Category: Business Mirror

THE government’s push to favor locally made goods in public procurement could give local manufacturers a steadier market, with the Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (Cemap) saying the Tatak Pinoy strategy could help reduce the country’s reliance on imports over time.

Cemap President John Reinier Dizon, who was recently appointed as a private-sector representative to the Tatak Pinoy Council, said the strategy’s broader objective is to encourage more manufacturing activity in the country.

‘Hopefully in the long run we would become less import-dependent. Nothing wrong with importation, but we need to watch out for our balance of trade,’ Dizon said on Monday in a televised interview.

His remarks came as businesses contend with the peso’s recent slide past the P62-to-the-dollar level, which has raised the local cost of imported fuel, raw materials and other inputs.

‘We’re all observing the peso devaluing and, you know, it’s frankly impacting the businesses in the country. We are, as you know, still highly import dependent on oil and gas and a number of consumer goods,’ he said.

Republic Act 11981, or the Tatak Pinoy (Proudly Filipino) Act, which was enacted in February 2024, is the country’s first national industrial policy institutionalized through law.

It seeks to expand the productive capabilities of domestic enterprises and enable them to produce more ‘globally competitive goods and services.’

The Council oversees the formulation and implementation of the Multi-Year Tatak Pinoy Strategy, which sets the policy’s priorities across government and the private sector.

For manufacturers, meanwhile, one of its more immediate implications is government procurement.

‘Given a choice between importing products, if the product that a manufacturer is looking for is locally available, we do encourage that the local supply be preferred. That is also part of the Tatak Pinoy Act, particularly for government procurement,’ Dizon said.

Government, he added, accounts for a large share of overall procurement, giving it the capacity to create demand for locally produced goods.

The policy push comes as manufacturing activity has started to pick up. Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data showed the Volume of Production Index for manufacturing rose 10.1 percent in June, sharply faster than the 2.3-percent growth recorded a year earlier.

The country still faces external pressures, including geopolitical tensions and the Middle East crisis, but Dizon argued that manufacturing needs to expand alongside the country’s growing labor force.

‘We have easily 65 to 70 million working population, and we’re adding one million per year because of our demographics. So we need to create more jobs. We need to spur up manufacturing,’ he said.

Despite a rise in unemployment, the number of employed Filipinos increased to 50.66 million in June from 50.47 million a year earlier. The labor force also expanded to 53.25 million from 52.42 million.

For Dizon, strengthening domestic manufacturing ultimately comes down to creating demand for what local companies produce. ‘Let’s all support local industries. Let’s all buy local. And in that way, we create what is called the multiplier effect,’ he said.

Recent data from the PSA showed exports reached $54.92 billion in the first seven months of 2026, while imports totaled $92.26 billion, leaving the Philippines with a $37.34-billion trade deficit.

THE Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (Tieza) has approved a project aimed at protecting a critical watershed, as well as boosting visitor arrivals in Naga City, Camarines Sur.

Tieza Chief Operating Officer Dr. Mark T. Lapid told the BusinessMirror he recently visited Naga City Mayor Maria Leonor Gerona Robredo to officially inform her that the Tieza Board has approved her P350-million request to fund the development of the 25-hectare Mt. Isarog National Park.

‘We are already preparing the bid documents for the project,’ he said, which is ‘necessary to protect a critical watershed, while enabling sustainable economic growth for Naga City and its surrounding communities.’

While the vital project was proposed by Robredo for 2027 Tieza funding, Lapid said it needs to be fast-tracked ‘before our funds run out.’

Lawmakers continue to push the removal of the travel tax, without identifying alternative funding sources to aid the development of tourism destinations.

Ecological stability in Bicol

AS per the Tieza project brief, Mt. Isarog serves as a ‘primary source of water and ecological stability in the Bicol Peninsula [and thus,] plays a vital role in sustaining agriculture, domestic water supply, and biodiversity.

The absence of proper infrastructure and management mechanisms exposes the area to environmental degradation caused by unregulated access and informal activities.’

Tieza added, ‘The proposed development addresses these concerns through the provision of controlled access, visitor facilities, and environmental protection measures, ensuring that tourism activities are conducted in a sustainable and regulated manner.’

