Category: Business Mirror

ENERGY Secretary Sharon Garin on Thursday committed to end the power shortage in the Visayas before Christmas Day this year.

‘I’ll work on it na talagang maaayos na before Christmas. It’s not easy, but that’s the target,’ Garin said on the sidelines of the Seventh Philippine International Geothermal Conference (PIGC7).

Since the start of the year, 93 yellow alerts and 30 red alerts were hoisted in Visayas.

A red alert status is issued when power supply is insufficient to meet consumer demand and the transmission grid’s regulating requirement. The yellow alert is issued when the operating margin is insufficient to meet the transmission grid’s contingency requirement.

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) placed the Visayas power grid on red alert from 1:00 p.m. to 10 p.m. and yellow alert from 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Six power plants are on forced outage since the start of the month, six more since August, one since July, two since June, seven since May, three since 2025, two since 2024, two since 2023, and one since 2021, while 16 plants are running on derated capacities, for a total of 792 megawatts unavailable to the grid.

The grid’s peak demand of 2,575 MW was more than its available capacity of 2,187 MW.

The same was observed in Mindanao. Its available capacity stood at 2,480 MW as against a peak demand of 2,546 MW. Thus, a red alert was declared from 12 noon to 9:00 p.m. while a yellow alert took effect from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and from 9:00 p.m. to 10 p.m.

NGCP reported that six plants are on forced outage on September 2026, 12 plants since August, four plants since July, one plant since June, two plants since January, one plant since 2025, and one plant since 2024, while seven plants are running on derated capacities, for a total of 841.6MW unavailable to the grid.

‘If Mindanao goes bad, then Visayas will go worse. So that’s why we need to balance it all,’ said Garin.

‘We have a lot of power plants, but many of these power plants are old or not functioning very well, derated, damaged. That’s why we issued circulars and guidelines on genco [generation company] accountability,’ said the energy chief.

The DOE is set to turn over a list of erring gencos to the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) for the possible suspension of their operational permits after they snubbed the agency’s show-cause orders (SCOs).

‘If you have a violation or we flagged a violation, that’s strike one. We will give you a strong warning. For the second time, it could be suspension. Third would be cancellation of our COE [certificate of endorsement] or blacklisting,’ said Garin.

Garin stressed that consumers pay their electricity and therefore deserve efficient and reliable power plants. ‘So we’re trying to be very strict on our gencos, they are not regulated but we’re the ones issuing their permits. So we cannot afford to have people suffer because you don’t fix your plant, you don’t maintain or you don’t buy fuel. That’s unacceptable and that’s why people in Visayas are suffering,’ she said.

NISSAN Philippines has unveiled the All-New Kicks e-Power, marking the next generation of its electrified subcompact SUV. First introduced locally in 2022, the Kicks brought Nissan’s unique e-POWER technology to Filipino motorists. Four years later, the new model builds on that foundation with sharper design, enhanced features, and a driving experience that remains distinctly electric.

‘The Philippines is an important market for Nissan, and we are grateful for the trust Filipino customers continue to place in our brand,’ said Nissan Philippines president Yoshinori Kanazawa.

‘The All-New Nissan Kicks e-Power represents a new chapter for a nameplate that has become familiar to Filipino drivers. We are excited to introduce this new generation and invite customers to discover the new Nissan Kicks that are made for those who are ready to explore and Live Daring.’

The launch of the All-New Kicks expands Nissan’s electrified lineup in the Philippines, joining the X-Trail e-Power and reinforcing the brand’s broader vision of Intelligent Mobility. This strategy gives Filipino motorists more opportunities to experience electrified driving through practical, everyday models.

Bold exterior updates

VISUALLY, the fresh exterior design gives a sharper, more expressive presence. At the front, Nissan’s signature V-Motion grille is paired with a new lighting signature, while the triple-arrow daytime running lights sharpen its visual identity. The rear continues this modern approach with hexagon-shaped lamps that reinforce the Kicks’ styling, offering a clean look that stands out both day and night.

Complementing these updates are improved headlights, engineered to deliver wider, longer illumination. This enhancement gives drivers a clearer view of the road, boosting visibility and confidence in low-light conditions. Altogether, the exterior revisions balance boldness with practicality, ensuring the Kicks remains recognizable while adapting to the demands of modern driving.

