Category: Business Mirror

Greenpeace Philippines and the National Anti-Poverty Commission-Victims of Disasters and Calamities (NAPC-VDC) jointly launched ‘Here Comes the Sun: Climate Justice-based Recommendations for Protecting Communities from Extreme Heat’ on Tuesday.

The new report identifies critical policy and governance gaps hindering the country’s response to extreme heat, and proposes pathways toward climate accountability, including but not limited to the immediate passage of House Bill 4420, or the Climate Accountability Bill (CLIMA Bill).1

The report’s findings, gathered through seven focus group discussions conducted in Navotas, Bataan, Laguna, Siargao, Eastern Samar, Tacloban City, and Cadiz City, were presented during a media forum in Quezon City.

It features a case study of 71 fisherfolk across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Fisherfolk consistently rank among the poorest of the 14 basic sectors, with a poverty incidence of around 27.4 percent to 30.6 percent, nearly double than the national baseline of 15.1 percent, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

The analysis highlights how worsening extreme heat is increasingly threatening the health, livelihoods, and overall wellbeing of fishing communities.

While the Philippine government has existing policies and programs that include heat as one of their triggers, the report finds that it lacks an overarching policy that addresses heat stress as a holistic phenomenon.

The report also notes that the country’s disaster response and climate financing policy architecture related to heat stress remains fragmented across sectors, limiting the government’s ability to respond effectively.

Critical gaps likewise persist in treating heat stress as a climate justice issue that requires coordinated, adequately funded responses.

The report also raises the important question of who should pay for the rising costs of heat-related loss and damage.

Currently, much of the financial burden still falls on the public and the Philippine government through growing, increasing the risk of worsening public debt, while allowing the world’s biggest climate polluters to evade accountability.

As the Philippines faces increasingly frequent and intense extreme heat driven by climate change, along with the effects of the ongoing El Niño phenomenon, the report calls on the government to urgently:

Fulfill its obligations under the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion on the responsibility of states in respect of climate change. This includes the national government to urgently head the recently filed House Resolution 1074, developing a scientifically defined criteria for declaring a state of imminent disaster, and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to certify as urgent a climate-lensed Magna Carta of Workers in the Informal Economy Bill and CLIMA Bill to protect vulnerable sectors, with the latter aiming to make climate polluters pay.

Revamp sectoral integration mechanisms beyond ‘mainstreaming,’ toward integrated governance mechanisms for addressing extreme heat.

Recenter human rights and human wellbeing as the primary organizing principles in sectoral responses to heat stress.

Pursue climate finance grounded in justice and reparations to address heat stress, ensuring that those most responsible for the climate crisis bear the costs of climate impacts.

Comfort food has a funny way of crossing borders. Usually, it comes in the form of a dish you’ve grown up eating. Other times, it’s a familiar flavor tucked inside something entirely new. Thai and Filipino cuisines may have their own signatures, but both understand that the best meals are built on bold flavors, balanced tastes, and dishes meant to be shared around the table.

That shared love for comforting food is exactly what Greyhound Café Philippines explores with its new menu now available in all branches this July 2026. A Bangkok-born brand known for bringing a creative spin to traditional Thai fare, Greyhound reignites that spirit with their new menu featuring Thai flavors with a Filipino twist. Led by Executive Chef Aniwat Vadhanachai, better known as Chef Chay, the latest offerings reveal just how naturally the two cuisines complement each other.

‘Thai and Filipino cuisine share many similarities, from our love for bold flavors to dishes that bring people together,’ says Chef Chay. ‘With this menu, we wanted to celebrate those connections while staying true to the authenticity of Thai cooking.’

Familiar flavors

THE idea comes across best when the dishes lean into flavors that already feel familiar. Greyhound Cafe’s Beef Pares, for instance, draws inspiration from Thailand’s own Kai Palo, a slow-braised pork dish, but swaps in beef that’s braised for hours. You also have fried tofu and a hard-boiled egg, all simmered in a sweet-savory broth infused with Thai five-spice. It’s less sweet than the pares many Filipinos are used to, but fresh cilantro added a fragrant lift. When we had this, it was paired with their Bagoong Fried Rice, where crispy pork, bagoong, and a gentle kick of spice came together in every spoonful, and it’s the kind of combination that quietly convinces you to reach for another serving of rice.

That same familiar-but-different approach continues across the menu. The Ground Pork Omelette with Salted Egg is inspired by the Filipino Torta. Chef mentioned that it is fried in a pot instead of a pan, giving it an airy, almost soufflé-like texture before it’s finished with salted egg, crispy Thai basil, and served with Sriracha on the side. It almost feels like bibingka and torta had a Thai cousin. Meanwhile, the Fried Rice with Dried Beef took cues from tapsilog but replaced the usual beef with house-made dried beef that’s cured, dried like jerky, then fried for an addictive crunch. Instead of vinegar, it’s served with Thai fish sauce and chilies for a brighter finish.

Among my favorites was the Greyhound Café Seafood Spring Rolls. Filled with shrimp, squid, scallops, and asparagus, each roll is light and crisp, while the homemade Thai sweet chili sauce adds just enough sweetness, spice, and tang to let the seafood shine. And with each bite, the flavor evolves from a light seafood spring roll to something that feels like you can also easily hear the ocean waves if you close your eyes while eating. It was one of those appetizers that’s surprisingly easy to keep reaching for.

