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A MEMBER of the House Committee on Economic Affairs is pushing Congress to permanently ban goods made through forced labor, saying the Philippines should not wait for trade penalties from the United States to act against what he called ‘modern-day slavery.’

Albay Rep. Raymond Adrian E. Salceda is seeking the immediate passage of House Bill 10848, or the Act Prohibiting the Trade of Goods Produced Wholly or in Part with Forced Labor and Providing Penalties Therefor, which would establish a permanent statutory ban on the entry and trade of forced-labor goods in the Philippines.

‘This is not simply about avoiding tariffs or protecting our exports. There is a moral issue when we allow products made through forced labor and exploitation to enter our market. When we buy and trade these products, the suffering of other people becomes part of our supply chain,’ Salceda said.

His call comes after the Office of the United States Trade Representative determined on June 2, 2026, that the Philippines, along with other economies, had failed to impose and effectively enforce a prohibition on the importation of goods produced through forced labor.

The United States subsequently imposed an additional 12.5 percent tariff on Philippine products, subject to specified exemptions. The additional duties took effect on July 24.

Salceda, however, stressed that the proposed legislation should not be viewed simply as a measure to address the US tariff.

‘Even if there were no tariff, this is still a law worth passing. We should prohibit products made through forced labor because we believe exploitation is wrong, not merely because another country is asking us to,’ he said.

The Executive Branch has already established an inter-agency mechanism to investigate imported goods suspected of being produced through forced labor.

Salceda said, however, that administrative action must be reinforced by legislation that provides a clear and permanent legal framework.

‘Fair trade requires fair labor. Otherwise, responsible businesses and workers are effectively being penalized for doing the right thing,’ he said.

Under HB 10848, the importation of goods produced wholly or partly through forced labor would be expressly prohibited. The measure would also authorize the Bureau of Customs to exclude and forfeit such goods, impose corresponding penalties, and institutionalize permanent inter-agency coordination for implementation and enforcement.

Salceda said the proposed ban would also protect Filipino businesses and workers from unfair competition.

He noted that companies that pay fair wages and comply with labor standards should not be forced to compete with cheaper products whose low costs are driven by the exploitation of workers.

Salceda said forced labor is not merely a Philippine-US trade issue but a global problem affecting supply chains across industries.

The US Department of Labor’s latest published list identifies 204 goods from 82 countries and areas that it has reason to believe are produced using child labor or forced labor. These include agricultural products such as sugarcane, cotton, coffee, rice and fish, as well as manufactured goods such as garments, textiles and footwear.

The International Labor Organization estimates that 27.6 million people were living in forced labor on any given day in 2021, an increase of 2.7 million from 2016.

Forced labor in the private economy generates an estimated $236 billion in illegal profits each year, with traffickers and other perpetrators earning close to $10,000 per victim annually, according to the ILO.

While Salceda acknowledged the economic impact of the additional US tariff, he said protecting Philippine exporters and jobs should be pursued alongside stronger labor protections.

‘Of course, we want to protect Philippine exporters, Filipino jobs, and our competitiveness in the US market. A 12.5 percent additional tariff has real consequences for our industries,’ Salceda said.

But he maintained that the tariff should not be the primary justification for the legislation.

The law, he said, would send a broader message that Philippine trade policy will not tolerate exploitation and that economic growth should not come at the expense

of workers’ rights.

‘Trade should create prosperity without sacrificing human dignity. No cheaper product, higher profit, or commercial advantage can justify forced labor. The Philippines should be unequivocal on that principle, and our laws should be equally clear,’ Salceda said.

For millions of Filipinos navigating EDSA, the daily commute could soon become safe, more seamless, and more convenient. As SM continues its transformation journey beyond its retail and shared spaces, its malls are also evolving to make getting to and from key transport hubs easier for commuters.

In the coming months, mallgoers can look forward to improved connections through the SM Megamall EDSA Busway Concourse and Pedestrian Bridge and SM North EDSA MRT-7 link. The projects aim to shorten long walks to transportation hubs while giving commuters familiar, well-lit, and ventilated access and departure points. The completion of the SM Megamall EDSA Busway link, which connects SM Megamall to the Ortigas station of the EDSA Bus Carousel, provides an accessible entrance and exit point for commuters.

