Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

The Commission on Appointments (CA) on Tuesday deferred the appointment of retired Associate Justice Jose Catral Mendoza as a member of the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC).

Sen. Imee Marcos was the first to raise objections during the CA hearing on Mendoza’s appointment, saying she could not support the retired associate justice due to his ‘lack of responsive and adequate answers’ when questioned by lawmakers.

‘I am deeply disturbed [and] alarmed by the responses of justice Mendoza to the questions of the chair, of Congressman Garbin, of Senator Villanueva, and those of myself, casting doubt on the probity and independence of the JBC. At this juncture, I am unable – without further clarification and more responsive and adequate answers from the justice-to support the appointment of Justice Mendoza. I am sorry,’ said Marcos.

In a separate ambush interview also on Tuesday, Marcos herself said she asked the committee to defer the confirmation of Mendoza, citing what she described as ever-changing rules in the JBC.

Later, Sen. Rodante Marcoleta’s office confirmed that Mendoza’s appointment was deferred.

Meanwhile, the CA approved the nomination and ad interim appointment of the following officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs:

Noralyn Jubaira Baja

Charmaine Rowena Caoile Aviquil

Myla Grace Ragen Catalbas Macahilig

Miguel Carlo Narzo Hornilla

Paolo Marco Recio Mapula

Around 4,000 photographers and videographers from 32 cities across the Philippines hit the streets for the FUJIFILM Nationwide Photo and Video Walk (NPVW 2025)-FUJIFILM’s largest movement aimed at capturing the distinct sights, stories, and soul of the country’s iconic cities. This annual event continues to celebrate the spirit of visual storytelling, fostering creativity and cultural pride across the country.

This year, winners of FUJIFILM NPVW 2025 will get the chance to take home incredible prizes. In the Open to All Photo Category, three winners – one each from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao – will receive a FUJIFILM X-E5 camera with an XF23mm F2.8 kit lens.

FUJIFILM users will also have the chance to win top-tier gear in the exclusive categories. The winner of the FUJIFILM-Exclusive Photo Category will receive a FUJIFILM X-T5 with an XF16-80mm kit lens. The winner of the FUJIFILM-Exclusive Video Category will take home a FUJIFILM X-H2S paired with an XF23mm F1.4 II lens.

Winners will be announced on December 5, 2025 through FUJIFILM Philippines’ Facebook and Instagram pages (@fujifilmphilippines).

On top of that, FUJIFILM Philippines has partnered with leading tech and lifestyle brands – including ASUS Philippines, Peak Design Philippines, SanDisk, Aputure, Beach Hut, Godox, Lowepro, Seagate, and Hollyland – who will be giving away additional amazing prizes.

Adding excitement to the event, returning champions from NPVW 2024-Rey Ann Llaguno, Justin Varela, Javes Molles, and Joshua Bughao-joined this year’s walk. They were among the 61 FUJIFILM leaders who guided participants in their respective cities, sharing expertise, inspiration, and a shared passion for photography and videography.

Participants across the country set out to capture the soul of the Philippines-turning their lenses toward iconic locations like the walled city of Intramuros in Manila, the historic Magellan’s Cross in Cebu City, the urban greenscape of the Quezon Park in Davao City, and beyond. Through photography and videography, they crafted powerful and deeply personal narratives, offering a glimpse into how they envision and navigate the places they call home.

The theme for this year’s NPVW was ‘contrasts’, where photographers and videographers were challenged to express elements of juxtapositioning in their work.

NPVW 2025 proved to be more than just a photo and video walk-it was a vibrant, nationwide celebration of creativity. The event served as a refreshing and inspiring platform to reconnect and reignite the country’s creative community.

‘Many photographers and videographers from all over the nation are coming together to capture the beauty of the country. FUJIFILM supports local communities by highlighting the spirit and stories of the neighborhood and city streets. This event is open to everyone, no matter what your skill is. We want you to show pride in your city and share your unique view with the world. A big thanks as well to our walk leaders and business partners. Let’s have fun together, be creative, and connect with one another,’ shared Masahiro Uehara, President of FUJIFILM Philippines, Inc., in his opening remarks.

