Category: Business Mirror

Filipino consumers may have become more upbeat about the country’s economic prospects in the third quarter due to expectations of higher earnings, additional sources of income and more stable employment, but they expect inflation to accelerate faster.

Based on the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) Consumer Expectations Survey (CES) Report for the 3rd Quarter of 2026, the overall Consumer Confidence Index (CI) improved to -29.8 percent in the third quarter, compared to the -42 percent in the second quarter.

The CES showed better overall consumer confidence indices across all reference periods-the current quarter, next quarter and next 12 months.

However, the CI is still in the negative territory, which means more respondents are pessimistic than optimistic.

The central bank said the overall consumer outlook index is computed as the average of the three component indices, namely: overall economic condition, family financial situation, and family income.

The survey showed that the economic condition index improved to -59.4 percent in the third quarter of 2026 from -71.1 percent in the previous quarter.

Family financial situation index was also better in the third quarter of 2026 at -20.3 percent from the -36.2 percent in the second quarter.

Consumers’ family income index improved to -9.7 percent in the third quarter period from the -18.7 percent in the second quarter of 2026.

Purchases

The CES showed that Filipino consumers’ sentiment turned less pessimistic for the next quarter as the confidence index improved to -0.8 percent from the -16.3 percent in the second quarter of 2026.

Filipino households, meanwhile, have become more upbeat about the next 12 months as the index improved to 9.1 percent from the 0.2 percent index in the second quarter of 2026.

‘Consistent with the more favorable outlook for the year ahead, more households indicated that they were likely to purchase big-ticket items, such as real estate and motor vehicles, over the next 12 months,’ the central bank said in a statement.

Meanwhile, stronger saving prospects, coupled with weaker spending plans for day-to-day household expenses and lower borrowing intentions, suggest that households remain ‘prudent’ in managing their finances, the BSP said.

The consumer expectations survey also revealed that consumers expect inflation to reach 4 percent in July to September, higher than their 3.3-percent inflation expectation in the second quarter of 2026.

This exceeded the BSP’s 3-percent inflation target for 2026 but remained within the 4-percent tolerance ceiling.

Consumers expecting higher inflation cited the following concerns: perceived limited measures to mitigate price pressures, rising food and utility prices and tighter supply conditions.

The BSP said it continues to monitor developments in the Middle East and their potential effects on business and consumer sentiment, spending, and investment.

‘These indicators are among those considered in the BSP’s monetary policy decisions,’ the central bank said.

THE National Police (PNP) on Sunday said that it is enhancing its mobility capabilities with the acquisition and deployment of additional motorcycle units.

In a statement, the PNP chief, Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., said the move aims to cut response time to emergency calls and crime incidents across the country aside from improving frontline services, particularly in areas where police personnel need faster access to communities during emergencies.

‘Gone are the days when policemen are being portrayed in movies as always the last to arrive in an emergency situation. The prevailing mindset now is pro-active, quick response and crime solution efficiency. And when it comes to crime prevention and quick response, a sufficient and appropriate number of mobility assets really matter,’ he added.

And when it comes to crime prevention and quick response, a sufficient and appropriate number of mobility assets really matter, Nartatez added.

He emphasized that the PNP is expanding the deployment of motorcycles in regions where terrain and distance often affect response operations, noting that far-flung police offices are among the priority recipients of future acquisitions.

He also emphasized the practicality of motorcycles as back-up mobility assets in urban areas with daily traffic woes and narrow alleys.

The procurement will come with motorcycle-riding training programs for police personnel.

A total of P2 billion has been allocated under the PNP Capability Enhancement Program, which supports the procurement of mobility assets and other operational requirements of the police force.

The PNP chief noted that while the organization continues to benefit from support provided by other government agencies, the acquisition of operational assets remains a key component of the PNP’s modernization and resource program.

THE pool of overseas Filipino workers is expected to be dominated by ‘Family lifelines’ and ‘Long-haul guardians’-the archetypes which are less about exploring and more about being able to consistently send money back home, according to one of the authors of Boston Consulting Group’s (BCG) ‘The Filipino Abroad’ report.

While BCG noted that the number of ‘self-builders’-the archetype of OFWs that aim to explore and develop their careers-has been growing, the consulting firm pointed out it expects duty-driven Gen X OFWs and millennial breadwinners to dominate the pool of Filipinos working abroad.