Prior to the completion of the elevated walkway, commuters had to pass through the congested MRT-3 footbridge to reach the EDSA Carousel. The new pedestrian bridge significantly shortens the long, inconvenient walk, allowing easier access and smoother commuter flow in the busy transportation hub.

The elevated walkway is fully covered, protecting commuters from rough weather conditions. The vast space has ramps and an elevator to ensure easy access for commuters, including persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and pregnant women.

The SM Megamall EDSA Busway Link provides commuters with easier access to the bus carousel platform, which offers northbound trips to Monumento and southbound trips to the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange.

Meanwhile, the ongoing construction of the SM North EDSA-MRT 7 Link will provide commuters with seamless access to the Common Station linking MRT-3, LRT-1, the soon-to-be-operational MRT-7, and nearby establishments. Pedestrians can safely walk from hub to hub as the walkway will be fully covered to protect them from harsh weather conditions.

These pedestrian walkways, done in coordination with the Department of Transportation, the Department of Public Works and Highways, and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, are part of SM Supermalls’ broader initiative to create commuter-friendly facilities around their most-loved SM Supermalls.

Under the MY SM Transportation e, the mall operator is reimagining the daily commute-not simply by improving access to transportation, but by creating safer, more comfortable, and more convenient journeys for everyone. By putting everyday commuter needs at the heart of these improvements, SM aims to make getting from one place to another a more seamless part of everyday life.

Weekends are no longer just about shopping malls or cafés. Across Metro Manila, more Filipinos are choosing to spend their free time at car meets and bike nights-places where vehicles become conversation starters, and strangers become friends.

From motorcycle riders gathering after sunset to car enthusiasts proudly displaying their latest builds, automotive events have evolved into vibrant lifestyle destinations. Families come to explore, friends reconnect, content creators capture the atmosphere, and local businesses-from cafés and food stalls to detailing shops and accessory brands-benefit from the growing automotive community.

For many enthusiasts, it is no longer simply about horsepower or modifications. It is about belonging to a community that shares knowledge, celebrates craftsmanship, and values the journey as much as the destination. AISIN Philippines is joining this growing movement by supporting enthusiast gatherings such as the Broke Boys Club Car Meet and Grupo PCX Anniversary Event.

Recognizing the different interests of each community, AISIN features products tailored to both the four-wheel and two-wheel markets. At the Broke Boys Club Car Meet, enthusiasts can explore a broad lineup of automotive solutions, including engine oils, drivetrain components, engine parts, brake products, wiper blades, horns, cooling system products, and car care items-giving them a closer look at AISIN’s extensive aftermarket offerings for passenger vehicles.

Meanwhile, at the Grupo PCX gathering, AISIN highlighted its motorcycle engine oils, giving riders an opportunity to learn more about lubricants designed to provide reliable protection and performance for everyday commuting and spirited weekend rides.

As a global Japanese manufacturer known for original equipment and aftermarket automotive products, AISIN sees these events as opportunities to connect with the people behind the vehicles. Beyond showcasing its products, the company engages with enthusiasts to promote responsible vehicle maintenance and emphasize the importance of choosing quality replacement parts for long-term performance and safety.

Today’s enthusiasts are more informed than ever. They research before they buy, share recommendations online, and understand that long-term vehicle performance starts with quality components. This growing awareness makes conversations about preventive maintenance and genuine replacement parts more important than ever.

Through its participation in community-driven events, AISIN Philippines reaffirms its commitment to supporting enthusiasts-not only by providing trusted automotive products, but also by encouraging a culture of proper vehicle care across both motorcycle and automotive communities.

Whether it’s two wheels or four, every great journey begins with a community that inspires it. Through its continued support of enthusiast gatherings, AISIN celebrates more than machines-it celebrates the people, friendships, and shared experiences that continue to drive Filipino automotive culture forward.

