Category: Philippine Star

The local stock market pulled back yesterday following Tuesday’s strong performance, with investor sentiment dampened by the continued depreciation of the peso.

The bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index tumbled by 0.67 percent or 40.66 points to end yesterday’s session at 6,053.23.

The broader All Shares index also slipped by 0.31 percent or 10.58 points, settling at 3,352.61.

Luis Limlingan of Regina Capital said the local index closed lower as the market underwent a correction following Tuesday’s strong buying activity.

He said weakness was further driven by the continued depreciation of the peso, which weighed on investor sentiment.

‘Softer global markets added to the cautious tone, prompting investors to take a more defensive stance,’ Limlingan said.

All sectors were in the red, except for the industrial index, which posted a 0.38-percent jump. Services lost the most, declining by 1.46 percent.

Total value turnover thinned to P5.69 billion from the previous day’s P10.47 billion.

Decliners pummeled advancers, 101 to 79, while 65 issues were unchanged.

The peso extended its record-breaking slide for a fourth straight trading session, weakening by 16.5 centavos to 62.565 yesterday from Tuesday’s previous record-low finish of 62.40.

Data from the Bankers Association of the Philippines showed that the peso opened at 62.40, which was also its strongest level for the day. It weakened to as much as 62.69, its weakest intraday level on record, before recovering slightly toward the close.

UnionBank chief economist Ruben Carlo Asuncion said the peso remained under pressure mainly because of developments overseas.

‘The primary drag on the peso remains the combination of higher global interest rates, a stronger dollar, elevated oil prices and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty,’ Asuncion said.

The Commission on Elections has asked Congress to restore the P9.12 billion removed from its proposed 2027 budget, warning that the reduction could leave the Comelec short of thousands of vote-counting machines needed for the 2028 general elections.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia raised the concern during a budget hearing at the House of Representatives on Tuesday.

He said the commission had sought P52.66 billion for 2027 but received a lower recommendation from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

The proposed allocation was reduced to about P44.7 billion, with roughly P9 billion of the cuts affecting funds intended for preparations for the 2028 elections.

Garcia said the reduced funding could result in a shortage of about 9,310 election counting machines. The Comelec expects around 74 million registered voters by 2028 and plans to deploy 124,310 machines, including units intended as contingency reserves.

A shortage could force the commission to assign more voters to each precinct, potentially increasing waiting time on election day. The Comelec has been targeting about 600 voters per precinct.

Garcia said the funding gap could also affect other preparations, including the printing of ballots, voter information materials and election forms, as well as the transport and deployment of machines and supplies.

The commission had requested P3.2 billion for printing requirements, including official ballots and voter information sheets. Only P348 million was included in the proposed allocation, according to Garcia.

The budget reduction could delay the Comelec’s planned start of the printing process in 2027. Garcia said procurement may instead commence in January 2028, giving the poll body less time to resolve potential issues before election day.

Other election-related activities that could be affected include the leasing of warehouses and venues, technical support for the automated election system, training of personnel and verification of polling places.

The DBM also did not include funding for the Comelec’s proposed capital outlay, which covers physical facilities and other long-term assets.

Garcia said the commission’s budget should take into account the increasing number of voters and the growing logistical requirements of national elections, rather than depend primarily on allocations from previous election cycles.

Meanwhile, the poll body is also considering moving the filing of certificates of candidacy for the 2028 elections to Sept. 20-27, 2027, earlier than the usual October schedule.

Garcia said an earlier filing period would give the commission more time to review candidacies and resolve possible challenges before ballots are printed.

It would also allow ballot printing to begin earlier, reducing the risk of needing to reprint ballots due to late changes or court orders.

Full House Theater Company will oversee the revival of the musical “Alikabok” next year, 30 years since the original Filipino production debuted.

Newport World Resorts and Culturtain Musicat Productions will also collaborate on the reworked 1997 musical inspired by Juan Luna’s “La Bulaqueña” and featuring the music of National Artist Ryan Cayabyab.

“Alikabok” is the fictional tale of Visitacion “Bising” Vallejo, a beautiful young heiress from the late 1800s who falls in love on the eve of the revolution and joins the Katipunan to fight for the Philippines.

The story is told through the eyes of Bising’s Fil-Am descendant, Asia, as the latter reads letters found in the family’s ancestral house.

