Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

Cebu Pacific (CEB) celebrates the Filipino spirit of giving back to those who shaped our lives through a new two-minute brand film, showing how affordable fares help more Filipinos make their loved ones’ travel dreams come true – especially for first-time flyers. Coinciding with the film’s release, CEB is holding a seat sale from October 1-15, with flights to select destinations for as low as PHP 99 one-way base fare, exclusive of fees and surcharges. The travel period runs from October 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026.

‘Seat sales have become hallmarks of Cebu Pacific. Every time we roll these out, we hear stories of families booking their first trips together or travelers looking forward to ticking off a new destination on their bucket list. It’s heartwarming to hear these stories, and through this film, we want to honor those who give back to their loved ones and celebrate the excitement of discovering a new destination,’ said Candice Iyog, CEB Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer.

The film mirrors real-life stories of Filipinos who booked flights during CEB’s seat sales to surprise their loved ones with memorable trips. Whether it’s a domestic getaway or an international adventure, CEB has become the first step toward flying for millions of travelers.

From the airport to arrival, CEB works to make travel convenient and welcoming. Its cabin crew’s trademark warmth and attentiveness help first-time flyers feel at ease and enjoy their first moments in the sky.

CEB’s extensive domestic and international network continues to open doors for first-time flyers and seasoned travelers alike. With direct flights from Manila, Clark, Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao, CEB makes air travel easily accessible for more passengers across the Philippines.

Watch the full short film on here and be inspired to give the gift of travel this holiday season with CEB’s low fares and signature seat sales.

The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), in partnership with Netflix, on Thursday, Oct. 2, hosted a seminar amid rising risks of inappropriate content consumption online and excessive screen time among young children.

MTRCB Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Diorella Maria Gamboa Sotto-Antonio led the seminar, which was attended by over 100 parents, educators, child protection advocates, and industry leaders, and which aimed to empower families in guiding children toward safe and responsible media consumption while ensuring an enriching digital experience.

Sotto-Antonio reaffirmed the Board’s longstanding mandate to protect children, empower parents and promote responsible viewing through the seminar with the theme ‘Stream Smarter: Responsible Parenting in the Age of Digital Media.’

She underscored the importance of media literacy and parental involvement, noting that while technology provides tools, active guidance from families ultimately makes the difference.

‘We remain committed to promoting and strengthening media literacy, digital responsibility and parental empowerment, helping families make informed choices in the digital age,’ she said.

As part of its flagship Responsableng Panonood campaign, the MTRCB introduced PROTECT, a simple framework to help parents manage children’s media use. The acronym stands for:

P – Provide guidelines on age-appropriate content, starting media education at home;

R – Regulate screen time and set healthy limits to balance digital and recreational activities;

O – Observe co-viewing to create opportunities for discussion and critical thinking;

T – Teach media literacy to help children verify facts and think critically;

E – Educate on both the positive and harmful effects of media;

C – Create a family viewing plan that supports holistic development;

T – Take the lead by modeling responsible media habits.

Netflix Global Affairs Southeast Asia Director Ruben Hattari expressed support for the initiative, stressing the shared responsibility of parents, educators and industry leaders.

‘This initiative is a timely reminder that our role is not only to provide access to entertainment but also to ensure that families are equipped to make informed and responsible choices in today’s digital age,’ Hattari said.

He said Netflix has features that help parents manage what children watch through their service.

‘Learn it, share it to all your friends, and also discuss it with your kids as well. Please do not use these features as punishment tool, because they need to understand your reason and rationale,’ he added.

The event also featured a panel discussion titled ‘From Screen Time to Smart Time,’ with representatives from MTRCB, Netflix, Stairway Foundation, Safe Schools Philippines and the National Council for Children’s Television (NCCT).

The dialogue tackled parental controls, content classification and collaborative efforts to make digital media safer and more beneficial for Filipino families.

NCCT Chairperson Luis Gatmaitan advised parents and guardians to let their children watch general patronage-rated films, programs or online content.

‘I will also recommend films or TV series adapted from books, children books, because you know these materials have already been vetted so you are sure that contents are age-appropriate,’ he said.

Meanwhile, Stairway Foundation Child Protection specialist Ysrael Diloy told parents and guardians that they need not be tech-savvy to monitor and guide their children’s online activities.

‘You are a parent regardless of the technology platform, thus, what we teach children is not technology, it’s about the main skills, social intelligence in navigating this digital space, you just need to impart the same values that you want to create even if you’re not around them,’ he added.