Jobert Lucading, a first-time participant of the NPVW 2025, shared that he came all the way from Nueva Ecija to join the photo walk in Intramuros. ‘Coincidentally, it is our anniversary (with my girlfriend) today, so we really got to celebrate our hobbies together and have fun. We were happy with the freebies and the friendly walk leaders at the event. We are looking forward to getting some insights from fellow hobby photographers,’ he shared.

Hen Namoca, another first-time participant of the NPVW, appreciated the openness of FUJIFILM to include analog users in the event. ‘I am fairly new to film photography, and photo walks like this encourage me to meet other members of the community,’ he explained. ‘Film photography is a casual hobby of mine, and I love to go around just to capture the moment and preserve the memory of a place. I am glad to be part of NPVW, doing what I love while meeting others who are the same.’

Christian Tubice shares that he has been joining photo walks for a few years, and he looks forward to the many shots he can take during the NPVW 2025. ‘I really appreciate FUJIFILM for this experience. The event makes us bond together with our passions. Out of all the brands, they are always on top with activities like this,’ he commented.

Inspired by the FUJIFILM Café concept and in support of local businesses, FUJIFILM also teamed up with 32 cafes nationwide during the photo and video walk, where lucky participants were able to receive a complimentary cup of coffee.

Visit FUJIFILM Philippines’ Facebook and Instagram @fujifilmphilippines to get the latest updates about FUJIFILM and other events happening in the future soon!

Cell phone technology has really transformed how people bet on sports. Speed, convenience and apps are at the forefront and online gambling has never been easier or more exciting.

From real-time odds to instant bets, smartphone technology is very much changing the way fans are affiliated with their beloved sports. The era of betting at the local bookie or on desktop PCs is long gone. With smartphone and tablet devices today, the thrill of the match now resides in the palm of your hand.

From Desktop to Mobile Betting

Betting on sports has been completely transformed from static websites to cell phones. Where once players would sit in the living room on desktops, now they pull out their phones and wager within seconds. The revolution has presented a much more dynamic experience. With a sports wager on a real-time event, fans can now witness every twist and turn.

Betting on the go is perfectly in sync with the rhythm of sports and spectators from around the world can bet on a sporting event while riding on a bus, in the stands, or at a bar, watching the action. The convenience and mobility of portable technology have really galvanized sports betting participation to all-time highs.

Guides and websites that display reputable sites also facilitate convenience. For example, sites like SBO.net provide punters with information on where to bet swiftly and safely, helping ensure that they make sound decisions within an expanding marketplace.

Speed, Wager Live on the Move

Speed is one of the characteristic benefits of mobile betting. Sports are very fast-paced and bettors desire their wagering choices to be equally so. With an app, it may only require a few taps to make a live bet. Odds are updated in real time. The user can react quickly to a change in a team’s tempo, an injury, or an explosive play.

Convenience is equally applicable. Sites or apps on the phone mean you can bet anywhere in a coverage zone. That level of portability has made betting a part of the everyday sports routine. There is no need to look ahead or sit down at the computer. The bettor is watching the action and betting at the same time.

Apps, Interfaces and the User Experience Revolution

The popularity of phone sports betting is also related to design. Betting apps are no longer cluttered but intuitive and straightforward. New bettors with limited experience quickly understand how to browse odds, bet and cash out. These are aimed at keeping engagement high. To simplify, there are inclusions like personalized dashboards, alerts based on users’ preferences and one-touch betting.

You even get to track your betting history. This can really help manage your budget and you can receive personalized recommendations on subsequent matches. This is a game-changer for multi-sport bettors. From one screen, hockey, basketball, baseball and football are monitored. With apps, you have real-time access to the odds and associated statistics, which is all streamlined.

Safety and Reliability

One of the foundations of a flourishing mobile bet on sporting events is security and modern apps employ strong encryption, two-factor authentication and rigid monitoring to ensure the safety of players’ data and funds. Licensing and regulation are just as significant. This provides a degree of security to the user. Reputable platforms offer information on this openly and honestly.

The respective payment process upgrades fortify reliability. From traditional banks to e-wallets and prepaid cards, cash withdrawals and deposits are now more immediate and certain. The worry about whether the money will come to the account or not is now history. Belief in transaction safety on phones is their replacement.

