Category: Business Mirror

Talented child actors continue to shine at the annual Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival.

‘Ganggang’ (2026) by JL Burgos tells the story of children in a rural community experiencing the looming threat of anti-insurgency operations by the military.

Three boys Mel (Raine Dela Cruz), Ilay (Kenneth Vincent Mendoza) and Ten-ten (Don Richmond Cerbito) form an unlikely bond to find the best fighting spider against the spider of the school bully Anton (Prince España) until their own search puts their friendship to a test.

Burgos said that the film does not only wish to show the intricate web of human rights violations in the Philippines. It also aims to bring these issues to a broader public discourse.

‘Basic human rights are often swept under the mantle of economic growth. Those who speak and protest are silenced or forced to obey. The implementers are given too much power to suppress and enforce obedience to ensure economic progress,’ Burgos said.

He added: ‘A nation with no respect for human rights is a nation without a spine. Its progress is forever delayed. A nation can only achieve genuine peace and economic growth when the basic rights of its people are established, recognized, and protected.’

In ‘Hand of God’ (2026), KD Omalin portrays 10-year-old Khaleel, a child soldier of a violent terrorist group in Basilan.

The war drama follows a military lieutenant (Ruru Madrid) who uses sports, specifically football, as a means of intervention and a chance at a different path away from war. He sets up a makeshift football post to win the trust of residents suspected of terrorist ties.

The movie highlights how children are the primary victims of adult-driven wars. The narrative emphasizes the urgent need to protect youth from being weaponized, focusing on a soldier trying to help a child soldier ‘remember how to be a child.’

The director, Mark Duane Angos, aims to break down prejudices and stereotypes surrounding conflict-scarred Muslim communities, sending a powerful reminder that every marginalized community deserves to be seen, heard, and valued.

‘Kaka Sa Yawan (2026) is the coming-of-age drama follows Niko (Bryce Nicolo Mercader), as he returns to Mindoro island years after a life-changing childhood friendship with Ayan (Dennis Dato), a Tadyawan-Mangyan boy.

As he fulfills a long-forgotten promise, Niko confronts memories of loss, belonging, and the bond that once changed his life.

It is a story about friendship that slowly crosses the lines of culture and circumstance. They may come from very different worlds, but they share many of the same hopes, dreams and desire for a better life.

In Mag-iina (2026), Lucas Andalio plays Ynigo as strange adopted son in the Abreu family.

The film follows Anj (Janine Gutierrez) as she returns to her ancestral home days before the 40th day of her father’s death. She reunites with three generations of women in her family, mother Mita (Agot Isidro), aunt Ysobel (Cherry Pie Picache), and matriarch Angela (Jackie Lou Blanco) who are trapped in grief and madness, uncovering long-buried ‘dark forces.’

Director Giancarlo Abrahan described Mag-iina as an eerie family drama-‘undomesticated by a horror that announces itself openly: in nightmares that bleed into waking, in the dead who have not crossed toward eternal light, in secrets that linger longer than the ghosts themselves.’

The youngest winner of best actor award was Noel Comia Jr. for Kiko Boksingero (2017) when he was then 13 years old, followed by 15-year-olds Jansen Magpusao for John Denver Trending (2019) and Enzo Osorio for The Hearing (2024). Nathan Lopez was also 13 when he was given Special Citation (for acting performance) for Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros (2005).

The Hearing (2024) focuses on Lucas (Enzo Osorio) as a deaf boy from a remote fishing village who becomes central to a high-profile criminal case.

Love Child (2024) is about a young couple (RK Bagatsing, Jane Oineza) that navigates the challenges of raising their autistic son John Tyrron Ramos in an increasingly unforgiving world, testing their love and resilience.

Iska (2019) follows Iska (Ruby Ruiz), a struggling photocopy machine operator at the University of the Philippines who single-handedly raises her 10-year-old grandson (Pryle Gura) with severe autism.

John Denver Trending (2019) is about the life of a 14-year-old farm boy (Jansen Magpusao) that is suddenly upended when a video of him brutally attacking a classmate goes viral.

