Category: Business Mirror

Renowned author, journalist and wellness advocate Stephanie Zubiri comes into focus as Toshiba’s Takumi Master of Soulful Living by Toshiba Lifestyle, a global leader in premium home appliances. This partnership marks a strategic milestone for the Japandi Suite, bringing together the minimalist precision of Japanese craftsmanship and the functional warmth of Scandinavian design to create the ultimate expression of quiet luxury.

Known for her acclaimed work in food and travel, Stephanie has dedicated her career to telling stories that matter. Through her platform Soulful Feasts, she has championed the idea that wellness is a holistic pursuit, one that begins in the heart of one’s home. Her philosophy-that life is enriched by purpose and quality-serves as the foundation for this meaningful collaboration.

‘I have always believed that our homes should be a sanctuary-a place where we cultivate our well-being with intention,’ said Zubiri. ‘Toshiba’s Japandi Suite resonates deeply with this. It isn’t just about high-end appliances; it’s about how these tools integrate effortlessly into daily life, helping our homes run smoothly so we can be more present for the experiences that truly matter.’

The Japandi Suite is tailored for those who appreciate thoughtful design. The collection features a 3-in-1 Water Dispenser that masterfully blends hydration and ice-making, ensuring that pure, crystal-clear ice is always available. The Japandi Microwave Oven acts as a versatile culinary partner, employing advanced technologies, like ChefDefrost, ChefFry, ChefSteam, and ChefGrill to turn everyday meal preparation into an effortless, health-conscious experience. Meanwhile, the Japandi Digital Rice Cooker, with its copper-coated binchotan pot and enzyme-activation tech, ensures that the most essential part of the meal is consistently perfect, fluffy and nourishing.

‘Stephanie Zubiri is the embodiment of a Takumi Master. She is someone who brings a rare level of passion and dedication to everything she touches,’ said Anna Marie Alejandro, general manager of Toshiba Lifestyle Philippines. ‘Her ability to find the profound in the everyday aligns perfectly with Toshiba’s vision. We wanted to partner with someone who could show our customers that these appliances are more than just technology-they are partners in creating a life that feels more balanced, deliberate, and truly soulful.’

Toshiba Lifestyle Philippines continues to set a new standard for modern living by combining advanced performance with an aesthetic that prioritizes calm and clarity; inviting everyone to rediscover the joy of the home, transforming daily routines into cherished, meaningful rituals.

More information on Toshiba Lifestyle’s newest product line-ups and campaigns can be found at www.toshiba-lifestyle.com/ph and its official pages on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok.

West Zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad) is offering septic tank cleaning services to its residential and semi-business customers this August in select parts of Caloocan, Las Piñas, Manila, Parañaque, Pasay, Quezon City, Valenzuela, and Cavite Province at no extra cost.

Maynilad’s sanitation program is one of the company’s efforts to lessen pollution loading into Metro Manila’s river systems. ‘We ask our customers to avail of this service, as it will help to protect community health and the environment,’ said Engr. Zmel Grabillo, Maynilad’s Head of Wastewater Management.

Customers residing in Barangay 80, 89, 138, 139,142 to 146, 148, 149, 151, 160, and 162 in Caloocan; Brgy. Almanza I, Manuyo II, Pamplona 1, Pamplona III, Pillar Village, Pulang Lupa I, Pulang Lupa II, Talon I, and Talon II in Las Piñas; Brgy. Port Area, Quiapo, San Miguel, San Nicolas, Sta. Cruz, and Sta. Mesa in Manila; Brgy. Don Carlos, San Rafael, and San Roque in Pasay; Brgy. Don Galo, San Martin de Porres, Sun Valley, and Tambo in Parañaque; Brgy. Commonwealth, Paltok, Payatas, Salvacion, San Antonio, San Isidro, Sta. Lucia, and Sto. Niño in Quezon City; and Brgy. Dalandanan, Malinta, Maysan, and Parada in Valenzuela may avail of Maynilad’s desludging service.

