Category: Philippine Star

The spirited booters of the University of the Philippines (UP) High School Cebu made their debut as a football varsity team a memorable one.

In a performance that is truly one for the books, the Fighting Maroons prevailed over the Azkals Development Academy (ADA) Cebu, 2-0, via penalty shootout in the thrilling finals to secure the school’s first ever championship crown in the 16 Under division of the 4th City of Naga Football Festival recently.

Playing cool under heavy pressure, Ceaje Bungcaras and Jude Earl Jurado delivered the decisive goals that powered UP High Cebu to a historic title.

Before reaching the finals, UP High performed remarkably well in the elimination round, booting out Cebu United and Naga City-B with three key goals from Qyel Ino Sollano and one from Bungcaras. Sollano knocked in another goal against Naga City-A in the semifinals, propelling the team to the gold-medal match which they eventually won.

‘This win is very special and historic for us. For the first time in UP High School history, our football team has brought home a championship trophy. What makes it even more meaningful is that these students are the very first group to form our football varsity team,’ said UP High School Cebu head coach Ricor Marfil.

The team was only formed last August, with the student-athletes training together for just two months before entering the tournament.

‘In that short span, they learned to trust one another, to fight for each other, and to balance the heavy demands of academics with the discipline of football training. To see them achieve this milestone fills us with so much pride,’ Marfil continued.

He credited the team’s success to their grit and values: ‘It was their character, effort, and heart that made the difference in every practice and every match.’

The 11-strong Fighting Maroons of the UP High School Cebu Football Team also include Gyle Veloso, Matthew Jun Baldoza and Val Andri Goles from Grade 7 and Cyan Manuel Villaflor, Vince Christopher Rodil, Marvin Roy Cervantes, John Martin Jaluague, and Steve Andrei Redondo from Grade 11.

The ground-breaking feat marks the rise of UP High School Cebu in grassroots football and highlights the school’s growing support for athletics alongside academic excellence.

Conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) has commenced with its preferred shares offering aimed at raising as much as P30 billion.

SMC is issuing 266.7 million Series 2 preferred shares, with an oversubscription option of 133.3 million shares, priced at P75 apiece.

The offer consists of Series 2-S preferred shares with an initial dividend rate of 6.9650 percent, Series 2-T preferred shares at 7.2560 percent and Series 2-U preferred shares at 7.5360 percent.

The offer period will run until Oct. 17, with the shares to be issued and listed on Oct. 24 on the Philippine Stock Exchange.

SMC will use the proceeds for the refinancing of existing short-term loans, which were used to redeem the Series 2-F Preferred Shares, to partially redeem the Series 2-J Preferred Shares and the Series 2-K Preferred Shares.

It will likewise be utilized to make additional investments in the infrastructure business, including the Manila International Airport and other airport related projects in Bulakan, Bulacan as well as the company’s tollways projects.

Bank of Commerce, BDO Capital and Investment Corp. and PNB Capital and Investment Corp. will be the joint issue managers. They are joined by BPI Capital Corp., China Bank Capital Corp., Land Bank of the Philippines, Philippine Commercial Capital Inc., RCBC Capital Corp. and Security Bank Capital Investment Corp. as joint lead underwriters and book runners.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) reported that its tax collections have declined, attributing the slowdown to the lingering issues surrounding the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) infrastructure projects.

‘I’m not sure if it can be attributed to the flood control issues. But there was definitely a slower collection because of the issue, because of the DPWH,’ BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. told reporters.

Data from the Bureau of the Treasury showed that BIR’s revenue increased by 11.4 percent to P2.14 trillion from January to August. The revenue target for the agency this year was adjusted slightly to P3.22 trillion from P3.23 trillion.

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto confirmed that the BIR’s collections have declined, cautioning that the continued downturn in revenues could serve as an early warning of slower economic growth.

‘There’s a slight reduction, but again, the most important thing is we will hit our revenue target this year. The BIR and the Bureau of Customs will miss their target a bit, like I said, it will be taken up by the non-tax revenue, ergo we will meet our target,’ he said.

Official data from the Bureau of the Treasury showed that BIR’s revenue increased by five percent for August alone to P250.1 billion from P238.1 billion in the same month last year.

