Category: Business Mirror

According to sources, one of the reasons why the actress ditched her former manager is because the latter disclosed information about her private life not just once but twice. The actress is known to be a very private person while the manager is said to be headstrong. It’s actually a surprise that their working relationship has lasted this long. The actress also feels that in the past few years, her manager had just been coasting along in terms of finding new jobs for her. At the end of the day, the actress has told friends that she feels the new phase in her life requires the presence of new people.

INAPPROPRIATE

WHO is the former sexy star who is annoyed at her husband’s former girlfriend because the latter has been sending messages to the guy for comfort? At first, the former sexy star thought the messaging was harmless. The messages were mostly inspirational and she isn’t really the jealous type. She is secure in her husband’s love. Later on, the husband himself complained to the former sexy star that some of the ex’s messages made him uncomfortable as they seemed to allude to their past, which was decades ago. The former sexy star wants to tell the woman off and her husband wants to block his ex on messaging platforms but they don’t want any controversies. So now, they don’t know what to do.

LIFESTYLE CHECK

WHO is the politician who paid celebrities to do video greetings for him on his birthday? None of the celebrities were A-listers so the video greetings did not receive a lot of public attention but it is still in bad taste because the politician has been linked to corruption and even faces allegations of cheating on his wife despite his supposed beliefs. The politician was also recently spotted wearing an item that he cannot afford on his salary. Even his alleged mistress is said to be living a life way beyond her means. The alleged mistress’ social media platforms are set on private right now but if you follow her, you’ll see signs of unexplained wealth. The politician seems fearless in flaunting his lavish lifestyle at a time when people like him are being scrutinized.

PREGNANT?

HOW true is the rumor that the daughter of two politicians is now pregnant? The girl is of age so there’s no scandal there. What is scandalous (sort of) is that her boyfriend, an athlete, has exhibited a lot of red flags in his previous relationship. In fairness to the guy though, it seems that his relationship with the politicians’ daughter has made him more mature and responsible. The girlfriend’s parents seem to like him and welcome him so there should be no problem there. People feel that the boyfriend is beneath the politicians’ daughter in terms of upbringing, family background, and wealth but who are we to judge. She seems like a nice girl who deserves true love and her parents must be happy to have a grandchild soon.

TRUE LOVE?

LONG before she married the man old enough to be her grandfather, the beautiful girl was already on the hunt for a rich benefactor. She failed to succeed in her earlier tries though, but she persisted. The rumor is that the old man fell in love at first sight while the beautiful girl had to look up the guy and his provenance online before even entertaining his suit. But to be fair to the rich man, he still looks good and the girl is not a teenager anymore. Perhaps they really fell in love with each other. It’s a good thing that the guy is well-known so the chances of the beautiful girl being called his daughter in public are relatively slim.

GROWING expectations of a Federal Reserve rate hike combined with higher oil prices amid renewed tensions in the Middle East put further pressure on the Philippine peso, which fell to a new all-time low of P62.4 against the dollar on Tuesday.

Analysts said this after the Philippine peso weakened for the third straight trading day-falling further to a P62.4-per-dollar finish on Tuesday.

The rate is 13.5 centavos weaker than its finish of P62.265 against the greenback on Friday, data from the Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP) showed.

Jonathan L. Ravelas, senior advisor at Reyes Tacandong and Co., said the USD/PHP weakened to 62.40 against the green back ‘as safe-haven demand lifted the greenback amid renewed Middle East tensions and ahead of Fed Chair Warsh’s Jackson Hole remarks.’

Ravelas’s sentiment was echoed by Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion, chief economist at Union Bank of the Philippines (UBP), who further explained what has been fueling the strength of the US dollar environment.

According to Asuncion, the greenback’s strength has been driven by ‘rising US Treasury yields, growing expectations of a Federal Reserve rate hike, and higher oil prices amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.’

‘These developments have encouraged investors to shift toward dollar assets while increasing inflation and import cost concerns for oil-importing economies such as the Philippines,’ added Asuncion.

Michael L. Ricafort, chief economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) explained that the weakening of the peso for the third straight trading day may be pointed to the latest ‘hawkish signal by Fed Chair Kevin Warsh during the yearly Jackson Hole Symposium on August 28,2026.’