Sotto-Antonio encouraged parents and guardians to remain at the forefront of responsible parenting -overseeing what their children, see, learn and absorb in every stage of their lives.

‘With collective effort from government, industry and families, we can ensure that digital media becomes not only a source of entertainment but also a tool for learning, creativity and positive growth,’ she said.

Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI) is investing P10.3 billion in its first horizontal estate in Mindanao, expanding its footprint in Davao City as demand for properties outside Metro Manila steadily climbs.

The real estate giant on Thursday said it had broken ground for Ascenda, a 204-hectare (ha) master-planned community in Davao City.

‘Ascenda is well-positioned to benefit from Davao’s momentum, providing Davaoeños new space to grow and an environment attuned to their modern, upgraded lifestyles,’ ALI president Meann Dy said in a statement.

Dy cited major infrastructure projects in Davao as among the main economic drivers in the city, the benefits of which could spill over to Ascenda. These include the Samal-Davao bridge, Coastal Road and Davao Bypass road.

54th estate

The project is ALI’s 54th estate overall. According to the developer, Ascenda will house Virendo, the only residential village of Ayala Land Premier in Davao City.

Ascenda will also be composed of two main areas. One is the 65-ha Town Center which is the ‘commercial and cultural anchor.’ The other is the 139-ha residential district featuring ALI’s ‘top premier residential brands.’

‘Ascenda’s value as a residential enclave and commercial hub is expected to greatly appreciate in the coming years, much like Ayala Alabang and Nuvali in Luzon have escalated in value,’ Dy noted.

Apart from Davao City, Alabang and Nuvali, ALI’s estates are located in Makati City, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City, Cebu and Pampanga.

Earnings profile

In the first semester, the premium segment boosted the company’s net income by 10 percent to P6.9 billion. ALI is on track to grow its earnings twice as fast as the Philippine economy.

Consolidated revenues climbed by 6 percent to P43.6 billion, driven by higher bookings and leasing operations.

ALI plans to launch 21 projects worth P57 billion in the second semester, with roughly two-thirds in the premium market.

While this segment remains the main income driver, ALI said it was seeing recovery in the core middle income segment. This prompts the company to pursue its first residential high-rise project in this market since the COVID-19 pandemic.

ALI is set to launch three projects in its core segment this semester, including a residential condominium project in the Katipunan district of Quezon City.

The 3rd to 5th floors of the Cadiz District Hospital in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, remain closed after glass windows were shattered during the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck the Visayas on Tuesday night.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Girlie Pinongan said on Thursday that the broken windows pose safety risks and must be repaired before patients can return.

At the height of the quake, 113 patients were evacuated to the ground floor. About half of them have since been transferred to an adjacent facility, previously used as a COVID-19 isolation building, Pinongan added.

Meanwhile, the Teresita L. Jalandoni Provincial Hospital in Silay City sustained minor cracks but was declared structurally safe. No other provincial government-owned hospitals in Negros Occidental reported damage.

Donato Sermeno, director of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in the Negros Island Region, said no significant structural damage was recorded in other buildings across the region.

He added that the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology expects aftershocks to persist for at least a week. So far, 2,600 aftershocks have been recorded, ranging from magnitude 1 to 5./coa

Following the impact of the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck off Cebu on September 30, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has called on government agencies and the private sector to ensure that assistance for members of vulnerable sectors is ‘well-considered, culturally sensitive, and timely.’

The CHR issued the statement on Friday amid the government’s distribution of aid to affected communities in the province.

‘The Commission calls on government agencies and the private sector involved in humanitarian efforts on the ground to ensure that responses for persons with disabilities, the sick, children and youth, the elderly, and the socio-economically disadvantaged are well-considered, culturally sensitive, and timely,’ it said.

‘Let us allow the human rights lens to guide our disaster relief for vulnerable groups in particular, so that we, as a society, can truly claim that we are keepers of even the less privileged,’ it added.

The CHR likewise pointed out the insufficiency of early warning systems and preparedness for vulnerable groups during disasters, noting that they are often ‘left behind to fend for themselves.’

The Commission emphasized that the United Nations Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement (UNGPID) ‘provide that persons displaced by natural disasters have the right to protection, assistance, and durable solutions that respect their dignity and human rights.’