Reinterpretation of dishes

VEGETABLE dishes receive just as much attention. Chef Chay introduced his dish, Morning Glory, with Shrimp Paste, which reinterpreted ginisang kangkong sa bagoong using flash-fried morning glory with garlic and chili. It is reminiscent of Pak Bung Fai Daeng, a popular stir-fried morning glory dish in southern Thailand. The Sautéed Eggplant with Ground Pork follows a similar idea, pairing flash-fried eggplant with fragrant Thai basil, garlic, chili, and ground pork for a homey dish that echoes ginisang talong while carrying the unmistakable aroma of Thai basil.

Filipino celebrations wouldn’t quite be complete without crispy pata, and Greyhound’s version gives the classic a distinctly Thai personality. Marinated in Thai herbs before being broiled, the pork knuckle is dried for 24 hours and deep-fried for beautifully crisp skin and tender meat. Paired with rice, pickled vegetables, jaew sauce, and tamarind chili paste, every bite starts sweet before giving way to a lingering spicy kick, while the pickled vegetables keep the richness in check.

To end the meal, Greyhound’s Bua Loy offers a Thai take on the Filipino favorite ginataang bilo-bilo. Soft, chewy rice balls are filled with sweet potato and ube in others. It is served in mellow coconut milk with young coconut meat and sesame, creating a dessert that’s familiar and quietly nostalgic without trying too hard to imitate the local favorite. Easily another standout from the menu.

Perhaps that’s what makes Greyhound Café’s newest offerings feel less like fusion and more like familiarity. Instead of forcing two cuisines together, the menu simply reminds diners that Thai and Filipino cooking have always shared a love for bold flavors, generous portions, and meals meant to be enjoyed together. Available across Greyhound Café Philippines branches starting this July 2026, the new menu invites diners to rediscover familiar Filipino favorites through a distinctly Thai lens. Sometimes, all it takes is a fresh perspective to realize they were speaking the same language all along.

Medicinal plants have long been a cornerstone of Philippine traditional medicine, dating back generations.

‘Tawa-tawa,’ a low-growing herb that thrives in open grasslands, is a valued supplementary treatment for dengue; the gel of the succulent aloe vera can help soothe a scraped knee; boiled guava leaves help disinfect wounds; tea from the ‘yerba buena’ helps relieve minor aches and pains; and ‘ampalaya’ (bitter gourd) helps with managing diabetes.

These and many other medicinal plants have long been a part of the ‘albularyo’ (Filipino folk healer’s) toolkit, their value and use passed down through oral traditions. Rooted as they are in word of mouth, it’s a surprise to many that Filipino folk medicine is grounded in hard science.

The remedies are familiar. The chemistry behind them, less so.

Researchers from the Ateneo de Manila University Department of Chemistry and Health Sciences Program are ingeniously addressing this gap by bringing Filipino medical herbal traditions into the science classroom via the educational card game, ‘Herbularyo.’

Folk traditions backed by science

Inspired by Filipino albularyo traditions, the game incorporates familiar Filipino cultural concepts into its gameplay. Each player takes on the role of a traditional healer racing to cure illnesses using cards featuring medicinal herbs and their active compounds.

Special cards inspired by ‘binat’ (relapse), ‘sumpa’ (curse), and ‘himala’ (miracle) add strategy and reflect beliefs that are deeply embedded in Philippine folk healing traditions.

As the game progresses, players match herbs with illnesses and identify the organic compounds found in each plant.

In the process, the gameplay reinforces organic chemistry concepts through interaction rather than mere rote memorization.

All the plants featured in the game were drawn from the ‘Encyclopedia of Common Medicinal Plants of the Philippines Volume 3,’ a reference published through a project funded by the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC).

The book documents medicinal plants commonly used in the Philippines, along with scientific evidence supporting their therapeutic properties. Ateneo chemists Dr. Fabian M. Dayrit and Dr. Rene Angelo Macahig served as editors of the volume, helping bridge traditional knowledge and modern scientific research.

Rethinking science education

In classroom testing with high school and college students, Herbularyo proved to be an effective learning tool. Kids who played the game showed significantly greater learning gains, and also described the experience as engaging and enjoyable.

Herbularyo makes chemistry feel less distant and more connected to everyday life. This was a deliberate choice by its makers.

‘We wanted to make a game that not only teaches organic chemistry and Filipino traditions, but also how these areas of knowledge can inform each other,’ said Herbularyo co-developer Maryjane Magsino.

‘We wanted to underscore the value of traditional Filipino medicine that has stood up to scientific testing yet is within easy reach practically in our own back yards,’ she added.

Indeed, herbal medicine continues to play an important role in traditional and alternative healthcare for many Filipinos, particularly in rural and underserved communities, where traditional remedies continue to complement conventional medicine.

Through Herbularyo, the researchers demonstrate that meaningful science education can begin with what students already know. Sometimes it begins with the plants growing in our backyards and the remedies in our spice rack.

By uncovering the chemistry behind familiar medicinal plants, the game not only makes organic chemistry more accessible but also encourages a new generation to see the value of the medicinal knowledge that has long been part of Filipino life, and hopefully makes supplementary and complementary medical remedies more accessible to all.