The Long-haul Guardian, as described in the report, is the ’emotionally depleted duty-driven Gen X OFW who stays abroad to prevent disrupting lives in the Philippines.’

Meanwhile, the Family Lifeline is the ‘self-sacrificing millennial breadwinner whose life abroad exists to keep the family back home afloat.’

‘We met a lot of self-builders, which are the archetype of the OFWs that aim to really explore, see the world and develop their careers, they’re not sure about returning. But we do know and we do expect that actually most of the OFWs will actually belong more to the family lifeline type clusters or the long-haul guardian type clusters,’ Jaimie Bawalan-Lim, a co-author of ‘The Filipino Abroad’ told the BusinessMirror in an interview.

Bawalan-Lim said these archetypes are coming from specialist industries such as the construction and agriculture sectors.

She said these are areas where Filipino workers are looking ‘to really just have a good amount of money come back home monthly.’

‘We expect those archetypes to be the most represented across the board and I think this is supported by the fact that these archetypes are also the ones that dominate the U.S. as well as the Middle East corridors which we know are also making up a lot of our OFWs,’ she added.

Long-Haul Guardian

THE top three industries where the long-haul guardians are employed are: Construction, Domestic care services and Healthcare.

The report also noted that over 60 percent of their income is being remitted to their families back home.

The core driver of this Gen X OFW is ‘legacy building’ while the ultimate concern of this archetype is the health of family members in the Philippines.

‘For Long-Haul Guardians, migration has become a life structure rather than a phase,’ the report noted.

The BCG study pointed out that these Gen X workers are ‘older, more settled, and shaped far more by duty than by any lingering curiosity about what the world might offer.’

Moreover, many have already spent years doing the hard work of providing. Thus, the question they sit with is no longer simply ‘how do I send enough home?’

‘It is beginning to shift into something harder: what does all of this add up to, and what comes after?’ the report said.

Family Lifelines

THE top three industries where family lifelines work are: Construction work, Agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and Transportation and logistics.

Similar to the chunk of money sent home by long-haul guardians, Family lifelines part ways with 60 percent of their income.

It is worth noting that this type of Filipino worker is being fueled by sacrifice for family.

Family lifelines fret over being far away if something serious happens to their family back home.

‘Family Lifelines sit closest to the emotional center of what the OFW story is actually about,’ the report noted.

The study of BCG explained that their migration is about provision and not just exploration.

‘Nearly all are married with children, and life abroad is organized entirely around the family in the Philippines,’ the report stressed.

The cost of that arrangement, the study said, is ‘measured in missed moments, in tiredness, in a kind of permanent low-frequency worry, is the highest of any group.’

Self-builders

THE report said this archetype is the ‘autonomy-seeking’ younger millennials who prioritize building their own life abroad. As such, self-discovery and independence are their core drivers.

‘Self-builders are the youngest cluster in orientation, pulled abroad more by possibility than pressure.International work experience, personal independence, a life that feels larger than what was available at home-these are the gravitational forces shaping their migration,’ the report noted.

According to BCG, while family still matters for this type of Filipino worker, it is not the sole reason they left and it does not carry the same urgency as it does for other groups.

Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co. will buy a 30-percent stake in rival automaker Nio Inc.’s battery-swapping unit, gaining access to China’s largest network of swapping stations in a deal that values the business at about $2.4 billion.

Geely will fold its commercial-vehicle battery swapping business into the deal and pay 640 million yuan ($95 million) in cash, Nio said in a statement Monday. The two companies are also in talks for Geely to adopt Nio’s battery-swapping technology for its cars and commercial vehicles.

The partnership gives Nio fresh funding and the prospect of greater use of its costly battery-swapping network by opening it to Geely vehicles. Geely, which sold 1.25 million vehicles in China in the first eight months of this year, gains access to Nio’s established swapping technology and network, allowing it to expand the service for its own vehicles without having to build a competing system from scratch.

‘For Nio, this is very impactful, it needs the money and greater usage. For Geely, this is a better way to develop a network, and its own Yiyi network struggled to grow,’ said Leonid Mironov, portfolio manager at Gavekal Capital Ltd. ‘It’s win-win really,’ he said, adding that consumers will also benefit as the industry edges closer to a national battery-swapping standard.

