Category: Business Mirror

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) starts retail sales for the all-new Toyota Hilux. Now in its ninth generation, the Hilux now comes in a new design, bringing with it an expanded lineup of updated diesel-powered variants and including the Hilux nameplate’s first-ever 4×4 battery-electric vehicle (BEV) variant.

Built to be powerful, simple, and yet reliable, the Hilux is a car that builds the foundations of society, now improved for the modern era. Combining off-road capability with comfortable on-road agility, the Hilux is a car designed for people who want a rigid utility vehicle with sporty dynamics.

Exterior built around Toyota’s ‘Cyber Sumo’ design

The all-new Hilux adopts Toyota’s ‘Cyber Sumo’ design philosophy, combining the pickup’s long-standing toughness with sharper and more sophisticated styling. The front fascia now features distinctive C-shaped LED headlamps integrated into a wider honeycomb-pattern grille. On the back, the rear receives a cleaner design with updated lighting and a newly integrated deck-side step that provides easier access to the cargo bed.

Hilux 2.8 4×2 G

Exclusive styling cues differentiate each model within the range. The Conquest variant receives a rugged front bumper designed for customers who enjoy overlanding and outdoor adventures, while the Hilux BEV features a solid, enclosed grille that improves aerodynamic efficiency while distinguishing it from its diesel counterparts.

The all-new Hilux ICE lineup is built on a 3,085-mm wheelbase, providing a stable foundation for both on-road comfort and off-road capability. The flagship Hilux 2.8 4×4 Conquest A/T measures 5,320 mm long, 1,885 mm wide, and 1,865 mm high. The Hilux 4×4 V M/T, 4×2 G, and 4X4 E share the same overall dimensions as the Conquest. The 4×2 E A/T variant measures 5,320 mm in length, 1,855 mm in width, and 1,865 mm in height. Meanwhile, the BEV variant measures 5,320 mm in length, 1,855 mm wide, and 1,845 mm high. Ground clearance reaches up to 312 mm on all ICE variants and 287 mm for the BEV variant, allowing the Hilux to maintain the off-road capability that has defined the nameplate through successive generations.

Interior for a New Generation of Hilux

Across the lineup, the redesigned cabin adopts a more modern, driver-focused layout with improved ergonomics and utility. The Conquest, V, G, and E variants receive upgraded infotainment systems, with the Conquest and V having a 12.3′ Display Audio with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Meanwhile, the G and E variants come with an 8” Display Audio, with Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Positioned as the flagship diesel grade, the all-new Hilux Conquest builds on the standard Hilux with a combination of exclusive styling and features designed for customers seeking a more adventure-oriented pickup. The interior incorporates upgraded materials, synthetic leather upholstery, and an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, giving the cabin a more refined feel comparable to Toyota’s latest SUV offerings.

On the other hand, interior features for the Hilux BEV include a 12.3” infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, and a Panoramic View Monitor. Eight-way power-adjustable seats and synthetic leather material can also be found in the BEV variant, sharing similarities with the Conquest variant.

Built to Take Charge and be Unstoppable

All internal combustion engine (ICE) variants of the all-new Hilux are powered by Toyota’s 2.8-liter 1GD-FTV four-cylinder Variable Nozzle Turbo diesel engine. The powerplant develops 204 PS between 3,000 and 3,400 rpm, while manual transmission variants produce 420 Nm of torque and automatic variants generate up to 500 Nm, both providing the pulling power expected from a pickup built for both work and recreation.

The suspension system continues to pair independent double wishbones at the front with a rigid rear axle supported by leaf springs, preserving its load-carrying ability while improving ride comfort. Higher-grade variants are equipped with four-wheel ventilated disc brakes for improved braking performance and heat dissipation, while entry-level grades continue to use ventilated front disc brakes paired with rear drum brakes.

Toyota has also introduced Electric Power Steering (EPS) on the V and Conquest. EPS reduces steering effort during low-speed maneuvers and contributes to better steering precision and improved on-road comfort without compromising the Hilux’s capability on rough terrain. Meanwhile, the G and E variants continue to utilize a hydraulic power steering system, providing the robust and dependable steering feel expected from a work-oriented pickup.

The Conquest variant’s capability has also been enhanced through the addition of Multi-Terrain Select, allowing drivers to optimize vehicle performance across Dirt, Rock, Sand, Mogul, and Mud conditions. The Conquest is equipped with an Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold, a Panoramic View Monitor, seven airbags, and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which bundles advanced driver assistance technologies for improved safety both on and off the road.

