Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

After Kirk Bondad’s recent victory in the Mister International pageant in Thailand, another German-Filipino hunk seemed to be following his footsteps and won a national title.

Fitness model Oliver Eugen Kretz was crowned Man of the World Philippines at the 12th Misters of Filipinas finals held at the SM North Edsa Skydome in Quezon City on Oct. 22.

The hunk from Puerto Princesa, Palawan, bested 24 other aspirants for the title, and inherited the crown from Aian Abad Santos. Kretz will try to post the Philippines’ first win in the Manila-based Man of the World pageant next year.

Several other national titleholders were proclaimed alongside Kretz when the ceremonies concluded early morning on Thursday, Oct. 23. Tarlaqueño Jacob Kier Gomez inherited the Mister Fitness Supermodel World Philippines title from 2024 Mister Fitness Supermodel World second runner-up Denver Argana, and will try to post the Philippines’ first Mister Fitness Supermodel World win next year.

Pageant veteran Kristzan Karlo Delos Santos from Cavite received the Top Model of Universe Philippines 2025 from last year’s titleholder Gian Antonio Guidicelli, who still has not competed in the international tilt.

The Caviteño lad had already competed abroad before, and finished second in both the 2022 Mister Grand International and 2023 Man Hot Star International contests.

Pampanga’s Krishna Yasser Rodriguez was proclaimed Mister Celebrity International Philippines 2025, while Imus’ Calix Kayden Esguerra was hailed as Mister Teen of the Universe Philippines 2025.

Heavy favorites Juan Carlos Lopez of Bataan and John Nietzche Hipolito of Bulacan were proclaimed Mister Tourism Philippines 2025 and first runner-up, respectively. /edv

A civil society organization (CSO) has called on the government to launch a thorough investigation into the delays in classroom construction, following the Department of Education’s (DepEd) admission that only 22 classrooms were built this year.

E-Net Philippines made the call in a recent statement after pointing out that DepEd’s report that only 22 classrooms were completed this year was ‘both alarming and unacceptable.’ According to the organization, the delay is not merely a case of bureaucratic delay, but a tell-tale sign of a ‘deeply entrenched crisis of governance marked by corruption, poor accountability and misplaced priorities.’

It also warned that the massive classroom backlog of over 146,000 nationwide could rise further to 200,000 by 2028 should these types of delays continue.

‘Corruption in public spending not only robs every Filipino child of a future. It undermines our Constitution’s clear mandate to make education the country’s top priority,’ the group noted.

Due to this, E-Net Philippines called for the conduct of an independent and transparent investigation into the Department of Public Works and Highways, as well as other implementing agencies, regarding the delays and possible corruption in classroom construction and related education projects.

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It also told the government to redirect budgets from questionable infrastructure projects to educational facilities, especially those in disadvantaged areas.

Along with this, E-Net also urged the government to address the ‘chronic underfunding’ of Alternative Learning System, Special Needs Education, Indigenous Peoples Education, Madrasah and Last Mile Schools, and immediately implement long-overdue teacher benefits under the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers.

Furthermore, E-Net also called on the government to institutionalize CSO involvement in monitoring budgets and project implementation.

E-Net also implored DepEd Sec. Sonny Angara to ‘demonstrate decisive leadership and integrity in confronting this crisis.’

Tropical Depression Salome weakened into a low pressure area on Thursday afternoon and may then dissipate within the next 24 hours, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa). ‘Due to the cold and dry air from the northeasterly wind flow, Salome weakened into a low pressure area at 2 p.m. today,’ Pagasa said in its latest typhoon bulletin.

‘The remnant flow will continue to move generally southwestward and may dissipate within the next 24 hours,’ it added.

According to Pagasa, the now-LPA was last spotted 145 kilometers west northwest of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.

All tropical cyclone wind signals have also been lifted after the weather system was downgraded to an LPA.

MANILA, Philippines-Robert Bolick admitted it was difficult to focus on getting the job done on the hardcourt as he returned to action for NLEX for the first time since the passing of his father.

Bolick had nine points, seven rebounds and nine assists in the Road Warriors’ 87-81 win over the Phoenix Fuel Masters on Wednesday that served as his debut in the PBA Philippine Cup after missing the past two games.

The NLEX ace guard traveled to the United States where his dad, Robert Sr., died at the age of 82.

‘Hanging in there,’ Bolick said, his voice obviously feeling a sense of grief. ‘I tried to play for my dad. Good thing we were able to get the win.’

He played almost 36 minutes for the Road Warriors, though his shooting was off with just three conversions out of 10 attempts.

Bolick was glad that others stepped up, namely Kevin Alas, who delivered a stirring performance for NLEX.

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Alas finished with 26 points, his highest-scoring output in three years, which proved to be a major difference.