Under the project, the scope of work includes the provision of Forest Park administrative office and pre-park amenities; camping grounds, lodges, and spa; the repair of existing facilities; installation of wildlife conservatories; waterfalls development; canopy walks and trails; landscaping; and hauling works; among others.

In May, Robredo unveiled a new tourism brand for the city, with the slogan: ‘Naga is the heart,’ identifying it as the gateway to Bicol Region. No updated figures have been made available, but in 2022, Naga City attracted some 2.2 million tourists, of which, 2.13 million were domestic travelers, and 57,522 were foreigners.

She has also met with industry leaders to secure their inputs on how to improve tourism in the city.

‘No construction of big structures’

MEANWHILE, in a post on her Facebook page on August 26, Robredo said the Mt. Isarog project ‘will rehabilitate or repair structures originally built by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, many of which have already deteriorated due to years of neglect and underutilization.’

She added that the project is being pursued not only to promote Mt. Isarog as a tourism destination but, more importantly, to help preserve its ecology. ‘Preservation of the ecology at Mt. Isarog is a component of the project,’ said Robredo said.

The mayor noted, however, that they didn’t want over-tourism in Mt. Isarog. Instead, the project that Tieza will fund, will focus on enhancing existing facilities and providing more opportunities for adventure activities without damaging the environment.

‘There will be no construction of big structures or facilities,’ she said, emphasizing that the goal is to promote tourism, while protecting the natural environment.

Lapid also visited Naga to inspect other Tieza-supported projects in the Bicol region, including the ecotourism project in Pasacao, Camarines Sur, as well as the Peñafrancia Museum, which is nearly completed.

Aside from Mt. Isarog, the annual Peñafrancia Festival, which honors the Our Lady of Peñafrancia, attracts millions of visitors to Naga. The latter, held every September, is reputed to be the largest Marian celebration in Asia.

THE traditional Filipino jeepney, in all its rugged vibrancy, is set to travel across the world on an envelope.

De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) student Lauren Kerby Obaldo and his jeepney artwork won the 2026 Philippine edition of the UPS Express Envelope Design Competition, besting more than 400 submissions. Obaldo’s grand prize-winning entry, titled Haraya sa Kalsada, will be reproduced on an official UPS Express Envelope used by customers in the Philippines for international shipments under the shipping and logistics company’s massive network of 220 destinations worldwide.

‘I thought that the jeepney is important to our culture, especially na nakakalimutan na ‘to ng iba dahil sa modernization. Gusto ko lang i-imply na part ‘yung jeepney ng life and culture natin as Filipinos,’ the incoming sophomore Multimedia Arts student said last week at the Ayala Museum, where the top entries were recognized and showcased in an exhibit.

Obaldo’s design shows a textured depiction of the cultural icon skipping on the road beneath festive banderitas. Meanwhile, its driver in barong Tagalog peeks out of the vehicle with a smile and a wave, as the orange gradient background represents hope and a brighter future for the country.

This year’s competition featured UPS’ partnership with DLS-CSB, inviting students to reimagine the UPS Express Envelope. The initiative was launched in Japan in 2023 and expanded to Singapore in 2025.

‘Through this competition, we wanted to create a platform for young creatives to showcase their talent and bring fresh perspectives to one of the most recognizable symbols of our company,’ said Russell Reed, managing director for UPS Philippines and Indonesia. ‘What impressed us most wasn’t just the artistic talent on display, but the originality and thoughtfulness behind every submission.’

For this year’s contest, the students worked with three themes. The list included ‘Roots of Progress,’ which center on Filipino culture, values and heritage, and resilience as the ability to adapt and move forward.

There’s also ‘Galaw ng Bayan, Abot ang Mundo,’ which focuses on connectivity, and how stronger connections open access to global opportunities. Lastly, ‘Clark Rising: Asia’s Center, Philippines’ Pride’ showcase innovation and modern infrastructure that place the Philippines within Asia’s network. The theme draws inspiration from UPS’s upcoming Clark Hub, which will open later in 2026, envisioned to strengthen connections between local businesses and the global marketplace.