In this 1xBet review, we look at the prospects of last year’s US Open champions ahead of the upcoming Grand Slam.

Alcaraz has yet to find his form

Carlos Alcaraz last took to the court four months ago. After defeating Otto Virtanen in the round of 32 at the ATP 500 Barcelona Open, Alcaraz withdrew from his match against Czech player Tomáš Machác due to a serious wrist injury. The former ATP No. 1 was forced to miss Roland Garros and Wimbledon, and his recovery process is still not complete.

Meanwhile, the dual power of recent years in men’s tennis has given way to Jannik Sinner’s dominance. The world No. 1 won Wimbledon, but in Paris the Italian exited early after suffering sudden dizziness caused by extreme heat. In the long-term betting market, Sinner is the clear favorite for the upcoming US Open at odds of 1.64. Alcaraz is second at 3.06.

In 2024-2025, these two players shared the Grand Slam trophies. Back then, the odds on both men winning were roughly equal, ranging from 2.50 to 2.65. Feel the difference?

Experts are skeptical about Carlos’s chances, as he has now gone 120 days without competitive match practice. Several hard-court ‘warm-up’ tournaments in Washington, Montreal, and Cincinnati are held ahead of the American major. Players not only earn prize money and ranking points there, but also use these events to prepare for the more prestigious tournament. It was recently announced that Alcaraz will skip Cincinnati and return to action directly at the 2026 US Open.

At the moment, there is no 100% guarantee that the Spaniard will participate. He is listed as the No. 3 entry on the tournament’s official website, but everything will depend on his condition in the second half of August.

Andy Roddick, the 2003 US Open champion, does not recommend that Carlos return to competition in a best-of-five-set tournament, where even an early-round match can last three to four hours. Add to that the prospect of playing every day in the high temperatures and humidity typical of New York in early autumn.

An injured wrist poses a particular danger. The joint plays a crucial role when the racket makes contact with the ball, and it will be difficult for Alcaraz to produce his trademark shots.

The Spaniard is also set to lose the No. 2 spot in the ATP rankings to Alexander Zverev. This means that at the 2026 US Open, Jannik and Carlos will no longer be placed at opposite ends of the draw, making a clash between the fierce rivals possible as early as the semifinals. Sinner has beaten Alcaraz in their last two meetings, but both players were in optimal condition at the time. Now, everything has changed – the Italian has at least a physical advantage. There are also rumors about the Spaniard’s psychological state.

Sabalenka lacks consistency

Aryna is the undisputed favorite at all the 2026 Grand Slams, yet the world No. 1 has not won a single major this year. Sabalenka’s results have been declining:

Australian Open – runner-up;

Roland Garros – quarterfinals;

Wimbledon – round of 16.

The Belarusian has won prestigious tournaments in Miami and Indian Wells, but those successes came in the second half of March. On the downside, she suffered early exits in Madrid, Rome, Berlin, and Toronto. Moreover, Sabalenka consistently lost to significantly lower-ranked opponents.

At this point, any underdog could pose a serious challenge to the defending US Open champion. The history of women’s tennis over the past decade shows that Grand Slams can easily be won by players who are not even ranked in the world’s top five.

The 2026 US Open starts on August 30. Follow the thrilling battles on the courts of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center with 1xBet!

RISING medical costs, gaps in existing health coverage and complex treatment options have given rise to a healthcare confidence gap, leaving Filipinos unable to seek proper medical care when the need arises.

In 2025, the country’s Total Health Expenditure (THE) reached P1.87 trillion, a 15.1 percent increase from 2024’s THE of P1.63 trillion. Of this, 41.2% was paid out-of-pocket, placing a direct financial burden on individuals and families, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. Meanwhile, 2026 medical costs can potentially increase to 16.1 percent, indicating a continued rapid increase in healthcare spending which highlights the need for better healthcare funding among Filipinos.

These numbers indicate a health crisis that affects even affluent families who have the financial means to pay for healthcare when a serious illness strikes. After all, major illnesses and healthcare concerns can mean more than medical expenses. They can disrupt business interests, investments, and other financial priorities.

