Category: Philippine Star

Like the deluge back home in Manila, gold medals went down like a downpour in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, where Team Philippines scooped up eight mints in the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships Saturday night.

Alexsandra Ann Diaz, the 15-year-old niece of Tokyo Olympics gold winner Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo, was at the center of the Philippine cyclone as she swept all three mints in the youth women’s 49-kilogram class with triumphant lifts of 77kg in snatch and 92kg in clean jerk for a total of 169kg.

Diaz’s same lifts were also counted in the older junior division but they only produced two bronzes in snatch and total.

Also with a trifecta of golds was Jerick Icon Castro, who collected his in the youth men’s 60kg where had 116kg in snatch, 144 in clean and jerk and a total of 243kg.

The Nationals’ other couple of golden efforts came from Prince Keil delos Santos with a 120kg in snatch in the junior men’s 60kg section and Angeline Colonia with an 80kg in snatch in the women’s 49 class category.

It came with two extra bronzes for Delos Santos in clean and jerk (144kg) and total (264kg) and a couple of silvers for Colonia in clean and jerk (93kg) and total (173kg).

Kirby Kent Alas chipped in two bronzes in snatch (110kg) and total (243kg) in the youth men’s 60kg class to raise the Filipinos’ total medal harvest of 10 golds, including two by Althea Bacaro in the youth women’s 45kg the day before, four silvers and nine bronzes.

San Miguel Food and Beverage Inc. (SMFB) saw its earnings dip by four percent to P22.1 billion in the first half as inflation, slower economic growth and geopolitical disruptions weighed on consumer spending and some export markets.

Revenue for the six-month period, however, improved by two percent year-on-year to P205.3 billion, led by the continued growth in its food business.

SMFB said overall demand across the company’s core categories remained relatively stable despite pressures.

‘Our business remained resilient through the first half of the year, supported by the strength of our operations and the hard work of our teams across the businesses,’ SMFB chairman Ramon Ang said.

‘We are managing our costs carefully, adding capacity where demand is growing and keeping our brands within reach,’ he said.

For the first half, the company’s food revenue grew by five percent to P99.3 billion, driven by its feeds segment and sustained demand for branded products, including Magnolia dairy and coffee products, Purefoods luncheon meats and Pinoy Favorites, as well as its more affordable product lines.

Net income of the food segment rose by eight percent to P6.4 billion.

Beer remained the group’s largest earnings contributor, although revenue inched down by one percent to P73.7 billion as consumers became more selective with discretionary spending amid elevated inflation and a weaker peso.

Domestic beer revenue was steady at P66 billion, as price adjustment earlier in the year to offset higher excise taxes helped cushion softer volumes.

International operations registered a revenue of $128.5 million, lower than a year earlier, as shipping disruptions in the Middle East affected deliveries to the region.

Beer net income declined by 12 percent to P11.4 billion.

Meanwhile, spirits revenue was steady at P32.3 billion as higher pricing offset softer volumes. Profitability improved despite the lower volumes, with net income increasing by three percent to P4.4 billion.

The negotiated sale of forfeited goods and luxury vehicles has generated P33.5 million in revenues, the Bureau of Customs announced yesterday.

The BOC said the public auction on July 30 concluded with accepted offers for seven of the 13 sale lots.

According to the BOC, the bulk of the revenues came from a 2018 Lexus LX570, which was sold at P2 million and a 2024 Ferrari SF90 Stradale (Mansory), which received an offer of P30.1 million.

‘I congratulate everyone who contributed to the success of this negotiated sale, and thank you also to our offerors. We will continue to strengthen our processes to further improve our service and deliver greater benefits to the government and Filipinos,’ BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said.

Nepomuceno added that the disposal demonstrates the BOC’s commitment to transparent, decisive and efficient customs administration.

The negotiated sale forms part of the bureau’s continuing efforts to ensure the lawful, transparent and efficient disposition of abandoned and forfeited goods in accordance with existing customs laws, rules and regulations, the BOC said.

The negotiated sale remains subject to the approval of the Secretary of Finance. If approved, the proceeds will be remitted to the Bureau of the Treasury.

The Marikina River reached the second alarm level on Sunday morning, August 9, amid rains brought by the Southwest Monsoon, or ‘habagat.’

The second alarm was raised at 10:56 a.m., according to the Marikina Public Information Office (PIO).

The Marikina PIO said the river’s water level had reached 16 meters.

Under the city’s alert system, the second alarm means residents should ‘evacuate’ as the river’s water level reaches 16 meters.

The third alarm means ‘force evacuation’ and is raised when the river’s water level reaches 18 meters.

The Southwest Monsoon may bring occasional rains over Metro Manila on Sunday, according to the state weather bureau PAGASA said.

