

It’s all about perception, responsiveness, and flow. Because I go with the flow, I don’t drive too fast nor too slow.

Driving can be a spiritual exercise. You get to flex your spiritual virtues of patience, compassion and mindfulness.

Patience is one of them. I heed road signs and I obey traffic lights. If there is traffic, I don’t complain or whine. It will move eventually. If there is a vehicle that wants to move ahead of me (honking or flashing its lights) I slow down and give way. I don’t let my pride or temper get the better of me by trying to impede him or compete with it. When there are obstructions, like a stalled vehicle or a slow moving 6-wheeler, I patiently and cautiously go around it or overtake it.

Then there is the virtue of compassion. I slow down whenever I see lines on a designated pedestrian lane, as I respect people who have to walk to get to places. Some of them are hurrying to get to their place of work, or to visit a beloved in a hospital, or to buy medicines, to pawn a jewelry to pay for an overdue water or electric bill or to get home to feed their families. I imagine how tired they must be when they get to their respective destinations.

Mindfulness is another virtue. I am always mindful of motorcycle drivers who tend to overtake on the right side so I give space for them to pass through. I don’t tail gate, always allowing some space between our car and the car ahead.

If only all drivers would learn to embrace the ‘tao’ on the road, we would probably never have road rage incidents or minimize accidents.

Yet looking ahead, driving will become an extinct skill in the future entirely. Geared transmissions will be a thing of the past. The wave of self-driving EVs in the market is a significant indicator that driving in less than three decades in the future will go obsolete.

Even car wheels will become obsolete. Vehicles that will get you from here to there will move by levitation, the way we saw it in the movie Star Wars.

Cars as we know them will just become museum pieces in tomorrow’s world. Children of future generations will be ogling at relics of the SUVs we are driving at the moment and will be laughing at their strange driving mechanics the way we now laugh at the first automotive vehicles like the model T Ford.The technology of mobility may change. But there will always be roads. Lao Tzu’s 2,500-year-old teachings will never become extinct. Whether on the road or in your life, you’ll never get lost as long as you are on the path of the Tao Te Ching.

As one book says: as long as we go with the flow, the Tao teaches us how to live our lives without crashing into one another.

THE sole stock exchange in the Philippines is preparing a slew of measures including new exchange-traded funds to attract retail investors away from online gambling and cryptocurrency trading.

The Philippine Stock Exchange will start using a new trading engine later this year that lowers the minimum number of shares that can be traded in a single transaction and introduce new types of exchange-traded funds, President and CEO Ramon Monzon said in an interview at his office in the Taguig City business district. The bourse seeks to fast track the accreditation of stockbrokers, allow margin trading and offer derivatives catering to big investors, he said.

The measures come at a time when participation of small investors in equity trading is lagging behind peers like Vietnam and India. It also comes as Philippine equities enjoy a nascent resurgence, with the Philippine Stock Exchange Index rising 11 percent from a low in May.

The stock market, which at one point was the world’s worst performing last year, has seen retail participation limited at 20 percent of overall trading versus 80 percent in Vietnam, according to PSE data. While most of the 3.64 million stock market accounts in 2025 belonged to individuals, it pales in comparison to 10 million online gambling accounts, PSE data showed.

In the Philippines, ‘there is no retail play, period,’ Monzon said. The exchange is encouraging broadly known companies to list in an effort to attract their customers to become stockholders, he said. ‘We need new companies, new listings.’

For instance, the planned fourth-quarter initial public offering of the owner of GCash, the Philippines’ biggest mobile wallet, is expected to draw new retail investors, Monzon said. The share sale of Mynt Inc., whose key shareholders include Globe Telecom Inc., Ant International and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc., could raise a record P92.3 billion ($1.5 billion).

Angkas, a motorcycle-taxi ride hailing firm backed by Malaysian private equity firm Creador, plans to list as early as this year, which could entice retail investors such as passengers and its partner drivers to buy its shares, Monzon said.

The bourse is inviting Global Electric Transport, whose electric minibuses ply Manila’s roads, to conduct an IPO, he said.

