Category: Business Mirror

Philippines affirms regional leadership in responsible gaming, innovation

The Philippines has once again taken the spotlight in the regional lottery and gaming industry as the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) hosts the Asia Pacific Lottery Association (APLA) Conference 2025 in Manila from October 28 to 31, gathering key lottery leaders and experts to discuss the future of gaming under the theme ‘The Future of Lotteries: Thriving in an Era of Uncertainty.’

The high-level conference brings together delegates, policymakers, and innovators from across the Asia Pacific to examine the evolving role of lotteries amid rapid technological change, market uncertainties, and the growing call for responsible gaming.

PCSO General Manager Melquiades A. Robles said the country’s hosting of APLA 2025 highlights renewed international confidence in the integrity, transparency, and leadership of the Philippine lottery system.

‘The Philippines’ hosting of APLA 2025 is a testament to the global trust placed in the PCSO and in the integrity of our lottery operations,’ Robles said.

‘This event allows us to share our experiences, learn from our regional partners, and work together to ensure the lottery sector thrives responsibly in an era of uncertainty,’ he added.

Under Robles’ leadership, the PCSO continues to strengthen its standing as a trusted gaming institution. The agency’s Responsible Gaming Level 2 certification, along with its pursuit of Level 3 accreditation, reflects its adherence to global standards of ethical play and accountability. Robles’ recent election to the APLA Executive Committee also affirms the growing international trust in Philippine leadership within the global lottery community.

The conference features an impressive lineup of international speakers, including Australian author and innovation coach Nils Vesk, who will open the event with ‘Thriving in Uncertain Environments.’ Other sessions include ‘The Lottery Organization of the Next Decade’ by Stéphane Pallez, CEO of FDJ United; ‘The Illegal Betting Ecosystem: Insight and Understanding’ by Robert Chvátal, CEO of Allwyn Group; and ‘New Tech, AI, and Cybersecurity’ by a leading European industry expert.

Beyond responsible gaming, APLA 2025 delves into digital transformation, sustainability, and collaborative governance-issues defining the future of the global lottery sector.

By hosting APLA 2025, the Philippines positions itself as a regional hub for responsible gaming and innovation, reaffirming its growing role in shaping the industry’s future across the Asia Pacific.

On the occasion of the 99th World Mission Day, celebrated on October 19, with the theme ‘Missionaries of Hope among all Peoples,’ the Vatican news agency ‘Fides’ presented some statistics that offer a general overview of the Catholic Church worldwide.

The study is based on numbers from 2023, in which the world population rose to 7,914,582,000, with a positive trend on all continents, including Europe. The increase in Catholics was 15,881,000 over the previous year.

The most notable growth in Catholics is in Africa, with an increase of 8,309,000; and the Americas with 5,668,000; followed by Asia with 954,000; Europe with 740,000; and Oceania with 210,000.

The percentage of Catholics in the world’s population increased by 0.1 percent compared to the previous year, reaching 17.8 percent.

The total number of bishops worldwide increased by 77 compared to the previous year’s survey, reaching 5,430.

Diocesan bishops also increased by 84, while religious order bishops decreased by seven. In total, there are 4,258 diocesan bishops and 1,172 bishops belonging to religious orders.

Falling number of priests

The number of priests worldwide continues to decline. According to data from Fides, in 2023 it decreased by 734 compared to the previous year, leaving a total of 406,996 priests.

The most significant decrease was again recorded in Europe, with 2,486 fewer priests, followed by the Americas, where the number fell by 800, and Oceania, with 44 fewer.

However, the number of priests increased in Africa, with 1,451 more, and in Asia, which added 1,145 new priests.

The number of diocesan priests decreased by 429, leaving a total of 278,742. Religious order priests also registered a decline-reversing the previous year’s trend-and now total 128,254, or 305 fewer than in the last survey.

Meanwhile, the number of permanent deacons continues to increase, reaching a total of 51,433. Growth is mainly concentrated in the Americas (1,257) and Oceania (57), while slight declines are recorded in Asia (1), Africa (3), and Europe (27).

The number of men in religious orders who are not priests also decreased, with 736 fewer than the previous year, standing at 48,748.

The decreases are in Europe (308), the Americas (293), Asia (196), and Oceania (46), although Africa shows a slight increase (107).

