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Global growth and changing share in GDP

PHOTO COURTESY OF ICTSI

Last week the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) released three important pieces of data: GDP performance in the second quarter (Q2) of 2025, which was 5.5%; the inflation rate in July, which was 0.9%; and the unemployment rate in June, which was 3.7%.

The GDP growth of 5.5% was the third fastest among the top 50 largest economies in GDP size that have reported their Q2 data so far. This is next to Vietnam and Taiwan that both grew by 8%. India has yet to release its Q2 data and it will likely be higher than the Philippines’.

The inflation rate of 0.9% was a six-year low for the country, and similar to Singapore’s 0.8%. It was lower than Malaysia’s 1.1%, Taiwan’s 1.5%, South Korea and India’s 2.1%, Indonesia’s 2.4%, Vietnam’s 3.2%, and Japan’s 3.3%.

Our unemployment rate of 3.7% was similar to Hong Kong’s 3.5% and lower than Indonesia’s 4.8% (March, no June data is available yet), or China’s 5% and India’s 5.6%.

The government’s economic team deserves praise as they are able to sustain the growth momentum while keeping unemployment and inflation rates at low levels. I quote here from the press statements of three Cabinet Secretaries.

Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto stated that: “The back-to-back good news — low inflation rate, vibrant labor market, and strong GDP growth — are very encouraging…. tuloy-tuloy po kami sa aming trabaho hangga’t ang ginhawa ay hindi lang nakikita sa datos, kundi nasa hapag, nasa bulsa, at nasa kinabukasan ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino. (We will continue with our work until the ease and relief is not only seen in the data, but also on the table, in the pocket, and in the future of every Filipino family).”

Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman optimistically projected that: “We anticipate growth to accelerate in the second half of the year and settle within the 5.5% to 6.5% target range by the end of the year, driven by strong domestic demand and sustained public investment.”

Economics Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan summarized: “Our continued economic expansion reflects not only the success of our policies, but also the resilience, creativity, and determination of the Filipino people.”

I have compared the average Q1-Q2 growth of 2025 over the last two years, for major economies that have Q2 data already. The Philippines has the third fastest growth so far, while South Korea, Germany, and Austria are the laggards (see Table 1).

I was personally expecting growth of 6% in Q2, and other economists projected growth of 5.7-6%. What prevented the country from growing faster than 5.5%? To figure this out, I checked the PSA time series quarterly data from 2000 to 2025. I chose a five-year interval for both GDP demand side and GDP supply side.

On the demand side, household consumption was 77% of total GDP in 2005, and this declined to 71% in 2025. But while household consumption is still the largest component of GDP, its growth is decelerating. Government consumption, on the other hand, is rising, from 11% in 2005 to 17% in 2025, and growth is high at 14% in 2025. Investments or gross capital formation also increased its share, from 17% in 2005 to 24% in 2025, but growth is decelerating.

On the supply side or industrial origin, there has been a decline in Agriculture, fishery and forestry (AFF), from 14% in 2005 to 8% in 2025. Industry also declined, from 31% to 29%, while the services sector keeps expanding, from 55% to 63% over the same period. Growth in both AFF and Industry is low while growth in services sector is high (see Table 2).

It is redundant to state this over and over again, but we have to keep growing fast, and we must attain an annual growth of 6% or higher for a decade at least. Both the industry and AFF sectors must grow faster than their recent performance, while the services sector only need to retain its high growth level.

More growth means more job creation and lower unemployment, more supply of goods and services, which all lead to lower inflation.

 

Bienvenido S. Oplas, Jr. is the president of Bienvenido S. Oplas, Jr. Research Consultancy Services, and Minimal Government Thinkers. He is an international fellow of the Tholos Foundation.

minimalgovernment@gmail.com

Javier sworn in as BSP deputy governor

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. (left) administered the oath of office of Lyn I. Javier (right) as new deputy governor of its Financial Supervision Sector on Aug. 11. — BANGKO SENTRAL NG PILIPINAS

THE BANGKO SENTRAL ng Pilipinas (BSP) has appointed Lyn I. Javier as the deputy governor of the Financial Supervision Sector (FSS).

