Category: Business Mirror

THE artworks of a Filipino-American artist shine along the dazzling Las Vegas lights in an exhibit at the seat of power of the ‘Entertainment Capital of the World.’

Loisse Ledres, a visual artist born in Cebu, stars in an ongoing showcase at Las Vegas City Hall running until March next year. Her exhibit is part of the ‘Windows on First’ program, referencing the three display windows on the east side of the building facing First Street, allocated to ‘provide artists a unique opportunity to expand their skill-sets and display their work in a public space.’ Ledres’ exhibit, titled See the Music All Around Us, takes inspiration from her love for music, cultivated from karaoke-filled fiestas and family reunions during her childhood.

‘Music was always around me growing up,’ said Ledres, who’s also a designer and an illustrator. ‘It wasn’t just entertainment, it was how we expressed joy, connection and belonging. [This series] captures all of that energy-a tribute to community, culture, and the creative pulse of Las Vegas.’

Ledres grew up in Talamban, Cebu City. After graduating from elementary school at age 11, she and her family migrated to the US. They first moved to a small town in North Carolina, then New Mexico, then New York, and, currently, Nevada.

For her presentation at Las Vegas City Hall, Ledres’ abstract series puts ‘a vibrant display of wood, paint and light as a dedication to music.’ Her installation aims to visualize how rhythm, lyrics, and melodies ‘support our instinctual desire to understand ourselves and our place in the world.’

‘I leaned into abstraction to reflect the undefinable impact music can have on us. I enjoy live music so much for that reason and wanted the art to feel like the flashes of color, shape and light that are left in our memory the day after a really great show,’ she said. ‘Music is a universal connector across generations, languages and beliefs.’

Ledres’ pieces take inspiration from concert posters from the 1970s and handmade magazines. She interprets these iconographies on wood carvings, layering them one by one, before splashing them with color. Her theater background and set-design experience are also reflected in her large-scale visual compositions.

‘With figures in motion, I sought See the Music All Around Us to capture the fleeting feeling of being surrounded by sound-remembering only flashes of light, laughter and movement from a night of celebration,’ Ledres said.

The artist considers her Las Vegas City Hall presentation as her last major project for the year. It was an undertaking that demanded a lot from her, but in the end the exhibit helped her overcome her self-doubt. Her friends reminded her that if something doesn’t scare her, then it’s not worth doing.

Ledres said she plans to visit the Philippines next year. She hopes to do an installation for her birthplace, Cebu City, particularly something for the Sinulog festival.

‘I would love to reflect the synchronicity of the Sinulog choreography-the vibrant detail of the costumes, and the way the city pauses to enjoy and celebrate something together,’ Ledres (www.geezloisse.com) said. ‘I want to reflect all of that in the artwork.’

A SLOW resolution to the corruption scandal engulfing the country’s infrastructure sector may prompt the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to deliver additional policy rate cuts next year, according to Japanese think tank Nomura.

‘In terms of timing, we still pencil in a 25bp cut at BSP’s next meeting in December and another 25bp in Q1 2026 [i.e., a more frontloaded trajectory], as the corruption scandal is hitting the growth outlook materially and the widening output gap is likely to reinforce BSP’s dovish stance, which recently emphasized the need to turn more accommodative to boost domestic demand after the corruption scandal,’ Nomura said in its latest brief.

The Japan-based think tank said, however, that at this stage, it sees BSP sticking to 25bp increments as opposed to delivering 50bp in one go, given ‘currency weakness.’

Nomura also took into account its view of a Fed pause in December.

‘Still, we continue to see a risk of BSP delivering additional policy rate cuts next year, if the more ‘severe scenario’ materializes, including a delay in the enactment of the 2026 budget and/or a slow resolution to the scandal,’ Nomura also underscored.

Apart from this, the think tank said a ‘necessary condition’ for additional BSP cuts is (consumer price index) CPI inflation remaining within the BSP’s 2 to 4 percent target, ‘which we expect to be the case in coming months.’

In 2026, Nomura said it forecasts average CPI inflation of 2.8 percent, still below BSP’s latest forecast of 3.1 percent and well within its 2 to 4 percent target.

As for the think tank’s take on the Philippine economy’s growth, it pointed out that it is maintaining its GDP

growth forecast at 4.7 percent, which represents a ‘sharp’ slowdown from 5.7 percent in 2024 and would be the lowest reading since the pandemic.

