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Russian bomb kills two, injures up to 27 in eastern Ukrainian town of Dobropillia

Army soldier figurines are displayed in front of the Ukrainian and Russian flag colors background in this illustration taken, Feb. 13, 2022. — REUTERS/DADO RUVIC/ILLUSTRATION

A STRIKE by Russian forces on Wednesday on a shopping center and market in Dobropillia, a town near the front line of the 40-month-old war, killed two people, injured up to 27 and caused widespread damage, officials said.

Vadym Filashkin, governor of eastern Donetsk region, said a 500-kg (1,100-pound) bomb was deployed at 5:20 p.m., when shoppers were out.

He said there were two dead and 22 people injured, with eight nearby apartment blocks and eight cars destroyed. Video posted online showed areas around the shopping center on fire with smoke billowing skywards.

“Firefighters are extinguishing the blaze as there is a possibility that people are still inside the shopping center,” Mr. Filashkin told Ukrainian television.

“The occupier dropped the bomb at a time when Dobropillia was crowded with people. Many were out shopping. The occupier specifically targeted the shopping center. All nearby shopping centers have been either destroyed or damaged.”

Ukraine’s national emergency services put the number of injured at 27.

Mr. Filashkin had earlier said that some 30 trading stalls had been damaged.

President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking in his nightly video address, described the attack as “simply horrific, stupid Russian terror. There is no military logic to their strikes, only an effort to take as many lives as possible.”

Dobropillia lies northwest of Pokrovsk, a focal point for months of Russian forces’ slow advance westward through Donetsk region. An attack on Dobropillia with missiles, rockets and drones in March killed 11 people, including five children. — Reuters

Gilas Women gun for Asian Cup Final Four in Shenzhen, China

GILAS PILIPINAS WOMEN’S TEAM — FIBA.BASKETBALL

CLINCHING a pair of massive feats is just the beginning for the Gilas Pilipinas women in the 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup.

On the heels of securing a ticket in the World Cup qualifiers for the first time ever and retaining its Division A status, Gilas dukes it out against old nemesis South Korea for another historic seat in the Asia Cup Final Four on Friday at the Shenzhen Sports Center in China.

Action sizzles at 7:30 p.m. (Manila time) with the Filipinas — as heavy underdogs they already are — looking to spring an upset against the South Koreans to earn a shot at world No. 2 Australia in the semifinals.

Gilas (1-2) reached the qualification to the semis with a breakthrough 73-70 win over Lebanon to finish third in Group B after folding to Australia, 115-39, and world No. 9 Japan, 85-82.

South Korea (2-1, meanwhile, placed second in Group A behind reigning champion China (3-0) after a 78-76 win over No. 3 New Zealand (1-2) to arrange a knockout showdown with Gilas.

That win assured Gilas of at least a Top 6 finish for a ticket in the qualifying round of the 2026 Germany FIBA Women’s World Cup, leaving group cellar-dwellers Lebanon and Indonesia instead in the relegation match to Division B.

But the job is not yet done for the Filipina warriors, who have been in the Asia Cup Level 1 since 2015 under the tutelage of program director and head coach Pat Aquino.

“This win represents everything that we’ve been working hard for in the last 10 years or so. We’re glad to be competing and not just staying here in Division A. We still have to improve more,” beamed Mr. Aquino.

“And we hope we level up again — soon. Just so proud of the girls. Just happy for the girls. Happy for the federation. Happy for women’s basketball in the Philippines but we have to keep going and improving. That’s the goal of the team.”

Seasoned anchor Jack Animam, Vanessa de Jesus, Naomi Natalie Panganiban and Sumayah Sugapong will lead the Fiipinas’ battle cry to add another feather in their cap among Asia’s best squads. — John Bryan Ulanday

PHL eyes Davis Cup Group III after blasting Indonesia

PHILTA/JOSEPH LIZARDO

THE ROAD back to Davis Cup promotion for the Philippines got a big shot in the arm after it smashed Pacific Oceania, 3-0, in their Asia-Oceania Group IV tie in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Jed Olivarez downed Gillian Osmont, 6-4, 6-3, in the first singles while AJ Lim turned back Nickolaass Ngodrela, 7-5, 6-1, in the next to seal the match victory for the Filipinos, who are eyeing promotion to Group III.

