Category: Business Mirror

Popular vlogger and digital content creator Zeinab Harake Parks is heading back to Davao City for the Kadayawan Festival 2026 celebration with Casino Plus, one of the country’s leading responsible digital entertainment platforms licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

Guided by its mission to bring fun to people, Casino Plus is bringing a special festival showcase to Davao featuring fan interactions, interactive activities, contests, and exciting prize giveaways for local attendees and online followers.

The celebration will take place from August 14 to 16, 2026 at Davao Whisky Park in Davao City. The three-day Casino Plus activation will feature a lineup of entertainment and community activities, with Zeinab making a special appearance during the festivities.

Fans, affectionately known as Zebbies, will have the chance to meet Zeinab in person.

Her return to Davao comes as the city celebrates Kadayawan, a festival that holds a special place in Davao’s cultural identity. Held every August, Kadayawan is a celebration of thanksgiving, abundance, and the city’s rich cultural heritage, bringing communities together through traditions, performances, colorful displays, and festivities.

In a dedicated social media announcement, the ‘Reyna ng Good Vibes’ shared her excitement about returning to Davao City and invited her followers to join the Kadayawan celebration:

‘Kadayawan na! Marami kaming hinandang prizes at gagawin nating sobrang saya ito. Bonggang-bonggang kakulitan ang dadalhin ko. Excited ako makita at makasama kayo especially this is my second time in Davao kaya ano pang hinihintay n’yo? Arat na sa Kadayawan!’ she said.

Known for her candid personality, humor, and strong connection with her online community, Zeinab is set to bring her signature energy and ‘kakulitan’ to the Kadayawan celebration.

Joining her at Davao Whisky Park are some of the country’s most popular content creators and performers, including ‘Daddy Blue’ and Maritoni Fowler, along with actors Baby Giant, Joanna Lara, Lhevin Andal, and Miro Macs.

The Casino Plus activation complements the festive atmosphere of Kadayawan by creating an opportunity for fans and festivalgoers to share an experience with Zeinab while celebrating the spirit of one of Davao City’s most anticipated annual events.

AS the government narrowed down the gap in its current infrastructure spending from the previous year to a single digit, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is confident his administration can exceed the year-on-year fund utilization for such projects by the end of 2026.

The chief executive made the statement during the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (Focap) Presidential Luncheon at the Diamond Hotel in Manila last Friday.

He noted that government spending slowed down during the first half of the year after he ordered a review of the 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP), which prevented the early bidding for government contracts.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) earlier said the audit was done so it can validate the processes for infrastructure payment claims and documentary compliance requirements for contractors as part of the ongoing government crackdown against anomalous flood control projects.

Usually, Marcos said, government contracts for the implementation of infrastructure projects are done months before a NEP is passed into law by Congress and becomes a General Appropriation Act so it can be implemented by January of the following year.

However, he said, in the case of the 2026 NEP, the bidding process for the infrastructure projects were only completed towards the end of the first quarter of the year because of the review.

‘That’s what it-that’s what delayed the public spending,’ Marcos said.

Absorptive capacity

Last month, DBM reported that infrastructure and other capital outlays dropped to P268.4 billion from January to May or a 42.9-percent reduction from P471.5 billion year-on-year.

‘We have, we have done, taken very many measures to, uh, accelerate the rate of public spending. And as of the end of the second quarter of this year, we are only at a shortfall of about seven percent year-on-year in terms of public spending. We will make that up for the rest of the year,’ Marcos said.

He noted it took them some time to address the said spending gap because they also needed to consider the absorptive capacity of government agencies and contractors.

‘They can only do so much work. So you’re throwing money at the problem simply doesn’t solve it, doesn’t make anything better. And that is the balance that we have been, uh, that we have tried, what we are trying to manage right now,’ Marcos said.

With the trend, the President disclosed he is optimistic the government fund utilization for infrastructure projects can exceed that of last year.

‘I’m confident we will be able to catch up and exceed the year-on-year public spending by the first-by the last quarter of this year,’ Marcos said.

