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Global finance chiefs wait on Trump and Xi as trade war simmers

WIKIMEDIA.ORG

AFTER A WEEK of talks dominated by trade spats and geopolitical distrust, finance chiefs were once again left hanging on the outcome of a potential meeting between the leaders of the world’s two largest economies.

In Washington, the mood at World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) gatherings was a mix of relief that US President Donald J. Trump’s tariffs hadn’t caused a deeper slowdown and dread about the risks ahead.

Policymakers left town hoping that Mr. Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet at the end of the month, resigned to the reality that the outlook for the global economy is at stake.

The meeting coincided with some of the harshest rhetoric between Washington and Beijing in Mr. Trump’s second term, as both sides flexed their dominance with export controls in key industries — the US with advanced technology and China with its rare earths reserves.

While the anxiety mostly played out behind the scenes, with few officials willing to publicly opine on the power play, the IMF’s chief urged policymakers not to panic. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva suggested the lack of retaliation against US tariffs was helping to keep subpar global growth from collapsing.

“Our message to everybody is: Be calm,” she said in an interview on Thursday with Bloomberg Television. “And to China: Be careful, do not provoke other countries to see you as a threat to their economies.”

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and China Vice Premier He Lifeng are expected to this next week to negotiate down recent escalatory measures — after Bessent upbraided a Chinese negotiator during a press conference earlier last week, describing him as “unhinged” and perhaps having “gone rogue.”

The discussions will come ahead of a potential meeting between their two presidents in South Korea on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders summit.

Earlier last week, Georgieva warned that countries “shouldn’t be complacent” given mounting fiscal and spillover concerns. Global public debt is on track to exceed 100% of gross domestic product by the end of this decade — its highest since 1948. Argentina is suffering from a depressed currency and is poised to get a $20 billion lifeline from the US.

Meanwhile, equity markets hovering near records were whipsawed all week by the latest trade drama.

AI EUPHORIA
Underpinning the recent rally are shares of US artificial-intelligence chipmakers, which fed into a drumbeat of warnings from central bankers and supervisors about high asset prices, potential complacency in financial markets and the risk of a sudden, sharp correction.

Some, including the IMF’s Georgieva and a former official at the Washington-based fund, drew comparisons with the dot-com bubble that burst in 2000. “I wouldn’t immediately agree with this opinion, but it’s something we need to watch,” European Central Bank Governing Council member Joachim Nagel said Friday.

Analysis by Bloomberg Economics found that a renewed trade war between China and the US, coupled with the threat of an AI bubble that eventually bursts poses a $1.4-trillion hit to world growth.

The mood was less grim than when officials last gathered in Washington in April, just weeks after Trump announced the biggest round of tariff hikes since the 1930s. But the fresh escalation of tensions put a lid on any optimism, said Josh Lipsky, senior director of the GeoEconomics Center at the Atlantic Council in Washington and a former adviser at the IMF.

“There’s this strange dichotomy between feeling better than they did in April and yet being very worried about all the risk, which could become a tipping point at any moment,” Lipsky said. “That tension played out throughout the week in a mixture of relief and anxiety combined.”

That subdued spirit was backed up in the IMF’s forecasts for 3.2% world growth this year and 3.1% next — both well below the historical average of about 3.7%. If trade risks materialize, global growth could be lower by 0.3 percentage point, Krishna Srinivasan, the IMF’s director of the Asia and Pacific Department, told Bloomberg TV’s Haslinda Amin.

By week’s end, though, there were signs that Trump and Xi would meet and iron out some differences. That’s the hope of rich and poor economies caught in the middle, with big stakes in ensuring the dispute doesn’t widen.

“We are monitoring the situation very closely,” German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil said. “I am now somewhat hopeful that much can be resolved at the meeting between President Trump and President Xi.”

RARE EARTHS
While in Washington, Chinese officials tried to ease concerns over an expansion of restrictions on rare earths — minerals critical to many industries — in an attempt to soften an international backlash. Chinese delegates told their global counterparts that tightened export controls will not harm normal trade flows, according to people familiar with the matter.

Klingbeil said Germany made it clear during Group of Seven talks this week that “we disagree with China’s approach, and we will monitor the situation very closely in the hope that we can do what we can politically to ensure that there is no escalation, but rather a détente between the US and China.”

For monetary policymakers, the concern centers around their goals to control inflation, avoid sharp currency moves and sustain growth through trade dislocations.

South Africa’s central bank governor, Lesetja Kganyago, said tensions between the US and China could push prices lower in other countries at the expense of their own manufacturers.

“The interesting thing about that spillover is that it could actually depress prices elsewhere and initially it might be beneficial,” Kganyago said. “And it might actually end up looking like dumping or something along those lines.”

The combination of trade and geopolitical tensions combined with financial fragility could yet trigger market turmoil, People’s Bank of China Governor Pan Gongsheng warned during meetings of Group of 20 financial chiefs and central bank leaders.

