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The Dasmariñas Monarchs netted their second straight win to seize league leadership while the reigning champions Quezon Tangerines bounced back against separate foes in Week 2 of the 2025 Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association (MPVA) over the weekend at the Arellano Gym in Manila.

On the heels of a big debut win over the Tangerines, the Monarchs swept the Pasay squad, 25-13, 26-24, 25-20, for a 2-0 slate in the eight-team tourney founded by former Senator Manny Pacquiao, also the man behind the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL).

Vange Alinsug scored 12 points while Alexa Nichole Mata and Myrtle Escanlar had nine points each for the powerhouse Dasma squad backed by two-time UAAP and three-time SSL champion National U Lady Bulldogs.

Dasma needed only 81 minutes to dispatch Pasay after an earlier sweep of Quezon, 25-22, 25-23, 25-23, to emerge as the early title favorite in the second staging of the MPVA.

Pasay slid to 1-1, failing to follow up its 25-23, 13-25, 25-17, 23-25, 15-8 win over the Negros ICC Blue Hawks.

In the other game, Camilla Amor Bartolome rifled in 19 points as Quezon poured its wrath on the Caloocan AM Spikers, 25-12, 25-14, 25-21, for a 1-1 slate.

As SM Supermalls celebrates its 40th anniversary, it clinches four major honors at the prestigious HR Asia Awards 2025, reaffirming its legacy of people-first leadership and transformative workplace culture.

For the third consecutive year, SM Supermalls was named one of HR Asia’s Best Companies to Work For, alongside three standout category wins: the Sustainable Workplace Award, the Most Caring Company Award and the Tech Empowerment Award.

‘These awards are more than milestones-they reflect our enduring culture at SM, where people are at the heart of everything we do,’ said SM Supermalls President Steven T. Tan. ‘We are proud of our teams whose passion and dedication make SM not only one of the best companies to work for, but a place where we create meaningful impact for our employees, communities, and the country.’

Award highlights Best Companies to Work For in Asia (3rd consecutive year)

SM’s workplace culture is anchored on the key messaging pillars of the SM LIFE framework-Purpose, Passion and Performance.

Initiatives such as Leadership Town Halls, Candid Coffee with Leaders, Feedback Fridays and the Culture Caravan foster authenticity, inclusion, and growth across all levels.

Most Caring Company Award (2nd consecutive year)

SM’s 360 Wellness Programs include unlimited online mental health counseling, wellness learning series and Celebrate YOU events such as PRIDE Month and Women Empowerment.

Championing safe and brave spaces for all, programs such as Ethics Beat and Safe Spaces promote transparency, accountability, and DEIB across the organization. Employee engagement programs have a 100% employee reach.

Sustainable Workplace Award

Sustainability is embedded in SM’s DNA. From the Trash to Cash recycling program and Coastal Clean-Up drives to its bold commitment to Net Zero by 2040, SM empowers employees to lead environmental and community efforts through its partnership with SM Cares.

Employee volunteerism rises strongly with a 100% increase compared to the previous year.

Tech Empowerment Award

Innovation drives SM’s HR transformation. Tools like the SMILE HCM platform, SAM AI chatbot, DigiU eLearning and the SM Life app deliver seamless employee experiences. With 90% utilization for the SM Life app and 80% for DigiU learning, digital adoption is high and impactful.

A Legacy of Leadership

Cheryll Ruth L. Agsaoay, senior vice president for human resources, shared:

‘These recognitions affirm our belief that when we design positive employee experiences-caring for people’s wellbeing, embracing innovation and championing sustainability-we create a workplace that inspires purpose and growth. We see our culture efforts as continuous work-in-progress because at SM, we never stop learning and aiming to be better every day.’

As SM Supermalls enters a new era beyond its 40th year, these accolades underscore a powerful truth: its greatest asset has always been its people-and its future will be shaped by the culture it continuously nurtures.