Pan de Salawal (2018) follows a wandering 7-year-old girl named Aguy who has the miraculous ability to heal sick people by physically striking them.

‘Kiko Boksingero’ (2017) is about a young boy (Noel Comia Jr) attempting to build a bond with his estranged father through their shared love for the sport of boxing.

‘Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros’ (2005) follows a gay teen (Nathan Lopez ) in Manila torn between a young cop and his criminal family. It won Best Film (Special Jury Prize).

Peyups is the moniker of the University of the Philippines. Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the Seafarers’ Division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan Law Offices. For comments, e-mail info@sapalovelez.com, or call 0908-8665786.

McKinley Kyle Paz delivered his strongest performance of the 2026 Asia Road Racing Championship season as the Yamaha Philippines Racing Team completed Round 4 at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit in Indonesia.

Competing in the highly competitive Supersport 600 (SS600) category, Paz produced an impressive weekend that culminated in a second-place finish in Race 2, surpassing his third-place result from Thailand and marking his highest finish of the season so far.

The result highlighted a weekend that tested the Yamaha Philippines contingent across both SS600 and Underbone 150, with Paz rising to the challenge and moving another step closer to the top of the international podium.

Paz Raises the Bar in Indonesia

After qualifying seventh on the grid, Paz immediately showed his pace in Race 1. The Filipino rider fought his way forward through the SS600 field to cross the line in fourth place, narrowly missing the podium but setting the stage for an even stronger performance the following day.

Race 2 saw Paz take another significant step.

Battling at the front against some of Asia’s best riders, Paz pushed his Yamaha to second place, securing his second podium of the season and improving on the third-place finish he earned during Round 2 in Thailand.

The result represents another milestone in Paz’s 2026 international campaign. After finishing P9 and P7 at Mobility Resort Motegi in the previous round, his P4 and P2 performances in Indonesia demonstrated a significant leap forward as the championship enters its latter stages.

More importantly, the result showed that Paz is no longer simply chasing consistent finishes. He is closing the distance to the top.

A Difficult Weekend in Underbone 150

The Mandalika round proved more challenging for April King Mascardo and Timothy Rojas in the intensely competitive Underbone 150 (UB150) category.

Mascardo qualified seventh, while Rojas started from P21. In Race 1, Mascardo finished P12, with Rojas improving from the back of the grid to finish P19.

Race 2 presented another opportunity for the pair, but the results remained difficult to come by. Mascardo once again finished P12, while Rojas crossed the line in P21.

While the weekend did not produce the results they had targeted, every round of international competition continues to provide valuable experience for both riders as they contend against the region’s strongest underbone racers. The challenge now is to regroup, apply the lessons learned in Indonesia, and return stronger for the next round. Another Step Forward

Four rounds into the championship, the Yamaha Philippines Racing Team continues to measure its campaign through progress.

From Paz’s first podium of the season in Thailand, to the team’s continued development in Japan, and now a season-best second-place finish in Indonesia, the journey continues to show what can be achieved by relentlessly pushing beyond previous limits.

For Paz, P2 is another breakthrough, but it also leaves one position still to chase.

For Mascardo and Rojas, Mandalika becomes another challenge to learn from and another reason to come back stronger.

With the season entering its decisive stages, the Yamaha Philippines Racing Team now turns its attention to Round 5 of the Asia Road Racing Championship, returning to Malaysia from September 11 to 13. Paz will look to carry his growing momentum and move one step closer to the top of the podium, while Mascardo and Rojas aim to respond stronger after a challenging weekend in Indonesia. Together, the team remains determined to represent the Philippines against Asia’s best and continue its relentless pursuit to Defy Limits.

Celebrate a fusion of culture, music, food, endless finds, and more at SM Supermalls in Davao

Experience an all-out Kadayawan Festival with these exciting lineup of activities as SM Davao malls transform into creative and festive spaces in a vibrant celebration of culture that matches every vibe and celebrates every tribe.

From heart-pumping fitness events and electrifying P-pop performances to fashion finds, food feasts, and family-friendly attractions, SM Lanang and SM City Davao offer something for every kind of festival-goer.

