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English grit beats Spanish skill to secure Euro glory

BASEL, Switzerland — England were on the ropes often at the Women’s Euro, and they always found a knockout blow, before beating Spain in a final penalty shootout to show that skill may be a way to dominate games, but it takes the heart of a lioness to win them.

Chloe Kelly was the hero, firing in the spot-kick to ensure the defending champions retained their crown, but every English player had to dig deep to thwart a Spanish side who were best everywhere except on the final scoreboard.

Down 2-0 at the break, England’s tournament almost ended in the quarterfinals as Sweden looked set to cruise through, but Kelly and Michelle Agyemang dragged the champions back into the game with late goals before they won the penalty shootout despite having four kicks saved.

They made heavy weather of Italy in the semis and again Kelly came to the rescue, scoring a 119th-minute winner to send them into the final despite another flawed performance.

In contrast, Spain cruised, purring like the engine of one of the many sports cars that can be seen zipping along city streets in the more affluent parts of Switzerland. They beat the host nation, and eased past Germany in the semis to make the final.

They met England in the 2023 World Cup final when a first-half goal set Spain on course for victory and their first major title. The story was almost a carbon copy on Sunday as they took the lead through Mariona Caldentey in the 25th minute.

Led by playmaker Aitan Bonmati, the Spaniards sensed a weakness on England’s left flank and probed it relentlessly until Ona Batlle came up with the cross for Caldentey to score.

KELLY INTRODUCTION
The introduction of Kelly before the break for the injured Lauren James strengthened that wing, and when Kelly set Russo up for the equalizer the tide did not exactly turn, but the belief of the English players certainly grew.

Battered by a number of crunching tackles, fullbacks Lucy Bronze and Alex Greenwood continued to throw themselves into every challenge, while captain Leah Williamson made a lung-bursting run to create a late chance that hinted at reserves of energy not even she knew she had.

Having been to the brink so many times, England believed.

When the game finished 1-1 and the penalty shootout awaited, the English players seemed relaxed and confident, with their Spanish counterparts looking slightly more on edge.

The Spaniards had the game in the palms of their hands for 120 minutes, but it began slipping away as Hannah Hamton started to save their spot-kicks, first from Caldentey and then from Bonmati, before Paralluelo fired her effort wide.

Kelly made no mistake, lashing the ball into the net as the English fans in the stadium erupted in joy.

“This is England, I think this is our moment, we’ve dug in for the 120 minutes, we’ve done what we needed to do to keep Spain out. It was just one kick and that was it and so we did that this time,” Hampton said. — Reuters

Fernandez cruises past Kalinskaya to claim Washington Open title

LEYLAH FERNANDEZ earned the biggest win of her career as she beat Anna Kalinskaya 6-1, 6-2, in the Washington Open final on Sunday.

After a brief rain delay in the nation’s capital, Fernandez — who was just one game away from defeat in the semifinals — overcame the extreme humidity to capture her first WTA 500 title in her first final in over a year.

The Canadian gained the upper hand early on, securing a break thanks to a Kalinskaya double fault, before breaking again with a sharp return winner.

The Russian world number 48 appeared to struggle physically as Fernandez calmly served out the opening set in just under half an hour.

Kalinskaya could not find her stride in the match, dropping serve twice in the second set, while the 22-year-old Fernandez remained in control, never looking back on her way to the title.

Fernandez will look to carry her momentum into her home tournament, the Canadian Open in Montreal, where she faces Australia’s Maya Joint in the first round.

Kalinskaya, who will play against American Ann Li, remains in search of her maiden WTA title after another setback in a final. — Reuters

De Minaur saves three match points to lift Washington Open title

ALEX DE MINAUR rallied from a set down and saved three match points to claim the Washington Open title with a 5-7, 6-1, 7-6(3), win over Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the final of the ATP 500 event on Sunday.

The Australian number one, who lost the 2018 final to Alexander Zverev, felt he rode his luck to secure his 10th career title and ensure he will enter the top 10 in the world rankings ahead of next month’s US Open.

The two 26-year-olds exchanged breaks early in the opening set before Spain’s Davidovich Fokina seized control by breaking again and closed out the set with the help of some crisp forehand winners.

De Minaur responded emphatically in the second set, converting two of four break-point opportunities while holding serve throughout, wrapping up the set in just over 30 minutes with an ace to level the contest.