Filinvest REIT Corp. (FILRT), the real estate investment trust of the Gotianun family’s Filinvest Land Inc., continues to expand and diversify its tenant portfolio as it is poised to welcome the initial foray of Japan’s leading fertility facility in the Philippines.

FILRT said that Conceive IVF Manila, a Japan-based leader in assisted reproductive technology, is set to open its state-of-the-art facility at the Filinvest One Building.

The company said the new lease reinforces its strategy of partnering with diverse industry leaders who bring specialized and high-value services to its properties.

‘We are thrilled to welcome Kato Fertility Center to Filinvest One. This marks a significant step in further expanding and diversifying our tenant portfolio to include the sphere of health and wellness,’ FILRT president and CEO Maricel Brion-Lirio said.

‘This collaboration also reflects our dedication to offering spaces that cater to the evolving needs of various industries. Conceive IVF Manila’s expertise in reproductive health services aligns seamlessly with our vision to create impactful environments that foster growth, enhance quality of life and contribute positively to the communities we serve,’ she said.

Strategically situated along Alabang-Zapote Road, Filinvest One is one of FILRT’s 16 Grade A buildings in Northgate Cyberzone.

Conceive IVF Manila’s decision to establish its first venture in South Luzon at Filinvest One further strengthens the district’s position as a hub for diverse industries, expanding beyond IT-BPM to include health care and wellness.

The opening of Conceive IVF Manila also marks Kato Medical Group Philippines’ commitment to expanding access to world-class reproductive health care services in the country.

‘We are excited to expand in the Philippines and collaborate with Filinvest REIT. Our new facility at Filinvest One will enable us to deliver enhanced fertility care and create a supportive environment for individuals and families in South Metro Manila,’ Conceive IVF Manila managing director Kenki Okumura said.

FILRT is aiming to double its gross leasable area and diversify its assets through asset infusions from Filinvest Land and parent firm Filinvest Development Corp.

The company is also targeting to reach an occupancy of 95 percent before 2026, driven by tenant diversification.

Kapuso actress Rhian Ramos revealed she is fed up with corrupt practices in the government, lauding Filipinos for demanding accountability.

In a report by ABS-CBN News, Rhian shared that she hated corruption in government since childhood.

“I feel like I’ve had a very big angst about corruption in the government ever since I was a toddler. I grew up, bata pa lang ako, naririnig ko na ‘yung, ‘so corrupt,'” Rhian said.

“Naaalala ko pa even my sister – when we were little kids – she said, ‘corrupt’ (in a sassy way). Ganoon ka-ingrain sa utak namin ‘yung corruption,” she added.

Rhian said that it was high time that people spoke up, and for her part never said anything on corruption as people never asked..

“I don’t mind telling you how I feel. The whole country is very angry. Tama lang. Dapat lang,” the actress said, though lamenting it might have come too late as billions have already been stolen.

“Ang dami nang nag-suffer. And how many generations already. Ang laki na nang problema. I don’t know if it’s solvable in a few years lang,” Rhian continued.

The actress ended in agreement with people on the Internet airing their frustrations about corruption.

“Honestly, I’m glad that it’s out. I’m glad that everyone’s talking about it. Everyone’s finally angry enough to do something about it. And I just hope na may totoong change na mangyari,” Rhian finished.

Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is shifting all inter-institution cash-in transactions to InstaPay starting Oct. 1, in compliance with a Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) directive aimed at enhancing interoperability and transparency in digital financial services.

Under the new scheme, a standard P15 service fee will be charged for cash-in transactions made through InstaPay, including transfers to popular e-wallets such as GCash, BPI announced.

The same rate applies to earlier implementations for ShopeePay and will extend to other financial apps as they adopt the BSP mandate.

‘The fee covers additional expenses, including clearing costs from BancNet, the designated clearing switch operator for InstaPay,’ the Ayala-led bank said.

