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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday ordered the creation of a ‘tent city’ that would serve as temporary shelter for citizens affected by the fatal 6.9 earthquake that struck the province.

Marcos visited Bogo City in Cebu, one of the worst hit areas in the province. During his visit to the province, Marcos viewed damaged buildings and observed aid distribution efforts.

Speaking to the media, Marcos said the earthquake has made it dangerous to stay indoors, even in evacuation centers.

‘Kukuha tayo ng mga tent na malalaki at itatayo natin, kagaya ng sinabi ko sa ating mga LGU (local government units) executives, ito ‘yung mga tent ng Red Cross na ginamit noong COVID. At ito ay mabilis itayo at kahit umulan hindi problema. Kaya ‘yun ang dadalhin namin dito sa ngayon,’ Marcos said.

(We will get large tents and we will set them up, like what I told the LGU executives, these are the tents that were used during COVID. These are quick to set up and even if it rains, there is no problem. This is what we will bring here.)

There will be adequate food and water supplies, as well as energy, he vowed.

Funds allocated. A total of P375 million has been benchmarked for the rehabilitation efforts in Cebu, according to the Department of Budget and Management.

Around P150 million of this will be released through the Local Government Support Fund, while P75 million is allocated for Bogo City specifically.

The Cebu earthquake has killed at least 72 people, with hundreds more injured and displaced. The entire province has been placed under a state of calamity.

The role of trade fairs in providing tangible opportunities for growth for entrepreneurs took center stage in the recent Taiwan Expo 2025 at the SMX Convention Center.

Organized by the Taiwan International Trade Administration (TITA) and Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), the three-day event drew strong participation from both Taiwanese exhibitors and Philippine businesses, underscoring Taiwan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties through technology, sustainability and innovation.

The event drew more than 10,000 visitors and buyers, and generated $53.4 million worth of business opportunities, highlighting its strong draw among both business leaders and consumers. Organizers emphasized that the Expo was more than a showcase; it was a gateway for B2B engagement.

Organizers added that business-matching sessions were fully booked, connecting Filipino entrepreneurs with Taiwanese manufacturers, suppliers and innovators eager to establish distributorships and joint ventures.

With over 145 exhibitors spanning healthcare, green technology, agritech and ICT, the Expo provided a comprehensive snapshot of Taiwan’s capabilities. Each pavilion – from the Healthcare Pavilion to the Smart Technology and Intelligent Lifestyle Showcase – was designed not just to display products but to position Taiwanese companies as strategic partners for Philippine enterprises seeking growth in high-demand sectors.

The opening ceremony featured key figures such as Representative Wallace Minn-Gan Chow of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines, TAITRA Chairman James Huang and MECO Director Wilson Tecson, all of whom reinforced the importance of cooperation.

While the Expo’s backbone was business, organizers successfully widened its audience. Known artists and performer such Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, was invited as celebrity guest under the Taiwan Excellence Pavilion, provided significant media traction. Her participation in activities such as the ‘Gimme Five Parade’ and meet-and-greet sessions boosted foot traffic and public engagement, drawing lifestyle media attention to an otherwise trade-centered event.

From a trade perspective, the success of Taiwan Expo 2025 in the Philippines lies in three measurable outcomes:

Strong B2B traction – Exhibitors and Filipino companies engaged in concrete discussions on distributorships, partnerships, and knowledge exchange.

Expanded visibility – The mix of business sessions and celebrity-driven activities ensured that Taiwanese brands reached both industry leaders and consumers.

Strengthened positioning – Taiwan reinforced its role not only as a technology provider but as a long-term partner in the Philippines’ sustainable and digital transformation.

As the Philippines accelerates its focus on digitalization, renewable energy, and healthcare innovation, Taiwanese companies are well-positioned to play a key role.

The Expo’s success suggests that collaborations initiated at SMX will extend beyond the exhibition floor, translating into contracts, investments and shared growth.

In the words of TITA and TAITRA, the organizer of the event, Taiwan Expo 2025 in the Philippines was ‘not the end, but the beginning of stronger cooperation.’

Judging by the turnout, the engagements, and the buzz it generated, the business community seems to agree.

In a day marked by razor-thin margins, wild swings and relentless pressure, Zach Villaroman and Jakob Taruc came through in the clutch, salvaging an all-square result in the final pairing to help Team North escape with a nerve-wracking 6 1/2-5 1/2 victory over Team South in Thursday’s Foursomes of the ICTSI Elite Junior Finals here.