The Spaniard looked on course for his first career title when he broke to grab the lead in the decider but he failed to serve out the match at 5-3, sending a forehand long to hand the break back to seventh seed De Minaur.

Davidovich Fokina’s frustration mounted as the 12th seed squandered three match points on De Minaur’s serve, and the Australian then capitalized on a series of unforced errors in the tiebreak to edge the contest.

“I came here in 2018 and it gave me so much confidence, so I’m so happy that I was able to come back and end up winning the title,” De Minaur said at the trophy presentation.

“Alejandro, you’re way too good not to have one of these, it’s coming for sure,” he added, gesturing to the trophy.

“You deserved it today, I just got lucky. You are a hell of a competitor, hell of a player. No one on the tour wants to play you. And this is not the end, this is only going on for you.”

Davidovich Fokina recalled that he had required a wild card to play in the US capital last year and was pleased to have at least guaranteed a rise to a career high world number 19 when the rankings are updated on Monday.

“He deserved the win, he was fighting every… ball, he was always pushing through my limits,” Davidovich Fokina said.

“We had a job to do before we started the year, to be at the middle of the year in the top 20. This week we did it, just not with the trophy. But for sure, we will keep going, pushing our limits, pushing harder.” — Reuters

Outgunned Europe accepts the least-worst US trade deal

US and European Union flags are seen in this illustration taken April 10, 2025. — REUTERS/DADO RUVIC/ILLUSTRATION

LONDON — In the end, Europe found it lacked the leverage to pull Donald J. Trump’s America into a trade pact on its terms and so has signed up to a deal it can just about stomach — albeit one that is clearly skewed in the US’ favor.

As such, Sunday’s agreement on a blanket 15% tariff after a months-long stand-off is a reality check on the aspirations of the 27-country European Union (EU) to become an economic power able to stand up to the likes of the United States or China.

The cold shower is all the more bracing given that the EU has long portrayed itself as an export superpower and champion of rules-based commerce for the benefit both of its own soft power and the global economy as a whole.

For sure, the new tariff that will now be applied is a lot more digestible than the 30% “reciprocal” tariff which Mr. Trump threatened to invoke in a few days.

While it should ensure Europe avoids recession, it will likely keep its economy in the doldrums: it sits somewhere between two tariff scenarios the European Central Bank last month forecast would mean 0.5-0.9% economic growth this year compared to just over 1% in a trade tension-free environment.

But this is nonetheless a landing point that would have been scarcely imaginable only months ago in the pre-Trump 2.0 era, when the EU along with much of the world could count on US tariffs averaging out at around 1.5%.

Even when Britain agreed a baseline tariff of 10% with the United States back in May, EU officials were adamant they could do better and — convinced the bloc had the economic heft to square up to Mr. Trump — pushed for a “zero-for-zero” tariff pact.

It took a few weeks of fruitless talks with their US counterparts for the Europeans to accept that 10% was the best they could get and a few weeks more to take the same 15% baseline which the United States agreed with Japan last week.

“The EU does not have more leverage than the US, and the Trump administration is not rushing things,” said one senior official in a European capital who was being briefed on last week’s negotiations as they closed in around the 15% level.

That official and others pointed to the pressure from Europe’s export-oriented businesses to clinch a deal and so ease the levels of uncertainty starting to hit businesses from Finland’s Nokia to Swedish steelmaker SSAB.

“We were dealt a bad hand. This deal is the best possible play under the circumstances,” said one EU diplomat. “Recent months have clearly shown how damaging uncertainty in global trade is for European businesses.”

NOW WHAT?
That imbalance — or what the trade negotiators have been calling “asymmetry” — is manifest in the final deal.

Not only is it expected that the EU will now call off any retaliation and remain open to US goods on existing terms, but it has also pledged $600 billion of investment in the United States. The timeframe for that remains undefined, as do other details of the accord for now.

As talks unfolded, it became clear that the EU came to the conclusion it had more to lose from all-out confrontation.

The retaliatory measures threatened totaled some €93 billion — less than half its US goods trade surplus of nearly €200 billion.

True, a growing number of EU capitals were also ready to envisage wide-ranging anti-coercion measures that would have allowed the bloc to target the services trade in which the United States had a surplus of some $75 billion last year.

But even then, there was no clear majority for targeting the US digital services which European citizens enjoy and for which there are scant homegrown alternatives — from Netflix to Uber to Microsoft cloud services.