Moreover, some Maynilad customers in Cavite Province, particularly Brgy. Aniban II, Habay I, Kaingin, Ligas II, Ligas III, Mabolo II, Mabolo III, Maliksi II, Maliksi III, Mambog II to Mambog IV, Malino III, Real I, Real II, Salinas I, San Nicolas III, and Sineguelasan in Bacoor City; Brgy. Anabu I-C, Bayan Luma II, Malagasang II-A, Malagasang II-B, Malagasang II-D, Malagasang II-F, Tanzang Luma I to Tanzang Luma VI Toclong I-A, and Toclong II-B in Imus City may avail of the company’s septic tank cleaning services at no extra cost. Septic tank cleaning service normally costs around Php 4,700 per truck.

Maynilad customers interested in availing of the company’s septic tank cleaning service may call the Maynilad Hotline 1626 to determine the requirements and procedures. Additional information is also available in the company’s website, www.mayniladwater.com.ph, and social media accounts (X: @maynilad, Facebook: /MayniladWater).

Maynilad operates the largest water concession by population served within a single concession area in the Philippines. It is a concessionaire of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) for the West Zone of the Greater Manila Area, which is composed of the cities of Manila (certain portions), Quezon City (certain portions), Makati (west of South Super Highway), Caloocan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas and Malabon, all in Metro Manila; the cities of Cavite, Bacoor and Imus, and the municipalities of Kawit, Noveleta and Rosario, all in Cavite Province.

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) is stepping up implementation of the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) Project in Davao Oriental to secure individual titles for agrarian reform beneficiaries, in coordination with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and concerned indigenous people’s tribes with ancestral domain claims or land titles.

The DAR Davao recently held a coordination meeting on the implementation of the SPLIT Project involving the lands of the Kilusang Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran (KKK) in Barangay Taocanga, Municipality of Manay.

The meeting was particularly significant because one of the two landholdings previously covered by a Collective Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CCLOA) is situated within an area covered by a Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT). This situation calls for careful consideration of applicable laws and procedures, as well as full respect for the rights and interests of Indigenous Peoples throughout the process.

The DAR delegation was led by Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer (PARPO) II Atty. Joebar C. Pondoc and PARPO I Virginia J. Batosalem, together with CARPO-LTID Roy L. Balilahon, CARPO-PBDD Arlene B. Linsag, and Manay MARPO Raul C. Brion.

During the meeting, DAR officials engaged in dialogue with leaders of the Indigenous Political Structure (IPS) and the Ancestral Domain Management Office (ADMO). The Indigenous leaders openly shared their perspectives and insights, particularly on the cultural, legal, and community considerations that need to be observed in the implementation of the project.

Pondoc emphasized that the success of the initiative depends on meaningful consultation and respect for the rights of all stakeholders.

‘We want to ensure that our Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries [ARBs] receive the support and services they deserve, but we also recognize the importance of respecting the ancestral domain and the rights of our Indigenous Peoples. Through proper consultation and coordination, we can move forward without compromising either,’ he said.

Rather than rushing the process, the participants agreed to move forward through proper consultation, coordination, and compliance with established procedures. Among the identified next steps is the preparation of a project profile for submission to the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Region XI, in support of securing the required Field-Based Investigation (FBI) and Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) certification precondition.

For DAR Davao Oriental, the initiative goes beyond the parcelization of collective landholdings and the issuance of individual titles. It is about ensuring that ARBs receive the services and opportunities they are entitled to while safeguarding the ancestral domain, rights, culture, and traditions of Indigenous Peoples.

The continuing coordination among DAR, NCIP, IPS, ADMO, and other concerned stakeholders reflects a shared commitment to a fair, lawful, inclusive, and culturally sensitive agrarian reform process.

Ultimately, genuine agrarian reform is not only about land and titles. It is about creating opportunities for communities to grow, thrive, and build a better future while honoring the history, culture, and identity rooted in the land.

For DAR Davao Oriental, supporting ARBs and respecting ancestral domain go hand in hand in building an inclusive and sustainable future for all.

