Category: Philippine Star

MREIT Inc. is considering the infusion of mall and retail assets from its sponsor, Megaworld, to diversify its portfolio, which is targeted to reach one million square meters of gross leasable area (GLA) by 2027.

The infusion of mall assets seeks to capture the continued growth in consumer spending and the strong momentum in mall leasing, complementing MREIT’s established base of high-occupancy office assets.

‘Our goal is to diversify our portfolio and expand our revenue base. So while the country is experiencing an impressive growth in consumer activities, we want to tap into these opportunities. This will enable us to deliver both growth and diversification, keeping our portfolio resilient and relevant for the years ahead,’ MREIT chairman Kevin Tan said.

MREIT said that property giant Megaworld continues to hold a substantial portfolio of income-generating assets, including around one million square meters of office GLA and 500,000 square meters of retail GLA that may still be infused over time.

The company said that this deep pipeline provides flexibility and underscores the long-term growth runway as MREIT accelerates toward its one million square meter target.

In terms of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, foot traffic and sales across the country have already surpassed pre-pandemic levels, with strong leasing activities from both global and homegrown brands.

Mall occupancy has also reached a record 93 percent as of end-June.

‘This favorable environment underpins MREIT’s strategy to bring in more retail assets in the future, ensuring that its portfolio captures both the growth of business process outsourcing and the resurgence of Philippine consumer spending,’ the company said.

MREIT’s current portfolio spans across Megaworld’s key townships, particularly in Eastwood City, McKinley Hill, McKinley West, Iloilo Business Park and Davao Park District, with occupancy consistently among the highest in the industry.

The company remains focused on expanding its portfolio through accretive acquisitions, while maintaining strong dividend payouts to investors.

Former World No. 1 and two-time major champion Dustin Johnson is set to bolster an already formidable field at the International Series Philippines, which fires off on October 23 at Sta. Elena Golf Club in Laguna.

Johnson, whose resume includes an undefeated Ryder Cup record over five appearances – highlighted by a dominant 5-0 showing at Whistling Straits in 2021 – joins a stellar lineup that makes this event the most high-profile golf championship in the country since the Johnnie Walker Classic in 1995 at the Orchard Golf and Country Club.

He will be joined by fellow major winners Bubba Watson, Patrick Reed, Charl Schwartzel and Louis Oosthuizen, alongside international standouts Dean Burmester and Marc Leishman. With a $2-million purse, the International Series Philippines promises top-tier competition and world-class shotmaking from the opening tee shot to the final putt.

Now a leading figure with LIV Golf’s 4Aces GC, Johnson last played on the International Series circuit at the PIF Saudi International in 2023. His return to Asia and debut in Manila is expected to energize fans and draw new attention to the sport locally.

‘What I love most about the game is that it takes me to places I might never have gone otherwise – and the Philippines is one of those places,’ said Johnson. ‘To be able to play in front of new fans, experience a different culture, and share the excitement of world-class golf in a country that’s still discovering the sport – that’s really special for me.’

Johnson captured the US Open title in 2016 and delivered a record-breaking performance at the 2020 Masters, winning with a tournament-best 20-under-par total. He first reached world No. 1 in 2017, holding the top spot for 64 consecutive weeks – the fifth-longest reign in history – and has spent over 130 weeks in total atop the rankings.

But despite his illustrious achievements, the upcoming International Series event holds special meaning.

‘The International Series is a perfect fit for where I’m at in my career,’ said Johnson. ‘Even though the LIV Golf season is over, I still want to compete, stay sharp, and challenge myself against some of the best players out there.’

Beyond personal goals, Johnson emphasized the broader impact of competing in events like this one: helping to grow the game in emerging markets.

With his addition to the field, the International Series Philippines is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and captivating events on this year’s global golf calendar.

The tournament is the sixth of nine elevated events in the 2025 Asian Tour schedule, offering players from around the world a direct pathway into the LIV Golf League through its season-long rankings race.

A child’s birthday is a cherished memory, especially when they can freely run around and share the fun with friends and family in a space built just for them.

Located on the fourth floor of The Podium in Ortigas, Kinetix Kids is a play-gym, activity, and specialized training center. It is a one-stop shop where kids can play, enroll in special classes, and celebrate important milestones.

