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Platinum Karaoke unveils the Platinum Soundscape Concept Store at SM Makati to celebrate 25 years of Filipino innovation in music and entertainment

Ribbon-cutting for the grand launch of the 1st Platinum Karaoke Concept Store at the SM Cyberzone, 2nd floor, SM Makati Mall. Shown on photo are Platinum Karaoke VIPs and guests.

In celebration of its 25th anniversary, Platinum Karaoke, the Philippines’ homegrown leader in karaoke segment, opens the doors to its first-ever platinum soundscape Concept Store at SM Makati Cyberzone. This is a pioneering retail space that elevates how Filipinos and music lovers around the world experience sound, connection, and innovation.

For a quarter of a century, Platinum Karaoke has been more than a brand. It has been a part of every Filipino home, celebration, and memory. From barkada karaoke nights to family reunions and solo sing-along sessions, Platinum Karaoke has united generations through the power of music. Now, with the launch of the Platinum Karaoke Concept Store, the brand ushers in the next chapter in Filipino entertainment, one where cutting-edge technology, tradition, and togetherness come alive in immersive, accessible, and future-ready ways, highlighting the brand’s expansion into the broader audio entertainment category.

Platinum Karaoke celebrates 25 years with the opening of its 1st Platinum Karaoke Concept Store and festivity with the media. From left are Platinum Karaoke Executives: President Dipak Asudani, Founder Kim Jong and General Manager Allan Espinas.

“Platinum Karaoke is built on Filipino pride, created by Filipinos, for Filipinos, and now reaching music enthusiasts across the globe. With the launch of our first Concept Store, we are proud to mark this milestone, to broaden our footprint in the audio entertainment space along with the unparalleled karaoke experience that has defined our brand,” said Bianca Teodoro, brand manager, Platinum Karaoke.

“Our distinctive Platinum Karaoke experience affirms our commitment to constant innovation not just to keep up with the times, but to elevate how families, friends, and communities connect and entertain, through music and sharing fun and memorable moments, whether at gatherings and parties at home or event venues or across digital platforms,” Ms. Teodoro added.

Platinum Karaoke Concept Store

An immersive karaoke room at the 1st Platinum Karaoke Concept Store at the SM Cyberzone at SM Makati Mall.

Located at SM Makati Cyberzone, the Platinum Karaoke Concept Store is designed for everyone. From Gen Z creators and on-the-go vloggers, podcasters to karaoke-loving titos and titas, and grandparents reliving timeless classics. It features a dedicated KTV Room for hands-on product trials, sing-along sessions, and immersive sound experiences across the brand’s wide range of innovations.

The Platinum Karaoke Concept Store showcases its most advanced systems, including the Alpha 2, a flagship all-in-one entertainment hub that combines karaoke, Android TV, digital TV, and smart features like voice assistants, YouTube streaming, Pro Score singing duels, and custom pitch effects. Customers can also explore portable speakers, wearable audio gear, wireless mics, amplifiers, and soundbars for home theaters, podcasts, parties, and everyday entertainment on the go.

Daryl Ong Performs Live and Sings with Fans through Platinum Karaoke Experience

At the opening of the Platinum Karaoke Concept Store were SM Executives (from left) Gladdys Ramos, Kathleen Anne Cruz and Mina Torres, together with Platinum Karaoke President Dipak Asudani (2nd from left).

As part of the anniversary celebration, Daryl Ong, one of the country’s most soulful and versatile balladeers will perform at the launch event. With over 1 million YouTube subscribers, viral covers, and millions of views for songs like “Stay,” “Ikaw na Nga,” and “All of Me,” Daryl has earned a loyal global following for his emotional vocal style and heartfelt performances. At the event, he will not only perform live but also join customers in intimate karaoke sessions, bringing the Platinum Karaoke soundscape to life.

Over the years, Platinum Karaoke has been endorsed by beloved Filipino entertainers including Vice Ganda, Angeline Quinto, Morisette, the phenomenal love team AlDub composed of Maine Mendoza and Alden Richards, and the love tandem of KathNiel the once inseparable Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla, cementing its place in pop culture history.

Sound Made in the Philippines, Designed for the World

Platinum Karaoke continues to innovate and expands to a full lineup of audio entertainment offerings along with its cutting-edge karaoke system at its Concept Store at SM Cyberzone in SM Makati Mall.

What truly sets Platinum apart is not just technology, but the way it brings people together. Every innovation is made with the intention to foster harmony through music and sound wherever they are and across continents.

For more information and to find out the latest updates, visit https://platinumkaraoke.com/ or follow on Facebook, Instagram and the Official TikTok account.