It remains to be seen whether this will encourage European leaders to accelerate the economic reforms and diversification of trading allies to which they have long paid lip service but which have been held back by national divisions.

Describing the deal as a painful compromise that was an “existential threat” for many of its members, Germany’s BGA wholesale and export association said it was time for Europe to reduce its reliance on its biggest trading partner.

“Let’s look on the past months as a wake-up call,” said BGA President Dirk Jandura. “Europe must now prepare itself strategically for the future — we need new trade deals with the biggest industrial powers of the world.” — Reuters

Trump pauses export controls to bolster China trade deal, FT says

REUTERS

THE US has paused curbs on tech exports to China to avoid disrupting trade talks with Beijing and support President Donald J. Trump’s efforts to secure a meeting with President Xi Jinping this year, the Financial Times (FT) said on Monday.

The industry and security bureau of the Commerce department, which oversees export controls, has been told in recent months to avoid tough moves on China, the newspaper said, citing current and former officials.

Reuters could not immediately verify the report. The White House and the department did not respond to Reuters’ requests for comment outside business hours.

Top US and Chinese economic officials are set to resume talks in Stockholm on Monday to tackle long-standing economic disputes at the center of a trade war between the world’s top two economies.

Tech giant Nvidia said this month it would resume sales of its H20 graphics processing units (GPU) to China, reversing an export curb the Trump administration imposed in April to keep advanced artificial intelligence chips out of Chinese hands over national security concerns.

The planned resumption was part of US negotiations on rare earths and magnets, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has said.

The paper said 20 security experts and former officials, including former deputy US national security adviser Matt Pottinger, will write on Monday to Mr. Lutnick to voice concern, however.

“This move represents a strategic misstep that endangers the United States’ economic and military edge in artificial intelligence,” they write in the letter, it added. — Reuters

New TV series imagines China invasion, gives Taiwan viewers a wake-up call

POSTER of Taiwanese TV series Zero Day Attack. — COURTESY OF WEBSITE

TAIPEI — A new Taiwanese television series that imagines the run-up to a Chinese invasion is getting rave reviews from viewers, who said the first program featuring the sensitive topic is a wake-up call for the public facing heightened Chinese military threat.

In the show, Zero Day Attack, a Chinese war plane goes missing near Taiwan. China then sends swarms of military boats and planes for a blockade as Taiwan goes on a war footing. Panic ensues on the streets of Taipei.

At viewings in Taipei last week attendees have included the top US diplomat in Taiwan Raymond Greene, who is director of the American Institute in Taiwan, and Taiwanese tycoon Robert Tsao, a strident critic of Beijing.

The series is set to premiere on Aug. 2 in Taiwan, followed by its Japanese release on Amazon Prime Video.

“Presenting such a situation (of conflict) can lead to more discussion about what we should do if it really turns into reality one day,” said Blair Yeh, a 35-year-old engineer, after watching the first episode in the Taipei premier last week.

The premise of Zero Day Attack is a topic that has for years been considered too sensitive for many Taiwan filmmakers and television show creators, who fear losing access to the lucrative Chinese entertainment market.

More than half of the show’s crew asked to remain anonymous on the crew list, and some people including a director pulled out of the production at the last minute, its showrunner Cheng Hsin Mei told Reuters.

But as China steps up military threats, including at least six rounds of major war games in the past five years and daily military activities close to Taiwan, the upcoming drama confronts the fear by setting the 10-episode series around a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

The drama focuses on several scenarios Taiwan might face in the days leading up to a Chinese attack, including a global financial collapse, the activation of Chinese sleeper agents and panicked residents trying to flee the island.

“Without freedom, Taiwan is not Taiwan,” the actor who plays a fictional Taiwan president says in a televised speech, urging unity after declaring war on China, in the show’s trailer.

The live broadcast then gets abruptly cut off, replaced by a feed of a Chinese state television anchor calling for Taiwanese to surrender and to report “hidden pro-independence activists” to Chinese soldiers after their landing in Taiwan.

“We’ve been comfortable for a long time now,” said viewer Leon Yu, 43-year-old semiconductor industry professional, adding Taiwan’s freedom and democracy must be kept.