With the statements from Lumagui and Recto, it is expected that BIR collections would decline in September. The BIR collected P174.7 billion in September 2024.

During his fourth State of the Nation Address on July 28, President Marcos ordered an audit of flood control projects under his administration, as he denounced the corruption that caused people to suffer from recurring flash floods during heavy rains.

An initial review found that 15 contractors bagged P100 billion worth or 20 percent of all flood control projects in the past three years.

Citing the preliminary report of the DPWH, Marcos said P545 billion in public funds went to flood control projects nationwide since July 2022.

Lumagui earlier told The STAR that the agency has yet to collect billions of pesos in taxes from online businesses operating across various digital platforms.

The BIR circular was issued ordering electronic marketplace operators to impose a one-percent withholding tax on their sellers and merchants to ensure proper tax compliance in online transactions.

The tax measure serves as a creditable expanded withholding tax, to be collected by online platforms where digital sellers conduct their business transactions.

‘Since tax herein involved being withheld is income tax, the burden of the tax is really upon the seller although the mode of payment of the tax is through withholding by the buyer, or by the e-market place operator or digital financial service provided, in case the payment for the sale of goods or services were made therein,’ the memorandum read.

It further states that the tax withheld is considered a part of the consideration agreed upon between the seller and buyer, resulting in a net take to the seller of only the difference between the agreed-upon consideration or selling price and the tax withheld.

Mike Brown rested his top players Monday night (Tuesday Manila time) to get a better look at the New York Knicks’ depth and training camp hopefuls battling for a roster spot.

What he got instead was the team’s worst showing of the preseason.

The Washington Wizards jumped out early and never looked back, routing the Knicks 120-103 at Madison Square Garden.

‘I thought our starters did not bring the energy,’ Brown said after the game. ‘This is probably our worst basketball game overall. We did it in spurts: we weren’t very good to start the game, we weren’t very good to start the third quarter.’

With Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Mitchell Robinson and several key reserves sitting out, Brown opened the game with a second-unit lineup featuring Filipino-American guard Jordan Clarkson, Miles McBride, Guerschon Yabusele, Pacome Dadiet and Malcolm Brogdon.

The experiment quickly unraveled. New York’s offense looked stagnant, its defense porous, and the Wizards capitalized, putting up 36 points in the first quarter to seize control.

Still, Brown tried to take positives from the lopsided loss.

‘Great film to learn from because we made a lot of mistakes that have been uncharacteristic of who we’ve been so far,’ he said. ‘Even in practice, we’ve played a lot better than this in terms of what we’re trying to do offensively and defensively. Great learning experience – we’ll all grow from it and hopefully take that step forward instead of just thinking we took a step backwards.’

In addition to his resting stars, Brown said Josh Hart, Ariel Hukporti and Landry Shamet were sidelined – Hart with a lower back injury suffered during the preseason opener in Abu Dhabi, and Hukporti and Shamet due to illness. Brown said it was unfortunate that Shamet, one of three players vying for the Knicks’ final roster spot, could not play.

‘It’s important,’ Brown said before tipoff. ‘We want to try to give some guys some extended minutes to take a look at them tonight. It’s important because they’ve all been busting their behinds, and making that decision is extremely tough.’

The Knicks have until Saturday to finalize their roster. Unless a trade materializes – possibly involving Dadiet or second-year guard Tyler Kolek – New York can only keep one of Brogdon, Shamet, and Garrison Matthews for the remaining veteran minimum slot.

Brogdon, the 2023 Sixth Man of the Year, struggled mightily, scoring just four points on 2-of-7 shooting as the Knicks were outscored by 30 during his 18 minutes. Matthews also had a rough night, missing five of six shots and finishing with six points after opening the preseason strong in Abu Dhabi.

Kolek was the lone bright spot, leading New York with 20 points and six assists, while Clarkson added 12.

PLDT chairman and CEO Manny V. Pangilinan reaffirmed his commitment to basketball and underscored the immense value of the game to Filipinos when he led the honorees in the PBA Press Corps Awards Night Monday.

Pangilinan was bestowed the ‘Danny Floro Executive of the Year’ plum for a record-tying third time following the two-championship, one-runner-up run of TNT, the MVP Group’s flagship franchise, in Season 49.

