Category: Business Mirror

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has completed the verification of more than 2.39 million ballots for the first Bangsamoro parliamentary elections in September.

Data from the Comelec showed all 2,393,202 ballots produced for the polls had undergone verification.

Of the total, 1,869,922 were released as good ballots, while 523,280 were placed under quarantine for further processing.

Comelec also recorded 15,733 defective ballots, equivalent to 0.66 percent of the total production.

Lanao del Sur posted the highest number of defective ballots at 10,140, followed by Tawi-Tawi with 1,505 and Maguindanao del Sur with 1,340.

Basilan recorded 1,049 defective ballots, while Maguindanao del Norte and the Special Geographic Area had 1,055 and 644, respectively.

Comelec Spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said the poll body will spend August deploying the ballots, automated counting machines and other election materials to designated hubs.

‘The month of August will be dedicated to the deployment of all election supplies and equipment,’ Laudiangco said in an interview.

He said election stakeholders and members of the media will be allowed to inspect the equipment upon its arrival at the hubs, where Comelec will also conduct an inventory.

The ballots will then be transferred to the offices of local treasurers, who are legally responsible for their custody and distribution to electoral boards.

Comelec has also established technical and repair hubs that will respond to possible problems involving the automated counting machines during the elections.

‘The technical and repair hubs are ready in case the automated counting machines encounter problems,’ Laudiangco said.

Testing and sealing of the machines will be conducted on Sept. 12, when Comelec will also demonstrate the readiness of the Starlink equipment to be used for transmitting election results.

The first regular parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao are scheduled for September 14.

Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara highlighted sustained momentum in the Department of Education’s (DepEd) key programs, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to tangible education reform, emphasizing that public funding is translating into direct support for school infrastructure, teache welfare, and learning support.

‘Noong nakaraang taon, nilagay ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos ang edukasyon sa sentro ng kanyang agenda. Naglatag siya ng malinaw na roadmap. Ngayong taon, ipinapakita natin ang concrete progress ng ating mga nasimulan,’ Angara said, as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. gave his 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.

In line with the President’s directive, DepEd continues to prioritize the professional and personal well-being of educators. Around 82,000 teachers and school leaders have been promoted under the Expanded Career Progression (ECP) System.

‘Malinaw ang bilin ng Pangulo: bawat piso sa badyet ng edukasyon ay dapat ramdam ng ating mga mag-aaral at guro-mula sa mga bagong silid-aralan at kagamitan, hanggang sa bawas na gawaing administratibo, mas ligtas na mga paaralan, at pag-angat ng kalidad ng edukasyon,’ Angara said.

To allow educators to focus on teaching rather than administrative tasks, DepEd is implementing wide-ranging reforms to reduce administrative workload by reducing school forms, and strengthening school-based support through the creation of 32,916 new teaching positions for FY 2026. This expansion includes critical non-teaching support: 11,268 Administrative Officers (AO II), 5,000 Project Development Officers, and 6,000 School Principal I positions.

Alongside the nationwide distribution of lapel microphones to all public school teachers to support and enhance their classroom instruction, DepEd continues to strengthen teacher welfare and well-being. Through the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act, the Teaching Allowance was increased from P5,000 to P10,000, providing greater support for teachers’ instructional needs.

DepEd also granted a P7,000 Medical Allowance to both teaching and non-teaching personnel to help cover their healthcare expenses. In addition, a five-day Wellness Leave for all DepEd employees-whether permanent, temporary, or Contract of Service-is granted in recognition of the importance of maintaining their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. These measures reflect DepEd’s commitment to supporting and valuing the education workforce, who serve as the backbone of the country’s learning system.

Infrastructure development is also steadily reaching schools. DepEd reported that 21,441 new classrooms have been completed since July 2022 via the Basic Educational Facilities Fund (BEFF), including 411 classrooms in Last Mile Schools in remote areas.

