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Comedian Gil Aducal Morales, who uses the screen name Ate Gay, has nothing but gratitude as he shared that the lump on his neck has been gradually shrinking after undergoing treatments for his stage 4 cancer.

Ate Gay has been diagnosed with mucoepidermoid squamous cell carcinoma, a rare type of cancer caused by mucous-secreting cells, squamous cells, and intermediate-type cells.

The actor-comedian has been documenting his medical journey through his Facebook page, sharing on Thursday. Oct. 2, that he was already on his fourth day of undergoing radiation therapy.

‘Ang bilis ng pagliit ng bukol in 3 days. [From] 10cm naging 8.5,’ he said. ‘Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat na nanalangin ng aking agarang paggaling. Patuloy lang po.’

(My lump has drastically shrunk in just three days, from 10 cm to 8.5 cm. Thank you to all those who are praying for my healing. Please continue doing so.)

In separate posts, he thanked the medical staff who have been handling his treatment sessions and called them his ‘angels.’ One of the photos even shows Ate Gay, in his trademark humor, hugging a male medical staffer seemingly in admiration.

Ate Gay also showed himself in a hospital gown while lying on the bed and with a nasal cannula.

‘Salamat po sa dasal,’ he reiterated. (Thank you for the prayers.)

Ate Gay first revealed his diagnosis last Sept. 20. He disclosed days later that an unnamed individual had offered to pay for his chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

The comedian is best known for his impersonation of the late National Artist Nora Aunor.

Another conviction for Janet Lim Napoles, this time for money laundering.

The controversial businesswoman who has been serving prison sentences since 2018 was found guilty of 13 more counts of money laundering in connection with the ‘pork barrel’ scam, the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) said on Thursday.

In a statement, the council hailed the local court ruling as a warning to corrupt officials amid a widening probe into dubious flood control projects.

The Pasig Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 158 on Wednesday sentenced Napoles to seven to 14 years in prison for each count and ordered her to pay a fine of P94.15 million for laundering money from lawmakers’ priority development assistance fund (PDAF), more commonly known as ‘pork barrel.’

It marked the second conviction the AMLC has secured against her, following a 2024 ruling from the Manila RTC Branch 24.

‘This sends a strong message: those who abuse public funds will be held accountable,’ Matthew David, AMLC executive director, said. ‘The AMLC welcomes this court decision as a demonstration of AMLC’s relentless pursuit of individuals who exploit the financial system to conceal corruption.’

The Pasig court found that Napoles planned a scheme involving the creation of bogus nongovernment organizations to receive pork barrel funds for ghost projects.

The scam, which the Inquirer broke in a series of reports in 2013, involved the diversion of pork barrel funds to bogus foundations from 2004 to 2012, arising from the alleged collusion between Napoles and some lawmakers.

She has been convicted of plunder.

Concealing criminal origin

By making it appear that the funds originated from legitimate sources, the AMLC said Napoles concealed its criminal origin-an act that fully satisfied the elements of money laundering under the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001.

The conviction comes at a time when the AMLC is intensifying its efforts to investigate financial crimes tied to government-funded flood control projects-a controversy that has drawn comparisons to the pork barrel scandal.

Photos of cash-stuffed bundles were presented during congressional hearings as evidence of kickbacks to legislators, fueling public outrage and triggering mass protests on Sept. 21.

Broadest freeze order

Just this week, the AMLC obtained its third and broadest freeze order in the corruption investigation, immobilizing 1,813 assets worth P2.9 billion-including 1,563 bank accounts, 154 vehicles, 30 properties, 54 insurance policies, and 12 e-wallets.

Officials said the figure is likely to climb as the investigation widens. Last week, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the AMLC was also preparing to block the assets of six individuals-including some lawmakers-being sued by the National Bureau of Investigation in connection with allegedly anomalous flood control projects.