A visit to the vivo store became more personal as vivo Philippines and Markd brought laser customization to customers through ‘My vivo, My Mark,’ an in-store activation that allowed vivo users to personalize select devices and exclusive merchandise.

Held at the vivo Concept Store at SM Mall of Asia on August 8 and 9, 2026, the activation marked the first in-store collaboration between vivo and Markd in the Philippines, powered by xTool laser customization technology.

More than a purchase

At ‘My vivo, My Mark,’ customers were given the chance to add a personal touch to items they could take home.

Existing vivo users who visited the store with their vivo smartphones purchased a limited-edition vivo-branded aluminum tumbler for Php 99, with on-site laser engraving available to personalize the piece.

Customers who purchased eligible vivo Y31d smartphones or vivo TWS earphones during the activation also enjoyed complimentary engraving. With up to five English letters or numbers available for personalization, customers could add their own touch to the vivo Y31d back panel or TWS charging case.

Customers experienced the ‘My vivo, My Mark’ activation at the vivo SM MOA

The activation gave customers more than just another in-store purchase. It allowed them to create something that reflected their own identity and preferences.

Whether through a personalized tumbler or an engraved vivo Y31d and TWS earphones, each customized item offered a more personal connection to the brand

Next Stop: SM North EDSA

The ‘My vivo, My Mark’ experience continues at the vivo Concept Store in SM North EDSA on August 15 and 16, allowing more vivo users and customers to experience laser personalization firsthand.

Through the activation, vivo and Markd show how technology can be more than functional. It can also be a way for customers to express themselves, turning something they already use into something that feels uniquely theirs.

Follow vivo Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X, and TikTok for updates on the ‘My vivo, My Mark’ event and future in-store experiences.

Local purple yam (ube) stakeholders have formed a federation, dubbed the United Ube PH Association Inc., as part of efforts to centralize initiatives to strengthen domestic production and boost exports of the prized crop.

The federation comprises farmers, cooperatives, growers, processors, traders, exporters, researchers, the academe, government agencies, and other industry players.

It grew out of a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Department of Agriculture (DA), as local production lags behind demand.

Current output is around 50 to 60 metric tons (MT) per operator, but stakeholders believe better supply coordination and broader access to high-quality raw materials could boost production.

According to the DA, United Ube PH was officially registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) this month as a non-stock, non-profit organization representing the Philippine ube industry.

Carrying the banner, ‘One Industry. One Vision. One Philippine Ube,’ the agency added that the federation seeks to turn a fragmented industry into a ‘more coordinated and competitive’ force in domestic and international markets.

The DA said the group has begun working with government agencies, local government units (LGUs), business organizations, and other stakeholders to develop concrete industry strategies.

These include preparations for the 1st National Ube Forum in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, scheduled for September. It serves as a nationwide ube industry development strategy and a membership drive covering major ube-producing areas.

For Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., the organization could give the sector a voice as the DA works to develop ube into a major agricultural export.

‘This organization gives the ube industry a stronger advocate and a clearer path to market. We want Philippine ube to become one of our export winners, and that means building an industry strong enough to meet global demand while ensuring our farmers capture more of its value,’ Tiu Laurel said.

Furthermore, the DA said United Ube PH is also building market and institutional partnerships by onboarding institutional buyers, holding exploratory discussions with Philippine and German business chambers, and developing long-term supply and purchase agreements.

It added that the federation is drafting a bilateral agreement with the DA to deepen government-industry cooperation and identify areas for joint intervention.

It is also consolidating farmers, processors, traders, exporters, researchers, and other stakeholders through its nationwide membership campaign.

The DA announced that United Ube PH will also be soft-launched during ASEAN-HWONFEX 2026 from September 4 to 6 at the SMX Convention Center Manila, showcasing Philippine ube and connecting with potential buyers, investors, and business partners.

AT the August 11 House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means hearing, legislators and policy specialists advanced competing vape tax proposals while converging on one goal: strengthening government revenues without fueling illicit trade.