The deal is also a boon for Nio, valuing the Nio Power battery swapping and charging infrastructure unit at 16 billion yuan ($2.4 billion) – more than a quarter of Nio’s market value of around $9 billion. Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. last year invested 2.5 billion yuan in Nio Power in a collaboration to build out a battery swapping network across China.

Nio’s shares rose as much as 3.2 percent in Hong Kong trading on Monday, while Geely’s Hong-Kong listed stock gained as much as 3 percent.

Still, the benefits of battery swapping – the ability to replace a depleted cell with a full-charged one in just minutes – is being undermined as EV makers roll out a new generation of fast-charging batteries. Geely last week introduced charging technology that can power a battery to 70 percent from 10 percent in under five minutes, while BYD Co. also boasts five-minute charging.

Nio CEO William Li said that better coordinating industry efforts, reducing repetitive investments and sharing innovative resources are some of the priorities for the next stage of the development of China’s automotive industry.

Nio and Geely’s cooperation is responding to the Chinese government’s ‘anti-involution’ call-or stamping out unhealthy competition-and will also improve the efficiency of resource allocation, Li said at an event Monday announcing the deal.

The tie-up ‘marks another milestone for the industry,’ said Vincent Sun, an analyst at Morningstar Inc. ‘Nio’s heavy capex on battery-swapping stations has been viewed by bear investors as a financial drain. By bringing in Geely, Nio successfully unlocks the intrinsic value of its previous investment. A unified swapping standard and increase in station utilization would reduce redundant capital outlays as a whole.’

Nio’s sales surged 58 percent to 262,893 vehicles in the first eight months of this year, driven by successful launches such as the flagship ES9 sport utility vehicle. One of China’s best-grossing cars, the ES9 and other luxury offerings helped improve Nio’s financial situation, with the decade-old company finally swinging into profit in the fourth quarter last year. However, it returned to losses in the first two quarters of this year.

Momentum is slowing after the company’s forecast third-quarter sales of 108,000 to 111,000 vehicles and revenue of 33.29 billion yuan to 34.05 billion yuan fell short of analyst estimates. China’s auto market, the world’s biggest, is shrinking as government subsidies are cut back and slower economic growth weighs on consumer confidence.

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is not currently considering any price increase for the products covered by its basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPC) monitoring, keeping government-monitored prices stable despite recent volatility in fuel and transport costs.

Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque said Monday that the agency has yet to receive requests from manufacturers to raise prices of BNPCs.

‘So far, we have no request yet for BNPC, so the prices of food are stable,’ Roque told reporters in Makati after the signing of an agreement covering financing for small businesses and electric vehicles.

The DTI said it currently monitors about 204 stock-keeping units (SKUs) of BNPCs. Meanwhile, the latest SRP bulletin posted on the agency’s website is dated May 11.

The price outlook comes as fuel retailers announced pump-price rollbacks on Monday following three consecutive weeks of major increases, providing some relief from the recent rise in fuel costs.

Transport costs, meanwhile, have also come under pressure. Monday’s transport strike coincided with the implementation of a P1 fare increase for jeepneys, with a further P2 added for each succeeding kilometer.

The price situation is also being watched ahead of the holiday season, when consumer demand typically picks up.

Last October, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. directed the DTI to implement a price freeze on basic necessities and prime commodities through the end of the year to help maintain price stability during the holiday season.

The arrival of the ‘ber’ months, however, does not automatically translate into a surge in supermarket sales.

In August, Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Association President Steven T. Cua said consumer demand typically remains subdued until the Christmas season.

Muddy pavements, shortened walks, a dog eyeing the door with nowhere to go. The rainy season can turn pet parenthood into a full-time indoor gig. But fret no more, because your most loved mall, SM Megamall has launched its remodeled Paw Park at Level 5, Mega Fashion Hall: a rain-proof playground designed specifically for pets to frolic and mingle freely with their fellow fur friends.

The revamp marks the Philippines’ first PAW Patrol-themed pet park, launched alongside the local premiere of PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie – making it the perfect time to bring the whole family, fur babies included. In the film, the pups find themselves stranded on an uncharted island teeming with dinosaurs, where they must team up with a new friend to stop the mischievous Mayor Humdinger from putting the island’s creatures at risk of extinction.

It’s this same spirit of adventure and teamwork that inspired the Paw Park’s new look. To mark the occasion, pet owners and their furry besties were treated to a Meet and Greet with the PAW Patrol pups during the launch day on August 29.

