Category: Business Mirror

THE Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) is pushing for a digital system that allows the public to track government money from the time it is appropriated to when it is actually spent, as scrutiny over the use of public funds intensifies ahead of the 2027 national budget.

The business group said the Executive, Congress and government agencies involved in preparing, approving and implementing the 2027 National Budget should adopt end-to-end digital transparency measures, including reforms embodied in the proposed Citizen Access and Disclosure of Expenditures for National Accountability (Cadena).

Cadena and similar measures seek to make government spending more transparent, traceable and resistant to tampering, MAP said.

‘The technology to do this already exists. What is required is the political will to make transparency the rule rather than the exception,’ the group said.

MAP said the push comes as public trust in government has been weakened by allegations of corruption, questionable projects, irregularities in public spending and the misuse of government resources.

These concerns, it said, go beyond ordinary political disputes because they affect confidence in government institutions and their management of public resources.

‘The government therefore has an obligation to account for how every peso is allocated, spent, and translated into actual benefits for the Filipino people,’ MAP said.

The group also called for greater scrutiny of the budget even before it is enacted, particularly during congressional deliberations and the bicameral conference. Material amendments and insertions should be publicly identified along with their proponents, amounts and purposes, it said.

‘The complexity of the budget process must never become a shield against public scrutiny or accountability,’ MAP said.

Yet, transparency should continue after the General Appropriations Act is signed, with taxpayers able to track the movement of funds through procurement, contract awards, project implementation, completion and audit.

‘Filipinos should be able to follow public money from appropriation and release to procurement, award, implementation, completion, and audit,’ it said.

For major infrastructure and government projects, MAP said the public should be able to determine how much was appropriated, who received the contract, how much was actually disbursed, what was delivered and whether the project achieved its intended purpose.

The group also called for zero tolerance for hidden insertions, questionable appropriations, favored contractors, ghost or substandard projects, unexplained realignments and the use of public funds for political accommodation or personal gain.

‘These practices have no place in a government that claims to uphold good governance and fiscal responsibility,’ MAP said.

The 2027 National Budget, it added, allows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the current administration and the 20th Congress to strengthen accountability in public spending.

MAP said accountability should apply regardless of political affiliation, position or influence, and that no expenditure involving taxpayers’ money should be beyond reasonable public scrutiny.

‘The 2027 National Budget should mark a decisive break from opacity and business as usual,’ the group said.

RAKUTEN Viber today announced that it has introduced a seamless, in-app travel eSIM service, offering great value and instant connectivity to travelers. The first phase has rolled out in the Philippines, where Viber users can now purchase data-only roaming packages for international trips directly in the app. The service runs on Rakuten Mobile’s AI-enabled, cloud-native eSIM platform, which has a proven track record of delivering integrated travel solutions at scale.

Traveling internationally often involves expensive roaming charges. It also brings the inconvenience of purchasing and swapping physical local SIM cards. eSIMs, or embedded SIMs, are digital SIM cards built directly into mobile devices. They offer convenience and flexibility. Users can instantly choose and activate a mobile plan and switch carriers without needing a physical SIM card. With eSIM support now common on modern devices, global travel eSIM revenue is projected to grow by 380 percent from 2025 to 2030.

Activating the Viber eSIM is a simple process designed for user convenience: Access the eSIM store directly from the Viber app: Open the eSIM section from either the More screen or the Calls screen in Viber-no need to install a new app.

Browse and select a plan: Choose from a range of travel data plans covering hundreds of destinations. These are tailored to your travel needs.

Purchase securely: Complete your purchase using integrated payment methods. Viber uses its existing spam and fraud models. It also integrates with Stripe’s anti-fraud tools to ensure secure transactions.

Install the eSIM: Follow the easy on-screen instructions to install the eSIM, using a ‘Quick Install’ link, scanning a QR code, or entering details manually.

Activate and connect: After installation, activate your eSIM. You can then immediately enjoy smooth international data connectivity without needing to swap a physical SIM card.

This new feature marks an important step in Viber’s mission to become a super app, bringing essential services into one place to simplify everyday life and support global connectivity. With eSIM mobile plans available directly in Viber, users can purchase, install, and activate a plan within the app. Combined with Viber Out, which enables low-cost international calls to landlines and mobile numbers, Viber offers a single place to manage connectivity and stay in touch while abroad.

The collaboration also offers a blueprint for brands in the travel, fintech, and telecom sectors that want to expand their product portfolios and unlock new revenue streams. By embedding mobile connectivity directly into the user experience, companies can launch travel-focused digital offerings without the complexity of traditional telecom operations. It also reflects Rakuten’s vision to revolutionize mobile connectivity worldwide by extending it beyond traditional operators and into digital platforms.