Take the Kadayawan festivity to the streets of Davao City and lace up together with around 6,000 runners who are expected to participate in Singlife Davao Marathon’s international-standard road race on August 15 at the SM Lanang North Wing Grounds. Break your personal records in this Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA)-sanctioned road race and earn a personal best that is officially recognized on both national and global stages.

less Finds

Find joy in checking endless finds, mallwide, on Kadayawan Sale, happening in SM City Davao and SM Lanang, on August 10 to 16. Take home vibrant pieces from Homegrown: Kadayawan Special Pop-Up on August 15 to 18 (SM Lanang Atrium) and Kultura Kadayawan Crawl on August 8 to 18 (SM City Davao Main Mall Atrium).

Weave with pride

Featuring the artistry through tapestries, the Davao Junior Fashion Designers presents heritage and pride at The Southern Weave Fashion Show on August 16 at Expansion Wing, SM City Davao.

Bountiful HarvestsThe bountiful harvests of Mindanao take center stage with exciting food and lifestyle offerings at SM Lanang and SM City Davao. Take a feast on varieties of fruits at the Durian Festival on August 7 to September 11 at SM Lanang. Discover Waling Waling and other homegrown plant varieties at Kadayawan Agri-Trade Fair until August 31 at Open Parking Delta, SM City Davao.

Festive Beats

Feel the beats and rhythms with electrifying performances from some of the country’s hottest acts at SM Lanang’s Kadayawan Vibe P-pop Fest on August 15 with Hara and Ayo and August 16 with BGYO, DNA, and Wrive.

From supporting local entrepreneurs and artists to enjoying the finest harvests and live entertainment, SM City Davao and SM Lanang invite everyone to immerse themselves in the vibrant energy of Kadayawan.

Join the festivities and celebrate the culture, creativity, and abundance of Davao only at SM Supermalls this Kadayawan season. For updates and event schedules, follow SM City Davao and SM Lanang on Facebook.

A refreshing face with a stylish presence in the beauty-queen circuit, Scarlet Chua is also a dynamic advocate for children’s welfare, empowering women and celebrating diversity.

Scarlet, 36, is the reigning Mrs. Universe Pacific Philippines 2026, from the Mrs. Universe Philippines system spearheaded by former winner Maria Charo Laude. A proud Filipino-Chinese, she is a graduate of Chiang Kai Shek College.

Married to businessman Wilfred Evan Chua, they are blessed with three wonderful boys named Caden, Travis and Ethan. While her profession centers around her family, she also uses her platform to inspire women, promote cultural understanding, and encourage purposeful living.

A recent awardee at ‘Faces of Success’ by ‘Awards Guru’ Richard Hiñola, Scarlet shares her values, passions and convictions in this exclusive interview:

MRS. UNIVERSE PHILIPPINES 2026

‘I joined Mrs. Universe Philippines to prove that motherhood is not the end of a woman’s dreams. It can be the beginning of an even greater purpose. I wanted to step outside my comfort zone and inspire women, especially mothers, to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams at any stage of life.

‘As a titleholder, my responsibility is to represent the organization with integrity, serve my community, champion meaningful advocacies, and use my voice to inspire positive change. I believe a crown is not just a symbol of beauty, but a platform for service and purpose.

‘Mrs. Universe Philippines was my first-ever beauty pageant, and it completely transformed me. I didn’t enter with experience, I entered with purpose and the courage to say yes to a dream. Every challenge, from the runway to the QandA, helped me discover a stronger, more confident version of myself. It reminded me that it’s never too late to grow, and that the greatest victory is overcoming your own fears.’

FASHIONISTA

‘Fashion has always been one of my passions because it is a beautiful form of self-expression. I believe true style isn’t about wearing the most expensive clothes, it’s about wearing pieces with confidence, elegance and purpose. I love timeless, sophisticated and feminine fashion that reflects who I am while remaining appropriate for every occasion. To me, the best accessory will always be a genuine smile.’