A premium health insurance solution, InLife Global Care (www.inlife.com.ph) aims to address these gaps to give Filipinos greater choice, flexibility and confidence when important healthcare decisions arise.

‘Healthcare confidence is knowing that when a serious medical situation happens, you have choices, resources, and someone you can rely on to help you move forward. InLife Global Care aims to provide all these and more, to help those who have worked hard to build their careers, businesses and family wealth, and who recognize that protecting their health is just as important as protecting their financial future,’ said InLife chief product and innovation officer Jose Eduardo O. Ang.

For many Filipinos, healthcare confidence means having the financial protection that does not reduce savings or business cash flows, family protection, long-term health coverage, funds to cover healthcare costs that may not be sufficiently covered by one’s health maintenance organization (HMO), and treatment options whether locally or abroad.

InLife Global Care provides all these and more. It gives up to P125M annual coverage, with cashless service options and the flexibility to choose how and where one receives care, with access to accredited healthcare providers in the Philippines and abroad.

InLife Global Care delivers not just comprehensive inpatient coverage but also outpatient and preventive care benefits for essential healthcare needs, especially as a supplement to one’s HMO coverage such as major hospitalization, serious illnesses and cancer treatments, outpatient benefits including consultations and diagnostics, and even emergency treatment outside areas of coverage for up to P12.5M (subject to policy terms, conditions, limits and exclusions).

For Filipinos seeking protection beyond their working years, InLife Global Care is renewable annually until age 99, and includes a built-in life insurance benefit that provides additional protection up to age 70, for as long as the plan remains active.

‘InLife’s 115 years of experience gives us a deep understanding of what matters to Filipino families. They want world-class care, but they also want the reassurance of knowing that they and their families have someone they can depend on when difficult healthcare decisions arise. That is what we mean by world-class care. Filipino heart. InLife certainty,’ said Ang.

THE loss of the will to live, withdrawing from family and friends, a lack of interest even in activities and things that once sparked joy, and sleeping too much or too little are the classic symptoms of a person who may be courting suicidal thoughts. And yet, as beloved celebrities like chef Anthony Bourdain, comedian Robin Williams, and others who have taken their own lives have shown us, a happy and successful exterior can mask struggles with hopelessness and despair.

While suicide rates in the Philippines are lower than global statistics (an estimate 3.2 to 3.5 deaths per 100,000 Filipinos are by suicide, according to the Department of Health), they remain a serious cause for concern. Thirty percent of suicide cases are by individuals between the ages of 15 and 24, men are four times more likely to commit suicide than women, and whether they push through with it or not, 1 in 5 youths have seriously thought of ending their lives.

What would drive someone to resort to such an irreversible and permanent act? ‘Mental illness or personality disorder affect a person’s ability to make sound judgement,’ says Carmina Charmaine G. Bernardo, MD, FPPA, FPCPsych, psychiatrist and Head of the Mood and Anxiety Resource and Referral Center, Institute of Neuroscience, from the country’s top hospital Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed, www.makatimed.net.ph).

‘But so can a traumatic life event like a bad breakup, death in the family, physical or emotional abuse, financial loss, or a ruined career. A person dealing with a painful illness or terminal disease may decide to end their suffering prematurely. Intense feelings of worthlessness, loneliness, and being a burden to others have also pushed people to take their own lives. ‘In other words, certain triggers or stressors compel people to take action and free themselves from what they perceive to be unbearable and unending physical or emotional pain.’

The challenge for anyone who knows of a friend or loved one thinking of taking their life is to be aware of their triggers and stressors, and observant of out-of-the-ordinary behavior.

‘Of course, this is not always easy, as a person thinking of committing suicide can pretend that all is well so as not to arouse suspicion,’ explains Bernardo. ‘Some even appear suddenly calm and happy after experiencing severe depression. This could mean that they are resolved with their decision to end their life.’

Looking out for a friend or family member with suicidal thoughts is a huge responsibility. Still, if you can prevent them from pushing through with it, you could actually save a life-and that is no mean feat.