Likewise, the number of women in religious orders continued its years-long decline. Currently, there are 589,423, which means 9,805 fewer than in the previous report.

They have increased in Africa (1,804) and Asia (46), but continue to decline in Europe (7,338), the Americas (4,066), and Oceania (251).

Declining number of seminarians

The number of major seminarians, both diocesan and religious, also decreased, totaling 106,495 (the previous year was 108,481). Africa alone recorded an increase of 383.

Minor seminarians, both diocesan and religious, also decreased, reaching 95,021, a decrease of 140.

Furthermore, Africa went from an increase in the 2022 survey to a slight decrease of 90.

Education and charitable works

Fides also reported that the Catholic Church operates a total of 74,550 kindergartens worldwide with 7,639,051 students; 102,455 primary schools with 36,199,844 students; 52,085 secondary schools with 20,724,361 students; 2,688,625 students in higher education institutions; and 4,468,875 students in Catholic universities.

In addition, in the field of health care and charitable works, there are 103,951 institutions affiliated with the Catholic Church, including 5,377 hospitals and 13,895 dispensaries; and 504 leper colonies.

There are 15,566 homes for the elderly, chronically ill, or disabled; 10,858 day-care centers; 10,827 marriage counseling centers; 3,147 education or social reintegration centers, and 5,184 other types of institutions.

Data on the total world population and the number of baptized Catholics are updated as of June 30, 2023, while other data are updated as of December 31, 2023.

The current global realities and swift technological innovations present the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) with a unique opportunity to define our future and elevate our commitment to the Filipino people.

Along with these developments, the ways Filipinos play, pay, and participate in lottery games are transforming rapidly-driven by technology, shifting regulations, and evolving consumer habits.

Our challenge at PCSO is clear: preserve the integrity and tradition of the Philippine lottery while embracing innovation to ensure sustainable growth.

The past years tested our mettle. We navigated pandemic lockdowns and rapid technological shifts, but PCSO did not just survive; we emerged stronger.

Our financial performance is not merely is a reflection of the public’s enduring trust and our unwavering commitment to serve through our health and charity programs.

In 2023, we reached over ?61.4 billion, and in 2024, ?62.3 billion-surpassing pre-pandemic levels and reaffirming public confidence in our games. This strength comes from the dedication of our employees, agents, and partners who translate every peso played into tangible help for those in need.

It is worth noting that innovation sits at the heart of our transformation.

In 2023, we launched the Philippine Lottery System (PLS)-a centralized, state-of-the-art platform that replaced decades-old technology and unified all lotto operations across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. This modernization has strengthened efficiency, transparency, and security in every draw and transaction, a major stride toward the digital future of Philippine gaming.

Around the same time, we introduced the E-Lotto pilot project, enabling Filipinos to play online safely and conveniently. While refinements are ongoing, its success shows that the Filipino public is ready for digital lottery. We will continue to study, improve, and relaunch the platform to uphold the highest standards of fairness, data security, and compliance with our country’s laws.

Modernization brings challenges, and rightly so. The transition to digital systems invites scrutiny-but public trust is, and will always be, the lifeblood of PCSO.

Every challenge has been an opportunity to improve. We have fortified our systems, tightened protocols, and made operations more transparent. Integrity remains our most valuable currency.

Beyond numbers and systems, our mission remains rooted in service. PCSO exists not for profit, but for purpose.

Under the leadership of Chairman Judge Felix P. Reyes (Ret.) and myself, we have accelerated our service programs nationwide. To date, we have distributed 1,540 Patient Transport Vehicles (PTVs) to local government units, moving closer to our goal of providing one PTV for every LGU in the country. It is projected that all 1,724 LGUs will receive their PTVs before the end of the year, highlighted by the record-breaking delivery of 387 units in a single day on July 9, 2025.

Since 2022, through our Medical Assistance Program (MAP), we have provided over ?14.56 billion in assistance to more than 1.36 million patients nationwide. We also distributed ?125 million worth of modern medical equipment to public hospitals and health facilities-ensuring that our funds reach those who need them most.

Beyond hospitals, we have provided ?74.88 million in assistance to institutional partners, distributed 233,250 Charitimba food packs to families and communities in need, and delivered over 10,000 assistive devices such as wheelchairs and nebulizers under our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Program.

