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.

Kapuso actress Rhian Ramos revealed she is fed up with corrupt practices in the government, lauding Filipinos for demanding accountability.

In a report by ABS-CBN News, Rhian shared that she hated corruption in government since childhood.

“I feel like I’ve had a very big angst about corruption in the government ever since I was a toddler. I grew up, bata pa lang ako, naririnig ko na ‘yung, ‘so corrupt,'” Rhian said.

“Naaalala ko pa even my sister – when we were little kids – she said, ‘corrupt’ (in a sassy way). Ganoon ka-ingrain sa utak namin ‘yung corruption,” she added.

Rhian said that it was high time that people spoke up, and for her part never said anything on corruption as people never asked..

“I don’t mind telling you how I feel. The whole country is very angry. Tama lang. Dapat lang,” the actress said, though lamenting it might have come too late as billions have already been stolen.

“Ang dami nang nag-suffer. And how many generations already. Ang laki na nang problema. I don’t know if it’s solvable in a few years lang,” Rhian continued.

The actress ended in agreement with people on the Internet airing their frustrations about corruption.

“Honestly, I’m glad that it’s out. I’m glad that everyone’s talking about it. Everyone’s finally angry enough to do something about it. And I just hope na may totoong change na mangyari,” Rhian finished.

The Philippine government failed to sufficiently protect human trafficking victims in illegal scam hubs, according to the 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report released by the US Department of State.

The report said the Philippines retained its Tier 1 ranking after showing ‘serious efforts’ to combat trafficking, including prosecuting traffickers, sentencing most to significant prison terms, enacting laws to protect fishers, and taking steps to disrupt trafficking in online scam hubs.

It also cited the government’s ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), which were often used as fronts for trafficking foreign workers.

Despite these efforts, the State Department said the Philippines fell short in screening for trafficking victims during POGO raids.

‘The government did not report identifying any foreign victims exploited in these operations,’ the report said, noting that officials may have unjustly penalized individuals who were actually trafficked.

Unlike in 2023, when authorities identified 362 foreign trafficking victims in cooperation with an international organization, no such victims were reported in 2024.

Authorities deported thousands of Chinese and other Asian workers, but the failure to identify victims undermined those efforts, the Department of State said.

‘Officials deported the overwhelming majority of foreign nationals it arrested from these operations without identifying them as trafficking victims-totaling at least 3,000 foreign nationals during the reporting period,’ the department said.

Decline in victim identification

The mass crackdown on POGOs followed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s order to ban offshore gaming.

Authorities, however, lacked reliable statistics on the total number of trafficking victims, including those linked to POGOs.

This, the report said, “contributed to the deportation of some unidentified victims to countries where they may have faced retribution or hardship, and in some cases, prosecution in their country of origin solely for unlawful acts committed as a direct result of being trafficked.”

Some officials also failed to apply ‘trauma-informed practices’ in victim screening, it said.

For over five decades, Pancake House has been part of Filipino life; a place where comfort food, warm smiles and familiar spaces come together to create memories that last.

In 1970, its very first store opened in Magallanes Theater in Makati, planting the roots of what would grow into a well-loved dining destination. Now, in 2025, Pancake House proudly reopens its Paseo de Magallanes branch that is refreshed and ready to welcome both loyal fans and new diners into its cozy embrace.

A familiar favorite, refreshed for today

The return of Pancake House Paseo de Magallanes feels like coming home to something beloved, but with a few delightful surprises.

The newly renovated branch preserves everything guests already cherish, while introducing thoughtful upgrades that fit today’s everyday routines.

Here’s what to expect:

A brand-new coffee nook, created in collaboration with Yardstick Coffee, serving expertly brewed cups that complement Pancake House’s sweet and savory staples.

A dedicated takeout window for quick and easy pick-ups, because comfort food should be within reach, even on your busiest days.

To make the experience even sweeter, Pancake House has teamed up with The Kind Cookie, offering grab-and-go treats that bring comfort into every bite. Same comfort, more ways to share

While the space has evolved, Pancake House’s promise remains the same: to serve the dishes that feel like home. Look forward to the core offerings: Pan Chicken, Golden Brown Waffles, Pancakes, Spaghetti and Best Taco in Town-the classic flavors that carry years of shared stories and happy moments.

Now, with more space to gather, a dedicated window for takeout and a cozy corner for coffee, there are even more ways to enjoy the comfort you know and love.