Ricafort noted that the signal ‘resulted in a higher gauge of US dollar versus major global currencies.’

Looking ahead, Ravelas said the peso is likely to remain under pressure and trade within the 62.25 to 62.50 range in the near term.

Asuncion concurred with Ravelas, adding that the peso is expected to remain under pressure in the near term as ‘markets focus on upcoming US economic data and the Fed’s policy decision.’

Further, Asuncion pointed out that sustained strength in the dollar, elevated global yields, and higher energy prices could keep the currency ‘on the defensive.’

‘However, continued support from remittances, BPO revenues, tourism receipts, and foreign investment inflows should help temper excessive volatility,’ added Asuncion.

Overall, the chief economist of UBP said global factors are likely to remain the primary drivers of the peso’s movement in the coming months.

Within the trading day, the local currency hit an intraday low of 62.4 while its strongest point was at 62.25 against the greenback.

The peso opened at 62.25 against the dollar on Tuesday.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) has been named Remittance Bank of the Year at the Asian Banking and Finance (ABF) Awards, cementing its position as the Philippines’ leading bank for serving the financial needs of Overseas Filipinos globally.

The recognition comes as RCBC continues to push the boundaries of cross-border remittance innovation by pivoting from traditional legacy systems to a more inclusive, interoperable and fintech-first mindset.

RCBC Head of Transaction Banking Group Martin Tirol said the recognition validates the Yuchengco-led bank’s multi-year push to transform the remittance experience for millions of Overseas Filipinos, moving away from the friction, fees, and delays that have historically defined cross-border money transfers toward a faster, more inclusive, and digitally driven alternative.

At the core of RCBC’s remittance transformation is its Global Filipino Banking and Financial Technology Division, which has expanded the bank’s remittance reach to more than 100 countries. RCBC’s API ecosystem, which has opened the bank’s infrastructure to global remittance partners through a plug-and-play integration model, has also further enabled its growth. Rather than requiring partners to adapt to traditional banking protocols, RCBC’s robust programming interfaces allow global fintechs to trigger instant credits to any Philippine bank account or e-wallet, with real-time, on-demand

transaction status verification.

Tirol further said that RCBC is now exploring stablecoins for wholesale cross-border funding and liquidity management for its remittance partners, a move designed to address persistent industry pain points including slow settlement cycles, limited availability outside banking hours, and high conversion fees that reduce the value of each remittance reaching its beneficiary.

‘RCBC is no longer just a financial intermediary. It is a digital bridge for borderless money movement. By blending the security of a universal bank with the agility of a fintech, RCBC has turned the act of

sending money home from a stressful chore into a seamless, digital experience,’ Tirol said.

RCBC remains committed to empower millions of Overseas Filipinos in their financial needs and continues to stand as a trusted financial partner to turn the fruits of their hard work into greater opportunities for their families and their future.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) wants to ensure that 3 million hectares of flat farmland will not be used for solar energy projects.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. proposed geofencing around 3 million hectares of flat agricultural land, especially rice-producing areas, to protect farmland.

This, as the Philippines moves toward renewable energy (RE) and prepares for the next Green Energy Auction (GEA).

The proposal came following recent discussions between Tiu Laurel and Energy Secretary Sharon Garin on how to expand solar capacity without allowing energy projects to encroach land critical to food production.

Tiu Laurel said the DA has already identified flat rice lands that should remain dedicated to agriculture. The following step is to map and geofence them.

The agency said this would give energy developers a clearer guide on where projects should not be located, while helping identify areas that could accommodate renewable energy investments without compromising food production.

‘We need energy security, but it cannot come at the cost of food security. The country must be able to keep the lights on without putting at risk the land that keeps food on Filipino tables,’ Tiu Laurel said.

Meanwhile, the DA said it is also pressing for the RE transition to deliver direct benefits to farmers and fishers, particularly through lower electricity costs.

The agency noted that officials discussed possible mechanisms that could connect RE suppliers under the GEA, the Green Energy Option, and the Retail Competition and Open Access framework with qualified agricultural users.

