Category: Business Mirror

For many Filipino families, a reunion is no longer as simple as deciding whose house to visit.

One sibling may be in Manila, another working overseas, while cousins and relatives are scattered across different cities and time zones. Getting everyone into one place can require almost as much coordination as the holiday itself.

There is, however, another way to approach the family reunion: instead of travelling home to see one another, meet somewhere everyone can turn the journey into a holiday.

Hong Kong makes an interesting case for that idea. It is close enough to the Philippines for a relatively short flight, familiar to generations of Filipino travellers, and well connected to other parts of Asia. More importantly, it can be both the meeting point and the beginning of a longer trip.

From Hong Kong, StarCruises’ Star Voyager operates short sailings of two to five nights to destinations in China, Taiwan, Vietnam and Japan, with cruise-only lead-in fares starting at USD 169 per person, twin-sharing.

For families trying to coordinate different schedules and budgets, the appeal is straightforward: meet in Hong Kong, board the same ship, and let the itinerary take care of much of what normally complicates a group holiday.

One ship, different ways to travel

Star Voyager accommodates approximately 1,400 guests, placing it in the mid-sized cruise category. On board are multiple dining venues, entertainment, recreational spaces, and a pool deck, giving families room to spend time together without everyone having to follow the same schedule.

Accommodation also comes at different price points. Families watching their budget can opt for interior staterooms, while those looking for a more premium experience can book The Palace, which comes with additional privileges including exclusive dining and priority services.

That flexibility can make a difference when several generations-or several households-are travelling together. Everyone can join the same holiday without necessarily having to spend the same amount on accommodation.

There is another practical advantage: once aboard, there are no daily hotel transfers or repeated packing and unpacking as the group moves from one destination to another. The ship travels overnight, allowing guests to wake up somewhere new.

For a family reunion, that means less time coordinating logistics and more time actually being together.

‘So many Filipino families are spread out right now. One person’s working abroad, another’s in Manila, another’s somewhere else entirely. Planning an actual vacation around that, not just a quick visit, usually feels complicated and pricey,’ said Andrea Solis Manzano, Head of Sales, StarCruises Philippines.

‘A short cruise out of Hong Kong fixes both: you can plan it on short notice, and the price doesn’t force you to wait a whole year.’

Why a short cruise works for families who don’t live in the same place:

Hong Kong is an easy flight from Manila and already a common stop or workplace for many Filipino families – a fair midpoint instead of forcing everyone to pick whose city to fly to.

Once everyone’s onboard, the ship is the venue, the meals, and the activities. No splitting up, no separate hotel check-ins.

It’s a real getaway, not just a visit. Relatives get island stops and new countries instead of a rushed weekend crammed into someone’s apartment.

Fares start at USD 169 for a 2-night cruise, so a reunion trip can come together on short notice instead of getting pushed back another year while everyone saves up.

Star Voyager Cruises from Hong Kong

The Star Voyager runs four short-cruise categories from Hong Kong between July 5 and August 30, 2026 (booking window extended to August 28, 2026):

An Australian healthcare group is interested in establishing an information technology-business process outsourcing (IT-BPO) operation in the Philippines to provide administrative and back-office services for its health businesses in Australia and other overseas markets, according to the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza).

Kairos Care Pty. Ltd. and Kairos Medical Group Pty. Ltd. last week discussed their plans on the potential expansion of their Philippine operations to serve healthcare organizations beyond their Australian businesses.

The delegation aims to set up export-oriented support operations in the country, with the companies also looking to work with local universities for internships and future talent recruitment.

Kairos Care, an Australian company established in 2020, initially focused on mental-health support before expanding into disability and aged-care services.

Meanwhile, Kairos Medical Group, established in 2025, provides general medical, nursing, allied health, psychology and mental-health services.

The group is also exploring possible partnerships with Philippine resorts for wellness and rehabilitation programs related to mental health and disability care, according to Peza.

The potential investment comes as Australian companies maintain a significant presence in the Philippine economy.

Peza data showed that 91 Australian companies were registered with the authority as of 2025, with combined investments of more than P19 billion and a workforce of over 40,000 Filipinos.

