Category: Business Mirror

Sleep is one of the pillars of health at every age, yet for many people over 60 it becomes frustratingly elusive. Trouble falling asleep, frequent nighttime awakenings, early morning rising, or non-restorative rest are extremely common. Contrary to popular belief, older adults still need roughly the same amount of sleep as younger adults-typically 7 to 8 or 9 hours per night. What changes is the body’s ability to generate continuous, deep, high-quality sleep. The good news is that many of these difficulties are not inevitable. Experts ranging from geriatricians and sleep researchers to clinical psychologists who specialize in sleep have identified clear biological shifts, medical contributors, and-most importantly-practical, non-drug strategies that can meaningfully improve rest.

How sleep changes after age 60

AS people reach their 60s, several physiological shifts occur. The circadian rhythm-the internal 24-hour clock that governs sleep and wake-tends to advance. Melatonin, the hormone that signals nighttime to the brain, is released earlier in the evening and in smaller amounts. By age 60, many people have lost 70 to 80 percent of their deep non-rapid eye movement (NREM) slow-wave sleep, the most restorative stage. Sleep becomes lighter and more fragmented; awakenings increase and returning to sleep grows harder.

Sleep expert and neuroscientist Matthew Walker has explained that the continuity of sleep decreases with age and that the electrical quality of deep sleep begins declining as early as the mid-to-late 30s, accelerating later. Older adults still need that deep sleep for memory consolidation, immune function, metabolic health, and clearing metabolic waste from the brain via the glymphatic system. The problem is not reduced need but reduced capacity to generate the sleep the brain still requires.

Geriatrician Dr. Melissa Bogin of Mayo Clinic, in the Aging Forward podcast episode ‘Why Sleep Gets Worse With Age (And What Actually Helps),’ notes that older individuals spend less time in deep sleep and somewhat less in REM (dream) sleep. She emphasizes that while some change is expected, persistent poor sleep that leaves a person exhausted, foggy, or functionally impaired is not simply ‘normal aging’ and warrants attention.

Clinical psychologist and board-certified sleep specialist Dr. Michael Breus (widely known as the Sleep Doctor) has repeatedly observed in his videos aimed at seniors that sleep architecture changes – reduced efficiency, more awakenings, and shifts in chronotype toward earlier bed and wake times – are common, yet many of the resulting problems respond well to targeted behavioral adjustments.

Primary causes of sleep problems after 60

Causes fall into several overlapping categories:

Biological and circadian factors dominate. Reduced melatonin production and a weakened, advanced circadian rhythm make it harder to stay asleep through the night and easier to wake early. Less daytime physical activity and reduced exposure to natural light further blunt the body’s timekeeping signals.

Medical conditions frequently contribute. Sleep apnea becomes more prevalent with age and is linked to snoring, daytime sleepiness, and cardiovascular strain. Restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movements of sleep increase. Chronic pain from arthritis or other musculoskeletal issues interrupts sleep. Nocturia (nighttime urination) from prostate enlargement, overactive bladder, or heart failure forces awakenings. Gastrointestinal reflux, heart or lung disease, depression, anxiety, and neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s all disrupt rest. Hormonal changes around and after menopause-hot flashes and night sweats-add another layer for many women.

Medications and substances play a major role. Diuretics taken late in the day increase nighttime bathroom trips. Certain antidepressants, beta-blockers, steroids, and other drugs can interfere with sleep architecture or cause daytime drowsiness that leads to compensatory napping. Caffeine is metabolized more slowly after 65 – roughly 33 percent longer according to some observations – so afternoon coffee can linger. Alcohol may help someone fall asleep initially but fragments later sleep and worsens apnea and awakenings.

Lifestyle and environmental factors compound the biology. Inconsistent schedules, excessive evening light from screens or indoor lighting (which suppresses melatonin), long daytime naps, sedentary habits, loneliness, and an unsupportive bedroom environment (too warm, too bright, too noisy) all erode sleep quality.

Dr. Bogin and other geriatric experts stress the importance of distinguishing primary age-related changes from secondary problems caused by treatable conditions or modifiable habits. A thorough review of medical history, medications, and sleep patterns is often the essential first step.

Natural solutions recommended by experts

The strongest evidence and expert consensus favor non-pharmacological approaches first. Prescription sleep medications carry higher risks of falls, cognitive impairment, dependence, and residual daytime effects in older adults, so they are generally reserved for short-term or carefully supervised use.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is repeatedly cited as the gold-standard first-line treatment. Dr. Bogin highlights it in the Mayo Clinic discussion as highly effective. Components include stimulus control (using the bed only for sleep and intimacy; leaving the bed if unable to sleep after about 20 minutes), sleep restriction (temporarily limiting time in bed to consolidate sleep), cognitive restructuring of unhelpful thoughts about sleep, and relaxation training. Dr. Breus outlines multi-component plans in videos such as ‘6 ADVANCED Techniques to Sleep Through the Night (For Seniors)’ that incorporate sleep hygiene, stimulus control, sleep restriction, arousal reduction, pain management, and CBT principles adapted for older adults. Online programs and trained therapists make CBT-I accessible.

