Category: Philippine Star

On September 15, Starbucks coffeehouses around the world will launch the limited-edition merchandise collection inspired by Peanuts’ iconic Halloween special ‘It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown’, bringing together the warmth, nostalgia and traditions that have made both brands a part of autumn for decades.

The collaboration, which includes drinkware and accessories, coincides with the 60th anniversary of the classic special and will be available for a limited time while supplies last.

‘The return of Pumpkin Spice Latte and ‘It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown’ are both enduring signs that fall has arrived,’ said Dana Pellicano, senior vice president, Global Product Experience at Starbucks.

‘This collaboration brings those traditions together in a collection designed to celebrate the joy of the season, and we’re excited to share it with our customers. The Snoopy glass cold cup is a special addition to the collection, one that is sure to become a cherished keepsake for Starbucks and Peanuts fans alike.’

Meet the collection

The limited-edition Peanuts + Starbucks® collection includes 10 collectible items, including drinkware, accessories and a plush. Each piece blends iconic Peanuts characters with Starbucks fall traditions, creating keepsakes designed to be collected, gifted and enjoyed.

The Snoopy Glass Cold Cup features a charming Woodstock straw topper, pumpkin-colored hat and a seasonal green scarf (P2,095). There is a one-item per customer purchase limit for the Snoopy Glass Cold Cup and is available for purchase starting September 22.

The Stainless Steel Cold Cup showcases Lucy and Snoopy sharing a coffee moment, capturing the warmth of connection (P2,095).

The Great Pumpkin Tumbler features whimsical Snoopy and Woodstock artwork inspired by the beloved seasonal classic (P2,075).

The 24-ounce Cold Cup features Snoopy, The Great Pumpkin and playful fall imagery that celebrates the spirit of pumpkin season (P1,375).

The 14-ounce Ceramic Mug showcases the Peanuts gang and reveals a surprise Snoopy with every sip, adding a touch of delight to cozy moments (P1,245).

The 16-ounce Stainless Steel Tumbler is adorned with a Woodstock charm and dancing Snoopy, bringing character to your daily routine (P1,345).

The collection also includes a Snoopy Plush (P1,595), Bag Charm (P745), Mini Tote (P845) and Enamel Pin Set (P395), perfect for gifting, collecting and celebrating the season.

Already eyeing your next favorite drinkware or lifestyle piece? The Peanuts + Starbucks collection arrives September 15 in all stores nationwide, available while supplies last.

Starbucks Rewards members are encouraged to purchase on launch day to earn an additional five bonus Stars. Don’t miss out on this exciting collection and earn more Stars! The new Starbucks PH APP is available for download on the App Store and Google Play.

Gilas Pilipinas’ early elimination from the 2026 Asian Games has prompted questions in the Senate over the absence and availability of the national men’s basketball team’s naturalized players.

During the Senate session on Tuesday, September 15, lawmakers questioned why naturalized players were unavailable after the defending champions failed to advance past the group stage in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

Sen. Bong Go, chair of the Senate sports committee, specifically pointed to the absence of naturalized basketball player Bennie Boatwright.

‘Sabi ko, nasaan na yung naturalized player natin na minadali nga nating ipinasa rito sponsored by Sen. Kiko Pangilinan. In fact, isa pa nga yon sa reason na nagpatawag ng special session dito sa Senado. Pero nagtataka po tayo kung bakit hindi po naihabol…Nakakalungkot po, sayang,’ Go said.

(I said, where is our naturalized player that we actually rushed to pass here, sponsored by Sen. Kiko Pangilinan? In fact, that was one of the reasons a special session was called here in the Senate. But we are wondering why he wasn’t able to make it in time… It’s sad, such a waste.)

Go noted that the Senate had expedited Boatwright’s naturalization process during a special session in an effort to ensure his eligibility for national team duty.

‘Nasaan na yung ibang mga naturalized players na ipinasa natin dito na sana makakatulong dahil sila yung malalaki at maaaring makatulong sa atin sa rebound. Isa po ito sa titingnan natin, Mr. President kung sakaling magdinig tayo rito sa Senado. What went wrong? Ano pong nangyari sa mga naturalized players natin na maaaring magamit natin? Dahil ginawa po natin ang trabaho natin dito na maipasa rin po ito,’ Go said.

