Category: Business Mirror

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) announced availability of the ROG Swift OLED PG27UCWM and PG32UCWM gaming monitors that feature 4K true Tandem RGB OLED technology. Bringing flagship-tier panel technology to enthusiast setups, the 26.5-inch PG27UCWM and the 31.5-inch PG32UCWM combine true RGB Stripe OLED technology with a TrueBlack Glossy coating and a versatile Dual Mode (4K@240Hz / FHD@480Hz) that delivers the ultimate balance of fidelity and speed. Innovative GaNFET power efficiency solution and enhanced OLED Care Pro work together to prolong panel longevity, while Dolby Vision® support, VESA® DisplayHDR400 True Black compliance, and DisplayPort 2.1a UHBR20 connectivity make these monitors ready for the most demanding HDR games.

True Tandem RGB OLED

Both monitors feature a 4K true Tandem RGB OLED panel with a proprietary TrueBlack Glossy coating to deliver supersharp imagery and incredibly accurate colors. True RGB Stripe OLED technology omits the white subpixel found in conventional WOLED panels, ensuring razor-sharp text edges and precise color reproduction while delivering up to 27% larger color volume – even at peak luminance levels. The versatile Dual Mode feature lets players effortlessly switch between stunning 4K@240Hz visuals and ultra-responsive FHD@480Hz action. Plus, a superfast 0.03ms response time eliminates ghosting and motion blur in fast-paced games.

Built to last

The power supply design leverages Innovative GaNFET technology to optimize heat dissipation and power efficiency, achieving nearly 35% less waste heat and a 10% drop in vent temperature – for a longer OLED lifespan with zero compromises on performance when compared with previous OLED monitors without it. Enhanced OLED Care Pro features further safeguard the panel and include an upgraded Neo Proximity Sensor that offers adjustable Motion Sensitivity as well as a configurable Auto Away timer. The five selectable motion sensitivity levels enable more precise detection and are especially useful for users who are locked in on a game. The Auto Away timer can be set from 1-15 minutes, with the screen automatically displaying a back image once the time elapses. All OLED Care Pro features are easily managed via the exclusive ASUS DisplayWidget Center app, using a mouse.

Professional-grade HDR and color accuracy

The ROG Swift OLED PG27UCWM and PG32UCWM are engineered for breathtakingly realistic HDR gaming, with Dolby Vision support, VESA DisplayHDR 400 True Black compliance, a 99% DCI-P3 gamut, true 10-bit color, and Delta

AI agent-ready controls

With ASUS Display Control CLI and Agent Skill installed, users can ask a compatible AI agent to query and adjust supported monitor settings through natural-language requests. A single request can coordinate multiple settings across one or more compatible ASUS monitors. For example, an agent could schedule a brighter morning profile with higher brightness, 6500K color temperature, Gamma 2.2, and Blue Light Filter off. The agent can also set an evening profile with lower brightness, 4000K color temperature, and increased Blue Light Filter for more comfortable viewing before sleep. For color-critical work, a single request could select sRGB mode, 6500K color temperature, Gamma 2.2, Uniform Brightness, and a comfortable brightness level. For competitive gaming, it could switch to FHD@480Hz, activate FPS mode and OLED Anti-Flicker, and set the user’s preferred brightness. The CLI executes monitor-control commands locally on the workstation, while the agent translates user intent into a sequence of supported actions.

Future-ready connectivity

Both monitors offer comprehensive connectivity to ensure compatibility with next-generation hardware. Connectivity options include DisplayPort 2.1a UHBR20 with full 80Gbps bandwidth, HDMI® 2.1, and USB-C® with 90-watt Power Delivery for single-cable connection to compatible laptops.

Availability and Pricing

ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG27UCWM and PG32UCWM will be available soon this 2026. Get updated with ASUS ROG Products through our social media pages.

It was already pouring when my wife and I left the house Monday morning, which was a little puzzling because the weather reports we had been hearing warned of the heavier rains coming Tuesday through Wednesday.

We had barely been on the road when Buendia was already gutter-deep. By the time we reached Roxas Boulevard, traffic heading toward Diokno Boulevard was clogged and the water ahead was much deeper. There was flooding on both sides of the road in front of the World Trade Center. We had been driving in heavy rain for only a matter of minutes.

