Category: Business Mirror

HOUSE Minority Leader and 4Ps party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan expects six regions to order new wage hikes before yearend.

In a statement, Libanan urged the wage boards to ‘act with urgency’ in adjusting pay rates, adding that minimum wage earners were already feeling the pinch of sustained consumer price increases.

He noted that ‘faster action’ is necessary to help private sector workers cope with the persistent rise in the cost of living.

‘We are counting on the six remaining regional wage boards to promptly raise pay rates and give workers the immediate relief they deserve amid the continuing surge in the cost of living,’ Libanan said.

‘Every week of delay means further erosion of workers’ purchasing power. Our regional wage boards must move decisively,’ he added.

Citing the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC), Libanan noted that of the country’s 17 regional wage boards, 11 have already issued new wage increase orders this year as of November 3.

This leaves only six regional wage boards that have yet to implement new wage adjustments.

This includes the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), MIMAROPA, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, and Caraga.

Labanan noted that the recent wage increase order came from the Western Visayas wage board, which approved a P40 adjustment on October 23, raising the region’s minimum wage to P550, effective November 19.

Under the Labor Code, regional boards may review and increase minimum wages motu proprio, even without a pending petition, but they may issue only one wage order every 12 months.

Libanan then stressed that higher wages are not only a matter of fairness but are also critical to economic recovery.

‘The country urgently needs wage adjustments to revive household consumption spending, which has been weakened by months of wage erosion caused by sustained price hikes,’ he said.

‘Boosting household spending is essential if we want to strengthen demand for goods and services, accelerate economic growth, and spur job creation in the months ahead,’ he added.

The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) has assured the public that the consumption of lechon (roasted pig), a favorite holiday dish of Filipinos, is still safe, following the discovery of African swine fever (ASF) in pigs from stores in Quezon City.

The attached agency of the Department of Agriculture (DA) said it continues to closely coordinate with the local government unit (LGU) and provide technical support in monitoring and prevention measures in line with national guidelines and protocols.

‘ASF is a highly contagious viral disease affecting domestic pigs. While it poses no risk to human health, it can severely impact farmers’ livelihoods and our country’s pork supply,’ BAI said in a statement.

‘The purchase and consumption of pork and lechon products from properly inspected and approved establishments remains safe.’

BAI, however, asked consumers to buy pork and its products from accredited establishments and follow standard food safety practices.

With this, the agency urged LGUs, hog raisers, traders, slaughterhouses, retailers, and the public to impose strict biosecurity measures.

It also prohibited feeding swill containing pork products, disinfecting vehicles and equipment, and immediately reporting any unusual pig deaths.

‘BAI remains committed to safeguarding the Philippine hog industry, protecting our farmers’ livelihoods, and ensuring the supply of safe pork products.’

Data from BAI showed that nine provinces and 11 cities or municipalities have active ASF cases as of October 17.

The Philippines continues to grapple with the lingering effects of ASF, which slashed hog inventory and crimped pork output since it struck local farms in 2019.

Tight supply then pushed retail prices of pork to as high as P400 per kilo, which prompted the government to issue a raft of interventions in its bid to ease prices of the Filipinos’ favorite protein source.

Such measures included the imposition of a maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for pork and its ongoing swine repopulation program.

The current pork situation was compounded by growers recently lamenting the drop in farmgate price of hogs.

Producers warned that farmgate prices had plummeted between P150 and P180 per kilo, which they said was barely enough to cover production costs for backyard and commercial raisers.

As such, the DA and local producers recently agreed to set a minimum farmgate price for live hogs at P210 per kilo as the liveweight price plunged to the break-even point.

Earlier, the agency also said it would recommend reinstating the tariffs levied on pork to 40 percent from the current 25 percent, citing cheaper foreign shipments as among the factors behind the swine industry’s predicament.

I recently had the privilege of visiting my alma mater together with my three adult children. They were in awe by the vastness of the historic grounds and by the scenic grandeur of my rock bound highland home in West Point, New York. The century-old infrastructure remained intact throughout the years due to the superior workmanship or regular maintenance funded by the US Army. Monuments, revered by cadets, are kept pristine. Cadet barracks constructed many years ago still stood, sturdy and solid.