Battle-scarred Francis Casey Alcantara and Ruben Gonzales trounced Brett Baudinet and Maka Ofati, 7-5, 6-2, in the non-bearing doubles to complete the match sweep.

The Nationals battle Kuwait and Qatar next with hopes of finishing in the top two of Group B.

If it happens, the country will have a crack at making it to Group III with a triumph against either the top two in Group A, which consists of Malaysia, Kyrgyzstan, Iraq and Nepal.

“We’re thrilled with AJ Lim’s strong start and decisive win. It was a great momentum builder for the team,” said Cebuana Lhuillier Chief Executive Officer and Unified Tennis Philippines President Jean Henri Lhuillier, who has been supporting tennis for so long now.

“With this performance and depth across the roster, I believe the Philippines will emerge victorious until the end,” he added. — Joey Villar

Philippine Blu Girls slam Singapore, 13-0, to stay in hunt for World Cup group stage berth in Xi’an

PHILIPPINE BLU GIRLS — FACEBOOK.COM/ASAPHIL

THE Philippines overpowered Southeast Asian rival Singapore, 13-0, on Thursday to stay in the hunt for a World Cup group stage berth in the Women’s Softball Asia Cup in Xi’an, China.

It was the Cebuana Lhuillier-backed Blu Girls’ fifth win in six outings that propelled them to solo third, or just a shade behind the powerhouse Japanese and hosts Chinese, who were both unbeaten in six matches.

“Our momentum is building and the girls are more cohesive with every inning. Wednesday’s win shows how they’re translating that confidence into results,” said Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines Chief Jean Henri Lhuillier.

The Filipinas, who were battling the Chinese in the second part of their double-header schedule on Thursday, were eyeing one of the three slots to the bracket phase of next year’s World Cup in this 10-nation field.

To achieve that, it would need to finish in the top two after the round-robin elimination stage to automatically advance, or, end up in the top four where it would have one more match to claim the third and last spot there.

Already, the Blu Girls have booked one of the eight seats to next year’s Asian Games in Japan. — Joey Villar

Emotion, unity and drive help Italy end 28-year wait to reach Women’s European semifinals

GENEVA — Team unity drove Italy to end their 28-year wait to reach the semifinals of the Women’s European Championship, Italian midfielder Giada Greggi told Reuters after their 2-1 quarterfinal win over Norway.

“I think the humility, the fact that we are a united group, showing our qualities, that’s what made this important result and we brought it home,” Greggi, who came off the bench in the 77th minute of Wednesday’s encounter, said.

The raucous Italian crowd urged their players on, with chants of “forza Italia” and the Stade de Geneve lit up when Cristiana Girelli found the net twice in the second half, including a 90th-minute winner.

“There were a lot of emotions in that (second) goal. It was the whole journey we took, the sacrifices we made and in the end we reached the semifinal,” Greggi stated.

“It was a fantastic feeling. We almost didn’t believe it at the end of the game,” said Michela Cambiaghi who also came on in the 77th minute.

Italy defender Elena Linari said the 35-year-old Girelli was an inspiration for the team.

“Now we’re going to put Girelli in a display case to rest for the semifinal — she deserves it all, and she’s such a huge inspiration for us,” Linari said.

It was the first time since 1997 that Italy had reached the semifinals at a European Championship.

“It was achieved with effort and many sacrifices… today we have shown that we can do very well,” Greggi said.

Before the match Italy’s coach asked his team to close their eyes and think back to the first time they had touched a football, Barbara Bonansea said.

“The feeling I have now is exactly the same. The stadium was packed, the energy was incredible. This achievement fills my heart,” she added.

Italy will face either England or Sweden in the semifinal. — Reuters

Drama not enough to save MLB All-Star Game from ratings dip

THE FIRST “swing-off” in Major League Baseball (MLB) All-Star Game history wasn’t enough to save the Midsummer Classic from a 3% ratings drop.

Tuesday night’s game averaged a 3.8 rating and drew 7.19 million viewers on Fox, according to Nielsen, down from 7.44 million last year and the second-fewest on record for the event. It was 3% better than the record low of 7 million who tuned into the 2023 MLB All-Star Game.

MLB’s All-Star event still draws far better than its counterparts, with this year’s NBA All-Star Game and the NFL’s Pro Bowl Games each averaging 4.7 million viewers. Monday night’s Home Run Derby drew 5.73 million viewers on ESPN.

