Category: Business Mirror

For businesses that rely on commercial vehicles, purchasing a truck is only the beginning of the ownership journey. Recognizing the importance of long-term value, Hino Motors Philippines (HMP) has introduced the Hino VALUE+ Promo, an initiative designed to help customers maximize their investment through a combination of purchase incentives and aftersales support.

Running until September 30, 2026, the campaign reflects Hino’s continuing commitment to its Total Support philosophy providing customers not only with dependable trucks, but also with the products, services, and support needed to keep their businesses moving.

‘At Hino, we understand that our customers measure value beyond the day they purchase a truck. They look at how that investment supports their business over time.’ said Maki Yamazaki, President of Hino Motors Philippines. ‘The VALUE+ Promo reflects our commitment to helping customers maximize ownership through reliable products, quality aftersales support, and practical benefits that contribute to their long-term success.’

As part of the campaign, customers purchasing the selected Hino models can enjoy a range of ownership benefits, including vehicle discounts of up to ?80,000 and ?20,000 worth of Hino Parts Discount Coupons, which can be used on Hino Genuine Parts, Hino Genuine Engine Oil, Smart Choice Parts, and participating PARTEX products which requires a minimum parts purchase amount of ?2,000 at authorized dealerships nationwide. Eligible models equipped with HMP rear bodies may also receive additional discounts on top of the outright discount amount.

Participating Hino models include:

Hino 200 Series (315, 315 NAC, and 415)

Hino 300 Series (414i, 414i Long, 814i, 514, 514 Auto, 616, 616 NAC, 716, 716 Double, 916, and 916 CBU)

Whether serving logistics providers, retailers, contractors, or entrepreneurs, Hino continues to focus on delivering solutions that help businesses operate efficiently while reducing the overall cost of ownership.

The Hino VALUE+ Promo is available at all authorized Hino dealerships nationwide until September 30, 2026, while Hino Parts Discount Coupons remain redeemable until December 31, 2027. Interested customers may visit their nearest Hino dealership or www.hino.com.ph for the complete promo mechanics terms and conditions.

Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-262663 Series of 2026.

I went to Arthur Ashe Stadium to see Alex Eala debut her new Nike kit. Nobody knew the surprise of the night would be her father, out there playing – the tennis was almost beside the point.

I parked on 114th St., walked over, and settled into my seat with two games still left in the match ahead of Alex Eala’s. The section near me was full of Filipinos: flags worn as capes, stitched onto shirts, wrapped around headgear, phones out for selfies before there was anything on court worth photographing.

Then the house lights dropped, fog shot skyward in bursts, colored beams swept the crowd, and the chant started on its own – ‘Alex! Alex! Alex!’ – before she’d even walked out. When she did, in a new royal blue Nike dress New York had only seen in renders until that night, the noise doubled. But the outfit wasn’t the story I walked away with. Her dad was.

Eala’s opponent for the ‘Stars of the Open’ exhibition was Iva Jovic, the 18-year-old American ranked in the mid-teens and, by every account on court, Eala’s closest friend on tour. Their one-set match had the shape of something neither of them wanted to take too seriously, and neither could quite help taking seriously anyway. Jovic broke early and went up 2-0. Eala leveled it at 3-all – a flash of the form that’s carried her to a career-high World No. 18 this season, even if nothing in this exhibition was going to count toward it.

Jovic closed it out clean, without cruelty, winning the last three games for a 6-3 finish in well under an hour. Mid-match, with a courtside microphone live to the stadium, the two traded lines in each other’s first languages: Jovic in Filipino, ‘Alex, ang galing mo,’ you’re amazing; Eala back in Croatian, ‘Ti si najbolja,’ you’re the best.

It was the kind of bit that only works between people who’ve known each other since the junior circuit, and it got the loudest laugh of the match. It also wasn’t the loudest laugh of the night.

That came after the eighth game, when both players waved their fathers onto the court. Michael ‘Mike’ Eala and Bojan Jovic walked out to a full ovation, and for a few minutes the exhibition turned into a doubles match played at half-speed; the daughters pulled their own shots so their dads could look good. It didn’t entirely work.