Founded in 1802, the United States Military Academy was built on a large rock overlooking the Hudson River to stand guard against British ships during the Revolution. My children and I were particularly impressed with Washington Hall where 5,000 cadets eat three meals a day like clockwork, all at the same time! Athletic facilities in Arvin Hall have been renovated and upgraded quite a few times to keep them abreast with the physical conditioning requirements of the Army. And of course, Michie Stadium, which hosted football games opposite the Lusk Reservoir, is undergoing a multi-year renovation project to modernize the East Stands and celebrate the stadium’s 100-year history.

This was my home for four years, from 1983 to 1987. I am simply amazed at how West Point has remained majestic throughout the years. Unfortunately, I cannot proudly say the same for my home since birth, the Republic of the Philippines. After working briefly in the United States and considering immigration, I returned to my homeland with a clear understanding of the challenges facing developing countries.

Due to poor governance mechanisms, corruption has proliferated in almost all Philippine institutions. Powerful political dynasties have drained national resources through various schemes, the most notable of which comes by way of budget insertions. Worse, this budget conspiracy has circled back to the President himself.

As a result of these kickbacks, roads, bridges, and schools have been constructed very poorly. Some are substandard but most are badly maintained to the detriment of others who call the Philippines their home. Resiliency has its limits. Fortunately, hope in God has none, at least for believers. This dark period in Philippine history has a divine purpose, according to my pastor and Bible study friends. I agree. Knowing that God has full and total control, I submit that there will be something greater that will come out of these anomalous events.

These are all done by government leaders with little or no fear of the Lord. The wrath of Almighty God comes to those who do not fear Him. These corrupt people may evade justice from the law of the land but never from the Law of the Lord unless they truly repent and follow His command. So for believers like me, let’s keep the faith and encourage others to do the same.

Home is where the heart is. Our hearts and minds should be with the Lord according to His reminders in the Bible. ‘Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.’ (Romans 12:2).

Years ago, after I served with an ounce of fulfillment combined with a pound of frustration in the Bureau, I was already losing hope for the country. Efforts to curb corruption evidently went for naught. Erstwhile powerful Congressman Zaldy Co already implicated no less than the President in this flood control corruption scandal. Conspiracy theories will be in earnest these coming days as Filipinos expect persons to be in jail.

Greed in public service has been tolerated for so long and practically ‘legalized’ by some unscrupulous lawmakers and public servants. It makes me wonder whether their eternal home would be a penthouse with a perpetual ocean view or a basement with no heat during the winter or no air conditioning during the summer.

Much as I want to have a home in heaven, I wish the same for those who will relentlessly fight corruption, while they can. I have witnessed prominent politicians publicly pronounce their faith in the Almighty God. Yet, they seemingly fail to live and practice what they preach.

There must be genuine repentance if we are to follow our Lord and Master in heaven. Corrupt leaders must understand that they are accountable not only to the people and to the ultimate Homeowner of Heaven. Let’s keep praying for our leaders in this country to enjoy their Final Homecoming, wherever it will be.

Siegfred has a diversified set of education and experiences which has made him a game changer and a servant leader in organizations such as the Philippine Army, Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Malcolm Law Offices, a US based software development company called Infogix Inc., University of the East, Bureau of Immigration, Philippine Airlines and SM Prime Holdings. His professional degrees came from the United States Military Academy at West Point in New York, Ateneo Law School, and University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA. He has delivered leadership and management talks in government agencies. Siegfred is a former soldier and a lawyer by profession, a teacher by passion, and a writer with a mission.

On the 12th anniversary of its partnership with Operation Smile (OS) Philippines, health and beauty brand Watsons went to this charming municipality to bring smiles to children with cleft lip and cleft palate. The medical mission is a collaborative effort with the Daraga Doctors Hospital ‘for kids to have a brighter future.’

Cleft lip and cleft palate, two of the most common birth defects, can occur on their own or together. According to the Mayo Clinic, ‘sometimes a syndrome may cause these birth defects. But the cause is often not known. They are openings or splits in the upper lip, the roof of the mouth [palate] or both. Cleft lip and cleft palate occur when an unborn baby’s face and mouth are developing and the upper lip and palate don’t close fully.’

