Category: Philippine Star

Looking for your next food trip? These dining spots inside SMDC properties are low-key, amazing and worth a visit whether you live nearby or are just dropping in.

From Japanese beef bowls to Tagaytay cafés with a view, these places offer more than good eats. They bring flavor, vibe and convenience to everyday dining.

Here’s where to eat when hunger strikes:

1. Liminvl Coffee – SMDC Strip at Wind Residences, Tagaytay

Liminvl Coffee at SMDC Strip at Wind offers approachable specialty brews in a cozy, home-like space where residents, office workers and coffee lovers gather. Its best-seller is the Apricot Latte, a smooth espresso topped with apricot-infused foam, while favorites like the Americoco, Mushroom Melt, Fish and Chips, and hand-brewed pour-overs keep guests coming back, with seasonal coffee mocktails, an expanded food menu, and upcoming workshops making it a true community hub.

Price range per head: P400 – P700

2. Koibitos Gelato – SMDC Strip at Wind Residences, Tagaytay

Koibitos Gelato brings a little taste of Italy to SMDC Strip at Wind, offering authentic artisanal gelato made fresh daily with Batangas milk and premium ingredients from around the world. Families and kids keep coming back for must-try flavors like Batangas Tablea, Pistachio, Cashew Butter and Kapeng Barako, while adventurous guests go for the affogato with gelato and espresso. More than just dessert, Koibitos creates a space for families and friends to connect, play and relive childhood moments, all while enjoying handcrafted gelato in a warm, thoughtfully designed store.

Price range per head: P450

3. The Bakery – SMDC Strip at Wind Residences, Tagaytay

The Bakery at SMDC Strip at Wind serves freshly baked classics made with quality ingredients, offering favorites like the plain buttery Croissants for a taste of Paris, or Ube Cheese Pandesal, best enjoyed with their café-style coffee. More than a stop for your daily bread, it’s a neighborhood spot where residents and families return for comfort, connection and the simple joy of warm pastries straight from the oven.

Price range per head: P450

4. Tulua Café – SMDC Air Mall, Makati

Tulua Café at SMDC Air Mall is part of the Tulua wellness lifestyle brand, offering guilt-free comfort food crafted with wellness in mind. Known for favorites like Truffle Pasta, the Beach Babe Smoothie and nutrient-packed Smoothie Bowls made with natural sweeteners only, the café sets itself apart with clean recipes, a calming ambiance and interiors designed to nourish both body and mind. Residents, professionals and wellness-seekers come not just for the food but for a mini escape, leaving refreshed, cared for and eager to return.

Price range per head: P500 – P600

5. Umi Sushi – SMDC Air Mall, Makati

Umi Sushi at SMDC Air Mall brings simply good sushi to the heart of Makati, offering freshly made rolls and sets that balance flavor, texture and value. What started as a pandemic-born online brand has grown into a welcoming dine-in spot loved by young professionals, residents and families alike. Must-tries include the Umi Set 1 for variety, Crunchy Salmon for something light and Spicy Tuna or Kamikaze Rolls for a flavorful kick. More than just affordable Japanese dining, Umi Sushi delivers a cozy space where guests feel at home and always leave planning their next visit.

Price range per head: P500

6. Wolhwa Galbi – MAAX, Pasay

Wolhwa Galbi at MAAX brings authentic Korean barbecue from Seoul to Manila, offering premium specialties like the 56-hour Aged Premium Galbi and the 168-hour Dry-aged Samgyupsal, both crafted for unmatched tenderness and flavor.

First-time guests often go for the Gold Course, a curated set featuring signature meats and side dishes, while regulars range from families and office workers to concert-goers from the nearby arena. With over 130 seats, the restaurant is ideal for both casual dining and private gatherings, balancing authenticity and local tastes through traditional Korean recipes with flavors Filipinos love. Every visit is designed to be more than just a meal but a shared experience of flavor, warmth and company, leaving guests saying it’s the closest thing to Korea they’ve tasted.

Price range per head: P599 – P699

7. Sukiya – SMDC Strip at Mezza, Quezon City

SUKIYA, Japan’s famous beef bowl chain, brings authentic Gyudon made with the same recipe, equipment, and methods used in Japan. Guests can choose from five Gyudon sizes or try other favorites like Yakiniku and Yakisoba plates starting at just P75. With its unique fast yet full-service system, the store caters to students, professionals, commuters and families alike. Open for longer hours outside the mall setting, SUKIYA delivers Japan’s beloved fast food experience with flavorful, freshly made meals served quickly and consistently.