Everyday comfort inside

INSIDE, the all-new Nissan Kicks is crafted to make daily drives more pleasant and convenient for both drivers and passengers. Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats support a comfortable seating position, while anti-heat leather upholstery helps reduce heat buildup in warm conditions. Rear passengers benefit from an optimized seatback angle and a rear armrest that contribute to a more relaxed ride. At the same time, the driver enjoys a six-way power-adjustable seat for a personalized driving position.

Technology enhances the cabin experience, led by a 12.3-inch Display Audio system that integrates wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. NissanConnect Services further support connectivity, bundled with a three-year subscription that gives drivers greater access to features and information on the road. Altogether, the interior balances comfort, practicality, and modern technology, ensuring the Kicks remains well-suited to the demands of daily life.

A smarter way to go electric

AT the heart of the Kicks is Nissan’s e-POWER system, delivering a 100 percent electric motor-driven experience with 136 hp and 280 N-m of torque. Unlike conventional hybrids, the electric motor powers the wheels, while a 1.2-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine generates electricity for the battery. This setup provides the responsive feel of electric driving without requiring motorists to change their refueling habits.

ADVANCED driver-assistance technology is a defining feature of the all-new Nissan Kicks e-POWER, with Nissan ProPILOT at the forefront. This system is designed to ease the strain of driving, particularly on highways and longer journeys, by assisting with steering, acceleration, and braking. Intelligent Lane Keep Assist helps keep the vehicle centered within its lane, while Intelligent Cruise Control maintains a preset speed and safe distance from the car ahead. In heavy traffic, ProPILOT’s Traffic Jam Assist can bring the vehicle to a complete stop and resume driving, making daily commutes and extended trips more convenient and less stressful.

Complementing ProPILOT is a suite of twelve additional safety and driver-assistance technologies that broaden the Kicks e-POWER’s protective reach. Leading Car Departure Notification alerts drivers when the vehicle ahead begins to move. Intelligent Forward Collision Warning and Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection provide early alerts and automatic braking support to help avoid potential accidents. Blind Spot Warning with Intervention and Lane Departure Warning with Prevention add layers of protection during lane changes and highway driving. Rear Automatic Emergency Braking and Rear Cross Traffic Alert safeguard against unseen obstacles when reversing, while the Tire Pressure Monitoring System ensures optimal tire performance.

The Intelligent Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection enhances visibility around the vehicle, giving drivers a clearer perspective in tight spaces. High Beam Assist automatically adjusts lighting for improved nighttime visibility, and Driver Attention Alert monitors driver behavior to detect signs of fatigue or distraction.

Together, these technologies create a comprehensive safety net that anticipates risks and actively assists drivers in real time. By combining ProPILOT with an extensive suite of intelligent safety systems, the all-new Nissan Kicks e-POWER delivers a driving experience that is confident, secure, and well-suited to the demands of modern mobility.

Pricing and color

THE all-new Nissan Kicks e-POWER is offered in three variants, each positioned to suit different customer preferences. The VE is priced at P1.499 million, the VL at P1.649 million, and the LE Plus at P1.749 million. Four exterior colors are available-Aquamarine Metallic, Gun Metallic, Pearl White, and Moon Pearl Gray. For a more distinctive look, the LE Plus adds a Black Roof option, creating a refined two-tone appearance. Inside, the LE Plus carries a Moonstone interior combination, while the VE and VL variants feature classic Black finishes.

To make the ownership experience more accessible, Nissan is extending exclusive launch offers. Each purchase comes with a complimentary one-year Nissan Protect+ package, covering prepaid maintenance with genuine Nissan oil and parts. This ensures expert servicing and added value during the first year of ownership, further strengthening customer confidence in the brand’s electrified future.

Golden Arches Development Corp. (GADC), the master franchise owner for McDonald’s restaurants in the Philippines, is expanding its partnership with Corenergy Inc. to supply power to 23 more restaurants across Visayas and Mindanao.

Corenergy, the retail electricity supplier (RES) of Vivant Energy Corp., will supply power to 10 McDonald restaurants across Leyte and Western Visayas and 13 all over Northern Mindanao and Davao Region, with a combined contestable load of approximately 2.2 megawatts. The latest RES deals raised the total partnership to 59 operating stores being connected to COREnergy.

Through the ‘retail competition and open access,’ or ‘Rcoa,’ framework, qualified electricity consumers can choose their electricity supplier. The Retail Aggregation Program (RAP) under the framework, allows businesses with multiple electricity accounts, such as McDonald’s, to combine their electricity requirements and source their power collectively from a licensed RES such as COREnergy. Electricity makes up about 72 percent of McDonald’s utility costs. The latest deal is estimated to cut monthly electricity costs by 10 percent to 14 percent per restaurant.