Such uncertainty, according to the IMF, is a permanent fixture that will require policymakers to stay vigilant and flexible. “The reality is people are both resilient and creative and you figure out ways how to compensate things,” Pakistani Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said. — Bloomberg

Building the foundations of happiness

8photo | FREEPIK

October is National Shelter Month in the Philippines, a celebration to promote dignified, safe, and affordable housing for Filipino families. Led by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), this year’s theme is “Build Homes, Build Happiness,” aiming to unite government agencies, private developers, and other stakeholders in the mission of providing Filipinos with one of the most fundamental of human rights: the right to adequate shelter.

“A home is where children feel safe to dream, where parents find strength, and where families draw comfort during difficult times. More than shelters, it is about building dignified lives,” DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling said in a statement.

“In line with President [Ferdinand] Marcos, Jr.’s directive, we will intensify the promotion of a dignified life for our fellow Filipinos through decent housing and fast, transparent public service,” he said in Filipino.

Every October, the DHSUD and its key shelter agencies mount a month-long series of events across the country to advance the national housing agenda. Regional offices lead housing summits, community caravans, training programs, and project site visits designed to foster collaboration among stakeholders and open more pathways for Filipinos to obtain safe, affordable, and resilient homes.

First declared through Proclamation No. 662 in 1995, National Shelter Month underscores housing as both a foundation of nation-building and a collective duty, one that necessitates the cooperation of the government, private developers, and communities in the pursuit of inclusive human settlements.

THE ROLE OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR

As of 2023, according to the UN-Habitat Philippines, there is a backlog of 6.5 million housing units in the country, with an estimated 3.7 million informal settler families directly impacted by this deficit. Compounding the problem are the increasing rate of urban migration due to a host of factors displacing Filipinos from their homes, such as armed conflict, systemic inequity, and climate change.

Furthermore, the backlog is bottlenecked by declining housing production as result of slow bureaucratic, regulatory and approving procedures, a high reliance on private sector investment, and inadequate budget allocation for housing. It is highly likely this gap has widened since 2023.

The DHSUD has been established for this very purpose, as it serves as the Philippines’ lead agency for housing, human settlements, and urban development. Established on Feb. 14, 2019 through Republic Act No. 11201, it unifies housing policy, regulation, and planning under one institution. The law consolidated the functions of the former Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board and the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council, while transferring adjudication duties to the Human Settlements Adjudication Commission (HSAC).

As the government’s central policy-making and regulatory body for shelter and urban development, the DHSUD’s mission is to ensure that every Filipino has access to affordable, safe, and livable communities. It oversees four key shelter agencies: the National Housing Authority (NHA), which leads public housing production; the Pag-IBIG Fund, which mobilizes national savings and provides low-cost housing finance; the Social Housing Finance Corp. (SHFC), which implements socialized housing programs for low-income and informal settler families; and the National Home Mortgage Finance Corp. (NHMFC), which sustains affordable housing loans through a secondary mortgage market.

Each key shelter agency plays a role in the overall mission. For instance, the NHA this year made huge strides in furthering the administration’s flagship housing initiative, the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program. Last May, President Marcos signed into law a new measure expanding and strengthening the mandates of the NHA, and extending the agency’s corporate life by another 25 years effective July 31.

Among the important provisions of the new law is the inclusion of two expert parallel members with expertise in housing, urban planning, and development in the agency’s board to allow more active private sector contributions to the development of a more inclusive government housing program. Also included are provisions for three assistant general managers to enable more efficient management and operations within the agency’s day-to-day affairs, compared to only one in the old charter.

Meanwhile, agencies like the SHFC and NHMFC are working on ways to make housing more accessible. A recent example is a moratorium on amortization payments for borrowers affected by natural disasters such as Tropical Storm “Crising” and the southwest monsoon last July.

This temporary payment relief allows families to focus on recovery without the immediate pressure of monthly dues. It forms part of a broader government effort, alongside the DHSUD, NHA, and Pag-IBIG Fund, to provide financial breathing room and preserve homeownership stability for disaster-stricken communities.

For this year’s National Shelter Month, Secretary Aliling highlighted two key milestones that mark significant progress in tackling the country’s housing challenges. The first is a newly approved memorandum of agreement with the University of the Philippines (UP) to launch a pilot rental housing project for informal settler families within the UP Diliman campus — a pioneering initiative that aims to provide secure, affordable shelter in urban areas. The Home Development Mutual Fund, more known as Pag-IBIG Fund, have expressed support for this initiative as well.

“This is just the beginning,” Mr. Aliling said. “More rental housing projects will be rolled out in line with President Marcos, Jr.’s directive to ensure dignified living for all Filipinos.”

The second milestone is the forthcoming distribution of certificates of award to families who have lived for decades on lands covered by Presidential proclamations. This long-awaited step, he added, will finally grant thousands of long-term occupants the security of tenure and peace of mind they have sought for generations.

“When we build homes, we strengthen our nation. When we build happiness, we fulfill the highest purpose of public service, uplifting lives and giving every Filipino family the future they deserve,” Mr. Aliling said.

