Category: Philippine Star

The country’s luxury property landscape continues to gain prominence, and in this niche market stands The Velaris Residences-a residential masterpiece in Bridgetowne, which has proven itself worthy to be called the best in this category.

The recent PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards proudly announced The Velaris Residences North Tower as Best Condo Development (Philippines), Best Luxury Condo Development (Metro Manila) and Best Condo Interior Design-distinctions that affirm that it’s more than real estate, but a new standard of elevated living.

Is it because of the global expertise, partnerships, intentional design or a commitment to a lifestyle that goes beyond walls and ceilings? What exactly does it take to earn such recognition?

1. Born from a visionary partnership

Behind The Velaris Residences is RHK Land Corporation, the joint venture between Philippine real estate giant Robinsons Land and Hongkong Land. The collab merges local knowledge of the market with a legacy of world-class developments across Asia.

The global-local synergy in this debut project let RHK Land make its mark in the industry, collecting prestigious awards along the way and cementing its credibility among Philippine luxury residences.

2. Intentional design

In real estate, a strong design philosophy is the recipe not just for great awards, but for generations of happy clients.

The Velaris Residences believes that every space must be purpose-driven and enhance the lives of its residents.

The 40-story North Tower-an addition to the three-tower enclave-showcases this philosophy by offering one- to four-bedroom layouts that maximize natural light and provide seamless flow between spaces.

There are spacious indoor patios in the one- and one-and-a-half-bedroom units, blurring the line between indoors and outdoors. Then there are double-volume living spaces in four-bedroom, townhouse and penthouse suites, creating a sense of grandeur and openness not often seen even in this market.

Every unit is equipped with smart home technology, from biometric digital door locks to app-controlled lighting and air conditioning, as well as smart mirrors in larger units.

Privacy is so important that private lifts are included in two-bedroom units and above, with a 2:1 unit-to-elevator ratio for smaller residences.

Elegance is not only the finishing touch but the foundation. Natural stone, engineered wood and other premium materials are carefully applied, all while keeping the units versatile enough for discerning residents.

3. Top-notch amenities

The awards have also recognized The Velaris Residences for its unrivaled lifestyle offerings. Specially curated for leisure, wellness, productivity and community, the North Tower’s amenities rival those of five-star resorts.

Upon arrival, residents are greeted by a grand plaza and five exclusive lobbies-each promising privacy and calm.

For relaxation, there’s an indoor Japanese sento with wet and dry sauna on the fifth floor podium. Outside, residents can marvel at an outdoor sento and sculpture garden.

For those with active pursuits, The Velaris Residences has a badminton and pickleball court, a lifestyle gym with dance and cycling studios, an Olympic-length infinity pool and, of course, a golf simulator studio.

Enjoy the garden lounge with floating daybeds, or let the children play at the Kids Club. A treetop playground, camping grounds and a dedicated children’s pool, pool bar and family deck, banquet hall and a party pool with underwater seating complete the family-centric lineup of amenities.

The North Tower also responds to modern needs with a business lounge with meeting room and a creative studio, encouraging residents to embrace hybrid work in style.

Meanwhile, smart lockers, secure mailrooms and a residents’ portal app ensure seamless contactless living, from booking amenities to managing deliveries.

Crowning it all is the North Tower Velaris SkyClub on the 40th floor. This sanctuary in the clouds comes with a wine gallery, cigar room, private theater, casual and gourmet dining areas, SkyLounge, SkyBar and SkyDeck.

It’s up to the residents to enjoy it either as an escape or a stage for life’s grandest celebrations, right at home.

4. Location with lasting value

Awards also take into account the location. The Velaris Residences rises within Bridgetowne, an emerging 30-hectare township along the C5 corridor that links Quezon City, Pasig City and Taguig City.

The property stands beside two majestic landmarks-The Victor, a 200-foot art installation by world-renowned artist JEFRË, and the scenic Bridgetowne Bridge, designed by Mañosa and Co.

These icons contribute to the project’s long-term value, alongside the township’s master-planned mix of business and leisure spaces.