I remember drainage and declogging work being done along many of these same roads only months ago-along Buendia, near Taft, along Taft itself and the surrounding streets near La Salle, Benilde and St. Scholastica’s where we live. There was also work along the road leading toward Diokno, near the Manila Film Center. I remember the inconvenience because I pass through these areas regularly when I drive my wife to work.

I am not an engineer and I won’t pretend to know whether those particular drainage works failed, whether the drains were overwhelmed by the volume of rain, or whether downstream waterways were already too high to take more water. But motorists are entitled to ask why streets where drainage and declogging work had been carried out only months earlier could flood within minutes.

I grew up in Manila. Flooding is hardly new to me. Even when we were children, streets flooded after heavy rain. But my memory is that it usually took hours of relentless rain, even days, before so many roads became impassable.

Metro Manila has changed enormously since then. There are millions more people, buildings and vehicles and considerably less open ground where rainwater can be absorbed. Much of the metropolis is now concrete. Water runs quickly into drainage systems and waterways already struggling to cope.

And yes, there is garbage. The MMDA says it removes 30 to 35 tons of garbage from waterways and pumping stations every day. People who throw garbage into canals and esteros deserve no defense.

But government cannot use public indiscipline as the explanation for everything. The Ecological Solid Waste Management Act has been around since 2000, yet in 2025 the country had only 20,458 materials recovery facilities despite having more than 42,000 barangays. More than a quarter-century after the law was passed, many LGUs still have not fully complied with it.

What made Monday particularly infuriating was that many people had gone to work and school expecting the really bad weather later in the week.

PAGASA eventually raised a Red Rainfall Warning. NDRRMC emergency alerts eventually started sounding on cellphones.

By then, many of us didn’t need our phones to tell us there was a problem. We were already looking at it. People were already at work. Teachers and students were already in school. Motorists were already stuck. Roads were already flooded. Many people didn’t need PAGASA and the NDRRMC to tell them conditions were dangerous.

An emergency alert is an excellent system when it gives people time to act. But when your cellphone starts screaming after the water is already rising around you, it isn’t warning you about what might happen. It is telling you what you already know.

Weather forecasting isn’t an exact science. Conditions can change quickly and rainfall can vary tremendously from one part of Metro Manila to another. But a warning is supposed to give people enough time to avoid danger. If it arrives after they’re already stranded, it has become a situation report.

Government decisions followed much the same pattern.

Malacañang eventually ordered government offices to shift to alternative work arrangements and schools to alternative learning modes. The Senate shortened its workday. Again, people were already there.

You tell people to go to work and school in the morning, wait until the roads are flooded, then tell them to go home. How exactly are they supposed to do that?

One friend told me he was stuck on the Skyway. Another had a daughter teaching in Manila who was allowed to leave early, except by then flooding around Pablo Ocampo and nearby streets was already bad.

That is the problem with late suspensions. You have already put people where you later decide they should not be, then release thousands of workers and students into roads already struggling with rain, floods and traffic.

Government will occasionally get the decision wrong. Classes will be suspended and the sun will come out. People will complain. Social media will have its fun.

So what?

I’d rather explain why classes were unnecessarily suspended than explain why children, teachers and workers were stranded in floodwaters.

This is hardly a lesson we should still be learning.

Ondoy was in 2009. After the devastation, government developed a comprehensive Metro Manila Flood Management Master Plan, approved in 2012. Among the things it called for were improved urban drainage, modernized pumping stations and, interestingly enough, better flood forecasting and early-warning systems.

That was 14 years ago.

Since then we have had more floods, more studies, more projects and billions upon billions of pesos spent on flood control. Last year’s scandal showed that some politicians and contractors apparently found another use for part of that money.

So when officials tell us that Monday’s rainfall approached the intensity of Ondoy, fine. Perhaps it did.

But Ondoy cannot still be our excuse 17 years later.

If anything, Ondoy should have been the reason we were better prepared for Monday.

What did we do after Ondoy? What lessons did we learn? Why are drainage systems still being overwhelmed so quickly? Why are we still sending students and workers out in the morning and warning them in the afternoon that conditions have become dangerous?

Nobody expects government to prevent every flood. Metro Manila’s geography makes that impossible. There will be rainfall that overwhelms even a properly functioning drainage system.

But the rain comes every year. That isn’t news.

The past two weeks should have made government particularly cautious. Millions of people have already been affected by prolonged monsoon rains. Lives have been lost. Damage has run into billions. DepEd’s latest count showed 8,243 damaged classrooms, including 1,639 destroyed.