“Every home we build is a story of hope, and every family we serve is a testament to why public service matters. Together, we can make Bagong Pilipinas a reality — one home, one community, one future at a time,” he had said. — Bjorn Biel M. Beltran

Greentech Ecobooster named Top Innovator, wins P1-M funding at Shell LiveWire Awards

Greentech Ecobooster wins big at the Shell LiveWire 2025 Final Pitch Day held in September during Echelon Philippines 2025 at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay, bringing home P1,000,000 in equity-free cash funding from Shell Pilipinas Corp. (SPC).

This year’s winning project, Greentech Ecobooster, is a fuel-optimization device designed to enhance combustion-engine performance while reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse-gas emissions. During the program, the startup highlighted its initiatives with tricycle drivers in Parañaque, where the device helped lower daily fuel costs and improve vehicle efficiency.

“Our focus has always been to think beyond innovation and work toward inclusive growth. Shell LiveWire has provided a great platform for us to sharpen our vision and further develop our product, starting with tricycle drivers and ultimately expanding its benefits on a larger scale. Our goal is to improve fuel combustion in engines and boost overall performance for a world chasing energy efficiency,” said Rowena Bernardo, co-founder (Systems & Communication), Greentech Ecobooster.

The two other finalists, Agridom and Pili AdheSeal, Inc., also received P500,000 each and presented solutions that reflect the diversity and ingenuity of Filipino innovators, ranging from smart agriculture to sustainable construction materials. Their projects showcase how innovation can address pressing local challenges while opening opportunities for scalable impact in their respective sectors.

Shell LiveWire, launched 40 years ago and introduced in the Philippines in 2020, is part of Shell’s flagship enterprise designed to nurture startups and local enterprises that drive innovation and support the transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions.

The startups receive mentorship, financial support for team and product development, and expert guidance to refine their businesses. Since its inception, the program has supported more than 180 businesses, creating and sustaining over 900+ jobs, with 80% of these start-ups remaining operational for at least two years. Its impact extends globally, with five Philippine start-ups earning a spot in the Global Top Ten Innovators and 16 businesses entering Shell’s supply chain.

Shell LiveWire continues to champion innovation that drives inclusive growth, empowering people, uplifting communities, and contributing to a shared sustainable future. Baste Quiñones, executive director of Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) said this commitment goes beyond technology; it is about building a Philippines that leads Asia’s growth through collaboration and progress.

Guided by PSFI’s “sama-samang pagtulong, sabay-sabay na pagsulong,” the program has evolved into a platform that helps build a robust pipeline of innovators that lead the charge to power the Philippines’ transition toward an inclusive and future-ready economy.

For future updates on the next Shell LiveWire, including announcements and key events, follow Shell Pilipinas Corp.’s official website and social media channels (Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn).

 

SparkUp is BusinessWorld’s multimedia brand created to inform, inspire, and empower the Philippine startups; micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs); and future business leaders. This section will be published every other Monday. For pitches and releases about startups, e-mail to bmbeltran@bworldonline.com (cc: abconoza@bworldonline.com). Materials sent become BW property.

Real women represented in RAJO Store holiday collection

Rajo Laurel collaborates with his sisters

THE RAJO STORE has new designs for ready-to-wear pieces which were recently unveiled by Rajo Laurel along with his sisters Venisse Laurel-Hermano and Gela Laurel-Stehmeier, who helped the fashion designer keep things real.

The collection is meant to mark the 10th anniversary of the store. The pieces, first showcased in a fashion show for family, friends, and the press on Oct. 14, are now available at the store in Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Center, Makati.

Known as the 2025 holiday collection, the new pieces also mark the first time the three siblings have collaborated.

Mr. Laurel had previously worked with them in different capacities — Ms. Laurel-Hermano, who is his chief operations officer, and Ms. Laurel-Stehmeier, who is a famed makeup artist. This is the first time they all worked together on fashion design.

Notably, the collection consists of essential wardrobe pieces that are classic and contemporary. One example is an A-line black knit dress that flatters multiple body types.

At the show, the designs that turned heads included a crisp cotton button-down shirt accented with organza piping, and — a favorite of the sisters — a wide-leg cropped trousers elevated with sleek side panels.

Compared to previous RAJO Store designs, the new collection leans toward practicality and accessibility, accounting for a broader range of sizes and colors.

For Mr. Laurel, the collection is built on a philosophy of intentional design. It is meant to “create empowering pieces that encourage consumers to buy smarter.”

DESIGNED FOR REAL WOMEN
By drawing inspiration from the lives and perspectives of his sisters, the holiday collection is meant to be suited to modern lifestyles.

“It’s our 10th anniversary. Like with anything, it’s always nice to reinvent yourself and refresh,” Mr. Laurel told BusinessWorld at the store reopening before the fashion show. “The newest thing is that my sisters are involved in the design process. That’s why, in terms of collaboration, you’ll notice [the designs] all look more real.”

He explained that he tends to design with the fantasy that everyone is 5’10” and 100 pounds. “My sisters were telling me, ‘Rajo, not everyone is like that, you know!,’ and so that’s reflected in the designs.”

The process was more rigorous as a result. “Ideas were tested, decisions were questioned, but the direction became clearer with every step,” according to Mr. Laurel.