To address remaining backlogs, at least 12,487 additional classrooms are currently in the procurement stage for FY 2026 through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and local government units. For its part, the private sector too will also construct its initial share of more than 16,000 classrooms in Luzon, by way of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). Additional PPPs with higher production targets will soon follow for the Visayas and Mindanao.

Digital integration also continues to accelerate, with nearly 98 percent of public schools now internet-connected in coordination with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). To support digital learning, DepEd from 2022 to 2025 has deployed over 140,000 teacher laptops, over 77,000 Smart TVs, and over 8,200 e-Learning Cart packages.

DepEd remains committed to workforce readiness. Following a successful pilot, the department is implementing the Strengthened Senior High School (SSHS) Curriculum nationwide starting School Year 2026-2027. This initiative provides clearer pathways toward higher education, employment, and entrepreneurship.

Furthermore, 178,641 SHS-TVL learners for 2026 have already passed Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) National Certification (NC) assessments.

To protect learner welfare, DepEd is fortifying emergency preparedness through its Disaster Preparedness and Response Programs, and expanding health and nutrition services. The universal School-Based Feeding Program now serves around 4.6 million Kindergarten and Grade 1 learners, as well as undernourished Grade 2 to 6 learners and other vulnerable secondary learners.

DepEd is strengthening school safety and school-based mental health services through a whole-of-government approach. DepEd is expanding its support by hiring over 10,000 School Counselor Associates (SCA), ensuring accessible basic psychosocial support for learners across all public schools.

The Department also spearheaded child protection awareness programs, reaching more than 4.7 million learners, and established over 25,000 school sports clubs.

Angara said the Department remains focused on sustaining reforms and addressing the challenges that persist.

‘Education is a shared, long-term work. Every classroom completed, every teacher supported, and every child who stays safe in school is another step toward the future that the President envisioned. We will continue building on these gains with humility, urgency, and a steadfast commitment to public service,’ he said.

Getting the most value from every currency exchange starts with making informed decisions. Whether traveling overseas, paying tuition abroad, importing products for a business, or supporting loved ones in another country, Filipinos increasingly rely on foreign exchange as part of their financial journey. As global opportunities continue to grow, understanding how foreign exchange works can help maximize the value of every peso exchanged.

As the expert in foreign exchange, Cebuana Lhuillier MoneyXChange combines competitive exchange rates, a broad selection of currencies, and a nationwide network that makes foreign exchange more accessible and convenient for Filipinos wherever their financial journeys take them.

‘Many people see foreign exchange as a simple transaction, but it plays a much bigger role in achieving financial goals,’ said Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier. ‘Making informed currency decisions helps customers maximize the value of their hard-earned money while giving them greater confidence in every transaction.’

Drawing from the questions and misconceptions most frequently encountered by its foreign exchange specialists, Cebuana Lhuillier MoneyXChange debunks five common foreign exchange myths every Filipino should know.

Myth #1: ‘It’s okay to exchange my money only when I arrive abroad.’

Fact: Many travelers assume they can simply exchange money at the airport or after reaching their destination. However, waiting until arrival often means having fewer choices and less control over the exchange rate. Cebuana Lhuillier MoneyXChange enables customers to exchange currency before their trip through its nationwide branch network, allowing them to compare rates in advance and secure the currency they need before flying. For added convenience, customers can also use Click and Collect to reserve their preferred foreign currency online and simply pick it up at their selected Cebuana Lhuillier branch, making it easier to travel with local cash on hand for transportation, meals, and other immediate expenses upon arrival.

Myth #2: ‘Foreign exchange is only for people going on vacation.’

Fact: Foreign exchange supports much more than leisure travel. Cebuana Lhuillier MoneyXChange serves parents paying tuition abroad, entrepreneurs purchasing goods from overseas suppliers, businesses managing cross-border transactions, overseas workers, and families receiving foreign currency. Its services are designed to support a wide range of international financial needs, not just vacations.

Myth #3: ‘Small differences in exchange rates don’t really matter.’