And there wasn’t even a typhoon directly over Metro Manila.

After Ondoy, after the master plans, after all the flood-control projects and after all the money spent, we should at least have learned how to warn people before they get into trouble.

Decide whether classes and work should be suspended while people are still at home, not after they are stranded and trying to get back there.

Local developers will continue to reckon with elevated construction costs, weak investor sentiment, and project execution risks.

Nevertheless, the Philippine construction industry is still expected to enter a period of greater stability in 2026, according to the latest Construction Market Outlook 2026 released by Hearn and Hearn Consulting.

Backed by stronger construction lending, increased building permits, and sustained investments in infrastructure and industrial developments, the industry delivered solid construction output in 2025. However, the sector also faced significant headwinds, including high material and labor costs, supply chain bottlenecks, slower foreign direct investment, and delays in securing permits.

The report said inflation has eased considerably after several years of sharp increases. But prices remain well above pre-pandemic levels, creating what Hearn described as a ‘structurally high-cost environment.’ The consultancy expects construction cost growth to remain muted at around 1 percent to 2 percent in 2026, providing greater short-term price predictability but leaving the market exposed to shifts in government spending, commodity supply, and external shocks.

To restore confidence in the property sector, Hearn said it will require stronger project governance, transparent procurement, and wider adoption of digital technologies. Hearn said developers that embrace disciplined cost management, model-based quantity surveying, artificial intelligence, and advanced project management tools will be better positioned to improve efficiency, reduce risk, and strengthen decision-making.

Citing data developed in partnership with Colliers Philippines, Hearn expects Metro Manila office vacancy to remain elevated but improve gradually as new office supply slows sharply from pre-pandemic levels. Makati, Bonifacio Global City, and Ortigas are forecast to outperform the broader office market.

In the residential sector, Hearn said the mid-income condominium segment is driving the market’s recovery, helped by aggressive discounts and flexible payment schemes. Retail property is projected to benefit from continued mall redevelopments and a shift toward experiential shopping. Major developers are also expanding into fast-growing provincial markets such as Pampanga, Cebu, and Davao.

The hospitality sector is likewise expected to improve, supported by domestic tourism and the recovery of meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE).

Hearn sees green building is increasingly moving beyond certification toward measurable operational performance, supported by stronger ESG requirements and advances in digital technologies.

Despite ongoing uncertainties, Hearn said the industry’s long-term outlook remains positive, provided government policy becomes more predictable and developers continue investing in innovation, digitalization, and stronger project governance to improve productivity and resilience.

AGandP remains bullish

Atlantic Gulf and Pacific (AGandP) Industrial Philippines recently broke ground in Batangas as part of expanding its manufacturing footprint with the development of an 85-hectare modular fabrication yard that aims to position the Philippines as a larger player in the global industrial infrastructure supply chain. The yard is expected to have an annual fabrication capacity of 80,000 metric tons.

‘The facility is designed to serve the energy sector, including LNG, petroleum, clean and renewable fuels, as well as power, refining, chemicals, digital infrastructure, and industrial infrastructure projects from around the world. Given its purpose as a global modular fabrication hub, most of its output is expected to support international projects across North America, Europe, Australia, Asia, Africa, and other key markets,’ AGandP president and CEO Alex Gamboa told the

BusinessMirror in an email interview.

He said the investment comes as demand for modular construction continues to grow globally, with developers increasingly seeking off-site fabrication to reduce project costs, shorten construction timelines and address labor shortages. By expanding its operations in Batangas, AGandP is seeking to capture a larger share of that market while strengthening the Philippines’ role as a regional manufacturing and engineering hub.

Gamboa said the San Pascual facility will replace the company’s long-serving fabrication yard in Bauan, Batangas, which has operated for more than 40 years.

The new yard will include a dedicated wharf, large assembly areas and specialized heavy-load-out facilities, allowing massive industrial modules to be fabricated and shipped directly to overseas project sites. The company also plans to deploy its proprietary ‘Modstruction’ manufacturing system, which shifts a greater portion of construction work into controlled fabrication environments to improve productivity, quality and safety while reducing carbon emissions associated with conventional field construction.

Manila, Philippines. August 14, 2026: For a generation that wants to make the most out of everyday, the TechLife Pad Mini suits a lifestyle where one day can hold a little bit of everything. Compact yet capable, it empowers users more freedom to work, explore, unwind, and make room for whatever comes next.