‘The passion which binds us all here tonight is unique,’ said Pangilinan, who previously received the honors in 2003 and 2011 and became only the three-time winner after the late RFM team manager Elmer Yanga and San Miguel Corp. sports director Alfrancis Chua.

‘And that passion goes beyond business. It is about pride in the heart, pride in seeing Filipinos excel on the court here or internationally, like watching Gilas play in tournaments abroad, an experience that’s so different and so surprising.’

He lauded efforts of PBA stakeholders in keeping the fire burning. ‘Each season reminds us how much more we can improve the game and make it more entertaining. Of course, rivalry keeps the league alive and respect keeps it whole,’ he said.

‘Basketball has been kind to all of us. It has built friendships, developed character, lifted spirits in difficult times, and inspired this country. And it has provided jobs and livelihood. In moments when our country was divided, basketball has brought us together in one.’

MVP emphasized the responsibility to equally passionate fans as well.

‘May we all continue to serve the game in sportsmanship and with love, for in serving Philippine basketball well, we also enrich the lives of the greatest basketball fans in the world,’ he said.

Tropang 5G mentor Chot Reyes shared the spotlight as he received the Baby Dalupan Coach of the Year accolade for a record-extending seventh time.

The prize, he shared, was a real bright moment coming off what he termed as the ‘deepest, darkest moment’ of his career – the boos by the home crowd at Gilas Pilipinas’ final game in the 2023 FIBA World Cup at the Big Dome.

‘I thought at that time I had enough of coaching, that I didn’t deserve everything that had happened so far. But apparently God had other plans. I’m thankful to our management, Boss MVP, Boss Ricky (Vargas) for continuing to give me the opportunity and their trust and now we’re here. Who would have thought, right?’

Top content creators, social media leaders and celebrity guests-with a combined reach of over one billion followers-are set to gather in Macao for CreatorWeek 2025, a five-day event happening from October 24 to 28.

Jointly organized by the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) and international media production company Branded, the event aims to leverage their influence to showcase Macao as a premier travel destination for young audiences and inject new momentum into the local tourism economy.

Spotlighting Macao’s creative energy

Event highlights were unveiled during a launch held on Monday, October 13, at the Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Centre.

In her speech, Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, director of MGTO, said CreatorWeek Macao 2025 will unveil the city’s unique glamour and multicultural heritage to the world, injecting fresh creative momentum into Macao’s transformation into a world center of tourism and leisure.

Jasper Donat, CEO and co-founder of Branded, introduced the event’s concept and lineup of international creators. The launch also featured representatives from multi-channel networks who discussed using the event to bridge overseas creators with the Chinese market, while local creators shared their vision for connecting with the global industry.

Platform for learning, culture exchange

Organizers described CreatorWeek as an ecosystem for inspiration and collaboration, designed to create tangible opportunities for both creators and brands.

According to Donat, collaboration is essential for success in today’s global creator landscape, emphasizing the event’s focus on fostering cross-cultural partnerships.

He added that a key goal is to see international and local creators co-creating content across Macao while learning how to succeed in different regional markets.

The event also aims to inspire the next generation of talent. With content creation becoming one of the most aspirational careers, the event’s Creator Academy will provide a path for emerging creators to learn from established industry leaders.

For the Macao Government Tourism Office, hosting the event is a strategic move to innovate beyond its comfort zone and meet the demands of modern travelers who seek unique experiences.

MGTO dirrctor de Senna Fernandes, emphasized that the event offers a new way to promote Macao. She highlighted that the creator space is not limited by age, but is open to anyone “very young at heart” who wants to tell interesting stories to an international audience.

‘For the future, we definitely look forward to listening to more stories and getting ourselves more involved in their stories,’ she said.

Global lineup of creative talents

Pitched as one of Asia’s largest gatherings for content creators, the event is expected to bring together approximately 250 groups, including 180 content creators, 50 guest speakers and 20 performing acts from both international and Greater China markets.

Among the partcipating creators is Filipino-Canadian content creator Mikey Bustos, who will have his own meet-and-greet session on October 26.

The five-day festival will also feature six major themed activities designed to foster multicultural dialogue and offer immersive creative experiences across the city.

