Category: Business Mirror

Davao City, Philippines-In a move to elevate the real estate landscape in Mindanao, Damosa Land Inc., a leading real estate developer in the region, has partnered with global real estate consultancy firm Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc. (JLL) to strengthen its portfolio and operational excellence. Through this collaboration, Damosa Land seeks to further enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and long-term value of its mixed-use, residential, commercial, and industrial developments, while aligning its operations with global best practices.

Leveraging its international expertise, JLL will provide strategic advisory and operational services across leasing, sales, research and consulting, property, and facilities management. They bring in proven frameworks and insights from leading cities worldwide to help advance real estate innovation across Mindanao. This alliance is set to boost Damosa Land’s property management capabilities and transaction services to global standards, further enhancing value for residents, locators, and investors.

‘Our partnership with JLL marks a new chapter for Damosa Land as we scale and continue to adopt global best practices in real estate management. By collaborating with JLL, we aim to raise performance standards, attract new investors, and provide better services for our clients and for the communities we serve,’ said Ricardo F. Lagdameo, President of Damosa Land Inc.

Damosa Land has been steadily expanding its footprint and presence in Mindanao through its flagship, Anflo Industrial Estate, which has attracted 28 locators representing 6 countries, and investments in agro-industrial infrastructure, highlighting the region as a globally competitive hub. With JLL’s services, the estate is poised to enhance operational efficiency, further elevating its status as a premier destination for global investors and businesses.

For its other developments, Damosa Land continues to set benchmarks in sustainable and innovative real estate. The company’s residential projects, such as Agriya Gardens, Kahi Estates, and Bridgeport have garnered national recognition for their commitment to eco-friendly living and community integration-including sustainable technologies, integrated green infrastructure, and community-centered lifestyle amenities. Through the partnership, these properties will benefit from global best practices, ensuring that each development exceeds quality standards, efficiency, and long-term investment value.

‘Our decision to partner with Damosa Land stems from our shared vision of driving innovation and sustainability in real estate,’ said Joey Radovan, Country Head of JLL Philippines. ‘We see in Damosa Land a developer that not only values growth and performance but also prioritizes people, community, and the environment-principles that strongly align with JLL’s commitment to shaping the future of real estate responsibly.’

The collaboration seeks to deliver meaningful, positive impact for the surrounding communities that would drive socio-economic upliftment. With JLL’s real estate advisory expertise, Damosa Land can ensure higher standards of infrastructure, enhance public spaces, and advance more sustainable, resilient developments, boosting economic growth and operational efficiency in the locality.

‘JLL’s deep global expertise in real estate management, investment advisory services, innovation, and sustainability, will surely help us to accelerate growth and optimize asset performance among our premier developments in Mindanao. More importantly, we are committed to ensuring that our growth uplifts the lives of the communities around us and provides lasting economic impact in the region. We look forward to what’s to come for Damosa Land, particularly in 2026 when our plans begin to take full shape,’ concluded Lagdameo.

About 2,000 jobs have been initially generated in the province of La Union with the opening of the SM City La Union mall here on Friday.

San Fernando City Mayor Hermenegildo Gualberto said this is a welcome development for the city and the province as a whole as the mall’s management has assured that 70 percent to 80 percent of the employees are from the province.

‘Pag may kinikita ang mga tao, may ginagastos din sila na pwede nila gastusin sa SM o sa ibang lugar, mas lalago ang ekonomiya. Mas maraming investors na pupunta’ (If people have jobs, they have money to spend in SM or other establishments, which contributes to the economy. More investors will come), he said in an interview.

Governor Mario Eduardo Ortega, in a separate interview, said the mall’s opening offers a wide array of selections for consumers, and challenges micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) to upgrade.

‘When there’s competition, you have to compete. And the consumer is usually the beneficiary,’ he said, assuring the MSMEs of assistance from the local government, as needed.

SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, in a recent interview, said they hire locally as much as they can as their way of giving back to the community where their malls are established.

He said they also provide training and kiosks for MSMEs inside the mall for business collaboration.

We do not charge them the regular rate of regular players. Instead, we offer them very minimal fee to encourage them to do business. The more MSMEs we would be able to produce in our country, the better it is for our company since MSMEs are the backbone of the economy,’ Tan said.

Gualberto confirmed that some of the city’s agripreneurs have availed of this offer.

The mall, situated on a 9.8-hectare property at the Diversion Road, Barangay Biday here, was designed using Inabel and Ilocano bricks to pay homage to the culture and design of the area, Tan said.

It was also inspired by beach and surfing, which the province is known for.

FORMER senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Tuesday asked the Ombudsman to investigate and prosecute former President Rodrigo Duterte, Sen. Lawrence Christopher Go and two others for plunder and graft in connection with the P7.8 billion infrastructure projects awarded to the construction firm owned by the senator’s family.

Trillanes personally filed the case before the Ombudsman based on the evidence gathered during his term as a senator and recent documents he obtained from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Aside from Duterte and Go, Trillanes also named Go’s father Deciderio Lim Go and brother Alfredo Armero Go as respondents in the complaint filed before the Ombudsman.

Trillanes insisted that the respondents are liable for violations of the Plunder Law (Republic Act 7080), the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act 3019), and the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (Republic Act 6713).

He accused Duterte and Go of abusing their office to channel the multi-billion infrastructure projects to CLTG Builders, a company owned by Go’s father, and Alfrego Builders, a company owned by his brother.

The former senator filed plunder and graft charges against Duterte and Go, two of these cases were filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ) in July and August 2024 involving the same infrastructure projects and alleged P16 billion Navy frigate scam.

However, the cases were referred to the Duterte appointed former Ombudsman, Samuel Martires, by then DOJ Prosecutor General Bendicto Malcontento.

Trillanes said the cases did not prosper during the term of Martires.

‘Not even a day or an hour was devoted in investigating it,’ he claimed.

Trillanes added that over P816 million of these contracts were secured through a joint venture between CLTG Builders and St. Gerrard Construction, a company owned by the Discaya family, who are now at the center of the flood-control corruption scandal.

In total, CLTG and Alfrego Builders cornered approximately P6.95 billion in government infrastructure projects from 2016 to the present, mostly in Davao region and other areas in the Davao Region.

The former senator said his findings were based on the documents submitted by the Commission on Audit (COA) and other relevant agencies to his office in 2018 when he was still a member of the Senate.

THE Philippines has been included among Asia-Pacific’s ‘next culinary hotspots,’ cited for its local and foreign initiatives to introduce Filipino cuisine to mainstream markets.

The Future of Food Asia Pacific 2026 report of hospitality chain Marriott International pointed to the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) ‘sponsorship’ of the Michelin Guide for Philippine restaurants, and the country’s hosting of the first Terra Madre Asia and Pacific slow food initiative in November.

‘A diaspora of influential Filipino chefs is also shining a spotlight on the rich culinary heritage of their homeland,’ the report added, citing Chefs Ross Magnaye (Serai) in Melbourne, Aisha Ibahim in Seattle, Kasama restaurant in Chicago, and Lord Maynard (Kuya Lord) in Los Angeles.

Other culinary hotspots named were Indonesia, Vietnam, and mainland China.

The report was based on a survey of Marriott International food and beverage (F and B) teams in 270 properties across 20 Asia-Pacific markets, which was completed in July 2025.

Social media is key

The report said 100 percent of respondents in the Philippines said their guests find out about new F and B outlets via social media, much higher than the regional average of 75 percent. Singapore came in second at 88 percent, and Malaysia in third, at 84 percent.

Still, once they’re in the restaurants, most guests across the region, at 92 percent, ‘order dishes that are recommended by staff or chefs,’ although a sizeable number, at 85 percent, also ‘order dishes that are beautifully plated and ‘Instagrammable,’ while 64 percent order a dish or drink that has become popular because of social media.’