Nadav Melnick, CPO at Rakuten Viber, commented on the launch: ‘Bringing eSIM to Viber is a major milestone. It highlights the power of the Rakuten Ecosystem and our commitment to building a true super app. We’ve already integrated services such as Business Accounts, Viber Dating, and Viber Pay, and eSIM expands that momentum with a new connectivity option. This launch reinforces Viber as a single platform that supports a wide range of user needs. We’re evolving from a messaging app into an everyday utility, making international travel simpler and more affordable. With Rakuten Mobile, users can access Viber internationally and stay reliably connected across borders.’

THE just-concluded Oriental Mindoro Sports and Youth Summit in Calapan City marked a decisive step in shaping the province’s future as a regional sports hub.

With the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the provincial government joining forces, the summit outlined strategic priorities that blend infrastructure, grassroots development and youth engagement.

PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio set the tone of the summit by unveiling a series of projects designed to elevate the province’s sporting landscape.

With the support of the PSC and World Archery Philippines, Oriental Mindoro will soon host archery training and competitions on a dedicated one-hectare facility inside the Oriental Mindoro Sports Complex in Naujan, a site provided by Governor Humerlito ‘Bonz’ Dolor.

Gregorio also announced the construction of a football pitch at the center of the track and field oval, a project which will be made possible through collaboration with the Philippine Football Federation and FIFA.

The archery range and the football pitch, valued at a combined P50 million, will be donated by the PSC.

It highlighted the broader vision of Gregorio, who underscored his advocacy of ‘From Grassroots to Gold, From Gold to Greatness.’

He explained that the PSC’s mission is not only to discover talent but to nurture it within the athletes’ own communities.

‘We are building regional training centers all over the country so that athletes can train and compete in their regions without having to uproot themselves and move to Manila,’ Gregorio said. ‘Development must be accessible, and excellence must be cultivated where athletes live and dream.’

Dolor emphasized that sports in Oriental Mindoro is not merely about chasing medals but about shaping lives and communities.

‘There’s no fight in sports. Every time there’s a big game, there’s zero crime. In sports, everybody is peaceful,’ Dolor said. ‘I see sports as an investment to develop our people not only physically but mentally and emotionally.’

Oriental Mindoro built 27 new gymnasiums and repaired 57 more, creating accessible venues for training and competition.

Athletes are rewarded generously, with cash incentives reaching up to P500,000 for gold medalists in national tournaments.

Dolor also revealed plans for a swimming pool, softball, and baseball fields inside the Naujan complex, ensuring a comprehensive sports infrastructure.

Oriental Mindoro Chief of Staff Nette Dela Cruz-Dalupan reminded participants of the province’s identity phrase, ‘Mahal Tana’-a rallying cry that stands for Mangyan, Halcon, Tamaraw, Naujan Lake. It symbolizes Oriental Mindoro’s heritage and pride, now extended to its sports ambitions.

Gregorio further emphasized that the PSC’s direction rests on three clear goals: athletes’ welfare, construction of sports facilities, and sports tourism.

These pillars, he said, are designed to ensure that athletes are supported holistically, that infrastructure keeps pace with ambition, and that sports become a driver of local pride and economic growth.

The Oriental Mindoro Sports and Youth Summit gathered an impressive roster of national sports leaders and experts, each contributing vital perspectives to the province’s growing sports agenda.

Dolor shared a comprehensive report on the current status of sports development in the province, highlighting both achievements and future plans. His message was reinforced by Vice Governor Antonio ‘CA Jojo’ Perez Jr., who underscored the provincial government’s commitment to supporting youth initiatives and ensuring that sports remain a central pillar of community engagement.

Gregorio opened the discussions by laying out the regional sports development priorities and strategic direction, setting the framework for how Oriental Mindoro can align with national goals.

Adding depth to the summit’s technical discussions, PSC Commissioner Fritz Gaston spoke about bridging grassroots athletes to elite sports, emphasizing pathways for young talents to reach higher levels of competition.

Complementing this, National Academy of Sports Executive Director Francis Carlos Diaz shared best practices in athlete-centered coaching, reminding participants that success begins with nurturing the individual needs of every young athlete.

The summit also tackled modern challenges in sports promotion. PSC Chief of Staff Prof. Louise Jashil Sonido presented insights on leveraging social media, outlining trends and strategies to maximize visibility and engagement for athletes and programs.

Meanwhile, veteran sports journalist June Navarro addressed the importance of maintaining high standards in mainstream sports reporting, ensuring that coverage remains credible and impactful.

On athlete well-being, Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) President Marcus Manalo discussed sports psychology, offering best practices to enhance performance while safeguarding mental health.

Prof. Jocel Regino of the Philippine National Anti-Doping Organization (PHINADO) closed the session with a strong reminder on integrity in sports through his talk, ‘Play true, play clean,’ stressing the importance of anti-doping education for every young athlete.