‘McDonald’s remains committed to keeping the value and affordability our customers expect within reach,’ said Margot B. Torres, managing director of McDonald’s Philippines (GADC). ‘As we continue to grow our restaurant network, we’re also looking at ways to operate more efficiently and make thoughtful investments that support our business for the long term. By finding efficiencies in significant operating expenses such as electricity, we can continue to strengthen our restaurants while delivering the quality food and customer experience that McDonald’s is known for.’ The partnership comes as McDonald’s continues to invest and grow across the Visayas and expand its restaurant network nationwide. In Cebu alone, the company opened eight new stores this year, creating employment opportunities and bringing McDonald’s closer to more communities. meanwhile said.

‘We want to take the complexity out of power so businesses like McDonald’s can focus on what they do best – serving customers, growing their operations, and creating new opportunities,’ he added. ‘When companies have greater control and predictability over their energy costs, they can devote more attention to improving their operations and delivering the quality and service their customers expect,’ said Francis S. del Val, president of Corenergy.

The latest agreement is also part of McDonald’s broader rollout of RAP across its restaurant network. By year-end, GADC aims to transition approximately 64 percent of its RAP-eligible restaurant portfolio under the program, bringing the benefits of more competitive rates and greater cost predictability to a significant share of its footprint.

For 21 days, a Chinese marine research vessel remained inside Bajo de Masinloc, or Panatag Shoal-long enough to raise a question the Philippines cannot afford to ignore: what exactly was China studying there?

The Haiyang Dizhi Shi Hao, operated by China’s Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey, stayed inside the shoal from August 11 to September 1. The vessel is built for geological survey work and equipped to examine the seabed and shallow subsurface, with a stern-mounted A-frame for deploying and retrieving scientific equipment. Such surveys can produce detailed information about what lies beneath the sea-data that could potentially support future marine engineering.

A 21-day stay inside the shoal warrants scrutiny, regardless of its stated purpose.

What happened at Panganiban Reef (Mischief Reef) sharpens that concern. China built its first structures there in 1995, describing them as shelters for fishermen. Those structures eventually grew into a massive artificial island with an airfield and military facilities.

Civic leader Dr. Jose Antonio Goitia has pointed to exactly this kind of drift:

‘The temporary presence of today can become the accepted reality of tomorrow if it is allowed to continue unchecked.’

This is not the first unusual activity at Panatag this year. In May, a floating platform or raft was spotted inside the shoal, reportedly linked to Chinese research vessels. A drilling-capable survey ship spending nearly three weeks there now adds to the pattern.

Any single incident might have an explanation. A pattern is harder to wave away.

The real question at Panatag is not whether China is conducting research-it is what China is studying and what those findings could eventually support.

‘Sovereignty is rarely lost all at once,’ Goitia said. ‘It is gradually eroded when challenges to it are repeatedly allowed to pass unanswered.’

The Philippines has already watched a temporary structure become a permanent foothold. It should not need to see another artificial island rise at Panatag before taking these signs seriously.

The Philippines maintains sovereignty over Bajo de Masinloc and its maritime rights there. Activities capable of shifting that status quo deserve scrutiny now, while they are happening-not after the fact.

Goitia put it directly:

‘Our sovereignty cannot be traded, surrendered, or made a subject of negotiation.’

Panganiban was a warning the Philippines read too late. Panatag is the chance to read it in time.

Dr. Jose Antonio Goitia, Juris Doctor, PhD, is Chairman Emeritus of Alyansa ng Bantay sa Kapayapaan at Demokrasya (ABKD), People’s Alliance for Democracy and Reforms (PADER), Liga Independencia Pilipinas (LIPI), and the Filipinos Do Not Yield Movement (FDNY). He holds advanced degrees, including an MNSA, MPA, and MBA, among others.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Thursday assured the House of Representatives that the long-delayed LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project will finally move forward, with construction expected to begin before the end of the year.

Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez gave the assurance during the DOTr budget hearing, telling legislators that the government is committed to starting construction of the remaining sections of the multi-billion-peso railway project within 2026.

