Category: Philippine Star

The role of trade fairs in providing tangible opportunities for growth for entrepreneurs took center stage in the recent Taiwan Expo 2025 at the SMX Convention Center.

Organized by the Taiwan International Trade Administration (TITA) and Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), the three-day event drew strong participation from both Taiwanese exhibitors and Philippine businesses, underscoring Taiwan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties through technology, sustainability and innovation.

The event drew more than 10,000 visitors and buyers, and generated $53.4 million worth of business opportunities, highlighting its strong draw among both business leaders and consumers. Organizers emphasized that the Expo was more than a showcase; it was a gateway for B2B engagement.

Organizers added that business-matching sessions were fully booked, connecting Filipino entrepreneurs with Taiwanese manufacturers, suppliers and innovators eager to establish distributorships and joint ventures.

With over 145 exhibitors spanning healthcare, green technology, agritech and ICT, the Expo provided a comprehensive snapshot of Taiwan’s capabilities. Each pavilion – from the Healthcare Pavilion to the Smart Technology and Intelligent Lifestyle Showcase – was designed not just to display products but to position Taiwanese companies as strategic partners for Philippine enterprises seeking growth in high-demand sectors.

The opening ceremony featured key figures such as Representative Wallace Minn-Gan Chow of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines, TAITRA Chairman James Huang and MECO Director Wilson Tecson, all of whom reinforced the importance of cooperation.

While the Expo’s backbone was business, organizers successfully widened its audience. Known artists and performer such Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, was invited as celebrity guest under the Taiwan Excellence Pavilion, provided significant media traction. Her participation in activities such as the ‘Gimme Five Parade’ and meet-and-greet sessions boosted foot traffic and public engagement, drawing lifestyle media attention to an otherwise trade-centered event.

From a trade perspective, the success of Taiwan Expo 2025 in the Philippines lies in three measurable outcomes:

Strong B2B traction – Exhibitors and Filipino companies engaged in concrete discussions on distributorships, partnerships, and knowledge exchange.

Expanded visibility – The mix of business sessions and celebrity-driven activities ensured that Taiwanese brands reached both industry leaders and consumers.

Strengthened positioning – Taiwan reinforced its role not only as a technology provider but as a long-term partner in the Philippines’ sustainable and digital transformation.

As the Philippines accelerates its focus on digitalization, renewable energy, and healthcare innovation, Taiwanese companies are well-positioned to play a key role.

The Expo’s success suggests that collaborations initiated at SMX will extend beyond the exhibition floor, translating into contracts, investments and shared growth.

In the words of TITA and TAITRA, the organizer of the event, Taiwan Expo 2025 in the Philippines was ‘not the end, but the beginning of stronger cooperation.’

Judging by the turnout, the engagements, and the buzz it generated, the business community seems to agree.

At least 72 people were reported dead in Cebu after a deadly 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck the province, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Thursday, October 2.

The earthquake struck on Monday night, causing extensive damage to local infrastructure and leaving many casualties. The entire province of Cebu has been placed under a state of calamity, with several localities also declaring the same. The NDRRMC said that 53 cities and municipalities have declared a state of calamity.

Data from the NDRRMC showed that 72 people have died, while 294 were injured.

A total of 170,959 people have been affected, with 20,000 displaced.

The NDRRMC recorded at least two incidents of landslides and two collapsed structures. There was also a reported structural fire.

Almost 600 houses have been damaged, as well as 87 other infrastructure.

The province continues to be shaken by aftershocks. Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) director Teresito Bacolcol told GMA that they have recorded around 2,329 aftershocks as of 4:00 a.m.

The magnitudes of the aftershocks have reached as high as magnitude 5.

Phivolcs warned the public of possible landslides and falling objects when they go out.

‘In case of another strongly felt earthquake, it is recommended that people protect themselves by doing the ‘drop, cover, and hold.’ In homes and offices, heavy furniture and appliances should be strapped to the walls, and hanging objects securely fastened to avoid causing injuries,’ the agency said in a statement.