Sleep problems become increasingly common after age 60, but they are not an inevitable sentence of aging. Many older adults experience lighter, more fragmented sleep, earlier bedtimes and wake times, difficulty falling or staying asleep, and reduced deep restorative stages. Adults still need roughly 7-8 hours of sleep per night; the challenge is often the ability to obtain it efficiently.

Understanding the causes and focusing on natural, evidence-based approaches can significantly improve rest, daytime energy, and long-term health – without relying primarily on medications that carry higher risks in later life.

Common sleep changes and problems after 60

Sleep architecture shifts with age. Deep non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep declines substantially-by some estimates, older adults have lost a large portion of the slow-wave sleep that supports physical recovery and memory consolidation. Sleep becomes lighter and more easily interrupted, leading to more nighttime awakenings. Circadian rhythms often advance, so melatonin release occurs earlier, prompting earlier evening sleepiness and morning awakenings (sometimes around 3-5 a.m.).

Common complaints include insomnia (trouble initiating or maintaining sleep), frequent nocturia (waking to urinate), restless legs syndrome, and unrefreshing sleep. Sleep apnea also rises in prevalence. While brief awakenings can be normal, prolonged difficulty returning to sleep, daytime fatigue, or mood changes signal a problem worth addressing.

Key causes

Several overlapping factors drive these issues:

Physiological aging: Reduced melatonin production, weakened circadian signals, and brain changes that make sleep less consolidated.

Medical conditions: Chronic pain from arthritis, heart failure, diabetes, gastrointestinal reflux, neurological issues, and depression or anxiety frequently disrupt sleep. Nocturia linked to prostate enlargement or other urinary changes is especially common.

Primary sleep disorders: Obstructive sleep apnea becomes more frequent; restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movements increase.

Medications and substances: Many drugs (beta-blockers, certain antidepressants, diuretics, corticosteroids) interfere with sleep. Caffeine, alcohol (which fragments later sleep stages), and nicotine compound the problem.

Lifestyle and psychosocial factors: Reduced physical activity after retirement, limited daytime light exposure, excessive or poorly timed napping, loneliness, and stress all undermine sleep quality.

Poor sleep in turn raises risks for falls, cognitive decline, weakened immunity, and worsening of existing conditions-creating a cycle that is important to interrupt.

Natural solutions that work

Experts emphasize non-drug strategies as first-line approaches. These are safer and often more effective long-term than sleeping pills for older adults.

Prioritize sleep hygiene and circadian support. Maintain a consistent bedtime and wake time every day, including weekends. Create a cool, dark, and quiet bedroom; use blackout curtains or a white-noise machine if needed. Reserve the bed for sleep (and intimacy), not reading, TV, or worry. Avoid screens and bright light for at least an hour before bed, as blue light suppresses melatonin.

Get morning light and stay active. Exposure to natural daylight, especially in the morning, helps reset the internal clock and counteract advanced sleep phase. Aim for regular moderate exercise (walking, gardening, or gentle strength work) most days, but finish vigorous activity several hours before bedtime. Filled days with social interaction and purpose improve nighttime sleep quality.

Manage intake and routines. Limit caffeine after early afternoon and avoid alcohol close to bedtime. Eat lighter evening meals. If naps are needed, keep them short (20-30 minutes) and early in the afternoon. A wind-down routine-reading, gentle stretching, or a warm bath-signals the body that sleep is approaching. Some find listing next-day worries earlier in the evening helps quiet a racing mind.

Evidence-based behavioral approaches. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is the gold-standard non-drug treatment. It addresses unhelpful thoughts about sleep, restricts time in bed to build sleep drive, and strengthens associations between bed and sleep. Mindfulness meditation has also shown benefits for older adults with sleep disturbances. These methods often outperform or match medication with far fewer side effects and lasting gains.

Supportive supplements (with caution). Low-dose melatonin (often 0.5-1 mg taken 30-60 minutes before desired bedtime) may help with circadian timing for some, though evidence varies and medical guidance is essential. Magnesium may support relaxation. Always consult a physician before starting supplements, especially with existing conditions or medications.

Expert insights from video resources

Geriatrician Dr. Melissa Bogin of Mayo Clinic discusses age-related sleep changes, common complaints after 60, the role of melatonin and circadian shifts, medical contributors, and practical non-medication strategies including CBT-I in the podcast ‘Why Sleep Gets Worse With Age (And What Actually Helps).’

Board-certified sleep psychologist Dr. Shelby Harris offers concise, practical tips for adults over 65 on CBS Mornings, covering hormonal influences, sleep hygiene, meditation, and when to seek further help.

Clinical psychologist and sleep specialist Dr. Michael Breus (‘The Sleep Doctor’) provides detailed guidance tailored to seniors in videos such as ‘8 Ways for Seniors to Sleep Better Tonight,’ addressing phase advancement, environment, medical factors, and behavioral fixes.