Bojan served a fault. Mike, reaching for a return, missed the ball entirely – swung right through it, racket catching nothing but net on the follow-through. He wasn’t wearing his glasses, which, from where I sat, looked like the real reason, and the whiff only made the stadium louder. Eala grabbed the microphone that had just carried her joke in Croatian and delivered a line she clearly knew she’d get to say: ‘I think our dads are at the top of the style game on the circuit. Will you guys agree?’ The stadium, still lit in the colors it had opened with, agreed loudly, and Mike took the ribbing the way a dad who knows he’s about to become a photo does, grinning, hands up, in on it.

He had reason to grin. The shirt he was wearing said ‘Alex Eala’ across the back in the same flower script as his daughter’s own kit drop, her name and Nike’s swoosh stitched over his shoulders while he stood on the biggest court in tennis, missing returns for her. It’s a small thing, a $42 piece of merchandise, but it’s the detail that made the night about them instead of about either the score or the sponsor. When the match ended, Eala went to the net and hugged him, laughing into his shoulder, racket still in her hand. I had my lens on him for it. He wasn’t looking at the camera. He was just standing there in his daughter’s name, in a stadium full of people wearing his country’s flag, watching her do what she does.

That was the real center of the night, more than the dress or the scoreline. This was only an exhibition, with no ranking points attached-one match on a Fan Week card benefiting the USTA Foundation. But Eala used it to remind a stadium full of her own flag-waving countrymen that the run that made her a story last year, when she became the first Filipina to win a match at the US Open, still has her family standing at the edge of the court, waiting to be waved on. She’ll open the tournament itself as its No. 17 seed, her highest Grand Slam seeding yet, in the same colors she wore that night.

The real test starts Sunday. But from where I sat two games early, in a section that felt like half the Philippines had shown up, the best moment of the exhibition wasn’t a shot Eala hit. It was her father missing one, in her name, in front of everyone who came to see her shine. ‘Stars of the Open’ was the name on the ticket. From where I sat, it turned out to be Stars’ Dads of the Open.

Filipino micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) looking to grow and sell their products abroad will now have a one-stop-shop that will empower them to easily find global buyers and deliver international orders.

In-line Forwarder has formed a strategic partnership with Thompson Property Management Corp. (TPMC), the official Global Channel Partner of Alibaba.com in the Philippines, to boost Filipino exporters in global trade.

This best-in-industry alliance integrates two vital pieces of the export journey: international market access and total logistics solutions.

A global leader for over 26 years, Alibaba.com is now the world’s largest B2B e-commerce platform, connecting buyers and sellers from around the globe. Its enormous scale provides a significant boost for Filipino businesses: the platform has over 50 million active buyers across 200 countries, has onboarded more than 200,000 suppliers, and offers over 200 million items.

For an exporter, that massive reach translates to a concrete opportunity to bring Filipino products in front of new buyers and markets.

But getting their items discovered by customers is only the beginning.

Total logistics leader In-line Forwarder complements Alibaba.com’s digital reach with the logistics innovations and export expertise needed to get products from the Philippines to overseas. Through their team-up, In-line will provide MSME exporters access to total logistics solutions, including seafreight, international air cargo, export documentation, customs clearing, and even product warehousing required to move goods efficiently across borders.

‘For our exporters, getting an order is only half the journey. The next hurdle is figuring out how to actually get their products there efficiently, conveniently, and affordably,’ said In-line Forwarder. ‘By combining Alibaba.com’s global reach and In-line’s logistics expertise, we want to make the entire export journey simpler for businesses of all sizes.’

Beyond logistics, the two titans also underscored the need to build the export readiness of MSMEs. They will jointly conduct exporter workshops, coaching sessions, and other programs covering international selling, e-commerce growth, export compliance, freight handling, and cross-border fulfillment.

The partnership comes as Philippine MSMEs increasingly look beyond the borders for new sources of sales. While Filipino products have significant potential internationally, smaller businesses still face barriers: getting new buyers, navigating complex export requirements, and managing shipping costs.

Their collaboration seeks to address these gaps through an innovative product order-to-shipping export solution.