More than a meal

Dining out today is about more than just food. It’s about connection, experience and savoring familiar moments you’ll always come back to.

Pancake House Paseo de Magallanes embraces this shift by giving guests options that fit every kind of day: the spontaneous brunch with friends, the quick coffee catch-up, the family dinner, or the solo pick-me-up on the way home.

By blending its classic offerings with new touches of convenience, the brand proves that comfort is timeless and always worth coming back to.

As it reopens its doors in 2025, the Paseo de Magallanes branch stands as a symbol of both heritage and renewal. It’s the same Pancake House generations have loved, now made even more welcoming for the years ahead. The comfort spot you’ve been waiting for is finally back.

The Philippine Sportswriters Association is alarmed by the way access to coverage was used recently as a backhanded form of censorship, and is concerned about its impact on members of the free press.

The decision taken by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) and its president, Ramon ‘Tats’ Suzara, on September 23, 2025, revoking the credentials of Spin.ph, a digital site of 13 years’ standing, has spurred the PSA into strengthening the protection of its members from all forms of pressure and harassment while in the performance of their duties.

That these credentials were eventually restored is not enough. We acknowledge the effort made to restore Spin.ph’s accreditation, but we call attention to the fact that revoking the website’s access should never have occurred to begin with. Let us be clear: the very fact that the press is barred, however briefly and inconsequentially – and for no justifiable reason – is unacceptable.

Standing by the belief that the issuance and revocation of media credentials must never be used against reporting that is honest, hard-nosed, and executed without fear or favor, the PSA is adopting the following measure:

Henceforth, any official or organization responding to critical reporting by withholding or forfeiting a PSA member’s standard access to any coverage without due process and prior notice will be declared persona non grata.

Censorship does not always arrive as a law or as an organizational rule. Sometimes it comes as a locked gate, a revoked pass, or an inquiring voice admonished, with the hint of repercussions, that it cannot ask the question.

This is clearly prior restraint and strikes at the very heart of a free press.

To ensure that the measure is not subject to misuse, the PSA will:

Police its ranks and provide continuing guidance to its members on fair and impartial reporting.

Create a committee to handle dialogue between officials/athletes/organizations and PSA members to ensure due process in any case where the revocation of credentials is at issue.

Even if the PNVF’s September 23 attack against one media group has been undone, a chilling effect lingers: a whispered warning to journalists that their next critical piece – be it a short or longform article, in video form, as interview transcript – can result in non-access.

In this republic, unless the 1987 Constitution has been upended, freedom of the press is not an optional adjunct – it is a constitutional pillar. Article III, Section 4, is in fact so unequivocal about this that it constructs the point with an admonition: ‘No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble.’

The section is so framed that even the combined legislative force of both chambers of Congress and the vast executive powers of the President are not enough to legislate censorship in any form.

It stands to reason that no sports official or organization can.

We pass this measure with a singular conviction: That the PSA, as a member of the country’s free press, cannot, and will not, accept being silenced, not even temporarily. That a single act of suppression, left unchallenged, risks becoming the standard practice of the future. And that today’s exception can become tomorrow’s rule, while today’s silence can become tomorrow’s permanent mistake.

We don’t ask for favors; we ask for fairness.

We don’t seek permission to speak; we seek protection for our speech.

We don’t demand that people we write about meet us with a warm welcome; we demand that they do not thwart us in our work.

We end with this vow: We move forward ready to cover the games with the same vigor and fairness, respect and responsibility, commitment and passion we have always brought to our profession as journalists.

To fulfill this vow, we shall not stand idle when press freedom is threatened – not today, not tomorrow, not ever.

ABS-CBN executive Lauren Dyogi revealed how the members of Nation’s Girl Group BINI were selected.

In an interview with Karmina Constantino on the latter’s “KC After Hours” YouTube channel, Dyogi said he began by looking at their heights which he was particular about.

“Director nga ako eh, so gusto ko rin visually, ‘yung symmetry at the same time, ‘yung hulma na halos magkakasing-katawan kasi if you see them dancing together synchronize, parang ang gandang tingnan di ba?,” the director explained.

Dyogi noted each member were only teenagers when the group was formed so there was need to measure their parents to see their literal potential for growth.

“There is a science to it. There is also science to the whole thing… Inaral namin ‘yun,” he added.

Dyogi continued by saying each member needed to have a core talent.

