Category: Business Mirror

Robinsons Movieworld, through its Premier Cinemas, has launched the second season of CineArts, a cultural cinema program bringing curated world-class ballet, opera, and concert performances from London’s prestigious Royal Opera House to the big screen.

‘Our team has curated all of these titles for everyone to enjoy and experience on the big screen, and they’re very accessible in terms of location,’ Robinsons Movieworld General Manager Bomboy Lim told BusinessMirror on the sidelines of the exclusive premiere of Andrea Bocelli: Because I Believe at the VIP Cinemas of Opus Mall.

He added that the program allows Filipino audiences to experience international stage productions on the big screen even if they miss the live performances abroad.

Lim noted that the first season of CineArts received a strong response earlier this year, prompting management to continue the program.

For its second season, which has been extended until 2026, CineArts will feature the following highlights:

Andrea Bocelli: Because I Believe – September 23, September 30, October 7 and 14

Royal Opera: Tosca – November 4 and 11

Royal Ballet: Cinderella (2024) – November 18, 25 and December 2

Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker – December 9, 16, 23 and January 13

Royal Opera: La Traviata – February 10, 17, 24 and March 3

Royal Ballet: Woolf Works – March 10, 17 and 24

Royal Ballet: Giselle – March 31, April 7, 14 and 21

Royal Opera: Siegfried – April 28, May 5, 12 and 19

Royal Opera: The Magic Flute – May 26, June 2 and 9

According to Cris Espela, marketing manager for Robinsons World, the new season has been planned more deliberately, with screening dates already set through next year compared to the previous run, which was still finding its footing.

Espela added that while the Opus Mall screening offered a more luxury-focused atmosphere, the current lineup is geared toward the core audience that enjoys these types of performances.

CineArts will run every Tuesday at the Opus VIP Cinema and NUSTAR VIP Cinema, with ticket prices starting at P900.

Sight-saving should be a shared mission.

This was the call of healthcare leaders, government officials, patient advocates, and international partners who came together to address the growing burden of vision-related illnesses in the Philippines.

At a high-level roundtable organized by the Swiss Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines and the Embassy of Switzerland, in partnership with Roche (Philippines) Inc. (hereafter, ‘Roche’), stakeholders, including the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and medical societies such as the Philippine Academy of

Ophthalmology (PAO), Vitreo-Retina Society of the Philippines (VRSP), and the Tzu Chi Foundation underscored the urgent need to develop Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) for retinal diseases such as Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) and Neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration (nAMD).

‘Access challenges for innovative medicines for retinal disease continue to be a big challenge here. And there are no updated clinical practice guidelines or approved newer medicines in the Philippine national formulary. But at the same time, there’s hope,’ said Hans-Christian Brumann, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Switzerland in the Philippines.

‘Because in the end, this isn’t just about abstract discussions on medicines or policies. This is about enabling a grandmother in Cebu to continue being able to see her grandchild. It’s about enabling a worker in Manila to continue providing for his family or a student in Davao to pursue his dreams and continue his studies,’ he added.

CPGs as the Way Forward

Experts from DOH and PhilHealth acknowledged that while financing mechanisms exist, clear and standardized CPGs are necessary to formally integrate retinal care into the national benefit package.

Dr. Mary Antonette Remonte, Head of the Primary Care Project Management Team at PhilHealth, emphasized the importance of early intervention for eye diseases but admitted that logistical hurdles remain.

‘Retinal blindness is important. Right now, the Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology is actually pushing to create its own, even willing to fund its own. But logistics are really difficult. The institutions that will actually make the CPGs are very few and far between. So that’s also the challenge,’ she noted.

As a way forward, Dr. Ofelia Alcantara, Office of the Secretary Health Consultant at the DOH, suggested crafting localized CPGs that prioritize DME and nAMD.

‘Right now, the program is already there. We just need to integrate these two illnesses as priority. Then maybe the group can actually look at what it is that we can do at the primary care with the mayors and the primary care physicians,’ she shared.

Alcantara also highlighted the potential of clinical pathways and the need for more information and data to guide decision-makers. She noted that the DOH is in the process of crafting the national eye health program.