The Paw Park is free for use, and interested fur parents simply need to sign up for the Super Pets Club (registration here) to unlock access to the space. Once inside, pets can romp through play equipment such as tunnels, mazes, and stairs, getting all the physical exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization they need to thrive.

Beyond the festivities, the Paw Park stands as a year-round space for pet owners to enjoy with their fur babies. It is a lasting addition to the SM Megamall experience, designed with every member of the family in mind.

Because ‘My SM’ isn’t just for people anymore. It’s built to provide a maxed out experience for the entire pack, and that includes our furry companions. Check out @smmegamall for updates on upcoming events at your most loved supermall.

Online gaming firm DigiPlus Interactive Corp. on Monday said it is closely monitoring recent regulatory developments in Brazil and is taking all necessary steps to comply with Brasilia’s directive.

Over the weekend, Brazil President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, issued a Medida Provisória, or a provisional measure, that bans the operation, offering, intermediation and advertising of fixed-odds betting and online gaming activities in Brazil.

The provisional measure took effect immediately upon publication and is subject to approval by the Brazilian Congress within the constitutionally prescribed period, which may extend to 120 days.

DigiPlus, however, said the situation remains fluid and is not final, as the relevant legislative and legal processes continue to develop.

‘Our immediate priority is to ensure an orderly response, including the timely processing of customer withdrawals and the return of customer funds within the prescribed period,’ the company said in a statement.

‘Based on our assessment, these developments are not expected to have a material impact on DigiPlus’ overall financial or operating position,’ it said.

Abacus Securities said Brazil’s move, done ahead of the presidential election, was to address rising household debt and online gaming addiction.

There had been no discussions of regulating the market for online gaming and instead, an outright ban was imposed.

It said the biggest hit here would be on DigiPlus, as it has been positioning itself to compete in the South American market.

The company already launched its online gaming platform last year but this has not gained traction against the biggest names in the online gaming space around the world, Abacus said.

‘However, the company has shown optimism in continuing its venture indicating that more investments in marketing and in its platform would occur. The recent move would be a negative for PLUS but at the same time, could stop the bleeding for its venture in Brazil.’

DigiPlus has already allocated some P660 million, and has likely to have spent more for its Brazilian venture, the broker said.

‘This could further re-test new lows for PLUS and we reiterate our recommendation to avoid the stock,’ Abacus said.

Meanwhile, retail stock broker COL Financial said the issue would have limited impact on its fair value (FV) estimate on the stock.

‘We see limited near-term impact on our earnings and FV estimate, as our current forecasts do not account for PLUS’ potential expansion into Brazil,’ it said.

The broker currently has a buy rating on the stock, with fair value estimate of P15.07 per share.

DigiPlus said it has started to generate revenues from its gaming operations in Brazil.

Erick Su, DigiPlus chief global growth officer, said the tweaks they have made to their online gaming platform has resulted in better revenues compared on how it fared during the soft launch in the third quarter last year.

The Digiplus platform ran for about three weeks starting in September last year before the company took a strategic pause on October 10, 2025 to retool the platform for better cultural alignment with Brazilian players.

‘I think it’s going okay. We improved the revenue we have and you probably can see some of the reports in the third quarter when we have a financial release,’ Su said at the sidelines of the Inside Asian Gaming Expo.

‘Obviously, it’s still relatively low compared to what we have in the Philippines…We are still progressing and see if we can expand the business, increase the revenue… So, our international market is still in exploration stage,’ he said.

Su also noted that they are also facing challenges in Brazil. Aside from its being a very competitive market, he said recently there’s a lot of turbulence about the policy and the President talked about banning online gambling.

Global AI device provider HONOR Philippines, in partnership with Globe, is making it easier for Filipinos to power up their everyday with HONOR X6e, now available through select Globe plans designed to give users more value, connectivity, and flexibility.

With the HONOR X6e via Globe, customers can choose between GPlan Plus 999, which offers the device for PHP 550 per month for 24 months or a one-time cash-out of PHP 13,200, and GPlan 1799, where the device comes with no cash-out.

GPlan Plus 999

For users looking for flexibility without a long-term lock-in, GPlan Plus 999 comes with the HONOR X6e for PHP 550 per month for 24 months, or a one-time cash-out of PHP 13,200. The plan includes 20GB Swappable Data, unlimited all-net calls and texts plus landline calls, and unlimited 5G for 12 months in key areas nationwide, with no lock-up. Customers can also enjoy exclusive perks via the GlobeOne app.