Las Piñas Lone District Rep. Mark Anthony Santos welcomed the DOTr’s commitment, saying the development brings renewed hope to thousands of commuters in Las Piñas, Parañaque, Bacoor and other parts of Cavite who have long waited for the project’s completion.

‘We welcome Secretary Lopez’s commitment that construction will finally begin within the year. For the people of Las Piñas, this is more than a government project-it is a long-awaited promise of faster, safer and more reliable transportation,’ Santos said.

The DOTr chief said the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) among the DOTr, Villar Group, Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) and Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) is expected to proceed this September. Once completed, the agreement will help address the remaining right-of-way concerns affecting the project alignment.

The MOA signing was earlier expected in August but was postponed, further delaying the start of construction activities.

The assurance comes amid an investigation ordered by Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla into allegations involving the delayed implementation of the LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project.

Santos said commuters have endured years of long travel times and worsening traffic congestion due to repeated delays in the project’s completion.

Phase 1 of the extension project is already operational, extending LRT-1 service from Baclaran Station in Pasay City to Dr. Santos Station in Parañaque City. The remaining phases will include the construction of the Las Piñas, Zapote and Niog stations, completing the Cavite leg of the extension.

‘Our commuters have heard promises of completion for years. What they need now is not another promise but actual construction, workers on the ground and measurable progress,’ Santos said.

The lawmaker called on the DOTr, LRTA and LRMC to immediately resolve any remaining legal, technical and administrative issues that could further delay the project.

Santos also urged continued congressional and public monitoring to ensure that the government fulfills its latest commitment.

‘We will hold the agencies accountable to this commitment. If construction is promised within the year, then we expect to see actual construction activities before the year ends. The people of Las Piñas deserve nothing less,’ he said.

He emphasized that completing the remaining LRT-1 Cavite Extension stations would provide much-needed relief to commuters traveling between southern Metro Manila and Cavite.

‘For years, our people have been stuck in traffic for hours just to get to work, school and home. The LRT-1 extension can dramatically change that. But its benefits will only be felt when the project is actually built and operational,’ Santos said.

Santos called on the DOTr and other concerned agencies to maintain transparency and provide regular updates on the project’s progress.

‘This project has already lost too much time. We cannot afford another round of delays. The people of Las Piñas and Cavite have waited long enough. Now, we need to see construction begin and this long-delayed project finally move forward,’ Santos said.

TERRA Solar Phase 1 has started commercial operations for its 600 megawatt alternating current (MWac) mid-merit capacity under a power supply agreement (PSA) with the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco).

The declaration of commercial operations beginning August 26 follows from the issuance of the ‘Final Certificate of Approval to Connect’ by the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP). The certificate confirms that the facility has met the necessary requirements to safely and reliably connect and operate 950 MWac of solar capacity and 825 MW of battery energy storage system within the national grid. Over the past weeks, teams successfully carried out the required tests, paving the way for the project’s grid approval and Phase 1 commercial operations.

‘This is a significant step toward the future of energy in the Philippines. By combining solar power with battery storage at an unprecedented scale, we’re demonstrating how renewable energy can strengthen energy security, support economic growth, and build a more resilient and sustainable power system for our country,’ said Manuel V. Pangilinan, chairman of Meralco and Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGEN).

The start of commercial operations follows the inauguration of MTerra Solar Phase 1 on July 14, which celebrated the energization of 1,373 MWac of solar PV capacity and 825 MW (equivalent to 3,300 MWh) of battery energy storage system, making it at that time, the world’s largest integrated solar PV and battery energy storage facility on a single site.

The facility’s Phase 1 progression from groundbreaking in November 2024 to the inauguration in July 2026, and now to its commercial operations, spanning less than two years, represents one of the most significant renewable energy achievements in the country. Another 250MWac capacity to be fulfilled under the same PSA is set to be brought into commercial operations in the upcoming months.

‘The issuance of the FCATC reflects the hard work of our people, the trust of our investors most especially Actis, and our strong partnership with NGCP under the guidance and support of our regulators -the DOE (Department of Energy) and the ERC (Energy Regulatory Commission). The close coordination among the agencies, system operator, and project teams was critical in delivering this remarkable achievement,’ said Dennis B. Jordan, president and CEO of MGEN Renewables and MTerra Solar.

MTerra Solar forms a key part of MGEN’s growing renewable energy portfolio and its commitment to supporting the Philippines’ energy transition. The project is expected to deliver 3,500 MWp of solar PV capacity paired with 4,500 MWh of BESS, further strengthening the country’s renewable energy capacity.