The tightly contested matchup capped a rollercoaster Day 2 in this Ryder Cup-style event that showcases the country’s finest junior golfers. As the sun scorched the pristine fairways of The Country Club, both sides battled not only each other, but also the weight of expectations and the high-stakes format of alternate shot play.

With the team standings at 14-9 heading into the final match, South’s Eric Jeon and Mhark Fernando III looked poised to deliver a crucial point, taking a 1-up lead to the 18th. But on the challenging par-4 finishing hole, Fernando’s 3-iron approach into a stiff headwind found the pond, opening the door for Villaroman and Taruc to steal a half-point with a steady par. They delivered, reaching the green in two and two-putting to snatch the tie and hike Team North’s lead, 14 1/2-9 1/2.

The seesaw battle was emblematic of the day’s drama. While Team North built on its 8-4 Four-ball win from Tuesday to take early control, Team South mounted a fiery comeback, winning key matches late in the day. The tight finishes and bold recoveries made this the most dramatic installment yet in a Finals that continues to defy prediction.

Earlier in the day, North captured six of the first 11 matches, threatening to pull away. But South clawed back in the boys’ 7-10 division with a clean sweep, while also notching pivotal wins in the 11-14 and 15-18 categories. Ralph Batican and Marcus Dueñas exacted revenge on Vito Sarines and Ryuji Suzuki, 2-up, in boys’ 11-14, while Lucas Revilleza and James Rolida stormed back from behind to edge Halo Pangilinan and Asher Abad, 1-up. Ethan Lago and Kvan Alburo also repeated their dominance with a 2 and 1 victory over Zach Guico and Zoji Edoc in the youngest age category.

On the girls’ side, South’s 15-18 pairs flexed their experience and chemistry once more. Crista Miñoza and Precious Zaragosa cruised to a 3 and 2 victory, while Tashanah Balangauan and Mikela Guillermo secured a 4 and 3 rout – both building on their dominant Four-ball performances a day earlier.

Despite South’s late charge, Team North found strength in its younger divisions. The girls’ 7-10 duo of Winter Serapio and Ronee Dungca remained untouchable, dispatching Soleil Molde and Denise Mendoza in just two and a half hours with a commanding 7 and 6 victory. Minutes later, Mavis Espedido and Tyra Garingalao matched the feat against Claren Quiño and Francesca Geroy.

The back-to-back sweeps from Serapio-Dungca and Espedido-Garingalao – who also won convincingly on Day 1 – gave North critical breathing room heading into Friday’s singles.

‘While we considered the players’ personalities when drawing up pairings for team formats, I think we’ll now be focusing on confidence heading into the singles – specifically, who has the mental toughness to go up against the South,” said North captain Francis Talion, who acknowledged that the singles matches present an entirely different battlefield.

“Singles is a different kind of challenge, but the confidence boost we got from our Day 1 win will definitely help build momentum for our players. With that, I believe we can pull this off,” he added.

North also benefited from new pairings in the girls’ 11-14 division, where Mona Sarines and Alexie Gabi edged out Brittany Tamayo and Kimberly Baroquillo, 1-up, and Lisa Sarines and Kendra Garingalao cruised to a 5 and 4 win over Rafella Batican and Zuri Bagaloyos.

In other boys’ matches, Zianbeau Edoc and Jacob Casuga held off Jared Saban and Ken Guillermo, 2-up, in 11-14 division, while Patrick Tambalque and Kristoffer Nadales outclassed Alexis Nailga and Armand Copok, 4 and 3, in the premier category.

With a five-point advantage after two days, North heads into Friday’s 24-match singles finale with a sturdy cushion. But both sides know all too well that the singles format is an entirely different arena – one that tests not only skill, but nerve, resilience and mental fortitude.

‘Confidence is key,’ said Talion. ‘We’ll look at who’s mentally strong, who has the heart for this fight. The matchups will matter a lot, but what we saw in Day 1 gave us belief that we can finish this strong.’

Still, Talion remains grounded: ‘I always remind the team to respect the South.’

South captain Alfred Gaccion, on the other hand, remains hopeful and upbeat despite the deficit.

‘We played much better today compared to Day 1. The players were able to adjust to both their partners and the course, and they complemented each other’s games well. That really helped boost team morale. We’re expecting a strong showing tomorrow, as it’s their opportunity to bounce back from any miscues over the past two days. Based on how they played today, I’m confident their morale is high and they’re ready,’ said Gaccion.

Both sides largely stuck with their original Four-ball rosters, making only minimal adjustments – Team North reshuffled its tandems in the girls’ 11-14 division, while Team South made changes in the girls’ 7-10 category. The tweaks, however, made little difference.

