Category: Philippine Star

Asiabest [ABG 26.00 unch; 10% avgVol] [link] said it has executed a subscription agreement with Concrete Stone Corp. (CSC), owned by builder Francis Lloyd Chua, at a ‘discounted’ price of P15 a share, valuing the deal at P150 million. In a disclosure, ABG said it made the initial investment on 29 September 2025 through the subscription of 10 million primary common shares in CSC. The company said the transaction will provide working capital for CSC and is ‘in line with the corporation’s plan to fold CSC as its subsidiary.’ The investment is part of a broader transaction with Chua’s two firms: Industry Holdings and Development Corp. (IHDC), which manufactures construction solution materials through CSC, and Premium Lands Corp. (PLC), a developer behind the Kabalayan mass housing brand. IHDC and PLC offered to subscribe to up to 6 million new common shares in ABG at P25 apiece, valuing the deal at P15 billion, in exchange for shares in CSC, Industry Movers Corp. and/or Kabalayan, as well as ‘specified real properties.’ ABG said it will raise its authorized capital stock to accommodate the share-for-share and share-for-real-estate swap.

MB bottom-line: ABG is now owned and controlled by Francis Lloyd Chua, who also owns and controls CSC and a somewhat diversified group of other companies. This subscription by ABG basically transfers capital from ABG to CSC, that I presume CSC will use to finance the build-out of the manufacturing facility construction that it announced in August. While this stake doesn’t make CSC a subsidiary of ABG, it is in the company’s plan to acquire CSC by Q1/26, so any stake buy now will make the eventual push to acquire control that much easier. Still, since this activity all springs from a backdoor listing, we’re basically flying blind with respect to value. Is this a good move for ABG shareholders, or are they now holding Mr. Chua’s bags? We just have to wait.

Foodies in the Philippines can now savor the taste of Osaka’s award-winning yakitori as Ikoka Japanese Yakitori opening its doors in Metro Manila.

Founded by Chef Masashi Hara and recognized by the Michelin Bib Gourmand for five consecutive years, the restaurant has earned global acclaim for its mastery of yakitori or grilled chicken skewers.

Each skewer enhanced with salt or signature tare sauce reflects years of artisan training, a craft that has placed Ikoka among Japan’s most celebrated dining experiences.

“Yakitori is more than food – it is culture, tradition, and craftsmanship,” Chef Masashi in a statement, adding that chefs in the Philippines have been trained to deliver the same Michelin-recognized quality and authentic flavors as in Japan.

The newly opened restaurant showcases wood-crafted interiors inspired by Japanese design, offering a refined yet inviting atmosphere suitable for dates, family gatherings, or business occasions.

Counter seating provides diners with a front-row view of the live grilling, creating an immersive culinary experience.

The Philippines marks an important milestone in Ikoka’s global expansion vision. With a vibrant, youthful market and strong appreciation for authentic dining, the country is a natural home for Osaka’s renowned yakitori tradition.

The restaurant is now open at Bonifacio Global City’s Two Meridian in Taguig.

Content creator couple Cong TV and Viy Cortez are allowing their son Kidlat to explore his curiosity freely.

Kidlat was recently tapped as an ambassador of Kids Learning Ville, during the launch of which Cong shared he and Viy let Kidlat discover what he wants to be in life.

That includes explosing him to as many activities possible to see what catches the three-year-old’s eye.

“Pa-discover mo lahat. Pakita mo sa kanya yung gitara, piano, soccer, kung anong mga activity. Doon talaga nagsisimula para mahanap mo kung ano yung mga bagay na passion niya paglaki,” Cong added, noting how basketball stayed with him since childhood.

Cong did admit it will take years for Kidlat to become ready to explore more things, “Tina-try naming ipakita sa kanya lahat ng puwedeng ma-experience sa mundong ito kahit ganito pa lang ang edad niya.”

At the moment Cong and Viy are seeing Kidlat try out swimming, however the child always cries in the pool as he doesn’t enjoy being underwater.

On her part, Viy said that they are letting Kidlat choose his own path without any pressure.

“Hindi ko muna iniisip kung magiging doktor ba ‘to o vlogger. Basta ako, mabuti lang siya,” Viy shared. “Kung gusto niya maging Spider-man. Ako, wala akong, ‘Gusto ko paglaki mo.’ Sa akin, wala.”