Since opening in November 2024, the place has become a popular venue for children’s parties. It has become an ideal party place in Ortigas that offers flexibility for family celebrations.

The event hall can accommodate up to 120 guests and offers flexible options for shared or exclusive access to the amusement area. The smaller hall can accommodate around 60 guests. Tables, chairs, and a basic sound system are included with the venue.

According to marketing manager Shalla Yu, a wide variety of party themes, from “outer space adventures to jungle explorations, and of course, the ever-popular character-inspired parties” were already held in the venue.

“What makes it fun is watching how kids fully dive into it and turn our space into their own little world,’ she added.

The place can host more than just birthdays; families can also celebrate graduations, christenings, Christmas, Halloween, or any other themed parties they can imagine. The venue can also accommodate organized playdates for groups of 10 or more children, with optional catering for snacks and desserts.

The establishment offers food and beverage services through its own arm, Kinetix Kitchen. They also have accredited food suppliers.

For an even more magical party, it has its own mascots, Aki, Ava, and Tobi.

“Just let our events team know in advance if you’d like them to make an appearance, and we’ll be happy to include them in your party package,” marketing head Shalla said.

Events director Albee Barretto emphasized the “mix of fun and convenience” that the play-gym provides.

“Parents don’t have to stress, and kids get the celebration of their dreams,” he said. “Plus, the space itself is designed to keep the energy high and the kids fully engaged. When you celebrate here, you get both peace of mind and a party that stands out.”

Two years after his first solo show, businessman-turned-artist Marco Santos is back with a second exhibit that channels fury as much as form.

Santos, who goes by MYSAN (after his initials and first three letters of his surname), debuted in 2023 at La Fuerza with ‘Persistence of Passion.’ Then 53, he was exuberant-‘a firecracker,’ as he once described himself. Now 56, he still fizzes with energy, but his art has grown darker, literally and figuratively.

His new show, ‘Man-hole,’ at Underground in Makati Cinema Square, pares down to nine works from the 12 mixed-media pieces of his debut. Where his earlier works leaned on pale plywood etched with burnt markings, this collection is heavy with char, holes, and voids.

When asked what it felt like to drive a hole into a painting on display at the iconic Makati destination known for its “ukay-ukay” (pre-loved clothing), Santos exclaimed: ‘Masarap!’

Rage, frustration, and fire

Curator Vien Valencia, a 2024 CCP Thirteen Artists awardee, selected the nine works from a stockpile of about 100 Santos has produced since leaving the business world behind.

The pieces grew out of rage and frustration, he admitted. A trip to Naoshima, Japan’s famed ‘Art Island,’ left him envious of its permanence and reverence. There, works of Claude Monet and Yayoi Kusama are housed on an island of beauty, history and creativity.

‘Why can’t we have this in the Philippines? We have 7,107 islands,’ he recalled, before correcting himself: ‘7,641.’

‘As an artist, you’re looking for your voice. Sometimes you never find it. But here’s a chance for me to help the country. Help more artists. And then I realized. Matagal ‘to. It will take forever.’

When the dream of building such a haven at home felt impossibly out of reach, he smashed his own canvases.

‘Every painting I saw in the house, I fucking smashed. I put a hole. Sa galit, sa galit.’

Some of those torched works even sat in his swimming pool before being dried “for texture,” he said.

Holes, keys, and heat

Visitors entering the gallery encounter stark contrasts of black and white. The burned surfaces and punctured gaps demand attention against the white walls.

Art is subjective, so they say. Even Santos admitted that sometimes he simply looks at a piece as a beautiful creation and that is it. No deeper meaning, no subtexts – just an eyecatching artwork.

But his pieces spur conversation.

One standout, Kagi-Japanese for ‘key’-uses string to bind the surface, with a silver key fixed inside a lone cavity. ‘When you make a lot of holes and you’re tied up, you can’t really get out. But if you have a key, you get out,’ explained Santos, who used to live in Japan.

Another piece arranges 36 blackened boxes with a lone red one, Everything else in the collection but this one is charred using high heat, but this brings the temperature down to the body’s normal temperature, thus its title “37 Degrees.”