The report also noted changing dining preferences of guests, with 59 percent saying their guests prefer quick, casual dining; 53 percent, ala carte instead of a set menu; and 29 percent, more comfort food. Fifty-seven percent of respondents said guests also chose local Asian cuisine over international cuisine, with the Philippines registering among the highest at 67 percent.

The Philippines ranked first among countries whose guests ‘enjoy experience-based dining,’ at 67 percent, higher than the regional average of 52 percent, while only 33 percent ‘seek interactive dining experiences,’ with the country ranking last in the region. Thirty-three percent of Philippine respondents said their guests ‘enjoy celebrity chef concepts or collaborations,’ slightly surpassing the 31-percent regional average.

On the part of chefs, many in Asia Pacific have gone beyond the usual condiments of soy sauce and fish sauce, and are ‘now diving deeper into global traditions of fermentation to unlock striking, complex flavors.’ The report cited sawsawans (Filipino dipping sauces) among the next ‘umami bombs,’ in particular, ‘artisanal vinegars like Sukang Tuba (made from sap of coconut trees) or Sukang Paombong (from nipa palm sap) make for dipping sauces for grilled meats and marinade for raw fish kinilaw.’

Sustainability trailblazers

Aside from Asian vinegars, the report also recognized artisanal salts and heritage rice in the region as other emerging ingredients, which include the Asin Tibuok from Bohol, and the Adlai grain, which ‘[touts] more protein and fiber, making it an excellent rice substitute.’

Meanwhile, the report showed how sustainability has also become a common interest among diners in the region. ‘According to a recent survey of Marriott International’s F and B teams across Asia Pacific, 75 percent reported that guests either frequently or sometimes asked about the origin of ingredients. An additional 58 percent said their customers frequently or occasionally inquire about the sustainability practices of their F and B operations.’

It also elevated two trailblazers in Asia-Ramon ‘Chin-Chin’ Uy Jr. from the Philippines and Helianti Hilman of Indonesia-‘who are taking a grassroots approach to sustainability, building social enterprises that uplift their communities from the ground up.’

Uy was cited for being ‘instrumental’ in developing Negros Occidental as a sustainable food hub, ‘giving locals access to organically grown products and reducing their reliance on chemical fertilizers.’ He chairs the Terra Madre Asia and Pacific executive committee, which is organizing the event scheduled on Nov. 19-23 in Bacolod.

A LAWMAKER has called on Congress to help ease the country’s shortage of public attorneys serving marginalized sectors by passing a measure that would establish a scholarship program for aspiring lawyers who are willing to render mandatory service in government institutions.

Parañaque Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan filed House Bill 5242, or the proposed Abogado Para sa Bayan Act, which provides full scholarships to qualified law students in exchange for at least two years of mandatory service in the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) or other government agencies with a similar mission.

‘Our Abogado Para sa Bayan Act’s goal is to help them realize their dream while also helping ensure that the government would have a steady pool of competent and committed lawyers at the Public Attorney’s Office [PAO]and other government institutions providing legal services to indigent clients and other underserved sectors,’ Yamsuan said.

‘As the late President Ramon Magsaysay once said, ‘Those who have less in life should have more in law.’ However, this advocacy is rarely carried out because of the acute shortage of lawyers ready to provide their services to our poor countrymen,’ he added.

Citing the PAO’s 2024 Accomplishment Report, Yamsuan noted that the agency served 15,069,235 clients and handled 847,317 cases, including 92,052 involving persons deprived of liberty (PDLs). However, these were handled by only 2,676 public attorneys, equivalent to a ratio of roughly 5,631 clients and 317 cases per lawyer.

To help address the shortage, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) approved the creation of 178 new PAO lawyer positions in 2024, while the Supreme Court issued its Unified Legal Aid Service (Ulas) rules requiring all covered lawyers to render at least 60 hours of pro bono service every three years.