We are now officially in October, in fact, a few days in, and you know what this month is also known for? Halloween, what else! And, it is during this time of the year that I get to write, talk about, and discuss my picks of the all-time-best horror movies that fit the tone, theme, and mood of the month, and finally, I get to discuss one of my absolute favorites ever, in ‘Freddy vs. Jason.’ This has been one of the most entertaining horror movies I have ever seen in my life, and I was lucky enough to have watched it in cinemas during its premiere night here. The other reason I wrote this is so that I can have a head start on all the other mainstream news media outlets, especially the local ones! Haha..

Seriously, without sounding like I am bragging or sounding like I am full of myself, you shady guys, especially the ones who don’t write for this website who keep bashing me yet hypocritically keep plagiarizing and/or clearly imitating, shadowing and copying how I would write my entertainment articles for thirteen years (even the old ones, years in the archives), I have all the evidence documented (digital and printed), you guys stand no chance against me when I feel like I am in my writing prime again! If you continue to choose to do things the underhanded, unethical, and illegal way, because plagiarism is a crime, and think you can still get away with it, fooling your readers and ultimately, yourself, then I will treat this as a professional competition, and it will be my pleasure to ‘kick all of your butts’ through my entertainment articles. Good luck still being able to copy any of them. This feels like the late 2000s all over again in terms of my writing output, creativity, and intensity. Keep that in mind.

Now, back to the matter at hand, what is more important than them, because I continue to do this for all of you good people out there, so, this ‘Freddy vs. Jason’ lookback, retrospective, and throwback piece could not have happened at a more appropriate time besides the reasons I have mentioned in my previous two paragraphs, because it lines up with everything that has currently transpired and will continue to take place in the horror genre and its future, as a matter of fact. Meaning, this is an important, relevant, and timely piece on horror pop culture. Despite it celebrating a historical achievement in giving longtime fans of their respective IPs what they have been wanting to see.

As we find ourselves in the midst of a slasher renaissance – fueled by the recently released ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ (2025), semi-prequel/sequel and soft reboot of the ‘Final Destination’ IP in ‘Final Destination: Bloodlines’ and the active in development of ‘Scream 7’ – now more than ever is the perfect time to revisit, remember and dust off a truly special piece of horror pop culture history: 2003’s crossover fright fest spectacle, ‘Freddy vs. Jason.’

For me, this was far from being a simple, money-grabbing gimmick; this special horror film stands tall as a masterclass in understanding its genre and delivering pure, unpretentious fun. It’s a nostalgic, enjoyable, and surprisingly clever throwback on all levels that still holds up remarkably well over two decades later.

In fact, upon looking back, I can still remember where I was when this happened and seeing the official movie poster for ‘Freddy vs. Jason’ in cinemas. I could not wait to watch this on its premiere night. I was so happy that, indeed, 2003 was going to be the year that we finally got Freddy and Jason to face off against each other, and no one knew who would have the clear-cut advantage between the two of them.

But one thing is for sure, the movie studios in charge of this knew this was at the top of the bucket list for all horror enthusiasts, hardcore fans of each respective franchise, and casual fans to fall in line to watch, and they have waited long enough to see it.

So, historically, it no longer mattered how long it was in ‘developmental hell’ due to all the failed scripts, postponed filming schedules, and budgetary reasons to get any major studio to back this ultimate battle between the two most infamous horror icons was a struggle in the late ’90s; this had to be the best they could do at any given notice nearly 11 years after their impending crossover was teased. In reality, I have a feeling they just had to pick one of the shelved screenplays and develop it at that point. As they say, it was now or never. Fortunately, this became a box-office hit.

And why wouldn’t it be? For many years, Freddy Krueger and Jason Voorhees were not only the icons of their genre but, more importantly, they were the foremost titans of terror; however, by the late ’90s, their respective franchises were running on fumes with repeated failed sequels that had lower box-office incomes. ‘Freddy vs. Jason’ was the logical, if not slightly desperate, conclusion.

The idea was to bring these two horror IPs together and see what happens, but what moviegoers got was much more than just a dream fight between the two said horror titans. Instead of taking itself too seriously, director Ronny Yu and the creative team delivered a film that fully embraced its own ridiculousness, absurdity, and campiness.

Here are my reasons why, in 2025, it’s worth dusting off your DVD – or streaming it for the first time – and rewatching this horror heavyweight battle:

It understands its own world

While many slasher films of the era leaned into postmodern meta-commentary, ‘Freddy vs. Jason’ takes a more direct approach, which I have always liked in films, anyway. The premise is surprisingly simple: Freddy is powerless because the adults of Springwood have erased his memory. He resurrects Jason to kill for him, believing the ensuing fear will restore his once all-mighty power. Of course, Jason, being Jason, doesn’t take orders well. This huge dude, despite being silent, has a mind of his own, leading to the ultimate clash of supernatural forces we’ve all waited and paid to see.

The film knows the humans are just bodies for the two icons to fight over, a competition of sorts on who can get the most body count, and it has fun with the spectacle for all the moviegoers to enjoy.

Their clash of styles is genuinely entertaining

This isn’t just a clash of horror titans; it’s a collision of visual aesthetics. On one side, you have Freddy Krueger – the wisecracking, supernatural predator who haunts dreams. He’s at his usual theatrics, mind games, and psychological torture. On the other hand, there’s Jason Voorhees – the silent, hulking brute defined by his unstoppable muscle-bound force and signature rusty machete. The film masterfully pits these two opposing and contrasting styles against each other.

Freddy’s nightmarish reality-bending powers are no match for Jason’s pure physical aggression, and the resulting fight choreography is a series of gloriously over-the-top, practical effects-heavy spectacles that are far more satisfying than modern CGI battles that you see nowadays on the big screen. Seriously, the fun exists in their over-the-top fights and how I wish the incoming new horror franchises/entries would learn a thing or two from this film when it comes to the clashing of styles.

I found this to be a perfect end to an era

Released in 2003, ‘Freddy vs. Jason’ served as a fitting send-off for two horror legends and, most notably, for veteran actor Robert Englund, who retired from his iconic Freddy role after the film. This was before the age of reboots, retcons, and cinematic universes took over horror and turned it into what it is now.

It was a far simpler time when a definitive crossover could still be what it was supposed to be, which is to be definitive, allowing the original sagas to conclude on a memorable, if not utterly ridiculous, note. The point is, there was an ending. I mean, there has been no follow-up to Freddy and Jason’s battle, despite the final moment of the last scene teasing that there would be one.

Their kill counts are semi-practical, but always fun

While the dialogue, acting, and character development are far from Oscar-worthy, the special effects hold up impressively. In a world now dominated by slick but often weightless CGI gore, ‘Freddy vs. Jason’ was and always will be a delightful blast from the past, full of realistically convincing practical effects. Limbs are severed, bodies are brutally torn apart, and the blood flows freely, all in a way that feels tangible, meaningful, and genuinely impactful as a moviegoer.

The infamous ‘bed-folding’ kill alone is worth the rewatch because it is a prime example of the ridiculousness, absurdity, and campiness I was alluding to earlier in the previous paragraphs. Nowadays, many horror movies are plain brutal and difficult to watch when it comes to their ‘kills.’

It does deliver on its promise beyond its tagline

You know what, the film’s tagline isn’t a lie. This isn’t a slow-burning horror film that teases a final confrontation. It’s a cinematic fast-food meal that is all greasy, unhealthy, and satisfying. While the teen protagonists are a necessary bridge to move the plot along, we all know what we’re there for. Oh, without question, ‘Freddy vs. Jason’ knows its moviegoers and gives them exactly what they have been waiting for and want: two supernatural psychopaths beating, cutting, and pounding the absolute stuffing out of each other.

And honestly, isn’t that what horror pop culture is all about sometimes? Giving the fans what they have been clamoring for for decades. Nope, this is not mere fan service. It is about giving them what is long overdue.

In closing, as the cinematic landscape awaits the next generation of slashers, for me, it’s refreshing to look back at a film that understood the assignment plain and simple and delivered with gruesome, hilarious, and unapologetic glee. So, grab some popcorn, invite your friends, and dive back into the cornfields of ‘Camp Crystal Lake’ and the nightmares of ‘Elm Street.’ You won’t be disappointed with this one at all. Haha..

Thirty years ago, 186 countries met in Copenhagen for the first Social Summit for Social Development. The gathering was the largest meeting of world leaders ever held at the time. By the end of the summit, their agenda was clear: the challenges faced by our societies are global and so are the solutions.

In response, governments vowed to put people at the center of global development. They recognized that social justice must be the foundation for economic progress if progress is to be sustainable. This means ensuring that people, regardless of gender, nationality, background, or place of birth, have the right to live in dignity with equal opportunities to work, thrive, and succeed. Societies built on fairness work better, trust more, and grow stronger.

The consensus of the summit became the cornerstone of the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Since 2015, the SDGs have been the blueprint for achieving a socially just, peaceful, and sustainable world. The deadline for their realization was set for 2030.

Since that first summit, our world has changed, in many ways for the better. A new International Labor Organization (ILO) report, The State of Social Justice, shows that extreme poverty is down from 39 percent to 10 percent of the global population. Child labor for under-14-year-olds has been cut in half, and, for the first time in history, more than half of the world has some form of social protection, such as a pension or unemployment insurance.

But despite decades of efforts, the report makes clear that major disparities remain. A person’s place of birth still determines more than half of their lifetime earnings. Globally, over 800 million people survive on less than $3 a day. That is why achieving the 2030 SDG targets is in jeopardy. For example, for SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth, we are lagging well behind, having met only two-thirds, or 66 percent of the indicators.

If we wish to improve living conditions for everyone and achieve social justice, accelerating the SDGs is crucial. Decent work is a key thread that helps tie the SDGs together, because decent work is more than making a living: it is a barometer of how well we are doing in society as a whole, including health, education, equality, and responsible consumption and production. When work is productive, paid fairly, safe, equitable, inclusive, freely chosen, and with rights, we have social justice.

But decent work does not just ‘happen.’ History shows that without strong institutions, productivity gains do not translate into better lives. Institutions strengthen basic human rights, such as the rights to education and to a healthy environment, and ensure equal opportunities, fair distribution, and a voice for both workers and employers. Social dialogue is the most effective way to balance the interests of workers and employers and help make growth equitable.

Right now, our institutions are being tested. Three massive transitions are reshaping the world of work everywhere: the impact of a hotter planet and the move to a greener economy, the digital revolution and demographic change. These transformations are creating new jobs and destroying old ones. They have the potential to bring fresh opportunities, but they also risk deepening existing divides. How these changes will play out depends largely on the choices that societies make today.

In November 2025, the second World Social Summit will be held in Doha. This global gathering will once again bring together government representatives, workers, employers, and civil society, three and a half decades after the first summit. It represents a critical moment to turn past pledges into real change.

We must reaffirm the promise made in Copenhagen: that social justice and inclusive economic development are everyone’s business and in everyone’s interest. But above all, we must take decisive action. The ILO-led Global Coalition for Social Justice offers a platform to help move us in the right direction. Already, it brings together governments, employers’ and workers’ organizations, and other partners to accelerate action and cooperation toward achieving social justice and decent work for all.

If we succeed, we can help ensure that economic productivity and social progress are linked. Because in the end, social justice is not an impossible ideal. It is the only route forward to a sustainable future for all of us.

In the PVL Reinforced Conference, the second time around isn’t just sweeter-it’s hungrier.

Bella Belen calls it her ‘2.0 version.’

The former UAAP MVP and top pick for Capital1 makes her pro debut on Tuesday at Ynares Center Montalban, ready to take on the next chapter of her already decorated career.

‘I’d say I’m still the same Bella,’ she said, ‘but more aggressive now. I know I’ll learn a lot from the veterans, but I also want to show what I can do.’

It will be the second time a heavy load will be put on Belen’s shoulders, after carrying the National University program on her shoulders in college. But she’s clear-eyed about the step up in competition.

‘There’s pressure, but I take that as a privilege,’ said Belen, who was part of the young core that led Alas Pilipinas to podium finishes internationally. ‘It just means I have the opportunity to prove what I can do for the team.’

With Ukrainian spiker Oleksandra Bytsenko and coach Jorge Souza de Brito backing her, Belen leads a young Solar Spikers squad hoping to disrupt the balance of power.

Petro Gazz’s Lindsey Vander Weide knows what it’s like to reach the summit-and wants another shot. The 2022 Best Import and Finals MVP returns to the PVL after stints in Puerto Rico and the US, now reuniting with former college teammate and current MVP Brooke Van Sickle. ‘I always wanted to come back,’ she said. ‘The timing was finally right.’

Vander Weide and Van Sickle formed a fearsome duo at Oregon. Now, they’re aiming to run it back-this time in red and white.

‘Brooke’s a huge arm. I’m a big arm. We did a lot of big things in college, and I know we can do it again,’ said Vander Weide.

Van Sickle has her own second act-this time with her parents on the sidelines. Dad Gary is now Petro Gazz head coach, mom Lisa the assistant. ‘It’s amazing to have them here,’ Brooke said. ‘We separate being family from being coach and player. Once we step on the court, it’s all business.’

And then there’s Marlee Smith of Choco Mucho, who promises a more passionate return after a brief but electric appearance last May as a reinforcement for a Thai squad that played here. ‘You’ll see a more compassionate, committed Marlee this time,’ she said. ‘I want to leave a bigger impact.’

A powerful magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck off northern Cebu on September 30, toppling homes, damaging bridges and roads, and leaving dozens dead and hundreds injured across the central Philippines. The quake sent residents rushing out of their homes as buildings shook violently.

The tremor, tectonic in origin, registered a highest instrumental intensity of VII in Cebu City and parts of Leyte. Authorities have since reported extensive damage across 89 cities and municipalities. More than 80,000 families, or over 366,000 people, have been affected, with thousands forced into evacuation centers as aftershocks continue.

Affected residents took to the streets, writing messages on pavements and holding up makeshift signs pleading for food, water, and other basic necessities. Families reported having little to no access to supplies, electricity, or clean water, forcing them to appeal directly to passing motorists and authorities for help.

Fifty-three localities have been placed under a state of calamity, as officials scramble to restore power, clear debris from blocked roads, and assess the structural safety of thousands of homes. Initial reports list seven road sections and 11 bridges affected, while more than 5,000 houses in Region 7 sustained varying levels of damage.

The powerful quake was felt as far as Quezon Province, Zamboanga del Norte, Samar and Antique.

Overview

Date and Time: September 30, 2025, 9:59 p.m.

Magnitude: 6.9

Epicenter: 19 km northeast of Bogo City, Cebu

Depth: 5 km (shallow, tectonic origin)

Instrumental Intensity: VII (Cebu City, parts of Leyte)

What triggered the quake?

Phivolcs said the quake was likely caused by a dormant fault line in northern Cebu that had not produced a major rupture in more than 400 years.

Chief seismologist Winchelle Sevilla explained that while the area occasionally experiences minor tremors, the long inactivity of the fault allowed tectonic stress to build up, making the recent quake unusually strong.

Sevilla stressed that dormant faults, though quiet for centuries, can still unleash powerful and destructive earthquakes, highlighting the need for constant monitoring and disaster preparedness.

Aftershocks and ongoing risk

PHIVOLCS cautioned that aftershocks may persist for weeks to a month following the Sept. 30 magnitude 6.9 quake in Cebu. These are normal occurrences after a major seismic event as the earth’s crust adjusts to the movement along the fault.

Seismology chief Winchelle Sevilla explained that while aftershocks generally weaken over time, some can still be strong enough to be felt and cause additional damage, particularly to already weakened structures. In some cases, stronger aftershocks can strike even months after the main quake.

10 most deadly quakes in the Philippines

How to donate

Severe tropical storm Paolo (international name: Matmo) has intensified as it barrels toward the northern part of Aurora and the southern part of Isabela, the state weather bureau reported early Friday morning.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), in its 5 a.m. update, said Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal Number 3 is in effect over 10 areas in Northern Luzon.

Pagasa added that Paolo was tracked some 150 kilometers east of Casiguran, Aurora, with a maximum sustained wind speed of 100 kilometers per hour (kph), gusts of up to 125 kph, and moving west-northwest at 20 kph.

‘There is a moderate to high risk of life-threatening storm surge with peak heights reaching 1.0 to 3.0 m within 24 hours over the low-lying or exposed coastal localities of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Zambales, Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora, and Quezon,’ Pagasa warned.

‘Heavy rainfall, severe winds, and storm surge may still be experienced in localities outside the landfall point and the forecast confidence cone,’ added Pagasa.

Signal No. 3

*Northern portion of Aurora (Dilasag, Casiguran, Dinalungan)

*Central and southern portions of Isabela (Dinapigue, San Mariano, San Guillermo, Echague, Jones, San Agustin, Cordon, City of Santiago, Ramon, San Isidro, Alicia, Angadanan, City of Cauayan, Benito Soliven, Naguilian, Luna, Reina Mercedes, Cabatuan, San Mateo, Aurora, San Manuel, Burgos, Gamu, Roxas, Palanan)

*Northern portion of Quirino (Maddela, Cabarroguis, Aglipay, Saguday, Diffun)

*Northern portion of Nueva Vizcaya (Diadi, Bagabag, Villaverde, Ambaguio, Quezon, Solano, Bayombong)

*Mountain Province

*Ifugao

*Southeastern portion of Abra (Tubo)

*Northern portion of Benguet (Mankayan, Buguias, Kabayan, Bakun, Kibungan, Atok, Kapangan)

*Central and southern portions of Ilocos Sur (Sugpon, Alilem, Cervantes, Suyo, Tagudin, Santa Cruz, Sigay, Quirino, Gregorio del Pilar, Salcedo, Santa Lucia, City of Candon, San Emilio, Galimuyod, Lidlidda, Banayoyo, Santiago, San Esteban, Burgos)

*Northern portion of La Union (Sudipen, Santol, Balaoan, Luna, Bangar, San Gabriel, Bacnotan, San Juan)

Signal No. 2

*Central and southern portions of mainland Cagayan (Peñablanca, Tuguegarao City, Enrile, Solana, Iguig, Tuao, Piat, Rizal, Santo Niño, Alcala, Amulung)

*Rest of Isabela

*Rest of Quirino

*Rest of Nueva Vizcaya

*Central portion of Aurora (Dipaculao, Baler, Maria Aurora, San Luis)

*Northern portion of Nueva Ecija (Carranglan, Bongabon, San Jose City, Pantabangan, Rizal, Lupao)

*Central and southern portions of Apayao (Conner, Kabugao)

*Kalinga

*Rest of Abra

*Rest of Benguet

*Central and southern portions of Ilocos Norte (Nueva Era, Badoc, Pinili, City of Batac, Paoay, Currimao, Banna, Laoag City, San Nicolas, Sarrat, Dingras, Solsona, Marcos, Bacarra, Piddig)

*Rest of Ilocos Sur

*Rest of La Union

*Northern portion of Pangasinan (San Fabian, Sison, Pozorrubio, Umingan, San Jacinto, Laoac, Binalonan, San Nicolas, Natividad, Tayug, San Manuel, Asingan, Santa Maria, San Quintin, Dagupan City, Mangaldan, Manaoag, Bolinao, Anda, Bani, City of Alaminos, Sual, Labrador, Lingayen, Binmaley, Calasiao, Mapandan, Santa Barbara, City of Urdaneta)

Signal No. 1

*Rest of mainland Cagayan, including Babuyan Islands

*Rest of Aurora

*Northern portion of Quezon (General Nakar, Infanta), including Polillo Islands

*Camarines Norte

*Northern portion of Camarines Sur (Siruma, Tinambac, Lagonoy, Garchitorena, Caramoan, Goa, San Jose, Presentacion)

*Catanduanes

Rest of Apayao

*Rest of Ilocos Norte

*Rest of Pangasinan

*Rest of Nueva Ecija

*Northern portion of Bulacan (Doña Remedios Trinidad, San Miguel, San Ildefonso, Norzagaray, San Rafael), *Tarlac

*Northeastern portion of Pampanga (Magalang, Arayat, Candaba, Mabalacat City)

*Northern portion of Zambales (Palauig, Masinloc, Candelaria, Santa Cruz) /gsg

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.

When Ateneo notched its second straight victory in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament, coach Tab Baldwin was more relieved than anything.

‘I’m really happy we’re getting wins in tough situations,’ he said after a 62-60 victory over University of the East last week.

The Eagles share the lead with National U, both with 3-0 (win-loss) cards heading into this weekend’s set of matches. Baldwin’s charges got to the top by playing extremely well in the clutch. And while the Bulldogs raced to two straight victories via routs, their third win, against a rolling University of Santo Tomas, came off a strong finish.

And how teams perform in the clutch might be crucial going into the weekend-and moving forward in the season.

Strong finish

Unbeaten Ateneo and NU lead the plus-minus in clutch play (games within five points at any point in the last two minutes).

The Eagles are scoring 8.5 points per game in clutch situations, fueled by that strong finish against Far Eastern U, where they battled from six points down using a 12-3 run. And they’re giving up just four points a game in that same stretch, for a +4.5.

In their lone thriller so far, the Bulldogs outscored the Tigers, 8-2 in the stretch for a +6.

La Salle, tied for third with host UST, has gotten through some nervy situations in the endgame, too.

‘We had a part in the game where we’re playing really, really well but in the UAAP you cannot say that you’re gonna have an easy win,’ said Archers assistant coach Caloy Garcia after a testy 74-72 victory over FEU. ‘We just have to figure out our struggles in the fourth quarter.’

Maybe not all of the fourth. La Salle has scored 4.5 points per game in the clutch while holding its opponents to 2.5.

So far, there have been five games this season with margins of five or less. And if you throw in Ateneo’s six-point deficit entering the two-minute mark against FEU, six games were separated by just two possessions in the last two minutes.

More importantly, all teams have been in clutch situations already, this early in the season-with half of them playing in two such games.

FEU has given up 8.0 points per game in the clutch so far this season (it is averaging 3.0 points scored in that same stretch for a -5) , while UE surrendered five in the lone tight game it has played. Both teams are two of the three lowest in that department. Not surprisingly, they are also winless so far.

For micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that are planning, or hoping to go global, finding the right partner to help them navigate the complex-and at the moment, tumultuous-international market is crucial to their success.

Payoneer, a pioneering financial platform for cross-border business, has made its services available to these MSMEs, which make up more than 90 percent of locally registered establishments.

Monique Avila, Payoneer head of customer success for Asia-Pacific, says the company has established as its niche the servicing of cross-border payments.

Payoneer offers convenience, speed, security, lower cost and the flexibility of paying or getting paid in different currencies.

Banks take longer to process transactions and charge higher fees. Electronic or e-wallets, while fast, do not have the facility to allow transactions in any denomination.

Through Payoneer, MSMEs are now able to access the global market. The world’s underserved businesses are being connected to a rising global economy.

Payoneer estimates that, based on staff sizes, 90 percent or more of its customers in the Philippines are individual contractors or MSMEs.

With its services available in over 190 countries and territories, Payoneer helps these firms manage their financial operations, including treasury, currency conversion for payments, vendor management, as well as accounts receivable and accounts payable. A key market

Payoneer considers the Philippines one of its key markets, ‘a global hub for digital services’ that includes business process outsourcing or BPO (including call centers) companies, creative and technology-enabled sectors.

Local businesses in information technology, software, digital services, marketing and creative services, e-commerce and logistics, professional services (such as consulting and accounting), travel services have tapped Payoneer to simplify global payments and scale internationally.

As Payoneer is able to handle multi-currency transactions, clients can keep payments they receive in virtual bank accounts in foreign denominations, like United States dollars.

‘[Y]our . client in the US will just perform a domestic transfer (which is cheaper). And then you get to store (your payment in) US dollars . (If you need money), you can bring the funds to the Philippines (or) use other products, like our (Payoneer) card (to pay for products and services) or (to use abroad if you are traveling),’ Avila explains.

Clients set up their own ‘accounts’ and money from that account may be transferred by Payoneer to their local accounts-a process that is still faster and cheaper, according to Avila.

Payoneer also keeps clients abreast of fluctuating rates of exchange so they know the optimal time to withdraw their funds.

In keeping with the evolving landscape of the service-providing industry, Payoneer has also gone beyond simply being a facilitator for moving currency from payer to payee. It has expanded its business to business services to meet emerging needs and trends.

Workforce management

Tarun Gadhok, Payoneer senior director for account management, says Payoneer has added a capability called workforce management, where it helps with fundamental principles to assist companies go global and cross borders.

Payoneer’s Workforce Management (WFM) division is a platform that empowers companies to seamlessly hire and manage talents across borders.

Through WFM, Payoneer assists clients find the best talent or work contractor they need in more than 100 countries served by the company.

It helps hire and ‘manage’ employees, like handling payroll, and ensuring that local laws are complied with.

‘Every country has different labor laws,’ Gadhok points out. The process is ‘actually a tech-driven employee management platform’.

‘This helps small businesses . basically break the border and go global by not having to worry too much about compliance. Setting up an entity in a new country can be really taxing. It requires time . managing that entity on an ongoing basis [is] even more difficult, because you have to do compliance filings. So all of that we do on behalf of our customers. We just let them just identify and/or hire the talent, or we can actually even hire, manage and pay the employees through the life cycle.’

Niche market

In the Philippines, she says, Payoneer established its office in 2016 specifically to service small businesses or the ‘freelancing’ industry. This includes individuals who are contracted to do work for overseas clients.

Avila says Payoneer has a ‘niche market’, and that is really to facilitate cross-border payments.

The cost for both payer and payee is seen to be lower. A client in the US, for instance, can pay a Filipino contractor by making a domestic transfer to the virtual dollar bank account of the payee, who may choose to keep the payment in his or her account. Another option is to use Payoneer’s other products, like its card, to access the money or transfer it to a Philippine bank, which will entail charges, explains Avila.

The process is faster and cheaper, Avila says.

Payoneer also helps clients decide when it is best to withdraw their funds by monitoring exchange rates.

Flagship event

An indication of how important the Philippines is to Payoneer is suggested by its choice of the country as venue for its recent VIP Connect, its global flagship event for high-growth businesses.

With the theme of ’20 Years of Empowering Businesses to go Global’, the event celebrated two decades of partnership with businesses in navigating the complexities of cross-border payments. It showcased Payoneer’s role in empowering local businesses with tools and community support.

Attendees were treated to a preview of new product features, Workforce Management and product road map.

Filipino customers shared stories of their journey toward global growth. Speakers included local and regional Payoneer leaders. Among the topics covered were efficiency, scalability and payouts. -CONTRIBUTED