In the past three years, we have remitted ?18.7 billion in mandatory contributions to various government agencies, a proof that in every ticket, there is hope; in every bet, there is charity.

In 2024 alone, we allocated ?4.2 billion to our Charity Fund.

At the core of all these efforts is a steadfast commitment to nation-building through compassion.

‘Sa Bawat Taya, May Kawanggawa’ is more than a slogan-it is a daily reminder that every bet contributes to someone’s healing, hope, and future.

In facing every challenge, we remain true to our promise: ‘Hindi Umuurong sa Pagtulong.’ These words embody the PCSO spirit: resolute, compassionate, and unwavering in our duty to serve the Filipino people.

In management and governance, we have made remarkable progress. In 2023, the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG) recognized PCSO as the Most Improved GOCC, with our performance rating rising from 56% in 2021 to 92.03%, allowing employees to receive the Performance-Based Bonus (PBB) for the first time in nine years.

In 2024, our commitment to excellence was reaffirmed through multiple distinctions: the ARTA Silver Award, GCG Stakeholders Relationship Award, and continued ISO 9001:2015 Certification. We were also named among the Top-Ranking GOCCs with a 98.01% Performance Scorecard rating, and once again received the Freedom of Information (FOI) Award for transparency and our high closure rate of FOI requests.

Among our notable milestones is earning the World Lottery Association (WLA) Level II Certification for Responsible Gaming, which recognizes our integrity and credibility in promoting responsible play.

That same year, we led the National Day of Charity celebration under Proclamation No. 598, encouraging unity and participation in charitable causes and acts of compassion across the nation.

On the international stage, I am deeply honored to have been elected as the first Filipino member of the Executive Committee of the Asia-Pacific Lottery Association (APLA) in September 2024-an achievement that brings pride not only to PCSO but to the entire nation.

And this year, the Philippines holds a place of distinction in the global lottery community as we host the prestigious APLA Regional Conference. This is more than an event; it is a powerful recognition of the trust and confidence that fellow lottery agencies across Asia-Pacific have placed in the Philippine Lottery System.

Being chosen to host this conference affirms that PCSO has become a respected voice in international discussions on integrity, responsible gaming, and digital transformation. It is proof that the world recognizes the strength of our systems, the credibility of our governance, and the compassion behind our mission.

At times, PCSO has also taken on an evolving role as a first responder during disaster relief operations-proving that our compassion extends beyond gaming and into the heart of humanitarian service.

As we host and participate in the APLA Conference, we recommit to being an active, forward-thinking member of the international lottery community, carrying the Filipino spirit of resilience, generosity, and integrity.

The future of PCSO lies in our ability to adapt without ever losing sight of who we are.

We will continue to balance tradition with transformation, expanding access while safeguarding the integrity of our games. We will invest in technology that drives efficiency, promotes responsible gaming, and ensures that every ticket purchased remains a powerful symbol of hope and charity.

Uncertainty will always be part of our environment, but it does not have to be our limitation.

Indeed, the PCSO of the future is digitally capable, financially strong, and socially responsible.

Our goal is to thrive not by chance, but by choice-anchored in integrity, driven by innovation, and guided by our mission to bring hope to every Filipino through the simple act of giving and playing for a cause.

Come October, monks and nuns are busy harvesting olives at the Mount of Olives and the Gethsemane garden-where, according to the Gospel, Jesus spent the last night before being taken up the other side of the valley into Jerusalem to be crucified.

For two years, the Israel-Hamas war has cast a pall on the Holy Land. The hundreds of centuries-old olive trees here have shaken periodically in missile attacks targeting Israel.

But this year’s harvest happened as a ceasefire agreement was reached, spreading a tenuous hope for peace-peace that olive branches have symbolized since the biblical story of the dove that brought one back to Noah’s Ark to signify the end of the flood.

‘The land is a gift and the sign of a divine presence,’ said the Rev. Diego Dalla Gassa, a Franciscan in charge of the harvest in the hermitage next to Gethsemane. The word Gethsemane is derived from the ancient Aramaic’s and Hebrew’s ‘oil press.’

For Dalla Gassa and the other mostly Catholic congregations on the hill, harvesting olives to make preserves and oil is not a business or even primarily a source of sustenance for their communities. Rather, it’s a form of prayer and reverence.