Despite the new fee, BPI assured customers that more affordable and even free transfer options remain available.

‘BPI remains committed to providing customers with accessible and cost-effective digital banking solutions,’ it said.

Clients using the BPI app can transfer funds to GCash via InstaPay for a lower fee of P10, while select customer segments and merchant payments will continue to enjoy free transfers.

BPI also highlighted its partnership with GCash through BPI #MySaveUp (on GSave), which allows users to open an account via the GCash app with no maintaining balance.

Funds can be moved from the BPI app to GSave at zero fees and then withdrawn to the GCash e-wallet without extra charges.

The listed bank said the adoption of InstaPay ‘ensures compliance with regulatory standards while continuing to offer customers flexible and affordable ways to manage their finances.’

In a separate statement, e-wallet giant GCash said all direct cash-in transactions would be processed via InstaPay starting Oct. 1 as well.

GCash said it would not impose additional fees under the new InstaPay model. However, the platform noted that partner banks may adjust their own service charges depending on their policies. Customers are advised to check with their banks for specific transition schedules and updated fees.

‘We remain committed to keeping our services safe, seamless, and affordable, while working with partner banks and regulators to serve you better,’ GCash said.

“Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition” alum Shuvee Etrata made it clear she had no ill intentions in videos of her that resurfaced online, pointing out she is improving as a person.

The Kapuso artist sat down for an interview ABS-CBN entertainment reporter MJ Felipe regarding past videos of her circulating on social media.

“I was really against the shutdown of ABS-CBN kasi I was a fan. I even tweeted that ABS-CBN is a culture… and growing up I always watched,” Shuvee said, even echoing supportive words by GMA executive Annette Gozon for the network.

Annette recently released a statement backing Shuvee, saying she was being “unfairly attacked” and pointed out she “is not ‘die-hard’ for any politician.”

While no political names were mentioned, the latter portion is likely a reference to a viral video of Shuvee appearing to be in favor of the “war on drugs” by former President Rodrigo Duterte, whose supporters are called “Die-Hard Duterte Supporters” or “DDS” for short.

“Rather than spread hate and attack each other, we should unite against our common goals such as searching for the truth, and ending corruption,” Annette said. “Let’s join forces to cancel corruption, not people who work hard for their family.”

Shuvee also addressed a supposed riff with “It’s Showtime” host Vice Ganda, explaining that she enjoys sharing memes featuring the comedian.

She said such posts were taken out of context especially a “jojowain or totropahin” clip where Shuvee reacted “eww” to Vice, pointing out she and Vice are both attracted to men. MJ asked if Shuvee would return to “It’s Showtime” following the controversies, to which the Kapuso artist said it was only a matter of schedule availability.

“I really love ‘It’s Showtime,’ I’m really grateful for Meme for giving me that opportunity to be on the show, dati pinapanood ko lang,” Shuvee said.

Shuvee added that she sent Vice a message addressing posts involving the host-comedian, making it clear she was honest with Vice.

The two both star in the upcoming Metro Manila Film Festival entry “Call Me Mother” headlined by Vice and actress-singer Nadine Lustre.

Shuvee confirmed that she temporarily deactivated her X account for mental health reasons.

“I always take constructive criticism, but if it’s really hate[ful]? ‘Yan ang di ko mage-gets,” Shuvee said. “Masakit kapag sobra sila nagju-judge at di ko nasasabi ‘yung saloobin ko, parang pinagtutulungan ako ng lahat.”

“Ano bang maling nagawa ko? May tinapakan ba akong tao, may ninakaw ba ako? May ginawa ba talaga akong kamuhi-muhi?” Shuvee added.

Shuvee ended by acknowledging past decisions but is now a better version of herself, “One who decides things for the betterment of others.”

To promote a healthy lifestyle, the Department of Health (DOH) will hold a two-day family health fair in Manila’s Rizal Park.