“There’s still a lot of people out there burying their head in the sand and don’t want to face the dangers of the present.” — Reuters

No lines, no fixers, no corruption: BBM champions eGov Super App

In the photo (from left to right): DICT Secretary Henry Aguda; President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.; DICT Undersecretary David Almirol; and Presidential Son William Vincent Marcos. Behind them are government officials and employees who attended the recent launch of the eGov PH Hub in San Juan City.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. lauded the eGov PH Super App as a breakthrough in 21st century governance, calling it a modern solution that makes everyday life easier for Filipinos by bringing faster, more accessible, and more convenient government services.

In his recent speech at the launch of the eGovPH Hub in San Juan City, President Marcos emphasized that the app is not just a tech upgrade, but a solution to the everyday problems Filipinos faces when dealing with government bureaucracy.

“And like I said — finally, the Philippine government, our bureaucracy, and our LGUs have stepped into the 21st century,” President Marcos said.

In his remarks, the President outlined the purpose of the app, emphasizing how it helps ease the hassle of dealing with government transactions.

“Sometimes, just to get a simple clearance, it takes more than a day. You line up for hours, and by 5 p.m., they tell you your requirements are incomplete. So, you have to come back the next day — find time all over again,” President Marcos said.

“This is exactly what we’re trying to fix with the one-stop shop. And with the system we’ve put together, I’m very optimistic that things will finally become much easier for everyone. Now, we’ve even taken it a step further. The Philippine government has finally stepped into the 21st century,” President Marcos explained.

President Marcos further outlined his vision for a future where no Filipino — not even in the most remote barangay — is left behind.

“Once there’s connectivity, you no longer need to go to a physical agency. You don’t have to travel to the poblacion. You don’t need to find a specific person in a government office to talk to, just to get a clearance or process your documents,” President Marcos said.

“And these two key elements — the eGov Serbisyo Hub one-stop shop and the eGov PH Super App — will bring us to the point where my instructions can truly be followed: No corruption, No fixers, and No long lines,” the President said.

Meanwhile, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Undersecretary for E-Governance David Almirol — whom President Marcos introduced as the one who personally wrote the app’s code and knows it inside and out — showcased its full range of features and capabilities.

“Today marks the grand launch of the eGov PH Super App. We already have over 14 million unique users, and more than 200 million transactions so far. In fact, this was all just word of mouth.”

“People experienced the convenience, told their friends, told others — and it went viral,” Mr. Almirol said.

“And do you know? Every single day, the app is downloaded 70,000 to 100,000 times. And since launching the government services here, usage has increased 50 times compared to last year — not just 10 or 30 times, but 50 times more users on the eGov PH Super App,” he added.

During his presentation, Mr. Almirol walked everyone through how the eGov PH Super App works and what it can do for Filipinos.

He showed how the app connects to around 70 government agencies, making it easy to renew a driver’s license from home in less than 10 minutes, apply for an eVisa, use eTravel for seamless arrivals, and other government services.

He added that more services are coming soon, including passport applications; PRC license renewals; and BIR tax filing and payments.

Mr. Almirol also highlighted new features like travel tax online from TIEZA, digital diplomas and certificates from CHEd, and professional credentials issued by PRC, MARINA, and TESDA.

He explained that users can also check their PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, and GSIS contributions, loans, and claims through the app — and even access verified government news to fight misinformation.

Mr. Almirol noted that the app already carries digital versions of the driver’s license and national and senior citizen ID, complete with e-signatures. These are already used by 88 million Filipinos and accepted by banks, schools, and employers.

On the local level, he said 927 LGUs now use the app to process business permits, birth and marriage certificates, and other essential documents. People can upload their requirements, set appointments through QR codes, and visit offices where staff are ready to assist.

Finally, he assured that even those without smartphones or digital skills can still benefit through the eGov Serbisyo Hub — a physical one-stop center offering help with government services, healthcare, medicine, financial aid, and free medical checkups.

Through eGov PH Super App, the Philippines was recognized by the United Nations (UN) for its progress in digital governance.

According to a UN report, the country’s ranking in the E-Government Development Index (EGDI) improved from 2022 to 2024.

The Philippines received the UN E-Government Award from the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) during the 2025 UN Public Service Forum in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

“This global recognition from the UN validates the Philippines’ digital transformation road map under the leadership of President Marcos,” said Mr. Almirol. “It’s proof that a government can be efficient, inclusive, and citizen-centric — all at once.”

Earlier, the Philippines also gained international recognition when two of its digital platforms — the eGov PH Super App and eGovDX — won top honors at the 2025 GovMedia Awards in Singapore.

