Category: Philippine Star

Actress Jodi Sta. Maria looked to her own experiences as a mother and child to better understand her and Agot Isidro’s characters in their movie “Ganito, Ganyan, Ganoon.”

Jodi plays television writer Joanne or Jo set on a big career move, until the return of her mother Paz (Agot) throws her off course and makes her confront buried childhood wounds – pain that molded and affects her until today.

Both actresses and director Cholo Laurel sat down with members of the media, including Philstar.com, ahead of the film’s August 13 release on Netflix to discuss the characterization of their characters.

“Tina-try kong intindihin si Paz kasi bilang nanay, paano siya umabot sa ganoon? Paano niya iniwan [si Jo]?” said Jodi. “Kasi kung ako, kahit ano mangyari, ilalaban at ilalaban mo ang anak mo, sa hirap at ginhawa magsasama kayo.”

Jodi herself is a mother to Thirdy Lacson, her son with ex-husband Panfilo “Pampi” Lacson Jr., who is now engaged to former model-actress Iwa Moto.

On the other hand, she wouldn’t know how to address the issue if she encountered it as a child. Jodi later noted to the media that she never met her biological father, who left the family before she was born and died without ever crossing paths with her. The actress then sought advice from Laurel, who also wrote the film, to better understand Paz and Jo’s relationship.

“May mga bagay na for me may mga butas so kailangan natin pagtagpi-tagpiin,” Jodi continued. “At the end of the day, hindi ko puwede i-judge ‘yung character ko because when I do, I won’t be able to play her, be faithful to her, o bigyan siya ng conviction.”

She and Laurel had numerous discussions to formulate Jo’s characterization, with the director chipping in to compare their conversations to therapy. Jodi agreed with the filmmaker and pointed out the process opened up something within them.

“‘Pag ginawa mo na ‘yung eksena, sometimes you plan at masu-surprise ka na lang na ‘yung plinano mo totally hindi ganun ‘yung mangyayari, so you just go with what’s organic and what’s real,” the actress ended.

Joining Jodi and Agot in the film’s cast are Gabriel Lazaro, Gardo Versoza, Ruby Ruiz, RK Bagatsing, Mitch Valdez, and Angel Aquino.

The United States has funded a new maritime monitoring center in Palawan that will collect real-time reports from Filipino fishers on illegal fishing and suspicious vessel movements, the US Embassy in Manila announced Thursday, August 13.

The Community Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing Reporting Center opened on July 30 under a joint effort with the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development.

Equipped with Starlink satellite internet and EarthRanger data software, the facility will aggregate real-time reports from local fishers on suspected illegal fishing, unusual vessel activity and other illegal activities, the US embassy said. These will then be forwarded to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, the National Maritime Center and the Provincial Government of Palawan.

The center operates under “Fish Right,” a program originally launched in 2018 as a USAID initiative focused on marine biodiversity, sustainable seafood supplies and community fisheries management.

Following US President Donald Trump’s directive to freeze and review all foreign aid in January 2025, Fish Right was transferred from the now-defunct USAID to the US State Department.

The program restarted in May 2025 with its broader traditional conservation mandates stripped and a focus now turned toward maritime domain awareness and increasing the US’ strategic presence in the resource-rich waters of the West Philippine Sea.

‘By providing fisherfolk with a safe and accessible way to report suspected illegal fishing and other unlawful maritime activities, this Community IUU Fishing Reporting Center empowers coastal communities to become active partners in protecting our fisheries,’ Drusila Esther Bayate, Department of Agriculture undersecretary for fisheries, said.

US Embassy Officer Taylor Fincher said addressing illegal fishing and related maritime concerns is “an important area of cooperation between the United States and the Philippines.’

Jonathan Fritz, principal deputy assistant secretary for East Asian and Pacific affairs, told reporters in Manila in September 2025 that the Philippines was the first recipient of the Trump administration’s new system of foreign aid, focused on energy resilience, the Luzon Economic Corridor and countering illegal fishing

Councilor Pastor Alcover Jr. has gained the full backing of the Cebu City Council in calling for stronger consultation and coordination in the implementation of Oplan BanTal.

As promised late last week, Alcover took the floor during the council’s session the other day to share his concerns with his colleagues, recounting the situation that unfolded during the August 5 dry run of the traffic scheme along the Banilad-Talamban corridor.

Alcover acknowledged the intent of the program but stressed that its implementation exposed gaps in planning and communication.

‘Personally, because I, too, experienced the traffic congestion brought about by the sudden change in traffic flow. But collectively, because I represent thousands of residents of the North District of Cebu City who use these roads every day,’ he said, stressing that the issue was not simply about convenience but proper planning and responsiveness.