Fact: Even small movements in exchange rates can add up, particularly for larger transactions. Cebuana Lhuillier MoneyXChange helps customers maximize the value of every exchange by offering competitive rates that can translate into meaningful savings whether the funds are intended for travel, education, or business.

Myth #4: ‘I should wait until someone tells me the rate is at its lowest.’

Fact: Exchange rates constantly change based on global market conditions, making them difficult to predict accurately. Rather than relying on speculation or social media advice, Cebuana Lhuillier MoneyXChange encourages customers to exchange based on their actual financial needs while providing transparent, competitive rates that help them make informed decisions with confidence.

Myth #5: ‘Money changers only exchange major currencies like US dollars.’

Fact: As Filipinos travel, study, and do business across more countries, access to multiple currencies has become increasingly important. Cebuana Lhuillier MoneyXChange offers a wide selection of foreign currencies, enabling customers to conveniently obtain the currencies they need through one trusted provider without being limited to only the most common denominations.

‘Financial literacy means understanding every financial decision we make, including how we exchange currencies,’ said Philippe Andre Lhuillier, Senior Executive Vice President of Cebuana Lhuillier. ‘As more Filipinos participate in the global economy, our goal is to provide reliable foreign exchange services while helping customers make informed decisions that maximize the value of their money.’

Whether crossing borders for work, education, business, or leisure, making smarter currency decisions starts with knowing the facts. Backed by trusted expertise, competitive exchange rates, access to a wide range of currencies, and one of the country’s largest branch networks, Cebuana Lhuillier MoneyXChange continues to help Filipinos navigate foreign exchange with greater confidence, convenience, and value.

PUMP prices are on the rise again this week.

Oil companies separately announced on Monday that they will raise diesel price by P7.30 per liter, gasoline by P6.80 per liter, and kerosene by P4.20 per liter. The new pump prices will take effect on Tuesday.

As of press time, the oil companies that announced their price movements are Shell, Seaoil, and Unioil. Other oil firms are expected to follow suit.

Jetti, for its part, will implement a staggered price hike. On Tuesday, it will increase the price of diesel by P5 per liter and raise it again on Wednesday by P2.30 per liter. For gasoline, it will implement a P5 per liter hike followed by P1.80 per liter increase on the same days.

Oil companies implement weekly price adjustments to reflect movements in the world oil market.

They said that geopolitical conflicts and rising demand have tightened Asian fuel supplies, keeping refined product prices high despite a minor drop in crude oil prices.

‘Supply disruptions linked to the Iran and Ukraine wars have tightened prompt oil supply availability and have caused prices to rise this week,’ an oil firm said.

The disruption of oil supplies has lifted the risk of delayed crude arrivals for Asian refiners, which supported diesel and middle distillate prices as product availability continues to tighten due to a slowing refinery output recovery, the oil firm explained.

While crude oil prices settled lower on Friday following reports that China had initiated a push towards a resumption of stalled peace talks between the US and Iran, the Mean of Platts Singapore prices on diesel and gasoline have maintained their strength and closed higher this week.

Last week, they hiked gasoline by P3.50 per liter, diesel by P10 per liter, and kerosene by P11 per liter.

The Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA) will have a permanent on-site jet fuel depot by the third quarter of 2027, ending its reliance on trucked-in supply and giving BPIA at least five days of fuel cover, after its operator awarded the project to Petron Corp.

Aboitiz InfraCapital Bohol Airport Corp. (ABAC) has signed an agreement with the oil firm for the design, construction, and operation of a new Jet A-1 fuel farm at the airport, backed by a projected capital expenditure of P340 million.

Petron emerged as the top-ranked bidder following an evaluation under a Request for Proposals (RFP), which grants the winner exclusive rights to design, build, operate, and maintain the on-airport depot.

The facility will consist of three tanks with a storage capacity of 477 kiloliters (KL) each, or 1,431 KL in total. Commissioning will be carried out in accordance with the latest Joint Inspection Group (JIG) standards, the global benchmark for aviation fuel handling.