Economic resilience

Also boosting overall government spending is its assistance for sectors affected by the Middle East conflict such as fuel and rice subsidy as well as cash aid, which the government continues to implement to regulate inflation and maintain business and consumer confidence, according to Marcos.

‘[Price] volatility erodes [business and consumer] confidence. And that erosion in confidence means people do not spend their money, uh, because they don’t know what is going to happen the next month or two months, three months from now. And that is, that is what we are, that is what we are having, that’s what we are having to deal with,’ the chief executive said.

However, the Marcos administration said it is looking beyond the Middle East war by putting in place measures that will boost the country’s resilience from future global crisis such as signing trade agreements with ‘non-traditional’ partners and creating a business-friendly environment in the country through ease of doing business measures and incentives.

‘We have taken the measures and those measures should allay the fears of investors and encourage them to, to invest more in the Philippines. And I, I do believe that if we look at the numbers in terms of investments that are coming into the Philippines, they continue to increase,’ Marcos said.

The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that the investments secured by the country in the second quarter of the year rose to P541.51 billion from P312.87 billion in the same period last year.

The increased government spending, Marcos said, will help boost the country’s ‘disappointing’ economic growth, which slowed down to 2.3 percent in the second quarter of the year from 2.8 percent from January to March and 5.4 percent year-on-year.

‘The growth rate is heavily dependent on public spending,’ Marcos said.

The Philippines has a law called the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018. The irony writes itself.

Eight years after Republic Act 11032 promised to streamline government services, the Department of Economy, Planning and Development has delivered a damning verdict: the policy exists, but the implementation does not. And in the gap between legislative ambition and bureaucratic reality, Philippine enterprises are still drowning in paperwork, redundant visits, and processing delays that would embarrass a nation with far fewer resourcesThe numbers tell a story of institutional failure. Seventy-two percent of businesses still register fully in person. Seventy percent renew their permits the same way. Nearly a quarter wait more than 20 days for registration-20 days in an era when a teenager can launch a global e-commerce store before lunch.

What went wrong? The usual suspects: fragmented systems, weak interoperability, and the persistent refusal of government agencies to talk to each other. The Bureau of Internal Revenue has its own online system. The Bureau of Fire Protection has another. LGUs run their own eBOSS platforms, each speaking a different digital dialect. The result? Businesses submit the same documents multiple times to different offices, validating the same information repeatedly because the left hand of government refuses to acknowledge what the right hand has already certified.

This is not a technology problem. It’s a coordination problem. It’s a political will problem. And it’s a problem that costs real money.

The DepDev report identifies business exit as the most egregious bottleneck-a process so convoluted that firms simply abandon formal closure rather than navigate the labyrinth of separate settlements with LGUs and the BIR. This creates a shadow economy of zombie businesses and informal operators who would prefer legitimacy but can’t afford the price of admission-or exit. High settlement requirements and unclear procedures don’t just inconvenience entrepreneurs; they actively discourage formalization, undermining tax bases and regulatory oversight alike.

DepDev’s proposed solutions are sensible enough: permanent Business Permit and Licensing Offices, a Unique Business Identification Number to finally unify fragmented records, mandatory interoperability under the E-Governance Act, and the rationalization of barangay-level fees that often serve more as local revenue extraction than legitimate regulatory costs. These are not revolutionary ideas. They are basic governance infrastructure that functioning economies implemented years ago.

But here’s the uncomfortable truth: the Philippines does not lack good policy. It lacks follow-through. Every administration discovers the same problems, proposes similar solutions, and watches implementation stall against the rocks of institutional inertia.

For a country positioning itself as a regional investment destination, this is embarrassing and economically self-defeating. Foreign investors have options. They can go to Singapore, where incorporation takes hours. They can go to Vietnam, where industrial zones operate with streamlined efficiency.

The DepDev report should be required reading for every legislator and local official who claims to support business growth. The message is clear: laws alone don’t build economies. Execution does. Interoperability does. The boring, unglamorous work of making systems talk to each other, of standardizing procedures across 1,724 LGUs, of actually implementing the reforms already on the books.

Until then, ‘Ease of Doing Business’ remains not a description of reality, but a cruel joke-and a warning to entrepreneurs that in this country, the government still makes everything harder than it needs to be.

