Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

Finally winning not just his first but also his second PBA championship-and getting Finals Most Valuable Player honors in one of those triumphs-is something Rey Nambatac will remember in his maiden season with TNT.

But Nambatac also admitted there were ‘what-ifs’ from that campaign after an injury kept him from helping out in the Tropang 5G’s Grand Slam bid that eventually fell short.

‘Of course, there’s a sense of regret because we didn’t get a Grand Slam,’ Nambatac said in Filipino. ‘There was nothing you could do but cheer on your teammates, even when they’re playing hurt.’

Season 49 saw the arrival of Nambatac in a trade with Blackwater, and his part in the rotation paved the way for TNT’s conquest of the Governors’ Cup over crowd favorite Barangay Ginebra.

He replicated that success in the Commissioner’s Cup, but in a bigger spotlight as the southpaw guard took Finals MVP honors after surviving the same opponent in seven games.

Nambatac, however, sustained a groin injury in the Philippine Cup eliminations and was not reactivated for the playoffs when it appeared that he would be available. TNT still reached the Finals, despite injuries to key men, before losing to San Miguel Beer which cut short dreams of a rare trifecta.

That shortcoming is something Nambatac and the Tropang 5G will use as motivation going into the 50th season, especially with the All-Filipino as the opener.

TNT retooled in the offseason, bringing in Kevin Ferrer and Tyrus Hill while also drafting Sean Quitevis. Jordan Heading and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser are set for full campaigns, and Calvin Oftana and RR Pogoy return healthy.

Nambatac, now fully recovered, is also eager to regain his form. ‘I hope I can play the same way I did before the injury entering the all-Filipino,’ Nambatac said. ‘We will put a lot of effort to make sure that we make the playoffs again, and then we’ll see how far we can go.’

For many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), remittances reflect years of sacrifice and hope. SMDC’s Symphony Homes Mabalacat converts those sacrifices into enduring assets-supporting families daily while increasing their financial stability for years to come.

Created for Life Upgraders: Filipino families, returning OFWs, and first-time buyers, Symphony Homes Mabalacat rises in Luzon’s growth hubs. This master-planned community keeps families near schools, hospitals, transport hubs, and SM malls, delivering everyday convenience today and investment confidence for tomorrow.

Connected Living, Compounding Value

Symphony Homes Mabalacat supports everyday living: safe, walkable streets, pocket parks, and a multi-purpose clubhouse where families can gather, play, and recharge. Homes feature efficient, expandable layouts, spaces that can be converted from nursery to study, or a WFH corner to a guest room-as needs change. The result is a secure, connected living, with confidence that your investment grows with your family.

‘Symphony Homes carries forward our mission of building communities where families can thrive. Every design choice is guided by the values of comfort, dignity, and belonging.’

– Jessica Bianca T. Sy, VP – Head of Design, Innovation and Strategy

By pairing location advantage with disciplined design and everyday utility, Symphony Homes Mabalacat converts hard work abroad into an asset. It safeguards family life today, builds wealth for tomorrow, and keeps rental or resale options open-without losing the convenience families rely on.

The Ayala conglomerate will let go of its Honda dealership business after more than three decades as it shifts focus toward the rapidly growing electric vehicle (EV) market.

Ayala Corp. and Honda Cars Philippines Inc. jointly announced on Thursday the transfer of ACMobility’s operations of Honda dealerships across the country to ‘new dealer principals’ by Jan. 1.

ACMobility, through Iconic Dealership Inc., will continue operating Honda Cars Makati, Pasig, Shaw, Bacoor, Cebu, Mandaue, Iloilo, Negros and Cagayan de Oro until Dec. 31.

‘This transition reflects our ongoing effort to optimize our portfolio and focus on new growth areas,’ ACMobility CEO Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala said in a statement.

‘Among these are our initiatives in advancing sustainable mobility and electrification, where we continue to build solutions that benefit communities, businesses and the environment,’ Zobel added.

of an era

This is a pivotal move for ACMobility, which first partnered with Honda in 1990 with the opening of Honda Cars Makati.