It also noted that the UNGPID ‘assigns the State the primary duty to provide assistance during displacement and to ensure support through the stages of return, resettlement, and reintegration, in shared responsibility with other humanitarian actors.’

Moreover, the Commission extended its condolences to the families of those who died in the earthquake in Cebu and nearby provinces.

‘As we stand in solidarity with government agencies and civil society organizations in their gargantuan efforts of rescue and relief, we particularly support all relief and rehabilitation for vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities, the sick, children and youth, the elderly, and the socio-economically disadvantaged,’ it said.

The Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) proudly announces the highly anticipated return of the Student PR Congress and Grand Prix, setting the stage for the next generation of communicators to create purpose-driven change. This year’s event calls on students to break through boundaries with the theme, ‘Unmuted: Live, Loud, and Limitless PR.’

The Congress is the PRSP’s commitment to fulfilling its mission: to nurture and develop a new generation of PR practitioners equipped to navigate a rapidly changing world. By focusing on shifting and emerging technologies and trends the PRSP aims to cultivate professionals who can wield public relations as a tool for creating meaningful, positive impact in society. The ‘Unmuted’ theme embodies this goal, encouraging students to utilize every available platform-live interactions, digital channels, and innovative storytelling-to make their voices and campaigns impactful and boundless.

‘It is truly inspiring to witness the growing interest in Public Relations among schools, particularly through initiatives like our PR caravans. These programs are vital in fulfilling our mission to nurture the next generation of PR professionals, providing them with invaluable insights into a dynamic and impactful career, said Steve Michael Moore, Student PR Congress Chairman and PRSP officer.

The centerpiece of the event, the Student PR Grand Prix, is a high-stakes, real-world competition. Student teams from across the nation will receive an actual campaign brief from a leading organization and must develop and present a comprehensive PR strategy to a panel of award-winning industry leaders.

The competition mechanics challenge students’ strategic thinking, creativity, and execution skills under a tight deadline. Judging criteria will focus on quality of research, creativity of the big idea, feasibility of proposed executions, clarity of metrics and the actual pitch presentation. Top teams will vie for the coveted Grand Prix title, recognition from the country’s most respected PR professionals, and exciting cash prizes and professional opportunities.

The Student PR Congress and Grand Prix will take place on November 6-7, 2025 at De la Salle College of St. Benilde, 2544 Taft Avenue, Manila This event is a critical networking opportunity, bringing together students, academics, and industry veterans for a day of learning, inspiration, and competition.

Student teams are invited to review the Grand Prix full campaign mechanics here and then your attendance to the Student PR Congress register here,

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has formally invited former Public Works Secretary and now Sen. Mark Villar to attend its next hearing on flood control project anomalies.

ICI chair Andres Reyes requested Villar to appear before the body in Taguig City at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct 7.

The former Supreme Court justice told the senator that he would be asked ‘to testify under oath to discuss and shed light [on] the planning, budgeting, execution, supervision, and monitoring of flood control and other infrastructure projects under your jurisdiction during your tenure as Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), which is the subject matter under inquiry/investigation by the Commission.’

Villar headed the DPWH from 2016 to 2021, during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

‘Feelers’

On Wednesday, ICI executive director Brian Keith Hosaka said in a chance interview that Villar, as well as former Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez and recently resigned Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co, would be summoned to attend the next hearings.

The Senate blue ribbon committee, chaired by Sen. Panfilo Lacson, also has an ongoing probe of flood control projects.

It has so far heard from Villar’s successor, former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan, and from other department officials who had served during Bonoan’s term.

Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Thursday said he had received ‘feelers’ from the Villar family a day after he confirmed they were also being investigated for possible ‘prohibited interest’ in government infrastructure projects.

‘There was an effort to set the meeting, but I haven’t responded yet. Because I’d rather it be done officially . Transparently and officially across the board, so there won’t be any ‘he said, she said,” Remulla told reporters.

‘Nothing to hide’

Earlier on Wednesday, the justice secretary said the Department of Justice was also investigating the Villar family, beginning with Senator Villar, over media reports citing their relations to a contractor that secured P18.5 billion worth of projects in Las Piñas City, the family’s bailiwick.

Villar on Thursday said he welcomed the investigation mentioned by Remulla as well as that being conducted by the ICI, stressing he had ‘nothing to hide and believe[s] firmly in accountability and due process.’

In a statement, Villar maintained he had no direct or indirect ownership or controlling interest in any company participating in DPWH projects.