Ms. Javier, who was previously an assistant governor for the FSS, was sworn in by BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. for her new post on Monday, the central bank said in a statement.

She succeeded former Deputy Governor Chuchi G. Fonacier, who retired earlier this month.

The FSS is in charge of the regulation of banks and other BSP-supervised financial institutions, as well as the oversight and supervision of financial technology and payment systems.

“Deputy Governor Javier will lead the BSP in supervising banks and other financial institutions under its jurisdiction, in line with the central bank’s mandate of promoting financial stability,” the BSP said.

Ms. Javier joined the central bank as bank officer at the BSP’s supervision sector in 1998.

“Ms. Javier rose from the ranks to assume the position of Assistant Governor of the FSS’ Policy and Specialized Supervision Sub-Sector in 2021,” the BSP said.

“As Assistant Governor, she has overseen the development of supervisory policy and data management, as well as the supervision of financial institutions’ treasury, trust, information technology, and anti-money laundering operations.”

Ms. Javier holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the Ateneo de Manila University and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Accountancy, cum laude, from the University of the Philippines.

She is a certified public accountant and represents the central bank in the Financial Reporting Standards Council. She has also served as the BSP’s representative to the Basel Consultative Group, the Executives’ Meeting of East Asia-Pacific Central Banks Working Group on Banking Supervision, and the Network for Greening the Financial System-Workstream on Scaling Up Green Finance. — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson

Disney settles lawsuit with fired Mandalorian actress Gina Carano

GINA CARANO in a scene from The Mandalorian.

LOS ANGELES — Walt Disney has resolved a legal dispute with actor Gina Carano over her firing from the Star Wars streaming TV series The Mandalorian, a spokesperson for Disney unit Lucasfilm said on Thursday.

Disney removed Ms. Carano from The Mandalorian in 2021 over social media posts that the company at the time called “abhorrent and unacceptable” for “denigrating people based on their cultural and religious identities.”

Ms. Carano sued Disney in 2024 for wrongful termination and sex discrimination with backing from billionaire Elon Musk. The actor argued she was fired for voicing conservative opinions and that male stars who spoke out did not suffer any consequences.

In Thursday’s statement, the Lucasfilm spokesperson said Ms. Carano “was always well respected by her directors, co-stars, and staff, and she worked hard to perfect her craft while treating her colleagues with kindness and respect.

“With this lawsuit concluded, we look forward to identifying opportunities to work together with Ms. Carano in the near future,” the spokesperson added.

No details on the settlement were provided.

Ms. Carano, in a post on Mr. Musk’s social media platform X, called the resolution “the best outcome for all parties involved.

“I am humbled and grateful to God for His love and grace in this outcome,” Ms. Carano said.

She also thanked Mr. Musk “for backing my case and asking for nothing in return.”

Ms. Carano played warrior Cara Dune in The Mandalorian, a Star Wars series that became a hit on Disney+ when it debuted in 2019. Disney fired Ms. Carano from the show after a series of social media posts.

“Jews were beaten in the streets, not by Nazi soldiers but by their neighbors… even by children,” Ms. Carano wrote on Instagram, according to a Variety report at the time.

Ms. Carano also came under fire for posts on Twitter, now X, in which she derided mask-wearing during the COVID-19 pandemic and echoed false claims of voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election.

On Thursday, Ms. Carano said she was excited to “move onto the next chapter.

“My desires remain in the arts, which is where I hope you will join me,” she said, adding “Yes, I’m smiling.” — Reuters

South Palms MGallery opens as first five-star hotel in Panglao Shores

SOUTH PALMS MGallery Panglao is the second property in the Philippines under Accor’s luxury brand MGallery Collection. — BEATRIZ MARIE D. CRUZ

By Beatriz Marie D. Cruz, Reporter

PANGLAO, BOHOL — South Palms Resort & Spa Panglao – MGallery Collection has opened as the first five-star hotel in the 50-hectare Panglao Shores estate, aiming to position Bohol as a premier luxury destination with designs rooted in local culture and nature.

The 6.8-hectare property is part of a mixed-use estate that will also feature residential and retail developments.

“Bohol, as a destination, has really done well over previous years, and we have a property of this scale — with the amount of recreational activities, programming for food & beverage, and the marine sanctuary,” Danish Khan, general manager of South Palms MGallery Panglao, told reporters during its media launch on Aug. 8.