‘To be the custodian of holy sites doesn’t mean only to guard them, but to live them, physically but also spiritually,’ he added. ‘It’s really the holy sites that guard us.’

Harvesting olives by hand on the Mount of Olives

Early on a recent morning, Dalla Gassa traded his habit for a T-shirt and shorts-albeit with an olive wood cross around his neck-and headed to the terraces facing Jerusalem’s Old City.

The bright sun shone off the golden dome of Al-Aqsa Mosque, visible above the walls encircling the Temple Mount-the holiest site in Judaism-alongside the bell towers of Christian churches.

Dalla Gassa and some volunteers, ranging from Israeli Jews to visiting Italian law enforcement officers, picked the black and green olives by hand and with tiny rakes, dropping them onto nets under the trees.

Once they filled a wheelbarrow, Dalla Gassa put on ear covers and got the loud, modern press humming. Soon, the fragrance of freshly pressed green oil filled the air. It takes up to 10 kilograms (22 pounds) of olives to make one liter (34 ounces) of extra-virgin oil.

Harvesting as a form of prayer

Up the hill from the Franciscan convent, Sister Marie Benedicte walked among more olive trees cradling the adopted kitty she has named ‘Petit Chat,’ little cat in French.

‘It’s easy to pray while picking and nature is so beautiful,’ she said later while starting her harvest. ‘It’s like a retreat time.’

For more than two decades, the French nun has been in the Benedictine monastery founded at the end of the 19th century atop the Mount of Olives. Only half a dozen sisters live there now, their day flowing in a 16-hour rhythm of work, contemplative walks in the garden, and prayer.

‘It’s very quiet here, very simple,’ said Sister Colomba, who is from the Philippines and is in charge of ensuring there’s always enough olive oil in the church lamps to keep them burning by the tabernacle.

Olive trees are an essential crop in this desert region where they’ve grown for millennia. For decades they’ve been at the heart of sometimes-violent land disputes between Palestinians and some Jewish settlers in the West Bank.

Israel occupied it in the 1967 war along with east Jerusalem, where the Mount of Olives is.

The congregations on the hill do not have commercial productions, dedicating the vast majority of the oil to their own use, both in the kitchen and for sacraments.

Many Christians use oil, blessed by clergy during an annual Chrism Mass, for rituals ranging from anointing the sick to blessing the baptized and new altars.

‘Only good when pressed’: Olives and religious symbolism

For the religious brothers and sisters living among these trees, the harvest itself is spiritual and full of symbolism.

‘In picking the olives, we learn how we are picked. We go looking for that last olive-that’s what God does with us, even those who are a bit hard to reach,’ said Dalla Gassa.

Squeezing a plump green olive between his fingers, he also spoke of the sacrifice that comes with fulfilling one’s vocation of love for God and neighbor.

‘The olive is only good when pressed. It’s the same for us,’ said Dalla Gassa.

The volunteers who’ve been harvesting this year share in the transcendent experience as much as in the dusty, hot working days.

‘The garden is very special. It’s full of spirituality and holiness,’ said Ilana Peer-Goldin, who on a recent morning was helping Dalla Gassa with the harvest. An Israeli raised in Jerusalem, she draws from Jewish, Catholic and Buddhist practices.

Teresa Penta, who is from Puglia, Italy-one of the Mediterranean area’s top olive-producing regions-has spent 13 years in the hermitage next to Gethsemane.

‘This place has an eternal charm,’ she said.

The modern olive press has been in place only a few years. She said it added special meaning, returning Gethsemane to its original function.

This year’s harvest has been meager because of drought and fierce springtime winds that damaged the blossoms. Still, other congregations have been sending their olives to be processed by the monastery of Latrun, about halfway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

Latrun’s Trappist monks also have olive trees and vines, though thousands of them were destroyed by a devastating fire this spring.

Walking to the olive press outside the abbey church in his black-and-white habit, Brother Athanase said the oil and wine production helps the friars earn their living. But the end goal is different for the contemplative religious.

‘To create the empty space while working with repetitive gesture, to be completely available to our Lord, Jesus Christ,’ he said. ‘It’s a life to be received completely.’

The Diocese of Baguio has launched regular Korean-language Masses as part of its pastoral efforts for the growing Korean Catholic community in the city.