Since then, ACMobility has sold over 220,000 Honda vehicles through the dealerships it operates.

In exiting the business after 35 years, Ayala said this would also allow Honda to pursue its own ‘growth and innovation strategies.’

The country’s oldest conglomerate clarified that the affected dealerships would directly contact customers with active reservations to guarantee deliveries. Scheduled service appointments will ‘proceed as planned.’

Remaining assets

Apart from Honda, ACMobility’s vehicle dealership portfolio is composed of Isuzu, BYD and Kia.

EVs have been Ayala’s new focus in recent years as the official distributor of the Chinese brand BYD in the Philippines, aiming to capture growing demand for modern cars.

Data from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. and Truck Manufacturers Association show that car sales in the country increased by 1.6 percent to 269,207 units this year as of July.

EV unit sales totaled 16,195 during the period. Hybrid electric vehicles accounted for the biggest market share at 82 percent, representing 13,290 units.

The Magat Dam in Isabela will open six spillway gates by 5 p.m. Friday as relentless rains from Typhoon Paolo continue to swell its reservoir, the National Irrigation Administration-Magat River Integrated Irrigation System (NIA-MARIIS) announced.

Floodgate releases began at 1 p.m., with one gate being opened every hour until all six are fully raised by late afternoon, releasing water at a cumulative elevation of 12 meters. This is in addition to the three spillway gates opened earlier in the day.

Engr. Edwin Viernes, chief of the dam and reservoir division, said the total volume of water to be discharged would reach 1,761 cubic meters per second.

He warned that floodwaters may rise to half a meter at Buntun Bridge in Tuguegarao City within 20 hours of travel downstream.

Meanwhile, Paolo’s landfall in Dinapigue, Isabela, left a trail of damage across the Cagayan Valley. Uprooted Gmelina trees and toppled signage were reported along major highways, while thousands of sacks of palay and corn left out to dry were soaked, worsening farmers’ losses

A total of 949 evacuation centers in La Union have been prepared, along with food packs to be distributed to affected residents, while rescue assets and teams are ready for mobilization in anticipation of the effects of Typhoon Paolo (international name Matmo).

Eight rescue teams, each with five members, are also on standby at key locations. Additionally, assets such as ambulances, rescue vehicles, rescue trucks, jet skis, and rubber boats have been inspected and are ready.

La Union Governor Mario Eduardo Ortega, in a statement on Friday, said their monitoring continues in coordination with partner government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to ensure immediate response to any emergencies or incidents.

‘LGUs in the province are now on heightened alert and fully prepared. Their command centers are operational and evacuation centers have been opened,’ he said.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) has elevated its Emergency Operations Center to red alert status after the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) placed the northern parts of La Union under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 4, while the remaining areas remain under Signal No. 3.

Based on the weather bureau’s 11 a.m. bulletin, the towns of Luna, Bangar, Balaoan, Sudipen, Santol, San Gabriel, Bacnotan, and San Juan are now under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 4, while the rest of La Union remains under Signal No. 3.

Following the governor’s directive, the PDRRMO held a pre-disaster risk assessment meeting on Thursday to discuss preparations by various offices and agencies for possible effects of the typhoon.

Ortega on Thursday night announced the suspension of classes at all levels in both public and private schools across the province for Friday. Likewise, government offices will close starting at noon on Friday.

Moreover, the PDRRMO has warned fishermen to refrain from going to sea because waves may reach up to three meters along the coast. People living in flood- and landslide-prone zones are advised to stay alert, prepare accordingly, and evacuate to designated shelters if necessary.

According to the weather bureau, Paolo is expected to move west-northwest and is forecasted to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Saturday morning.

As the hospitality industry embraces a new era of healthier choices and mindful living, Novotel Manila Araneta City is set to ignite the movement with its very first Weekend Wellness Festival, Find Your Balance, happening on October 4, 2025. In celebration of the hotel’s 10th anniversary, the festival will be held across the 6th floor (In Balance Fitness and Pool, The 6th Manila) and the 7th floor (Versailles Tent, Garden and Courtyard), offering guests a unique backdrop for wellness and rejuvenation. This groundbreaking event is more than a festival, it’s a one-day immersive wellness experience designed for a generation that craves balance, energy, and transformation.