Separately, data from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade showed that more than 250 major Australian companies operate in the Philippines, employing more than 41,000 Filipinos.

The Kairos proposal adds to the growing number of foreign healthcare-related businesses exploring the country not only as a service market but also as a base for outsourced administrative, technical and support functions.

Peza said the planned operations could also open opportunities for partnerships between the Australian companies and Philippine universities as the group develops its local workforce.

THE Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DepDev) is pushing for stronger power-sector reforms to bring down electricity costs, which it identified among the most binding constraints to growth and industrialization.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said proposed amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (Epira) should strengthen the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and improve its coordination with the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC).

‘One is about the need to strengthen ERC. The second is to strengthen the coordination between the ERC and the Philippine Competition Commission so that it is more effective in going after market abuse or abuse of market power by any participant in the electricity market,’ Balisacan said during the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) briefing.

Balisacan said investors have long flagged expensive electricity as a major constraint to expanding economic activity.

‘One of the most binding constraints to growth and industrialization, as pointed out by many investors, is the high cost of electricity,’ he said.

‘If the investment is able to reduce that cost, then the multiplier effects are going to be much better,’ he added.

In his presentation earlier in the day, Balisacan said ensuring reliable and affordable energy would require the expansion of renewable generation, modernization of the power grid, more efficient permitting processes, and stronger competition in the electricity market.

DepDev also identified Epira amendments among the Marcos administration’s priority legislative measures under energy security and sustainability.

He said the government had previously opted to pursue Epira amendments in segments due to the complexity of revising the law in one sweep.

Among the areas identified were extending the life of the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) until 2036, strengthening the ERC, and reinforcing the competition mandates of both the ERC and PCC.

Broadening sources of growth

The push to bring down electricity costs also comes as DepDev seeks to attract more investment into industry and exports to broaden the country’s sources of growth.

Balisacan said the Philippines needs to strengthen investment and exports while revitalizing industry, noting that the country continues to lag several of its Southeast Asian peers in fixed investment and export performance.

He said high energy costs make it harder for manufacturers to expand and generate better-quality jobs, particularly in export-oriented industries.

‘If the cost of energy is high, there’s no way that you could generate a lot of jobs, high-quality jobs, because your manufacturing would not be able to generate good enough employment and especially for exports,’ Balisacan said.

JAECOO J5 HEV and J5 EV to make their official Cebu debut, showcasing intelligent technology, Smart Cockpit, and next-generation electrified performance

August 18, 2026 – OMODA and JAECOO Philippines is set to officially launch the JAECOO J5 in Cebu on August 20, 2026, bringing its latest electrified SUV offerings closer to customers in the Visayas.

The official Cebu launch will introduce both the JAECOO J5 HEV and JAECOO J5 EV, giving customers two electrified mobility options while highlighting JAECOO’s focus on intelligent technology, modern SUV design, comfort, and performance.

The Cebu debut is part of OMODA and JAECOO Philippines’ continuing nationwide expansion and its efforts to make smart and electrified mobility more accessible to Filipino customers outside Metro Manila.

JAECOO J5: Two Electrified Options

The JAECOO J5 HEV combines hybrid technology with the practicality of conventional fueling, providing an electrified option for customers looking for efficiency and everyday versatility.

The JAECOO J5 EV, is designed for drivers ready to embrace full electric mobility, blending dynamic performance, intelligent technology, and contemporary SUV styling with a range that suits both urban commutes and long-distance travel. Its real-world endurance was validated in an independent test monitored by the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP), achieving an impressive 539.2 kilometers on a single charge-significantly exceeding its NEDC-rated range of 461 kilometers. This milestone not only underscores the J5 EV’s long-distance capability but also offers a tangible benchmark for customers evaluating their transition to electric vehicles.

The result highlights the J5 EV’s capability for longer-distance driving and provides an additional benchmark for customers considering the transition to electric mobility.

Smart Cockpit: Connecting Technology and the Driver

Another key highlight of the JAECOO J5 is its Smart Cockpit, which forms part of OMODA and JAECOO’s broader smart-mobility efforts.