Investors and residents can be confident that the C5 growth corridor is poised to become a new megalopolis, with Bridgetowne as the centerpiece-ensuring that owning a unit at The Velaris Residences is not just a lifestyle statement, but also a sound, future-proof investment.

The Velaris Residences is a statement of how luxury real estate should be envisioned and executed in the Philippines. And with its three new PropertyGuru awards, it has once again proven that its approach doesn’t focus on aesthetics alone, but on creating an intentional and future-ready lifestyle.

Bad loans in the Philippine banking system climbed for a second straight month in August, reaching their highest level in nine months as rising consumer costs and slower business activity affected borrowers’ ability to pay.

The industry’s non-performing loan (NPL) ratio rose to 3.5 percent in August from 3.4 percent in July. It marked the fastest pace in three quarters or since the 3.54 percent in November 2024, according to the latest data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

Loans are classified as non-performing when unpaid for at least 90 days past their due date, posing a risk to banks’ asset quality as borrowers may default on these obligations.

In nominal terms, soured loans grew by 7.3 percent to P550.1 billion in August from P512.7 billion a year earlier.

Despite the increase, total loan disbursements continued to expand, rising by 9.8 percent to P15.71 trillion from P14.3 trillion in the same period last year.

The banking sector’s past due loans, which include all loans with delayed payments, increased by 9.8 percent to P693.1 billion in August from P631.42 billion a year ago.

Restructured loans, or those with modified terms to help borrowers repay, jumped by 12.2 percent to P328.92 billion from P293.16 billion.

Amid higher delinquency levels, banks boosted their loan loss reserves by 7.6 percent to P519.29 billion from P482.49 billion a year ago. This brought their loan loss reserve ratio to 3.31 percent and NPL coverage ratio to 94.4 percent, indicating that banks still have ample buffers to absorb potential defaults.

Credit watcher Moody’s Ratings earlier said that corporate NPLs in the Philippines remain below the systemwide average and provisioning levels continue to be sufficient to absorb potential shocks.

‘Supportive domestic operating conditions and a moderation in financing costs will help contain the increase of new corporate NPLs,’ Moody’s said.

Global investment bank J.P. Morgan likewise pointed to strong loan growth and robust asset quality as key supports for the sector, even as lower policy rates may compress banks’ net interest margins.

‘System NPL ratio remains between 3.5 and four percent, which is low given the double-digit credit growth,’ Jeanette Yutan, J.P. Morgan’s Philippines head of research, earlier said.

The banking system’s NPL ratio has stayed below 3.6 percent since November last year, supported by stable inflation and a series of rate cuts that improved borrowers’ repayment capacity.

The ratio peaked at 4.51 percent in July and August 2021, when the economy was reeling from the effects of the pandemic.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday visited earthquake-hit areas in Davao, ordering additional funding for a bailiwick of the Duterte family.

Davao Oriental and nearby provinces were shaken when a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck the waters near Manay town on October 10. Within the same day, a magnitude 6.8 aftershock was also recorded.

In a press conference, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the president was undeterred by political differences and chose to visit the stronghold of his former allies given the gravity of the situation.

‘Hindi po matatakot ang Pangulo na siya ay pumunta sa Davao dahil ang mga taga-Davao ay kababayan natin at sila po ngayon ay nangangailangan ng tulong, so huwag gawing pamumulitika ito para takutin ang Presidente para pumunta ng Davao,’ Marcos said. (‘The president is not afraid to go to Davao because the people of Davao are our fellow citizens who need help. Let’s not turn it into politics to discourage him from going there.’)

Despite being issued a public threat by Vice President Sara Duterte in 2024, Marcos inspected several areas in Davao Oriental, including Manay National School and the Davao Oriental Provincial Hospital.

Marcos ordered funds from the Office of the President to be redirected to several local government units in the affected areas, as follows:

Provincial Government of Davao Oriental – P50 million

Manay – P15 million

Banaybanay – P15 million

Lupon – P15 million

Mati City – P10 million

Tarragona – P10 million

Baganga – P10 million

Boston – P10 million

Cateel – P10 million

Caraga – P5 million

San Isidro – P5 million

Governor Generoso – P3 million

The total amount of redirected funds reached roughly ?158 million, according to Malacañang.