Maryjane T. Magsino, Inah Marie Q. Rivera, Armando M. Guidote Jr., and Genejane M. Adarlo published their research, ‘Herbularyo: A Card Game for Learning Organic Compounds of Medicinal Herbs and Their Therapeutic Benefits,’ in the May 2026 issue of the ‘Journal of Chemical Education.’

It’s the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) main event: the Hero, a buff sterile fly, versus the Enemy, a menacing screwworm.

That’s the idea behind the agency’s boxing-style social media post that seeks to raise public awareness of the deadly parasite threatening US cattle herds. The image, which was inspired by President Donald Trump’s Ultimate Fighting Championship event on the White House lawn last month, helped ‘introduce the New World screwworm issue to audiences who otherwise may have never encountered it,’ according to Michael Abboud, deputy chief of staff for public affairs at the USDA.

The creative post is just one piece of the USDA’s media campaign against the pest. In addition to social media, the government’s communications approach has included outreach through local media, press releases and its screwworm.gov website. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has staged numerous press conferences to highlight the agency’s strategies. The goal is to reach as wide an audience as possible, from farmers and ranchers to pet owners.

‘Public awareness is one of the most important tools we have to prevent the spread of New World screwworm,’ Abboud said in an emailed statement.

There is a lot at stake. Screwworm is a fly that lays hundreds of eggs in the open wounds of warm-blooded animals. If left untreated, the parasite’s larvae begin feeding on living flesh, leading to injuries that can be fatal. That poses a threat to the meat industry at a time when the US cattle herd is already at its lowest level in generations, pushing beef prices to record highs.

Screwworm was first detected in Zavala County, Texas, early last month after a recent outbreak in Mexico spread across the border. Confirmed cases in the US have climbed to more than 40. The USDA is also set to allow live cattle shipments from Mexico again after a halt that had been largely in place since late 2024, the agency said Friday, highlighting the need for even more due diligence amid greater livestock movement.

As the social media post suggests, the USDA is currently combating screwworm with sterile flies to halt reproduction, but the agency will not be able to produce enough flies to eradicate the pest until November 2027. And so information campaigns have taken on increasingly prominent roles in combating the resurgence of the parasite.

Some of the USDA’s media content is self-promotional, highlighting the agency’s efforts on sterile flies. But a key element of the strategy is the spread of information, aimed at helping ranchers, veterinarians and wildlife professionals to prevent, identify and treat screwworm.

The material includes infographics and webinars on what screwworms look like, a description of the pest’s typical life cycle, what the USDA’s sterile fly technique entails and how to reduce the risk of screwworm in animals. As the last American screwworm outbreak was extinguished decades ago, Abboud said that many people who work with livestock and wildlife have little firsthand understanding of the parasite.

‘That lack of familiarity makes accurate, timely communication even more important,’ Abboud said.

Other organizations have also been raising the alarm about screwworm, including to alert pet owners. While most cases have been reported in cattle, screwworm can infect any live animal, and the parasite has already been found in dogs. Pet adoption center Barks and Brews, located near the US-Mexico border in Mission, Texas, posted information on the center’s social media platforms.

Owner Esmer Garcia said she was prompted to post about the outbreak due to recent screwworm-related challenges that she and others in the pet rescue industry are facing.

‘It’s making it a little more difficult for us in the rescue community because so many of us do send our animals out of Texas,’ Garcia said. ‘Now the receiving states are requiring more testing or quarantine, or actually some states are just not accepting cats and dogs from Texas.’

Garcia said some owners had expressed concerns to her about how to best protect their pets. She advises pet owners to consider FDA-approved screwworm preventatives for their animals and to routinely observe their pets for open wounds.

‘An animal owner or caretaker who recognizes the warning signs … and calls their veterinarian immediately can make the difference between a treatable case and one that results in death,’ Michael Bailey, president of the American Veterinary Association, said in an emailed statement.

During the US’s previous screwworm outbreak in the 1970s and 1980s, information campaigns also played a large role in alerting the public about the parasite. Of course, that was before the internet and social media, making it more difficult to reach the public. The old-school campaign-conducted by the USDA in conjunction with the Mexican Department of Agriculture, state services, rancher organizations and other agricultural association-featured brochures, cartoon posters, films, pins and stickers.

In 1977, the USDA and its Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service division created a sub campaign: ‘Mission ’77: Stamp Out Screwworms.’

‘The success of the Mission ’77 campaign can be attributed in large part to the public information campaign … eradication efforts became much more visible throughout the Southwest and northern Mexico,’ the USDA’s National Agriculture Library says on its website.

As screwworm cases in the US declined in the late ’70s and early ’80s, the US turned its attention to eradicating screwworm in Mexico and Central America. A US-Mexico commission was established, and its campaign included the release of a set of posters featuring cartoon cowboy-esque sterile flies lassoing screwworms.

Today, the US and Mexican agriculture agencies have again created a joint public information commission about screwworm, this time including posters, videos from veterinarians and audio files on screwworm prevention.

‘USDA’s historical records show that eradication was never just about science-it was depended on educating producers, veterinarians and the public to recognize infestations early, treat wounds promptly, report suspected cases and participate in the broader eradication effort,’ Abboud said.

The method to eradicate screwworm has not been without debate. Outgoing Texas Commissioner of Agriculture Sid Miller has publicly clashed with Rollins over her agency’s use of sterile flies to combat the outbreak. Despite their disagreements, however, both emphasize the importance of information campaigns.