 

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SM debuts biggest rooftop solar panel system at SM Fairview

SM City Fairview’s rooftop solar photovoltaic system

In line with its 40th anniversary, SM Supermalls has unveiled the largest rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system on a commercial building in the country at SM City Fairview, reinforcing its commitment toward environmental sustainability and corporate resilience. This is a significant contribution to SM Prime Holding’s Net Zero 2040 goal.

With a 3.785-Megawatt peak (MWp) solar power capacity, the SM City Fairview solar PV system has 6,882 solar modules over a total area of 4.3 hectares and an average annual solar production of up to 5,960-Megawatt-hour (MWh). This means that 11% of the mall’s annual energy consumption will now come from the sun, which is equivalent to powering SM City Fairview’s 44 escalators and all its mall and perimeter lights for up to two and a half years. The mall ultimately offsets or prevents the release of 4,133 tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere with every year of operations, supporting climate action and ensuring a more sustainable future for Filipinos.

In photo are (front L-R) SM Supermalls VP for Mall Operations Engr. Junias Eusebio, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, Quezon City District 5 Rep. Patrick Michael Vargas, SM SAVP for Mall Operations Ronald Allan Brosas, (behind L-R) SM Supermalls EVP for Marketing Joaquin San Agustin, SM Engineering Design & Development SVP Engr. Teodoro Bautista, Department of Energy — Energy Utilization Management Bureau Director Patrick Aquino, and SM Supermalls VP for Corporate Compliance Engr. Liza Silerio.

The SM City Fairview solar PV system also contributes to the malls’ program solar pipeline and SM Prime Holdings’ Net Zero 2040 goal towards a significant reduction of the company’s total carbon footprint. SM Prime’s total rooftop solar capacity is currently at 73-MWp and will be further boosted up to 100-MWp by the end of the year.

In partnership with Buskowitz Energy, this project enables SM to further reduce its carbon footprint and reliance on the national grid. It also supports the government’s thrust towards renewable energy for the benefit of the environment.

Top shot of SM City Fairview’s solar PV system that features a 3.785-Megawatt peak solar power capacity.

The first Philippine mall to have a rooftop solar PV installation was SM North EDSA in 2014 with a 1.5-MWp capacity. The installation at SM Fairview augments the rooftop solar PV system of SM City Santa Rosa, which was previously the largest installation with a 3.088-MWp capacity.

Hans T. Sy, SM Prime Chairman of the Executive Committee, is at the forefront of the property giant’s sustainability programs — from energy demand management to potable water and wastewater management to solid waste management, which he has led for more than two decades.

For more information, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow SM Supermalls’ official social media accounts.

 

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Savor authentic flavors at Watami Japanese casual restaurant

Sushi

Step into Watami, the Philippines’ beloved Japanese casual dining destination where tradition meets innovation in every dish. Since opening its first Manila branch, Watami has become synonymous with warm hospitality, exquisite craftsmanship, and an approachable menu that invites diners to explore Japan’s rich culinary heritage — no passport required.

A Welcoming Ambiance

From the moment you enter, Watami’s interior charms with its modern minimalist design accented by natural wood, soft lighting, and lush greenery. Communal tables encourage shared moments over food, while intimate booths provide cozy corners for date nights or quiet catch-ups. Whether you’re gathering with friends or bringing the family, the restaurant’s relaxed vibe sets the stage for an unforgettable meal.

Menu Highlights

Watami’s chefs artfully balance tradition and creativity, sourcing premium ingredients to craft flavors that linger long after the last bite:

  • Yakiniku: Tender, marinated beef slices seared tableside to smoky perfection — grill your way to yakiniku bliss.

  • Creative Skewers: A playful parade of flavors — from miso-glazed mushroom to teriyaki chicken — skewered for maximum taste.

  • Salmon Taco Aburi: Fresh salmon torched to a light char, nestled in a crisp wonton shell with zesty avocado cream.

  • Grilled Mackerel: Wild-caught mackerel, simply seasoned and flame-grilled, delivering rich umami with every flaky bite.

  • Pepper Beef Rice Stone Pot: Sizzling pepper-kissed beef over steaming rice, finished with a drizzling of savory sauce for ultimate comfort.

  • Salmon Miso Roll: Delicate salmon wrapped around creamy rice, drizzled with savory miso sauce for a blissful ocean-kissed bite.

