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NAGOYA-The Philippine archery team expected a routine pre-Asian Games briefing when coach Ryu Su Jeng gathered them last month, showed photos of the Ozaki Chuo Sogo Park venue and walked them through every detail.

Then she delivered a line that froze the room.

‘If I don’t get a medal in the Asian Games, I will just go back to Korea and leave you,’ Ryu said. ‘I have never lost a medal in a tournament.’

For a squad still adjusting to the Korean system’s intensity, it was a jolt, but for Amaya Paz-Cojuangco, it became fuel.

Cojuangco responded with a brilliant silver medal in the women’s individual compound, the Philippines’s first archery podium finish in the Asian Games since 2014, when Paul Dela Cruz won bronze.

It was the breakthrough the program had been chasing for a decade, and the clearest sign yet that the Korean coaching revolution brought in by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is working.

‘Bringing coach Ryu into the national archery program stands as one of our most decisive and transformative moves, and the Asian Games performance has emphatically affirmed that,’ PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio said.

Armed with the right pedigree, Ryu helped guide South Korea to five Olympic gold medals, two in Rio 2016 and three in Tokyo 2020. Missing the podium is simply not part of her coaching DNA.

But when Gregorio brought Ryu and fellow Korean coach Hong Sung Chil to Manila, the question lingered: Could their championship mindset translate to Filipino archers?

After the Asiad stint of the national archers, Gregorio believes the answer is emphatic.

‘If you want the best results, you should hire and bring the best coaches on the planet. This is exactly the mindset we had when we hired coaches Ryu and Hong,’ said Gregorio.

Their impact has been immediate-discipline and a demand for excellence that has elevated the entire national pool.

‘We’re thankful to the PSC and Chairman Pato for bringing coaches Ryu and Hong. It is different if you have a coach who has a champion mindset, someone who knows how to push the team,’ World Archery Philippines president Bing Reaport said.

The next mission is now clear: qualify a Filipino mixed compound team to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and Ryu has already mapped out the plan.

Cojuangco will be paired with Mateusz Vaughn Johnson, the 18-year-old phenom from Davao City who exploded in Singapore three months ago, sweeping three individual gold medals and the U18 Compound Men’s Championship at the Singapore Youth Archery Championships.

The path to Los Angeles will take the Filipino archers through a demanding, globe-spanning qualifying circuit.

Their campaign begins in Shanghai, where the 2027 Hyundai Archery World Cup opens in mid-April. From there, the team moves to Antalya in Turkey in early May, then crosses the Pacific for the Tijuana leg in Mexico in June and in Madrid in July.

‘Hopefully we can make it to LA. We will try to qualify either through the Olympic qualifiers or ranking points through these tournaments,’ said Cojuangco. POC Media Pool

A TRIAL court in Cebu City has dismissed for lack of merit a private port operator’s bid to stop the Cebu Port Authority (CPA) from allowing cargo vessels to use the facilities of Cebu South Harbor and Container Terminal Corp. (CSHCTC).

In an eight-page order dated September 25, Presiding Judge Leah Geraldez of Cebu City Regional Trial Court Branch 20 held that petitioner Oriental Port and Allied Services Corp. (OPASCOR) failed to establish a clear legal right that would justify injunctive relief.

OPASCOR sought the issuance of a temporary restraining order (TRO) and writ of preliminary injunction against CPA General Manager Francisco Comendador III and CSHCTC.

It sought to restrain the CPA from authorizing vessels to dock and berth at CSHCTC’s private port under circumstances that OPASCOR claimed violated existing government regulations and the terminal’s permit.

The court, however, held that OPASCOR failed to establish a clear and unmistakable right entitled to protection, a key requirement for the issuance of an injunction.

It noted that before such a right could be recognized, the court would first have to determine whether the CPA violated Administrative Order No. 02-2010 and its board resolutions, and whether CSHCTC was operating beyond the terms of its permit.

These issues remain contested and are also under review by the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

‘Thus, OPASCOR has failed to establish the first requisite for the issuance of a writ of preliminary injunction,’ the court said.

The RTC also found no urgency warranting immediate judicial intervention.