‘Our goal is to help more Filipino businesses confidently make the leap from being a local seller to a global company,’ added TPMC. ‘By linking market opportunities with comprehensive logistics support, we can accelerate the conversion of international buyer interest into an actual sale.’ Ultimately, the partnership has a simple shared vision: more Filipino businesses selling globally, and more Filipino products reaching the world.

From the Philippines to the world, one shipment at a time.

When taking care of their cars, motorists often prioritize changing their oil regularly, checking tire pressure, and scheduling maintenance checks. But there’s one thing they could overlook: the fuel they pump into their cars.

In reality, fuel choices can affect long-term engine performance, with each fuel product’s formulation and additives making all the difference. Here’s what motorists need to know about their fuel’s role on engine care and what to look for in their fuel options.

The Role of Fuel in Keeping Car Engines Clean

First, motorists should use the fuel recommended for their vehicle. This includes following the manufacturer’s guidance on fuel type and octane requirements.

Second, motorists should look beyond octane when considering fuel quality. Octane is important, but it is not the only factor that distinguishes one fuel from another. The additives and technologies used in a fuel can also play a role in helping manage deposits and support engine cleanliness.

Third, motorists can consider fuels formulated with detergent additives designed to help keep key engine components clean. Over time, deposits can build up in certain parts of the engine, so choosing a fuel with cleaning technology can be one way to take a more proactive approach to engine care.

What Additives Should Motorists Look Out For?

Not all fuel additives work in the same way. While detergent additives can help manage deposit buildup, motorists may also want to consider fuels formulated with advanced additive technologies designed to provide additional cleaning and protection benefits.

For motorists looking for these additional cleaning and protection benefits, they can consider fuels formulated with advanced additives like Techron. Scientifically formulated with Clean and Glide Technology, Techron is designed to help prevent deposit buildup and reduce friction on metal surfaces within the engine. This helps support cleaner engine components and consistent engine performance over time.

One fuel brand that incorporates this technology is Caltex, with its range of Techron-powered fuels, including Caltex Platinum with Techron, Caltex Silver with Techron, Caltex Diesel with Techron D, and Caltex Power Diesel with Techron D. Backed by decades of research and development, Caltex’s fuel products are formulated to help support engine cleanliness and performance.

Ultimately, motorists should look beyond the price at the pump when choosing their fuel. Using the fuel recommended for their vehicle and considering formulations with technologies designed to help manage deposits and support engine cleanliness can help motorists make a more informed choice about their engine care.

Caltex offers these benefits through its Techron-powered fuel range, giving motorists another option to consider when choosing fuel for their everyday drives. To learn more about Caltex’s Techron-powered fuels, motorists can visit the brand’s official website here.

Gilas Pilipinas went on the wringer before surviving Jordan in a thrilling overtime victory, 82-81, in the fourth window of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) 2027 World Cup Asia qualifiers on Friday before a packed, loud crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Playing without naturalized Justin Brownlee due to injuries, the nationals went on to rely on Sotto’s height advantage and international basketball experience to improve their current win-loss record to 3-4 in Group E.

Sotto, who scored 18 points, grabbed 14 rebounds, and blocked two shots, swatted Jordan’s Abdullah Olajuwon’s buzzer-beating jump shot that saved the night for Team Philippines.

Gilas trailed 8-26 in the first quarter before making the game close until the end of regulation, with CJ Perez scoring a game-tying layup with 45 ticks left that tied the count to 72-all.

Kevin Quiambao fired a crucial triple that provided Gilas an 82-79 lead with 13 seconds left before Freddy Ibrahim made two free throws that trimmed the deficit.

Scottie Thompson was called for a five-second inbound violation with nine seconds left, allowing Jordan to regroup. But Sotto was there to save the day.

CJ Perez and Quiambao scattered 16 and 14 points, respectively, while Dwight Ramos also added 14 points to lead the Philippines, which will face Iran on Sunday at 8 pm at the same venue. Iran lost to New Zealand, 93-91, earlier.

Jalen Harris led Jordan with 19 points.

Having surpassed one million global sales in just three years, OMODA and JAECOO is entering a new stage of globalization. The measure of success is no longer simply how many markets the brand has entered, but how many markets it can lead and how much meaningful market share it can capture.