GPlan 1799

For customers looking for an all-in-one connectivity package, GPlan 1799 comes with the HONOR X6e for free with no cash-out. The plan includes 13GB All-Access Data, unlimited all-net calls and texts plus unlimited landline calls, as well as free Globe Starlink access for six months and Globe Scam Protect access for 12 months.

Whether staying connected throughout the day, keeping up with social media, streaming content, or getting things done on the go, the HONOR X6e via Globe gives users the flexibility to choose a plan that fits their everyday needs.

‘Our partnership with Globe gives more Filipinos the opportunity to experience the HONOR X6e while enjoying flexible connectivity options that fit their lifestyle,’ said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines. ‘For today’s consumers, having a smartphone that can keep up with their everyday needs is important, and we’re excited to make the HONOR X6e more accessible through these Globe plans.’

With flexible payment options, generous connectivity inclusions, and added perks, the HONOR X6e via Globe brings together a smartphone experience and connectivity package designed for everyday use. Get the HONOR X6e via Globe at https://bit.ly/Globe_X6e_PR.

For more information about HONOR Philippines, you may visit: https://www.honor.com/ph/. To stay updated on launch announcements, product information, and exclusive offers, follow HONOR Philippines’ social media platforms on Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines) for exclusive launch updates, product information, and more.

Senator Mark Villar expressed his support for Senate Bill No. 1431, or the proposed Revised Cooperative Code of the Philippines, saying the measure will strengthen cooperatives as instruments of social justice, livelihood generation, and economic development.

Citing data from the Cooperative Development Authority, Villar noted that the country had more than 20,000 registered cooperatives employing around 335,100 workers as of 2024, underscoring the sector’s significant contribution to the Philippine economy.

‘Malaki ang papel ng mga kooperatiba sa paglikha ng kabuhayan, trabaho, at oportunidad para sa ating mga kababayan,’ Villar said.

He emphasized that cooperatives play an important role in improving the livelihoods of farmers, fisherfolk, rural workers, and other sectors by providing financial, technical, and educational support. Through these efforts, cooperatives contribute to poverty reduction, job creation, and greater economic participation.

Villar said the existing Cooperative Code, enacted in 2008, must be updated to respond to the growing complexities and evolving needs of the cooperative sector.

‘Thus, they need to enact a revision that introduces much needed reforms to its regulatory framework,’ Villar said.

Under Senate Bill No. 1431, the registration of cooperatives would be streamlined through reduced processing times and capital requirements, particularly for agricultural cooperatives. The measure would also expand the capital base of cooperatives by allowing foreign investments, subject to safeguards ensuring Filipino control and management.

Villar said these reforms would help make cooperatives more inclusive, flexible, and viable, allowing them to expand their operations and serve more members and communities.

‘Mr. President, ang pagpapalakas at pag-supporta sa paglago ng mga cooperativa sa bansa, isa sa importanting hakbang para ma-empower natin ang ating mga magsasaka, magingisda, guro, at iba pang sektor upang mas mapabuti pa ang lokal na ekonomiya sa ating mga komunidad,’ he added.

Meanwhile, Majority Leader Miguel Zubiri also recognized the initiatives of the Villar Foundation in supporting cooperatives and community enterprises that contribute to poverty reduction.

Through the Villar Foundation Awards for Poverty Reduction, outstanding cooperatives and community enterprises from various parts of the country are recognized for initiatives that create livelihoods, generate income, and help improve the economic conditions of their communities. The program also provides financial assistance to awardees to help sustain or expand their enterprises.

Villar said the Foundation’s continuing support for cooperatives reflects the broader role these organizations can play in creating sustainable livelihood opportunities and strengthening local economies.

‘Ang pagpapalakas ng mga kooperatiba ay hindi lamang tungkol sa pagpapalago ng isang organisasyon. Ito ay tungkol sa pagbibigay ng mas maraming oportunidad sa ating mga kababayan upang magkaroon ng mas matatag na kabuhayan at maging mas aktibong bahagi ng ating lokal na ekonomiya,’ Villar concluded.

-Sepak takraw and esports added two more bronzes to Team Philippines’ haul, Olympic medalist Carlo Paalam was left as the lone hopeful in boxing and Alex Eala did what she does best in the Aichi-Nagoya 20th Asian Games on Monday.