 

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PHL eyes P200-B RTB offer in Q3

REUTERS

THE GOVERNMENT is planning to raise P200 billion from its first retail Treasury bond (RTB) offering this year, which it could launch within this quarter, Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto said.

“I think, we’ll issue now the retail Treasury bonds. I think this quarter, within the quarter,” Mr. Recto told reporters last week.

He did not give more details.

The government’s last RTB offering was in February 2024. It raised a record P584.86 billion from its offering of five-year RTBs.

RTBs are medium- to long-term debt securities issued by the government available to retail investors, especially ordinary Filipinos. It is usually sold in minimum denominations of P5,000.

Mr. Recto noted that the upcoming RTB offering will not likely be the last this year.

Analysts expect high demand for the new RTB offering, citing favorable yields and accessibility, while suggesting a tenor of five years may be optimal.

Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion, chief economist at Union Bank of the Philippines, said the RTB offering is expected to attract strong investor interest.

“RTBs remain attractive due to their accessibility to retail investors, relatively high yields compared to savings products, and their reputation as low-risk instruments,” Mr. Asuncion said in a Viber message.

Last May, National Treasurer Sharon P. Almanza said the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) plans to launch GBonds, which allow retail investors to buy and sell government securities on e-wallet giant GCash by the second half of the year.

This will allow the platform’s 94 million registered users to invest a minimum of P5,000 for RTB and P500 for Treasury bills through the app.

“A tenor of 5 to 7 years would be appropriate, offering a balance between competitive returns and manageable duration risk, while aligning with the government’s medium-term funding strategy,” Mr. Asuncion said.

Meanwhile, a trader said good demand is expected for this issuance, “since the target is lower than the expected maturity.”

“If the yield is attractive enough, I think the BTr can issue up to P400 billion,” the trader said in a Viber message.

It also added that a tenor of 5 to 5.5 years would be suitable for the offering.

The government is looking to hike its borrowing program to P2.6 trillion this year from P2.55 trillion previously, to fund the ballooning budget deficit.

It is still targeting to source 80% of its borrowings domestically and 20% externally.

The latest data from the Treasury showed that the National Government’s gross borrowings fell by 6.67% to P1.33 trillion in the five-month period this year.

Domestic gross borrowings fell by 12.74% year on year to P1.02 trillion.

TWO MORE RATE CUTS
Meanwhile, Recto, who also sits on the Monetary Board, said the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has room to deliver two more 25-basis-point (bp) rate cuts this year amid subdued inflation.

“I think the BSP is clear that we expect a 50-bp rate cut all the way till the end of the year,” Mr. Recto said, adding these will likely be delivered in two increments.

“Inflation is down right now,” he added.

Headline inflation averaged 1.8% in the six-month period.

The central bank’s remaining policy meetings are scheduled for Aug. 28, Oct. 9, and Dec. 11.

BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. earlier signaled two more rate cuts in 2025, citing inflation falling within the 2-4% target and expected lower economic growth.

At its June 19 meeting, the central bank delivered a second straight 25-bp cut this year, bringing its policy rate to 5.25%.

It has now lowered interest rates by a cumulative 125 bps since it started its easing cycle in August 2024.

However, Mr. Recto said the government remains cautious ahead of the Federal Reserve’s policy meeting later this month.

“We just don’t know what happens in the US right now, what’s going to happen there. We’ll be closely monitoring that as well,” he said.

US President Donald J. Trump has been pushing Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome H. Powell to lower borrowing costs, targeting a 1% policy rate.

However, recent US inflation data may complicate the Fed’s easing trajectory. The US consumer price index picked up to 2.7% from a year ago in June, after rising to 2.4% in May.

“Trump wants to change the Fed, right? He wants a rate cut. That’s what happens there. But for us, as we’re looking at our own inflation data, so far that looks good,” he said.

Asked whether the central bank would proceed with easing even if the Fed holds rates steady, Mr. Recto said: “I think we have room to cut.”

“Maybe not two, depends on what happens in the US as well. But as of today, I would assume that we’re okay for a two rate cuts.” — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

Marcos seeks support from semiconductor execs ahead of Trump meeting

Semiconductor chips are seen on a circuit board of a computer in this illustration picture. — REUTERS/FLORENCE LO/ILLUSTRATION

PHILIPPINE President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. is set to meet with top executives of US semiconductor companies this week as he seeks to further strengthen economic ties with the US, Manila’s envoy to Washington said on Sunday.

Mr. Marcos will hold talks with Semiconductor Industry Association President John Neuffer this week, Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel G. Romualdez said during a press briefing in Washington, DC. A video of the briefing was posted by Radio Television Malacañang (RTVM) on YouTube.

“We’ll be talking to the semiconductor industry, which is very important for us. [It’s] one of our biggest industries [with which we have] economic ties with the United States,” he added.