Looking ahead, OMODA and JAECOO will continue to advance its vision of ‘Co-creating a Beautiful Life with Young People,’ unlocking new opportunities for growth as the global automotive industry continues to evolve.

Having surpassed one million global sales in just three years, OMODA and JAECOO is entering a new stage of globalization. The measure of success is no longer simply how many markets the brand has entered, but how many markets it can lead and how much meaningful market share it can capture.

Looking ahead, OMODA and JAECOO will continue to advance its vision of ‘Co-creating a Beautiful Life with Young People,’ unlocking new opportunities for growth as the global automotive industry continues to evolve.

What happens when an intimate dinner is designed to be photographed from every angle? Smart Infinity, the premium postpaid brand of Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), and HUAWEI brought together an evening of refined dining, technology, and photography as select Infinity members experienced the advanced camera capabilities of the new HUAWEI Pura 90s Series.

Set against the elegant backdrop of Fable Café + Lounge on Aug. 25, the exclusive gathering brought together Smart Infinity members, guests, and executives from both Smart and HUAWEI for an evening centered on the art of capturing extraordinary moments. From the venue’s polished interiors and carefully styled tablescapes to a six-course dinner, every element of the experience was designed to give guests a chance to explore the HUAWEI Pura 90s Series through their own lens.

At the heart of the evening was a unique dining and photography experience that allowed guests to discover the HUAWEI Pura 90s Series through a series of real-life moments.

With each of the six courses, guests were guided through a different camera capability of the device. They photographed each dish using their own smartphones while a HUAWEI Pura 90s Pro shooter captured the same scene. The Pura 90s Pro images were then uploaded over Smart 5G and displayed on screens around the venue, allowing guests to see the results for themselves.

The curated menu featured Brioche Royale, Lobster Bisque, Heirloom Tomato and Burrata Salad, Elder Flower Espuma, Pan-Roasted Beef Tenderloin, and Panna Cotta, with each course serving as an opportunity to explore a different aspect of the phone’s imaging capabilities.

Guests experienced Crystal Clear Detail by capturing close-up shots, explored True-to-Color Imaging through the evening’s warm lighting, and tried AI-Powered Photography with AI-guided framing. The experience also highlighted the device’s 20X Zoom, demonstrating how details could be captured even from across the room.

AI-powered portrait photography

Beyond the dining experience, the evening also allowed guests to step in front of the camera.

A curated photography setup allowed attendees to experience the HUAWEI Pura 90s Pro’s AI-powered photography capabilities in a more personal setting, with guests having their portraits captured using the device.

As the evening drew to a close, the venue screens transformed into a gallery showcasing photos captured throughout the event, giving guests another opportunity to see the device’s imaging capabilities in action.

Get the HUAWEI Pura 90s with Smart Infinity

‘The HUAWEI Pura 90s Series is designed to turn everyday moments into extraordinary experiences, and Smart 5G helps our customers make the most of its capabilities. From capturing stunning photos to instantly sharing their favorite moments, we want our customers to experience what’s possible when great devices are paired with great connectivity,’ said Lloyd R. Manaloto, FVP and OIC for Smart.

Smart 5G was integrated directly into the evening’s experience, with photos captured on the HUAWEI Pura 90s Pro uploaded over the Smart 5G network and displayed on venue screens.

For Smart Infinity, the experience was a natural expression of the brand’s commitment to bringing together technology, service, and lifestyle in ways that feel relevant to its members.

‘Smart Infinity is all about offering our members VIP access to the best technology in an environment crafted just for them. This intimate gathering was a wonderful way to showcase the incredible camera capabilities of the HUAWEI Pura 90s Series while celebrating the privileges that define the Infinity lifestyle,’ said Tina D. Montinola, Head of Smart Infinity.

Infinity members can get the HUAWEI Pura 90s Series with Infinity Plan 5000 or Infinity Plan 8000, which come with unlimited data, calls, and texts, roaming-ready connectivity, and exclusive Infinity privileges.