It noted that OPASCOR itself acknowledged that Maersk Filipinas Inc. transferred its foreign cargo operations to CSHCTC in July 2024 but did not seek injunctive relief until more than two years later.

The delay, the court said, ‘belies its claim of urgency.’

The court likewise held that OPASCOR failed to establish that it would suffer irreparable injury if an injunction were not issued.

‘Damages are irreparable within the meaning of the rule relative to the issuance of injunction where there is no standard by which their amount can be measured with reasonable accuracy,’ the court said.

It further warned that granting a preliminary injunction could effectively resolve the central legal dispute even before the case undergoes a full trial.

‘Lastly, the issuance of a writ of preliminary injunction would effectively result in the determination of the merits of this case before the holding of a full trial,’ the court said.

Jhaena Jewels is taking its live-selling experience to the next level with the launch of its new digital portal, bringing live shopping, online transactions, order management, delivery information, and customer support into one platform.

The launch comes as the Philippine jewelry brand marks its sixth year of building a community through live selling and social commerce.

According to founder Haena Sia-Foo, the new platform is not intended to replace live selling, which has been a major part of the brand’s growth.

Instead, the portal is designed to make the customer journey more organized and convenient-from discovering and claiming jewelry during live sessions to completing transactions and monitoring orders.

Customers can create their own accounts where they can access purchase history, transaction records, and order information in one place.

During selected live sessions, customers can watch the broadcast, interact through chat, and claim available pieces while viewing product photos, prices, details, and availability.

Some live sessions may also remain available as replays, allowing customers to revisit featured pieces and check whether items are still available.

Beyond live selling, customers can also browse and purchase available jewelry through the brand’s online shop.

The company says the portal is part of a broader effort to improve transparency and convenience by giving customers better visibility over invoices, payments, shipments and delivery information.

Jhaena Jewels is also expanding its international sourcing and manufacturing partnerships across major jewelry markets, including India, Hong Kong, Thailand, Japan and Italy.

One of its key sourcing developments is in Surat, India, a major global center for diamond cutting and polishing.

Through its partnerships with manufacturers, suppliers and industry players, the company says it is gaining closer access to natural diamonds, gemstones and other jewelry materials.

The brand also says these relationships support its customized jewelry offerings, allowing customers to request pieces based on their preferences, specifications and budget.

For Sia-Foo, the developments reflect the company’s evolving approach to luxury, which it describes as ‘Access is the New Luxury.’

The concept focuses on giving customers greater access not only to jewelry, but also to information, sourcing, value and a more connected shopping experience. As Jhaena Jewels enters its sixth year, the company is also preparing to expand its ecosystem through opportunities for affiliates, live sellers, entrepreneurs, resellers and other business partners.

With the new portal, Jhaena Jewels aims to connect the entire customer journey-from discovering a piece during a live broadcast to purchasing, tracking an order, and accessing previous transactions-all in one digital platform.

To expedite the privatization of the controversial Mile-Long Property, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reverted the administration of the 22,924-square meter land in Makati City to the Privatization and Management Office (PMO).

Last Wednesday, the chief executive issued Administrative Order No. 50, which abolished AO No. 20 and ordered the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) to return the property to PMO as the government prepares to sell the property subject to the approval of the Privatization Council.

‘Upon reversion, the PMO is directed to undertake the expeditious disposition of the Mile-Long Property, including the preparation and implementation of a privatization plan, in accordance with EO [Executive Order] No. 323 [s. 2000] and other applicable laws, rules, and regulations,’ Marcos said in AO 50.

The President made the new issuance upon the recommendation of the Department of Finance (DOF) as part of the government efforts ‘to optimize the utilization of public assets, enhance fiscal space, and support priority development programs.’

It tasked the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to study how the proceeds from the privatization of property will be appropriated.

DOF earlier said it is targeting to sell the property by the end of the third quarter of the year for P10 billion.

The Sunvar Realty Development Corp., which is owned by the Rufino and Prieto clans, occupied the Mile-Long property through a lease agreement from 1982 to 2002.

However, after the agreement lapsed, Sunvar continued to occupy the property until a court ordered it to vacate the property in 2017.