In a circular released on October 20, Bishop Rafael Cruz invited all Korean Catholics within the diocese to attend the liturgy in their native language.

Starting in November 2025, the Mass in Korean will be celebrated every Saturday at 5 p.m. at the Holy Face Chapel of Baguio Cathedral.

Cruz said Korean priests have been assigned to regularly celebrate the Mass and administer the sacraments and sacramentals.

He added that arrangements for Holy Days of Obligation and solemnities may be made through the cathedral office or directly with the Korean priests.

‘For fellowship purposes, a room at the Sangkabalayan building will be provided for your gatherings, either before or after the Mass,’ Cruz said in his letter.

The bishop said he hopes the initiative will provide ‘spiritual nourishment and strength’ to the Korean Catholic community during their stay in the city.

The Seoul Times on October 21 reported that about 10,000 Koreans live in Baguio, with roughly 90 percent being students learning English and the rest adults or missionaries.

Top surfers around the world are bracing for the tough challenge of General Luna’s waves on Siargao Island starting Friday in the QS6,000 Siargao International Surfing Cup by the World Surf League (WSL).

But not only will a king and queen of the waves from the mighty Pacific Ocean be hailed, but Siargao and the entire country’s sports tourism campaign will be invigorated in the event that ends on October 31.

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick ‘Pato’ Gregorio thanked the WSL for choosing Siargao as primary venue for the major global surfing competition.

‘The biggest tourism events in the world are sporting events and this is the work of PSC under my leadership-the longer we can do this, the better we can do this, if we get all the support from local government, the WSL, then will be big and this will be good for the country,’ Gregorio told Thursday’s pre-competition press conference at Siargao’s Cloud 9.

‘That is the beauty of sports,’ Gregorio said.

A total of 179 surfers all over the world are expected to see action.

‘It is a great equalizer. It is not for the rich, it is not for the poor, it is for everybody.’

WSL Asia Pacific (APAC) president Andrew Stark said that the first of the four qualifying legs of the series would definitely bea hit-including top Filipinos John Mark Tokong and British-Japanese Sky Brown.

‘It’s powerful for kids of this community to see what the possibilities are, what the best surfers in the world are doing,’ Stark said.

The qualifying series offers a total Australian $50,000 (roughly P1.9 million), making the global professional surfing event more prestigious and competitive.

‘These sporting events bring a lot to the community from the sport perspective and economically as well,’ Stark added.

With Gregorio and Stark at the head table of the press conference were WSL APAC Tour Director Ty Sorati, Stark, General Luna Vice Mayor Romina Rusillon-Sejulga, SDMI Sports Technical Director John Carby, SiargaoIsland Surfers Association president Nildie Blancada and Janice Regino, who represented Surigao Del Norte Governor Robert Lyndon Barbers.

Australian pros Dane Henry and Milla Coco Brown and Taj Stokes, 16-year-old Dylan Wilcoxen of Indonesia, Filipino Philmar Alipayo and Japanese Sara Wakita are among the surfers to watch this week.

‘The Philippines is definitely a strong country when it comes to surfing and we are excited to continue discussions in expanding the events and making them bigger,’ Stark added. ‘There is certainly an opportunity for Cloud 9 to expand into the future because it is such an iconic wave.’

After Siargao, the WSL series will be in Baler from November 17 to 23 and La Union from January 11 to 16 and 20 to 26.

AS expected, the lines started forming more than a day before the midnight countdown. While this annual ‘pilgrimage’ of Apple fans has become a familiar ritual within the Philippine ‘Techtober’ calendar, this year felt genuinely different. Every retail staff we talked to confirmed the excitement was palpably unprecedented, drawing noticeably more people to the queue compared to the last few years.

This extraordinary buzz wasn’t sustained solely by the promise of freebies; it was a powerful, collective reaction to the iPhone 17’s genuine leap in features. The global anticipation for the iPhone 17 Series was already intense, justified by a new blazing-fast A19 chip, ProMotion displays even for the base model, an improved camera system, a noticeable redesign, and the addition of the headline-grabbing iPhone Air. The queue served as definitive proof: people are willing to line up for long hours, even days, to be the first to get their hands on a great device.