Price range per head: P300

8. One Pot – SMDC Strip at Shore Residences, Pasay

One Pot is the go-to spot for unlimited hotpot at SMDC Strip at Shore, offering a fun self-serve setup where you can mix sauces, pick fresh ingredients, and let their automatic hotpot system lift your food when it’s ready. Top picks include the Shrimp Bucket and US Prime Wagyu, along with their playful variety of meatballs like the Golden Chiz Ball and Lobster Ball. With its lively and welcoming vibe, it’s a favorite for families, groups and celebrations, especially with their birthday promo where the celebrant eats free with five paying adults.

Price range per head: P699 – P799

9. Jidong – SMDC Strip at Shore Residences, Pasay

Looking for a drink that’s both refreshing and filling? Jidong, an international brand known for its authentic milk teas, brings its signature flavors to SMDC Strip at Shore. Crowd favorites include the Herbal Jelly Milk Tea, Watermelon Coconut and Mango Coconut, loved for their rich, unique blends. First-timers should try the Mango Coconut, a creamy tropical mix with a hint of coconut milk. Every cup is crafted to deliver consistency, authenticity, and a taste that keeps guests coming back.

Price range per head: P130 – P330

10. Yanggoufu – SMDC Strip at Shore Residences, Pasay

Yangguofu Malatang at SMDC Strip at Shore brings the authentic taste of China’s beloved hotpot-style dish right to the heart of the community. Known for its rich Beef Broth with a light spicy kick, Yangguofu lets you customize every bowl with fresh vegetables, meats and noodles, making each visit a personal culinary adventure.

The self-service concept, paired with their famous condiment bar and attentive service, sets them apart from other dining spots in the area. A favorite among Shore Residences homeowners, visitors and SM employees, Yangguofu has quickly become a go-to destination for flavorful, satisfying meals. First-timers should dive straight into the signature Malatang Beef Broth, a must-try that delivers the perfect balance of spice, umami and comfort.

Price range per head: P350 – P500

11. The Aviary – SMDC Strip at Shore Residences, Pasay

Aviary at SMDC Strip at Shore brings the same calming, nature-inspired vibe it first introduced inside Manila Zoo’s Aviary Sanctuary into a new community setting.

By day, it’s a cozy spot for specialty coffee like the must-try sea-salt latte and refreshing yuzu citron soda, paired with favorites such as salmon ceviche and mala cream dim sum. By night, it transforms into a laid-back cocktail bar, serving globally inspired drinks and hearty mains like honey-glazed salmon with mango salsa and their signature rustic beef burger steak.

With its blend of comfort food, craft cocktails and a serene atmosphere, Aviary offers a pocket of escape in the middle of the bustling MOA complex.

Price range per head: P250 – P500

12. Sweeney Todd – SMDC Jazz Mall, Makati

Sweeney Todd Manila at SMDC Jazz Mall is a hidden speakeasy disguised as a barbershop, offering English-style comfort food, playful cocktails and a cozy vibe that stands out in Makati. Inspired by the movie of the same name, its signature Meat Pie is a crowd favorite, while must-try dishes like Truffle Bacon Pasta, Four Cheese Pizza and Buffalo Wings pair perfectly with drinks such as Blood on the Blade and Amaretto Sour.

The bar draws both professionals unwinding after work and Gen Z crowds on weekends, with themed nights like Tuesday Sing-Alongs and 90s Fridays adding to the fun. It’s a relaxed, music-filled escape where guests leave saying, ‘We’re definitely coming back.’

The Ateneo de Manila University topped the list of Philippine schools in the latest Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings.

Entering the 1,001-1,200 bracket, Ateneo is ahead of the University of the Philippines, which is in bracket 1,201-1,500.

With an overall score of 32.1-35.4, Ateneo garnered 27 in teaching, 11.2 in research environment, 64.7 in research quality, 23.8 in industry and 35.6 in international outlook.

UP received an overall score of 27.3-32 after obtaining 27.4 in teaching, 17.9 in research environment, 39 in research quality, 28.9 in industry and 38.6 in international outlook.

The University of Oxford in the United Kingdom retained its number one placement for the 10th consecutive year, with a total score of 98.2.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the United States placed second, followed by Princeton University in the US and University of Cambridge in the UK, both in the top 3.

