Category: Business Mirror

UNBEATEN defending champion National University (NU) boosted its quarterfinals twice-to-beat advantage bid after beating University of the Philippines (UP), 25-20, 23-25, 25-13, 25-18, for a second straight win in the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Preseason Unity Cup second round Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Skipper Vange Alinsug and Celine Marsh did most of the damage as the ‘four-peat-seeking’ Lady Bulldogs again stamped their class over their National Invitationals Davao Leg gold medal match victim for the solo lead in Pool E.

NU came up with a strong third set fightback after yielding the second frame and carried the momentum into the fourth for its fifth straight victory overall in the tournament, backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner and R and B Milk Tea.

Alinsug scored 14 points from 11 kills, two kill blocks and an ace to go with five excellent receptions and two digs in an all-around performance for the Lady Bulldogs, who were inspired by the presence of their former ace player and decorated spiker Bella Belen watching on the sideline.

Marsh finished with 14 points off 10 kills, including the match-clinching crosscourt hit that ended the one-hour, 53-minute encounter, and four aces, while Alexa Mata added 10 markers for NU, which came off a five-set escape over Adamson University on Saturday.

‘We always motivate ourselves because we’re playing one match after another,’ Alinsug said. ‘And our goal is to perform well each match.’

Frances Mordi, meanwhile, powered Adamson University to a 25-23, 25-19, 22-25, 25-15 rebound win over Ateneo de Manila University in Pool E to remain in contention for a quarterfinals twice-to-beat advantage.

The Nigerian winger blasted 20 points anchored on 17 kills and three kill blocks for the Lady Falcons, who improved to a 1-1 slate following a five-set loss to reigning three-time champion National University on Saturday.

Princess Dote had eight points while Joy Aseo and Lhouriz Tuddao added seven markers each as Adamson opted to sit out ace spiker Shaina Nitura for the second straight game.

The Blue Eagles lost steam in the fourth set after surviving a tight third frame to start their second-round campaign.

May Tsunashima was the lone Ateneo player in double figures with 12 points, all coming from spikes. Zey Pacia had nine markers while Dona De Leon added eight points.

Jelai Gajero and Cassiey Dongallo scored 14 points each with a combined 25 kills in the Fighting Maroons’ 45 attack points.

Nina Ytang added seven points but failed to save UP, which threw away 35 points off errors, from absorbing its first loss in the tournament after a three-game sweep of the preliminary round

Cardinal Jose Advincula of Manila urged Filipinos to rediscover the true meaning of holiness and ‘normalize sainthood’ in everyday life as the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines launched its new CBCP Office for the Postulation of the Causes of Saints.

Speaking at the First National Postulation Conference held October 7 at the Pope Pius XII Catholic Center in Manila, he said holiness is not a privilege for a few but a call for all the baptized.

‘Let us normalize the idea of sainthood for all, especially among the young people. God did not call the perfect or the ideal-He looked at the heart and the potential,’ Advincula said during the ‘Llamados a ser Santos [Called to be Saints] Postulation Conference 2025.’

The cardinal described the conference as timely and crucial amid the nation’s moral and social challenges.

‘It was when times were extremely dark that the Lord called saints to serve as beacons of light amid the decadence and despair,’ he said. ‘We are saints in process, and the Lord is not finished with us yet.’

Advincula reminded the faithful that holiness is not measured by perfection or miracles but by love, humility, and service.

‘The Lord is calling every one of us to be saints-to proclaim the light and joy of the Gospel in our homes, parishes, and communities,’ he added.

Bishop Renato Mayugba of Laoag, chairman of the new CBCP office, said its mission is to assist dioceses and religious communities in promoting candidates for sainthood and to rekindle public awareness of the universal call to holiness.

‘The office aims to help dioceses and communities advance their sainthood causes and to make people aware of this universal call to holiness,’ Mayugba said.

There are currently two canonized Filipino saints-St. Lorenzo Ruiz and St. Pedro Calungsod.

As of today, the Philippine Church has 22 other causes officially recognized by the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Causes of Saints. Of these, seven remain under investigation in the dioceses where the causes were initiated, while 15 are under review by the Holy See, or in what is known as the Roman Phase.