Potential beneficiaries include irrigation systems, post-harvest facilities, and rice mills.

Also included are cold storage plants, slaughterhouses, farms, fishponds, and other food production operations where electricity costs can affect production expenses.

The DA said the DOE is examining how RE suppliers and distribution utilities could participate in the arrangement.

The agencies are also discussing with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) whether savings under the GEO could eventually be reflected in electricity rates for qualified agricultural users.

The DA and DOE are targeting an October 2026 memorandum of agreement (MOA) to formalize their partnership.

Furthermore, the DA said it will also identify between 1,000 and 2,000 priority agricultural areas and cross-check them against existing and awarded energy projects to prevent conflicts and overlaps.

Tiu Laurel asked the DOE to provide a list of ongoing and awarded projects so regional agriculture officials can distinguish approved developments from proposals still under evaluation.

Both agencies will also develop a Farm-to-Energy Framework with the ERC to explore ways organized farmers and fisherfolk can benefit from renewable energy.

‘Our goal now, the DOE and the DA, is to ensure that both these pressing needs of Filipinos are addressed in a way that benefits the country without sacrificing one for the other,’ Tiu Laurel said.

MULTILATERAL development banks (MDBs) are seeking a more coordinated response to vulnerabilities in global fertilizer supply chains, with financing, infrastructure, and more efficient fertilizer use identified as key areas to strengthen food security.

The African Development Bank Group, Asian Development Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Inter-American Development Bank Group, International Fund for Agricultural Development, and the World Bank Group said they are ready to work with G20 members, development partners, and the private sector to develop a common roadmap for strengthening fertilizer supply chains.

The proposed roadmap would align the lenders’ financing, research, policy work, and technical assistance around a shared agenda for strengthening fertilizer value chains, including economic corridors that can better withstand future supply shocks.

‘We, the MDB, recognize that food security remains one of the world’s most pressing development challenges. Repeated shocks have exposed structural vulnerabilities in global fertilizer supply chains, disproportionately affecting smallholder farmers and low-income households,’ they said in a joint statement.

The agenda includes increasing financing for fertilizer production and related infrastructure, such as processing and blending facilities, storage and transportation, and other critical infrastructure.

It also calls for stronger fertilizer market monitoring and measures to ensure farmers have timely access to supplies.

The MDBs, however, said securing fertilizer supplies alone would not be enough to improve food security over the long term.

‘Strengthening long-term food security requires improving fertilizer-use efficiency, diversifying nutrient sources, restoring healthy soils and natural capital, and investing in resilient food systems,’ they said.

To improve fertilizer-use efficiency, the proposed agenda includes support for soil diagnostics, fertilizer recommendations, precision nutrient management, digital agriculture, farmer advisory services, and research and innovation.

It also covers broader food-system measures, including better soil and water management, nature-based solutions, resilient value chains, new technologies, and private-sector investment.

The institutions also aim to work more closely with governments, international organizations, research institutions, civil society, and the private sector by sharing data and knowledge, supporting evidence-based policymaking, and coordinating assistance on the ground.

Long before cities, books, the atom bomb, or speaking machines, human beings were already asking: Who are we? Why are we here? Is there a purpose to human life? What lies beyond death? Are we alone in this immense universe?

More than 11,000 years ago, at Göbekli Tepe in what is now Trkiye, people raised enormous stone pillars carved with animals and strange symbols. We do not know exactly what they believed. But the site tells us something remarkable: very early human beings were doing more than surviving. They were gathering, creating symbols, performing rituals, and reaching toward something greater than themselves.

The same search appears in ancient flood stories. In Mesopotamia, the Atrahasis story was written in Akkadian cuneiform around 1635 BCE. The Epic of Gilgamesh preserves another flood story in Tablet XI. In India, Manu appears in the Satapatha Brahma?a, roughly 800-600 BCE. Greece remembered Deucalion. Plato, writing in the fourth century BCE, told of Atlantis, which he said Solon had learned about from Egyptian priests.