New Technologies and Personalization

The prospect of mobile phone sports betting in the future is even rosier. AI is already controlling how apps make betting recommendations. The apps show the user the markets and games best suited to their interests.

The trend’s very essence is individualization. No two customers will ever share the same experience. As it is, new technology like virtual reality can revolutionize the betting experience. Wouldn’t it be great to have live odds on your living room wall while you watch hockey? Or summon an interactive betting screen on a headset?

These are no longer science fiction scenarios but are already becoming real. Social features will probably increase too. Betting apps are already adding chat rooms, leaderboards and group challenges. For sports fans worldwide, gambling will be about more than just the bet. It will be about connecting to other individuals and having an event-based sense of community.

Mobile technology has really transformed the face of online sports betting. It has never been easier, from speed and convenience to customization and security. The fans now bet on their commute, at home or the stadium, with just a few taps on the screen. The success of mobile betting is no tech trend but cultural in how fans experience sports. For gamblers all over the world, mobile channels are sources of thrills, convenience and reassurance. With technology advancing further, online sports betting will be even more immersive and entertaining. The thrill of playing is indeed in your pocket.

Rufa Mae Quinto admitted that one of the reasons why she accepted the offer to audition for ‘Your Face Sounds Familiar’ was that she needed an avenue to heal after the death of her husband, Trevor Magallanes.

The actress-comedienne is one of the contestants on ‘Your Face Sounds Familiar’ season four, joining Alexa Ilacad, Dia Mate, Akira Morishita of BGYO, Jarlo Base, Jason Dy, JM Dela Cerna, Marielle Montellano, and Pepe Herrera.

‘Dumaan ako sa maraming problema, madrama. Kaya sabi ko, gusto ko ng may gawin na maganda, para malibang ako. Kasi nagluluksa kami mag-ina para mabitbit ko rin ang kaligayahan sa anak ko. Eh ang magagawa ko lang ay magpatawa, magpasaya, habang ako sumasaya,’ Quinto said, hinting at Magallanes’ death.

(I’ve been through a lot of problems, and it was sad. This is why I told myself that I want to do something nice to entertain myself. My daughter and I are still mourning, but I want to carry this happiness to make my daughter happy. The only thing I can do is to make people laugh and happy, which, in turn, makes me happy as well.)

MEET THE FACES OF YOUR FACE SOUNDS FAMILIAR SEASON 4 LOOK: The hosts and contestants of ‘Your Face Sounds Familiar’ season four pose for photos in a media con on Wednesday, Oct. 1.Absent at the media con was Akira Morishita, who was rehearsing for BGYO’s solo concert at. pic.twitter.com/f9KLfc1wdb

Since Quinto was on and off with her entertainment career for the past 10 years due to her family, being part of the reality show was her avenue to start over.

‘Pasulpot-sulpot ako sa showbiz for the past 10 years kasi [nag-focus ako] sa aking pamilya,’ she said. ‘[Since] medyo independent na si Athena, pwede na ako mag-full time sa career ko. Ang dami ko kailangang balikan and sakto ito para makapagsimula ako ulit. Gusto kong magkaroon ng bagong pamilya at magpasaya ulit ng mga tao para sumaya rin ako.’

(I’ve been on and off showbiz for the past 10 years because I focused on my family. Since Athena is more independent now, I can return to my career full-time. I have to catch up with a lot of things to start over. I want to have a new family and make people happy, so I can be happy.)

With her signature campy wit, the ‘Booba’ star said she is doing okay, making a remark that made everyone in the room laugh.

‘I’m depressed, but it’s okay, but there’s freedom of the press. mga press, wag kayong ma-depress!’ she quipped.

‘Your Face Sounds Familiar’ season four is hosted by Vhong Navarro and Jhong Hilario, with Klarisse de Guzman and Nyoy Volante as the celebrity coaches.

Meanwhile, Sharon Cuneta, Gary Valenciano, and Ogie Alcasid serve as the jury of the current edition.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has vowed to improve social programs, push for quality education, and make the Philippines the best English-speaking country in Asia before his term ends in 2028.

He said this in Part 2 of Episode 5 of the BBM Vlog released on Tuesday, when asked what he would like to be remembered for as the 17th president of the Philippines.