The DOH said the ‘PinaSigla National Health Fair’ would be held from Oct. 4 to 5 at 9 a.m.

‘The goal of the gathering is to push for health promotion and prevention of diseases of the Filipino family,’ the DOH said in a social media post.

Participants can avail themselves of free medical consultation, X-ray screening, tuberculosis assessment, HIV and cervical cancer screening as well as vaccination.

Those attending the fair can also take part in blood donation, zumba, yoga and games.

More than 2,000 participants and beneficiaries are expected to attend the health fair, the DOH said.

Brovage Clinic, a new men’s health clinic in Metro Manila, is striving to put an end to the notion that sexual health is a taboo topic, especially for men.

The clinic, located in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig, has been operating on a soft opening for the past couple of months now, making its grand opening as September draws to a close.

Minimally Invasive Urologist Frederick Mendiola owns and heads the clinic, aided by two Singaporean doctors, Alan Tan and Aivee Clinic’s Z’Shen Teo, and a number of specialists in different fields.

In an exclusive interview with Philstar.com, Dr. Mendiola explained that the clinic specializes in mostly sexual dysfunction in men.

Erectile dysfunction is the main issue under this topic, but other focuses are premature ejaculation, problems with desire and libido, and mismatched testosterone levels.

“It’s actually a one-stop shop for men,” the doctor summarized briefly, adding the clinic also offers longevity and lifestyle medicine, all of them certified by country’s Food and Drug Administration and health department.

As an urologist, Dr. Mendiola is very much aware that many people suffer from sexual dysfunction, and most men do not seek consultation because sexual health remains taboo in Philippine society.

“85% of men who suffers from erectile dysfunction will not seek consult. Maybe because of shyness, machismo, and it’s sort of a stigma,” the doctor said. “We still have the stigma because of society natin, traditions, and our Roman Catholic belief.”

That is why architectural designer JJ Acuña designed the clinic to appear spa-like, complete with a bar near the corner, so that patients will feel relaxed in a safe space.

“We would like them to feel that it’s a discreet institution that they can go to anytime, na hindi sila mahihiya,” Dr. Mendiola added.

Dr. Mendiola acknowledged that another reason why men do not address sexual health is the lack of spaces to do so, reiterating that many want to preserve this macho image they have of themselves.

With the help of media platforms, social media and other health advocates, the clinic wants to educate the public about sex and it’s importance in people’s lives.

The doctor pointed out that sex gives longevity as it prevents long-lasting or long-term illnesses, on top of it being made pleasurable for human beings thus adding to quality of life.

“This is the best place to go. Kasi kita mo naman, tahimik, tago, maraming alak!” Dr. Mendiola quipped. “So we want it to be relaxed, unlike other clinics.”

He did explain choosing a BGC location since his partner Dr. Teo has numerous clinics in the area, and they want to target first the A Market.

This as the machines and treatment options needed for sexual health can be costly, although the doctor did express hopes more people would be able to access such remedies.

“Eventually, pag dumami na nang dumami ang ganitong clinics, and then of course by law of supply and demand, bababa na rin yung pricing ng gamot at machines, and hopefully maging available to the mass market,” Dr. Mendiola ended.

Donning sharp, colorful corporate ‘girl boss’ outfits for their sashing ceremony, the 15 candidates of Mrs. Cebu-Philippines 2025 each have their reasons for joining the pageant for married women, single mothers, and older women.

Among them is Jesusa Lopez from Talisay City-South, the oldest contestant at 69, who was named Darling of the Press during the September 27 press conference at Teatro Casino, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino. Joining the competition fulfills her long-held dream of joining a beauty tilt.

‘At my age, I want to enjoy myself,’ she said. ‘I want to encourage and inspire women that whether they are single or separated, we are strong even though we don’t have a husband.’

In contrast, Princess Devalgue of Cebu City-North is the youngest at 24 and a mother of two.