BPIA currently burns through 102 KL of jet fuel a day: 43 KL for international operations and 59 KL for domestic flights. The airport has no permanent bulk storage on site. ‘This milestone agreement underscores our commitment to modernizing the Bohol-Panglao International Airport,’ ABAC General Manager Aldwin Uy said. ‘By partnering with an industry leader like Petron, we are securing a resilient, world-class fuel infrastructure that will ensure operational efficiency, and safely accommodate the growing aviation demands of the Bohol.’

The agreement stipulates that applicable facility rates will be regulated by ABAC rather than set by the fuel supplier.

Continued on B2

Continued on B2

The airport operator said the arrangement is meant to preserve an open-access environment and prevent supplier discrimination should other fuel suppliers enter the BPIA market later.

Fuel farm exclusivity arrangements at regional airports have historically drawn complaints from airlines over into-plane charges, a recurring point of friction in the local aviation industry.

Petron, the country’s largest oil company and its only remaining refiner, already owns and operates the fuel farm at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), which is likewise part of the Aboitiz InfraCapital airport portfolio. ‘Petron is proud to expand our strategic partnership with Aboitiz InfraCapital through this vital infrastructure project. We are bringing our extensive operational expertise to BPIA, ensuring that the new fuel farm is built and operated in strict accordance with the latest Joint Inspection Group (JIG) standards to provide a safe, reliable, and seamless fuel supply chain,’ Petron VP Jonathan F. Del Rosario said.

The most important announcement about Pax Silica, an economic initiative from the United States that selected our country together with Singapore in building secure, resilient supply chains for critical minerals, semiconductors and AI infrastructure, may not have been the billions of dollars in investments it promises or the million quality jobs it hopes to generate. It may have been a simple change in the way the government speaks about time.

During an interview on Bilyonaryo Spokes, Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez described a subtle but profound shift in the administration’s communications narrative. Instead of looking at the government through the weary refrain, ‘dalawang taon na lang,’ he urged Filipinos to begin thinking in terms of ‘dalawang taon pa.’

The difference appears linguistic. In reality, it is economic.

‘Dalawang taon na lang’ is the language of endings. It shortens horizons. It encourages investors to postpone decisions, agencies to become cautious and citizens to think that the country’s major opportunities are already behind it. ‘Dalawang taon pa’ is the language of construction.

It says there is still sufficient runway to build, to invest, to innovate and to execute. That seemingly modest change in perspective may well become one of the administration’s most valuable economic assets because modern economies are built not merely on capital but on confidence.

Investment decisions are made years before factories rise from the ground, semiconductor plants begin production or artificial intelligence campuses employ their first engineers. Expectations often arrive before prosperity does. Seen through that lens, Pax Silica becomes far more than another investment promotion program.

It becomes the first large-scale test of a longer national horizon. Born from the strategic realignment of global supply chains following geopolitical disruptions, Pax Silica places the Philippines among only two trusted Southeast Asian partners of the United States, alongside Singapore, in developing a new generation of semiconductor, advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence capabilities.

Its ambitions are staggering. Foreign direct investments are projected to reach between $40 billion and $70 billion, with an initial $10 billion devoted to strategic infrastructure. The initiative envisions transforming the Philippines from an exporter of raw minerals into a center for value-added processing, semiconductor manufacturing and AI infrastructure.

If fully realized, it could support as many as one million quality jobs, generate exports approaching $200 billion annually, produce yearly tax revenues that could eventually reach P180 billion and, perhaps most importantly, reverse the decades-long exodus of Filipino engineers, scientists and technology professionals by creating opportunities worthy of their talents at home.

The proposed 1,620-hectare AI industrial hub in New Clark City-the initiative’s first ‘Golden Node’-is therefore more than an industrial estate. It represents a new economic architecture that seeks to move the Philippines higher along the global technology value chain.