‘The official record will confirm that none of my relatives acquired any contracts from 2016 to 2021,’ said Villar, whose sister Camille is also an incumbent senator and whose parents, Manny and Cynthia, are former senators. -With reports from Jane Bautista and Charie Abarca

ACEN Corp. is injecting P900 million into its wind power project, seen to be the biggest such facility in the Philippines straddling the provinces of Quezon and Laguna.

In a disclosure on Thursday, the listed energy arm of the Ayala Group said it had executed a loan deal with its subsidiary Giga Ace 6 Inc. for the Quezon North Wind Power project.

Giga Ace 6 is the group’s special purpose vehicle for the development of the 553-megawatt (MW) onshore wind park.

Earlier this year, the unit had also obtained P34.4 billion from the Bank of the Philippine Islands, BDO Unibank, Inc. and Rizal Commercial Banking Corp.

A total of P70 billion of investment is needed to develop the major wind project, according to ACEN.

2 phases

The company said it had also previously extended infrastructure and transmission asset support for the project’s Phases 1 and 2.

Phase 1, which is expected to be finished by late 2026, has a generating capacity of 344.5 MW. Phase 2, meanwhile, will involve 208 MW and completion is seen by the end of 2027 or early 2028.

The project is located in the towns of Mauban and Real in Quezon as well as Paete and Kalayaan in Laguna.

With a series of renewable energy projects sprouting here and in its foreign markets, ACEN has an ambitious goal to hit 20,000 MW of capacity by 2030.

Portfolio

ACEN’s clean energy portfolio currently stands at 7,000 MW.

Overseas, the company has projects in Australia, Vietnam, Laos, India and Indonesia.

In the first half of 2025, the firm saw a sharp drop in its net income, reaching P763 million from P6.3 billion, blamed on a one-time loss from its Vietnam wind parks.

Thirty years ago, Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story introduced audiences to the unforgettable friendship between Woody and Buzz Lightyear, forever changing the animation industry as the first computer-animated feature film and capturing hearts across generations. To commemorate this milestone anniversary, the Levi’s® brand has collaborated with Disney and Pixar to create a limited collection that celebrates the Western frontier spirit behind Woody’s character and the adventurous heart of the Toy Story films. The new Levi’s® x Toy Story 30th Anniversary collection is inspired by beloved characters and moments into wearable art, blending Western authenticity with the whimsical magic of Andy’s toy box.

For men, the collection offers the standout Levi’s® x Toy Story All Over Print Vest with quilted zip construction with contrast black interior lining. The back features a large Disney and Pixar’s Jessie and Woody riding Bullseye graphic with kangaroo pockets and flour sack print fabric throughout. The Levi’s® x Toy Story Type III Trucker features patch and repair detailing using printed pocketing fabric and massive Woody Saddleman graphic on the back with ‘You’ve Got a Friend in Me’ stitching. The Levi’s® x Toy Story

Western Shacket reimagines the Western shirt with full zip front and streetwear sensibility, crafted from midweight indigo denim with sawtooth pocket flaps and mother-of-pearl snaps.

Men’s bottoms include the Loose Jean with matching patch details, and the Carpenter Jean in flour sack print. All bottoms feature custom pocket bags with Andy’s handwriting and Saddleman graphics. Each pair features authentic Western construction details including reinforced stress points and contrast stitching that echoes the craftsmanship of frontier workwear. The custom Andy’s handwriting pocket bags pay homage to the film’s story ,while the Saddleman graphics serve as collectible Easter eggs.

The women’s offerings emphasise Jessie’s spirited independence through empowering silhouettes and authentic Western detail. The standout Levi’s® x Toy Story Type II Jacket is offered in rinse indigo with Western silhouette, ‘Yodelayheehoo’ chain stitch embroidery, and ecru collar contrast. Meanwhile the Ribcage Bell transforms the popular silhouette with Western smile pockets, cow print waistband, and ‘Howdy’ embroidery.

Graphic tees capture key characters and moments: the Boxy Tee featuring Disney and Pixar’s Woody riding Bullseye in black, and the group Boxy Tee with an Alien in cowboy hat in white. The blue vintage wash Long Sleeve Tee features a Woody-Buzz back graphic with ‘You’ve Got a Friend in Me.’ The chocolate brown Hoodie showcases the Woody Saddleman lockup on the back.