A series of surgeries and treatments can correct this defect, and the lips and palate work like they should and the baby looks much better, with only slight scarring occurring.

‘This is our third mission for the year with Operation Smile. The first two missions were in Tagum City in Davao, and in Quezon Province earlier this year. We have a total of 125 beneficiaries for the year,’ said Sharon Decapia, the SAVP for marketing, PR and sustainability of Watsons.

‘When we look back, even before naging buzzword in sustainability, back then in 2013, meron na kaming program na ito as part of our corporate social responsibility. Kasi noon, ‘yun na ‘yung programa namin. One of our purposes is to really bring smiles to our customers’ faces,’ added Decapia. ‘When we had that discussion with Operation Smile, and their mission also is to transform the lives of these children so that they are able to once again smile literally and figuratively and have a better chance at life, sabi namin talagang nagma-match. Naka-match ‘yung we have a common goal. We have a common mission.’

FROM BENEFICIARY TO COORDINATOR

FROM then on, Watsons made sure that it is committed to helping transform the lives of these beneficiaries by providing free surgeries for children with cleft lip and cleft palate conditions. Since 2013, there have been 2,500 beneficiaries.

One such beneficiary is Ramon Solas Jr., the program and center coordinator of Operation Smile Philippines who was a former patient and is now giving back so that less fortunate people like him can have that opportunity also to get operated.

‘[The partnership with Watsons] is not only for surgery, but also nutrition, dental, psycho-social, and speech therapy. So, comprehensive care. That’s why we are very much thankful to Watsons for supporting us. As a former patient, I am very happy and proud na naging part ako ng Operation Smile. That I am able to help and inspire people,’ a grateful Solas said.

‘There are times na, after surgery, may mga nanay na lumalapit sa akin: ‘Ramon, I am so proud of you. Sana ‘yung anak ko, maging katulad mo din someday na hindi na nahihiya. Hindi natatakot sa mga tao,” shared Solas. ‘So, I encourage parents to do the psycho-social support. We want to empower the patients and also their families.’

SOUTHERN COMFORT

Dr. Salvacion Macinas, medical director of the Daraga Doctors Hospitals, shared: ‘When Watsons and Operation Smile reached out to us, we wholeheartedly accepted this mission to give smiles. The hospital made sure to provide the best care to our beneficiaries. We were able to buy new beds and assigned dedicated nurses to help during the mission. We deeply appreciate Watsons and Operation Smile for this initiative because they not only help families but also overcome financial barriers for life-changing operations making genuine transformation possible,’

OSP’s Cleft Surgeon Team Lead Dr. Gerard Ocampo underscored, ‘This mission holds deep personal significance for our Operation Smile team. It truly feels like coming home. Our connection here dates back to 1982, when Operation Smile’s founders, an American doctor-couple, started.’

UNIVERSAL SMILE

THE inspiring mission, even with the looming threat of Supertyphoon Uwan on November 7 and 8, attracted employees from both the head office and local stores to actively volunteer, assisting with missions, patient education, and extending care to families. Volunteers from Superdrug, the UK’s health, beauty, and wellness retail brand under the AS Watson Group, also flew to Daraga, via the Bicol International Airport, to assist.

One beautiful volunteer was Miss Universe Asia 2024 Chelsea Ann Manalo, who shared:

‘I’ve been doing this since even before Miss Universe. I started helping and volunteering work in the orphanage. And then I’ve always done this even outside of the media because I feel like that’s how you should really help.

‘I felt happy seeing the kids because I knew that these children, they’re going to change. They really have smiles. I think that’s the mission of Watsons, giving smiles to these children.’

BUILDING LIFETIME CONFIDENCE

Decapio further explained: ‘It doesn’t end with surgery. Kailangan may psycho-social support so that the confidence level, of course, hindi maaalis, di ba? If you have that condition, as we have witnessed with a lot of patients, nagkakaroon din sila ng inferiority, naiiyak sila. Sometimes, they experience getting bullied in school or with their peers. So, iyon ‘yung mga nakakalungkot na reality.