Even the benches are part of the show. Made from World War II-era Marston Mats-perforated steel planks once used for runways-Santos coated them with acrylic to become functional artworks. Like jeepneys, he noted, the mats were abandoned by Americans and reinvented by Filipinos.

Nakedness and metaphors

Santos’ art took years before it found its right avenue. It was perhaps a spur-of-the-moment, a surge of emotions, but it was not rushed. It cannot be rushed. As he said about the painstaking process of punching a hole, torching with fire, submerging in water and air-drying for texture, his art found its place at the right time.

And Santos doesn’t shy away from blunt metaphors. ‘Having an exhibit for me is being naked,’ he said. ‘If you can be naked and accept the fact that people say, ‘ang liit ng titi mo, fuck you’-you can be an artist.’

The show’s title, ‘Man-hole,’ came after rejecting a more risqué option-‘As A Hole’-that he feared might alienate audiences.

As for the works themselves, they testify to a process of burning, breaking, soaking, drying. Santos’ art is less about control than surrender: to rage, to destruction, and finally, to form.

‘Man-hole’ runs at Underground in Makati Cinema Square through Oct. 1.

ABS-CBN executive Lauren Dyogi shared the details on how the Nation’s Girl Group BINI was invited to perform at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival next year.

In an interview with Karmina Constantino on the latter’s “KC After Hours” YouTube channel, Dyogi said that BINI’s recent world tour paved the way for their Coachella 2026 gig.

“Laging ang nasa utak natin, one way to go international is to be invited in big festivals [like] Coachella and Lollapalooza,” Dyogi shared.

He added it was the vision of ABS-CBN CEO Carlo Katigbak to hire an international group of consultants to guide them in bringing artists to global stages.

“When we were able to get an agent nadala tayo sa promoters na non-Filipinos. And these promoters, ang vision talaga ‘nun is if we were able to impress the promoters, itong mga promoters na ‘to, sila din ‘yung magdadala sa atin sa festival,” Dyogi said, referencing promoters like Live Nation and All Things Live.

Dyogi continued by saying that the BINIverse world tour was an investment rather than a revenue-making tour for the group.

“Wala tayong kita diyan. It was really a risk on our end. It was really Carlo’s vision, Tita Cory (Vidanes) saying, ‘Kailangan niyong gawin yan,'” Dyogi went on. “Because that’s a month of being away from more lucrative opportunities locally. But we took that risk, we went there.”

The executive explained they had to prove the P-pop act had a crowd, and big shows in Dubai, Los Angeles, and San Francisco were evidence of a global audience, and in Dyogi’s eyes led to the Coachella invitation.

Dyogi also denied that ABS-CBN paid the long-running music festival to include BINI in the lineup.

“Sinasabi ng tao ngayon binayaran daw natin, hindi naman po totoo ‘yun, hindi ganun,” Dyogi stated.

BINI will be the first all-Filipino group to perform at Coachella. Next year’s festival will be headlined by Justin Bieber, Sabrina Carpenter, and Karol G.

Self-proclaimed ‘Son of God’ Apollo Quiboloy is now in stable condition after being hospitalized due to a ‘difficulty in breathing,’ according to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) on Tuesday, September 30.

BJMP spokesperson Jayrex Businera told Philstar.com that Quiboloy was rushed to the hospital on September 11 after he experienced difficulty in breathing.

‘He was later diagnosed with Community Acquired Pneumonia (Moderate Risk),’ Businera said.

‘As of 30 September 2025, he is stable and recovering in a public hospital, in line with BJMP policies on medical care for PDL (person deprived of liberty),’ he added.

The Pasig City court handling Quiboloy’s case, Regional Trial Court Branch 156, had already been informed and authorized Quiboloy’s hospitalization on September 15.

Quiboloy faces several indictments from the US, including sexual abuse and coercion, as well as human trafficking.

The pastor, a close ally of former president Rodrigo Duterte, is on the US Federal Bureau of Investigation’s most wanted list.

In the Philippines, Quiboloy also faces several cases, which include sexual abuse and qualified human trafficking.

The Philippine National Police suspect that Quiboloy sexually exploited hundreds of women.