US President Donald J. Trump has imposed a 20% tariff on Philippine-made goods entering the country starting Aug. 1, higher than the 17% previously announced.

For now, semiconductors are excluded from the new reciprocal tariffs. Semiconductors and electronics are the Philippines’ top exports to the US.

Mr. Marcos is hoping to secure support from US semiconductor firms to shield the Philippine electronics sector from potential disruption. He is also set to meet with Mr. Trump to discuss the tariff issue.

Mr. Marcos met with Mr. Neuffer last December 2024, where he stressed the need to advance the Philippines’ position in the semiconductor value chain to keep pace with global technological shifts.

Manila is one of seven countries that the US is partnering with to diversify its semiconductor supply chain under the CHIPS and Science Act.

Mr. Marcos is also scheduled to meet on Monday afternoon (US time) executives of top US companies that are planning to boost investments in the Philippines.

Mr. Romualdez said the president’s meetings will include investors that are interested in the infrastructure sector.

“We also have some of those in infrastructure, which is part of the Luzon Corridor. So those… are part of his (Mr. Marcos’) business meetings that he will conduct in between important official meetings on Monday,” he said.

The Luzon Economic Corridor project is being undertaken via a trilateral commitment among the Philippines, US and Japan. The project seeks to enhance the connectivity of Luzon’s key economic areas — Subic Bay, Clark, Metro Manila and Batangas. It is widely seen to counter China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Josue Raphael J. Cortez, diplomacy lecturer at the De La Salle-College of St. Benilde’s School of Diplomacy and Governance, said Manila can boost its semiconductor sector by ensuring fair competition and leveraging its partnership with the US under the CHIPS Act to enhance production capabilities and adopt best practices.

However, he added that to protect its broader economic interests, the country should maintain balanced trade ties with China, especially in mineral resources, agriculture, and raw materials, rather than relying solely on US investments.

“In the case of China, given that there could be a conflict of interest regarding chip production, we must strategize on how we can bolster our trade with Beijing, particularly on mineral resources, agricultural products, and raw materials, which are among our top exports to the country,” he said via Messenger chat.

China remains the Philippines’ largest trading partner, with the US coming in third. However, the territorial dispute with Beijing complicates the prospect of deeper cooperation.

Mr. Marcos’ trip to Washington could also position Manila as the potential lead during trade negotiations between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the US, especially as Manila assumes chairmanship in the regional bloc in 2026, said Mr. Cortez.

This visit could enable Manila to drive a regional economic balancing strategy that leverages Southeast Asia’s strengths to benefit both ASEAN and the US while countering the economic impact of the US tariffs and China’s regional dominance, he added.

Meanwhile, Mr. Romualdez said Manila is not planning to pursue a free trade agreement at this time with Washington, as lowering the “reciprocal” tariffs is the current priority, in addition to defense and security matters.

“That’s still very far in the sense that we have to get over this particular discussion first on the tariff,” he said. “After that, we’re hoping that the free trade agreement will probably come into play.”

Mr. Romualdez also cited other agreements with the US, including security pacts on the Mutual Defense Treaty signed in 1951, the Visiting Forces Agreement signed in 1999, and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement signed in 2014.

“[There] will be more discussions on how we can continue to cooperate with the United States, our major ally. At the same time, also, I think President Marcos would like to see how we can work with the United States and other countries that have the same mindset as far as the West Philippines is concerned,” he added.

“We can’t negotiate on the basis of what we can get from another country. We have to focus on what is good for both countries.” — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

InstaPay, PESONet transactions increase by 40% in first 6 months

STOCK PHOTO | Image by Pikisuperstar from Freepik

By Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson, Senior Reporter

THE VALUE of transactions conducted via InstaPay and PESONet jumped by 39.5% year on year in the first half of the year, the latest data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed.

Transactions coursed through the automated clearing houses surged to P11.1 trillion in the January-June period from P7.98 trillion a year prior.

PESONet is mainly used for high-value transactions and may be considered as an electronic alternative to paper-based checks.

Meanwhile, InstaPay is a real-time, low-value electronic fund transfer facility for transactions up to P50,000 and is mostly used for remittances and e-commerce.

Central bank data showed the volume of transactions made via InstaPay and PESONet more than doubled (138.7%) to 1.58 billion at end-June from 660.7 million in the same period a year ago.

The value of transactions done through PESONet climbed by 31.1% to P6.15 trillion in the six-month period from P4.69 trillion the year earlier.

The volume of transactions that went through the payment gateway likewise increased by 16.8% year on year to 56.28 million from 48.18 million.

Meanwhile, the total value of InstaPay transactions stood at P4.98 trillion during the six-month period, surging by 51.5% from P3.29 trillion in the previous year.