‘If we don’t have the CPG, PhilHealth can just do the clinical pathway at this point. That’s what we did for (the) stroke. We didn’t have the CPG at that time but we used clinical pathways. Because we need to look at the patient, as well as what is the pathway up to East Avenue Medical Center and national apex,’ she explained.

Dr. Romulo Aguilar, one of the founders of the VRSP, expressed hope that CPGs for retinal diseases will eventually be prioritized, as they collaborate with the government as well.

‘I think VRSP and PAO will really just have to partner with private organizations to tackle the burden of retinal diseases. And I hope at the end, these lenses will align so that we can focus on retinal diseases and come up with some good recommendations,’ he said.

A key hurdle is the limited access to innovative medicines that are not yet included in the Philippine National Formulary (PNF), posing challenges for patients and providers alike.

Roche reaffirmed its long-term commitment to improving patient access by supporting the creation of CPGs, sharing local data, and implementing initiatives through its ‘Lunas Pinas’ patient navigation program.

‘You do not have to die or you do not have to have a life-threatening disease to be able to have your problem addressed. Because eye care is not just about the person; it’s also the caregiver. The innovations are here to help address that,’ shared Dr. Ma. Teresa Dioko, Healthcare Ecosystems Chapter Lead of Roche (Philippines) Inc.

Medical leaders from PAO, VRSP, and Tzu Chi Foundation also underscored their frontline role in caring for patients and stressed the need for equitable and affordable access to treatments.

Vision Health as a National Priority

Citing findings from the Asia-Pacific (APAC) Vision Health Survey, Roche revealed that nine in 10 Filipino diabetics already report symptoms of vision loss, which is a stark reminder of the scale of the crisis and the urgency of coordinated interventions.

‘Our commitment is to share with health stakeholders and with everyone, especially also the media, the Asia Pacific Vision Health Survey. So that there is a sense of urgency that we put a stop to the neglect of vision health here in the Philippines,’ said Roche (Philippines) Inc. General Manager Dr. Diana Edralin.

‘Roche will continue to be a champion of people-centered eye health, not only as a pharmaceutical company, but as a health advocate committed to preserving sight and protecting the patient’s quality of life,’ she added.

Dr. Edralin also cited efforts with VRSP to build the country’s first multi-site retinal disease registry through the Roche data tool Clarum, alongside a regional real-world evidence study in the Philippines, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

The roundtable ended with a consensus: eye care must be recognized as an essential component of universal healthcare. Stakeholders pledged to take concrete steps in developing CPGs, strengthening patient pathways, and expanding treatment access.

Anytime Fitness Asia has achieved a historic milestone, celebrating the network’s growth to 500 clubs across the region. To mark the occasion, eight clubs across eight markets hosted synchronized grand openings on the same day, highlighting the scale and unity of the brand’s fast-growing network.

With Anytime Fitness Asia recently recognized as the Overall Winner – International Franchisor of the Year at the 2025 Franchising and Licensing Association (FLA) Singapore Awards, the 500th club milestone further underscores the brand’s leadership and credibility in the region.

‘This milestone is a powerful symbol of our growth and unity,’ said Luke Guanlao, Group CEO of Inspire Brands Asia (IBA). ‘With more than 5,600 clubs across 42 countries, Anytime Fitness is the world’s largest 24-hour fitness franchise – and our purpose, Train For Your Life, drives us to be more than a gym. Reaching 500 clubs in Asia is just the beginning, and we’re committed to expanding further into new markets while continuing to be a lifetime partner in health and wellness.’

Johannes Raadsma, President and Co-Founder of Inspire Brands Asia (IBA), added: ‘Every one of our 500 clubs tells a story of resilience, entrepreneurship, and community. This milestone highlights not only our growth, but also the trust of our members and the dedication of our staff, franchisees, and partners who make our network thrive and united across Asia.’

On 19 September, synchronized events took place at AF McKinley West in the Philippines, AF

Tampines in Singapore, AF Austin Green in Malaysia, AF Hang Hau in Hong Kong, AF Citimall

Cimanggis in Indonesia, AF Oasis Ratchapruek in Thailand, AF Taoyuan Yiwen in Taiwan, and AF Vincom Grand Park in Vietnam. The milestone celebrations were hosted across a mix of corporate-owned and independent franchisee clubs, reflecting the collective strength, entrepreneurship, and community spirit that drive Anytime Fitness’s growth across Asia.