On top of the sexual crimes he was charged with, Quiboloy also faces contempt charges from both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Quiboloy failed to show up in proceedings for both chambers, prompting lawmakers to issue subpoenas and eventually a contempt citation.

Talks of the US extraditing Quiboloy have been circulating ever since his arrest.

The local stock market fell deeper in the red, opening the week below the 6,000 mark and extending its decline to a sixth consecutive day.

The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) slipped by 0.49 percent or 29.52 points to end at 5,997.60.

The broader All Shares index also inched down by 0.23 percent or 8.46 points, settling at 3,636.34.

‘The PSEi fell below the 6,000 mark as prices continued to decline despite last week’s all-red performance,’ Luis Limlingan of Regina Capital.

‘Selling pressure remains strong, with the market still lacking any positive catalyst,’ Limlingan said.

Limlingan said that adding to the bearish sentiment are the ongoing uncertainties in the country and the continued depreciation of the peso against the dollar, which is dampening confidence among both local and foreign investors.

Trading was anemic as total value turnover stood at P4.72 billion.

Sectors were dominated by those in positive territory, led by mining and oil with a 5.32-percent jump.

Services and financials, meanwhile, fell by 1.58 percent and 1.23 percent, respectively.

Decliners edged out advancers, 106 to 100, while 58 issues were unchanged.

BDO Unibank was yesterday’s top traded stock, plunging by 2.6 percent to P135 per share, followed by ICTSI with a 2.63-percent drop to P481.

Public servants shouldn’t be onion-skinned. They need to answer bona fide questions from their constituents. With all the hullabaloo on flood control, it’s my opinion that former congressman of Cebu’s 7th District, as well as the incumbent, his own wife, have a lot of issues to clarify.

PJ and Dra. Patricia Cinco Calderon are persons of integrity, honor and dignity. Nonetheless, they may have the legal and moral obligation to answer questions on the issue of flood control.

PJ used to be mayor of Samboan, which belongs to the 2nd District. We don’t know why he was later representing the 7th District, from 2016 to 2019 and again from 2019 to 2022 and from 2022 to 2022 and from 2022 to 2025. He was a Provincial Board member from 2007 to 2016. He was succeeded by his wife, Patricia, who ran without any serious opposition in 2025.

First, as vice chairman of Zaldy Co’s magical and controversial Appropriations Committee, under the overall leadership of resigned speaker Martin Romualdez, PJ should explain to the people and to the nation, and especially to the concerned citizens of Cebu, particularly of the 7th District, how in the world did this remote area get the lion’s share of flood control budget, when there is no scientific study indicating that the eight towns in southwest Cebu are the most flood-prone in the whole province.

Second, the Calderons should explain, what political and financial wisdom guided Congress in allocating no less than ?12.06 billion to the 7th District alone, as declared in the online Sumbong sa Pangulo platform, out of the total ?25.521 billion allocated for the entire island of Cebu. Out of 395 flood control projects for the entire Cebu, why did Calderon’s district get 162? Congressmen are national officials, not LGU or parochial leaders. Did they consider the bigger picture instead of focusing only on the most remote district? It is incumbent upon the Calderons to explain this to the people. Explain the rhyme and the reason.

Third, why was the 1st District, with three cities, and with a population multiplied four times the population of the 7th District, and with too many flood-prone areas given only ?3.01 billion or just one-fourth that of Calderon’s district? The 3rd District, with the big city of Toledo and the largest towns of Barili and Balamban, and with a population four times bigger, given only ?1.95 billion, or less than one-sixth of what Calderon’s district got? What formula did Calderon’s committee use in the distribution of public funds?

Fourth, explain why the 7th District had 162 flood control projects. Where are these located? What is the scientific basis in terms of atmospheric geophysical and astronomical criteria and determining factors? What planning parameters and mechanics were used by the congressman and the DPWH in determining that there should be 162 flood control projects in the 7th District, while only 36 in the 1st District, only seven in the 6th District, and 42 in the 3rd District? My God, all thinking Cebuanos should be amazed at such a draconian mystery.