Bernardo cites common triggers and warning signs:

Specific dates and occasions. Everybody gets a case of the birthday blues: Maybe the special day reminds us that we are getting older or have no one significant to celebrate it with. ‘Birthdays, anniversaries, and special holidays can be sensitive times for suicidals,’ reveals Bernardo. ‘In fact, an international team of researchers discovered that Monday has the highest risk of suicide mortality, as does New Year’s Day. Call a friend or loved one to check on how they’re doing or make plans to go out on that day. Your company will be a welcome distraction from their dark thoughts.’

Reckless behavior. Does your friend or family member drink too much, drive too fast, not watch where they are going, miss doctor appointments, or skip prescription medication? ‘A lack of regard for their safety, health, and well-being can mean they no longer value their life,’ shares Bernardo. ‘Offer to accompany them to their appointments or drive them home when they are under the influence.’

Seeing people. While suicidals tend to withdraw from the world, others will go out of their way to seek out certain friends or relatives. Perhaps they will forgive someone-or ask someone for their forgiveness. ‘It is likely a form of closure before they end things,’ says Bernardo. Giving away prized possessions is another sign of ‘saying goodbye’ by offering something to remember them by. ‘Simply accept the token and assure the person that it will be in your safekeeping for now. It’s a subtle way of saying you will give it back when things get better.’

Talking about suicide is never easy, both for the person contemplating it and the one who speculates a loved one is strongly considering taking their life.

‘But it has to be done,’ says Bernardo. ‘Ask them pointblank gently and coming from a place of concern and sincerity. And be prepared to listen-not judge, scold, or dismiss their feelings. Let them talk and express themselves as much as they want. Sometimes, venting provides them with much-needed relief from negative thoughts.’

For the emotionally vulnerable, knowing that someone genuinely cares for them and wants to help them get out of their black hole can be enough reason to live. ‘Offer hope and the prospect of better things ahead if they just give themselves and others a chance,’ says Bernardo.

Most importantly, evaluate if a suicidal friend or family member is in immediate danger. Those at the highest risk already have a specific suicide plan, the means to carry out the plan, the time set, and an intention.

‘If an attempt is imminent, make sure they don’t have access to lethal objects that they can use to harm themselves like drugs, guns, or knives. And never ever leave a suicidal person alone,’ stresses Bernardo. ‘The best that you can do is to call emergency services, or bring the person to the nearest hospital where they can get the necessary professional help.’

THE Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) said on Tuesday no Filipino seaman has lost a job or missed a deployment because of the ransomware attack that crippled its seafarer documentation system.

Marina said it has issued more than 500 temporary certifications and granted document extensions to those with immediate departures.

The agency said the certifications, issued since August 15, serve as interim proof of a seafarer’s credentials while its Seafarer’s Identity Document (SID) and Seafarer’s Record Book (SRB) System remains down.

The documents are verifiable by Port State authorities, it said.

The certifications are ‘very temporary,’ the Marina said, and actual SIDs will be released through the seafarers’ respective manning agencies once the system has been restored.

The agency said all expedite applications have been granted certifications on the same day of the applicant’s appointment.

The Marina pegged the 500-plus certifications against an estimated 890,000 Filipino seamen certified as meeting international standards, or roughly 0.06 percent of the seafaring population-a comparison that measures the interim documents against the entire certified workforce rather than against the number of applicants with pending transactions during the outage.

The Marina said it met with 50 licensed manning agencies (LMAs) to address deployment concerns directly and to ensure that affected seafarers receive assistance.

Marina Administrator Sonia Malaluan appealed to all manning agencies to give seamen correct information and to report immediately to the agency any problem encountered in the use of the issued certifications.

Seamen with pending appointments for the issuance or renewal of their SRB or SID may be granted an extension of their Seafarer’s Identification and Record Books (SIRBs) that are nearing expiration or have already expired, provided they have an immediate departure to board a vessel.

Qualified seafarers must personally visit their selected processing center and present a request letter from the employing company; a confirmed airline electronic ticket; an approved Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) contract, a notarized company contract, or a Certificate of Employment; and a confirmed online appointment for the SRB or SID application.