Marcos said the amounts were based on the extent of the earthquake’s impact and the varying needs of each locality.

‘As a former governor, I know that each place has different needs,’ he said in Filipino.

At least eight people were reported dead due to the earthquake in Davao, while 403 others were injured. More than half a million residents were affected, according to initial government reports.

While most golfers emphasize sharpening every aspect of their game to strengthen their title bids in premier tournaments, Florence Bisera is choosing a different path – focusing on mental fortitude as she chases another crown.

The ICTSI Del Monte Championship gets underway Tuesday, October 14, at the Del Monte Golf Club with Bisera right at the heart of a competitive field composed of proven champions and fierce challengers all aiming to halt her winning run.

‘Gusto ko lang i-maintain kung paano ako naglaro nung nanalo ako – ma-control ang emotions, maglaro ng walang pressure at mag-enjoy,’ said Bisera, sharing the mindset that has fueled her recent success in the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour.

The rising Davaoeña star has quickly emerged as a formidable force, snatching the LPGT Negros Occidental crown from Korean standout Kim Seoyun before clinching an overseas breakthrough win in Thailand last month. Those back-to-back triumphs have boosted her confidence and sharpened her focus heading into this 54-hole event organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc.

‘The wins make my confidence high, pero hindi ko pine-pressure sarili ko,’ she added. ‘I expect my approach and strategy to put me in a good position in the next three days.’

Bisera’s return to Del Monte carries added intrigue. She placed third the last time the tour visited the tricky par-72 layout in 2023 – a tournament won by Daniella Uy. Since then, she has taken major strides, securing a local breakthrough at South Pacific late last year and adding the Match Play Championship at The Country Club to her resume.

But a stacked lineup stands in her way.

Leading the charge is Uy herself, along with this season’s LPGT leg winners Mafy Singson (Eagle Ridge) and Chanelle Avaricio (Forest Hills). Veterans Sarah Ababa and Chihiro Ikeda are also coming in battle-ready, eyeing no less than a victory.

Also under the spotlight is Harmie Constantino. Despite dominating the LPGT circuit last year with four victories, she has yet to regain her groove this season, making her both a contender and a wildcard in this P1 million championship sponsored by ICTSI.

Korean rookie Tiffany Lee, who impressed with a strong pro debut at Splendido Taal in 2024, will likewise be aiming for redemption after a string of underwhelming finishes.

Local hopefuls Pamela Mariano, Velinda Castil and amateur Zero Plete are also determined to defend home turf, while Marvi Monsalve returns to LPGT play seeking a strong showing. Promising young gun Kayla Nocum, meanwhile, is eyeing a breakthrough performance to claim her first professional win.

Despite the field’s depth, all signs still point to Bisera as the player to beat.

After her Thailand win, she flew straight home to Davao to resume training and step up preparations for the three-leg Mindanao swing, which concludes at South Pacific Golf and Residential Estates – her home course.

She worked to fine-tune her short game while sticking to her winning formula.

‘Same lang kung paano ako usually maglaro,’ said Bisera. ‘Control emotions, play pressure-free, and enjoy.’

There are fewer recorded influenza-like illnesses this year compared to 2024, but the Department of Health said on Monday, October 13, that preventive measures by government agencies and local health authorities remain a ‘sound precaution’ as flu season begins.

Department of Health spokesperson Albert Domingo said the country recorded 121,716 flu-like cases from January to September 27. This is around 8% lower than the 132,538 cases logged in the same period last year.

‘At the national level, the number of influenza-like illnesses is lower than last year thus far. It is sound precaution for local and institutional health authorities to practice preventive measures to keep the numbers down,’ Domingo told reporters on Monday.

The statement came after the Department of Education – National Capital Region (DepEd NCR) suspended face-to-face classes in all public schools in Metro Manila on October 13 and 14 to allow for disinfection and building inspections. DepEd cited both the ‘increasing incidence of influenza-like illnesses’ and recent earthquakes in its advisory on Sunday.