‘First of all, the social programs are important. People have to have a good healthcare system. People have to have food to eat. People have to have shelter as much as possible. People have to have-they must be able to survive,’ Marcos responded.

‘Once you’ve achieved that, for me, the next thing you should do is education. So, I’m putting a great deal of my attention and the government’s focus on education. That is the most important thing that you can do,’ he continued.

According to Marcos, the success of a society depends on how well-educated its people are.

Moreover, he said he wants the country to become the number one English-speaking nation on the continent.

‘Remember when we were the best English speakers in Asia? We had the highest literacy rate in Asia. Let’s get back there. We need to get back there,’ the president emphasized.

A quick review showed that the Philippines has consistently ranked second to Singapore among Asian countries with the best English speakers, based on the EF English Proficiency Index.

‘And again, there are so many good people here. They just don’t have the means. They don’t have the support. They don’t have the funding. That’s what we need to do,’ he said.

‘We have to make sure that the generations to come are well-educated. They’re well-able to compete among themselves in the Philippines and internationally because Filipinos can do that,’ he added.

Marcos is currently on the second and final half of his six-year term, which began in 2022

Several lawmakers from the House of Representatives have urged Justice Secretary and newly-appointed Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla to immediately start filing cases against individuals involved in corruption schemes within flood control projects.

Remulla will take his oath on Thursday and assume office on Friday.

In a statement on Tuesday, Akbayan party-list Rep. Percival Cendaña said Remulla will have ‘very small shoes to fill and a very low bar to clear’ – referring to criticisms that the Office of the Ombudsman under its former head Samuel Martires did little to stop corruption in the country.

‘He should immediately make SALNs of government officials accessible to the public, and begin the process of filing criminal cases against those involved in the massive corruption cases,’ Cendaña noted.

Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima said that Remulla’s appointment bears significance as more than ever, the country badly needs an ombudsman to address extensive corruption schemes in infrastructure projects.

‘Now more than ever, we need a true tanodbayan – an ombudsman who is loyal to the people, not to the one who appointed him. This remains to be seen with the newly appointed Ombudsman Boying Remulla, who must prove his independence. He should protect the people, not his relatives or political allies,’ de Lima said in a separate statement.

‘Now that we have an ombudsman, we should hasten investigations and the filing of cases not only for those related to the anomalous flood control projects, but also other forms of corruption, plunder, and conspiracy in government,’ she added.

Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon, lead presiding officer of the House’s infra-committee that tackled corruption issues surrounding government flood control projects, said that Remulla’s appointment is an ‘important addition to the country’s accountability mechanisms, particularly in bringing to justice the perpetrators of corruption in flood control and infrastructure projects.’

‘Ombudsman Remulla is empowered to initiate both administrative and criminal proceedings against all individuals found liable for the plunder of public funds – including DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) officials, legislators, executive officials, and government contractors,’ Ridon said.

‘Similar to our cooperation with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, the House Infrastructure Committee will also work with Ombudsman Remulla and transmit all transcripts, documents, and other relevant evidence arising from our previous proceedings,’ he added.

Earlier, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) announced that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. had appointed Remulla as the new ombudsman, replacing Martires, whose seven-year term expired last July.

‘The administration remains firm in its commitment to fight corruption wherever it exists. As Ombudsman, Remulla is expected to uphold transparency, strengthen anti-corruption measures, and ensure that justice is administered fairly and efficiently,’ the PCO said in a statement.

‘There will be no sacred cows, no exemptions, and no excuses. Public office is a public trust, and those who betray it will be held accountable,’ the PCO added.

Manila 2nd District Rep. Rolando Valeriano said that he expected that it will be Remulla who would be appointed as Ombudsman, noting that Remulla showed his mastery of the country’s justice system while he was at the Department of Justice (DOJ).

‘It was clear to me that he brought to bear at the Department of Justice his mastery of the law and the workings of our country’s justice system. Ombudsman Remulla brings to his office that same mastery and his leadership. He set high standards on the quality of cases that came before DOJ prosecutors,’ Valeriano said.

‘He insisted on cases that can be won in court, not dismissed on technicalities and sloppy work. He is the Ombudsman we need at this juncture of our country’s history,’ he added.

Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr., meanwhile, said that Remulla, a former member of the House, has proven that not even health issues could hinder his work to pursue justice.