Actis, a leading growth market infrastructure investor, has worked together with MGEN, to jointly develop MTerra Solar. The $600 million investment made by Actis represents the Philippines’ largest foreign direct investment for a greenfield infrastructure project to date.

ARIANNE Colene Jalalon has confirmed the report that Inchcape Philippines and Changan have mutually agreed not to renew their distribution partnership in the Philippines, as Changan advances its long-term plans for the Philippine market.

‘The partnership is now in a transition period that will run through Q4 [fourth quarter] 2026,’ Jalalon said.

Existing customer commitments, including aftersales, warranty, parts and service support remain valid throughout the transition period.

Jalalon cited the statement of Alex Hammett, managing director, South Asia and Pacific, Inchcape:

‘Since 2023, Inchcape Philippines and Changan have worked together to build the Changan brand in the Philippines, supported by Inchcape’s local expertise, distribution capabilities and dealer network.

‘We are committed to supporting our customers, colleagues, dealers and business partners through this transition, and I would like to thank our team at Inchcape Philippines and our dealer partners for their valuable contribution to building and supporting the Changan brand in the Philippines over the past three years.

‘The Philippines remains an important market for Inchcape, with the company continuing to distribute Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, trucks and buses, as well as Jaguar Land Rover, and operating the retail business of Harley-Davidson. Inchcape’s focus is on continuing to grow our existing portfolio and bringing new products to our customers in the Philippines.’

The country is also home to Inchcape’s Digital Delivery Centre and Global Business Services teams, which together employ more than 700 colleagues and support Inchcape’s global operations.

Further information on arrangements following the transition period will be communicated once these are confirmed.

Good luck, fellas.

HIGHEST CAR SALES

JULY proved to be the highest monthly sales for cars in 2026, according to Elvin Luciano. This is significant as this is just five months away from December, the traditional ‘rush hour time’ to buy that dream car for everyone.

In a statement, Luciano said the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) and Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) reported total sales of 37,319 units in July. Combine the data with sales estimates of other automotive brands and you will have a total of industry sales of 42,880, which is the highest monthly sales yet for the year.

‘With this continuous growth, the industry is riding on a good momentum. We are hopeful that the positive trend will continue for the remainder of the year,’ said CAMPI president Jose Maria ‘Jing’ Atienza.

DEMAND

WHILE demand for Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles remains strong, July’s 2026 growth mainly came from the increased supply of Electrified Vehicles (xEVs), reflecting more than doubled sales versus last year.

‘The shift to electrification continues to accelerate, with xEV’s accounting for 29.5 percent of the market in July. This is up 18 points from same month last year,’ Atienza added.

Of the CAMPI-TMA member brands, Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMP) leads July monthly sales at 17,797 units.

It is followed by Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. with 6,271 units, Suzuki Philippines Inc. 1,689, Honda Cars Philippines, Inc.1,256 and Ford Group Philippines Inc. 1,152 units.

It is worth noting, too, that sales of xEVs continue to rise, eating up on ICE sales performance. It can only mean one thing: We are becoming conscious of developing, preserving, a clean environment brought on by an electrified mobility.

PEE STOP Congratulations to Mitsubishi for its successful launch recently of its Plug-In All-New Outlander PHEV at Solaire North, Quezon City, that saw a huge flock of car devotees in attendance, according to Nelda Castro. Cheers!… Allana Faith Rufo reports that the Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup Race Weekend 4 will be held on Sept. 12, Saturday, at Clark International Speedway in Angeles City, Pampanga. Admission is free as usual to the event serving as the culmination of the TGR racing extravaganza this year… Car repair shops are flooded with vehicles that got submerged in Metro floods as a result of continuous rains the past two weeks or so, triggered mostly by habagat (monsoon rains). Indeed, for every crisis comes an opportunity for others. As in some lawyers earning a fortune from, ummm, the misfortune of others.

HEAD coach Tim Cone will confidently settle for an 11-man team in the Aichi-Nagoya 20th Asian Games where the Philippines will be defending the men’s 5-on-5 gold medal.

‘There’s a chance that we will only have 11 players,’ Cone told a virtual press conference with Philippine media from their team hotel in Suwon, South Korea, where Gilas Pilipinas is has tune-up games ahead of the Asian Games.

‘If we look back at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament two years ago, we lost Scottie Thompson right before the tournament and we ended up going with 11, and we didn’t miss a beat,’ Cone explained.