Twenty years of iconic moments, reimagined through the creative lens of three Filipino artists.

To mark its 20th anniversary, SM Mall of Asia introduces the MOA20 Limited Edition Anniversary Drop, featuring original designs by celebrated visual artists Raco Ruiz, Bitto, and Jill Arteche.

Known for their distinct creative styles, the three artists offer their own interpretations of MOA’s 20-year story, drawing from everyday experiences, pop culture, nostalgia, and contemporary Filipino life. Together, their designs bring familiar MOA moments into a fresh, collectible format.

The collection features statement shirts and premium canvas tote bags, designed as contemporary keepsakes celebrating two decades of MOA. It will officially debut at the MOA20 Limited Edition Anniversary Drop Press Launch on August 12.

From August 15 to September 15, shoppers who spend a minimum of ?7,000 in a single receipt at any store at SM Mall of Asia can receive a complimentary MOA20 shirt or premium canvas tote bag, while supplies last. Redemption will be available at Level 2, Main Mall, in front of Abercrombie and Fitch. Terms and conditions apply.

Meet the ArtistsJill Arteche is a Manila-based visual artist and illustrator known for her vibrant, character-driven style. Her playful and relatable work spans campaigns, editorial, merchandise, murals, packaging, and exhibitions in the Philippines and abroad. She has collaborated with brands including Nike, Philippine Airlines, Canva, Huawei, and San Miguel Brewery, and has held three solo exhibitions.

Bitto is an artist, painter, muralist, and illustrator whose work explores personal narratives through graphic figurative representation, typography, and abstraction. His recurring characters capture quiet, intimate moments of everyday life. His work has been exhibited internationally in Japan, New York, Singapore, and Germany, with collaborations including Nike, Fujifilm, Sprite, and Shake Shack.

Raco Ruiz is a Manila-based multimedia creator, visual artist, and content creator known for his bold, colorful, and nostalgia-driven style. Working across visual art, photography, video, hosting, and digital content, he creates imaginative worlds inspired by pop culture, whimsy, and surrealism. His collaborations include Vans, Disney, New Era, Globe, Warner Bros., and Universal.

With three distinct creative voices behind one exclusive drop, MOA20 brings together art, culture, and 20 years of shared experiences in a collection made to be seen and collected.

Discover the artists. See the collection. Be part of the MOA20 drop.

MORE than 600 athletes from 20 countries will see action in two international table tennis tournaments that the City of Puerto Princesa will host next month.

The World Table Tennis Youth Contender Series kicks off the two-meet festivities from September 3 to 6, followed by the World Table Tennis Feeder Series from September 8 to 12 at the Edward S. Hagedorn Coliseum.

Both tournaments will feature 20 countries each with the Philippines fielding the biggest entry of 60 athletes led by national team member Kheith Rhynne Cruz and a team from Puuerto Princesa.

‘Hosting an international event here in our country is a huge help. First, because we can minimize costs, and at the same time, we get to compete against world-class players,’ Philippine Table Tennis Federation Inc. (PTTF) president Ting Ledesma told the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Media Room on Tuesday.

‘And they get to experience a world-class event and world-class players. That’s why our players today, compared to the past, are no longer fazed by their opponents or the massive venues-they are already at ease,’ added Ledesma in the session presented by San Miguel Corp., PSC, Philippine Olympic Committee, Milo and the country’s 24/7 sports app, ArenaPlus.

Competition manager Daniel Deleniana, who is also a board member of PTTF, along with Executive Assistant IV and City Sports Director Atty. Gregorio Austria joined Ledesma in the forum to discuss the two-in-one event being by Puerto Princesa for the fourth straight time.

Deleniana said the Youth Series features a total of 426 19-and-under athletes, while the Feeder Series is an open category which attracted 165 entries.

‘So we have options for children, and we also have some for seniors,’ he said.

The categories are U-11, U-13, U-15, U-17 and U-19 both boys and girls, while mixed doubles will also be played in the U-15 and U-19 groups.

Participating countries in the Youth Series are Australia, Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Maldives, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Chinese Taipei, USA, Oman, Brunei and Slovakia.