Seasonal flu uptick. Domingo said the recent uptick in flu-like symptoms reported in schools and offices coincides with the usual rise in flu-like cases during this time of the year.

‘Mas mababa ng 8%, ngunit alam natin na kapag ganitong panahon nagsisimulang tumaas ‘yan,’ he said.

(It is lower by 8%, but we know that the cases start to go up around this time.)

Tracking cases. Influenza-like illnesses, or ILIs, is a clinical term health authorities use for a group of symptoms that resemble the flu – usually fever, cough, and sore throat – but aren’t always confirmed as influenza through laboratory testing.

According to the World Health Organization, these cause a fever of = 38°C and a cough, starting within the last 10 days. These illnesses spread primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

The DOH continues to track ILI cases through its sentinel surveillance system, Domingo said. This system gathers reports of cases from hospitals, community health centers and school clinics.

‘We do sentinel surveillance both from hospitals and other disease reporting units such as community health centers or even school clinics,’ Domingo said.

The DOH has not declared a widespread outbreak of ILIs.

DepEd NCR, in its advisory, said the temporary suspension would allow schools to conduct disinfection, sanitation, and building inspections to ‘ensure the continuity of learning while prioritizing health, safety, and structural security.’

A bill granting free funeral services to the poor has lapsed into law without the signature of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Known as Republic Act 12309, or the ‘Free Funeral Services Act,’ the measure provides that indigent families in crisis situations, such as calamities, disasters, and other emergencies, can qualify for the program, as determined by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

‘Free funeral services shall be provided to poor families per death of a family member by accredited funeral establishments anywhere in the country,’ the law stated.

The law also stipulates that the funeral services provided to beneficiaries must be uniform.

To avail of the free funeral services, families must submit the following requirements:

Valid ID of the claimant or beneficiary

Death certificate issued by the hospital, municipal health office, of certification from tribal chieftain

Funeral contract signed by the representative of the deceased’s family, the funeral personnel, and authorized DSWD personnel

Social case study from a social worker

The budget for these free funeral services will be charged to the DSWD’s budget.

The Palace confirmed that the bill lapsed into law without Marcos’ signature.

A copy of the law has yet to be published in the Official Gazette, but Senate records show that the measure became law on September 28. An unsigned copy of the measure is also available on the Senate’s website.

Global tourism leaders and policymakers convened in Melaka, Malaysia, from September 27 to 29 for the 7th World Tourism Conference, establishing a new agenda on ‘Sustainable Transformation’ to address growing environmental and social pressures in the tourism industry.

The conference, held in tandem with the official World Tourism Day celebrations, brought together more than 700 delegates to tackle the challenges of overtourism, climate change and economic inequality facing the sector.

The event took place as the industry marked a strong post-pandemic recovery, with 1.4 billion international tourist arrivals recorded in 2024.

In his opening address, Malaysia’s Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, H.E. Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, set a tone of urgency, urging delegates to ensure the conference was not “merely ceremonial” and to “avoid producing statements that remain unresolved.”

Focus on ‘sustainable,’ ‘people-centered’ tourismThe theme of ‘Sustainable Transformation’ was defined by speakers as a call for deep, structural changes to the industry, underscoring the vital importance of the sector as leaders, policymakers, industry experts and local communities to come together to shape a sustainable future for tourism.

In his official message, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres stated that while tourism is a ‘powerful driver of transformation,’ it ‘must be sustainable to protect the very places and communities it celebrates,’ highlighting the core issue discussed at the summit.

During the conference, host nation Malaysia announced several concrete policy actions. The government revealed its plan to join the UN Tourism International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories, with a pilot project in Mersing, Johor, to better monitor and manage tourism’s impacts.

Officials also highlighted national initiatives to develop digital nomad hubs and invest in Sustainable Aviation Fuel.

Event speakers underscored the pillars of sustainable transformation: empowering women, youth and marginalized groups through education; driving innovation by bridging the digital gap and supporting start-ups; uplifting micro and small enterprises to fuel local economies; and safeguarding cultural heritage as the heart of authentic travel.