Oplan BanTal, also known as the BanTal Discipline Zone, was introduced by the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) under Raquel Arce and approved by the Traffic Management Council to regulate traffic flow along Gov. M. Cuenco Avenue.

The scheme initially prohibited motorcycles from using the Banilad flyover, enforced stricter lane discipline and required public utility vehicles to load and unload passengers only at designated lay-bys.

Mayor Nestor Archival defended the move as a discipline-based approach to addressing congestion, noting that motorcycles account for the majority of traffic apprehensions in the corridor.

However, the first day of strict implementation quickly drew complaints from motorcycle riders, habal-habal drivers and transport network vehicle service (TNVS) operators, who reported worsened traffic conditions.

By August 6, the restriction on motorcycles was lifted, although other measures remained in place.

Alcover emphasized that consultation should be central to traffic management.

‘Our roads are shared by everyone, the private motorists, motorcycles, public utility vehicles, TNVS, habal-habal drivers, pedestrians, businesses, and residents. Therefore, when a major traffic change affects the movement of these sectors, their experiences and suggestions should form part of the planning process,’ he said.

He added that motorcycle riders and TNVS drivers, who are on the roads daily, can provide practical insights into traffic bottlenecks and road behavior.

While complaints over the BanTal Discipline Zone have since subsided and traffic conditions have become more manageable, Alcover said the City Council still needs to examine the implementation of the scheme.

The council approved Alcover’s motion to conduct an executive session on August 25.

The session will bring together CCTO chief, representatives of the Traffic Management Council, TNVS leaders, motorcycle and habal-habal drivers, affected communities and businesses, and the barangay captains of Banilad and Talamban.

‘Again, this is not about blaming anyone. It is about understanding what happened and determining how we can prevent similar difficulties in the future,’ Alcover said, clarifying that the purpose was to learn from the experience rather than assign fault.

DREO, one of the fastest-growing home comfort and lifestyle appliance brands globally, officially launches in the Philippines through ACE Home Solutions Store, introducing a new generation of innovative cooling and air comfort solutions designed for today’s modern homes.

The launch event, held at ACE Home Solutions Store M Makati, features an intimate podcast-style conversation featuring Juancho Trivino with wife Joyce Pring and DREO executives to discuss how comfort, design, and smart technology are shaping contemporary Filipino lifestyles.

In partnership with OUR HOME, the event venue will be transformed into a welcoming living room environment showcasing how DREO products seamlessly integrate into modern homes while delivering superior performance and comfort.

Founded in the US in 2021, DREO has rapidly grown into a global home comfort brand, shipping more than 20 million units worldwide, operating in over 23 global markets, and appearing in more than 26,000 retail locations globally.

DREO is particularly known for pioneering technologies such as HyperSilent, TurboPoly Air Circulation, TurboWind Airflow, and intelligent airflow solutions that deliver powerful performance while maintaining exceptional energy efficiency and low noise levels.

The Philippine launch highlights several of DREO’s most exciting home comfort categories, including air circulator fans, humidifiers, misting fans and other smart home innovations that support healthier, more comfortable living environments.

To celebrate the launch, ACE Home Solutions Store had the ACE x DREO Selfie Challenge in-store promotional activity from August 8 to 10, giving shoppers a chance to win exclusive DREO products simply by taking a selfie at the display area and posting it on social media while tagging ACE Home Solutions Store.

With its combination of cutting-edge technology, thoughtful design, and accessible innovation, DREO aims to redefine everyday comfort and help Filipino consumers create homes that feel better, every day.

The NSAC World Invitational will bring together eight teams from the Philippines, Japan, Taiwan and Australia for three days of international basketball competition from Friday until Sunday at the PhilSports Arena.

Organized by Asiabasket and presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the tournament brings four Philippine collegiate programs together with four international teams, creating an opportunity for Filipino student-athletes to test themselves against different basketball programs and styles of play.

Representing the Philippines are the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, San Beda University Red Lions, Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, and Far Eastern University Tamaraws.

Joining them are Fighting Eagles Nagoya and Tenri University from Japan, National Formosa University from Taiwan, and Elite Stacks AUS from Australia.

Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick ‘Pato’ Gregorio welcomed the staging of the international tournament and the opportunities it creates for Filipino student-athletes.

‘The NSAC World Invitational gives our student-athletes an opportunity to compete against international opposition here at home and gain valuable experience that can contribute to their development. The Philippine Sports Commission is pleased to support initiatives that create more meaningful competitive opportunities for Filipino athletes,’ Gregorio said.