Bolick returned a few days ago, but not before having a chance encounter with NBA legend Dirk Nowitzki, whom he was seated next to on the plane bound from Dallas to Los Angeles.

The meeting with Nowitzki, Bolick said, felt like it was heaven sent.

‘At least, there was something good that came out from that trip,’ said Bolick, who added that Nowitzki was gracious enough to provide tips during the flight.

Did Maharlika Investment Corp. (MIC), the manager of the country’s sovereign wealth fund, just hire someone tainted by Malaysia’s multibillion-dollar 1MDB scandal?

Maharlika said what was published by Malaysia-based investigative website Sarawak Report which quickly circulated on social media recently was ‘false, baseless and damaging.’

The site alleged that Patrick Mahony, a UK-Swiss national reportedly sentenced to six years in prison for his role in the multibillion-dollar 1MDB scam, had been hired as a consultant by the Philippine wealth fund.

Not so, said the fledgling fund, which has been controversial since inception. It stressed that Mahony ‘has not been and has never been engaged by MIC in any capacity, whether formal or otherwise.’

Critics of the Maharlika fund may recall that the 1MDB fiasco was often cited as a cautionary tale when the idea of creating a Philippine sovereign wealth fund was first floated.

Maharlika, it seems, is eager to make sure no such parallels take root. Ian Nicolas P. Cigaral

Not yet rushing for the exit door but. . .

Investors are treading carefully amid the ongoing probe into alleged anomalies in government projects.

Ferdinand Ferrer, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry chair for Science and Technology, said investors are still in a wait-and-see mode.

Although companies are concerned about corruption in the country, Ferrer said they are not pulling the brakes on investments altogether.

‘I won’t say holding off, but they’re really monitoring because the investments that are supposed to come in now have already come,’ Ferrer said on the sidelines of the 51st Philippine Business Conference and Expo in Pasay City.

Given the ‘slight hiccup’ caused by the flood control scandal, which has been extensively covered by local and international media outlets, Ferrer said the Marcos administration must demonstrate that the Philippines can resolve the issue fast and promptly recover from this crisis.

‘Kulong (imprisonment) is the end-game, but there should be really measurable actions now. What is happening, instead, [is a] lot of [it is still] up in the air,’ he added.

With discussions about corruption far from over, the ball is in the Marcos administration’s court to undertake long-lasting structural reforms.

Another case of overpricing involving the government’s free public Wi-Fi program was uncovered at a Senate hearing.

DICT Secretary Henry Aguda himself admitted this when Sen. Loren Legarda brought up during Wednesday’s hearing of the Senate subcommittee on finance the P150 million proposal that the agency sent to her office.

According to Legarda, her office received an unsigned proposal from the DICT when she inquired about the cost of renewing the monthly subscription for the free Wi-Fi project in her home province in Antique.

‘There’s a detailed cost breakdown, but I was surprised why it’s so expensive,’ Legarda said in Filipino.

‘They said I supposedly need to purchase or include another P150 million under the GAA (General Appropriations Act) provision for the site. I said, Why is that? It should just be a monthly subscription. Unless I’m ignorant about engineering, and you really have to buy new digital infrastructure every year,’ she added.

Based on the DICT proposal to her for 2025, Legarda said the subscription cost breakdown for Antique would be P90,116 per month.

A review of the DICT, however, showed that the monthly subscription would only cost P26,000 per site.

‘So with our new computation, we’ll only be paying about P26,000 per site per month for the subscription service,’ DITC Undersecretary Christina Faye Condez-De Sagon later told the committee.

‘The resulting new rate of P26,000 per site is actually the result of what we’ve been doing in the department right now. We’re rationalizing all the contracts; we’re reviewing all the contracts in the department. So this is actually why there’s a drastic drop in the monthly subscription fees that we’re going to be paying moving forward,’ she further explained.

Although the new amount was ‘more reasonable,’ Legarda noted that the original P90,000 monthly subscription proposal was four times higher.

‘Not double, not triple it was quadruple overpriced, four times more expensive,’ she said in Filipino.

Before this, Legarda noted that the new P150 million request was on top of the P71 million and another P150 million previously allotted for the same project.

But according to Aguda, the proposal was not authorized, as it was not in line with the department orders he issued.

‘One, that is overpriced,’ he said, ‘Masyadong mahal yun (That’s way too expensive).’

Those who submitted the unsigned proposal to Legarda’s office are already being investigated by the DICT one has been put on immediate preventive suspension, while the other one is no longer connected with the agency, Aguda said.

‘I think we can put it on record that the regional director is attesting that this document came from the central office that was sent to you,’ the DICT chief said when Legarda pressed for an explanation about the unsigned document.

It was not the first time that overpricing allegations hit the DICT’s free internet project.