‘But because it’s a full program, bibigyan natin ang chance na magkaroon sila ng confidence kung mag-rejoin society as a contributing member of it. So, ‘yun din ‘yung isa sa mga reasons bakit Watsons is really supportive of this program because more than just providing health and beauty products to our customers, we feel that it goes beyond that.

‘We really want to help uplift the overall wellness of Filipinos, uplift their lives because we feel that if you help an individual, you help the community, you help the family, and then it uplifts the quality of living of everyone.’

The prestigious International Series Philippines (ISP), which was held for the first time in the country, proved to be more than just a showcase of world-class golf. Thanks to BingoPlus Foundation, the social development arm of DigiPlus Interactive Corp., the event became a powerful platform to champion sports development, uplift the country’s athletes, and secure a brighter future for the sport and for nation-building.

Presented by BingoPlus, the flagship brand of DigiPlus, the first-ever staging of the world-renowned ISP successfully established the country as a premier sports destination. The event allowed the BingoPlus Foundation to uphold its commitment to sports development by handing over donations to key partners in sports development.

‘DigiPlus is proud to have championed the inaugural International Series Philippines. This prestigious event is an affirmation that we created a new milestone for our country as a premier world-class sports destination,’ DigiPlus Chairman Eusebio Tanco said, who added, ‘Beyond expanding golf’s domestic reach and enhancing our global standing, this tournament is crucial because it gives us, through our BingoPlus Foundation, the opportunity to support and empower our sports community, which upholds our commitment to Philippine sports.’

In the week-long ISP event held last month, the BingoPlus Foundation turned over a total of ?17.2 million in donations to key partner-beneficiaries, namely: the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP), the Asian Development Tour (ADT), and the Sisidlan Rizal Weavers.

The ?8 million donation to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) reinforces the Foundation’s long-term commitment to strengthening the country’s athletic programs and empowering Filipino athletes to excel globally.

‘This P8-million amount is a victory far greater than any we could claim tonight. The true winners here are our Filipino athletes and our youth,’ PSC Commissioner Fritz Gaston remarked. ‘Our primary focus is to assist our athletes, particularly the aspiring young individuals. This generous donation [from BingoPlus and BingoPlus Foundation] will be utilized to support our youth, starting from the grassroots. We will provide them with the necessary funds for their training and practice in their chosen sports,’ he added, emphasizing that the investment is dedicated to shaping the next generation of national athletes.

To grow the game locally, the Foundation also committed USD 50,000 to the National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP) and USD 100,000 to the Asian Development Tour (ADT). This ADT partnership, introducing its series to the Philippines for the first time, guarantees a Filipino golfer a coveted slot in the prestigious International Series. This move bridges critical opportunities for emerging talents and firmly places the nation’s golf facilities on the global map.

‘By investing in this tournament, we’re not just funding a competition, we’re helping shape future champions,’ affirmed Jasper Vicencio, President of BingoPlus. ‘This is about creating world-class opportunities for Filipinos right here at home.’

The Foundation’s inclusive development efforts extended beyond sports. Alongside BingoPlus and GameZone, BingoPlus Foundation celebrated Filipino artistry and cultural heritage by donating ?500,000 to the Sisidlan Rizal Weavers. This support helps the local artisans maintain their business and advocacy, which gained recognition when showcased during the golf tournament’s Welcome Gala and the LIV Golf Music Fest.

‘The entire Sisidlan Weavers team extends its sincere gratitude to the BingoPlus Foundation for their P500,000 donation,’ stated Sisidlan Weavers Founder, Sharonette Roquios. ‘This amount will be directly utilized to strengthen our business advocacy which is to create more sustainable jobs for our women. I believe that every fiber we weave builds stronger families and brighter futures. We thank the BingoPlus Foundation for partnering with us to elevate Filipino craftsmanship and empower our women,’ she added.

BingoPlus Foundation Executive Director Angela Camins-Wieneke said, ‘Events like this bring energy to the community from tourism and local jobs to inspiring the next generation of athletes.’ She concluded, ‘We’ll continue creating avenues where every Filipino can play, compete, and thrive.’

By successfully merging global sportsmanship with local empowerment, BingoPlus Foundation demonstrated how its mission to ‘Multiply the Good’ makes a significant mark in sports and cultural development, extending beyond its traditional focus on education and health.

