Category: Business Mirror

Cancer treatment can be a long and challenging journey. Aside from coping with the physical and emotional effects of cancer, many patients and their families also worry about the cost of treatment. The good news is that Patient Access Programs can help eligible patients continue their treatment by making cancer medicines more affordable.

Patient Access Programs are designed to help eligible patients reduce the cost of their prescribed cancer medicines through discounts or free medicines funded by pharmaceutical companies. Depending on the specific program, patients may receive discounts on their treatment or qualify for free doses after meeting certain eligibility requirements. These programs help lessen the financial burden of cancer care and allow patients to stay on track with the treatment plan recommended by their physician.

‘Cancer treatment should never be interrupted because of financial concerns. Patient Access Programs play an important role in helping eligible patients continue their prescribed treatment by connecting them with available support that can make life-saving medicines more affordable,’ said Dr. Mary Ondinee Manalo-Igot, Oncologist at the Asian Cancer Institute, Asian Hospital and Medical Center.

Available financial assistance

Many people are unaware that financial assistance may be available to help cover the cost of cancer treatment. By asking their healthcare team about Patient Access Programs, eligible patients can learn about the available options and determine whether they qualify. Each program has its own eligibility requirements, which typically include a valid prescription and other medical and program-specific criteria.

‘Early conversations about financial support are just as important as discussing treatment options. Patients should feel comfortable asking their healthcare team about Patient Access Programs, as these may help them stay on track with the treatment recommended by their physician,’ Dr. Manalo-Igot added.

At Asian Hospital and Medical Center, patients may inquire about available Patient Access Programs through their attending physician or by visiting Chrys Specialty Pharmacy. As a patient access hub, Chrys Specialty Pharmacy provides information on available programs, explains eligibility requirements, assists with enrollment, and works closely with the patient’s healthcare team to make the process as smooth and convenient as possible.

Government assistance

In addition to Patient Access Programs, eligible patients may also explore government financial assistance. With the guidance of the Medical Social Worker at the Outpatient Health Services, patients can apply for available government assistance programs. Chrys Specialty Pharmacy can also prepare the treatment quotation required for the application.

To further help patients manage the cost of treatment, Asian Hospital and Medical Center also partners with BDO, BPI, UnionBank, and HSBC to offer qualified cardholders flexible installment payment options, including up to three months at 0% interest. Together with Patient Access Programs and government financial assistance, these initiatives help ensure that financial concerns do not prevent eligible patients from receiving the treatment they need.

‘Our goal is to ensure that eligible patients have access to the treatment they need without unnecessary delays due to financial challenges. Through Patient Access Programs and the support of our multidisciplinary team, we help patients navigate available assistance so they can focus on their treatment and recovery with confidence,’ Dr. Manalo-Igot emphasized.

For inquiries about Patient Access Programs, you may call the Asian Hospital and Medical Center hotline at (02) 8771-9000 local 5913 or email infohub@asianhospital.com. You may also follow the hospital’s official social media pages at @AsianHospitalPH for updates, health information, and patient services.

Pagcor to launch protective app

THE Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) announced it will soon launch an application that will enable online gaming players to use only licensed and regulated platforms. Speaking to members of the House Committee on Appropriations during the agency’s budget hearing on August 24, Pagcor Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said the planned app, to be launch before the end of the year, aims to strengthen player protection amid the proliferation of illegal online gaming platforms. Tengco said the application will make it easier for players to play exclusively in authorized gaming sites that are subject to regulatory requirements and safeguards.

PDIC retains certification for processes

The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. (PDIC) announced it has maintained its ISO 9001:2015 certification for the ‘quality management system’ (QMS) of two of its core operations following a successful surveillance audit by certifying body TÜV SÜD Management Service GmbH (TÜV SÜD). Conducted in May 2026, the first surveillance audits for the year evaluated the QMS on ‘claims settlement operations’ (CSO) and ‘assessment of member banks’ (AMB), the PDIC said in a statement. The audit yielded zero major or minor non-conformities, ‘reflecting the corporation’s robust institutional compliance and high standard of service delivery,’ it added.

