Category: Philippine Star

Five hotels in the Philippines made the cut of the inaugural Global Michelin Keys Selection, a new benchmark of the famous Michelin Guide for excellence in lodging.

Michelin Guide Inspectors evaluted more than 7,000 hotels around the world and nearly 2,500 establishments were recognized for “truly outstanding stays” worthy of high recommendation.

This comes on the heels of the launch of Michelin Key distinctions in 15 destinations last year, which include the Copacabanda Palace in Brazil and the Capella Shanghai in China.

“Just as Michelin Stars celebrate the world’s most exceptional restaurants, Michelin Keys now honor hotels that offer truly remarkable stays, where design, service, and location come together to create unforgettable moments,” explained the Michelin Guide international director Gwendal Poullennec in a statement.

Michelin Keys are awarded based on five universal criteria that evaluate overall hospitality experience rather than individual amenities. The distinctions are as follows:

One Michelin Key : A very special stay with character and exceptional service.

Two Michelin Keys : An exceptional stay with unique charm and a strong sense of place.

Three Michelin Keys : An extraordinary stay offering the pinnacle of comfort, service, and design.

Five Philippine keys

Three of the five Philippine hotels with a Michelin Key are located outside Metro Manila, all three on island havens.

Amanpulo on Pamalican Island in Palawan was described by inspectors as “a secluded paradise with pristine beaches, private villas and holistic wellness experiences.”

Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu Resort in Cebu was recognized for its modern Thai-inspired design, lush gardens and panoramic views of the Magellan Bay from a tropical beachfront.

Nay Palad Hideaway Siargao in Mindanao was commended for its bespoke villas, artisanal cuisine and immersive island experiences within its barefoot luxury retreat identity surrounded by nature.

The remaining two establishments are the neighboring Fairmont and Raffles hotels in Makita, both recognized for offering “refined urban luxury with elegant interiors, exceptional service, and access to world-class shopping and dining.”

Special awards

The Michelin Guide also presented special awards to four hotels for achievements beyond traditional categories and celebrating excellence and uniqueness in specific areas of hospitality.

Atlantis The Royal in Dubai, United Arab Emirates was given an award for its architecture and design, while the Brgenstock Resort Switzerland was recognized with a wellness award.

The La Fiermontina Ocean in Larache, Morocco received the Local Gateway Award and the Opening of the Year Award, sponsored by United Overseas Bank, went to the Burman Hotel in Tallinn, Estonia.

Later this year, Filipino and Philippine-based restaurants will make their debut on the Michelin Guide and the Bib Gourmand Selection.

Newly-appointed Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said he will review the Pharmally scandal case, which involves graft over overpriced COVID-19 supplies, acknowledging it seemed to have been “forgotten.”

“Sisilipin natin ‘yan, kasi nga parang nalimutan na eh, naibaon sa limot, pero hindi dapat makalimutan talaga itong mga ganitong kaso,” Remulla said.

(We will look into that, because it seems it has been forgotten, buried in oblivion, but cases like this should truly not be forgotten.)

“Kasi alam natin mabigat ang alingaw-ngaw at maraming nagsasabi na may nangyari ngang masama doon. May naging pagdinig sa Senado ngunit hindi na umandar,” he added.

(Because we know the buzz is heavy, and many are saying that something truly bad happened there. There was a Senate hearing, but it didn’t move forward.)

In an interview with OneNews, former Blue Ribbon Committee Chairperson Richard Gordon said that the new Ombudsman will look into the Pharmally scandal.

Gordon, in the same interview, also said that detained former president Rodrigo Duterte was “part and parcel” of the conspiracy to “fleece the country” of at least “P11 billion to P47 billion” in the Pharmally fiasco.

“Very-very clear ang kasalanan ng presidente, inamin pa niya mismo,” Gordon said in an interview with OneNews’ “Storycon” on October 8.

(The fault of the president is very clear; he admitted it himself.)

As the Ombudsman, Remulla will now be in charge of the investigation and prosecution of government officials in their cases, which include cases of graft and corruption.

During the height of the scandal, the Office of the Ombudsman, which was then under the leadership of former Ombudsman Samuel Martires, filed graft cases against several individuals involved in the scandal last year.