The milestone was held at Anytime Fitness McKinley West, located in the heart of Taguig’s vibrant community in McKinley West community. Located near residential areas, offices, and commercial hubs, Anytime Fitness McKinley West makes it easy to prioritize your health and wellness without compromising your lifestyle. It offers 24/7 Access to accommodate you based on your schedule, Group Classes for a fun and engaging sessions to keep you energized and consistent. State of the art equipment in Cardio Equipements, free weights, functional training zones, and strength equipment.

Anytime Fitness continues to differentiate itself by combining global reach with local impact. With its 24-hour access model, integrated coaching ecosystem, and strong community ties, the brand has positioned itself as Asia’s most accessible and trusted fitness network.

About Inspire Brands Asia (IBA)

Inspire Brands Asia (IBA) is the multi-award-winning regional master franchisee of Anytime Fitness, overseeing a network 500 clubs across Southeast Asia, with more than 100 under corporate management. Operating in dynamic markets including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam, IBA commands the region’s largest fitness network, powered by 1,400+ employees across the organization.

About Anytime Fitness Philippines

Anytime Fitness is the largest, fastest-growing fitness brand in the world, averaging 300 new clubs per year while serving over 5 million members at more than 5,600 clubs in 42 countries and territories on all seven continents. Open 24-hours a day, 365 days a year, Anytime Fitness delivers personalised and affordable health and wellness training, coaching, nutrition, and recovery guidance for our members-in the club, in their homes, in their pockets, wherever they are and anytime they need it. All franchised clubs are individually owned and operated, and members have access to any Anytime Fitness club worldwide.

When two reputable funding institutions give a country a healthy assessment of its economy, then its economic team must be doing something good despite the headwinds.

The Philippines finds itself in an enviable position again-economic growth is steady and the inflation rate fully reined in.

Both the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) continue to believe that the Philippines is heading in the right economic direction.

A visiting IMF team had assessed that the Philippines achieved successful ‘disinflation’ and economic growth remained resilient despite ‘negative external spillovers.’

The inflation rate is a crucial barometer of growth. Higher prices, when not arrested, will curb consumption and ultimately constrict economic growth. Consumers with reduced purchasing power will naturally spend less. This, in turn, could lead to slower expansions in the manufacturing sector and lower employment opportunities.

The IMF, which periodically sends a team to the Philippines under Article IV Consultation to assess its economic performance, is obviously pleased with what the government of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has achieved so far.

The IMF expects inflation to average 1.6 percent in 2025 and remain around the mid-point of the target band set by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) in 2026.

The IMF, though, slightly cut its 2025 growth forecast for the Philippines and noted that the BSP had room to further ease monetary policy given a favorable inflation outlook and elevated risks to growth.

The IMF now expects the Philippine economy to grow 5.4 percent in 2025, slower than its 5.5-percent estimate in July. It expects growth to accelerate to 5.7 percent in 2026.

Against the backdrop of external risks, including prolonged global trade policy uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and disruptive financial market corrections, the slightly lower forecast for the Philippine economy is not at all discouraging.

The Philippine economy, after all and as the IMF correctly observed, ‘holds significant potential with a sizable demographic dividend and abundant natural resources.’

The ADB, meanwhile, has more upbeat expectations. Robust domestic demand amid subdued inflation, according to the bank last week, will support Philippine economic growth this year and next.

The ADB, in its Asian Development Outlook (ADO) September 2025 report, saw the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) expanding by 5.6 percent this year and 5.7 percent in 2026, compared with the 5.7-percent growth last year.

The 2025 GDP projection was maintained from the ADB’s July ADO forecast, while the 2026 growth estimate was slightly lower than 5.8 percent in July.

The Philippines is expected to remain a bright spot in Southeast Asia, with the second highest GDP expansion in the region.