CREATIVE COLLABORATORS

‘A beauty queen may stand alone on stage, but behind her is an entire team working with passion and dedication. I’m deeply thankful to all the creatives who believed in me and helped bring my vision to life.

‘My official photographers and videographers were Mark Neto Diaz, Jhade Ochea, Kevin Burca, Christian Rubenicia and Jayron Acala. I also would like to express a heartfelt gratitude to my coaches and mentors Mike Tagle, Hemi Escudero Tamayo, Jomari Conception, Kai Louis, Niño Gonzales, Jules Inoc, and my family, friends and supporters who believed in me from the beginning.

‘My evening gown at the Grand Coronation Night at Mrs. Universe Philippines was designed by Leo Almodal, my stylists for the whole pageant journey were Vhee Co, Jev and Ken Batino, my hair and makeup artist was Jay-R Ten, Joan Castro, Jerome Phokz Bognot and Heart Abad Zafra.

‘For my ‘Faces of Success’ look, I also had the privilege of collaborating with Style by Jev and Ken Batino, hair and makeup by Peejay Gardose Trangria, all talented creatives who helped me present my best self while staying true to my elegant and timeless style.’

HARMONY ACROSS CULTURES

‘As a Filipino-Chinese woman, I have always valued the richness of embracing two cultures. That inspired me to create my advocacy, Harmony Across Cultures, which promotes understanding, respect, and unity among people from different backgrounds.

‘Its core values are respect, understanding, inclusivity, cultural appreciation, and unity. As a beauty queen, I hope to use my platform to encourage people to celebrate diversity while recognizing the values that connect us. As a mother, I want to raise my children to be proud of their identity, respect every culture, and lead with kindness and compassion.

‘I believe the world becomes more beautiful when we choose understanding over judgment. Through Harmony Across Cultures, I hope to build bridges, foster meaningful connections, and inspire future generations to embrace diversity with open hearts.’

OUTREACH ACTIVITIES

‘My lady friends and I from our Bible study group organized outreach activities with Muntindilaw for Kids at Muntindilaw Elementary School, Falcon, Cainta on October 18, 2025, and April 25, 2026.

‘We believe every child deserves to feel loved, valued, and given the opportunity to dream, regardless of their circumstances.

‘As a mother of three boys, seeing children who face challenges in life deeply touches my heart. It reminds me how blessed my own family is and inspires me to give back whenever I can.

‘For me, charity is more than donating resources, it is about giving hope, encouragement, and reminding children that they are seen, cared for, and never forgotten. Through our outreach with Muntindilaw for Kids, I had the privilege of sharing not only assistance but also time, compassion, and genuine connection with the children and their families.

‘This experience strengthened my belief that even small acts of kindness can create a lasting impact. It also reflects my personal mission of using my platform to inspire others to serve with compassion, uplift communities, and make a positive difference. One child, one family, and one act of kindness at a time.

‘I hope our efforts inspire more people to come together, serve with compassion, and create positive change in their own communities. After all, when we unite with love and a shared purpose, we become instruments of hope in the lives of others.

FACE OF SUCCESS

‘For me, success is not measured by crowns, awards, or accomplishments alone, but by who you become in the process and the lives you touch along the way. It’s about living with purpose, staying true to your values, and making a positive difference wherever you go. A crown may have a season, but your influence can last a lifetime. If I can inspire even one person to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams, then I consider that true success.

‘Receiving the ‘Faces of Success Award’ is an incredible honor because it reminds me that true success is not about being seen, it’s about making others feel seen, valued, and inspired. This recognition motivates me to continue leading with purpose, humility, and compassion while using every opportunity to make a positive impact.’

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Friday he will endorse a successor, who will not only continue his legacy of weeding out corruption in the government and sustain the country’s growth through nation-building, but also run against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte in the 2028 presidential elections.

Currently, only Duterte, who is facing an impeachment trial in the Senate, has publicly announced her intention to run as president in the 2028 polls.

Marcos said he is looking for a like-minded candidate who will sustain the reforms he initiated to prevent public works anomalies as well as preventing pork barrel or government funds used by politicians for pet projects that aim to please voters.

