LEFT-HANDER Eduardo Rodriguez went six scoreless innings and Corbin Carroll hit a home run to break a scoreless tie in the seventh inning as the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks earned a 6-1 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday night.
Gabriel Moreno had a sacrifice fly in a three-run seventh as the Diamondbacks won their fourth consecutive game and improved to 8-3 since Aug. 19. Rodriguez (6-8) allowed four hits, while right-hander Jake Woodford pitched a perfect ninth with one strikeout.
Mookie Betts had an RBI single and right-hander Tyler Glasnow (1-3) took a no-hitter into the sixth inning before giving up three runs on four hits over seven innings with six strikeouts.
Los Angeles lost consecutive home games for the first time since they were swept by the Milwaukee Brewers in a three-game series to begin the second half.
In a scoreless game in the fifth inning, the Dodgers had runners on second and third with nobody out when Enrique Hernandez was thrown out at home plate by Diamondbacks left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. while trying to score on a Shohei Ohtani fly ball. Betts lined out to third to end the threat.
Arizona did not collect its first hit off Glasnow until Ildemaro Vargas’ one-out infield single in the sixth. Carroll delivered the game’s first run on his leadoff home run in the seventh, his 28th of the season.
Gurriel and Blaze Alexander doubled after Carroll’s home run, with both scoring on a sacrifice fly from Moreno and a throwing error by Dodgers center fielder Andy Pages. — Reuters
JEREMY LIN announced his retirement from professional basketball via Instagram on Saturday night.
Lin is a nine-year NBA veteran. After going undrafted in 2010, the point guard began his career with the Golden State Warriors, playing in 29 games as a rookie. However, he rose to prominence during his second NBA season as a member of the New York Knicks.
Across his NBA career, Lin averaged 11.6 points, 4.3 assists, and 1.1 steals. He had stints with the Warriors, Knicks, Houston Rockets, Lakers, Charlotte Hornets, Brooklyn Nets, Atlanta Hawks, and Toronto Raptors. He won an NBA title in 2019 with the Raptors. — Reuters
The Fever needed the win, and not simply because of the tightening playoff race. The Sparks had owned them all season: three meetings, three losses, each a veritable test they could not pass. The other day, however, they finally managed to flip the script — and at Crypto.com Arena to boot. By prevailing 76-75 on the road, they did more than keep their place in league standings; they proved they had the mettle to overcome physical and mental adversity against tough opposition.
As expected, All-Star Aliyah Boston led the charge; her 22 points and 11 rebounds underscored her steadiness, but most notable were her six steals — culminating in the decisive swipe in the dying seconds — that gave the Fever their breakthrough. The Sparks still had a chance to sweep the series, but her final act made sure the outcome was theirs to celebrate. Against competition that had underscored their struggles amid a cacophony of injuries, she imposed herself on both ends, and her teammates followed.
Significantly, Odyssey Sims was likewise instrumental in victory. Once with the Sparks, she relished the opportunity to show she deserved a full-fledged roster spot after two hardship contracts. And she made the most of her chances: 21 markers capped by the go-ahead floater with 13.6 seconds remaining. Given the closeness of the set-to, the Fever clearly needed the composure she supplied in the crunch. More than just putting the red, blue, and gold ahead, the basket highlighted what had been missing in earlier encounters: a guard willing to seize the moment and dictate the finish.
In contrast, the Sparks stumbled precisely when the moment called for precision. Top scorer Azura Stevens split her free throws with 34 seconds left, leaving the door open for a triumph. Unfortunately, they then botched an inbounds play, coughing up a fatal turnover, their 23rd; they never managed a final attempt after Boston’s swipe. It was a collapse that hurt them twice over, costing them the contest and dimming their playoff hopes. At 17-20, they sit ninth, two games behind the Valkyries for the final spot with only seven left to play. Meanwhile, the Fever, now 21-18, moved into sixth, half a game ahead of the highly touted Storm.
Needless to say, the result represents progress for the otherwise-snakebitten Fever. And, yes, breaking through against the Sparks in late August may yet be just as critical for them as where they ultimately finish in league standings. To win at all is necessary; to win in this way — over opponents that had hitherto defined their struggle and in an encounter that went down the wire — signals their desire to shape their future in their own terms.
Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant on strategic planning, operations and human resources management, corporate communications, and business development.
TRACTOR trailers wait in line at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry on the US-Mexico border in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, Aug. 30. — CARLOS MORENO/BLOOMBERG
THE legal fight over President Donald J. Trump’s global tariffs is deepening after a federal appeals court ruled the levies were issued illegally under an emergency law, extending the chaos in global trade.