Viy noted how young their son still is and wants to just enjoy, so she and Cong are there to support him.

She did recall something Cong told her while she was pregnant with Kidlat upon asking what they’d do if their son had different interests.

“Ang sinabi niya sa akin, ‘Alam mo, yung anak mo, hindi mo pagmamay-ari. Nandiyan ka para lang i-guide. Kung ano yung gusto niya maging paglaki niya, nandiyan ka para i-guide, pero hindi para sabihin na hindi yan dapat gawin. Nandiyan ka lang to guide,'” Viy ended.

The business community is becoming highly skeptical about the viability of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) created by President Marcos to look into the massive corruption in flood control projects.

In fact, the business sector has expressed the belief that the ICI probe may be doomed from the start, with a nebulous goal, funding, manpower and legal authority to mete punishment on those it is supposed to investigate.

As Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro had previously said, the ICI is merely a fact-finding body that is not supposed to mete punishment on any person who does not attend the hearings of the commission.

Sources in the business community point out that the scope of the investigation by the ICI is a logistical nightmare alone in hiring clerical staff, investigators, lawyers and competent assessors to help collect, check, verify documents and records, and then to compile and safeguard all testimonies, documents and paperwork submitted and gathered by the commission on the numerous flood projects that involves several government agencies.

The investigation, business observers note, could very well cover at least 10 years, and would therefore take even more time to validate and check.

While they are glad that former DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson is part of the ICI, sources say that he was only prevailed upon by President Marcos to join the commission, even as he had previously rejected a return to government.

Singson’s corruption-free stint at the DPWH during the term of former president Benigno Aquino III has earned him the respect of international financial and aid organizations.

In fact, in a recent Asian Development Bank infrastructure seminar, just before the ICI was formed to investigate the corruption in flood control projects, Singson had told members of the media who attended the event about his strict and business approach to dealing with legislators and contractors who visited his office.

According to Singson, ‘Unlike others, I never offer my visitors anything to eat or drink when they come, because I do not want them to become comfortable or too friendly and stay longer than needed.’

Singson preferred to keep a formal and arms length approach in all his government dealings.

Perhaps, this approach in the conduct of the ICI hearings is being followed, much to the dislike and suspicion of some observers, since a public hearing allows for some theatrics by some of the legislators and witnesses.

The coverage of the investigation, sources said, is so extensive, and to synthesize all of the findings would itself be a humongous undertaking that may not be credibly completed in just a couple of months.

There is likewise no set timetable for the ICI to complete its work, leaving suspicion and causing frustration that the whole exercise is just a ploy to string the public along until the people get tired and bored, and decide to move on to the next political brouhaha.

The recent resignation of Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong is also being met with dismay by the business sector, which heightens their suspicion about the ability of the ICI to complete its task.

In the meantime, the stock market continues to tank while the economic managers continue to wax optimistic, and the political pot continues to be stirred by talks of military dissatisfaction.

Businessmen admit that the corruption probe has had a ‘chilling effect’ on business and the construction sector, which has a multiplier effect on the economy, has slowed down.

Fortunately, local and international economists remain optimistic that while the Philippine growth scenario will not be as robust as originally projected at the start of this year, it will remain in a slightly lower growth scenario even with the risks it faces.

The ADB, just this week, affirmed a resilient growth outlook for the country while acknowledging some uncertainties from global trade and investment policies and continued and heightened geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East and from the Russian-Ukraine war.

In a briefing, ADB country director for the Philippines Andrew Jeffries acknowledged that ‘Though these uncertainties pose increased risk, we see strong domestic demand anchoring growth, with sustained investments and an accommodative monetary policy supporting the economy’s expansion.’

The ADB forecasts inflation to ease this year, slowing to 1.8 percent before rising to three percent next year. It notes though that adverse weather conditions and climate shocks could put pressure on commodity prices.

Other downside risks to the growth outlook, the ADB cited, are external headwinds from heightened uncertainty, further shifts in global economic policies, and rising trade barriers that could affect market sentiment and hinder economic growth.

One factor it highlighted could be the fragility of China’s property market ‘that could weaken growth in the rest of the region.’

Sustained government investments, including for social services, are seen boosting domestic demand, the report said. Business sentiment remained positive, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ Q2 2025 survey, though softer amid external headwinds.