Celebrating beauty with a purpose. The leading digital entertainment platform in the country, BingoPlus, supported this year’s Miss Earth pageant and witnessed the crowning of the new queen who embodies the organization’s mission and environmental advocacy.

On November 5, the Miss Earth 2025 Coronation Night, themed ‘The Silver Lining,’ took place in Manila. The theme highlights the pageant’s milestone celebration of 25 years of promoting beauty, purpose, and environmental awareness.

Natalie Puskinova of the Czech Republic was crowned Miss Earth 2025, leading this year’s court of elemental titleholders – Miss Earth Air 2025 Soldis Ivarsdottir of Iceland, Miss Earth Water 2025 Mu Anh Trinh of Vietnam, and Miss Earth Fire 2025 Waree Ngamkham of Thailand.

Philippine’s very own Joy Barcoma proudly finished as one of the four runners-up, alongside Nathalie Briones of Chile, Laila Frizon of Brazil, and Mariia Zheliaskova of Ukraine.

BingoPlus’ unwavering support was clearly reflected as the major sponsor through its strong brand presence across the event. Mr. Jasper Vicencio, president of AB Leisure Exponent, Inc., likewise graced the occasion as a member of the distinguished panel of judges.

In 2024, BingoPlus sponsored the Miss Philippines Earth pageant. Continuing the partnership, the brand once again supported Miss Philippines Earth 2025.

Moreover, prior to the coronation night, Justyna Roguska of Poland earned the title of Miss BingoPlus 2025, a special recognition from the brand. Roguska was formally presented with the award at the BingoPlus headquarters.

Glitz and glamour filled the night, but beyond the beauty was the advocacy to protect and preserve the environment. During the question and answer portion, Miss Earth 2025 Natalie Puskinova left a lasting impression with her words in Filipino: ‘Protektahan ang kalikasan,’ a powerful reminder of the pageant’s mission.

In partnership with Miss Earth, BingoPlus reaffirms its commitment to creating a positive impact by supporting initiatives that address environmental and social issues. BingoPlus believes that true beauty shines through purpose – making a difference and working for a greener, better future for all.

ATHLETES from all 74 countries vying in the Third FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships kicking off on Thursday at the Manila Marriott Hotel Grand Ballroom within the Newport World Resorts in Pasay City are all in and accounted for.

‘We would like to welcome all our athletes, coaches and officials who are taking part in the world juniors and we are grateful for their enthusiastic response to our international competition,’ said Gymnastics Association of the Philippines president Cynthia Carrion after being informed of the development on Monday.

The moving force behind the staging of the global gymnastics spectacle, Carrion said that the contingents began streaming into the country over the weekend for five days thrilling days of action in the tournament backed by the Office of the President, Philippine Sports Commission and the Department of Tourism.

She noted that those who will take part in the elite meet sanctioned by the International Gymnastics Federation, known by its French acronym FIG, have already exceeded its past two editions.

The second world Juniors in Antalya, Turkey, drew 64 nations and 283 athletes while the current edition also supported by Smart/PLDT with Cignal TV as the official broadcaster has already surpassed double the number of campaigners to close to 750.

‘This shows the growing interest in this beautiful and dynamic Olympic sport worldwide, so FIG member countries are fielding their promising young gymnasts knowing that this a major stepping stone to their development,’ added Carrion of competition also supported by Milo, Pocari Sweat and Senator Pia Cayetano.

Given that this was a golden opportunity for local young gymnasts to be exposed to top caliber play, she was grateful that world gymnastics body allowed the Philippines to field boys and girls squads in the tournament.

They will bannered by Karl Eldrew Yulo, fresh from intensive training in Japan, and Elizabeth Antone, who bagged a silver in the men’s vault and bronze in the women’s all-around, respectively, in the Asian Artistic Gymnastics Junior Championships in Jecheon, South Korea last June.

‘While Paris Olympians Carlos Yulo, Aleah Finnegan and Emma Malabuyo have already proven themselves on the world stage, we need to sustain their gains so this was one of our prime motivations to have the world juniors here,’ she said.