A 7-4 decision by a panel of judges Friday night in Washington was a major setback for Mr. Trump even as it gives both sides something to boast about.
The majority upheld a May ruling by the Court of International Trade that the tariffs were illegal. But the judges left the levies intact while the case proceeds, as Mr. Trump had requested, and suggested that any injunction could potentially be narrowed to apply only to those who sued.
It’s unclear exactly where the case goes from here. The Trump administration could quickly appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court, or it could allow the trade court to revisit the matter and potentially narrow the injunction against his tariffs.
“Our trading partners must be dazed and confused,” Wendy Cutler, a senior vice-president at the Asia Society Policy Institute and veteran US trade negotiator, wrote in a post on LinkedIn. “Many of them entered into framework deals with us and some are still negotiating.”
Trillions of dollars of global trade are embroiled in the case, which was filed by Democratic-led states and a group of small businesses. A final ruling against Mr. Trump’s tariffs would upend his trade deals and force the government to contend with demands for hundreds of billions of dollars in refunds on levies already paid.
“It’s very gratifying,” said Elana Ruffman, whose family-owned toy businesses Learning Resources, Inc. won a separate lawsuit over Mr. Trump’s tariffs issued under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA. “It’s great that the court agrees with us that the way these tariffs are implemented is not legal.”
Mollie Sitkowski, a trade lawyer at Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, pointed out in a note to clients on Friday that the ruling “does not directly apply” to tariffs on Brazil or India that were issued under the emergency law and may not address the separate removal of the “de minimis” exception for packages valued under $800.
Friday’s ruling by the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit held that Mr. Trump was wrong to issue tariffs under IEEPA, a federal law that the panel concluded was never intended to be used in such a manner. Indeed, the court noted that the law doesn’t mention tariffs “or any of its synonyms.”
“Once again, a court has ruled that the President cannot invent a fake economic emergency to justify billions of dollars in tariffs,” New York Attorney General Letitia James, who is a party to the tariff lawsuit, said in a statement. “These tariffs are a tax on Americans — they raise costs for working families and businesses throughout our country, causing more inflation and job losses.”
The ruling applies to Mr. Trump’s “Liberation Day” global tariffs that set a 10% baseline and have been in effect for months that the administration says are meant to address a national emergency around US trade deficits. It affects the extra levies on Mexico, China and Canada that Mr. Trump said were justified by the ongoing fentanyl crisis in the US, which he also said was a national emergency under IEEPA.
The decision also covers Mr. Trump’s so-called reciprocal tariffs that took effect Aug. 7 for dozens of nations that failed to reach trade deals with the administration by Aug. 1. Various carve-outs and extensions have been announced since then, leaving the final tariffs for some nations up in the air.
Mr. Trump’s tariffs were first ruled illegal in May by the US trade court in Manhattan. That decision was put on hold by the Federal Circuit for the appeal, allowing the administration to continue threatening tariffs during the negotiations.
Hours before Friday’s ruling dropped, Mr. Trump’s cabinet officials told the appeals court that a striking down the President’s tariffs would seriously harm US foreign policy, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent saying it would lead to “dangerous diplomatic embarrassment” and undermine trade talks. On Friday night after the court move, Mr. Trump posted on X that if the tariffs went away, “it would be a total disaster for the Country.”
Ms. Cutler, who spent nearly three decades as a diplomat and negotiator at the Office of the US Trade Representative, suggested that the administration’s concerns about trade deals may now be a reality. She wrote in her post that India, hit by a 50% tariff, “must be rejoicing,” while China “must be weighing its stance in making concessions in ongoing talks.”
“EU (European Union) efforts to secure domestic approval of its deal may be called into question, while Japan and Korea whom apparently have made oral deals with little in writing may choose to slow walk current efforts until there is more US legal clarity, while still pressing for lower auto tariffs,” Ms. Cutler said. — Bloomberg
AN INDONESIAN ARMY armored personnel carrier outside a shopping center in Jakarta on Aug. 31. — HARRY SUHARTONO/BLOOMBERG
President Prabowo Subianto moved to quell widespread protests across Indonesia with parliament removing hefty lawmaker allowances that had sparked public outrage, while warning that firm action will be taken against violent demonstrators.
The government will listen and act on people’s concerns, Prabowo said in a televised briefing from the presidential palace on Sunday, flanked by political party leaders. Parliament will also place a moratorium on overseas visits by lawmakers, while parties will take firm action against their erring members, he said.