(Where are the other naturalized players we passed here who could have helped because they are big and could assist us with rebounds? This is one of the things we will look into, Mr. President, if ever we hold a hearing here in the Senate. What went wrong? What happened to our naturalized players whom we could have utilized? Because we did our job here to pass them.)

Delays

Boatwright’s naturalization measure was approved by Congress during a special Senate session on June 17, which President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called for after a boycott of Senate sessions in June led by the Cayetano bloc, of which Go is a member.

The naturalization measure later lapsed to become Republic Act 12323 on August 30 after President Marcos neither signed nor vetoed it within the constitutional period.

According to Gilas Head Coach Tim Cone, Boatwright was yet to have a Philippine passport and was unable to secure the necessary documents in time to join Gilas for the Asian Games.

Go’s remarks came following the loss of Gilas against China by 44 points.

Gilas, the defending champion of the Asian Games, failed to reach the quarterfinal round after suffering a lopsided match against China, 105-61.

This is the first time in the program’s history that the Philippines missed the Asian Games quarterfinals.

The early exit comes three years after the then Justin Brownlee-led squad secured the country’s first Asiad hoops gold in 61 years.

The arrest of former speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez inside the Cardinal Santos Hospital in San Juan city last week was, of course, the result of his own cousin’s SONA exposing, among others, the alleged flood-control anomalies and many allied charges. That was a landmark event in the country’s history of the administration of justice.

Never before in Philippine history has a former speaker of the House been charged and arrested upon the clearance of the president who happens to be his first-degree cousin. It has not been an easy move on the part of president BBM who is not known to be a violent or vengeful man but a compassionate and kind-hearted person.

Not many expected that Romualdez would be charged with plunder, which is a non-bailable offense, aside from direct and indirect bribery and money laundering. That means that after his medical issues are properly addressed, he will be brought to the Quezon City detention center in Payatas to join the others, Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Rodante Marcoleta,

The arrest of Romualdez and his co-accused was based on the allegations that the former speaker allegedly received kickbacks and commissions on at least 15 occasions between 2022 and 2025. Prosecutors state he imposed a ?2 billion monthly quota on collections. The money was allegedly laundered through shell companies like Golden Pheasant Holdings, Bravos Holdings, and Valiant Consolidated Resource

Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, born on November 14, 1963, is the third child of Madam Imelda Marcos’ favorite brother Benjamin Kokoy Romualdez, former governor of Leyte and ambassador to the U.S. He is a graduate of UP Law, and Cornell and Harvard universities. He became a lawyer in 1993. He is married to Yedda Marie Mendoza Kittilstvedt who is also an incumbent member of Congress along with his son. Another son is a councilor of Tacloban. He was speaker from 2022 to 2025.

Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr, or BBM, born on September 13, 1957, is the only son of the late Ferdinand Edralin Marcos Sr. and Madam Imelda. Since he has no brother, BBM is close to his male cousins including Ferdinand Martin. Incidentally, the former speaker’s father, Kokoy, named him Ferdinand Martin in honor of Ferdinand Marcos who helped Kokoy become Leyte governor and U.S. ambassador.

It pains BBM too much to have to allow the charges to be filed against his own esteemed first cousin, and it pains Martin even much more to be “betrayed” by his close relative. But it appears that the evidence calls for the charges to be filed. No one is above the law. There should be no selective justice. Let justice be done though the heavens may fall, so to say.

If Kokoy were alive today, and if Madam Imelda were in her prime at these times, the two would have raised hell to prevent all this by all means. I have my own thesis also, that all this was also planned and cleared by the first lady who is a brilliant lawyer herself and a Law professor at that. The first lady is just trying to protect the administration of President BBM.

Charging Martin is biting the bullet and crossing the Rubicon. There shall be no turning back. The link between the Marcoses and the Romualdez clan will never be the same again. What matters most is that such a draconian move is definitely good for the Filipino people.