Did these stories come from one ancient catastrophe? We do not know. Atlantis has never been proved by accepted archaeology. The flood stories may preserve real disasters, or may have developed separately among peoples who knew the power of water. The sensible position is neither blind belief nor ridicule. We can remain curious while still asking for evidence.

Across Egypt, Babylon, India, Greece, Rome, Mesoamerica and Asia, human beings continued looking for meaning. They watched the stars, measured the seasons, built temples, prayed, meditated, and created philosophies about life and death. Their answers differed, but beneath them lay a common question: Is the world we see only part of a greater reality?

Centuries later, Meister Eckhart looked for that greater reality within the human person, beneath possessions, ambitions and the restless ego. Baruch Spinoza looked outward toward nature. He spoke of Deus sive Natura-God or Nature-the infinite reality within which all exists. Albert Einstein admired this idea and spoke of the astonishing order and harmony of the universe.

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin asked another question. What if evolution is more than the development of the human body? As life became more complex, consciousness also seemed to deepen. Eventually there came a creature able not only to think, but to know that it was thinking. Teilhard wondered whether humanity itself might therefore be moving toward greater consciousness. He called the growing world of shared human thought the noosphere. Today, with billions of minds connected almost instantly, the idea seems easier to imagine.

Rizal belongs beautifully in this conversation. During his exile in Dapitan, he exchanged letters with the Jesuit Fr. Pablo Pastells about faith and reason. Rizal resisted superstition and blind acceptance of what reason could not embrace. Yet he did not reject God or mystery. In April 1893, he wrote:

‘I believe in Revelation but in that living revelation of Nature that surrounds us everywhere, in that mighty voice eternal, incessant, incorruptible, clear, distinct, universal like the Being from which it emanates, in that revelation that speaks to us and penetrates into us from the moment we are born until we die.’

He then asked what books could better reveal the goodness, love, providence, eternity, glory and wisdom of God. Rizal tells us to use reason, but also to look around us. Nature itself may become a book.

Rudolf Steiner later added another thought. Knowledge, he said, should not simply become a private treasure. Learning should help us grow and serve something larger than ourselves. He wrote: ‘Every idea which becomes your ideal creates within you life-forces.’

Here Rizal and Steiner almost meet. Rizal asks us to read the world. Steiner asks what we will do with what we learn.

Ancient Indian traditions also speak of great cycles in human history. Sri Yukteswar proposed that humanity had passed through its darkest age, Kali Yuga, and that 1899 marked entry into a new ascending period associated with greater understanding of nature’s forces. This is a spiritual teaching, not an accepted scientific chronology. Yet consider what followed: electricity, radio, airplanes, relativity, quantum physics, nuclear energy, space travel, computers, the internet-and now artificial intelligence.

AI may therefore be more than another invention. It is also a mirror. We have created machines that calculate, recognize patterns, write, and answer questions. But this raises a harder question: Are human beings becoming wiser as our machines become more intelligent?

We possess more knowledge and power than any earlier civilization. Yet knowledge is not wisdom. Intelligence is not compassion. Technology can advance quickly while human character advances slowly.

The same mystery appears in today’s interest in UAPs-unidentified anomalous phenomena. Pilots and military personnel have reported things they could not readily explain. Diana Walsh Pasulka studies how such experiences can create beliefs resembling older religious traditions. But unexplained does not mean extraterrestrial, and no publicly verified evidence has established that visitors from another world are here.

Still, the ancient question returns: Are we alone?

Steven Spielberg’s Disclosure Day gives dramatic form to that fascination. Yet perhaps the greatest disclosure will not come from the sky. Perhaps it will be about ourselves.

From Göbekli Tepe to ancient flood stories, from Eckhart and Spinoza to Teilhard, Rizal and Steiner, from the first temples to artificial intelligence, humanity has continued asking the same question in different languages: What does it mean to be human?

We need not believe every mystery. Neither must we close our minds to everything we cannot yet explain. Mystery does not require credulity. It requires humility.

Perhaps human progress will finally mean something only when intelligence grows together with wisdom, knowledge with compassion, and power with responsibility.

Then the oldest questions remain: Who are we? Why are we here? And what are we becoming?