Each submission was scored based on creativity and originality, visual appeal and design, design message and thought, and applicability of the design to logistics. From the 400+ submissions, DLS-CSB shortlisted 69 entries, or 23 per theme. It was trimmed down to half through public voting via the school’s official Facebook page, and then through another round of voting, this time by UPS employees in the Philippines. Finally, Filipino contemporary artists Jigger Cruz, Demi Padua, and Olivia d’Aboville, along with art patron Lisa Ongpin-Periquet, ranked the top three winners in each category and selected the overall grand prize winner.

Aside from the grand winner’s design being printed on the official UPS Express Envelope and distributed across Asia Pacific, there was also an additional P18,000 in shopping vouchers as a prize for first-placers per theme. Second placers got P12,000 in shopping vouchers, and third-placers P6,000 in the same value. The first-placers for each theme were Aleana Szobelle P. Lallamant’s Started From the Bottom Now We’re Here! for ‘Roots of Progress,’ Jana Lois D. Oliveros’ Reach for the Waves for ‘Galaw ng Bayan, Abot ang Mundo,’ and Obaldo’s Haraya sa Kalsada for ‘Clark Rising.’ From these three, Obaldo was chosen the grand winner.

‘What makes each edition [of the UPS Express Envelope Design Competition] special is seeing how local students interpret the challenge through their own culture and experience,’ said Benedict Wu, Vice President of Marketing for UPS Asia Pacific. ‘I can honestly say that the DLS-CSB students made this chapter a very memorable one.’

According to Angelo Marco Lacson, vice chancellor for academics, DLS-CSB, they value partnerships like this with UPS, as they bring learning beyond the classroom and allow students to create for a real-world, global platform.

‘For our students, seeing their ideas move from the classroom into the real world is incredibly meaningful,’ he said. ‘It affirms that their creativity has a place, and an audience, beyond De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.’

THE National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) placed the Visayas grid under red and yellow alerts due to a power generation capacity deficit and widespread plant outages.

The red alert is up from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. while the yellow alert takes effect from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. and from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m.

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

A yellow alert is issued when the operating margin is insufficient to meet the transmission grid’s contingency requirement.

As of 1:30 p.m., the Visayas grid’s available capacity stood at 2,119 megawatts (MW) while peak demand reached 2,406MW.

According to the NGCP, there are nine power plants on forced outage in August, 1 plant since July, three plants since June, seven plants since May, 1 plant since March, three plants since 2025, two plants since 2024, two plants since 2023, and one plant since 2021, while 17 plants are running on derated capacities, for a total of 956.2MW unavailable to the grid.

The NGCP also cited the factors that contributed to additional yellow alert declaration:

Increase in forecasted demand for Visayas by 112MW for 5PM

Limited power import from Mindanao (increase in forecasted demand for Mindanao by 157MW for 5 p.m.)

Simultaneously, the Mindanao grid was placed under a yellow alert driven by a localized demand spike and reduced export capabilities.

The yellow alert takes effect from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Mindanao’s available capacity was recorded at 2,566MW as against a peak demand of 2,389MW.

There are 19 plants are on forced outage, 4 plants since July, one plant since June, 2two plants since January, one plant since 2025, and one plant since 2024, while five plants are running on derated capacities, for a total of 755.1MW unavailable to the grid.

Meanwhile, the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) said Monday it has restored electricity to nearly all customers that experienced service interruptions due to the enhanced southwest monsoon.

The number of remaining affected customers have gone down to the last 2,800, representing less than one percent of Meralco’s total customer base. Over 1,000 of these remaining outages are in flooded and most of the remaining affected customers are in parts of Metro Manila, Cavite, and Bulacan.

THE provincial government of Camarines Sur has launched CamSur Uptown, a 200-hectare master-planned global city that is envisioned to be a seat for business, governance and investments outside the national capital and an infrastructure hub for information technology (IT).

‘CamSur Uptown promises to be even better than the Bonifacio Global City [BGC] as it is envisioned to become a premier hub for business, technology, governance and investments that will bring digital education, modern or hi-tech jobs and now untrodden possibilities for high growth,’ said Gov. Luis Raymund Villafuerte at he grand opening ceremony of project on Friday night.