Protests over rising living costs and inequality intensified over the weekend, with government buildings being burned and looters reportedly targeting the homes of the finance minister and several lawmakers. Prabowo on Saturday scrapped a trip to China to attend a major security summit, underlining growing concern about the protests that have rocked the nation in the past week and hurt stocks and the rupiah.
The protests were sparked by outrage over lawmakers’ housing allowances— nearly 10 times the monthly minimum wage — and fueled by tax hikes, mass layoffs, and inflation that have disproportionately hit lower-income Indonesians. The death of a motorcycle taxi driver, Affan Kurniawan, who was run over by a police vehicle during a rally, further inflamed tensions.
“I call on all citizens to trust the government and remain calm,” Prabowo said. “The government under my leadership is determined to always fight for the people’s interests, including those of the most vulnerable and marginalized.”
Rioters entered Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati’s residence near Jakarta early Sunday, but were repelled by armed forces personnel. Items were taken from the homes of lawmaker Ahmad Sahroni and two others, according to Detik.com. The finance ministry did not responded to requests for comment.
Embassies in Jakarta, including those of the US, Japan, Australia and Singapore, earlier issued warnings for their citizens in Indonesia to avoid crowds and protest areas.
A police spokesperson on Sunday said any anarchic acts would face “decisive but measured” action under standard procedures, calling it a last resort the force hopes to avoid. Jakarta Police will deploy over 300 personnel to patrol the city, he said.
The situation is “indeed very concerning,” said Rajeev De Mello, global macro portfolio manager at Gama Asset Management. “We expect this to translate into heightened volatility for the rupiah and broader Indonesian assets, as markets reassess both political risk and policy continuity.”
Even before Prabowo’s announcement on Sunday, Indonesia’s Democratic Party of Struggle and Gerindra issued separate statements over the weekend pledging to scrap or review a controversial monthly housing allowance of 50 million rupiah ($3,030) along with other perks deemed excessive.
“A worsening economy, spending cuts, corruption – no one believes that anything good is being done to fix those issues and the feeling is Parliament has lost touch with the people,” said Vedi Hadiz, director of the Asia Institute at the University of Melbourne. “These are the organic grievances of the people.”
EMPTY SHOWROOMS While calm prevailed in Jakarta’s Chinatown — a historic flashpoint for unrest that fueled the 1998 riots and led to the fall of former President Suharto — businesses took precautions. Armored personnel carriers were stationed outside major shopping centers, and a nearby BMW showroom, ransacked during the 1998 violence, pulled its cars from display. In downtown Jakarta, a Toyota showroom also removed vehicles from public view.
Police also blocked road access to the Sudirman Central Business District, the location of the Indonesian Stock Exchange building and headquarters of several international banks.
Protests in major cities have turned deadly, with at least three people killed in Makassar and dozens of buildings and public facilities destroyed, despite the president’s earlier plea for calm. In response to the escalating violence, TikTok announced it has “voluntarily” suspended its Live feature.
While citizens have the right to expression and assembly, “demonstrations currently taking place in several regions tend to violate” the law, National Police chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo said on television on Saturday, speaking alongside Indonesian military commander Agus Subiyanto. He cited the burning of buildings and public facilities and the attacks on police headquarters.
Indonesia’s equity benchmark has retreated from a record and was the world’s worst-performing primary index on Friday after it dropped 1.5%. — Bloomberg
WASHINGTON — The Donald J. Trump administration is advancing plans to rename the Department of Defense as the Department of War, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ)reported on Saturday, citing a White House official, after President Trump raised the prospect on Monday.
Restoring the Department of War name for the government’s largest department would likely require congressional action, but the White House is exploring alternative methods to implement the change, the report said.
Republican Representative Greg Steube of Florida filed an amendment to the annual defense policy bill that would change the name of the department, indicating some Republican support in Congress for the change.
The White House gave no details, but underscored Mr. Trump’s comments this week emphasizing the US military’s offensive capabilities.
“As President Trump said, our military should be focused on offense — not just defense — which is why he has prioritized warfighters at the Pentagon instead of DEI and woke ideology. Stay tuned!” said White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly, using the initials DEI to refer to programs aimed at increasing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).
Mr. Trump raised the idea of rebranding the Defense Department as the “Department of War” while speaking with reporters in the Oval Office on Monday, saying it “just sounded to me better.”
“It used to be called the Department of War and it had a stronger sound,” Mr. Trump said. “We want defense, but we want offense too… As Department of War we won everything, we won everything and I think we’re going to have to go back to that.”