Designed around the driver, the Smart Cockpit integrates vehicle information, connectivity, entertainment, and intelligent controls into a more intuitive driving environment. It is designed to provide greater convenience and connectivity while making vehicle interaction more seamless.

The integration of Smart Cockpit technology reflects OMODA and JAECOO’s approach to developing vehicles that combine electrification with intelligent technology and a more connected ownership experience.

Bringing Smart Mobility to Cebu

The decision to officially launch the JAECOO J5 in Cebu underscores the importance of the Visayas market in OMODA and JAECOO Philippines’ growing nationwide presence.

Cebu continues to serve as one of the country’s major economic and automotive centers outside Metro Manila, making it an important market for the introduction of new hybrid and electric vehicle technologies.

Through the J5 HEV and J5 EV, OMODA and JAECOO Philippines aims to give more customers in the Visayas access to the latest developments in electrified powertrains, intelligent vehicle technology, and smart cockpit.

Official Cebu Launch

The JAECOO J5 HEV and J5 EV will officially launch in Cebu on August 20, 2026, with launch activities scheduled at SM Seaside City Cebu from August 20 to 24.

Customers and automotive enthusiasts will be able to explore the J5 HEV and J5 EV through vehicle displays, product presentations, customer engagement activities, and test-drive opportunities.

The activities will provide visitors with an opportunity to experience the vehicles’ design, electrified performance, intelligent features, and Smart Cockpit technology firsthand.

The Cebu launch further strengthens OMODA and JAECOO Philippines’ commitment to bringing global automotive innovations closer to Filipino customers and supporting the continued growth of smart, sustainable, and electrified mobility in the Philippines.

THE Regional Trial Court in Quezon City has set for hearing and oral arguments the motion filed by Vice President Sara Duterte seeking the outright dismissal of the three counts of grave threats case filed against her by the Department of Justice (DOJ).

In a two-page order, the court set the oral arguments on August 20.

Lawyer Paul Lawrence Lim, Duterte’s counsel for the grave threats case, filed last August 14 an omnibus motion asking the court to conduct a hearing and oral arguments on her motion to defer issuance of or recall arrest warrant and quash information.

In her manifestation, Duterte moved for the conduct of a hearing and oral arguments on the case citing as sanctioned by the Revised Guidelines for Continuous Trial in Criminal Cases.

Duterte stressed that the issues presented before the Court will have ‘serious, far-reaching and dangerous consequences in our country’s legal system and the stability of the Philippine government, considering that it involves the criminal prosecution of a sitting Vice President – an impeachable officer under Section 3, Article VII and Section 2, Article IX of the 1987 Constitution.’

On Monday, the DOJ submitted its comment expressing its opposition to Duterte’s motion to defer the issuance of arrest warrant and quash information.

‘With the filing of the Comment/Opposition to the Urgent Motion by the prosecution, the Court deems it prudent to set the instant case for hearing and oral arguments on 20 August 2026 at 8:30 o’clock in the morning pursuant to…the Revised Guidelines for Continuous Trial of Criminal Cases,’ the order read.

The grave threats information was filed by DOJ before the RTC in QC on August 11 after it found prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction to indict Duterte for the crime of grave threats under Article 282 of the Revised Penal Code in relation to Section 6 of Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

The said provision punishes ‘any person who shall threaten another with the infliction upon the person, honor or property of the latter or of his family of any wrong amounting to a crime.’

The DOJ recommended a bail of P120,000 for Duterte’s provisional liberty if the court issues a warrant of arrest.

It, however, dismissed the inciting to sedition against the Vice President after the panel of prosecutors found the evidence insufficient to file the case.

The case stemmed from Duterte’s statement made in during an online press briefing in November 2024 claiming that she had hired someone to assassinate President Marcos, First Liza Araneta-Marcos and then Speaker Martin Romualdez if a purported plot against her life succeeds.

THE gods must have descended from Mount Olympus on Ernest John ‘EJ’ Obiena who soared to 5.91 meters-a height he hasn’t cleared in two years-to win gold at the Golden Sand 2026 Meet at the Promenada Gwiazd in Miedzyzdroje, Poland, on Tuesday.