Thomspon was sidelined by back issues and missed the OQT with Latvia in July 2024 with Gilas Pilipinas notching a FIBA upset with an 89-80 away victory in Riga.

‘I think we will be fine. These guys are all willing to play extended minutes. I think 11 is a really good number from a coaching standpoint.’

Spot No. 12 on the team, Cone stressed, has been reserved for Justin Brownlee.

‘We have kept that 12th sport open for Justin if he could make it,’ Cone said. ‘We have no confirmation yet from him if he is going to be here or not…the door is still open for him.’

Brownlee is recovering from hamstring and ankle injuries in San Diego, California.

Cone said that a 12th new player will be more difficult ‘logistically-wise’ and that changing lineups and infusion of game strategies would be a challenge.

‘At this point, we do not have a 12th player in mind to come over, we are ready to play all-Filipino,’ he said.

Cone also dismissed getting someone from the Gilas team that played against Jordan and Iraq in the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asia Qualifiers only last weekend in Manila.

‘Based on experience, looking back at the Incheon Asian Games [2014], we got the Madrid World Cup Gilas team under coach Chot [Reyes] that beat Senegal,’ Cone said. ‘But when they competed in the Asiad, they were already totally exhausted and tired.’

That team finished seventh place in the games.

‘So we just decided to have two teams, one for the windows and one for Asiad this time,’ he added.

Cone’s 11 players are RJ Abarrientos, Brandon Bates, Zav Lucero, Don Trollano, Justin Arana, Justine Baltazar, Sedrick Barefield, Adrian Nocum, Robert Bolick, Brandon Rosser-Ganuelas and Jerrick Ahanmisi.

The team will polish its chemistry against South Korea’s national teams on Friday and Sunday at the Hana Bank Invitational at the Suwon Arena.

Asian Games basketball in Nagoya start way ahead of the September 19 opening ceremony with the Philippines facing Bahrain on September 11, Kazakhstan on September 12 and China on September 14 in Group C action.

Basketball will be played at the Aichi International Arena.

THE Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), City of Manila and SM Prime Holdings Inc. formally signed a Memorandum of Agreement on Thursday that will transform the historic Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) into a world-class hub for sports, cultural identity and public engagement.

PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio and Manila City Mayor Francisco ‘Isko’ Moreno Domagoso led the ceremonial signing at the Mall of Asia Square with SM Prime Holdings Inc. President Jeffrey C. Lim, marking a milestone partnership that blends heritage preservation with modern urban development.

‘This is a defining moment for Philippine sports and heritage,’ Gregorio said. ‘The Rizal Memorial Sports Complex is a living symbol of our nation’s sporting legacy.’ ‘With the all-out support of the City of Manila and SM Prime, we are ensuring that this historic district will stand proudly while serving the Filipino people for generations to come.’

Domagoso fully supported the city’s commitment to the initiative, highlighting Manila’s role in opening its streets, enacting ordinances, and supporting the redevelopment ahead of the country’s hosting of the 2027 Southeast Asian Plus Youth Games at RMSC.

‘Manila is honored to partner with the PSC and SM Prime in this transformative project,’ Domagoso said. ‘This is about more than infrastructure, it is about pride, identity, and preparing our capital to welcome our visitors in 2027.’

SM Prime Chairman Hans T. Sy expressed optimism about the partnership noting the company’s long-standing commitment to sports advocacy.

‘Sports have always been a powerful force for people. It builds discipline, unity and pride,’ Sy said. ‘As Rizal Memorial undergoes this transformation, SM Prime is committed to supporting events that bring athletes and communities together.’

‘We believe that investing in sports is investing in the nation’s future, and we are honored to be part of this journey,’ Sy emphasized.

‘The Rizal Memorial Sports Complex has long been part of Philippine history, hosting generations of national athletes, major cultural events and defining moments in sports,’ Lim said. ‘Today, we take an important step in preserving that legacy.’

Under the agreement, the redevelopment will introduce several landmark features designed to blend heritage with modern urban planning and at the heart of the project is the PSC Plaza, which will extend across two lanes of Adriatico Street.

Through a city ordinance, the area will be converted into a walkable public pathway, secured by a usufruct agreement to ensure PSC’s continued use and development.

Complementing this is the construction of an elevated walkway, a coordinated effort among PSC, the City of Manila and SM Prime Holdings, linking the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex with the redeveloped SM Harrison Plaza.