The Lind Hotels is set to open The Lind Coron in 2027, marking the homegrown Filipino hospitality brand’s expansion into Palawan and a return to the destination where its story first began.

More than a decade ago, Coron was the company’s first property acquisition and the place where the idea for The Lind Hotels began to take shape. The company later chose Boracay, then a more established tourism destination, to introduce the brand before returning to its original plans for Coron.

The decision gave The Lind Hotels a strong foundation for growth. Over the past decade, The Lind Boracay has become an internationally recognized hotel, earning several accolades and becoming the first hotel in Boracay to be included in the Michelin Guide.

The opening of The Lind Coron now brings the brand back to where its journey started.

‘We have always believed in pioneering rather than following,’ said Pierre Henrichs, chief operating officer of The Lind Hotels.

‘Coron offers a rare combination of natural beauty and untapped potential. Our goal is not only to be part of its growth, but to help shape its future by bringing a new standard of hospitality to the destination.’

Surrounded by limestone formations, clear turquoise waters, hidden lagoons and rich marine life, The Lind Coron will give guests the freedom to experience the destination at their own pace, whether exploring the islands or spending a quiet day at the resort.

The resort will feature 91 rooms and villas designed for privacy, comfort and time together. Private villas will have their own dipping pools for slow afternoons, along with a dedicated Villa Host providing thoughtful, personalized service throughout the stay.

The Lind Coron will also be a culinary destination, with Yím, its signature modern Thai restaurant, and Crust, set at the heart of the Main House by the infinity pool.

With sweeping sea views and a mix of indoor and outdoor seating, Crust will be a natural gathering place throughout the day, serving Mediterranean flavors alongside a selection of locally crafted beverages.

For time away from the day’s adventures, The Lind Coron brings the Philippines’ premier name in relaxation to Palawan with the opening of The Spa Wellness Coron.

As the country’s first spa brand to earn Superbrand status, it offers guests a serene retreat to recharge through award-winning holistic care in one of the nation’s most breathtaking destinations.

The resort will also have its own dive center, operated by one of the Philippines’ diving pioneers, with experience working with some of the country’s leading hospitality brands.

Guests can spend their days island-hopping, discovering hidden lagoons or diving among vibrant reefs. World War II shipwrecks just in front of the property bring one of Coron’s most distinctive underwater experiences within easy reach.

Indoor and outdoor spaces will make the most of the natural surroundings for celebrations, events and meetings. The Gallery, an indoor venue for up to 200 guests, will offer panoramic sea views, while The Cove brings gatherings outdoors.

At the resort’s highest point, the Roof Deck opens to 360-degree views of the sea, mountains and lush greenery, creating a memorable setting for wedding ceremonies, proposals and special occasions.

‘We aim to create a resort that belongs in its setting rather than competes with it,’ added Henrichs. ‘We want guests to experience the beauty, authenticity and adventure of Coron while enjoying the hospitality and service they have come to associate with The Lind Hotels.’

For The Lind Hotels, the opening of The Lind Coron brings a vision more than a decade in the making full circle. Coron was where the idea for the brand first took shape, and in 2027, it will finally become home to The Lind, continuing its journey of Crafting Experiences, Creating Memories in a destination that has always been part of its story.

Filipinos can look forward to easily participating in Arthaland Corporation’s (ALCO) upcoming Series G and H preferred share offering, giving investors an opportunity to invest in the sustainable property developer directly through GStocks PH, offered by broker AB Capital Securities Inc. in the GCash app.

The shares are priced at P500 each, with Series G (ALCPG) offering a dividend rate of 7.3260% per annum and Series H (ALCPH) offering 7.8105% per annum, subject to the terms and conditions of the issue.

Preferred shares typically pay fixed dividends and give holders priority over common shareholders in receiving dividends. The offer period for ALCO’s share sale will run from September 14 to September 25.

The offering expands retail investors’ access to additional ways to earn potential income, while helping address challenges that have traditionally made stock investing less convenient. In the past, retail investors often needed a separate bank account to begin trading in the stock market and had to coordinate with a physical broker to participate in share issuances, including follow-on offerings.