‘We weren’t really surprised by the minor changes. South has been consistent with its pairings and clearly trusts the formula it used on Day 1, so we expected only a few adjustments,’ said Talion.

For Gaccion, the tweaks were simply to make a few adjustments. ‘We were quite happy with the result. Although we didn’t fully achieve the goal we were aiming for, we’re still satisfied with the outcome,’ he said.

The sporting world now starts to shift its on focus on basketball.

And so, Puma Hoops and Indiana Pacers All-Star Tyrese Haliburton have unveiled the Hali 1: Opal, the debut colorway of his first-ever signature basketball shoe. A groundbreaking collaboration with renowned designer Salehe Bembury, the Hali 1 in the striking blue colorway seamlessly blends premium design with elite performance, creating a masterclass in form and function for a player who embodies style, confidence and unstoppable performance.

Driven by the mind of a playmaker and the eye of a trendsetter, Haliburton envisioned the Hali 1 as the epitome of “luxe performance’. This vision has been brought to life through Salehe Bembury’s signature futuristic aesthetic, by merging advanced NITROTM performance technology with premium craftsmanship.

The silhouette of the Hali 1 draws direct inspiration from the smoothness of Haliburton’s playstyle. Bembury’s design language introduces unexpected lines, amplified Puma Cat branding, Tyrese’s signature logo on the tongue, and Salehe’s signature textures, creating a visually dynamic shoe that stands out both on and off the court. It’s a testament to the fusion of eye-catching design and uncompromising technology, crafted to elevate your game.

To complement the launch, Bembury’s creative vision reimagines the consumer experience through bold storytelling. The campaign introduced Hali Mart – a surreal, immersive grocery-themed world that reflects Haliburton’s vibrant personality and playful style of play. In partnership with Foot Locker, the Hali Mart pop-up opened for one day only on September 25 in Indianapolis, offering fans an exclusive first look, with both Tyrese and Salehe in attendance.

A total of 317 pairs of the Hali 1 “Opal” were available at the pop-up – an intentional nod to Indy’s iconic area code – ahead of the wider global release.

The Hali 1 is now available at PUMA stores for P7,900, and will soon be available at Foot Locker. Elevate your game and express your unique style with the shoe that embodies Haliburton’s fearless spirit.

Bank lending slowed to 11.2% year-on-year in August, easing from 11.8% in July, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported Thursday, October 2.

Despite the marginal slowdown, lending activity remained firm, rising 0.4% month-on-month after seasonal adjustments.

Business loans. Lending for business activities expanded by 9.9% in August, down from 10.8% the previous month.

Growth was supported by financing for the electricity, gas and steam supply sector, which surged 28.1%, and real estate activities, which grew 11.0%.

Consumer loans. Loans to residents for household use-including credit cards, motor vehicles and general-purpose salary loans-accelerated by 23.9%, up from 23.6% in July.

Resident vs. non-resident lending. Total loans to Philippine residents rose 11.6% in August, slower than July’s 12.4%.

Outstanding loans to non-residents contracted 5.9%, an improvement from the 8.1% decline a month earlier.

The BSP said consumer lending remained a key driver of growth, even as lending for business activity expanded at a slower pace.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said there is no arrest warrant yet from the International Criminal Court (ICC) for Sen. Ronald ‘Bato’ Dela Rosa, who served as police chief during former president Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody war on drugs.

‘Wala ‘yan, until we see the arrest warrant and then there’s none,’ Remulla told reporters Thursday, October 2. (It’s nothing; until we see the arrest warrant, and then there’s none.)

‘I don’t think they want to leave the country. We will cross the bridge when we get there,’ he added.

Trillanes’ claim. On October 1, former senator Antonio Trillanes IV, who first filed the ICC complaint in 2017, said warrants are expected next year against Dela Rosa and Sen. Bong Go, both Duterte allies.

‘Yung warrant, ang ine-expect na lang natin ay dalawa. Isa kay Bato [Dela Rosa], isa para kay Bong Go.Ang estimate ko diyan, baka mga early next year pa,’ Trillanes said in a GMA News interview. (We’re expecting just two warrants now-one for Bato, one for Bong Go. My estimate is early next year.)

Tokhang architect. Dela Rosa, as PNP chief, was the chief implementer of ‘Oplan Tokhang,’ the operational name of the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign. He said he is prepared should the ICC issue a warrant against him.

The government reports around 6,000 deaths under the drug war. Human rights groups say the toll could be as high as 30,000, most of them small-time users and pushers.

Pasig mayor Vico Sotto and Filipino-Canadian actor Manny Jacinto are among the personalities who made it to the 2025 TIME 100 Next list.