The SID and SRB System has been offline since August 14, when the Marina suspended nationwide processing of the two documents until further notice. Both are mandatory credentials for Filipino seamen seeking employment aboard ocean-going vessels.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), through its Cybersecurity Bureau-National Computer Emergency Response Team (CSB-NCERT), earlier confirmed that a ransomware incident was behind the shutdown.

The incident was reported to the NCERT on August 13.

Currently, Marina is rebuilding the affected database and server environment, while forensic investigation and validation of the affected infrastructure continues.

The NCERT said it is still determining the full extent of the compromise.

As luxury homebuyers become increasingly discerning, premium developments are no longer defined by architecture alone. Today’s buyers seek authenticity, a purpose, a deeper connection, and a budding future community of the places they choose to call home. Recognizing this shift, Keen and Worth is challenging the norm in real estate marketing. It’s the one that goes beyond showcasing amenities, floor plans, and premium finishes. Instead, the developer is placing the spotlight on the people behind the property.

In July, Keen and Worth launched Behind the Tower stories, a four-part documentary series. Rather than serving as a traditional property showcase, the series shows an unprecedented look into the group of people whose collective expertise is shaping Ongpin Tower-one of Binondo’s most anticipated residential developments. The property is now at 85 percent sold and on track for its Q2 2027 turnover.

Through Behind the Towers series, we get to meet Architects Miguel Ocampo Tan and Mia Ocampo Tan Lee, from MOT Architectural Design, approached the project as more than the design of a high-rise-they envisioned a structure that reflects the character of Binondo while responding to the evolving needs of Filipino-Chinese families. Built on a rare tri-corner lot, Ongpin Tower’s architecture was thoughtfully designed with four distinct elevations, expansive views of Manila, and low-density residential layouts that support multi-generational living.

For the interiors, Monica Belen and the M Concepts team focused on creating spaces that extend beyond luxury finishes. Their approach centers on hospitality-inspired design, crafting residences that feel warm, functional, and timeless-spaces designed for family traditions, celebrations, and everyday moments that can be carried across generations.

The series also reveals that the tower’s connection to nature and culture is further strengthened through the landscape vision of architect Rowland Agullana and the CUBE System team. By integrating biophilic design, wellness spaces, communal areas, and culturally significant elements, the team created an environment that offers residents a sense of reflection, connection, and belonging within the heart of Binondo.

In the docu, Keen and Worth also shows how bringing this ambitious vision to life requires the expertise of seasoned builders and project leaders. Jaime Lim and the Ironcon Builders team apply decades of construction experience to ensure the tower’s structural excellence, including its 73-meter-deep foundation-meanwhile, Engr. Charl Villena and the SPARC project management team oversee coordination, quality standards, and execution to ensure every aspect of the development aligns with the project’s vision.

For Keen and Worth, Binondo was more than just a prestigious location. It’s a legacy worthy of a place on the Metro Manila skyline. As the world’s oldest Chinatown, the district embodies centuries of commerce, culture, entrepreneurship, and family legacy. The company’s decision to establish its flagship development in this historic community reflects a belief that luxury today is not only about exclusivity, but about meaning, permanence, and connection to place.

This philosophy ultimately shapes what Ongpin Tower represents. Rather than replacing heritage with modernity, the project seeks to demonstrate how both can coexist-an idea that serves as the foundation of Behind the Towers. Through architecture, design, landscape, engineering, and construction, the development honors Binondo’s rich history while introducing a contemporary vision of luxury living that remains deeply rooted in culture and community.

This is how Keen and Worth seeks to redefine Chinatown living. By weaving together the expertise of architects, designers, engineers, and builders, Behind the Towers showcases the company’s overall vision: that a legacy address is defined not only by how it is built, but by the purpose, craftsmanship, and people behind it.

