Category: Business Mirror

As the Camera Club of the Philippines (CCP) begins the countdown to its historic Centennial in 2028, it recently opened the celebration with Landscapes, a photographic exhibition now on view at the Antonio Gallery, Century City Mall in Makati.

The exhibit underscores the enduring connection between people and place while highlighting the timeless power of photography to preserve and interpret the world around us.

Established in 1928, the Camera Club of the Philippines is the country’s oldest photography society and among the world’s longest continuously operating photography organizations. For nearly a century, its members have chronicled the nation’s people, places, and evolving landscapes, creating an invaluable visual archive that reflects the Philippines’ rich natural and cultural heritage.

More than a collection of scenic photographs, Landscapes serves as the opening chapter of a series of exhibitions leading to the Club’s centennial celebration. The theme was intentionally chosen, recognizing that landscapes represent beginnings-the backdrop against which communities are built, histories unfold, and identities are shaped.

For generations of photographers, landscape photography has often been the starting point of their creative journey. It nurtures patience, sharpens observation, strengthens compositional skills, and fosters a deeper appreciation for nature. Beyond technical mastery, it challenges photographers to discover meaning in the interplay of light, weather, terrain, and space.

As it reflects on nearly a century of photographic excellence, the CCP invites audiences to pause and rediscover the places that continue to shape and inspire us. Through images of majestic mountains, serene coastlines, rural vistas, and dynamic urban skylines, Landscapes captures both the grandeur and the quiet beauty of the environments that define the Filipino experience.

The exhibition likewise pays tribute to the Club’s enduring tradition of photographic exploration. Since its early years, members have traveled across the country through its signature ‘On The Spot’ competitions, documenting the nation’s diverse landscapes and preserving moments in time for future generations. Today, the Camera Club continues to bring together photographers from different backgrounds, united by a shared passion for visual storytelling, artistic excellence, and the pursuit of meaningful imagery.

FILIPINO Gen Z workers are entering the workforce with a strong demand for meaningful work and flexibility, but they are also reporting the highest levels of stress and the lowest workplace happiness among generations, a new study from Jobstreet by SEEK said.

The study Workplace Happiness Index: Philippines 2025 showed that Gen Z workers aged 18 to 29 posted the lowest workplace happiness score at 76 percent, trailing millennials at 77 percent and Gen X workers at 78 percent.

Nearly four in 10 Gen Z respondents said they often dread going to work, reflecting the higher levels of stress and emotional exhaustion experienced by the country’s youngest workforce.

The report found that purpose remains the strongest factor influencing Gen Z workers’ workplace satisfaction, with 76 percent saying they are satisfied with the meaning they find in their jobs.

Work-from-home arrangements ranked second at 73 percent, while satisfaction with company success followed at 72 percent, showing that younger workers place greater importance on flexibility, autonomy, and alignment between their jobs and personal values.

Jobstreet by SEEK said the results indicate that workplace expectations are changing, with younger employees seeking careers that provide not only financial opportunities but also a stronger sense of fulfillment.

‘Our findings show that workplace happiness means different things to different generations, but every employee wants to feel that their work has meaning and purpose,’ Jobstreet by SEEK Philippines Managing Director Dannah Majarocon said.

However, the report noted that workload demands and stress management remain major challenges for Gen Z employees, contributing to lower workplace happiness despite their positive outlook toward purpose-driven work.

Majarocon said employers must recognize that employee expectations vary across generations and adjust workplace strategies to address different needs.

‘At Jobstreet by SEEK, we believe that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to workplace happiness; that’s why we encourage employers to build workplace strategies that reflect the diverse needs of employees,’ she said.

Meanwhile, millennials aged 30 to 44 identified workplace relationships, company culture, and shared values as key drivers of satisfaction, with 78 percent expressing satisfaction with their sense of purpose at work.

Around 70 percent of millennials reported positive sentiments toward their teams and colleagues, reflecting the importance of supportive workplace environments for employees balancing career growth with personal responsibilities.

For Gen X workers aged 45 to 59, work-life balance and career progression emerged as the strongest contributors to workplace happiness, with 73 percent expressing satisfaction with their ability to balance work and personal life.