“The talent, dapat may basic ka man lang kasi we will train you eh. If you are going to follow the Korean template na sila nga di ba you don’t have to sing and dance, matuturuan ka nila, naniwala ako dun,” Dyogi went on.

“Kasi dati paniniwala ko dapat inborn ‘yung talent, ngayon hindi. ‘Pag inukulan mo ng panahon, inukulan mo ng pagtatiyaga, matutunan mo ‘yan.”

The ABS-CBN executive also said there was a need to form their chemistry.

“It doesn’t stop there kasi magkakasundo ba sila? ‘Yun ang hindi ko mapre-predict,” Dyogi explained, which was why members underwent a bootcamp and for a time were forced to live together because of the pandemic.

That situation led to the girls bonding, learning to care for one another and unite in a story.

“They came from the pandemic, and they came from a shutdown na talagang kinukwestiyon nila if matutuloy ba ‘to or hindi ba ‘to matutuloy? Paninidigan ko ba ‘to or hindi ko ito paninindigan? Because at that point nobody knew if it could be a success,” Dyogi ended.

The Philippines’ external debt service burden slipped by 6.2 percent to $6.72 billion in the first half from $7.16 billion in the same period last year, according to the latest data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

Of the total, interest payments dipped by 0.7 percent to $3.95 billion, while principal payments fell by 13.1 percent to $2.77 billion from $3.19 billion a year ago.

The debt service burden (DSB) remained within manageable levels relative to the country’s external receipts. It accounted for 21.1 percent of export shipments and 8.7 percent of exports of goods, services and primary income from January to June.

The DSB refers to the combined principal and interest payments made by the country to settle its foreign loans. These include amortizations on medium- to long-term borrowings as well as interest on short-term credit lines obtained from foreign creditors.

Michael Ricafort, chief economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., said the lower debt service burden was due to the lower share of foreign borrowings to better manage foreign exchange risks.

Ricafort explained that most of the government’s external debt is long-term in nature, with the longest possible tenor.

‘Possible inclusion in J.P. Morgan Emerging Market Global Bond Index would help sentiment or demand for Philippine bonds, which could help lower the government’s borrowing costs,’ he said.

The country’s outstanding external debt climbed to a fresh record high of $148.87 billion as of end-June, but the BSP earlier said that foreign debt remains sustainable with key indicators showing manageable levels.

The latest figure was 1.5 percent higher than the previous quarter’s $146.74 billion, mainly due to the weakening of the dollar, which raised the dollar-equivalent of borrowings in other currencies by $1.49 billion.

The Philippines borrows externally to finance public infrastructure, social services and other development programs, as well as to diversify funding sources and take advantage of favorable terms from foreign lenders. Local banks and companies also tap offshore markets to fund expansion and investment needs.

Dismissing the allegations as part of a smear campaign, Sen. Rodante Marcoleta has denied any conflict of interest involving his wife’s role in insurance firms linked to contractors under investigation in the flood control scandal.

Marcoleta clarified that his wife Edna serves only as an independent director and audit committee chair at Stronghold Insurance Co. Inc.

‘They didn’t even bother to research what an independent director means. An independent director cannot qualify if you have relatives who own the company. You must be independent. Your role is only to protect the minority shareholders,’ Marcoleta said in Filipino over radio dzRH.

His remarks came after reports surfaced that Stronghold had provided bonds to companies owned by Curlee and Sarah Discaya, who are under investigation for allegedly cornering ghost and substandard flood-control projects.

The senator, who previously chaired the Senate Blue Ribbon committee leading the probe, has drawn attention for his handling of the Discayas’ testimony.

During a suspended hearing, Sen. Panfilo Lacson questioned Marcoleta’s perceived protectiveness toward the Discayas, which he immediately denied.

According to a Bilyonaryo news report, a notarized acknowledgment in 2022 showed that Sarah, through Alpha and Omega Contractor, personally transacted with Stronghold for a bond obligation.

Records further revealed that Marcoleta’s wife also sat on the 2023 board of Milestone Guaranty and Assurance, which issued a P19.29-million bond for Elite General Contractor, another Discaya-owned firm.

The bond covered a P192.9-million flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, which Senate investigators later flagged as non-existent.

Despite the links, Marcoleta rejected insinuations that his wife’s affiliations compromised his independence as a legislator.

‘That’s what they want to suggest. All they want is to destroy [my reputation] in any way possible,’ he said.