‘Ongpin Tower is more than just a luxury residential property. From the very beginning, our vision was to create a landmark worthy of the world’s oldest Chinatown-one that respects its heritage while redefining what a legacy address can mean for future generations. Behind the Tower series is our way of sharing the people, purpose, and craftsmanship behind that vision, because we believe the story behind a place is just as important as the place itself. Every decision, from architecture and design to construction and landscaping, has been guided by our deep admiration for Binondo and our commitment to building something that truly belongs here,’ shared Keen and Worth Chief Operating Officer Kimberly Klaire K. Wong.

For Keen and Worth, this storytelling-first approach reflects a broader belief that luxury real estate marketing should go beyond selling square footage. By opening its doors to the people shaping Ongpin Tower, the company invites audiences to understand not only what is being built, but why it is being built-and the values that continue to guide every decision behind the development.

To learn more about the newest prestige address at Keen and Worth Ongpin Tower, visit keenandworth.com/ongpintower/scheduleavisit to book your private viewing.

At 17, Pax Pineda turns his personal connection to Philippine history into a public exploration of one of the country’s most influential propagandists.

Running from September 4 to October 17, 2026, at the 2F Lobby of Ayala Museum’s Diorama Experience Gallery, LOLO MARCELO: THE MAN BEHIND THE HERO (Reflections on the Legacy of Marcelo H. Del Pilar) bridges the gap bridge the gap between history and personal heritage, transforming Del Pilar from a mere historical icon into a relatable figure whose spirit continues to inspire.

Pax Pineda, the great-great-great-grandson of Marcelo H. Del Pilar, collaborates with Ayala Museum and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines to present a collection of artifacts, letters, and artworks that examines not only Del Pilar’s contributions to the Propaganda Movement, but also the lesser-known truths behind his legacy. Pineda frames the exhibit as an opportunity to see Del Pilar from a relatable lens: equally as a hero, a journalist, a lawyer, a husband, a father, and a Filipino who made profound sacrifices for a cause larger than himself.

‘I am very grateful to have this opportunity to tell, show, and share my Lolo Marcelo’s story the same week as what would have been his 176th birth anniversary. Last month at NHCP’s HistoEx, Lolo Marcelo’s journey was also shown and discussed in an exhibit there, and I’m so happy it was well attended. But I also want to share the other side felt by his family, and how their lives were marked by profound sacrifice. He left his family and his homeland in 1888 to escape persecution and continue his fight for justice in Madrid. He not only edited it and wrote for it, but also ended up financing La Solidaridad when funds dried up, leaving him penniless. Yet, his legacy endures. His dedication to the cause of freedom, coupled with his roles as a devoted father and husband, humanizes his storied life.’ Ayala Museum curator, Tenten Mina adds that MH Del Pilar is particularly interesting and relevant as we celebrate the Year of Diplomatic History and Diaspora during history month 2026. Mina adds, ‘he endured physical separation from family and loved ones for the sake of the greater good-a sacrifice many Filipinos still make today.’

Known by his pen name Plaridel, Marcelo H. Del Pilar was one of the leaders of the Propaganda Movement that fought for reform and equal rights for Filipinos during the twilight years of the Spanish Colonial Era. While his written works, Dasalan at Tocsohan and La Solidaridad, are widely remembered by the public as his major contributions to our independence, the personal sacrifices of the propagandist to launch and sustain these efforts are less known.

The exhibit also aims to shine a light on the more intimate dimension of Del Pilar’s life. Born in Bulacan, Del Pilar trained as a lawyer before becoming a journalist, writer, and reform advocate. He left the Philippines in 1888 amid persecution and continued his campaign for reforms in Spain. His commitment came at considerable personal cost, including prolonged separation from his family and financial hardship from personally supporting La Solidaridad. He died of tuberculosis in Barcelona in 1896, far from the country he sought to serve.

‘Ayala Museum is more than happy to collaborate with young individuals who would want to share these important stories of Filipino heritage with their peers. Projects such as this illustrate our deeply held belief at the museum that history and culture carry values relevant to each generation and that it is our job to provide a space for these conversations to happen,’ shares Jorell Legaspi, Senior Director for Arts and Culture at Ayala Foundation.