The All-Star Game itself peaked with 8.1 million viewers in the 9:15 p.m. ET quarter-hour, per SportsMediaWatch.com, making it the most-watched program on Fox since the Super Bowl. It also featured the first “swing-off” to determine the All-Star Game winner.

Each player got three swings. Rooker launched two over the fence, while Stowers went 1-for-3. Arozarena then hit one, before Kyle Schwarber sent all three out to give the NL a 4-3 running lead entering the final round. Aranda then went 0-for-3, clinching the bizarre National League victory — technically a 7-6 win — the league’s second All-Star Game triumph in three years after dropping the previous nine.

A rule change in 2022 provided what was left of the 41,702 fans with a spectacle they likely weren’t expecting.

“It was interesting,” Schwarber said after being named the Phillies’ first All-Star Game MVP since Johnny Callison in 1964. “Exciting, fun. There’s a lot of guys who deserve this (trophy), but I’m glad it’s going home with us to Philly.” — Reuters

Sweden does not fear facing European Champions England in Euro 2025 quarterfinals, says Asllani

ZURICH — Sweden captain Kosovare Asllani said her team does not fear England but instead has a healthy respect for the European champions ahead of its Euro 2025 quarterfinal showdown on Thursday.

After England’s 6-1 thrashing of Wales to end the group stage, midfielder Ella Toone said “Sweden should be scared.”

“We do respect England, the team they have and what they have achieved so far,” Asllani said at a press conference on Wednesday. “But fear — no, we don’t have the word fear in our dictionary.

“We look at the word courage. We want to be a courageous side. And we have a perfect game plan to win this match.”

England dispatched the Swedes 4-0 in the 2022 Euro semifinals en route to winning their first major title, but the two teams most recently drew in a pair of Euro qualifiers last year.

“I think both we and England are better now than we were in 2022, better teams, better players, better in shape overall,” said coach Peter Gerhardsson. “I hope for a good game tomorrow, and I hope to win.”

Heading into the knockout stage, there is the potential for penalties, and while Asllani said they prepare for a shootout, nobody likes them.

“It is part of the game and you practice it before, because there is a risk that it might go all the way to a penalty shootout,” she said. “But there’s no team in the world who wouldn’t want to decide it before that.”

Sweden lost to Canada in a penalty shootout at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic final.

Gerhardsson said a shootout is one of the most difficult aspects of the game to prepare for.

“Everyone has played a game,” the 65-year-old said. “When you look at a squad of 23 players and you ask, how many of these players take penalties in their clubs? Not very many. And how many of those are absolutely decisive? Maybe one.

“It’s a fairly complex thing. It’s one of the most unpredictable things in football to try to do this, because you need the mental acuity, you need the skill, you need all of that.”

There have been complaints about Stadion Letzigrund, which is the stadium for Thursday’s match and hosts the annual Weltklasse Zurich Diamond League athletics meet.

England captain Leah Williamson said their team’s family members were not fans because the running track creates distance between the pitch and the stands.

“I don’t really like those (running) lanes. I want those small, intimate arenas,” Gerhardsson said. “But I have to say, most recently, our supporters made this arena brilliant.”

Sweden trounced Germany 4-1 in a group game last week at Letzigrund. — Reuters

Clark-less Fever

Considering how the 2025 season has evolved, it’s hard not to view the Fever as snakebitten. All-WNBA First Team selection Caitlin Clark — the engine behind their revival and the face of a WNBA resurgence — went down again the other day with a right groin pull. That it was a non-contact injury near the end of a game already in hand served only to highlight the absurdity of the situation. She tossed a bounce pass, pulled up, grabbed her leg, and walked off the court with tears in her eyes.

At this point, it’s anybody’s guess as to how long Clark will be sidelined. What’s clear is that the Fever will again need to scramble in her absence. Tellingly, they didn’t do too well against the Liberty on Thursday, losing by a whopping 21 points. They scored the first basket to claim the lead a minute into the first quarter, and then spent the remainder of the set-to playing catch-up ball. Which was just too bad, because they seemed to have been on a roll, claiming three straight victories and, in the process, showing — if slowly — their capacity to be better than the sum of their parts.