Despite generational differences, the study showed that workplace stress and burnout remain concerns across age groups, even as 77 percent of Filipino workers said they are somewhat or extremely happy at work.

The survey, conducted from October to November 2025, covered Filipino workers aged 18 to 64 nationwide and examined workplace sentiment across sectors, career stages, and generational groups.

WE are always happy to see artists who continue to work hard, remain undaunted and not afraid to spread their wings so they can explore more avenues and discover more about themselves and what they can offer.

We’ve known both Mark Dionisio and Nico Locco for some time now and we are witness to how they have evolved through the years.

Mark was starting to make a name for himself as an actor but fate took a different turn and he had to pack his bags and fly to Bermuda for greener pastures. He was even in some of the movie projects of Brillante Mendoza before the filmmaker shot to fame by becoming the only Filipino director to have won the prestigious Cannes’ Prix de la mise en scène in 2009.

‘I guess life sometimes allows us to take a detour and we just have to heed the call where it takes us. I’ve always been a go-with-the-flow type of a guy and I trust how the universe unfolds for me. Life was not a bed of roses when I was overseas, but I just worked and focused on how to be productive and happy,’ he shared.

It was in Bermuda where Mark strengthened his relationship with his wife Claire, who is a finance and accounting specialist. When the opportunity to fly back to Manila beckoned, the couple left Bermuda with happy memories. And Mark reconnected with the people and the industry he loved so much.

‘I was determined to become an actor again and I was fortunate to connect with people who opened the doors for me, even if I was away for many, many years,’ he shared. Mark was not afraid to start over again and he didn’t mind small roles.

His persistence paid off and production people saw the natural actor in him and his many other gifts, like being a team player, humility and professionalism so they gave him bigger roles because he was a reliable actor and always came to the set prepared.

In recent years, show,s like Batang Quiapo, The Fake Life, Makiling, and Beauty Empire were among the TV shows where he was included in the cast. He is now working on GMA’s Whispers From Heaven, sharing scenes with Bea Alonzo, Sid Lucero, Jake Macapagal and Maricar Reyes. This series will be aired next year, per Mark. He is one of our braver actors, too, and wasn’t difficult to convince appearing on sex-themed projects for VMX. Among his favorite roles were the ones he did for Foursome, Private Tutor and Kikirot-Kirot. He even signed a contract with Viva and we heard that the big bosses adore him and like his work ethics.

Recently, Mark has also tried his hands in line production. ‘I want to learn about film production, that’s why I ventured into this. So far, I am enjoying the adventure and I love learning about the creative, production and finance aspects of producing a movie.’ Mark is playing an important role in the ensemble VMX movie Creampie, which starts streaming by the end of the month.

MAN OF MANY GIFTS

THERE is no doubt that Nico Locco is a gorgeous man of many gifts and talents-actor, host, endorser, model, influencer, and more. We have been following his colorful career since he started in the industry almost 10 years ago. He had a good life in Canada but he wanted to become more independent and do things on his own, so he flew to the Philippines and tried his luck in Manila. ‘I didn’t know a lot of people back then but the modeling industry opened a lot of doors when I was starting, and one thing just led to another, and I found myself competing for jobs and getting them. Of course there were also a lot of rejections but I didn’t mind, and just kept on trying,’ he recalled.

Then show business beckoned and Nico quickly learned the ins and outs of being an actor for movies and television. ‘I had to make sure that I learned to speak Filipino fast because I knew I wouldn’t be getting as much work as I wanted if I were not fluent.’ So he spoke with everyone in Filipino even if he had a twang. ‘That’s how I learned and I was starting to get roles that had Taglish lines and, eventually, I was reading straight Filipino scripts. I also didn’t mind showing some skin.’

Nico is also a sought-after host for corporate events and beauty pageants. ‘I love conversing with people. I can be madaldal and makwento also, and sometimes I have to remind myself to not be so talkative, but I guess that’s just how I am.’

For now, he is busy promoting the Pongs Leonardo-directed movie Booking, where Nico plays a bad-ass character with a heart. He is also about to wrap up work for a Netflix project currently being shot on location in some beautiful spots in Luzon. ‘As long as I like the character I play and I’m given a good, efficient team of passionate and creative people to work with, count me in.’