This strategic sweet spot is something that Premium Apple Authorized Reseller iStudio Plus has been preparing for. They transformed the midnight release into a full-scale event at their BGC flagship store, evolving it from a mere point of sale into a full-blown cultural festival. iStudio Plus designed the event as an all-day affair filled with music, art, and the unmistakable, highly marketable energy of the local Apple fanbase, effectively positioning immersive retail as the strategic successor to simple product hype. In an era dominated by rapid e-commerce and gray market competition, this investment in a physical, memorable launch experience is perhaps iStudio Plus’s most compelling differentiator.

According to the team, the iPhone 17 series drew a response unlike anything seen during the iPhone 16 rollout, reflecting both pent-up excitement and renewed enthusiasm for Apple’s design language. While their Bonifacio High Street flagship store hosted the main spectacle, festivities extended to other branches across the metro, ensuring fans in different cities could experience the excitement firsthand.

Building on the strong impression they made during the iPhone 16 unveiling, the team used this year’s event to formally usher in their ‘Prime Era.’

‘For iStudio Plus, this marks a standout moment-not just because of the new iPhones but because of what it represented,’ said Patrick Yeung, president and CEO of iStudioPlus.

‘This gathering marks the start of our Prime Era, a new chapter that redefines what iStudio Plus stands for. Showcasing the brand’s evolution into something bigger and more engaging-a destination that goes beyond retail.’

Rewarding the value of in-person moments

WITH everything now just a tap away, enduring long waiting times for a gadget might seem unnecessary. Yet the hundreds who showed up outside iStudio Plus tell a different story. Their presence highlights something that convenience alone can’t replace-the thrill of being part of a shared moment and the sense of camaraderie that comes from experiencing a premiere together.

The open space outside the store pulsed with DJ Nico Yabut’s beats as the crowd gathered for the countdown. The first in line-who reportedly arrived as early as 12:01 am of October 15, 2025-was treated to a special moment onstage and received an extravagant accessory package including an AirTag Monocozzi, Belkin Soundform Headphones, free extended warranty, limited edition tote bag, limited edition Notebook, AirPods Pro 2, a 3-in-1 Choetech charger, an Apple adapter, Audio Series TWS Earbuds (Black and Beige), Mobile Series Lanyard/USB-C Cable (Purple and Green), Ugreen HiTune Earbuds, Divoom iTour-S, Audio Series Hybrid ANC Headphones, and Shokz OpenRun 2, a detail that quickly generated significant social media buzz.

The sense of shared fanfare was amplified by the presence of some of the country’s hottest stars and personalities. Attendees were thrilled by appearances from fan favorites like Christine Samson, AZ Martinez, Albert ‘Asian Cutie’ Nicolas, Angel Guardian, and the inspirational Ayn Bernos. The entertainment peaked with high-energy performances from The Alliance and the unique sounds of Yoki and Kiyo.

To keep energy levels high throughout the day, iStudio Plus prepared an engaging queue experience designed to treat attendees as guests, not just customers. Those waiting in line got to participate in booths featuring mini-games, prize giveaways, while the interactive photo zones kept spirits up as the clock ticked toward the final moment.

When asked why people line-up for hours despite preorders and online availability, Bettina Ting, marketing lead of iStudio Plus Philippines, shared, ‘There’s something different about being there when it happens. People don’t just come to buy the phone-they come to experience the energy, the countdown, and get to meet the community that forms around these launches. Beyond the freebies, meeting their favorite celebrities and influencers, enjoying the live performances, and winning prizes from partner brands like Havit and Insta360 made the day-long wait well worth it.’

The architecture of immersive retail

THIS year’s theme, ‘The Power of Partnerships,’ was the architectural blueprint for the immersion strategy. Immersive booths by HAVIT, Insta360, EcoFlow, and SHOKZ, demonstrated a comprehensive accessory ecosystem that positioned the iPhone 17 as the central hub of a powerful workflow and digital lifestyle.

For the consumer, it solves the problem of how to best utilize their new device for productivity, content creation, and finance-all in one place. Beyond pure technology, iStudio Plus’ growing focus on the local tech circle and localization served as the artistic anchor for the evening. This came through in its collaboration with local artist Raki, who created a live art installation that became the centerpiece of the limited-edition RAKI × iStudio Plus collection. This integration of local art demonstrates a conscious effort to connect with consumer lifestyle, creating a differentiated retail environment beyond the typical box store. ‘The camaraderie aspect of our retail approach has always been central to what we do,’ said Ting. ‘Our collaboration with Raki reflects that belief-showing how technology and artistry can come together to create a more meaningful experience. Through the launch, we wanted to build a space where fans, influencers, and partner brands could connect and celebrate not just the iPhone 17 but the shared passion that drives the community.’