During the hearing, Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez advocated for House Bill 5364, the Vape Tax Unification Bill, which seeks to harmonize excise taxes across nicotine salt and freebase nicotine vapor products.

Rodriguez said his team projects the bill to yield average annual revenues of around P6 billion between 2027 and 2030, while also improving compliance and reducing illicit trade to as low as 10 percent by 2028.

The current system taxes nicotine salt vapes at P60 per milliliter, while freebase nicotine products face a much lower rate of P69.50 for 10 milliliters, or just P6.95 per milliliter.

Citing 2025 Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) statistics, Rodriguez emphasized that freebase nicotine products accounted for more than 90 percent of excise taxes collected across all vape categories.

‘No one is declaring their vape products as made of nicotine salt but instead declaring or misdeclaring the same as freebase nicotine,’ Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez framed the bill as a harm-reduction tool, referencing Public Health England’s 2015 review that found vaping to be around 95 percent less harmful than cigarette use.

‘Risk-based taxation is not new. We use this principle when we provide less tax or zero tax to electronic vehicles vis-à-vis gasoline-type vehicles. In the same manner, less harmful cigarette alternatives should be taxed less,’ Rodriguez said, explaining that the proposal aligns with Republic Act No. 11900, the country’s established regulatory framework for vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products.

He stressed that despite public health efforts, the number of Filipino smokers remains at roughly 16 million, virtually stagnant over the last decade. WHO data reveal that less than 4 percent manage to quit annually.

Citing a 2023 cost-of-illness study, Rodriguez said that if 50 percent of adult smokers in the Philippines switched to smoke-free products, the $9.8 billion yearly cost of smoking-related illness could decline by 35 percent-equivalent to $3.4 billion.

Manila Rep. Rolando Valeriano filed House Bill 10289, seeking to standardize excise taxes across all vapor products. His proposal establishes a P15-per-milliliter rate in 2027, followed by yearly 5 percent increases beginning in 2028.

The measure’s explanatory note highlighted the wide gap in current excise taxes applied to nicotine salt versus freebase nicotine vapor products.

‘Such disparity has created regulatory loopholes and incentivized tax avoidance, contributing to substantial revenue loss,’ the bill’s exploratory note said.

‘By adopting a single rate across all vapor product types, the measure eliminates classification ambiguities, enhances compliance, and fosters equitable treatment among industry stakeholders,’ it added.

The Philippine E-Cigarette Industry Association (Pecia), meanwhile, threw its support behind a P10-per-milliliter unified excise tax, stressing the need for consistency across vapor products.

‘We believe a uniform rate removes the incentive for misclassification or misdeclaration, gives BIR and Bureau of Customs a simpler basis for enforcement and helps keep legitimate products within the legal, regulated, and taxable market,’ PeciaPresident Joey Dulay told the committee.

Dulay warned that an overly high tax rate would push legal products out of the market, deprive the government of revenue, and erode its authority to regulate and control illicit trade.

‘The highest statutory tax rate is not necessarily the highest revenue producing rate,’ Dulay said. ‘Our position is therefore simple: protect our children. Enforce the law, eliminate the illicit market, and tax the legitimate market at a rate that keeps it inside the tax system.’

Responding to a question on whether Pecia members might be selling illicit products, Dulay said, ‘Sa aming experience po, hindi po nangyayari ‘yan.’

‘We represent the compliant industry. Ang association po namin ay 100 percent compliant. Ang parati nga din namin sinasabi na we have to acknowledge the fact, dito sa vapor industry, we have two separate industries. One is the compliant industry. We pay taxes, we follow the law. Two, there is a very large illicit market,’ he went on.

‘Kami po lahat sumusunod. Mahigpit po namin pinagbabawal ang illicit products sa aming mga miyembro,’ Dulay added.

‘We support strict age verification, stronger enforcement against sales to minors, the 100-meter restriction around schools, stronger online controls, and aggressive action against youth-oriented marketing and illegal products. Vapor products are not risk-free and they must never be sold to minors,’ he said.