‘We believe the drag from the graft scandal in Q3 is just the start, with fiscal spending likely to worsen in the next 3-4 months,’ said Nomura.

In addition, the think tank noted it continues to incorporate some ‘spillovers’ on other components of domestic demand, broadening from household consumption to private investment spending.

‘Our forecasts also continue to take into account the impact of the US tariffs, which pose significant headwinds to goods exports,’ Nomura noted.

The Philippine residential property market has staged a vigorous and decisive rebound, achieving its strongest quarterly performance in over two years, thanks almost entirely to the resilience and buying power of the affordable and mid-income segments.

According to the latest data from leading property management firm Colliers Philippines, the third quarter of 2025 marked a crucial turning point, proving that the market’s core strength lies with its middle-class buyers.

‘The trend shows that the middle market can still create a major impact in the market,’ confirmed Joey Roi Bondoc, Research Director of Colliers, speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the firm’s recent Q3 2025 briefing held in Bonifacio Global City. He added that the growing confidence among homebuyers, signaled by a substantial surge in sales and a noticeable decline in buyer cancellations, indicates a positive and sustainable trajectory for the sector.

A decisive surge in take-up

The numbers for Q3 2025 tell a powerful story of recovery. Residential take-up, the critical gauge of market health, more than doubled, soaring by a remarkable 108 percent to reach 5,900 units. This substantial jump from the 2,800 units recorded in the second quarter makes Q3 2025 the strongest quarterly take-up seen in nine quarters.

The catalysts for this explosive growth are the affordable and mid-income segments-defined by units typically priced between P2.5 million and P12 million. Colliers’ data confirms their undeniable dominance, revealing that these accessible price points accounted for over 90 percent of pre-selling projects for the first nine months of 2025.

Bondoc was quick to point out that this trend underscores the sustained, inherent demand from the Filipino housing market’s backbone: the resilient Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and the burgeoning class of mid-level employees who view these segments as the most attainable path to homeownership.

Improved commitment and buyer confidence

The positive shift extends beyond mere volume; it reflects improved buyer commitment and a newfound sense of market stability.

A significant indicator highlighted by Bondoc is the dramatic drop in backout rates, where buyers cancel their purchases. Cancellations declined for the second consecutive quarter, falling by 26 percent from 3,600 units in Q2 to 2,700 units in Q3. This consistent decrease in buyer attrition signals a greater conviction in purchase decisions and suggests a healthier financing environment supporting these commitments.

To complement the rise in demand and capitalize on this buyer confidence, developers are aggressively implementing strategies that have essentially created a more accessible market. Bondoc noted that developers are rolling out incentives rarely seen in previous years, including innovative payment schemes such as extended down payment terms (some stretching up to 84 months) and attractive rent-to-own options.

‘These measures significantly lower the financial barrier, particularly for first-time buyers,’ he said, connecting the developers’ proactive moves directly to the macro environment. A generally positive macroeconomic climate, characterized by easing inflation and a robust, consumer-driven economy, continues to bolster consumer confidence and spending power, reinforcing the capacity of buyers to commit long-term.

Decentralization and the lingering challenge

Bondoc observed that the market is also becoming increasingly decentralized. Developers are prioritizing and finding strong success in thriving localities outside Metro Manila. Key secondary cities like Cebu, Davao, and Iloilo are recording robust take-up rates, driven by decentralization efforts and infrastructure improvements that make regional properties more desirable.

Despite this strong take-up, the market still grapples with the lingering challenge of a substantial unsold inventory. As of the third quarter, Metro Manila grapples with approximately 30,400 unsold units.

‘Colliers estimates that the time needed to fully absorb this inventory is about five times longer than in the pre-pandemic period, highlighting the need for developers to sustain this strong sales momentum,’ he explained.

Interestingly, the composition of this unsold stock reveals a specific focus area for developers. While the affordable segment accounts for about 35 percent of the remaining ready-for-occupancy (RFO) units, the mid-income segment makes up a larger share at 47 percent. Bondoc advises developers to maintain creative and competitive pricing, especially for completed units, to quickly absorb this stock and prevent it from becoming a drag on new launches.

Ultimately, the market’s health depends on these segments. Bondoc concluded that the mid-income and affordable units play a pivotal role, because they are ‘the segments, of course, that can somehow be achieved or can be acquired by, say, a mid-level employee, and this should bode well for the Philippine property.’