This integration underscores the vision of creating a seamless sports and lifestyle district.

Heritage preservation also takes center stage, with plans to relocate the P. Ocampo statue to make way for a new Dr. Jose Rizal fencing monument, subject to approval by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.

‘This partnership is about readiness and vision,’ Gregorio said. ‘We are not only upgrading facilities, we are elevating Manila as a sports tourism capital and ensuring that our athletes, fans, and visitors experience the very best.’ Finally, the redevelopment will be reinforced by SM Prime’s urban integration efforts, as the company’s revitalization of Harrison Plaza is set to complement PSC’s upgrades, ensuring that the district evolves into a vibrant hub where history and modernity converge.

Joining Chairman Gregorio in the PSC delegation were Commissioners Olivia ‘Bong’ Coo, Walter Torres and Fritz Gaston, together with Chief of Staff Loujaye Sonido.

They were accompanied by architect Paulo Alcazaren, Atty. Diomarie Pedrozo, Atty. Allan Gabor, Engineer Emman Arcega, Architects Jerome Abad and Michelle Ceballos and Prince Alcantara.

Representing the City of Manila were Mayor’s Office Chief of Staff Cesar Chavez, Mayor Domagoso’s secretary Manuel ‘Letlet’ Zarcal, City Legal Officer Atty. Luch Gempis Jr., City Engineer Armand Andres and Department of Tourism, Culture and Sports officials.

Before they were the most-trusted hands behind Marvel’s largest epics, Joe and Anthony Russo presided over a slightly less potent assemblage of talent: the Bluth family of Arrested Development.

Beginning with Arrested Development (14 episodes directed) and Community (34 episodes), the Russo brothers established an especially keen sense for the rhythms and intersections of ensemble casts.

‘For whatever reason, Joe and I have always really been drawn to ensemble storytelling,’ Anthony says. ‘Maybe it speaks to the fact that we work as a team.’

‘We grew up in a very large Italian family full of colorful personalities,’ suggests Joe, citing their Ohio upbringing. ‘It was complex family dynamics. We all grew up on the same street; people lived in different houses. We spent dinners together on Sundays.

That inclination has served the Russos well in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, particularly in the sprawling superhero films Avengers: Infinity War (2018) and Avengers: Endgame (2019). But even for the Russos, Avengers: Doomsday (in theaters on December 18) is a unique juggling act. It brings together (deep breath) the Avengers, the Wakandans, the New Avengers (from Earth-616), the Fantastic Four (from Earth-828) and the original X-Men.

‘The MCU is this massive experiment in how vast, how much scope can an ensemble really have?’ Anthony says. ‘If we have a taste and talent for ensemble storytelling, we’re certainly pushing ourselves further than we ever have before.’

Joe and Anthony Russo spoke in a recent exclusive interview-or rather interviews, because the brothers spoke separately while knee-deep in work on Doomsday and its 2027 follow-up, Avengers: Secret Wars. They were finishing work on Doomsday-scoring, editing-while, in their words, ‘soft prepping’ production on ‘Secret Wars.’

‘When you’re doing one of these movies, it’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done,’ Joe says. ‘When you’re doing two of them, it’s almost inconceivable. But it’s the second time around we’re doing two back to back.’

After a rocky few years, Marvel looks to reassert its dominance

When the Russo brothers were last at the helm in the MCU, Endgame marked the apex of Marvel as a cultural force. Conceived as the culmination of a decade of movies, Endgame became the second highest-grossing film of all time, with $2.8 billion in ticket sales. (The Walt Disney Co. will bring it back to theaters as Avengers Endgame: Encore on September 25.)

Since ‘Endgame,’ the MCU has undergone plenty of expansion and experimentation. But Phases four, five and six of the MCU have also been notably rockier than the first three phases. Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios, has acknowledged that oversaturation played a role in the downturn.

For the first time, Marvel wasn’t immune to the ups and downs that characterize the rest of the movie world. The Marvels in 2023 tapped out with just $206 million in ticket sales. Captain America: Brave New World in 2025 landed the worst CinemaScore, a ‘B-,’ for a Marvel movie.

Doomsday aims to reinvigorate the MCU. It features not just the return of the Avengers and the Russos, but also Robert Downey Jr. The former Iron Man star plays the villain Doctor Doom. Downey has said he wouldn’t have come back if the Russos didn’t, too. So there is a get-the-band-back-together quality to Doomsday, a movie expected to be among the highest-grossing ever. Do the Russos feel that the film will, after some MCU stumbles, restore order in the Marvel universe?