The Texas Department of Agriculture’s social media posts about screwworm often prominently feature Miller donning a cowboy hat. The agency’s website also has a color-coded, interactive map that tracks confirmed cases of the disease.

‘If you don’t know it’s there, you don’t know to look for it,’ Miller said. ‘So, it’s imperative that we get the word out.’

No two journeys across the Philippines are ever the same.

As an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands, the country offers a diverse mix of destinations shaped by distinct cultures, landscapes, traditions, and local industries.

This diversity gives the Philippines a strong tourism proposition, yet much of its potential remains underutilized.

Many destinations with strong tourism assets continue to attract limited visitor traffic because of low visibility, inadequate connectivity, and uneven infrastructure development. At the same time, established tourism hubs are facing mounting pressures from overcrowding, environmental degradation, rising operating costs, and an increasing concentration on higher-end markets.

These realities also make travel less accessible for many Filipinos. In some cases, the combined cost of transportation, accommodation, and other travel expenses has fueled the perception that traveling abroad can be more affordable than exploring destinations within the country.

As a result, many Filipinos have yet to experience the diversity and richness of their own archipelago.

Moreover, for Filipinos who do travel overseas, the experience often extends beyond the destinations themselves. Upon returning home, many inevitably notice the contrast in transportation systems and travel convenience.

In several neighboring countries, efficient public transport, seamless airport connections, integrated transit networks, and traveler-friendly facilities are regarded as essential components of the visitor experience, not merely as added conveniences.

The competitive gap has become more apparent as neighboring Southeast Asian economies pair investments in tourism infrastructure with destination development. Integrated transport systems, efficient airport connectivity, and visitor-friendly facilities have improved accessibility while strengthening their appeal to travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences. This strategy has helped position these countries to capture growing demand for experience-driven tourism.

Data from the ASEAN Statistics Division (ASEANstats) covering 2019 to 2024 show that the country continues to lag behind much of the region in intra-ASEAN tourism recovery. Even before the pandemic, the Philippines recorded fewer visitors from neighboring Southeast Asian countries compared with regional tourism leaders.

In 2019, intra-ASEAN arrivals reached 526,832, far behind Malaysia’s 17.9 million and Thailand’s 10.8 million.

The pandemic further exposed these gaps, with Philippine arrivals falling to just 7,773 in 2021, one of the sharpest declines in the region. Although tourism across ASEAN began to recover in 2022, the Philippines saw a more gradual rebound, recording 188,205 intra-ASEAN visitors that year.

Marcos’ Tourism Pledges

Since taking office in 2022, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has positioned tourism as a pillar of the administration’s economic agenda, framing the industry as both a driver of growth and a means of strengthening the country’s global brand.

In his first State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos said tourism was not only an economic driver but also a platform for strengthening the Filipino identity.

‘They say that each brand has a story. As for the Filipino brand, ours is deeply rooted in our rich cultural heritage,’ he said.

He emphasized that tourism ‘is not only an important economic development tool’ but also creates employment opportunities ‘even at the grassroots level.’

To unlock the industry’s potential, Marcos pledged to improve road networks leading to tourist destinations, upgrade airports, build additional international gateways, and make travel more convenient, particularly to remote areas, to promote what he called ‘undiscovered tourist spots.’

‘It is time to welcome the rest of the world with an enhanced Filipino brand that is unique, attractive, and creative,’ the President said.

A year later, tourism became increasingly linked to the administration’s ambitious infrastructure agenda.

In his 2023 SONA, Marcos presented the P8.3-trillion Build Better More Program as a foundation for economic growth, emphasizing that roads, bridges, airports, ports, and railway projects would improve connectivity across the country.

‘Our road network plans must link not only our three major islands, but all prospective sites of economic development,’ he said, adding that intermodal transport systems would provide better access to ‘agriculture hubs, tourism sites, and key business districts.’

The President also pointed to the industry’s post-pandemic recovery, noting that tourism continued to serve as ‘a reliable pillar of our economic growth,’ which provides livelihood to more than five million Filipinos.

By the first half of 2023, the country had already welcomed three million international visitors, reaching 62 percent of its annual target amid what Marcos described as the ‘revenge travel’ phenomenon.

The following year, however, the administration shifted its focus beyond infrastructure toward the kind of tourism experiences modern travelers increasingly seek.

In his 2024 address, Marcos acknowledged that while the sector had rebounded from the pandemic, restoring visitor numbers alone would not be enough.

‘The tourism challenge has already evolved, and now requires a multi-faceted strategy. The focus is now on experiential tourism,’ he said.

Rather than promoting destinations solely for their scenery, Marcos highlighted food, culture, heritage, arts, education, halal tourism, dive tourism, cruise tourism, farm tourism, ecotourism, and sports tourism as key products capable of differentiating the Philippines in the global market.

He also urged local communities to rethink the ‘One Town, One Product’ concept, saying it should inspire local governments to develop multiple high-quality products and services that showcase each community’s distinctive history, traditions, and talents.

‘Filipino creativity and ingenuity will enliven and unlock the as yet untapped potential of these new facets of Philippine tourism,’ he said.

By 2025, the administration’s narrative had shifted once more, from infrastructure and product development to employment generation.

Marcos pledged to maximize tourism’s growing contribution to the economy, directing the Department of Tourism and other government agencies to create more employment opportunities as part of the administration’s broader economic agenda.