The volume of transactions done through InstaPay soared by 148.3% to 1.52 billion in the first six months from 612.52 million a year ago.

InstaPay and PESONet are automated clearing houses that were launched in December 2015 under the central bank’s National Retail Payment System framework.

“The continued double-digit growth in transaction value may still largely reflect the continued growth in online commerce, which accelerated since the pandemic,” Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said in a Viber message.

“This also reflects the increased use by more Filipinos of e-wallets in both physical and digital stores, as these are also accessible with larger amounts in bank accounts.”

The latest data from the BSP showed the share of online payments in monthly retail transactions stood at 57.4% in terms of volume, up from 52.8% in 2023. In terms of value, the share of online payments in monthly retail transactions rose to 59% in 2024 from 55.3% in 2023.

“The surge is driven by greater adoption of digital payments across both consumers and businesses,” John Paolo R. Rivera, a senior research fellow at the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, said in a Viber message.

He also cited “broader mobile and internet penetration, and growing trust in the convenience and security of real-time fund transfers.”

The BSP wants online payments to make up 60-70% of the country’s total retail transaction volume by 2028. The share of Filipinos with bank accounts reached 65% of the adult population in 2022.

“Government digitalization efforts and private sector innovations, such as QR payments and app-based banking, have also helped normalize digital financial behavior,” Mr. Rivera said.

“This trend reflects a more financially connected economy and supports the BSP’s push for greater financial inclusion.”

The World Bank’s The Global Findex Database 2025 report released on Wednesday showed that only 50.2% of approximately 82 million Filipinos aged 15 years old and above had financial accounts in 2024, lower than the 51.4% recorded in 2021.

This was also well below the 83.3% average account ownership rate for East Asia and Pacific and the 70.4% for lower middle-income countries.

CMEPA seen to boost PERA adoption among Filipinos

BW FILE PHOTO

THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) expects more Filipinos to grow their retirement funds under the Personal Equity and Retirement Account (PERA) with the recent implementation of Republic Act No. 12214 or the Capital Markets Efficiency Promotion Act (CMEPA).

“The CMEPA strengthens the role of PERA by offering stronger incentives for long-term savings,” SEC Chairperson Francisco Ed. Lim said in an e-mailed statement on Monday.

“It encourages companies to support their employees’ retirement planning while simultaneously increasing the capital available in the financial system, stimulating the local stock market,” he added.

One of the CMEPA’s provisions is a 50% additional tax deduction for private employers who contribute an amount equal to or greater than their employees’ PERA contributions.

PERA, created under Republic Act No. 9505, is a voluntary retirement saving program. This is aimed at complementing the existing retirement benefits from the Social Security System, Government Service Insurance System and employer-sponsored plans.

“The program offers contributors tax benefits not available in other retirement investment products, encouraging Filipinos to save for their future,” the SEC said.

In January, DoubleDragon Corp.’s stock brokerage arm DragonFi Securities, Inc. became the first SEC-accredited PERA administrator after the corporate regulator issued guidelines on the accreditation of PERA market participants in September last year.

The SEC guidelines expanded the categories of entities eligible to register as PERA administrators to include securities brokers, investment houses, and investment company advisers or fund managers.

Under the SEC guidelines, a PERA administrator should have maintain a net worth of at least P100 million at all times, and have the adequate systems and technological capabilities, as well as the necessary technical expertise and personnel to administer all types of PERA investment products.

“Take-up of PERA is still relatively low in recent years. Hopefully, the CMEPA would further provide greater motivation to increase PERA in view of the additional incentives,” Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said in a Viber message.

Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas showed that PERA contributions increased by 24% to P491.4 million as of end-2024 from P396.3 million as of end-2023.

CMEPA took effect on July 1 after being signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on May 29.

Among the law’s provisions is the reduction of the stock transaction tax to 0.1% from 0.6% as well as the decrease in the documentary stamp tax on the original issuance of shares of stock to 0.75% from 1% of par value.

The law also standardized the final withholding tax on interest income at 20% and harmonized the capital gains tax to a flat 15% on shares of foreign corporations.

“At its core, CMEPA is designed to align the Philippine capital markets more closely with regional peers by removing long-standing barriers to investor participation,” Mr. Lim said.

“This supports the commission’s mission to continue introducing reforms that will increase the local market’s competitiveness. The strict implementation of provisions under CMEPA is key toward ensuring broader public participation in the capital market and fostering a deeper investment culture among Filipinos,” he added. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

First Gen unit secures P15-B loan for Casecnan

CASECNAN HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANT — FIRSTGEN.COM.PH

FRESH RIVER LAKES CORP. (FRLC), the operator of the 165-megawatt (MW) Casecnan hydroelectric power plant (HEPP), has secured a P15-billion loan from major banks to support its operations and financial obligations, Lopez-led First Gen Corp. announced on Monday.