SG firm awards Security Bank

THE Security Bank Corp. announced it and subsidiary Security Bank Capital Investment Corp. (Security Bank Capital) earned three recognitions at the ‘Asian Banking and Finance Awards 2026,’ an event organized by Singaporean firm Charlton Media Group. The lender’s retail statement read that its banking segment was awarded ‘Mobile Banking and Payment Initiative of the Year-Philippines’ while its wholesale banking segment was awarded ‘Domestic Digital Transformation Bank of the Year.’ Security Bank Capital also received Syndicated Loan of the Year-Philippines for the P150 billion senior term loan for Terra Solar Philippines Inc.

GRAB Philippines is giving users more ways to save by expanding how they can earn and redeem GrabCoins across everyday rides, food orders, grocery purchases, and cashless payments.

Users can earn GrabCoins through eligible GrabCar bookings, GrabFood and GrabMart orders, GrabPay transactions, and selected in-app activities, then redeem them for vouchers or discounts on eligible rides, deliveries, grocery purchases, and in-store payments.

All Grab users can earn GrabCoins by completing eligible transactions and participating in in-app activities. These include making an Advanced Booking or Group Ride, hosting a GrabFood group order, ordering during special periods, and shopping from participating grocery and pharmacy categories on GrabMart.

GrabUnlimited members also receive enhanced GrabCoins on eligible cashless transactions, earning 6 GrabCoins for every P100 spent using GrabPay and 3 GrabCoins for every 100 spent using other cashless payment methods.

The popular service is also introducing Double Coins Days, a monthly promotion available to all users from the 23rd to the 25th of each month. During this period, users can earn 2× GrabCoins on selected transactions, with participating offers available on the GrabCoins homepage.

Once earned, GrabCoins can be redeemed for vouchers from the GrabCoins catalogue or applied directly to eligible GrabCar, GrabFood and GrabMart transactions through the GrabCoins toggle feature.

Users can also use GrabCoins for in-store QR Ph purchases when paying with GrabPay. GrabCoins remain valid for six months from the date they are earned.

Users can check their GrabCoins balance and browse available rewards anytime through the Grab app.

Before guests even reach the reception desk, Kaban Hotel and Casino (Boracay) sets the tone for a different kind of arrival, one that begins not with check-in, but with a moment of pause.

At the heart of its main lobby now stands Paraw Sails Painting, a commissioned installation by contemporary Filipino visual artist Jo Balbarona, unveiled as the property’s signature artistic centerpiece. The reveal was led by General Manager Sherwinne Cabalang, together with Abigael Teotico, owner of Galerie Stephanie, reinforcing KABAN’s commitment to integrating Filipino artistry into its evolving hospitality narrative.

Inspired by the iconic paraw, the traditional sailboat that has long defined Boracay’s coastal identity, the installation transforms folded sail-like forms into a sculptural composition that evokes wind, movement, and the quiet rhythm of island life. It is both homage and reinterpretation, anchored in heritage, yet expressed through a distinctly contemporary visual language.

Balbarona, born in Hindang, Leyte in 1977, is known for her vibrant visual language that bridges abstraction, symbolism, and the delicate motif of origami cranes. She initially studied Food Science and Technology at the University of the Philippines Los Baños before fully dedicating herself to art. Her practice was further shaped by training at the Art Students League of New York under abstract painter Ronnie Landfield, expanding her exploration of color, form, and emotional resonance.

Her body of work often reflects themes of hope, healing, memory, and transformation, with the Japanese tradition of senbazuru (1,000 paper cranes) serving as a recurring symbol of aspiration and renewal. Over the years, she has exhibited in leading galleries including Galerie Joaquin, Galleria Nicolas, Galerie Raphael, and Galerie Stephanie, and was recognized as a finalist in both the 2017 GSIS National Art Competition and the 2017 Metrobank Art and Design Excellence competition.

In Paraw Sails Origami, these sensibilities converge in a spatial experience that extends beyond visual appreciation. The work becomes a meditation on journey-of travelers arriving on the island, and of the island itself as it continues to evolve.

Miss Kimberly Wong, COO of KABAN, extends her message: ‘At KABAN, we believe our spaces should inspire. By placing Jo’s work at the heart of our lobby, we ensure that every guest who enters is greeted not only by hospitality, but by culture and story.’

More than a design statement, the installation reflects Kaban’s broader vision of hospitality as an immersive cultural encounter, where art is not an accessory, but an essential part of place-making. As the property moves closer to its opening, Paraw Sails Origami stands as both a visual landmark and a quiet invitation: to experience Boracay not only as a destination, but as a living narrative shaped by art, memory, and movement.

KABAN Boracay redefines arrival as art – hospitality shaped by emotion and culture, not just space.

THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Wednesday announced the rescue of five Vietnamese nationals believed to be victims of human trafficking as the agency intensifies its ongoing efforts against such crime.

NBI Director Melvin A. Matibag said the rescue operation was initiated by the agents of the NBI-Human Trafficking Division (NBI-HTRAD) as part of its expanded operations to combat human trafficking through extensive surveillance and coordination with local and international law enforcement agencies.

The operation was conducted last August 11 following an intelligence report indicating that a Vietnamese national was involved in sex trafficking.

The individual was reportedly recruiting and transporting foreign women, including alleged minors, to Manila for commercial sexual exploitation.

Acting on the said information, an undercover agent from the NBI-HTRAD contacted the individual via Telegram.

During their interactions, the individual offered women for sexual services in exchange for payment.

After negotiations, the said individual agreed to deliver a woman of his choosing to a specific location, a hotel in Pasay City, where the undercover agent was waiting.

Subsequently, the NBI together with Pasay Social Welfare and Development Department (PSWDD) hatched an entrapment and rescue operation to capture the suspect.

During the operation, the operatives intercepted two Vietnamese women which include the woman offered by the suspect to the undercover agent and another one who has access to the Telegram account that was used in the transaction.

The rescued victims told the arresting officers that their belongings were in a unit in a condominium building in Pasay, prompting the operatives to accompany them to the said place.

While inside the unit, the NBI agents discovered a transparent plastic sachet containing suspected shabu and three drug paraphernalia items.

The trafficked victims admitted that they used these illegal drugs before every meeting with their clients.

During interrogation, one of the trafficked victims confessed that she had previously been housed in another condominium unit in Pasay with other women which led authorities to conduct a follow-up operation.

The NBI-HTRAD operatives proceeded to the condominium and were able to rescue three Vietnamese nationals, who were also victims of human trafficking.

Matibag commended the NBI-HTRAD agents for their successful operation against a notorious prostitution ring.

THE Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines Inc. (JCCIPI) forged a deal to strengthen the country’s business environment further and reinforce investor confidence.

ARTA and JCCIPI signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines. The partnership formalizes closer linkages between the national government and the Japanese business community to advance regulatory reforms, improve government service delivery, and support the effective implementation of Republic Act 11032, or the ‘Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018.’

Under the MOU, JCCIPI and its nearly 700 member companies and affiliated organizations nationwide will serve as ARTA champions, working alongside the agency to identify regulatory bottlenecks, report red tape and fixing activities, participate in policy consultations, and promote awareness of ease of doing business initiatives within the Japanese business community.

In turn, ARTA will craft capacity-building programs, endorse and resolve complaints involving violations of RA 11032, and seek JCCIPI’s recommendations in improving government regulations, systems, and procedures.

Reforms and benefits

JCCIPI President Shigeru Shimoda and Secretary Ernesto V. Perez, who serves as ARTA director general, signed the agreement. Ambassador of Japan Kazuya Endo; JCCIPI vice president Kazuhiro Nomura; Undersecretary Juabilly P. Racho, who is ARTA’s deputy director general for Regional Field Operations; and Undersecretary Lea-Grace Salcedo, who is the agency’s deputy director general for Operations, witnessed the signing.

In his remarks, Shimoda emphasized that regulatory efficiency remains a key factor in attracting investments and enabling businesses to grow. He reaffirmed JCCIPI’s commitment to working closely with the Philippine government to create a more transparent, efficient, and globally competitive business environment, then expressed confidence that the strengthened partnership with ARTA would lead to meaningful reforms and tangible benefits for both Japanese investors and the Philippine economy.

For his part, Perez underscored ARTA’s commitment to simplifying government processes and highlighted the importance of sustained private-sector engagement in shaping practical and responsive regulatory reforms.

Representing the Japanese government, Endo welcomed the strengthened collaboration between ARTA and JCCIPI, noting that initiatives that enhance regulatory efficiency contribute to a stronger investment climate and further deepen the longstanding economic partnership between Japan and the Philippines.

Shared commitment

JAPAN remains one of the Philippines’ largest sources of foreign direct investment, trade, and development cooperation. The MOU signing reflects ARTA and JCCIPI’s shared commitment to fostering a more predictable, transparent, and efficient regulatory environment that supports business growth, encourages greater investment, and enhances the Philippines’ competitiveness as an investment hub.