‘The Philippines’ growth outlook remains resilient amid a global environment of shifting trade and investment policies and heightened geopolitical uncertainties,’ says Andrew Jeffries, ADB country director for the Philippines.

Despite uncertainties, Jeffries sees strong domestic demand supporting growth, ‘with sustained investments and an accommodative monetary policy supporting the economy’s expansion.’

The ADB, like the IMF, expects the inflation to ease more this year than earlier projected, slowing to 1.8 percent before rising to 3.0 percent in 2026 to return to the government’s target range of 2 percent to 4 percent.

Infrastructure again will be the key to a sustainable economic growth. The government aims to maintain infrastructure spending at 5 percent to 6 percent of the GDP over the medium term. This includes investments in big-ticket road, bridge, port, and railway projects.

As I mentioned last week in my column, the Accelerated and Reformed Right-of-Way (ARROW) Act would streamline the land acquisition process for government and public-private partnership projects.

The new law is a game changer that will help speed up infrastructure investments. It will benefit the government’s flagship projects, including the ADB-financed Malolos-Clark Railway Project and the South Commuter Railway Project, which will link Metro Manila to northern and southern provinces in the Luzon region.

The ARROW Act will also support the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge Project, which is expected to be one of the world’s longest bridges when completed.

The consumer outlook in the Philippines also remains optimistic for 2026. This perception is conducive for private consumption growth, aided by a steady inflow of remittances from Filipinos working overseas.

As we march toward the last quarter of the year, we have reasons to be optimistic again for 2026.

Honest spending of public money on the services everyone relies on!

These include quality education, decent healthcare, well-functioning transport and energy infrastructure. Protection from deadly floods. Opportunities for the next generation. The freedom to hold leaders to account by protesting safely.

In the Philippines, Nepal and Indonesia, when these reasonable expectations are not met, people are taking to the streets to voice their concern.

In the Philippines, mass protests on Sunday followed months of growing anger over allegations that billions of pesos meant for flood relief were siphoned into fake projects.

The revelations come as the country reels from severe flooding, which frequently causes fatalities. Citizens are demanding the return of stolen funds and accountability for those responsible-a demand that reflects a wider frustration in a country.

In Nepal, a government ban on social media earlier this month lit the spark for protests that have since grown into a broader youth-led movement. They are protesting widespread corruption and political impunity, nepotism and neglect of basic services such as education and healthcare, which limit their opportunities. With frustrations having mounted for some time, these demonstrations became one of the country’s largest protest movements in recent years, and tragically, 72 protesters-most of them young-lost their lives.

In Indonesia, peaceful protests over the past weeks against corruption and abuse of power have also been met with a violent crackdown. At least ten people have been killed and hundreds injured, while three leading activists-now named suspects under incitement and even spreading false information charges-remain detained without due process. Live protest broadcasts have been banned, and pro-government networks have been spreading disinformation attacks against civil society organizations. safeguards civic freedoms and embeds integrity in development and climate policies, corruption will remain deeply entrenched.

The message from the streets of Manila, Kathmandu and Jakarta is the same: people-especially the younger generation-are demanding transparency and accountability. They know corruption is not an abstract problem-it drains resources from classrooms and hospitals, weakens climate defenses, silences independent voices and destroys public trust. Ultimately, young people feel it blights their future, shutting down opportunities through weak institutions, nepotism and poor-quality services.

Without transparency, there are weak checks and deterrents, making it far easier for billions of pesos in climate funds to disappear in the Philippines. Without it, political impunity in Nepal can continue unchecked as wrongdoers escape prosecution. And without it, governments in Indonesia can crush dissent and hide the truth. Another important factor in restoring trust is: swift justice! Swift justice is essential not only for the law to function properly but also for maintaining the people’s faith in democracy. Truth without prompt and effective disposition of corruption cases, public trust in government will continue to erode, and the rule of law will become a meaningless phrase.

These protests are part of a wider spate of anti-corruption movements worldwide, where people are making reasonable demands that represent the bare minimum of democratic governance: honest leaders, transparent spending on quality public services, freedom to speak out, and confidence that wrongdoing will be punished under the rule of law. Meeting these expectations should not be optional.