‘Maxxing’ has taken on a life of its own among the youth, reflecting a mindset of making more out of the things they already enjoy. It can mean maximizing a workout, keeping up with a new Pilates or yoga routine, planning the next getaway, making the daily commute more productive, or catching up with friends after a busy week. With days moving between different priorities and pursuits, moving between plans, passions, and downtime becomes a little easier with the right tech in hand.

The TechLife Pad Mini is made for the many ways people spend their day. Its 8-inch LCD Display provides more space to work, browse, stream, and read, while its compact size makes it easy to bring along. Under the hood, the MediaTek Helio G80 Processor with up to 8GB Dynamic RAM and 64GB Storage keeps everyday tasks moving smoothly, while 4G LTE Connectivity helps users stay connected beyond Wi-Fi. A 6300mAh Large Battery keeps up with long days, with 10W Charging for convenient power-ups and 5W Reverse Charging for compatible accessories.

Life rarely follows just one plan, and that’s what makes every day worth making the most of. The TechLife Pad Mini proves that going mini doesn’t mean doing less. In fact, it can mean making room for more: more movement, more moments, more experiences, and more ways to enjoy the everyday. With a compact form made for life on the go, it brings a little more possibility to every pursuit. Go mini, then max more.

More to Make the Most Of

The TechLife Pad Mini is available at an SRP of ?9,999, with limited-time offers available across online and offline channels.

Until August 23, 2026, customers can get ?1,000 off on Shopee, bringing the price down to ?8,999. Purchases on Lazada and TikTok also come with a free Pad Handle Case worth ?999, available while supplies last.

For those who prefer to shop in person, the TechLife Pad Mini is available at TechLife Concept Stores, where every purchase also includes a free Pad Handle Case.

A major infrastructure project designed to expand the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (Sctex)-Hacienda Luisita Interchange in Tarlac will not only open up the landlocked province to major economic centers in Central Luzon, but also accelerate the development of economic zones within the area.

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is investing P172.1 million for the Sctex-Luisita Interchange expansion and broke ground for the project on August 11.

BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang said the project is designed to serve the wider Tarlac community and Central Luzon, beyond the developments within BCDA-administered properties.

Among the major economic and development areas in Tarlac that will benefit from the interchange expansion are the Luisita Industrial Park, Ayala Land’s Cresendo estate, and TARI Estate of Aboitiz Infracapital.

The Luisita Industrial Park, located in San Miguel, Tarlac City, offers a core industrial area spanning 300 hectares for manufacturing, logistics, and technology ventures. Additionally, an adjacent area of 200 hectares being developed by the Luisita Realty Corp. provides spaces for complementary commercial and residential uses.

Ayala Land’s 290-hectare Cresendo mixed-use estate, also located in Tarlac City, meanwhile includes the 32-hectare Cresendo Industrial Park dedicated to light, non-polluting industries, logistics, and warehousing. The rest of

the estate is allocated for an urban core featuring civic spaces, residential zones, and commercial districts.

On the other hand, the 384-hectare TARI Estate, also located in Tarlac City, is being positioned by Aboitiz InfraCapital as an industrial-anchored mixed-use economic estate. The development boasts of being at the convergence of Sctex, the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (Tplex), and the Central Luzon Link Expressway (CLLex).

BCDA said the Sctex-Hacienda Luisita expansion project involves the construction of a 624-meter two-lane access entry ramp bound for Baguio City or Tplex and a 242-meter one-lane additional exit ramp bound for the Tarlac City and adjacent towns.

The project also covers the construction of a toll plaza, drainage facilities, slope protection, utilities, streetlights, and other structures. It is scheduled for completion by the second quarter of 2027.

Bingcang said the Hacienda Luisita Interchange expansion is designed to connect people and businesses to opportunities.

‘When we improve connectivity, we make it easier for people to get to work, businesses to move goods, and investments to reach communities. This is the kind of infrastructure that helps the broader region grow,’ Bingcang said.

Beauty is more than a crown. It is confidence, kindness, individuality, and the courage to inspire others.

These values came to life as the candidates of Little Miss and Miss Teen Universe 2026 gathered at Enchanted Kingdom in Santa Rosa, Laguna, for a magical day filled with friendship, entertainment, creativity, and memorable experiences-with Sucere Foods Corporation adding a sweet touch to the celebration.

As the young delegates continue their journey toward the international crown, their activities in the Philippines have gone beyond pageantry. The candidates have been given opportunities to showcase their talents, celebrate their cultures, build friendships, and experience meaningful moments that reflect the spirit of the competition.