The War department became the Department of Defense through a gradual process, beginning with the National Security Act of 1947, which unified the Army, Navy, and Air Force under a single organization called the National Military Establishment.
An amendment to the law passed in 1949 officially introduced the name “Department of Defense,” establishing the structure in place today.
Mr. Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have been working to promote a more aggressive image of the military while making a spate of other changes, including purging top military leaders whose views have been seen as being at odds with Mr. Trump.
The Trump administration has also sought to bar transgender individuals from joining the US military and remove all who are currently serving. The Pentagon says transgender people are medically unfit, something civil rights activists say is untrue and constitutes illegal discrimination. — Reuters
Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party leader Friedrich Merz speaks at the party headquarters, after the exit poll results are announced for the 2025 general election, in Berlin, Germany, Feb. 23, 2025. — REUTERS
BERLIN — German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Saturday he expected that Russia would only stop its war against Ukraine once it could no longer wage it for economic and military reasons, given that diplomatic efforts in recent weeks had failed.
“All efforts of the past weeks have been answered with an even more aggressive approach by this regime in Moscow against the population in Ukraine,” Mr. Merz said at a regional event of his conservatives in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
“This will also not stop until we ensure together that Russia, at least for economic reasons, and perhaps also for military reasons… can no longer continue this war.”
Earlier on Saturday, the chief of Russia’s general staff, General Valery Gerasimov, said his troops were waging a non-stop offensive along almost the entire front line in Ukraine and that they had the “strategic initiative.”
Russia has also stepped up airstrikes on Ukrainian towns and cities far behind the front lines this summer.
Efforts by US President Donald J. Trump to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict, now in its fourth year, have so far failed, and Kyiv and its European allies including Germany are calling for tougher economic sanctions on Moscow. — Reuters
MANILA — Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has officially ordered the suspension of rice imports for 60 days from September 1 to protect farmers amid robust local production during the harvest season.
The order on Saturday covers the import of regular milled and well-milled rice and excludes varieties not commonly produced locally.
The import halt will end on October 30, but the government may opt to shorten or extend the suspension period “as may be necessary,” according to the order.
The Philippines, among the world’s largest buyers of rice, imported 4.8 million metric tonnes last year, with Southeast Asian neighbors Vietnam and Thailand among its key suppliers. — Reuters
"The Blueprint by Globe" quarterly media event, highlighting Globe’s inclusive innovations. From left: Marlon Cruz (Assistant Vice-President, Globe Business), Giv Florida (Senior Director, Globe Prepaid), Coco Domingo (Vice-President, Product Experience), Bianca Wong (Vice-President, Feel Valued Tribe), Eric Tanbauco (Vice-President, Consumer Mobile Business), Chelo Flores (Director, Marketing Strategic Partnerships), and Abby Cardino (Vice-President, Broadband Business)
Globe unleashed its inclusive innovation thrust with the launch of The Blueprint, a first of a series of quarterly media events that highlights how the company is using technology to promote digital inclusion and empower every Filipino.
By presenting a portfolio of solutions that are intentional, intuitive, and accessible, Globe is demonstrating how innovation directly translates into progress for people, communities, and enterprises.
“This is about execution with empathy,” said Darius Delgado, Chief Commercial Officer at Globe. “The Blueprint showcases how our innovation is inclusive by design; personal where it matters, protected by default, and accessible to all. From hyper-personalized plans and secure digital journeys to consulting that solves enterprise pain points and new entertainment frontiers, we’re the digital enabler behind everyday progress.”
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Abby Cardino, Vice-President of Broadband Business, highlights "Globe At Home 5G," the world’s first 5G-powered portable home broadband device offering fiber-like speeds and unlimited data.
Globe Chief Marketing Officer, Roche Vandenberghe emphasizes that The BluePrint by Globe charts the evolving design of the Filipino digital lifestyle, “one that’s not just powered by innovation, but guided by purpose: inclusive, intuitive, and intentional.”
Inclusive Innovation in Action
Globe starts with its Foundations of Progress, where it guides enterprises through a consulting practice that translates complex technology into clear, actionable strategies. Backed by deep industry expertise and a forward-looking perspective, this groundwork enables small, medium, and enterprise businesses to grow with resilience and agility.\
Building on this foundation, Globe moves to solutions Built Around You. Every digital touchpoint is designed to manage friction and anticipate customer needs, from intuitive apps that put users fully in control to programs that return purposeful value. The result is a smoother, faster, and more intuitive digital experience for everyday Filipinos. One of the highlighted projects is GoGIVE, an innovative way to empower young Filipinos to create consistent and lasting impact through their everyday phone use.