Reflecting Toyota’s multi-pathway approach, the all-new Hilux BEV has been purpose-built for electric mobility while retaining the core attributes of the Hilux. It features a dedicated ladder-frame chassis engineered specifically for electric propulsion. It incorporates reinforced protection for the high-voltage battery and electric axle, allowing the pickup to preserve its high ground clearance, structural durability, and off-road capability even in demanding driving conditions. Additionally, it comes equipped with a shift-by-wire selector and Electric Power Steering (EPS). Toyota Safety Sense 3.0

The dual-motor electric drivetrain produces a combined output of 196 PS, with 200 Nm delivered to the front motor and 269 Nm to the rear motor. Paired with a permanent electric all-wheel-drive system, the setup delivers immediate torque distribution for improved traction and control across varying terrain. Energy is supplied by a 59.2-kWh lithium-ion battery capable of delivering up to 315 kilometers of driving range under the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC).

Electrification with Peace of Mind

To support charging for the Hilux BEV’s charging needs, the car comes with a complimentary wall charger and home installation, allowing owners to charge their vehicle at home from day one conveniently. Charging is supported through both AC Type 2 charging and DC CCS2 fast charging.

Beyond home charging, the Hilux BEV is also backed by TMP’s growing network of authorized BEV dealers equipped with EV charging stations, including Toyota Alabang, Toyota Commonwealth, Toyota Global City, Toyota Makati, Toyota Manila Bay, Toyota North EDSA, Toyota Pasig, Toyota Quezon Avenue, Toyota San Fernando Pampanga, Toyota Santa Rosa Laguna, Toyota La Union, Toyota Batangas, Toyota Mandaue South Cebu, and Toyota Mabolo, ensuring customers have access to charging-ready facilities and specialized BEV support across key locations nationwide.

Supporting Toyota’s multi-pathway strategy

Developed in line with Toyota’s multi-pathway approach, the all-new Hilux is offered with either a conventional diesel powertrain or a fully electric drivetrain, expanding the lineup to serve a wider range of driving needs and applications. The all-new Hilux starts at P1,772,000 for the ICE variants, while the BEV and its sole variant come in at P2,990,000.

This customer-focused approach reflects Toyota Choice, giving buyers the freedom to select the Hilux that best aligns with their needs, whether they prioritize long-distance capability, payload and towing performance, off-road recreation, fleet operations, or electrified mobility.

Celebrating Toyota Legacy

Marking the arrival of the all-new Hilux, Land Cruiser FJ, and Land Cruiser HEV, Toyota will hold the Toyota Legacy Experience from July 31 to August 2 at the Eton City Square Village Walk, Santa Rosa Laguna. Guests can expect a multitude of activities for them to take part in and have the chance to see and experience the Land Cruiser FJ and Hilux’s proven capabilities and heritage in the country.

Toyota Legacy Experience will be a celebration of the Land Cruiser and Hilux nameplates’ long heritage and legacy in the country. The event will feature heritage model displays, curated classics and customized vehicles, off-road test-drive experiences, Toyota Choice and Beyond Zero exhibits, and community activities that aim to showcase Toyota’s 4×4 culture and evolving mobility technologies.

The Toyota Legacy Experience underscores TMP’s commitment to honoring the legacy of its iconic nameplates while introducing a new generation of vehicles that continue to embody Toyota’s Quality, Durability, and Reliability philosophy.

For more information about the all-new Hilux, customers may visit toyota.com.ph/hilux or head to their nearest local Toyota dealership.

A KEY official of the Marcos Jr. administration emphasized the vital role of barangay leaders in advancing grassroots education and community development, calling them ‘catalysts for long-term national progress.’

Speaking at the Liga ng mga Barangay National Congress in Pasay City, Office of the Executive Secretary Assistant Secretary Rea Uy-Epistola said that the campaign for quality education begins at the barangay level.

‘You are the first to see children who cannot attend school,’ Uy-Epistola told the 6,000 gathered local officials. ‘You are the first to hear parents worrying about the future of their children, and you are the first who can open the doors of opportunity for them.’

Aligning with the vision of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the assistant secretary reiterated the administration’s stance that education is a key investment rather than an expense.

She highlighted the impact of the ‘Presidential Scholars Program,’ explaining that they are not merely beneficiaries, but are strategic investments for their families, their barangays, and the future of the nation.