Consumer outlook stayed optimistic for 2026. This bodes well for private consumption growth, which is partly supported by steady inflow of remittances from overseas Filipinos.

The government, the ADB noted, aims to maintain infrastructure spending at five to six percent of gross domestic product, or GDP, over the medium term.

The recently signed Accelerated and Reformed Right-of-Way Act is expected to streamline land acquisition process for government and public-private partnership projects, which will help speed up infrastructure investments.

The new law, the ADB said, would benefit the government’s flagship projects, including the ADB-financed Malolos-Clark Railway Project and the South Commuter Railway project that would will link Metro Manila to northern and southern provinces in the Luzon region; and the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge Project that will connect the province of Cavite to Bataan and shorten travel time between the two provinces.

The trial of Sen. Jinggoy Estrada’s graft cases on the alleged misuse of his discretionary public funds or pork barrel will proceed as the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan junked his plea to dismiss the cases for lack of merit.

In a 22-page resolution, Sandiganbayan’s Special Fifth Division said there was no cogent reason to reverse its earlier resolution that denied Estrada’s demurrer to evidence, which would effectively dismiss his remaining graft charges involving the alleged misuse of his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) amounting to over P200 million.

The funds were allegedly diverted to fake livelihood projects that were endorsed to non-government organizations allegedly owned by businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles, who has had numerous convictions over the misuse of the pork barrel funds.

The anti-graft court rejected Estrada’s argument that there should not be any prosecution for graft since there was already a prosecution against him for plunder from the ‘same set of facts and the same set of transactions.’

The court said there was nothing in the Rules of Court or the laws that there was a directive to dismiss a separate case for graft on account of the charge ‘being a predicate act in a prior case for plunder.’

It also maintained that the prosecution has presented sufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case to support a guilty verdict.

‘The only reason to sustain such an argument would be if the same places the accused in double jeopardy, which is not the case herein, as shall be discussed by the court later,’ the resolution read.

The Sandiganbayan also disagreed with Estrada’s argument that the prosecution failed to prove that there was an intent to commit wrongdoing on his part, saying he never knew of the supposed scheme to misuse his PDAF.

The court cited the testimony of Ruby Tuason, who testified she met with Estrada and told him of the scheme of Janet Napoles and that she personally delivered amounts to him at the Senate and at his house.

It also cited the testimony of Benhur Luy, who said he had endorsement letters signed by Estrada through a member of his staff.

‘Estrada’s insistence on the innocuousness of his endorsements is belied by its repetition and deviation from the established procedure,’ the court said.

‘Estrada’s endorsement letters directly implicate him for the crimes charged and there is no basis for his argument that his letters were merely recommendatory,’ it added.

The Sandiganbayan set the presentation of defense evidence on Oct. 2.

The resolution, dated Oct. 1, was signed by Associate Justice Zaldy Trespeses, the division chair; and Associate Justices Maryann Corpus-Mañalac and Maria Theresa Mendoza-Arcega.

With his medical condition in question, pre-trial judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) may tap qualified experts to conduct an independent assessment on former president Rodrigo Duterte’s fitness to participate in court proceedings.

The ICC Registry, which is in charge of administration and operations of the court, formally informed the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber 1 that the medical officer of the tribunal’s detention facility ‘does not possess the requisite expertise of judicial knowledge to provide such an assessment regarding a detained person’s fitness to stand trial.’

Following the defense’s claim that Duterte is unfit to stand trial, the pre-trial chamber directed the ICC Detention Center’s medical officer to submit a report on the former president’s medical condition.

The Registry, however, told judges that the medical officer’s mandate is only limited to the oversight of the physical and mental health of the detained persons.

While the medical officer can provide limited observations on the health of a detainee, matters related to ‘long-term adjustments to hearing arrangements’ and other issues already fall outside its mandate, the Registry said.

But it said that the Registry maintains a roster of qualified experts who may provide services to the court.

‘The Registry stands ready to provide the Chamber with a shortlisted curriculum vitae of suitable experts from this list in line with the Chamber’s requirements, for its consideration, should the Chamber so decide,’ it added.

Duterte’s defense team has moved to adjourn the trial on the basis of supposed cognitive decline of the former president.

The prosecution has disputed this claim and pushed for the resumption of the proceedings.

