Category: Philippine Star

He may already be 37 years old, but Calvin Abueva showed that “The Beast” can still be unleashed.

Abueva stood tall for the Titan Ultra Giant Risers, towing the newest PBA team to a 100-96 victory over the Meralco Bolts in their PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup matchup Wednesday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

Abueva scored a career-high 41 points on an efficient 14-of-27 shooting from the floor, to go with seven rebounds and an assist.

‘Pinupursige ko itong paglalaro kasi actually, basketball, yan alng ang kinakabuhay natin e. Pero in my age, kailangan kong pukpukin to kasi meron e, meron at meron pa. Meron at merong ilalabas pa,’ Abueva told reporters after the game.

Abueva, though, admitted that his offensive outburst was ‘unexpected.”

He added that while he is already 37, he will not show any weaknesses as he aims to repay the trust Titan head coach Johnedel Cardel and the coaching staff is giving him.

‘Siyempre, yung tiwala niya, tiwala ng mga coaches, tiwala sa akin ng management, tiwala ng mga teammates sa akin, andoon,’ he said.

‘And, yun nga, binigay ko na yung best ko para masukulian yan.’

After a 0-11 start in the game, the Giant Risers trinmed the deficit and eventually took the lead in the second quarter, 31-30, after consecutive free throws by Abueva.

With the former San Sebastian Stag leading the way in the third quarter, Titan erected a 76-63 lead heading into the fourth frame.

A 3-pointer by the 14-year PBA veteran, then, helped the Giant Risers mount their biggest advantage of the night, 90-71, with 6:49 remaining.

But a massive 20-3 run by the Bolts kept them within striking distance, 91-94, before finishing touches by Jeo Ambohot, Jerick Balanza and Joshua Munzon iced the game.

Still, Abueva tipped his hat to his team for his performance.

‘Sabi nga ni coach namin, maraming champion team diyan sa PBA. And bago lang itong Titan. First win ngayon, and lahat kami excited maglaro, maglaro ng first game and nabigay nga namin itong laro na ito,’ Abueva said.

‘And yun nga, ang ganda ng run namin, lahat kami tumatakbo and pinush talaga namin ito eh. Kasi, lalo na ako, mga bata kasama ko, kailangan ko i-push yung sarili ko, at least para makasabay. Eh, yung sabay ko pala, mas na effort ko pa pala yung energy ko against sa kanila,’ he added.

‘Kaya, siguro yung 41 points na yun, hindi dahil sa kanila, hindi ko makukuha yun.’

Cardel, for his part, said his veteran forward’s heart is very evident in the victory, as they clawed out of an early 11-0 deficit in the first quarter.

‘Sinabi ko sa [team,] we had a bad game on the first half. We were outrebounded. Then, errors, marami kami. Pagdating ng second half, third quarter, yan, sinwerte na kami, binago na nila yung attitude, and yung pasensya sa offense, inikot na yung bola,’ Cardel told reporters after the game.

‘Then, we took advantage of Calvin. Kasi doon lang kami pwedeng umiskor. The other players, maganda ang depensa, but Calvin, kilala naman natin yan kung gaano kalakas yung katawan niya at puso niya. Talagang ‘The Beast’ e,’ he added.

The Giant Risers will be returning to action on Saturday, October 11, against the Converge FiberXers at the Ynares Montalban.

PJ Lhuillier Inc. (PJLI), the parent company of Cebuana Lhuillier, the country’s leading microfinance services provider, has been recognized with two prestigious distinctions at the Inspire to Excel: Investors in People Philippines Awards 2025, affirming its strong commitment to building a people-first workplace.

The company was named Winner for Diversity and Inclusion and Runner-up for Wellbeing, showcasing its dedication to creating an empowering and supportive environment for its 12,000 employees nationwide.

The Investors in People Awards celebrate organizations that excel in valuing and developing their workforce. For PJLI, these recognitions highlight the success of its inclusive culture and holistic employee programs, underscoring that a thriving company begins with thriving people.

PJLI’s wellbeing strategy takes a comprehensive approach, focusing on five key dimensions: physical, spiritual, financial, mental and social.