Geriatric psychiatrist Dr. Sophiya Benjamin covers assessment, causes, sleep hygiene, and CBT-I in her webinar ‘Sleep Disorders and Insomnia: Understanding and Managing These As We Age.’

When to seek professional help

Persistent problems lasting weeks, loud snoring with pauses in breathing, excessive daytime sleepiness, or sleep issues accompanied by mood changes or falls warrant evaluation. A sleep study or medication review may be needed. Treat underlying conditions (pain, apnea, depression) first.

Sleep after 60 can improve meaningfully through consistent habits, light, movement, and behavioral tools. Treating rest as seriously as diet and exercise pays dividends in energy, mood, cognitive sharpness, and overall vitality. Start with one or two changes-morning light and a fixed wake time are powerful entry points-and build from there. Better nights are achievable at any age.

MITSUBISHI Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) has officially brought in the All-New Outlander PHEV SUV, the brand’s first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle for the local market. Already Japan’s best-selling PHEV SUV, it now stands as MMPC’s flagship model-melding Mitsubishi’s proven SUV engineering with advanced electrification. Anchored by the brand’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system, the Outlander PHEV embodies ‘The Power of Both Worlds.’

Electrification without boundaries

THE arrival of the All-New Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV marks a decisive step into a new era of electrified mobility. At its core is a 2.4-liter gasoline engine with MIVEC, seamlessly paired with front and rear electric motors. This tri-power setup lets the vehicle shift intelligently between electric and gasoline propulsion, balancing performance and efficiency. The system produces a combined output of 302 hp and 450 N-m of torque, ensuring responsive acceleration and smooth delivery across varied driving conditions. With this configuration, the Outlander PHEV achieves a driving range approaching 1,000 kilometers, including 100 kilometers of pure electric travel.

Range anxiety, often the concern with electrified vehicles, is effectively addressed. The gasoline engine engages seamlessly whenever additional power or extended distance is required, ensuring uninterrupted mobility. Drivers are given full control through four selectable EV drive modes-Normal, Save, Charge, and EV Priority-each designed to adapt to specific needs, whether conserving battery, replenishing charge, or prioritizing electric propulsion.

Compatibility with the AC Type 2 charging protocol further integrates the Outlander PHEV into the Philippines’ growing EV infrastructure. Charging stations across the country can accommodate the model, but even in areas where facilities remain limited, the vehicle continues to operate efficiently as a hybrid. This dual capability ensures electrification is not an all-or-nothing proposition; instead, it lets drivers embrace the transition at their own pace.

Confidence in every terrain

AT the core lies Mitsubishi’s celebrated Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC), a fully integrated system that harmonizes several advanced technologies. Twin-Motor 4WD, Active Yaw Control (AYC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Active Stability Control (ASC), and Traction Control System (TCS) all work in concert, continuously optimizing traction, stability, and handling. This coordination gives drivers greater confidence and control across a wide range of road and weather conditions, whether navigating city streets, winding mountain passes, or unpredictable rural terrain.

Complementing S-AWC is a suite of seven selectable drive modes, designed to adapt to both driver preference and road environment. Normal, Eco, and Power modes tailor everyday driving for efficiency or responsiveness, while Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, and Mud modes fine-tune power delivery and traction control for specific surfaces.

What sets the Outlander PHEV apart is the seamless integration of electrification with these intelligent vehicle dynamics. The combination preserves Mitsubishi’s hallmark driving enjoyment while elevating safety, capability, and confidence. This synergy-between unbound electrification and true 4WD mastery-defines ‘The Power of Both Worlds.’

Further reinforcing its credentials, the Outlander PHEV is equipped with the Mitsubishi Motors Safety Sensing (MMSS) suite. Features such as Forward Collision Mitigation, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Automatic High Beam, and Driver Attention Alert provide comprehensive protection.

Design that commands presence

THE All-New Outlander PHEV carries forward Mitsubishi’s SUV heritage while presenting a distinctly modern and sophisticated character. Its wide proportions and muscular stance immediately project authority, while sculpted body surfaces add refinement and balance. At the front, the signature Dynamic Shield fascia reinforces the brand’s unmistakable identity, framed by sleek full-LED lighting fixtures that sharpen its visual impact. Bold 20-inch machine-finished alloy wheels in a black two-tone design complete the athletic yet elegant profile, underscoring both strength and style.

Beyond aesthetics, every exterior detail has been engineered with purpose. Steel on key body components improves noise and vibration characteristics, reducing unwanted wind and road noise. This refinement elevates craftsmanship and contributes to a quieter, more premium driving experience. Together, these elements create a vehicle that embodies Mitsubishi’s evolving design language while remaining true to its roots.