Strategic light exposure is one of the most powerful tools for resetting the aging circadian clock. Walker recommends morning daylight to anchor the rhythm strongly. For those who wake too early, he suggests limiting intense morning light (for example, wearing sunglasses during early outdoor exercise) and seeking afternoon sunlight without sunglasses to help delay melatonin release and push bedtime later. Consistent wake times every day of the week reinforce the clock more powerfully than bedtime consistency alone.

Sleep hygiene and environment optimization form the foundation. Experts including those at UCHealth, Mayo Clinic, and Breus advise:

A cool (around 60-67°F or 15-19°C), dark, and quiet bedroom. Blackout solutions, eye masks, earplugs, or white-noise machines help.

A consistent schedule-same wake time daily.

Limiting screens and bright light for at least an hour before bed; dimming household lights in the evening.

Avoiding large meals, caffeine (ideally after early afternoon or earlier), nicotine, and alcohol close to bedtime.

Short naps only if needed (under 30 minutes, not after mid-afternoon).

Light movement or gentle stretching in the evening (Breus has demonstrated simple in-bed exercises such as marching in place, shoulder and neck rolls, ankle circles, and toe flexes paired with deep breathing to ease stiffness and calm the nervous system).

Physical activity and daytime habits improve sleep drive. Regular moderate exercise, preferably earlier in the day, enhances sleep quality. Morning outdoor activity combines movement with light exposure. Practices such as tai chi or gentle yoga can lower evening arousal and cortisol.

Targeted nutritional and supplemental supports, used thoughtfully and preferably after discussion with a physician, appear in expert recommendations. Low-dose melatonin (often 0.5-1.5 mg, timed 30-90 minutes or sometimes earlier before desired bedtime) can help older adults whose natural production has declined; higher over-the-counter doses are frequently unnecessary and less ideal. Magnesium (forms such as glycinate or citrate in the 200-400 mg range) may support muscle relaxation and melatonin production. Tart cherry juice, studied for its natural melatonin content and effects on sleep efficiency, is frequently mentioned in popular expert videos and research summaries as a helpful evening option for some seniors. Herbal teas (chamomile, or combinations with passionflower or lemon balm) and warm milk are traditional and low-risk wind-down aids. Breus has also discussed certain mushrooms (reishi for cortisol, others for inflammation or mood) as adjuncts in some of his content.

Relaxation and arousal reduction techniques close the gap. Progressive muscle relaxation, diaphragmatic breathing (for example the 4-7-8 pattern), mindfulness meditation, or Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR) protocols help quiet racing thoughts. Creating a consistent wind-down routine-reading, light stretching, a warm bath 60-90 minutes before bed (the subsequent cooling helps sleep onset)-signals the brain that sleep is approaching.

Addressing underlying contributors remains essential: optimizing pain management, treating apnea if present, reviewing medications with a clinician or pharmacist, managing fluid intake timing to reduce nocturia, and treating depression or anxiety.

Putting it into practice and knowing when to seek help

Improvement rarely happens overnight. Consistency over weeks matters more than perfection on any single night. Tracking sleep in a simple diary can reveal patterns and progress. Many people notice better sleep efficiency, fewer prolonged awakenings, and improved daytime energy and mood once light exposure, schedule regularity, and CBT-I elements are in place.

Seek professional evaluation if sleep problems are severe, accompanied by loud snoring or gasping, excessive daytime sleepiness that affects safety (for example driving or falls), significant mood changes, or cognitive concerns. A sleep study may be warranted for suspected apnea or other disorders. Primary care physicians, geriatricians, and sleep specialists can coordinate care.

Sleep after 60 does not have to be a source of chronic frustration. The same experts who document the biological challenges-Walker on the science of aging sleep, Bogin on clinical realities in older adults, and Breus on practical daily strategies- also demonstrate that intentional, natural interventions can restore more restorative rest. Treating sleep with the same seriousness given to diet and exercise pays dividends in brain health, physical resilience, emotional balance, and overall quality of life. Small, sustainable changes, guided by evidence-based principles from these voices, offer a realistic path toward better nights and more energized days.

THE National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) have affirmed their commitment to safeguarding the country’s critical infrastructure as NGCP President and CEO Anthony L. Almeda was formally inducted as Commodore of the PCG Auxiliary.

The donning and oath-taking ceremony on July 29, 2026, led by PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil L. Gavan, marks a strengthened partnership between NGCP and the PCG in securing vital national infrastructure and supporting broader national security efforts.

Accepting the honorary rank, Almeda said the recognition carries with it a greater responsibility to serve.

‘This recognition carries a great responsibility. It is not merely a badge of honor, but a commitment to a stronger partnership between the Philippine Coast Guard and NGCP, as well as to our shared mission of protecting critical infrastructure, strengthening maritime security, and serving the Filipino people,’ Almeda said.

He said he accepts the honor with humility and looks forward to working closely with the PCG in advancing their shared mission.

In conferring the honorary rank, the PCG recognized Almeda’s leadership and expressed confidence that his appointment would further strengthen cooperation with NGCP in promoting national resilience and protecting the country’s critical infrastructure.