‘Kaya po kami po talagang suportado namin lahat po ang mga health concerns din po, lalo na po sa youth. Ang RA 11900 po, marami pong safeguards para i-prevent ang youth uptake. Ang importante lang po talaga is proper enforcement,’ Dulay said.

Caps and Partners Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Eric Castillo cautioned that raising tax rates does not automatically advance public health objectives, urging the Department of Finance (DoF) to first assess the size of the illicit vape market before setting an optimal rate.

He suggested that the DoF draw on established approaches from organizations including United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the U.N. Conference on Trade and Development, the European Union Intellectual Property Office, Global Financial Integrity, and the World Bank.

Castillo noted that prohibition has not always remained the long-term policy approach for vapor products.

Among countries that later moved toward regulation are New Zealand, Malaysia and Canada.

He also warned lawmakers of a troubling pattern – smoking rates and tax levels climbing, while government collections continue to shrink.

‘This simply indicates tax leakage, illicit substitution, declining legal consumption, and enforcement limitations. You cannot maximize taxation if a substantive portion of the market is not covered by your tax system,’ Castillo said.

NutriAsia, maker of the Philippines’ leading condiments, sauces, and beverages, spent an afternoon with representatives from 37 social entrepreneurs and circularity advocates during the second day of the Circulaunchpad Camp, an intensive five-day camp for start-up youth social entrepreneurs designed to provide them with valuable insights, learnings, and practical tips to help grow their sustainability- and circularity-themed businesses.

James Lim, NutriAsia’s Senior Group Category Head for Corporate Marketing Communications, expressed appreciation for the invitation from organizers Circle Works and Plastic Reboot, as well as the opportunity to engage with the inspiring participants and learn about their innovative business concepts. ‘I consider myself blessed to have been able to share insights and learnings from our experience at NutriAsia. The participants and their ideas on circularity-based social enterprises are very inspiring. I really hope they get to drive their respective business concepts forward and contribute to the fight against plastic pollution.’

Circulaunchpad was organized under Circle Works, an 18-month grassroots initiative supported by the EU-PH Green Economy Partnership-a pound 60 million program funded by the European Union to accelerate the Philippines’ transition toward a sustainable, greener economy. As part of the Grassroots Youth Circular Economy Incubation Programme, the intensive multi-day event brought together 28 startup teams from the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and 9 teams from other areas of the Philippines.

The program was co-organized alongside Plastic Reboot, a global initiative that tackles plastic pollution at its source through upstream and midstream circular solutions in the food and beverage sector. As part of its commitment to environmental stewardship and industry leadership, NutriAsia participated to share corporate insights, educate aspiring founders, and inspire the next generation of social entrepreneurs.

‘Empowering youth innovators is critical to building a resilient, circular future for the Philippines,’ said Lim. ‘Programs like Circulaunchpad prove that creativity and sustainability can go hand in hand. We are honored to share our journey and help ignite the entrepreneurial spark in these young leaders as they build solutions for tomorrow.’

Legit Status Varsity bags the Championship title in the 18-and-under Advanced Category, representing the Philippines at the UDO World Finals held last August 12 to 16, 2026, at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens in the UK. The first-ever Filipino team to win in the Category.

After an impressive showing at SOAR Manchester, where the team placed 1st in the Under 16 category and 2nd in the Adult Mega Crew Division last August 7-9, 2026, Legit Status Varsity arrived in Blackpool carrying more than just the Philippine flag. They arrived carrying the momentum of a young generation of Filipino dancers who are proving that they belong on the international stage-making Legit Status Varsity two-time World Champions!

Blackpool’s iconic Winter Gardens have once again become a meeting point for thousands of dancers from around the world, all brought together by the same love for dance and competition. Among them are 24 young Filipino dancers of Legit Status Varsity, continuing a story that began long before they stepped onto the floor this week. These young dancers are united by one passion and one goal: to put the Philippines on the global dance map.