The PMO took over the property before it was directed to transfer it to the BCDA by former President Rodrigo R. Duterte in 2020 through AO No. 20.

AO 50 will take effect immediately after it is published in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

SOME local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila will be resuming the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) starting October 5.

The LGUs that will reimplement the NCAP are: Manila, Quezon City, Valenzuela City, Parañaque City, San Juan City and Muntinlupa City.

The MMDA NCAP utilizes CCTV, digital cameras and/or other gadget or technology to capture videos and images to apprehend vehicles violating traffic rules and regulations.

In July, the Supreme Court dismissed for being moot the consolidated petitions assailing the constitutionality of the NCAP being implemented by local government units in Metro Manila.

In a 33-page decision penned by Associate Justice Rodil Zalameda, the Court en banc also lifted the temporary restraining order (TRO) it issued on August 30, 2022 enjoining the City of Manila, Quezon City, Valenzuela City, Paranaque City, Muntinlupa City, and the Land Transportation Office from implementing NCAP.

The TRO was issued in response to the plea of petitioners Kilusan sa Pagbabago ng Industriya ng Transportasyon Inc. (Kapit), Pangkalahatang Sangguniang Manila and Suburbs Drivers Association Nationwide (Pasang-Masda), Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (Altodap), and Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization (Acto) and lawyer Juman B. Paa.

Implemented in 2016, NCAP was conceptualized to supplement the presence of MMDA Traffic Enforcers.

Aside from the fact that there are still places not covered by CCTVs, the No Contact Traffic Apprehension was designed to catch moving violations, thus leaving the apprehension of administrative offenses to MMDA constables.

MORE than 100 Chinese teachers and volunteers have left the Philippines amid growing concerns for their safety, a development that has further complicated already strained relations between Manila and Beijing against the backdrop of tensions in the South China Sea.

The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) confirmed that Chinese volunteer teachers assigned to Chinese-language schools in the Philippines were recalled following requests from their families in China.

‘The volunteer Chinese teachers were recalled to China upon the request of their respective parents and with approval of FFCCCII and the Chinese Embassy,’ the organization said in a statement sent to the BusinessMirror.

The FFCCCII, an umbrella organization representing more than 170 Filipino-Chinese business and trade associations nationwide, said parents became alarmed by reports and commentaries that cast suspicion on Chinese-language schools and teachers in the Philippines.

The concern was fueled in part by reports written by Ray Powell, executive director of the Stanford-affiliated SeaLight initiative, which monitors Chinese maritime and influence activities.

In a 2025 article published in The Diplomat, SeaLight examined links between some Chinese-language schools in the Philippines and institutions affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party’s United Front system, raising concerns over possible influence operations.

SeaLight has stood by its findings, saying its research was ‘fact-based and exhaustively researched,’ drawing from the institutions’ own records.

The organization stressed that no one had refuted the facts it reported.

Powell has also repeatedly emphasized that most Chinese Filipinos are ‘loyal and patriotic Filipinos’ who have every right to celebrate their cultural heritage, while arguing that foreign government influence activities should not be shielded from public scrutiny.

The Philippine Chinese Education Research Center (PCERC), which coordinates more than 100 Chinese-language schools across the country, separately confirmed that it had decided to allow Mandarin teachers from China to return home after receiving numerous calls from worried relatives.

‘Many parents or relatives of teachers have been calling us. They said this is no longer a safe place for their relatives,’ PCERC Executive Director Liza Beth Wang told the BusinessMirror.

Following consultations with the teachers, PCERC decided to facilitate their return to China. The departures began on Sept. 30.

Wang estimated that a majority of the Chinese teachers deployed in member schools had already left the country.

She said the anxiety stemmed not only from concerns relayed by family members in China but also from Philippine news reports discussing Chinese schools and allegations that educational exchanges could be exploited for intelligence-gathering activities.

The departure of the teachers comes after Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. publicly raised concerns about the potential use of educational and academic exchange programs for intelligence collection and influence operations, remarks that drew strong criticism from the Chinese Embassy in Manila.

Chinese-language schools are expected to rely on locally based Mandarin instructors and temporary teaching arrangements to minimize disruptions to students. School administrators, however, acknowledged that replacing the departing teachers may prove challenging in the coming months.