‘These efforts, while commendable, are still not enough. Justice is a right, not a privilege. Our measure will future-proof our legal sector and make sure that all Filipinos have access to legal aid regardless of his or her social and economic status in life,’ Yamsuan said.

Under the Legal Scholarship and Return Service (LSRS) Program of HB 5242, qualified students will receive full scholarships covering tuition, school fees, allowances for books and supplies, bar review expenses, and licensure fees.

To qualify, applicants must be Filipino citizens residing in the Philippines, graduates or graduating students of any undergraduate program, and must pass the entrance exams and admission requirements of the law school they intend to enroll in.

Scholars must study at state universities and colleges (SUCs) or partner private institutions in regions without SUCs offering law programs. They must also complete their studies within the prescribed period and take the bar examinations within one year after graduation.

Upon passing the bar, beneficiaries are required to render two years of return service within five years from admission to the practice of law. They may serve in the PAO, the National Prosecution Service, or other government agencies that provide legal aid to indigent individuals, public school teachers, health workers, and uniformed personnel.

Beneficiaries who fail to secure government appointments within three years may either repay the full scholarship cost or comply with alternative programs to be determined by the Legal Education Board (LEB), which will also oversee the program’s implementation and determine the geographical distribution of scholars.

West zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services Inc. has priced its initial public offering (IPO) at P15 per share, which will make it the second largest IPO in the Philippines to date.

At the said price, which the company disclosed on Tuesday, Maynilad’s IPO will yield about P34.35 billion or $588 million.

Monde Nissin Corp.’s IPO in 2021 was the country’s largest at P48.6 billion.

Maynilad is offering a total of 2.29 billion shares, consisting of a primary offer of 1.66 billion new common shares, a preferential offer to First Pacific Co. of 24.9 million new shares, an upsize option of 354.7 million secondary shares owned by existing shareholders and an overallotment option of up to 249.05 million shares.

The offer period will run from October 23 to October 29, with listing on the Philippine Stock Exchange set on November 7.

Maynilad’s offering is only the second IPO of the country so far, as jittery market conditions have prompted other companies to put their IPO plans on the back burner.

The water utility’s IPO is pushing through after it clinched a deal with cornerstone investors who would take in more than half of the offered shares.

Sources said the cornerstone investors will be taking up more than 50 percent of the offered shares, equivalent to about 30 percent of Maynilad’s outstanding shares post-IPO.

Cornerstone investors will be led by the International Finance Corp. and the Asian Development Bank, according to the company’s prospectus.

The water firm also signed cornerstone investment agreements with 10 more international and domestic institutions led by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, acting through its Mobilising Capital through Listed Products (MOBILIST).

The international cornerstone investors are led by MOBILIST and includes abrdn Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Maven Investment Partners Ltd-Hong Kong Branch, Maybank Asset Management Singapore Pte. Ltd., Robeco Switserland Ltd. and QRT Master Fund SPC-Torus Fund SP.

The domestic cornerstone investors, meanwhile, were BPI Asset Management and Trust Corp., Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co., BDO Capital and Investment Corp. and Security Bank Corporation-Trade and Asset Management Group.

Maynilad said each of the cornerstone investors have entered into a cornerstone investment agreement with the firm and the international underwriters or lead domestic underwriter to purchase offer shares at the determined offer price.

IFC is investing up to $100 million at a subscription price of up to P15 per share while ADB is consider an investment of $145 million also at the same price,

Robeco is investing up to $20 million with no indicated maximum price while MOBILIST and BDO Capital are subscribing at up to P15 per share with no committed amount. No committed amount or maximum price have been disclosed for the other cornerstone investors.

The Philippines is set to showcase its top homegrown franchise brands at the International Franchise and Business Opportunities Expo (IFBO) in Tangerang, Indonesia, from October 31 to November 2, 2025.