The numbers don’t lie: The Fever are 8–5 with Clark and 4–6 without her. Left unspoken amid all the adjustments is the weight Clark carried as not simply their main draw, but THE draw; for all intents, she’s their ratings driver, the headline. And on the court, she’s expected to do everything: score, facilitate, take hits, take blame, and steer them to triumph. From rough screens to hostile crowds, and now nagging injuries, her second season has been a grind — physically and mentally. She never missed a game in college, and en route to taking home the Rookie of the Year award last year. Now, she has been compelled to sit out double-digit outings even prior to the All-Star break.

Meanwhile, the Fever need to prove they can tread water without her. That means getting something — anything — from their backcourt. That means Aliyah Boston stepping up consistently. That means head coach Stephanie White keeping her charges locked in. The task won’t be easy. They’re stuck in a cycle: every time they appear to build momentum, an unforeseen turn of events stunts it. That said, they have no choice but to plod on, if for nothing else than to show all and sundry they deserve to be lumped with the league elite.

 

Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant on strategic planning, operations and human resources management, corporate communications, and business development.

Patio Madrigal: Where heritage meets modern living along Roxas Boulevard

Skyline views in your own personal balcony

Metro Manila’s iconic Roxas Boulevard is poised to welcome a new residential development as Patio Madrigal, the first residential development of Avida Land in the area, captures the interest of discerning homebuyers and business professionals. This mid-rise condominium, a joint venture between Avida Land and the Madrigal family, offers a distinctive combination of urban lifestyle, proximity to cultural heritage, and enhanced convenience for modern city living.

A Destination Address for Business Leaders and Professionals

Strategically located at the boundary of Pasay, Manila, and Parañaque—and just a short drive from Makati’s financial district—Patio Madrigal is designed for professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, and returning overseas Filipinos who seek a coveted address without the congestion of central business districts. The development is also near major thoroughfares and transport routes, including the South Luzon Expressway and Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Unwind after a busy day in your cozy bedroom, complete with a relaxing balcony retreat.

The development sits on an approximately 6,222.50-square-meter property, featuring two residential towers, complemented by retail units for everyday essentials.

Patio Madrigal’s first tower offers 595 units across 15 residential floors, with streamlined options such as studio, junior one-bedroom, and one-bedroom units—most with balconies to maximize natural light, ventilation, and skyline views. Prices start at P7 million for a studio and go up to P13 million for a one-bedroom unit, catering to established professionals and young business owners seeking both comfort and investment value.

The lower three podium levels are dedicated to parking and commercial spaces, ensuring that residents have access to retail and service establishments within the property. This integration of living and commerce is ideal for those who value time, efficiency, and the vibrancy of city life.

Lifestyle-Driven Amenities that Elevate Everyday Living

Spaces to unwind, connect, and energize—right outside your door.

Patio Madrigal’s amenities are thoughtfully curated to foster community and relaxation amidst the urban bustle. Residents can unwind and host gatherings in the multi-function room or enjoy the garden lounge and viewing deck. Wellness is a priority, with an adult pool, kiddie pool, children’s play area, and an indoor gym all within a secure community.

A Front-Row Seat to Manila’s Heritage and Entertainment

Living at Patio Madrigal means being at the heart of Manila’s cultural and entertainment scene. Future residents are just minutes away from heritage landmarks, renowned theaters, museums, and the vibrant nightlife of Roxas Boulevard.

Whether it’s catching the famed Manila Bay sunset or exploring the city’s culinary and artistic offerings, everything is within reach.

Find your Rhythm, Live at Your Tempo

Patio Madrigal offers a rare opportunity to live in a destination where history, entertainment, and modern comforts converge. Immerse yourself in the city’s energy and, at the end of the day, retreat to your own sanctuary—finding your rhythm and living at your tempo amidst the dynamic landscape of Roxas Boulevard.

For 34 years, Avida Land has been shaping inspired living spaces in master-planned communities, enhancing the lifestyles of upper middle-income individuals and families. By integrating sustainable practices into high-quality developments, Avida ensures its homes are future-proof and attuned to the needs of the next generation of homeowners.

For more information and updates on Avida Land’s projects, visit their website at https://www.avidaland.com/, like and follow @AvidaLandPH on Facebook and Instagram, and @avidaofficial on YouTube.

 

Spotlight is BusinessWorld’s sponsored section that allows advertisers to amplify their brand and connect with BusinessWorld’s audience by publishing their stories on the BusinessWorld Web site. For more information, send an email to online@bworldonline.com.