The artifacts featured in the exhibition are on loan from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and transported from the Marcelo H. Del Pilar Shrine in Bulakan, Bulacan – a national shrine and museum dedicated to the Filipino propagandist, journalist, and lawyer. Ayala Museum and the NHCP have been long-time collaborators and partners in the promotion of a deeper understanding of the story of the Filipino nation. Aprille Tijam, Associate Director at Ayala Museum, adds, ‘We envision that this pocket exhibition will be the first of many more curatorial projects that seek to explore significant events and figures in Philippine history not featured within the Ayala Museum’s 60 Dioramas of Philippine history.’

About the curator

Pax Pineda is a 17-year-old Filipino high school senior at the ESF South Island School in Hong Kong. He has been deeply interested in History, particularly American History, from an early age. His interest first came when he and his family travelled to the U.S. for a vacation and spent 24 hours in Washington D.C. Over the last few years, he has increasingly become more interested in Philippine History, especially in the life and work of Marcelo H. Del Pilar, who is his direct great, great, great grandfather.

Pax has been nurturing his love for History for more than a decade, whether it be through writing about it in his free time, reading numerous history books, or currently, through a passion project with Ayala Museum – a pop-up exhibit on Marcelo H. Del Pilar. College plans include majoring in History at a university in the US. In his free time, he is an avid footballer, having played for years in the highest division of youth football in Hong Kong. He also enjoys running, watching sports, video games, and spending time with friends and family.

THE Department of Energy (DOE) will continue to unload excess liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supply and boost diesel inventories.

‘So, we’re starting to unload as well, so that storage costs don’t become excessive,’ said DOE Secretary Sharon Garin.

The country’s fuel inventory as of August 21 stood at 47 days. Of which, gasoline supply will last for 44 days; diesel, 47; kerosene, 121; jet fuel, 75; fuel oil, 54; and LPG, 34.

‘We have to do the math because we don’t want to spend too much. Because while we have it, we have to pay for storage-meaning the rent of the space to store it. Therefore, the longer we keep it, the more expensive the storage becomes,’ said Garin, referring to LPG supply. ‘Most of the time, we try to sell it lower than the going rate just to dispose. But I think it’s almost finished because everyone wants it,’ said Garin.

In the past months, the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) released a strategic Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) inventory stored at the South Pacific Inc. (SPI) terminal in Batangas, priced at P68.72 per kilogram (kg).

The strategic LPG inventory is an emergency fuel buffer meant to safeguard domestic supply and protect consumers from global market volatility and supply disruptions.

The energy chief said PNOC has no immediate plans to import another batch of LPG supply soon.

‘We have really enough and they already know where to go. Where did they buy from before? In the Middle East. Now, they’re buying from America. So, luckily, our companies have learned to be resilient and to spread their risk.

So, we have many other countries as sources,’ she said.

Likewise, LPG is likely not to be included in the planned strategic petroleum reserve. ‘We still have to study that because there is a different storage for LPG. When you store diesel, gas, it’s just like you put it in a big tank and then you store it there.

‘Here, there are two components that you have to mix. And then there’s the pressure that you have to control and the temperature. So it’s a more complicated process. That’s why we have not included that yet. And also because we have enough,’ she explained.

The PNOC and the Maharlika Investment Corp., are developing a strategic petroleum reserve and oil storage facility. Maharlika proposed a consortium with PNOC and the private sector to build oil depots to store strategic reserves. Maharlika will act as a capital provider, and PNOC will contribute assets; private operators will manage the facilities.

PNOC has funded and started studies to build at least one oil storage tank by end of next year. The investment is initially pegged at P5 billion per storage tank, capable of storing 500,000 to 1 million barrels of oil.

The Senate and House of Representatives are already tackling the proposed bills related to establishing the Philippine Strategic Petroleum Reserve (PSPR) system.

‘We’re still holding on to the diesel because it is being used for transportation. For LPG, you have a substitute. You can burn wood or charcoal. But for diesel, we’re not so confident yet of the situation of the Strait of Hormuz and 60 percent of diesel is really being utilized for transportation. So, maybe it’s not enough at the moment,’ said Garin.