BusinessMirror has sought comments from the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Embassy in Manila. As of press time, both had yet to respond.

THE Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) said it has obtained another Freeze Order covering assets linked to a ‘prominent’ lawmaker, a corporation, and several associated individuals and entities in connection with alleged anomalies involving flood control projects and a ‘broader government budget kickback scheme.’

In a statement issued on Thursday night, AMLC said the Court of Appeals (CA), in a Resolution dated September 21,2026, issued the Freeze Order after finding probable cause that the assets are related to plunder under Republic Act No. 7080.

‘Financial investigation revealed that the individuals involved had no apparent operating revenues to support the scale of their investments,’ AMLC noted.

Funds associated with these investments, it added, were also moved through ‘multiple layers’ involving individual intermediaries, corporations, bank accounts, a money service business, and a virtual asset platform.

According to AMLC, the use of multiple recipients and financial channels ‘complicated’ the tracing of the funds and increased their transactional distance from their alleged source.

‘The AMLC traced these transactions to funds allegedly associated with corruption and plunder cases involving the lawmaker,’ the Council said.

AMLC explained that the Freeze Order covers 86 bank accounts, four investment accounts, one insurance policy and 25 virtual asset wallets.

Fintech as a channel for illicit transactions

‘The investigation highlights the increasing use of financial technology in transactions involving suspected illicit funds,’ AMLC noted.

In this case, it said funds flowed through virtual asset service providers and multiple virtual asset wallets, illustrating how ’emerging’ financial channels can be used to add layers to transactions and make the movement of funds more difficult to trace.

The AMLC said it will continue working closely with partner agencies and financial service providers to identify, trace, restrain, and recover suspected illicit assets, while preventing the misuse of both traditional and emerging financial channels for corruption, money laundering, and other unlawful activities.

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and major health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and private health insurers (PHIs) have joined hands to make primary healthcare more affordable and accessible for Filipinos.

PhilHealth, together with Maxicare Healthcare Corporation, MediCard Philippines, Inc., PhilhealthCare, Inc., Health Plan Philippines, Inc., United Coconut Planters Life Assurance Corporation, Asalus Corporation (Intellicare), Medicare Plus, Inc., Avega Managed Care, Inc., Cooperative Health Management Federation, Pacific Cross Health Care, Inc., Insular Health Care, Inc. (iCare), The Manufacturers Life Insurance Co. (Phils.), and InLife Benefits Insurance Company, Inc. sealed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing the PhilHealth YAKAP – HMO/PHI Benefit Complementation initiative in support of the Universal Health Care (UHC) law.

Under the MOU, PhilHealth will serve as the initial source of coverage for primary care services through its Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP), while private insurers complement this coverage by providing additional benefits.

‘With PhilHealth YAKAP as the first layer of protection, our private partners can focus their benefits on what lies beyond the program package. That way, every Filipino gets more care for every peso,’ said PhilHealth Acting President and CEO Dr. Beverly Lorraine C. Ho.

‘Together, we can establish a system that builds a healthier, more productive Philippines- where quality healthcare empowers every Filipino to drive the nation forward,’ PhilHealth Board Member and Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go said.

As the secondary payers, HMOs and PHIs can cover costs that exceed PhilHealth benefit limits or fall outside primary care coverage, such as specialized procedures, branded medications, or hospital room upgrades.

YAKAP covers consultations, 13 laboratory tests, selected outpatient medicines under the GAMOT package, and outpatient services for six cancer screening tests. Under the PhilHealth primary care program, specialized outpatient benefits such as animal bite treatment, maternal care, Tuberculosis DOTS, HIV/AIDS management, and mental health services are also included, as applicable.

The direct integration of PhilHealth YAKAP with private insurance policies establishes a more seamless healthcare system to prevent duplicate payment and effectively lower patients’ out-of-pocket costs of shared beneficiaries.

PhilHealth urges all members and policyholders to register for PhilHealth YAKAP via the eGovPH app, PhilHealth Member Portal, or nearest PhilHealth office to instantly maximize their primary care coverage alongside their private HMO benefits. Additionally, PhilHealth invites other HMOs and private health insurers to join this complementation network to expand financial protection and deliver seamless, affordable primary healthcare to every Filipino family nationwide.