THAI foreign policy expert Dr. Panitan Wattanayagorn has called on the Philippines to restore balance in ASEAN as it prepares to chair the regional summit next year.

He warned that ASEAN risks losing its centrality amid growing influence from both the United States and China.

‘We are very much hopeful that, with the Philippine leadership in ASEAN, the Philippines-who know the Americans best in the region-can bring back the centrality, the equilibrium,’ Panitan said during the Asian Forum on Enterprise for Society.

Panitan, a former foreign policy advisor to the Thai Prime Minister, cautioned ASEAN against becoming a platform dominated by superpowers. ‘President Trump turned the ASEAN Summit into a Trump Summit in the first half. The Chinese are doing the same in the second half,’ he said. ‘It’s up to the Philippines to create better balance next year.’

Trump’s Peace Deal and China’s Trade Strategy

At the last ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Trump brokered a peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia.

The Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord was initially hailed as a breakthrough but quickly unraveled after a landmine explosion injured Thai soldiers. Critics say the deal hijacked the summit’s agenda and sidelined ASEAN’s broader priorities.

Panitan echoed this concern, noting that Malaysia’s chairmanship struggled to maintain neutrality. ‘I think [Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim] has not done quite well in terms of balancing,’ he said. ‘But it came with difficulties because Mr. Trump came here with high tariffs, tax, and pressuring all countries-particularly Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam-to sign an MOU on rail and many more.’

Meanwhile, China expanded its economic footprint by signing the upgraded ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA).

The revised deal boosts market access, streamlines customs procedures, and strengthens digital trade cooperation-further embedding China into ASEAN’s economic framework.

‘China is moving closer to the center of ASEAN centrality,’ Panitan warned. He urged the Philippines to ensure both superpowers remain engaged-without overpowering the bloc’s collective voice.

ASEAN Must Respond Faster to Global Crises

Panitan stressed that ASEAN leaders must act faster in today’s volatile geopolitical landscape.

‘In 1997, we had days to respond. Now, policymakers have only hours,’ he said, recalling his role during the Asian Financial Crisis. ‘Business leaders respond in minutes. Governments must catch up.’

He called for AI-driven crisis response systems and deeper integration of civil society and youth in ASEAN governance.

‘The fourth pillar-citizen participation-is not institutionalized. The Philippines can lead here,’ Panitan told BusinessMirror in a side interview.

Call for Inclusive Maritime Cooperation

Panitan also proposed forming a non-claimant coalition within ASEAN to engage China on maritime safety and environmental protection in the South China Sea.

‘Even non-claimants have high stakes. We must inject balance and focus on low-hanging fruits that affect real people-fishermen, traders, travelers,’ he said.

Among ASEAN’s 11 members, seven are non-claimants in the South China Sea: Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, and Timor-Leste.

Panitan said a binding Code of Conduct in the South China Sea is ‘long overdue.’

He expressed concern over China’s naval buildup, including the commissioning of its third aircraft carrier.

‘It’s not a good sign,’ he said. ‘The naval buildup-especially in the South China Sea-is a response to the US Indo-Pacific strategy, but it’s still not good for ASEAN as a whole.’

He urged the Philippines to lead efforts toward peaceful management of maritime disputes. ‘China’s intentions are not that clear, especially compared to Taiwan,’ he said. ‘The relationship between the Philippines and China has not been stable in recent years. The Philippine leadership must lead us out of troubled waters.’

He urged the Philippines to lead efforts toward peaceful management of maritime disputes. ‘China’s intentions are not that clear, especially compared to Taiwan,’ he said. ‘The relationship between the Philippines and China has not been stable in recent years. The Philippine leadership must lead us out of troubled waters.’

MANY great athletes usually produce children that become great athletes as well.

Muhammad Ali, boxing’s GOAT (Greatest Of All Time), had sired a girl who went on to become a multiple world boxing champion.

Her name is Laila Amaria Ali, whose mother was Veronica Porche.

Laila made Ali proud by accomplishing an unbeaten record of 24 wins, 21 by knockout.

As good looking as Muhammad, Laila had held world crowns in super middleweight and light heavyweight divisions from 1999 to 2007 in alphabet organizations World Boxing Council, Women’s International Boxing Association, International Women’s Boxing Federation and International Boxing Association.