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Coco Domingo, Vice-President of Product Experience, unveils "GlobeOne App Updates" for a faster, simpler, and lighter user experience, alongside "SMS Scam Shield" for real-time protection against suspicious links.
Eric Tanbauco, Vice-President of Consumer Mobile Business, introduces "Flagship Forever," the Philippines' first device upgrade program allowing postpaid users to switch to the latest flagship phone every 12 months.
At the same time, Globe ensures these journeys are Secure by Design, embedding protection into every interaction. With tools like Scam Shield and advanced cybersecurity features, Globe safeguards the digital lifestyle without compromising ease and accessibility, so trust in the digital space is experienced and natural.
Globe then creates Value by Design, delivering smarter, more rewarding digital experiences. With hyper-personalized offers, seamless upgrades, and loyalty benefits, Globe shows how value is not only delivered, but thoughtfully designed around each customer’s unique journey.
Finally, Globe reaches out to Designing Delight, unlocking entertainment frontiers that spark joy and connection. Through curated content platforms and interactive experiences, Globe demonstrates how technology can go beyond utility to create moments of discovery, play, and emotional resonance.
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Bianca Wong, Vice-President of Globe’s Feel Valued Tribe, showcasing "Hyper-Personalization," leveraging AI to deliver tailored promos and rewards across Globe platforms.
Chelo Flores, Director of Marketing Strategic Partnerships, presents "Beetzee Play," the first Piso-Serye streaming platform in the Philippines, offering bite-sized vertical Filipino content.
A sneak peek on two of its newest offers designed to delight customers include Beetzee and Globe AT HOME 5G. With Beetzee Play, GlobeOne users can access seamless streaming, convenient top-ups, and Globe Rewards integration all in one place. No need to download a separate app or sign up to another platform.
Globe is redefining home broadband with Globe AT HOME 5G, the world’s first fiber-like internet delivered via 5G, perfectly engineered for sharing Wi‑Fi experiences and bringing home with you wherever life happens.
“At Globe, we believe innovation must always serve a greater purpose,” said Carl Cruz, Globe President and CEO. “The Blueprint is a reminder that every product we build, every service we design, is meant to make daily life easier, safer, and more meaningful for Filipinos. By keeping inclusivity at the heart of our journey, we ensure progress is something every Filipino can share in.”
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From L-R: John Ablaza, Maliyah Abiner, Lala Quilantang, Alvin Masangkay Francia, Limuel Hayag Vilela, Fumiya Sankai, Jaki Peñalosa, Sharon Fabian, Dodjie Fabian and Odelon Simpao
For its ninth year, Calgary International Fashion and Arts Week (CIFAW) was held in Manila
In its fourth season, the Marriott Moments A-Fair had a spectacular recalibration with the introduction of the concept of a “Luxuriant Expo.” Denoting luxe plus bountiful, it delivered on the promise of a one-of-a-kind exposition. From weddings to events, to fashion and arts, everything that’s wonderful about life converged at one massive venue — the MGBX Exhibition Hall of the Manila Marriott Hotel.
This year ushered a tripartite partnership with renowned brands in hospitality, weddings and special events, with the Marriot Bonvoy, the most reputable hospitality and lifestyle program in the world; Themes & Motifs, the leading bridal fair organizer in the Philippines since 2001; and the dynamic Spotlight Couronne Internationale (SCI) from Canada.
The milestone event, “Marriott Moments A-Fair Luxuriant Expo and the 9th Annual Calgary International Fashion and Arts Week (CIFAW),” gathered the best weddings and events suppliers. It is also a showcase of the works of imported and exported world-class visual and literary artists at the “inclusive venue,” MGBX Exhibition Hall in the Marriott Grand Ballroom, the grandest hotel-based MICE facility in the country today, serving as their official home.
The A-Fair has gained traction as a showcase of the best in Filipino creativity. CIFAW, meanwhile, is a global celebration of fashion as well as a platform for networking, education and talks about trends, inclusivity and the future of the fashion industry. Both platforms for fashion aim to encourage and showcase creativity, innovation, and collaboration among designers, stylists, models, photographers, and journalists.
The 9th Calgary International Fashion and Arts Week introduced a first — the Philippine Fashion Weekend — held at the Manila Marriott Hotel on July 26 and July 27, 2025. With the theme, “Home,” the ninth CIFAW aims to inspire every Filipino to take pride in their roots and in the place we call home — the Philippines.