Infinity members also enjoy a curated suite of privileges, including Worldwide Concierge Services, complimentary airport lounge access, exclusive access to the Infinity Collection, Smart Infinity’s carefully curated portfolio of privileges and experiences from luxury and premium partner brands, dedicated Relationship Manager support, and 24/7 priority assistance with personalized service at Smart Stores nationwide.

Smart Infinity members may also enjoy ROAM+, Smart’s first-of-its-kind annual roaming wallet, providing members with greater convenience and flexibility when staying connected abroad.

Philippine short track speed skating reached a historic milestone as three Filipino athletes brought home four medals-the country’s first-ever podium finishes at the Asian Open Short Track Speed Skating Trophy.

Leading the breakthrough performance was 13-year-old Keirsten Layne Fernandez, who captured two gold medals in the Junior C Girls category. Fernandez topped the 1,000-meter event with a time of 1:44.307, earning the Philippines’ first-ever gold medal in the competition.

She followed her historic victory with another gold in the 777-meter event, clocking 1:19.989 to complete a remarkable two-gold campaign and emerge as the Philippines’ most successful athlete at the competition. Joining Fernandez on the podium was Xsandrie Guimba, 23, who secured the silver medal in the Senior Women’s 1,000-meter event with a time of 1:52.003.

The Philippine medal haul began with the country’s youngest medalist, eight-year-old Zymone Zurbito, who claimed bronze in the Junior F Boys’ 333-meter event. His podium finish marked the Philippines’ first medal of the competition and set the stage for the historic results that followed.

Three athletes. Four medals. One historic milestone for Philippine skating.

Their success also demonstrates the growing depth of Philippine short track speed skating across different age groups-from eight-year-old Zurbito earning his first international podium finish, to 13-year-old Fernandez making history with two gold medals, and senior athlete Guimba competing against some of the region’s strongest skaters.

From First Steps to the International Stage

More than the medals, the achievement highlights the growing potential of Filipino athletes in ice sports and the opportunities for homegrown talent to pursue the sport at a higher level.

All three medalists share a meaningful beginning-they took their first steps on the ice at SM Skating, the skating brand of SM Sports and Leisure Center (SLC), where they learned the fundamentals of skating and began developing their skills.

‘Every champion starts with a first step on the ice. We hope to inspire every skater to keep pushing forward, believe in their potential, and pursue their dreams,’ said Joseph Francis Silva, Senior Assistant Vice President for SM Sports and Leisure Center.

Through SM Skating, SLC continues to provide Filipinos with opportunities to learn, develop, and pursue their passion for ice sports. In partnership with the Philippine Skating Union (PHSU), SM Skating also provides a pathway for aspiring skaters to build their skills through structured training and gain opportunities to progress toward competitive skating.

From learning to skate in the Philippines to competing against athletes from across Asia, their journey reflects how access to skating can open opportunities for young Filipinos to discover their passion, build confidence, and pursue excellence on the international stage.

From September 4 to 13, the German capital will become the epicenter of women’s basketball. Find out what to expect from the tournament featuring the world’s best national teams in the 1xBet review.

Team USA – clear favorite

The Americans won the last four World Cups and will be looking to extend their dominant run. The roster is packed with WNBA stars who can maintain a blistering pace for all 40 minutes. Caitlin Clark, Breanna Stewart, Angel Reese, A’ja Wilson, and the rest of the squad can’t afford to drop a single game. Stopping this basketball machine seems almost impossible.

Who can challenge them?

China claimed silver at the last World Cup and won the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2023. The team could gain a significant advantage in the paint thanks to 220 cm-tall young Zhang Ziyu. China relies on tough defense and looks to push the pace in transition. Just as four years ago, it is drawn in the same group as the U.S., which could help avoid an early clash with the favorite in the knockout stage.

Australia won the most recent FIBA Women’s Asia Cup and took bronze at the World Cup 2022. Its roster is packed with experienced athletes. One player to watch is Alex Fowler, Asia Cup 2025 MVP and a forward for the New York Liberty. The 25-year-old is in her first season in the world’s top league but has already shown she can score at this level despite playing on a star-studded team. The World Cup is the perfect opportunity to establish herself as one of Australia’s key players.