Among those advancing in the Roman Phase are the causes of Venerables Archbishop Teofilo Camomot, Maria Beatrice Rosario Arroyo, Fr. Aloysius Schwartz, Mother Francisca del Espíritu Santo de Fuentes, Sr. Joaquina Mercedes Barceló, Bishop Alfredo Obviar, and Mother Ignacia del Espíritu Santo.

Advincula expressed hope that through the work of the new office, more Filipinos-clergy, religious, and laypeople alike-will be inspired to live as ‘saints next door.’

He also dispelled the notion that holiness is reserved for those who perform miracles or live without sin.

‘Holiness is a lifelong process of spiritual growth and deepening one’s relationship with God,’ the cardinal said.

The national conference gathered postulators, diocesan representatives, and members of religious congregations from across the country to strengthen collaboration in promoting Filipino sainthood causes.

Advincula called on the faithful to persevere in their spiritual journey.

‘May we raise more Filipino saints-canonized and the ordinary ‘next-door’ saints. May the Lord bless the work that you do. Padayon tayo sa landas ng kabanalan [Let us continue on the path of holiness],’ he said.

Angel Reese is getting a pair of wings.

The Chicago Sky star announced on Instagram that she will be walking in the upcoming Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show on October 15.

It will be the first time a professional athlete will walk the runway in the show.

‘Stepping into a dream: From Angel to a Victoria Secret ANGEL,’ the 23-year-old Reese posted on Instagram. ‘I’m finally getting my wings I’ll be walking the Victoria’s Secret 2025 runway show for the first time, and it feels like destiny. Wings on, heels ready.Catch me on the runway.’

The retailer posted a video on Instagram of the announcement showing the Women’s National Basketball Association player in a pink robe, black lingerie and white feather wings.

‘Angel Reese, welcome to the runway. The first professional athlete angel.major is an understatement,’ the post reads.

The lingerie show began in 2001 and took place annually for nearly two decades. Victoria’s Secret canceled the show in 2019, but brought it back last year, with Reese attending.

Two cousins will meet in the final of the Shanghai Masters after qualifier Valentin Vacherot stunned a hobbled Novak Djokovic and relative Arthur Rinderknech fought back to beat Daniil Medvedev on Saturday.

The 204th-ranked Vacherot earned the biggest win of his career by downing Djokovic 6-3, 6-4 and becoming the lowest-ranked finalist in ATP Masters 1000 history, the ATP said.

While Djokovic was aiming to add to his 100 career titles, the 26-year-old Vacherot will go for number one – against his cousin and fellow Texas A and M alum.

A couple of hours after beating Djokovic, Vacherot walked back onto the court and hugged Rinderknech to help celebrate his cousin’s 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 comeback win over Medvedev and relish the rare moment. Sunday’s final will be the first time the cousins have played each other on the ATP circuit.

‘In the best dreams, we couldn’t have dreamt about this, so I can’t even say it’s a dream, because I don’t think even one person in our family dreamt about it,’ the 54th-ranked Rinderknech said. ‘Now we are here, we fought through so many matches and somehow we are the guys standing at the end, so it’s just incredible.’

Vacherot, of Monaco, was an alternate in qualifying but is having a career week, which included a quarterfinal win over Holger Rune.

‘Is this real? I don’t know,’ the 26-year-old Vacherot said moments after defeating Djokovic. ‘To have Novak on the other side of the court was, first of all, an unbelievable experience for me.’

The 38-year-old Djokovic was slowed throughout the match by a sore hip. He took a medical timeout after falling behind 4-3 in the opening set. He won only one point in the next two games.

But the four-time tournament champion did not make an excuse of his physical struggles.

‘It’s all about him,’ Djokovic said. ‘I wish him all the best in the final, and the better player won today.

‘Going from qualifications, it’s an amazing story,’ the 24-time Grand Slam champion added. ‘I told him at the net that he’s had an amazing tournament, but more so his attitude is very good, and his game was amazing as well.’

SENATOR Christopher ‘Bong’ Go underscored the importance of sustained partnerships and government investment in sports, saying the victories of Filipino athletes in international competitions are clear proof that proper funding and support lead to historic achievements that bring pride to the nation.

Speaking during the budget deliberations for the proposed 2026 allocations of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Games and Amusements Board (GAB) and Philippine Racing Commission (PhilRaCom) last week, Go recalled the country’s strong performance in recent years including the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics.