From sunrise to sunset, guests will embark on a full-day journey to recharge the body and calm the mind. The program kicks off with registration at 8AM, followed by the official start of activities a 9AM, and wraps up at around 6PM. To extend the celebration, an exclusive Morning Yoga session on October 5 will also be offered for in-house guests, giving them a second day of mindful movement and renewal.

Expect heart-pumping HIIT and Bootcamp workouts powered by Technogym Philippines, alongside comprehensive fitness and health assessments to help participants better understand their personal wellness journey. Guests can also cool down with a refreshing and revitalizing ice bath led by OCA Collective (movement and recovery studio designed for everyone seeking balance and inspiration), complemented by the relaxing steam bath and rejuvenating massages brought by In Balance Spa (Asmara Spa) using Yoga Love Ph products.

For mindful movement, participants can strengthen their core through a mat Pilates class with OCA Collective, and experience the grounding calm of sound healing sessions. Culinary wellness also takes the spotlight with a healthy and sustainable lunch prepared by Novotel’s Culinary Team, a ‘Make Your Own Energy Drink’ activity with Oster, and a calming tea tasting session courtesy of Dilmah.

Adding expertise and inspiration to the festival are seasoned coaches and wellness practitioners. Angelica Arciga of Technogym Philippines will energize participants with dynamic HIIT and Bootcamp sessions, while Pamela Maia of OCA Collective will guide them through an invigorating ice bath. Jennifer Anne Odronia-Aquino, also from OCA Collective, will lead the mat Pilates class, helping guests build strength, flexibility, and mindful movement from within. Naz Nekoudast of OCA Collective will share her holistic approach to mind and body renewal through sound healing and an exclusive Morning Yoga session on October 5, open only to in-house guests. Luisa Tonelada will introduce a calming tea ritual experience in partnership with Dilmah, while experts from In Balance Spa, featuring Yoga Love Ph products, will provide rejuvenating massages. To complete the wellness journey, specialists from Technogym Philippines will conduct fitness and health assessments to support each guest’s personal path to wellness.

The hotel itself is also proudly taking part in this journey, as Executive Sous Chef Athena Tuble and the Novotel Culinary Team prepare a healthy and sustainable lunch for the day. ‘We’ve mindfully crafted a menu that highlights healthy macros without compromising flavor,’ shares Executive Sous Chef Tuble. ‘Our goal is to give guests a nourishing dining experience that supports their wellness journey, while showcasing the fresh and sustainable ingredients Novotel is known for.’

The experience goes beyond movement. Each guest will receive an exclusive welcome kit filled with wellness essentials, including a Novotel Manila sports bag from My Novotel Manila Boutique’s The Gift Shop. They will also enjoy full access to the In Balance gym, pool, and steam room, along with a sustainable, nourishing lunch paired with all-day wholesome refreshments to keep the energy flowing.This isn’t just about attending an event, it’s about embracing a lifestyle where health, balance, and community take center stage. ”Find Your Balance’ is more than just a festival, it’s a wellness movement,’ said Mischa Cruz-Tongo, Recreation Manager of Novotel Manila Araneta City. ‘We see people today making conscious choices to live healthier, more sustainable, and more mindful lives. As we celebrate 10 years of Novotel Manila, we’re proud to host this first-ever wellness festival to inspire our community to embrace a lifestyle of balance and well-being.’

Tickets are now available at special anniversary rates: Walk-in guests at PHP 5,999 nett, In Balance Wellness Members at PHP 4,499 nett, Accor Plus Members at PHP 4,299 nett, and limited Early Bird slots (limited slots are also available via My Novotel Manila Boutique) at PHP 3,999 nett. With only 20 participants welcomed into this intimate wellness experience, slots are extremely limited. Pre-registration is required through www.novotelmanilaaranetacity.com. Participants must be 18 years old and above, physically fit to join the activities, and are advised to wear comfortable workout attire and rubber shoes for an enjoyable and safe wellness event.