As one of the country’s largest foreign business organizations, JCCIPI continues to work closely with the Philippine government and its stakeholders to advocate policies that promote sustainable economic growth, facilitate trade and investment, and strengthen the enduring economic partnership between Japan and the Philippines.

Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday challenged the prosecutors and members of Congress to prove her impeachable offense ‘with evidence-not insults, speculation, or political theatrics.’

In a statement, Duterte said that if the prosecutors and members of Congress wanted to ‘legitimize’ the two impeachment complaints against her she claimed ‘filed without a shred of evidence,’ they should be confident in the strength of the case.

‘They should not be fishing for evidence during the trial or desperately try to turn something they wish to be true into a wild story of alleged wrongdoing,’ Duterte stressed.

A strong case, she also pointed out, does not need the adornment of theatrics.

She cited that a senator calling a witness ‘stupid,’ a lawyer calling her the ‘mastermind of a scam’ or another witness referring to her as a ‘brat’ does not prove a case, nor does it produce evidence.

‘Insults reveal the need to feign confidence in the face of a weak presentation,’ she said.

‘Mga kababayan, lubog na ang bansa sa baha at kahirapan, pero tila walang mananagot, dahil ang impeachment, ang paghati-hatian ang 2027 budget, at ang paghahanda kung papaano baliin ang Constitution para manatili sa puwesto ang prayoridad ng administrasyon at lahat ng kaalyado nito,’ she furthered.

The ‘senator’ Duterte was apparently referring to is Senator-Judge Raffy Tulfo who described former Office of the Vice President (OVP) special disbursing officer Gina Acosta as ‘stupid in the name of blind loyalty’ during the 17th day of the impeachment trial.

On Tuesday, the day 18 of the trial, private prosecutor Atty. Mae Divinagracia used the words ‘scam’ and ‘mastermind,’ which the prosecution lawyer used in her direct examination of OVP Asec. Lemuel Ortonio, a hostile witness.

Defense counsel Kristine Ferrer immediately objected and moved to strike the statement from the record.

‘Your honor, please, objection. Moved to strike, your honor, the statement,’ Ferrer said.

She then complained to the impeachment court about what she said is the frequent use of such terms by the prosecution, especially during their closing arguments.

‘We would like to ask the court to remind the prosecution not to use inappropriate words like scam, mastermind and nagsisinungaling. This is the third time your honor that we heard those words, specifically the word ‘scam.’ This is a solemn proceeding, this is a court of law, a court of procedures, and actually, a court of decorum and we are not supposed to make accusation, conclusion or insinuation, so we request the court to kindly remind the prosecution,’ Ferrer said.

‘It does seem that it’s becoming a habit. I would rather use the word ‘habit’ than ‘pattern’ for the panel of prosecutors to close their direct examination with such strong statements,’ Ferrer added.

The defense counsel said such words were ‘inappropriate’ for the proceedings.

Presiding Officer Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero said he agreed with the defense on the matter.

Duterte was also referring to the July 21, 2026, trial wherein during cross-examination by defense lawyer Mark Vinluan National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag stated that he heard the term ‘bratinella’ used by former President Rodrigo Duterte when referring to the Vice President.

Leading questions not misleading questions

Defense counsel Kristine Ferrer clarified during the 19th day of the impeachment trial that she meant to say ‘leading questions,’ not ‘misleading questions,’ were allowed during the cross-examination on August 12 impeachment trial.

However, private prosecutor Lorna Kapunan was not convinced, and maintained that Ferrer had been referring to misleading questions.

‘Before I start my cross-examination, just to put the record straight, your honor. When I said they are allowed, I was referring to leading questions,’ said Ferrer who raised the matter before she started her cross- examination of Office of the Vice President Assistant Secretary and Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio.

‘Because the journal dated August 12 would show that I was indeed asking a leading question before Atty. Kapunan objected, your honor,’ she added, recalling the incident when she cross-examined of Commission on Audit auditor Xylene Mae del Campo.

Ferrer also said she should be allowed to ask questions in her own manner.

She said she was asking a leading question to del Campo when Kapunan objected.

‘So, if we take a look at it, with all due respect, the objection was even improper at that time, your honor,’ Ferrer said.

Kapunan, however, said that some questions are not simply answerable by a simple yes or no.

Spokesperson for the defense team Atty. Michael Poa emphasized their team’s commitment following the rulings of the impeachment court, including the recent order concerning their public statements.