Go-as chair of the Senate Committee on Sports and Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee-proudly pointed out that whole-of-society approach played a vital role in the success particularly in winning its first-ever Olympic gold medal in Tokyo through weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz and securing two gold medals in Paris courtesy of gymnast Carlos Yulo.

‘Those gold medals make us proud as Filipinos,’ Go said.

Go said these victories prove that the country’s investments in athletes-from training to equipment and facilities-yield results that elevate the Philippines’ global reputation.

‘Our recent performance solidified our country’s reputation as a major contender in international sporting events,’ he said. ‘This just also proves that government support is crucial to the success of Filipino athletes.’

He lauded the PSC for supporting the successful hosting of the men’s world volleyball championship where the Philippines scored a historic win over Egypt as he highlighted the country’s hosting of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 that gave the nation a rare opportunity to showcase its hospitality and love for the sport.

He emphasized that beyond the medals and trophies, the athletes’ triumphs create a powerful sense of national pride, inspire the youth to pursue sports and contribute to economic and tourism growth.

‘Hosting is great, for as long as it’s well disciplined, the result will be great success, but not only in sports but also in tourism,’ Go said.

Go reiterated his commitment to continuously fight for increased sports funding, noting that the PSC’s share in the national budget remains small compared to the immense value generated by athletic success.

‘The budget for the PSC is about only 0.004 percent of the national budget,’ he said. But if we win, the pride and honor is for each and every Filipino.’ The senator said he will continue working with his colleagues in the Senate to ensure that sports programs receive sufficient resources to nurture more champions in the future.

Tiger Woods has gone through a seventh back surgery, this time to replace a disk in his lower back and had caused pain and mobility issues.

Woods said in a social media post he had the surgery in New York and said it was the right decision for his his health and his troubled back.

He did not mention how long it would keep him out of golf, though it was unclear if he was going to try to play in his Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas or the PNC Championship with his son, Charlie. Both tournaments are in December.

He hasn’t played since a playoff loss in the PNC Championship last year.

It was his second surgery of the year – he had surgery in March after rupturing his left Achilles tendon – and second back surgery in the last 13 months.

Woods said he consulted doctors and surgeons have experiencing pain and lack of mobility in his back.

‘The scans determined that I had a collapsed disc in L4/5, disc fragments and a compromised spinal canal,’ Woods said Saturday. ‘I opted to have my disc replaced yesterday, and I already know I made a good decisions for my health and my back.’

Woods had the first of his seven back surgery in April 2014, which eventually led to having his lower back fused in 2017. A year later, he won the Tour Championship and then captured his 15th major and fifth green jacket at the 2019 Masters.

Now his back is only part of a body that has been broken over the last five years. Most serious was a car crash in February 2021 that shattered his right leg and ankle, which Woods has said nearly led to a decision to amputate.

He managed to return a year later at the 2022 Masters.

Since the car crash, Woods has played only 15 times in the last four years, four of those at the PNC Championship where he can use a cart for the 36-hole event.

Leading the Elderly Filipino Week 2025 celebration at SM Mall of Asia, SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, and the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) honored the pivotal role of Filipino seniors in nation-building, while advocating for their continued inclusion and empowerment.

With the theme ‘Embracing Age: Living a Life with Dignity and Purpose,’ the event gathered hundreds of senior citizens and partner organizations for a day filled with wellness activities, recreation, and meaningful engagement. The program featured a Eucharistic celebration, a Walk for Life, uplifting messages from senior citizen advocates, and a lively Zumba session that highlighted the energy and vitality of the elderly community.

Wellness booths offering free services -including medical consultations, massage and acupuncture, eye care, and e-government ID registration – were set up around the venue, providing participants with access to programs that promote health, inclusion, and continuous learning.

‘Our seniors have given so much to their families and communities. Through Elderly Filipino Week, SM Cares reaffirms its commitment to championing the welfare of our elderly, making sure they feel celebrated, supported, and empowered,’ said Engr. Bien C. Mateo, SM Cares Program Director for Senior Citizens.

‘We are deeply grateful to SM Cares for walking hand in hand with us in celebrating and empowering our senior citizens through meaningful activities like this,’ shared Ana Marie C. Calapit, Acting Executive Director of the National Commission of Senior Citizens.

This year’s celebration once again reinforced SM Supermalls’ commitment to inclusivity by fostering spaces where generations can meaningfully connect. It also highlighted the importance of building supportive communities for seniors – both within the mall and in the broader society.