Comfort meets technology

INSIDE conveys refinement, carefully balancing luxury, comfort, and advanced technology. Premium light gray leather-trimmed seats, complemented by soft-touch surfaces, establish a sophisticated atmosphere that underscores the model’s flagship status. The spacious interior is further enhanced by a panoramic sunroof, flooding the cabin with natural light and creating an open, lounge-like ambiance that elevates every journey.

Technology is also seamlessly integrated. At the center is a 12.3-inch Smartphone-Link Display Audio system that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This interface connects effortlessly with daily routines, while the immersive eight-speaker Yamaha Premium audio system delivers clarity and depth. Practical innovations such as the Smart Rear View Mirror provide an unobstructed perspective behind the vehicle, while the Heads-up Display projects vital information directly onto the windshield.

The triple-zone automatic climate control system lets each occupant set their own comfort, while the eight-way Power Adjustable Seats for the driver and front passenger include lumbar support, memory functions, heating, and ventilation.

Pricing and Availability

THE All-New Outlander PHEV is priced at P2.848 million, with a special introductory offer of P2.749 million for reservations and releases from August 20 to September 30, 2026. Available colors include White Diamond, Black Diamond, and Red Diamond.

MMPC positions the Outlander PHEV as its new flagship SUV, available nationwide beginning August 20, 2026-an electrified statement of capability and refinement, true to Mitsubishi’s promise of The Power of Both Worlds.

The race for the championship intensified as four powerhouse teams punched their tickets to the semifinals of the 1st Inter-Agency LISEA Pickleball Tournament ‘Conrado Estrella III Cup’ following thrilling quarterfinal encounters held Thursday at the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Gymnasium along Elliptical Road, Quezon City.

Showcasing skill, teamwork, and determination, government agencies battled for a coveted spot in the tournament’s Final Four, delighting spectators with fast-paced rallies and competitive action on the pickleball courts.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) tandem of Pialyn Fabros and Namnama Cajefe emerged victorious in the opening quarterfinal match, overcoming the challenge posed by the Social Security System (SSS) pair of Erika Ravago and Claire Tañada to secure their place in the semifinals.

In the second quarterfinal showdown, the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) duo of Pearl Anisco and Gabriela Frias displayed poise and consistency to defeat Philippine Heart Center (PHC) representatives Sheryl Dela Cruz and Maan Mendoza, booking a Final Four berth.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) also stamped its authority as Maylyn France Bautista and Nina Sorronda outplayed the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) pair of Hazel Ubag and Jacqueline Quilit to advance.

Meanwhile, an all-BIR affair capped the quarterfinal round as Jolina Dayoc and Leilanie Claridad prevailed over fellow Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) teammates Juvie May Novio and Rica Banares, ensuring the agency’s continued presence in the title hunt.

With the quarterfinal dust settled, the semifinal stage is now set for a pair of highly anticipated clashes. BIR’s Jolina Dayoc and Leilanie Claridad will take on BPI’s Pearl Anisco and Gabriela Frias, while PNP’s Pialyn Fabros and Namnama Cajefe will square off against BFP’s Maylyn France Bautista and Nina Sorronda.

As the tournament enters its decisive phase, fans can expect even fiercer competition as the remaining teams battle for a place in the championship match and the honor of becoming the inaugural champions of the Conrado Estrella III Cup.

‘The intensity continues to rise as only four teams remain standing in what has become one of the most exciting inter-agency pickleball events of the year.’

THE Central Bank is looking at a 5.5 to 6.5 percent inflation forecast range for August as it gauges how recent weather disturbances alongside the elevated fuel costs weighed on the prices of food.

In a statement on Friday, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said it projects August 2026 inflation to settle within the range of 5.5 to 6.5 percent.

‘Upward price pressures for the month are likely to be driven by higher rice, vegetable, fruit, and fish prices, partly due to unfavorable weather conditions, and elevated domestic fuel costs,’ the BSP said.

However, the central bank explained that upward pressures are expected to be mitigated by lower prices of meat, as well as lower electricity rates and the peso appreciation.

For this year, this is the third straight month that the central bank pegged a wider-than-usual month-ahead inflation forecast range, with the lower and upper bound of the range having a 1-percentage-point difference.

Should inflation in August hit the lower end of the range or 5.5 percent, it would mean that the increase in the prices of goods and services eased to the slowest in five months or since March 2026.

However, if inflation shoots up to the upper end of the Central Bank’s forecast range at 6.5 percent, this would have marked the end of inflation’s downtrend, particularly the highest reading in three months or since May 2026 when inflation was at 6.8 percent.

Moving forward, the central bank said it ‘will remain vigilant and guided by incoming data, particularly on inflation and growth prospects.’

‘It will continue to assess the impact of latest developments in the Middle East and recent weather disturbances on the country’s inflation and economic outlook,’ the BSP also noted.

Inflation has eased for the third straight month in July at 6.2 percent.