‘I was told that young mothers my age don’t usually have opportunities, and people think we are just wasted goods,’ she said. ‘That’s why I joined, because I want to empower young mothers and show that opportunities are waiting for us as long as we lift each other up.’

Raquel Britania, 40, from Talisay City-North, said she aims to help stay-at-home mothers find ways to earn an income.

‘I am for empowered women through livelihood, and I want to impart my knowledge on how they can earn even if they are just at home,’ she said.

For Mae Mancao Maranga of Cebu City-South, who was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism last year, joining Mrs. Cebu-Philippines is about showing strength despite hurdles.

‘I want to raise my platform and be fearless because I want to help other women understand their rights. We are women with limitless power,’ the 29-year-old candidate said.

This year’s Mrs. Cebu will crown winners in nine categories during its coronation on November 27 at Waterfront Lahug, including the titular crown currently held by Cherie Mae Ocampo of Talisay City.

Other titles include Elite Mrs. Cebu-Philippines, MS Cebu-Philippines, Mrs. Cebu-Philippines Tourism, Charity, Grand, Heritage, as well as two ‘special titles’: Mrs. Cebu Philippines Regional Queen, and Imperial Queen.

The rest of the candidates are Eunice Baguio (32, San Remigio), Marichu Alferez (45, Lapu-Lapu City-North), Raina Barrientos (27, Mandaue City), Shanine Rose Gealon (27, Argao), Alfanta Obispo (38, Mactan), Nika Linz Harris (31, Liloan), Ethel Joan Poley (48, Consolacion), Sweeney Capote (37, Toledo City), Emielou Sanchez (30, Borbon), Janeth Bardos (45, Lapu-Lapu City-South), and Myrla Navarra (43, Carcar City).

Resilience, role models

Asked what qualities a titleholder should possess to represent Cebu nationally and globally, Bardos, a mother of three, said resilience defines a true Filipina beauty queen.

‘We should be resilient in everything we do because there are so many challenges thrown at us,’ she said. ‘Being a mother is no joke, but I am lucky to be one because I wouldn’t be complete without my kids. I am resilient and have overcome challenges because of them. I actually have asthma, but look at me, presenting myself in this pageant. Obstacles are unexpected, and we should always be ready.’

Alferez believes empathy is the most essential trait. She said, ‘Being compassionate is so important. Most people these days are not anymore because they are busy with their cellphones.’

Sanchez highlighted bravery, explaining that ‘Women are capable of everything. That’s why I am here despite personal struggles.’

On how they would promote responsible tourism in Cebu as mothers, Poley emphasized the importance of environmental protection.

‘We have to take care of our waters. Coastal cleanups are helpful in our communities, especially since we had a big storm a few days ago,’ she said.

Capote stressed that local leaders must serve as role models who can help uplift Cebu’s image.

‘We have to be good examples so we can promote ourselves without hard selling,’ she said. ‘When we meet people internationally, they will see good things in us as Cebuanos who love what it’s like to be a Cebuano.’

Lopez agreed, adding, ‘Our leaders should join us so we can be united and become good examples not only within Cebu but also outside.’

Building a sisterhood

Obispo shared that she looks forward to the Q and A portion, viewing it as a platform for sharing stories. ‘It’s always the wonderful part of the pageant. We have different stories to tell, and I believe this sends a message that married, separated, and single mothers can still join these kinds of pageants,’ she explained.

Bardos expressed her excitement for the entire competition. ‘It won’t be a whole pageant if one part is missing. I love all parts of it because they help enhance our personalities, develop new skills, and sharpen our knowledge. All of them are enriching,’ she said.

Harris shared that she looks forward to fostering camaraderie among her co-candidates, as well as ‘having a sisterhood, growing together, and sharing our advocacies so we can support each other.’

Capote echoed the same sentiment, stating that, ‘This is not about competing against each other or stepping on others because we are friends. We should encourage one another and build a sisterhood. It’s inspiring for women to step out of their comfort zone and shine.’