For years, SM Cares has been at the forefront of programs for senior citizens, from barrier-free mall facilities, emergency preparedness forums to social development initiatives. Through Elderly Filipino Week 2025, SM Cares continues to highlight the invaluable contributions of seniors while promoting wellness, dignity, and purpose at every stage of life.

Celebrating 40 super years

SM Supermalls-one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers with 88 malls in the Philippines – marks four decades of growing with Filipinos and becoming a trusted space where diverse lifestyles and generations connect, while continuously evolving to redefine the malling experience through sustainability, innovation, and a deep commitment to shaping the future of retail and urban life with inclusive and meaningful experiences.

PHILIPPINE conglomerates San Miguel Corp. (SMC) and Ayala Corp. are among the world’s best employers, according to a list compiled by Forbes magazine.

Of the nine Philippine firms that made it to this year’s edition of Forbes’ World Best Employers, only SMC landed in the top 50. The diversified conglomerate was ranked 42nd.

The eight other top Philippine employers are Ayala (139th), Metrobank (154th), Land Bank of the Philippines (187th), LT Group Inc. (421st), Century Pacific Food Inc. (453rd), Jollibee Foods Corp. (455th), BDO Unibank Inc. (585th) and Cebu Pacific (770th).

To determine the list, Forbes said it partnered with market research firm Statista to survey more than 300,000 employees in over 50 countries.

‘The surveys, which were conducted online, were independent of any corporations so that participants could remain anonymous. Survey respondents were asked where they worked via an open-ended question with an autofill option, and corporations were eligible for this ranking if they employed more than 1,000 people and operated globally.’

The participants noted how likely they were to recommend their employer to family and friends, and rated the company on such criteria as salary, career advancement opportunities, work-life balance and company reputation.

‘Survey respondents could also evaluate former employers (within the past two years) and companies they knew through their own industry knowledge and through friends and family who worked there.’

The responses were then tallied and put through a scoring system that included data from the previous three years, with heavier weight given to the more recent data and to the evaluations from current employees.

‘The corporations that earned the highest scores made our final ranking. And while the number of honorees per country varied based on the population and qualifying companies in each area, ultimately 900 companies made our list of the World’s Best Employers 2025,’ Forbes said.

THE US Supreme Court on Monday refused to protect Google from a year-old order requiring a major makeover of its Android app store that’s designed to unleash more competition against a system that a jury declared an illegal monopoly.

The rebuff delivered in a one-sentence decision by the Supreme Court means Google will soon have to start an overhaul of its Play Store for the apps running on the Android software that powers most smartphones that compete against Apple’s iPhone in the US.

Among other changes, US District Judge James Donato last October ordered Google to give its competitors access to its entire inventory of Android apps and also make those alternative options available to download from the Play Store.

In a filing last month, Google told the US Supreme Court that Donato’s order would expose the Play Store’s more than 100 million US users to ‘enormous security and safety risks by enabling stores that stock malicious, deceptive, or pirated content to proliferate.

Google also said it faced an October 22 deadline to begin complying with the judge’s order if the Supreme Court didn’t grant its request for a stay. The Mountain View, California, company was seeking the protection while pursuing a last-ditch attempt to overturn the December 2023 jury verdict that condemned the Play Store as an abusive monopoly.

In a statement, Google said it will continue its fight in the Supreme Court while submitting to what it believes is a problematic order.

‘The changes ordered by the US District Court will jeopardize users’ ability to safely download apps,’ Google warned. Google had been insulated from the order while trying to overturn it and the monopoly verdict, but the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals rejected that attempt in a decision issued two months ago.

In its filing with the Supreme Court, Google argued it was being unfairly turned into a supplier and distributor for would-be rivals.

Donato concluded the digital walls shielding the Play Store from competition needed to be torn down to counteract a pattern of abusive behavior.

To highlight Taiwan’s commitment to creating solutions that improve lives while setting high standards of quality, the dynamic island nation held the ‘Taiwan Expo 2025,’ which ran from September 17 until September 19, at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

The event reinforced the Taiwan-Philippines partnership, which is ‘an invitation to connect, to collaborate, and to create, and to work hand-in-hand not only to build on past successes, but to define a better future.’

Simon Wang, the president and CEO of the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), said: ‘On behalf of TAITRA, we are proud to bring Taiwan’s spirit of innovation and excellence to the Philippines through the Taiwan Excellence Pavilion. All these products combine smart design, advanced technology, and practicality.’