In the Feeder Series, seeing action are Algeria, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Netherlands, Chinese Taipei, Oman, Brunei, Slovakia and Indonesia.

Austria said hosting of the event again boosts Puerto Princesa’s image as the country’s top tourism sports hub after staging other national and international meets in the past such as the Batang Pinoy, BIMO-EAGA, Ironman Triathlon and the ICF World Dragon Boat Championships.

‘We saw that this sport would breathe new life into our city. When international athletes visit us, we gain recognition not only in the Philippines but across the globe,’ said Austria, speaking on behalf of City Mayor Lucilo Bayron.

KOREA MICE EXPO 2026 (KME2026), Korea’s largest MICE industry exhibition, will be held for three days from 17 (Tue) to 19 (Thu) November in Magok, Seoul’s newly rising MICE hub. KME2026 is an internationally certified exhibition hosted and organized by the Korea MICE Association, with official support from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Korea Tourism Organization, and the Seoul Metropolitan Government.

Under this year’s slogan, ‘Define Your Angle, Shape Your MICE,’ various organizations and companies across the sector-including domestic and international MICE host cities, venues, PCOs/PEOs[1], hotels, tourism/service companies, and MICE Tech companies-will participate. Attendees will share their unique perspectives and expertise to explore new business opportunities and collaborative partnerships.

? Business meetings at KME2026 will focus on maximizing actual conversion and outcomes rather than merely increasing the total number of meetings. International buyers are rigorously selected from global companies and organizations with concrete plans to host MICE events in Korea within the next three years, thoroughly evaluating their decision-making authority and past event experience. Domestic buyers include MICE host organizations from diverse fields such as medicine, science, technology, and education, with their scope and scale expanding continuously every year. By inviting buyers with genuine demand for MICE events and matching them with relevant sellers through a pre-matching system, the effectiveness and business results of meetings are expected to be significantly enhanced.

? In the exhibition sector, participation from regional tourism organizations (public sector), regional MICE alliances (private sector), and international organizations and companies is particularly notable.

Reflecting the convergence nature of the MICE industry, vibrant business networking and meetings between participating sellers are also expected to take place on the exhibition floor.

? At the conference ‘MICE WAVE’, the ‘2nd Korea-China-Japan MICE Forum’ will be held. This forum is a private-led initiative jointly organized by the MICE associations of Korea, China, and Japan. This year, under the theme of ‘Sports MICE,’ the participating countries will share ideas for collaboration and key case studies. Additionally, sessions in collaboration with international partner organizations will address global MICE trends, local industry transformations, and strategic response cases.

? Participating international organizations in KME Conference: Encore, ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association), GSTC (Global Sustainable Tourism Council), MPI (Meeting Professionals International), and more.

? Furthermore, KME2026 introduces a new program designed to showcase AI-based MICE technology companies and rapidly growing solution providers. A dedicated MICE Tech Zone will be featured on the exhibition floor, alongside the inaugural ‘MICE Tech Awards’ to honor outstanding MICE tech companies. By comprehensively evaluating solutions for innovation, field applicability, and potential for industry expansion, the event aims to uncover top-tier technologies and bridge tech innovators with on-site MICE professionals.

? Danny Hyundae Shin, Chairman of Korea MICE Association, stated, ‘KME2026 will be a place where diverse industry players with different roles and angles come together to create new possibilities. Based on highly qualified selected international buyers, a broader range of domestic buyers, and expanded international seller participation, we will focus on the quality rather than the quantity of business meetings and evolve KME into a global business platform encompassing both inbound and outbound business.’ Booth applications, sponsorship participation, and pre-registration for KME2026 can be submitted on the official website (koreamiceexpo.com). Early-bird booth applications are accepted until August 14 (Fri).

Signifying its brand’s importance as a business asset, Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower) entered the national Top 50 in the 2026 Philippine report of Brand Finance, an independent brand valuation consultancy.

In its debut in the Top 50, the AboitizPower brand ranked 26th in brand value and 42nd in brand strength, joining fellow Aboitiz Group business unit UnionBank in the 2026 list.