Groups slam Senate pro-Duterte resolution

Meanwhile, lawyer’s group Initiatives for Dialogue and Empowerment through Alternative Legal Services (IDEALS) decried senators who adopted Senate Resolution 144 urging the ICC to place Duterte under house arrest, asking if those who voted in favor also have compassion and mercy for the thousands of Filipinos who were killed in the war on drugs.

‘Calling for his house arrest is not an act of mercy. It is an act of betrayal,’ the IDEALS said in a statement.

The Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives denounced the move, saying ‘this is not a humanitarian gesture, but a brazen attempt to obstruct justice and protect a mass murderer responsible for thousands of extrajudicial killings.’

‘The senators resolution is not about pity or rights, but a clear cover-up on the crimes of Duterte. This is an example of oppression of justice for the families of the victims of drug war,’ said Act Teachers party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio.

Kabataan party-list Rep. Renee Louise Co described the measure as ‘nothing more than a political maneuver designed to protect Duterte and his cohorts from facing the full weight of international justice.’

‘The Senators’ resolution is an insult to the families who lost their loved ones due to the endless battering of Duterte’s fake drug war,’ Gabriela women’s party Rep. Sarah Elago said.

No effect

Kristina Conti, a lawyer representing some drug war victims, said the Senate resolution would have no effect on the ongoing proceedings at the international tribunal.

Conti described the passage of the resolution as counterproductive ‘as the Senate is not in any way involved in the ICC process.’

‘It is unclear how the resolution will be communicated to the international court. Unless the Senate has direct knowledge of Duterte’s physical and mental health and their report is transmitted to the ICC through the proper channels, then the resolution will be mere political noise,’ she said.

According to Conti, the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber 1 would only consider matters of fact and law as it evaluates various requests filed by Duterte’s lawyers, including the plea for his interim release.

She described Senate Resolution 144 as mere ‘political noise’ that could even ‘backfire’ on efforts to secure Duterte’s release from detention.

The move, she said, can be viewed as political intrusion and a form of undermining the ICC’s independence.

‘The court may also see this as conclusive proof that the Dutertes still exercise significant political clout nationwide. Duterte family members are in positions in Davao, which is why he cannot simply go home there,’ Conti said.

Fifteen senators voted in favor of the resolution calling for the house arrest of Duterte on the basis of humanitarian considerations. At least three opposed it, two abstained and four did not participate in the voting.

For Conti, given that one of the sponsors ‘is probably among the co-perpetrators of crimes against humanity being investigated by the ICC Office of the Prosecutor,’ passing the resolution was ‘patently self-serving.’

Among those who supported the measure was Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, who is also reportedly being investigated by the ICC for his role as Duterte’s first police chief.

The activist group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan said the senators who adopted the resolution are ‘political opportunists.’

Meanwhile, acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte is seeking the disbarment of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty and Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon before the Supreme Court.

The mayor’s lawyer Israelito Torreon refused to divulge details of the complaint but said it was related to the former president’s arrest and transfer to The Hague in March, which they described as ‘illegal’ kidnapping and expulsion. – Emmanuel Tupas, Jose Rodel Clapano, Daphne Galvez

Several officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways, including those who have been fired or suspended, are now undergoing what amounts to lifestyle checks.

Their assets have been frozen by the courts upon the recommendation of the Anti-Money Laundering Council. The Bureau of Internal Revenue is working with the AMLC and state prosecutors to determine if tax returns match declared incomes. The Bureau of Customs and Land Transportation Office are also providing inputs in determining if assets are ill-gotten.

Now we know that it isn’t impossible to carry out this type of inter-agency cooperation in trying to ferret out illegally amassed wealth.

Such multi-agency cooperation need not wait for a law against racketeering, which legislators have refused to craft as much as they have resisted proposals for regulating campaign finance, easing bank secrecy rules and curbing political dynasties.

President Marcos ordered the lifestyle checks in the final week of August, with an initial focus on DPWH officials and employees implicated in the flood control scandal.

Inevitably, he was urged to lead by example. In response, Malacañang said the President is ready to undergo a lifestyle check. The Office of the Vice President issued a similar statement, saying OVP officials and employees are also ready.

Now that the DPWH officials face asset checks, Malacañang can make good on its statement and start expanding the initiative.