Asiabasket Founder and CEO Jai Reyes said the tournament reflects the organization’s goal of creating more opportunities for Philippine basketball to engage with international competition.

‘The NSAC World Invitational is a reflection of our vision to elevate Philippine collegiate basketball beyond our borders,’ Reyes said.

‘We want to provide our student-athletes with the opportunity to compete against quality international programs while showcasing the talent, passion, and competitiveness of Philippine basketball on a larger stage.’

Reyes also expressed his gratitude to the Philippine Sports Commission and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) for their support of the tournament.

‘We are truly grateful to the PSC and SBP for believing in this vision and partnering with us for the NSAC World Invitational. Together, we’re creating more opportunities for Filipino student-athletes to compete internationally while continuing to raise the standard of collegiate basketball in the Philippines,’ he added.

The eight-team tournament will follow a knockout format with classification games, ensuring each participating team plays three games over the course of the three-day event.

Quarterfinal action begins on August 14, with JRU facing Elite Stacks AUS, San Beda taking on National Formosa University, UST meeting Tenri University, and FEU going up against Fighting Eagles Nagoya.

The semifinals and classification games will follow on August 15, before the tournament concludes on August 16 with the seventh-place, fifth-place and third-place games, followed by the championship game.

Beyond the competition, the NSAC World Invitational aims to strengthen basketball ties across the Asia-Pacific region while giving Filipino fans the opportunity to watch Philippine teams compete against international opposition on home soil.

The tournament builds on the National Student Athletes Championship, Asiabasket’s collegiate basketball platform, as the organization continues to expand competitive opportunities for student-athletes beyond domestic competition.

Tickets for the NSAC World Invitational are available through TicketNet. One ticket provides access to all games scheduled for the corresponding tournament day

‘Artificial intelligence (AI) provides speed, but human judgment delivers certainty.’ This principle is shaping SuperStaff’s next phase of growth as it strengthens its human-in-the-loop (HITL) approach to service delivery in 2026.

Rather than treating AI as a replacement for outsourced talent, SuperStaff is redesigning operations around a more practical model. An automation handles speed, scale and repetitive processes, while skilled professionals remain responsible for judgment, oversight, and complex decision-making.

The shift comes as AI rapidly transforms the global outsourcing industry. Routine tasks are being automated at unprecedented speed, disrupting traditional BPO roles and pushing providers to reconsider how people create value within increasingly technology-driven operations.

Nearly 7 in 10 organizations now report severe difficulty in filling full-time positions.

For a time, the corporate world held its breath, hoping that AI would be the silver bullet to automate this talent crisis away. Companies that aggressively replaced their human workforce with automation are now facing a secondary crisis: plummeting customer satisfaction and stalled operations. Technology can parse a database or answer a basic chat query in milliseconds, but it cannot manufacture human empathy, solve unprecedented technical glitches, or negotiate a delicate client dispute.

Forward-thinking business leaders like SuperStaff are using AI as a catalyst to elevate the standard of work. In this new model, the human worker isn’t answering the basic query-they are managing, correcting, and governing what AI does not.

A different way to think about global hiring

To address these challenges, organizations are adopting AI-powered recruitment tools to automate screening and identify qualified candidates more efficiently. However, effective hiring still depends on human judgment. The most successful approach combines AI with Human-in-the-Loop (HITL) recruitment, where recruiters validate AI recommendations and make the final hiring decisions.

Research involving 423 HR professionals found that organizations using AI with human oversight achieved greater recruitment efficiency and stronger candidate assessments.

‘Outsourcing should not be viewed as a mere workaround for hiring gaps. We need to think bigger. Its true value lies in building an operation that can keep pace with where the business is going,’ said Keiji Makita, marketing director of SuperStaff.

While AI can help organizations identify and evaluate candidates more efficiently, it cannot solve talent shortages alone. To access the skills they need, companies must also expand where and how they search for talent. For years, international hiring was viewed mainly as a way to reduce labor costs. Today, companies are looking beyond cost savings and focusing on something more valuable: access to qualified talent.

Finding specialized skills without delaying growth

Expanding recruitment to global markets gives organizations access to a wider range of experienced professionals across different functions. This approach strengthens local hiring by creating a more flexible workforce strategy that enables businesses to respond more quickly to changing talent needs.

To keep projects moving, many companies are expanding their talent search to countries with established outsourcing industries, including the Philippines and Colombia. These markets provide skilled professionals who support businesses across various industries and functions.

‘The goal is not to replace local talent but to expand the possibilities for business growth. By integrating global talent into their hiring strategy, organizations can access hard-to-find skills, improve workforce flexibility, and reduce the time required to fill business-critical roles without compromising quality,’ shared Alessio Urbani, business development director of SuperStaff.