‘The ingredients for the turnaround are there,’ Monzon said, pointing to attractive valuations and competitive profit margins of listed firms versus regional peers. ‘The PSE is cautiously optimistic that investor confidence will gain further traction in the months ahead.’

WEALTHY Generation Z travelers are creating their own luxury travel options and bringing their families along to enjoy these.

A new study from the Luxury Group by Marriott International in Asia Pacific excluding China (Apec) also indicated that affluent Gen Z (those born in 1997-2012) travelers believe that every aspect of their trip should be frictionless and seamlessly connected.

The report showed that affluent Gen Z travelers have four distinct mindsets on what constitutes luxury travel. They are going for trips involving cultural immersions, taking care of their personal wellbeing, disconnecting from the digital world, and connecting with their own heritage and distinct identities.

‘Luxury today is no longer defined by a singular standard. It is deeply personal,’ said Oriol Montal, Regional Vice President of Luxury, Marriott International Apec, in a news statement attached to the report.

‘Our research reveals that affluent Gen Z travelers are not just participating in luxury travel. They are reshaping it, driven by a desire for meaning, wellbeing, and authentic connection. As the definition of luxury continues to fragment and evolve, understanding these emerging perspectives will be critical for shaping the next generation of travel experiences.’

The insights were drawn from a survey conducted from April 24 to May 19, 2026, of 2,800 affluent travelers across Apec, including 1,200 Gen Z respondents aged 18 to 29. The report showed a shift in luxury travel which is increasingly defined by ‘intention, identity, and personal meaning,’ instead of demographics.

Self-funding shared experiences

These findings should nudge the travel and tourism industry to broaden their strategies and cater to many luxury markets ‘understanding many, and delivering experiences that feel deeply personal, emotionally resonant, and unmistakably relevant,’ said the report.

Overall, the report showed that wealthy Gen Z travelers strategically build their trips, with more than 50 percent of respondents saying they fund their own travels, and nearly half plan every facet of their journey. ‘Immediate family remains their preferred travel companions (51 percent), while small-group travel has grown by 17 percent, signaling a shift toward more intimate, shared experiences,’ said the report.

Affluent Gen Z travelers are also a sophisticated lot. Eighty-seven percent of the respondents said they chose their destinations based on how they were able to immerse themselves in the local culture and engage with the local residents. Some 86 percent chose based on local cuisine exploration and dining spots. Another 86 percent preferred destinations that made them feel surrounded by nature, while 85 percent prioritized wellness destinations.

‘At the same time, Gen Z travelers expect luxury to be seamless. Time inefficiencies and communication gaps are among their biggest frustrations, underscoring a growing demand for intuitive, frictionless service,’ said the report. ‘[Technology] is playing an increasingly important role in trip planning, with 23 percent already using AI (artificial intelligence) tools for travel inspiration and planning,’ it added.

Less trips but longer

The report defines four Gen Z types, who define luxury travel quite differently:

The Connoisseur Traditionalist (34 percent) has an affinity for iconic hotels, exceptional service, loyalty rewards, prestige dining, and meticulously planned itineraries.

The Future Proofer (30 percent) indulges in preventive health, restoration and holistic wellbeing.

The Quiet Luxurist (20 percent) chooses to disconnect, disappear, and reclaim stillness, limiting the use of technology as she travels.

The Cultural Reclaimer (16 percent) plans and likely funds her family trips, as she explores her family heritage, and seeks immersive experiences that bond all familial generations.

Meanwhile, for the broader spectrum of affluent travelers, the report said most of them are becoming choosy, taking fewer premium trips, but extending their length of stay at destinations.

‘Average international leisure trips are expected to increase in duration from seven to nine nights, reflecting a shift from frequency to depth. As travelers concentrate their time and spending, expectations around personalization, seamless service, and meaningful engagement continue to rise,’ said the report.

As of June 11, Marriott International’s Luxury Group has more than 560 landmark hotels, resorts, and yachts in over 70 countries and territories. Brands include The Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Bvlgari Hotels and Resorts, St. Regis Hotels and Resorts, Edition, The Luxury Collection, JW Marriott, and W Hotels.