Ali fought in the first ‘Thrilla in Manila’ on October 1, 1975, defeating Joe Frazier by a 14th-round technical knockout when Frazier failed to answer the bell signaling the start of the 14th round.

Both Ali and Frazier had passed on, but not after producing the most brutal heavyweight bout in history, earning for the fight the distinction as the ‘Fight of the Century.’ Ali described it best by saying, ‘This fight was next to death.’

It was the fight’s grotesque brutality that helped trigger the call to reduce boxing matches from 15 rounds to 12 rounds.

Closer to home, the late Caloy Loyzaga, dubbed Asia’s best basketball player ever, had two sons inheriting his prowess: Chito and Ernesto (Ruso).

Even Robert Jaworski himself, the country’s most popular cager, produced Dudut, who would team up with his father and become the first father-and-son tandem in the Philippine Basketball Association.

Most recently-on October 29 to be exact-Manny Pacquiao’s son from another woman suddenly appeared to wow boxing fans at the ‘Thrilla in Manila 2’ at the Araneta Coliseum, the venue of the original ‘Thrilla in Manila.’

Pacquiao’s son, Emmanuel Joseph ‘Eman’ Bacosa Pacquiao, 21, easily disposed of Nico Salado in six rounds of a lightweight duel, winning by unanimous decision on scores of 58-55 from two judges and a 60-53 nod from the third judge.

Eman, born January 2, 2004, has a built-in height advantage as his 5’10’ frame is tall by lightweight standards (his father is 5’5′), not to mention the younger Pacquiao has a 74-inch reach. It shows in his 7-0-1, win-loss-draw record, with four knockouts.

There is drama in Eman’s life.

He is a love-child, who grew up partly in Japan under the care of a stepfather who treated him like his own child.

Eman finally met his biological father recently after 10 years, and their meeting proved fruitful-and cordial.

Mommy Dionisia, Pacquiao’s mother, was also thrilled meeting Eman for the first time.

‘You look like your father,’ said Mommy D of Eman. ‘Pogi.’

Jinkee, Pacquiao’s lawfully wedded wife, has reportedly accepted Eman with open arms.

In a viral video, Pacquiao was seen advising his son.

‘Just two things,’ he said to Eman. ‘First, you must have discipline at all times. Second, stay focused-leaving everything in the name of boxing.’

Wisdom that can only come from boxing’s only eight-division world champion.

How can Eman go wrong?

THAT’S IT Congrats to Kristine Inoncillo, Jovelyn Santos, Rosalyn Felipe and Rachelle Nierves of Royal Northwoods in San Rafael, Bulacan, for winning the recent Caddies Interclub Championship at the Pradera Verde in Lubao, Pampanga. Hat’s off also to Jong Arcano, the Inquirer Golf editor, who founded the event to give our country’s female caddies the golden opportunity to shine on their own and carve a niche in their own peculiar world. Cheers!

MANILA, Philippines – OneLot, the Philippines’ leading financing platform for used car dealers, has raised $3.3 million (P195 million) in seed funding-the country’s largest round for 2025-to expand affordable financing and digital tools for independent dealerships.

The round was co-led by Accion Ventures and 468 Capital, with new participation from Everywhere Ventures and Seedstars, and continued backing from Crestone Venture Capital, Kaya Founders, and notable angel investors, including Georg Steiger (BillEase) and Jojo Malolos (Paymongo). The fresh capital will accelerate OneLot’s mission to empower used car entrepreneurs with faster access to credit, AI-driven underwriting, and technology solutions that help them grow their businesses.

A Market Built by Underserved Entrepreneurs

The Philippines’ rapidly growing $15 billion used car industry is dominated by family-owned dealerships that have shown remarkable resilience as banks and traditional lenders continue to underserve them.

Nearly 90% of used car dealers in the Philippines remain without reliable bank financing, reflecting a broader credit gap in which only 12% of Filipinos have access to formal loans, according to the 2025 World Bank Global Findex report. OneLot’s mission is to remove capital barriers, provide access to affordable capital, and enable dealers to buy and sell more cars.

The OneLot Platform

OneLot combines AI-driven underwriting with on-the-ground vehicle appraisal to issue secured inventory loans within hours. The platform quickly evaluates each vehicle, determines market prices, and makes real-time credit decisions-enabling faster approvals, higher credit limits, and competitive rates while maintaining strong risk controls and high loan profitability.