Heritage-rich Melaka: a living example

Melaka’s selection as host of the World Tourism Conference positioned the Unesco World Heritage city as a ‘living laboratory’ for sustainable tourism.

Inscribed in 2008 for its entire historic urban landscape, Melaka was presented as a case study in balancing heritage conservation with modern economic pressures and rising visitor flows.

Conference sessions and curated tours highlighted the city’s inclusive approach, from women’s empowerment and community-based initiatives to eco-friendly practices.

Delegates joined experiences such as the Sungai Linggi Eco Cruise and the Dutch and Heritage Trail, illustrating how cultural assets can fuel the visitor economy without compromising integrity.

Organizers noted that Melaka’s layered history-shaped by Malay, Chinese, Indian, Portuguese, Dutch and British influences-mirrors the global tourism industry’s dynamics of cultural exchange and power imbalances.

By convening in Melaka, UN Tourism and the Malaysian government underscored Melaka’s role as both model and metaphor for a more inclusive, resilient and culturally grounded tourism future.

Visit Malaysia 2026 launched

Another major highlight of the week was the official launch of the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), the nation’s tourism push, officiated by Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Sri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister stressed that the campaign’s success would be measured not just by visitor numbers but by its contribution to “cultural vitality and shared prosperity.”

The principles discussed were also demonstrated through a series of public events. The Melaka Entrepreneurs’ Carnival 2025 provided a platform for over 60 local business owners, with business matching sessions projected to generate RM10 million in transactions

Other festivities included an International Kite Festival, a 3,000-strong traditional zapin dance and a special exhibition honoring Enrique de Malacca, the 16th-century Melakan sailor who was part of Ferdinand Magellan’s fleet.

The conference concluded with Malaysia officially handing over hosting duties for World Tourism Day 2026 to El Salvador.

The theme for the 2026 event was announced as the ‘Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism,’ signaling the future of the industry.

A suspected drug peddler was killed in an alleged shootout with police and P1.7 million worth of shabu was recovered during a sting in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte on Saturday.

Lt. Col. Esmael Madin, town police chief, said police were about to frisk and handcuff 25-year-old Saidamin Esmail after he handed over 250 grams of shabu to an agent.

However, after sensing it was a sting, Esmail and his companions, identified only as Mursid and Kadir, allegedly fired at the operatives, sparking a shootout near a state university campus.

Oil firms will implement mixed price adjustments starting Tuesday, October 14, reflecting fluctuations in global crude markets.

In separate advisories, Shell, SeaOil and Petrogazz said they will make the following price movements:

Gasoline – increase of P0.30 per liter

Kerosene – decrease of P0.20 per liter

Diesel – unchanged

The adjustments will take effect 6 a.m. Tuesday for most oil firms, while Cleanfuel will enforce the same changes starting 4:01 p.m.

The DOE’s Oil Industry Management Bureau earlier said international oil prices have been influenced by threats surrounding the U.S. government shutdown, rising crude inventories in the U.S., and fears of oversupply following the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) remains to be the leading cause of respiratory illness especially in young children1, prompting experts to raise awareness about the burden of the disease through better surveillance and prevention efforts8.

In a forum initiated by Pfizer dubbed, ‘RSV: The Invisible Thief that Breaks Breath’ held at Rockwell, Makati, the discussion highlighted RSV’s understated yet threatening impact on both ends of the age spectrum-infants under six months1 and older adults over 60, particularly those living with chronic medical conditions2-4.

‘We are taking this awareness initiative to help provide more information to the public because RSV is a real threat; it’s like a thief that takes away the patient’s ability to breathe. The good news is that it is preventable, so no life should be lost because of RSV. Breathing normally again requires more than just rest, especially when RSV is involved,’ said Deborah Seifert, cluster lead at MISP.