Again, making the bold statement that younger performers are coming into a competitive scene in which Filipino crews have already established that they can not only qualify for major international competitions, but win them. Their performances at the UDO World Finals and SOAR Manchester are proof of exactly that.

They did not just show up on the world stage. They conquered it. So raise the Philippine flag. Celebrate their victory. Share their story. And remember the names of the young Filipinos who travelled thousands of miles, trained relentlessly, sacrificed countless hours, and stepped onto an international stage carrying an entire nation with them. Because this is what happens when Filipino talent is given the opportunity, the support, and the stage to shine. The Philippines has always had the talent. Now, the world is watching. And when you’re too legit to quit, the only victory you need to overcome is your own.

From Legit Status home base GC dance studios in Cubao, Quezon City, to the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, the distance may be thousands of miles-but the dream remains the same: to represent the Philippines, to compete with the best, and to win.

Borromeo Motoring Group has selected COREnergy as its Retail Electricity Supplier, marking the automotive group’s entry into the competitive retail electricity market as it moves to manage power more strategically across its Luzon operations.

The agreement covers 20 dealership and automotive facilities with a combined contracted capacity of approximately 1.22 megawatts under the DOE’s Retail Aggregation Program (RAP). The sites are expected to complete their transition by September, marking the first phase of the group’s broader initiative to enhance energy management across its dealership network.

Borromeo Motoring Group operates dealerships representing globally recognized automotive and motorcycle brands, including Ford, Mitsubishi, Mazda, Honda, Suzuki,

Hyundai, Yamaha, and other prominent brands in the Philippine market. Across these sites, electricity powers more than showroom operations, it also supports service centers, diagnostic equipment, parts storage, administrative offices, and customer-facing facilities that keep each dealership running every day.

‘At Borromeo Motoring Group, we continuously look for opportunities to improve efficiency across our operations,’ said Andre Borromeo, Borromeo Motoring Group Director. ‘As our dealership network grows, energy management becomes increasingly important in supporting day-to-day operations and delivering a consistent customer service experience. Our partnership with COREnergy allows us to take a more strategic approach to managing one of our key operating costs while maintaining our focus on serving customers and growing the business.’

The partnership also carries a relationship that goes beyond the usual commercial agreement. The Garcia-Sarmiento family of Vivant and the Borromeos have known each other across generations, growing alongside Cebu’s business community long before this agreement took shape. What began as long-standing personal ties now finds a new expression in business, with COREnergy and Borromeo Motoring Group coming together at a time when companies are looking more closely at how energy choices can support growth and continuity.

‘Automotive dealerships today are complex operational environments that support sales, service, parts distribution, and customer experience under one roof,’ said Marko Sarmiento, COREnergy Vice President and Head of Operations. ‘As these operations become increasingly sophisticated, energy management plays a more important role in driving efficiency and business performance.’

Businesses are starting to view electricity not only as a recurring cost, but as a variable that can influence operational performance. Through COREnergy’s Power of Choice, companies with growing and distributed operations can take a more active role in managing energy usage that supports business growth with greater confidence.

Two students were reported dead, including the gunman, while three others were injured in a shooting incident in a private school in Zamboanga City on Tuesday morning.

The Department of Education (DepEd) said that they are gravely concerned over the reported shooting incident. Police said that the suspect is a Grade 7 student, while the victim is a Grade 10 pupil.

‘DepEd stands with the Ateneo de Zamboanga community during this difficult time and is ready to extend whatever support and assistance we can to the affected learners, families, school personnel, and concerned authorities,’ the DepEd said in a statement.In a radio interview, Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso said that the suspect used a ‘high-powered firearm.’

Police said that the situation is already under control, but the investigations are still ongoing. The DepEd added that they are also coordinating with mental health partners to provide Psychological First Aid and psychosocial support to those affected.

‘We urge the public to refrain from spreading unverified information and sharing sensitive photos, videos, or details about the incident, especially since minors are involved.’