For official announcements, program updates, and participating provider lists, members may call PhilHealth 24/7 Corporate Action Center (02) 8662-2588 or visit www.philhealth.gov.ph, or follow PhilHealth’s verified social media channels on Facebook (@PhilHealthofficial) and X (@teamphilhealth).

Prepare to be bedazzled at the biggest and grandest celebration of anime and cosplay, with fun and surprises from special international cosplay stars, incredible performers, VTubers, voice actors, and amazing Anisong artists in the biggest and grandest three-day celebration of cosplay, anime, and J-Pop culture at Cosplay Mania 2026: Dazzling Diamond on October 2-4, 2026, at Halls 1-4 of SMX Convention Center, Manila!

The brilliance of this year’s event series, Prisma Saga, carries on in the dazzle of ever-passionate fandom at this three-day event! Witness the sparkling transformation of the convention halls spanning over 10,000 square meters, with a shimmering display of over 300 booths and a stunning lineup of over 40 famous cosplay stars and performers hailing from all throughout Asia at All-Star Avenue, including Hikarin’s last convention event in the Philippines! Cosplayers can also tread the shining path to strike a dazzling pose with their trusted photographers in the Photography Area!

Shop in the extensive selection of collectibles and items-including the all-new, limited-edition items sold at the Cosshoppe booth with popular titles such as Genshin Impact, Honkai Star Rail, Metapark Pop-Up Store: ALIEN STAGE, exclusive Hatsune Miku items, plus exclusive guest and JAM Artists merchandise!

Behold the world-class, heart-thrumming stage activities brought to you by Nissin Cup Noodles and Nissin Yakisoba! From the brilliant foliage of talents to the ultimate cosplay showdowns! The road isn’t ending yet for the aspirants in the Cosplay Solo Showdown, where the winners will earn the chance to return to the battle stage! Witness the crowning of the best champions in the Cosplay Mania Cup! Hark the crystal-clear voices from the best cosplay singers competing in the Cosplay Karaoke Cup!

Win cool prizes featuring Nissin merch and FREE Nissin products! Join the exciting games from Nissin Cup Noodles and Nissin Yakisoba Stage! Test your reflexes, energy, and your love for Nissin in the Hep! Hep! Hooray! inspired game, CUP-CUP SARAP! Strike the best pose and exude the radiant cosplay energy with your barkada or new tropa in the GROUP POSING GAME!

With Special Cosplayer, VTuber, and Voice Actress Guests!

Meet the star-studded lineup of famous cosplayer stars: cosplay icons Prestonles and YingTze from Malaysia and the sensational cosplay heartthrob from Thailand, Thames!

Witness the stellar appearance of VTubers for HOLOSTARS EN: Machina x Flayon, Banzoin Hakka, Jurard T Rexford, Octavio, Axel Syrios, Gavis Bettel, Josuiji Shinri, Goldbullet, and Crimzon Ruze! Plus, a surprising appearance of an extradimensional VTuber in the Philippines, Féileacán Cú!

Get ready to welcome the popular voice actress with powerful vocal prowess, Diana Garnet! Hailing from the United States, she is popular for her performance in the hit ending theme ‘Spinning World’ for Naruto: Shippuden, and for numerous characters from popular games such as Sweety and Alice Thymefield in Honkai: Star Rail!

Don’t miss the chance to meet the fan-favorite gaming executive from Japan, Hiroto Kuramasu! He is famous as the producer for the Ikémen Series and a resident cosplayer, coming back for a special appearance in the Philippines to spread the influence of otaku and otome culture worldwide at the CYBIRD Booth!

CATCH THE AMAZING PERFORMANCES IN THE JAM CONCERT!

With an opening performance from the cosmic nine-tailed fox Filipino VTuber, Kiichan, enjoy the blast of pure sparkling JAM Concert energy on Day 1, October 2, 2026!