The company likens its role to that of a ‘tender gardener,’ nurturing employees to flourish both personally and professionally. What set PJLI apart was its shift from conversation to action-translating initiatives into measurable outcomes such as improved efficiency under pressure, stronger employee engagement, and higher satisfaction levels.

Its win in Diversity and Inclusion (D and I) reflects a holistic, evolving strategy championed by President and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier, who has consistently led with a vision that celebrates individuality.

‘As a company deeply rooted in service, we recognize that our greatest strength lies in our people,’ said Jean Henri Lhuillier, president and CEO of PJ Lhuillier Inc. and Cebuana Lhuillier. ‘These awards reaffirm our belief that by fostering an inclusive, supportive, and empowering culture, we not only build stronger teams but also create a lasting positive impact on the communities we serve.’

The company highlighted inspiring employee stories and initiatives like the Tatak Cebuana Influencers campaign while advancing progressive policy reforms. Notably, PJLI’s Policy on Nepotism and HMO Dependents program extends to diverse family structures.

One senior manager movingly shared that the health coverage policy made him feel ‘seen, valued and respected’-a testament to how policies can create a genuine sense of belonging.

Beyond the workplace, PJLI promotes D and I into the communities it serves through initiatives under its Kanegosyo Centers and Alternative Learning System (ALS) Programs, directly empowering marginalized Filipinos.

Jo-Ann Tacorda, first vice president and group head for Corporate Services, added: ‘Our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing goes beyond compliance or recognition. It’s about making sure every Cebuana Lhuillier employee feels valued and supported. These honors from Investors in People Philippines validate the work we’ve done, but more importantly, they inspire us to keep pushing forward in building a workplace where everyone can truly thrive.’

As Maria Veronica ‘Baby’ Valientes, Human Resource Development division head, shared in her acceptance speech: ‘Winning doesn’t just mean we join the parades and post it online. It means embedding our D and I commitment in our policies, hiring practices, the way we address people, and how we live every day recognizing people’s diverse backgrounds.’

These recognitions affirm PJLI’s philosophy that the ultimate measure of success lies in the wellbeing and empowerment of its people.

By embedding inclusivity into policies, embracing holistic employee care, and nurturing purpose-driven initiatives, PJLI continues to build not just a successful company, but a legacy of resilience, empowerment, and true, lasting value.

Two people were killed while three others were wounded in an attack by unidentified gunmen in Midsayap, Cotabato yesterday morning.

Rahib Wahab and Udin Dalgan died at the scene of the attack that occurred in Barangay Salunayan.

Three others ­- Madron Endaila, Saida Endaila and Lani Usop – were taken to a hospital for treatment of gunshot wounds.

Reports showed that Dalgan, Usop and the Endailas were in a Toyota Fortuner when the gunmen waylaid them along the highway.

Police said Dalgan was an aide of Saida Endalia, who is a municipal councilor in Kadayangan. The town is located in the Special Geographic Area of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Wahab, who was driving a tricycle near the area when the ambush occurred, died from a gunshot wound in the body, according to Lt. Col. Oliver Pauya, Midsayap police chief.

The armed men had escaped before responding police officers arrived at the scene.

Probers have yet to determine the motive for the attack.

As the rainy season starts, doing laundry can become a struggle for a lot of us. Clothes take longer to dry, and they often have that musty, kulob smell that makes laundry experience a hassle.

But having no sun doesn’t mean you should bear with damp, smelly clothes. Despite the gloomy weather, there are still some ways to help keep your clothes clean and fresh this rainy season, and that includes changing some habits you thought were harmless to your laundry.

That is why home solutions brand, Midea, is here to help you with the right practices and appliances so you can keep those laundry woes at bay.

Don’t store damp clothes too long

It might seem harmless to delay doing laundry on rainy days, but leaving your damp clothes unwashed for too long can result in a kulob smell.

Midea suggests washing your damp clothes as soon as possible and making sure to dry them thoroughly. A washer-dryer combo can be helpful to get both steps done in one process, saving your time and your clothes from having an unpleasant smell.