Four other Philippine schools joined the list, including De La Salle University, Mapua University, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology and University of Santo Tomas, all in the 1501+ bracket.

China has five universities in the top 40, up from three last year.

Hong Kong occupied a record six spots in the top 200, while India has the second-highest number of universities ranked for the first time, behind the US.

‘I commend the entire University community for this achievement. It is a recognition of the hard work of students and faculty, researchers, support staff and administrators,’ Ateneo president Fr. Roberto Yap said.

In the QS World University Rankings released in June, Ateneo ranked 511.

Few PhD holders

Only 0.18 percent of 5.4 million degree holders in the Philippines are Doctors of Philosophy, according to the Commission on Higher Education.

At yesterday’s commencement speech before postgraduates of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis said education becomes the most decent form of ambition ‘in a country where opportunity is unequal, where merit is too often replaced by connections.’

Advanced learning is pursued to expand a person’s purpose and not to elevate their status, she stressed.

‘At a time when corruption, apathy and indifference still threaten the very soul of governance,’ the country needs leaders who remember that integrity is essential and not optional, Agrupis said.

State officials, contractors and engineers have been implicated in ghost and substandard infrastructure projects nationwide, as well as anomalous budget insertions.

The sequel to “Bar Boys” and the feature film return of Angelica Panganiban highlight the second batch of entries for the 51st Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

The final four films were announced at an event in the University of Makati hosted once more by Jervi “KaladKaren” Wrightson and Enchong Dee, accompanied by host-beauty queen Ivy Nuqui.

After a recap of the four screenplays that were selected for the first batch (and are in the middle of completion), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Atty. Ron Artes announced the four completed films to round up the 2025 line-up:

Romance film “I’m Perfect” by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo, starring Kristel Go, Earl Amaba, Sylvia Sanchez, Lorna Tolentino, Janice de Belen, Tonton Gutierrez, Joey Marquez, and Zaijan Jaranilla;

Romance film “Love You So Bad” by Mae Cruz Alviar, starring Bianca de Vera, Will Ashley, Dustin Yu, Xyriel Manabat, Nour Hooshmand and Ralph de Leon;

Drama movie “UnMarry” by Jeffrey Jeturian, starring Angelica Panganiban, Zanjoe Marudo, Eugene Domingo, Solenn Heussaff, Donna Cariaga, Sharmaine Buencamino, Jervi Wrightson, Adrienne Vergara, Tom Rodriguez, Nico Antonio, Zack Sibug;

Drama-comedy “Bar Boys: After School” by Kip Oebanda, starring Carlo Aquino, Rocco Nacino, Enzo Pineda, Kean Cipriano, Odette Khan, Sassa Gurl, Therese Malvar, Glaiza de Castro, Klarisse de Guzman, Will Ashley and Benedix Ramos

“Bar Boys: After School” has Carlo, Rocco, Enzo, Kean and Odette returning to reprise their roles from the 2017 original film.

“UnMarry” will see Angelica back on the big screen for the first time since 2021’s “Love or Money” and returning to the MMFF after over a decade, having last joining in 2012’s “One More Try” which also starred Zanjoe.

“Love You So Bad” features the love-triangle trio of “Pinoy Big Brother” stars Bianca, Will (who also stars in “Bar Boys: After Hours”), and Dustin Yu accompanied by fellow housemate Ralph.

Much like how the housemates’ season was a collaboration, “Love You So Bad” is produced by the Philippines’ leading studios – Star Cinema, GMA Pictures and Regal Entertainment.

“I’m Perfect” has an ensemble of veteran actors like Sylvia, Lorna, and Janice, all of them supporting the two leads Kristel and Earl who are actors with Down syndrome.

These four films join the first batch of entries, initially chosen from 23 submitted scripts:

Comedy-drama “Call Me Mother,” starring Nadine Lustre and Vice Ganda, directed by Jun Robles Lana;

Family drama “Rekonek,” starring Carmina Villaroel, Gloria Diaz, Alexa Miro, Gerald Anderson, and Zoren Legazpi, directed by Jade Castro;

Crime-thriller “Manila’s Finest,” starring Piolo Pascual, directed by Rae Red;

Horror, “Shake Rattle and Roll: Evil Origins,” starring Ivana Alawi, Fyang Smith, Loisa Andalio, Ashley Ortega, Isabel Ortega, Elijah Alejo, Carla Abellana, Manilyn Reynes, Janice de Belen, Francine Diaz, Kaila Estrada, Richard Gutierrez, Seth Fedelin, Ryan Bang, JM Ibarra, Dustin Yu, directed by Shugo Praico, Joey de Guzman, Ian Loreños

Key dates to remember are the Parade of Stars on December 19 taking place in Makati, the theatrical start of the MMFF on December 25 (Christmas Day), and the Gabi ng Parangal on December 27.