Stronghold Insurance has also denied any link to the alleged corruption scandal, saying recent reports unfairly malign the company and Marcoleta’s wife.

The firm clarified that Edna was elected to the board only in February 2024 and holds no role in management or bond issuance decisions.

Stronghold explained that surety bonds for DPWH projects are a legal requirement and available to all qualified contractors, noting that ‘the Discaya-owned firms were simply just one of their many clients.’

Filinvest REIT Corp. (FILRT), the real estate investment trust of the Gotianun family’s Filinvest Land Inc., continues to expand and diversify its tenant portfolio as it is poised to welcome the initial foray of Japan’s leading fertility facility in the Philippines.

FILRT said that Conceive IVF Manila, a Japan-based leader in assisted reproductive technology, is set to open its state-of-the-art facility at the Filinvest One Building.

The company said the new lease reinforces its strategy of partnering with diverse industry leaders who bring specialized and high-value services to its properties.

‘We are thrilled to welcome Kato Fertility Center to Filinvest One. This marks a significant step in further expanding and diversifying our tenant portfolio to include the sphere of health and wellness,’ FILRT president and CEO Maricel Brion-Lirio said.

‘This collaboration also reflects our dedication to offering spaces that cater to the evolving needs of various industries. Conceive IVF Manila’s expertise in reproductive health services aligns seamlessly with our vision to create impactful environments that foster growth, enhance quality of life and contribute positively to the communities we serve,’ she said.

Strategically situated along Alabang-Zapote Road, Filinvest One is one of FILRT’s 16 Grade A buildings in Northgate Cyberzone.

Conceive IVF Manila’s decision to establish its first venture in South Luzon at Filinvest One further strengthens the district’s position as a hub for diverse industries, expanding beyond IT-BPM to include health care and wellness.

The opening of Conceive IVF Manila also marks Kato Medical Group Philippines’ commitment to expanding access to world-class reproductive health care services in the country.

‘We are excited to expand in the Philippines and collaborate with Filinvest REIT. Our new facility at Filinvest One will enable us to deliver enhanced fertility care and create a supportive environment for individuals and families in South Metro Manila,’ Conceive IVF Manila managing director Kenki Okumura said.

FILRT is aiming to double its gross leasable area and diversify its assets through asset infusions from Filinvest Land and parent firm Filinvest Development Corp.

The company is also targeting to reach an occupancy of 95 percent before 2026, driven by tenant diversification.

Starting 1 October 2025, the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) will implement a 12 percent water rate adjustment, following approval from the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA).

For residential consumers using a ½-inch meter, the minimum charge for the first 10 cubic meters will be raised from the current P209.76 to the new ?235.60 rate.

In a statement, MCWD said that the new commodity charges are set at P26.04 per cubic meter for 11-20 cubic meters; P30.64 per cubic meter (for 21-30 cubic meters); and P75.02 per cubic meter (for consumption of 31 cubic meters and up).

Despite the increase, MCWD stressed that its potable water remains the most affordable among utilities.

‘At ?0.023 per liter, or ?0.46 for a 20-liter gallon, MCWD water is still significantly cheaper than bottled water (?25 per container), electricity (?13/kWh), mobile load (~?600/month), and internet (~?1,200/month),’ it said.

This year’s rate adjustment marks the first in 10 years, with the last one implemented in January 2015.

The water district deferred a planned 2020 increase to ease the burden on consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite rising operational costs.

Since 2015, MCWD said that it has invested ?2.1 billion in expansion and rehabilitation projects and allocated ?12 billion for operations.

Major initiatives include the ?1.1-billion Lusaran Bulk Water Project, which began supplying 30,000 cubic meters of water daily in 2022 to underserved areas, such as Busay, Lahug, Apas, Pit-os, and other upland barangays.

MCWD has also started sourcing from desalination plants to mitigate drought impacts and seasonal fluctuations of supply.

In a letter dated 11 September 2025, LWUA Administrator Jose Moises Salonga confirmed the approval of MCWD’s application for a rate adjustment.

Public consultations were earlier conducted in November 2022 as part of the approval process.

Originally slated for 1 July 2023, the adjustment faced delays. LWUA initially granted a provisional 38 percent increase in March 2025 pending review, before finalizing the 12 percent hike.

As a government-owned and controlled corporation, MCWD emphasized that it operates on a non-profit, self-sustaining model, reinvesting revenues into projects to ensure reliable and safe water supply for Metro Cebu.