For instance, the Midea Luna Inverter Series Fully Automatic Front Load Combo Washing Machine, by its name, has both a washer and dryer. It is powered by HealthGuardS feature that enables faster, stronger washes and pre-wash Steam Care for 99.99% sterilization.

Beat the smell and stains with DIY fixes

That kulob smell can be stubborn, especially in wet seasons when there’s no sunlight to dry clothes, and while fabric conditioner helps, sometimes it is not enough. For an extra boost, consider adding vinegar to your rinse cycle.

And if you’re dealing with muddy stains and tagulamin or mildew, there’s a simple DIY trick you can try at home. Mix equal parts of vinegar and baking soda to create a paste, gently scrub it on the affected area, let it sit for 30 minutes, then rinse to make stubborn stains easier to wash.

Remove the clothes after the cycle ends

One of the habits we usually and admittedly do is to let a finished load sit in the washer or dryer for too long. Surprisingly, while the clothes are already cleaned, leaving them in the washing machine more than necessary can cause that musty smell that everybody hates.

This is where smart appliances come in handy. The Midea Luna Inverter Series with its Wi-Fi Control feature can monitor the wash cycle through smartphones and operate your washing machine anytime, anywhere at your fingertips.

Invest in an efficient washer-dryer combo

The right appliance makes all the difference during the rainy season. The Midea Luna Inverter Series Fully Automatic Front Load Combo Washing Machine is designed for convenience, energy savings, and hygienic cleaning-no matter the weather.

Apart from its reliable features-such as HealthGuardS, which works with Auto Clean and Steam Care, and WiFi Control-this automatic washer-dryer combo also uses Inverter Quattro technology to help save energy with every load.

The Auto Clean feature keeps the drum sterilized to prevent secondary contamination, ensuring consistently high washing performance.

In line with its commitment to helping Filipinos discover happiness at home, Midea continues to innovate and deliver smart and quality solutions that make everyday chores more convenient, rain or shine.

Sen. Erwin Tulfo will serve as the acting chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, Senate President Tito Sotto said.

While Tulfo was not among the five named senators considered to succeed Sen. Ping Lacson, Sotto said on Wednesday, October 8, that the rules automatically allow Tulfo to serve as acting chair.

“Erwin is the vice chairman. Therefore, in the absence of the chairman, he automatically becomes chairman,” Sotto said in an ambush interview, adding that appointing him in the meantime does not require a plenary decision.

The first-time senator was assigned vice chair of the Blue Ribbon Committee, a panel responsible for investigating government officials and agencies for alleged wrongdoings.

In a statement, Tulfo thanked Sotto and the rest of the Senate for their trust in him and expressed hope that a permanent chair would be appointed soon. He also recognized how the committee investigation is a matter of public interest.

“Batid ko po na maraming kababayan natin ang umaasa sa komiteng ito na imbestigahan ang lahat ng mga nagsamantala sa pera ng bayan ano pa man ang katungkulan nila sa pamahalaan o kulay ng politika,” he said.

(I am aware that many of our countrymen are counting on this committee to investigate all those who took advantage of public funds, regardless of their position in government or political affiliation.)

During Lacson’s short stint as chair, several past and dismissed Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials have come forward to admit facilitating the kickback scheme allegedly involving lawmakers in flood control projects.

He announced his resignation over the weekend after some senators of the majority bloc complained about how the investigation was led.

This, however, was cleared up and threshed out in a majority caucus held on October 1, according to Sen. Kiko Pangilinan.

Sen. JV Ejercito also confirmed not harboring any untoward feelings against Lacson, despite being one of those who expressed frustration.

Sotto said that if the members of the majority bloc were complete in the caucus they held on Wednesday, they would have appealed to Lacson to keep the chairmanship.

“We are not discounting any of the five na pwede namin makausap na pwede maging chairman ng Blue Ribbon. As a matter of fact, most of us, kung present lahat, they would like to appeal to Senator Lacson,” Sotto said.

(We are not ruling out any of the five who we may talk to and who could become chair of the Blue Ribbon Committee.)

However, Lacson said stepping down was his “final answer.”

