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As if there were still doubts on Ateneo’s re-emergence as power, the wards of coach Tab Baldwin flushed all those with an emphatic performance versus their archrivals.

The Blue Eagles snapped a two-year losing spell against the La Salle Green Archers, 81-74, and stayed perfect in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament before more than 17,000 fans last night at the MOA Arena.

Ateneo erected a lead as big as 33 points that proved more than enough separation to hold off La Salle’s furious fourth-quarter avalanche that included a 22-0 run.

And the Eagles scored a fourth straight win ahead of another gigantic clash against title holder UP (2-2) on Wednesday.

Earlier, Far Eastern U doused cold water on Adamson’s last-ditch rally to escape with a breakthrough 64-58 win.

Janrey Pasaol drilled in the dagger trey in the final minute as the Tamaraws averted a meltdown from an 11-point lead in the payoff period to enter the winner’s circle at 1-3.

Vietnam rice export prices continued to drop as the Philippines, its largest market for the grain, extended an import ban by another month, with the possibility of lasting until the end of the year.

The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) observed that bearishness gripped global Indica rice markets in September as supplies remained ample amid tight demand.

‘Prices fell the most in Vietnam, as sentiment was also weighed by the Philippines’ import suspension (originally slated to last 60 days, but successively extended by at least 30 days),’ FAO said in its monthly rice market brief.

Benchmark five percent broken Vietnam rice averaged $372.1 per metric ton in September, about four percent lower than its average quotation in August of $389 per MT, based on FAO data. On an annual basis, Vietnam rice price fell by 32 percent from last year’s $546.5 per MT.

FAO data showed that the price of five percent broken Vietnam rice from January to September averaged $389.3 per MT, dropping by 32 percent year-on-year.

The easing of rice prices was a result of India’s return to the global market as the world’s top rice exporter, following the lifting of its export restrictions that led to an abundance of supplies.

The situation, however, has been exacerbated by the Philippines’ imposition of a temporary rice import ban, which began on Sept. 1 and was initially scheduled to last until the end of October.

The government decided to impose a temporary rice import ban in the hopes of stabilizing domestic palay prices, which have plummeted below production costs due to the unabated entry of imported stocks into the market.

The country has imported almost 3.4 million metric tons as of Sept. 24, with 427,196 MT arriving in September alone, based on Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) data.

The Philippines’ rice import ban took effect on Sept. 15 and has been extended until the end of November, with Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. signaling that it may even be prolonged until the end of the year to protect local farmers.

BPI data showed a drastic drop in the issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearance (SPSIC) for rice in September. SPSIC is a required import document that certifies inbound rice shipments are safe for human consumption.

The BPI issued only 79 SPSICs in September, amounting to an applied rice import volume of 36,185.2 metric tons.

The International Rice Research Institute earlier pointed out that rice importers will have the leverage to delay purchases and even buy at a bargain once the country’s rice import ban is lifted, as global prices remain soft due to a supply glut.

The global market situation has led to exporters such as Vietnam and Thailand facing thinner profit margins and a storage glut, according to an IRRI market brief authored by its senior scientist, Alisher Mirzabaev, and The Rice Trader president and CEO, Jeremy Zwinger.

The authors claimed that Vietnamese rice exporters have become ‘anxious’ about the import ban since the Philippines is their top market.

The situation appears favorable for rice importers in the country, as the two-month import ban ordered by President Marcos is expected to ‘accelerate’ a ‘buyers’ market dynamic’ in the global rice trade, according to the market brief.

‘(Philippine) importers can delay purchases or bargain for lower prices given abundant options, while exporters confront rising unsold stocks and carrying costs that change the trade equation,’ the market brief read.

Economists are divided on whether the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) will deliver another rate cut this week or hold fire, as the Monetary Board convenes on Oct. 9 against a backdrop of subdued inflation and still-soft growth momentum.

Union Bank of the Philippines chief economist Ruben Carlo Asuncion expects the Philippine central bank to trim policy rates by 25 basis points (bps).

‘We expect the Monetary Board to cut policy rates by 25 bps on Oct. 9 to preempt downside risks to growth amid benign inflation,’ Asuncion said.