“It’s the first property, I would say proudly, that has come up with an entire package for families and kids,” he added.

For this year, Mr. Khan expects a 40% to 50% occupancy rate for the hotel as it seeks to focus on the quality of its services.

“Next year, the targets will be bigger. But at the moment, our focus is on giving personalized service rather than on volume,” he said.

Developed by the tourism arm of the Uy-led Alturas Group of Companies, the 188-room luxury resort is managed by French hospitality chain Accor.

Hope Marie R. Uy, managing director of Panglao Shores, said the luxury resort is the first of many developments in the mixed-use estate, where a commercial establishment will be built soon.

“We’re doing it in phases, so we’re making a commercial space here soon… I’d say [it would take] two to three years maybe for us to establish that market,” she told BusinessWorld on the sidelines of the event.

BOHOLANO-INSPIRED LUXURY
South Palms MGallery Panglao is the second property in the Philippines under Accor’s luxury brand, MGallery Collection, following Admiral Hotel Manila – MGallery Collection in Pasay City.

Mr. Khan said the Panglao resort, under the MGallery brand, has drawn bookings through Accor’s 100-million-member loyalty program, particularly from Korean and European travelers.

“In fact, there are flights from Korea to Panglao being introduced in October,” Mr. Khan said.

Located in Barangay Tawala, the property is only a 10-minute drive from the Bohol-Panglao International Airport.

It also offers easy access to the island’s famous beaches, as well as attractions like the Chocolate Hills and forests that are home to the Philippine tarsier.

The property showcases tropical luxury inspired by Boholano myth, artisanal design, and natural wellness.

Its rooms are situated in low-rise buildings designed to integrate with Bohol’s topography, decorated with tribal patterns and locally crafted elements.

Guests can choose from its superior rooms, sized at 48 square meters (sq.m.), while the 55-sq.m. deluxe rooms come with semi-private pool access. Meanwhile, the 78-sq.m. junior suite comes with a private plunge pool, and the 77-sq.m. diwata suite offers beachfront views.

South Palms MGallery Panglao’s culinary options include UMA, which features a modernized take on Filipino dishes; Manja, for guests seeking international cuisine; and the Sirenna bar for drinks by the beach.

The property also offers family-friendly activities like the kalesa ride, as well as the Caraballa Maria experience, where kids can interact with and learn more about the importance of domestic water buffalos in Bohol.

It also features a 150-sq.m. indoor and outdoor play space with indigenous games, an arts and crafts corner, and a beanbag theater.

The property is set to open Lola’s Kitchen Wellness Hub in September, Mr. Khan said, which will feature locally sourced farm-to-spa treatments.

South Palms MGallery Panglao pays homage to the Asin Tibuok, Bohol’s signature sea salt, in its meals and spa treatments.

The property offers three venues for events: the 100-square-meter Acqua Pavilion, the 200-square-meter Marcela Ballroom, and a 500-square-meter beachfront lawn.

Globe marks 50 years on PSE, commits to narrowing digital divide

Ayala Corp. Chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, Globe President and CEO Carl Raymond R. Cruz, SEC Chairman Francis Edralin Lim and officials from Globe, the PSE, and the SEC at the ceremonial bell ringing to mark Globe’s 50th year as a publicly listed company. — Globe Telecom, Inc.

MARKING its 50th year as a publicly listed company, Globe Telecom, Inc. reaffirmed its commitment to expand digital solutions and narrow the digital divide across the Philippines.

“With a steadfast commitment to inclusive innovation, the company aims to harness the power of digital tools and platforms to ensure that progress is accessible to every Filipino, regardless of geography, background, or socioeconomic status,” Globe said in a media release on Monday.

On Monday, the Ayala-led telecommunications company celebrated its 50th year of public listing at the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE).

“Globe’s listing in 1975 was more than a financial milestone; it was a statement of belief. A belief that through responsible and sustainable enterprise, we could help move the country forward and upward,” said Globe Chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala.

The company said it will continue its goal of utilizing digital tools and platforms to provide connectivity to its customers.