“Piece by piece, Asia slowly puts together the legacy of her family, her home, and her country,” goes a synopsis. “But time is running out, as her mother Anna wants to sever her last tie to the Philippines by selling the Vallejo home, and Asia desperately races to complete Bising’s story before it’s lost forever.”

The musical will be staged in August 2027 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, months after Full House Theater Company stages the Philippine debut of “andJuliet.”

Manila Digger FC coach Joan Esteva is refusing to look beyond Friday’s ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup playoff against Kasuka FC from Brunei Darussalam as the Philippines Football League champions seek a place in the Group Stage for the first time.

The Manila club will host the first leg of the region’s premier club championship at home, ahead of the return in Bandar Seri Begawan on September 12 with the winners claiming a spot in Group A of the group phase when it kicks off on October 7.

‘For us it’s a dream to win the playoff and to be able to compete in the group stage of the Shopee Cup. But we respect our opponent. We know we will have difficulties and we will have to give our best to achieve a good result. So we’re only thinking on Kasuka, we know they have signed good players. We know they want the same as us,’ said Esteva.

The meeting is one of two playoffs ahead of the third season of the Shopee Cup as four clubs vie for the two remaining berths in the newly-expanded group phase, which will see 14 clubs face off on a home-or-away basis until April.

The winner of the playoff will join champions Buriram United FC, fellow Thai League 1 outfit Ratchaburi FC, debutants Kuching City FC from Malaysia, Singapore’s Tampines Rovers FC, Công An H? Chí Minh City of Vietnam and Indonesia’s Borneo FC in Group A.

Meanwhile, Lao League 1 champions Ezra FC will play Shan United FC from Myanmar in Yangon on September 11 and 14, with the winners taking a spot in Group B.

Ezra or Shan United will then take on Thailand’s Port FC, Johor Darul Ta’zim FC from Malaysia, Vietnamese outfit Cong An Ha Noi FC, Singapore champions Lion City Sailors FC, Persib Bandung of Indonesia and PKR Svay Rieng FC of Cambodia.

Manila Digger will be making their debut in the tournament, having won the PFL for the first time last season, in only their second full season in the league.

They enter the competition after a landmark 2025/26 campaign, as they also reached the semifinals of the AFC Challenge League, underlining the quality the club will bring to the Shopee Cup.

‘Last season I wasn’t here, but they had a very good season. They had success and they want to continue this way this season and in the next seasons. This is our goal, to keep growing and showing that Philippines football can improve and grow and compete,’ added Esteva.

Esteva admits to knowing little about the Kasuka squad and, after seeing his team launch their new season with a last-gasp 1-0 loss to Persib Bandung in the AFC Champions League Two playoffs on Monday, is focused on ensuring his players recover in time for the first leg on Friday.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) approved on Thursday, September 3, the release of an additional P8.68-billion fund for the salary upgrade of public school teachers.

The DBM said in a press release that 93,344 teachers under the Department of Education (DepEd) could benefit from the additional funding for the Expanded Career Progression (ECP) System.

It will cover the salary differentials of public education personnel who have been reclassified under the ECP.

‘This P8.68-billion release means more than 93,000 qualified public school personnel can receive the compensation that comes with their reclassified positions. Pinaghirapan nila ang career advancement na ito, kaya dapat maramdaman din nila ang benepisyo nito,’ Acting Budget Secretary Kim De Leon said in the press release.

(They worked hard for this career advancement, so they should also feel its benefits.)

The ECP is a competency-based promotion system in which qualified teachers can advance their careers either by applying for a vacant higher position or reclassifying an existing position to a higher ECP position.

Higher positions under ECP carry a higher salary grade.

The additional funding is set to cover the salaries of personnel for 2025 and 2026 whose reclassified positions and appointments have been officially approved.

The regional offices of the budget agency will process and facilitate the release of additional funds to respective DepEd regional branches to ensure timely implementation.

Meanwhile, DBM said the government is proposing higher funding for the public teachers’ career advancement system.

The proposed 2027 national budget allocated P12.09 billion for the ECP, which, according to the DBM, is P5.94 billion or 96.6% higher than its 2026 fund.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame gave an early look at the upcoming star for award-winning artist Lea Salonga, the first Filipina to be given the prestigious honor.