‘Looking ahead, we see a cumulative 50 to 75 bps easing through early 2026, with the policy rate likely bottoming out around 4.50 to 4.75 percent, assuming no major supply shocks,’ Asuncion added.

Reyes Tacandong and Co. senior adviser Jonathan Ravelas shared a similar view, saying the BSP has room to ease further to support economic activity.

Ravelas also projected a 25-basis-point reduction this week.

With the policy rate currently at five percent after a series of cuts totaling 150 bps since August 2024, the Oct. 9 decision is shaping up as a key test of how much room the central bank still has to ease without unsettling market expectations or external stability.

In contrast, Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co. chief economist Nicholas Mapa believes that the Monetary Board will stand pat for now, preferring to wait for more clarity.

‘The BSP is tipped to keep rates untouched, awaiting moves by the Federal Reserve and the release of third-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) data,’ Mapa said.

‘We expect growth to remain challenged in the third quarter, which could keep the door open for a potential rate cut by the end of the year,’ Mapa explained.

Jun Neri, lead economist at Bank of the Philippine Islands, said the BSP could still cut rates this week, but sees a higher chance of easing by December once third-quarter GDP figures, due in November, confirm demand softness.

‘While BSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr. has signaled the possibility of a cut next week if economic weakness persists, he also earlier described the current policy level as a ‘Goldilocks’ rate, suggesting the BSP may wait for clearer evidence before acting,’ Neri said.

Remolona earlier said that the BSP’s easing cycle may soon be winding down as borrowing costs are now at a level that is ‘just right’ for a stable and growing economy, meaning the rates are neither too high to choke growth nor too low to fuel inflation.

While rates are already near neutral and inflation is projected to converge to three percent by 2026 to 2027, Neri noted that the scope for further easing is limited. But the BSP could still deliver two more rate cuts if the economy continues to operate below potential.

The central bank could also move in tandem with the US Federal Reserves, especially if markets expect aggressive cuts after Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s term ends in May 2026, he said.

‘However, this raises the risk of policy overshooting, which could force a reversal if inflation pressures re-emerge when base effects turn unfavorable again in 2026, while also reducing the likelihood of the promised reserve requirement cuts next year to align with the region,’ Neri said.

‘External dynamics will also weigh heavily, with stagflation risks in the US adding further uncertainty around the timing and scale of Fed moves,’ Neri added.

The debate underscores the delicate balancing act for the BSP as it weighs the need to bolster growth against risks of moving too quickly while inflation remains subdued.

The central bank started its easing cycle in August last year, trimming rates by 25 basis points, followed by two more reductions in November and December 2024. It resumed cutting in April, June and August this year as inflation stabilized and economic growth showed resilience.

After the Oct. 9 policy meeting, the Monetary Board will have its final review this year on Dec. 11.

There has been no discussion within the Philippine National Police (PNP) about withdrawing support from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., acting PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said.

At a press briefing, Nartatez said no one has approached him, his staff, or any police commanders and regional directors regarding rumored ouster calls against Marcos.

‘We have a sitting president who won by majority votes… more than 50%. So I don’t see any basis para patalsikin,’ Nartatez told reporters on Monday, October 6. (I don’t see the basis to remove him from office)

He added that the president himself had pushed to end corruption, particularly in public works.

‘It started during the July SONA, where he himself said to put a stop to corruption – especially the kind that caused the flooding here in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, and even everywhere. So, what’s the basis?’ he said in a mix of English and Filipino.

Nartatez also brushed off speculation of internal unrest within the PNP, saying morale remains “relatively high” across all its units nationwide.

‘Actually, with or without orders for loyalty check, ginagawa natin yan. Kaya nga sinasabi natin, the state of morale of the Philippine National Police is relatively high,’ he said. (Actually, with or without orders for a loyalty check, we are doing that. That is why we are saying the state of morale of the Philippine National Police is relatively high.)

Calls in military rebuffed. His remarks came after Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. revealed that certain groups and retired military officers had publicly called for Marcos’s ouster during the September 21 anti-corruption demonstrations.