In the future, Nico sees himself getting to work on all types of movies, and hopefully be involved in international projects, too. ‘If you can dream, why not dream big and work hard to see these dreams come true,’ he told us.

RETIREMENT feels like a distant milestone. For many, it is something to think about ‘later,’ when the income is higher, when the children are grown, or when life finally becomes less demanding. But later often turns into never.

Most people understand the principle. Start early, let money grow, and the future will be more secure. Yet despite knowing this, many delay or avoid taking action. The gap between knowing and doing is wide, and it explains why saving for retirement is one of the hardest financial habits to sustain.

Knowing, doing gap

FINANCIAL literacy tells us that early saving makes the journey easier. A small amount set aside consistently over decades can grow into a large nest egg. We see the charts, we hear the advice, and we nod in agreement.

But when payday arrives, reality looks different. Bills need to be paid, tuition is due, groceries must be bought, and emergencies always seem to pop up. What should go into retirement savings often ends up going elsewhere. Retirement planning becomes a good intention pushed to the sidelines.

This struggle is not just about money. It is also about human behavior.

Behavioral reasons

BEHAVIORAL economics helps explain why people often fail to save for something they know is important.

One major factor is hyperbolic discounting. This means we place more value on immediate rewards than on future benefits. For example, a family outing today feels more rewarding than adding to a retirement fund that we will not touch for decades.

There is also optimism bias. We believe that things will be better later, that future income will be higher, expenses will be lighter, and there will be more time to save. Unfortunately, life rarely follows that script, and by the time ‘later’ arrives, the window of opportunity has narrowed.

Present bias also plays a role. Urgent needs feel heavier than distant goals. Bills due tomorrow will always overshadow a retirement that feels decades away.

Finally, status quo bias keeps many people from taking the first step. It is easier to postpone change than to face the discomfort of making adjustments today.

Philippine context

IN the Philippines, cultural expectations also shape retirement planning. Many parents believe their children will care for them when they are older. This tradition is rooted in love and gratitude, but it also creates risk. Relying on children can put financial strain on the next generation and continue the cycle of stress.

Another challenge is competing priorities. For many households, the focus is on immediate needs such as tuition, rent, or medical expenses. Family obligations often come before personal savings, and retirement is viewed as something to consider only when finances are ‘more stable.’ Unfortunately, stability is elusive, and retirement planning is pushed further down the road.

THE cost of delay is greater than most people realize. The later you start, the larger the amount you need to set aside each month to catch up. A person who begins saving in their 20s can build a retirement fund with smaller, consistent contributions. Someone who waits until their 40s or 50s must save far more in a shorter period.

Delay also means missing out on the power of compounding. Money grows not only from contributions but also from the returns generated over time. Each year of postponement reduces the potential for growth.

Ultimately, postponing retirement savings often results in dependence. Without sufficient funds, many retirees are forced to rely on their children, extended family, or even continue working well into old age. What feels like a personal choice today can become a burden on loved ones tomorrow.

Practical ways

THE good news is that retirement saving does not need to be overwhelming. With small, consistent steps, the habit can become more manageable.

Automate savings. Treat retirement contributions like a bill. Schedule automatic transfers right after payday so you do not have to rely on willpower alone.

Start small. Even P500 or P5,000 a month builds momentum. The key is consistency, not perfection.

Visualize your future. Imagine the lifestyle you want at 60 or 70. Do you see yourself working out of necessity or enjoying freedom with loved ones? Making the future feel real increases motivation.

Link goals to values. Saving for retirement is not just about yourself. It is also about ensuring that your children or family will not carry the financial burden later.

Use milestones. Break big goals into smaller targets. Celebrate progress along the way to stay motivated.

Financial wellness means balancing today’s needs with tomorrow’s security. It is about protecting yourself from dependence, easing the burden on your loved ones, and securing the freedom to live with dignity in your later years. Retirement planning is not just about surviving old age, it is about creating a future where you can truly enjoy the life you worked so hard to build.

