Category: Business Mirror

FOR an archipelago like the Philippines, the sea is both lifeblood and barrier-thousands of kilometers of beautiful and majestic coastlines simultaneously connect and divide the nation.

More than two decades ago, that division felt more real than the connection. Interisland travel meant slow cargo lines and unreliable schedules. Back then, the markets were fragmented, and the water between islands often functioned more like borders than highways.

The government, however, attempted something bold: to transform water from obstacle into artery. The Strong Republic Nautical Highway (SRNH), a roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) network, fundamentally changed how Filipinos move between islands.

Before the nautical highway, interisland shipping measured delays in days rather than hours. A truck moving goods from Luzon to Mindanao might spend more time waiting at docks than traveling on actual roads.

The RoRo concept changed everything through simplicity. The idea was straightforward: treat the sea like asphalt, let trucks drive onto ferries in Luzon and roll off in Mindanao, and the entire country could function as a single market.

From commerce to infrastructure

THE Philippines has since shifted its view of maritime transport – from commerce to infrastructure. And it worked.

‘It created what we now call a ‘connected archipelago,’ linking Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao through roll-on/roll-off routes,’ Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) Administrator Sonia Malaluan said. ‘That network helped small and medium shipping operators thrive, cut logistics costs by around 30 percent, and opened new trade and tourism corridors that remain vital today.’

According to a study conducted by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the program transformed domestic logistics and local economies by cutting transport costs between 10 percent and 60 percent and slashing delivery times, thanks to the RoRo system that eliminated costly cargo handling and wharfage fees.

These efficiency gains allowed companies to streamline supply chains-consolidating warehouses and shifting to frequent, direct deliveries that reduced spoilage and made operations more predictable.

The nautical highway, according to the multinational lender, ignited growth in once-isolated areas, making ports economic catalysts by spurring commerce, creating tourism corridors, and democratizing access for farmers to major markets.

‘The SRNH really did what it was meant to do. It connected people and markets. Travel times between islands dropped by as much as 40 percent, tourism flourished, and we saw over a hundred RoRo routes linking a number of provinces since 2019. This is a huge step toward inclusivity in an archipelagic country like ours. It made maritime transport part of everyday life, not just a sector for cargo and commerce,’ Malaluan explained.

For the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), the challenge was to match this connectivity with capacity. The agency partnered with the private sector to modernize the South Harbor and the Manila International Container Terminal to handle larger cargo vessels, extending berths, expanding yards, and introducing bigger cranes.

Those changes re-anchored Manila as a logistics hub while complementing the highway’s promise of ‘seamless mobility.’ The rise of expressways such as the South Luzon Expressway and the North Luzon Expressway further compressed travel time between ports and production zones.

So when the 2014 truck-ban crisis choked the capital, Batangas and Subic- linked by the expressways – absorbed diverted cargo and proved how a decentralized port network could rescue the supply chain.

Rewriting the rules

THE physical transformation of the nautical highway demanded legal and regulatory reworks. Without it, the network would have remained a collection of disconnected routes rather than a national system.

The Domestic Shipping Development Act, passed the same year the highway launched, broke apart the route monopolies that had long stifled competition. Suddenly, smaller operators could enter markets that had been closed to them.

A decade later, another legislative shift consolidated the regulatory framework. The 2014 law that brought all seafarer training and certification under Marina’s umbrella created a single point of accountability for international compliance.

Before that consolidation, standards varied, documentation was scattered, and oversight was inconsistent. After it, the Philippines had one voice speaking to the international maritime community.

That unified voice mattered most when it was tested. Between 2020 and 2023, the European Union (EU) conducted a comprehensive audit of Philippine maritime standards.

The stakes were high: failure could have meant Filipino seafarers losing access to EU-flagged vessels, threatening the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of workers.

In response, Marina rebuilt systems, implementing risk-based audits, while creating modern digital systems to ensure strict compliance to international standards.

The Philippines passed the audit. More significantly, it demonstrated that a developing country could meet first-world maritime governance standards.

‘But beyond compliance, that experience showed us the importance of sustainable leadership and institutional continuity. Marina has faced frequent leadership changes, expanding mandates, and tight budgets. Yet through lean resources, we managed to push through reforms, digitize systems, and strengthen international cooperation. That’s something we’re proud of,’ Malaluan said.

In 2022, the Amended Public Service Act (RA 11659) opened shipping and logistics to greater foreign equity, inviting new capital and technology.

Two years later, Executive Order No. 55 made the Maritime Industry Development Plan 2028 the government’s official roadmap, binding fleet modernization, digital transformation, and environmental stewardship into a single strategic framework.

Digital ports

WHILE laws changed on paper, ports changed on the ground. Mostly under the term of PPA General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago, the agency spent two decades evolving from an operator of docks into a manager of logistics systems.

The Port Terminal Management Regulatory Framework, introduced in 2016, established transparent rules for how ports could be privatized and operated.

Follow-up orders in 2022 standardized everything from real-estate management to how private and energy-related facilities would be regulated.

By 2024, at least 29 ports had been modernized and bid out under these frameworks. Many of them were RoRo terminals designed specifically to support the nautical highway that had started the entire transformation two decades earlier.

But hardware alone couldn’t solve port congestion problem. The ports needed to digitalize.

The Terminal Appointment Booking System, pioneered by International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) of billionaire Enrique K. Razon, let truckers reserve time slots to enter terminals.

Likewise, the PPA’s Electronic Payment Portal eliminated another source of friction: cash transactions that invited delays and, occasionally, corruption. Everything became trackable, transparent, time-stamped.