Meanwhile, Ms. Laurel-Hermano, who usually works behind-the-scenes in operations, added: “Rajo and I never crossed each other’s areas of work until now. The great thing about Rajo is that he’s adaptable. He listens. I’m a career mother, so fashion, to me, must be practical, versatile, and timeless.”

Ms. Laurel-Stehmeier added that, as the “creative at heart,” her role was to push the boundaries.

“I question everything… details, cuts, colors, fabrics. The beautiful thing about collaborating with family is we can be vulnerable and honest. We find creative solutions together,” she said.

REIMAGINED SPACE
The boutique space itself was reimagined to be aligned with the new collection, its architecture and layout more fluid. For Mr. Laurel, another notable thing is how the line is no longer “gender-controlled.”

“It’s for men, women, trans — everybody’s welcome. It used to be segregated into genders, but now it is completely for all genders,” he said.

He concluded that having his sisters’ creative voices in the dialogue fostered “a conversation of sorts … from a solo act now to a trio, a synergy of voices making it all complex and nuanced.”

“With this particular collection, my sisters are representing real women with real lives. They’re working mothers with full lives, and they need clothes. When they told me they wanted to do this because they lack things in their wardrobe, I said, ‘this is it; if you need it, other people will need it too,’” he said.

Mr. Laurel recommended the collection’s envelope pants and the convertible jacket that can be used for day and for night.

The Holiday 2025 Collection is available at The RAJO Store, 2nd Level Power Plant Mall, Makati City. — Brontë H. Lacsamana

Straw Innovations launches the Philippines’ first Rice Straw Bioenergy Hub to reuse farm waste

From left: Prof. Mirjam Roeder (Aston University), Hon. Karla Adajar-Lajara (LGU-Laguna), Craig Jamieson (Straw Innovations), Dr. Nur Azura binti Adam (SEARCA), Lloyd Cameron (British Embassy Manila), Marycris Ite (Department of Agriculture), and Alec Anderson (KoolMill Systems) during the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Rice Straw Bioenergy Hub (RSBH) in Pila, Laguna

The Philippines’ first Rice Straw Bioenergy Hub was officially launched in Pila, Laguna on Oct. 7, bringing together national leaders, local officials, international partners, and farmers to showcase groundbreaking solutions that transform rice straw from waste into valuable products.

The event was attended by the Economic and Climate Counsellor Lloyd Cameron of the British Embassy Manila, Regional Executive Director of the Department of Agriculture (DA) Region IV-A Fidel L. Libao, Chair of the Committee on Agriculture for the Province of Laguna, Hon. Karla Adajar-Lajara, representatives from other DA agencies, institutional partners, farmer leaders, and local government officials from the province of Laguna.

The Hub demonstrates how rice straw, an abundant but often wasted by-product of rice farming, can be transformed into valuable products such as renewable energy, biochar, and soil amendments. This innovation offers solutions to some of the Philippines’ most pressing challenges in rice farming: open-field burning, greenhouse gas emissions, high production costs, and low farmer incomes.

The Hub, developed by Straw Innovations, Inc. with partners Aston University, Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), Koolmill Systems, Takachar, and Innovate UK, demonstrated how rice straw can be upcycled into biochar, renewable energy, soil amendments, and livestock bedding while also providing farmers with new business opportunities and reducing harmful methane emissions.

At the launch, participants witnessed live demonstrations of new technologies such as Straw Traktor, a world-first 3-in-1 machine capable of collecting rice straw even in wet conditions, while simultaneously spreading soil amendments and rotavating the land. Also featured was the Takavator, developed by Takachar, a portable system that converts rice straw into biochar — an innovation that enhances soil health and opens up opportunities for carbon credits.

The event also showcased Koolmill, a next-generation rice mill that consumes up to 90% less energy and minimizes grain breakage, allowing farmers and processors to increase their profits. In addition, a live demonstration on biogas production showed how low-quality rice straw can be repurposed to generate clean, renewable energy for rural communities.

Beyond technology, the Hub is designed to put farmers at the center of innovation. By making machinery financially accessible, local farmers and entrepreneurs can run profitable businesses offering harvesting and land preparation services. In pilot sites, some operators have already improved their livelihoods to the point of renovating their homes and supporting their families’ education.

Rice straw is also being piloted as deep-litter bedding for swine farmers, reducing waste management costs and producing compost as an additional income source. These early interventions demonstrate how straw management can support farming communities socially, economically, and environmentally.

 

SparkUp is BusinessWorld’s multimedia brand created to inform, inspire, and empower the Philippine startups; micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs); and future business leaders. This section will be published every other Monday. For pitches and releases about startups, e-mail to bmbeltran@bworldonline.com (cc: abconoza@bworldonline.com). Materials sent become BW property.

Collaborative efforts to solve the Philippines’ housing crisis

FREEPIK

Millions of people around the world live their lives in search of a place they can call home. After all, access to adequate shelter remains a challenge, particularly in areas affected by natural disasters, conflict, or rapid urban growth.

Homelessness charity Depaul International estimates 4.5 million people are experiencing homelessness in the Philippines, and about two-thirds of this number are in Metro Manila.