Beyond inventory financing, OneLot is building an end-to-end platform that integrates credit, software, and data to empower dealers across the entire value chain. The platform helps dealers source vehicles, manage inventory, and streamline sales, while also offering financial solutions for their retail customers all within a single platform that drives customer satisfaction and long-term retention.

Real World Impact

OneLot is already delivering measurable results. In just one and a half years of operations, it has issued more than $7 million in loans and now supports over 150 dealers on its platform.

‘With this new funding round, we’re doubling down on our mission to become the leading financing platform for used car dealers,’ said Harm-Julian Schumacher, CEO and Co-Founder of OneLot. ‘We’re thrilled to welcome Accion Ventures on board-bringing deep global expertise in fintech and lending that will help us scale smarter and faster. Together with 468 Capital and the continued support of both new and existing investors, this is a strong vote of confidence in our vision, our momentum, and the opportunity ahead.’

Rahil Rangwala, Managing Partner of Washington DC-based Accion Ventures, said: ‘Julian, Tommy, and Subramaniam are unlocking a massive opportunity in the $15 billion used car market in the Philippines by empowering the family dealerships who drive it. With their proprietary underwriting models and deep local insight, OneLot is breaking down barriers to credit and building a financial engine for growth. We’re proud to back this exceptional team as they seek to transform access to capital for thousands of underserved entrepreneurs across the region.’

‘We’ve been proud to support OneLot since the very beginning and the team’s results have been outstanding ever since,’ stated Guilherme Steinbruch, Partner of Berlin-based 468 Capital. ‘There’s still tremendous room for growth, and we’re excited to continue backing them as they build the end-to-end financing platform for used car dealers.’

OneLot is focused on accelerating growth across the used car dealership market in the Philippines. The company will continue expanding its dealer network, extending more credit to existing partners, and broadening its product suite with new software tools and financing solutions that support dealers from sourcing to sales. Together, these initiatives will further strengthen OneLot’s position as the trusted partner for used car dealers nationwide.

Expanding its footprint across key cities nationwide, The Watch Store opens its newest branch at SM City La Union, reinforcing its commitment to bring world-class timepieces to more Filipino shoppers.

At the new store, visitors can explore a range of international brands – Tissot, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Bering, Citizen, and Seiko – each offering its own expression of precision, design, and innovation. Every collection celebrates craftsmanship built to stand the test of time.

The Watch Store continues to grow its presence across major shopping destinations from Luzon to Mindanao, with the SM City La Union branch marking its seventh location. This milestone reinforces the brand’s commitment to bringing premium timepieces closer to more Filipino communities, offering a trusted destination for authentic watches and exceptional service.

Adding to the experience, The Watch Store La Union is one of the few branches equipped with watch service facilities, where customers can enjoy bracelet adjustments and battery replacements done on-the-spot – ensuring every purchase is fitted, functional, and ready to wear.

To celebrate its opening, shoppers can take advantage of exclusive offers, including a free Corkcicle Canteen for every ?30,000 single-receipt purchase on select brands, along with special offers from Tissot.

Visit The Watch Store at the Lower Ground Level of SM City La Union and find the timepiece that speaks to your style and story.

Stay updated by following The Watch Store on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) will not falter in its law enforcement mandate despite damage sustained by some of its facilities due to the onslaught of Super Typhoon ‘Uwan’ which pummeled the country over the weekend.

In a statement on Tuesday, acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said that they will continue with their public safety and non-stop law enforcement services.

Based on police records, Uwan damaged a total of 24 police stations and two headquarters across Cagayan Valley, Bicol, Western Visayas, and Eastern Visayas.

Two police vehicles were also damaged, while 27 uniformed personnel and one non-uniformed personnel were affected by the storm, with some losing personal property.

‘There were temporary disruptions in some areas especially in regions hard hit by Typhoon Uwan but we immediately restored communication lines and operational control. Our command centers remained functional,’ Nartatez said.

‘Even if a number of our police stations and offices were damaged and some of our personnel were also affected, your police continued their duties. Some even operated from temporary posts just to ensure public safety and continuous coordination with local responders,’ he added.

To address the impacts of the typhoon, the PNP conducted rapid damage assessments of all affected police stations and headquarters, and activated temporary command posts and relocation centers for units unable to operate in their regular facilities.