Still in development are two even more advanced systems. According to Santiago, the government is currently developing the Port Community System (PCS) and the Maritime Single Window (MSW).

‘The proposed PCS and MSW will enable real-time data sharing among stakeholders-reducing documentation time, standardizing compliance, and facilitating faster vessel turnaround,’ he explained.

Painting the ports green

WHILE ships criss-cross Philippine waters burning diesel, the ports they dock at have begun turning green. The Port Environmental Policy, mandated in 2018, requires all port activities to minimize ecological impact and align with sustainability goals.

Santiago said that the Green Port Awards System encouraged ports to install shore-based power systems – ‘cold ironing’ – that let docked vessels shut down their engines and draw electricity from land instead.

Other changes are simpler but cumulative: solar-powered lighting, LED retrofitting, rainwater harvesting, tree parks inside port grounds.

Marina, for its part, is rolling out the Maritime Energy Demand Information and Analysis Software (Medians), which will establish baseline data for ship emissions, helping the government set targets and incentives for energy-efficient vessels.

For Malaluan, digitalization and decarbonization ‘go hand in hand,’ that’s why Marina is also rolling out the Blockchain Enabled Certification System nationwide, which will unify ship registration, licensing, and safety certification as well as other ship-related issuances.

‘By 2027, we expect Marina to be operating fully as a data-driven regulator, where policy decisions are informed by analytics, and compliance monitoring happens in real time. That’s how we’ll make regulation smarter, cleaner, and more forward-looking,’ she said.

Aging fleet, greening vessels

ALL of this progress – the nautical highway, the regulatory reforms, the port modernization, the digital systems, the environmental initiatives – rests on a foundation that’s quietly crumbling.

According to Malaluan, 60 percent of the domestic fleet is aging rapidly. The average vessel sailing Philippine waters is 24 years old.

‘Fleet renewal has lagged behind, the average vessel age is still around 24 years, and financing options remain limited for smaller players,’ she lamented.

For most operators, building or buying new ships isn’t easy. A new ship costs between $20 million and $80 million.

Many domestic operators are small or medium-sized businesses without that kind of capital. Banks, wary of the maritime sector’s volatility and the industry’s history of disasters, are reluctant to extend the long-term financing that ship purchases require.

The pandemic made everything worse. Trade slowed. Capital flows dried up. Ships that should have been replaced kept sailing because there was no alternative.

Malaluan said the agency is now courting development institutions and pushing for the passage of the Philippine Shipbuilding Development Bill that would revive local shipyards and create technology partnerships.

It has revised its Pioneer Status Circular to offer incentives for operators who buy brand-new, internationally-classed RoRo passenger ships.

‘Ultimately, modernization isn’t just about ships-it’s about enforcement and consistency. We’re phasing out obsolete vessels, rationalizing routes, and rewarding compliance. Fleet renewal takes investment, but it also takes trust in the system. That’s what Marina is trying to rebuild,’ Malaluan assured.

But the aging fleet isn’t just a financial problem – it’s an environmental one. While ports install solar panels and shore power, the ships themselves remain stubbornly carbon-heavy.

Malaluan noted that Marina is piloting hybrid-electric routes between Batangas, Caticlan, and Iloilo under the National Green Ship Program, calling it ‘our first steps toward decarbonized domestic shipping.’

The centennial dream

DESPITE the constraints, the Philippine maritime industry is steering toward an ambitious future.

Malaluan said that by 2045, when the Philippine markets its centennial independence, 80 percent of the domestic fleet should meet international greenhouse gas standards.

‘The Philippines will always be a seafaring powerhouse, but by 2045, I want us to be known not just for our seafarers-but for our innovation. We should be designing our own ships, exporting maritime tech, and running world-class shipyards in places like Subic, Cebu, and Mindanao. That’s the kind of maritime economy we’re building,’ she said.

She also envisions that every major island would be linked by an upgraded ‘Nautical Highway 2.0.’

‘If passengers can sail safely, shipowners can invest confidently, and our seafarers can work with pride, then we’ve done our job,’ Malaluan said.

The last 20 years have proven that an archipelago divided by water can function as a unified nation.

For an archipelago like the Philippines, the sea has proven it can be more lifeblood than barrier. Whether it remains that way depends on solving a problem that no amount of digital dashboards or green port awards can fix: the industry still needs ships it can afford to replace.

Amanda Porretto isn’t sure she’ll ever have children.

At 27, she is the average age of new mothers in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. She’s feeling the pressure as an only child. Her father wants to be a grandfather and her mother, before she died, always told Porretto that she would eventually want to be a mom.

‘Some people think it’s a bad thing’ not to have a child, said Porretto, who works in advertising. ‘I just don’t think I need to bring more people into [the world] when there’s so much here currently that we need to fix.’

Younger generations of Americans are increasingly citing climate change as making them reticent to have children, according to several studies.

They are worried about bringing children into a world with increasing and more intense extreme weather events, a result of climate change, which is caused by the release of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide when oil, gas coal are burned.

And they are concerned about the impact their offspring will have on the planet.

In a 2024 Lancet study of people 16 to 25 years old, the majority of respondents were ‘very’ or ‘extremely’ worried about climate change. The study also found that 52 percent said they were hesitant to have children because of climate change.

Adults under 50 years old without children were four times more likely than adults over 50 without children to say that climate plays a factor in their decision, according to a Pew Research Center report published last year.

And a study published this year in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found more than half of respondents said ‘yes’ or ‘maybe’ to whether climate change made them question having children.

