Category: Philippine Star

For those of us working in the foreign service, what is happening in our country today is so frustrating, to say the least. Here we are vigorously promoting the Philippines like hell, competing with our Asian neighbors for a ‘slice of the pie’ – only to be confronted with this horrific corruption scandal the country is facing.

Countries are considering suspending funding for a bridge project linked to the scandal, citing concerns over governance and transparency. Other bilateral donors and aid agencies are quietly reviewing their exposure. What begins with a single delayed project can quickly cascade: procurement pipelines slow down and lenders hesitate to approve new funding tranches.

The Philippines finds itself at a precarious crossroads, with a broadening corruption scandal surrounding flood control and infrastructure projects dominating headlines – triggering public outrage and drawing scrutiny from donors and investors alike. What initially appeared as a domestic political crisis has evolved into a reputational challenge with direct implications on foreign direct investments, international aid and the country’s broader economic trajectory.

For the business and finance community, this episode is not merely a governance story: it cuts right to the heart of how risks are priced, how projects are financed and whether the Philippines can sustain its narrative as one of Southeast Asia’s rising investment destinations.

International capital flows need to be protected. For multilateral development banks, bilateral donors and private financiers alike, the primary question is not simply ‘What is the return?’ but ‘Can I trust the money to be used as intended?’

Revelations of kickbacks, substandard works and inflated contracts in government-funded flood control projects directly undermine that trust. Once credibility is shaken, the cost is not only reputational. Donors may suspend disbursements, impose stricter conditionalities or redirect funding to countries with more predictable governance frameworks. Private investors may demand higher risk premiums or shift capital to competing destinations like Vietnam or Indonesia.

This reputational contagion extends beyond aid – several foreign firms operating in the Philippines already felt the effects of ongoing graft probes. Heightened uncertainty is forcing multinationals to reassess whether the Philippine market justifies added risks. For those weighing expansion, the scandal could tip the balance toward postponement or cancellation.

Investors in emerging markets are quick to react to risks. Political and governance scandals translate into higher spreads on sovereign debt, greater volatility in equity markets and a weaker peso as confidence ebbs. This is no small matter for the Philippines, which depends on both remittance inflows and foreign capital to balance its current account.

If international financial institutions perceive systemic weaknesses in procurement and anti-corruption enforcement, ratings agencies may flag governance as a structural risk, raising borrowing costs for both government and private issuers, squeezing fiscal space and corporate expansion plans alike.

In a region where capital moves quickly, perception matters as much as fundamentals. Investors ask not only whether the Philippines is growing – but whether it is being governed properly.

Another under-appreciated consequence is the alignment of this scandal with environmental, social and governance (ESG) frameworks. Much of the corruption has been uncovered in flood control and water management projects – sectors central to climate resilience.

Donors are increasingly deploying capital with ESG criteria. If the Philippines becomes perceived as a governance liability precisely in those sectors, it risks exclusion from the fastest-growing streams of concessional and green financing. For private investors, association with projects tainted by corruption also carries reputational risk that many boards will not tolerate.

At home, the scandal threatens to stall infrastructure rollout – a backbone of the government’s growth strategy. Delayed projects mean lost jobs, fewer contracts for suppliers and weaker overall economic gains.

Moreover, corruption diverts scarce fiscal resources. Every peso siphoned away through kickbacks is a peso deprived for education, health or legitimate infrastructure, eventually eroding productivity, widening inequality and suppressing domestic demand – all of which matter to investors assessing market fundamentals.

What needs to happen next is key because the damage is real, yet not irreparable. The Philippines can still turn this crisis into an opportunity for reform through 1) swift, credible and independent investigations. Business and financial partners are watching not only what the government says, but what it does. An independent anti-corruption body with prosecutorial power would reassure donors that accountability is not cosmetic; 2) full transparency. Procurement records, contract details and audit reports should be made public. Sunlight is the best disinfectant – and also the most persuasive argument to skeptical investors that the government has nothing to hide and 3) visible accountability. Symbolic prosecutions will not suffice. High-level convictions, restitution of stolen funds and protection of whistleblowers would send the clearest message that the Philippines is serious about changing course.

For President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., this a test of leadership, with the scandal presenting both peril and possibility. Peril, because mishandling could bolster perceptions that his administration is unwilling or unable to confront corruption. Possibility, because success in restoring trust could provide the lasting legacy his presidency seeks.

The unfolding corruption scandal has already eroded confidence and frozen some capital flows. Left unchecked, it could raise risk premiums, drive away investors and curtail access to international aid just when the Philippines needs it most.