In 2021, former DICT Undersecretary Eliseo Rio claimed that the agency’s procurement of managed internet service for the free Wi-Fi access in public places, amounting to P466 million, was overpriced.

‘There were four awardees, all of them, cost per site per year is approximately five times more than the UNDP,’ Rio said then, referring to the DICT’s partnership with the United Nations Development Program for the free Wi-Fi program.

It’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) for today’s video.

Expect more engaging social media content from Filipino MSMEs in the tourism sector following a memorandum of agreement signed between the Department of Tourism (DOT) and popular social media platform TikTok on Tuesday.

The two are collaborating to educate and train select MSMEs to create content promoting their products and services under the new partnership dubbed ‘Content Camp: Level Up with TikTok.’

The initiative is also meant to widen the reach of MSMEs, seen as the backbone of Philippine tourism, on digital platforms while promoting responsible travel.

According to DOT Secretary Christina Frasco, the initial batch will be composed of 50 MSMEs from Metro Manila and Cebu, the province heavily hit by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake on Sept. 30. The partnership hopes to implement the pilot program on a nationwide scale by November.

‘Execution can be immediately seen in terms of impact, especially with those destinations that need it the most at this time. And I specifically mentioned Cebu, whose tourism industry in the North has been utterly devastated by the recent earthquakes,’ Frasco told reporters at the DOT central office.

Content creation 101

Interventions for tourism workers, such as those engaged in souvenir and artisanal businesses, travel agencies, and small hotels and restaurants, will come through an educational session with three modules, according to Yvez Gonzales, public policy head of TikTok Philippines.

The first module is on sessions for teaching ‘purposeful and impactful’ content creation 101, or the ‘fundamentals of developing engaging videos’ on TikTok; the second is about best practices for an effective and interactive use of TikTok Live, a feature on the app that allows creators and the audience to interact in real-time; and the third module tackles ‘effective advertising’ on the app, with emphasis on the ‘monetization opportunities and practical campaign solutions.’

This, TikTok noted, was part of its ‘broader commitment to advance digital literacy and champion the development of MSMEs.’

The educational workshops would be conducted in a hybrid setup to accommodate participants from far-flung areas; those who may not be available to attend in person may still join the sessions and be given a certificate, said Gonzales.

Those eligible to join the training program are tourism MSMEs that are accredited with the DOT. Those who are not yet registered with the department may coordinate with their respective DOT regional offices for their endorsement to the program.

More tourist arrivals

Frasco vowed to be ‘as diverse and inclusive’ as possible in selecting the participants. She, however, pointed out that those who already have ‘viable products to sell’ would be a priority.

‘Their readiness to sell will be an important [factor]. But this seeks to be as inclusive as possible. The intention is to help (local businesses) to gain more profit in their businesses through this partnership with TikTok,’ she said.

The program’s success, noted Frasco, would be measured by increases in revenues, market penetration, and reach, as well as ‘conversion’ to long-term impact for the tourism industry.

‘It is our hope that it will convert into actual arrivals, actual revenues and actual expansion for their business,’ said the tourism chief.

Gonzales said the partnership with the DOT would boost the capacity of MSMEs, which he described as the backbone of the Philippine economy, and ‘play a key role in creating a favorable environment for travel.’

‘In addition, these MSMEs are the window to the stories of our nation’s heritage, natural resources, and the renowned hospitality of the Filipino,’ he said.

Based on a 2023 global user report by DataReportal, more than 43 million Filipino adults use TikTok, equivalent to over a third of the country’s population.

The flavors and vibrance of Australia are now closer than ever as A Taste of Australia recently launches at Landmark Supermarket Makati. The event was led by Landmark Chief Operating Officer Teddy Keng, Landmark SVP for Marketing Michelle Keng, Hans Lim of NexTrade, with the support of Austrade and Australian Ambassador to the Philippines, Marc Innes-Brown, and with the representatives of leading Australian brands.

Adding excitement for shoppers, every purchase of participating Australian products until October 31 earns a raffle entry to win a Qantas Airways roundtrip ticket for two to Australia, an opportunity to explore its landscapes, flavors, and hospitality.

Bringing the Australian Way of Life to Filipino Homes

Australia is known for its clean, green lifestyle and wholesome choices, now within easy reach at Landmark through trusted brands.