To combat this, both government initiatives and the efforts of private organizations and nongovernment organizations are addressing the housing crisis, which often becomes magnified during times of peril and uncertainty.

The main housing program of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. is the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program, which aims to build 6.5 million housing units through government-led housing initiatives and address the country’s current housing backlog by building one million housing units yearly until 2028.

Established under Executive Order No. 34, s. 2023, the government’s flagship program was conceptualized to address the country’s current housing needs and features an innovative framework that has eased the burden brought by two major bottlenecks in the housing sector: affordability and access to funds.

Headed by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), the latest news on the project includes the launch of a website dedicated solely to the endeavor, offering information and services related to the government’s flagship program. Additionally, it has been reported that a total of 42 private developers have committed to deliver 251,846 socialized housing units under the administration.

In the same way, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has also helped the cause in recent years. Together with Gawad Kalinga, the NGCP turned over a housing project in 2020 to the City Government of Valenzuela, which cost over P82 million, and comprised of 22 three-storey low-rise buildings with 792 units.

As the power grid operator, the NGCP worked with the City of Valenzuela to relocate residents previously living within the transmission right-of-way corridor to prevent any accidents from happening due to their proximity to the high-voltage power lines. The housing project is located in Disiplina Village, Lingunan, Valenzuela City, and is a joint in-city housing project for informal settler families.

Several developers have also given back to communities through their corporate social responsibility. Among the big names providing housing assistance is the real estate arm of the Lucio Tan Group, Eton Properties, which has provided safe, dignified housing for underserved communities in Nueva Vizcaya, in partnership with the Tan Yan Kee Foundation.

Named the Eton Bahay Liwanag Project, the developer recently turned over four newly built homes in the area to carefully selected families based on their circumstances and resilience despite difficult living conditions in the hinterlands of Nueva Vizcaya. Launched in 2019, the Eton Bahay Liwanag Project has completed 12 homes in the province to date.

Similarly, DMCI Homes has been actively supporting social housing initiatives in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Philippines and local governments through its Kaakbay sa Pamayanan program.

The company’s efforts include a P4-million donation to help construct homes for poor families and teachers in the Bistekville I project in Quezon City, as well as sponsorship of 92 homes at a relocation site for informal settlers in Parañaque. Volunteers from DMCI Homes also contribute directly by painting and maintaining these houses, helping to provide safe, affordable shelter for disadvantaged communities.

Nongovernment organizations (NGOs) have also done their part in building homes for Filipinos. For example, Habitat for Humanity Philippines brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope, “seeking to put God’s love into action.”

In 2019, Habitat for Humanity joined forces with the Hilti Foundation to expand the use of disaster-resilient Cement Bamboo Frame Technology and help close the housing gap in Negros Occidental. Named the Negros Occidental Impact 2025 (NOI25), the initiative seeks to create sustainable communities where homes are safe, green, resilient to disasters, and supportive of families’ long-term security and well-being. Six years later, the NGO has built over 400 disaster-resilient homes and helped families live in sustainable communities.

Likewise, the Manny Pacquiao Foundation, named and founded on behalf of boxing legend Manny D. Pacquiao, has programs aimed at creating lasting change for communities and inspiring people to make a tangible difference in the world. Among the group’s programs is a housing project that has already constructed 300 homes in three locations for hundreds of families in need.

Addressing the housing crisis in the Philippines requires the combined efforts of government programs, private developers, and NGOs working to provide safe, affordable, and resilient homes. Through these partnerships, more families can gain the shelter that they need to thrive. — Jomarc Angelo M. Corpuz

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas: Rustan’s unveils holiday windows

JOSEPH L. GARCIA

AYALA AVENUE begins to look more festive a bit earlier this year, as Rustan’s Makati unveiled its Christmas window display.

VIPs gathered at the storefront on Oct. 17 as the windows — with the theme “A Christmas of Wonders” — were revealed. Holiday-themed fair rides spun and whizzed around, while the windows were framed in glowing orbs. Each window features scenes filled with motion, festive red and gold accents, and characters such as toy soldiers, ballerinas, and magical creatures. Oversized ornaments, twinkling marquees, and delicate metallic details evoke the splendor of a vintage fairground.

“It’s like a Christmas carnival,” Jackie Avecilla, head of marketing for Rustan Commercial Corp., told BusinessWorld. “Christmas is really for kids, and adults alike. We wanted the nostalgic feeling.”

“My parents would take me to a carnival, or some fair, or some Christmas bazaar,” she said. “That’s the kind of spirit we want to evoke for this year here at Rustan’s.”

VIP HOLIDAY SERVICES
Of course, Christmas is really celebrated at home, and Ms. Avecilla told BusinessWorld about VIP services they offer at the store to make customers’ homes holiday-ready.

“We have customers who actually don’t have that DIY talent. When they come here and they like a tree, they buy the entire tree,” she said. Even better: “We have (this) extra-personalized service. They can go to your home and decorate the tree for you.”