Brand value represents the transferable asset value of a brand, while brand strength evaluates a brand’s ability to drive commercial impact versus competitors.

‘Beyond its name and logo, the AboitizPower brand is a living expression of the trust, values, and reputation that we’ve built and stewarded over time,’ said AboitizPower Vice President for Corporate Affairs Suiee Suarez. ‘This recognition by Brand Finance highlights that our brand’s strength and economic value resonate with both the people we serve and industry experts.’

AboitizPower was also featured in Brand Finance’s ‘Brands to Watch’ section, reflecting its growing relevance in the Philippine energy sector, which is touted to be the fastest growing sector in 2026 in terms of brand value.

‘The Philippine energy sector is one of the country’s fastest-growing industries from a brand value perspective, reflecting its expanding role in supporting economic growth and energy transition ambitions,’ said Alex Haigh, Brand Finance Managing Director Asia Pacific.

‘AboitizPower’s inclusion among the nation’s top 50 brands demonstrates how companies can create value not only through infrastructure and investment, but also through building a trusted and differentiated brand that resonates with customers, investors, and other stakeholders,’ he added.

The Brand Finance Philippines 50 2026 report ranks the country’s strongest and most valuable brands based on a combination of brand strength, stakeholder perceptions, and financial performance.

Meanwhile, AboitizPower has also been named one of the ‘Top 50 Employers in the Philippines’ for the second consecutive year by online job-hunting platform Kalibrr.

‘As the Philippine energy sector evolves, AboitizPower has positioned itself at the center of the country’s transition toward more sustainable and technology-driven solutions,’ the Kalibrr website said.

‘Beyond powering communities, the company has become known for building careers where innovation, leadership, and long-term impact intersect – attracting professionals who want to contribute to work that extends far beyond the office,’ it added.

The recognition is based on a data-driven evaluation of employer brand, hiring trends, industry impact, and insights from job seekers, recruiters, and third-party sources.

Premium, compact gaming soundbar features 2.1.2 Dolby Atmos surround sound, built-in AEC microphones, and intuitive cross-platform controls

KEY POINTS

Immersive 2.1.2 surround sound: Dolby Atmos® support with left and right full-range speakers, tweeters, up-firing channels, and 5G wireless subwoofer

All-in-one audio control hub: Adjust EQ settings, playback, input sources, and RGB lighting; built-in AEC microphones provide unmatched voice clarity

Multi-platform compatibility: Connect to multiple devices via USB-C®, HDMI® 2.1 (eARC), optical or AUX inputs, and Bluetooth® 5.3

Easy adjustments: Web-based Gear Link PC tool and mobile app to tweak EQ, lighting, microphone, and other settings

AVAILABILITY AND PRICING

ASUS ROG Gjallar will arrive in the Philippines this coming September 2026 and will be available with an SRP of PHP 33,490.

Forbes 5-Star Okada Manila unveils a modern take on a cherished tradition with Mid-Autumn Confections, a limited-edition collection that transforms the familiar mooncake into premium chocolate creations. Available from August 24 to October 7, 2026 at PHP 3,988 nett per box, the seasonal offering honors the occasion’s gifting tradition through exquisite creations designed to express gratitude, prosperity, and reunion. For generations, mooncakes have held a special place at the Mid-Autumn table, exchanged among family, friends, and valued partners as symbols of togetherness and good fortune. Mid-Autumn Confections draws from this enduring custom while introducing an innovative interpretation through premium chocolate. Exclusive to Okada Manila, each piece preserves the recognizable mooncake form while revealing a delicate chocolate shell and richly flavored center beneath.

Presented in an elegantly designed gift box, the assortment showcases the artistry and technical precision of Okada Manila’s pastry team. The result is an exquisite selection created to make an impression, whether presented as a thoughtful gift, shared at a festive gathering, or savored one piece at a time.

Each chocolate mooncake begins with an expertly tempered shell that gives way with a delicate snap to a richly layered center. Tiramisu unfolds with deep coffee richness and velvety creaminess, while Citrus brings a bright, silky lift. Pistachio Kataifi contrasts roasted pistachio with a fine, crisp crunch, and Hazelnut delivers toasted nuttiness with a smooth, rounded finish. Salted Caramel melts into buttery sweetness sharpened by sea salt, while 64% Dark Chocolate lingers with deep, bittersweet cocoa. Sesame with White Lotus completes the assortment with roasted sesame and smooth lotus sweetness, paying tribute to a classic Mid-Autumn flavor.