Manny, whose steady rise to fame, is described as a ‘fundamentally, elementally, constitutionally good’ in the write-up by Emmy-winning writer and producer Alan Yang.

‘One of the greatest joys of my time working in film and TV has been the revelation that talent and kindness aren’t mutually exclusive. Manny Jacinto is the perfect example,’ Yang wrote about Manny.

The Filipino-Canadian is known for his range as an actor: he played the impulsive drug dealer in the dark comedy ‘The Good Place,’ the thirst-trap mysterious warrior in ‘The Acolyte,’ and Lindsay Lohan’s fiance in the sequel ‘Freakier Friday.’

Describing Jacinto as ‘fiercely loyal,’ Yang said that it is his wish that Manny will finally star in big films as one of the greatest leading man who is also “one of the world’s best humans.’

Manny, along with ‘Bridgerton’ star Jonathan Bailey, is among the names included in the artists category of the list.

On the leaders list

Vico is listed in the leaders list along with Thai youth leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut and Maori Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, the youngest member voted into the New Zealand parliament at 21 in 2023.

TIME editor-in-chief Sam Jacobs wrote that the goal of the project is to ‘provide a snapshot of the moment and to recognize those who we feel are truly changing the world this year.’

The selection was led by Dan Macsai and Cate Matthews with contributions from TIME’s editors and reporters around the world.

Halfway through the Spring/Summer 2026 collection launches of Paris Fashion Week, Filipino celebrities relished their moments in the French capital.

Host-actress Anne Curtis and Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach-Jauncey are just a few of the Filipino personalities attending Paris Fashion Week, which runs until October 7.

Pia returned to the annual L’Oréal Paris Le Défilé runway, a year after becoming the first Filipina walk its show.

She was joined by fellow L’Oréal Paris ambassadors, including Kendall Jenner, Viola Davis, Jane Fonda, Simone Ashley, Eva Longoria, and Andie MacDowell.

The beauty queen wore a metallic red gown from Tony Ward’s Spring/Summer 2024 couture collection.

Saudi Arabia-born Filipina-Irish model Christina Nadin walked in a “Jackpot Dress” by Clara Daguin, while Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee was in the audience.

Anne was back in Paris two years after her first attendance, appearing at the shows of Lanvin and Courreges. The “It’s Showtime” host later met with Pia and Filipino content creator Bryanboy for the Asia 100 Dinner.

Actress Sarah Lahbati, meanwhile, attended shows for Ganni, Litkovska, and Caroline Hu. She was also spotted with Michelle, actress Max Collins, and former actress Maggie Wilson (who went to a Claudie Pierlot show) for an evening Maje event.

The world’s longest Christmas season just got merrier because SM Supermalls is ringing in the holiday spirit as early as September!

The country’s favorite destination has officially kicked off the 100 Days countdown to Christmas with dazzling decorations, festive activities and heartwarming surprises across all 88 malls nationwide. This year, SM is making the holidays extra meaningful as it celebrates ‘100 Days of Kindness’-a nationwide campaign that brings cheer, joy and generosity to millions of Filipinos.

Spread kindness and make everyday moments brighter

Christmas at SM has always been about togetherness, joy, and giving. This 2025, SM Supermalls highlights acts of kindness as the true spirit of the holidays.

From September 16 to December 25, SM will feature daily videos on its digital platforms featuring touching and inspiring acts of kindness through the 100 Days of Kindness campaign, where shoppers may experience random acts of kindness such as surprise treats, warm greetings and delightful gifts.

Each day is a chance to make someone smile, reminding everyone that kindness, no matter how small, makes the season brighter.

Join the grand holiday kickoff

SM Supermalls is ushering in the 100 Days to Christmas with a festive lineup of activities. Mallgoers nationwide will be treated to a joyful Holi-Squad Mall Greeting, a simultaneous meet-and-greet that brings early Christmas magic to every SM mall.

To complete the grand kickoff, shoppers will be delighted by the unveiling of the Happiest Holiday Décor, where malls transform into enchanting holiday destinations adorned with the iconic Holiday Grand Red Ribbon, symbolizing joy, unity and the true spirit of Christmas.

Experience festive activities leading up to Christmas

The holiday festivities continue with a series of exciting events leading up to December.

From October 20 onwards, SM malls will unveil their dazzling mall centerpiece displays, bustling holiday bazaars, Santa’s chair for warm holiday greetings and special appearances from the Holi-Squad.