Unparalleled value and financial incentives

iStudio Plus partnered with several leading financial institutions and trade experts, to offer unparalleled value for the new iPhone 17 series through a comprehensive suite of midnight launch exclusive deals. UnionBank led the offers, providing a compelling zero-percent interest, 24-month installment plan at cash price, plus an additional P1,000 cashback via UB PayEasy. Early UnionBank card users were also rewarded with AirPods 4. Beyond this, a wide array of payment flexibility was available, with PNB, Security Bank, and RCBC all offering flexible Buy Now, Pay Later plans featuring zero-percent interest for up to 24 months. BPI cardholders enjoyed their own special pricing and flexible payment terms. Finally, Home Credit made the device accessible with special pricing and zero-percent interest for up to 24 months, while PlusTrade offered substantial trade-in discounts, allowing customers to save up to P56,500 when upgrading from the iPhone 16 series.

Commercial success and the Prime Era

AT exactly 12 am, cheers erupted as customers finally got their hands on the new iPhone 17 series. The customer rewards were generous and memorable: the first 60 customers received complimentary Shake Shack meals, while the top 30 walked away with premium accessory bundles and gifts ranging in value from a staggering ?47,000 up to ?71,000. The resulting metrics speak volumes: according to iStudio Plus, this year’s debut recorded more than a 50 percent increase in pre-orders compared to the iPhone 16, solidifying this as one of the biggest launch nights in the brand’s history and proving the viability of their engagement strategy. Based on their initial sales figures, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, Silver and Cosmic Orange color variants with 256GB storage emerged as the top favorites.

Replicating last year’s success was difficult; topping it was even harder. Yet with its bold new direction, iStudio Plus delivered a confident start to its Prime Era-redefining the retail experience through innovation, creativity, and genuine community connection. It’s a clear statement that iStudio Plus strives to go beyond the traditional reseller model, redefining the retail experience as one driven by innovation, creativity, and genuine connection.

AS global coffee prices surge, and the local coffee industry is beset by long-running problems, it’s time to reenergize the local coffee industry and reduce the country’s reliance on coffee imports, according to the chairman of the Senate agriculture committee.

Senator Francis ‘Kiko’ Pangilinan called for greater government support to develop the coffee industry and boost its production to meet rising domestic demand.

As the keynote speaker at the first Coffee Sustainability Congress on Thursday at the Makati Sports Club, the senator reflected on the unprecedented rise in coffee consumption among Filipinos, noting that the country is becoming one of the fastest-growing coffee markets in Asia.

In 2023 alone, he said, the local coffee market generated approximately US$2.33 billion and is projected to reach over US$4.4 billion by 2028, with an annual growth rate of 7-12% percent.

Yet, even with rising demand and positive market prospects, Pangilinan noted that the Philippines still imports more coffee than it produces.

‘We import about 760,000 metric tons, mostly from Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia to meet the needs, particularly, instant coffee market. That’s the biggest chunk of our total consumption. That means, much of the coffee that wakes us up in the morning does not come from our shores: Foreigner,’ he said.

The senator lauded the role of local Filipino producers of coffee, recognizing the challenges they face regarding dwindling farm sizes.

‘Behind every cup of local coffee are around 200,000 smallholder farmers,’ Pangilinan pointed out, adding that most of them cultivate less than two hectares of land and have much lower productivity compared to farmers in neighboring countries.

He also explained that the industry can only move forward if the government fully implements the Philippine Coffee Industry Roadmap.

The senator emphasized the need for improved coordination between agencies and the private sector, expanded financing that reaches small farmers, investment in climate-resilient trees and post-harvest systems, and making extension services accessible down to the municipal level, so that farmers receive direct technical support.

Despite the ongoing challenges faced by coffee farmers, Pangilinan said they stand to benefit from the Sagip-Saka Act, a law he authored in 2019 to allow national government agencies and local government units to buy coffee and other farm products directly from local producers without public bidding.

The law makes it easier for farmers to access institutional markets.