The future belongs to companies that expand their talent strategy

Talent shortages continue to make hiring difficult, especially for companies that rely on one hiring market. Strengthening recruitment to include global talent gives businesses access to more skilled professionals, helping them build stronger teams and support long-term growth.

‘Successful hiring is measured by business outcomes, not just filled positions. A strategic, data-driven approach to global talent acquisition enables organizations to reduce time-to-hire, improve retention, and strengthen workforce stability. These gains translate into greater operational efficiency, lower Cost per Opportunity, and a stronger foundation for growth,” said Matt Narciso, CEO of SuperStaff

Today, staying competitive is about having the right people in the right roles. Companies that combine local and global hiring are better prepared to grow, maintain service quality, and adapt to changing business needs.

Why outsource with SuperStaff

SuperStaff, one of the leading outsourcing providers in Colombia and the Philippines, helps businesses accelerate growth by combining nearshore and offshore staffing solutions with access to skilled global talent.

Through flexible workforce models, we help organizations fill critical roles, strengthen operations, and build high-performing teams across customer service, back-office operations, finance, healthcare support and technical services.

Dinosaurs run wild in David Robert Mitchell’s new sci-fi survival movie “The End of Oak Street” starring Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor.

Anne and Ewan play Denise and Greg Platt, a suburban ’80s couple living along the titular street with their kids Audrey (Maisy Stella) and Brian (Christian Convery).

What the children don’t know is that Denise and Greg are having some marital woes which have been boiling now for the last few months.

But relationship troubles take a backseat when the Platts find their neighborhood somehow transported to the prehistoric age, and creatures of those era make their presence known to put everyone’s survival skills to the test.

“The End of Oak Street” serves as a return to the director’s chair after almost a decade for Mitchell, best known for his previous two features “It Follows” and “Under the Silver Lake.”

What the filmmaker does best in this comeback is scratching the itch many viewers have looking for an enjoyable dinosaur flick outside of the “Jurassic” franchise. The dinosaurs are the major pull of the movie, outside of its big-name lead stars, but Mitchell times their presence well to the point that their appearances are thrilling but never distracting.

The creative team has done an impressive job of giving these giant lizards unique looks that people have never seen before, even for species many will be familiar with.

Mitchell again manages to make the worldbuilding of his movie feel lived in, with neighbors who actually interact with each other and a sense of belonging within family units.

There is always a mystery to how Mitchell sets up his stories and that continues in “The End of Oak Street.” The filmmaker again shifts the focus away from the “how” and highlights the “what then,” giving the survival aspect much more weight.

It’s a credit to the talent of McGregor and Hathaway – the latter already into her fourth film of 2026 due to this movie’s numerous delays – as well as young actors Stella and Convery to deliver on Mitchell’s vision.

The film is a welcome sight following a string of blockbusters dominating the box office, even if it comes off as a cousin to not just a “Jurassic” spin-off but the “A Quiet Place” films or a lengthy “Twilight Zone” episode.

Dinosaurs rarely disappoint even if they have to be pulled from time, but families will always stick it out through the most trying times.

Conglomerate Ayala Corp.’s retail drive shifts to a higher gear with the establishment of a dedicated platform that will introduce and grow leading international consumer brands in the Philippines through long-term strategic partnerships.

Ayala, through ACX Holdings Corp., has launched ACX Retail, which aims to become the partner of choice for global consumer companies seeking sustainable and long-term growth in the Philippines.

‘At ACX, our role is to help exceptional brands succeed in the Philippine market by combining their strengths with our understanding of local consumers, our retail capabilities and the reach of the Ayala ecosystem,’ Ayala head of corporate strategy and business development Mark Uy said.

‘Our partnerships reflect our commitment to expanding consumer choice while contributing to the continued growth and competitiveness of Philippine retail,’ he said.

Ayala said the launch of ACX Retail reflects ACX Holdings’ broader strategy of building long-term partnerships with leading global consumer brands at a time when Filipino consumers are seeking greater choice, authentic international offerings and more differentiated retail experiences.

ACX Holdings has earlier announced strategic joint ventures with internationally recognized retail brands, including Anko from Australia, Makro from Thailand, Spinneys from Dubai and, recently, Musinsa Standard from Korea.

Building on these partnerships, ACX Retail will serve as a dedicated platform for bringing sought-after international brands across fashion, lifestyle and specialty retail to the Philippines.

Ayala said ACX Retail would take a deliberate approach to brand selection, prioritizing concepts that offer a strong proposition for Filipino consumers and the potential to build lasting relevance to the local market.