To recall, Globe said it expects better performance in the second half of the year as gross service revenue returns to growth.

At the local bourse on Monday, shares in Globe went down by P45, or 2.62%, to end at P1,675 each. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

Philippines lands 32nd in 44-country retirement destinations

The Philippines ranked 32nd among 44 countries in the 2025 edition of the Global Retirement Report by investment migration consultancy firm Global Citizen Solutions. With a score of 78.89 out of 100, the country holds the third-highest ranking in Asia.

Philippines lands 32<sup>nd</sup> in 44-country retirement destinations

Linking Shores: Defending non-disputed waters and West Philippine Sea claims

PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD/JAY TARRIELA

Nine years after the Arbitral Tribunal’s ruling in its favor, the Philippines continues to face Chinese harassment in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and, without an international enforcement mechanism, must act to protect its maritime boundaries.

Under President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., the Philippine government has continued to strengthen maritime security institutions to protect waters within our maritime zone. The Maritime Zones Act defines our entitlements and sovereign rights or jurisdiction over our maritime zone, including the territorial seas, contiguous zone, 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and the waters surrounding, within, and adjacent to the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal). This institution plays a crucial role in operationalizing the arbitral ruling in the South China Sea, providing a concrete mechanism to safeguard our EEZ.

The EEZ, a vast body of water with significant economic value, must be safeguarded from threats, including China’s continued reclamation within the Philippine EEZ over the years. China’s provocative actions — such as ramming a Philippine naval vessel on a resupply mission to the grounded BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal in the WPS, 124 miles from Palawan, and a symbol of the nation’s sovereign claims — highlight the serious challenges confronting Philippine maritime law enforcement and security. This year, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) also reported the presence of two Chinese research vessels operating within the EEZ without the consent of the Philippine government.

China’s gray zone actions have been concentrated in the western flank of the Philippines. However, with its long-standing interests in the Pacific seaboard, Chinese vessels have recently been sighted in the waters of the Philippine Rise — a 13-mile underwater plateau in the eastern flank that forms part of the Philippine continental shelf — prompting renewed calls to secure these waters. BBM described this as “a bit of an escalation” and a “clear intrusion,” which led to the deployment of a PCG vessel to carry out law enforcement operations. The Philippine Navy has also mounted a response.

This shift in Chinese activity toward the eastern flank underscores that the threat to the Philippine Rise is not limited to illegal incursions — a clear violation of territorial rights — but extends to the potential harm these encroachments pose to biodiversity and the marine environment. The Philippines holds sovereign rights over the Benham Rise, particularly in the exploration and exploitation of its rich and diverse resources, which include potential oil, gas, and minerals in the seabed, as well as abundant fisheries and tuna fishing grounds — critical for both food and energy security. As Justice Antonio Carpio has emphasized, this means the Philippines alone has priority and exclusive rights to its utilization.

Recognizing these stakes, calls to protect the Benham Rise intensified about eight years ago. In 2017, fisheries expert Dr. Jose Ingles described its conservation as “critical” to the nation and the long-term sustainability of oceanic tuna stocks. The Philippine Rise provides vital ecosystem services — regulating climate change, serving as a tuna habitat, and supporting livelihoods, food security, and recreation. In 2018, Silliman University President Ben Malayang urged science-based decision-making for its development, while Justice Carpio stressed that China should not be allowed to conduct marine scientific research unless it recognizes the 2016 arbitral ruling. That year also saw the creation of the Philippine Rise Marine Resource Reserve, a protected food supply exclusive zone. For fishers from Isabela, Aurora, Catanduanes, and parts of Bicol, it is their “food basket.”

It is noteworthy that the Philippine Rise is not part of the disputed WPS. The WPS accounts for only about a third of the country’s maritime domain, underscoring the vast extent and breadth of the Philippines’ maritime security and law enforcement responsibilities. This perspective highlights a broader imperative: to address — and, where necessary, prioritize — the connection between protecting and defending non-disputed waters and upholding the country’s WPS claims, while effectively integrating environmental stewardship with archipelagic defense.