  • Beef Rice Stone Pot: Sizzling to perfection — tender beef, peppery heat, and fluffy rice served in a hot stone pot for bold flavor in every bite.

Elevated Experience

Complement your meal with handcrafted mocktails, sake flights, or Japanese craft beers. Don’t miss Watami’s seasonal specials — like Sakura-themed desserts in spring or spicy miso bowls during cooler months — that showcase the chefs’ inventive flair.

Commitment to Quality

Watami takes pride in sustainability, partnering with local farmers and fisheries to ensure each ingredient meets rigorous freshness standards. This farm-to-table ethos not only supports Filipino communities but also guarantees every dish bursts with authentic flavor.

Join the Celebration of Japanese Hospitality

With multiple branches across Metro Manila and beyond, Watami Japanese Casual Restaurant invites you to experience genuine omotenashi — Japanese hospitality that anticipates your needs and treats you like family. Whether you crave comforting classics or crave-worthy innovations, let Watami be your go-to haven for Japanese cuisine in the Philippines.

Visit Watami today and discover why every meal here feels like coming home.

 

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What Bagong Pilipinas really means under President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s leadership

 

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Department of Agriculture backs Kamote ni Juan launch, aims to revolutionize fries with nutritious, locally grown sweet potatoes

From left to right: Dietician Shereene Ko, Kamote ni Juan (KNJ) Co-Founder and BOD Bianca Angeles, KNJ President Michelle Estrada-Bederi, DA High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) Director Joseph Manicad, DA HVCDP Project Development Officer IV Lasker Belleza, and KNJ Business Development Manager Lyn Inductivo

A new Filipino food venture is setting out to redefine the country’s fast-food industry with an innovative twist on a beloved snack: sweet potato fries. Kamote ni Juan, a homegrown chain, is on a mission to replace traditional potato fries with a healthier, locally sourced alternative, positioning the sweet potato as the star of the snack aisle.

“We’re here to offer a snack that’s both familiar and innovative,” said Michelle Estrada-Bederi, president of Kamote ni Juan. “Sweet potatoes are a Filipino staple, but we’re giving them a twist, making them accessible in a way that resonates with modern eating habits.”

On National French Fry Day, the brand launched its first kiosk at Robinsons Galleria, introducing a fresh alternative to the conventional fast-food snack. Offering both air-fried and deep-fried sweet potato fries, Kamote ni Juan aims to create a wholesome option without sacrificing flavor. The opening event attracted supporters, from mallgoers to government officials, and signaled the brand’s ambition to grow rapidly, with a goal to open 500 kiosks across the Philippines by 2026.

From Filipino Farms to Conscious Cravings

Kamote ni Juan stands out not only for its innovative product but also for its commitment to sustainability. The company’s business model centers on sourcing sweet potatoes directly from local farmers, helping stimulate the domestic agricultural economy while offering customers a better-for-you snack option.

John Estrada, who supports his sister Michelle Estrada-Bederi in her leadership of the brand, was present at the opening event. Mr. Estrada, known for his love of “kamote merienda,” expressed his excitement about the business, saying, “I’ve always loved sweet potatoes as a snack, so I’m thrilled about their business idea.” Also supported by her husband Buck Bederi II.

“We want to create a lasting impact on how Filipinos view fast food,” Ms. Estrada-Bederi explained. “By sourcing locally and offering a better option, we are contributing to the well-being of both our customers and the industry.”

Nutritionally, sweet potatoes are a superior alternative to traditional fries. “Sweet potatoes are naturally sweeter, high in beta-carotene, fiber, and lower in glycemic index,” said Shereene Ko, a dietitian. “When air-fried, they provide a crunchy, satisfying snack with fewer calories and less cholesterol than regular fries.”

Kamote ni Juan offers a variety of flavors, including cheese, barbecue, and sour cream, along with a selection of traditional Filipino dips, allowing customers to indulge an equally delicious alternative to the classic fast-food snack.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has expressed support for Kamote ni Juan’s model, recognizing its potential to provide a reliable market for Filipino farmers while offering consumers a wellness-forward, locally sourced snack.

Joseph Manicad, DA High Value Crops Development Program Director, noted, “This is a partnership that works both ways. Filipino farmers get a sustainable market, and consumers get proudly local food that supports wellness. We are optimistic about the positive ripple effect this will have on agricultural livelihoods.”