On November 16, families and friends can lace up their shoes for the Holiday Santa Run, a fun-filled activity that brings together communities at SM Run Hubs. Adding a touch of magic, shoppers on December 6 can witness the enchanting Holiday Snowflakes Surprises, where a simultaneous confetti shower across selected malls will shower 100 lucky guests with special gifts from partner tenants.

The festive spirit will fill the air as chorale groups serenade mallgoers with uplifting performances on World Chorale Day this December 8. To make weekends even more memorable, SM will host the Happiest Holiday Weekends throughout December, with Santa meet-and-greets, lively busking sessions, and heartwarming holiday carols for the whole family to enjoy.

And this year, your fave Bears of Joy are getting a makeover! Welcome the SM Besties of Joy. For every bear purchased, another will be donated to a child in need, spreading warmth and comfort to those craving the magic of Christmas.

Shop, dine and celebrate with special holi-deals

Shoppers can also look forward to SM Malls Online Holiday Deals from December 1 to 31, offering exclusive holiday gift specials and dining feasts perfect for gatherings with family and friends. Whether you’re ticking off your gift list or planning a memorable holiday meal, SM makes sure every celebration is filled with joy and convenience.

Celebrate the happiest, kindest Christmas yet at SM!

With all these celebrations and surprises in store, SM Supermalls invites everyone to experience the happiest, kindest Christmas yet. From grand events to simple acts of giving, SM proves that the true magic of the season is found in kindness.

The countdown has begun-because at SM, Christmas starts now!

Catholic schools cannot limit themselves to staging protests when corrupt scandals erupt, but must commit to the slower, harder work of forming students who will reject corruption as “normal,” a senior Church leader told the country’s largest Catholic education gathering on Wednesday, October 1.

Bishop Charlie Inzon of Jolo, who chairs the Episcopal Commission on Catholic Education under the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), warned that dishonesty has become so normalized that the youth may grow up believing “there is no way out” of it.

‘Systemic dishonesty has become normalized. Our young people. may grow up believing that it simply is the way things are, and worse, that there is no way out, no escape to this reality,’ Inzon told an audience of some 3,500 students, educators and school officials at the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) national convention on Wednesday, October 1.

Inzon delivered the “message of hope” during the first day of CEAP’s national convention yesterday. He chairs the CBCP commission that supports all Catholic educational institutions in the country and was recently appointed as the next Cotabato archbishop.

Resignation as the enemy

Inzon sees corruption not only as a governance issue but as a ‘cultural sickness and spiritual malady’ that erodes truth and conscience. When citizens start to believe no one will ever be held accountable, he said, society slips into what psychologists call ‘learned helplessness.’

‘If corruption is the disease, despair is the poison, and resignation is the enemy,’ the prelate stressed. ‘When this enters our mind. indeed, there is no way out, no escape.”

He warned that corrupt leaders exploit this despair, insulating themselves with ‘systems of immunity and mutual protection’ while convincing themselves that ordinary people are ‘easily manipulated, bought, and silenced.’

While mass protests and movements against corruption have erupted in the past, Inzon noted that they often ‘wane’ and dissolve once anger subsides. Catholic institutions, he argued, cannot solely rely on these actions to fight corruption.

‘Our intervention should not be only dramatic and episodic through protests, but also sustained, consistent, courageous, and persistent,’ the CBCP official said. ‘We must be vigilant not only in the streets, but in our classrooms, ensuring that we do not fall into the cycle of despair and helplessness.’

CEAP operates around 1,500 member schools nationwide and yesterday highlighted the timing of the convention, which coincided with ongoing probes into anomalous public works projects and nationwide calls for accountability.

During a press conference on Tuesday, September 30, CEAP President Fr. Karel San Juan, SJ called on Catholic school alumni implicated in the current corruption scandal to return to the values of ‘truth, decency, social justice, and social transformation.”

Inzon’s message on Wednesday was for Catholic schools to actively shape students not just into competent professionals, but also into citizens who have a strong moral conscience.

‘If our institutions succeed only in producing graduates with technical skills and with beautiful board exam performances but lacking in conscience and social responsibility, then we have failed,’ Inzon said.

Seeds of hope

The bishop also pointed to different signs of resistance to corruption: civic campaigns for accountability, communities rallying to support each other after calamities and youth leading online efforts against corruption.

For Inzon, the mission of Catholic education is inseparable from the country’s political problems. ‘To be a Catholic academic community in this time of national crisis is to live out solidarity,’ he said, urging schools to stand with marginalized communities and ensure education remains accessible to the poor.

‘Hope is saying and telling us that corruption is not our destiny, that dishonesty is not our identity, and that resignation is not the way to go,’ he said.