‘The government has to continue to do that because corruption is not, is not, uh, is not a, is not a Filipino problem. Corruption is a human problem. There is corruption everywhere. What you want to do is to lessen and if not eliminate as much as possible,’ Marcos said at the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines Presidential Luncheon in Manila on Friday.

‘The candidate I will endorse will be somebody who I am confident will continue what we have begun in terms of the anti-corruption push,’ he added.

Among the achievements of his campaign against corruption, which he stated in his fourth State of the Nation Address (Sona) last year, Marcos said, was the Sumbong sa Pangulo website, which was launched in August 2025, where the public can report non-operational or anomalous flood control projects.

As of May 31, the website already had 11,756 reports of defective flood control projects, 2,255 of which were unfinished, and 2,960 which were non-existent.

Marcos said he also ordered reforms in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to make sure its operations are more transparent.

He said the government is trying to remove discretionary decisions from government officials and employees in transactions by promoting digitalization.

‘So digitalization is our, is our most powerful tool for that because we remove that human element where wastage, uh, corruption can creep into,’ Marcos said.

The chief executive said he hopes the next president will also continue holding dialogues with the public and local government units so they can contribute to ‘nation building.’

‘Hopefully we have started that process once again of nation building, that we are making the country better. We’re not just custodians and just, you know, just making sure to do the same, whatever the last admin did,’ Marcos said.

‘That’s the legacy I hope to leave; that now the government is your partner hand in hand with every citizen, with every sector, hand in hand trying to build a better Philippines, trying to make the Philippines better,’ he added.

Asked for an update on the announcement he made at his fifth Sona last month that the Office of the Ombudsman will soon be filing charges against his cousin, Leyte 1st District Representative Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, Marcos said he currently has no update on the matter.

Romualdez is facing plunder charges for his alleged involvement in acquiring about P56 billion of ill-gotten wealth from 2022 to 2025.

Marcos pointed out that while he does not interfere with the decision of the Ombudsman, he will call its office to get an update on Romualdez’s case.

Okada Foundation, Inc. (OFI) turned over a PHP 20 million donation to the Malasakit and Bayanihan Foundation, Inc. on August 11 at Okada Manila, supporting nationwide humanitarian relief and educational assistance for Filipino families in need and underprivileged graduates.

The turnover ceremony was attended by OFI President James Lorenzana and representatives of the Malasakit and Bayanihan Foundation, led by Secretary General and Treasurer Marc Benedict R. Talavera and Chief of Staff Dr. Shane Kinsley E. Veloso. Also present were Atty. John Cyril E. Santiago, Utopia G. Cuyugan-Talavera, and Mariano L. Valiente Jr.

The donation will support the foundation’s ‘Malasakit sa Kapwa’ Nationwide Humanitarian and Educational Recognition Program. It will fund grocery packs containing food and hygiene essentials for indigent families, particularly those affected by natural and man-made disasters, as well as graduation grocery gift packs for underprivileged graduates of state universities and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) institutions.

Bringing Support to Local Communities

As the charitable arm of Okada Manila, OFI sees the contribution as an opportunity to help address needs that directly affect families and communities. The donation will provide practical relief to Filipinos facing difficult circumstances, including those rebuilding their lives following disasters, while supporting underprivileged graduates as they complete their education and prepare for what comes next.

‘Our partnership with the Malasakit and Bayanihan Foundation, Inc. allows us to reach Filipinos at different points of need, from families facing difficult circumstances to graduates preparing for what comes next,’ said James Lorenzana, President of Okada Foundation, Inc. ‘Through initiatives like this, we hope to contribute to stronger, more resilient communities and create an impact that extends well beyond the assistance we provide today.’

A Shared Commitment to Stronger Communities

OFI advances its social development initiatives through four key pillars: Health, Education, Cultural Heritage, and Environment. This partnership reinforces its commitment to Education through assistance for underprivileged graduates, while extending humanitarian support to families and communities facing difficult circumstances.

Through partnerships with organizations that share its commitment to meaningful social impact, OFI continues to translate these priorities into programs that address real community needs and create lasting benefits for Filipinos across the country.