The death toll in the strong earthquake that struck Cebu Province Tuesday night has climbed to 69, and hundreds more are injured, with widespread destruction across many towns.

According to official reports from the Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CPDRRMO), the fatalities were recorded as follows: 30 in Bogo City; 22 in San Remegio; 12 in Medellin; five in Tabogon; and one each in Sogod and Tabuelan towns.

The CPDRRMO has confirmed that the death toll may continue to rise, with more injured and missing individuals are still being accounted for.

Among the dead in San Remegio were three personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and one from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Region 7, who perished after the collapse of the San Remegio Sports Complex during the tremor.

The PCG identified its fallen personnel as Seaman Second Class Lawrence Palomo, Apprentice Seaman Jujay Mahusay, and Apprentice Seaman Ert Cart Dacunes. All three were rushed to Bogo General Hospital but were declared dead despite the efforts of attending physicians.

PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil L. Gavan mourned the loss, saying, ‘We extend our sincere condolences to the families of our fallen personnel. Their dedication to the service and camaraderie with our fellow uniformed men and women will always be remembered. The PCG stands in full solidarity with their loved ones and will ensure that they receive the utmost support.’

The BFP, meanwhile, confirmed the death of Fire Officer 2 Allier Vincent Negro Catadman, who was also trapped when the sports complex collapsed.

In a statement, BFP Region 7 described him as a true public servant: ‘Your loved one was a true hero, selfless, valiant, and committed to serving the Filipino people until his last breath. His legacy of bravery and sacrifice will forever inspire the Bureau and the communities we serve.’

Police reports said the victims were competing in a basketball tournament for the town’s Mayor’s Cup, which had drawn crowds of hundreds of residents. One of the officiating committee members, Jude Destura, was also reported dead as a result of the earthquake.

According to police reports, a brief power outage further fueled panic among the crowd, leading to a stampede as people rushed to exit the premises. Emergency medical treatment was immediately sought for the victims, but unfortunately, they were soon pronounced dead.

Tragedy also struck in SM Cares Village, Barangay Polambato, Bogo City, where eight individuals died following the collapse of eight housing units.

DSWD Disaster Response Management Group Undersecretary Diana Rose M. Cajipe and DSWD-7 Regional Director Shalaine Marie S. Lucero personally visited affected families to extend assistance. Among those mourning is Lito Catarman, who lost his son, pregnant daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren in the tragedy.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) assured bereaved families of burial assistance, financial aid, and Family Food Packs. As directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the agency will provide P10,000 in cash aid to each family of the deceased and cover funeral expenses.

‘The DSWD Field Office 7 – Central Visayas is now accounting for the number of casualties and their locations. Our social workers are coordinating with the bereaved families to inform them of the Department’s assistance,’ said Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, DSWD spokesperson.

The Cebu Provincial Hospital in Bogo City was overwhelmed with casualties, as body bags lined up outside its compound. To assist bereaved families, a booth for the issuance of death certificates was set up near the hospital.

Among the fatalities was a mother and her 1-year-old daughter in Barangay Binabag, Bogo City, after a boulder rolled down and crushed the wall of their house.

Provincial Governor Pamela Baricuatro emphasized that saving lives remains the highest priority as search, rescue, and relief operations continue. As of 3:54 p.m. yesterday, at least 293 residents suffered various injuries and were rushed to hospitals for treatment.

BFP-7 Regional Director FCSUPT Fred Linazan Trajeras Jr. has since joined the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in coordinating multi-agency rescue and retrieval efforts across affected areas.

The PCG District Central Visayas has also deployed six highly trained Search and Rescue (SAR) dogs with handlers to Northern Cebu to help locate possible trapped survivors and support ongoing response operations.

Shuvee Etrata marks another feat as the first female scout ambassador of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines.