With this pioneering wellness festival, Novotel Manila Araneta City strengthens its role not only as a destination for world-class hospitality but also as a hub for health, balance, and mindful living right in the heart of The City of Firsts, Araneta City. This weekend wellness festival is supported by Technogym Philippines, OCA Collective, Oster, Yoga Love Ph, Asmara Spa, and Dilmah.

A storm surge warning was raised over parts of Luzon on Friday morning as Severe Tropical Storm Paolo (international name: Matmo) intensified while moving toward northern Aurora and southern Isabela, the state weather bureau said.

In its 8 a.m. advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said a minimal to moderate risk of storm surge may affect the following coastal areas within the next 24 hours:

Areas with 2.1 to 3 meters of storm surge heights

Aurora: Casiguran, Dilasag, Dinalungan, Baler, Dipaculao, San Luis

Cagayan: Abulug, Aparri, Baggao, Ballesteros, Buguey, Claveria, Gattaran, Gonzaga, Lal-lo, Pamplona, Peñablanca, Sanchez-Mira, Santa Ana, Santa Praxedes, Santa Teresita, Calayan

Isabela: Dinapigue, Divilacan, Maconacon, Palanan

Ilocos Norte: Bacarra, Bangui, Burgos, Pagudpud, Pasuquin

Areas with 1 to 2 meters of storm surge heights

Ilocos Norte: Badoc, Currimao, Laoag City, Paoay

Ilocos Sur: Cabugao, Caoayan, Candon, City of Vigan, Magsingal, Narvacan, San Esteban, San Juan (Lapog), San Vicente, Santa, Santa Catalina, Santa Cruz, Santa Lucia, Santa Maria, Santiago, Santo Domingo, Sinait, Tagudin

La Union: Agoo, Aringay, Bacnotan, Balaoan, Bangar, Bauang, Caba, San Fernando, Luna, Rosario, San Juan, Santo Tomas

Pangasinan: Agno, Anda, Bani, Binmaley, Bolinao, Burgos, Alaminos City, Dagupan City, Dasol, Infanta, Labrador, Lingayen, San Fabian, Sual

Quezon: Burdeos, General Nakar, Infanta, Jomalig, Panukulan, Patnanungan, Polillo

Zambales: Botolan, Cabangan, Candelaria, Iba, Masinloc, Palauig, Santa Cruz

For storm surges ranging from 1 to 2 meters, communities are placed under a moderate risk level. Pagasa said minimal to moderate damage may occur in coastal areas, particularly affecting homes and marine infrastructure near the shore.

The agency added that localized flooding is possible in low-lying coastal zones, which can disrupt daily routines, including fishing and other marine activities.

Storm surges reaching 2.1 to 3 meters fall under the high-risk category. Pagasa said these can cause moderate to significant damage to coastal communities, marine facilities, and livelihoods that depend on the sea.

Paolo was tracked some 150 kilometers east of Casiguran, Aurora, with maximum sustained winds of 100 kilometers per hour (kph), gusts of up to 125 kph, and moving west-northwest at 20 kph, according to Pagasa./mcm

Two persons of interest (POIs) in the disappearance of three business persons surrendered to the police on Thursday night, the Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP CIDG) said on Friday.

Couple Henry Angelo and Margie Pantollana, and their business partner Richard Cadiz, were last spotted in Cavite last July 6 after supposedly meeting with a certain ‘Jeff’ at his Pasig City condominium, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) previously detailed.

The two POIs – a male and a female – were caught on security footage allegedly using credit cards under the names of Henry Pantollana and his sister, Hazel, CIDG National Capital Region (NCR) Chief Lt. Col. John Guiagui said in an interview in Camp Crame on Friday.

Guiagui did not name the pair but said they were Manila residents who ‘knew each other’ and supposedly bought at least three credit cards under various banks from a Quezon City seller – whom police are now tracking down.