A good start will be the release of the statements of assets, liabilities and net worth of the President since he assumed power. Several SALNs are needed to assess any wealth increase or reduction in the past three years. Malacañang has said scrutiny of SALNs is part of the lifestyle checks.

With the President getting the ball rolling, Cabinet members can follow, since they are tasked to oversee the lifestyle checks in their respective agencies.

There’s no need to wait for an order from the Office of the Ombudsman, which has not prohibited anyone from voluntarily making one’s SALN public.

There’s also no need to wait for a formal request from any entity such as media organizations. The three representatives of the Akbayan party-list plus a former member of the group who is currently sitting in Congress released their SALNs to the public with no one formally requesting it.

Before the previous ombudsman turned the SALN into a top-secret document, it was an annual routine for officials starting with the president and all members of both chambers of Congress to release their SALNs, or at least make public the amounts they declared as assets, liabilities and net worth. It’s time to restore this practice.

Ukraine is offering to share 11 years’ worth of knowledge on fighting disinformation with the Philippines as both countries face what Kyiv’s ambassador sees as an active Russian disinformation threat in the region.

Ukraine Ambassador Yuliia Fediv said Kyiv wants to work with Manila on cybersecurity and counter-disinformation initiatives, citing Ukraine’s decade-long battle against Russian propaganda since the 2014 annexation of Crimea.

‘It’s not only the war on the battleground – it’s an information war,’ Fediv told Philstar.com in an interview on September 29. ‘Russia actually succeeded during many years to manipulate the internal political situation in Ukraine. Thanks to active media outlets and big anti-disinformation campaigns, we developed different tools which can be used by society to check the facts.’

Call for PH-Ukraine partnership

Fediv said Ukraine is finalizing a memorandum of understanding with the Philippine government covering cybersecurity, including programs to counter disnformation.

‘Ukraine can be a reliable partner for the Philippines to exchange knowledge and the tools we already developed during the last 11 years,’ she said. ‘It is important to make the truth available, because in the post-truth society it’s easy to manipulate people’s minds.’

Moscow’s disinformation campaigns, Fediv said, are not confined to Ukraine. This is why Kyiv has been expanding its diplomatic presence in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Ukraine opened its embassy in Manila in December 2024.

‘We felt that Russia was and is pretty present here, thanks to great mis- and disinformation campaigns putting a question mark over Ukraine’s independence and history,’ Fediv said. ‘That’s why it’s important to share the experience we have and also to tell people’s stories – that is the main tool against disinformation.’

The ambassador said both countries need to cooperate and exchange information to be “on the same page.”

Ukraine on the South China Sea

The Philippines has faced waves of disinformation around both domestic politics and its assertion of sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea – the part of the South China Sea that falls under its 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone. Several disinformation and malinformation campaigns have sought to undermine the 2016 arbitral ruling that rejected Beijing’s sweeping claims over nearly the entire sea.

On the South China Sea issue, Fediv said Ukraine is committed to Article 2 of the UN Charter, which calls for preserving territorial integrity and sovereignty and solving disputes peacefully.

She cited Ukraine’s recent hosting of the fifth International Crimea Platform summit held during the UN General Assembly, where more than 50 countries signed the New York Declaration affirming rules-based international order and peaceful dispute resolution.

The ambassador said Ukraine is “the most interested party in preserving peace and rule-based order” among UN Charter signatories amid its ongoing war with Russia.

The PBA’s Golden Anniversary season will usher in a ton of changes from coaches to players to rules to schedules to a new team owner, making the 50th year celebration a treat full of surprises. The Philippine Cup starts Sunday with no less than a Manila Clasico the only game on the bill at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone will match wits with Magnolia counterpart and long-time protege LA Tenorio in a battle that pits teacher against student. It’ll be LA’s PBA coaching kickoff and his baptism couldn’t be more challenging.