The former ‘Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition’ housemate wrote ‘Laging Handa’ on her Instagram post where she is seen with the Boy Scout mascots.

Her talent agency, posted about Shuvee’s latest seal of approval on its official Instagram account, ‘The Nation’s Darling joins the scouting fam!’

She joins fellow Sparkle artist, David Licauco, who was named as the first-ever Scout Ambassador for the Boy Scouts of the Philippines last year.

The Boy Scouts of the Philippines is the national scouting organization of the Philippines in the World Organization of the Scout Movement.

The Scout movement was introduced to the Philippines in 1910 during the American occupation period. The Boy Scouts of the Philippines is said to be the second largest organization in the world with 3,344,799 members as of 2023.

October is Scouting Month in the Philippines, established by Presidential Proclamation No. 1326, s.1974, to honor the founding of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines in 1936.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development will provide burial assistance as well as a P10,000 cash aid to families of victims of Tuesday’s magnitude 6.9 earthquake.

‘The DSWD’s Field Office Central Visayas is now counting the number of casualties and their location. Our social workers will also talk to the concerned families to inform them that the DSWD will shoulder the burial expenses of their loved ones,’ DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao said in a statement.

The death toll from the powerful quake that rocked Central Visayas continues to rise, along with the number of injured and missing individuals based on reports by Cebu’s Provincial Disaster Response and Risk Reduction Management Office.

Cebu has been placed under a state of calamity to give the provincial government the ability to respond quickly and mobilize resources.

From Masbate where he assisted President Marcos in distributing cash aid to 600 Opong-affected families, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian was directed by the Chief Executive to proceed to Cebu to check on the condition of the families severely affected by the earthquake.

According to the Department of Education, the earthquake in Central Visayas is projected to affect more than 16,000 schools across 73 divisions of DepEd in varying intensities.

In Masbate City, Education Secretary Sonny Angara and other state officials accompanied President Marcos in the distribution of aid at Nursery Elementary School on Oct. 1.

These include the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation of P10,000 each for 600 families and two checks totaling over P34.8 million from the Department of Labor and Employment Region V to the Provincial Government of Masbate for Livelihood Assistance and Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers for 6,455 beneficiaries in 11 municipalities.

Meanwhile, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said the Department of Health will tap its P500-million quick response fund to assist earthquake victims.

In another development, the Department of Trade and Industry has imposed a 60-day price freeze on basic necessities in Cebu following the 6.9 magnitude earthquake that hit the province.

In Iloilo, retired Col. Cornelio Salinas, head of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, complained about the lack of local earthquake monitoring station in the area.

The Archdiocese of Cebu yesterday ordered the structural assessment of churches and rectories in its jurisdiction.

World champion Carlo Biado and reigning Hanoi Open titlist Johann Chua will carry the flag high and proud as the World Nineball Tour, in partnership with Puyat Sports, brings the Philippine Open Pool Championship from Oct. 21 to 26 at Gateway Mall, Quezon City.

The top Filipino cue artists will take their rightful place in the spotlight as the Philippines hosts a brand new Matchroom Major, with Manila joining an elite list of global host cities such as London, Orlando, and Hanoi.

Cignal, as the official broadcaster, will show the event live on One Sports, One Sports+, and on the Pilipinas Live app together with the usual telecast on WNT TV.

Aside from the top Filipino players, expected to be part of the field are former world champion Francisco Sanchez Ruiz of Spain and seven-time Mosconi Cup winner Jayson Shaw of United Kingdom among others.

For the past 35 years, “Disney On Ice” has always held its Philippine shows in Metro Manila.

But the possibility of Cebu experiencing Disney’s spectacular ice skating concert is becoming more likely.

The Seaside Arena has been in construction across the SM Seaside City mall since the pandemic, and upon completion, the 16,000-seater will be the largest indoor arena in Cebu.