‘In the last three years of the Administration, we will pour everything… not only to match but surpass the relief and opportunities we provide to our fellow Filipinos,’ he said.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that tourism industries employed 7.7 million Filipinos in 2025, up 2.5 percent from 7.5 million the previous year. Tourism-related jobs accounted for 15.7 percent of total employment.

‘Uneven recovery’

However, economic indicators showed that recovery remained uneven.

Tourism’s direct contribution to the economy declined in 2025 as weaker foreign visitor spending weighed on the industry. The PSA reported that Tourism Direct Gross Value Added (TDGVA) accounted for 8.1 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), down from the revised 8.7 percent recorded in 2024.

In value terms, the industry generated P2.27 trillion in 2025, a 1.4-percent decline from P2.30 trillion a year earlier. It was also the lowest share of GDP recorded since 2022, when the industry was still emerging from the pandemic, and remained below pre-pandemic levels.

The slowdown was largely driven by weaker inbound tourism expenditure. Spending by foreign visitors declined 6.4 percent to P698.46 billion from P745.99 billion in 2024, even as total foreign visitor arrivals, including returning overseas Filipinos, reached 6.48 million, according to Bureau of Immigration data.

While spending softened, the composition of the country’s inbound market continued to shift. Preliminary data released by the DOT in July 2026 showed that the Philippines welcomed 2,955,014 international visitors from January to June. Of these, 591,569, or more than 20 percent, came from the United States, making it the country’s largest source market during the six-month period.

Earlier data covering January to May had already indicated the shift, with the United States overtaking South Korea as the Philippines’ top source of visitors. American arrivals reached 531,859, accounting for a 19.40-percent share, while South Korea recorded 501,789 arrivals, or 18.31 percent. Japan ranked third with an 8.26-percent share, followed by China at 6.84 percent and Canada at 6.06 percent.

The DOT has yet to release the complete breakdown of visitor arrivals by market for the first half of 2026 but said the United States ‘has now become our number one source market’ and expects arrivals from the country to continue growing.

A New Tourism Direction

As the industry moves into 2026, the government is shifting its focus from recovery toward sustaining long-term growth.

Before her transition to the role of Presidential Adviser for Sustainable and Resilient Communities in March 2026, former Tourism secretary Christina Frasco outlined the DOT’s priorities for the year during a January 21 press conference in Manila.

The agenda focused on sustaining tourism livelihoods, improving infrastructure, and expanding international partnerships and strategic events.

Frasco said tourism remains a major economic driver, citing 134 million domestic trips recorded in the previous year that supported the livelihoods of around 16.4 million Filipinos working in tourism-related sectors.

She also highlighted ongoing efforts to improve tourism infrastructure, including upgrades to local and international airports, the construction of tourist rest areas, the establishment of the country’s first tourist assistance call center, and the launch of a medical tourism concierge.

Still, she acknowledged that the Philippines has significant ground to cover. The country currently ranks 69th out of 117 economies worldwide in tourism infrastructure.

‘We have a lot more to catch up on, but we need the funds to improve (such),’ Frasco said.

Following the leadership transition at the DOT, newly appointed tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay, a veteran trade diplomat, shifted attention toward strengthening domestic tourism through affordability, accessibility, and digital engagement.

Under her leadership, the DOT launched the ‘Discover More to Love’ campaign, aimed at encouraging Filipinos to explore local destinations while maintaining ‘Love the Philippines’ as the country’s national tourism slogan.

The campaign also aims to expand digital promotion through platforms such as TikTok, where travelers increasingly discover destinations and plan trips.

Angara-Mathay said the new campaign is not a replacement for the existing brand but an effort to broaden domestic tourism participation.

To address affordability concerns, the DOT is working with travel groups and industry partners to develop bundled tourism packages that combine transportation, accommodation, and other services at more accessible prices.

Angara-Mathay acknowledged that domestic travel remains costly for many Filipinos, citing factors such as rising travel expenses and airline operating costs, particularly fuel prices.

‘We can’t control now travel inflation. I talked to three airlines already and I researched. The airlines can’t really put prices down kasi 80% of their cost is fuel. You can’t argue with that,’ she said.

However, she said the government could explore measures such as route development incentives, including the possible reduction of landing fees, to encourage greater connectivity among destinations.

And now, as the country’s chief executive set to deliver his fifth SONA on July 27 at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City, attention will likely shift beyond visitor targets and arrival figures.

For many stakeholders, the focus will be on how the administration intends to translate its tourism commitments into measurable progress through greater transparency, stronger implementation, and sustained investment.

After all, the Philippines has never lacked natural beauty, cultural richness, or welcoming communities. The greater challenge is ensuring that these assets are protected, responsibly managed, and developed in ways that allow more Filipinos and foreign visitors alike to experience them without compromising the very qualities that make them unique.

There’s something satisfying about being trusted to cook your own steak.

At House of Wagyu Stonegrill, diners don’t simply wait for their meal to arrive. Instead, slices of premium Wagyu are served alongside a volcanic stone heated to nearly 380 degrees Celsius, allowing guests to cook each piece to their preferred doneness. The familiar sizzle, rising aroma, and the simple act of turning every slice make the meal as interactive as it is indulgent.

That signature dining ritual has been the restaurant’s calling card for nearly two decades.