Yet projects of this scale do not succeed because the government announces impressive numbers. They succeed because an entire nation begins to believe that the future is still under construction. This is where the communications shift matters.

The phrase ‘dalawang taon pa’ quietly invites Filipinos to become participants rather than spectators in economic transformation. It asks businesses to invest instead of waiting, universities to prepare graduates for industries that are only beginning to emerge, local governments to build ecosystems rather than merely attract ribbon-cutting ceremonies, and young Filipinos to imagine careers they no longer have to pursue overseas.

Participation, after all, is the invisible capital behind every successful economy. Factories cannot flourish without skilled workers. Innovation cannot thrive without researchers. Supply chains cannot expand without entrepreneurs willing to take risks. Even foreign investments ultimately depend on the confidence that citizens themselves have in the country’s direction.

In that sense, Pax Silica is not simply about silicon, semiconductors or artificial intelligence. It is about extending the nation’s economic imagination. The real paradigm shift is not only from ‘dalawang taon na lang’ to ‘dalawang taon pa.’ It is from measuring the remaining time of an administration to measuring the remaining possibilities of a nation.

And perhaps that is the deeper lesson. A country’s greatest infrastructure is not always found in ports, airports or industrial parks. Sometimes it begins with a new way of thinking about tomorrow.

If Filipinos embrace that longer horizon-and participate in building it-Pax Silica may ultimately be remembered not merely as a technology initiative but as the moment the Philippines decided to build its future instead of merely waiting for it.

In a sense, resilience is what keeps the country standing, participation invites citizens to help build, Pax Silica provides the economic platform on which that participation can create lasting prosperity.

Eleven barangays in Cebu City have been selected as pilot areas for the Balik-Bote Program, a waste recovery initiative launched through a partnership between the Cebu City Government and San Miguel Brewery Inc. (SMB) to encourage the collection and reuse of returnable glass bottles.

Implemented by the Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CCENRO) in collaboration with SMB, the program supports the city’s waste diversion campaign by promoting the retrieval of returnable glass bottles for reuse rather than disposal.

The initiative is expected to help reduce the volume of glass waste ending up in landfills while encouraging proper solid waste management at the community level.

The pilot rollout covers the barangays of Apas, Basak San Nicolas, Luz, Carreta, Kasambagan, Mabolo, Tinago, San Jose, Inayawan, Tejero, and Kalunasan.

Under the program, SMB will buy back used returnable bottles of its bottled products, with the purchase price depending on the bottle’s size or milliliter (mL) capacity. The company also urged residents to return bottles that are clean and unbroken.

Mayor Nestor Archival led the launch alongside representatives from San Miguel Brewery Inc., City Councilor Joel Garganera, chairperson of the Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Energy, City Councilor Harry Eran, CCENRO Head Engr. Editha Peros, and Barangay Luz Councilor Nida Cabrera.

During the event, Archival expressed his appreciation to SMB for partnering with the city government and called on residents and barangays to support the initiative.

‘Kani atong gihimo karon in cooperation with San Miguel, salamat kaayo nila, together with the city government ug sa mga barangay. Usa ni sa atong diversion program. This is not that big, pero kung magsugod ta, mag-anam ta kadako. Naa tay mga initiatives nga gihimo, akong gihangyo nga atong pagatabangan [What we are doing today, in cooperation with San Miguel, is something we are truly grateful for. We thank them, as well as the city government and our barangays, for working together on this initiative. This is one of our waste diversion programs. It may not be a big project yet, but if we start now, it will continue to grow. We already have several initiatives in place, and I am asking everyone to support them],’ said Mayor Archival.

The initiative also has the support of San Miguel Yamamura Packaging Corporation (SMYPC), which will accept all types of glass bottles, including non-SMB bottles.

Through the company’s waste exchange program, participants may receive rice or other San Miguel products in exchange for recyclable glass.

City officials said the Balik-Bote Program is part of Cebu City’s continuing efforts to strengthen waste management through partnerships with the private sector and community participation, advancing its goal of building a cleaner and greener city.