As this clarifies the evolving threat picture for the Philippines, it becomes essential to reassess the defense and protection of the Pacific seaboard. At present, we are witnessing two-pronged efforts from various actors. On one front, the PCG in 2021 installed state-of-the-art buoys — tangible evidence of the government’s commitment to advance the Philippine Rise as a protected zone against mining and oil exploration. In 2022, Senator Risa Hontiveros filed Senate Bill No. 146, seeking to declare a portion of the Philippine Rise a protected area and to establish a Philippine Rise Marine Resource Reserve Management Board tasked with enforcing measures against illegal fishing, resource depletion, and unlawful intrusion. On the other front, in the area of archipelagic defense, a naval port in Aurora province and the enhancement of Aurora’s port capabilities now serve as a springboard for sustaining maritime presence in the Philippine Rise.

Together, these initiatives demonstrate a coordinated approach that reinforces both environmental stewardship and strategic defense across the Philippines’ maritime domain.

 

Alma Maria O. Salvador, PhD, is an associate professor of Political Science at Ateneo de Manila University.

Accor to revive Sofitel presence in PHL with Cebu opening

CEBULANDMASTERS.COM

ACCOR GROUP is set to open Sofitel Cebu City by late 2026 or early 2027, marking the return of the Sofitel brand to the Philippines following the closure of Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila last year.

“In Cebu, we’re about to open the Sofitel property. So, Sofitel Cebu should be opening by the end of 2026 or early 2027,” Tom Meyer, senior vice-president for operations in South-East Asia, Japan, Korea, and The Pacific at Accor, told BusinessWorld last week.

The 195-room Sofitel Cebu City will be located in Masters Tower Cebu, a 31-story hotel and office tower within Cebu Business Park. The tower was built by listed property developer Cebu Landmasters, Inc. and was designed by Chicago-based architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill.

When it opens, it will be the only Sofitel property in the country, following the closure of Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila in Pasay City last year.

Sofitel is one of Accor’s well-known luxury brands, having a portfolio of 32,528 rooms across 124 hotels worldwide. Launched in 1964, it is the first French brand to venture into the global luxury hospitality scene.

“We talk with Sofitel about the Cultural Link, where we want to have the best of France and the best of the local destination,” Mr. Meyer said.

Mr. Meyer said the Visayas has become an increasingly appealing market for Accor’s hotel expansion, citing its diverse cuisine, culture, and produce.

“So, we’re extremely excited about utilizing all of this produce and creating some really incredible experiences for our guests,” he said.

Accor manages around 45 hotel brands worldwide across the luxury, premium, midscale, and economy segments, with notable names including Fairmont, Raffles, Pullman, Mercure, and ibis Styles.

In the Philippines, Accor’s hotels are located in Makati, Mandaluyong, Manila, Clark, Boracay, Panglao, and Cebu City.

Next year, Accor is set to open two hotels in Subic under its ibis Styles and Mercure brands. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

FWD Philippines launches investment-linked plan for affluent segment

FWD Life Insurance Corp. (FWD Philippines) has launched a single-pay investment-linked life insurance plan targeted towards the affluent segment.

FWD Wealth+ is a one-time pay plan that provides life protection while enabling high-net-worth clients grow, preserve and protect their wealth, the insurer said in a statement, adding that it caters to the sector’s “long-term and sustainable aspirations.”

“As the insurer of the next generation, we believe in empowering our customers to manage their wealth their way — be it for building wealth or safeguarding their legacy,” FWD Philippines President and CEO Soon Liang Lau said.

“With FWD Wealth+, we address the affluent segment’s unique financial goals as we offer a flexible, long-term protection plan that enables them to celebrate living, in line with our commitment to nation-building by protecting more Filipino lives.”

The product includes guaranteed life coverage up to age 100, with the minimum single premium starting at P1 million or $20,000.

“Coverage priority is customizable — whether it’s more life protection, more investment, or equal parts for both. Investments can be in either Philippine peso or US dollar, and depending on their risk appetite, policyholders can invest in local or global funds, including the FWD Nitro or FWD Velocity Payout funds, which aims to provide quarterly payouts that generate income for future investments or passive retirement income,” FWD Philippines added.

The product has three policy options, namely, FWD Wealth+ Creator for individuals aiming to grow their capital; FWD Wealth+ Harmonizer for those who want to balance wealth growth with asset protection; and FWD Wealth+ Legacy Builder for those seeking to protect their legacy for their future generations.