He claimed the two POIs used the credit cards to buy over 50 cellphones valued at P1 million, had coffee and withdrew P5,000 in cash at shops in Quezon City, Parañaque City, Bulacan and Cavite.

‘They generated IDs that were presented as proof that they were Hazel Pantollana, that they were Henry Pantollana,’ Guiagui added.

He further claimed the two POIs allegedly sold the phones for a profit of P500,000.

Asked to comment while in Camp Crame, the pair confirmed that they used the credit cards under the Pantollanas’ names and detailed that they supposedly bought the cards from ‘junk traders’ (nagbabasura) in Payatas.

The POIs also denied any knowledge or involvement of the Pantollanas’ and Cadiz’ disappearance, stressing that they came before the CIDG to explain.

‘We had no money. We were just looking for a side hustle. I just tagged along,’ the female POI claimed.

Both POIs face a case for violations of Republic Act No. 8484 or the Access Devices Regulation Act, which penalizes the fraudulent use of credit cards, according to CIDG public information chief Maj. Helen dela Cruz in the interview.

Guiagui added that the male POI allegedly has a prior case in Makati City also for violating RA 8484, but he did not expound on the incident.

Meanwhile, the certain ‘Jeff’ – whom the Pantollanas and Cadiz supposedly met with before their disappearance – already came before the CIDG earlier this week, Guiagui said.

‘Jeff’ said the three business persons were at his Pasig City condominium at around 11:30 a.m. on July 6 and that Henry Pantollana ‘had to take phone calls’ during their visit, then ‘rushed’ to go to another meeting, according to Guiagui.

The CIDG previously said it subpoenaed at least 13 individuals – whom it did not identify – as part of the investigation into the case.

Just a day after a powerful earthquake struck northern Cebu, Valencia City conducted a surprise simultaneous earthquake drill across its barangays on Thursday.

City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office chief June Ray Valero said the drill was part of the city’s initiative to emphasize the importance of building disaster-resilient communities and ensuring that residents are always prepared for emergencies such as earthquakes.

Participants included city employees, students, teachers, and barangay officials, even as Valencia-the center of Bukidnon’s economic hub-continues to recover from the September 17 flash floods that devastated several areas of the city. The floods killed five residents, while three others remain missing as of October 2. Search and retrieval operations are still ongoing.

The country, with over 7,000 islands and many coastal cities, is considered one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world.

It experiences around 20 typhoons annually, some of which intensify into destructive storms.

The country is also highly vulnerable to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions due to its location along the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire.’/coa

The country’s top education agencies pledged to strengthen disaster resilience in schools as they held their first-ever Joint National Management Committee (ManCom) meeting Friday, citing the urgent need to protect students from learning losses during calamities.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the gathering of the officials of the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHEd), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) aims to ensure that learning delivery is ready for the disruptions brought by disasters.

‘For the first time, the three main education agencies in the country came together to make sure our learning delivery is ready to respond to the challenges of disasters,’ Angara said after attending government relief operations in earthquake-hit Bogo City, Cebu.

The plenary session centered on addressing urgent issues, boosting public-private partnerships, and improving graduates’ employability. About 15 industry partners also joined the ManCom, underscoring how collaboration with government can better prepare students for the evolving demands of the workforce. Some partners cited existing projects with public schools to provide upskilling opportunities and sought alignment of these into structured career pathways.

The government agencies signed agreements to bolster education continuity, including a memorandum of understanding on data sharing and a memorandum of agreement to strengthen the technical-vocational track under senior high school.

They also reviewed ways to expand access through programs linked to the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and the Tertiary Education Subsidy.

CHEd Chairperson Shirley Agrupis called the joint effort a milestone for the country’s trifocalized education system.

‘This is the time that we will be together with our team for a common goal toward quality education and address the problem and concerns on the ground,’ she said.

TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez led a moment of silence for Filipinos affected by recent disasters, stressing that resilience is vital for human development. EDCOM 2 Executive Director Karol Mark Yee also joined the discussions. /dm