Land Transportation Office (LTO) Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II should disclose whether the Discaya couple paid the proper taxes for two cars registered under his watch, Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon said on Tuesday.

Ridon, in a statement, clarified what he wants the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to hear from the LTO and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) – after saying on Monday that both agencies should be invited by the ICI.

‘To be clear, we are calling on the Independent Commission for Infrastructure to call on the heads of the LTO and the BOC to shed light on the actual importation and registration status of Discaya vehicles deemed as hot cars,’ Ridon said.

‘Particularly, the current LTO leadership should disclose whether, prior to registration, it had determined whether correct taxes and duties had been paid by the Discayas over two vehicles registered within its term: a 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser and a 2024 Lincoln Navigator,’ he added.

On Monday, Ridon said BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno and Mendoza should be invited by the ICI to discuss how controversial contractor-couple Pacifico ‘Curlee’ and Cezarah ‘Sarah’ Discaya were able to bring luxury vehicles into the country, amid a recent discovery that eight of the vehicles owned by the pair were possibly smuggled.

‘ICI should invite BOC and LTO heads to shed light on the Discaya vehicles,’ Ridon, chairperson of the House of Representatives’ infra-committee that tackled the contractors’ involvement in anomalous flood control projects, said.

‘Both BOC and LTO’s liability should be determined by the ICI as to how these vehicles were able to be imported, registered, and used in the country,’ he added.

Last September 10, Nepomuceno stated that eight out of the 30 luxury cars under the agency’s custody were found to be missing import entry documents and payment certificates.

When asked if the cars may be considered smuggled for having no record of entry, Nepomuceno replied: ‘That is the assumption. There are no documents; that’s why that’s our assumption.’

On October 1, Nepomuceno said that the BOC may auction 13 luxury cars owned by the Discaya couple if they fail to prove the legitimacy of the purchases.

Ridon said that in the case of the BOC, as the leadership is relatively new, what Nepomuceno should do is to identify who among former and current Customs officials should be held liable for possible collusion.

‘On the other hand, as the current BoC leadership is relatively new, it should determine with certainty which former and current officials may have colluded in allowing the importation (of) these Discaya hot cars,’ he noted.

The Discaya couple is among the key figures in the flood control scandal, as different companies linked to the two were found to be among the top contractors for flood control projects.

Last September 10, Nepomuceno stated that eight out of the 30 luxury cars under the agency’s custody were found to be missing import entry documents and payment certificates.

When asked if the cars may be considered smuggled for having no record of entry, Nepomuceno answered: ‘That is the assumption. There are no documents; that’s why that’s our assumption.’

Then on October 1, Nepomuceno said that the BOC may auction 13 luxury cars owned by the Discaya couple if they fail to prove the legitimacy of the purchases.

According to data provided by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism, St. Gerrard Construction, owned by the Discayas, figured in the top 10 contractors in terms of contract price bagged during the time of President Benigno Aquino III, with P10.76 billion, ranking as the seventh top company.

St. Gerrard Construction rose to the top during the time of former President Rodrigo Duterte, securing P12.30 billion worth of contracts.

At a previous Senate blue ribbon committee hearing, Curlee Discaya revealed that several House members and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials have received payoffs from him, after his companies were awarded contracts.

Several lawmakers, including former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co, have denied Discaya’s allegations, with Romualdez calling it ‘false, malicious, and nothing more than name-dropping.’ /jpv

The Premier Volleyball League’s Reinforced Conference blasts off Tuesday with new faces, high expectations, and opening-day matchups that already feel like must-wins.

At 4 p.m., ZUS Coffee and Akari set the tone at Ynares Center in a clash between two squads trying to escape the shadows of underwhelming campaigns in the PVL On Tour and Invitational Conference. Both have reloaded, and both are hungry.

For ZUS Coffee, redemption may come on the arm of American import Anna DeBeer. The 5-foot-11 outside hitter from the University of Louisville made waves with the Indy Ignite in the Major Volleyball League, tallying 172 points and showing grit on both ends of the floor with 110 digs.

]Now, she leads the Thunderbelles in her first PVL tour of duty.

She’s joined by Thea Gagate, who returns after suiting up for Alas Pilipinas, adding a familiar presence to a team still forging its identity. With Pool B featuring heavyweights like Creamline and Chery Tiggo, every win matters-and they know it.