The downtrend started after it eased from the 7.2 percent peak in April to 6.8 percent in May, slowing further to 6.4 percent in June.

Sought for comment last month, Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) Senior Research Fellow John Paolo R. Rivera explained to the BusinessMirror that a wider forecast range ‘suggests greater uncertainty around the inflation outlook.’

For this year, these were the BSP’s month-ahead inflation forecasts: January, 1.4 to 2.2 percent; February, 2.3 to 3.1 percent; March, 3.1 to 3.9 percent; April, 5.6 to 6.4 percent; May, 7.1 to 7.9; June, 6 to 7 percent, and July 5.6 to 6.6 percent.

The actual headline inflation rates for this year were the following: January, 2 percent ; February, 2.4 percent; March, 4.1 percent; April, 7.2 percent; May, 6.8 percent; June, 6.4 percent; and 6.2 percent in July, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed.

During its August 27 monetary policy meeting, the Monetary Board, the highest policy-making body of the BSP, revised downwards its inflation forecast for 2026 to 6.1 percent from its 6.4 percent forecast during its June 18 policy meeting.

However, it raised its inflation forecast to 5.4 percent for 2027, compared to the 4.5 percent forecast last June 18.

BSP Assistant Governor for Monetary Policy Sub-Sector Rogelio V. Mercado Jr. said: ‘The 6.1-percent inflation is of course driven by lower-than-expected inflation in June and July, as well as declining oil prices. This would be partly offset by the impact of El Niño on rice prices in the fourth quarter.’

Malacañang on Wednesday assured senior citizens that their government benefits due would not be unnecessarily delayed.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the National Commission for Senior Citizens (NCSC) to immediately distribute the P10,000 cash gift to qualified senior citizens who are beneficiaries under the Expanded Centenarians Act.

Under the Expanded Centenarians Act (Republic Act No. 11982), all Filipino senior citizens reaching the milestone ages of 80, 85, 90, and 95 years old are entitled to a P10,000 cash gift.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed that the President, upon learning of the complaints filed with the Anti-Red Tape Authority, directed responsible agencies to address the delays without pause.

Eight Quezon City senior citizens on August 24 filed anti-red tape cases against the National Commission of Senior Citizens over delays in the release of P10,000 cash gifts they are entitled to for reaching milestone ages of 80, 85, 90, and 95.

In complaints filed before the Anti-Red Tape Authority, the eight senior citizens, with ages from 80 to 85 and residents of Barangay Marilag, aired serious concerns over the long delays, saying that they do not want to suffer the same fate as some of their friends who died without receiving their cash gifts.

Castro assured all Filipino senior citizens that the government will carry out the directives and address the issue immediately.

‘Ito po ay nakarating sa Pangulo at kailangan po talaga maibigay kung ano ang benepisyo na dapat ibigay sa ating mga elderlies lalung-lalo na iyong mga senior citizens dahil iyan naman po ay talagang kailangang maipaabot sa kanila nang mas mabilis at sa mabilis na pamamaraan (The issue has reached the President, and the benefits due to our elderly, particularly senior citizens, must really be delivered to them more quickly and promptly),’ Castro said in a Palace briefing.

Castro said ARTA endorsed the complaints to the Committee on Anti-Red Tape of the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) on August 25.

A clarificatory meeting among ARTA, NCSC, concerned local government units, and the complaining senior citizens is scheduled on August 28.

‘Assistance should be provided on time and should not be unnecessarily delayed,’ Castro said.

Casino Plus, one of the country’s leading responsible digital entertainment platforms licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), turned Davao Whisky Park into one of the liveliest hubs of Kadayawan 2026 on Friday night, as social media star and digital content creator Zeinab Harake Parks brought her signature energy to an electric crowd of nearly 2,000 attendees for an evening of games, prizes, and entertainment.

Welcomed by the deafening cheers of hundreds of ‘Zebbies,’ her devoted fanbase, Zeinab Harake Parks took the stage and greeted the crowd with an enthusiastic ‘Maayong gabi sa inyong tanan!’ Marking her first time experiencing the Kadayawan Festival and her second visit to Davao since filming a vlog in the city in 2020. Zeinab celebrated alongside the community until midnight. True to her word and aligned with Casino Plus’s core mission to ‘bring fun to people,’ she delivered non-stop entertainment as fans repeatedly chanted ‘Arat na, Zeinab!’ throughout the park.

Embracing her moniker as social media’s ‘Reyna ng Good Vibes,’ she enthusiastically engaged the crowd posing for group selfies from the stage, on-ground, filming on-the-spot TikTok videos with five lucky meet-and-greet winners, and praising the overwhelming warmth of the Davaoeño community, noting that true beauty radiates from having a good, generous heart.