‘When a child graduates, the entire community benefits,’ Uy-Epistola said.

‘When our youth learn, the nation progresses. This is the essence of the ‘Social Civic Projects Fund,’ investing in the priority development projects of our barangays, and investing in five presidential scholars in every barangay.’

The assistant secretary emphasized that the national government cannot achieve these educational and developmental goals alone. She called upon the country’s 42,011 barangay chairpersons to act as vital bridges of service, opportunity, and hope.

According to her, the president believes that the true measure of the administration’s success is if its programs are felt in every barangay and household across the country.

‘Let us prove that a progressive barangay is not just a promise, but a reality we work toward together,’ she said. ‘One barangay, one community, one future, one Bagong Pilipinas [New Philippines].’

But somehow, something intervened. A project came, I earned the equity in seven months, the house pushed through. Then, just as I paid that last installment, the project stopped. Timing? Something more? I shrugged and looked up, quietly grateful.

Then it happened again. I’d long wanted my own car-public transpo was a hassle-and was searching for easy financing on whatever I could find. Then came a promotion, and with it, a used Volkswagen Beetle, paid in installments over a year. I hadn’t asked for it, but there it was, once again at just the right time.

For years I watched friends and colleagues surge ahead with computers I couldn’t afford. I ached to work from home. Then a graphics company hired me as a creative consultant and lent me a Mac-not new, but perfectly functional.

But somehow, something intervened. A project came, I earned the equity in seven months, the house pushed through. Then, just as I paid that last installment, the project stopped. Timing? Something more? I shrugged and looked up, quietly grateful.

Then it happened again. I’d long wanted my own car-public transpo was a hassle-and was searching for easy financing on whatever I could find. Then came a promotion, and with it, a used Volkswagen Beetle, paid in installments over a year. I hadn’t asked for it, but there it was, once again at just the right time.

For years I watched friends and colleagues surge ahead with computers I couldn’t afford. I ached to work from home. Then a graphics company hired me as a creative consultant and lent me a Mac-not new, but perfectly functional.

My son nagged me for a PlayStation, but it was too expensive. I made him wait a Christmas, promising one the next year if he worked hard and saved. Sure enough, prices dropped, better models arrived, and a bonus let me buy it.

Remember my first big investment after getting married, the life insurance? It wasn’t easy to part with my money to pay premiums month after month, year after year. But in a way I never expected, it paid off. The policy came from a mutual company, so the insurance I bought made me a part owner. Then I received notice that the company had decided to demutualize and offer shares to the public. As compensation, I received a sizable lump sum-right when my savings were nearly depleted because I had no regular income after choosing to go on my own. Isn’t life wonderful? A blessing always arrives at just the right time.

For years, I persevered in driving my old VW Beetle. With every mile, the wear showed: it broke down often, the paint faded, and rust gnawed into the fenders. I wanted a new car, but I couldn’t afford one. All I could manage was to have it repaired again and again. It was so old and beat-up that my kids didn’t want me to drive them to or from school. They didn’t want to be seen in it, and the teasing and embarrassment stung-but I shrugged it off. In due time, I said to myself. True enough, in due time, I got a better car-not new, but better. It even had air conditioning.

I got it on very easy terms from a colleague who was earning a lot of money selling smuggled goods. He wanted to buy a new, more flashy car and offered me his old one on extremely friendly terms-almost like a giveaway. He basically just wanted to get rid of it.

Why me? He once rode in my beat-up Volkswagen by chance, and maybe he felt sorry for me. Was it coincidence? Luck? Divine providence? Whatever it is, it never fails me.

After his college graduation, my son was eager to get a job and start earning his own money. Peer-group pressure only intensified that urgency, so he applied to as many companies as he could. Soon, he was getting interview calls. After his fifth job interview, however, he felt discouraged-especially when he learned that many of his co-graduates had already been accepted elsewhere. What he hadn’t realized was that, with each interview, he was gradually losing his fear of facing other people.

But my son was desperate to get a job, any job, to avoid losing face. One day, I ran into an acquaintance from a mutual fund company who mentioned an accounting department opening. I passed it on; he applied reluctantly, but his interview ease and confidence landed him the job. See, I told him, you just have to wait and trust.

If one has the right attitude, waiting can be seen as a process of building up to the right or should I say the ripe moment. What seem to be failures are sometimes the prologue to something great about to happen. It is like earning points for the big moment.