WHEN I began covering local football back in 2006, one person who was a source of information was Jack Biantan who even if he was based in London, kept writing about Philippine football from afar.

Biantan previously wrote about football for Sun Star Cebu for nine years after which he moved to London where he lived for 16 years.

Biantan was a pioneer in online publishing about Philippine football for pinoyfootball.com website with USA-based David Palasigue.

‘I fell in love with football while working for the Don Bosco Boys Home in Cebu when I was 18 years old,’ recounted Jack. ‘We had a British priest, Fr. Leonard McManus, who was football mad.’

‘I wanted to be a Salesian priest when I was younger that was why I entered the Don Bosco Missionary Seminary in Lawaan, Talisay, Cebu, a minor seminary. But fate did not turn out my way, and I instead studied Mass Communications at the University of San Jose-Recoletos.’

I struck up a friendship with Jack and we finally met face-to-face in London eight years later in 2014 while on a two-week vacation.

A few years later, Jack returned to Cagayan de Oro where he established a youth football club at Sitio Red Island.

‘I started this project to spread the Gospel of football in the rural barangay of Lumbia, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, in 2014,’ Biantan said. ‘It’s a club for boys and girls between the age of 8-18 from the Lumbia Market area as well as from Xavier Echo Village, a relocation site built by the Jesuits of Xavier University to house the survivors of the deadly Typhoon Sendong.’

Biantan watched news of the catastrophic typhoon that laid waste to Mindanao December 17, 2011, and killed thousands of residents along the Cagayan River.

‘I was still working in London during that time, and I was gutted by the devastation,’ Biantan explained as he relived the hurt all over again (he hails from CDO). What made me decide to help were the pleas of football-loving kids from Lumbia whom I met online.

During a vacation during the Holiday Season of 2014, Jack saw first-hand the kids’ football pitch with bamboo used for goal posts.’

I met the kids and their leaders, J-Boy Legaspi and Kenneth Ilajas. I donated shoes and jerseys that I collected from my colleagues at my workplace, the North Middlesex University Hospital, in Edmonton, Enfield, London, United Kingdom’

That was the start of the ‘Raptors Project’ that Biantan named after the American stealth fighter jet, the F-22 Raptor.

Today, Lumbia is the site of an airport that is the headquarters of the Philippine Air Force. It will be the future site of an American Air Base once the staff housing is finished.

‘I then adopted the motto ‘Aim for the Sky’ that means ‘in every work we do on and off the pitch or in all our lives, we aim for no less than to be the best.”

Aside from the basic football and futsal skills, just as important and part of their curriculum is etiquette, a good attitude, to study and work hard, and to respect their parents, teachers, and their elders.

‘We also teach them how to pray and to go to Church, and to respect other religions,’ added Jack.

The Lumbia Raptors Club does not charge a single centavo from the kids with all coaches and trainers working as volunteers.

‘We receive funding from my friends and sponsors who share my vision to give these kids better lives and a better future,’ explained Jack.

‘We have extended our services to the local schools, the Lumbia National High School and the Lumbia Elementary School.’

My aim is to give these kids better lives and an opportunity for their future. I also aim to keep these children busy by playing football to avoid vices.’

In its 11 years, the Lumbia Raptors Club has fielded teams in various local competitions in the Men’s Open, Boys 12, Boys 16, Women’s Open and the Girls 17 categories.

‘Our Girls team has been very successful, winning countless football and futsal titles. We have placed second to the formidable Bulua National High School for three years in a row in the CDO Girls Futsal event.’

Biantan cited Jaquilin N. Esteban, a 17-year-old defender, as a success story. The lass was recruited by the National University Lady Bulldogs football team.

Today, aside from the Lumbia Raptors Football Club, Jack keeps busy with Big Jack Productions FB blog.

‘The blog is about the beautiful game, the Lumbia Raptors kids, and enjoying life as I journey to my old age.’

For a while, IV of Spades felt like a dream band – all retro outfits, disco lights, and that intoxicating mix of funk and mystery that made Mundo and Hey Barbara echo through the late 2010s.

They were young, cool, and almost too good to be real.

Then the dream cracked. Unique Salonga left in 2018, and the band-at the peak of its fame-was suddenly three.