Another VIP service they offer is their team of personal shoppers, who become extra busy this holiday season. “Our guests have a long list of friends, family, maybe officemates; corporate gifts,” she said. “You can just give your list to a personal shopper, even if it’s 100 or 200 on your list.

“Everything will be wrapped and delivered to your home,” she said.

HOLIDAY SPECIALS
Rustan’s branches at Shangri-La, Alabang, Gateway, and Cebu, will each offer its own spin on “A Christmas of Wonders.” And throughout the season, Santa Claus will make appearances across all stores.

For those who love collectible holiday keepsakes, Rustan’s is bringing back its Rustan’s Christmas Bear, available from Oct. 17 to Nov. 16 with a minimum purchase of P20,000.

Meanwhile, from Nov. 15 to Dec. 31, Beauty Addict members who spend P5,000 or more at Rustan’s Beauty Source Makati can enjoy a complimentary latte or cappuccino with a croissant from My Happy Home Café, while selected stores will have “Sweet Wishes with Venchi” personalized Christmas cards with treats for members presenting their Frequent Shopper’s Program (FSP) card and receipt.

And from Oct. 18 to Nov. 2, customers can earn three times the FSP multipliers for every P5,000 purchase, both in-store and online, while those who prefer flexible payment options can enjoy 0% installment plans for up to 12 months with partner banks. — JL Garcia

No rival bids for San Miguel’s proposed Boracay bridge, says DPWH

PHILIPPINE STAR/WALTER BOLLOZOS

By Ashley Erika O. Jose, Reporter

SAN MIGUEL Holdings Corp. (SMHC), the infrastructure arm of San Miguel Corp. (SMC), is poised to secure the P8.01-billion contract for the Boracay bridge project after no competing bids were submitted, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

“No other proposals came in by the deadline,” the DPWH communications team said in a Viber message to BusinessWorld over the weekend, citing information from the agency’s Office of Planning and Public-Private Partnership (PPP).

SMHC was granted original proponent status for the unsolicited project, which involves the financing, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of a 2.54-kilometer bridge system — including a 1.14-kilometer limited-access bridge — that will connect Caticlan in Malay, Aklan to Boracay Island.

The proposed bridge will feature public transport access, pedestrian lanes, bikeways, and provisions for utility lines such as power, telecommunications, water supply, and sewerage, according to the PPP Center.

Under PPP rules, potential challengers were given 240 calendar days from the issuance of the comparative challenge documents on Feb. 20 to submit counterproposals, or until Oct. 18.

“If no other comparative proposal is determined to be better than that of the original proponent, the PPP contract shall be awarded to the original proponent,” the agency said in its instruction to comparative proponents.

The government and SMHC concluded negotiations for the project on July 19, 2024, while the proposal was approved on Jan. 24, in line with Republic Act No. 11966 or the PPP Code of the Philippines.

The DPWH said the bridge aims to provide all-weather and safe access between Boracay and Caticlan, improve disaster and emergency response, address solid and liquid waste management issues, and support the island’s tourism-driven economy.

Nigel Paul C. Villarete, senior adviser on PPPs at Libra Konsult, Inc., said the bridge would improve access to the island but could alter its appeal to visitors.

“Building a bridge would make it closer and easier to reach, but it would diminish the ‘island excitement’ of the place,” he said in a Viber message. “Its separation from the mainland adds a sense of elegance and exclusivity.”

Separately, SMC is modernizing the Godofredo P. Ramos Airport in Caticlan through its unit Trans Aire Development Holdings Corp. Megawide Construction Corp. has been tapped to design and build the new passenger terminal building under the ongoing airport expansion.

Anne Curtis celebrates Christmas with Anko

ACTRESS Anne Curtis discussed collecting Christmas ornaments — and one special one in particular — as she brought a little bit of holiday cheer to Anko TriNoma, which was celebrating Christmas early with an event on Oct. 10.

Before greeting media guests and Anko Club members, Ms. Curtis led teachers Ferlina Villanueva and Kristian Valenzuela around the store to pick up their winnings (a P10,000 shopping spree) from a contest. Ms. Villanueva, nominated for the shopping spree contest by Mr. Valenzuela, has an annual outreach program with her fellow teachers to bring food, toiletries, and health essentials to a home for the aged.

On a more personal note, Ms. Curtis — the Fil-Aussie actress is Anko’s official Philippine endorser — told the media in a short press conference about her holiday preferences and wishes.

She talked about decor: “Our house is very neutral. When we celebrate, we like to have pops of red, pink, and a little bit of green.

“I like to collect Christmas decorations,” she said, adding that she collected espresso cups and Christmas ornaments from around the world. “I wrap them individually because they’re made of glass,” she said about storing decor after the holidays.

However, there’s one special ornament that always appears at home: one for her daughter. “When it was Dahlia’s first Christmas, we had a special Christmas decor just for her that had the year ‘2020’ [written] on it. It’s just a reminder every year during Christmas of that special moment we had with her.”

Ms. Curtis also talked about gifts and themes she’d like to have. While shooting in Australia for Anko, she spotted their candy cane decor: “I feel like that’s probably something that I will be adding to my tree.” She also mentioned the store’s candy cane pillows: “I think it’s great to put on your sofa.”