As the country’s power transmission operator, NGCP works closely with government agencies and key stakeholders to secure the transmission network and ensure the reliable delivery of electricity nationwide.

The strengthened partnership with the PCG is expected to enhance coordination in protecting strategic energy facilities and supporting emergency response and national security initiatives.

NEARLY three in every 10 Filipino students who start college fail to complete their degree, limiting one of the country’s key pathways for social and economic mobility, according to PHINMA Education.

Furthermore, the institution noted that barriers to college completion often begin much earlier, including poor childhood nutrition, literacy gaps, financial hardship, and academic challenges that accumulate over time.

Drawing feedback from its 2023 student cohort, PHINMA Education said financial constraints remain among the leading reasons students leave school, with many reporting that tuition has become unaffordable.

Academic difficulties also emerged as a major factor, highlighting the dual challenge faced by financially disadvantaged students who often enter college with weaker academic foundations while struggling to meet the costs of higher education.

In a briefing, PHINMA Education said it is helping reduce financial barriers by offering scholarship programs such as the Hawak Kamay Scholarship, which lowers tuition fees in certain programs to as little as P5,500 per semester without requiring entrance examinations or maintaining grade requirements.

The institution said it also recognizes that students leave college for reasons beyond finances, including competing life priorities and challenges related to confidence and belonging, prompting it to adopt a more comprehensive student support approach.

High success rates

PHINMA Education reported that this strategy has translated into strong academic outcomes. It posted a 92-percent first-time overall board examination passing rate in the Philippines, with several programs recording 100-percent passing rates.

In Indonesia, first-time board examination pass rates reached 99 percent, including perfect passing rates in Nursing and Midwifery.

The network also said 77 percent of its graduates in the Philippines and 84 percent in Indonesia secure employment within a year after graduation, demonstrating the impact of sustained support on improving social mobility and professional outcomes.

As part of its efforts to expand access and completion, PHINMA Education has forged partnerships with both the public and private sectors. Among these is the NAPOLCOM-PHINMA Education Kaagapay Partnership. It reserves scholarships across 12 PHINMA schools for qualified dependents of National Police Commission and Philippine National Police personnel who are incoming college students.

The institution is also collaborating with industry partners to strengthen employability. Through its partnership with Reed Elsevier Philippines and PHINMA University of Iloilo, students are given internship opportunities aligned with their academic programs, with some interns eventually securing full-time employment and advancing within the company.

Access plus support

CHAIRPERSON Ramon R. del Rosario Jr. of PHINMA Education said access to higher education alone is not enough and that students need continuous support from enrollment through graduation and eventually employment.

President and CEO Chito B. Salazar of Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) added that the institution remains committed to ensuring social mobility for underserved students becomes the norm rather than the exception: ‘Factors that prevent students from completing college are the same barriers that prevent them from accessing higher education in the first place.’

Salazar and PBEd believe that ‘every student, regardless of [his or her] background, has the potential to succeed. That’s the philosophy we operate by.’

‘We’re grateful for the progress we’ve made, but we’re not there yet-if 99 students succeed and one doesn’t, we continue to suffer for the one we lost,’ he said. ‘We continue to push ourselves because our goal is for social mobility among the underserved to become the norm.’

EDUCATORS, employers and industry leaders are urging the Philippines to shift the conversation on English from test scores to ‘readiness’-the ability to communicate confidently and effectively in real-world situations.

That was the central message of the British Council Philippines’ (BCP) ‘Next Chapter: Making English Work for Every Filipino’ forum, which gathered representatives from the education sector, employers and accreditation bodies and discussed ways Filipinos can be better prepared for overseas employment, international education and careers in various industries, and as artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes workplaces and global competition for talent intensifies.

While English proficiency tests remain valuable measures of language ability, speakers said scores alone do not capture the communication skills, confidence and adaptability increasingly demanded by employers.

‘English is not just a skill; it is a bridge,’ BCP’s Country Director Lotus Postrado said. She pointed out that the language creates pathways when people are ready to use it in classrooms, workplaces and global settings: ‘Readiness matters.’

Beyond test scores

BCP’s Head of Exams Mike Cabigon echoed the point, as he said that English readiness should be measured not only by assessment results but also by how confidently people communicate in everyday situations.

‘It shows up in the workplace, the classroom and every border Filipinos try to cross,’ Cabigon said, noting that English assessment, learning and partnerships have long helped Filipinos translate language skills into opportunities abroad.

The discussion comes as AI continues to automate routine tasks across sectors. However, panelists agreed that technology cannot replace human communication, particularly in professions that rely on empathy, collaboration and sound judgment.

Visa Solutions Healthcare’s director of International Healthcare Frederick Sampang said AI can analyze patient records and summarize information, but it cannot replicate the compassion and empathy required in healthcare.

Urban-rural divide

THE forum also highlighted the need to strengthen English education across the country. During the panel discussion, Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA) Commissioner Dr. Ferdinand Somido shared findings from a study of 69 private higher education institutions. It showed that students from colleges and universities in urban areas generally demonstrated stronger English proficiency than their rural counterparts.

The findings underscore the need to provide greater support to schools outside major urban centers to ensure graduates possess comparable communication skills regardless of location.