Now, after 17 years in business, the Filipino-owned steakhouse has opened its flagship restaurant at Okada Manila, expanding the experience with live-fire cooking, tableside preparations, and elegant spaces designed for intimate dinners and celebrations.

Fire, then stone

THE biggest addition to the new flagship is a Spanish-built Pira oven fueled by sustainable coconut charcoal. Selected steaks are first roasted over live fire to develop a caramelized crust before they’re brought to the table, where diners complete the cooking on the restaurant’s signature volcanic stone.

The live-fire technique also extends to seafood and vegetables, giving the menu more variety while keeping premium Wagyu at the center of the experience.

‘The Stonegrill has always been the heart of House of Wagyu,’ founder Corinne Castañeda said during the opening on July 14, 2026.

‘The Pira simply gives us another way to express fire. Together, they create a dining experience where the kitchen begins the story, and the guest completes it.’

The new branch also adds a touch of tableside theater. Caesar salad is prepared beside diners, Crêpe Suzette is flambéed before serving, while the restaurant’s Grade 10 Tomahawk is finished with flames, fresh rosemary, and its signature cowboy butter.

A new chapter

FOUNDED in 2008, House of Wagyu Stonegrill has built a loyal following for its premium Japanese Wagyu and interactive dining concept.

The move to Okada Manila marks the brand’s biggest milestone yet after the integrated resort invited the restaurant to become part of its growing lineup of dining destinations.

For Castañeda, the new flagship goes beyond offering premium cuts of beef.

‘Receiving an invitation from Okada Manila was both an honor and a responsibility,’ she said. ‘Every restaurant we’ve opened has helped shape House of Wagyu. Opening at Okada Manila allowed us to build on that journey while creating something unique for this remarkable setting.’

Designed by Castañeda herself, the restaurant takes inspiration from the movement of the sea, featuring an undulating ceiling installation, an onyx bar, and commissioned artworks from artist Dominik Haring.

For more intimate occasions, guests can book one of the private dining rooms as well.

The moodier Onyx Room is suited for smaller gatherings, while the Horizon Room opens up to views of Manila Bay, making it an easy choice for birthdays, anniversaries, and corporate dinners.

More than a meal

THE opening was attended by Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya, who noted that the occasion coincided with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines.

He also highlighted Saga Wagyu, one of the restaurant’s premium offerings, as a reflection of Japan’s long tradition of craftsmanship and quality.

‘With this restaurant, I believe we’ve found yet another avenue for our friendship and perhaps our stomachs to grow further,’ Endo added.

While the flagship introduces new cooking techniques and a more refined setting, Castañeda said the restaurant’s focus remains unchanged.

‘Every decision we make begins with the guest,’ she said.

‘Whether it’s the food, the design, or the service, we want our guests to leave feeling relaxed, well cared for, and already looking forward to their next visit. The food matters enormously, but the memories created around the table matter even more.’

For diners, that means more than enjoying a premium steak.

At the new House of Wagyu Stonegrill flagship, dinner becomes part culinary experience, part tableside performance, and a reminder that sometimes the best seat in the house is the one where you’re invited to take part in the cooking.

In a fast-paced world that never stops moving, from the bustling streets of BGC to the daily commute across Metro Manila, being completely cut off from your surroundings isn’t always the safest or most practical choice. Enter the OpenDots 2, the next generation of everyday clip-on earbuds designed for Filipinos who value incredible sound without losing touch with reality. Whether you’re navigating the MRT or finding your flow in a busy local café, OpenDots 2 seamlessly blends your music with your everyday life.

To celebrate this milestone in wearable design, Shokz hosted an exclusive, immersive event to reveal the next chapter of audio technology where fashion, artistry, and sound come together. The unveiling of the OpenDots 2 took place on July 23, 2026, at Enderun Events in Taguig, where guests came elegantly dressed in gold and pearls to match the sophisticated feel of the earbuds. Larger-Than-Life Sound, Zero Compromises

Delivering massive audio, the OpenDots 2 features Shokz Bassphere 2.0 technology, utilizing dual 11.8mm drivers that produce power equivalent to a massive 16mm speaker. With a redesigned diaphragm that reduces distortion by 70% and upgraded Dolby Audio, every beat of your favorite tracks gains new depth while preserving the spacious soundstage and crystal-clear vocals you love.

Privacy Meets Street Smarts

Staying aware of your surroundings is crucial for safety in the city, but your playlist should remain yours. Shokz DirectPitch Technology uses reverse sound waves to guide audio precisely into your ear, significantly reducing sound leakage.

Tropical-Ready Comfort and Stability

Designed to feel as light as air, the OpenDots 2 weigh only 6.4 grams per earbud, engineered to minimize pressure even during extended wear. This featherlight profile is secured by the flexible JointArc, a nickel-titanium plate enclosed in soft silicone that adapts naturally to any ear shape, ensuring a snug fit through intense workouts or long trips. Furthermore, an IP57 rating makes them fully dust- and water-resistant, rendering them perfectly equipped to handle sudden Philippine downpours or sweaty gym sessions.

Effortless Communication in the Chaos

Taking calls on a noisy street is no longer a struggle. A three-microphone system equipped with a dedicated bone conduction microphone isolates your voice from background noise. This keeps your calls crisp and clear, whether you are on a windy beach run or working in a bustling café.