Yet the same crisis can be a catalyst. If the government acts decisively, engages transparently and builds enduring institutions, the Philippines can emerge stronger – with renewed investor trust and reinforced governance.

For the business and finance community, the message must be clear that there is decisiveness in making necessary reforms – because this moment of crisis can actually open a window of opportunity.

Clearly, we must seize the moment before the moment seizes us.

It took some time, but the Far Eastern University Tamaraws tallied their first win in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament.

The Tamaraws finally put themselves in the win column after quelling the gritty Adamson Soaring Falcons, 64-58, Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Mo Konateh powered the Tamaraws with a solid statline of 18 points and 21 rebounds, to go with three assists, two blocks and an assist. Kirby Mongcopa chipped in 15 markers, five boards and two dimes.

‘We’re grateful to be blessed to be in this moment. We’re grateful to be… that God put us in this place to be like an example of resilience because we could have easily already feel pretty down about ourselves,’ he said.

‘But what I liked about my guys was after the disappointing loss to La Salle, we actually worked even harder. And we know in anything in life, once you get your back against the wall, you go harder or you give up. So, I’m so proud of them,’ he added.

After leading by as much as 11 points, 56-45, with 8:09 remaining in the game after a Mongcopa deuce, the Falcons stormed back and sliced the deficit slowly.

They trailed by just three, 58-61, with 1:44 remaining after a short jumper by Ced Manzano.

But Janrey Pasaol hit the dagger triple to push the lead to six, 64-58, with 1:28 left.

On the other end, Manu Anabo and Ray Allen Torres missed their attempts that would have inched them closer.

But a steal by Pasaol, as well as another turnover by Torres, sucked the air out of Adamson’s lungs.

Pasaol contributed 13 markers, six boards, five dimes and two steals. Neil Owens produced nine points for FEU.

Monty Montebon was the only double-digit scorer for the Falcons with 14 markers and seven boards. Matty Erolon backstopped with nine points.

With FEU’s win, only the University of the East Red Warriors are the lone team without a victory thus far. The Tamaraws and the Soaring Falcons are now tied in the standings at 1-3.

The Land Transportation Office will reshuffle all its LTO district chiefs following reports of underperformance, particularly in license plate distribution and enforcement of regulations against unregistered and colorum vehicles.

LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II said he has directed all regional directors to recommend the reassignment of underperforming district officers as part of efforts to improve efficiency and service delivery.

The directive came after the review of monthly accomplishment reports showed slow plate distribution, fewer apprehensions of vehicles with expired registration and declining operations against colorum vehicles.

‘While most of the district offices are doing well, a number of district officers are becoming complacent in their positions, especially those who have been holding the same office since the beginning of this administration,’ Mendoza said.

The LTO noted that the reorganization seeks to improve the performance of district offices and enhance the implementation of key programs, such as the faster distribution of license plates and release of vehicle registration documents within three days from purchase.

Mendoza reiterated his push for the same-day release of license plates and official receipt/certificate of registration or OR/CR of newly bought vehicles to reduce backlogs and improve customer service.

He noted that some district offices have failed to sustain outreach activities for licensing and vehicle registration, resulting in reduced public access to LTO services.

An LTO review also showed weaker enforcement against colorum vehicles, which legitimate transport groups say continue to affect their daily income by as much as 30 percent.

Clariss Guce and Dottie Ardina barely made a move on Moving Day, while Sam Bruce stumbled badly as Filipino bets faltered in the Epson Tour Championship in Indian Wells, California on Saturday (Sunday Manila time).

American rookie sensation Yana Wilson surged ahead, setting the pace heading into the final round and closer to a third career victory.

Guce, a two-time Epson Tour champion, struggled to find her rhythm through the first 11 holes, settling for pars before finally breaking through with a birdie on the par-4 12th. A bogey on the 14th, however, stymied any late momentum, though she salvaged her round with a birdie on 17 to card a 1-under 71. She stood tied for 44th at six-under 210, far off the pace set by Wilson.

Wilson fired a 66, offsetting an early bogey on No. 1 with seven birdies to reach 17-under 199 and grab a one-stroke lead over Sophia Schubert.

Ardina, backed by ICTSI, fared slightly better, rebounding from a bogey on the first with three consecutive birdies from No. 3. She added another birdie on the 12th, but a bogey on No. 16 saw her sign for a 70. She tumbled to a share of 50th at 211.