Climate impact of children

Parenthood and climate change are related not just because of fears for a child’s well-being, but also by concern for the planet’s well-being.

Compared to the carbon emissions of all the other decisions, ‘having a child is by far, by orders of magnitude, larger,’ said Nandita Bajaj, executive director of Population Balance, which is a nonprofit focused on humans’ environmental impact.

Unlike other choices, procreation comes with something that bioethics professor Travis Rieder of Johns Hopkins University calls ‘carbon legacy.’

‘You’re not only doing carbon expensive activities like buying a larger house and a larger car and diapers and all that,’ said Rieder. ‘You’re also creating someone who is going to have their own carbon footprint for the rest of their lives.’

That child might have children, and those children might have children, creating an impact that lasts generations, Rieder added.

Of course, the logical extreme of minimizing an environmental footprint means having no children, Rieder said, which he is not advocating.

It’s tricky to quantify the impact of a child. That’s because there’s no consensus on what percentage of their impact is the parent’s responsibility, and partly because the impact of that child depends on their parents’ lifestyle.

‘One of the best predictors of how carbon-expensive they’ll be is how wealthy you are,’ Rieder said.

For example, the US emits 123 times more carbon emissions than Ghana, according to the Emissions Database for Global Atmospheric Research. Adjusted for population size, that means the average American emits more than 12 times as much as the average Ghanan.

Why is it taboo to talk about?

Procreation might have the largest climate impact, but when it comes to actions people can take to reduce their personal contribution to global warming, having fewer children often isn’t discussed.

Researchers who study climate change and family planning give two reasons.

‘If a person tells you that they’re expecting or that they are pregnant, the immediate response is to offer some kind of support, congratulate them, that sort of thing,’ said Trevor Hedbert, who teaches moral philosophy at the University of Arizona.

The other factor, said Rieder: the impact of procreation sometimes is tied to conversations about overpopulation.

The environmental movement in the 1970s expressed fears that there were too many people for the planet’s resources, which led to racism and eugenics, which garnered severe backlash.

Taboo or not, climate is factoring into people’s choices

Ash Sanders, 43, knew when she was young that she didn’t want to have a baby. Then she got pregnant.

‘I didn’t want to add another person to the world and have them have more of an impact on a world that was already overstressed and strained by the number of humans that were here,’ she said.

Sanders, a freelance writer who covers religion and environment, wanted an abortion but felt pressure by her Mormon upbringing and by the father to have the baby.

She said she was called a bad person for not wanting a kid.

She placed her child in an open adoption and sees her regularly. Today she feels conflicted about her decision.

‘I feel guilt for bringing her into the world. I mean she likes the world, she’s a happy kid, she’s very cool. I’m a big fan. But I feel guilt all the time,’ she said.

Juan Jaramillo said the environment was always a factor in his parenthood calculus, even when he was a teenager in the 1970s. He later went to school to become a marine biologist.

‘Pollution and climate change was not an issue just yet, but all of the rest of the problems that we have now were there back then,’ he said.

Plus, he just didn’t want kids. So he got a vasectomy and hasn’t regretted the decision. His decision not to have children and his environmental concerns lined up.

That’s not the case for Rieder, the bioethics professor, who has spent years studying that impact, and still very much wanted to be a dad.

‘Having children is a deeply meaningful and important activity to people. It’s also carbon expensive,’ he said. ‘So how do you weigh these things out?’

For Rieder, finding that balance meant having just one child.

A Catholic bishop has voiced sadness over the growing scarcity of priestly vocations, saying ordinations have become a ‘rare sight’ not only in his diocese but across the country.

Speaking before a packed congregation at the Cathedral-Shrine of the Good Shepherd in Quezon City, Bishop Roberto Gaa said the Church faces a serious shortage of men willing to dedicate their lives to the priesthood.

‘Ordinations have become a rare sight not only in Novaliches but also in other places because no one wants to become a priest anymore,’ Gaa, who also heads the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines Commission on Vocations, said in his homily.

‘It is difficult to be a priest,’ he added.

The bishop made the remarks as he ordained two new priests and two deacons in a Eucharistic celebration. The last priestly ordination in Novaliches was held about three years ago.

Gaa ordained Ramon Mikhail Paolo Nicdao and John Paul Adia to the priesthood, and Joshua Paul Sadernas and Michael George Villasis to the diaconate.

He said the shortage of priests has become a major pastoral challenge, with the diocese having only one priest for every 70,000 parishioners.

‘We cannot minister to all of you,’ he said. ‘But if we pray for more priests, more servants, then we can continue to share God’s graces with you.’

Recalling his years as a seminary formator, Gaa said many parents discouraged their children from entering the priesthood despite sensing their genuine spiritual calling.

‘When we visited the homes of candidates for the seminary, some parents would slam their doors on us,’ he said. ‘They would tell us, ‘After we’ve supported them through college, now you’re taking them away from us?”

Despite the challenges, the bishop emphasized that ‘God’s grace is always sufficient’ for those who respond to His call.

‘We are imperfect and that is why we are for your prayers,’ Gaa said. ‘We continually need the blessing of God for ourselves, for our ministry, and for our work in God’s vineyard.’

He appealed to the faithful to ‘pray for your priests’ and ‘pray for new vocations even if the priesthood is difficult.’

The Novaliches diocese covers 73 parishes across northern Caloocan City and northern Quezon City, serving roughly 2.5 million Catholics.