It also offers a Booster Bonus of up to 2.5% of the premium spread over the first five years, adding extra fund units for investment growth, a 2% Loyalty Bonus for keeping the policy active, and an Investment Protector Bonus that doubles the Loyalty Bonus if the Philippine Stock Exchange index drops lower than its value five years ago. — Katherine K. Chan

Entertainment News (08/12/25)

The Naked Gun opens in Philippine cinemas

A REBOOT of The Naked Gun, starring Liam Neeson and produced by Seth MacFarlane, is opening in Philippine cinemas on Aug. 13. Mr. Neeson plays Lt. Frank Drebin, Jr., son of Lt. Frank Drebin (played by Leslie Nielsen in the original films) and the only man who has the particular set of skills to lead Police Squad and save the world. The movie also stars Pamela Anderson, Paul Walter Hauser, CCH Pounder, Kevin Durand, Cody Rhodes, Liza Koshy, Eddie Yu, and Danny Huston.

Lola Amour announces Love on Loop concert

WITH the release of Lola Amour’s new album, Love on Loop, set for Aug. 15, the Filipino band will be celebrating the new chapter with a concert on Sept. 15. Titled Love on Loop, it will take place at SPACE at One Ayala, Makati City. The concert will also spotlight performances from The Ridleys, Itchyworms, and KAIA, with appearances by Barb (of Leanne & Naara) and Sofia Abrogar (of Any Name’s Okay). Regular tickets, priced from P1,990 to P3,990, are now available via lolaamour.helixpay.ph.

Viral OPM artists headline benefit concert at Newport

A NEW wave of OPM artists will be coming together for a one-night only concert for a cause. For the first time, Cup of Joe, Amiel Sol, Earl Agustin, and Maris Racal will unite on stage in YUGTO: Buhay at Pag-Ibig, slated for Aug. 15 at 8:30 p.m. at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Pasay City. Tickets are now available at the Helixpay website, http://yugto.helixpay.ph, priced from P2,000 to P7,000.

SB19 launches global fan tilt for Singapore concert

P-POP band SB19 and Sony Music Entertainment Asia are giving fans worldwide the chance to go on the Simula at Wakas World Tour, particularly the Singapore leg. The concert, which will be held on Aug. 24 at Singapore’s Arena @ EXPO, is part of the P-pop group’s biggest international tour to date. A winner will be randomly selected to receive an all-expense-paid trip for two in Singapore, inclusive of round-trip flights from any major airport in the world, a two-night hotel stay for two at V Lavender Hotel with breakfast, two Gold tickets + Hi-bye passes, official concert merchandise, 30% off food vouchers at Tono Izakaya, and an allowance for meals and transfers. Interested participants can fill out this form and submit it on or before Aug. 17 (available only to fans 18 years old and above).

Eastwave Asian Fest ongoing at Lucky Chinatown

THE Eastwave Asian Festival 2025 is ongoing at Lucky Chinatown Mall in Binondo, Manila, until Aug. 17. This is a showcase of local entrepreneurs that sell regional crafts, snacks, and specialty goods. Meanwhile, from Aug. 13 to 30, the Asia Fandom Fest will assemble K-pop fans selling photocards and other merchandise dedicated to Asian stars, all in one marketplace. On Aug. 30, P-pop artists and rising local acts will have a meet-and-greet experience called “StanZone,” with the lineup set to be announced soon. Finally, on Aug. 31, the Asia Pulse Festival concludes the month-long celebration with a high-energy dance cover showdown featuring some of the best Asian pop dance crews in the city.

Clara Benin launching vinyl of her 2nd album

FILIPINO singer-songwriter Clara Benin will be releasing her sophomore album, befriending my tears (and then some), on vinyl. In partnership with independent vinyl retailer Backspacer Records, this edition features expanded versions of the original tracks, including remixes, early demos, and live recordings. The album was first released in 2023 under Sony Music Entertainment’s pan-regional label OFFMUTE. It includes contributions from Gabba Santiago, Sam and Tim Marquez of One Click Straight, and Francis Lorenzo. It will be available exclusively at Backspacer Records starting Aug. 17.