Like a boat on water, I went where the flow took me. When I needed something that I felt I had earned, something came to help me out.

One day the friend who sold me the second-hand car came over to my house. He was in dire straits; he had terminal liver cancer. He needed money for his hospitalization and medicines. As I was driving him back to the jeepney terminal, he said to me: ‘I envy you. Here you have your own house. You have a car. You don’t have many debts. While here I am, sick, no savings, no life or medical insurance company will touch me…probably I didn’t have my priorities set right. I wish….’ He choked.

I quietly replied: ‘Perhaps, you wanted too much too early.’

‘To everything there is a season’ is a popular quote from the Ecclesiastes. In life, factors you can’t control will build up like clouds to that point in your life when the blessings will pour down. Seeding the heavens for a few drops of rain don’t really work. And if it does rain, it doesn’t last. Because nature, like life, cannot be hurried. This is why we need to restrain ourselves and learn to curb the impulse to pluck the fruit when it’s not yet ripe.

It is a choice that takes sacrifice, a tremendous effort of denying oneself and delaying satisfaction until the right time has come.

So, as I look back at the first 75 years of my life, may I say not in a shy way that indeed I did all that, and I did it my Wei.

The new Glorietta pop-up store brings the beloved character’s whimsical world-and an exclusive PIXAR collaboration-to Makati starting July 23.

MANILA, Philippines – Every POP MART character tells a different story. LABUBU charms with playful mischief. SKULLPANDA captivates with bold artistic expression. DIMOO, meanwhile, invites people into a quieter world-one filled with dreams, imagination, and childlike wonder.

This July, Filipino fans are getting the chance to step inside that world.

POP MART is opening the DIMOO World × PIXAR Pop-up Store, the first DIMOO-themed POP MART store in the Philippines, from July 23 to September 23, 2026 at the Ground Floor of Glorietta, near Ayala Avenue entrance.

Inspired by one of POP MART’s most beloved original characters, the pop-up transforms the space into an immersive destination where visitors can discover exclusive merchandise, themed displays, and interactive experiences celebrating DIMOO’s whimsical universe.

The opening also marks another milestone for the brand as it establishes its first POP MART store in Glorietta, ahead of the mall’s permanent POP MART store opening in October 2026.

Created by artist Ayan Deng, DIMOO has become one of POP MART’s most recognizable original characters. With his oversized eyes, tiny cloud companion, and gentle personality, he has captured the hearts of collectors around the world through stories that celebrate imagination, courage, and finding joy in life’s quiet moments. His dreamlike adventures continue to inspire a growing collection of figures, plushies, lifestyle accessories, and limited-edition releases that have made him one of POP MART’s flagship intellectual properties.

The Glorietta pop-up brings that universe to life through thoughtfully designed installations and a carefully curated selection of DIMOO collectibles, alongside the DIMOO × PIXAR collaboration that pairs the beloved character with some of PIXAR’s most iconic stories. Fans can browse the latest releases, discover exclusive merchandise, and experience a space designed to feel as charming and imaginative as DIMOO’s own world.

To celebrate the opening, POP MART will host a three-day launch event at the Palm Drive Activity Center from July 23 to July 25, where visitors can take part in exclusive activities, interactive experiences, and other surprises prepared especially for the occasion.

The opening continues POP MART’s rapid expansion across the Philippines. Following the success of its permanent stores in SM Megamall, SM Aura Premier, and SM North EDSA, together with recent pop-up stores in Cebu and Davao, the brand continues to bring its growing family of characters closer to fans across the country. The Glorietta opening reflects POP MART’s continued commitment to creating destinations that go beyond shopping-places where stories, art, and imagination come together through its characters.

More surprises are already on the way. POP MART is preparing additional pop-up stores in new locations before the end of the year, giving even more Filipino fans opportunities to discover the brand’s expanding world of designer toys and original characters.

For two months, Glorietta becomes home to DIMOO’s dream world. Whether you’re a longtime collector or meeting the character for the very first time, the journey begins the same way-with a little curiosity and the excitement of discovering what awaits inside the box.

Big celebrations don’t always have to wait for birthdays, milestones, or special occasions. More often than not, it’s the little wins that deserve celebrating too. Whether it’s finishing a deadline, getting through a busy workday, completing a workout, or winning a match in your favorite video game, those everyday moments are worth rewarding.