Zeinab also highlighted what she values most about partnering with Casino Plus, emphasizing how the platform has allowed her to connect with communities nationwide:

‘I get to explore every city sa Philippines. Ngayon, andito ako sa Davao. Looking forward pa ako sa ibang cities and provinces para sa Casino Plus event. Excited pa ako sa maraming-marami pang provinces,’ she shared.

The high-energy activation gave festivalgoers the chance to try Hantak-themed games, alongside complimentary refreshments, creator appearances, and hourly raffle draws that sent attendees home with premium tech, including AirPods 4, JBL speakers, and an iPad.

The social media star also invited audience members on stage for a viral TikTok dance-off, where winners took home ?10,000 cash prizes courtesy of Casino Plus. Zeinab, meanwhile, personally handed out ?5,000 in cash consolation prizes to the remaining participants. Despite the friendly competition, the contestants helped one another remember viral TikTok dances-a heartwarming display of camaraderie that she noted proves Davao City is truly one of the friendliest cities in the Philippines.

‘Ang galing nila, hindi sila nate-threaten! Kahit magkalaban sila, nag-agree,’ Harake-Parks quipped, after one contestant happily confirmed to the crowd that her rivals had nailed the dance routine.

For many attendees, the event served as a major highlight of their Kadayawan celebration. Anthony and Zara, a couple who traveled from Manila specifically to join the festivities and see Zeinab in person, expressed their excitement:

‘Masaya! Sobrang saya. Pati ‘yung mga booths, lalong-lalo na ‘yung mga games, ang ganda. Siya rin ‘yung reason bakit kami nandito,’ Anthony said. ‘Enjoy dito kasi napakaraming prizes!’ Zara added.

International residents also joined in the festivities. Yuri, a Russian expatriate living in Davao City, took part in the games and walked away with consolation prizes. ‘I really enjoyed it!’ he said.

The Casino Plus Kadayawan activation highlights how bringing Filipino cultural gaming traditions and modern entertainment together on one stage creates meaningful, shared experiences for fans, festivalgoers, and communities across the Philippines.

In accordance with PAGCOR’s Responsible Gaming Code of Practice, Casino Plus wishes to remind all players of the following:

Gaming is for entertainment purposes only. It should not be considered a source of income or a means of financial relief. Players are encouraged to play responsibly and within their means.

Winning is never guaranteed. All gaming outcomes are determined by chance. Past results, including jackpot wins, do not influence or predict future outcomes.

I LOVE my JBL speakers almost as much as my toy collection. I probably have at least one from every series, going all the way back to the very first JBL Micro I got in 2012.

I wake up to the JBL Horizon 2, work with a PartyBox Club 120 playing in the background, and chill with the JBL Authentics in the bedroom.

But for all the love I have for JBL’s bigger and more powerful speakers, I have to say that one of its smallest devices has given me the most fun-and it’s not even a speaker.

I’m talking about the JBL EasySing Mic Mini Duo.

It was launched on my birthday, and I promised myself I’d get one. I finally did last month, and since then I’ve spent far too many nights behind closed doors, losing my voice to late-night solo videoke sessions.

I’d like to think there are two kinds of Filipinos: those who can sing and those who think they can sing.

I belong to a third group-the ones who know they can’t sing but refuse to let that stop them.

Some people scream or shout when they’re depressed, angry or emotional. Me? I grab a microphone and wail. And now that I’m living alone, let’s just say it’s happening a lot more frequently.

Fortunately, the neighbors haven’t complained. Yet.

SMALL MIC, BIG AMBITIONS

JBL actually released two EasySing form factors.

There’s the JBL EasySing Mic, which looks like the traditional wireless microphone we’re familiar with. Then there’s the much smaller JBL EasySing Mic Mini, available as a single-microphone package for ?8,999 or as the Mini Duo for ?12,999, which gives you two microphones.

Now, ?12,999 might sound expensive for a pair of tiny mics. But remember when dedicated videoke machines could cost several times that amount? You got thousands of songs but were still stuck with whatever was in the songbook. Want newer songs? You’d have to wait-and pay-for an update.

Then YouTube changed everything. Search for practically any song followed by ‘karaoke’ or ‘minus one,’ and chances are somebody has uploaded one.

The JBL EasySing Mic Mini goes one better.

It can turn the regular songs you already listen to into karaoke tracks with the press of a button.

JBL calls it AI Vocal Removal. Instead of requiring a specially prepared karaoke track, the EasySing processes the music you’re playing and reduces the original singer’s vocals in real time.

There are four levels so you can leave some of the original vocal when you need help or crank the removal all the way up and take over completely.

No songbook. No hunting for a decent minus-one version or settling for MIDI. Your Spotify, YouTube or music library effectively becomes your songbook.

And as I found out, AI Vocal Removal can be surprisingly good.