As for other gifts she’d like from the store, she said, “There’s a silk pillow that’s pink and red. It’s great for the hair, and you have that feeling in your room that it’s really that Christmas feeling.” She also pointed to the store’s collection of snow globes: “It does something about your inner child when you see that snow globe.”

Christmas dinner with her husband, James Beard awardee Erwan Heussaff, is a favorite tradition. “Noche Buena with Erwan is always the best. If we don’t finish everything, we have it for Christmas morning. It’s a lot of really, really good food, a mix of Filipino, and sometimes, a little bit of French.”

Her holiday non-negotiable, which also doubles as her Christmas wish? “That’s time with my family. No work.

“Unless meron kang (you have an) entry for the Metro Manila Film Festival,” she said of the yearly film fest which falls in the week between Christmas and New Year.

ANKO NEARS ANNIVERSARY
On matters of business, Rachel Turner, country manager of Anko Philippines, told BusinessWorld reasons they have to celebrate beyond the holidays.

Anko, which is Kmart Australia’s in-house home and lifestyle brand, arrived in the Philippines in November last year, through a joint venture with Ayala Corp.’s Ayala Malls. The brand currently has three stores: in Glorietta, TriNoma, and Alabang Town Center.

“Our stores have shown that accessibility and convenience matter deeply, which is why our upcoming locations at Ayala Malls Manila Bay and Ayala Malls Feliz will let us reach even more families in the south and east,” she said in a text message to BusinessWorld.

“This first year has taught us so much about the Filipino customer and the importance of being where families naturally spend time together,” she said. — JL Garcia

OnlyFounders launches ‘Founder for a Day’ model for startup incubation

Startup platform OnlyFounders has introduced OnlyFounders.fun, a new incubation model that allows aspiring entrepreneurs to experience being a “Founder for a Day” for Web3 projects. The initiative aims to democratize access to entrepreneurship and provide a more realistic testing ground for identifying and nurturing startup talent. 

Through the platform’s 60-day program, participants can validate their projects in real market conditions as they go live. This process enables OnlyFounders to identify promising founders and ideas for further support and investment. 

Founded in August 2024 by Mohammad “Moe” Iman, OnlyFounders has already drawn more than 220 committed founders and a waitlist of 28,000 people. The platform has also partnered with over 90 Web3 protocols and 40 industry leaders who provide mentorship and contribute to its learning ecosystem. 

OnlyFounders positions itself as an alternative to traditional startup accelerators, which are often competitive, time-intensive, and limited in capacity. Its two-tiered system begins with OnlyFounders.fun, a permissionless platform that lets users test entrepreneurial ideas and launch projects in minutes. The platform also supports tokenizing existing Web2 businesses seeking to transition to Web3. 

Designed to accommodate up to 100 founders per day, the platform integrates automation, gamified milestones, and public leaderboards to foster engagement. Over the course of the 60-day cycle, participants are expected to launch one to three projects, allowing them to gain hands-on experience in startup building and validation. 

“A founder’s potential is proven through action, not a pitch deck,” Mr. Iman said. “OnlyFounders.fun is a place where people can test themselves, while investors gain access to ongoing deal flow with visible traction. It forces the real question: do you like the idea of being a founder, or are you ready to be one?” 

Top-performing founders from OnlyFounders.fun are then offered a clear path to migrate to the next tier, OnlyFounders.xyz. This exclusive pre-raise platform is a structured, reputation-based environment for fund raising that uses AI to support and match founders with verified investors. Features include secure escrow smart contracts, AI-powered “Founder Agents” for pitch coaching and capital matching, and a comprehensive academy to prepare founders for raising capital. This layer focuses on “proof over pitch,” ensuring that founders with demonstrated traction and commitment get the attention and resources to move forward. 

The OnlyFounders model provides a continuous feedback loop that benefits all participants. Investors have access to a high-volume, low-cost “top-of-funnel” deal flow going beyond unvetted pitches, with founders building active projects, leading communities, and gaining real-world traction. The success of projects on the OnlyFounders.fun platform contributes to a warchest that supports founders who can go the distance.

Moving forward, OnlyFounders intends to expand capacity to 500 active daily founders on OnlyFounders.fun, and on-board more than 300,000 verified investors into OnlyFounders.xyz, and launch the full mainnet fund-raising engine by mid-2026. The team is also preparing strategic partnerships with leading accelerators and blockchain ecosystems to extend its reach globally over the next 8 months.

 

SparkUp is BusinessWorld’s multimedia brand created to inform, inspire, and empower the Philippine startups; micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs); and future business leaders. This section will be published every other Monday. For pitches and releases about startups, e-mail to bmbeltran@bworldonline.com (cc: abconoza@bworldonline.com). Materials sent become BW property.

Climate-safe features vital in resilient housing

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Natural disasters wreaking havoc in the Philippines have become an annual occurrence. While the current spotlight on the topic is on the controversial flood control projects, the taken-for-granted resilience of the Filipino people must be reciprocated with resilient housing in the face of climate and calamities. 