The Legaspi family of Carmina Villarroel, Zoren Legaspi, and twins Mavy and Cassy are all set for their first television series together “Hating Kapatid.”

The show “Hating Kapatid” promises to deliver a gripping tale of love, betrayal and redemption.

At the heart of the story is Carmina’s Roselle who has long harbored feelings for her childhood best friend, Zoren’s Cris who marries another woman who while wealthy comes off toxic.

As cracks begin to show in Zoren’s marriage and Roselle finds herself vulnerable, the two give in to a moment of weakness.

Roselle becomes pregnant but, unwilling to destroy Cris’ marriage, decides to raise the child alone despite Cris’ secret intention to take the infant. A delayed internal delivery a month later leaves Roselle with twins Belle and Tyrone (Cassy and Mavy).

Adding further depth to the series are Valerie Concepcion, Bobby Andrews, Leandro Baldemor, Mercedes Cabral, and rising stars Vince Maristela, Cheska Fausto, and Haley Dizon.

Adolfo Alix Jr. directs the series on a script by Luningning Ribay assisted by fellow writers Maria Christina Velasco, Renato Custodio, Wiro Michael Ladera, and Jai Shane Cañete.

“Hating Kapatid” premieres on October 13 and will run Mondays to Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. on GMA.

Banks have started enforcing new limits on large cash withdrawals and payouts in line with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)’s latest directive aimed at curbing money laundering and promoting traceable transactions.

In a customer advisory, BDO Unibank Inc. said that starting Oct. 7, cash withdrawals of over P500,000 per banking day, or its equivalent in foreign currency equivalent, would require additional documents in compliance with BSP Circular 1218.

Under the circular, financial institutions must cap large-value cash transactions at P500,000 unless the amount is processed through traceable channels.

The new rule, approved by the Monetary Board on Sept. 18 and taking effect in early October, requires enhanced due diligence (EDD) for customers seeking to withdraw or encash beyond the P500,000 threshold.

These clients must present valid identification and proof of legitimate business purpose, such as documentation for hospital bills or supplier payments.

Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) announced that starting Oct. 4, customers who need to withdraw more than P500,000 would be asked to provide a valid ID and supporting documents.

‘Customers will be asked to submit additional identification information and/or proof of a legitimate business purpose for large cash out transactions exceeding P500,000,’ BPI said.

Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co. (Metrobank) said the new rule seeks to ‘promote secure and transparent banking,’ noting that single or multiple withdrawals are now capped at P500,000 per banking day.

‘Large value cash transactions or withdrawals above P500,000 or its equivalent in foreign currency must be processed only through traceable channels, such as check payments, fund transfers or digital platforms,’ Metrobank said.

It added that clients might be asked to provide identification or other supporting papers to verify the purpose of the transaction.

Other lenders such as the Philippine National Bank (PNB), Bank of Commerce and Union Bank of the Philippines have also issued advisories to customers outlining compliance procedures.

PNB reminded depositors to notify branches two banking days in advance for over-the-counter cash withdrawals above P500,000 and to submit supporting documents, while BankCom stressed that withdrawals exceeding the limit ‘may require enhanced verification’ and proof of fund source.

UnionBank likewise said that ‘withdrawals above P500,000 would now be subject to EDD procedures’ and urged clients to use traceable alternatives such as online fund transfers and digital payments.

According to the BSP, the new policy was introduced after risk assessments found that cash-based transactions remain vulnerable to money laundering, terrorism financing and other illicit fund flows.

By requiring stricter checks and documentation, regulators aim to promote transparency and preserve the integrity of the financial system.

The central bank said the regulation covers both banks and other BSP-supervised financial institutions. Violations or suspicious activities must be reported through suspicious transaction reports.

The policy, however, has drawn mixed reactions online. Several social media users, particularly small business owners, expressed frustration over the stricter requirements and said that the P500,000 daily cash limit could disrupt operations and delay payments to suppliers.