In a regulatory filing, First Gen said that FRLC signed loan agreements with BDO Unibank, Inc., Bank of the Philippine Islands, and Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. for the company’s general corporate requirements.

“We need to cover the operation of Casecnan, and the way we funded that is from First Gen…that’s there to finance the original acquisition, so we can pay back to the parent,” First Gen President and Chief Operating Officer Francis Giles B. Puno said on the sidelines of an event in Batangas.

The Casecnan hydroelectric power plant was transferred to FRLC in 2024 after it won the auction conducted by the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. with the top bid of $526 million.

The asset is a run-of-river type of power facility that generates energy by diverting water from the Casecnan and Taan Rivers through a 26-kilometer-long tunnel.

“At First Gen, we believe that hydroelectric power plays a major role in delivering reliable and compelling clean energy solutions to our customers,” said First Gen Chief Financial Officer Emmanuel P. Singson.

“It is vital for the country’s energy security and decarbonization goals. This latest financing will further strengthen our ability to continue delivering a competitive and dependable portfolio of clean energy to the nation,” he added.

In May, BDO also extended P10 billion in financing to First Gen for the purchase of the hydroelectric facility.

At present, First Gen has a total of 3,668 MW of combined capacity across its portfolio of plants that run on geothermal, wind, hydropower, solar energy, and natural gas. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

MGen to build 49-MW battery energy storage in Cebu

MGEN PRESIDENT and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel V. Rubio

MERALCO POWERGEN CORP. (MGen), the power generation arm of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), is set to develop a 49-megawatt (MW) battery energy storage system (BESS) in Toledo, Cebu, which is expected to be completed by 2027.

The first phase of the BESS facility, with a 25-MW capacity, is scheduled to be completed by 2026, and the remainder by 2027, the company said in a media release on Monday.

MGen President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel V. Rubio said the project is part of the company’s broader commitment to strengthen grid reliability and accelerate the country’s energy transition.

“Battery energy storage will be critical in managing variability in supply and demand, particularly as we integrate more renewable energy into the system,” Mr. Rubio said.

BESS is a type of energy storage system that uses batteries to store electrical energy from the grid and release it when needed to augment supply or improve power quality.

The Toledo project follows MGen’s MTerra Solar project straddling Nueva Ecija and Bulacan. The project consists of a 4,500-megawatt-hour energy storage development designed to support its 3,500 megawatt-peak solar power project.

RETAIL ELECTRICITY SUPPLY
Meanwhile, Vantage Energy, an affiliate retail electricity supplier (RES) of Meralco, has entered into a retail electricity supply deal with Bohol Quality Corp. (BQC), one of the major retail institutions in Bohol.

In a statement, Vantage Energy said it will supply electricity to BQ Mall, an established commercial center in Tagbilaran City.

“This energy partnership ensures tradition and exceptional service with improved reliability and sustainability. As this marks Vantage Energy’s first venture in our province, we look forward to the growth, innovation, and opportunities our partnership will bring,” said BQC President Raymund G. Ong.

Established in 1945, BQC has evolved into an institution “that has remained rooted in community service while adapting to the changing demands of a modern consumer landscape.”

“By combining Vantage Energy’s expertise in energy solutions with Bohol Quality Corporation’s leadership in its field, we are creating a platform for meaningful impact, not only for our companies but also to the communities we serve and industries we support,” Vantage Energy President Ernesto M. Cabral said.

Vantage Energy, the first affiliate RES of Meralco, supplies electricity to contestable customers outside the power distributor’s franchise area.

In June, the Gokongwei Group tapped Vantage Energy to serve 35 of its key properties nationwide. The retail electricity supply deal covers facilities of Robinsons Land Corp., Robinsons Supermarket Corp., and Universal Robina Corp., with a portion of the contracted power to be sourced from renewable energy.

Meralco’s controlling stakeholder, Beacon Electric Asset Holdings, Inc., is partly owned by PLDT Inc.

Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of the PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has an interest in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

Philippine TV is adapting more foreign hits

A STILL from the Philippine adaptation of Bad Genius.

THIS July has seen the premieres of two Filipino television series which have been adapted from foreign material. Studio Viva’s Bad Genius: The Series debuted on Viva One while ABS-CBN Studios’ It’s Okay to Not Be Okay was released on Netflix and iWant.

The former was adapted from the hit 2017 Thai film Bad Genius and the subsequent 2020 series of the same name, which centers on a straight-A student who concocts a cheating scheme for exams. The latter was adapted from a 2020 Korean drama, It’s Okay to Not Be Okay, which follows an antisocial children’s book author who finds emotional healing with a psychiatric hospital employee.