Senate Impeachment Court Presiding Officer Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero on Wednesday issued a strict enforcement of the sub judice rule, prohibiting public discussions, media commentary, or outside statements regarding the merits of the active case.

However, due to the matter, Poa said that he will discuss with Duterte. He also apologized to the members of the media after he declined some scheduled interviews

‘But I appreciate, of course, the ruling of the presiding officer,’ he said, adding that he totally agree to the decision.

‘But to be honest, we don’t want to comment any further,’ he said.

Poa also said that the defense is actively looking for a new spokesperson to better manage communications and explain the technical legal process to the public.

The ancient Philippine boat balangay is the symbol of Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival ‘because it is the vessel that carries new filmmakers and their stories across rough seas.’

The core mission of Cinemalaya is to discover, nurture, and empower new cinematic voices in the Philippines.

Founded in 2005 by the Cultural Center of the Philippines, it strives to give voice to overlooked Filipino stories, promote artistic excellence, and revitalize Philippine independent cinema.

From 2005 to 2009, there was only one Full length film category. From 2010 to 2014, the competition was divided into two: the Directors’ Showcase and the New Breed. Then it reverted to one Full length in 2015.

The Directors’ Showcase was created for veteran Filipino filmmakers as a platform to push artistic boundaries and create independent works free from mainstream commercial constraints. The New Breed is for the amateur/debut filmmakers.

Only short films competed in 2015, 2020 and 2021.

The early winning films in the Full length category are ‘Pepot Artista’ (2005), ‘Tulad ng Dati’ (2006), ‘Tribu’ (2007), ‘Jay’ (2008), and ‘Last Supper No. 3′ (2009).

The winners in the Directors’ showcase are ‘Donor’ (2010), ‘Bisperas’ (2011), ‘Posas’ (2012), ‘Sana Dati’ (2013), and ‘Kasal’ (2014). The New Breed winners are ‘Halaw’ (2010), ‘Ang Babae sa Septic Tank’ (2011), ‘Diablo’ (2012), ‘Transit’ (2013), and ‘Bwaya’ (2014).

The winners in the Main Full length competition are ‘Pamilya Ordinaryo’ (2016), ‘Respeto’ (2017), ‘Kung Paano Hinihintay ang Dapithapon’ (2018), ‘John Denver Trending’ (2019), ‘The Baseball Player’ (2022), ‘Iti Mapukpukaw’ (2023), ‘Tumandok’ (2024), ‘Bloom Where You Are Planted’ (2025) and ‘Mag-iina’ (2026).

The early winners as Best Actor in the full length feature include Eddie Garcia for ‘ICU Bed #7’ (2005), ‘Alchris Galura for Batad’ (2006), the male ensemble of ‘Tribu’ (2007), Baron Geisler for ‘Jay’ (2008) and Lou Veloso for ‘Colorum’ (2009).

Best Actress awardees include Meryll Soriano for ‘Room Boy’ (2005), Angel Aquino for ‘Donsol’ (2006), Ina Feleo for ‘Endo’ (2007), Mylene Dizon for ‘100’ (2008), and Ina Feleo for ‘Sanglaan’ (2009).

Best Actors in the Directors’ showcase are Baron Geisler for ‘Donor’ (2010), Bembol Roco for ‘Isda’ (2011), Eddie Garcia for ‘Bwakaw’ (2012), Robert Arevalo for ‘Hari ng Tondo’ (2014). There was no awardee in 2013.

Best Actors in the New Breed are John Arcilla for ‘Halaw’ (2010), Edgar Allan Guzman for ‘Ligo na Ü, Lapit na Me’ (2011), Kristoffer King for ‘Oros’ (2012), Mimi Juareza for ‘Quick Change’ (2013), and Dante Rivero for ‘1st Ko Si 3rd’ (2014).

Best Actors in the Full-Length Features include Tommy Abuel for ‘Dagsin’ (2016), Noel Comia Jr. for ‘Kiko Boksingero’ (2017), Eddie Garcia for ‘ML’ (2018), Jansen Magpusao for John Denver ‘Trending’ (2019), Tommy Alejandrino for ‘The Baseball Player’ (2022), Mikoy Morales for ‘Tether’ (2023), Enzo Osorio for ‘The Hearing’ (2024), Jojit Lorenzo for ‘Habang Nilalamon ng Hydra ang Kasaysayan’ (2025), and Martin del Rosario for ‘Tayo Lang Ang Nakakaalam’ (2026).