DESIGNERS’ SHOWCASE ON DAY 1
On July 26, the first day of the Luxuriant Expo, fashion designers Maliyah Abenir and Odelon Simpao, and fashion brand SCI PH presented their latest collections.
MALIYAH ABENIR
A proud transgender Filipino-Canadian designer, Maliyah, 31, was born in Imus, Cavite, and raised in Canada. She started designing clothes when she was 16 years old in her former high school. She graduated with a degree in Fashion Business and Design at JCI Institute in Vancouver, and Fashion Techniques and Design at George Brown College in Toronto.
Her collection for CIFAW, a futuristic take on the military uniforms of the past, is called “Redemption Denym 2025.”
“I was really inspired by the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the 1970s. My theme this year is ‘To Be Your Own Soldier.’ You are the soldier in your own life so you gotta fight. I struggled a lot with mental health and was reaching rock bottom. I had to use every energy I got left to survive and fight my mental battles, and when you are your own soldier, you gotta do what it takes to get back up and win the battle,” Maliyah explains.
ODELON SIMPAO
As part of his 40th birthday celebration, the Cagayan de Oro-raised Odelon recently launched his latest bridal collection. Following that milestone is his participation at CIFAW.
His CIFAW collection was an ode to his beloved mother:
“The title of my collection is ‘Susanne.’ My mother’s name is Susan and she’s my inspiration for this collection. Her softness and fragility are the emotion of the collection. But at the same time, I want to show how tough and hardworking she is and it will show the details and manipulation of fabrics that I will use. I showed different silhouettes and shapes. I also showcased some new techniques and fabric manipulations while maintaining that classic and timeless look.”
SCIPH
Spotlight Couronne Internationale (SCI) was founded by Filipino-Canadians Limuel Vilela, President and CEO, executive producer/designer/director and former model; and COO/Chief Creative Director Alvin Masangkay Francia, an aviation expert and educator.
For the CIFAW show, SCIPH unleashed a collection called “Unspoken: The Silhouette of Home.”
“It is a quiet tribute to the elegance of simplicity and the comfort of returning to one’s roots. The collection explored the unspoken language of fabric, form, and familiarity — where every line echoed the softness of belonging, and every piece whispered the story of home,” Francia shared.
Vilela revealed more details: “This collection was rooted in quiet confidence — a reflection of those who lead not with noise, but with presence. The silhouettes were clean, structured, and refined: halter gowns with sculptural bows, off-shoulder drapes that framed the collarbone, and modern tailoring that honored tradition while stepping forward.”
DAY 1 ACCOLADES
FUMIYA SANKAI: ARTIST OF THE YEAR
9th CIFAW Artist of the Year Fumiya Sankai with Manila Marriott Hotel’s Lala Quilantang, SCIPH’s Alvin Masangkay Francia, Limuel Hayag Vilela, and Themes & Motifs’ Dodjie and Sharon Fabian
At the Luxuriant Expo, Fumiya Sankai was awarded the “9th CIFAW Artist of the Year.” This coincided with his exhibition at the Marriott in collaboration with Themes and Motifs and One Gallery called “Hum Art,” which uses his distinct style of painting to encapsulate feelings of love, joy, and childlike wonder.
His raw execution of aesthetics to visualize the innocent strokes of youth: brave, somewhat reckless, and not a care in the world of what people would think. His style is deeply inspired by early memories of his father sketching hand-drawn posters of the products that they sell in their family-owned business.
Like the general ambiguity in his body of work, his name also has a concordant myriad of meanings. It can be the act of humming to a wonderful tune, enjoying the beauty of the world, just chilling out, or the humility of someone who has reached heights of success.
MAYUMI CRUZ: AUTHOR AND ARTIST
Mayumi Cruz is a storyteller of words and visuals — bound by imagination, inspired by everything. Whether through storytelling or visual art, she creates pieces that inspire, provoke thought, and reflect the beauty of creative freedom.
At the Luxuriant Expo, Cruz launched her newest book, Gio and the Tailor’s Chalk. It is a gripping Young Adult fantasy that weaves time travel, folklore, and heart- wrenching sacrifice. After discovering his father’s death and the theft of a powerful magical heirloom, teen tikbalang Gio del Mundo must journey to 1820 to stop a murderous witch coven and reclaim his destiny. But with the fate of his people — and his very existence — on the line, Gio must answer an impossible question: What would you give up to make the world right?