Brawner stressed, however, that despite the pressure, the military remained firm in its loyalty to the president.

Popular food content producer Erwan Heussaff recently collaborated with two chefs, Don Baldosano and Angelo Comsti, in a media event to highlight the premium quality and versatility of California Raisins and how they fit perfectly into Filipino cooking.

Heussaff likes using California Raisins in food preparations because they are naturally sun-dried, free of additives, and rich in fiber, antioxidants and essential minerals. He accepted the challenge and created two recipes for the collaboration graced by United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson at Offbeat Bistro.

Ambassador Carlson joined him in preparing Steak Frites and Potato Pave with California Raisins and Roasted Eggplant Sauce, but he was on his own in presenting his White Fish and Coconut Crudo with California Raisin Tapenade.

The latter, an appetizer, featured Malasugui fish, which is swordfish, complemented by coconut cream and a tapenade made of California raisins.

The event was supported by the Raisin Administrative Committee, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service in Manila, and the U.S. Embassy in Manila.

White Fish and Coconut Crudo with California Raisin Tapenade

Ingredients:

For the fish:

Malasugui fish, sliced thinly

For the sauce (Leche de Tigre):

1 cup coconut vinegar

1 1/2 cups fresh coconut cream

For the raisin ‘tapenade’:

1 cup California Raisins

1/2 cup sundried tomatoes

3 tbsps. mustard seeds, rehydrated with coconut vinegar

Zest from 1 pc. lime

For the garnish:

Shaved egg yolk

Annatto oil (achuete oil)

Kinchay/chive oil

White baby radish

Mustard seeds

Procedure:

1. Make the raisin tapenade first. Finely mince sundried tomatoes and California raisins, then mix with lime zest and mustard seeds. Shape the mixture into quenelles and set aside.

2. Slice baby radish into medallions and arrange them in a scale pattern of four rows with three medallions each. Set aside.

3. To plate: Lay five slices of fish flat in the center of a wide-bottomed bowl and pour the Leche de Tigre around it. Place the pre-made scale pattern on top, followed by the quenelle of the tapenade and shaved egg yolk. Drizzle annatto oil on the sides of the Leche de Tigre sauce before serving.

Comedienne Rufa Mae Quinto revealed that she joined “Your Face Sounds Familiar” to help her move on from the passing of her late husband, Trevor Magallanes.

Rufa said she needed the show because she and her daughter are mourning.

‘Dumaan na ko sa problema at drama. Kaya sabi ko, gusto ko naman may gawin na maganda [at para] malibang. Kailangan ko ‘yun kasi naglu-luksa kaming mag-ina. Para mabitbit ko din ‘yung kaligayahan sa anak ko,’ she told the press at the show’s recent press conference.

Rufa said that the invitation from “Your Face Sounds Familiar” came at just the right time.

‘I really wanted to audition for this,’ she said.

‘I haven’t been full blast in showbiz for a long time – almost 10 years – because I was focused on my family. But now that my daughter is eight and a little more independent, I told myself maybe it’s time I go full-time with my career again,’ she added.

The latest season of “Your Face Sounds Familiar” premiered last October 4, featuring the return of three of the country’s top musical icons, Sharon Cuneta, Gary Valenciano, and Ogie Alcasid, as the show’s jury.

Vhong Navarro and Jhong Hilario are tapped as its new hosts. Singers Nyoy Volante and “Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition” housemate Klarisse de Guzman are this season’s mentors.

This season features eight performers: BGYO’s Akira Morishita, Alexa Ilacad, Dia Mate, Jarlo Base, Jason Dy, JM Dela Cerna, Marielle Montellano, Pepe Herrera, and Rufa Mae Quinto.

Bringing more fun and energy to the show are its online hosts AC Soriano, Krystal Brimner, and Vivoree Esclito.

The Department of Energy (DOE) has given Pangilinan-led Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) the green light to launch an auction for 200 megawatts (MW) of new power supply.

Energy Undersecretary Mario Marasigan said the DOE cleared Meralco’s planned competitive selection process (CSP) for renewable energy baseload supply, with procurement set to start on Jan. 26, 2026.