Arnel Gonzales, the vice president and general manager of the Mall of Asia Arena, told Philstar.com in an exclusive interview after the press conference for this year’s “Disney On Ice” show in the Philippines that the Cebu Arena is already 70% complete.

Both the mall and arena will make up the planned Seaside City Complex, which will also include a convention center and two bayfront hotels.

Having another major arena is, according to Gonzales, part of SM’s goal to “deliver the highest quality of live entertainment like no other to every Filipino nationwide.”

Counted among them is “Disney On Ice,” which has been staging shows in the Philippines since 1990. The shows have been handled by Feld Entertainment at the Mall of Asia Arena since 2016.

New characters debut

A question that emerges is once the Seaside Arena is open, would “Disney On Ice” consider heading to Cebu?

Feld Entertainment’s vice president for Asia-Pacific Matthew Garrick explained to Philstar.com that the “Disney On Ice” show that comes to the Philippines is part of a regional tour that also goes to nearby countries like Japan, China, and Australia.

“That tour will continue each year. So, as new markets come on board, whether that’s Cebu or whether that’s another country, they’re going to fit into the tour,” Garrick teased.

Garrick pointed out that “Disney On Ice” was a staple holiday tradition now in the Philippines, so scheduling will be even more concentrated if there are other venues to be considered.

“We’re working together. We’re working together towards achieving that,” Gonzales upon being asked if Cebu could one day host “Disney On Ice.”

The new show debuting this December is “Magic in the Stars,” a concept that has been touring for three years and will feature more than 55 Disney characters, the biggest yet for a Philippine show.

These include fan favorites like Aladdin, Cinderella, Moana, Rapunzel from “Tangled,” Tiana from “The Princess and the Frog,” the Madrigals of “Encanto,” Anna, Elsa, and Olaf of “Frozen 2,” and, of course, Mickey Mouse.

Also debuting in the upcoming show are Lightning McQueen and Mater from “Cars,” Asha from “Wish,” and the titular character of “Raya and the Last Dragon.”

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday ordered the creation of a ‘tent city’ that would serve as temporary shelter for citizens affected by the fatal 6.9 earthquake that struck the province.

Marcos visited Bogo City in Cebu, one of the worst hit areas in the province. During his visit to the province, Marcos viewed damaged buildings and observed aid distribution efforts.

Speaking to the media, Marcos said the earthquake has made it dangerous to stay indoors, even in evacuation centers.

‘Kukuha tayo ng mga tent na malalaki at itatayo natin, kagaya ng sinabi ko sa ating mga LGU (local government units) executives, ito ‘yung mga tent ng Red Cross na ginamit noong COVID. At ito ay mabilis itayo at kahit umulan hindi problema. Kaya ‘yun ang dadalhin namin dito sa ngayon,’ Marcos said.

(We will get large tents and we will set them up, like what I told the LGU executives, these are the tents that were used during COVID. These are quick to set up and even if it rains, there is no problem. This is what we will bring here.)

There will be adequate food and water supplies, as well as energy, he vowed.

Funds allocated. A total of P375 million has been benchmarked for the rehabilitation efforts in Cebu, according to the Department of Budget and Management.

Around P150 million of this will be released through the Local Government Support Fund, while P75 million is allocated for Bogo City specifically.

The Cebu earthquake has killed at least 72 people, with hundreds more injured and displaced. The entire province has been placed under a state of calamity.

Sen. Mark Villar has broken his silence amid the flood control funds scandal involving the government agency he once led, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Villar has been summoned by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to explain the alleged kickback schemes that occurred during his stint as DPWH secretary.

‘I welcome and fully support any investigation into these issues, as I have nothing to hide and believe firmly in accountability and due process,’ Villar said Thursday, October 2, in a statement to the media.

The commission also invited House Speaker Martin Romualdez and resigned congressman Zaldy Co to account for their roles in the scandal.