The Go For Gold-Talisay Luigi Triathlon Group (TLTG) once again stamped its class, ruling the Ironkids Lapu-Lapu 2026 yesterday at Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu Resort.

The promising young triathletes under the guidance of coach Andoy Remolino hauled medals across divisions, reaffirming their dominance on the biggest Ironkinds action yet.

In the 13-15 age group, Zachary Angelo Da Silva and Lauren Lee Tan led the charge.

Da Silva outpaced Hans Nathan Samputon with a 12:10 finish, 17 seconds clear while teammate Therence Paulter Cañas secured bronze also with a 12:27 clocking.

On the girls side, Tan spearheaded a clean sweep for TLTG, clocking 13:14 ahead of teammates Henia Ethana Go (13:41) and Niala Kyrzl Limas (14:09).

TLTG posted a 1-2 finish in the 11-12 age group courtesy of Zoe Angel Da Silva and Veronica Moroña.

Maria Georgina Concepcion Sumaje added another gold for TLTG after ruling the girls 9-10 race while teammate John Luigi Remolino II got silver in the boys side. Zia Angel Da Silva claimed bronze in the girls 6-8 to complete TLTG’s podium finishers.

On the other hand, Amir Raphayel Lacanaria topped the boys 9-10 while Johan Benedict Santos and Francesca Bader Mendoza struck gold in the boys and girls 6-8 categories, respectively.

Relay events provided further drama with Team Salabite Swim Sting capturing the 6-10 title in 10:28, edging Team Villarica Brothers (10:38) and Team Pokémon (10:39).

Cebu Narwhal Swimming Team-SAS reigned supreme in the 11-15 mixed relay interestingly also with an 11:15 finish, holding off Team Hydro Immersion Swimming Team (11:26) and Team Fourd and Luke (11:

Several parts of Metro Manila and nearby areas are experiencing flooding due to the continued rains enhanced by the Southwest Monsoon, or “habagat” on Sunday, August 9.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and various local government units have reported flooding in several areas.

In its 3 a.m. weather advisory, PAGASA said Southwest Monsoon is affecting Luzon and Visayas.

The R.O.W. Initiative and the Asia-Pacific Regional Network for Early Childhood (ARNEC) have forged a partnership to strengthen the social-emotional well-being and resilience of young children in disaster-affected communities in Talisay City.

The partnership was formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed recently for the Social-Emotional Learning for Early Childhood Resilience Program, which will support young children, early childhood care and education (ECCE) teachers, caregivers, and communities affected by disasters.

The pilot program will be implemented in selected barangays in coordination with the Talisay City Government.

R.O.W. Initiative founder Kimberley Therese Burden-Gothong said the partnership marks a milestone in the organization’s efforts to help disaster-affected communities recover not only physically but also emotionally.

R.O.W. was established in November 2025 in response to Typhoon Tino.

‘In the aftermath of that disaster, we saw that recovery was not only about rebuilding what was damaged. It was also about restoring stability, dignity, and hope in the lives of families and communities,’ Burden-Gothong said.

She said she established R.O.W. in honor of the legacy of her mother, Dr. Rowena Burden, whose life was anchored on compassionate, practical, and community-based service.

Burden-Gothong also underscored the role of volunteers in disaster recovery and resilience-building, saying they can become community builders when organized, supported, and connected with strong partners.

Talisay City Mayor Samsam Gullas, meanwhile, said that partnerships are crucial in delivering better services to communities.

‘As a mayor, I think the best thing that you have to do when you start a project, a program, or a service is to realize and accept that you will never be a monopoly of knowledge,’ Gullas said.

Talisay City has since partnered with various non-government organizations and agencies to address gaps in services, including initiatives involving health services, care for senior citizens, and assistance for abandoned children.

‘We partnered with different NGOs. We have organizations that we provide financial assistance to every year,’ Gullas said, citing partnerships with organizations that help provide services for the elderly and abandoned children whom the city cannot accommodate in its own facilities.

The mayor said the same approach applies to the social-emotional needs of children, particularly those living in communities affected by Typhoon Tino.

Gullas recognizes that limitations allow the city government to identify gaps in its services and find partners capable of addressing them.

‘At the end of the day, if we tell ourselves that we can do everything alone, we are not really serving our people. We are only serving ourselves,’ she said.

Under the partnership, ARNEC will bring its regional experience in advancing early childhood development across the Asia-Pacific, while R.O.W. Initiative will work with the network to strengthen social-emotional learning and resilience among young children.

The pilot program recognizes the critical role of ECCE teachers in helping children recover after disasters.

Teachers will be equipped with practical tools and approaches to help restore routines for children following disasters, while parents, caregivers, and communities will also be supported in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.

ARNEC is a regional network established in 2008 that works to advance early childhood development across the Asia-Pacific region.

Its work brings together governments, civil society organizations, foundations, academic institutions, development partners, and early childhood practitioners to promote holistic and inclusive early childhood development.