Officials slapped with complaints include former Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and former Undersecretary Christopher Lao. They are accused of illegally transferring over P41 billion from the Department of Health (DOH) to the Procurement Service-Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) in 2020, during the height of the pandemic.

Latest developments on the case. On October 2, three former DBM officials involved in the case pleaded not guilty before the Sandiganbayan.

The officials are:

Allan Raul Catalan

Dickson Panti

Gerelyn Francisco Vergara

The other co-accused in the case, namely Warren Liong from PS-DBM and Pharmally officials Mohit Dargani and Linconn Ong, did not enter a plea because the anti-graft court has yet to rule on their appeal to quash the graft charge against them.

The latest Senate hearing on the budget of the Department of National Defense (DND) has unearthed some P15 billion worth of allocations that ended up in uncompleted and unusable projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the military from 2023 to 2025.

The revelation prompted the Senate finance committee chaired by Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian to stop the Tatag ng Imprastraktura para sa Kapayapaan at Seguridad (TIKAS) Program of the DPWH and transfer its 2026 allocation of P3 billion directly to the DND.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. also revealed during the hearing last Tuesday that he planned to arrange an inspection of the unfinished projects with Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon so he could gather more evidence in preparation for possible filing of charges against erring officials and their cohorts.

‘We proposed that it be scrapped already and all implementation be by the DND-AFP,’ Teodoro said, describing the DPWH TIKAS projects as nothing more than drainage system and firing ranges that are ‘not part of the core infrastructure-based development program.’

‘This does not fall in line anymore with our strategic basing and operational security requirements for hardened structures and henceforth these will not be pursued anymore, yet recovery must be done,’ Teodoro said.

He explained that there are 944 approved projects under the TIKAS program, of which 648 have reached only the first phase and falsely declared completed.

He said funding for the DPWH projects is done in phases, but is only released in the first year.

‘I fully support the proposal of the chair,’ Teodoro said, referring to Gatchalian’s proposal to transfer TIKAS funds in full to the DND. Sen. Ronald dela Rosa agreed to the proposal and added in jest that ‘tikas’ is a Visayan term for ‘cheater.’

‘We’ll see if we can add, so those projects can be completed. So the goal here is to help the DND complete all of those partly completed projects, because they’re getting wasted,’ Gatchalian said, to the applause of military officers at the hearing, including Armed Forces chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr.

Teodoro said the P3-billion allocation for 2026 may not be enough to finish the partly completed TIKAS projects, including some important ones like barracks for military personnel.

Gatchalian, in a statement, vowed to have the budget transfer done as he particularly pointed out unfinished DPWH projects for the Philippine Air Force (PAF) in Pasay City: two multipurpose buildings worth P72 million and P51 million falsely tagged as completed; and two other unspecified PAF projects, each valued at P60 million and P17 million.

Go supports DND

At the hearing, Sen. Bong Go, vice chairman of the committee on national defense, voiced his support for the DND and its attached agencies, emphasizing his continued adherence to the principle of protecting and empowering the nation’s uniformed personnel – a value he said he learned from former president Rodrigo Duterte.

Go also highlighted his principal authorship of Republic Act No. 12177, or the Free Legal Assistance to Military and Uniformed Personnel Act, which ensures legal protection for soldiers and law enforcers who may have a run in with the law while performing their official duties.

‘As the lifeblood of our nation’s defense and security, our soldiers have often faced dangerous situations that jeopardize their lives and limbs. For these reasons, I principally authored RA 12177 or the Free Legal Assistance to MUPs (Military and Uniformed Personnel) Act, which provides free legal aid to MUPs involved in cases related to the performance of duty,’ he said.

The Dasmariñas City Monarchs made short work of the Negros ICC Blue Hawks, 25-16, 25-11, 25-18, to stay unblemished in Week 3 of the 2025 Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association (MPVA) at the Alonte Gym in Biñan, Laguna.

Celine Marsh rifled in 12 points to lead the way as the NU-backed Monarchs solidified hold of pole position at 3-0 nearing the halfway mark of the first round.