A mini-documentary highlighting the Apo Myna (Goodfellowia miranda), a rare and elusive bird species found within and around the Mt. Apo geothermal project site of First Gen’s Energy Development Corp. (EDC), and Kidapawan City’s rich natural heritage aired recently over Knowledge Channel’s ‘Wow’ series.

The special episode titled ‘Wow Kidapawan,’ produced in collaboration with Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. (KCFI), was launched during the World Tourism Month (WTM) celebration organized by the local government of Kidapawan City.

Leading the celebration were Kidapawan City Mayor Atty. Jose Paolo M. Evangelista and Councilor Dr. Philbert Malaluan, Department of Tourism Assistant Regional Director Armin Hautea, EDC Corporate Relations and Communications Head Maria Nancy Ibuna, and KCFI Vice President and Wow series Host Edric Calma.

The ‘deep ties between nature and culture’ through Mt. Apo’s ecological resident, the Apo Myna, is echoed in this year’s WTM theme ‘Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.’

The episode also featured the Obo Monuvu indigenous people of Cotabato-represented by the Manobo Apao Descendants of the Ancestral Domain of Mt. Apo-whose stewardship of their ancestral lands continues to preserve Mt. Apo’s ecological and cultural integrity.

‘This special feature takes us to Kidapawan City, home to the Apo Myna, which symbolizes our shared responsibility to protect the forests that sustain life and culture in this region,’ said EDC Mt. Apo Corporate Relations Head Karen Kay Abarrientos.

‘Through our Flagship Species Initiative [FSI] under BINHI, we aim not only to conserve species like the Apo Myna but also to strengthen partnerships with local communities, such as the Obo Monuvu Tribe, whose deep connection to Mt. Apo inspires us to pursue truly regenerative development,’ she added.emic to the montane areas of Mindanao’s mountains, the Apo Myna, also known as the Mount Apo starling, is among the bird species protected by the conservation efforts of First Gen-EDC at the Mt. Apo geothermal project site.

The documentary is an effort under the First Gen-EDC’s BINHI FSI, a biodiversity conservation project protecting prioritized native and threatened flora and fauna across its operational renewable energy sites.

Through this collaboration with KCFI, First Gen-EDC continues to champion regenerative development, an approach that goes beyond sustainability by restoring ecosystems, enriching biodiversity, and empowering communities.

Featuring the Apo Myna in the ‘Wow Kidapawan’ episode highlighted this avian species as an ambassador for First Gen-EDC’s regenerative development advocacy.

The flagship species also serves as an indicator of the effectiveness of the watershed management and forest protection efforts of the company, an essential measure in future-proofing the site’s operations.

EDC is First Gen Corp.’s 100 percent renewable energy subsidiary with 1,388.8MW total installed capacity, which accounts for 17 percent of the country’s total installed renewable energy capacity.

Its 1,094.80MW geothermal portfolio comprises 56 percent of the country’s total installed geothermal capacity, making the Philippines the third largest geothermal producer in the world. First Gen is the Philippines’ leading clean energy company.

THE country’s leading culinary education institution Center for Culinary Arts (CCA Manila) held its inaugural ‘Tikim Weekend Food Market’ last October 3 and 4 at the Brittany Hotel in Bonifacio Global City (BGC).

The event celebrated Filipino gastronomic artistry and innovation in action, while serving as a launchpad for aspiring food entrepreneurs and future chefs.

More than a food fair, ‘Tikim.’ was a dynamic learning and business platform where culinary passion met real-world opportunity through live discussions, mentorship from industry pioneers, and marketplace exposure for promising food brands.

For CCA Manila, the festival reinforced its 28-year mission to train world-class Filipino culinary talent through academics, experience, and entrepreneurship.

Business workshops, real-world insights

THE two-day festival featured Tikim Business Workshops where participants learned from seasoned entrepreneurs and culinary leaders who have built successful ventures from scratch. Speakers included Cyrill Chan of Panero, who talked about scaling a bakery business, while Chef Menoy Gimenez explained menu engineering and profitability. Princess San Diego of What’s Your Flan? discussed passion-led concepts evolving into multi-franchise businesses.

CCA alumna Chef Danica Lucero of Say Halo! also inspired the audience, as she made waves when she impressed Chef Gordon Ramsay with her innovative rendition of the halo-halo during his visit to the Philippines.

Aaron Limpe-Aw of Destileria Limtuaco shared ways Filipino heritage flavors can succeed globally, while Chit Juan of ECHOStore highlighted sustainability and branding through local sourcing. Practical sessions on financial management, operations technology, and food safety rounded off the program.

‘These workshops reflect CCA Manila’s long-established approach to culinary education that goes beyond recipe execution. Tikim became a learning space, as much as it is a celebration,’ said Dr. Veritas F. Luna, Chancellor of CCA Manila. ‘By bringing together entrepreneurs, chefs, alumni, and foodies, we hope to highlight the hard work and creativity that go into building food businesses. This event reflects CCA’s vision of nurturing Filipino talent and shaping leaders in the culinary sector.’

Kitchen showcases, culinary storytelling

ON Day 2, the program shifted to the Tikim Live Kitchen. There, guests witnessed culinary artistry in action through interactive demos by celebrated chefs and CCA Manila alumni, presenting food as both craft and storytelling.

Heritage dishes by Chef Reggie Aspiras and Chef Martin del Prado shone the spotlight on Filipino culinary roots, while Chef Sharwin Tee showcased global-meets-local innovation. Chef Anne Atanacio wowed the audience with her dessert innovation, inspiring creativity in modern pastry.