The fully-digital IPO/FOO subscription feature of GStocks PH, offered by AB Capital Securities Inc., provides retail investors a more seamless and transparent investment experience during share sales like initial public offerings and follow-on offerings. With the built-in subscription meter and real-time allocation of the broker’s tranche, investors can check the availability of broker-allotted shares on GStocks PH and confirm their share allocations at the moment of subscription rather than waiting for the close of the offer period.

Should the broker’s initial tranche be fully taken up and the offering become oversubscribed on GStocks PH, retail investors can still place orders and receive their allocation results after the offer period.

‘Financial inclusion is not only about more financial services. It is about creating a simpler, more rewarding experience that keeps Filipinos’ needs in mind. By digitizing financial services and making investing more convenient, we make it easier for Filipinos to participate and take greater control of their financial journeys,’ emphasized Winsley Bangit, group head of new businesses at Mynt.

Fully-verified GCash users can strengthen their investment journey by opening the GCash app, going to Invest and selecting GStocks PH. The platform offers instant onboarding to new users, and free fund transfers to and from the GCash wallet with no bank account needed.

By expanding digital access to securities offerings, GStocks PH continues to help broaden participation in the capital markets and provide Filipinos with more convenient ways to earn and grow their hard-earned money.

There are moments in the life of a nation when one public official suddenly carries an extraordinary weight of expectation. Today, as Filipinos demand answers over the flood control scandal and other alleged abuses of public funds, that official is Ombudsman Jesus Crispin ‘Boying’ Remulla.

He is, without question, the man of the hour.

The public is angry, and understandably so. Every peso stolen from a flood control project is not merely an accounting irregularity. It can mean a family trapped in rising water, a livelihood destroyed, a road rendered impassable or, in the worst cases, a life lost. When projects exist only on paper, are grossly overpriced or are built below standard, corruption ceases to be an abstract crime. Its consequences become painfully visible in submerged communities.

This is the atmosphere in which Boying must perform his constitutional duty. The expectations are enormous, the personalities involved are powerful and the political pressures must be intense. Yet the Office of the Ombudsman was created precisely for such a moment: to investigate wrongdoing in government, prosecute cases supported by evidence and demonstrate that public office is indeed a public trust.

I have known Boying and the Remulla family for many years through our shared life in the political arena. His late father, Juanito ‘Johnny’ Remulla, was a respected lawyer and a formidable governor of Cavite. Public service became part of the family’s upbringing, but Boying developed his own style: direct, decisive and unafraid of difficult assignments. From my personal experience, I can attest to his sense of mission and his desire to do what is good for the country.

His career has prepared him for this demanding hour. A political science and law graduate of the University of the Philippines, he passed the Bar and the Career Executive Service examination in 1987, then practiced law. He first held elective office as a member of the Cavite provincial board in the early 1990s.

In 1998, president Joseph Estrada brought him into the Presidential Management Staff as an assistant secretary. He later served as chief of staff to senator Luisa ‘Loi’ Ejercito Estrada and became a spokesman for the political opposition. Those years taught him how government works from within, how political battles are fought and, most importantly, how decisions made in Manila affect ordinary people outside it.

Boying later represented Cavite in the House of Representatives for several terms, rising to become deputy speaker and, upon returning to Congress in 2019, senior deputy majority leader. Between those chapters, he served as governor of Cavite from 2016 to 2019. These roles gave him experience across the executive and legislative branches, and at both national and local levels.

In 2022, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed him Secretary of Justice. At the Department of Justice, he quickly created a Prosecution Integrity Board to address misconduct among prosecutors. His tenure also saw the establishment of human rights and gender equality offices, continued reforms in the prosecution service and a sustained effort to make fugitives face Philippine justice. His approach was characteristically forceful: institutions must act, cases must move and the law must not be reduced to speeches.

When President Marcos appointed him the country’s seventh ombudsman in October 2025, Boying inherited an office central to restoring public confidence. One of his earliest significant actions was to lift restrictions imposed in 2020 on public access to the statements of assets, liabilities and net worth of government officials. That decision sent an important message: transparency must be the rule, not the exception.