Obiena moved camp from Formia in Italy to Athens in Greece last June 10 and has been flying over and above his opponents since-he has collected so far five gold and two silver medals.

And in Miedzyzdroje, he was unbeatable at 5.91m, beating with enough to spare 21-year-old Qatari Seifeldin Abdelsalam (5.75m) and American Cole Walsh (5.70m) in a countback over Hussain Al-Hizam of Saudi Arabia.

‘It’s been a while. I can’t remember when was the last time I hit 5.91 meters…maybe 2024?’ Obiena told the BusinessMirror over the phone. ‘I was surprised, but I if I stay healthy and in good condition, I believe I can jump consistently and even higher-and that is the goal.’

The last time Obiena passed the 5.90-mark was in June 2024 when he won gold at the Irena Szewinska Memorial in Poland at 5.97m and at the 2023 Asian Championships in Bangkok, at 5.91m.

The 30-year-old Obiena went for 6.0 meters but missed thrice-he’s one of only 24 members of the 6.0 Meters Club for having made the height in a gold medal-winning effort at the Vest Bergen Jump Challenge in Norway on June 10, 2023, and at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest in October 2023 where he got silver Olympic and world champion and record breaker Armand Duplantis.

Obiena said he wants to do more.

‘A lot of things to be done and I believe I can get it done [clearing higher bar]. It just a matter of time but again this is not my best yet,’ said the former world No. 2 and Asian champion and record holder said.

Obiena’s previous season best was at 5.85m that earned him silver at the Meeting de Madrid last July 17.

His got his other gold medals at the Czeslaw Cybulski Memorial in Poznan last June 30, Raiffeisen Austrian Open last July 2 in Eisenstadt in Halberstadter and Internationale Stabhochsprungmon in Jockrim in Germany early this month under new coach Marcin Szczepanski of Poland.

‘It was also huge that I transferred my training venue to Athens, Greece as I learned a lot of things under new coach Marcin,’ he said.

‘And I am looking forward to the Asian Games although I have no idea how many tournaments before I compete in the Asiad,’ the current world No. 13 added.

The Aichi-Nagoya 20th Asian Games are set September 19 to October 4.

Property giant Megaworld has started the construction of the 12-story The Bellagio Palawan, its first upscale residential condominium inside its Baytown Palawan township in Puerto Princesa City.

Inspired by Megaworld’s Forbes Town township in BGC, the residential project will offer 188 smart home units with balconies, a heated infinity pool, a fitness center, co-working spaces, and sustainable features such as bicycle parking and a rainwater harvesting system.

Leading the groundbreaking ceremony are Darwin Villestas, Head of Sales and Marketing for Megaworld Palawan (third from right), and Manuel Mendoza, Chairman of Monocrete Construction Philippines (third from left).

Also shown in the photo are (from left) Monocrete representatives Andrei Victor Asuncion, Project Manager, and Christopher Guerzon, Project Director; and Megaworld officers Christopher Dagdagan, Area Head of Construction Management, and Joe Marie Estadilla, Project-in-Charge.

Ralph Lauren welcomed guests to The Ralph Lauren Centre Court Suite at The Championships, Wimbledon, in July.

Guests were invited to experience the newly debuted The Polo Bar by Ralph Lauren at Centre Court, bringing the sophisticated warmth of the New York institution to the tournament’s historic grounds for the first time. Guests enjoyed classic cocktails and thoughtfully curated details throughout while watching the Gentlemen’s Singles Semi-finals.

Notable guests include, Dustin Hoffman, Keira Knightley, Richard E. Grant, Kento Kaku, Lesley Manville, Felicity Jones, Luke Thompson, Joe Locke, Rashida Jones, Ezra Koenig, Ananya Panday, Mia Armstrong, Bassel Khaiat. All the guests were dressed in Ralph Lauren.

In the Philippines, Polo Ralph Lauren is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists Inc., and is located at Shangri-La, Greenbelt 5, Rustans Makati, Solaire, and the newly opened Rustans Cebu Store.