Dasma also drew firepower from Joseline Salazar and Vange Alinsug with 11 and 10 points, respectively.

The Monarchs previously drubbed titlist Quezon Tangerines, 25-22, 25-23, 25-23, and Pasay Lady Voyagers, 25-13, 26-24, 25-20.

Newly-appointed Ombudsman Jesus Crispin ‘Boying’ Remulla has taken his oath of office, formally installing him as the country’s new Ombudsman.

The former justice secretary took his oath before Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen at the Supreme Court on Thursday, October 9.

Remulla is the seventh official to hold the position, succeeding former Ombudsman Samuel Martires, whose term expired on July 27, 2025.

As Ombudsman, Remulla will be responsible for investigating and prosecuting government officials accused of crimes, particularly graft and corruption.

He was appointed to the position by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on October 7.

Remulla had served as justice secretary since the start of the Marcos administration, overseeing the arrest and prosecution of several high-profile personalities such as doomsday preacher Apollo Quiboloy, former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo and former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr.

He was also among the officials involved in handling the government’s cooperation with the International Criminal Court regarding former President Rodrigo Duterte’s case.

One of his final acts as justice secretary was signing the Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order against more than a dozen former and current government officials linked to the alleged flood control project corruption case.

Spain-based Filipino entrepreneur and content creator Ramon Natcher is set to bring his very own perfume brand to the Philippines after launching it in Spain.

A bold entry into the luxury perfume market, Ramon Éxito was born from a single idea: that success has a scent, one that lingers, captivates, and tells a story before words are even said.

With refined notes of citrus, warm amber, and rare woods, the fragrance is designed for the confident, the accomplished, and the unapologetically aspirational.

For Natcher, the brand is more than just a product, it is a reflection of his belief that success is multi-sensory.

“Fragrance is deeply personal. It is an extension of who you are and the legacy you want to leave behind,” Natcher said in a statement.

Natcher’s entrepreneurial journey began at just 17 when he ventured into a small food cart business. His ambition soon took him abroad to Dubai, where he worked and later explored the jewelry industry.

The economic downturn in 2018 led him back to the Philippines, where he opened several restaurants. However, the pandemic forced him to close those ventures, and it was during this challenging time that his path toward hair growth product Trinoxteride began.

As the breadwinner of his family, Natcher faced financial strain that eventually took a toll on his health, leading to alopecia.

He began researching hair growth treatments and, seeing the gap for effective yet affordable options, created Trinoxteride.

Natcher openly admits he has no formal business degree. Instead, his growth came from failures, persistence, and real-world lessons.

Traveling also gave him a global outlook, allowing him to see trends, innovate, and adapt. He believes adaptability is the most important quality an entrepreneur can have.

“Traditional ways of doing business don’t always work anymore. You need to be open to change,” he said.

For him, growth as a person is just as important as business achievements. He challenges the idea that people should never change. Instead, he believes change is necessary, as long as it is for the better.

His definition of success has also evolved over time. Once tied to luxury possessions, he now values three things above all: health, meaningful relationships, and freedom.

“You can have all the money in the world, but without health or the freedom to live on your own terms, it’s meaningless,” he said.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) trimmed its benchmark interest rate by another 25 basis points at its October meeting, marking its fourth straight cut this year as inflation remains subdued and economic growth shows signs of slowing.

The central bank announced Thursday that the Target Reverse Repurchase Rate, or RRP, was lowered to 4.75% from 5%, following a similar reduction in August.

With the latest move, the rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities were also reduced to 4.25% and 5.25%, respectively.

Within target. The BSP said its decision reflects a ‘benign’ inflation outlook that remains ‘well within the target range.’ It noted that inflation expectations are ‘well-anchored,’ despite potential upward risks from possible power rate adjustments and higher rice import tariffs.

The central bank added that these pressures are expected to ease in the months ahead, keeping overall inflation manageable.

Growth outlook weakens. The Monetary Board, however, said the outlook for domestic economic growth has softened. It cited weaker business confidence linked to governance concerns surrounding public infrastructure spending.

‘Indications of moderating demand also reflect lingering uncertainty from the external environment,’ the BSP said.