But karaoke isn’t the EasySing Mini Duo’s only trick. Remove the mic handles, attach the included magnetic clips and these tiny microphones can double as wireless clip-on mics for content creation, interviews, livestreaming and recording.

Plug the receiver into a compatible phone or laptop and you’ve essentially transformed your karaoke mics into a two-person wireless microphone system.

That’s something I certainly wasn’t expecting to be as good when I bought them primarily to embarrass myself singing power ballads.

WHAT’S INSIDE THE TINY MICS?

EACH JBL EasySing Mic Mini weighs only 37 grams. The Duo package includes two microphones, the wireless AI dongle/receiver, charging case, two magnetic ring handles, two magnetic clips and a carrying pouch.

The microphones use a 2.4GHz wireless connection to communicate with the dongle, while Bluetooth 5.3 handles compatible audio connections.

You’ll need to download the JBL One app first to access features like High-Pitch Voice Boost, natural reverb, microphone EQ, pitch and AI Vocal Removal settings.

Taking the microphones and dongle out of the charging case automatically powers them on. Put them back and they switch off and begin charging.

Perhaps the most important thing to know is that each microphone can last up to six hours. And if you’ve been singing for six straight hours, battery life is probably the least of your problems.

WHAT JBL SPEAKERS CAN YOU USE?

THE JBL EasySing Mic Mini Duo doesn’t simply work through the microphone input of a karaoke speaker. Its AI dongle is effectively the brains connecting the microphones, music source and speaker.

Officially supported JBL portable speakers include the JBL Go 5, Grip, Flip 7, Charge 6, Xtreme 5 and Boombox 4.

It also works with JBL PartyBox models, although the connection method varies depending on the generation. Newer models can connect through USB, while older PartyBoxes can use the EasySing’s AUX connection.

For this review, I’ve been using the JBL Charge 6.

PAIRING THE EASYSING MIC

THE first time I tried connecting everything, I instinctively expected to pair the microphones through Bluetooth. That’s not how it works.

First, update your speaker to the latest firmware through the JBL app. Then turn on the JBL Charge 6 and remove the EasySing microphones and dongle from their charging case.

Press and hold the Play button on the speaker while inserting the EasySing Mic dongle into its USB-C port. Wait for the confirmation tone and for the dongle’s indicator light to turn solid.

Then connect your phone normally to the JBL Charge 6 via Bluetooth and start playing music.

That’s it. Your phone sends the music to the JBL Charge 6, while the EasySing microphones communicate wirelessly with the dongle plugged into the speaker.

And now comes the fun part.

MAKE ALMOST ANY SONG A KARAOKE SONG

START playing the original version of your song-not a karaoke track-and activate Vocal Removal. You can cycle through 0, 25, 50 and 100 percent, progressively reducing the lead vocal until you’re left with something resembling a minus-one track.

At 0 percent, you’re singing along with the artist.

At 25 or 50 percent, the original singer remains audible enough to act as your guide-which, in my case, can be extremely helpful.

At 100 percent, you’re on your own.

God help everyone within hearing distance.

KARAOKE IN YOUR POUCH, OR BAG?

TECHNICALLY, you don’t need a big JBL speaker to use the EasySing Mic Mini Duo-unless you really want to do serious damage to the music industry.

The tiny JBL Go 5 is currently the smallest portable JBL speaker officially compatible with EasySing and probably the closest you can get to putting an entire videoke setup inside a small bag or pouch.

But karaoke is one of those activities where you eventually want more volume, especially once someone grabs the second mic and your supposedly intimate singing session starts attracting an audience.

Then there are the JBL Party Boxes.

My JBL PartyBox Club 120 has 160W of output, dual mic inputs and its own light show, making it the obvious choice for an actual party. The problem is that it weighs 11.05kg. It’s portable in the sense that you can carry it somewhere, but it’s certainly not fitting in any bag.

That’s why I think the JBL Charge 6 might be the sweet spot for the EasySing Mic Mini Duo.

It weighs just under a kilogram but gives you a 30W woofer and 15W tweeter for 45W of total output-enough volume and bass to make singing feel like karaoke rather than two people shouting over a tiny Bluetooth speaker.

It also has up to 24 hours of playback, stretchable to 28 hours using Playtime Boost. Considering the EasySing microphones are rated for six hours, the Charge 6 is unlikely to be the first thing begging for a charger during a videoke marathon.

For outdoor use, it’s IP68 water- and dust-resistant, drop-proof and has a detachable carrying strap.

So while the JBL Go 5 wins if you want the smallest karaoke setup possible, and a PartyBox is still what I’d choose for a proper gathering, the JBL Charge 6 lands comfortably in between.

Small enough for one person to bring anywhere, it’s also powerful enough that you’ll probably end up sharing the microphones.

And that’s when the EasySing Mic Mini Duo starts becoming dangerous.

Because karaoke was never meant to be a solitary activity.