Filipino-American Victoria Bossong made a strong case as gold medal threat at the rain-drenched Paloma Mizuho Stadium track-she topped the women’s 800 meters heats in two minutes and 2.34 seconds, surpassing by almost four seconds the Philippine record set by fellow national Naomi Cesar only last June at the Portland Track Festival in Oregon. Jason Huerte and Jom Lerry Rafael gave Malaysia’s Mohd Rosdi and Abd Razak a scare but couldn’t keep up in a 15-10, 11-15, 7-15 semifinal loss in men’s Regu to settle for a bronze medal in sepak takraw.

A gold medal, however, could be added to that sepak takraw bronze if team captain Abegail Sinogbuhan, Jean Marie Sucalit and substitute Nelly Jay Salon beat Vietnam in the final Tuesday of women’s doubles.

Sinogbuhan and company advance to the final at the expense of Laos, 15-12, 15-10, on Monday with a victory counting as the third gold medal for the Philippines after gymnast Carlos Yulo’s in vault and floor exercise for Team Philippines.

Sibol-composed of Kim Rey Salazar, Michael Vaughn Ocio, Lance David and head coach Albert Camp-clinched the Honor of Kings bronze medal after losing to powerhouse China, 0-2, in the semifinals on Monday at the Aichi-Sky Expo Hall.

Eala? Her debut at the Hogashiyama Park Tennis Center mirrored her flight in this city that is hosting the games for the first time.

The world No. 18 had two flight delays on Sunday-she was supposed to arrive at noon but landed at 7 p.m. instead-and on Monday, her singles match against Thailand’s Patcharin Cheapchandrej had to be transferred indoor because of rain.

The court change didn’t matter at all for the global tennis sensation as she made mincemeat of Cheapchandrej, 6-1, 6-0, in a match that looked like a mere workout lasting only 55 minutes.

‘I’m happy with how I performed today, under difficult conditions,’ said Eala, adding she’s gotten better than she was three years ago as a 17-year-old athlete at the Hangzhou 2023 games where she bagged a bronze medal.

‘Seventeen to 21 are quite formative years for me, especially as I account what I’ve been through in those four years. A lot of experience professionally and a lot of growing,’ she added.

The center court seats 3,000 but the hosts added another 501 seats in anticipation for the ‘Eala Mania’ in Nagoya, but unfortunately for her fans who wanted to watch on Monday, they could no longer get ticket refunds.

Paalam, meanwhile, kept the Philippines’ gold medal hopes alive in boxing after punching a ticket to the men’s 55-kg semifinals after scoring a hard-fought split decision (3-2) win over China’s Zhang Jiamao at the Nishio Gymnasium.

‘I was prepared for the games and I followed to the letter all the plans we had in training,’ Paalam said. ‘It was a tough fight and I’m happy I gave a victory for our country.’

The 28-year-old Paalam landed cleaner and his counterpunches hit their mark against Zhang, who rallied in vain in the final round by aggressively attacking the Filipino.

Paalam’s fellow silver medalist at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Nesthy Petecio, however, fell out of the medals race in her third Asian Games since Jakarta 2018 and Hangzhou.

Petecio was teary-eyed after absorbing a unanimous decision loss to China’s Yang Chengyu in the women’s 60-kg quarterfinals.

‘I’m sorry, if the country wanted me to win, how much more me? This Asian Games gold medal is the only medal that I have yet to win,’ she said.

On Tuesday, attention will be on reigning men’s pole vault champion and record holder EJ Obiena and Bossong who are expected to add gold medals to the Team Philippines campaign in the athletics finals on Tuesday.

Obiena is again a favorite with his personal best 6.0 meters and season best 5.91m.

‘I feel good for the season for being consistent at 5.80-meter. I hope the weather is nice so I can jump high. I am ready,’ Obiena said.

He was dominating in Hangzhou at 5.90 meters but this time around, he’ll be hounded by rising stars of Asia-23-year-old Li Chenyang of China and 21-year-old Seifeldin Abdelsalam of Qatar.

Li’s personal best is 5.86m while Abdelsalam has cleared 5.90m.

The Philippines has a 2-2-10 gold-silver-bronze haul and needs two gold medals to match its haul in Hangzhou, while China is relentless at the top of the medal tally with 129 gold medals, Japan a far second with 41 and South Korea with 21.