Dr. Somido also noted that while many students enter college with intermediate English proficiency, gains by graduation remain limited, raising concerns about graduates’ competitiveness in an increasingly global labor market.

He said higher education institutions are shifting attention from measuring English through written examinations alone toward strengthening graduates’ ability to communicate effectively in real-life situations.

Raising standards

BEGINNING in the 2026 accreditation cycle, PACUCOA will also recognize the British Council’s Aptis English test as valid proof of English proficiency under updated accreditation standards. The framework requires students to demonstrate at least a B1, or intermediate, level under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages or CEFR, while faculty members are expected to attain the more advanced C1 level.

Participants agreed that improving English readiness will require coordinated action among schools, employers and government agencies.

Employers, they said, should clearly communicate the skills they expect from graduates. Learning institutions must design curricula and assessments that emphasize practical communication rather than examination performance alone, while policymakers should establish standards that align classroom learning with workplace demands.

Preparing for opportunities

IELTS Local Prize winner Atty. Yla Paras said her English assessment helped her secure admission to the London School of Economics, enabling her to transition from law into international public policy and climate governance.

Speakers also emphasized that such stories demonstrate the broader purpose of English learning-not simply passing an examination, but equipping Filipinos with the confidence and communication skills needed to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.

‘Behind every test score is a person with ambition,’ BCP Country Director Lotus Postrado said. She emphasized that every assessment is a person hoping to pursue higher education, build a career, support a family or create a better future.

For the council, that means helping learners move beyond test preparation toward genuine readiness for the next stage of their education and careers.

As global industries become more interconnected and AI transforms the nature of work, the consensus from the event was that English proficiency remains important, but the greater challenge is ensuring Filipinos can translate language skills into meaningful opportunities at home and abroad.

In a busy neighborhood in Sandakan, Borneo, I saw a group of men huddled outside a restaurant. Curious but cautious in an alien land, I walked slowly and saw no altercation, only a group of men watching a movie on a small television in a restaurant.

It wasn’t just another movie but an FPJ movie! I would presume they were Filipinos, probably Muslims from Southern Mindanao, trying their luck in a foreign land. A few days earlier, I was in Zamboanga City, gingerly walking through a village with houses on stilts that, surprisingly, had electricity. When I peered into one of the houses, I saw people watching a movie, maybe a VHS tape. You guessed it right. It was an FPJ movie.

The fascination for Fernando Poe Jr. (FPJ) movies is well entrenched in this part of the country. In 1971, when FPJ died at the end of the movie Asedillo, the moviegoers at a Zamboanga cinema went berserk, destroying cinema seats and equipment. After he died in 2004, his legacy continued with Coco Martin’s adaptation of the movie, Ang Probinsiyano, into a long-running television series.

FPJ Studios

At FPJ Studios along Del Monte Avenue, this former recording studio is now responsible for the digital restoration of FPJ movies, going through the process of scanning, cleaning, and color restoration. Inside the studio are rooms with movie posters and a Legacy Room, which stores his awards, including a National Artist for Film declaration. I particularly like a room with all the movie props, especially the sword he used in Ang Panday.

The FPJ Studios was our first stop in ‘SeeKyusi Byaheng Pelikula’ in line with the celebration of recent National Heritage Month and to commemorate Quezon City’s designation as UNESCO’s Creative City of Film. Quezon City used to be home of LVN and Sampaguita Studios, major networks, and production companies. This endeavor is a project of the Quezon City local government through the Quezon City Screen Commission and the QCinema International Film Festival in partnership with the Film Academy of the Philippines.

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar (Quezon City)

Our second destination was Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in FPJ Avenue (former Roosevelt Ave.) in Quezon City, located beside the residence of Da King himself. This is a smaller version of Las Casas in Bagac, Bataan, which has been used as a location by many historical films such as Heneral Luna and Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral. Las Casas Q.C. has a restaurant, seminar rooms, chapel, and several transplanted heritage houses.

CMB Film Services

After a hearty lunch, we proceeded to CMB Film Services. It is basically a technical services provider that rents cameras, lighting equipment, grip and rigging support, and crew support for camera and lighting. It is one of the major equipment suppliers in the Philippines, servicing almost 80% of the network, movie outfits, and advertising companies. Tour participants were allowed to use the camera and watched how the other equipment, like the techno-crane, was operated. They also have an operation in Myanmar.

Quezon Heritage House

Our last stop was the Quezon Heritage House in Quezon Circle. This is a historic house museum dedicated to Manuel L. Quezon, the first President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines. It recreates the family home from the original in New Manila. Around 60% of the structures and furnishings are from the Quezon family home. This is one of several museums inside Quezon Circle.

This tour made me aware of the behind-the-scenes in a production. Let’s support Philippine Cinema and patronize the QCinema International Film Festival scheduled from November 13 to 22. All photos courtesy of Jing Ordoña

George ‘Jing’ Ordon¨a is a travel writer, tour organizer, and DOT-accredited tour guide who’s passionate about sharing Manila’s rich history and culture. He’s the operator of ManiLakad, a one-man company that conducts walking tours of historic neighborhoods in Metro Manila, including Intramuros, Binondo, and Quiapo. He can be reached on Viber at 09606975930 or FB messenger, Jing Ordon¨a.

