Category: Business Mirror

Florante at Laura, a cutting-edge ballet version of this still relevant and timely story about love, heroism, and patriotism, returns for a second run at the Aliw Theater stage on October 3 to 5, 2025 with live orchestral music performed by the Orchestra of the Filipino Youth (OFY).

Presented in celebration of Ballet Manila’s 30th Anniversary, this restaging of National Artist Ryan Cayabyab’s original composition offers a powerful collaboration of classical music, ballet, and timeless Filipino literature set to music by the OFY, composed of 60 musicians under the baton of conductor Toma Cayabyab.

This landmark production first premiered in 2024 with thechoreography of Gerardo Francisco Jr. and Martin Lawrance and the artistic direction of Lisa Macuja Elizalde. to sold-outaudiences and wide critical acclaim. Inspired by Francisco Balagtas’ epic poem, Ryan Cayabyab gifted his original music for Florante at Laura to the OFY, a testament to his continued support of Filipino youth and excellence in music.

It was composed with OFY in mind as its premiere orchestra, making the young musicians not just performers, but the very heart of the musical journey. This 2025, audiences will once again witness Ballet Manila’s choreography matched by the live performance of the OFY.

More than its restaging, this season also marks the digital releaseof the official music of Florante at Laura. It was professionally recorded by the OFY under the baton of Maestro Gerard Salonga at Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Black Box Theater). The album will be available on Spotify, Apple Music, and other major streaming platforms starting October 1, 2025, bringing the spirit of the stage to listeners around the world.

San Juan and Rizal Province closed their elimination round campaigns with victories over also-ran teams on Monday in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League at the Marikina Sports Center.

The San Juan Knights trounced the Marikina Shoemasters, 78-61, to improve their win-loss record to 26-3 and finish No. 3 in the North Division behind the Abra Weavers (27-1) and the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards (27-2).

Rizal subdued Bacolod, 78-72, for a 19-10 record and third spot in the South Division led by Quezon (25-4) and Batangas City (19-10).

Arvin Gamboa scored 18, while Orlan Wamar had 10 points and nine assists for the Knights.

Karl Penano and Jay Yutuc each had 12 points for Marikina, which exited with a 4-25 record.

Michael Canete scored 14 points, while Alwyn Alday had 11 points for Rizal.

Bacolod bowed out with a 7-22 slate. John Lemuel Pastias scored 15 points, while Jan Gabriel Sobrenega and Aldave Canoy had 12 points each.

THE growth of the country’s export earnings continued to slow in August 2025, according to the latest data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Based on the International Merchandise Trade Statistics of the Philippines, the country’s exports grew 4.6 percent to $7.06 billion in August 2025 from the $6.75 billion posted in the same period last year.

It can be noted that after peaking at 26.9 percent in June 2025, export earnings slowed to 17.6 percent in July and posted single-digit growth in August.

‘The year-to-date total value of exports, that is from January to August 2025, amounted to $55.7 billion. This represents an annual increase of 12.6 percent from the year-to-date total export value of $49.45 billion in January to August 2024,’ the PSA said.

The commodities that posted contractions in August were copra oil cake or meal which contracted 71.9 percent in August, followed by unmanufactured tobacco at 67.8 percent; other products manufactured from materials imported on consignment basis, 63.4 percent; copper concentrates, 62.5 percent; and other fruits and vegetables, 62.4 percent.

Commodities that posted the fastest growth in August were led by other forest products which surged 200.3 percent; gold, 153.4 percent; footwear, 127.2 percent; iron and steel, 91.2 percent; and desiccated coconut, 89.9 percent.

‘The commodity group with the highest annual increment in the value of exports in August 2025 was electronic products with $303.79 million. This was followed by gold with an annual increase of $160.37 million, and other mineral products with an annual increment of $112.09 million,’ the PSA stated.

Further, PSA said electronic products remained the country’s top exports in August 2025 with total earnings of $3.87 billion or 54.8 percent of the country’s total exports during the period.

The data showed this was followed by other mineral products with an export value of $384.26 million, accounting for 5.4 percent of the total; and machinery and transport equipment with $363.65 million, or 5.1 percent of total export earnings.

Import receipts

Meanwhile, the country’s import receipts amounted to $10.6 billion, indicating an annual decrement of 4.9 percent from the $11.15 billion import value in the same month of the previous year.

In July 2025 and August 2024, the PSA said that the country’s import value recorded annual increases of 5.8 percent and 2.9 percent, respectively.

In August 2025, the PSA said the commodity group with the highest annual decrement in the value of imported goods was mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials with $611.83 million.

This was followed by metalliferous ores and metal scrap, which decreased by $168.7 million, and cereals and cereal preparations with an annual decline of $86.15 million.