Belgium won the last two European Championships. The team outgrew its status as a mid-tier contender, finishing fourth and fifth at the last two World Cups. Time to take the trophy? With superb ball movement and Emma Meesseman’s leadership, a podium finish looks within reach. At its best, Belgium can beat anyone.

Dark horses

Germany, the tournament host, could pull off a major upset with a passionate home crowd behind. Satou Sabally’s presence makes it a dangerous underdog capable of surprising any opponent. The main question is whether the rest of the team can provide enough support for their leader.

France heads to Berlin hoping to replicate its performance at the home Olympics and reach the final once again. Surprisingly, it won just one World Cup medal, finishing third back in 1953. The team could struggle in the paint without Iliana Rupert, as the Golden State Valkyries center is expecting a baby. However, France has plenty of shooting talent, while its depth allows the team to maintain a high tempo throughout the game.

How tournament will unfold

Sixteen teams will compete at the World Cup, divided into four groups. The group winners advance directly to the quarterfinals, while the teams finishing second and third face off for the remaining spots. From there, it’s a standard knockout format all the way to the final, where the new world champion will be crowned.

The year’s biggest basketball event is ready to deliver plenty of unforgettable moments. And there’s no better way to follow the action than with FIBA’s official partner – the reliable bookmaker 1xBet!

August 27, 2026 Concentrix Philippines has introduced the Performance Engineering Team (PET), a strategic capability designed to help clients and teams respond faster to new realities and changing demands in customer experience, operations and workforce performance.

More than an organizational change, PET represents a new discipline focused on engineering performance through the integration of learning, quality, analytics, governance, technology, and AI-driven insights. The initiative reflects Concentrix’s belief that real transformation begins within and demonstrates how the company continues to evolve the way it delivers measurable outcomes for clients.

Built around the theme ‘Built for New Realities,’ PET embodies a fundamental shift from traditional, siloed functions toward a connected performance ecosystem where data, operations, governance, and capability development work together to create intelligent performance.

‘At Concentrix, we help our clients and people navigate new realities every day. Performance can no longer be managed through isolated functions; it must be engineered through the seamless integration of people, process, data, technology and governance. PET allows our learning and quality teams to leverage technology to deliver predictive insights and more precise and agile interventions. It is helping us shift from reacting to problems to anticipating and preventing them. PET moves us beyond activity-based measures and focuses us on what truly matters: driving meaningful outcomes, accelerating performance and adding value for our clients and people. This demonstrates our commitment to embracing transformation ourselves. It is not just a reorganization; it is an evolution in how we work to create intelligent performance,’ said Larah Sta. Maria, Vice President for Transformation and Shared Services at Concentrix Philippines.

The PET is guided by four core principles:

Performance is engineered – not managed – designed to accelerate measurable outcomes

Functions and technology are integrated, not siloed

AI-driven insights are designed to improve predictability, and guide transformation decisions and actions

Governance enables confidence and agility

Through PET, traditional disciplines are being reimagined for today’s environment. Learning evolves from course delivery to performance acceleration. Quality and analytics move from monitoring performance to generating actionable intelligence. Governance expands beyond compliance to build trust, resilience, and operational excellence. Together, these capabilities create a unified ecosystem powered by AI, data and human judgment.

This transformation also strengthens Concentrix’s broader New Realities narrative, which recognizes that companies driving intelligent transformation must continuously adapt to changing customer expectations, technological advancements, and increasingly complex business environments. PET serves as a tangible example of how Concentrix is applying those same principles internally, reinforcing the company’s commitment to innovation and intelligent transformation.

In early deployments, PET has produced measurable gains across the disciplines it integrates. Within pilot accounts this year, Concentrix Philippines observed up to 20% faster speed to proficiency, up to 30% greater capacity for high-value work, up to 8% improvement in quality scores, and same-day issue detection with up to 30% faster resolution. These results reflect internal Concentrix Philippines measurement of participating programs during the period indicated and are not a guarantee of future results; outcomes vary by program, client, and operating environment.

As organizations increasingly seek partners that can deploy AI at scale and deliver measurable impact rather than isolated services, PET positions Concentrix to further demonstrate how integrated performance engineering can drive stronger business results, operational agility, and enhanced customer experience.