CreatorWeek Opening and Closing Party: Provides networking opportunities for creators, speakers and top international creative leaders.

CreatorWeek Conference: A two-day conference focusing on social media trends, platform developments and the future of the creator economy. Notable speakers include representatives from YouTube and Snapchat, and the manager for MrBeast, YouTube’s most-subscribed channel.

CreatorWeek Live: Two nights of musical performances from 20 international and local artists and bands against the city’s nightscape.

CreatorWeek Meet and Greet: Fans can connect with 40 top creators including freestyle dancer Merrick Hanna, video creator Austin Sprinz and Netflix actor Ian Boggs.

CreatorWeek Wellness Workshop: Four sessions on yoga, dance, fitness and meditation led by creators and key opinion leaders.

CreatorAcademy: Practical sessions for 100 to 200 mid-tier creators on quality content creation, audience growth and brand collaborations, leveraging Macao’s unique cultural backdrop.

Fostering local and international collaboration

The organizers recently selected 20 local ambassadors through a recruitment program. These ambassadors will partner with 20 visiting international creators for a VIP journey to experience Macao from a local perspective.

The collaboration aims to produce content that blends local insights with international appeal, showcasing the city’s culture and creative scene to a global audience.

The first edition of CreatorWeek was held in Singapore in 2024. This year’s event in Macao is sponsored by the city’s six integrated resort enterprises with support from 25 local, Greater China and international entities.

In 2016, Adolfo Rosal started his journey as a loan consultant, driven not by comfort but by the hope of giving his family a better life. Back then, he and his loved ones were renting a small home, working hard every day and holding on to their faith in God.

Nearly a decade later, Adolfo’s story stands as a powerful reminder that anything is possible when you stay dedicated and believe in what you do. Through his partnership with Global Dominion, and by living with the same values that guided him from the start ‘sipag, tiyaga at pananalig sa Diyos,’ he turned his once simple dreams into remarkable milestones.

From being a renter, Adolfo is now a proud homeowner of three houses, owns more than two vehicles, and has provided his family with a life of comfort and security. He has also fulfilled another dream, sending his child to one of the top private schools in their area. Beyond his personal achievements, Adolfo has already helped more than 500 clients throughout his journey as a loan consultant, fulfilling their dreams of owning cars and homes while also assisting many of them in expanding their businesses through Global Dominion’s financing solutions. His dedication and consistency have made him one of the most trusted loan consultants in his area and a proud member of Global Dominion’s growing community of successful Ka-Partners.

Of course, Adolfo’s success didn’t come easily. He faced financial challenges, long days of client visits and moments of doubt, but he never gave up. Each obstacle became a stepping stone that strengthened his determination to move forward.

Today, Adolfo continues to serve as a bridge between clients and Global Dominion, connecting people to opportunities that can change their lives. What makes his story even more inspiring is that his child now walks the same path, proudly joining him as a fellow Loan Consultant, a true symbol of legacy, faith and shared success.

Proof that great things happen with hard work, courage and faith, Adolfo Rosal’s journey is a story of transformation and hope. He turned struggles into success and perseverance into progress. With determination and the right partner, #PwedePala. Adolfo and Global Dominion continue to inspire others to believe that growth is always possible. Together, we rise. #KaPartnerMoSaPagAngat.

The Equi-Parco Construction Company (EPCC) continues to push forward with key infrastructure projects that are reshaping communities across Northern Mindanao, including newly built roads and bridges to flood control systems that protect lives and livelihoods.

EPCC is a private sector focused on implementing infrastructure projects across the Philippines.

Since its earliest undertakings in 1991, such as the Construction of the Misamis Oriental-Bukidnon By-Pass Road awarded in 2015, EPCC has steadily expanded its portfolio of priority projects aimed at improving connectivity, accessibility and safety for residents and industries alike.

Its latest project, the Butuan City-Agusan del Norte Logistical Highway, awarded in early 2020, reflects this ongoing momentum to link strategic areas through modern, resilient infrastructure.

‘Our goal has always been to ensure that communities feel the real impact of these projects, not just in terms of roads built or bridges completed, but in the way these developments change lives for the better,’ said EPCC.