These movements show that corruption is not just a grievance to be tolerated-it is the breaking point where trust collapses and people demand change.

I would welcome your government expectations! Contact me at hjschumacher59@gmail.com.

Becoming an investment hotspot has been the goal of the Philippines for some time. Challenging the dominance of well-known investment destinations and providing an attractive investment climate required tweaks and changes to our tax and incentive laws, among others. One of the early attempts to improve the investment stature of the Philippines was the enactment of the ‘Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises’ or more popularly known as the CREATE Act.

However, while CREATE aspired to propel the Philippines forward, to say that it has been mired in hampering issues is a bit of an understatement. CREATE’s lofty goals have been weakened by questionable execution of some of its provisions – the text of the law versus the promulgated rules and regulations; the legislative intent versus the administrative implementation.

Such incongruity has once again been highlighted in a recent decision of the Supreme Court involving the question of validity of certain provisions of CREATE’s implementing rules and regulations (IRR) as well as its related revenue regulations (RR).

Under CREATE, registered business entities (RBE) are entitled to VAT zero-rating on their local purchases of goods and services directly and exclusively used in the registered project or activity. However, the subsequently issued IRR and RRs changed the VAT zero-rating eligibility and made it applicable only to registered export enterprises (REE). It effectively deprived Domestic Market Enterprises (DME) of the same tax incentive despite them being RBEs.

Consequently, local suppliers charged VAT on the purchases of goods and services by DMEs. In turn, the DMEs under the 5 percent Special Corporate Income Tax will recognize the passed-on VAT as part of their costs or expenses.

The petitioner-DMEs in the case believed that the IRR and RRs unduly limited the application of the VAT zero-rating for local purchases since the law made no distinction between REEs and DMEs. In other words, they assert that all RBEs should enjoy the VAT zero-rating for local purchases.

After much deliberation, the Supreme Court held that the IRR and RRs are unconstitutional. Essentially, the IRR and RRs unlawfully altered the provisions of CREATE by carving-out DMEs from those entitled to the VAT zero-rating incentive. Considering that the grant and withdrawal of tax exemption is exclusive within the domain of legislation, the VAT zero-rating incentive cannot be removed or withheld from DMEs by an administrative issuance (such as an IRR or RR).

The case is a resounding acknowledgment of the implementation issues under CREATE that are experienced by taxpayers. However, while the Supreme Court sided with the taxpayer, what can the latter actually do with it? Is the decision anything more than a paper win?

Now that the Supreme Court upheld the entitlement of the VAT zero-rating incentive of DMEs under CREATE, can the latter file a claim for refund with the BIR on the VAT passed on by their local suppliers? Unfortunately, there are significant hurdles that DMEs must overcome:

Although any possible refund involves input VAT, it does not automatically mean that the claim for refund would be based on unutilized creditable input VAT under Section 112 of the Tax Code. Since the sales of DMEs are generally not zero-rated nor effectively zero-rated, it cannot claim refund under Section 112 of the Tax Code. As such, any refund would be based on Section 229 of the Tax Code which would require proof that the passed-on VAT on the local purchases is erroneous or illegally collected.

Even if the DME was able to prove that the passed-on VAT was erroneously or illegally collected, the administrative claim for refund must be filed within the 2-year prescriptive period regardless of the existence of any supervening cause after payment. Since CREATE took effect in April 2021, some claims may already be time-barred.

Further, it should be noted that CREATE has been amended by CREATE MORE. Among the CREATE MORE amendments is the express removal of the VAT zero-rating incentive on local purchases for DMEs. In effect, the doctrine laid down by the Supreme Court would not apply for local purchases by DMEs covered by CREATE MORE.

While the Supreme Court validated the position of DMEs, its redeeming effect is limited by practical circumstances and the effect of the improper implementation is not wholly recoverable. As between proper implementation and court vindication, laws would have a better chance of achieving its goal if we strive to effect the former rather than the latter.

The author is a partner of Du-Baladad and Associates Law Offices (BDB Law) (www.bdblaw.com.ph).