Bruce, who began the third round in promising position after rounds of 68 and 70, saw her hopes unravel early. Two double bogeys and a lone birdie in the first six holes spelled disaster, although she showed grit with a string of pars and a birdie on No. 17 to rescue a 74. She fell to 56th at 212, a far cry from her earlier form.

Meanwhile, Schubert, the first-round leader, roared back into contention with a 67, putting her just one stroke behind Wilson at 200, while Anne Chen, the 36-hole frontrunner, remains in striking distance at 201 after a steady 69, setting the stage for a thrilling three-way battle among the Americans in the final round.

In LPGA action, South Korea’s Youmin Hwang produced a stunning finish to capture her maiden title at the Lotte Championship in Hawaii. Trailing for most of the final round, Hwang birdied the last four holes for a 67 and a 17-under 271 total, edging compatriot and major champion Hyo Joo Kim by a single stroke.

Kim, who shot a solid 68, finished at 272, while Japan’s Minami Katsu secured solo third at 273 with a 69.

Hwang’s title charge seemed unlikely after a sluggish front nine of even-par 36. But a birdie on the 13th lit a spark, and her clutch closing stretch sealed a come-from-behind victory in dramatic fashion as she joined the growing list of Korean winners in the world’s premier ladies circuit.

Are there intelligent beings in space?

Consider this conversation between two aliens:

Alien 1: ‘The dominant life forms on Planet Earth have developed satellite-based nuclear weapons.’

Alien 2: ‘Impressive. So these earthlings must be emerging as an intelligent species?’

Alien 1: ‘Not really. They have them aimed at themselves.’

Now, back to us humans. The question is: Are you intelligent?

I’m sure you are. And here’s the thing about intelligent people: they instinctively know the habits and practices that reflect intelligence. They also know the things they have to avoid.

We all have blind spots, we all make mistakes, and we all need improvement. The unintelligent person is not the one who struggles or fails. It’s the one who knows there’s a problem but denies it, defends it, and refuses to change.

Are you intelligent? I am sure you are. Intelligent people would instinctively know both the things they do well and the things they should avoid.

We often praise emotionally intelligent people for what they do: they listen, they empathize, they adapt. But sometimes it’s not the habits you practice, but the habits you avoid that make the difference.

As the saying goes, ‘Smart people know what to say. Wise people know whether to say it at all.’

Here are seven habits emotionally intelligent people refuse to entertain – and why avoiding them can help you succeed in work and in life:

1. Reacting impulsively instead of responding accordingly

Have you ever written an email during an emotional state and then wished for an actual ‘unsend’ feature in everyday life? People with emotional intelligence recognize this common pitfall. The ‘pause’ button replaces the ‘send’ button in their workflow. People who practice emotional intelligence choose to delay their responses until their emotional turmoil subsides. The impulsive nature of their reactions leads to enduring regrets that could have been avoided.

Don’t let temporary emotions make permanent decisions.

2. Blowing setbacks out of proportion

A failed project. A missed target. A wrong call. Every person faces these types of situations at some point in their life. The difference? People with emotional intelligence can prevent minor issues from escalating into major disasters.

People who understand failure as feedback instead of calling themselves failures. Thomas Edison explained his process by saying, ‘I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.’

The way you view setbacks determines whether they become stepping stones for success.

3. Gossiping

Every office has its unofficial ‘radio station,’ and the name of the station is ‘DZMARITESS.’ Emotionally intelligent people don’t tune in. They know gossip poisons culture, kills trust and turns colleagues into factions. Instead of listening to the grapevine, they go to the source.

Gossip makes you look small; integrity makes you stand tall.

4. Criticizing and putting others down

Feedback functions as a vital element for personal growth. People who possess emotional intelligence use feedback to help others grow and improve, rather than using it for destructive purposes. The purpose of their feedback delivery remains to assist others rather than to make them feel embarrassed or humiliated. They provide handy answers instead of delivering negative feedback. Criticism communicates defeat to others, but coaching offers them solutions to enhance their future performance. One destroys trust, the other builds it.

Be a coach, not a critic. Nobody ever grew from being belittled.

5. Suppressing their emotions

EQ doesn’t mean ignoring your feelings; it means acknowledging, owning and sharing them in the proper context. The worst mistake is bottling things up until you explode like a shaken soda bottle. Emotionally intelligent people don’t deny emotions; they process them. They discuss how they feel in safe spaces and use their emotions as a basis for making better choices.

Silence may look strong, but healthy expression is stronger.