Best Actress awardees in the Directors’ showcase include Meryll Soriano for ‘Donor’ (2010), Raquel Villavicencio for ‘Bisperas’ (2011), Vilma Santos for ‘Ekstra’ (2013), and Nora Aunor for ‘Hustisya’ (2014).

Best Actress awardees in the New Breed include Lovi Poe for ‘Mayohan’ (2010), Eugene Domingo for ‘Ang Babae sa Septic Tank’ (2011), Ama Quiambao for ‘Diablo’ (2012), Irma Adlawan for ‘Transit’ (2013), and Eula Valdes for ‘Dagitab’ (2014).

Best actress in the Full-Length Features include Hasmine Kilip for ‘Pamilya Ordinaryo’ (2016), Angeli Bayani for ‘Bagahe’ (2017), Ai-ai delas Alas for ‘School Service’ (2018), Ruby Ruiz for ‘Iska’ (2019), Max Eigenmann for ’12 Weeks’ (2022), Pat Tingjuy for ‘Rookie’ (2023), Gabby Padilla for ‘Kono Basho,’ and Marian Rivera for ‘Balota’ (2024), Mylene Dizon for ‘Habang Nilalamon ng Hydra ang Kasaysayan’ (2025), Marietta ‘Pokwang’ Subong for ‘2 Valid IDs’ (2026).

The latest victory by character actress Ruby Ruiz marks her fourth Balanghai trophy, cementing her place in the festival’s history with the most number of acting citations: two Best actress for ‘Iska’ (2019) and ‘Status: Rejected’ (2026), while two Best Supporting Actress for ‘Ekstra’ (2013) and ‘Ginhawa’ (2022).

She officially surpassed the longtime acting record previously held by the late Eddie Garcia. He won Best Actor thrice for ‘ICU Bed#7’ (2005), ‘Bwakaw’ (2012), and ‘ML’ (2018).

Baron Geisler won Best Actor twice for ‘Jay’ (2008) and ‘Donor’ (2010).

Two actresses won the Best Actress awards twice: Merylle Soriano for ‘Room Boy’ (2005) and ‘Donor’ (2010), and Ina Feleo for ‘Endo’ (2007) and ‘Sanglaan’ (2009).

Ruiz shared the 2026 Best Actress award for Status: Rejected, in a tie with Marietta ‘Pokwang’ Subong ‘2 Valid IDs.’

The youngest winner of Best Actor award was Noel Comia Jr. for ‘Kiko Boksingero’ (2017) when he was 13 years old, followed by 5-year-olds Ansen Magpusao for ‘John Denver Trending’ (2019) and Enzo Osorio for ‘The Hearing’ (2024).

Nathan Lopez was also 13 when he was given Special Citation for ‘Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros’ (2005).

Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the Seafarers’ Division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan Law Offices. For comments, e-mail info@sapalovelez.com, or call 0908-8665786.

HAVING children who are 20 and 17 now, I am continuously learning that parenting teenagers involves learning when to hold on and when to let go. Today, that independence unfolds in a digital world that changes faster than most parents can follow. At the recent TikTok #ThinkTwice Troop Townhall I attended, one message stayed with me: Our job as parents is not to know everything our teens know, but to keep the relationship strong enough that they still want us beside them as they navigate it.

Kuya Kim Atienza, veteran television host, educator and parent creator, captured this generational reality simply: ‘Teens nowadays are different. We just have to accept, as parents, that teens are different, and we have to speak their language.’ He continued, ‘We just have to listen without judging and meet them where they are. As we meet them where they are, we also have to learn their language. We will not be able to meet them where they are if we’re not on social media.’

That does not mean parents must imitate their teenagers or follow every trend. It means understanding enough of their environment to have a meaningful conversation about it. I picked up from him that our authority cannot depend only on the favorite phrase ‘Because I said so,’ like how our parents raised us in the past.

The digital age also makes adolescence more complicated. Dr. Francis Dimalanta described how identity exploration now happens before an audience and in real time, with algorithmically generated feedback.

Online spaces can offer belonging, but their always-on qualities can also bring risks involving sleep, social comparison and cyberbullying. The digital world is not simply good or bad. It is a space our teens are inhabiting, and they need support and guidance from people they can truly trust. This connects with Sheila Estabillo of Plan International Pilipinas, who said: ‘Each of us has a role to play. Our ultimate goal here is not to remove teens from the digital environment, but to equip them with the necessary practical skills so they can safely navigate the online environment safely, critically and responsibly.’