His office is now pursuing numerous investigations arising from the flood control controversy. It has filed major cases before the Sandiganbayan, while lifestyle checks reportedly cover more than a hundred government officials and employees. Some prominent individuals have surrendered or been arrested after warrants were issued. Others remain under investigation. Every accused person retains the presumption of innocence, but due process cannot become an excuse for endless delay, selective prosecution or theatrical investigations that produce headlines but no convictions.

Boying’s greatest challenge is therefore larger than filing cases. He must convince a skeptical nation that the process is impartial. The evidence must lead wherever it leads, regardless of family name, political affiliation, wealth or proximity to power. The ombudsman must neither persecute enemies nor protect friends. Justice loses its meaning when it changes according to who stands before it.

This principle may test relationships and loyalties, including those formed over decades in politics. But genuine friendship does not ask a public official to abandon his oath. On the contrary, those who know Boying should expect him to honor it. Boying’s duty is not to please any camp – it is to protect the Republic.

Filipinos have heard many promises to fight corruption. They no longer measure sincerity through press conferences or fiery declarations. They measure it through well-prepared cases, recovered public funds, fair trials and final judgments. The ombudsman must work closely with the Commission on Audit and other agencies so that evidence is preserved, stolen assets are traced and accountable individuals cannot escape through technicalities.

Boying Remulla has been given a rare opportunity to strengthen an institution and restore faith in government. History will judge him not by the power of those investigated, but by the fairness, courage and durability of the justice he delivers.

This is his moment. If he stands firm, follows the evidence and proves that no one is above the law, he will do more than prosecute corruption. He will help return to Filipinos something far more valuable than stolen money: their belief that justice in our country can still once again prevail.

Mentally ready.

That is how Alas Pilipinas women’s coach Taka Minowa sees his team as they face a dreaded China side with hopes of a miracle at the start of the 20th Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games volleyball competitions Wednesday at the Okazaki Sogo Park Gym in Japan.

‘We are mentally ready to face the Chinese. We’ll try our very best,’ said Minowa, a Japanese who is also the husband to Sachi Minowa or Jaja Santiago.

The Filipinas though will go into their 1 p.m. China duel (Manila time) as the complete underdogs, with the Chinese expected to the vent their ire on the former after being recently denied a gold in the AVC Continental Cup in Tianjin, China and a spot to the 2028 LA Olympics.

While Alas is hoping and praying for a shocker, it can, however, afford to lose this one and advance to the quarterfinals if they can turn back Kazakhstan in their Pool B duel Thursday.

The top two in each of the four brackets will advance to the quarters and the Nationals hope they would be the ones to that.

Alas will be bannered by Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, Eya Laure and Angel Canino, while the other members of the squad are Niña Ytang, Mars Alba, Justine Jazareno, Dell Palomata, Amie Provido, Thea Gagate, Jia de Guzman and Shania Nitura.

Alas is hoping to replicate, if not eclipse, the Philippines’ best finish in the quadrennial games in the sport at fourth in the 1962 Jakarta edition.

Reigning four-peat champions University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers pummeled the University of the Philippines (UP) Cebu Fighting Maroons, 94-65, for their breakthrough win in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) Season 26 basketball tournament on Sunday, September 13, at the Cebu Coliseum.

Raul Gentallan fired 25 points with three rebounds, six assists and four steals while Kent Ivo Salarda added 14 points, three boards and a steal as the Lancers swiftly recovered from a stinging 68-81 loss to the University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors in their season-opening assignment last August 30.

AJ Sacayan chipped in 13 points, two rebounds, two assists, three steals and two blocks while John Paul Bautista contributed 11 points for the Lancers, who unleashed an explosive second-half offensive to thrash the Fighting Maroons by 29 points.

The Lancers led only by a hairline at halftime, 45-44, but dropped a devastating 26-9 bomb in the third period to establish a commanding 71-53 lead, which peaked at 31 points in the closing minutes.

Raul Gilbuena was the lone double-digit scorer with 13 points for the Fighting Maroons, who slumped to a third successive defeat.