Back when I was working in Manila’s San Miguel district, I would often pass by Quiapo Muslim Town but never stopped to explore it. Like many people, I had allowed stereotypes and stories to shape my perception of the community.

One experience was enough to change that.

Just before the pandemic, I joined a cultural immersion in the neighborhood, and it left such an impression that I found myself returning to Quiapo Muslim Town several times with friends, mostly to enjoy the food again.

So when I was invited back, this time by the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) as part of its LakBayanihan Manila Series, I happily accepted. After all, who turns down the chance to eat their way through Quiapo?

The program showcases experiences that tour operators can eventually offer their clients while promoting Muslim-friendly tourism.

We began at Quezon Boulevard, the dividing line between two of Quiapo’s most recognizable communities.

On one side of Quezon Boulevard stands the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno, home of the Black Nazarene and the site of the Traslación, one of the largest Catholic religious gatherings in the world. Around the church, a bustling mix of eateries, religious shops, herbal medicine stores, amulet vendors, market stalls, and street vendors has long welcomed pilgrims and shoppers.

On the other side of Quezon Boulevard, a short walk leads to the Golden Mosque and Cultural Center, the largest mosque in Metro Manila. Surrounding it is a vibrant community of halal eateries, spice shops, textile stores, and businesses selling traditional Islamic clothing and goods.

From Quezon Boulevard, we walked to Elizondo Street to go to Wakilah, one of the best-known halal restaurants in Quiapo Muslim Town.

Over breakfast of roti banana, roti cheese, roti telur served with curry dip, Wakilah’s signature Giant Roti Tissue Tower, and hot teh tarik, organizers talked about the community’s history, culture, and traditions.

It was led by researcher and broadcast journalist Nords Maguindanao together with Ann Marie Cunanan, founder of Meaningful Travels PH. It was nice seeing them again, as they were also my guides during my first visit before the pandemic. We also met Imam Mohammad Alawi, who shared insights into the local Muslim community and Islamic practices.

Before leaving Wakilah, we watched one of the restaurant’s biggest attractions. Chef Gey stretched, spun, and flipped paper-thin dough with graceful, dance-like movements. It’s easy to see why his performance has become a favorite on social media.

Our next stop offered a glimpse into Muslim culture through traditional clothing and everyday customs. They showed us items commonly used by Muslim women, including oil-based perfumes, henna, miswak, a natural toothbrush, and bakhoor, a fragrant incense used to perfume clothing and homes.

The highlight, however, was getting to wear a hijab. I chose a blue one to add a splash of color to my black skirt and the brown shirt provided by the Department of Tourism NCR. We also learned about the importance of modest clothing and proper etiquette when entering places of worship.

Then we made our way to the Golden Mosque, officially known as Masjid Al-Dahab, built in 1976. It is a symbol of the country’s Muslim heritage. Although time has left its mark, its soaring golden dome still commands attention and makes it easy to imagine the landmark in its former glory.

Inside the mosque, Nords explained the Five Pillars of Islam, helping us better understand the beliefs and practices followed by Muslims around the world.

We were supposed to visit a nearby madrasa, or Islamic school, but the children came to meet us instead. PHILTOA had prepared small gifts for them, and what followed was one of the most heartwarming moments of the day, filled with smiles and laughter.

Our walk continued to the neighborhood padian, the traditional community market. Here, Nords showed us the sakurab, a native wild leek that gives the famous Maranao condiment palapa its distinctive flavor. We also sampled dodol, a rich, sticky delicacy made from glutinous rice and coconut milk.

Then came the part I had been looking forward to the most-lunch.

We headed to Arab Asian Little Resto, where we were treated to a sample of a traditional Pagana Maranao, the highest expression of Maranao hospitality. The feast featured a generous spread of Maranao and Tausug dishes.

Joining us was former Department of Tourism Undersecretary Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar, one of the key figures behind the country’s Muslim-friendly tourism program. Before lunch, she spoke about the importance of Muslim-friendly tourism and the country’s efforts to become a more welcoming destination for Muslim travelers. Her leadership helped the Philippines rank among the Top 5 Muslim-Friendly Destinations among non-OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) countries in the Global Muslim Travel Index.

Lunch reminded me why I kept coming back to Quiapo Muslim Town after my first visit in 2020. The food was as memorable as I remembered, and the warmth of the community and the stories behind every dish made the experience even more meaningful.

And after a morning of walking around the neighborhood, enjoying the feast in the comfort of an air-conditioned restaurant certainly didn’t hurt.

I USED to sleep like a baby. The moment my back hit the bed, I’d be off to dreamland in less than five minutes.

That changed when I started living alone.

Some nights, falling asleep became surprisingly difficult. I’d stare at the ceiling replaying conversations with Lou, thinking about deadlines, or mentally writing tomorrow’s to-do list before tomorrow had even arrived. I tried watching television to clear my mind, but that only kept me awake longer. Even the aquarium channel eventually lost its magic.