Among ARNEC’s advocacy priorities are responsive caregiving and parenting, as well as the creation of clean, safe, and secure environments for young children.

Burden-Gothong said the partnership with ARNEC and the Talisay City Government demonstrates how regional expertise, local leadership, and volunteer action can come together to strengthen community resilience.

She said the signing of the MoU should go beyond a formal agreement and translate into concrete action for children and families affected by disasters.

‘Let us work together to ensure that children in disaster-affected communities are not only protected, but emotionally supported. Let us strengthen the adults, systems, and communities around them,’ she said.

Gullas echoed the importance of working together, saying partnerships help fill gaps that local governments cannot address on their own.

The partners expressed hope that the Talisay City pilot would serve as a starting point for meaningful and sustained collaboration to help children, families, and communities become more prepared and resilient in the face of future disasters.

Shinichi Suzuki picked himself up from a stumble out of the gates on a damp Saturday and once he got going, didn’t give Rolando Bregente a chance in their much-anticipated title clash in the NGAP’s National Match Play Championship.

Eight birdies inside the last 16 holes of their first trip at rain-dampened Luisita in Tarlac had the Filipino-Japanese going into the halfway break of the 36-hole finale with a 7-up lead, before Suzuki put Bregente out of his miseries with an 8and7 victory that meant his first national title.

Grace Quintanilla, meanwhile, added a second straight national title in a span of less than a month after outlasting Precious Zaragosa, 1-up, in the ladies’ final that almost needed all of its 36 holes to conclude.

Holding a 3-up lead with three to play, Quintanilla, who entered the knockout stages as the No. 1 seed, hung tough with a routine par on the 36th hole proving enough to clinch the win and end Zaragosa’s giant-killing run.

Zaragosa, the 15-year-old whose older brother Rupert was a many-time PH Am champ, won the picturesque 17th hole in their two trips there, but just fell short in winning her first national ladies title.

The country’s agricultural trade deficit widened in June, as higher farm imports outpaced exports, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

The country’s agricultural trade balance incurred a $1.06-billion deficit in June, a 30-percent increase from the $813.16 million gap posted in the same month last year, PSA data showed.

The higher farm goods deficit in June reversed the 5.2-percent decline recorded last year and accelerated from the 1.2-percent increase in May 2026.

The country’s total agricultural trade amounted to $2.47 billion in June, an 8.5-percent increase from last year due to higher imports during the month.

Agricultural imports made up 71.4 percent of total farm trade in June, while exports accounted for 28.6 percent.

The PSA reported that imports of agricultural goods rose by 14.3 percent to $1.77 billion from $1.55 billion in the same month last year, accounting for 12.9 percent of the country’s total imports.

The Philippines’ top 10 farm imports reached $1.49 billion in June, a 17.2-percent increase in value from last year. It made up about 84.6 percent of all agricultural imports.

Cereals accounted for the largest share worth $441.93 million or 25 percent of the total imported commodities.

Among the country’s major trading partners, Vietnam was the top supplier for agricultural goods within the ASEAN region, valued at $221.72 million. ASEAN imports reached $708.76 million in June.

Spain remained a top source for farm goods for the Philippines among European Union countries, amounting to $22.65 million. Imports from EU countries reached $130.23 million.

Meanwhile, the country’s export of farm products declined by 3.6 percent in June to $706.92 million.

This was the lowest export value in 16 months since the $700.35 million logged in February of last year, the PSA said.

The value of agricultural exports accounted for 8.1 percent of the country’s total exports in June.

The top 10 exported commodities in June accounted for 97 percent of the country’s agricultural export receipts, valued at $686.02 million, a 3.7-percent increase from last year.

The top exported products were animal, vegetable or microbial fats and oils and their cleavage products; prepared edible fats; animal or vegetable waxes, valued at $686.02 million.

The Philippines’ exports to ASEAN countries amounted to $72.87 million in May, with Malaysia as the country’s top buyer valued at $30.5 million.

Exports to EU member-states reached $195.96 million in June. The Netherlands saw the highest exports of Philippine goods, with trade amounting to $130.9 million.

More than 200 passengers were stranded due to inclement weather on Sunday, August 9, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said.

From 4 a.m. to 8 a.m., the PCG reported that 215 passengers were stranded in affected ports under the Coast Guard Districts of Western Visayas, Bicol, Southern Tagalog and Central Visayas due to the Southwest monsoon, locally known as ‘habagat.’

Also affected were 105 rolling cargoes and eight vessels stranded at 22 affected ports.

The PCG also reported that 19 vessels, 10 motorbancas, six tugboats and three barges, were taking shelter due to prevailing weather and sea conditions.

According to PAGASA’s forecast on Sunday, habagat will continue to bring rains to parts of Luzon and Visayas.