Featuring world-renowned Japanese artist Nami Tamaki, whose powerful vocals have been a dominant force in the anime music scene, delivering unforgettable hits for multiple anime series such as Gundam and D.Gray-man ever since her legendary debut with the iconic opening theme for Mobile Suit Gundam SEED, ‘Believe.’ She is set to electrify Manila with a full 90-minute live concert performance with her signature high-energy dance choreography and powerful live vocals as part of her highly anticipated Starbound Tour in Cosplay Mania, set to happen on Day 1 of the JAM Concert of Cosplay Mania!

On Day 2, October 2, 2026, the stage for the JAM Concert will burst with an amazing opening performance from idol group Miyomi! Plus, iconic VTubers from hololive are ready to hype the stage!

Returning to the Cosplay Mania stage is hololive Indonesia’s 1st Generation squirrel girl, Ayunda Risu! She captivated the fans not only for her mischievous pranks and iconic laugh but also for her astonishing vocal range! She is a powerhouse performer with viral vocals featured in her original hit songs, surpassing 1 million subscribers on YouTube and headlined major global stages like the Viv:ID CRUISE hololive Meet Asia Tour and hololive 7th fes. Ridin’ on Dreams, her performances are sure to shine on Day 2, October 2, 2026 of the JAM Concert!

Travelling from another world to realize her ultimate dream of becoming a world-class idol, hololive 5th Generation’s Momosuzu Nene, or known as ‘Nenechi,’ is beloved by millions of her Nekko fans worldwide. She reached the prestigious 1 million subscriber milestone on YouTube and also lent her voice to anime series like The World’s Finest Assassin! Fresh from her dazzling first solo concert, Nene’s ready to hit the stage with her highly energetic song, ‘NENENENENENENENE! DAIBAKUSOU,’ and turn everyone’s day brighter than the finest diamond on Day 2 of the JAM Concert!

On Day 3, October 4, 2026, idol group Niko Lab is set to open the stage of the JAM Concert with a bang! Hailing from Thailand, one of the most prominent Anisong artists, MindaRyn is famously known for her iconic vocals from the theme song ‘Like Flames’ in That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime. She has also performed for many anime titles, such as Ultraman Blazar and Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest. MindaRyn is ready to set the stage with soul-stirring live vocals and uplifting stage presence in Cosplay Mania on Day 3, October 3, 2024, of the JAM Concert, as part of her 1st Asia Tour, Calling Back!

As the high-octane heart of Anisong, popular Japanese powerhouse singer ZAQ has shaped the soundscape of modern anime songs, with her experience in musical production as a songwriter, composer, and arranger. From her iconic debut single ‘Sparkling Daydream’ from the hit anime series Love, Chunibyo and Other Delusions! to hit themes for a variety of anime titles such as Classroom of the Elite, Trinity Seven, and Food Wars! With razor-sharp lyrics and explosive stage energy, her performance will bring JAM Concert to a dazzling climax on Day 3, October 4, 2026!

Listen to the translucent melodies on the bigger stage! Party with awesome artists and DJs on the first night of Cosplay Mania with Anisound Sessions on Day 1, October 2, 2026, with spin-tastic beats from Akibasonic!

Mine the bountiful heaps of fun and use the ultimate ticket guide for Cosplay Mania to help you purchase the ticket that best fits your convention needs!

Tickets are available as follows:

Silver Ticket (?750 onsite, ?649 online): Enjoy access to all event areas for Day 1, Day 2, and Day 3 with entry and reentry during the event hours! This ticket does not include access to the JAM Concert.

3-Day Silver Portal Pass (?2,000 onsite, ?1,799 online): A special Portal Pass Ticket, which features exclusive entry into SMX, a 15-minute early entry into the event, and autocompletion of SideQuest. This ticket does not include access to the JAM Concert.

Gold Ticket (?1,100 onsite, ?999 online): Enjoy access to all event areas for Day 1, Day 2, and Day 3 with entry and reentry during the event hours! This ticket includes entry and Standing Room access for the JAM Concert!

VIP Tickets (?2,750 onsite, ?2,499 online): Enjoy access to all event areas for Day 1, Day 2, and Day 3 with entry and reentry during the event hours! This ticket includes entry and reserved seating access to the JAM Concert.

3-Day VIP Portal Pass Ticket (?7,550 onsite, ?6,999): A special Portal Pass ticket, which includes all Portal Pass perks, and entry with reserved seating access to the JAM Concert.