Decongesting, connecting

Among EPCC’s major undertakings are road projects designed to ease urban congestion and enhance trade routes. In Cagayan de Oro City, the construction of bypass and diversion roads in Barangay Gusa has provided alternative routes for delivery trucks and commuters who used to face hours of gridlock along the city’s main thoroughfares.

Before the project, heavy traffic disrupted daily life and hampered logistics operations. But after completion, motorists could traverse Gusa to Puerto more smoothly, helping cut travel time and improve the flow of goods in and out of the city.

‘These bypass roads do more than move vehicles; they move economies,’ said EPCC. ‘Businesses now operate more efficiently, and residents experience a better quality of life.’

Life-changing, life-saving

Bridges have also played a key role in EPCC’s portfolio. In one project, engineers addressed the challenge of deep seabeds that made rock embankments impractical. The result is a reliable bridge that now ensures safe and steady passage between previously disconnected areas. The new structure has since opened up opportunities for commerce and community interaction that were once impossible.

Flood control and drainage systems form another critical component of EPCC’s work, particularly in areas frequently hit by storms. In Barangays Macasandig and San Simon in Cagayan de Oro City, for instance, as well as Hinaplanon and Santiago in Iligan City, new flood mitigation structures have significantly reduced flooding incidents that once displaced families and damaged property every rainy season.

Before these interventions, residents endured frequent disruptions, with rising waters cutting off access to schools and workplaces. Today, the new drainage and embankment systems provide peace of mind during heavy rains, ensuring safer passage and protecting homes and businesses.

‘Flood control projects are life-saving infrastructure,’ said EPCC. ‘They safeguard entire communities and allow development to thrive even in disaster-prone areas.’

Regional resilience, equitable growth

EPCC’s priority projects go beyond roads and flood control. The cluster has also taken on building construction and water supply systems, signaling its shift toward comprehensive community development that includes essential facilities and public utilities.

These efforts align with the government’s broader push for regional resilience and equitable growth, particularly in Mindanao, where access to quality infrastructure has long been a key driver of economic and social progress.

With dozens of ongoing and completed projects across the region, EPCC renews its commitment to delivering infrastructure that serves people first, building connections, ensuring safety and laying the groundwork for a more resilient and connected Mindanao.

EPCC said: ‘We measure success not just in kilometers of roads or meters of bridges, but in the stability and prosperity they bring. That’s the kind of development we aim to build-lasting, inclusive and genuinely felt by the communities we serve.’

The Philippines achieved a milestone in forensic leadership after an official of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) was elected to the Management Committee of the Asia-Pacific Medico Legal Agencies or APMLA.

NBI medico-legal division chief Al Anthony Chua was elected during the 17th Asian Forensic Science Network annual meeting and symposium and the 13th APMLA conference in Incheon, South Korea from Sept. 15 to 19.

A 38-member delegation of forensic professionals from the NBI attended the event.

NBI Director Jaime Santiago lauded Chua for the international recognition, describing it as a ‘milestone not only for the NBI, but for the entire Philippine forensic community.’

Former president Rodrigo Duterte’s possible inclusion in Pharmally-related cases pending before the Sandiganbayan is being eyed by the Office of the Ombudsman.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla’s predecessor, Samuel Martires, found no probable cause to indict Duterte for graft in connection with the Pharmally procurement scandal.

Remulla on Monday ordered the withdrawal of the complaints for reevaluation.

Asked whether Duterte could be included in the cases to be refiled before the Sandiganbayan, Remulla said, ‘It depends on the facts and evidence. If there is allegation that he has committed violations, then we will look into it.’

Records show that 14 Pharmally cases are pending at various divisions of the anti-graft court.

Eight of these complaints were filed only on Oct. 10 and raffled off to the Sixth Division. Three were filed on Sept. 29 and assigned to the First Division. Another three were refiled in July from the Malolos Regional Trial Court and are now pending before the Fifth Division.

Of these cases, only one is up for trial following the arraignment of former officials of the Procurement Service- Department of Budget and Management and Pharmally executives.

The charges stemmed from the allegedly anomalous procurement of personal protective equipment, test kits and face masks from Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp. during the COVID pandemic.