‘We already have what it takes to strengthen the coffee industry in the world stage alongside Colombian, Ethiopian, and Vietnamese coffee. Let’s turn Philippine coffee into a global brand synonymous with quality and sustainability,’ the senator urged.

‘We should be more than just coffee drinkers, let’s be coffee nation-builders as well. Because we deserve the coffee grown by Pinoys that is tasty, good-smelling and really wakes us up,’ he added, partly in Filipino.

STATE-RUN Land Bank of the Philippines (LandBank) has provided financial and relief assistance to communities in Davao Oriental and Cebu affected by recent earthquakes.

In a statement, LandBank said it extended P3.2 million in financial aid and P3.1 million worth of relief packs during simultaneous operations led by Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto and LandBank President and Chief Executive Officer Lynette V. Ortiz on October 23.

In Davao Oriental, LandBank turned over P500,000 to the provincial government and P200,000 each to the City of Mati and Municipality of Manay.

The bank also distributed 1,000 grocery packs to displaced families, funded partly by employee donations.

Meanwhile, in Cebu, LandBank disbursed P2.3 million in financial aid to 11 municipalities, including P500,000 each to Medellin, San Remigio and Daanbantayan, and P100,000 each to Tabogon, Tabuelan, Sogod, Borbon, Catmon, Bantayan, Sta. Fe and Madridejos.

About 2,600 relief packs were also turned over to local social welfare offices in these areas and in Bogo City.

The bank said the latest initiative builds on its earlier relief efforts, which included P4.9 million in aid for Cebu, Bogo City and Masbate, along with 2,000 food packs, 32 portable water filtration systems and the deployment of mobile ATMs to restore financial access in affected areas.

‘LandBank remains steadfast in providing timely assistance to our fellow Filipinos during times of crisis. Beyond immediate relief, we are equally focused on supporting the long-term recovery and rebuilding of affected communities,’ Ortiz said.

Beyond relief operations, LandBank also rolled out financial programs to support long-term recovery, such as the Cares Plus for MSMEs and cooperatives, Electronic Salary Loan, EasyCash for Emergencies, PeER Loan for pensioners and government employees, and Emergency Loans of up to P25,000.

‘Today, we bring the assurance that we have the means, the resources, and the resolve to support every community affected. We have enough funds to respond quickly, to rebuild, and to come back stronger,’ Recto said in his message.

LandBank is among the first to respond to DOF Circular 003-2025, which ordered all government financial institutions and state-run corporations to immediately deploy relief operations to calamity-hit areas.

Following this order, the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and the Social Security System (SSS) provided emergency and calamity loans to qualified members and pensioners.

In a separate statement, the Department of Finance said GSIS released P187.68 million in loans to 6,394 members, while SSS disbursed P639.52 million to 38,852 members as of October 6.

The Home Development Mutual Fund, or Pag-IBIG Fund, also extended calamity loans and insurance claims to housing loan borrowers, while LandBank facilitated salary loans for employees and recovery financing for farmers, fishers, MSMEs, cooperatives, and utilities affected by the disaster.

Further, the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation activated coverage for quake-hit farmers, and the Small Business Corporation rolled out rehabilitation financing for MSMEs.

Other state-run firms, including the National Food Authority, Light Rail Transit Authority, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, also mobilized relief operations, distributing food packs, bottled water, hygiene kits and medical supplies.

SAN BEDA ticked off all the boxes on Friday when the Red Lions routed the Arellano University Chiefs, 76-53, at San Juan Arena in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament.

The Red Lions cruised to their third straight win following a beatdown of the Chiefs to improve to 5-1 won-lost in Group B.

‘We knew not to take them lightly,’ Agjanti Miller said. ‘We came into practice locked in, came out, executed the game plan and won.’

San Beda locked down Arellano on defense with eight steals and five blocks as a team.

The Red Lions also forced the Chiefs to a lowly 27.6 percent field goal shooting clip with their stifling defense.

Miller paced San Beda to the dub with 20 points and seven rebounds while Jomel Puno flirted with a double-double of 10 points and eight boards.

T-Mc Ongotan, the reigning Collegiate Press Corps Player of the Week, finished with 14 points for Arellano University, but he struggled to get there and nailed just five of his 18 tries from the floor.

Arellano University dropped to 3-4 in Group A.