Tikim Food Market ran on both days, which featured more than 30 curated food brands from alumni, emerging entrepreneurs, and established culinary names.

The diversity of merchants-from artisanal bakeries to modern Filipino café concepts-reflected the country’s fast-evolving food culture. The marketplace also served as a real-time business learning avenue for CCA students, who were encouraged to engage with vendors, observe best practices, and witness firsthand how culinary craftsmanship connects with consumer behavior.

Empowering next generation of chefs, entreps

WITH campuses in BGC and University of the Philippines-Diliman, and accreditation from the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation, CCA Manila has long been recognized as the training ground for award-winning chefs and founders of globally recognized food businesses.

‘Tikim.’ is a direct extension of this mission-a living classroom where students gain exposure to entrepreneurship, innovation, branding, operations, and trend dynamics, beyond traditional kitchen practice,’ explained Dr. Luna. ‘Many alumni leading ‘Tikim’ sessions, from global restaurateurs to micro-enterprise founders, began as CCA Manila students who transformed culinary passion into profession.’

The center’s alumni have earned global acclaim, leading hotel and cruise-ship kitchens and elevating Filipino cuisine worldwide. Dr. Luna remarked that ‘CCA Manila continues to be proud of its graduates’ diverse and successful career paths. They are garnering awards, leading kitchens of top hotels and cruise ships, and elevating Filipino cuisine to greater heights.’

The 115-year-old Missionary Society of St. Paul (MSSP) marked a historic milestone with the ordination of its first Filipino priest.

Fr. Marco Cabatuando was ordained during Mass at the San Isidro Labrador Parish Church in Malhacan, a barangay in Meycauayan City, Bulacan, on October 18.

The rite, presided over by Bishop Dennis Villarojo of Malolos was joined by Cabatuando’s confreres, family, and friends.

The new priest, who spent 11 years in formation, described his ordination as ‘a thanksgiving to the Lord for all the people who have walked with me in faith, hope, and love throughout this journey.’

‘My years of formation have ended, but this is just the beginning of new discoveries, new encounters, and new miracles of God’s grace in priestly ministry,’ he said. ‘Please continue to pray for me that I may always serve with a humble heart, a listening spirit, and a joyful soul.’

He added that the gift of priesthood ‘is only the beginning of a lifelong mission,’ and asked the faithful to pray for missionaries to ‘remain faithful to their vocation and zealous in the missions God has entrusted to them.’

The celebration drew MSSP leaders and members from across the region, including Fr. Martin Galea, the congregation’s superior general, and Fr. Hector Attard, provincial superior of the MSSP Vietnam-Philippines Province.

The ordination also coincided with the MSSP’s 25th year of missionary presence in the Philippines. Two weeks earlier, the congregation also celebrated in Vietnam with the ordination of its first Vietnamese priest.

‘And now here, the first Filipino,’ Galea said. ‘We truly feel very blessed. [Though] we are a small congregation born on a small island, the Lord continues to bless us with young members who bring new life to our community.’

‘We look forward for more and more vocations. We look forward for many people who feel inspired, that they feel the courage to say ‘yes’ as well,’ he added.

Founded in Malta in 1910 by Msgr. Joseph De Piro, the MSSP began its mission in the Philippines in 1999, initially serving in parishes and campus ministry at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.

Recognizing the country’s strong potential for religious vocations, the congregation established its International House of Formation in 2007, and inaugurated in 2009.

By 2010, local formation had begun in New Manila-paving the way for the ordination of its first Filipino priest.

SCROLL long enough through today’s headlines and it’s overwhelming-another scandal, another fortune gone missing, another family name living large while the rest of us wade through floodwaters.

Kickbacks disguised as contracts. Infrastructure projects that exist only on paper. And then, as if to mock us, the Instagram feeds of these ‘powerful families’ show off luxury cars, private jets and designer labels, all bought with questionable resources. But beyond all the noise, Filipinos continue to look for something real: success stories that inspire, not intimidate.

Because in today’s world, success isn’t measured by flashy cars or labels. It’s about perseverance and passion. Filipinos know better and they follow those who embody true grit and inspiration, and those who prove that with hard work and determination, success is possible for anyone.

Meet three inspiring personalities who have carved their own paths, achieved their dreams, and were recently named as PLDT Home Fiber Prepaid Hall of Famers.

Ninong Ry: Cooking From the Ashes

IF you ask food content creator Ninong Ry (Ryan Morales Reyes), success isn’t about where you start.

He grew up in Malabon, helping run his mother’s poultry stall, a modest livelihood that kept food on the table. When the pandemic lockdowns shuttered the market, he faced the same uncertainty millions of Filipinos felt. Instead of sulking, he picked up a camera in his kitchen. His first videos weren’t polished productions; they were raw, noisy, filmed with whatever gear he had. He cooked kare-kare on camera not to impress anyone but simply do what he loved-and maybe distract himself and others from the isolation of lockdown. It didn’t take long before his easy humor and approachable recipes earned him millions of fans. ‘I was uploading content every day, consistently,’ he recalls. ‘The biggest challenge in becoming a successful content creator isn’t just staying real or creative, it’s staying consistent.’

Behind the laughs is grit. He admits he struggled financially, wrestled with debt, and even suffered burns in a kitchen accident. But consistency became his brand. Today, he’s authored a cookbook, collaborates with chefs and celebrities, and commands millions of views. His story is a reminder: the kitchen he filmed in wasn’t glamorous. But with talent, humor, and a reliable internet connection, he turned a crisis into a career.

Suzzysaur: From Student Streamer to CEO Mom

NOW consider Suzzane Ezra Irasga, or better known as Suzzysaur.