BYD Cars Philippines has expanded its lineup of electrified vehicles with the launch of the All-New Atto 2 in DM-i and EV versions, while simultaneously rolling out the updated Seal 5 DM-I, marking another step forward to bring sustainable mobility. The addition of these two Atto 2 versions reflects the brand’s intent to offer practical choices across different segments, whether for families, professionals, or businesses seeking to modernize their fleets.

The Seal 5 DM-i enters as a refined sedan built on plug-in hybrid technology, combining efficiency with everyday usability. Meanwhile, the All-New Atto 2 arrives as a versatile SUV, available in both pure electric and hybrid variants, designed to lower barriers to ownership and make the switch to electrified driving more attainable. Together, these models strengthen BYD’s growing portfolio of New Energy Vehicles.

Atto 2 EV

THE Atto 2 EV stands as BYD’s most accessible full battery electric SUV, expanding the brand’s electrified lineup with a model that blends everyday usability and modern design. Beneath its clean, compact form lies a front-wheel-drive system powered by a permanent-magnet synchronous motor that produces 174 horsepower and 290 N-m of torque. Energy comes from BYD’s trusted Blade Battery (Lithium Iron Phosphate) with a 45-kWh capacity. This setup delivers up to 380 kilometers of pure electric range on the NEDC cycle.

From the outside, the Atto 2 EV carries a youthful SUV stance with balanced proportions, a bold front fascia, and aerodynamic lines that give it a confident yet approachable look. LED headlamps, daytime running lights, and side-mirror-integrated turn lamps complete its contemporary styling. Inside, the cabin emphasizes comfort and connectivity.

A 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen infotainment system anchors the dashboard, paired with seamless smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The interior layout is straightforward and functional, with supportive seating, multiple charging ports, and thoughtful storage spaces that suit Filipino families and professionals alike.

Safety and visibility are central to the Atto 2 EV’s design. It comes equipped with six parking sensors and a 360-degree see-through mode camera system, giving drivers a clear view of their surroundings and added confidence in tight spaces. Multiple airbags, electronic stability control, and advanced braking technologies further enhance protection across varied driving conditions. A highlight feature is its Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, allowing owners to power external electronics, appliances, or equipment directly from the vehicle.

Pricing begins at ?1.338 million, effective September 1, 2026. Ownership is supported by an 8-year Drive Unit warranty, a 6-year/160,000 km bumper-to-bumper coverage, and an 8-year/160,000 km Blade Battery warranty. With its grounded design, proven powertrain, and dependable safety systems, the Atto 2 EV stands as a confident step into full electric mobility.

Atto 2 DM-i

FOR those seeking flexibility, the Atto 2 DM-i comes in Dynamic and Premium variants, both built on BYD’s Super DM-i plug-in hybrid system. Each combines a 1.5-liter high-efficiency gasoline engine with an electric motor powered by a 7.9-kWh Blade Battery (Lithium Iron Phosphate). The system delivers a balanced output of 162 hp and 300 N-m of torque. With up to 45 km of electric-only range and a combined range of 1,340 km certified by the Automobile Association Philippines, the Atto 2 DM-i offers the practicality of a hybrid with the efficiency of an EV.

Visually, the DM-i variants distinguish themselves from the EV model through subtle exterior cues. Both feature LED headlamps, daytime running lights, and side-mirror-integrated turn lamps, but the DM-i lineup carries its own color palette-Midnight Blue, Ski White, Harbour Grey, and Cosmos Black-and rides on 215/60 R17 alloy wheels. The Premium variant adds power-folding side mirrors and a 360-degree see-through mode camera system with six parking sensors, enhancing visibility and maneuverability in tight spaces.

Inside, the Dynamic variant offers a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity and fabric upholstery, while the Premium steps up with leather seats, a 12.8-inch display, and DiPilot ADAS, BYD’s advanced driver-assistance suite featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. Both share the same smart-first SUV DNA-comfortable seating, multiple USB ports, and practical storage-built for everyday use.