Pure Harvest brings organic almond, oat, soy, and rice milks from one of Australia’s pioneers in plant-based living – fully vegan products. Freedom Fresh Happy Nut delivers only the best Australian macadamia nuts in shell, in many different flavour profiles, perfect for breakfast or a light snack. Cobs Popcorn, made from non-GMO corn and only natural seasonings, are perfect for picnics, family gatherings and movie nights, or a healthy low-calorie snack. Busy weeknights are made easier with Dolmio, offering Italian-heritage pasta sauces for hearty meals, while MasterFoods elevates everyday cooking with its premium and trusted range of herbs, spices, and sauces. Leading the way for environmentally friendly and eco-conscious households, Earth Choice provides the highest quality Earth-safe, biodegradable, and effective cleaning. Yarra Valley Hilltop offers only the freshest fruit juice from the harvests of the Yarra Valley region in Victoria. The Australian showcase also features other Australian icons like Rafferty’s Garden, Smoovi, Binda Valley, Lo Bros, Leggo’s, Infuzions, Charlie’s Fine Food Co., Tucker’s, Brookfarm, Bega, Vegemite, Chef Joey D, Arnott’s, Laucke, SPC, and Red Rock Deli.

Together, these brands reflect what Australians value most: natural goodness, trusted quality, and guaranteed everyday enjoyment.

Everyday Convenience, Premium Choices

These Australian favorites are available exclusively at Landmark branches in Makati, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Trinoma, BGC, Alabang, and Nuvali, making it easy for families to bring home the best of Australia, from healthy and balanced meals to eco-friendly cleaning.

Strengthening Ties, Celebrating Culture

A Taste of Australia also highlights the growing partnership between Australia and the Philippines: supporting trade, showcasing sustainable producers, and celebrating shared love for good food and sharing joy together in community.Discover the freshness, flavors, and spirit of Australia, now just an aisle away at Landmark. Visit your nearest branch or shop online at landmark.ph.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday said his administration will ensure that every Filipino has a home of their own.

Speaking at the opening of the National Housing Expo 2025 in Pasay City, Marcos emphasized that a safe and decent home is where an individual’s character is shaped.

‘My fellow countrymen, a house is not just a structure. It is in the home where one’s character is first formed, where love blossoms, and where dreams are built,’ he said in Filipino.

‘So long as there are Filipinos who wish for their own home, the government will not stop acting. Work will not cease. No one will be left behind in the New Philippines,’ he added.

The president also said his administration will issue Notices of Approval to beneficiaries who have received Certificates of Entitlement in Los Baños, Laguna; Lucena City; Iloilo City; and Caloocan City, allowing them to officially claim ownership of the land they currently occupy.

‘These are just some proofs that dreams, when combined with perseverance and support from the government, the private sector, and all sectors of society, can become a reality,’ he said in Filipino.

In the same speech, Marcos highlighted the Green Lane Program, which promotes the construction of climate-resilient homes designed to withstand the effects of changing weather conditions.

He also mentioned the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Housing Program, which enables more Filipinos to access affordable housing assistance.

Moreover, he lauded the Pag-IBIG Fund as one of the government’s strongest and most reliable partners in the housing sector.

‘This year alone, through Pag-IBIG, more than 57,000 members were given the opportunity to move into their own homes or improve their current residences,’ Marcos said in Filipino.

Nearly P75 billion in cash loans were also released by the agency, benefiting around three million borrowers.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday renewed his commitment to provide affordable and decent homes for Filipino families amid the growing housing backlog in the country.

‘So long as there is a Filipino who strives to have their own home, the administration will not stop its work. No one will be left behind under Bagong Pilipinas,’ he said during the National Housing Expo in Pasay City.

According to the President, more than 57,000 members of Pag-IBIG Fund have been assisted in owning their new homes or in rehabilitating their houses this year.

Meanwhile, P75 billion in cash loans were also released by Pag-IBIG, which benefited about 3 million members to help them in their immediate financial needs.

In celebration of National Shelter Month, Mr. Marcos also announced that the government would be awarding notices of approval.

With these, beneficiaries who received Certificates of Entitlement through Presidential Proclamations-from areas such as Los Baños, Laguna; Lucena City; Iloilo City; and Caloocan City-can now finally claim ownership of the land they occupy.

Organized by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) in collaboration with the Pag-IBIG Fund and other key shelter agencies, the expo features a wide range of services, including onsite assistance for members to avail of low-interest housing loans. The National Housing Expo in World Trade Center will run until Oct. 24, but similar housing fairs are being held in different parts of the country until Nov. 8.

The President also said that under his Expanded Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) Program, more Filipinos are gaining access to affordable housing assistance, including beneficiaries and graduates of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

Launched in September 2022, President Marcos’ 4PH Program aims to build 1 million housing units annually until 2028 to address the country’s housing backlog of 6.5 million.

‘These are just some of the proofs that dreams, when paired with perseverance and supported by the government, the private sector, and all sectors of society, can become a reality,’ Mr. Marcos said. However, a report by UN-Habitat estimates that housing need in the Philippines is projected to increase from 6.5 million, and could balloon to 10 million by the end of the Marcos administration in 2028.

The housing backlog is also projected to grow to 22 million by 2040. In the National Capital Region alone, more than 4 million Filipinos are estimated to be in poor housing conditions, which are made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic and disasters.