The supply is intended to replace the power giant’s terminated baseload supply contract with the Zobel family’s ACEN Corp.

Meralco, however, must first address the recommendations from the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) before moving forward with the CSP, Marasigan noted.

‘If Meralco feels that they have already complied with the comments of the PCC and the ERC, then they can proceed,’ he said, while withholding details of the agencies’ suggestions.

As a competition safeguard, the PCC is reviewing Meralco’s CSPs following a big-ticket liquefied natural gas (LNG) venture sealed in January with Ang-led San Miguel Global Power (SMGP) and Aboitiz Power Corp.

Meralco, through Meralco PowerGen Corp., joined forces with AboitizPower to invest in SMGP’s gas-fired power plants. Together, they also acquired an LNG terminal in Batangas as part of the deal.

According to Marasigan, the DOE has also received feedback on Meralco’s two other proposed CSPs – a 600-MW baseload and a 450-MW mid-merit supply – which are currently undergoing careful review.

Based on the company’s power supply procurement plan, both CSPs are required to meet the forecasted increase in captive demand.

The contract term for the 600-MW CSP is scheduled from Feb. 26, 2028 to Feb. 25, 2043. The 450-MW CSP, meanwhile, involves two supply deals – 300 MW and 150 MW – with delivery dates starting in 2028 and 2029, respectively.

Apart from these applications, Meralco also plans to conduct a power procurement auction for a 900-MW baseload supply.

The CSP is a government-mandated bidding mechanism that requires distribution utilities and electric cooperatives to procure their power supply from generation companies offering the most cost-effective rates.

The Universities and Colleges Athletic League (UCAL) will celebrate its eighth year by adding two more sports in a continuing expansion of its sports programs as one of the fast-rising collegiate leagues in the country.

Following the addition of volleyball, 3×3 and esports last season to its staple basketball tournaments, the league will introduce badminton and table tennis to its sports calendar when the nine-team PG Flex Linolem-UCAL @ 8 kicks off on October 9 at the Playtime Filoil Centre in San Juan.

Also in the pipeline is U19 basketball next season and more Olympic sports in the next gearing up to a milestone 10th year as UCAL, slowly but surely, mandates all of its member schools to parade teams across all sports for program development and competitiveness.

“We have table tennis and badminton now but all the member schools decided that before we add more, all the schools should have existing programs and competitive teams for a full-force tournament,” said UCAL chairman Horacio Lim, joined by UCAL board trustee Col. Edison Nebrija and PG Flex owner Nelson Gueverra, during the league launch Monday at the Patio de Manila.

Former back-to-back titlist Centro Escolar University will serve as host this season, eyeing a payback in men’s basketball led by champion Olivarez College after its breatkhrough title against the Philippine Christan University (PCU)-Dasmarinas in the finale.

“Bago pa lang po ako as I assume the university presidency last June pero nakalista na po lahat ng plano. Magiging involve ako nang mas malalim sa susunod na season pero syempre for this season, ang wish ay sana mag-champion ulit kami,” said CEU president and chief academic officer Atty. Danilo Concepcion, who also chairs the UCAL Policy Board.

Concepcion, however, puts more premium on the successful UCAL staging with a theme of “Rising to New Heights.”

“We look ahead to another thrilling season of UCAL, one that promises to showcase the very best of our student-athletes. It will not only be a start of the new season but also a celebration of youthful talent, teamwork and the enduring values of fair play and camaraderie,” he said.

“UCAL is rising to new heights. It challenges us to go beyond what has already been achieved. We call on our athletes to push beyond limits, aim higher, play with passion, discipline and integrity.”

After a grand opening ceremony to be graced by CEU legend Franz Ray Diaz who was picked 74th overall by Terrafirma in the PBA Season 50 draft, as well as the cororonation of Mr. and Ms. UCAL, the league will officially usher in the games with men’s and women’s volleyball on October 14 at the University of Batangas.

The much-awaited basketball season featuring CEU, Olivarez, PCU, Diliman, Immaculada Concepcion College, LPU-Batangas, MCU, PWU and University of Batangas then fires off on February 5 at the Paco Arena to headline the second-semester events.