‘It will be a place where we will invest heavily in health and livelihood, creating for Camsureños a future where economic growth is robust, sustainable, shared and inclusive,’ Villafuerte said.

Among the business leaders and investors present at the formal launch were Xentro Group of Companies Chairman Alexander Cruz, Green Xentro Chief Executive Officer Noel Ignacio, and Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) President-CEO Michael de Jesus.

Also present were Vice Gov. Sal Fortuno, the Sanggunian Panlalawigan (SP) members; CamSur Reps. Migz Villafuerte, Luigi Villafuerte and Tsuyoshi Anthony Horibata; and Bicol Saro Rep. Terry Ridon.

Villafuerte said that CamSur Uptown will ‘epitomize the economic transformation of our province and our people, and it will be the next financial tech hub in Luzon, with banks, financial technology companies [fintechs]and BPO [business process outsourcing]firms already expressing interest in setting up shop there-on the strength of CamSur’s forward-looking local governance, smart regulation and business-friendly leadership.’

The master plan for CamSur Uptown covers barangays Cadlan, San Jose and Sagurong in the province’s capital town of Pili.

The iconic, pili nut-shaped Provincial Capitol, which is nearing completion, is at the center of CamSur Uptown, a smart city that will feature not just a digital campus, artificial intelligence (AI) laboratory and logistics and manufacturing facilities but also mixed-use commercial buildings, resorts and parks, medical and lifestyle centers and a golf course.

CamSur is putting up there the country’s first ever local government-partnered, state-of-the-art Digital Transformation Center (DTC) with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) that will propel the province into a ‘premier hub for world-class IT infrastructure’ in the Philippines, according to Villafuerte.

‘This planned digital campus will mark a historic milestone as the first Level 4 flagship facility that the DICT is putting up in partnership with a provincial LGU under the Department’s Tech4ED-DTC program,’ Villafuerte said.

Earlier, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) green-lighted an almost seven-hectare special economic zone (SEZ) at the CamSur Uptown, in a development that will clear the way to an even larger stream of capital into this province that is becoming one of the country’s investment magnets outside Metro Manila.

Also part of the CamSur Uptown Global City Development is the tech-focused School of the Future, which is nearing completion and will soon be equipped with world-class facilities designed to upskill young Camsureños in digital technology, AI, data analytics, cybersecurity and other future-ready know-how to enable them to compete, innovate and lead in the global cyberspace.

Right after this year’s breakthrough run of tennis ace Alex Eala in world tennis, Gov. Villafuerte had invited corporations, sports groups and investors to partner with the provincial government in putting up the country’s first-ever tennis academy at CamSur Uptown, with an eye to nurturing more world-class Filipino athletes in Eala’s mold in this racket sport.

Villafuerte wants his proposed tennis academy at CamSur Uptown to be on the par with the premier Rafa Nadal Academy, which was founded in 2016 by Rafael Nadal-once ranked Number 1 in men’s singles by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP)-in his hometown of Manacor in Mallorca, Spain, and where Eala trained from the age of 13 until she finished her studies at the academy in 2023.

THE chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on MSME Development said Occidental Mindoro, once widely associated with persistent power outages, emerged as the country’s fastest-growing local economy in 2025 after posting an 11.2 percent growth rate.

Citing data gathered by the Philippine Statistics Authority, House Committee on MSME Development chairman and Occidental Mindoro Rep. Leody Tarriela said Occidental Mindoro’s performance marked a sharp turnaround from years of recurring electricity problems that had affected households, businesses, and investors, earning Occidental Mindoro the reputation of being a ‘brownout capital.’

Tarriela said the province’s economic growth reflected the impact of improvements in the power situation, infrastructure development, and increased economic activity.

‘From being known as the ‘brownout capital’ to becoming the country’s fastest-growing local economy, this shows that development can be achieved through cooperation and sustained effort,’ Tarriela said.

Tarriela said resolving the province’s power crisis had been among his key priorities, requiring sustained coordination with the Department of Energy, Energy Regulatory Commission, National Electrification Administration, National Power Corporation, Occidental Mindoro Electric Cooperative, and various power suppliers.