So I went back to an old habit: reading.

I switched from novels to classic comic books, but instead of stacking graphic novels beside the bed, I loaded them onto my 11-inch tablet. It worked beautifully-hundreds of comics in one slim device.

Until one night.

Somewhere between Absolute Batman and one o’clock in the morning, I fell asleep. A split second later, something heavy landed squarely on my face. Half asleep and completely disoriented, I honestly thought someone had slapped me.

Turns out it was just my tablet reminding me that gravity always wins.

After checking if my nose was still pointing in the right direction, I officially retired my 11-inch tablet from bedtime reading. Falling asleep while reading was still a good idea. Waking up with a tablet-shaped imprint on my face wasn’t. A few weeks later, TechLife sent over its new Pad Mini.

The first thing I noticed wasn’t the processor, the cameras, or even the battery. It was the size. For the first time in years, I was holding a tablet that felt closer to a paperback book than a traditional slate. The 8-inch display was just large enough to enjoy reading without constantly zooming in, yet compact enough to hold comfortably with one hand. Even with the TechLife Pad Handle Case attached, it slipped easily into my sling bag without forcing me to rearrange everything else I was carrying.

It reminded me of something we don’t talk about enough in tech reviews. We spend a lot of time comparing processors, refresh rates, and benchmark scores, but very little time asking a much simpler question: ‘Will I actually bring this with me?’

That’s where mini tablets start making sense again.

Looking at the specs alone, I wasn’t convinced an 8-inch tablet still had a place in 2026. Smartphones have grown so large that some are only an inch or two smaller. Foldable phones are trying to blur that line even further, although their premium price still puts them out of reach for many.

You could say the TechLife Pad Mini is about the size of a foldable but won’t make your savings fold.

So comparing it with a smartphone or a laptop is a mistake

Because after living with it for a while, I realized I wasn’t reaching for it instead of those devices.

I was reaching for it when neither one felt right.

There were plenty of moments when my phone felt too small but bringing my laptop would’ve been overkill. Reviewing a presentation while waiting for a meeting, looking over spreadsheets without endless pinching, reading long PDFs, or watching WWE reels while waiting for a Grab ride-those are the situations where a compact tablet quietly earns its place.

Another unexpected benefit was preserving my phone’s battery. Our phones have become our cameras, wallets, boarding passes, banking devices, and emergency lifelines. I’d much rather let a tablet handle two hours of streaming or reading than arrive somewhere with my phone sitting at 18 percent.

The TechLife Pad Mini never pretends to be a flagship tablet, and I actually appreciate that honesty. Powered by the MediaTek Helio G80 processor, paired with 4GB of physical RAM and up to 4GB of Dynamic RAM Expansion, it’s designed for everyday light tasks rather than demanding workloads. The virtual memory won’t turn it into a high-end workhorse, but Chrome with several tabs open, Gmail, Messenger, Google Docs, YouTube, social media, and casual games all ran comfortably during my testing.

The 8-inch HD IPS display follows the same pragmatic philosophy. Sharpness-wise, there are certainly higher-resolution displays available today, but the lower resolution is far less noticeable on a compact screen of this size. It’s HD Streaming Ready for Netflix and YouTube, and since bedtime reading started this whole journey, I was glad to see both Reading Mode and Eye Comfort Mode included to reduce glare in dim lighting.

Beyond reading and entertainment, the TechLife Pad Mini covers everyday utility well. The 8MP rear camera works fine for scanning documents or whiteboard notes, while the 5MP front camera handles casual video calls. Running Android 16 with Google Gemini built-in, it doubles as a light productivity tool for quick text summaries or brainstorming ideas without bogging down the system. If you hand it off to younger family members, the included Interactive Kids Space provides a safe environment with parental controls.

I also appreciated the flexibility. While the TechLife Pad Mini only comes with 64GB of built-in storage, it supports microSD cards up to 1TB, giving me plenty of room for my comic book collection, downloaded movies, presentations, and travel documents. And if I need to transfer large files, I simply remove the card and plug it into my computer. The built-in LTE connectivity is another feature I ended up using more than expected. Instead of looking for public Wi-Fi or turning my phone into a hotspot, I just inserted a SIM card and stayed connected wherever I was.

The 6,300mAh battery comfortably powered through a full day of mixed use. While the 10W USB-C charging isn’t particularly fast, it suits the tablet’s casual role, and the 5W reverse charging came in handy for topping up wireless earbuds in a pinch. Another favorite? It still has a headphone jack!

At its suggested retail price of ?9,999-and promo pricing dropping as low as ?7,699 on TikTok Shop, ?8,399 on Shopee, and ?8,999 on Lazada until August 20 (including a free Pad Handle Case worth ?999)-the value proposition becomes much stronger. Yes, there are alternatives with faster processors or higher-res screens, but they aren’t always the devices you’ll actually carry.

I originally picked up the TechLife Pad Mini simply to avoid another late-night face-to-screen collision with a heavy display. I kept using it because it solved a much broader problem-filling the functional gap between a pocket-sized phone and a heavy laptop.

The best gadget isn’t always the fastest or the most expensive; more often than not, it’s simply the one practical enough that you actually bring it with you.