Others described the need to submit additional documents as ‘a hassle,’ noting that many legitimate businesses still rely heavily on cash transactions for day-to-day expenses.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered for the immediate evacuation of areas at risk of a tsunami following a massive earthquake that struck off the coast of Davao Oriental on Friday, October 10.

State seismologists have already issued a tsunami warning in several coastal areas in Visayas and Mindanao, namely Eastern Samar, Dinagat Islands, Davao Oriental, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur.

‘I have directed the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the Office of Civil Defense, the Armed Forces, the Philippine Coast Guard, and all concerned agencies to immediately carry out evacuations in coastal areas, activate emergency communication lines, and coordinate closely with local governments,’ Marcos said in a statement.

Search and relief operations are also being prepared and will be deployed once it is safe, Marcos added.

Both the Department of Health and the Department of Social Welfare and Development are on standby to provide emergency aid.

‘To our kababayans in the affected regions, please stay alert and calm. Move to higher ground and stay away from the shore until authorities declare it safe. Follow all instructions from your local disaster councils and barangay officials. Your safety is our top priority,’ Marcos said.

The quake, initially recorded at a magnitude 7.6 and revised down to 7.5, struck in the waters off the coast of Manay, Davao Oriental.

Several local government units and schools have already suspended classes in light of the earthquake.

The earthquake that struck Davao came one week after a magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Cebu, killing several people and destroying vital infrastructure.

A lawyer who allegedly duped at least 27 people through a fraudulent investment scam was arrested in Quezon City on Wednesday night.

The 31-year-old suspect, whom police identified only as Joy, was arrested during a sting in a restaurant along Timog Avenue at 7:45 p.m., according to a report from the Project 4 Police Station 8.

Police served the warrant of arrest for estafa against the lawyer, issued by a court in Santiago City in Isabela, as she appeared for a meeting with one of the complainants.

Lt. Col. Joe Leanza, Station 8 commander, said one of the complainants lost P300,000 to the suspect who allegedly hid for eight months from the victims.

Leanza said police acted on the information and assisted the complainant in setting up a business meeting with the lawyer.

‘We set up the meeting with the lawyer and one of the victims under the pretense that she is going to make an additional investment,’ Leanza said.

He said other victims complained that they were lured into investing in the lawyer’s trucking service after they were allegedly promised P5,600 in weekly earnings.

According to Leanza, the victims started having doubts when the suspect could no longer deliver on her promises.

‘She is a lawyer, so (the victims) did not question her credibility,’ Leanza said in Filipino over News5.

The court set the bail for the suspect’s temporary liberty at P36,000.

No worries. The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process and Unity (OPAPRU) headed by Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. gave this assurance as the chief implementer of the government’s continuing peace process in Southern Philippines. Galvez expressed this confidence amid concerns on the possible impact of the Supreme Court (SC) ruling on the government peace pacts with the Muslim separatist groups in Mindanao.

The SC rendered last week its final and executory ruling resetting the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliament elections to not later than March 31, 2026. The holding of the country’s first ever BARMM Parliament elections originally scheduled on Monday, Oct. 13, would have completed the final political track of the Philippine government’s peace pacts under the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro (CAB).

The CAB implements the twin peace pacts entered into one after the other with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) much earlier in 1996. The CAB marked the culmination of 17 years of negotiations with the MILF.

Galvez cited the on-going activities to prepare for the BARMM Parliament elections next year as the best indicators of the robust state of the peace process. In fact, he noted, the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) has swung into action to immediately comply with the requirements spelled out in the SC ruling. The BTA is an interim body composed of presidential appointees of representatives from the MILF, MNLF, Christian groups, lumads, indigenous people (IPs) and other sectoral groups. Under the CAB, once elected and constituted, the BARMM Parliament will replace the BTA as its organic legislature.

Speaking at our Kapihan sa Manila Bay news forum last Wednesday, Galvez disclosed BARMM chief minister Abdulraof A. Macacua and the rest of the BTA are back at work in office following the SC ruling. Macacua, also known as Sammy Gambar, is among the candidates set to run in the BARMM Parliament polls. In his most recent talks with Macacua, Galvez disclosed the BARMM chief minister has secured the cooperation of the 80-man BTA to meet the deadlines set in the SC ruling.

‘We are truly grateful for the wisdom of the SC giving the BTA more time to ensure the democratic aspirations of the Bangsamoro people are realized within the framework of the Constitution and the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL). As the SC said, we need to be setting a very legitimate and very strong legal foundation,’ Galvez declared.