Dr. Pablo S. Trillana III is the former chair of the National Historical Institute, which is now the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. He is a distinguished historian who has also served as the president of the Philippine Historical Association.

THE Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday urged the public to wear N95 face masks and limit outdoor activities as haze from forest fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia, has reached parts of Luzon and the Visayas due to the southwest monsoon or habagat.

In an advisory, the DOH warned that haze contains dirty air mixed with fine smoke, dust, and ash that can trigger acute respiratory issues and eye irritation.

‘Maaaring magdulot ang haze ng hirap sa paghinga, pag-ubo, pananakit ng dibdib, pangangati o pagluluha ng mga mata, at paglala ng mga sakit sa baga tulad ng hika. Dobleng pag-iingat ang kailangan para sa mga bata, matatanda, at mga may dati nang sakit sa baga o puso [Haze may cause difficulty in breathing, coughing, chest pain, eye irritation or watery eyes, and worsening of lung conditions such as asthma. Extra precautions are needed for children, older adults, and people with pre-existing lung or heart conditions],’ it said.

To minimize exposure, the agency outlined several preventive measures for affected communities, including staying indoors, sealing indoor spaces, driving safely, and wearing protective masks.

The DOH advised that N95 masks must be worn when outdoors.

If N95 masks are unavailable, the public may use a damp handkerchief or cloth.

Double-masking or folding a handkerchief or cloth twice may be done as alternative protection to reduce particle inhalation.

‘Alamin ang lagay ng hangin sa inyong lugar at unahin ang kaligtasan [Check the air quality in your area and prioritize your safety],’ the DOH said.

It also reminded the public to immediately contact the National Emergency Hotline 911 for urgent medical assistance. With PNA

Taiwan is bringing its innovation capabilities closer to the Philippine market as the Taiwan Excellence Pavilion takes part in Taiwan Expo 2026 from September 17 to 19 at the SMX Convention Center in Manila.

Under the theme ‘Empowering a Smarter Future,’ the pavilion will feature 24 Taiwan Excellence-awarded brands spanning Intelligent Technology, Smart Life, Smart Healthcare, and Consumer Electronics, presenting a cross-section of Taiwan expertise to Philippine companies and industry leaders.

The showcase comes at a time when businesses are looking for technologies that can strengthen their operations, respond to changing market demands, and create new avenues for growth. By bringing Taiwan brands and their capabilities to Manila, the pavilion provides a venue for Philippine businesses to explore technologies, establish industry connections, and consider potential areas of cooperation.

Rather than focusing solely on individual products, the Taiwan Excellence Pavilion highlights the broader capabilities behind them, from research, design, manufacturing, and technology. The participating brands demonstrate how Taiwan’s innovation ecosystem continues to develop products with applications across multiple sectors and international markets.

Connecting Taiwan’s Technology with Philippine Businesses

For companies seeking new technologies and international partners, Taiwan Expo 2026 offers an avenue to engage with Taiwan businesses and understand their areas of expertise.

The pavilion will feature messages from representatives of participating Taiwan companies and organizations, offering perspectives on their work and the role of innovation in addressing emerging market needs. The exhibition also creates space for potential business relationships. Philippine companies can explore solutions relevant to their sectors, while Taiwan participants gain an opportunity to better understand the Philippine market and identify areas for future partnerships.

Four Sectors, One Vision for Growth

The 24 featured products are grouped into four categories: Intelligent Technology, Smart Life, Smart Healthcare, and Consumer Electronics. Intelligent Technology covers developments in connected systems and advanced computing. Smart Life focuses on products designed for modern environments and changing consumer needs. Smart Healthcare brings together tools related to health, wellness, and care, while Consumer Electronics highlights products supporting an increasingly digital economy.

It also illustrates how innovation can extend across sectors rather than being confined to a single field. As technology becomes increasingly interconnected with business, healthcare, and daily life, cross-industry expertise becomes a systemic part of building a resilient market.

Strengthening Regional Business Connections

The Taiwan Excellence Pavilion forms part of a wider effort to strengthen trade relationships between Taiwan and international markets. The value of the exhibition extends beyond the three-day event. Business conversations that begin at the pavilion can lead to deeper discussions around market entry, distribution, technology integration, and other forms of commercial collaboration.