But Akari is not just here to play spoiler. The Chargers are leaning on American journeyman Annie Mitchem, whose career has taken her across Italy, Turkey, Brazil, and Indonesia. She’ll be surrounded by an intriguing mix of young talent and veterans, including Ivy Lacsina, Faith Nisperos, and Ced Domingo.

By 6:30 p.m., the spotlight shifts to Pool A as Choco Mucho faces off with Capital1 in another intriguing matchup-this time featuring a much-awaited debut.

Three-time UAAP MVP Bella Belen, the top pick of the 2025 Rookie Draft, finally makes her pro debut for Capital1. After missing previous PVL stints due to national team commitments, the former NU standout now enters the league with experience-and something to prove.

She’ll share the floor with Ukrainian import Oleksandra Bytsenko, who steps into a key scoring role vacated by Marina Tushova. Capital1, who finished 11th in On Tour, hopes Belen’s arrival sparks a turnaround.

Choco Mucho, meanwhile, will count on another American newcomer: The 26-year-old high-flyer Anyse Smith. After impressing in the AVC Champions League, Smith joins a Flying Titans roster packed with veterans like Dindin Manabat and Des Cheng.

The PVL’s format adds urgency to every match. The 12 teams are split into two pools and play a round-robin. The top three from each group advance to face the bottom three from the opposite pool, with only eight teams making it to the knockout quarterfinals.

It’s a long road to the top, and with just one game per playoff round, the margins will be razor-thin.

American health-care giant Bon Secours Mercy Health (BSMH) has opened a global business processing hub in BGC Taguig, which will employ 250 Filipinos to provide essential human resources, finance, supply chain and site support functions.

In a statement on Monday, BSMH said the new global business services (GBS) center located at Park Triangle Corporate Center would serve its associates and operations in the United States and Ireland.

‘By investing in Filipino talent and expertise, we are building a strong foundation to support our worldwide operations, enhance efficiency and foster seamless collaboration across borders,’ GBS-Manila country head Sam Padilla said.

‘The opening of our new GBS office in the Philippines marks an important milestone in strengthening our ministry globally,’ Padilla said.

BSMH said its new center plays a vital role in enhancing operational efficiency, boosting the ministry’s capabilities and ensuring seamless collaboration across geographies.

It also allows the company to expand its international health-care footprint to improve patient access and optimize care delivery.

BSMH unveiled its new office in BGC after announcing a $500-million investment to develop a premium tertiary hospital in the Philippines and the expansion of its existing GBS operations in the country.

Expansion mode

The US firm previously said it aimed to scale up its Manila operations to have 1,200 professionals from the current workforce of around 170.

‘If realized, it would mark one of the largest private-sector health-care investments by a US-based system in the Philippines,’ the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs of the Philippines said in July.

Since 2013, BSMH has established its presence in the Philippines through its Global Ministries arm.

BSMH, one of the 20 largest health systems and the fifth-largest Catholic health system in the US, boasts of a network of more than 1,200 care sites and 50 hospitals.

It also invests in programs that address chronic illness, affordable housing, access to healthy food, education and wellness programs, transportation, workforce development and other social determinants of health. INQ

Filipino golf icon Miguel Tabuena is set to take on the world’s best golfers at International Series Philippines.

The event is the sixth of nine LIV Golf tournaments-all sanctioned by the Asian Tour-held across Asia and the Middle East. The tournaments offer the end-of-the-year rankings leader promotion to the LIV Golf League.

The Philippine leg will take place from Oct. 23 to 26 at the Sta. Elena Golf and Country Club, and will feature a world-class field of golf legends and major champions such as Dustin Johnson, Bubba Watson, Patrick Reed, Charles Schwartzel, and Louis Oosthuizen.

Tabuena is currently 48th in the overall rankings. Tabuena has previously won multiple Philippine Golf Tour titles, including two Asian Tour victories, and even represented the country in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. He also won the Idaho Open in 2021 against PGA Tour player Brad Marek.

‘The international series is something I really plan my schedule around so I can peak at the right time for these events. I call it the ‘majors’ of the Asian tour,’ says Tabuena ahead of the upcoming tournament.