When she first streamed her gameplay, she wasn’t chasing fame. She was chasing tuition money. A Computer Engineering student, she started broadcasting her games as a side hustle to support herself through school.

Her beginnings were modest. Sometimes she used community setups, borrowing rigs at the RUMBLE ROYALE HQ. She learned on the fly: how to hold an audience, how to interact in real time, how to handle trolls. Every peso she earned mattered-not for luxury, but for survival.

Her story evolved with her life. She found her niche by keeping it real-sharing gaming moments alongside glimpses of everyday struggles that her audience could relate to.

Years later, she’s become more than a gamer. She’s a CEO, running her own business. She’s a mother raising her daughter while streaming late nights. She says, ‘My husband and I have our own setups in separate rooms because we both have meetings and streams. As a content creator, a CEO, and a mom, the kind of reliability and the customer support that PLDT Home provides help me fulfill my many roles.’

Her journey proves that digital platforms can be equalizers-if you’re willing to put in the hours and trust your hustle.

Maki: Writing Bedroom Ballads for Billboard Charts

THEN there’s Maki (Ralph William Datoon), whose music journey wasn’t easy at an early age.

He started recording covers in his bedroom, uploading them online with nothing but a microphone and lots of heart. He studied communications at New Era University and pursued his passion for songwriting.

His EP Tanong introduced him to a wider audience, but it was singles like ‘Saan?’ and ‘Bakit?’ that showed his range. Then came ‘Dilaw,’ a track born in intimacy yet destined for virality. By 2024, it wasn’t just climbing local charts-it was topping the Billboard Philippines Hot 100 and earning global Spotify plays.

‘From recording in my bedroom to sharing my music online, I found the courage to chase my dream of becoming a recording artist,’ Maki says. What started as humble covers soon became streaming anthems. His story proves that sometimes, all it takes is talent and a reliable internet connection at home so he can share his music with the world.

Access to Success

WHAT ties these three together? They have inspiring success stories, the kind you can only tell when the world actually hears you. Reliable connectivity gave them reach. Hard work gave them staying power.

Their contents? They were born from kitchens, game streams, and heartfelt songs. That’s an influence worth celebrating.

For Ninong Ry, Suzzysaur, and Maki, access meant internet speeds that could handle downloads, uploads, streams, and sharing their craft with the world. They became sensations because their resilience was matched by a stable connection. They give new meaning to what ‘Sumakses Na’ really means. Success isn’t exclusive to those born into it. It’s available to those who dare, those who log in, those who stay consistent even when the odds are stacked.

As John Y. Palanca, PLDT senior vice president and head of consumer business-home, puts it: ‘Filipinos have the innate talent and drive to turn big dreams into reality. Ninong Ry, Suzzysaur, and Maki show us that technology is at its best when it empowers and enables you to succeed in life.

With PLDT Home Fiber Prepaid, we’re giving Filipinos the speed, reliability, and flexibility to pursue their passions-whether it’s producing online content, streaming music, learning or upskilling. All it takes is a reliable connection and the courage to begin. At PLDT Home, we are proud to be part of these journeys of success, which continue to inspire us to innovate every day.’

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Celebrating Authentic Success

SO maybe it’s time for more Filipinos to celebrate authenticity. The journeys of creators like Ninong Ry, Suzzysaur, and Maki remind us of what’s truly worth celebrating: real success built on passion, grit and sincerity.

From cozy kitchens to streaming setups to bedroom studios, these creators show us how success can truly start at home-with a strong connection and a bold dream. And just like them, every Filipino has the power to shape their own success story.

In the end, we should celebrate the music, the stories, and the laughter born in humble homes, shared across screens, and made possible by real, genuine connections.

Where Fire Met Sea

There are places on Earth where time stands still – where water becomes the keeper of stories and the sea hums with memory. Off the coast of Catarman, Camiguin, lies one such site – the Sunken Cemetery, marked by a towering white cross that rises solemnly from the ocean. Beneath it rests an entire town swallowed by the sea.

As a seasoned diver, mermaid instructor, and travel journalist, I’ve explored countless coral walls and shipwrecks across Southeast Asia. But the first time I descended into Camiguin’s fabled depths, I knew this wouldn’t be just another dive – it would be a communion with history.

The Isle Born of Fire

Camiguin’s story is one of fire, faith, and rebirth. Known as the ‘Isle Born of Fire,’ this small emerald gem in Northern Mindanao was forged by seven volcanoes, each shaping the island’s fate through centuries of eruptions.

The most cataclysmic event came in 1871, when Mount Vulcan violently erupted, burying the old town of Catarman under ash and lava. Homes vanished, the church crumbled, and the town cemetery sank as the earth gave way to the sea.

Today, a giant cross marks the resting place of generations – a poignant symbol of loss and renewal. Standing there before my dive, watching the sun cast its glow over the marker, I couldn’t help but feel the pulse of both tragedy and transcendence.

Descent into Memory

We entered the water just as the midday sun shimmered over the Bohol Sea. The surface was calm, glassy – a mirror to the mountains that once roared fire. I adjusted my mask, checked my air, and began my descent into silence.

The slope beneath the cross revealed a world of quiet transformation. Coral heads, sponges, and anemones had claimed what was once sacred ground. Fish darted between coral-encrusted stones – sergeant majors, butterflyfish, parrotfish, and angelfish turning the once-somber landscape into a vivid mosaic of life.

A blue-spotted stingray drifted across the sand, while a lionfish hovered like a ghost near an old coral mound. Peeking through crevices, I found moray eels and a playful pufferfish, reminders that nature never truly surrenders – it simply adapts.

At around 20 feet, my dive light brushed what locals believe are remnants of the old gravestones. Coral had softened their edges, sea fans wrapped them in living lace. It wasn’t eerie – it was peaceful, as though the ocean had become a cathedral.

‘I didn’t just dive into the sea – I dove into Camiguin’s soul.’

Surfacing, I traded my scuba tank for my mermaid tail – a shimmering turquoise fin that flowed like light through water. Free-diving above the cross, I felt suspended between worlds. Down below lay a story of death and rebirth; above, the sun – radiant and forgiving.

Legends Born of Fire

Camiguin’s origin stories are as dramatic as its landscape. One legend speaks of Magbangal, a demigod farmer who angered the spirits by tilling forbidden land. In wrath, the earth erupted, engulfing his fields – giving birth to the island itself.

Another myth claims that Camiguin was once part of mainland Mindanao, until a jealous sea spirit tore it away, surrounding it with fire and waves.

Whether divine punishment or natural wonder, these tales mirror what science tells us – that this island was born from volcanic upheaval, and that life here has always been shaped by the dance between destruction and renewal.

Life Among the Tombs

The Sunken Cemetery today is one of the most accessible dive sites in Camiguin, welcoming both divers and snorkelers. The upper reef, only 5-10 meters deep, bursts with color – perfect for those who prefer to stay near the surface.

Marine life thrives here: clownfish, wrasses, nudibranchs, pipefish, batfish, and juvenile barracudas weave through coral gardens that have made this sacred ground a sanctuary. Occasionally, hawksbill turtles glide through, and if you’re lucky, you’ll spot reef squid or garden eels peeking from their sandy burrows.

The reef’s transformation from cemetery to living memorial is what makes it magical. It’s a reminder that even in loss, nature finds a way to bloom again.

Top 10 Dive Spots in Camiguin

Sunken Cemetery / Old Volcano Site – Coral gardens and history intertwine.

Burias Shoal – Strong currents, massive coral heads, and pelagic visitors.

Mantigue Island Sanctuary – Protected reef teeming with turtles and reef sharks.

White Island Reef – Colorful, shallow dive with postcard-perfect visibility.

Katibawasan Drift – Fast-paced dive for the adventurous, with schooling jacks.

Tangub Hot Spring Reef – A rare blend of warm volcanic and cool ocean currents.

Black Forest (Hibok-Hibok) – Volcanic sands rich in soft corals and sponges.

Jigdup Reef – A macro lover’s dream: frogfish, nudibranchs, and leaf scorpionfish.

Old Catarman Church Wreck – Coral-covered ruins with mysterious silhouettes.

Tuasan Reef – Gentle slopes and vibrant coral gardens, ideal for beginners.

Every dive here feels personal – as though the sea itself is inviting you to rediscover its ever-changing beauty.

Getting to Camiguin

Reaching Camiguin is part of the adventure. The island is accessible by air, sea, and a combination of land and ferry routes:

Cebu Pacific operates direct flights from Cebu to Camiguin Airport (CGM), taking just about 50 minutes. From the airport in Mambajao, resorts and dive centers are 15-20 minutes away by tricycle or van.

From Balingoan Port in Misamis Oriental, you can take a RoRo ferry to Benoni Port, Camiguin’s main entry point. The trip takes 1 hour, and ferries run several times daily.

Take a 2.5-hour drive from Cagayan de Oro City to Balingoan Port, then board the ferry to Camiguin. Alternatively, travelers from Butuan can reach Balingoan in about 3.5 hours.

Once on the island, you can rent a motorbike, van, or tricycle to explore the volcanoes, waterfalls, and coastal roads – each corner revealing a new shade of paradise.

Mermaid’s Notes: Travel Tips for Diving Camiguin

The best time to visit is March to June, when seas are calm and visibility can reach up to 30 meters. Bring both scuba and freediving gear, as sites range from shallow reefs to deeper volcanic slopes.

Always dive with a local guide, since currents can shift near Mount Vulcan’s base. The best access points are Mambajao or Catarman, where dive operators offer boat or shore entries.

After your dive, soak in Ardent Hot Springs or watch the sunset from White Island Sandbar, with Mount Hibok-Hibok glowing behind you. And remember: take nothing but photos, leave nothing but bubbles – especially when diving on sacred ground.

A fire broke out at the Aboitiz-owned Pagbilao Energy Corporation (PEC) power plant in Pagbilao, Quezon on Friday night, October 31, 2025, resulting in the death of one worker and injuries to nine others.

The incident occurred around 9 p.m. at Unit 3 of PEC in Barangay Ibabang Polo, a facility run by AboitizPower subsidiary Therma Luzon Inc.

Emergency response teams from the plant and local firefighters successfully contained the blaze, preventing it from spreading to other areas of the facility and ensuring the safety of nearby residents.

The injured personnel were immediately transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. The identity of the deceased and the injured have not yet been released as of this posting pending a full investigation.

Unit 3 has been placed on forced outage following the incident. Unit 2, which was already offline for planned maintenance, has temporarily suspended work, while Unit 1 remains operational.

The cause of the fire is still unknown and is under investigation by government authorities.

This incident comes just months after AboitizPower’s subsidiary, Therma Luzon Inc., officially assumed ownership and operational control of the main 735-MW Pagbilao coal plant facility in August 2025, following the expiration of TeaM Energy’s build-operate-transfer contract with the government.