The senators being considered for the post include Risa Hontiveros, Pia Cayetano, Raffy Tulfo, JV Ejercito and Kiko Pangilinan.

Raffy, Erwin’s brother, and Ejercito have declined the chairmanship position. Pangilinan as well.

Sotto also said that “at the moment” the five senators do not want to assume chairmanship of the Blue Ribbon committee, primarily because they already hold two to three major committees.

“So what they’re saying is that they don’t have time for it right now,” he added.

The Blue Ribbon hearings have been suspended “until further notice” since Lacson announced his resignation. Sotto said hearings will resume once Erwin “comes back.”

He explained that the reason for such a congressional break is so that “committee hearings continue.”

“The Blue Ribbon is always alive eh. That’s the only committee with motu propio powers eh,” he said.

Asked if Erwin would be the permanent chairman, Sotto said it should be decided upon in the plenary and by the acting chairman himself.

Malacañang has declared special non-working days in three towns in Cotabato and Davao de Oro for the celebration of their founding anniversaries and local festivities.

Proclamation 1052 declared Oct. 14 a special non-working day in Antipas, Cotabato for the commemoration of the town’s founding anniversary.

Nov. 13 will be a special non-working day in Pantukan, Davao de Oro as provided under Proclamation 1053 for the celebration of the town’s 88th founding anniversary and the 23rd Pasaka Festival.

Meanwhile, Proclamation 1054 declared Nov. 24 a special non-working day in Maragusan, Davao de Oro for the commemoration of the Araw ng Maragusan.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, who signed the proclamations, said declaring such holidays is fitting and proper to allow people in these areas to participate and enjoy their community celebrations.

National University clawed out of an 11-point hole to drop the Adamson Soaring Falcons, 56-54, in their UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament matchup Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Bulldogs, who absorbed their first loss in the tournament in their last game against the University of the Philippines, dropped a massive 15-2 bomb late to grab the come-from-behind win.

Jake Figueroa spearheaded NU with 17 points, three assists, three steals, two blocks and two rebounds. Jolo Manansala and Gelo Santiago chipped in nine markers for NU, which rose to 4-1 this season.

‘Credit sa mga players, especially itong dalawa. Siyempre, actually, hindi lang sila. Grabe yung defense namin, kasi hindi kami makahulog e. Grabe yung shooting, field goal percentage namin,’ NU head coach Jeff Napa said.

‘At least, confidence lang to take the shot, to take the risk, hats off sa kanila and alam nilang binigay nila kahit anong nangyari. Players na yun, hindi na ako yun. Players na nagpanalo nun, it’s all their heart, it’s all their effort,’ he added.

The game was tight through the final minutes of the third quarter, with a split from the line by Mark Parks making it a one-point deficit, 38-39, with two minutes left in the frame.

But back-to-back-to-back 3-pointers by AJ Fransman and Monty Montebon gave Adamson a commanding 48-38 advantage early in the fourth quarter.

Steve Nash Enriquez snapped the blitz with a triple of his own, but deuces by Matty Erolon and OJ Ojarikre gave the Soaring Falcons a 52-41 lead.

However, this turned out to be the only points of Adamson in the next four minutes as the Bulldogs bared their teeth both on offense and defense.

Eleven straight points by NU, capped by a Figueroa jumper, tied things up at 52-all with 2:26 remaining.

A short stab by Cedrick Manzano gave Adamson the lead anew, 54-52, but an and-one play by Figueroa pushed Adamson ahead for good, 55-54.

On the other end, Fransman had the chance to answer back, but his layup missed.

After a miss by Santiago in the next possession, Adamson had the chance to go for the win, but Figueroa stole the ball. He then sank a layup to put the cherry on top of NU’s comeback victory.

Manzano paced Adamson with 16 points and four rebounds, while Earl Medina had nine markers for the 1-4 Falcons.

NU shot 18-of-55 from the field good for 32.7%, compared to Adamson’s 33.3% shooting. However, the Bulldogs made 17 of their 24 free throws, compared to Adamson’s 10-of-13 clip.

Adamson will try to snap their three-game losing streak against the still-winless University of the East Red Warriors on Saturday at the Blue Eagle Gym in Quezon City. On the other hand, the Sampaloc-based squad will take on the La Salle Green Archers on Sunday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.