He also credited the national government under President Marcos for its intervention in addressing the province’s long-standing electricity problems.

The improved power situation was followed by increased public and private investments in agriculture, energy, transportation, and infrastructure, including roads, bridges, hospitals, schools, and ports.

The province also saw the establishment of a 7.4-megawatt solar power plant in San Jose, as well as private investments in cold storage facilities, batching plants, diagnostic centers, hospitals, schools, and shipyards.

Tarriela said the improved investment climate contributed to stronger participation among micro, small and medium enterprises, while generating jobs, increasing consumer spending and supporting tourism activity in the province.

He said Occidental Mindoro’s economic turnaround showed how addressing basic infrastructure and power constraints, combined with national government support and private-sector participation, could help accelerate growth in provincial economies.

THE proposed P14.8-billion water and wastewater project for New Clark City has moved closer to implementation after the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) granted original proponent status (OPS) to the consortium of Maynilad Water Services Inc. and South Korea’s state-owned Korea Water Resources Corp. (K-water).

The BCDA Board approved the OPS on August 28 following its evaluation and negotiations with the proponents, allowing the consortium to advance the project to the next stage of the public-private partnership (PPP) process.

The project covers long-term water supply and wastewater management for New Clark City in Tarlac, with the public utility component to be operated by a duly qualified entity.

The BCDA said the proposed system is intended to serve the expanding requirements of residential, commercial, institutional and industrial developments in the estate, while treating wastewater in accordance with environmental and wastewater standards.

The project is also expected to provide utility capacity for industries requiring reliable water services, including advanced manufacturing, data centers and other high-value activities, it added.

With the OPS granted, the proposal will proceed through the required approval process before entering the Swiss challenge, where other qualified private-sector proponents may submit competing proposals.

BCDA is targeting the award of the contract by December, subject to the outcome of the PPP process, required approvals and other conditions.

‘Growth requires infrastructure that can keep up with it. Water and wastewater are fundamental to that growth; and we want New Clark City to have a system that is reliable, sustainable and built to meet the needs of the metropolis for the long term,’ BCDA President and CEO Joshua Bingcang said.

The project comes as New Clark City’s existing water capacity remains at an estimated 20 million to 30 million liters per day. Under the proposed development, capacity could rise to as much as 150 million liters per day, according to the BCDA.

The expected demand could also rise as new industrial projects are added to the estate.

The BCDA has estimated that the proposed Pax Silica project, a planned semiconductor and advanced-technology investment cluster, could eventually require between 65 million and 90 million liters of water per day.

In its presentation, the agency said the planned water system would use surface-water harvesting, storage, treatment and recycling, with the initial system designed for a capacity of up to 135 million liters per day.

In February, Bingcang disclosed that K-water had submitted an unsolicited proposal to develop a bulk water supply system for New Clark City.

At the time, the project was estimated at about P15 billion and was expected to be implemented through a 50-year PPP joint venture with Maynilad.

K-water is also the operator of Angat Dam, a major water source for Metro Manila.

SUMMIT Point Golf and Country Club makes a much-anticipated return to the Philippine Golf Tour (PGT) calendar after a nine-year absence.

The International Container Terminal Services Inc. Summit Point Championship blasts off September 8 to 11 in Lipa City with the Robert Trent Jones II-designed layout expected to challenge the men and ladies of the PGT with its combination of length, strategy and precision.

Clyde Mondilla ruled the last PGT event staged at Summit Point-ICTSI Players Championship-and went on to capture the 2017 PGT Order of Merit crown.

Now, nearly a decade later, the course returns to the spotlight with another strong field eager to make its mark on a layout that rewards aggression off the tee but demands discipline from start to finish.

Known as the country’s first ‘tribute’ course, Summit Point features holes modeled after renowned layouts and signature holes from famous international courses.

At 7,017 yards, the course gives the long hitters plenty of opportunities to attack, but power alone will not be enough as recent monsoon rains softened the fairways, potentially narrowing the advantage of the biggest hitters.

Strong winds are also expected to add another layer of difficulty.