DESIGNERS’ SHOWCASE ON DAY 2
JOHN ABLAZA
At the young age of 7, John started creating dresses at home — for his sister’s dolls. Over the course of his 40-year career, he has done countless shows and was accorded international recognition in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Arizona, New York, Toronto, Winnipeg and Calgary. He also did shows and exhibits in Paris, Milan and Madrid.
John called his CIFAW collection “Elements de la Nature” (“Elements of Nature”), explaining:
“I am always inspired by the things I see around me, the beauty of nature, the chirping of birds, colorful butterflies, lush green trees, blue ocean and whispering waves. I showed simple silhouettes, fluid lines and defined patterns. I used various fabrics I sourced from Dubai, Zimbabwe, France and the Philippines. My collection was divided into four segments. Using a color palette of beige, white, brown, and black, I showcased products from my collaborations with the Mangyan of Mindoro, Philippines.”
KENNY LADAGA
Kenny, 38, is now in his 15th year working in fashion. He specializes in made-to-own wedding gowns and long gowns. He is also known to produce bespoke suits and barong Tagalog for special occasions.
For CIFAW, Kenny’s collection is called “Les Fleurs: The Pastel Collection”:
“Inspired by a celebration of modern romance — a wedding collection that redefines bridal elegance through simplicity, softness, and refined details. My collection is all in a muted beauty of lavender, blush pink, and beige, and each piece is crafted with understated grace and adorned with delicate floral appliqué. The silhouettes move beyond traditional ball gowns, embracing sleek lines, ethereal layers, and effortless draping that speak to the contemporary bride.”
JAKI PEÑALOSA
Considered the grand dame of Ilonggo fashion, Jaki has won prestigious awards like Dungog sang Dakbanwa sang Iloilo (Culture and Arts) in 2017, the Galing Ilonggo Awards in 2013, and 10 Outstanding Women in Iloilo (TOWIL) award to name a few, in recognition of her huge contribution to promoting Iloilo City’s hablon fabrics to both national and international audiences.
Jaki’s CIFAW collection was inspired by the people who make her part of their special and memorable day:
“I created something that makes one wear their culture. I created a collection that showcased both the feminine and strong, resilient attributes of women through the silhouettes of my design. I chose neutral and earth colors to emphasize the presence of Philippine craft through the art of embroidery, callado, and indigenous hand-woven fabrics in my collection.”
For more information about Marriott Moments A-Fair Luxuriant Expo, please contact Manila Marriott Hotel at Newport World Resorts, 2 Resorts Drive, Newport World Resorts, NCR — 4th District, Barangay 183, Pasay City, Manila, Philippines; 28988-9999; MarriottHotelManila@marriott.comand www.manilamarriott.com; Themes & Motifs Bridal Fairs and Special Events Expo through https://themesmotifs.com, +63917-522-0707; and Calgary International Fashion & Arts Week via info@scimodels.ca and http://www.scimodels.ca/.
Spotlight is BusinessWorld’s sponsored section that allows advertisers to amplify their brand and connect with BusinessWorld’s audience by publishing their stories on the BusinessWorld Web site. For more information, send an email to online@bworldonline.com.
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The Philippines’ trade deficit in goods narrowed to its two-month low in July, as exports expanded by double digits while imports eased, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Friday.
Preliminary data from the PSA showed the country’s trade-in-goods balance — the difference between exports and imports — reached a deficit of $4.05 billion in July, 17% smaller than the $4.88-billion deficit in July last year.
Month on month, the trade gap slimmed from the revised $4.40 billion in June.
July saw the narrowest trade deficit since the $3.63-billion gap in May 2025.
For the first seven months, the trade deficit narrowed to $28.46 billion, 4.9% lower from the $29.93-billion deficit a year ago.
The country’s trade balance has been in deficit for over a decade or since the $64.95-million surplus recorded in May 2015.
In the January-to-July period, exports increased by 13.9% to $48.62 billion, while imports rose by 6.1% to $77.09 billion.
The Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) projects a 2% contraction and 3.5% growth in exports and imports, respectively, this year.
EXPORTS GROW
Total outbound sales of Philippine-made goods grew by 17.3% year on year in July to $7.34 billion, higher than the 0.1% expansion a year earlier. However, this pace was slower than the revised 26.9% growth in June.
It was the slowest pace for exports in two months or since the 15.5% growth posted in May.
By value, July logged the largest haul in exports since the $7.75 billion in October 2022.