Families in Central Luzon whose children need specialized medical care will soon have an option closer to home as the Jose B. Lingad (JBL) Children’s Medical Center in this free port begins accepting patients on August 1.

The 120-bed hospital, inaugurated on Friday by President Marcos, is the first facility to open under the Clark Multi-Specialty Medical Center project.

Designed to serve patients from Regions I, II and III, as well as nearby provinces, the center forms part of the government’s effort to expand specialized healthcare beyond Metro Manila.

The Department of Health (DOH) said the hospital is equipped with pediatric intensive care and neonatal intensive care units, operating rooms, outpatient clinics, laboratory and radiology services, and artificial intelligence-assisted diagnostic technology intended to support the evaluation of complex pediatric conditions.

DOH will oversee hospital operations.

‘In 2020, only half of Filipinos could access primary healthcare within 30 minutes,’ Marcos said during the inauguration.

The President said the government is establishing regional specialty hospitals to address longstanding gaps in healthcare access.

Marcos said the hospital will continue implementing the government’s Zero Balance Billing program for eligible patients and is scheduled to begin operations next week.

The JBL Children’s Medical Center is the first regional specialty hospital established under Republic Act 11959, or the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which seeks to expand access to specialized healthcare through regional medical centers across the country.

Clark Development Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Agnes Devanadera said the children’s hospital is the first component of the larger Clark Multi-Specialty Medical Center, which is planned to include specialty facilities for cardiovascular, cancer and other advanced medical services.

‘Today we are not just inaugurating a project, we are inaugurating a legacy project. It is a generational legacy project because this was part of then-President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’ plan,’ Devanadera said.

CDC donated the nearly five-hectare property where the medical complex now stands and plans to build a medical arts building to support the campus, she said. The project was financed through a partnership between the government and private sector.

Bloomberry Cultural Foundation Incorporated provided P1 billion in seed funding for construction and another P50 million for a generator set, while the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) allocated P360 million for the project.

Bloomberry Resorts Corporation Chairman and Chief Executive Office Enrique Razon Jr. said the company viewed the hospital as a public investment rather than a commercial undertaking. ‘This is not a business venture; it is a contribution to a nation’s development and, more importantly, a worthwhile investment in the future,’ Razon said.

The children’s hospital is expected to become the first completed facility within what government officials envision as a broader healthcare campus in Clark, intended to expand access to specialty care in Central Luzon and reduce the need for some patients to seek treatment in Metro Manila.

Separately, the Pampanga provincial government distributed financial assistance to 63 children undergoing chemotherapy and liver transplant treatment during Friday’s event. Each child received P25,000 in assistance which includes P15,000 from the provincial government and P10,000 from the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

THREE major water systems-the Angat-La Mesa Water System, the Laguna Lake Water System, and the Antipolo Water System-continue to provide reliable water service to its water customers in the East Zone, Manila Water Company Inc. Said.

Manila Water said company’s long-term investments in these water sources have strengthened supply reliability despite challenges brought by El Niño, declining water levels in Angat Dam, and increasing demand in its service area.

‘As we experience the full effects of a strong El Niño and the pressures it places on traditional water sources, our diversified supply systems provide greater resilience and flexibility in meeting the needs of our customers. These strategic investments help ensure that communities across the East Zone continue to have access to safe and dependable water services today and in the years ahead,’ said Dittie Galang, Manila Water Corporate Communications Group Head.

The Angat-La Mesa Water System remains a critical source of water for Metro Manila. To improve supply reliability, Manila Water, in partnership with the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System, invested in projects that help ensure sufficient inflows to Angat Reservoir, including the Sumag River Diversion Project and the rehabilitation of the Umiray-Angat Transbasin Project.