The mix of short, strategic holes and long, demanding par-4s and par-5s will require players to make sound decisions throughout the four rounds and large bunkers, water hazards and ravines stand ready to punish errant shots, while precise approach play and a dependable short game could prove decisive.

The four par-3s could also emerge as pivotal holes in the championship. With little room for error, they offer opportunities to gain ground-or quickly derail a title bid.

Reigning Order of Merit champion Angelo Que and Mondilla are expected to lead the field in the P2.5 million championship, the fifth leg of the 10-stage circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc.

The event comes after a lengthy two-month break in the PGT calendar with the last two legs played in July.

Lloyd Go swept those final two stops, prevailing in contrasting fashion at the tight, undulating Pinewoods course in Baguio before edging Tony Lascuña by one stroke at the flat and wide Pradera Verde in Pampanga.

The extended break should leave the field both rested and hungry, giving the pros-including those competing in the accompanying 54-hole, P1 million Ladies PGT-more time to sharpen their games and prepare for the second half of the season.

WHILE times may come and go, the focus of Japanese fast-fashion brand Uniqlo remains the same: to create clothing that is timeless, practical

and thoughtfully designed to make everyday life better. Every new season is a reflection of how it continues to listen, innovate and evolve alongside its customers.

One rain-drenched afternoon, the brand introduced its Lifewear Fall-Winter Collection 2026 at a cramped space at Palacio de Memoria in Parañaque.

‘This collection is centered on comfort, versatility and ease. Each piece is created with one clear intention: to make clothing that people can depend on season after season. We presented to you our lineup of Lifewear collections essentials with our jeans and casual outerwear, the perfect pieces for every changing weather needs,’ said Uniqlo chief operating officer Geraldine Sia.

‘But as we introduce all these new things to everyone, we are also reminded the impact we hope to create extends beyond clothing. At Uniqlo, we believe that good business should also create good for the society. We want the value we bring to our customers be reflected not only in our community but also make a positive contribution to the world,’ shared Sia.

Here, the local celebrity partners share the Lifewear essentials they currently swear by:

Alexa Ilacad: ‘I’m wearing my AIRism Bra Sleeveless Top, layering it with the JW Anderson Oxford Boxy Long Sleeve Shirt and Windproof Stand Blouson, paired with a Pleated Skort for a versatile, polished finish. I love the hood. I adore it.’

Anthony Constantino: ‘I can tell you I’m not wearing the AIRism bra top. But what I’m wearing is the JW Anderson Oxford shirt layered with a CPJ sweatshirt and sweatpants. I have the whole set here, but I honestly really love this sweatpants-sweatshirt combo because it’s something that you can really upscale for a press preview like this with the JWA Oxford shirt. Or even if you’re just working out or even just lounging at home, you can wear that too. So, it’s one of my favorite pieces from Uniqlo.’

Matteo Guidicelli: ‘The pants are my favorite.

JW Anderson is my favorite. My shirt is that. And

my super favorite, finally, it’s here because it’s 100 percent cashmere. Crew neck, super cool, super beautiful.’

Side notes from marketing director Jan Jizelle Ang: ‘Uniqlo is known to really make very expensive, unaffordable clothing, but make it affordable for everyone. So, this cashmere is actually made even better because we have the gem of fiber called cashmere. But because it’s too thin, usually, they actually made it thicker. So, it actually has a yard-size thickness, but also using knit tension technology so that you can use it a lot of times. So, you get the warmth and also the durability. It’s soft.’

Solenn Heusaff: ‘So, I’m wearing these Smart Culottes inspired by me, smart. Aside from that, I’m wearing this coat and jacket. I love that it’s really this relaxed feel. It’s easy to wear. You can dress it down, dress it up. Very versatile. And, of course, this is my favorite, my staple when I travel: my turtleneck, which is also cashmere blend. It’s extra warm and chic.’

Kianna Dy: ‘For today, I actually wanted to do a lot of layering, as you can see. I have two here and three on top. So, I have the sleeveless front top, the Henley neck sleeveless top, the ribbed V-neck cardigan, cotton easy shorts, and the easy white jeans. These shorts are super comfortable, breathable. So, you can wear it in the weather in the Philippines also.’