Shopper’s Pass (?300 onsite, ?249): Shop ’til you drop and explore all event areas for Day 1, Day 2, and Day 3! Entry and re-entry will be from 6 PM until the event closes. This ticket does not include access to the JAM Concert.

*Prices indicated do not yet include TicketMAX payment charges. You can still buy tickets online and on-site on the day of the event as long as there are stocks available.

Mark your calendars now! Be one with the grand piece of PRISMA SAGA and purchase tickets now at cosplaymania.cosplay.ph! Don’t miss all the fun and excitement gleaming from thousands of cosplay and anime fans gathering at Cosplay Mania 2026: Dazzling Diamond! Make sure to follow Cosplay Mania 2026’s official website and social media channels for more exciting updates!

UNLIKE April’s fuel-driven spike, the second wave of inflation, which could start in September, is expected to be ‘broader and stickier’-driven by food, labor costs, and more, according to a bank economist.

In a commentary on Thursday, Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) Lead Economist Emilio S. Neri Jr. said there may be ‘a potential double peak’ in inflation, as he explained that headline inflation is seen to quicken to 6.9 percent in September.

If realized, this would end four straight months of easing and mark the highest reading since April’s 7.2 percent peak, Neri said.

‘September’s rebound could mark the start of a second inflation peak, with inflation potentially breaching 7 percent in the coming months,’ the BPI lead economist said.

‘Unlike April’s fuel-driven spike, the second wave is likely broader and stickier, driven by food, labor costs and more,’ added Neri.

This year, inflation peaked at 7.2 percent in April, but it started easing to 6.8 percent in May; 6.4 percent in June; 6.2 percent in July, and 6.1 percent in August.

Neri said food likely drove much of the increase in September as Habagat-driven monsoon rains and flooding disrupted the supply and transport of perishables, lifting prices of vegetables, fruits, and fish.

‘Rice prices also remained firm, while transport costs added to the pressure as fuel relief proved short-lived,’ added the lead economist of BPI.

Meanwhile, he explained that the ‘reprieve’ from pump prices early in the month was offset by successive price hikes beginning in the second half of September, as renewed tensions in the Middle East pushed global oil prices higher.

However, he said utilities provided only a partial offset.

Neri indicated that the ‘fuller impact’ of the September 28 fare hikes may become apparent in the October inflation reading, while wage increases could ‘reinforce second-round price pressures.’

He explained further that unlike fuel prices, fares and wages are less likely to ‘reverse,’ making inflation ‘harder to unwind.’

Upside risks

Upside risks, meanwhile, include a potential Super El Niño, volatile oil prices amid Middle East tensions, peso weakness, and the pending ERC decision on Meralco’s rate reset.

Given these recent developments, Neri sees the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) maintaining a hawkish stance due to the renewed inflation and peso pressures as the pass-through from fare and wage increases lies ahead.

The Monetary Board, the highest policy-making body of BSP, raised the policy rate to 5 percent in August, its third consecutive 25-basis-point hike.

‘This strengthens the case for further or possibly more aggressive tightening to anchor inflation expectations and support the Peso,’ added Neri.

Neri explained that a ‘strong policy action’ would reinforce the BSP’s commitment to price stability.

Meanwhile, he underscored the importance of placing greater urgency on the fiscal side to speed up infrastructure execution, improve agricultural productivity, strengthen energy security, and advance governance and other structural reforms.

‘With growth increasingly constrained by supply-side factors, a stronger fiscal reform agenda is needed to lift potential output and reduce the burden on monetary policy,’ Neri said.

In a statement on Wednesday, the central bank signaled that inflation in September could accelerate to as fast as 7.4 percent. If realized, this would be the fastest rate in over three years or since March 2023 when it reached 7.6 percent.

The BSP said it projects September 2026 inflation to settle within the range of 6.4 to 7.4 percent.

Still, heading towards either side of the spectrum would indicate that the inflation downtrend has come to an end.

If inflation settles at the lower end of the range of 6.4 percent, it would mark the fastest pace in four months or since May 2026 when inflation was at 6.8 percent.