On instructions of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. (PBBM), Galvez said the OPAPRU has been closely coordinating with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) through the office of Chairman George Erwin Garcia. Without interfering in the work of the BTA as an independent body, Galvez clarified the OPAPRU is helping ensure compliance with the deadlines and requirements on the holding of the BARMM Parliament polls.

Joining Galvez at our Kapihan sa Manila Bay conversations, Undersecretary David Diciano, Presidential Assistant, Office for Bangsamoro Transformation, reported the OPAPRU has resumed its various normalization programs. Some of the programs were held in abeyance to comply with Comelec rules and regulations during the campaign period. Diciano announced the OPAPRU got back to implementing educational assistance, various health and infrastructure programs under the socio-economic track of the CAB.

Comelec Chairman Garcia, who was our Kapihan guest last week, reassured the candidates in the BARMM Parliament elections that they will await how the BTA will comply with the SC ruling. Garcia conceded ‘it’s back to zero’ for the seven-man poll body in their preparations for these elections at the BARMM next year.

The 15-man SC ruled that the BTA-approved Bangsamoro Autonomy Act (BAA) No. 58 and its replacement, BAA No. 77, were both unconstitutional. The High Court thus directed the BTA to redraw parliamentary districts of the seven seats previously allocated to Sulu in accordance with the country’s Constitution and laws of the land. The SC gave the BTA until Oct. 30 this year to craft a new redistricting law.

Incidentally, the seven seats were created as a direct result of a separate SC ruling last year that upheld Sulu’s opting out from the BARMM. Originally, Sulu was part of the BARMM that included Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur and Tawi-Tawi. After Sulu opted out, the SC prescribed that the seven seats will be distributed in accordance with the required number of population, contiguous location, among other requirements under the 1987 Constitution.

These five provinces, along with the City of Cotabato and the Special Geographic Area, now constitute the BARMM.

The negotiations for these Mindanao peace pacts spanned seven administrations.

It started with the 1976 Tripoli Agreement entered into during the term of the namesake father of PBBM, the late president Ferdinand Sr. with erstwhile MNLF chairman Nur Misuari. Considered as the mother of all peace pacts, the Tripoli Agreement set forth that this and subsequent agreements should conform with all the provisions under the laws and the Constitution of the Philippines.

It was the 1996 peace pact with the MNLF reached during the administration of the late president Fidel Ramos that created the ARMM, the BARMM’s immediate forerunner. The CAB was forged with the MILF during the term of the late president Benigno ‘PNoy’ Aquino III. The Bangsamoro Organic Law, under Republic Act 11504, creating the BARMM, was signed by former president Rodrigo Duterte.

Galvez vowed to follow the guidance given by PBBM to the OPAPRU. Quoting the words of the 68-year-old Chief Executive: ‘We should be able to complete the peace process starting from the Tripoli Agreement. I want all these completed during my time.’

‘The transformation of the Mindanao peace process takes generations,’ Galvez pointed out. He vows to take it to the ‘exit’ agreement of the CAB in turning the former combatants to become part of this great transformation of peace and development in Mindanao.

As far as the resetting of the BARMM parliament polls is concerned, it’s like a brief pit stop before the ‘exit’ agreement.

Five luxury properties in the Philippines were honored by the website of the prestigious Michelin Guide.

The France-based travel guide awarded the ‘Michelin Key’ distinction to Amanpulo in Palawan, Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu Resort, Fairmont Makati, Nay Palad Hideaway Siargao and Raffles Makati, according to information from its website.

They all earned ‘One Michelin Key,’ which ‘set the standard for excellence in Filipino hospitality.’ Based on the Michelin Guide, ‘One Key’ denotes ‘a very special stay,’ where ‘service always goes the extra mile and the hotel provides much more than others in its price range.’

It added the ‘One Michelin Key’ was similar to the ‘Michelin Stars’ awarded to restaurants, wherein a recommended hotel or resort could be given as much as ‘Three Michelin Keys.’

‘As the Michelin Guide broadens its recognition to include outstanding stays, the Philippines debuts on the Michelin Key stage with properties that reflect the nation’s unparalleled warmth and natural beauty,’ wrote the guide on its website.

It added, ‘Each hotel, from city landmark to island escape, offers an experience as memorable as the country itself.’