Climate-resilient housing is not necessarily just building houses that can withstand or adapt to the escalating impacts of climate change. Rather, it is also built based on the context of the local community and on the preferences of the homeowner. In its essence, it is housing that ensures that even the most vulnerable have safe, stable, and affordable places to live. 

As the frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters increase, the concept of resilient housing has emerged as a critical priority for communities in the country. According to the Climate Change Commission, while there was a noticeable decrease in the number of tropical cyclones entering the country in recent years, there has been an increase in their intensity. 

Furthermore, data from the Red Cross Climate Center show that over 60% of the Philippine population lives in coastal areas and will be forced to relocate due to the projected one-meter sea level rise caused by climate change. Based on this, more than 60 million Filipinos are anticipated to move from their current homes by 2100. 

To combat this, the need for resilient housing designed to endure and recover from natural disasters and climate impacts in proper locations is required. Unlike traditional construction, which often focuses solely on aesthetics or immediate functionality, resilient housing emphasizes durability, adaptability, and sustainability. 

Some of the more prominent features of resilient homes include structural strength to withstand extreme weather events, such as high winds, seismic activity, or flooding. Adaptability is also another factor. Resilient homes need to have room for improvements or expansion should there be more needs. In the theme of sustainability, these homes must also incorporate energy-efficient systems, water conservation measures, and sustainable materials to reduce environmental impact. Finally, these homes should be planned based on the community and should have access to local evacuation routes and emergency services. 

The Philippine government, for its part, has taken initiative and begun building these types of homes. Through the 4PH (Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino) Program, the administration is championing climate-resilient housing to address the dual challenges of housing needs and climate change. 

Headed by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, the public sector has pledged to adopt resilient housing designs and launched initiatives to digitalize and streamline urban planning processes, with its key outcomes including safer communities, sustainable urban development, improved quality of life, economic growth, and enhanced resilience. 

Currently, 56 projects are in various stages of development under this program. In April 2025, 4PH projects in San Mateo, Rizal, City of San Fernando in Pampanga, Davao City, and Tagoloan in Misamis Oriental were reportedly being prepared for turnover to beneficiaries. Additionally, ongoing 4PH projects in Metro Manila are in Caloocan City, Manila, Quezon City, and San Juan City. 

Resilience among Filipinos can no longer be an excuse for substandard housing that leave households in peril during disasters. Investing in climate-resilient homes that are safe, adaptable, and community-centered ensures a future where people can thrive despite the occasional natural occurrences. — Jomarc Angelo M. Corpuz

Pangilinan hopes MPIC can reach 50 hospitals in five years

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

METRO PACIFIC Investments Corp. (MPIC) President and Chief Executive Officer Manuel V. Pangilinan said he hopes to expand the group’s hospital portfolio to as many as 50 facilities within the next five years.

“My personal target is 50. I don’t know when — we don’t control that; KKR has control over that. But I hope we could do that in five years or so,” he told reporters on Wednesday last week.

Metro Pacific Health Corp. (MPH), which currently operates 28 hospitals nationwide, recently added Metro Antipolo Hospital and Medical Center, Inc. to its portfolio.

Other major hospitals in the group include Makati Medical Center, Asian Hospital and Medical Center, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, Davao Doctors Hospital, and Riverside Medical Center.

MPIC is also looking to raise its ownership in Metro Pacific Health to 50% by acquiring an additional 30% stake from majority shareholders KKR & Co. and Singapore’s GIC Pte. Ltd., which jointly hold 80% of the hospital operator. MPIC currently owns the remaining 20%.

“The ball is in their court. MPIC is ready and willing to continue,” MPIC Executive Vice-President and Chief Finance, Risk, and Sustainability Officer June Cheryl Cabal-Revilla said when asked about the status of the KKR transaction.

She said the earlier sale of the stake to the private equity investors had enabled MPIC to expand other businesses in its portfolio, while the group continues to pursue integration between its healthcare assets.

She noted that MPIC’s digital health platform mWell, a fully owned subsidiary, is being integrated with MPH’s hospital systems to streamline patient services and records management.

“Once we apply the same processes used at the mWell Clinic to the hospitals, patients won’t need to fill out multiple forms. Doctors can access records with the patients’ consent, ensuring data privacy and accuracy,” she said.

She added that MPIC’s financial position remains strong, with debt levels “at their lowest” and all business segments contributing positively to growth.

“We continue our double-digit growth trend. Debt is already below P60 billion. All our verticals are doing well — Maynilad is preparing for an IPO (initial public offering), and the smaller businesses like Landco and mWell are now contributing,” she said.

MPIC recorded a 36% rise in reported net income for the first half to P17 billion, driven mainly by the sale of its oil storage subsidiary, Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corp.

The power business remained the main earnings contributor, accounting for 64% or P11.2 billion of net operating income. The water and toll road segments followed with P3.8 billion and P3.3 billion, respectively, making up a combined 41% of the total.

MPIC is one of the key Philippine units of Hong Kong-based First Pacific Co. Ltd., along with Philex Mining Corp. and PLDT Inc.

Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of the PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., holds a majority stake in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group. — Alexandria Grace C. Magno

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