Two years after his first solo show, businessman-turned-artist Marco Santos is back with a second exhibit that channels fury as much as form.

Santos, who goes by MYSAN (after his initials and first three letters of his surname), debuted in 2023 at La Fuerza with ‘Persistence of Passion.’ Then 53, he was exuberant-‘a firecracker,’ as he once described himself. Now 56, he still fizzes with energy, but his art has grown darker, literally and figuratively.

His new show, ‘Man-hole,’ at Underground in Makati Cinema Square, pares down to nine works from the 12 mixed-media pieces of his debut. Where his earlier works leaned on pale plywood etched with burnt markings, this collection is heavy with char, holes, and voids.

When asked what it felt like to drive a hole into a painting on display at the iconic Makati destination known for its “ukay-ukay” (pre-loved clothing), Santos exclaimed: ‘Masarap!’

Rage, frustration, and fire

Curator Vien Valencia, a 2024 CCP Thirteen Artists awardee, selected the nine works from a stockpile of about 100 Santos has produced since leaving the business world behind.

The pieces grew out of rage and frustration, he admitted. A trip to Naoshima, Japan’s famed ‘Art Island,’ left him envious of its permanence and reverence. There, works of Claude Monet and Yayoi Kusama are housed on an island of beauty, history and creativity.

‘Why can’t we have this in the Philippines? We have 7,107 islands,’ he recalled, before correcting himself: ‘7,641.’

‘As an artist, you’re looking for your voice. Sometimes you never find it. But here’s a chance for me to help the country. Help more artists. And then I realized. Matagal ‘to. It will take forever.’

When the dream of building such a haven at home felt impossibly out of reach, he smashed his own canvases.

‘Every painting I saw in the house, I fucking smashed. I put a hole. Sa galit, sa galit.’

Some of those torched works even sat in his swimming pool before being dried “for texture,” he said.

Holes, keys, and heat

Visitors entering the gallery encounter stark contrasts of black and white. The burned surfaces and punctured gaps demand attention against the white walls.

Art is subjective, so they say. Even Santos admitted that sometimes he simply looks at a piece as a beautiful creation and that is it. No deeper meaning, no subtexts – just an eyecatching artwork.

But his pieces spur conversation.

One standout, Kagi-Japanese for ‘key’-uses string to bind the surface, with a silver key fixed inside a lone cavity. ‘When you make a lot of holes and you’re tied up, you can’t really get out. But if you have a key, you get out,’ explained Santos, who used to live in Japan.

Another piece arranges 36 blackened boxes with a lone red one, Everything else in the collection but this one is charred using high heat, but this brings the temperature down to the body’s normal temperature, thus its title “37 Degrees.”

Even the benches are part of the show. Made from World War II-era Marston Mats-perforated steel planks once used for runways-Santos coated them with acrylic to become functional artworks. Like jeepneys, he noted, the mats were abandoned by Americans and reinvented by Filipinos.

Nakedness and metaphors

Santos’ art took years before it found its right avenue. It was perhaps a spur-of-the-moment, a surge of emotions, but it was not rushed. It cannot be rushed. As he said about the painstaking process of punching a hole, torching with fire, submerging in water and air-drying for texture, his art found its place at the right time.

And Santos doesn’t shy away from blunt metaphors. ‘Having an exhibit for me is being naked,’ he said. ‘If you can be naked and accept the fact that people say, ‘ang liit ng titi mo, fuck you’-you can be an artist.’

The show’s title, ‘Man-hole,’ came after rejecting a more risqué option-‘As A Hole’-that he feared might alienate audiences.

As for the works themselves, they testify to a process of burning, breaking, soaking, drying. Santos’ art is less about control than surrender: to rage, to destruction, and finally, to form.

‘Man-hole’ runs at Underground in Makati Cinema Square through Oct. 1.