Villar stressed he had no stake in any DPWH projects, either directly or through family connections. Villar is son to former senators Cynthia Villar and Manny Villar, a property tycoon and in the top three of the Philippines’ wealthiest individuals.

‘Let me be unequivocal: I have no direct or indirect ownership or controlling interest in any company participating in DPWH projects. The official record will confirm that none of my relatives acquired any contracts from 2016 to 2021, during my tenure as Secretary,’ he added.

Villar said he was focused on implementing key reforms in the DPWH. The secretary-turned-senator was former president Rodrigo Duterte’s Public Works chief for nearly the entirety of his term, only resigning to run for senator in 2022.

The senator vowed cooperation with the ICI, saying that his track record would speak for itself.

‘I have full faith that my service record in those years bears witness to this focus and commitment. To build upon that work, I fully support the investigation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure,’ Villar said.

The anomalies in the DPWH have triggered widespread rage. Billions of pesos are suspected to have been lost to graft and corruption.

Several senators have already been implicated in the mess. incumbent senators Jinggoy Estrada, Joel Villanueva and Chiz Escudero have all been accused of inserting money into the national budget for later kickbacks.

Ornella Brianna, a rising star in Philippine theater, carries the legacy of her artist mom Tricia Canilao.

Tricia has performed in “Miss Saigon” as Kim, Gigi, and Ellen, and played roles in Hong Kong Disneyland.

She gave birth to Ornella in Hong Kong, and the latter’s life has always been surrounded by creativity, culture, and performance.

The eldest of three siblings, Ornella grew up watching her mother perform in various events in Hong Kong while taking musical and dance classes at her mother’s own studio.

“I really want to play Kim one day. ‘Miss Saigon’ is one of my favorite musicals, especially when I got the chance to watch it when it was here in the Philippines, so it’d be great to play Kim,” Ornella said.

When her family moved back to the Philippines from Hong Kong in 2016, Ornella took her very first theater workshop with Repertory Philippines, under the mentorship of Ayam Barredo.

Through Repertory Philippines she starred in her first leading role as Ariel in “The Little Mermaid,” and a year later appeared in “A Christmas Carol” with 9 Works Theatrical.

The teenager is in the middle of her latest production Repertory Philippines’s “Alice in Wonderland” which she feels is like a “coming back home” moment to the stage that shaped her.

Now, as a teenager, she makes her highly anticipated return to musical theater in ‘Alice in Wonderland.’ It’s a moment that feels like ‘coming back home’ to the stage that shaped her.

“I don’t really mind what roles I’m assigned, even if I have my preferences. I see every role as an opportunity to learn and grow,” Ornella said. “Being in the ensemble teaches teamwork and discipline, supporting roles allow me to develop character work, and lead roles challenge me to carry the story with confidence.”

She stated her belief in the saying “there are no small roles, only small actors,” pointing to theater being about collaboration and storytelling.

Ornella also shared advice that her mom Tricia gave her: to give 120% in everything.

“If I only give 100% and I fall short, I might end up at 80% or 90%. But if I push for 120%, then even on the days I don’t feel at my best, I’ll still be giving 100%,: Ornella explained.

Another thing she learned from Tricia was that talent isn’t the only what matters, so is being a good person because people will want to work with kind and respectful individuals.

Ornella expressed admiration for her mother as an artist and her ability to capture the room’s attention.

“I only had the chance to see her perform a handful of times since most of her shows were either before I was born or when I was too young to remember,” Ornella continued. “But the moments I did witness, and especially the times I was able to perform alongside her, showed me how kind, cooperative, and inspiring she is to work with.”

She also said Tricia was supportive of her and her siblings’ dreams, calling her the strongest and most caring person she knew.

“At the same time, she has never wanted me to simply become a ‘mini her,’ especially when it comes to performing. She always told me that she tries not to interfere with my voice or acting, so that I wouldn’t just copy her, but instead grow into my own kind of artist,” Ornella ended.