Join us on Viber at https://bit.ly/3hv6bLA to get more updates and subscribe to BusinessWorld’s titles and get exclusive content through www.bworld-x.com.

Nearly half of MSME afraid to take loans due to perceived high interest rates, says BCG survey

““We didn’t expect the gap between fear and reality when it comes to financing,” Jamie Bawalan, Principal at Boston Consulting Group told BusinessWorld.

“Forty-two percent of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) haven’t applied for a loan because they fear high interest rates or getting into debt,” she added.

Building a legacy for employees

“Sonya Garcia, owner of Sonya’s Garden, shares the legacy she aims to leave to her employees.

Interview by Edg Adrian Eva
Video editing by Arjale Queral

DigiPlus backs tighter regulation of online gaming, urges constructive path forward

As calls mount for tighter controls on online gaming, DigiPlus Interactive Corp., the Philippines’ leading digital entertainment company, expresses its strong support for smart, balanced regulation that protects players, ensures industry accountability, and sustains the economic value generated by the legal online gaming sector.

“We believe regulation is the path to player protection. It’s the only way to safeguard players, preserve jobs, and close the door on illegal, underground platforms that operate without any oversight,” said DigiPlus Chairman Eusebio Tanco.

As the operator behind leading online gaming platforms such as BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone, DigiPlus has consistently aligned with the principles being raised by lawmakers and advocacy groups. In fact, many of the proposed safeguards are already embedded across its platforms. All users undergo strict Know-Your-Customer (KYC) verification, including government ID checks and age gating. Responsible gaming features, such as deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and cooling-off periods, have been readily accessible since November 2024.

Beyond existing tools, DigiPlus is rolling out a new wave of initiatives. These include enhanced affordability checks, behavioral nudges to curb excessive gaming, and referral pathways to licensed mental health experts. In July 2025, the company will also launch in-app community spaces to engage players in responsible gaming conversations and peer support. Across all its platforms, responsible gaming content is now featured more prominently than ever, not as fine print, but as part of the core user experience.

The company also complies with existing advertising restrictions and is actively revising its promotional strategies in light of new government guidance. Its internal marketing mandate prohibits targeting minors, avoids depictions of wealth or urgency, and excludes messaging that could be construed as predatory. DigiPlus has also partnered with NGOs and civil society organizations to promote financial literacy and digital responsibility among players, efforts that go beyond what is required under current law.

DigiPlus emphasizes that these measures are not reactions to regulatory pressure, but part of a multi-year strategy to build a responsible gaming ecosystem. The company invests in data science, player support systems, and compliance technologies precisely because it believes the future of gaming depends on trust and transparency. That is why it fully supports updated legislation, particularly around stronger penalties for illegal operators, and clearer advertising standards.

Crucially, DigiPlus urges policy makers to weigh the consequences of a total ban. The experience of other countries has shown that banning licensed platforms does not eliminate demand for online gaming, but merely shifts users to unregulated black markets where there are no protections, no taxes, and no accountability. In contrast, a well-regulated environment can protect players, generate billions in government revenue, and sustain over 40,000 jobs across tech, marketing, entertainment, customer service, and compliance.

“With the right rules in place, the Philippines can be a model for safe, transparent online gaming in Asia,” Mr. Tanco said. “We are ready to work hand-in-hand with regulators, legislators, and community groups to make that vision real.”

As the industry continues to evolve, DigiPlus remains committed to adapting with it, just as it has done over the past two decades. As a homegrown company listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange and now expanding into global markets, DigiPlus stands ready to be part of the solution: protecting consumers, upholding public trust, and sustaining responsible innovation.

About DigiPlus Interactive Corp.

DigiPlus Interactive Corp. pioneered digital entertainment in the Philippines. It introduced leading platforms BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone, widely known for their engaging experiences in interactive gaming and sports entertainment. For more information, visit: www.digiplus.com.ph.

 

Spotlight is BusinessWorld’s sponsored section that allows advertisers to amplify their brand and connect with BusinessWorld’s audience by publishing their stories on the BusinessWorld Web site. For more information, send an email to online@bworldonline.com.

Join us on Viber at https://bit.ly/3hv6bLA to get more updates and subscribe to BusinessWorld’s titles and get exclusive content through www.bworld-x.com.

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