Tenorio is one of five new head coaches this season. The others are Phoenix’ Willy Wilson, Terrafirma’s Ronald Tubid, Pureblends’ Johnedel Cardel and Converge’s Vice Gov. Dennis (Delta) Pineda. As for player movements, the list is long. The league’s senior statesman Rafi Reavis, 48, got a new lease on life when he was signed by Converge after his release from Magnolia. Larry Muyang is back with Vice Gov. Pineda at Converge. Tyrus Hill and Kevin Ferrer jumped to TNT. Jed Mendoza, Paul Zamar and David Murrell went to Blackwater. Aljun Melecio, Von Pessumal and Jeo Ambohot joined Pureblends while Prince Caperal, Yousef Taha, Francis Escandor, Bryan Santos and Evan Nelle transferred to Phoenix. Norbert Torres switched to Ginebra. Paul Garcia, Jerrick Ahanmisi and Prince Rivero hooked up with Terrafirma. Magnolia reeled in Paolo Taha and Javi Gomez de Liaño. Stanley Pringle left Terrafirma for Rain or Shine.

From the draft comes a slew of newcomers. Juan Gomez de Liaño and Kobe Monje are with Converge. Dalph Panopio and Jack Cruz-Dumont hopped to the Bossing. JM Bravo and Ira Bataller were enlisted by Terrafirma. Magnolia tapped Gab Gomez. Pureblends collared Mario Barasi while Phoenix took in Dave Ando. San Miguel Beer inked Chris Miller to a two-year deal and Sonny Estil was taken by Ginebra.

The rule changes were initially discussed with coaches Leo Austria, Luigi Trillo, Olsen Racela, Adonis Tierra, Yuri Escueta, Yeng Guiao, Monch Gavierez, Rensy Bajar, Jun Villarin, Christian de la Cruz, Jeff Cariaso and Franco Atienza. Then, the changes were brought to the Competition Committee made up of Guiao, Austria, Atienza, Trillo and Cariaso for consultation before Commissioner Willie Marcial gave his final approval.

The changes are on a coach’s challenge, a call may be corrected provided it was on the same play phase; no travel will be whistled on a player who makes a legitimate shot attempt and catches it even without touching the board, ring or another player; excessive swinging of the elbow from left to right and back will result in a technical foul without losing possession; no team will be allowed an excessive timeout; an offensive foul is counted as a team foul; in the last two minutes, the referee may review a made basket if two, three, four or a foul shot on a dead ball and if no review, the shot will no longer be reviewable; the same process will be applied regarding basket interference in the last two minutes; a flagrant foul penalty 1 will be assessed on a player who, in trying to save possession, throws the ball with a clear view to the head of an opposing player and in the last two minutes of every quarter, a second team foul will mean entering penalty situation.

The schedules will be staggered over 15 months with the PBA taking a break for five FIBA World Cup Asia qualifying windows up to next year and the Asian Games. Games will be played in Dubai, Bahrain, Ilocos Sur and Cagayan de Oro aside from Metro Manila venues.

They may have fallen short of their target but the promising young booters of the Lapu-Lapu City Heroes FC are still proud and happy of their first runner-up trophy in the 6 Under category of the 4th City of Naga Football Festival recently.

The Heroes scored a thrilling 2-1 win over Looc FC in between two draws with the host City of Naga. But they suffered a heart-breaking loss to Looc FC at the end of their campaign in the double round robin event to settle for the silver medal.

It s the third podium finish for the Heroes in a month after the Soccer Moms emerged as champions and their U10 players placed second in the VP Visayas Eagles Challenge Cup last August at the Dynamic Herb-Borromeo Sports Complex.

Under the guidance of coach Josh Austin, the U6 Heroes are bannered by Elijah Radleigh Aparece, Jasper Daniel Wu, Craig Adam Menguito, Trent Arthur Gala, Brandon Xander Menguito, Khalesse Malingin, Thirdy Dizon, Alexa Mae Tumulak, Eyana Rhaine Brillo, and David Lacar.

On the other hand, their U12 team coached by Lopito Tumulak Jr. and Jhon Dave Regner made it to the quarterfinal round.

The Heroes edged Minglanilla and STC with the same 1-0 scoreline and fought to a draw with the City of Danao and San Carlos School of Cebu.

However, their lone setback in the group stage against the host Nagahanons shut down their Final Four bid.

The Mercato de Mactan-backed U12 squad is composed of Mark Daniel Bacla-an, Devin Jasper Gildo, Mcjohnston Singh, Kyle Nakagawa, Asriel Josh Heredia, Zacc Roshan Lomadilla, Rua Hoshino, Toa Hoshino, Prince Emmanuel James Salazar, Spencer Sven Lomadilla, Ysabelle Sulib, Wil Jacob Rom, and Nicolo Eidann Cuizon.