The Taiwan Excellence Awards, established in 1993 by Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), recognize and celebrate the exceptional achievements of Taiwan’s most innovative products.

Taiwan-RP Common Goal

One of the standout exhibits, the Taiwan Excellence Pavilion displayed innovative products that carried the theme: ‘Inspiring Tomorrow: Solutions for a Brighter Life,’ presenting solutions in smart city, comfortable life, and greener future.

‘Manila is a city full of vitality. We’re delighted to be back to share our latest innovations. And, you know, the Philippines is one of Taiwan’s closest trading partners in ASEAN. With strong growth under the Build Better More program and the Philippines Development Plan 2023 to 2028, Taiwan is sharing what we can offer in ICT, in AI, brain technology, and healthcare, which perfectly match the Philippines’ vision of digital transformation and sustainable development,’ shared Wang.

For over 30 years, Wang said, Taiwan Excellence has stood for the best of Taiwan’s innovation.

‘So, from smart lifestyle devices to eco-friendly ICT and safety innovations, the pavilion showcases products that are practical, sustainable, and people-centered,’ added Wang. ‘In closing, Taiwan and the Philippines share a common goal, which are building smarter, greener, and healthier communities.’

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray hosted a meet and greet, and a live autograph signing session to fans and visitors of the pavilion, expressing her enthusiasm: ‘It is such an honor to be here today at the Taiwan Excellence Pavilion. Witnessing these innovative solutions from Taiwan inspires me in looking forward to a better tomorrow. I hope that Filipinos will seize every opportunity that’s available to them here at the pavilion, and that we all take home the empowering spirit from seeing a brighter future together as Taiwan and the Philippines.’

Key Brands

Key representatives of leading Taiwanese brands gave product presentations: Jacqueline Hsiao – Vinxper Life; George Pascua – Team Group; Joseph Aquino – Zyxel Networks; and Charge Lu – Hepty.

Vinxper combines the French word for wine, ‘Vin,’ and the English word ‘Expert,’ signifying its expertise in wine accessories. In 2024, it launched its first product – Vinxper Expert – The World’s 4th Generation Adjustable Electric Wine Aerator. ‘Through the new exclusive patented aeration technology, it is the first to offer precise and customizable wine decanting effects ranging from 0 to 240 minutes (Suitable for 99% of young wines aged 3 to 7 years), along with TYPE-C Charging and Water-Resistant Design,’ its site says.

Team Group Inc. is a company that ‘offers a wide range of memory, memory cards, USB flash drives, solid state drives, peripherals, cell phone accessories and industrial products to meet the needs of consumers in different fields.’

Zyxel Networks, meanwhile, is a leading provider of secure, AI-powered cloud networking solutions for SMBs and the enterprise edge, ensuring seamless connectivity and robust security.

Hepty aerosol fire extinguisher, on the other hand, is a company specializing in portable handheld aerosol firefighting technology that produces high-quality, effective and eco-friendly aerosol fire extinguishers.

Partners in a High-Tech Ecosystem

Josephine Shun, the director of the Economic Division of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office of the Philippines (TECO), delivered a speech about Taiwan’s initiatives to improve everyday living for everyone:

‘In 2024, our bilateral trade reached 6.7 billion US dollars. And from January to August this year, we have already recorded nearly 4.6 billion US dollars. For the Philippines, Taiwan is in the top 10 trading partners.

‘And for Taiwan, the Philippines is one of our most vital partners in ASEAN. Behind this number is a deeper story of industry scenario. Our top trading item is integrated circuit, IC.

‘Showing that Taiwan and the Philippines are not just buyers and sellers, but partners in the same high-tech ecosystem. Taiwan’s leadership in IC design and manufacturing, together with Philippines’ strength in assembly, testing, and electronic manufacturing services, form a highly resilient supply chain for the region.

‘Here at the Taiwan Excellence Pavilion, you will see this spirit in action. Taiwan’s strength in innovation, high quality, and agent manufacturing allow us to transform cutting-edge technologies into real-world solutions.

‘Looking ahead, our opportunities for collaboration are immense. Together, we can build a smarter city powered by IoT and AI, improve quality of life through healthcare and lifestyle reservations, and embrace greener futures through circular economic solutio