Emilio Daez: ‘Wow, it’s an honor for me to be among these guys, these people. And you know, I’ve been a Uniqlo supporter since my high-school days, so it’s really a dream come true for me. And today, I’m also layering like Kianna. I’m wearing the Uniqlo AIRism T-shirt and the Henley long sleeves, fleece jacket and baggy jeans.’

Anne Curtis: ‘My outfit is pretty interesting. I actually like saying this. What I’m wearing is the fluffy yarn. Fleece, full-zip jacket. And then underneath, I have the Uniqlo: C Milano rib, full-zip cardigan. And then I have my barrel jeans.

‘So, it’s pretty chill, relaxed. And for someone like me who gets cold in the aircon, even in Manila, it’s perfect for me. As you can see, I’m not even sweating. So, it’s comfy, it’s perfect, it’s fluffy. The super yarn. I love it. Honestly, I’m so honored to be part of the family. You know, Uniqlo has always been one of my go-to for everyday essentials, whether it be, you know, HEATTECH when we travel, or whether, you know, just basic Lifewear with everything else in between. So, to be part of the family officially, it really means so much to me.

‘It’s kind of surreal. So, thank you so much, Uniqlo, for making me part of this family.’

KATHRYN BERNARDO

FOR ULTHERAPY PRIME

Anchored on the theme ‘Confidence Without Limits,’ Merz Aesthetics, the world’s largest dedicated medical aesthetics business, honored the Philippines’ leading aesthetic doctors and clinics at the Tala Awards 2026, held recently at the Grand Ballroom of Solaire Resort Parañaque.

The annual celebration recognized the visionaries whose expertise, artistry, and commitment continue to shape the future of medical aesthetics and P-beauty in the Philippines. The highlight of the event, however, was the official introduction of actress Kathryn Bernardo as the new Philippine ambassador for Ultherapy PRIME. The young superstar talked about ’embracing healthy aging through consistency, making thoughtful choices, and seeking guidance from qualified medical professionals-values that naturally align with Ultherapy PRIME’s vision of helping people feel confident at every stage of life.’

The moment reinforced the brand’s position as the gold standard in non-invasive skin lifting and tightening. To her 20.1 million followers, the young box-office star wrote:

‘Started in my 20s. Stepping into my 30s stronger and more confident.

‘Because taking care of yourself early is one of the best investments you can make for your future self.

‘So excited to share my Ultherapy Prime journey with you.

‘My Skin. My Lift. My PRIME.’

There is something fitting about a restaurant named after a man whose name has become synonymous with one of Quezon City’s most familiar streets.

Located within the quiet Scout area of Quezon City, Tribute Hotel pays homage to the city’s first mayor, Tomas Morato, through its name-and carries that tribute into its in-house restaurant, Don Tomas.

Chris Guballa, Managing Director of Approche Hospitality Management Corp., said the property stands on land originally owned by Don Tomas Morato himself, giving the hotel and restaurant a connection to the city’s history that goes beyond its name.

But while the history provides the backdrop, it is the food and hospitality that give Don Tomas its own identity.

Step past the lobby and into the restaurant, and the space feels considered rather than decorated for effect. It is the kind of room designed for lingering over a meal rather than rushing through one, setting the tone before the first plate even arrives.

Flavors without borders

THE menu reads almost like a culinary passport-Filipino comfort dishes sitting alongside Asian favorites and Western classics, each finding its own voice without losing the thread that ties the table together.

According to Chef Erwin Rarugal, executive chef of Don Tomas, the menu was shaped by the preferences of returning guests. He wanted the restaurant to be a one-stop dining destination, particularly in an area already surrounded by restaurants, while still offering enough variety to accommodate different tastes.

That philosophy is evident in the menu, which moves easily from familiar comfort food to more adventurous regional flavors. Braised Pork, Beef and Tendon, and Carbonara de Tomas share space with Chicken Biryani, Nasi Goreng, and Seafood Aligue Pasta, while artisanal pizzas offer another option for diners looking for something familiar.

Desserts get the same treatment, with Ube Langka Mochi, Basque Cheesecake, and Matcha Tiramisu giving classic sweets a distinctly modern and multicultural spin.