Lea was included in the Walk of Fame Class of 2026 revealed last year. Three male celebrities with Filipino heritage – singer-songwriter Bruno Mars, rapper Apl.de.ap, and comedian Rob Schneider – have previously been recognized by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.

It was confirmed last month that Lea’s star ceremony, the 2,855th on the famed Hollywood landmark, would take place on September 4 (the early hours of the 5th in the Philippines) at 6225 Hollywood Boulevard, in front of the Pantages Theatre.

Television host Sibley Scoles will host the event, while Ming-na Wen, Brandy, and Filipino-American actor Darren Criss will attend as guest speakers.

Wen famously voiced the titular character in Disney’s “Mulan,” which featured Lea as the heroine’s singing voice. Apart from Mulan, Lea was also the singing voice for Jasmine in “Aladdin.” Lea recently performed the iconic song from the latter film “A Whole New World” with Brandy during the “Disney Princess: The Ultimate Concert Celebration” with other Disney stars.

Criss is the first male actor of Filipino descent to win a Tony Award, following the historic win by Lea back in 1991 for “Miss Saigon.” Fellow Fil-Am Nicole Scherzinger also won an acting Tony the same year as Criss.

The ceremony is just one of many honors for Lea this week, as she will be given the Icon Award at the 2026 Manila International Film Festival closing ceremony.

A short retrospective of Lea will be observed during the film festival, where Olivia Lamasan’s “Sana Maulit Muli,” which stars Lea opposite Aga Muhlach, will be screened.

Records fom Departmenth of Health report that around 3.2 to 3.5 deaths per 100,000 Filipinos are by suicide, lower than global statistics.

This is still a serious cause for concern, especially given the following data points:

30% of suicide cases are by peopled aged 15 to 24

men are four times more likely to commit suicide than women (whether they push through or not)

1 in 5 young people have seriously considered ending their lives

According to Dr. Carmina Charmaine G. Bernardo, a psychiatrist and Makati Medical Center’s Head of the Mood and Anxiety Resource and Referral Center, Institute of Neuroscience, mental illnesses and personality disorders can affect someone’s ability to make sound judgment.

The same applies to a traumatic life event – a bad breakup, death in the family, physical or emotional abuse, financial loss, or a ruined career – added the doctor.

“A person dealing with a painful illness or terminal disease may decide to end their suffering prematurely,” said Dr. Bernardo. “Intense feelings of worthlessness, loneliness, and being a burden to others have also pushed people to take their own lives.

This means particular triggers or stressors can lead to individuals taking action and “free themselves from what they perceive to be unbearable and unending physical or emotional pain.”

The hard part then for others who knows a loved one thinking of taking their life is to be aware of such triggers and stressors, as well as be observant of any out-of-the-ordinary behavior.

Dr. Bernardo pointed out the difficulty in this scenario, considering suicide “can pretend all is well to not arouse suspicion.” There are instances when individuals make themselves look calm and happy after a bout of severe depression, possibly meaning “they are resolved with their decision to end their life.”

It is, therefore, a huge responsibility to look out for loved ones with suicidal thoughts, and preventing them pushing through will literally mean saving a life. Particular ‘celebrations’

Dr. Bernardo shared that birthdays, anniversaries, and special holidays can be sensitive times for suicidals, citing international research that found Mondays and New Year’s Day have the highest risk of suicide mortality.

The reason behind birthday blues and more are that special days remind others that they are getting older or there is no significant other to mark the occasion.

“Call a friend or loved one to check on how they’re doing or make plans to go out on that day. Your company will be a welcome distraction from their dark thoughts,” the doctor advised.

Reckless behavior

A person who disregards their safety, health, and well-being may mean they no longer value their life, Dr. Bernardo warned.

These include those who drink too much, drive too fast, do not watch where they are going, miss doctor appointments, or skip prescription medication.

The doctor advises to offer accompanying them to appointments or be the designated driver when they are under the influence.

Seeing others

While some individuals contemplating to end their life tend to withdraw from the world, there are those who go out of their way to seek out certain friends or relatives, often to forgive another person or ask for forgiveness.

Dr. Bernardo describes it as a possible “form of closure” like when they give away prized possessions as if to “say goodbye” with something to remember them by.

“Simply accept the token and assure the person that it will be in your safekeeping for now,” the doctor said. “It’s a subtle way of saying you will give it back when things get better.”

Being there

It is difficult for any party to discuss suicide “but it has to be done,” says Dr. Bernardo.