‘Filipino consumers are increasingly looking for quality, relevance and differentiated experiences. Our focus is to bring the right global concepts to the Philippines and build them into sustainable businesses that create long-term value,’ ACX Retail chief retail officer Rohit Kohli said.

For some teams, having a lengthy break is a good time to recharge amid a very tiring conference.

For the Magnolia Hotshots, though, it is a double-edged sword.

Following a slow start in the import-laden conference, Magnolia has won three straight games in the PBA Governors’ Cup, the latest of which was a 115-101 victory over the Phoenix Fuel Masters Wednesday evening at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

But after this week, the PBA will have a few months’ break in time for the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers and the Asian Games.

‘Too bad, magkaka-break kami ng nine weeks, no. Sayang yung momentum na nandoon na sana,’ Hotshots head coach LA Tenorio said after the game.

‘But again, we really focused on this game. We really needed this game, especially before the long break. Napakalaking bagay sa amin ito,’ he added.

At the start of the conference, Magnolia lost three of its first four games, including their first two contests.

And from that point on, the Hotshots have won by huge margins against Barangay Ginebra, the Meralco Bolts and Phoenix.

The squad is currently second in the standings in Group B.

Tenorio, though, stressed that he will let his players rest during the break.

‘But I told the players na part of being a professional is hindi kayo mawala sa kundisyon kasi mahaba. Ang sinabi ko sa kanila, kung sinong pinaka-smart dito sa break na ito sa mga teams, yun yung team na malaking chance to go to the playoffs,’ Tenorio said.

‘Because maraming pwedeng mangyari with this break. Ako, personally, I have to do my Gilas duties as an assistant coach this window and then Asian Games. But I know my players,’ he added.

‘Some of them will not go home, siguro mga one week or two weeks lang then they will start working already. Kasi they know the importance of this break and this conference for us.’

Magnolia is currently trailing Rain or Shine in Group B. The Elasto Painters are holding a 4-2 win-loss record.

The Hotshots are tied with Phoenix, with a 4-3 slate, while Blackwater Bossing is at 3-3.

Ginebra is currently fifth in group play with a 2-3 card, while Meralco is at the bottom with a 2-5 record.

The PBA will take a break from August 15 to October 6.

The next game day will be on October 7, and the Hotshots’ next game will be against Blackwater on October 9.

First, it was UAAP that lowered the boom on resigned Ateneo men’s basketball team coach Tab Baldwin. Then came DOLE that slapped a P4.9 million fine on Baldwin for Alien Employment Permit violations and another P4.9 million fine for failure to secure a certificate of exemption related to his foreigner status and receiving a salary for unauthorized work.

UAAP also meted a permanent ban on Baldwin from participating in and attending any league activity. Since it’s been established that Baldwin was ineligible to coach Ateneo, what are the repercussions on his record? Of course, this doesn’t disallow any other league from hiring Baldwin but who will want to employ him after an allegation of reckless imprudence leading to double homicide in the Aurora tragedy last June? Besides, he holds no employment permit and under the circumstances, wouldn’t be able to get clearance from DOLE because of his involvement in the deaths of two Ateneo players and alleged moral ineptitude.

Several team officials and coaches were named by UAAP as under suspension and banned from attending any league event or game. UAAP, however, didn’t suspend Ateneo from competing this season, sparing student-athletes who would’ve had to sit out the year. In 1994, UAAP suspended Adamson for a year after fielding an academically ineligible player Marlou Aquino. In 2006, UAAP suspended La Salle for a year due to the use of ineligible players, forcing student-athletes in all sports at both the junior and senior levels to take a hiatus. La Salle was never accused and brought up the matter on its own after reviewing the school’s academic files.

Unlike the merciless attitude towards Adamson and La Salle, UAAP held back on Ateneo. UAAP must have realized how heartless it was in the past and wouldn’t want that dark history repeated. In DOLE’s view, Ateneo wasn’t spared a P4.9 million fine for employing Baldwin without permits.

CIDG has recommended filing of criminal charges against Baldwin and eight Ateneo team officials. NBI has likewise pushed for the filing of homicide charges against Baldwin and 11 others. If convicted, Baldwin will face a long stretch in prison and pay a hefty fine. DOJ will now conduct its own investigation to determine probable cause to file charges.

While different agencies have issued statements on how they’re dealing with this tragedy, CHED has yet to announce its course of action. CHED had ordered a swift, impartial investigation of the incident and said it will ‘pursue the truth without exception, ensure that accountability is imposed where warranted and require corrective measures to prevent the recurrence of such tragedies.’ Will CHED issue sanctions or stay silent? Will the sanctions, if any, be far-reaching?