Chef Erwin also shared that Don Tomas will be adding more dishes to the menu soon, a reason for diners in Quezon City and nearby areas to keep an eye on what comes next.

EXPERIENCING Don Tomas firsthand made one thing clear: the restaurant’s strength lies in its ability to make a wide-ranging menu feel cohesive rather than scattered.

Starting light with the Squid Bombs, squid, cabbage, bonito flakes, and seaweed come together in Don Tomas’s own take on takoyaki. Playful and savory, it sets the tone for the meal without giving too much away.

From there came the Cuapao Sliders: soft char siu pork tucked into homemade buns with house barbecue sauce, cucumber, and leeks. The combination keeps every bite fresh instead of heavy, the kind of dish that disappears faster than you mean it to.

The Calamares Fritos followed, and this one earned its place as a genuine standout. Squid finished in barbecue flavor is paired with mango salsa, garlic mayo dip, and a wedge of lemon, bringing savory, sweet, and fresh notes together without any one element fighting for space. It is the kind of dish that works just as well as a shared starter as it does as a reason to order another round.

Then came the Soft Taco Mussel Sisig: fresh taco, romaine, pickled onions, cucumber, tomato, mussel, and garlic aioli. Savory and bright, with just enough tartness to keep the flavors lively, it was another plate that encouraged one more bite before the meal moved on.

From there, the flavors traveled further from home.

The Salmon Kimchi came out sweet and spicy in equal measure-a salmon steak set over kimchi rice, rounded out with sautéed beans that gave the plate some breathing room between bites.

The Chicken Biryani brought exactly the right amount of kick. Its chicken thigh fillet is built on turmeric, shallots, garlic, and coriander, with meat tender enough to slow the whole table down mid-conversation. It’s the kind of dish that makes you stop talking and simply enjoy it.

Nasi Goreng rounded out the international stretch of the meal, and by then it was clear that the kitchen wasn’t simply borrowing flavors for novelty. Tamarind shrimp fried rice, egg, chicken and beef satay, cucumber, and prawn crackers come together as a complete plate, with the tamarind running through the rice and shrimp and tying the components together.

The last savory courses leaned back into comfort.

Between the Braised Pork and Beef Rendang, the table got two versions of the same idea: meat cooked low and slow with coconut, ginger, turmeric, shallots, garlic, and coriander until it gives way at the fork. One is sweet and herby, while the other carries a gentler hint of spice beneath the richness.

The Beef and Tendon closed the savory portion simply, built on dark soy sauce, star anise, and cinnamon. Glazed and clearly meant to be eaten with rice, it is unfussy but satisfying-the sort of dish that feels right at the end of a meal that has already covered considerable culinary ground.

Dessert closed the meal on an unexpectedly delicate note, with three very different ideas of what a meal-ender can be on the same plate.

The Matcha Tiramisu was earthy without a trace of bitterness, its cream doing the real work-soft, rich, and balanced. The Basque Cheesecake offered a different kind of comfort: no-fuss and light on the palate, with a caramelized top giving way to a soft center.

Then there was the Ube Langka Mochi, bringing the meal full circle with its distinctly Filipino character. Soft and melt-in-the-mouth, it was a fitting reminder that even dessert isn’t exempt from Don Tomas’s habit of bringing different culinary influences together.

Each dessert could have closed the meal on its own. Together, they made the ending feel less like a final bite and more like a proper send-off.

DON Tomas doesn’t stand alone. Both the restaurant and Tribute Hotel are managed by Approche Hospitality Management Corp., and the connection is evident in the way the dining and hotel experience complement each other.

The result is a restaurant that can serve different purposes: a convenient dining option for hotel guests, a place for families and friends to gather, or a destination in its own right for those looking to explore a menu that moves comfortably across cuisines.

For travelers missing the flavors of home, or diners simply looking for familiar food with a little more variety, Don Tomas offers plenty to discover.

And perhaps that is the most fitting tribute of all.

In a city where names, streets, and memories are deeply intertwined, Don Tomas gives the name of Tomas Morato another place at the table-this time through food, hospitality, and the simple pleasure of sharing a meal.