“The faster growth of exports relative to imports contributed to the narrowing of the country’s trade deficit,” Cid L. Terosa, senior economist at the University of Asia and the Pacific, said in an e-mail.
He attributed the increase in exports to the rise in agro-based and mineral products.
Exports of agro-based products went up by 20.4% year on year to $615.59 million in July.
Mineral products, which make up 12.1% of total export, grew by 62% annually to $887.18 million for the month.
Mr. Terosa attributed the increased demand for these products to “stronger than expected economic growth in major economies, seasonal demand in export markets, and a weaker peso in July 2025 relative to June 2025.”
For Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer of Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (Philexport) Senen M. Perlada attributed the trade deficit narrowing to “the surge in exports (which was) still led by electronic products (mainly semiconductors), mineral products (including gold).”
The country’s exports of electronic products, which accounted for 53.5% of total export, remained the top commodity rising by 20.7% to $3.92 billion.
Outbound sales of other mineral products soared more than twofolds to $522.39 million, while other manufactured goods fell by 13.9% to $395.77 million.
Mr. Perlada said that stronger global demand for electronics and a recovering semiconductor sector is boosting Philippine exports.
“A broad semiconductor, AI (artificial intelligence), and datacenter led recovery in chip demand in 2025 has apparently boosted orders for electronics and components across Asia, which has continued to lift export volumes and values,” he said in an e-mail.
“The delay of Trump’s imposition of reciprocal tariffs to Aug. 7 provided breathing room for exporters in many countries, including the Philippines, to export more to their markets in major economies before the tariffs were imposed,” Mr. Terosa said.
Similarly, for Mr. Perlada, the boost in exports is due to frontloading ahead of the tariff issue in the United States (US), the top export market.
George T. Barcelon, chairman of Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), said in a phone interview that “since the uncertainty of how much tariff will be imposed on our exports, on our side, a lot of exporters are having this ‘wait-and-see’ attitude.”
In July, the US was the top destination for Philippine-made goods at $1.16 billion with 15.8% share of total exports. It was closely followed by Hong Kong ($1.12 billion or 15.2% share), Japan ($996.44 million or 13.6% share), and China ($832.57 million or 11.3% share).
IMPORTS SLOWDOWN
Meanwhile, the country’s merchandise imports slowed by 2.3% year on year to $11.38 billion in July, as well as the 15.7% increase in June.
This was the weakest pace in two months or since the 1.1% drop in May.
Likewise, the import bill that month was the smallest amount in two months or since the $10.95 billion in May.
Mr. Perlada said “imports grew more slowly and in recent months were held back by muted oil and commodity import needs and possibly shifting shipping patterns.”
He added that these movements represent a combination of the ongoing global demand for electronics and semiconductors, along with the resulting impact of commodity price fluctuations — especially in gold and other minerals.
By commodity group, electronic products, which accounts for 24.6% of total imports, went up by 10.2% to $2.80 billion in July.
On the other hand, mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials declined by 7.8% with $1.32 billion. This was followed by transport equipment with a 2.8% drop to $1 billion.
China was the top source of imports in July with $3.40 billion (29.9% share). South Korea followed with $1.01 billion (8.9% share) and Indonesia with $898.40 million (7.9% share).
OUTLOOK
Moving forward, Mr. Terosa said that risks that should be anticipated are geopolitical tensions and trade tensions following the implementation of Trump’s reciprocal tariffs.
“Renewed tariff actions such as those from China and India, among others, may make their impact towards the end of the year. These could quickly change cost patterns and trade flows,” Mr. Perlada said.
Another risk he flagged is the softening in demand of semiconductors, which may slow Philippine export momentum.
“Looking ahead, upcoming trade reports will likely shed more light on the impact of US tariffs on trade, particularly as the higher 19% levy began to take effect earlier this [August],” Chinabank Research said in a note.
It added that rising demand from other export markets may cushion the impact of weaker US demand when front-loading wanes and higher tariffs bite.
“However, the sector could face challenges if US President Trump follows through with his threat of a 100% tariff on semiconductors. Currently, most of the Philippines’ chip exports are exempt from higher US reciprocal tariffs,” it said.
Trade Undersecretary Allan B. Gepty said on Thursday that the government is seeking US tariff exemptions for exports of agricultural commodities, electronics, vehicle tires, bags and aircraft parts.
Mr. Trump had earlier said he plans to announce higher tariffs on imports of semiconductors, but companies that plan to build manufacturing facilities in the US would be exempted. The US has yet to set new global tariffs for semiconductors and pharmaceuticals.
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