DESPITE tougher English-language requirements imposed by overseas employers, Filipino workers continue to enjoy strong demand abroad, with industry experts citing their work ethic and communication skills as key advantages.

British Council Philippines (BCP) Senior Marketing Manager Danica Tuliao told the BusinessMirror that global competition for foreign talent has intensified, prompting employers to raise English-language standards to secure the best candidates.

Some recruitment firms, she said, have begun exploring alternative English-speaking talent pools, including South Africa, should the Philippines be unable to meet hiring demand.

Even so, many employers continue to prioritize Filipino workers, according to BCP’s Head of Market, English and Exams Mike Cabigon: ‘Our partners still come to us because Filipinos are different in terms of how they work. They ask how we can help applicants meet the English-language requirements because they would rather recruit from the Philippines than from other countries.’

While employers have become more stringent about English proficiency, Cabigon said the communication skills they expect have remained largely the same, although the required level still varies by occupation and destination country.

Healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, face some of the strictest language requirements in countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom, where effective communication is critical to patient safety and coordination with doctors and other healthcare personnel.

Meeting global standards

SKILLED workers generally face lower language thresholds, with conversational English often sufficient to help them navigate daily life and communicate effectively in their host countries.

Cabigon said English tests such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) are not intended solely to assess workplace communication. Instead, they help ensure migrant workers can understand employment contracts, seek clarification from supervisors, access healthcare services, report incidents to authorities when necessary, and ask for help in emergencies.

‘People may ask why welders, dairy farmers or butchers need to take an IELTS test when they don’t usually speak to machines or livestock,’ Cabigon said. ‘It’s really about protecting them. They need enough English to understand their rights, communicate with their managers, access services, and seek assistance when needed.’

Some 25,000 Filipinos take the test yearly to meet English-language requirements for overseas employment, migration, higher education and professional registration.

In recent years, a significant share of these test takers has come from the healthcare and skilled sectors seeking opportunities abroad, according to Tuliao, who noted that the UK has also seen increasing numbers of Filipino workers.

However, changing visa policies and evolving English-language requirements in traditional destination countries have begun reshaping where Filipinos choose to work and study overseas.

While the UK, the US, Canada and Australia remain among the top destinations, Tuliao said more Filipinos are now exploring opportunities across Asia, particularly Singapore, Japan, South Korea, China and Hong Kong, especially for higher education.

She added that interest has also expanded to Europe and the Middle East. Although some destination countries do not require English-language tests for immigration, applicants to English-taught academic programs are often still required to submit IELTS results.

According to Tuliao, the shift reflects changing mobility patterns among Filipinos, with a growing number exploring a wider range of destinations for work and education beyond the traditional English-speaking countries.

Expanding opportunities

DATA from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed the number of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) reached an estimated 2.19 million in 2024-up 1.5 percent from 2.16 million the previous year.

Overseas contract workers (OCWs), or those with existing employment contracts, accounted for 97.9 percent of OFWs. The remaining 2.1 percent consisted of those working abroad through other arrangements, including workers without work visas or permits and those using non-immigrant visas such as tourists, visitors, students and medical personnel.

Asia remained the top destination for OFWs in 2024, accounting for 74.5 percent of the total, followed by Europe at 10.6 percent, North and South America at 9.2 percent, Australia at 4.4 percent, and Africa at 1.3 percent.

Saudi Arabia remained the leading destination for Filipino laborers, accounting for 21.9 percent of the total OFW population, followed by the United Arab Emirates at 12.4 percent.

Cabigon said demand for Filipino workers has also expanded across new sectors and destinations. He cited opportunities in Australia and New Zealand for educators and school workers, while countries such as Hungary and Slovakia have begun recruiting Filipino talent for trades including welding and butchery.

Meanwhile, BCP also introduced new English assessment tools during its annual Exams Partner Gathering in Bonifacio Global City to support English teaching, learning and assessment beyond IELTS.

Among the tools introduced were Aptis-a computer-delivered assessment aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages or CEFR, and EnglishCore, a mobile-based test that evaluates listening and writing skills. Both are designed to help schools, government agencies and employers assess English proficiency using internationally recognized standards.

The initiatives complement the BCP’s broader partnerships with educational institutions and government agencies to boost English readiness among Filipino learners and workers as demand for globally competitive talent continues to grow.

THE internet is a source of relevant information but it can also be a repository of fake news. For example, misinformation and disinformation about children’s nutrition are widespread on the internet.

Misinformation is usually shared due to a lack of knowledge or in error, while disinformation is incorrect information shared to deliberately mislead for whatever purpose.

To address any misinformation and disinformation and address persistent concerns over micronutrient deficiencies among Filipino children, Nestlé Philippines is bringing its nutrition advocacy to communities via a new educational caravan aimed at helping parents make informed feeding decisions for their babies.

‘Parents today have access to more information than ever before. They have Google, social media, and parenting forums. They’re very thoughtful about the decisions they make for their children. But let’s be honest, it can also be a lot to keep up with. That’s why we believe parents deserve trusted guidance and support along the way because helping children receive the right nutrition is something we all care about,’ said Arlene Tan-Bantoto, Nestlé Nutrition and Health Business executive officer, during the media launch for the event.