It has been half a century since the Philippine Basketball Association played its first game in April 1975. What started out as a rebellion against the overuse of MICAA players by the BAP has become an enduring symbol of Filipino culture. As the national basketball federation abused players to the point that they could not play for their mother teams for entire years, the only way the team owners could escape was by turning pro. Basketball was not yet an open sport then, and pros were forbidden from international competitions.

The PBA has undergone so many changes in the last 50 years. From a speedy, rough and tumble league to a blueprint of professionalism in Asia. There are not that many of us who still remember those early days. Truth be told, this writer still gets approached by the children – and even grandchildren – who grew up watching the games on television with their elders. Honestly, I sometimes have mixed feelings about it when I realize their age and mine.

The league has undergone so many format changes, rules, regarding eligibility, and even scheduling. The traditional All-Filipino Conference used to be played in the middle of the year. Eventually, it became obvious that it did not allow for the availability of the best possible imports, who were playing in various tournaments overseas. With the current calendar, teams now have a much wider selection of reinforcements to meet their needs. There have been so many magnificent performances by foreign players, a few of whom have stayed or returned to give back to Philippine basketball, like Norman Black, Bobby Parks, Sean Chambers and Daryl Smith, who lived in Cebu until his untimely death after a game there in 2008. There have been two imports per team, high handicaps, and other measures to ensure parity. Some of those who have spent time here have been NBA champions to journeymen who considered the country a second home.

The PBA has had it ups and down as well, with only six teams at one point in the 1980’s, to the robust line-up of 12 franchised it has maintained. The fuel crisis of that decade did the most economic damage, forcing smaller family corporations like Crispa and Galerie Dominique to give up their teams, and even international companies like Toyota to leave the country. It took the league a while to regain its strength. By 1989, a very strong rookie draft class buoyed it up. The following year, new teams, Pepsi, and Pop Cola joined the mix. Teams have come and gone, but it has been business as usual.

Asia’s first pro league has set other historical milestones, as well. The first all-professional basketball team to compete internationally was the PBA selection in the Asian Games in 1990, pre-dating the American Dream Team. That also ended the isolationist attitude of the league as the Philippines was no longer the juggernaut of the continent. As basketball opened up to professionals, there was more reason to deploy our best players to represent the country. And they were all in the PBA.

At the end of the day, two things have continued the fill our imagination when it comes to local basketball. The rivalries and personalities of the PBA have imprinted themselves on our consciousness for generations. Many of us could list all the greats, maybe even in chronological order. Nobody can forget the likes of Robert Jaworski, Ramon Fernandez, Bogs Adornado, Atoy Co and the dozens who compose the league’s all-time greatest. We have seen it all: fist fights, walkouts, even incarceration. But most of all, we have the innumerable memories: wild cheers, moments captured, the fiercest of competition, the hero worship, and all the indelible images which boosted us up when we needed heroes the most. We have learned so much about life from the PBA. Truly, it is golden, in more ways than one.

Two-time Olympian weightlifter Elreen Ann Ando is starting to become like someone she had envisioned herself to be – a legitimate medal contender in the 2028 edition of the quadrennial event in Los Angeles.

The 26-year-old Cebu native showed a glimpse of that potential by copping a bronze in the women’s 63-kilogram class of the IWF World Championships in Forde, Norway Sunday.

There, the Southeast Asian Games gold winner and Asian Games bronze medalist lifted 131kg to claim the country’s first and only medal in Forde so far.

And it could have been two bronzes had she not lost that one to Colombian Yenny Sinisterra, who had identical 231kg lift but took it on tiebreaks after being the first one to reach that mark.

Sinisterra had only 128kg in clean and jerk but had 103kg in the snatch.

Ando, who had 100kg in snatch, wound up fourth.

North Korean Ri Suk swept all three golds with a 253kg total on a 111kg lift in snatch and 142kg in clean and jerk.

Albert Ian delos Santos, who is just 19 years old in competing against older foes in the men’s 71 kg section, also achieved a milestone, registering 185 kg lift in clean and jerk that set a new world juniors record.