Fifth, the Calderons should declare the exact location by precise geographic coordinates, where in the world these specific projects are located. Where in Malabuyoc are the so-called 38 projects supposedly costing ?3.3 billion located? How many projects are in Ronda, my own hometown, which is allegedly blessed by no less than ?2.6 billions. I am from Ronda and I always go around my small town. And I can testify before the holy image of Our Lady of Sorrows that I have not seen these projects. Well, I am not saying that they do not exist. I must be either blind or a stranger in my own paradise.

Lastly, the Calderons should declare why of all contractors in the whole universe, his close friend’s own construction company, a single proprietorship, based in Dumanjug, the QM Builders, reportedly cornered 89 projects worth ?7.15 billion in the whole Cebu and Quirante Construction Corp. allegedly got a whopping 41 projects worth ?3.19 billion. It must not be an accident that QM and Quirante Construction have been blessed with such huge, even gargantuan multi-million projects.

With no malice or bad faith, as a taxpayer from the 7th District, this humble writer has the right to know the truth. If the Calderons have nothing to hide, they should take these questions calmly and in good faith. I believe they are honorable people.

Public Works Secretary Vivencio Dizon has issued new budget guidelines for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), starting with a new policy on proposed budgets for project consultants.

In an order issued Sept. 22, Dizon outlined guidelines on the preparation, review and updating of Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) for consulting services under locally funded and foreign-assisted projects of the agency.

Under Department Order No. 184, Dizon said the ABC will now strictly serve as the ceiling for bid prices in locally funded consulting projects. Any offer that goes beyond the ABC will be disqualified outright.

For foreign-assisted projects, the ABC is referred to as the estimated project cost. The agency said EPCs must follow the rules of donor or lending institutions, but stressed that no increase beyond the approved loan or grant amount may proceed without clearance from oversight agencies such as the Department of Budget and Management or the Department of Economy, Planning and Development.

Compared to earlier rules, the new order imposes tighter controls by mandating documented market scoping, automatic disqualification of bids above the ceiling and higher-level approvals for any cost adjustments in foreign-assisted projects.

Previous rules introduced during the time of former DPWH secretary and now Sen. Mark Villar had set a ‘management fee’ as the ABC for the project consultancy contract which took into consideration the actual cost of services to be rendered by the consultant. This called for the computation of a remuneration cost, overhead cost, a ‘social charge’ and the ‘management fee’ as well as a multiplier formula, not counting a ‘contingency’ fund.

The new guidelines also direct the DPWH Bureau of Design to validate all ABC packages and issue updated costing guidelines annually to reflect changes in law, funding rules or market conditions.

The new rules take effect immediately and supersede Department Order No. 99, Series of 2018.

Dizon had previously ordered the lifting of the suspension on procurement activities for all locally funded infrastructure projects, but had imposed interim guidelines for strict disclosure rules on the part of prospective bidders as well as the livestreaming of the bidding events.

Blockchain

Meanwhile, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said it is supporting a multisectoral initiative to put the government’s national budget on the blockchain.

ICT Secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda said the agency was providing full support to an ongoing collaborative effort which has drawn the participation of US-based global blockchain technology leader Polygon Labs and local tech partners led by Bayani Chain.

Aguda said the DICT recognized the merit in using blockchain technology as a solution against corruption.

‘Blockchain is a platform for data, with immutability. It cannot be erased or changed,’ Aguda said.

‘From a record keeping standpoint, you have an immutable ledger, meaning that ledger will forever be there, (serving like) a single version of the truth,’ he noted.

FPJ Panday Bayanihan party-list Rep. Brian Poe Llamanzares said the push also had support in both houses of Congress, with him filing House Bill 4489 to put the national budget on the blockchain.

Donning sharp, colorful corporate ‘girl boss’ outfits for their sashing ceremony, the 15 candidates of Mrs. Cebu-Philippines 2025 each have their reasons for joining the pageant for married women, single mothers, and older women.

Among them is Jesusa Lopez from Talisay City-South, the oldest contestant at 69, who was named Darling of the Press during the September 27 press conference at Teatro Casino, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino. Joining the competition fulfills her long-held dream of joining a beauty tilt.