Janice Sabitsana is a Registered Financial Planner of RFP Philippines. The views and opinions she expressed herein do not necessarily represent the BusinessMirror. To learn more about personal financial planning, attend the 117th RFP program this August 2026. Email info@rfp.ph or visit rfp.ph to learn more about the program.

THE Executive department has reaffirmed its commitment to ensure that no Filipino goes hungry, as the government’s rice distribution program has already reached around seven million families nationwide.

In a statement on Sunday, Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto highlighted the program’s dual impact-providing food to vulnerable households while supporting local farmers-adding that the government will continue expanding direct assistance initiatives for those most in need.

Recto led the distribution of rice to 55,000 families in Oriental Mindoro during his visit to the province this week.

‘President Marcos places great importance on making sure that none of our fellow Filipinos go hungry,’ Recto said in an impromptu speech. ‘The President’s directive is to ensure that government programs reach the people.’

He highlighted that the initiative not only provides poor families with a regular supply of 10 kilograms of rice through the Bagong Pilipinas Rice Program but also strengthens the agriculture sector by sourcing palay directly from local farmers.

The program is funded through the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), with local governments handling distribution using their own databases to ensure efficient delivery to beneficiaries.

Recto lauded Oriental Mindoro’s implementation of the program, noting that it has resulted in ‘double benefits’-higher incomes for farmers and improved food security for residents.

He added that strong performance by local governments could lead to increased funding support. ‘If the program is implemented well, we will further increase the LGSF,’ he said.

Recto said the government aims to channel about P1.5 trillion to local government units through the National Tax Allotment (NTA) in the coming years, with expected double-digit growth next year to further boost local economies.

Oriental Mindoro Governor Humerlito Dolor welcomed the initiative, emphasizing the value of supporting local produce.

‘Rice of Mindoreños for Mindoreños,’ he said, noting the quality of the province’s harvest.

Recto also commended local officials for their cooperation in ensuring that the program benefits more Filipinos.

SM Active Hub recently concluded its first-ever Pickleball Trio Challenge with an adrenaline-fueled Grand Finals held on July 12, 2026 at SM Pickleball, Four E-Com Center MOA Complex in Pasay City bringing together the tournament’s top qualifying teams. 

Featuring a unique three-player team format, the tournament fostered strategic team play and elevates the level of competition. Teams competed in the DUPR 9 and DUPR 11 divisions, with categories determined by the combined Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) of the three players of each team. Throughout the tournament, players demonstrate exceptional skills, teamwork, strategy, and sportsmanship in every match.

The Grand Finals marked the culmination of five qualifying legs held across SM Bicutan, SM Sta. Mesa, SM Sta. Rosa, SM Marikina, and SM Center Muntinlupa. A total of 89 teams competed in the qualifying rounds, with the top 32 teams advancing to the Grand Finals. 

Team Boss K, composed of Keane, Sunshine and Prince claimed the championship title in the DUPR 9 category, while Team Zone, composed of Glorie, Zacky and Renzo, emerged as DUPR 11 champions. The winning teams advanced to the Grand Finals from the SM City Sta. Mesa and SM City Marikina qualifying events, respectively. Both teams earned the distinction of becoming the first champions of the SM Active Hub Pickleball Trio Challenge.

The event also featured two Grand Parades of Finalists, one for each category, symbolizing the growing pickleball community in the country with SM Active Hub at the forefront of the sport’s development.

The DUPR 11 grand finalists and members of the pickleball community gathered in the Grand Parade of Finalists, celebrating the spirit of the competition ahead.

This milestone tournament reinforces SM Supermalls’ commitment to promoting active lifestyles and fostering a thriving pickleball community. As the largest pickleball destination in the country, your most loved mall, SM provides opportunities for Filipinos to engage in sports, embrace health and wellness, and build meaningful connections with others.

As pickleball gains popularity among Filipinos of all ages, SM Sports and Leisure Center is set to open more pickleball courts in the coming months, making the sport more accessible to many communities in the country.

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said it has yet to receive requests for widespread price increases on basic necessities and prime commodities, with only canned sardines and candles granted adjustments so far.

Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said the approved increase covers sardine manufacturers and was based on rising operating costs for fishing vessels.

‘Actually, we granted them,’ Roque told reporters on the sidelines of a DTI-led event in Pasay City when asked about earlier requests for price adjustments.

The DTI Suggested Retail Price (SRP) Bulletin as of May 11 shows that canned sardines generally range from about P18 to P24.75 per 155-gram can, depending on the product specification. Meanwhile, candles range from P48.50 to P117.75 per pack.

Meanwhile, processed meat products also remain under the agency’s price watch, with meat loaf priced at P18 to P25.75, corned beef at P23 to P41.75, and beef loaf at P18.15 to P25, with no new adjustments announced for these items.

Roque said the department has not convened new meetings on possible price adjustments, noting that market conditions have remained generally stable.

‘For now, none. We’re [stabilizing],’ she said when asked whether renewed tensions in the Middle East could trigger another round of price increases.

The DTI would resume discussions only if manufacturers formally express an intention to seek further adjustments, she said.

Globe Telecom Inc. subscribers can now tap multiple premium artificial intelligence (AI) models through a single application after the Ayala-led telco partnered with Indian startup AI Fiesta, which said the Philippines’s price-sensitive but digitally curious market mirrors the conditions that fueled its growth at home.

Under the partnership, Globe is offering exclusive access packs to AI Fiesta, an application that bundles more than five leading AI models-including ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Grok, and DeepSeek-into one platform.

The tie-up allows users to run a single prompt across different models simultaneously, compare their outputs, and identify which systems work best for writing, research, creative work, and other tasks without paying for multiple subscriptions.

AI Fiesta CEO and co-founder Mohammad Hasan said the company is betting on Filipino consumers, the same segment that drove its momentum in India.

‘It is consumer-it is our strength in India as well. We continue to see the same momentum in the Philippines because we see a similar mindset. Both countries are price sensitive,’ Hasan said in a press briefing. ‘Our key is to make AI accessible and to increase adoption. Once we start that, leveling up is not a problem.’

Hasan said the application was built to simplify an increasingly crowded AI landscape, letting users ‘compare responses, discover which models best suit different tasks, and make AI more useful for learning, work, creativity, and everyday productivity.’ Globe Chief Marketing Officer KD Dizon said the exclusive offers respond to shifting consumer behavior, particularly among Gen Z and Millennial users who have begun folding AI tools into their personal and professional routines, even as many Filipinos remain wary over misinformation, security, and job displacement.

‘AI is becoming part of everyday life, especially for Filipinos looking for smarter and more efficient ways to manage work, studies, passion projects, and personal responsibilities,’ Dizon said.

The Globe-exclusive packages use a token-based system, with tokens serving as the platform’s currency for generating AI responses depending on prompt complexity-a structure the telco said gives users greater control over spending.

AI Fiesta carries specialized features, such as Image Studio for design and visualization, Super Fiesta Mode for intelligent model matching, and tools for deep research and real-time web retrieval.

Dizon said the partnership forms part of Globe’s broader ambition to build an AI ecosystem spanning productivity, creativity, financial empowerment, and entertainment, positioning the telco as more than a connectivity provider.

‘As AI evolves, access and education become equally important,’ she said. ‘Globe’s role goes beyond connectivity; we want to be a trusted partner in helping Filipinos navigate and benefit from emerging technologies responsibly.’

DASMARIÑAS City Mayor Jennifer Barzaga filed a certificate of candidacy (COC) on Friday, the last day of filing for the special election in Cavite’s Fourth Legislative District.

Barzaga is seeking to represent the district in the House of Representatives after the expulsion of her son, former congressman Francisco Barzaga.

The special election, scheduled on August 29, will be held to fill the congressional seat vacated following Kiko Barzaga’s removal from the House in June.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Barzaga became the fifth aspirant to formally enter the race.

Comelec Spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said Barzaga’s candidacy is allowed because there is no existing disqualification against incumbent elective officials seeking another elected post.

‘Yes, it is legal because, as you will notice, there is no disqualification simply because a person is already holding an elected position. This involves an elective office, not an appointive one,’ Laudiangco said.