The Enchanted Kingdom experience became one of those memorable moments.

A Day of Magic, Friendship, and Discovery

Hosted at one of the Philippines’ most iconic family destinations, the special gathering brought together the Little Miss and Miss Teen Universe 2026 candidates, organizers, partners, and guests for an afternoon celebrating the joy of being young, confident, and inspired.

The program featured performances, the grand welcome of the candidates, a fashion showcase, candidate talent presentations, and an immersive park experience designed to create lasting memories.

The candidates also had the opportunity to experience the magic of Enchanted Kingdom while connecting with fellow delegates from different countries and communities.

For Sucere, the occasion offered a simple but meaningful message: some of life’s sweetest moments are the ones we experience together.

Sucere Brings Sweetness to the Celebration

As part of the afternoon’s program, Sucere Foods Corporation presented a special product showcase featuring its beloved sweet treats, bringing the company’s passion for creating enjoyable food experiences to the event.

The Sucere Runway Show and Product Showcase transformed familiar products into a celebration of creativity and style, allowing the young candidates to experience Sucere in a fresh, engaging way.

The candidates also received Sucere products as special souvenirs and tokens of appreciation-giving them a little taste of the Filipino brand experience to bring home from their memorable day in the Philippines.

The celebration continued with a live baking demonstration by Sucere chefs Valerie and Cristina, giving candidates and guests a chance to see how simple ingredients and familiar products can be transformed into something delicious and enjoyable. More than a product presentation, the activity reflected what Sucere believes food can create: moments that bring people together.

‘At Sucere, we believe that sweetness is not only something you taste-it is something you share,’ said Andrea Pauline Valentin Alzaga, AVP of Marketing.

‘Being part of Little Miss and Miss Teen Universe 2026 allowed us to share our products with these inspiring young delegates while creating a meaningful experience they can remember long after their visit to the Philippines.’

Celebrating Young Women and Men with Purpose

The Little Miss and Miss Teen Universe 2026 journey has highlighted that pageantry is about much more than appearance.

The candidates have participated in activities centered on advocacy, compassion, cultural representation, talent, communication, and personal development. Their journey has encouraged them to embrace their individuality while representing their respective countries and communities with pride.

For Sucere, supporting an experience that celebrates these values is aligned with its commitment to creating meaningful moments for families and communities.

The Enchanted Kingdom celebration gave the candidates a chance to enjoy the moment-to laugh, perform, make new friends, discover something new, and create memories together.

And sometimes, those are the moments that become the sweetest.

From the Philippines, With Sweetness

As the Little Miss and Miss Teen Universe 2026 candidates move forward in their journey toward the crown, they take with them not only the excitement of the competition but also the memories they created during their stay in the Philippines.

From advocacy and cultural experiences to friendship, entertainment, and adventure, their Philippine journey has become a celebration of what makes each young delegate unique.

For Sucere Foods Corporation, being part of that journey is an opportunity to share a little Filipino sweetness with the next generation of young women who are learning to dream, lead, and inspire.

Because behind every crown is a story.

And behind every memorable day, there is often a moment worth savoring.

Sucere Foods Corporation is proud to be part of a celebration where beauty meets confidence, friendship meets culture, and every experience becomes a little sweeter.

Sucere Foods Corporation is a proudly Filipino food company and a recognized leader in the marshmallow category, with a growing portfolio spanning chocolates, cookies, gummies, marshmallows, and other confectionery products.

For decades, Sucere has created familiar, affordable treats enjoyed by Filipino families, combining quality, innovation, and a deep understanding of everyday consumer moments. Its portfolio includes beloved brands such as Mello, Mayfair, Marble, and Bambino, each offering a distinct taste and experience across different segments of the confectionery market.

As a specialist in chocolate and confectionery, Sucere continues to strengthen its position through product innovation, consumer-focused marketing, quality manufacturing, and the continuous development of brands that bring joy to everyday occasions.

At the heart of Sucere is a commitment to its core values of Integrity, Excellence, Innovation, Teamwork, and Customer Focus-principles that guide the company in building trusted brands, developing its people, serving its partners, and delivering products that Filipino consumers can enjoy and love.

More than a food company, Sucere believes in the power of food to create sweet moments, shared experiences, and lasting memories. Through its brands and people, Sucere continues to bring sweetness, happiness, and meaningful moments to Filipino families and communities-one product and one experience at a time.

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) sees no need for now to place any area in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) under its control, as the number of localities classified under the red category or hotspot fell to 26 from 27.

Comelec spokesman John Rex Laudiangco said that the poll body is aiming to further reduce the number of high-risk areas before the September 14 elections.

The classification takes into account factors such as the presence of armed groups, previous election-related incidents and the intensity of political rivalry in an area.

Despite having the authority to place an area under Comelec control, Laudiangco said the commission is not considering such a move at present.

‘That is not in our minds right now, and Comelec does not want to place any area under its control,’ he said.

More than 18,000 Comelec checkpoints are operating across BARMM, while additional government forces may be deployed from other regions if the situation requires it.

Laudiangco said additional security personnel should be enough to maintain peace and order without intimidating residents or making communities appear militarized.

‘The additional personnel should not cause fear or create stigma among our people in their respective communities, particularly in Datu Odin Sinsuat,’ he said.

Comelec has also sought updated security assessments from its field offices, the National Police and the Armed Forces following recent incidents in the region.

Among these was the ambush involving Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua, which Laudiangco said the poll body continues to treat as an ‘isolated incident.’

Laudiangco said the broader security situation in BARMM remains generally peaceful despite the incident.

Comelec has maintained that the Sept. 14 elections will proceed as scheduled and that the latest violence has not prompted discussions on postponement.

‘This latest violence will not be a reason for us to stop preparations or start thinking about whether there should be a postponement,’ Laudiangco said.

‘Comelec’s position is clear: the elections on September 14, 2026 will push through,’ he added.

Concepcion, Tarlac Mayor Noel Villanueva said Public Works Secretary Vivencio Dizon told himthat the Department of Public Works and Highways would look for quick response funds to complete the unfinished ground-sill project along the Parua River in barangay San Martin.

Villanueva said he discussed the project with Dizon over the phone amid concerns over continued riverbank erosion and potential flooding in the area.

‘He said he would look for funds under the quick response fund,’ Villanueva said.

Villanueva said he also told Dizon that if funds were not immediately available, he hoped the project could instead be included in the proposed 2027 General Appropriations Act.

The mayor expressed appreciation for Dizon’s prompt response and willingness to seek funding for the project.

‘He immediately responded and assured me that they would look for funding to complete the unfinished ground-sill project,’ Villanueva said.

The unfinished structure and damaged riverbank protection have raised concerns in barangay San Martin and nearby barangay Lilibangan, Magao, and Castillo.

Villanueva earlier said about 5,000 families and around 2,000 hectares of agricultural and residential areas could be affected if riverbank erosion worsens.

The local government has documented damage to river protection structures in San Martin and Magao. An inspection in August found further deterioration following continuous heavy rainfall.

In San Martin, the report said the ground-sill structure has narrowed the effective river-flow section from about 260 meters to 45 meters. It recommended an engineering and hydraulic assessment to determine the structure’s capacity and compatibility with the existing river channel, along with immediate repairs to damaged riverbank protection.

About 50 meters of the ground-sill project remains unfinished, according to San Martin Barangay Captain Francisco Manalo, who said the project ran out of funds.

Villanueva had earlier said he would formally ask DPWH officials for immediate action and funding to complete the project, including appropriate rectification of the ground sill and technical assessment and rehabilitation of damaged river protection structures.

Villanueva said the latest commitment from the DPWH chief could help address the urgent concerns along the Parua River as the municipality continues to monitor the affected areas.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has updated its visa-on-arrival eligibility rules for Philippine passport holders.

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Filipinos holding permanent residency permits from Japan, Australia, Canada, South Korea, Singapore, or New Zealand are eligible for a visa on arrival at UAE entry points.

Filipinos with valid visas from those six countries no longer qualify and must ask their sponsors to apply for their visas beforehand via official channels of app of the UAE Federal Authority For Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security .

However, Philippine passport holders with valid visas or permanent residency in the United States, United Kingdom, or any of the 27 European Union member-states retain their visa-on-arrival privileges.

The DFA issued the advisory following inquiries from Filipino travelers who were advised by staff at Etihad, Emirates, Philippine Airlines, and Cebu Pacific that regular visa holders from the Japan, Australia, Canada, South Korea, Singapore, New Zealand, U.S., UK and EU are no longer eligible for entry on arrival.