The Pagbilao power plant complex, which includes two other units recently fully taken over by AboitizPower, is a critical source of electricity for the Luzon grid.

‘We are deeply saddened that the incident resulted in one fatality and nine personnel sustaining injuries,’ said PJ Tanglao, PEC’s regional corporate affairs lead for South Luzon.

Coal protests

In past news reports, environmental and community groups have been calling for the shutdown of the Pagbilao coal-fired power plant.

The protests are part of a broader national movement urging a transition to renewable energy and an end to fossil fuel dependence in the Philippines.

Local residents and advocacy groups, including the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ), have held various demonstrations, demanding that the facility be retired early instead of extended.

Protesters cite ongoing concerns about the health and environmental impacts of the coal plant, with a 2024 study finding that areas in Pagbilao and nearby Atimonan exceeded national and international air quality standards.

Fisherfolk leaders have voiced concerns that the plant’s operations could further damage the local marine ecosystems, which are vital for their livelihoods.

Community members demand the right to ‘breathe clean air’ and insist that profit motives should not override public health and environmental safety.

Protesters have been urging government officials to protect communities and invest in sustainable energy alternatives, linking their local struggle to a global campaign for climate justice.

Serving as an important bridge between the government and the private sector, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) will play a crucial role in sustaining the momentum of inclusive global economic growth through joint initiatives on digital economy, food security, and empowerment of the marginalized, according to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Recognizing the potential of the digital economy in enhancing the competitiveness of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME), the chief executive called for international initiatives to harness the advantages of digitalization and artificial intelligence (AI).

‘By streamlining rules, investing in digital infrastructure and platforms, and equipping our MSMEs and workforce with the skills and tools they need to compete globally, we can secure our collective resilience and ensure that growth remains inclusive,’ Marcos said in his intervention at the Apec Economic Leaders’ Meeting informal dialogue at the Hwabaek International Convention Center in Gyeongju, South Korea on Friday.

‘Through cooperation, regulatory transparency, and capacity building, we can ensure that the benefits of growth extend across all services sectors, powered by digital transformation and the responsible use of AI,’ he added.

The President said an innovation-driven economy may be achieved through the ‘Incheon Plan,’ which was approved by Apec Finance Ministers’ Process.

‘This plan addresses emerging challenges through adaptive fiscal policies, strengthened climate resilience mechanisms, and modernized regulatory frameworks to foster innovation and digital transformation,’ Marcos said.

The Philippines, he said, is ready to support such integration, which can spur regional innovation and economic growth and even help combat climate change by highlighting initiatives from the private sector.

The Plan, the chief executive said, can augment the National AI Strategy Roadmap of the Department of Science and Technology.

Under the roadmap. AI will be used to enhance public services and streamline trade; amplify MSMEs innovation, automate processes, and make ‘smarter data-driven’ decisions for its users.

Sustained momentum

The Apec economies, he said, must collaborate with the Apec Business Advisory Council (Abac) ‘to develop frameworks to address gaps in infrastructure investment for energy security, energy transition, and digital transformation.’

To support food security in Apec, he also called on its members to complete the negotiations of the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement.

‘Within Apec, we can build on this momentum by strengthening the platforms for dialogue between the public and private sectors, ensuring that business perspectives shape our regional strategies and initiatives,’ Marcos said.

Joint initiatives of the public and private sector can also enhance the competitiveness of women and children by eliminating gender gaps.

‘Empowering women to participate fully in the economy could add as much as US$28 trillion to global GDP [gross domestic product], making this the most critical investment for sustained growth,’ Marcos said.

‘Together, we can unlock the full potential of our peoples to foster peace, bolster shared prosperity, and build resilience across our region and beyond,’ he added.

The private sector can help business barriers such as regulatory fragmentation, uneven digital infrastructure, and supply chain vulnerabilities persist through policy advocacy and cross-border standardization.

‘Businesses must not only benefit from progress but actively co-create the future by leading in technology development, supporting startups, embedding sustainability, and upholding good corporate governance that builds trust and accountability,’ Marcos said.

Investment destination

In his keynote speech before the Apec CEO Summit on Friday, Marcos invited the participants from the private sector to invest in the Philippines, citing its ‘deep institutional and business-friendly’ reforms such as the Republic Act (RA) No. 11966 or Public-Private Partnership Code; RA 12252 or the ‘Investors’ Lease Act;’ RA 12253 or the ‘Enhanced Fiscal Regime for Large-Scale Metallic Mining Act.’

Companies which will consider setting operations in the Philippines can also take advantage of its growing free trade agreements (FTA). He noted that the country has ongoing FTA negotiations with the European Union, Chile, and is working on possible membership in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

He said the agreements are key to fostering cooperation, innovation, and rules-based integration enabling harmonized standards and transparent supply chains.

The advantages, Marcos said, give the country an edge to companies that will invest in it.

‘Let me make our message clear, the Philippines is open and eager to do business with you. The Philippines offers more than just a strategic location at the heart of the region. We bring a dynamic workforce, a thriving economic system and an unwavering commitment to sustainable prosperity,’ Marcos said.

He also urged them to support the Philippines as it hosts the 2026 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) , where they are committed to a stronger public-private partnership.

Among the highlights of the Asean Summit next year, Marcos said, will be the signing of the Asean Digital Economy framework agreement to help the region target US$2 trillion by 2030.

‘As the Philippines takes on the Asean chairship 2026, we stand ready to build a more connective, competitive and sustainable regional economy-driven by deeper cooperation and shared growth,’ Marcos said.