Leading names such as Avocadoria, Canadian Tourism and Hospitality Institute, Carl E. Balita Review Center, Grainsmart Café, Island Tea Co., Jollibee, Living Water, Miguelito’s Ice Cream, Mr. Quickie, Oryspa, Potato Corner, and U Franchise will represent the country’s dynamic franchising sector at this international platform.

Indonesia offers a compelling market for Philippine franchise brands, driven by its large and youthful consumer base, rising middle class, and growing appetite for international brands. With over 282 million people and a rapidly urbanizing population, Indonesia is Southeast Asia’s largest economy and one of the region’s most dynamic markets. Its franchise industry is expanding quickly, supported by government initiatives and a strong entrepreneurial culture.

Building on the success of a similar initiative in Sydney, the DTI aims to highlight the variety, innovation, and quality of Philippine franchises at IFBO Indonesia. The expo serves as a key platform to connect trusted Philippine brands with Indonesian partners, fostering new business, investment, and export opportunities while strengthening bilateral economic ties.

The Philippines ranks as the 7th largest franchise market in the world and the largest in Southeast Asia, with over 1,800 brands contributing about 7.8 percent to the country’s GDP. This mission reinforces the Philippines’ strong position as a leading franchising hub in the region. This initiative is spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry-Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB), in collaboration with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) Jakarta and the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA). It will also include a targeted business matching session hosted by the Philippine Embassy on October 30, 2025, ahead of the Expo.

WHAT does it mean to fight for fairness in a world where justice can feel out of reach? This is the question at the heart of They Will Be in Heaven Before the Devil Knows, the gripping new novel by Dean Amado D. Valdez, published by C and E Publishing Inc.

In the novel, the law is not just a profession-it is a battlefield. Lawyers fight against corruption and abuse of power in the very institutions meant to uphold justice. Its explosive opening, an attack targeting the Chief Justice, sets the tone for a high-stakes story where justice and injustice are locked in relentless struggle.

But beneath the legal battles lies a deeply human story. The novel reflects the bounds of family, the weight of fatherhood, and the unbreakable ties of brotherhood and sisterhood among those who share the calling of the law. Real-life tensions-ambition and integrity, vengeance and forgiveness-form the emotional backbone of a narrative that is as much an indictment of systemic flaws as it is a testament to courage, redemption, and the enduring power of justice.

Valdez, a former dean of the University of the East College of Law, drew from hard realities faced by lawyers and ordinary citizens alike. The result is a work of Philippine legal fiction that dares the readers to question, reflect and act, not only as lawyers and students of the law but also as citizens who believe justice must remain a living, breathing mission.

The book was formally launched recently at Conrad Manila, where legal luminaries, Rotarians, and members of the publishing community gathered for a timely conversation on injustice. A panel discussion led by Justice Solomon Hermosura, Atty. Jordan Pizarras, Atty. Citos Manalaysay, and Integrated Bar of the Philippines President Atty. Allan G. Panolong, with Atty. Teddy Kalaw as moderator, underscored the continuing need for vigilance in upholding fairness in Philippine society.

In his message, Eric G. Eugenio, director of C and E Publishing, emphasized the role of literature in sparking dialogue: ‘Every book we bring to the public is a commitment-to ideas that challenge, to stories that matter, and to truths that must be heard.’

They Will Be in Heaven Before the Devil Knows was also featured at the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF), the longest-running and largest book fair in the Philippines, and is now available through www.cebookshop.com, C and E Publishing’s e-commerce platforms, and at C and E Bookshop branches nationwide.

ALLOW me to introduce The Culture of Networking. Networking is so important for the future of leaders, of employees, innovators, and of people who want to create change.

The new style of professional networking is more casual, relational, and global than previous generations, focusing on skill sets rather than job positions. That’s helping us build networks quickly and with little pressure.