The remaining three-Zild Benitez, Blaster Silonga, and Badjao de Castro-released CLAPCLAPCLAP! a year later, before they announced an indefinite hiatus in 2020.

Five years later, the four are back together with Andalucia, their first full-length release as a complete band. The title comes from Zild’s apartment, where they reconnected and started writing again – a fitting name for a record that sounds like rediscovery.

In a press statement, the group shared that they ‘needed to prioritize ourselves and our relationship first before working on a new project while we weren’t okay.’

They admitted, ‘It would’ve felt meaningless if we hadn’t fixed our bond before returning to making music.’

That honesty shows. Andalucia isn’t about recreating what they once were. It’s about learning to make space for who they’ve each become.

Unlike before, when everything seemed to move under one slick, unified mold, this album lets their differences breathe-and surprisingly, it still works.

Across 12 tracks, the album feels looser but more lived-in.

Tara opens with warmth and ease, the kind of song that feels like a soft welcome back. ‘Karma’ and ‘Konsensya’ lean on catchy, street-smart lines that feel grounded in everyday life, proof that the band still knows how to speak to a wide audience.

Then there’s Monster-a groove-heavy standout that brings back their distinct funk, sharp and swaggering, almost like what the Eraserheads might have sounded like in 2025.

It’s a comparison that doesn’t feel lost on anyone.

After all, Ely Buendia once called IV of Spades ‘the Beatles of the Philippines.’

For the Eraserheads’ frontman to say that feels like a quiet passing of the torch-a nod from one generation’s icons to the next.

IV of Spades describes Andalucia as an album about ‘flaws, people, and topics that often aren’t discussed openly.’

It’s also, as they put it, ‘more fun now because we have more songs. The direction is clearer, and the process is more collaborative.’

You can hear that balance of freedom and trust in how the songs move-each one distinct but still connected.

Even behind the music, they seem to have rediscovered the small things that hold them together.

‘What truly matters are the small things. Eating together. Whoever’s late buys the coffee. Sometimes we’d turn off the aircon, so we’d all be sweating while recording,’ they said.

Andalucia arrives ahead of their two-night concert at the Mall of Asia Arena on December 12 and 13, their first major show since reuniting.

For longtime fans, this new album and upcoming concert feel like catching up with old friends-the band they grew up with, now back together and sounding more themselves than ever.

?The SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena commemorated a back-to-back showcase of the best of OPM Artists. From the culminating show of Odette Quesada and Ogie Alcasid’s iconic collaboration to the celebration of the 20th Anniversary of Jonalyn Viray, also known as Jona, the venue stood as a platform for only the best.

?The culmination of two OPM artists

The two star-stunning artists brought the emotions to the venue as they closed their final performance of the year. After this ninth rendition of the concert together, the duo truly upped their game with songs about heartbreak, unrequited love, and even Christmas.

They performed nostalgic hits and current favorites, including ‘Hindi Kita Malimot,’ ‘Palagi,’ ‘Pangako,’ and ‘Tuwing Pasko.’

Celebrating with them was another iconic duo-Apo Hiking Society. These four powerhouses of Original Pilipino Music made headlines, evoking nostalgia with songs like ‘Tuloy Tuloy Pa Rin Ang Pasko,’ ‘Pag-Ibig,’ and ‘When I Met You.’

The journey to the Arena

From humble beginnings to OPM fame, Jonalyn Viray marked 20 years in the industry. Since rising to fame in 2005, she has proved herself as one of the industry’s finest.

More than a celebration, the 20th Anniversary of Jona honored the OPM legacy, which launched several of this generation’s top artists, including Regine Velasquez, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Lani Misalucha, Jed Madela, and Alden Richards.

Jona celebrated every stage of her career, from her humble beginnings to her OPM breakthrough.

The stage for local talents

In line with the SM Mall of Asia Arena’s core mission, the Arena has always been built in honor of the Filipino people. Celebrating the milestones and achievements of every world-class Filipino Talent, the venue remains a stage to celebrate excellence. This dedication runs deep in the hearts of the team behind it, as they continue to develop its service and make the best of live entertainment accessible to all.