‘The year-to-date total import value from January to August 2025 amounted to $88.08 billion. This represents an annual increment of 5.1 percent from the year-to-date total import value of $83.78 billion in January to August 2024,’ the PSA said.

China top export market, import source

Meanwhile, the PSA said the country’s top export market and import source for August 2025 was China.

In terms of exports, Hong Kong, China was the country’s top export destination with an export value amounting to $1.19 billion or a share of 16.9 percent to the country’s total exports in August 2025.

Other top export partners for the month were the United States of America (USA), $1.09 billion or 15.4 percent of the total; Japan, $979.00 million, 13.9 percent; People’s Republic of China, $849.32 million, 12 percent; and Republic of China (Taiwan), $292.18 million or 4.1 percent of total exports.

In terms of import source, the People’s Republic of China was the country’s largest supplier of imported goods valued at $3.19 billion or 30.1 percent of the country’s total imports in August 2025.

Other import sources included Republic of Korea with an import value worth $848.93 million or 8 percent of total imports; Indonesia, $838.78 million or 7.9 percent of total; Japan, $731.06 million or 6.9 percent of total; and USA, $698.41 million or 6.6 percent of the total.

In the aftermath of the recent typhoons that deeply affected many communities and left countless Filipinos striving to recover, the ALC Group of Companies once again showed its commitment to community service. On September 25, 2025, the company turned over cash donations and relief goods to Caritas Manila, Inc. in a simple ceremony at the Caritas Manila Compound in Pandacan, Manila.

Representing the ALC Group were the children of ALC Group Chairman D. Edgard A. Cabangon-Giannina Eunice A. Cabangon, Isuzu Gencars Operations Executive; Dannica Nicole A. Cabangon, Eternal Group Operations Executive; and Antonio Carlos G. Cabangon, Special Assistant to the Chairman of Aliw Broadcasting Corp. They personally handed the donations to Caritas Manila’s Executive Director, Rev. Fr. Antonio Cecilio T. Pascual, symbolizing the Group’s collective effort to stand with affected communities in their time of need.

The donations form part of the ALC Bayanihan Program, a company-wide initiative that brings together the management and employees of the ALC Group to extend assistance to those impacted by calamities. Beyond immediate relief, the program is designed to support rehabilitation and rebuilding efforts, ensuring that affected families can move forward with renewed strength and hope.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Dannica Nicole A. Cabangon shared: ‘Growing up, we witnessed how our grandfather, Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua, and our father, D. Edgard A. Cabangon, always made it a point to extend help to our fellow Filipinos. Inspired by their example, our generation is committed to carrying on this legacy of malasakit through initiatives that bring hope and support to those in need.’

This is not the first time the ALC Group has extended support to Caritas Manila. In previous years, the Group donated Isuzu Traviz utility vans, along with cash and in-kind contributions, to reinforce Caritas Manila’s programs for the poor and marginalized.

Founded by the late Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua and now chaired by D. Edgard A. Cabangon, the ALC Group continues to uphold its founder’s principle: that true success in business must go hand in hand with service to the community.

Celebrating a decade of digital marketing innovation, the Digital Marketing Association of the Philippines (DMAP), the leading organization known for its excellence and innovation in digital marketing, will set the stage for unlocking the next evolution of customer engagement at the 10th edition of the annual Digital Congress (DigiCon), with the theme, ‘The Age of ‘i’: The Power of Personalization,’ to be held on October 16 to 17, 2025, at the Manila Marriott Hotel, Pasay City, Metro Manila.

Now in its 10th year, the major digital convention will gather global and local industry experts, thought leaders, and technology pioneers to explore the complexities of personalization in an AI-driven world, unlocking strategies for scalable and impactful connections.

DigiCon ‘The Age of ‘i’ 2025 will offer attendees opportunities to learn, interact, and collaborate through five focused tracks:

Innovation (AI)

Intelligence (Data Science)

Immersive (Retail and Activations)

Impact (Brand Building)

Integration (Business Transformation)

These tracks, along with various practical and immersive activities, aim to enable attendees to explore the latest trends and emerging technologies in personalized marketing, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration among industry professionals.

‘We are entering an era where personalization is paramount. This year’s theme, ‘The Age of ‘i,’ celebrates the transformative power of technology to create unique, meaningful connections with customers. In this rapidly evolving digital landscape, brands must navigate how to cultivate personal experiences in a connected world, driving stronger brand loyalty and effective customer experience. DMAP DigiCon 2025 will be the destination to empower digital marketers to navigate this era and explore the future of personalized experiences,’ DigiCon 2025 Chair Alan Fontanilla said.

Delegates of this year’s event will also get the opportunity to obtain program certifications in partnership with the Certified Digital Marketer (CDM). This initiative aligns with DMAP’s mission to future-proof the industry by providing crucial insights and skills, empowering marketers to stay ahead of the curve in the digital age amid evolving consumer behaviors and rapid technological shifts.