“Ask them pointblank gently and coming from a place of concern and sincerity. And be prepared to listen – not judge, scold, or dismiss their feelings,” she advised. “Let them talk and express themselves as much as they want. Sometimes, venting provides them with much-needed relief from negative thoughts.”

Emotionally vulnerable people can find enough reason to live knowing there is someone who genuinely cares for them and wants to help them get out of their black hole.

“Offer hope and the prospect of better things ahead if they just give themselves and others a chance,” the doctor added.

One should evaluate if a suicidal loved one is in immediate danger. These would be those who planned the process with the means to carry out the plan, a set time, and an intention.

Dr. Bernardo advised that if an attempt is imminent, ensure they do not have access to lethal objects like drugs, guns, or knives which they can use for self-harm.

“Never ever leave a suicidal person alone. The best that you can do is to call emergency services or bring the person to the nearest hospital where they can get the necessary professional help,” she ended.

Metro Manila has recorded fewer leptospirosis infections and deaths this year than in 2025, but the disease remains a serious threat after repeated flooding, with nine cities breaching epidemic thresholds and most confirmed cases linked to flood exposure.

The Department of Health-Metro Manila Center for Health Development recorded 2,333 cases from Jan. 4 to Sept. 1, down 18% from 2,853 during the same period last year. Deaths fell to 112 from 273.

But health officials warned cases could still rise following weeks of widespread flooding. In Metro Manila, 72% of confirmed cases had flood-related exposure, while leptospirosis symptoms can take days or even weeks to appear after contact with contaminated water.

Caloocan, Malabon, Manila, Navotas, Parañaque, Pasig, San Juan, Valenzuela and Quezon City have exceeded their epidemic thresholds, according to the DOH.

Nationwide, 6,253 leptospirosis cases and 378 deaths have been recorded.

Flood exposure

The DOH said leptospirosis cases increased following major flooding caused by persistent rains, the enhanced southwest monsoon, or habagat, and tropical cyclones.

DOH Epidemiology Bureau Director Jojo Roque said 3,296, or about 53%, of the cases recorded nationwide involved exposure to floods.

The link was even more pronounced in Metro Manila, where 72% of confirmed cases had flood-related exposure.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease commonly transmitted through water or soil contaminated by the urine of infected animals, particularly rats. The bacteria can enter the body through cuts or wounds and through the eyes, nose or mouth.

Most of the Metro Manila cases involved unemployed people or workers in the informal sector, who accounted for 55%. Students made up 10% and drivers 7%.

More than 600 flood incidents

Metro Manila has also endured repeated flooding this year.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority recorded 662 flooding incidents across the capital region as of Sept. 2. More than half, or 405 incidents, occurred in August amid persistent heavy rain.

One of the most intense episodes came on Aug. 17, when more than 200 millimeters of rain fell over Quezon City in about five hours, triggering widespread road flooding.

Quezon City recorded the most flooding incidents this year with 247, followed by Manila with 140, Mandaluyong with 62, Malabon with 57 and Valenzuela with 56.

Makati recorded 22 incidents, Pasay 18, Caloocan 15, Parañaque 14 and Pasig 11.

The MMDA attributed the repeated flooding to rains brought by the southwest monsoon, the rainy season and tropical cyclones.

The DOH said several health facilities in Metro Manila are providing doxycycline for people who may need preventive treatment after flood exposure. Health authorities have advised residents to seek medical consultation rather than take the antibiotic without medical guidance.

Alex Eala proves she deserves her court assignment at the 14,000-seater Louis Armstrong Stadium. It is the second largest court at the US Open. How, by beating an American qualifier in her home soil with an emphatic score line.

Briefly controversial, as the world number 2 was relegated to the third largest court. Other higher seeds were also assigned in smaller courts. Why, it is all about business strategy. Alex is the biggest crowd drawer on the women’s tour. Impact too, she reminds the world tennis is still here.

Although the Filipino throng did not pack Louis Armstrong to the rafters, Filipinoise resonated all over the place and beyond. A few seats were empty, must be booked by some Filipinos hooked on Filipino time. Speculative, but not remote.