Subway® Philippines is making those moments even more satisfying with the launch of its limited-time Double Cheese Series, giving customers twice the cheese on two of its fan-favorite sandwiches: Double Cheese Steak and Double Cheese Chicken.

Sometimes, all it takes is one simple upgrade to make an ordinary meal feel more rewarding. With double the cheese layered into two Subway® favorites, customers can enjoy a richer, creamier, and more satisfying bite that’s perfect for celebrating life’s everyday wins, no matter how big or small.

The Double Cheese Steak combines tender, savory steak with double slices of melted cheese, fresh vegetables, Subway’s signature Chipotle Southwest sauce, and freshly baked bread for a hearty, flavor-packed sandwich. The Double Cheese Chickenoffers the same indulgent cheese experience paired with tender chicken, creating a comforting combination that’s made even better with twice the cheese.

Today, Filipinos are always looking for small ways to elevate everyday experiences. Whether it’s adding something extra to a favorite order, upgrading a usual coffee, or choosing a meal that’s a little more indulgent after a long day, simple upgrades can make all the difference. The Double Cheese Series gives customers another reason to enjoy those moments by turning two familiar Subway favorites into an even more satisfying treat.

‘At Subway®, we’ve always believed that great meals don’t have to be complicated, they just have to be satisfying,’ said Mr. Aldrin Camero, Marketing Manager of Subway® Philippines. ‘With the Double Cheese Series, we wanted to give our customers a simple way to make their favorite Subway sandwiches even more enjoyable. It’s our way of celebrating everyday wins, whether you’ve had a productive day, finished a workout, won a match playing your favorite video game, or simply want to treat yourself to something extra.’

Available in 6-inch, Footlong, and Wrap options, the Double Cheese Series starts at P210 for the Double Cheese Chicken and P255 for the Double Cheese Steak at all Subway® Philippines stores nationwide from July 22 until October 20, 2026.

Whether you’re taking a well-deserved lunch break, catching up with friends after class, refueling after a workout, or simply craving something cheesy, the Double Cheese Series proves that sometimes, the simplest upgrades are the most rewarding.

The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) has transformed the observance of National Disability Rights Week into a month-long campaign, bringing its inclusion drive from legislative discussions and recognition programs to job fairs, anti-bullying sessions, and community activities nationwide.

Although the 48th National Disability Rights Week officially runs from July 17 to 23, NCDA spokesperson Walter Jason Alava said Wednesday that activities began as early as July 3 and would continue until the end of the month.

‘The celebration is important because we are promoting the rights, dignity and abilities of persons with disabilities, as well as their full participation in the community,’ Alava said during the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon program.

This year’s theme, ‘Rights First, Legislation Forward – Strategic Action for Equal Participation and Inclusive Development,’ reflects the council’s shift toward a rights-based approach in disability policies and programs.

Alava said laws and government actions must be anchored on the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs) and translated into effective implementation to achieve an inclusive society. Among the highlights was the Biennial Recognition Awarding Ceremony and Partners Recognition Awards honoring PWD achievers and stakeholders advancing disability inclusion.

The NCDA also scheduled a wreath-laying ceremony in honor of Apolinario Mabini, whom the council recognizes as the ‘Father of Persons with Disabilities,’ as well as a seminar on the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities for Department of Public Works and Highways personnel.

Children will also be engaged through a Safe Spaces Act activity aimed at raising awareness against bullying and discrimination.

Beyond the official observance, inclusive job fairs will be held in Davao City on July 24 and Butuan City on July 28, while a workplace Filipino Sign Language activity is scheduled on July 25.

PWDs and their advocates will also gather for the ‘Walk, Run and Roll’ activity at the University of the Philippines on July 26.

The celebration was preceded by a July 20 legislative town hall involving Congress, national government agencies, PWD organizations, civil society groups, and other stakeholders.

The meeting generated recommendations on policy implementation, development and additional legislation, while highlighting Carmona City’s United Nations-recognized KALINGYAKAP Program as a model for inclusion from early intervention to employment.

Alava said the series of activities seeks to ensure that disability rights remain a continuing public concern rather than a once-a-year observance.

‘We are advancing inclusion in all parts of the country for PWDs,’ he said.

The poverty incidence among families in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) declined from 28.0 percent in 2021 to 23.5 percent in 2023, based on the data of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Currently, the trajectory appears to continue downward, reflecting encouraging progress while underscoring the continuing expansion of economic opportunities across the region.

The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) highlights significant governance milestones achieved during the Bangsamoro transition, citing improvement in socioeconomic indicators that translate to improved quality of life for the Bangsamoro people.

BARMM Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua emphasizes that the transition was never simply about establishing a new government.

‘It has always been about building institutions capable of delivering meaningful and lasting change for the Bangsamoro people. While we recognize that much work remains, these developments encourage us to continue pursuing reforms that promote peace, good governance, and inclusive growth,’ he said.

Since the establishment of BARMM, the transition government has enacted several foundational regional laws, including the Bangsamoro Administrative Code, Local Governance Code, Civil Service Code, Electoral Code, and Education Code, while establishing ministries and governance systems designed to improve public service delivery and institutional accountability.

For Atty. Kitem Duque Kadatuan Jr., Member of Parliament and Chairperson of the Committee on Finance, Budget and Management, the progress achieved during the transition highlights the value of responsible fiscal management and institution-building.

‘Building a new government requires more than passing laws. It requires institutions that are transparent, accountable, and capable of delivering services that improve people’s lives,’ Kadatuan said.

He also noted that sustaining development will require continued investments in education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, livelihood, and job creation to ensure that economic gains reach more communities throughout the region.

The BTA noted that strengthening governance remains central to BARMM’s long-term development agenda, with ongoing efforts focused on improving public institutions, promoting transparency, attracting investments, and expanding access to essential government services.

‘Our responsibility does not end with building institutions. It continues with ensuring that every reform we pursue creates meaningful and lasting benefits for the Bangsamoro people,’ Kadatuan added.

THE Philippines generated some P113.3 million in sales leads at Malaysia’s premier dive travel and trade show.

In a news statement, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) said the Philippine delegation promoted the country’s award-winning dive destinations and offered special packages – from discounted accommodation rates to guided liveaboard adventures – to participants of the recent Malaysia International Dive Expo (MIDE).

Visitors to the Philippines booth were particularly drawn to the dive destinations in Palawan, Negros Oriental, Batangas, Cebu, and Oriental Mindoro, said TPB Chief Operating Officer Ma. Margarita Montemayor Nograles. They were also enthusiastic about pelagic and wreck diving, she added.

‘MIDE provides an excellent opportunity for the Philippines to promote its world-class dive destinations to the Malaysian market and beyond,’ said Montemayor Nograles. TPB is the marketing arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and headed the Philippine delegation.

‘This year, we came in not only showing the beauty of our underwater treasures but also strengthening our continued support for the Malaysian and Philippine dive stakeholders as evidenced by the Longstanding Appreciation Award we received for our participation for the last 13 years.’

She added, ‘With a strong contingent covering the various segments of the Philippine dive industry, we were able to achieve impressive sales leads, solidifying the country’s position as a premier global diving destination.’

The Philippines has been recognized as the World’s Leading Dive Destination every year since 2019 by the World Travel Awards. Last year, the Philippines beat out the Azores Islands in Portugal, Belize, Bonaire Island in the Caribbean, Cayman Islands, Fiji, Galápagos Islands in Ecuador, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, Mexico, Seychelles, St. Kitts in the Caribbean, and the islands of Tahiti.

Montemayor Nograles said TPB organized business-to-business (B2B) meetings with dive tourism buyers even though MIDE is primarily a consumer-based event. With the help of the agency’s market representative in Malaysia, she noted that 142 meetings were scheduled, ‘allowing Philippine dive stakeholders to establish stronger partnerships with Malaysian dive agents and further increase sales,’ she said.

Ten Philippine dive companies and resorts represented the Philippines: Aldive Corp. in Dumaguete, Buceo Anilao Beach and Dive Resort in Batangas, Dauin Silver Reef Dive Resort in Negros Oridental, Garden of Eden Dive Resort in Puerto Galera, Kasai Village Dive Resort in Moalboal, Lalaguna Villas Luxury Dive Resort and Spa in Puerto Galera, Logon Fish Buddies Dive Center in Malapascua, M/Y Resolute (Liveaboards), Slam’s Garden Dive Resort-Ocean Passion in Malapascua, and Umali Dive Center Corp. in Coron.

The TPB chief said the Philippine dive companies and resorts also highlighted the improved accessibility of local dive sites through carriers like Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and the Malaysian-based AirAsia and Firefly. ‘Both Malaysian carriers operate direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Cebu, which is a key gateway to major dive sites’ in Moalboal and Malapascua, Palawan, and Dumaguete.

In the first half of the year, the Philippines received 53,437 tourists from Malaysia, an increase of 11.5 percent year-on-year. Last year, Malaysian tourists in the country reached 100,603, just a slight 0.72 percent increase from 2024.

Dive tourism continues to contribute significantly to the growth of the Philippine tourism industry. In 2023, the segment contributed over P73 billion to the economy, nearly double the P37 billion recorded in 2022. ‘The country now boasts around 120 dive destinations, including emerging sites that offer both adventure and ecological richness,’ said Montemayor Nograles.

To support the increasing number of dive tourists in the country, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (Tieza) has been procuring more hyperbaric chambers, which are installed in 10 dive destinations: Boracay, Camiguin, Coron, Daanbantayan in Cebu, Dauin in Negros Oriental, Mabini in Batangas, Mandaue City, Panglao Island, Puerto Galera, and Puerto Princesa.

Tieza, a government-owned and -controlled corporation overseen by the DOT, is the investment promotion agency for the tourism sector.

But somehow, something intervened. A project came, I earned the equity in seven months, the house pushed through. Then, just as I paid that last installment, the project stopped. Timing? Something more? I shrugged and looked up, quietly grateful.

Then it happened again. I’d long wanted my own car-public transpo was a hassle-and was searching for easy financing on whatever I could find. Then came a promotion, and with it, a used Volkswagen Beetle, paid in installments over a year. I hadn’t asked for it, but there it was, once again at just the right time.

For years I watched friends and colleagues surge ahead with computers I couldn’t afford. I ached to work from home. Then a graphics company hired me as a creative consultant and lent me a Mac-not new, but perfectly functional.

But somehow, something intervened. A project came, I earned the equity in seven months, the house pushed through. Then, just as I paid that last installment, the project stopped. Timing? Something more? I shrugged and looked up, quietly grateful.

Then it happened again. I’d long wanted my own car-public transpo was a hassle-and was searching for easy financing on whatever I could find. Then came a promotion, and with it, a used Volkswagen Beetle, paid in installments over a year. I hadn’t asked for it, but there it was, once again at just the right time.

For years I watched friends and colleagues surge ahead with computers I couldn’t afford. I ached to work from home. Then a graphics company hired me as a creative consultant and lent me a Mac-not new, but perfectly functional.

My son nagged me for a PlayStation, but it was too expensive. I made him wait a Christmas, promising one the next year if he worked hard and saved. Sure enough, prices dropped, better models arrived, and a bonus let me buy it.

Remember my first big investment after getting married, the life insurance? It wasn’t easy to part with my money to pay premiums month after month, year after year. But in a way I never expected, it paid off. The policy came from a mutual company, so the insurance I bought made me a part owner. Then I received notice that the company had decided to demutualize and offer shares to the public. As compensation, I received a sizable lump sum-right when my savings were nearly depleted because I had no regular income after choosing to go on my own. Isn’t life wonderful? A blessing always arrives at just the right time.

For years, I persevered in driving my old VW Beetle. With every mile, the wear showed: it broke down often, the paint faded, and rust gnawed into the fenders. I wanted a new car, but I couldn’t afford one. All I could manage was to have it repaired again and again. It was so old and beat-up that my kids didn’t want me to drive them to or from school. They didn’t want to be seen in it, and the teasing and embarrassment stung-but I shrugged it off. In due time, I said to myself. True enough, in due time, I got a better car-not new, but better. It even had air conditioning.

I got it on very easy terms from a colleague who was earning a lot of money selling smuggled goods. He wanted to buy a new, more flashy car and offered me his old one on extremely friendly terms-almost like a giveaway. He basically just wanted to get rid of it.

Why me? He once rode in my beat-up Volkswagen by chance, and maybe he felt sorry for me. Was it coincidence? Luck? Divine providence? Whatever it is, it never fails me.

After his college graduation, my son was eager to get a job and start earning his own money. Peer-group pressure only intensified that urgency, so he applied to as many companies as he could. Soon, he was getting interview calls. After his fifth job interview, however, he felt discouraged-especially when he learned that many of his co-graduates had already been accepted elsewhere. What he hadn’t realized was that, with each interview, he was gradually losing his fear of facing other people.

But my son was desperate to get a job, any job, to avoid losing face. One day, I ran into an acquaintance from a mutual fund company who mentioned an accounting department opening. I passed it on; he applied reluctantly, but his interview ease and confidence landed him the job. See, I told him, you just have to wait and trust.