Polo Ralph Lauren is also available online through www.lazada.ph, www.shopee.ph, www.zalora.ph, and www.rustans.com.

For Eurica Labapiez, reaching the national Top 10 of the 2026 Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LEPT) is more than a personal academic triumph-it is a promise fulfilled to her family and proof that a student from a mountain barangay can rise to the top with determination and opportunity.

Labapiez, a graduate of Cebu Eastern College (CEC) and a Cebu City government scholar, placed 10th nationwide in the 2026 LEPT conducted in March, becoming the first topnotcher from barangay Toong, a mountain barangay in Cebu City.

Her achievement was celebrated Friday, Aug. 14, during CEC’s 2026 PACECGARBO, where she joined fellow CEC graduates Jessa Junio and Jenny Rose Daro, who placed third and fifth nationwide, respectively.

Each of the three topnotchers received P100,000 from CEC as an incentive for their outstanding performance.

For Labapiez, the road to the national rankings began with a simple inspiration-a teacher she admired and her own love for teaching.

She pursued elementary education because she wanted to follow the example of the teacher she looked up to and because, as she put it, ‘I love teaching kids.’

Her journey was also made possible through the Cebu City Government Scholarship Program, which allowed her to pursue college without a maintaining grade requirement.

As the eldest child in her family, Labapiez said one of her motivations was the desire to eventually help her parents shoulder the educational expenses of her two siblings.

Now that she has completed college and earned a place among the country’s top-performing examinees, she said she can begin fulfilling the promise she made to her parents.

Her message to other students is rooted in the fears and challenges she herself had to overcome.

‘Ayaw kahadlok sa inyong gustong makab-ot. Buhata ang tanan bisan nahadlok ka or ikaw ra usa, ayaw pagkawala sa paglaum [Don]t be afraid to pursue your dreams. Give it your all, even if you’re scared or have to face the journey alone. Never lose hope],’ Labapiez said.

Labapiez’s achievement was part of an unprecedented showing by CEC, which placed three graduates on the 2026 LET national Top 10 list. Junio secured third place, Daro ranked fifth, while Labapiez finished 10th.

The feat also marked the second consecutive year that CEC produced a topnotcher in the teacher licensure examinations, reinforcing the institution’s growing record of performance in teacher education.

CEC Board of Trustee member and Vice President Dwight Choachuy said the achievement demonstrates that a student’s potential should not be measured by financial circumstances.

‘Talent knows no economic status. Intelligence is not measured by one’s financial capacity. And greatness is never limited by the challenge of life,’ Choachuy said during the PACECGARBO program.

He also underscored the impact of scholarships, saying educational assistance can help students break cycles of hardship and create opportunities not only for themselves but for their families and future generations.

The defense panel of Vice President Sara Duterte objected on Monday to the prosecution’s use of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated images to illustrate what P125 million in cash would look like during the 16th day of her impeachment trial.

Defense spokesperson lawyer Michael Poa questioned the accuracy of the AI-generated images, saying they may not faithfully depict the actual appearance or volume of the money involved.

The prosecution used simulated props and AI-generated imagery while questioning former Office of the Vice President special disbursing officer Gina Acosta about the withdrawal of P125 million in cash on Dec. 20, 2022.

Acosta testified that she and a colleague were responsible for withdrawing the amount.

‘We just had to really register our objection since alam naman natin ang AI sometimes does not really depict yung totoong itsura ng mga bagay,’ Poa said in a press briefing.

During the trial, private prosecutor Amando Virgil Ligutan presented an AI-generated image to Acosta and asked her to compare it with the cash she had handled, prompting defense counsel Lindon Miguel Bacquel to object.

Ligutan later showed another AI-generated image depicting the money inside four bags after Acosta testified that she had brought four bags to carry the cash.

Poa said Bacquel was correct in maintaining the defense’s objection to the use of the images.

‘They just wanted to show some graphics para maipakita ang gusto nila, that’s why they want to use AI. Sa ngayon na-note naman ang aming continuing objection so that is enough for now,’ Poa said.