Pricing starts at ?1.048 million for the Dynamic and ?1.258 million for the Premium, effective September 1, 2026. Each variant includes an 8-year Drive Unit warranty, 6-year/160,000 km bumper-to-bumper coverage, and 8-year/160,000 km Blade Battery warranty, ensuring long-term reliability for Filipino motorists.

Seal 5 DM-i

THE facelifted Seal 5 DM-i builds on the success of its predecessor, now offered in Essential and Dynamic variants. At its core is BYD’s fifth-generation Super DM-i plug-in hybrid system, combining a 1.5-liter high-efficiency gasoline engine with an electric motor powered by BYD’s 7.42 kWh Blade Battery (Lithium Iron Phosphate), generating 160 hp and 210 N-m of torque.

Both variants deliver up to 55 kilometers of pure electric range, with the hybrid system seamlessly taking over for longer journeys. Together, the setup provides a combined driving range of up to 1,600 kilometers, making the Seal 5 DM-i a practical sedan for both city commutes and extended travel.

On the outside, the Seal 5 DM-i presents a refined sedan silhouette with sharper lines, a reworked front fascia, and LED lighting signatures that highlight its modern character. The Dynamic variant adds sportier alloy wheels and chrome detailing, distinguishing it from the Essential.

Inside, both variants feature an 8.8-inch digital cluster and a 10.1-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Automatic climate control with rear vents, multiple USB ports, and a spacious 522-liter trunk expandable to 1,295 liters with folded seats emphasize everyday usability.

Safety and driver confidence are enhanced with Cruise Control, TPMS, rear parking sensors, Vehicle Dynamic Control, Hill Hold Control, Automatic Vehicle Hold, and multiple airbags. Both variants also integrate BYD’s DiPilot driver-assistance system, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision mitigation features-technology that elevates the Seal 5 DM-i beyond conventional sedans.

Pricing begins at ?948,000 for the Essential and ?1.048 million for the Dynamic, effective September 1, 2026. Each unit includes an 8-year Drive Unit warranty, 6-year/160,000 km bumper-to-bumper coverage, and 8-year/160,000 km Blade Battery warranty, underscoring BYD’s commitment to long-term reliability.

FORTUNE Life Insurance Company formalized its partnership with PinoyLiga Cup through PEMC Marketing Consultancy, officially becoming a co-presentor of ‘2026 PinoyLiga Cup- The Big Dance.’

The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing was held at the Fortune Life Head Office in Makati last Wednesday.

The agreement was signed by Emma M. Abad, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Fortune Life Insurance Company, and Francis Solon D. Benitez, Agency Lead of PEMC Marketing Consultancy.

Under the partnership, Fortune Life will provide Group Personal Accident Insurance coverage for team players and coaches participating in the collegiate cup, ensuring that young athletes are protected as they compete for one month.

The games officially began last Tuesday at the Enderun Colleges in McKinley, BGC.

This initiative reflects Fortune Life’s continuing commitment to provide meaningful support to young Filipino athletes and underscores the shared commitment of both organizations to promoting protection and preparedness, particularly for students actively engaged in sports and training.

The company recognizes the importance of safeguarding student-athletes under existing government policies, including CHED Memorandum Order No. 13, Series of 2026, and Republic Act No. 10676, or the Student-Athletes Protection Act.

Fortune Life stands behind the young athletes who represent the future of Philippine sports, committed to ensuring that protection reaches every Filipino as they compete, grow and pursue their goals.

The integration Coins’ biller network and removes intermediaries for faster processing

Coins.ph, the Philippines’ leading digital asset exchange and one of the fastest-growing mobile wallets, has entered into a strategic partnership with Bayad, the premier bills payment network in the country.

This collaboration strengthen’s Coins.ph’s utility as an all-in-one money app with a reliable suite of payments and trading capabilities. Through direct integration with Bayad’s vast network, Coins.ph bypasses third-party aggregators to deliver faster, more seamless, and highly reliable bill payments directly within the app.

Bridging the Gap: More Billers, Faster Posting

Thanks to Bayad’s impressive network, the number of billers available to Coins.ph users increase to nearly 300 merchants, doubling the app’s capacity.