He added that Barzaga’s current term as mayor has a fixed duration, allowing her to remain in office while running for another elective position.

‘So even if she files her certificate of candidacy, there will be no problem,’ he said.

Section 14 of Republic Act 9006, or the Fair Election Act, repealed Section 67 of the Omnibus Election Code, removing the rule that previously deemed incumbent elective officials resigned upon filing certificates of candidacy for another elective office.

Laudiangco said Barzaga will vacate the mayoral post only if she wins the special election and assumes office as representative.

‘If she wins and assumes the new position she was elected to, then she will definitely have to vacate the position she currently holds,’ he said.

He added that the vacancy would be filled through succession under Section 44 of the Local Government Code, with the vice mayor automatically assuming the mayoralty in case of a permanent vacancy.

Meanwhile, when asked if the poll body discourages those who are already in politics to still file for another position, Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia said they just follow the law.

‘We cannot do that. So long as it is allowed by law then we cannot stop [incumbents from running],’ Garcia told the BusinessMirror.

Aside from Barzaga, the other candidates who filed their certificates of candidacy are Raul Rex del Rosario Mangubat, Marvin Opamin Dupal-ag, Leysander Aguilar Ordenes and Jacinto Bautista Jr. Frani.

Comelec closed the filing period at 5 p.m. on Friday and confirmed that no extension would be granted.

‘After the 5:00 p.m. deadline today, July 17, we received five certificates of candidacy. Those are the only candidates whose COCs have been officially accepted for this special election,’ Laudiangco said.

SOME victories are remembered because they produce champions. Others are remembered because they transform an entire sport. Australia II’s triumph in the 1983 America’s Cup accomplished both.

For 132 years, the America’s Cup had never left the United States. Since the New York Yacht Club first won the trophy in 1851, every challenger had failed. The Cup had become less a sporting contest than a symbol of American dominance in yacht racing. That changed when Australia II crossed the finish line ahead of Liberty in the decisive seventh race off Newport, Rhode Island.

The achievement remains one of the greatest upsets in sporting history.

Australia entered the series as the underdog, but it possessed two critical advantages: a willingness to innovate and a crew that believed it could succeed where generations of challengers had fallen short. Skipper John Bertrand fostered a culture of confidence and preparation, while designer Ben Lexcen introduced the revolutionary winged keel, a concept that promised greater speed and maneuverability. Although the design attracted scrutiny throughout the campaign, it ultimately proved to be one of the defining technological breakthroughs in sailing.

Technology alone, however, does not win championships.

After falling behind three races to one, Australia II faced elimination. History suggested the contest was effectively over. Instead, the crew responded with remarkable composure, winning three consecutive races against an experienced American team. Their ability to recover under immense pressure demonstrated not only technical excellence but also exceptional mental resilience.

The final race encapsulated everything that makes elite sailing unique. Tactical decisions, boat handling, changing wind conditions, and crew coordination became as important as outright speed. Australia II overcame a significant deficit during the race, gradually reducing Liberty’s advantage before taking the lead late in the contest. It was a victory earned through patience, precision, and confidence rather than desperation.

The significance of the result extended well beyond the waters of Newport.

In Australia, the victory became a defining national sporting moment, celebrated alongside the country’s greatest achievements in cricket, rugby, and Olympic competition. It reinforced the belief that Australian athletes and innovators could compete successfully against the world’s most established sporting powers. The win also united Australians in a way few sporting events had done before, creating memories that remain vivid more than four decades later.

For the America’s Cup itself, the impact was equally profound. Australia II ended one of the longest championship reigns in world sport and ushered in a new era of international competition. Yacht design, sports science, and technological innovation became increasingly central to success, raising the standard of the event for future generations.

Looking back, Australia II’s victory was never simply about sailing faster than another yacht. It was about challenging convention, embracing innovation, and refusing to accept that history could not be changed. The crew demonstrated that preparation, courage, and belief could overcome even the most daunting legacy in international sport.

The 1983 America’s Cup remains more than an iconic Australian sporting achievement. It stands as one of the defining moments in global sport, proving that no record no matter how enduring is beyond the reach of those willing to challenge it.