6. Avoiding tough conversations

No one likes tough conversations, whether it’s confronting a colleague, addressing underperformance, or admitting mistakes. But emotionally intelligent people know avoiding them only makes the problem bigger. They prepare, calm themselves and face the issue directly but respectfully. They speak truth with empathy, not hostility.

Hard conversations may hurt for a moment, but avoidance hurts for much longer.

7. Holding grudges

Grudges feel good at first. Like scratching an itch, it gives temporary relief but leaves lasting damage. Emotionally intelligent people know resentment is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to get sick. They don’t forget, but they let go for their own peace.

Forgiveness is not about excusing the other person; it’s about freeing yourself from the burden of resentment.

Learning what not to do is just as powerful as knowing what to do. When you avoid the traps that trip others up, you sharpen your edge in work, leadership and life. True brilliance isn’t about being perfect – it’s about being wise enough to sidestep the wrong turns.

After all, success is not only built on the decisions you make, but also on the mistakes you refuse to repeat.

Catch Kongversations with Francis on YouTube and all major podcast platforms – Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more. Plus, listen to Inspiring Excellence wherever you stream.

There was a time when the “bakasyon” meant only one thing – leave home and go to a place to experience a change in scenery.

But times have changed. People are opting to have staycations rather than go on vacation in the province or abroad.

In the busy part of Makati, there is relatively new place called Alpaca Lemon Penthouse, a spacious five-bedroom apartment (each with their own bathtub) that provides guests with business or leisure stay options.

The Penthouse’s founder Lorren Dianne Ramel-Kriso bought the Makati unit in 2023 after marrying her husband Daniel.

Its name comes from two lifelong symbols of peace: alpacas, adored for their softness and grounding presence, and lemons, a superfood known for cleansing, brightness, and emotional anchoring.

Guests are welcomed with thoughtful rituals, homemade canapés, organic refreshments, cold towels with essential oil upon arrival, eco-organic cleaning, and butler-style care.

The pet-friendly Penthouse also has six toilets, an office room with sofa beds, sleeping capacity for up to 12 guests, and event capacity for up to 20 people.

Among the celebrities who’ve visited Alpaca are couple Aubrey Miles and Troy Montero, Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Michelle Dee, comedienne-beauty queen Herlene Nicole Budol, and models Juul Missiaen and Simon Javier.

“My childhood trauma after losing my father, health struggles, misdiagnoses, near-death in an ICU and the miracle of survival – they inspired me,” shared Lorren. “So, Alpaca Lemon my dream safe place is now here and open for others.”

Also a creative entrepreneur and a wellness advocate, Lorren is also building OOMI, The Healing Cave in Bali – a hollistic spa and bathouse featuring therapeutic baths, healing domes, movement studios, non-toxic beauty rituals and a wellness cafe.

She also wants to bring OOMI in Manila and eventually create an Alpaca Lemon Farmhouse in Nusa Penida, Indonesia where people can reconnect with animals, gardens, nature, and real alpacas and lemon trees.

Daniel meanwhile is currently building hotels and resorts in East Bali which is now nearing completion. One resort will soon open its doors, and the couple is now preparing to bring its concept to the Philippines.

“This project is close to our hearts as it reflects the same vision of creating soulful spaces, rooted in nature and designed to welcome travelers all over the world,” ended Lorren.

The local stock market capped off the week in the win column, extending its climb to a third straight session as bargain shopping persisted.

The bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) returned to the 6,100-mark after retreating to the 5,900 level earlier this week, adding 1.14 percent or 69.1 points to end yesterday’s session at 6,108.86.

The broader All Shares index also grew by 0.73 percent or 26.56 points, settling at 3,685.85.

‘The PSEi again corrected higher for the third straight trading day on continuation of some bargain-hunting activities recently after declining for seven straight trading days,’ RCBC chief economist Michael Ricafort said.

AP Securities, for its part, said the index was able to stage a last-minute push to close above 6,100 as investors position ahead of a United States jobs report that will likely be supportive of another rate cut from the US Federal Reserve later this month.

Sectors were led by services with a 3.47-percent jump. Mining and oil as well as holding firms were in the red, losing by 2.06 percent and 0.07 percent, respectively.

Trading was still tepid, with total value turnover amounting to P4.57 billion, down from the previous day’s P5.56 billion.

Advancers squashed decliners, 111 to 79, while 63 issues did not change hands.

ICTSI remained the session’s most active, soaring by 5.35 percent to P512 per share, followed by BDO Unibank, which was unchanged at P138, and Ayala Land with a 0.83-percent gain to P24.20.