The five luxury properties awarded each with a ‘One Michelin Key’ were among the 20 hotels and resorts recommended by the Michelin Guide, which also includes Admiral Hotel Manila – MGallery, Hotel Okura Manila at Newport World Resorts, Manila Marriott Hotel at Newport World Resorts, Shangri-La The Fort Manila, Solaire Resort Entertainment City, The Peninsula Manila, Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan, Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu Resort, NUSTAR Hotel Cebu, City of Dreams – Nobu Hotel Manila, Grand Hyatt Manila, The Westin Manila, Piece Lio El Nido, The Funny Lion El Nido, Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort and The Lind Boracay.

The Michelin Guide also announced the launch of its expansion to Manila and Cebu on Oct. 30, 2025, wherein its inspectors would ‘seek out the most exceptional dining destinations’ in Manila and neighboring Pampanga, Tagaytay and Cavite, as well as Cebu.

We have a situation. We have found ourselves in a very difficult point in our history and the question is whether we, as a people, can make the change this country so desperately needs.

As the issues on corruption and transparency continue to grow, it is obvious that the country is facing significant instability. Why do I say this? In the tourism industry alone, the latest return on tourist investment (ROTI) is showing a real cause for concern. Compared to Vietnam’s rating of 1.94, Thailand 1.50, Malaysia 1.49, Singapore 1.37 and Indonesia 1.08, the Philippines’ sad 0.57 is a rather painful result and it has affected our economy, considering that in 2019, the Philippines had a record 8.2 million tourist arrivals. Today is certainly not looking like It’s More Fun in the Philippines, as the Department of Tourism under this administration has missed its target for 2024 of having 7.7 million tourists visit the country.

Then we have the issue of the stock market, which has lost about P1.7 trillion in value over the past three weeks based on reports, as flood control controversies continue to mount and fear over corruption marking the largest loss in absolute value since the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. While I am certain that I have not cited the many other issues the country is facing today, fact is, we have a serious breakdown in trust.

Looking back in history, in the 1980s we had a debt crisis that fueled inflation during the Marcos administration and then the Asian financial crisis in 1997 and a global financial crisis in 2008. We then experienced the pandemic crash in 2020 due to fear and uncertainty, which was severely devastating for the markets and to date, we have been seeing how this current crisis is affecting investor confidence and market credibility due to the misuse of funds and trust over flood control projects.

Whether we like it or not, all this and more is brought about by the deepening political crisis our country is facing today and we need to work on a plan for stability in our country that is more urgent than ever before. Due to the worsening political upheaval in the past few months, it is becoming increasingly apparent that our economic woes are compounding.

If one will recall, just last year, France called for a snap parliamentary election in the hope of gaining a clear majority, which sadly resulted in a divided parliament, with opposing factions unwilling to work together. How to proceed in spite of this now depends on French President Macron, who they say should be asking himself how far he can take the political pretense, considering that most recently, the prime minister quit after 26 days. While Macron says he will not step down before his term ends, some parties in France are clamoring for early elections, while others are pushing for him to go.

Although this is the French ‘situation,’ the Philippines has problems of its own but the effects of political crisis are the same. If one will recall, in 2009, the Greek economy crashed and Greece went into a severe recession and sadly, their financial crisis caused political unrest and the government was forced to call for an early election and lost power.

But looking at the bigger picture, studies have shown that, in countries that have high trust levels, economic crisis is less likely to cause political unrest; however, in countries where people feel less trusting of others, a failing economy is said to be more likely to result in a ruling party being voted out of power. Again, we have a situation and the situation involves trust. Considering that high trust countries did not vote governments out of office even after a recession shows how much they can bounce back from it and much faster than the ones that voted for a change in the ruling party. High trust countries also have more media freedom, higher incomes and a much stronger democracy that plays a big role in ‘bouncing back’ after crisis.

At the end of the day, our problems are all about trust. We have leaders who have failed us and caused us to lose our faith in their leadership yet, at the same time, we are more conscious than ever about trust. This is the main thing that we need to build together, as a political crisis that continues to stress us will bring us deeper into the pit of despair, making it difficult to bounce back and recover. As the saying goes, ‘there is nowhere to go but up’ and we Filipinos need to choose this path and rebuild our country on trust.

Our current political situation is causing so much unrest and suffering, leaving our people afflicted by depression and anxiety. We need to recover and that time is now. More importantly, we need to take action by building back our trust and confidence in our leaders so that they can fully lead us out of crisis. This can only happen if and only if we have the right leaders to lead our nation.