Aggressive Expansion Plans

Kamote ni Juan’s expansion strategy is set to be ambitious, with plans to open additional branches across Metro Manila in the coming months. The brand is on track to rapidly grow its presence, with over 500 kiosks targeted for launch nationwide by 2026.

“This isn’t just about fries. It’s about providing a modern snack option that doesn’t compromise on taste or nutrition,” said Ms. Estrada-Bederi. “We believe this is the future of Filipino snacking.”

The company’s fast expansion signals the growing demand for better snack choices in the Philippines, aligning with the global trend towards sustainable eating. With its innovative take on the classic fry, Kamote ni Juan is set to change the landscape of Filipino fast food. By promoting mindful eating, supporting local agriculture, and staying true to Filipino flavors, Kamote ni Juan represents a bold shift in the snacking culture.

 

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From Harvard to Oxford to Duke: Mon Abrea concludes executive program on tax policy, strengthening global push for inclusive reforms

Khaled A. Syed, Md Bodruzzaman Munshi, Thobile E. Dlamini, Idris I. Holman, Ching Hua Wee, Mohd Khairul bin Mat Yaacob, Marcela Rozo, Adnan A. Ghumman, Bilal Malae, Mon Abrea, Gilbert Tumusabe, Aigba O. Ilesanmi, Evelyn Parra, Jedah N. Orweno, Dean Luneta, Elizabeth Nanyangwe, Gangadhar P. Shukla, and Sebastian S. James

Durham, North Carolina — Mon Abrea, the Philippines’ most prominent advocate for genuine tax reform and Chief Tax Advisor of the Asian Consulting Group (ACG), has completed the Executive Tax Policy Program at Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy, capping a global academic journey that began at Harvard Kennedy School and University of Oxford.

His final presentation, delivered before a global cohort of tax professionals and policy makers, focused on the Philippine case study and its application of three advanced revenue forecasting models, micro-simulation, and incentive-based policies. The presentation emphasized how revenue forecasting, tax incentives, and international taxation can be leveraged to strengthen developing economies, empower taxpayers, and attract responsible investment.

An alumnus of Harvard and Oxford, Mr. Abrea is widely recognized as a global tax policy expert working alongside various international organizations and policy makers worldwide to shape more transparent, equitable, and investment-friendly tax systems. His reform agenda promotes smarter policy design, simplified compliance, and pro-growth tax incentives to support MSMEs and attract sustainable foreign direct investment (FDI).

From left to right: Cory Krupp, Professor of the Practice; Gangadhar P. Shukla, Program Co-Director; Sebastian S. James, Program Co-Director; Mon Abrea, PH Tax Whiz; and Fernando R. Fernholz, Professor of the Practice Emeritus

A Reform Roadmap for the 20th Congress

Following his graduation from Duke, Mr. Abrea is set to present his five-point tax policy proposal to Philippine legislators as they open the 20th Congress. These include:

  1. A 10% minimum tax for self-employed and professionals;
  2. Risk-based audit and enforcement systems;
  3. Super Incentives for green and strategic industries;
  4. Full digital automation of tax administration — or outright abolition of BIR inefficiencies;
  5. A streamlined tax regime to encourage more MSME compliance and foreign investment.

Global Engagement and Upcoming Book Launch

Mr. Abrea continues his international tax and investment roadshow, leading strategic briefings in New York, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Madrid, Paris, London, and Milan — positioning the Philippines as a future-ready, ESG-aligned investment hub in Asia.

His second book, Reimagining the World: Without Climate Change, will launch next month at Oxford University, where the concept was developed during his climate policy program. This follows the 2023 release of Without Corruption at Harvard. The third and final book in the series — Without Poverty — is now in development.

ACG’s Global Expansion

As ACG scales its global footprint, new satellite offices will be launched in Singapore, Sydney, and Dubai, followed by London, New York, and San Francisco. With this expansion, ACG strengthens its role as the go-to tax expert and strategic investment advisor for foreign investors and multinational firms entering the Philippines and the broader Southeast Asia region.

About ACG:

ACG is the most trusted tax advisory firm in the Philippines, providing tax strategy, compliance, and policy advisory services to multinational corporations, foreign investors, and government institutions. With a strong presence in Asia and an expanding global network, ACG continues to bridge the gap between international investors and the dynamic Philippine market.

To explore partnership opportunities or join ACG’s global investment promotion initiatives, CONSULT ACG, or you may also send an email to consult@acg.ph.

 

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