The article is for general information only and is not intended, nor should be construed as a substitute for tax, legal, or financial advice on any specific matter. Applicability of this article to any actual or particular tax or legal issue should be supported, therefore, by a professional study or advice. If you have any comments or questions concerning the article, you may e-mail the author at jomel.manaig@bdblaw.com.ph or call 8403-2001 local 140.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued a show cause order against the asset valuer of Villar Land Holdings Corp., whose shares remain suspended on the Philippine Stock Exchange.

In a letter dated September 29, the SEC’s Office of the General Accountant directed E-Value Phils. Inc. to explain why it should not be subjected to penalties and sanctions relative to its valuation of properties of companies under the Villar Land group. These were Althorp Land Holdings Inc., Chalgrove Properties Inc. and Los Valores Corp.

The issuance of the order follows special onsite inspections conducted by the agency to determine the company’s compliance with SEC Memorandum Circular No. 2, Series of 2014, which provides for the Guidelines on Asset Valuations, and effective International Valuation Standards in the preparation of the appraisal reports of the companies.

The order forms part of the SEC’s investigation into Villar Land Holdings, which was recently ordered to pay administrative fines totaling P12 million for violations of Republic Act 8799, or the Securities Regulation Code, over its failure to submit its audited financial statements on time.

The investigation into E-Value is in line with the visitorial powers of the SEC, to regulate and supervise the activities of corporations, as well as impose sanctions when necessary.

‘The SEC will continue to investigate this matter thoroughly in the interest of upholding transparency and accountability in valuation practices and accuracy in financial reporting. The Commission will provide updates as necessary in the interest of the public, while upholding the required confidentiality of the proceedings.’

The SEC in August fined Villar Land, formerly Golden MV Holdings Inc., and its 11-man board of directors, some P12 million for the repeated delays in the filing of its annual and quarterly reports.

In its order, the SEC’s Market and Securities Regulation department said it found Villar Land and its board ‘administratively liable for gross negligence or bad faith in directing the affairs of the company,’ for its inability to file its annual 2024 and first quarter 2025 reports.

The administrative fine involves P1 million for each board member and the company itself, and P2,000 each for every delay of submission from July 1 until the company submitted its report.

The board includes the three Villar siblings; their father and company chairman Manuel B. Villar Jr.; company president Cynthia J. Javarez; independent directors Ana Marie V. Pagsibigan and Garth F. Castaneda; the company’s CFO, CIO and heard of IR; its corporate secretary; assistant corporate secretary; and compliance officer.

In a statement, Villar Land and its officers said they ‘welcome the opportunity to explain their side on the issues raised and will respond to the SEC’s order in due course.’

It said the delay in the filing of the annual report and the first quarter 2025 report of Villar Land is not due to the refusal of its external auditor to sign the 2024 audited financial statements.

‘The delay was caused by the auditor’s varying requests for additional audit procedures in the course of their review of the valuation of the Villar City properties that were acquired by Villar Land in 2024.’

SMALL steps are often underestimated. Especially in the dog eat dog world of entertainment and the performing arts.

Many dream of becoming celebrities, and most of these dreamers will choose the one-time-big-time route not realizing that more often than not, true success comes when they take it one step at a time.

That is why we are so happy when we get to meet young artists who are not rushing to become big stars, who know that strategy is oftentimes a wonderful weapon to have, and who believe that timing is of great importance.

Take the case of new actor Miguel Odron, who continues to captivate the independent film audience worldwide with his effortlessly brilliant performance in Petersen Vargas’s Some Nights We Feel Like Walking, a wonderful film we were able to see when it was shown in local cinemas a few weeks ago.

The good news is: Odron recently scored a feature performance award nomination from the highly touted Iris Prize, an international LGBTQ+ festival and event open to films by, for, about, or of interest to these specific communities. The winners will be announced on October 19, in Cardiff, Wales.

The movie is Odron’s first acting assignment, and he admitted to being surprised by this nomination. ‘I’m truly out of words with this unexpected recognition. You can call me an accidental actor who tremendously enjoyed my experience working on my very first film. All I just want now is to make more films, and this nomination is more than a stamp of approval that I’m in the right career direction. I’m just happy that the film is getting a lot of good feedback from audiences around the world.’