‘Mid-Autumn Confections reflects how we approach every celebration at Okada Manila: with thoughtful craftsmanship, meaningful traditions, and experiences that bring people together,’ said Andreas Balla, Vice President for Food and Beverage at Okada Manila. ‘From discovering new flavors to creating lasting memories with family and friends, we want every Mid-Autumn visit to become part of an unforgettable celebration.’

Advance reservations are available until August 23, 2026, with Mid-Autumn Confections available for pickup from August 24 to October 7, 2026 at Pastry Shop and Red Spice. Newly signed-up Reward Circle members enjoy an exclusive 10% discount, while guests and partner groups purchasing 10 boxes or more also receive 10% off. Guests may sign up for Reward Circle at okdmnl.ph/RCSignUp.

Beyond the chocolate mooncakes, Okada Manila transforms the Mid-Autumn season into a destination-wide celebration filled with exceptional experiences to anticipate and discover. Guests can explore immersive festival-inspired installations, turn the occasion into an elegant escape with exclusive hotel stays, unwind with rejuvenating spa experiences, and come together for family-friendly activities throughout the Forbes 5-Star integrated resort. Adding star power to the season, select VIP guests can look forward to an exclusive Mid-Autumn concert featuring K-pop sensation SUNMI, with a special performance by The Voice of the Philippines champion Mitoy Yonting and The Draybers.

Guests may reserve a box of Mid-Autumn Confections and discover the full Mid-Autumn celebration at Okada Manila by visiting www.okadamanila.com, emailing RestaurantReservation@okadamanila.com, or calling +632 8555 5799.

Price: PHP 3,988 nett per box

Pre-order Period: until August 23, 2026

Claiming Period: August 24 – October 7

Location: Pastry Shop and Red Spice

Special Offers:

10% OFF for newly signed-up Reward Circle members

10% OFF for guests and partner groups purchasing 10 boxes or more

AFTER eight years of bilateral negotiations, the Philippines and Italy have officially signed an updated driver’s license conversion protocol, easing the requirements for thousands of Filipinos residing in the European nation, and Italians in the Philippines.

According to the Philippine Embassy in Rome, the updated agreement applies to Philippine driver’s license models issued between 2017 and 2023.

Filipinos who have resided in Italy for less than six years may automatically convert their valid driver’s license to an Italian equivalent without taking theoretical or practical driving examinations.

Automatic conversion for Filipino immigrants or workers who have lived in the country for more than six years does not apply. They can only convert their drivers’ license after passing a practical driving test to verify their technical fitness in accordance with Italian legislation. They will have six months from the time the agreement takes effect to apply for the conversion.

‘After this 180-day window closes, the standard six-year rule applies with no exception,’ the Embassy said in its advisory.

Philippine Ambassador to Rome Neal Imperial and Nicoletta Bombardiere, director general for Sub-Saharan Afria, Latin America, Asia and Oceania at the Italian Foreign Ministry and International Cooperation signed the new protocol.

The protocol amends the core framework originally established under the 2006 Memorandum of Understanding on the Automatic Exchange of Driver’s Licenses.

The 2006 MOU ‘remains valid and in force.’ However, the Italian side paused automatic conversion pending the signing and entry into force of the Protocol, as there were driver’s license models from both sides and certain provisions that ‘needed to be reflected and updated in the agreement.’

Once internal procedures and ratifications are completed by both nations, the protocol will officially enter into force 60 days following mutual notification through diplomatic notes.

‘This conversion protocol will benefit an estimated 2,000 Filipino drivers in Italy, especially those who depend on driving for their livelihood and those who drive across EU borders,’ Ambassador Imperial said.

The Filipino community is one of Italy’s largest migrant communities.

Technical discussions between the Philippine Embassy and Italy’s Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport remain ongoing to expand coverage to license models issued from 2024 onward, Imperial added.