In the other collegiate duel, Jhoernel Tangkay delivered an all-around performance with 25 points, six rebounds, two assists, six steals and blocked two shots to propel the USC Warriors to a 77-63 spanking of the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Panthers.

The Warriors trailed by two, 53-55, after three quarters but launched a fierce 24-8 assault at the endgame to turn the tables on the Panthers.

James Tawacal charted 12 points and seven rebounds while Rey James Enriquez and James Paolo Gica each scored 10 as the Warriors improved to 2-1.

Peter John Peteros finished with 18 points while Lloyd Amadeo Gutang had 13 points for the Panthers, who fell to 1-2.

In the juniors division, the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguar Cubs annihilated the Cebu Eastern College (CEC) Dragons, 73-44, in a battle of unbeaten teams.

Japhet Sedrome and John Gregory Carecosa combined for 28 points, nine rebounds, three assists and five steals for the dominant Jaguar Cubs, who surged ahead by 33 points on one occasion.

Jhun Miguel Telmo tallied 11 markers, four rebounds and two steals as the Jaguar Cubs stretched their perfect start to 3-0.

Cedric de la Rosa posted an 11-point, 11-rebound double-double with three assists and six steals but to no avail as the Dragons came crashing down back to earth after posting back-to-back wins.

In the other result, Mark Ivan Geraldez unloaded 15 points, two rebounds, three assists and four steals as the Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Junior Wildcats trounced the University of Cebu (UC) Junior Webmasters, 79-65, for their first victory of the season.

Vincent Zamora and Theo Maxim Santiago chalked up 13 points apiece while Geoffe Vhon Partosa filled the stat sheet with 11 points, five rebounds, six assists and four steals for the Junior Wildcats, who led at one point by 34 points that sent the Junior Webmasters reeling the rest of the way.

For Xavier “xavi8k” Juan, Global Esports’ VCT Pacific Stage 2 championship was the payoff for years of believing he belonged at Valorant’s highest level.

After making his name in the Philippine scene and collegiate Valorant, Juan finally got his chance to compete in Tier 1 this year. The adjustment, however, was far from easy.

‘Honestly, this is one of the most stressful years I’ve ever had. I’ve been competing in Tier 2 and I thought the gap wasn’t that far, Tier 1 and Tier 2. But joining now is totally different. The pressure is way more. And it’s really hard,’ Juan said in an interview with Filipino media after Global Esports lifted the VCT Pacific Stage 2 trophy in Busan last week.

The team’s early struggles only added to the challenge. But as the season progressed, Global Esports found its footing, both in practice and on stage.

‘Start of the year was rough. And I think now, our coaching staff has improved. And we’re able to work together better. And the results show that it is working,’ said Juan.

Those results culminated in a Pacific title and another international appearance for a roster that Juan believed was special from the very beginning.

‘Actually, when the team first got together, I really knew it was special. I didn’t expect us to qualify for everything. But gradually, we started to believe that we can do it. It’s really just having faith in the result of the work,’ recalled Juan.

For the rookie IGL, the breakthrough season carried added significance because of the path that led him there.

Before reaching VCT Pacific, Juan honed his leadership skills with De La Salle University, where he helped establish one of the country’s strongest collegiate Valorant programs both as a player and coach, leading to back-to-back victories for DLSU in the Valorant event of the UAAP esports.

Looking back, Juan credits that experience for preparing him to lead on the international stage.

‘I’m grateful for La Salle. I think that’s how my career started. Being in a team, leading La Salle. If I didn’t go through that path, I don’t think I can lead GE today without the way I learned how to lead La Salle,’ shared Juan.

Despite waiting years for the opportunity to play in VCT Pacific, Juan said he never doubted his ability to compete against the world’s best.

‘I always knew I could do Tier 1. I knew in my heart that I could do it. I just never had the opportunity to play until this year. And this year, we made it to three out of the four internationals. I’m just glad I had the opportunity to do it this year,’ said Juan.

The Pacific championship was made even more memorable by where it happened.

Juan recalled being in Busan with teammate Patrick “PatMen” Mendoza when Global Esports officially secured a playoff berth earlier in the year. When the team later returned to the same city and lifted the trophy, the moment felt almost destined.