The expanded network brings together everyday essentials across 17 distinct categories, allowing Coins.ph users to clear their monthly checklists in one seamless platform. This includes critical utilities, government services, telecommunications, travel, and banking.

Backend Friction Eliminated

Through Bayad’s direct API integration, Coins.ph now offers Real-Time Posting (RTP) for major billers. This ensures payments are posted within 24 hours to prevent late-fee Anxieties.

For the platform’s bill-only users who rely on the app solely for recurring, real-world obligations rather than digital asset trading, this change ensures a best-in class, frictionless payment journey.

‘We want to show how Coins.ph fits naturally into your daily life,’ said Amira Alawi, Coins.ph Global Marketing Director. ‘By partnering with a household name as trusted as Bayad, we’re making it incredibly easy for our users to settle their utilities and everyday expenses with nearly 300 billers, all in just a few taps.’

‘This partnership bridges the best of everyday traditional payments with the power of digital finance,’ said Dennis Gatuslao, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer of Bayad. ‘By linking Bayad’s direct-to-biller network with Coins.ph’s innovative app, we are eliminating boundaries for users. It’s all about creating a faster, more reliable experience that shows how effortless managing household expenses can truly be.’

The updated biller options are now fully live and accessible to all registered Coins.ph users through the latest version of the mobile app on iOS and Android.

DIGITAL transformation is often described as a technology journey. I have come to believe that it is, first and foremost, a leadership journey.

Many organizations begin by asking, ‘What technology should we buy?’ Perhaps the better question is, ‘What prevents our people from doing their best work?’

This is one of my most important takeaway from a recent conversation with Jessica DiPietro, an association professional and technology strategist, on the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives (PCAAE) ‘Association Matters’ podcast titled ‘Leading Digital Transformation: How One Association Reimagined Its Technology for Greater Impact.’

Jessica’s story will sound familiar to many association executives. Staff members create workarounds. They manually transfer information from one system to another. They perform tasks that technology should have automated years ago. Because they are dedicated and resourceful, the work gets done. Members are served. Programs continue to operate.

Leaders celebrate the outcome, unaware that their most valuable resource, their people, is paying the price.

The greatest irony of high-performing organizations is that exceptional people can unintentionally conceal broken systems. Success can become an excuse for maintaining the status quo.

Jessica shared that her organization was managing 17 member-related technology platforms that did not integrate effectively. The association was spending approximately US$70,000 annually on technology while simultaneously absorbing the hidden costs of inefficiency like manual processes, duplicated work, staff frustration, and lost opportunities to create greater member value.

What I found particularly instructive was where the transformation began. It did not begin with software demonstrations or requests for proposals. It began with conversations.

Jessica asked her colleagues simple but powerful questions: ‘Walk me through your day,’ ‘What annoys you?’ and ‘What would make your work easier?’ By listening carefully, documenting workflows, and aligning technology decisions with organizational goals, the association discovered not only where systems could improve, but where processes could simply be eliminated.

The results were remarkable: technology subscriptions were consolidated, annual costs were reduced by $20,000, staff time was significantly recovered, and member experience improved dramatically. Website login times, for example, dropped from as much as 15 seconds to half a second.

Yet I suspect the most important outcome cannot be measured financially.

Staff members gained something increasingly precious in today’s workplace: the time and freedom to focus on meaningful work. Instead of wrestling with technology, they could devote their efforts to advancing their mission and serving their members.

There is an important lesson here for every association leader. Technology is not an end in itself. Digital transformation succeeds only when it strengthens people, advances purpose, and deepens member value.

If I may leave one thought with our readers, it is this: Organizations do not transform when they simply modernize their technology. They transform when their leaders listen deeply enough to discover what their people and their mission truly need.

Octavio Peralta is founder and volunteer CEO of the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives (PCAAE), the ‘association of associations.’ The PCAAE will hold its 14th Annual Associations Summit (AS14) on November 24, 2026, at the Asian Institute of Management. The views he expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the BusinessMirror. E mail: bobby@pcaae.org