Both foreign series have now found their way into Philippine entertainment, adapted for Filipino tastes.

BAD GENIUS
For director Derick Cabrido, taking on the popular Thai story was a challenge. “The original series had already set a standard, and you’re not supposed to drop down from that,” he said at a press conference early in July. “It’s a big challenge, and I love challenges.”

One way the local adaptation is making the story different is how it tackles the reality of the education system in the Philippines.

“That’s one of the reasons the Thai movie and series became a hit. It’s not just pop culture, but it has social commentaries,” he said.

Atasha Muhlach, a fresh face with a showbiz family background, takes on the lead role of Lin in Bad Genius: The Series.

“I’m very grateful because this is my first lead role, so I’m honored to have such a great project with a great team,” she said. Her character, known for her intelligence and cunning, receives a scholarship to one of the country’s top private high schools, where she devises a cheating scheme for her and her classmates.

“Lin is very mysterious, with many personalities in a way that will be revealed as the show progresses,” added Ms. Muhlach.

Her co-stars are Jairus Aquino, Gab Lagman, and Hyacinth Callado. Other cast members include Romnick Sarmenta, Yayo Aguila, Irma Adlawan, Sarah Lahbati, Gold Aceron, and Art Acuña.

New episodes will air every Thursday on Viva One.

IT’S OKAY TO NOT BE OKAY
For director Mae Cruz-Alviar, adapting the Korean series into a Filipino context was tough, especially given the mental health themes present in the story.

“We had to match the story to how our audience accepts conversations about mental health,” she said at a press conference this month.

The local adaptation sees Anne Curtis as the antisocial children’s book author, Joshua Garcia as the psychiatric caregiver, and Carlo Aquino as an autistic man. Their three paths cross and allow for a journey of healing from childhood trauma, mental illness, and grief.

“There’s still limited awareness [about mental health locally], so we had to avoid overwhelming viewers,” said Ms. Cruz-Alviar. However, she assured Filipino fans of the K-drama that it will have “the same feels” as the original.

Ms. Curtis explained that the “universal story” rings true even in a Philippine context.

“Every Filipino, whether it’s family or friends, will be able to relate to the story of healing, pain, and love,” she said, adding that she and her two main co-stars “poured their heart and soul into these characters.”

“Some of you may already know the story, but we promise it’ll feel brand new,” said Ms. Curtis.

Other members of the cast include Rio Locsin, Michael De Mesa, Agot Isidro, Maricel Laxa, and Enchong Dee.

It’s available on the Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, TV5, Kapamilya Online Live, Netflix, and iWant. — Brontë H. Lacsamana

ALI sees SCTEX link boosting access to Anvaya Cove project

AYALA LAND, INC.

REAL ESTATE developer Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI) said the planned Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX)-Hermosa Interchange is expected to improve accessibility to its 620-hectare Anvaya Cove project in Morong, Bataan.

“Planned as a new access point along SCTEX, the upcoming Hermosa Interchange will offer a more direct connection from Metro Manila and Central Luzon to the Subic Bay Freeport Zone — dramatically easing travel toward Bataan’s western coastline,” ALI said in an e-mail statement on Monday.

“Once completed, the interchange is expected to cut down travel time, improve road safety, and open up faster routes to tourism and residential destinations like Anvaya Cove,” it added.

The Hermosa Interchange is a P495.35-million project being developed through a joint collaboration involving the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, the Department of Public Works and Highways, NLEX Corp., and the local government of Hermosa.

It will connect Bataan’s economic zones and industrial estates to other growth corridors in Central Luzon, including the Clark Freeport Zone, New Clark City, and the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Anvaya Cove offers residential and leisure developments, including an eight-hole par-72 golf course.

“Anvaya Cove is poised to become an even more attractive destination where homeowners and visitors alike get to experience a rare combination of exclusivity and convenience elevating premier living,” ALI said.

“Though the SCTEX-Hermosa Interchange is still in its early stages, its announcement signals a meaningful shift building new possibilities for rest and reconnection with nature. The improved connectivity brings destinations like Anvaya Cove a step closer and signals a stronger investment potential, the future holds both personal and property value growth,” it added.

ALI shares dropped by 0.77% or 20 centavos to P25.75 apiece on Monday. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

‘Don’t tell me!’ Why some people love spoilers — and others will run a mile

This article contains spoilers!

I ONCE leapt out of a train carriage because two strangers were loudly discussing the ending of the last Harry Potter book. Okay — I didn’t leap, but I did plug my ears and flee to another carriage.

Recently, I found myself in a similar predicament, trapped on a bus, entirely at the mercy of two passengers dissecting the Severance season two finale.