Smart, Intuitive, and Built for the Long Haul

Built to survive the longest traffic jams, the OpenDots 2 delivers up to 40 hours of total battery life using the Qi-certified wireless charging case, with a quick five-minute charge providing two hours of playback. Shokz has reimagined user convenience by making the earbuds entirely interchangeable; they automatically detect which ear they are on and adjust the stereo channels accordingly, eliminating the need to check for left or right labels. This is paired with smart wear detection that automatically pauses your music when removed and resumes when put back on. To prevent interruptions from sweaty hair or false inputs, a high-precision force sensor replaces traditional touch controls, allowing you to manage tracks, volume, and calls with a simple pinch. Staying connected is seamless with Bluetooth 6.1, Multipoint Pairing, Google Fast Pair, and Microsoft Swift Pair, while the built-in tracking feature allows you to locate lost earbuds on a map and receive Drop Alerts if they fall out.

A Tone for Every Mood

To match your personal style, the OpenDots 2 is available in three stunning aesthetics. You can choose Pearl White for a soft pearlescent sheen with refined gold accents that create a clean, quietly elegant look. For a subtle, balanced option, Grey blends silver and gray tones inspired by moonstone with a soft metallic depth. Finally, Black offers a timeless, versatile deep shade with a smooth, understated texture that is easy to wear anywhere.

Clip On, Tune In. OpenDots 2 is more than an accessory; it’s your companion for every journey, workout, and creative spark. Experience the freedom of open-ear listening without compromising on sound.

Shokz is distributed in the Philippines by Innovee Trading Inc. The all-new Shokz OpenDots 2 is now available at Power Mac Center and The Loop stores nationwide with a suggested retail price of P12,990. For more information and the latest updates, follow Shokz Philippines on Instagram (@shokzph) and Facebook, or Innovee Trading Inc. on Instagram (@innoveeph) and Facebook.

MANY may think that great cocktails are defined by spectacle, like billowing smoke, elaborate garnishes or ingredients that sound almost impossible to pronounce.

For award-winning Italian mixologist Felice Capasso, however, the ultimate test is something far less dramatic. He expressed a belief that the real challenge begins when there is nowhere to hide.

The reigning 2025 Diageo World Class Global Bartender of the Year brought that philosophy to Manila during his first visit to the Philippines, headlining a one-night takeover at The Spirits Library in Poblacion before leading a masterclass with Filipino bartenders the following day.

Behind the bar, there were no flashy theatrics. Instead, guests were introduced to a menu built around balance, restraint and technique.

The menu

ONE of the night’s highlights was his signature Dry Martini. It is made with Tanqueray No. TEN, Cocchi Extra Dry and Castelvetrano olives. It was unapologetically spirit-forward, a drink that left nowhere to hide behind sweetness or heavy mixers.

Other cocktails showed different sides of his approach. A Strawberry cocktail paired The Singleton of Dufftown 12 Years with nutritional yeast and strawberry bitters, balancing fruit with whisky in a way that softened both without overpowering either.

The refreshing Cloudberry, made with Don Julio Blanco, contrasted sharply with another creation that surprised many guests-a savory cocktail incorporating mushroom notes, proving that drinks need not always lean sweet or citrus-forward to feel complete.

Even the familiar Negroni, crafted with Tanqueray No. TEN, Campari and Cocchi Storico Vermouth di Torino, demonstrated why classics remain timeless when executed with precision.

Yet the drinks were only part of the evening. Felice spent much of the takeover chatting with guests, cracking jokes across the bar and engaging customers between cocktails, creating an atmosphere that felt more conversational.

The beauty of less

ASKED during a media briefing to describe himself through a cocktail, Felice answered without hesitation, ‘A dry martini,’ and then he smiled, ‘You’re not going to ask me why?’

His explanation revealed more about his philosophy than about his personality. ‘A dry martini doesn’t lie,’ he said.

‘Some cocktails you can just fill with sugar, fruit and anise and people will love them. A dry martini only has two or three ingredients, so every ingredient needs to be of the highest quality.’

To explain further, Felice compared the drink to one of Italy’s simplest dishes: spaghetti aglio e olio. ‘It only has olive oil, garlic, chili and parsley,’ he said. ‘But it’s also one of the hardest dishes to make because there are so few ingredients. Everything has to be right.’

The same principle, he said, applies behind the bar. With fewer components, there is little room to compensate for mistakes. Every measurement, every temperature and every ingredient matters.

Even his answer to a lighter question, ‘What ingredient deserves more attention in cocktails?’ revealed the same curiosity. ‘Artichoke,’ he said, describing an Italian bar that distills the vegetable into carbonated soda for an Americano variation.

Learning never stops

HUMILITY has become one of Felice’s defining traits despite an accomplished career spanning multiple countries.

Originally from Naples, Italy, he began working in a neighborhood coffee bar before moving to London at 18, eventually building a career across England, Australia, Spain, the United Arab Emirates and Norway.

Along the way, he managed cocktail programs, became a global educator for international spirits brands, founded The Spirits Journal and Sesto Senso Academy, and was named Norway’s Industry Improver of the Year in 2023.

Two years later, he claimed one of bartending’s highest honors after winning the Diageo World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2025, emerging on top of thousands of competitors worldwide.

Yet even with those achievements, Felice appeared more interested in learning than projecting expertise.