Accessories round out the expansive collection. The denim Logo Hat features Toy Story lockup and embossed Pixar ball clasp, while the All Over Print Tote combines denim and flour sack canvas with exterior arcuate detailing. The 3-Pack Bandana set includes yellow with Woody Saddleman, red with Buzz Lightyear, and white with Jessie designs.

Throughout the collection, variable patches featuring Disney and Pixar’s Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, Rex, and Aliens add collectible value, allowing fans to showcase their favourite characters while building personal connections that mirror the bond between toys and owners in the films.

The Levi’s® x Toy Story 30th Anniversary collection will be exclusively available from 3 October 10:00am to 4 October 9:59am for early access on levi.com.ph and from 4 October, available in-store at Levi’s® Okada Manila, Shangri-La Plaza, Robinsons Manila, SM Mall of Asia, SM North Edsa, and levi.com.ph.

RCBC has stood as a pillar in Philippine banking for 65 years, serving as the financial partner of Filipinos in achieving their dreams. From its beginnings as a small development bank, it has grown into a universal bank, fueling individual milestones and national progress.

Its journey started in 1960 when its founder, Alfonso T. Yuchengco, established the Rizal Development Bank. Operating with just 15 employees from a one-room office in Ayala Avenue, which was then part of Rizal, the bank set out to deliver financial solutions to the fastest-growing province at the time.

In just three years, it became Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation, one of the first commercial banks outside of Manila. By 1963, its assets had reached ?41.3 million, deposits totaled to ?18.2 million, and already turned a profit-a rare feat for such a young player.

Even during turbulent times, like the liquidity crisis among commercial banks in the 1970s, the political turmoil in the 1980s, and the Asian financial crisis in the 1990s, the bank remained resilient and steadfast in its commitment to provide uninterrupted service to every Filipino.

Today, its RCBC Plaza headquarters remains an icon in the Makati skyline and a hub for culture, business, and community.

Empowering Generations

RCBC has been a constant presence in the lives of every Filipino family. It has financed cars, homes, education, businesses, and created opportunities for Filipinos working locally or abroad – reflection of its commitment to create deeper value, impact, and trust with its customers that spans generations.

Today, these banking relationships continue to live on as parents give the reins of their businesses to their children and grandchildren, as the previous generation transfers its wealth to the next, and as next-gen leaders create and pass on their legacies.

‘This speaks volumes about the deep trust and loyalty we’ve built across generations,’ said RCBC President and CEO Reggie B. Cariaso said.

For decades, RCBC has stayed true to its mission of empowering Filipinos. In its early years, banking only meant giving people access to savings and checking accounts. This has since evolved into a partnership that empowers businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities with a more comprehensive suite of financial solutions and purposeful innovations.

Credit cards, for instance, have become a powerful financial tool in enhancing everyday life in practical and meaningful ways. More than just spending, the use of credit cards has become about enabling smarter choices and achieving their life goals.

Innovation without Boundaries

RCBC believes that addressing the changing needs of the clients means anticipating their challenges and opportunities.

When technology significantly changed the financial landscape, RCBC was quick to innovate. It was one of the first to introduce automated teller machines (ATM) in the 80s, phone banking in the 90s, and later mobile and online platforms that provided Filipinos easier access to managing their finances.

Today, RCBC is a leader in digital banking solutions. It continues to invest in sustainability and global banking standards to ensure its products and services are at par with international best practices while being relevant to ordinary Filipinos. Millions of Filipinos, especially the unbanked and underbanked now use these platforms to open savings accounts, pay bills, and get loans, all from their mobile devices.

‘Innovation and a customer-centric mindset must go hand-in-hand,’ Cariaso said. ‘That is the only way we will be able to provide relevant solutions at every lifestage,’ he added.

A look at the next 65 years

RCBC’s legacy is about leadership, resilience, and innovation. More than just adapting to change, RCBC is shaping the future of banking with its innovative financial solutions that enable Filipinos to dream bigger and pursue their passions.

It sees a future where banking and financial growth are integral to enhancing the lives of the communities it serves. As customer needs evolve, RCBC will continue to develop solutions to make their financial journey smoother, more meaningful, and memorable.

‘The trust and partnership we’ve forged over the decades have brought us to this moment. For the next 65 years, we remain committed as ever to delivering relevant and impactful solutions for every Filipino,’ Cariaso said.

From a one-room office in 1960 to being a partner of millions today, RCBC has come a long way. As it turns 65, one thing remains true: the bank is fueling Filipinos to live out their passion, and build legacies for generations to come.