Odron has proven once more that every step forward-no matter how small-is still movement in the right direction. And taking these small steps is the only way we can get to the top of a flight of stairs, to reach for our dreams, and to work on what we truly desire. I also got to meet two promising Sparkle artists recently: Kim Perez and John Rex.

Perez just released his song ‘Huling Hinto,’ a rock ballad that is hauntingly sad, while Rex, the grand winner of The Clash 2023 edition, lends his soulful vocals to the song ‘Kahit Wala Na Tayo.’ Rex’s powerful ballad has been chosen as the theme song for the drama series Cruz versus Cruz.

‘I’m waiting for my big break as a singer. My big win at The Clash was actually a jump-off point, but where I land will be my destiny. That’s why I work very hard and seize every good opportunity that comes my way. They say that all it takes is one song for a singer to soar to greater heights, and I’m taking all these small steps knowing that I will soar when my wings are ready,’ Rex shared.

Indeed, what starts as one small step often leads to another. When we focus on what we can do, we start to build momentum. A single effort can set off a chain reaction that, more often than not, leads to greater opportunities and more significant wins.

Aside from being a singer, Perez is also trying his luck as an actor. He is currently cast in the GMA TV series Sanggang Dikit. ‘I’m easy, you know. I don’t mind being described as an actor who can sing or a singer who can act. I’d love to explore all the possibilities that will be made available for me at this time in my young career. I enjoy doing both actually. In singing, I’m usually all by myself as a performer, but in acting I have to be a team player.’

A few days ago, I was happy to find out that Noel Comia has been cast in the upcoming musical Bagets, a production of Viva Live Events. He will give life and music to the same role that Herbert Bautista portrayed in the 1984 movie version.

I was first drawn to Comia in 2017 in the Cinemalaya movie Kiko Boksingero where I raved about his performance. There was no surprise when the then 12-year-old newbie actor romped away with the festival best actor prize for his endearing yet powerful performance.

The doors opened one by one for this promising actor who is slowly building quite an impressive filmography with such movies, like Song fo the Fireflies, Death of Nintendo, Gitarista, Tenement 66, Rainbow Sunset and Children of the River. He has also lent his talent to several theater productions and have won acting awards for these.

Not many remember Comia being part of the third season of The Voice Kids, making it to Lea Salonga’s Top 8 hopefuls. That is why I am excited to see how he will transform as an actor-singer when Bagets the musical comes to life onstage early next year at The Newport Performing Arts Theater.

Comia’s is a classic case of progress not being about perfection. It’s about focusing on what you can do with what you’ve got in reaching for your goals, no matter how small that action might seem. In the world of entertainment, it’s always tempting for newcomers to believe that only big, dramatic efforts bring results, but more often than not it’s the small consistent actions that actually shape our lives and determine the future. Like that of Comia’s.

When we focus on what we can do, however small that may seem to others, something shifts within us. The weight of difficulty, fear, doubt and frustration lightens, the mind becomes clear, and amazing ideas emerge. What was once a narrow mindset starts to expand, and creative juices start to flow naturally.

Success breeds success. Just like compound interest, small steps add up to impressive rewards. And these small steps help talented hopefuls like Miguel Odron, Kim Perez, John Rex, and Noel Comia create valuable habits that will help them achieve bigger gains in the future.

I have to admit, I’ve missed the feeling of getting lost in a book-the kind that lets you travel without ever leaving your seat. Books have always been an ingenious vehicle for escape, a way to explore places and live through moments far from your own reality.

I started reading as a kid, borrowing Nancy Drew Mystery Stories by Carolyn Keene from our school library. That small habit opened up a world of imagination. Through The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, I wandered the streets of France and Italy, and in The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks, I fell in love with the charm of the American countryside in the 1940s. I may have been in the comfort of our home, but those stories made me feel like I had already traveled the world.

Lately, I’ve been feeling that familiar urge to return to reading and to once again lose myself in stories that transport me to places I’ve never been. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect as the Big Bad Wolf book sale has officially returned to Metro Manila. Happening from October 2 to 13, 2025, at The Filinvest Tent in Alabang, the final leg of the country’s largest book sale brings massive discounts of up to 95% off across thousands of titles. For someone rediscovering the joy of travel through words, it felt like the perfect invitation to explore new destinations, this time, through the pages of a book.