His personal motto, which is ‘Learn. Improve. Inspire. Repeat,’ captures a mindset centered less on perfection than on constant growth.

It also explains why his first trip to the Philippines was not only about serving cocktails, but about exchanging ideas with local bartenders.

Felice may have arrived in Manila only a day before the event, but one thing immediately stood out. ‘The hospitality skills are amazing,’ he said. ‘So is the English.’

He also admitted he had not yet sampled enough local cocktails to comment on the country’s cocktail scene but said the warmth of Filipino bartenders left an immediate impression. ‘I love the sense of humor,’ he said. ‘I love to walk into a bar and laugh.’

It was perhaps a fitting takeaway from his first trip to Manila. Long after the cocktails are finished, it is often the people behind the bar, and not just what’s in the glass, that leave the strongest impression.

A new national study of more than 2,100 participants in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) across 20 Catholic dioceses in the United States points to a growing interest in the Catholic faith, particularly among young adults seeking truth, meaning and spiritual depth.

Published on June 18 by the Archdiocese of Chicago in collaboration with 19 other dioceses, the survey examined the experiences of 2,127 people who participated in OCIA between February and May 2026.

The dioceses involved reported record levels of participation in adult faith formation programs.

The study found that those entering the Church were motivated primarily by two broad factors: a personal search for goodness, truth, inner peace and purpose, and an attraction to the Catholic Church’s liturgy, teachings and 2,000-year tradition.

Among the respondents, 28 percent said they had no prior religious affiliation before beginning their journey toward the Catholic faith, while others came from Protestant communities or were Catholics completing their sacramental initiation.

Desire to grow in virtue

Researchers noted that spiritual motivations ranked far above political or social considerations. Seventy-seven percent of participants cited a desire to grow in virtue, 76 percent sought a deeper understanding of truth, and 72 percent reported a search for greater inner peace.

The study also highlighted the growing role of digital evangelisation.

Many respondents credited online resources, such as prayer apps, podcasts, videos and social media content, for helping them explore Catholicism.

At the same time, participants identified several obstacles to entering the Church, especially among members of Generation Z.

Common concerns included feeling spiritually unprepared, uncertainty about acceptance within parish communities, and anxiety about participating in the liturgy.

The report concludes that dioceses and parishes should focus on personal accompaniment, clearer pathways for faith exploration, and continued formation after reception into the Church.

It also emphasises the importance of creating welcoming communities capable of accompanying those who are taking their first steps in faith.

According to the authors, the findings suggest that many people today are approaching the Catholic Church not primarily through family tradition or marriage, but through a personal search for meaning, truth and a deeper relationship with God.

A study in selected watersheds of Cebu reported the presence of diverse but threatened anurans (amphibian group of frogs and toads), further highlighting the need to conserve these ecologically important species and their critical habitat.

This was reported in a recently completed comprehensive study, ‘Diversity, Distribution, and Conservation Status of Anuran Species in Mananga and Kotkot Watersheds, Cebu, Philippines.’

The project was implemented by the Cebu Technological University and supported by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD).

About nine species of anurans were recorded in Mananga Watershed Forest Reserve in Talisay City, Minglanilla, while eight species were identified in Kotkot Watershed Forest Reserve in Liloan, Compostela.

Among the species is the near-threatened Philippine wart frog (Limnonectes visayanus Inger, 1954) that is found only in the remaining forests of the islands of Cebu, Negros, Masbate, Panay, and Siquijor.

Another species endemic to the Visayas and Cebu, the Leyte wart frog (Limnonectes leytensis Boettger, 1893), was recorded at the project sites.

Besides their limited distribution and threatened conservation status, the species, along with other anurans, face risks from human-caused disturbances-such as logging, excavation, coal mining, construction, improper waste disposal, agriculture, sand and gravel extraction, and in some areas, consumption for food.

In addition, the sites are reported to be threatened by invasive anuran species, including the South American cane toad (Rhinellamarina Linnaeus, 1758) and the Malaysian narrow mouth toad (Kaloula pulchra Gray, 1831). These species spread quickly and compete with native species for food and habitat.

To date, the project team has produced baseline distribution maps for monitoring studies and information, education, and communication campaign materials to raise awareness among the local community.

The team is in close coordination with local government units and other stakeholders to push for the conservation of the threatened species and their habitats by passing municipal ordinances.

Online information indicate that anurans are a diverse order of tailless amphibians encompassing over 7,700 species of frogs and toads, making up roughly 90 percent of all living amphibians.

They range from the tiny thumbnail-sized cricket frog to the massive American bullfrog and play vital roles as ecosystem indicators.

The Philippines boasts of a high rate of endemism among its anurans. Local ecosystems-such as the Mananga and Kotkot watersheds in Cebu or riverine areas in Mindanao-support diverse populations of both native and endemic frogs.

Because of their highly permeable skin, anurans are incredibly vulnerable to water pollution, habitat loss, and climate change, the online information claims.

The study report was discussed during a recent project terminal review by project leader was Dr. Archiebald B. Malaki with project staff Dr. Esperanza Del Fierro and Ms. Jemaima Casas.

The monitoring team from the Forestry and Environment Research Division of DOST-PCAARRD was headed by Director Dalisay E. Cabral, with Dr. Christine D. Santiago, SandT Program Manager for Biodiversity; and John Benrich M. Zuniga, FERD Program Monitoring and Evaluation section head.