‘It’s a great question. It’s part of the unique challenge,’ says Anthony. ‘The thing that Joe and I have always appreciated about our collaboration with Marvel is: our job isn’t to answer for the entirety of the MCU. We intersect it in a very specific way. It’s that intersection which is where we can make sense of things.’

Can ‘Doomsday’ match ‘Spider-Man’? Of course, Spider-Man: Brand New Day ($2.3 billion worldwide) has already nearly matched ‘Endgame’ in box-office might. Anthony Russo, ‘buzzing’ from the movie, calls the film’s reception ‘a wonderful challenge.’

Yet the Russos promise something special in Doomsday. They have referred to it as ‘back to zero,’ ‘starting from scratch’ and ‘a profound shift’ in the MCU. Even in the ever-expanding realm of the MCU, the Russos have been animated by stories with defined beginnings (Doomsday) and legitimate endings (Endgame). Even if Endgame wasn’t really the end, they needed to believe it was.

Since then, the Russos have directed three films for streaming: 2021’s Cherry, for Apple Studios; 2022’s The Gray Man, one of Netflix’s most-watched original films; and 2025’s The Electric State. They also launched an action franchise for Netflix with Extraction. Their production company, AGBO, has turned into a consistent blockbuster maker, producing not just Doomsday but the Oscar-winner Everything Everywhere All at Once.

It took something extra to bring the Russos back to Marvel. They were coaxed back, Anthony says, by a ‘foundational narrative concept’ suggested by cowriter Steve McFeeley.

‘We never want to coast on the capital that already exists,’ he says. ‘We want the greatest value of the film to reside in the new thing it’s bringing to the table.’

A lot has changed since the Russos last released a Marvel movie. The pandemic came and went. The industry defaulted to streaming, only to again embrace theatrical. The phrase ‘superhero fatigue’ was trotted out at times, though less so after Brand New Day.

If there’s a guiding template for the Russos for the kind of movie they want to make-one with grand scale and moments of emotional intimacy-it’s the Western. Sergio Leone’s Once Upon a Time in the West was a particular inspiration for Doomsday.

‘Joe and I grew up fans of all types of cinema, but Westerns have always been very special to us. Throughout cinema history, the Western has been declared dead for decades, and then you can still make one of the greatest examples of the genre.’

THE next digital divide in Asia and the Pacific may have little to do with who can get online and more to do with what countries can actually do once they are connected.

The warning comes as artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes the region’s digital infrastructure, increasing the need for faster networks, computing capacity and systems that can process data and support real-time decisions.

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific’s (Escap) newly-released Asia-Pacific Digital Transformation Report 2026 found that the region’s average Digital Transformation Index (DTI) score reached 50.28.

It was slightly above the global average of 49.63, yet digital development outcomes in high-income economies were nearly four times higher than in low-income economies.

The gap raises concerns that AI could widen existing disparities if countries with weaker digital infrastructure and institutional capacity are unable to keep pace with the technology.

‘Ensuring that AI-native network infrastructure benefits all economies of the region, rather than deepening existing inequalities, will require deliberate and coordinated policy action by Governments individually and through regional cooperation,’ United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Escap Executive Secretary Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana said.

According to the report, the convergence of AI, advanced networks, computing and data is changing digital infrastructure from systems that primarily carry information into ones that can analyze it and support real-time decision-making.

That could have practical consequences in areas such as disaster response and public services. The report, for instance, cites SatGPT’s ability to generate flood-prone maps from simple prompts and highlights applications of AI in early warning systems.

AI-enabled systems could also be used in transport, energy and other critical services, but their adoption depends on more than internet connectivity. Escap identified continuing gaps in innovation capacity and institutional conditions across the region.

These disparities are now part of discussions on the next phase of regional digital cooperation.

Ministers and senior officials are meeting over three days at the Escap Committee on Information and Communications Technology, Science, Technology and Innovation to discuss the Asia-Pacific Information Superhighway action plan for 2027-2030.

The proposed plan includes measures to strengthen resilient and cross-border digital infrastructure, improve public services through emerging technologies, facilitate the sharing of digital solutions and develop secure and trusted data systems.

It also calls for targeted support and knowledge-sharing for countries and communities facing the greatest barriers to adopting new technologies.

The report was launched at the opening of the committee meeting.