My interview with undersecretary Angelo Tapales of the Council for the Welfare of Children helped place this family conversation within a wider system of child protection. He explained that the council is an interagency government body attached to the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and discussed the Makabata Helpline 1383 as a central mechanism for children’s concerns operating 24/7. He described linkages with government partners including the PNP and NBI among others, for relevant concerns, as well as connections for mental-health cases that need escalation.

Usec. Tapales also discussed the council’s work with the Department of Education, including linking the Makabata Helpline with the DepEd hotline to address bullying, cyberbullying and other concerns involving children. His broader point was that child protection begins at home but continues in school and in the community. This matters in a digital age because online harm does not stay neatly online. The people and institutions surrounding a child need ways to respond together.

Another point from my interview struck close to my own advocacy: Play. Usec. Tapales highligted that under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, children have a right to play-not only games and leisure, but open spaces where they can play. For families living with screens, this reminds us that digital balance is not only about what we remove. It is also about what we make room for-play, movement, rest, family time and real-world relationships.

Dr. Francis Dimalanta has been a long advocate of play. He has shared his Age-by-Age L.E.A.R.N (Learn, Explore, Art and Active, Read and Nurture) play regimen for 0-8 years old through Ogalala. I learned that time spent in various types of play with my children through the years, has set a strong foundation for our open conversations today, of both their physical and digital worlds.

I believe parenting a teen in the digital age is not about winning a race against technology. We probably cannot. It is about making sure technology does not outrun our relationship with our child. We can learn their language without surrendering our values, set boundaries without becoming a police figure, and listen without immediately judging. Our teens may explore a world very different from the one we knew, but they still need something timeless: a home for a question, a mistake, an uncomfortable experience brought forth or a new idea, and know that conversation is still open. In a world of many links, feeds and algorithms, perhaps our strongest connection will always be the human one.

As parents, grandparents, titos, titas, ninongs and ninangs, let’s build this foundational and much-needed connection with children around us today, to guide them in developing skills toward a healthy mental and social environment for themselves.

A new chapter in MG Motor Philippines’ electrification journey is

about to begin, as the brand prepares to introduce the new MG S5 EV and launch the MG New Energy Tour 2026, bringing its latest electrified vehicles and technologies closer to Filipino motorists.

Set to take place on August 27, 2026, at the Trinoma Activity Center, the upcoming event will mark both the Philippine debut of the MG S5 EV and the official kickoff of MG’s nationwide New Energy roadshow. Together, the launch and tour reflect MG’s continued push to make electrified mobility more accessible, practical, and relevant to the everyday Filipino driver. At the center of the occasion is the MG S5 EV, an all-electric compact SUV designed around the demands of everyday driving. Combining sporty rear-wheel-drive performance with the versatility of an SUV, the S5 EV is positioned to offer an electric driving experience that is engaging enough for enthusiasts while remaining practical for daily commutes, errands, family trips, and weekend drives.

While the S5 EV represents MG’s latest move into fully electric mobility, its arrival also forms part of a larger push to help Filipino motorists better understand and experience the growing range of New Energy technologies available today.

This is where the MG New Energy Tour 2026 comes in.

Launching alongside the S5 EV in Manila, the nationwide roadshow will bring MG’s electrified lineup directly to motorists in different parts of the country. The tour will feature MG’s range of Hybrid+, Plug-in Hybrid, and Battery Electric Vehicles, giving visitors the opportunity to see the vehicles up close, explore their technologies, participate in interactive experiences, and get behind the wheel through test drives.

The roadshow will continue to different regions in the next months, bringing the New Energy experience to more communities and giving more Filipino motorists the opportunity to discover which type of electrified mobility best suits their lifestyle. For MG Philippines, the goal is to make New Energy mobility easier to understand and experience as the expanding range gives customers more choices when they consider the next vehicle for their daily lives.

The upcoming Manila event therefore marks the beginning of more than a new vehicle launch. It starts a nationwide conversation around how electrified mobility can become part of the way Filipinos drive every day. Customers, automotive enthusiasts, and the public are invited to join MG Motor Philippines on August 27, 2026 at the Trinoma Activity Center for the official unveiling of the new MG S5 EV and the launch of the MG New Energy Tour 2026.