A check on the Etihad and Emirates websites indicates that travelers from the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Kenya are eligible for a UAE visa on arrival only if they hold permanent residency in Japan, Australia, Canada, the EU, South Korea, Singapore, New Zealand, the UK and the U.S.

The official airline portals state that only Indian tourists with valid EU, UK, or US visas can obtain a visa on arrival at UAE airports.

BusinessMirror has reached out to the DFA and the UAE Embassy in Manila for clarification and the date of effectivity of the amended rules.

Per the DFA press release, eligible Philippine passport holders must ensure their passports, qualifying visas, and residence permits are valid for at least six months from the date of application.

Travelers can choose between two entry options: a 14-day visa for AED 100 (Php 1682), extendable for 14 days for AED 250 (Php 4,206) or a non-extendable 60-day visa for AED 250 (Php 4,206).

It’s the tennis establishment versus pickleball enthusiasts at an uptight club in ‘The Dink,’ a kind of spiritual descendant of ‘Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story.’ The story itself is very by the books: A once promising tennis prodigy learns to get over himself and his disdain for the ‘lesser sport.’

In one version of the world it could have been ‘The Cutting Edge.’ But ‘The Dink’ chose the grounded, goofy route, with memorably eccentric characters and a few high profile cameos that add up to an enjoyable watch.

Jake Johnson plays the has been, Dusty, whose domineering father, Chuck (Ed Harris) had groomed him for tennis stardom since he was born. He called his son ‘The Hammer’ long before he’d even told him his real name, we’re told in an amusing introduction. But as with so many sports prodigies, Dusty flamed out early (in a match against a young Andy Roddick, no less). Now he teaches tennis lessons to kids at his dad’s club and bores them with stories of his glory days. He has but one remaining friend: PJ, an earnest sycophant and kindhearted weirdo played by Australian comedian Aaron Chen.

Dusty and his father hate pickleball with a passion, so when Dusty’s doctor (a brief, funny appearance by Ben Stiller, who also produced) recommends it as rehab for a wrist injury, it’s a sentence worse than death. Naturally, he’ll eventually change his tune when he starts playing with a group of older women, including Candace (Mary Steenburgen), Gail (Cleo King) and Judy (the late Lynne Marie Stewart).

Johnson is excellent at playing the not-always-lovable loser. One of his new friends says she thinks he looks like Timothée Chalamet; He laughs that no one has ever said, or thought, that before. But she could be on to something: Dusty is kind of on the Marty Supreme spectrum.

Steenburgen is also lovely and funny, while Harris is the perfect alpha dad; Can’t more filmmakers and screenwriters figure out how to use our septuagenarians well?

The film is packed with comic actors in smaller roles too: Patton Oswalt is the club’s resident pickleball enthusiast, Chloe Fineman is a crazy ex-girlfriend and Chris Parnell is a tennis pro. Directed by Josh Greenbaum and written by Sean Clements, it is moderately successful in toeing the line between silly and heartfelt. And, to its credit, it doesn’t go so low as to make pickleball and its players the butt of every joke. There are some, to be sure; But it’s mostly done so lovingly.

And within all this there is one sequence that might just be the funniest bit of the year. I won’t be so cruel as to spoil what I’m talking about (or so bold to think that words might do it justice) but I will say that it involves none of the main characters and has very little to do with the story. It is just ridiculous and perfect.

Greenbaum, who was also behind ‘Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar’ and the upcoming ‘Spaceballs’ sequel, is carving out a nice space for himself as a reliable director of comedies, a genre that seems almost endangered on the big screen.

This is a curious time for the movies: The appetite for theatrical moviegoing is clearly there, and not just for ‘The Odyssey.’ And yet this week has two mainstream comedies, including the Kevin Hart bachelor party movie ’72 Hours,’ with starry casts that are going straight to streaming. The silver lining is that people are still making straight comedies, but there’s something that’s lost when they skip the movie theater entirely. Sure, you can gather the family in the living room, but not all families have the same type of humor. It’s hard to submit to something if the people around you aren’t having a good time. In a theater, there’s at least a chance that there are some other kindred spirits around to laugh, or even groan, with. (I cannot speak to the quality of ’72 Hours.’)

Some are still getting the chance, like ‘Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass,’ but it’s hard to believe that moviegoing will ever really be ‘back’ when big, dumb comedies aren’t part of the regular mix.

‘The Dink’ is an Apple TV release now streaming worldwide. Running time: 102 minutes. Two and a half stars out of four.