What is real though is that Alex has arrived. She is now ranked world number 18, the highest by any Filipino, man or woman. Or any Southeast Asian woman. Or man, if not for Thai Paradorn Srichapan. In Flushing Meadows she is seeded 17, again the highest by any Filipino, man or woman. Or any Southeast Asian woman. Or man, if not for Thai Paradorn Srichapan.

There could be a Filipino man. A son of Filipino immigrants who plays for the United States is showing respectable promise. Ranked number 184, Andre Ilagan is slowly making his presence felt in the international circuit. He may be unknown for now, just as Alex was. Now she is a global superstar. He may be outside top 100 now, just as Alex was. Now she could barge into the top 10. Last year she struggled to enter the main draw of a grand slam as a qualifier. But now she enjoys the privilege of playing a qualifier in her first round match.

Ilagan identifies himself as Fil-Am or Fil-Hawaiian. Either way, he embraces his Filipino roots. That alone endears him to the rabid, avid and loud Filipino crowd. Others may say he is only Filipino by blood and appearance, but every inch an American by heart. Not his fault, he was born and raised in Hawaii.

But true, being Filipino is not in the blood. It is by words and deeds. But being a patriot requires threshold beyond way of life. They work for a way better life for their countrymen and women. For, within the context of national interest, a few foreigners are more Filipino than Filipinos. Conversely, many Filipinos are more foreigners than the invaders, within the context of betrayal of national interest.

Big goals often begin with a simple thought: I want to.

You want to give your children a good education. You want to see more of the world. You want to take better care of your health. But while knowing what you want is one thing, figuring out how to actually get started can be another.

This is the question at the heart of Sun Life Philippines’ new three-part, one-minute video series, ‘Paano Ba Magsimula’, where brand ambassador Donny Pangilinan talks to people at different stages of life about the goals that matter to them-and the small steps that can help turn those aspirations into action.

Start with what matters

One of the aspirations explored in the series is children’s education-a goal that looks toward a future that may be years away.

Planning for a child’s future can feel overwhelming when viewed as one huge responsibility. But getting started doesn’t mean having every detail figured out. It can begin with defining what you want to prepare for, understanding your finances, and identifying what you can realistically do today.

That first step may seem small, but it creates momentum.

It reflects one of Sun Life’s key messages: every big dream starts small. Whether it’s saving for a future goal, pursuing a passion, or becoming more financially responsible, meaningful progress can begin with one intentional action.

Break big goals into smaller steps

Another aspiration featured in the series is travel-a dream that can easily remain on a bucket list when the destination feels far away.

But a trip doesn’t have to begin with a plane ticket. It can start by choosing where you want to go, figuring out what you need, and creating a plan to work toward it.

Breaking a big goal into smaller, manageable actions can make it feel less intimidating-and more achievable.

The same principle applies to financial goals. Many people hesitate to start because they feel they need to know everything first. But Sun Life reframes financial confidence as something that is built, not born. It grows through learning, taking action, gaining experience and staying consistent.

In other words, you don’t need to wait until you feel completely confident to begin. Sometimes, confidence comes because you began.

Preparing for tomorrow while living today

The third aspiration explored in Paano Ba Magsimula is health-another goal where progress is often built through small, consistent choices rather than one dramatic change.

Taking better care of yourself can start with one habit you can realistically sustain. The same thinking can apply to preparing for other aspects of the future: you don’t have to overhaul your life overnight to make meaningful progress.

And preparing for tomorrow doesn’t have to mean putting today on hold.

This is at the heart of Sun Life’s Live Bright Now philosophy: financial preparedness is meant to give people greater confidence to enjoy the present while preparing for the future. It’s about finding balance, rather than choosing between living today and planning for tomorrow.

There’s no perfect time to begin

The three goals explored by Donny’s interviewees may be different-children’s education, travel, and health-but they point to a common lesson: starting doesn’t have to be a big leap.

It can mean identifying what matters, breaking a goal into smaller steps, learning along the way, and staying consistent even when the path ahead isn’t completely clear.

Most importantly, you don’t have to have everything figured out before getting started. Progress is built through action, experience, and consistency-not by waiting for the perfect moment.

Paano Ba Magsimula is the latest chapter of Sun Life’s ongoing Live Bright Now movement, which has been helping Filipinos live brighter through financial literacy content, meaningful experiences, wellness initiatives and community activations.

Because whether you’re preparing for your children’s future, saving for a trip, taking better care of your health, or simply trying to become more financially responsible, the starting point can be the same: