Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Bea Gomez is officially a wife as she exchanged ‘I dos’ with musician John Odin in an intimate ceremony held in La Union.

The couple’s special day was documented by their loved ones and friends whose photos Gomez reposted via her Instagram Stories on Wednesday, Oct. 8.

Gomez and Odin tied the knot in an open venue surrounded by luscious greens, respectively donning a white tube dress paired with a lace cape, and an off-white Barong Tagalog. The newlyweds also had an outdoor reception.

‘I look so exhausted. But! I’m happy. Finally,’ Odin wrote.

Official photos and videos from the wedding have yet to be shared by the couple as of this writing.

Gomez and Odin have been in a relationship since 2022, with the beauty queen revealing their romance through a Valentine’s Day social media post.

When Cebuana Lhuillier Bank (CL Bank) launched its flagship program Iponventure in 2024, the goal was simple yet ambitious: to make saving second nature for every Filipino, no matter their income level. Just a year later, that vision has caught the world’s attention. At the 2025 Globee® Awards, Iponventure Program, spearheaded by Cebuana Lhuillier Bank – a subsidiary of PJ Lhuillier Inc., – was named Best CSR Initiative, a recognition that shines a spotlight on the bank’s innovative approach to financial inclusion.

At the center of Iponventure are tools that may seem modest but have sparked remarkable change. The IPONBOX, a physical savings container handed out to more than 700,000 households, became a tangible reminder that every peso saved counts. Meanwhile, the Micro Savings Account, which requires only ?50 to open, broke down barriers that had long kept underserved Filipinos out of the formal banking system. Together, these two simple tools became stepping stones to financial empowerment.

But Iponventure is more than just products it is a movement. Large-scale activities like the Jumbo Travelling IPONBOX brought the savings habit into communities in festive, engaging ways. Campaigns such as Cebuana Lhuillier Savings Day, reward programs, surprise branch activations, and partnerships with financial influencers extended its impact nationwide. Even CL Bank employees got involved, driving grassroots initiatives that made saving relatable and fun.

The results have been transformative. By the end of 2024, Iponventure exceeded its targets with more than 1.1 million Micro Savings Accounts opened. IPONBOX users demonstrated improved saving behaviors, reflected in higher average balances. These milestones are not just numbers they represent families building cushions for emergencies, individuals taking the first steps toward their dreams, and communities learning that financial stability can be achieved through small, consistent actions.

Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier, sees the recognition as both validation and motivation. ‘This award is a testament to our mission of nurturing a culture of saving among Filipinos,’ he said. ‘Through Iponventure, we empower individuals and communities to take charge of their finances and secure their futures.’

The Globee® Awards, also known as the Golden Bridge Awards®, honor organizations worldwide that bring measurable innovation and impact. For CL Bank, the award underscores a deeper truth: Iponventure is not just corporate social responsibility. It is proof that banking, when designed with purpose, can drive lasting social change.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Wednesday announced that it will also examine the luxury vehicles surrendered by former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Bulacan Assistant District Engineer Brice Ericson Hernandez before the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).

At the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing, lawyer Chris Bendijo, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Office of the Commissioner of the Bureau of Customs (BOC), said that aside from the former Bulacan official, they will also investigate other DPWH employees, whom he did not identify.

‘Regarding the details, we are looking into something – the ones that have been surrendered to ICI, the vehicles of Brice Hernandez, the Commissioner is also looking into the taxes that have been paid here, and in addition to that, we have something else, some other DPWH employees who have reports, the BOC is also looking into that,’ Bendijo added.

He also reported that the BOC is currently evaluating the responses of some bureau employees who have been issued show-cause orders regarding the ongoing investigation into luxury vehicles linked to the flood control mess.

‘Apart from that, the Commissioner (Ariel Nepomuceno) has also mentioned that we have issued show cause orders to the BOC employees who appear in the document that was part of the entry of the smuggled items, so we are asking them to explain,’ Bendijo said.

‘As far as I know, some of them have already submitted their explanations and they are currently being evaluated because what the commissioner said is very clear, we will not spare anybody from this. We regret that they are part of the Commission, but we need to do something to restore the public’s trust in the BOC,’ he added.

The BOC official also clarified that they are only investigating items that involve importation.

‘Those covered by our investigation are only those goods that are going through importation and not the total ill-gotten wealth of the personalities mentioned in the investigations,’ he said.

Last month, Hernandez turned over to the ICI two luxury vehicles a black GMC Yukon Denali sport utility vehicle (SUV) and a Lamborghini Urus worth millions of pesos.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. established the ICI to investigate allegations of corruption in flood control projects.

Meanwhile, Alyansa ng Bantay sa Kapayapaan at Demokrasya (ABKD) Chairperson Emeritus Dr. Jose Antonio Goitia praised the Chief Executive for taking a firm and fearless stand against corruption and inefficiency, calling his actions a ‘renewal of moral governance’ that restores confidence in public institutions.

‘The President’s message is simple but powerful. No money should go to waste, and no one should be above the law. That kind of leadership earns the trust of the people,’ he said.

Goitia said these reforms are not mere words but concrete steps toward genuine reform.

He said simplifying government processes and improving coordination among agencies will reduce duplication, red tape, and waste.

‘This administration isn’t just talking about change. It’s doing the work. For the first time in years, there’s a clear sense of direction and discipline. Every project is now measured by how much it helps ordinary Filipinos,’ he added.

On Tuesday, the BOC submitted to the ICI documents relevant to the commission’s ongoing investigations, including the case involving the Discaya family.

In a significant stride toward environmental sustainability and efficient waste management, the homeowners of Lipa City, through the concerted efforts of the Lipa City Federation of Homeowners Association Inc. and the robust support of the Lipa City local government, are actively backing a zero waste and waste-to-energy program.

This initiative marks a major step in safeguarding the environment and ensuring consistent garbage collection by professional collectors.

Gary Llanes, vice president for business development of Alterna Verde Corp., highlighted the project’s adherence to stringent environmental standards.

‘Our facility utilizes an advanced anaerobic digestion technology from Thailand. This process doesn’t burn waste or use high temperatures. Instead, we capture methane gas from the waste to power our generators, significantly reducing carbon emissions and providing a cleaner solution for the community.’

This collaborative effort between the homeowners federation and the city LGU underscores a shared commitment to creating a cleaner and healthier Lipa City. By embracing zero waste principles and exploring waste-to-energy solutions, the community is not only addressing the immediate challenge of waste disposal but also investing in a sustainable future.

The focus on professional garbage collection further ensures that the program is implemented effectively, providing residents with reliable and regular service.

No natural calamity has interrupted the ceremonies of the 2025 Miss Asia Pacific International pageant this time around, and the crown found its rightful owner in Isabela Fernandes of Brazil.

More than a week after a magnitude 6.9 earthquake halted the pageant’s Benefit Gala Night, the final competition show went smoothly at the Cebu Coliseum on Wednesday evening, Oct. 8.

The new queen bested 42 other aspirants to succeed 2024 winner Janelis Leyba, who unfortunately was not on hand to crown her. The Dominican-American queen had flown back to her home in the United States a day after the earthquake because of trauma.

But 2018 winner Sharifa Akeel-Mangudadatu gladly accepted the duty of crowning the new winner. She was also a member of the board of judges.

Four ladies joined the new queen in the final round, and made up her court first runner-up Anita Rose Gomez of the Philippines, second runner-up Bowonrat Maneerat of Thailand, third runner-up Jana Janssens of Belgium, and fourth runner-up Delilah Elmira Wildeboer of Netherlands.

Gomez, a lass from Zambales, came short of her bid to claim the country’s sixth Miss Asia Pacific International crown, although she was an early favorite after winning the Best in Swimsuit and first runner-up in the evening gown competitions. Her response to the question-and-answer portion made a reference to the recent calamity that was also witnessed by other delegates.

The ladies who advanced to semifinals competed in the swimsuit and evening gown segments. Then, the Top 10 underwent the grueling question-and-answer round to fight for slots in the Final Five.

The five ladies who made it to the final round then took turns in answering the final question to stake their claim to the crown: ‘When the fires of transformation dies down, and only the embers remain, what will continue to make your story burning bright?’

Fernandes’s winning answer, as translated: ‘Surely, I am here tonight for a purpose. The fire of transformation starts when we know who we are and where we want to arrive. I have a thing to say to you all: the journey of transformation never ends and we live in transformation every day.’

This year’s edition of the Miss Asia Pacific International pageant realigned the delegates’ activities after the earthquake, in solidarity with those severely affected by the tremor.

The ladies took part in relief operations, joining in the packing of goods, and personally distributing aid to those affected by the earthquake in the towns of Daanbantyan, Medellin, and San Remigio in northern Cebu.

A moment of silence during the coronation program was dedicated for the victims of the earthquake, and in solidarity with those heavily impacted by the tremor.

The members of the pageant’s board or directors and executive committee also handed tokens of appreciation to the delegates, glass lanterns with fairy lights inside, to symbolize their love, resilience, and rebirth.

Jesus Crispin ‘Boying’ Remulla took his oath as ombudsman on Thursday.

He was sworn in by Acting Chief Justice Marvic Leonen at the Supreme Court in Manila.

Flood control

In an interview after the ceremony, Remulla said he intends to prioritize addressing the flood control corruption scandal.

‘I think this is an emergency situation in the DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways). We have to focus on case build-up and make sure that well-prepared cases are filed before the Sandiganbayan and Regional Trial Courts, whichever applies,’ he said in Filipino.

Asked if there is already a timeline for filing the cases, Remulla said it would depend on the evidence they have.

‘But we’re already gathering a lot of evidence. We’ll make sure everything is complete because we don’t want to be the cause of any delay,’ he explained in Filipino.

‘So the timeline will depend on that, but most likely it will be within the next few weeks. Once we file, we’ll be ready for trial,’ he added.

Criticisms

When asked to comment on critics of his appointment as ombudsman, Remulla shrugged it off, saying he expected it from those operating ‘in a political sphere.’

‘That’s just the way it is. They operate in a political sphere; I operate from a legal sphere,’ he said.

Before his appointment, Remulla served as Secretary of the Department of Justice under the Marcos administration.

He said he already has someone in mind to replace him but has not yet informed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. who it will be.

The government awarded eight new petroleum service contracts on Wednesday, expecting gains of about $207 million in investment commitments.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. formally awarded the contracts, which were considered the ‘largest batch’ in the country’s history, the Department of Energy (DOE) said.

The seven-year exploration deals would cover the Sulu Sea, Cagayan, Cebu, Northwest Palawan, East Palawan, and Central Luzon.

The DOE said activities would include geological and geophysical surveys, such as seismic and aeromagnetic studies, to identify drillable prospects, with the potential to discover both native hydrogen reservoirs and new petroleum fields.

The agency stressed that the contracts had ‘undergone a transparent and competitive selection process,’ ensuring that the players who earned the right to explore the upstream energy sector have financial and technical clout.

The winning proponents include Australian company Triangle Energy (Global), UK-based Sunda Energy Plc., Philippines’ PXP Energy Corp. and The Philodrill Corp., US-based Koloma Inc., Gas 2 Grid Pte. Ltd., Anglo Philippine Holdings Corp., Forum Energy Philippines Corp., and Ratio Petroleum Ltd. of Israel.

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said the development showed ‘reinvigorated investor confidence’ in the local power sector.

‘These service contracts signify not only our determination to secure new energy sources but also our readiness to embrace innovation and sustainability while reducing import dependence. From conventional petroleum to native hydrogen, we are expanding the frontiers of Philippine energy exploration,’ Garin said in a statement.

The number of employed Filipinos increased to about 50.10 million in August, up from the 46.05 million recorded in July, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)’s regularly conducted Labor Force Survey.

The nationwide survey of 11,174 households found that 2.03 million people were jobless or out of business, translating to an unemployment rate of 3.9 percent, the PSA reported on Wednesday.

That figure was down from the 2.59 million unemployed in July, when the jobless rate climbed to a pandemic-era high of 5.3 percent after intense downpours swamped farms and paralyzed roads.

Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma agreed that ‘multiple tropical cyclones and enhanced southwest monsoons’ may cause vulnerability in the short term.

He reasoned that the flooding, infrastructure damage, and class and work suspensions halted ‘business operations, employment, and livelihood in sectors like agriculture, construction, fishing, and retail.’

He also cited that people have exited the workforce due to safety concerns, displacement, or inaccessible workplaces.

Broad improvement

‘Labor market indicators showed broad improvement in August on the back of more favorable weather conditions,’ economists at Chinabank Research said in a commentary.

With construction projects resuming as cement dried faster, the industry posted an additional 672,000 workers.

Even so, National Statistician and Civil Registrar General Claire Dennis Mapa noted in a press briefing that risks remain, in addition to unexpected disasters like the deadly magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Cebu.

‘There are risks in September because there were several storms that month. While there is a substantial portion of our labor market that’s somewhat protected from such disasters, there are still components that are dependent on weather conditions,’ Mapa said.

The employment rate was at 96.1 percent. Mapa said the services sector accounted for the largest share of total employment at 61.5 percent, followed by agriculture with 20.4 percent and industry at 18.1 percent.

The labor force participation rate, meanwhile, rose to 65.1 percent from 60.7 percent in July, with about 52.13 million Filipinos aged 15 years and above who were either employed or unemployed.

The national unemployment rate improved to 3.9 percent in August from 5.3 percent in July. In terms of magnitude, the number of unemployed individuals was 2.03 million.

The number of underemployed persons, or employed persons who expressed the desire to have additional hours of work in their present job or to have an additional or new job with longer hours of work, was estimated at 5.38 million, translating to an underemployment rate of 10.7 percent, lower than July’s 14.8 percent.

Philippine companies have begun adopting artificial intelligence (AI) into their operations.

A recent survey by PwC and the Management Association of the Philippines found that ’68 percent of chief executive officers (CEOs) have explicitly factored AI into their business plans, while 60 percent have begun implementing AI initiatives.’

At the same time, hasty or careless AI use is also risky. In October 2025, consulting giant Deloitte had to refund the Australian government after a report it was contracted to write was found to contain fabricated citations and quotations, hurting Deloitte’s bottom line as well as their reputation.

So how can you adopt AI prudently in your business?

Human in command

One sensible approach is called ‘human-in-command,’ which is championed by Stephanie Sy, CEO of Filipino-founded tech consultancy Thinking Machines (TM).

In August 2025, TM became the first official Asia-Pacific regional services partner of technology giant OpenAI, the inventor of ChatGPT.

Sy says, ‘AI cannot be accountable for decisions. We must train humans on how to manage these new tools.’

This aligns with what entrepreneurs already know: employees may be empowered to use the tools of their choice including AI but are ultimately responsible for their outcomes.

Knowledge app

TM worked with the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) to create an AI knowledge app. Connected to the bank’s library of policies, memos and other documents, the app was rolled out across 800 branches, to help answer branch officers’ questions.

‘When I first used it, I tested it against our digital library. I first verified if it was saying the same things,’ says an assistant branch manager. ‘Now I even use it more than the digital library.’

The app now handles hundreds of inquiries weekly and helps branch officers respond to customer queries more efficiently.

At other times, AI itself can help train employees, TM worked with local microfinancing company OnePuhunan, whose account officers took months to build up confidence and practice at pitching microfinance to busy small business owners.

Role playing

By piloting ‘AI practice partners,’ account officers could accelerate confidence building through focused role-play sessions to better anticipate potential conversations, improving account officers’ confidence to handle themselves in the field.

Many guides are concerned with security and privacy with AI, which are important. But so is prudent adoption. My son Scott Lee Chua, an analytics consultant at TM, gives the following tips for entrepreneurs and executives:

Adopt slowly. Not every aspect of business needs AI. Young tech-native employees may feel more comfortable experimenting with the tools. Do not force older people to use it until they feel comfortable doing so, or mandate organization-wide adoption simply to keep up with the trend.

Identify the desired outcome, and measure it. This can be time saved, number of queries responded to, and so on. After a trial period, compare numbers before and after. Weigh the cost of using AI against the benefits obtained.

Keep employees accountable. ‘AI said so’ should not be a valid justification. Every AI-assisted step should have a human responsible for reviewing and verifying its results.

Train employees in-house, or give them opportunities to learn best practices elsewhere. Chat with industry fellows. Train employees to have a healthy skepticism of AI outputs, and to exercise their own judgment. Be a role model in this regard. Do not use ChatGPT as the sole basis for your own decision-making.

No one has a crystal ball for how AI will continue to shape the world, or whether it will have been net positive or negative in the end. But with the boom in the AI industry, what seems true for now is that adoption will continue.

Balance openness with caution to help you in your business.

The Trillion Peso March movement will launch its weekly Friday protests against corruption on October 10 as part of the buildup for the November 30 nationwide rally.

The launch will feature simultaneous actions in schools, offices, parishes, and various community hubs.

Activities will include noise barrage, candle lighting and protests in designated circles and spots. A mass will also be held at Edsa Shrine and other planned circles in the city centers.

Organizers urged participants to bring candles, placards and noise-making objects such as whistles, horns, pots, and pans.

The Trillion Peso March, spearheaded by the Church Leaders Council for National Transformation and backed by over 80 civil groups, is described by organizers as a campaign to heighten the people’s moral struggle against corruption.

‘Join us in daily acts of solidarity: Wear a white ribbon. Put a white flag in your house, car, and churches. Toll the bells and sound a noise barrage, light candles at 8:00 p.m., and recite the National Day of Prayer and Public Repentance,’ said the Trillion Peso March Movement organizers on their Facebook post last October 7.

The November 30 rally, a commemoration on Bonifacio Day, is expected to be the culmination of the movement’s series of actions. One hundred groups are expected to attend the gathering.

Meanwhile, in a previous interview with INQUIRER.net, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan chair Teodoro ‘Teddy’ Casiño said that there were ongoing plans for another massive protest against corruption to be held this October.

‘There are suggestions that aside from the one on November 30, another big centralized rally should also be held this month,’ said Casiño.

‘So these are the things that are being discussed now. The various sectors are also preparing their own mass actions, which we are encouraging because of what we are seeing,’ said Casiño.