Bringing Innovation to a Wider Philippine Audience

The Taiwan Excellence Pavilion will also feature Ivana Alawi and Dimples Romana, who will join the event and explore the consumer benefits of participating Taiwanese brands. Their involvement connects the business-focused exhibition with a wider Filipino audience, showing that developments in technology can have relevance beyond the corporate environment.

Fu Bear, the brand ambassador of Taiwan Excellence, whose job is to share Taiwan’s best products, tech, healthy, and eco-friendly lifestyle with the world, will likewise be present throughout the three-day event, welcoming guests and adding an interactive element to the pavilion experience.

As Taiwan and the Philippines continue to build stronger connections, the Taiwan Excellence Pavilion stands as a meeting point for ideas, industries and opportunities that can help shape what comes next.

Family life does not have to mean settling for an ordinary look. For those who want practicality with a touch of personality, Suzuki Philippines brings a sportier expression to its trusted family vehicle with the Ertiga GLX AT – Hybrid Sport.

Designed for families, young professionals, and active individuals who are always on the move, the Ertiga GLX AT – Hybrid Sport brings together everyday versatility and a more dynamic exterior that matches the lifestyle of drivers who want their vehicle to look as ready for adventure as they are.

The upgraded look comes through a set of sporty exterior accessories, including the Front Under Spoiler, Side Under Spoiler, Rear Under Spoiler, Rear Upper Spoiler, and Suzuki Sport Emblem. Together, these enhancements give the Ertiga a bolder and more athletic presence, turning a practical family vehicle into one that makes a statement wherever it goes.

Available in Magma Gray Metallic for a bold, sophisticated look and Snow White Pearl for a clean, timeless appeal, the Ertiga GLX AT – Hybrid Sport lets drivers choose a style that matches their personality.

More than its refreshed appearance, the Ertiga GLX AT – Hybrid Sport is made for life beyond the daily routine. From bringing the family to weekend destinations and carrying everything needed for a getaway, to making a confident impression when arriving at work or meeting friends, it fits seamlessly into different sides of modern life.

For young professionals, its sportier styling complements a lifestyle that values individuality and style without compromising practicality. For families, it offers the flexibility needed for everyday errands, family outings, and road trips. And for travelers who are always packing for the next destination, it delivers the space and versatility to bring along the essentials and then some.

Because looking good should not come at the expense of being ready for what comes next. With the Ertiga GLX AT – Hybrid Sport, Suzuki Philippines gives drivers another way to make every journey feel more like their own, sporty, confident, and ready for wherever life takes them. It reflects Suzuki’s commitment to being ‘By Your Side’ in every chapter, from the everyday school run and work commute to spontaneous weekend escapes and memorable family adventures.

With the Ertiga GLX AT – Hybrid Sport, bring your style wherever life takes you.

Three fans walked away richer, and one actor took home top honors after PlayTime Entertainment staked cash prizes and celebrity-studded competition at the All-Star Game 2026 held last August 23.

The company put up P100,000 for each winner of an opening shootout challenge and dangled a P1-million Half-Court Challenge before a live crowd. Three audience members, drawn at random, each got a single attempt at the grand prize. None connected on the half-court heave, leaving the P1 million unclaimed.

The shootout, by contrast, produced winners. Contestants raced against the clock to sink as many baskets as possible, with the top shooter in each round claiming the P100,000 purse.

The day’s marquee draw was the ‘SEAbling Showdown,’ an international match pitting the Star Magic Shooting Stars, representing the Philippines, against the GMMTV All-Stars of Thailand. Team Philippines prevailed in the main basketball championship, with actor Gerald Anderson singled out for his standout performance on the court.

PT Idols, the group’s talent management arm that offers artist training, career development, and professional management services, presented Anderson’s award on behalf of PlayTime Entertainment.

The card also featured the Juniors Division and a women’s volleyball match, rounding out a program that mixed competition with fan-participation events.

PlayTime Entertainment said it remains committed to advancing the Philippine entertainment industry through investments in talent, platforms, and content.