Complementing Angat is the Laguna Lake Water System, which taps Laguna de Bay as an additional water source. The system includes the 100-million-liter-per-day (MLD) Cardona Water Treatment Plant, which draws water from the central portion of the lake and serves around 800,000 customers in Rizal and nearby areas. On the eastern side of the lake, the P16.5-billion East Bay Water Supply Project is being developed. Its first phase, the 50-MLD East Bay Water Treatment Plant, is designed to serve up to 390,000 customers and currently supplies communities in eastern Rizal. The 200-MLD East Bay Phase 2 Water Treatment Plant, which is set for completion this year, will serve approximately two million customers in Pasig, Pateros, Taguig, and portions of Rizal province.

Meanwhile, the Antipolo Water System supports the growing water requirements of Rizal through the Wawa-Calawis System, which is anchored on the recently acquired 710-MLD Upper Wawa Dam. Its 80-MLD Calawis Water Treatment Plant, designed to serve about 900,000 customers, already provides water service to communities in Antipolo City and nearby areas. The 220-MLD Kaysakat Water Treatment Plant is expected to be completed later this year and will source water from Upper Wawa Dam. It will further boost water supply for approximately one million customers in Antipolo and neighboring Rizal municipalities.

Together, these three major water systems form a resilient and diversified supply network that enables Manila Water to continuously deliver safe, reliable, and sustainable water services to its more than 7.9 million customers in the East Zone.

THESE days, it would take a lot to get me excited about new beauty releases. I have, after all, been writing about beauty for decades and some of the new releases are just repackaged or rehashed versions of old favorites.

But Givenchy Prisme Libre Skin and Color Serum Primer, a hybrid formula that pairs instant correction with skincare, is something that’s very intriguing and I am not even a primer enthusiast. Do you mean the primer has color correcting properties?

Remember that in 1989, Givenchy launched Le Prisme, its very first 4-color powder and the foundation of its chromatic expertise. I never tried the foundation but loved the powder’s old formula. Givenchy Prisme Libre Skin and Color Serum Primer comes in Pink (enhances radiance for a healthy, luminous glow), Purple (helps refine the appearance of pores for a smoother-looking finish), and Green (neutralizes visible redness for a more even skin tone).

Prisme Libre Skin and Color Serum Primers combine the benefits of skincare with subtle color correction to visibly enhance and balance the skin. The lightweight, serum-infused formula instantly corrects, smooths, and blurs pores while claiming to provide 24-hour hydration and all-day plump. It can be worn alone or under makeup. Also new from Givenchy are the Glow Duo-the Prisme Libre Highlighter Powder and Perfecto Serum Lip Oil-two new creations that extend Givenchy Beauty’s expertise in both skincare and makeup.

The Prisme Libre Highlighter Powder is a marbled highlighter powder in two shades that provide a multidimensional, pearlescent glow. Meanwhile, Perfecto Serum Lip Oil is a serum for the lips that combines rose oil and squalane.

Givenchy Beauty is exclusively distributed by Rustan Marketing Corp. and is available in-store at Rustans Makati and Rustans Shangri-La Plaza.

POP MART OPENS DIMOO X PIXAR POP-UP

IF you love collectibles, Pop Mart has brought the Dimoo World × Pixar Pop-up Store to Glorietta. Fans will now have the chance to immerse themselves in the whimsical world of one of the brand’s most beloved characters until September 23. Open until September 23, the pop-up combines collectible shopping with playful installations and interactive spaces inspired by Dimoo’s dreamlike adventures.

Created by artist Ayan Deng, Dimoo has a gentle personality, oversized eyes, and a signature cloud companion. Dimoo’s stories revolve around imagination, curiosity, and finding wonder in everyday moments.

At the pop-up (located at the walkway outside Rustans outside Glorietta), guests can look through the merchandise, take photos against themed displays, and enjoy the whimsical and playful atmosphere. The opening also marks another milestone for Pop Mart as it prepares to launch its permanent Glorietta store later this year. This is after the success of its permanent locations at SM Megamall, SM Aura Premier, and SM North Edsa, as well as, more recent pop-up stores in Cebu and Davao.