If one has the right attitude, waiting can be seen as a process of building up to the right or should I say the ripe moment. What seem to be failures are sometimes the prologue to something great about to happen. It is like earning points for the big moment.

Like a boat on water, I went where the flow took me. When I needed something that I felt I had earned, something came to help me out.

One day the friend who sold me the second-hand car came over to my house. He was in dire straits; he had terminal liver cancer. He needed money for his hospitalization and medicines. As I was driving him back to the jeepney terminal, he said to me: ‘I envy you. Here you have your own house. You have a car. You don’t have many debts. While here I am, sick, no savings, no life or medical insurance company will touch me…probably I didn’t have my priorities set right. I wish….’ He choked.

I quietly replied: ‘Perhaps, you wanted too much too early.’

‘To everything there is a season’ is a popular quote from the Ecclesiastes. In life, factors you can’t control will build up like clouds to that point in your life when the blessings will pour down. Seeding the heavens for a few drops of rain don’t really work. And if it does rain, it doesn’t last. Because nature, like life, cannot be hurried. This is why we need to restrain ourselves and learn to curb the impulse to pluck the fruit when it’s not yet ripe.

It is a choice that takes sacrifice, a tremendous effort of denying oneself and delaying satisfaction until the right time has come.

So, as I look back at the first 75 years of my life, may I say not in a shy way that indeed I did all that, and I did it my Wei.

For motorcycle enthusiasts balancing the thrill of aggressive backroad carving with the reality of daily urban traffic, clutch control has always been a double-edged sword. Pulling the lever hundreds of times in stop-and-go congestion quickly turns passion into left-hand fatigue.

Enter Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI), which recently unveiled its updated lineup of middleweight Big Bikes featuring one of the most significant transmission innovations in recent motorcycling history: Honda E-Clutch technology.

What is the Honda E-Clutch Technology?

The Honda E-Clutch bridges the gap between a traditional manual gearbox, a full-fledged quickshifter, and Honda’s Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT).

Equipped with an electronic actuator unit featuring dual internal motors, the system automatically controls clutch engagement and disengagement based on parameters like vehicle speed, engine RPM, gear position, throttle angle, and gear pedal pressure.

Key Benefits of the E-Clutch System:

Stall-Free Operation: Riders can start, gear up, shift down, and bring the bike to a complete stop without ever pulling the clutch lever.

Seamless Quickshifting: Under hard acceleration, it functions as an ultra-smooth quickshifter for upshifts and downshifts.

Instant Manual Override: The traditional clutch lever remains on the left handlebar. If you want to manually feather the clutch, launch hard, or maintain total mechanical control during spirited rides, simply pull the lever-the system instantly yields to manual input.

The Big Bike E-Clutch Lineup

Honda has rolled out the E-Clutch option across several of its flagship middleweight and adventure Big Bike models:

1. Honda CB650R and CBR650R E-Clutch

Powered by Honda’s smooth, high-revving 649cc DOHC 16-valve inline-four engine producing 93.4 hp, both the naked streetfighter CB650R and full-faired CBR650R gain massive daily usability with the E-Clutch. Paired with 41mm Showa® SFF-BP inverted forks, dual 310mm front disc brakes with radial-mount calipers, Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), and a 5-inch TFT display with Honda RoadSync connectivity, these 650cc machines offer high performance with zero traffic stress.

2. Honda NX500 E-Clutch

For adventure tourers, the versatile NX500 paired with the E-Clutch system offers effortless gear transitions whether navigating city roads or tackling light off-road trails. Its punchy 471cc parallel-twin engine, combined with seamless shift management, keeps momentum smooth across long distances.

3. Honda CBR500R and CB500 Hornet E-Clutch

Bringing E-Clutch technology down to the highly accessible 500cc class, the CBR500R and CB500 Hornet make middleweight entry easier than ever. Offering Fireblade-inspired aerodynamic styling, a 471cc DOHC engine (47 hp / 43 Nm torque), and lightweight handling, these models prove that advanced riding tech isn’t strictly reserved for liter-class superbikes.

Connected Ecosystem: MyHonda+ App

Alongside the launch of its E-Clutch lineup, Honda unveiled its updated digital ecosystem anchored by the MyHonda+ Philippines app. Riders can manage their ‘digital garage,’ schedule dealer service appointments, check model specs, and track community events-ensuring that modern motorcycle innovation is backed by digital convenience.