‘I mean, ever since I joined the team and we started playing, I knew that this team was special. And why I thought it was destined in Busan, I went here with Pat the day we qualified for the playoffs because RRQ won [their match] and we were in Busan. I just felt like, you know, that was a sign. Now we’re in Busan and we won. So, that’s why I felt that way,’ said Juan.

With three Filipinos competing in the highest tier of Valorant esports in the coming Valorant Champions Shanghai, Juan remains optimistic about the future of Philippine Valorant.

‘Honestly, I think the Philippines has so much talent. And they really just need guidance and the heart to keep going,’ he said.

While he acknowledged the lack of organizational support compared to other regions, Juan believes Filipino players have the ability to succeed internationally if given the right opportunities, just as he experienced this year.

‘I think a lot of Filipinos have potential, but they don’t really have the grit to grind it out. I mean, there’s also not a lot of Orgs. I really believe in the Philippine scene. So, if more organizations invest, there’s a lot of talent that can compete.’

Juan and Global Esports will hope to raise another trophy as they open their Valorant Champions Shanghai campaign against EMEA’s Team Vitality on Saturday, September 26, at 7 p.m. (Manila time).

The Strong Group Athletics (SGA) empire is officially opening its massive war chest to lend a helping hand to the Gilas Pilipinas national team program.

Widely recognized as one of the most aggressive and deep-pocketed sports groups in the country, SGA is known not just for developing grassroots players, but also for pouring limitless funding into the squads they support.

This all-out backing bore fruit when the SGA-Philippines basketball team captured back-to-back William Jones Cup titles and secured a runner-up finish at the Dubai International Championship by deploying heavyweight imports and the nation’s top amateurs.

SGA is also the undisputed financial muscle behind the sudden resurgence of the former cellar-dwelling College of St. Benilde Blazers in the NCAA and the University of Santo Tomas Tiger Cubs in the UAAP juniors division.

Their reach extends heavily into the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), where SGA currently bankrolls rising franchises ZUS Coffee and Farm Fresh.

Aside from expanding his sports empire, SGA founder and billionaire businessman Frank Lao also currently serves as the president of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) while financing a newly formed women’s volleyball squad.

With massive funding and a cohesive system standing out as the glaring problems for Gilas Pilipinas over the past few years, we directly asked the SGA patriarch if he is willing to step up to the plate.

His answer was absolute and direct to the point.

“Always naman tayo ready tumulong sa ating bansa, lalo na sa ating mga atleta. Andito lang kami. Pag tinawag kami, with open arms, reresponde kami,” Lao declared.

“Magtulungan tayo para sa bayan, para sa bansa,” the sports patron added.

According to sources, SGA is more than ready to provide the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) with whatever assistance it might demand – whether it involves funding an expensive naturalization process or aggressively scouting young Filipino-foreign prospects for early passport acquisitions.

“If kailangan nating gamitin ang koneksyon natin abroad, gagawin natin. Para sa Pilipinas ‘yan,” Lao strongly pointed out.

For the SGA founder, backing the country’s undisputed flagship team is an absolute no-brainer.

“Kung kami nga in our small way, nire-represent ang bansa sa mga tournaments like Dubai and Jones Cup, bakit kami magdadalawang isip tumulong sa Gilas? Main basketball team natin ‘yan,” Lao explained.

“Team mo ‘yan, team ko ‘yan, team ‘yan ng bawat Pilipino,” he emphatically added.

Meanwhile, the sports executive also took the time to publicly plead with passionate basketball fans to stop heavily bashing the national players.

According to Lao, the players fought their hardest on the hardwood but were simply overwhelmed by too many brutal hurdles and challenges that ultimately derailed their campaign

‘Dapa na yung mga players natin, wag na nating gulpihin pa. Instead tulungan natin silang bumangon at bumalik sa kanilang fighting form,’ he said.

‘Nakaka-awa ang mga players, hindi biro ang pinagdaanan nila. Let’s spare them. Instead, let’s encourage them to fight back,’ Lao stressed. (