More than Just a Book Sale

The sheer volume of books at Big Bad Wolf can be overwhelming at first, but the beauty of it being a 12-day event means there’s no need to rush. Doors are open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM on weekdays, and until midnight on weekends. There are food stalls lined up outside when you need to take a break, or you can always come back for another round. The best part? Admission is absolutely free! Whether you’re with family, friends, or going solo, it’s an experience that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Book Recos and Unexpected Finds

If you’re open to exploring beyond your usual reads, Big Bad Wolf has curated aisles filled with bestsellers, BookTok favorites, and Top 10 Picks from various genres. And if you’re looking for something specific, their assistants at the customer service booth can help track it down. Some titles on my readlist weren’t available, but I learned that the Big Bad Wolf team actually takes note of what readers look for and tries to include them in future runs.

Bigger Deals and Amazing Prizes

Beyond further markdowns and irresistible discounts, Big Bad Wolf keeps the excitement going with amazing raffle prizes. For every ?5,000 single-receipt purchase, shoppers can get a chance to win a brand-new iPad, an IKEA bookshelf filled with 100 books, or the grand prize of a 3-day trip for two to Hong Kong! It’s a fun giveaway that adds to the thrill of the hunt, especially for those who can’t resist making the most of the book sale.

Finding My Way Back to Reading

Big Bad Wolf has always championed the joy of reading by making books more affordable and accessible to everyone. After years of consuming mostly digital content, being surrounded by rows of stories felt like a homecoming to me. Each book held the promise of a quiet escape, an exciting journey, and a reminder that we don’t always need to board a plane to explore the world. Sometimes, all it takes is turning a page.

The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) is pursuing joint ventures with at least 15 electric cooperatives (ECs) as it seeks to expand its reach beyond its traditional franchise area with the intent of providing reliable and affordable electricity.

In an interview with BusinessMirror, Meralco senior vice president and chief external and government affairs officer Arnel Casanova said the utility firm is hoping to conclude deals with a number of ECs in the next two or three years. The planned investment, he said, is ‘quite substantial because you need to infuse more for capex [capital expenditure].’

Included in its list are First Laguna Electric Cooperative Inc. (Fleco) and South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative Inc. (Socoteco II).

‘Actually, we’re more aggressive in South Cotabato. There are 120 electric cooperatives. If someone wants to join with us to provide better electricity service then it will be good. We have almost 15 on our list. We are working on all of them, some are at the very early stages, but with Batelec II [Batangas Electric Cooperative Inc.], there’s a proposal already,’ he said.

The planned joint venture will be done by converting an electric cooperative into a stock corporation, a move that is allowed under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (Epira). Basically, Meralco would infuse capital by purchasing shares in the new stock corporation.

Meralco has been in discussions with Batelec II for a joint venture. The utility firm is now waiting a reply from its board. ‘Hopefully, by next year we can finalize one. Hopefully, Batelec I and II, and Socoteco, and then we’ll convert the whole of Pampanga into a joint venture as well.’

Meralco and its subsidiary, Comstech Integration Alliance Inc., manages Pampanga II Electric Cooperative (Pelco II). The partnership began in 2014, involving management support and investments aimed at improving the electric cooperative’s customer service, reliability, and power supply. Pelco II was once classified as an ailing cooperative. Since the partnership, Pelco’s financial performance has significantly improved earning it a rating of ‘AAA.’

It makes sense for Meralco to form JVs with the ECs that are operating near its franchise areas because these can be easily connected with the Meralco substations.

‘But the biggest challenge here is usually the electric cooperatives are historically hostile to private capital because they mostly depend on national government. They are used to that. But the times have changed, they have to adapt or the entire economy will suffer. So, because the industries cannot grow, foreign investors cannot come in as well. Tourism suffers, even healthcare, and our agriculture also.’

At end-June this year, Meralco reported over eight million residential, industrial, and commercial customers in its franchise area. These are Metro Manila, parts of Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal, and select areas in Pampanga, Laguna, Batangas, and Quezon.