The caravan comes after findings that many Filipino infants fail to receive adequate nutrition during the critical first 1,000 days of life, which is from pregnancy until a child’s second birthday. This is when the brain, immune system and body experience rapid development.

Also present during the launch were Nestlé executives and nutrition experts, including Dr. Imelda Agdeppa of the National Academy of Science and Technology; Dr. Katrina Florcruz-Dacanay, pediatrician of the Diliman Doctors Hospital and The Medical City; Nikki Constantino, vice president for Nestlé Baby Food and Mainstream Milk; and Aleli Magtibay, nutritionist, Medical and Scientific Affairs for Nestlé.

Agdeppa showed findings from a local clinical study involving infants aged six months and older. The study found that children who received fortified complementary food alongside nutrition education for caregivers achieved better nutrient intake and growth outcomes than those given regular home meals alone.

‘Many Filipino infants do not receive nutritinally adequate diets. While most babies begin complementary feeding at six months, only a small percentage achieve the minimum dietary diversity and acceptable diet. The challenge is no longer simply introducing complementary foods on time but ensuring they are diverse and nutrient-dense,’ said Agdeppa.

Florcruz-Dacanay said weight has nothing to do with a child being malnourished or not.

‘When we hear the term nutrition gap, we usually imagine a very thin child. But that’s not always the case. Even children who appear healthy or chubby can have deficiencies if their diets consist mostly of carbohydrates like rice, noodles, bread or crackers while lacking protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.’

The pediatrician said introducing complementary food to babies at around six months old should include timely, age-appropriate, varied and nutrient-dense offerings.

Constantino said Cerelac products are specifically formulated to help fill nutrient gaps during complementary feeding.

Cerelac’s infant cereals come in a variety of flavors, including Mixed Fruits and Soya, Mixed Veggies, Rice and Soya, and Wheat Banana and Milk for babies aged 6 months and above. The meals for babies 8 months and up include Rice and Chicken and Rice and Veggies options. Cerelac also offers variants with No Added Table Sugar.

‘I can confidently say that Cerelac is one of the most nutrient-dense complementary foods that parents can give their babies. One serving already provides about half of a baby’s daily iron requirement, along with 20 vitamins and minerals, DHA, probiotics and all-natural ingredients without preservatives,’ said Constantino.

The ‘Tambalang Big Sustansya sa Barangay’ caravan will bring nutrition education sessions, practical feeding guidance and product demonstrations to selected communities beginning this month.

Families can stay updated on the caravan’s schedule, venues and activities through Cerelac Philippines’ official Facebook page and other social media channels.

Senior citizens in this city are now receiving their quarterly social pensions via digital payouts using GCash cards, after the city government rolled out the system to make the distribution of benefits faster, safer, and more convenient.

The ceremonial turnover of GCash cards on Monday, August 3, marked the initial implementation of the digital payout program for beneficiaries of the city’s local government social pension.

During the ceremony, Mayor Hisham Ismail said the initiative seeks to eliminate the long queues and travel burden previously experienced by senior citizens during manual payouts.

‘We introduced this system to make the process easier, faster, and more efficient for our senior citizens. They should no longer endure the hardships of lining up just to receive their benefits,’ he said.

Ismail said the city adopted the digital payment system after learning of an incident in another locality where an elderly social pension beneficiary reportedly died while waiting in line during a payout, highlighting the need to make the distribution process safer and more accessible for senior citizens.

‘That is why we implemented this system to prioritize the safety and convenience of our senior citizens,’ he said.

Ismail added the digital payout would also help beneficiaries save on transportation and incidental expenses, particularly those traveling from the city’s northern and southern villages.

Under the new system, beneficiaries may use their GCash cards to access their quarterly P1,500 pension, or make cashless transactions at accredited merchants. The card will also serve as their identification card for the program.

Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) head Nelia Valladolid said Legazpi City has 3,522 local government social pensioners, with 52 beneficiaries comprising the initial batch issued GCash cards.

‘Once they receive their cards, they can conveniently access their pension or use the funds wherever GCash is accepted,’ Valladolid said.

Valladolid said around 20,000 GCash cards have been prepared for other qualified beneficiaries who choose to enroll in the digital payout system as the city expands the program.

She added the initiative is expected to help senior citizens meet their daily needs, particularly for medicines, food, and other necessities, while reducing transportation costs and the inconvenience of traveling to payout sites.

Among the first recipients, 65-year-old Azucena Layosa of Barangay 16, East Washington, said the quarterly pension has helped her pay for rice, maintenance medicines, and electricity expenses.

‘Since I no longer have work, this assistance eases my financial burden. I am grateful that the city government has made claiming the pension more convenient,’ she said.

Hersie Estrella, 74, of Barangay 21, Binanuahan, said the digital payout is especially beneficial for bedridden senior citizens.

‘It is a huge help because bedridden pensioners can simply ask a trusted family member to use their GCash card to claim their assistance. They no longer need to travel to payout centers. The pension is mostly used for medicines, food, and other daily necessities,’ she said