Westlife announces flyaway fan campaign

TO CELEBRATE 25 years of music, the band Westlife is giving fans in the Philippines the chance to join them in London for their 25th Anniversary Concert at the Royal Albert Hall this October. As part of this exclusive fan campaign, two fans will be selected to receive an all-expenses-paid trip to London, including round-trip flights, hotel accommodation, exclusive Westlife merchandise, and tickets to see the band live. The campaign runs until Sept. 30 and is open to fans in Asia. Fans can sign up via westlife.lnk.to/wlfph, with winners to be announced on Oct. 3.

Flower Girl now available on streaming platforms

THE film Flower Girl, produced by The IdeaFirst Company, OctoberTrain Films, and CreaZion Studios, is now available on demand for a limited time on three streaming platforms: iWantTickets, VivaOnePlus, and VMXPlus. It stars Sue Ramirez as Ena, a sanitary napkin endorser and modern Filipina navigating life, love, and ambitions. Her life takes a sudden turn when her vagina mysteriously disappears after she offends a transwoman (played by KaladKaren), who curses her using babaylan powers.

Ena Mori releases new EP

FILIPINO singer-songwriter and producer Ena Mori has dropped her new EP, rOe. Both introspective and sophisticated, the six-track coming-of-age project aims to “navigate the emotional whiplash of entering your twenties with one foot still planted in childhood.” It is co-produced by Ms. Mori with her creative partner Tim Marquez of One Click Straight. The EP is out now on all digital music streaming platforms.

MCAD holds free film screenings

THE Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (MCAD) presents Simulacra for the month of August. As part of MCADxMovingImage, Beall Center for Art + Technology associate director Fatima Manalili curated the three-part screening. It aims to “challenge the ability of a person to distinguish truth from illusion as constructed environments and media blur the line between fact and fiction.” The films are: Ways of Seeing (1972), scheduled for Aug. 27; The Truman Show (1998), scheduled for Aug. 28; and F for Fake (1973), scheduled for Aug. 29. Free and open to the public, the films run from noon to 2 p.m. at the MCAD Multimedia Room, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Design + Arts Campus, Dominga Street, Malate, Manila. Interested participants may e-mail mcad@benilde.edu.ph.

Aurora Music Fest goes to Cebu in Nov.

THE CEBU Aurora Music Festival is back, slated for Nov. 22 this year. There will be performances by SB19, Rico Blanco, Ben&Ben, Cup of Joe, Maki, and Earl Agustin. Tickets, priced from P1,000 to P5,000, are available via SM Tickets outlets and website and https://ticket.epiceventsph.com/.

PLDT blocks 10 unregistered crypto exchanges, vows continued funding for cybersecurity

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS/PATRICKROQUE01

PLDT INC. and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. will continue investing in cybersecurity infrastructure to ensure a secure digital space amid a growing number of frauds and scams, the Pangilinan-led telecommunications company said on Monday.

PLDT has blocked access to 10 unregistered crypto exchanges after the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) flagged the platforms for operating without the necessary licenses, it said in a statement.

“Upon receipt of the order from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), we restricted access to the identified websites. These web addresses are no longer accessible on our network,” PLDT said.

In an advisory last week, the SEC alerted the public against 10 cryptocurrency platforms — OKX, Bybit, Mexc, Kucoin, Bitget, Phemex, Coinex, Bitmart, Poloniex, and Kraken.

The commission said the platforms offer crypto-asset services to Philippine residents without the required registration or authorization mandated under SEC Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 4 and MC No. 5, which took effect on July 5.

PLDT said it will continue investing in cybersecurity infrastructure after the Cyber Security Operations Group reported blocking more than a hundred billion attempts to access malicious domains.

At the stock exchange on Monday, shares in the company fell by P16, or 1.22%, to close at P1,299 apiece.

Hastings Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary of the PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund and part of MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., holds a majority stake in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

Net Foreign Direct Investments (May 2025)

NET INFLOWS of foreign direct investments (FDI) into the Philippines rose by 21.3% year on year in May but declined by 26.9% in the first five months of the year, preliminary data from the central bank showed. Read the full story.

Net Foreign Direct Investments (May 2025)

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