INDEPENDENT election watchdog Kontra Daya has urged the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to investigate Sen. Rodante D. Marcoleta for allegedly submitting a false Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (Soce).

The group flagged a major discrepancy between Marcoleta’s declared assets and his campaign spending.

His 2025 Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) showed only P51.9 million, yet his Soce indicated he spent P112.8 million during the May 2025 midterm elections, Kontra Daya said.

Because Marcoleta declared receiving no campaign contributions, the entire P112.8 million would have come from his own funds-an amount that exceeds his declared wealth, the watchdog added.

His Soce also showed that most of his expenses went to radio and television advertisements.

The senator later admitted in a television interview that he deliberately omitted his campaign donors’ names to honor their request to stay anonymous.

But Kontra Daya convener Danilo A. Arao said this justification violates the law requiring candidates to fully declare all contributions and expenditures.

‘To say that his ‘friends’ prefer to remain anonymous is just a convenient excuse not to be transparent. As a lawyer, he should know better. As an elected senator, he should know what accountability means,’ Arao said.

‘Right now, it is proper for the likes of him to be investigated and to be penalized for what he has done.’

Arao added that Marcoleta personally certified his Soce, signing the section stating that he prepared the document himself and that ‘all information contained herein are true and correct.’

He also said both the Comelec and the Senate Electoral Tribunal must initiate an investigation.

‘The poll body should take this seriously as the COMELEC SOCE form appears to have been not truthfully filled out, based on Marcoleta’s own statement,’ he added.

When asked if Kontra Daya plans to file an election case against the senator, Arao said the group will ‘consider all options.’

Reached for comment, Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia said in a text message that he will first review Marcoleta’s Soce.

Asked whether anonymous campaign donors may be exempted from disclosure, Garcia replied: ‘everything should be declared.’

WITH Calvin Abueva doing what he does best-as the ‘Beast’-Titan Sultra has the logistics to create significant separation from the low-tiered teams in the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup.

‘I just have to do what I must do every game,’ said the 37-year-old workhorse who’s now a journeyman in the 50-year-old league for having plied his aggressive trade with at least three four teams. ‘I just play my game and be myself.’

Still sweating from team practice at the Victoria Sports Club along EDSA on Tuesday, Abueva told BusinessMirror that he’s goal-bound to do better for the Giant Risers-in six games, he averaged a double-double of 22.4 points and 10.2 rebounds.

Abueva and Titan Ultra undergo another tough test against San Miguel Beer, which started the all-Filipino at 0-2 but won four straight-at the resumption of action at 7:30 p.m. at the Ynares Center in Montalban.

The Giant Risers are hoping to follow up on their 97-86 victory-their second in six outings last November 5 that put them at solo seventh in the 10-team league-and in the process halt the steamrollering Beermen.

‘Motivation? Even when I was in Alaska, Phoenix [Super LPG], NorthPort and Magnolia, I’ve always been motivated and inspired especially by my family,’ he said. ‘We just really need to work harder, do our job as players.’

‘The coaches . they just let me do my thing,’ added Abueva, who had 23 points, 14 rebounds and six assists against the Bosing.

Also rising to the occasion for the Giant Risers in the Blackwater game were Joshua Munzon and Fran Yu-Munzon and Yu provided the spark and finished with 18 and 14 points, respectively.

‘We must change our attitude especially in the second half. We must keep pushing the ball and play defense,’ Titan Ultra coach Johnedel Cardel said. ‘There’s no room for error when you face a team like San Miguel Beer.’

Don Trollano-the former Adamson University star-meanwhile said they must keep on pushing if they want to snatch a fifth straight victory and move closer to clinching a spot in the quarterfinals.

‘It will be another tough game after Magnolia,’ Trollano said. ‘The teams are improving every game and I’m happy to contribute in every way I can.’

Trollano, who recovered from back pains after their Dubai game against Ginebra, posted 29 points in a narrow 94-92 win over Magnolia last Friday that sent the Beermen to a 4-2 win-loss record.

San Miguel Beer also beat one after the other Rain or Shine (111-93), Ginebra (83-81) and Converge (96-90).

Phoenix and Terrafirma, on the other hand, fight for survival-they’re noth 1-5 won-lost-when they square off in in the first game at 5:15 pm.

Both teams are coming off four-game losing streaks.