The statement added that as the effects of previous rate cuts continue to filter through the economy, the central bank ‘will remain attentive to emerging risks while maintaining price stability conducive to sustainable growth and employment.’

A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck La Union late Thursday morning, with tremors felt in parts of northern Luzon, Phivolcs said.

Phivolcs reported that the quake hit at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 9, with a depth of 10 kilometers and an epicenter located two kilometers north-northeast of Pugo, La Union.

The quake was felt at Intensity V in Baguio City, Intensity III in Aringay, La Union; Bontoc, Mountain Province; and Sison, Pangasinan, and Intensity II in San Fernando, La Union; Nampicuan, Nueva Ecija; and Dagupan City. Weaker tremors at Intensity I were recorded in Lingayen and Urdaneta, Pangasinan, according to Phivolcs.

The agency said it expects aftershocks, but no damage is anticipated from the quake.

AJ Lim showed his readiness to shoot for a medal in the Southeast Asian Games in December in topping the men’s singles of the PCA Open in Paco, Manila over the weekend.

Lim’s 6-2, 6-1, 6-4 victory over Jed Olivarez not only secured his fourth crown in the annual meet but also reaffirmed his status as the country’s top male netter.

It also earned the 26-year-old Lim the top purse worth P200,000.

‘We are tremendously proud and filled with joy at AJ Lim’s performance,’ said Jean Henri Lhuillier, whose Cebuana Lhuillier has helped bankroll Lim’s SEA Games preparation.

‘His dedication, discipline, and heart truly reflect the spirit of Cebuana Lhuillier. To see him rise once more to claim the PCA Open title is a moment of great pride not only for us, but for Philippine tennis as a whole,’ he added.

When Kai held his 2025 Kai Solo Concert Tour in Manila, the sold-out show drew a crowd whose energy never wavered from start to finish. From the opening number, Sinner, the intensity with which fans waved their banners and lightsticks made it clear how much excitement filled the Araneta Coliseum. The excitement only grew as Kai launched into the hits Mmmh and Nothing on Me.

Kai paused to greet the Filipino audience warmly, asking if they had missed him and confessing that he missed them just as much. ‘Masaya ako,’ he told them, earning a chorus of cheers and playful chants of ‘pogi.’ He noted that the Manila crowd’s energy was unlike any other and expressed his wish that the whole concert (mounted by Pulp Live World) would become a cherished memory for everyone who bought tickets.

He then performed Hello Stranger, Slidin’, and Ride or Die, which were met with applause and screams of excitement. A video interlude filled the arena with images of flowers before the man of the hour returned to the stage to perform Come In.

He reminded the fans that this was his very first solo concert and thanked them for making it possible. When they sang along to Baby Don’t Cry and Angel, he gave them a perfect score, praising their singing and their cheers. Spotting several fans holding roses, he playfully asked if they were proposing to him, earning laughter and more chants.

The concert grew more playful as fans repeatedly chanted, ‘Take it off!’ Kai teased them by pretending not to hear, laughing as the audience’s screams grew louder. He explained that his director told him to keep his jacket on, but when the crowd’s chants continued, the director gave his approval, and Kai obliged, making the fans scream in excitement.

He continued to turn up the heat with Vanilla, Peaches, and Adult Swim, before powering through Wait on Me, Pressure, Walls Don’t Talk, and Bomba, showing his versatility as both a dancer and performer.

In his remarks, Kai expressed how much the evening meant to him. ‘I hope our time spent together today will forever be engraved in your minds. Alright? I was so happy today. And really, my Manila fans, I love you,’ Kai told the crowd, who answered with chants of ‘Walang uuwi!’

He also thanked them for the fan events, which included fanchants, flowers, and slogans. ‘I’ll never beat your love. Next time, I’ll prepare more. Today, I lost,’ he laughed.

Before closing with his last song, Kai reminded his fans to keep their memories of the 2025 Kai Solo Concert Tour in Manila close: ‘I hope this moment we spent together is not a second we erased in our memory. Guys, did you get a lot of memories stored in your minds and in your eyes? So keep watching it again until we meet again, do not forget me, OK?’