Listed mining firm OceanaGold (Philippines) Inc. said yesterday that it has appointed a new chair of its board of directors, marking a major leadership change in the company which posted $30.3 million in revenue in 2024.

In a statement, the Australian-Canadian mining firm said the position was assumed by Brian Martin on Sept. 24, noting that he has more than two decades of experience in the metals and mining industry.

He specializes in corporate strategy, investor relations and business development.

Martin also serves as senior vice president for business development and investor relations at OceanaGold Corp., the parent company listed in Australia and Canada.

‘I look forward to working closely with the Board of Directors and management team to continue delivering strong operational performance and value creation for our shareholders. With a high-quality asset in Didipio and an experienced and dedicated team, we are well positioned to build on our success and contribute meaningfully to the Philippines and the communities we serve,’ Martin said.

In his first week as chair, Martin met with Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Mamerto Tangonan to reaffirm OceanaGold’s commitment to sell at least 25 percent of its annual gold dore output directly to the BSP.

The arrangement, the company said, would help boost the country’s gold reserves and reinforce financial stability.

Martin also visited the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) where he met with chief operating officer Roel Refran to highlight the company’s growth prospects and long-term value creation for shareholders.

OceanaGold Philippines, which operates the Didipio gold-copper mine in Nueva Vizcaya, has been gaining visibility in the local equities market since its initial public offering in May 2024.

The firm was added to the PSE MidCap Index in August, signaling investor recognition of its performance and governance record.

‘Our recent inclusion in the PSE MidCap Index is a strong endorsement of the trust investors and regulators place in us. It reflects our consistent performance, transparent governance and commitment to responsible mining,’ Martin said.

The company said it would continue strengthening collaboration with government agencies and host communities as it seeks to sustain growth while ensuring benefits extend beyond its mining operations.

With 14 episodes released so far, boys’ love (BL) series “Got My Eyes on You” has ensnared viewers with its kilig moments, leaving them craving for more after each five-minute drop.

Set in the picturesque S-Cape Villa, the series is a catchy blend of swoon-worthy BL romance and a grounded and earnest look at the sacrifices Filipino breadwinners make for their families.

At its very core, “Got My Eyes on You” is a charming enemies-to-lovers tale about Drew (Mikoy Morales), the dedicated villa operations manager, and Shawn (Esteban Mara), the always-calm-and-collected guest relations officer, who are both vying for the post of S-Cape General Manager.

However, the story is not a simple clash between ambition and attraction.

Shawn, who comes from a well-off family, wants to prove his independence and capability despite a privileged background, while Drew carries the heavier burden: as a breadwinner, he supports his family and pays for his younger sibling’s education.

“May pinapatapos pa akong bunso, eh. Kung prangkahan lang din naman, kailangan ko talaga ang posisyon na yon. Kaya ayoko ‘yang lovelife-lovelife na ‘yan. Hindi ko priority ‘yan,’ Drew stresses, showing how young Filipino adults are inclined to set aside romance for responsibility.

Still, sparks fly between Drew and Shawn. Viewers have witnessed their playful bickering amid frequent teasing by villa co-workers, accountant Moira (Hannah Lee), and events coordinator Wilfred (Darwin Yu).

The undeniable chemistry shines not just in heated exchanges but in softer moments, like when they hang out with their dogs, Matcha and Miller.

Fans could not get over a scene after the office party, where Drew – drunk and vulnerable – accidentally fell asleep beside Shawn and woke up in his arms.

More than these moments of kilig, the series remains authentic. Drew’s struggle reflects a reality often underrepresented on screen – for many Filipinos, love feels like a luxury when there are mouths to feed and bills to pay.

In the forthcoming episodes, viewers find answers to the question: will Drew’s heart win over his strong sense of responsibility, or will love remain out of reach?

Shabu with an estimated street value of P850 million was seized in an anti-narcotics operation that also resulted in the arrest of two drug suspects in Bugallon, Pangasinan on Thursday afternoon.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said a Chinese national identified only as Monkey, 40, and his Filipino cohort yielded 125 kilos of shabu stashed in tea bags following a sting along Olongapo-Bugallon Road in Barangay Polong.

The suspects were collared after they reportedly received the marked money from PDEA undercover agents who offered them P5 million in exchange for the illegal substance.

The arresting team also seized the suspects’ Hyundai Starex van and phones believed used in drug transactions as well as the marked money.

PDEA chief Isagani Nerez said the arrest of the suspects and the seizure of the illegal substance resulted from extensive intelligence work, which enabled agents to track down people connected to major illegal drug networks.