‘Filipinos are even more connected and are changing their habits digitally, so digital marketers must possess new levels of expertise and adaptability. DMAP is committed to leading the industry in navigating this complex landscape, providing the critical insights and skills necessary to thrive in an era of hyper-personalization. We continue to strive towards fostering an ecosystem where innovation thrives, and where professionals are equipped to shape the future of digital engagement,’ DMAP President Miko David said.

Building on past successes, DigiCon The Age of ‘i’ 2025 expects to attract over 2,000 attendees from various sectors, including marketing, advertising, business, academia, media, and innovation.

THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Tuesday said that it has taken into custody an alleged underwater Chinese drone recovered by local fishermen in Palawan waters over the weekend.

‘On Sept. 28, 2025, fishermen from Sitio Tapic, Brgy. New Colaylayan, Linapacan, discovered the approximately 12-foot-long device during routine fishing operations. Later that evening, they turned the AUV [autonomous underwater vehicle] over to Coast Guard personnel,’ it added.

The maritime law enforcement agency also stressed that this alleged UAV had been safely transported and secured at PCG Station Linapacan for further verification, technical examination, and investigation, in coordination with relevant national security agencies.

‘This incident highlights ongoing illegal marine scientific research in Philippine waters, amid a pattern of similar events involving foreign-origin autonomous AUVs,’ it added.

Preliminary observations show that the device features a Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) sensor-a compact probe designed to measure seawater salinity, temperature, and depth, which are key parameters for oceanographic profiling.

The sensor includes Chinese labeling (”) and a serial number (CTD-20090334), along with visible corrosion from prolonged saltwater exposure. It is mounted on a rugged metal frame, typical of components in autonomous underwater vehicles commonly known as ‘underwater drones.’

This recovery fits into a series of similar incidents in Philippine waters dating back to July 2022, including devices found in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte (July 2022); off the Zambales coast (September 2022); Calayan Island, Cagayan (August 2024); Initao, Misamis Oriental (October 2024); and San Pascual, Masbate (December 2024).

At least three of those prior recoveries have been linked to Chinese deployment, based on evidence such as China Telecom SIM cards, iridium transceivers connected to Beijing-based HWA Create (a defense contractor), and battery packs marked by China Electronics Technology Group Corporation.

Previous forensic analyses of similar recovered AUVs have identified them as tools for advanced underwater surveillance and seafloor mapping.

The integrated CTD sensor allows for the collection of data on salinity, temperature gradients, depth, and acoustic propagation-essential for bathymetric charting and environmental monitoring. Recovered units have shown capabilities for autonomous data processing, storage, and satellite transmission, with one case revealing encrypted communications to mainland China during operations.

‘The PCG remains vigilant in safeguarding our maritime domain and protecting the livelihoods of our fisherfolk,’ PCG commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, said.

‘We commend the quick action of the local fishermen for reporting this find. This incident highlights the need for continued community awareness and a whole-of-nation approach to deter unauthorized activities in our waters,’ he added.

The device is undergoing detailed forensic examination to determine its exact origin, operational history, and potential security risks.

The public is urged to report any suspicious maritime objects to the nearest Coast Guard station.

CONVERGE will manage everyone’s expectations in Season 50 of the Philippine Basketball Association that starts with the Philippine Cup on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Head coach Delta Pineda said most teams are competitive and could adjust to the pace of every game prompting his coaching staff to dig into the deepest details.

‘There are very strong teams and veterans so do not expect too much. We have so many young players in our team,’ said Pineda, whose team has an average age of 27 with Kevin Racal (34) and recently signed Rafi Reavis (48) as the veterans.

‘In terms of experience especially in crucial games, veteran players have the experience to take charge, but you’ll never know what may happen,’ the rookie coach who’s also the vice governor of Pampanga, said. ‘We have been together for a few years so we adjusted and corrected some of our mistakes.’

No. 2 draft pick Juan Gomez de Liaño (25) will be joining forces with Schonny Winston (27), Alec Stockton (27) and big men Justin Arana (26) and Justine Baltazar (28).

Converge swept all its four tuneup games against Meralco, Blackwater, NLEX and San Miguel Beer (114-99), but Pineda reminded his players not to be excited.

‘We need everyone’s cooperation and we are doing everything to prepare them so we can achieve our goals,’ Pineda said. ‘We need their hard work. If we do not prepare well, we cannot expect good things.’

The FiberXers couldn’t go beyond the quarterfinals-Governors Cup and Commissioner’s Cup-last year in three seasons in the league.

UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas and National University aim to join idle Ateneo atop the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 88 basketball standings on Wednesday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Arena.