‘At my age, I want to enjoy myself,’ she said. ‘I want to encourage and inspire women that whether they are single or separated, we are strong even though we don’t have a husband.’

In contrast, Princess Devalgue of Cebu City-North is the youngest at 24 and a mother of two.

‘I was told that young mothers my age don’t usually have opportunities, and people think we are just wasted goods,’ she said. ‘That’s why I joined, because I want to empower young mothers and show that opportunities are waiting for us as long as we lift each other up.’

Raquel Britania, 40, from Talisay City-North, said she aims to help stay-at-home mothers find ways to earn an income.

‘I am for empowered women through livelihood, and I want to impart my knowledge on how they can earn even if they are just at home,’ she said.

For Mae Mancao Maranga of Cebu City-South, who was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism last year, joining Mrs. Cebu-Philippines is about showing strength despite hurdles.

‘I want to raise my platform and be fearless because I want to help other women understand their rights. We are women with limitless power,’ the 29-year-old candidate said.

This year’s Mrs. Cebu will crown winners in nine categories during its coronation on November 27 at Waterfront Lahug, including the titular crown currently held by Cherie Mae Ocampo of Talisay City.

Other titles include Elite Mrs. Cebu-Philippines, MS Cebu-Philippines, Mrs. Cebu-Philippines Tourism, Charity, Grand, Heritage, as well as two ‘special titles’: Mrs. Cebu Philippines Regional Queen, and Imperial Queen.

The rest of the candidates are Eunice Baguio (32, San Remigio), Marichu Alferez (45, Lapu-Lapu City-North), Raina Barrientos (27, Mandaue City), Shanine Rose Gealon (27, Argao), Alfanta Obispo (38, Mactan), Nika Linz Harris (31, Liloan), Ethel Joan Poley (48, Consolacion), Sweeney Capote (37, Toledo City), Emielou Sanchez (30, Borbon), Janeth Bardos (45, Lapu-Lapu City-South), and Myrla Navarra (43, Carcar City).

Resilience, role models

Asked what qualities a titleholder should possess to represent Cebu nationally and globally, Bardos, a mother of three, said resilience defines a true Filipina beauty queen.

‘We should be resilient in everything we do because there are so many challenges thrown at us,’ she said. ‘Being a mother is no joke, but I am lucky to be one because I wouldn’t be complete without my kids. I am resilient and have overcome challenges because of them. I actually have asthma, but look at me, presenting myself in this pageant. Obstacles are unexpected, and we should always be ready.’

Alferez believes empathy is the most essential trait. She said, ‘Being compassionate is so important. Most people these days are not anymore because they are busy with their cellphones.’

Sanchez highlighted bravery, explaining that ‘Women are capable of everything. That’s why I am here despite personal struggles.’

On how they would promote responsible tourism in Cebu as mothers, Poley emphasized the importance of environmental protection.

‘We have to take care of our waters. Coastal cleanups are helpful in our communities, especially since we had a big storm a few days ago,’ she said.

Capote stressed that local leaders must serve as role models who can help uplift Cebu’s image.

‘We have to be good examples so we can promote ourselves without hard selling,’ she said. ‘When we meet people internationally, they will see good things in us as Cebuanos who love what it’s like to be a Cebuano.’

Lopez agreed, adding, ‘Our leaders should join us so we can be united and become good examples not only within Cebu but also outside.’

Building a sisterhood

Obispo shared that she looks forward to the Q and A portion, viewing it as a platform for sharing stories. ‘It’s always the wonderful part of the pageant. We have different stories to tell, and I believe this sends a message that married, separated, and single mothers can still join these kinds of pageants,’ she explained.

Bardos expressed her excitement for the entire competition. ‘It won’t be a whole pageant if one part is missing. I love all parts of it because they help enhance our personalities, develop new skills, and sharpen our knowledge. All of them are enriching,’ she said.

Harris shared that she looks forward to fostering camaraderie among her co-candidates, as well as ‘having a sisterhood, growing together, and sharing our advocacies so we can support each other.’

Capote echoed the same sentiment, stating that, ‘This is not about competing against each other or stepping on others because we are friends. We should encourage one another and build a sisterhood. It’s inspiring for women to step out of their comfort zone and shine.’