Small talk updates

Let’s remake networking for the digital age. Here are some trends:

Young workers are focused more on peer-to-peer networking than peer-to-mentor networking, opting to make ‘internet friends’ who can grow professionally alongside them.

Professional networking follows the same rules as social networking-a mix of informal engagement with posts and content creation.

Networking is now borderless and not bound by time zones, thanks to the rise of digital communication and global social platforms.

But one of the biggest changes is that networking is to be done constantly, It has to become a daily practice.

Data-Driven Networking

Professionals are using data and analytics to inform their networking strategies. They track the success of their networking efforts, measure engagement, and adjust their approaches based on quantifiable results.

Adaptability and Continuous Learning:

Networking culture encourages adaptability and a commitment to lifelong learning. Staying updated with industry trends and technological advancement is crucial for maintaining relevant connections.

Balancing Digital and In-Person Interactions:

Striking a balance between online and in-person networking has become important. While digital platforms offer convenience and reach, face-to-face interactions provide a depth of connection that is hard to replace virtually.

Inclusive Networking Spaces:

There is a growing recognition of the importance of creating inclusive spaces where professionals from different backgrounds, genders, ethnicities, and cultures can connect and thrive together.

Focus on Skill-Based Networking

Networking is not only about exchanging business cards or contacts, but also about sharing knowledge and skills. Professionals seek to connect with others who can offer unique insights, expertise, or collaborative opportunities.

Informal Networking Opportunities:

Formal networking events are supplemented by informal gatherings, such as meetups, workshops, and social events. These provide more relaxed environments for building relationships.

Mentorship and Reverse Mentorship:

Mentorship has become a key component of networking, with experience professionals offering guidance to younger or less experienced individuals. Additionally, reverse mentorship has gained traction, where younger professionals bring fresh perspectives to their senior counterparts.

These culture changes in networking reflect the dynamic nature of professional relationships and the evolving expectations of professionals in today’s interconnected world. embracing these shifts can lead to more meaningful and fruitful networking experiences. If I look at my professional life, networking has been the driver to succeed. I wish you the same.

In conclusion, making 1+ 1 = 11 work, I recommend six approaches to net positive partnerships with varying and expanding partners:

1 Within your value chain

2 Within your industry

3 Across sectors

4 With civil society

5 With governments

(national and local)

6 In multistakeholder groups.

Please remember there is Strength and Resilience in Numbers!

I look forward to your comments; contact me at hjschumacher59@gmail.com.

EUMIR FELIX MARCIAL is locked and loaded for his regional title fight against Venezuela’s knockout artist Eddy ‘El Terrible’ Colmenares on October 29 in the ‘Thrilla in Manila’ 50th anniversary fight card at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Marcial gets the opportunity to gauge his level as a pro in his fight against Colmenares for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) middleweight international belt.

Joven Jimenez trains and coaches Marcial at the Tagaytay City National Kickboxing Center.

‘He is doing very well,’ said Jimenez, also the trainer,coach and manager of former International Boxing Federation super flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas. ‘He’s very focused and I believe he’s gotten better as a pro.’

After settling his marital issues a few months ago, the Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist and four-time Southeast Asian Games champion trained for six weeks at the Knuckleheads gym in Las Vegas.

‘I arrived in Manila after a productive training session in the US. I focused on my conditioning because my fight is now a 10-rounder from the previous eight-rounder,’ said the 29-year-old who’s unbeaten in six professional fights.

Marcial last fought in the Manny Pacquiao-Mario Barrios under card last July 19 at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas where he beat American Bernard Joseph via a third-round knockout knockout win.

But the 28-year-old opponent will be a challenging- Colmenares’s record stands at 11-2-1 win-loss-draw record and all his victories were knockouts.

‘No time to underestimate my opponent, whatever record his record is,’ Marcial said. ‘In boxing, anything can happen.’

The ‘Thrilla in Manila’ main event pits WBC minimum weight champion Melvin Jerusalem against South Africa’s Ayanda Kuse.