The game starts at 4:30 p.m.

Eyes will be on Nigerian reinforcement Collins Akowe, a former NU Bullpup, who averaged 24.5 points and 18 rebounds in the victories over defending champion University of the Philippines and last year’s runner-up La Salle.

The Tigers are eyeing their first 3-0 start since 2015, the year UST last reached the finals.

Also expected to deliver are Forthsky Padrigao and Nic Cabañero.

NU coach Jeff Napa says the Bulldogs need to work on a lot of things to challenge for the semifinals.

‘Number one is consistency,’ Napa said.

The Bulldogs will lean heavily on Senegalese center Omar John, who averages 12 points and 5.5 rebounds.

In the 2 p.m. game, La Salle tries to get back on track when it takes on Far Eastern University.

The Green Archers split their first two outings, while the Tamaraws are still winless after two games.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is not singling out Senate President Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero in its investigation of candidates who received campaign donations from government contractors, its chairman clarified on Tuesday.

Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia said the poll body will also look into other donors once the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) confirms how many of the 55 contractor-donors have existing government contracts.

‘With all due respect, the claim that we are singling him out is not true. Senator Chiz was first only because the contractor admitted it, and he himself acknowledged receiving the donation,’ Garcia said in a Zoom interview.

Escudero, in a Senate privilege speech on Monday, questioned why he was the only one being investigated over the alleged campaign donation.

Earlier this month, the Comelec issued a show cause order against Centerways Construction and Development Inc. President Lawrence Lubiano after he admitted during a House hearing on flood control projects that he donated P30 million to Escudero’s 2022 senatorial campaign.

Lubiano later clarified the donation was made ‘personally’ and not through his firm.

Garcia said Lubiano has already appeared before the Comelec, and the next step is to seek Escudero’s side.

He stressed, however, that the senator has the right to decline.

‘That’s fine because it’s part of due process. It’s up to him if he wants to explain and present his defense. We want everyone to be afforded due process so our procedures cannot be questioned later..The candidate doesn’t need to appear personally-his lawyer can represent him,’ Garcia said.

Under Section 95 of the Omnibus Election Code, contractors and suppliers of government projects are barred from contributing to any partisan political activity, directly or indirectly.

The prohibition also covers financial institutions except for legitimate loans, utilities and natural resource extractors, companies with government franchises or contracts, recipients of recent large government loans, publicly funded schools, civil service officials, members of the armed forces, and all foreigners and foreign corporations.

Violators-both donor and recipient-may face imprisonment of one to six years.

The Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) is all set to bring the final leg of its premier Regional Franchise Show, Franchise Negosyo Para sa Region V (Legazpi), on Friday, October 3, 2025, at the Mall Atrium area of SM City Legazpi.

Event highlights that attendees can look forward to:

2-day business matching sessions to connect directly with franchisors and service providers

Free Seminar on ‘How to Invest in the Right Franchise’ (October 3-4, 2025, at the Mall Atrium area), where you can learn the basics of franchising and how to make wise investment decisions.

Paid Seminar on ‘How to Franchise Your Business’ (October 4, 2025, at The Marison Hotel), specially designed for existing business owners who are looking to scale up their business through franchising

This highly anticipated event will bring over 30+ exhibitors representing 200+ proven and successful franchise brands and business solutions. Whether you are looking for an entry point to your entrepreneurial journey or are a seasoned business owner, this 2-day event will serve as a perfect gateway for learning, networking, and discovering the right franchise for you.

‘We are very happy that Franchise Negosyo has finally reached the hands of my fellow Bicolanos,’ PFA Director for South Luzon Marco Antonio Soliman shared. ‘This event brings entrepreneurship closer to more Filipinos, not just in the Metro area of Manila, but also across thriving regions like Bicol’.

Franchise Negosyo Para sa Region V (Legazpi) is expected to draw participants from various places in the Bicol region, including entrepreneurs, aspiring business owners, and investors.

This event is supported by DTI Region 5, OWWA Region 5, Local Economic Development Investment Office – Albay, Albay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Legazpi Albay Chinese Filipino Chamber of Commerce, Inc., SM Supermalls, SM City Legazpi, 7 Eleven, Carrier, LT and G Credit Line, U-Franchise Sales and Management, Francorp Philippines, Converge ICT, PLDT Enterprise, Gcash, BPI, Hapihap, Powerhouse, Tapa King, and Famous Belgian Waffles.

Media partners: NET 25 Eagle Broadcasting Corp., Business World, Business Mirror, Mega Mobile (Inquirer Mobile), Inquirer Group of Companies, Asia Journal / Balikbayan Magazine, Philstar Media Group, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Around Bicol, Mr.GeeTv, IAmMhel, Twin Diaries, Probinsyanong Rabasero, and BicoldotPH.