But not everyone shares my spoiler anxiety. I have friends who flip to the last page of a book before they’ve read the first one, or who look up the ending before hitting “play.” According to them, they simply need to know.

So why do some of us crave surprise and suspense, while others find comfort in instant resolution?

WHAT’S IN A SPOILER?
Spoilers have become a cultural flashpoint in the age of streaming, social media and shared fandoms.

Researchers define “spoiler” as undesired information about how a narrative’s arc will conclude. I often hear “spoilers!” interjected mid-sentence, a desperate protest to protect narrative ignorance.

Hitchcock’s twist-heavy Psycho elevated spoiler sensitivity. Its release came with an anti-spoilers policy including strict viewing times, lobby warnings recorded by the auteur himself, and even real policemen urging “total enjoyment.” A bold ad campaign implored audiences against “cheating yourselves.”

The twists were fiercely protected.

Even the Star Wars cast didn’t know Darth Vader’s paternity twist until premiere night. Avengers: Endgame filmed multiple endings and used fake scripting to mislead its stars. And Andrew Garfield flat-out lied about his return to Spider-Man: No Way Home — a performance worthy of an Oscar — all for the sake of fan surprise and enjoyment.

But do spoilers actually ruin the fun, or just shift how we experience it?

THE SATISFACTION OF A GOOD ENDING
In 2014, a Dutch study found that viewers of unspoiled stories experienced greater emotional arousal and enjoyment. Spoilers may complete our “mental models” of the plot, making us less driven to engage, process events, or savor the unfolding story.

But we are also likely to overestimate the negative effect of a spoiler on our enjoyment. In 2016, a series of studies involving short stories, mystery fiction, and films found that spoiled participants still reported high levels of enjoyment — because once we’re immersed, emotional connection tends to eclipse what we already know.

But suspense and enjoyment are complex bedfellows.

American media psychology trailblazer Dolf Zillmann said that suspense builds tension and excitement, but we only enjoy that tension once the ending lands well.

The thrill isn’t fun while we’re hanging in uncertainty — it’s the satisfying resolution that retroactively makes it feel good.

That could be why we scramble for an “ending explained” when a film or show drops the ball on closure. We’re trying to resolve uncertainty and settle our emotions.

Spoilers can also take the pressure off. A 2009 study of Lost fans found those who looked up how an episode would end actually enjoyed it more. The researchers found it reduced cognitive pressure, and gave them more room to reflect and soak in the story.

Spoilers put the audience back in the driver’s seat — even if filmmakers would rather keep hold of the wheel. People may seek spoilers out of curiosity or impatience, but sometimes it’s a quiet rebellion: a way to push back against the control creators hold over when and how things unfold.

That’s why spoilers are fertile ground for power dynamics. Ethicists even liken being spoiled to kind of moral trespass: how dare someone else make that decision for me?!

But whether you avoid spoilers or seek them out, the motive is often the same: a need to feel in control.

SHAPING YOUR EMOTIONS
Spoiler avoiders crave affect: they want emotional transportation.

When suspense is part of the pleasure, control means choosing when and how that knowledge lands. There’s a mental challenge to be had in riding the story as it unfolds, and a joy in seeing it click into place.

That’s why people get protective, and even chatter about long-aired shows can spark outrage. It’s an attempt to police the commentary and preserve the experience for those still waiting to be transported.

Spoiler seekers want control too, just a different kind. They’re not avoiding emotion, they’re just managing it. A spoiler affords control over our negative emotions, but also softens the blow, and inoculates us against anxiety.

Psychologists dub this a “non-cognitive desensitization strategy” to manage surprise, a kind of “emotional spoiler shield” to protect our attachments to shows and characters, and remind us that TV, film, and book narratives are not real when storylines hit close to home.

Knowing what happens turns into a subtle form of self-regulation.

So, what did I do when Severance spoilers floated by? Did I get off the bus? Nope, I stayed put and faced the beast. As I tried to make sense of the unfamiliar plot points (The macrodata means what? Mark stays where?), I found the unexpected chance to dive deeper.

Maybe surprise is not the sum of what makes something entertaining and worth engaging with. Spoiler alert! It’s good to have an end to journey towards, but it’s the journey that matters, in the end.

 

Anjum Naweed is a professor of human factors at CQUniversity Australia.

AG&P says it completed work for Australian fuel project

AG&P INDUSTRIAL

INFRASTRUCTURE firm Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific Company of Manila, Inc. (AG&P Industrial) said it has completed its project with Kent PLC and Ampol Refineries in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

In a statement on Monday, the company said it had shipped 18 pre-assembled pipe racks (PAR), 16 pre-assembled units (PAU), and 19 pre-assembled support structures (PAS) for Ampol’s Future Fuels Gasoline Desulphurisation Project at the Lytton Refinery.