Several United States firms doing business in the Philippines have reported being asked for bribes by customs officials, according to a 2025 State Department report, which mentions corruption at the Bureau of Customs as one of the major barriers to investment in the country.

The US Embassy in Manila has received multiple reports from American businesses of customs officials soliciting unofficial fees, alongside complaints of overly invasive searches and inconsistent customs charges, the State Department said in its annual Investment Climate Statements report on the Philippines.

The report – released September 26 – evaluates the business environment and investment climate in countries around the world to guide American investors. The report ultimately finds that while the Philippines has taken steps to improve its investment climate, corruption remains a pervasive problem that deters foreign investors.

The State Department draws attention to the Bureau of Customs as one of the government agencies most frequently accused of corruption, noting that the solicitation of facilitation fees – informal payments demanded by officials to expedite transactions – remains a common complaint among US firms.

“Some U.S. investors describe business registration, customs, and immigration processes as burdensome,” the report said. “Customs processes, in particular, can present challenges and the Embassy has received multiple reports from U.S. businesses of overly invasive searches, inconsistent customs charges, and solicitations of ‘facilitation fees’ (e.g., bribes) from some customs officials.”

The Bureau of Customs was described by the US State Department as “still considered to be one of the most corrupt agencies in the country.’

The report says that foreign direct investment inflows to the Philippines remained flat at $8.9 billion in 2024, the same level as 2023, despite government efforts to attract more investors, including a tax law passed in November 2024 that offers corporate tax breaks for up to 27 years.

The Philippines ranked 114th out of 180 countries on Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index, staying around that level since 2019. The World Economic Forum and other organizations have cited corruption as among the top problematic factors for doing business in the Philippines.

“Corruption is a pervasive and long-standing problem in both the public and private sector,” the State Department report said.

Beyond corruption, the report identified other barriers to investment: poor infrastructure, high power and logistics costs, regulatory inconsistencies, a cumbersome bureaucracy, and a complex, slow judicial system.

Traffic in major cities and congestion in the ports remain obstacles, while large family-owned conglomerates dominate the economic landscape, sometimes crowding out smaller or international businesses.

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

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

In the process, 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.

The PCA crown was Lim’s fourth, which came exactly a decade when the player claimed his very first and setting a record as the youngest ever winner of the said tournament at 16 years old.

Lim, of course, is expected to be part of the SEA Games-bound national squad that should be spearheaded by the country’s current pride, Alex Eala.

For her part, Tennielle Madis routed Kaye Anne Emana, 6-0, 6-3, to snare the women’s title, while Johnny Arcilla and Bryan Saarenas edged Fritz Chris Verdad and Rolly Saga, 6-3, 5-7, 11-9, to rule the men’s doubles.

The Philippine Constructors Association Inc. (PCA), representing the collective voice of the construction industry, hereby expresses its unequivocal support for Pericles Dakay as chairman of the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB).

Dakay has consistently demonstrated the highest standards of integrity and credibility in his professional and public service.

His leadership is marked by a steadfast commitment to transparency, accountability and the continuous improvement of the PCAB’s regulatory functions, in line with the principles enshrined in Republic Act 4566 (Contractors’ License Law) and its Implementing Rules and Regulations.

As a reformist, Dakay has championed initiatives that promote efficiency, inclusivity and good governance within the PCAB, ensuring that the accreditation process remains fair, efficient and responsive to the evolving needs of the construction industry.

His efforts have contributed significantly to the professionalization of the industry and has been an indispensable partner of the PCA in our shared commitment to the development of the construction industry.

The PCA also commends Dakay’s active cooperation and support for the initiatives of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, particularly in upholding the values of transparency and accountability in public service, support for the crusade against corruption and the budget reform agenda. His willingness to engage with legislative oversight and to implement necessary reforms reflects his dedication to the highest ideals of public administration.

In view of the foregoing, the PCA reiterates its full confidence in the leadership of Dakay and affirms its continued support for his ongoing efforts to advance the interests of the construction industry and the Filipino people.