The forum included experts in the medical field including Dr. Analyn Fallarme, VP of the Philippine Infectious Diseases Society for Obstetrics and Gynecology (PIDSOG); Dr. Faith Villanueva, chair of the Philippine Society of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (PSMID) Vaccination Committee; and Dr. Anna Lisa Ong-Lim, professor of Infectious and Tropical Disease in Pediatrics, UP-PGH College of Medicine, who delivered the keynote address.

RSV: The thief that breaks breathing

RSV is one of the most common, highly contagious and life-threatening viruses that cause lower respiratory tract infections such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia1,3,7. The virus can be transmitted in several ways: from an infected person through the air or droplets, and by direct contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces13,16.

A person may become contagious a day or two before showing signs of being sick and are usually contagious for three to eight days. RSV patients with weakened immune systems may remain contagious for at least four weeks13.

Symptoms are flu-like for upper respiratory illness, which include runny nose, sore throat, headache, fatigue and fever. For lower respiratory tract infection, symptoms may include cough, bronchospasm, wheezing, fast breathing and shortness of breath16.

A potential health threat to babies

Across the globe, RSV is responsible for 33 million infections and 3.6 million hospitalizations in children under five6. Nearly 40% of these hospitalizations occur in infants under six months each year, many of whom are too young for routine vaccinations6,9.

In the Philippines, a nine-year case series study involving hospitalized severe pneumonia patients aged five years old and below showed 27% of the viruses detected were RSV14.

In its own research conducted from May 2022 to April 2024, the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) indicated that RSV in the Philippines is the most prevalent from May to December although transmission of the virus was present year-round8.

Positivity rate of RSV in the country is 20% based on data from the RSV Surveillance Pilot Project conducted from Jan. 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025, reaching as high as 66.7% during peak season8.

PIDSOG affirms that RSV is one of the most detected respiratory viruses in the Philippines each year, and is the leading cause of hospitalization among infants and young children5.

A pregnant mother’s way of protecting baby from the womb

Early and comprehensive protection from pregnancy to the postnatal period is crucial through regular health monitoring, respiratory care, proper hygiene and adherence to medical guidance. It is critical to protect an infant’s health during their first days after birth because it is during this stage when an infant’s immune system is still immature17,19.

It not only reduces the risk of severe complications and mortality but also helps build long-term respiratory health in young children. Protection from infectious diseases mainly depends on maternal antibodies transferred to the baby18.

Pregnant women can protect their unborn child from RSV through maternal immunization1. RSV vaccines administered during pregnancy pass protective antibodies to the baby via the placenta, forming a natural defense during the baby’s first vulnerable months of life10.

POGS, along with PIDSOG, advocate maternal immunization, concurring with the World Health Organization’s previously issued position paper on immunization for the protection of infants against RSV1. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) likewise recommends maternal immunization for flu and Tdap19.

PIDSOG recommends a single dose of RSV vaccine for pregnant women from 28 weeks of gestation onwards except during active labor. The organization adds that maternal vaccination should ideally happen two weeks before delivery, although the group does not currently recommend repeat vaccination in succeeding pregnancies5.

‘RSV is a menace that continues to evolve, that’s why it is crucial for everyone to keep ourselves aware and informed. Pregnant women need to know that they can now protect their babies before they are even born through maternal immunization,’ said Dr. Fallarme.

Reducing health risk for older adults and vulnerable populations

The burden of RSV on older adults over 60 years, including those with underlying medical conditions, is just as serious as the threat on infants3,13.

There is increased risk of severe RSV illness for older adults who have underlying chronic medical conditions like asthma, COPD, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, neuropathy, congenital heart disease and other comorbid illnesses3,12,20, 21.

RSV symptoms in older adults often mimic flu or asthma, fatigue, wheezing or low-grade fever, making early diagnosis difficult7,11,12. Left untreated, RSV can exacerbate heart failure or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), leading to hospitalization or even death11,12.

As of April 2025, the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has approved recommendations for a single-dose RSV vaccination for adults 50-59 years old who are at risk of severe RSV illness15.

There is no specific treatment for RSV infection22, but it can be diagnosed through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and antigen testing23,24.

While vaccines are now available for prevention of RSV25, the public is advised to consult their physicians.