The project is intended to help the refinery reduce its fuel emissions and comply with the Euro 6 sulfur emissions legislation of the Australian government.

AG&P Industrial President and Managing Director of Global Business Development Alex Gamboa said that the project was completed to the “highest standards of safety and quality.”

“Our work with Kent and Ampol Refineries demonstrates the value AG&P Industrial brings to mission-critical infrastructure that enables cleaner, more efficient energy systems,” he said.

“This project adds to AG&P Industrial’s growing portfolio of complex, high-impact projects delivered anywhere in the world. We are proud to contribute to Australia’s energy goals while showcasing our Filipino craftsmanship and skills in modular construction,” he added.

According to AG&P Industrial, the successful delivery of the infrastructure modules reflects the company’s role as a partner of choice in delivering infrastructure solutions.

It said the project achieved over 2 million safe man-hours with no lost time injury, reflecting the company’s “commitment to world-class safety and quality standards.”

Last month, AG&P Industrial said it has about $1 billion worth of contracts in the pipeline over the next two to three years. These include projects in the US, Europe, and Australia. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Entertainment News (07/22/25)

PBA launches fantasy basketball game

THE Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) has launched its fantasy basketball game in partnership with Daily Fantasy, the Philippines’ first officially licensed fantasy sports provider, to usher in a new era of fan interaction and engagement. The platform enables fans to play in fantasy contests based on actual league matchups, build their virtual team lineups composed of PBA players, and make strategic decisions based on real-time player performance data. Scoring is powered by official PBA statistics. For more details or to create a team, visit www.playdailyfantasy.com.

Alex Warren releases new album

GEN Z singer-songwriter Alex Warren has dropped a new album, You’ll Be Alright, Kid, via Atlantic Records. The release is accompanied by a music video for the album’s focus track, “Eternity.” The album is largely co-written by Mr. Warren alongside Cal Shapiro and Mags Duval, with production led by Adam Yaron. It is out now on all digital music streaming platforms.

J-pop group Snow Man stars in travel docuseries

THIS July, Snow Man, one of Japan’s biggest pop groups is starring in a travel documentary series. Titled Traveling with Snow Man, the 10-part travel series premieres on July 27 on Disney+. It was filmed over several weeks across Japan, from Okinawa in the south up to Hokkaido in the north. Joining them on their adventure is the group’s unofficial 10th member, an AI robot called Tabi, who captures all the key moments from their excursions. A new episode will be released every Sunday at 4 p.m. until the season finale on Nov. 2.

MAX teams up with ENHYPEN’s Jay on new single

SINGER-SONGWRITER MAX is back with a new single, “Love Insane,” featuring Jay of ENHYPEN, released via Hundred Days Records. It is his first single since his latest album, LOVE IN STEREO, from 2024. The collaboration marks another global crossover between Western pop and K-pop. The song is a high-energy, emotionally charged anthem that blends MAX’s signature soulful vocals with Jay’s smooth delivery. It is out now on all digital music streaming platforms.

Indie rock band We Are Imaginary drops single

THE latest single of Filipino indie rock outfit We Are Imaginary, “Stockholm,” has been released, teasing their forthcoming self-titled album, which will be released on vinyl under Eikon Records in mid-2025. The single explores themes of emotional entanglement and vulnerability, meditating on toxic attachment disguised as love. The song is out now on all digital music platforms nationwide.

Remake of I Know What You Did Last Summer coming

THE story of the iconic 1990s slasher film, I Know What You Did Last Summer, will be introduced to a new generation of fans with a remake. The new film follows five friends who get into a car accident and swear to keep the incident a secret. Their past comes back to haunt them a year later as a stalker pursues them, and they turn to the two survivors of the 1997 Southport Massacre for help. I Know What You Did Last Summer is arriving in Philippine cinemas on July 30.

Lee Jae Wook returns to Manila for fan meeting

KOREAN actor Lee Jae Wook is returning to the Philippines for his 2025 Lee Jae Wook Asia fan meeting tour titled pro’log. The Manila leg is set to take place on Sept. 20, 6 p.m., at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City. Presented by Wilbros Live, it marks the Korean actor’s second trip to Manila after his sold-out 2023 fan meeting. He is known for his roles in major K-dramas including Alchemy of Souls, Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol, Extraordinary You, and Memories of the Alhambra.

Disney Jr. Live on Tour coming in September

CUBAO’S New Frontier Theater will host the Philippine debut of Disney Jr. Live On Tour: Let’s Play!, a stage experience for the whole family. The immersive, high-energy live show will run for 10 performances from Sept. 19 to 21 and Sept. 25 to 28, at the New Frontier Theater in Araneta City, Quezon City. Tickets are now available exclusively via Ticketnet.

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