BI warns vs crypto scam

April 2, 2025 | 9:16 pm

BI-Bureau-of-Immigration — PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) warned that a new scam involving cryptocurrency investments is targeting Filipino migrants in the United States after trafficking victims recently repatriated to Myanmar, revealed details of the scheme.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado, in a statement on Wednesday, said the fraud involved scammers luring overseas Filipinos into bogus cryptocurrency investments with promises of high returns and minimal risk.

Victims were often contacted through social media and persuaded to transfer funds into fake trading platforms.

The scammers manipulated account balances to show false profits, convincing victims to invest further before eventually disappearing with the money.

The revelation followed the March 26 repatriation of multiple trafficking victims, including an individual known as “Jon Jon.”

Initially believed to be a victim, he was later identified by fellow repatriates as the recruiter who facilitated the illegal transport of Filipinos to Myanmar, where they were forced into scam operations.

Witnesses claimed that “Jon Jon” played a key role in developing the new fraud model specifically targeting Filipino-Americans.

“We wish to send this warning to our countrymen abroad not to fall prey to this new modus,” said Mr. Viado. “The IACAT (inter-agency council against trafficking) is working to ensure that those who continue to victimize Filipinos face the harshest penalties of the law.” — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

PHL records higher scam calls in Q1

April 2, 2025 | 9:16 pm

GOGOLOOK, a global TrustTech company has recorded a decline in scam text messages but cautioned the public over the rising number of scam calls in the first quarter.

According to its report, SMS or short message service scams declined to 648,238 in the first quarter of 2025, marking a decrease of 43.2% from the 1.14 million SMS scams recorded in the same period last year.

Majority of the SMS scams logged in the January-to-March period this year were mainly loan availment-related scams making up for the 55% of the SMS scams recorded in the period; followed by VIP rewards; collections related; transaction verification, job application and delivery related scams.

Further, although the company saw a steep decline in SMS scams, it noted that scam calls rose in the first quarter of 2025.

For the three months to March, Whoscall recorded a total of 351,699 scam calls, more than triple the 108,157 scam calls logged in the comparable period in 2024.

The decreasing scam messages and risky links sent via text messages represent a positive step forward against combating scams, the company said, adding that the public should still need to be vigilant and cautious against scams as scammers are becoming more sophisticated by changing their tactics.

“The increase in scam calls clearly demonstrates a shift in scammers’ tactics,” Gogolook Philippines Country Head Mel Migriño said.

“While the significant decline in scam messages and risky URLs represents a positive step forward, the concurrent rise in scam calls underscores the need for ongoing vigilance and collaborative efforts.”

System software company Gogolook is the developer of Whoscall. The application offers caller identification, distinguishing between safe contacts and potential scammers.

Headquartered in Taiwan, Gogolook utilizes its database and advanced artificial intelligence technology to provide services in communication fraud prevention and financial technology. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

Traders elated over new mall in BARMM’s capital

April 2, 2025 | 9:14 pm

COTABATO CITY — Traders in Central Mindanao were elated with the formal launching of the multi-billion KCC Mall in Cotabato City on Tuesday.

Cotabato City is the regional capital of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), whose territory also encompasses the provinces of Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi and two other southern cities, Lamitan and Marawi.

The lawyer-entrepreneur Ronald Hallid Torres, chairman of the Bangsamoro Business Council (BBC), told reporters on Wednesday that the launching of the KCC Mall augurs well with their efforts of proving to their counterparts in other regions and abroad that it is safe now to put up capital-intensive businesses in Cotabato City.

“The setting up of this very big mall in Cotabato City will create the impression among our friends in the business communities outside of the autonomous region and abroad that it is safe now to put up big businesses in barangays around,” said Mr. Torres, a resident of Cotabato City and spokesperson of their large organization.

More than 300 guests attended Tuesday’s symbolic launching and blessing by a Catholic priest of the mall.

“This new KCC Mall in Cotabato City is, for us and our client traders, a very powerful magnet that can attract more outsider traders to come into the Bangsamoro region and put up capital-intensive business ventures,” said Mohammad Omar Pasigan, chairman of the Regional Board of Investments. — John Felix M. Unson

Baguio City council corrects disinformation on city projects

April 2, 2025 | 9:14 pm

BAGUIO CITY — The Baguio City Council is seeking to set the record straight about various government projects still being eyed in the city.

The Baguio City Integrated Terminal (BCIT) Project is the only public-private partnership (PPP) project that has so far reached the local legislative body’s review, it said, clarifying that other PPP projects have not been officially confirmed and endorsed by the City Development Council (CDC).

Other PPP projects are the public market redevelopment, Asin mini-hydropower plant rehabilitation, and the Smart Urban Mobility Project (SMUP).

These projects have completed successful negotiations but have yet to be officially confirmed and endorsed by the CDC, Jordan Habbiling, public information officer of the Baguio City Council said. He added, “once endorsed by the CDC, they will undergo the same review in the city council.”

Mr. Habbiling further explained that the city council decisions are rendered only within the 120-day review period, and it will decide whether to approve a PPP proposal as is, approve it with amendments, or reject it entirely.

This com comes as the city council refuted claims that decisions have already been made regarding any of the PPP projects being discussed. “We urge the public to rely on verified information when engaging in discussions on matters of public interest,” he said amidst much “talk” about them amid the electoral campaign heating up in the city. — Artemio A. Dumlao

Trade dep’t looking into music festival complaints

April 2, 2025 | 9:08 pm

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said on Wednesday that it will conduct an immediate investigation into complaints it received concerning the Circus Music Festival.

“The DTI has confirmed receiving complaints regarding the Circus Music Festival’s alleged deceptive sales practices, specifically the failure to deliver promised services and freebies included with ticket purchases,” it said in an advisory.

“In line with its consumer protection mandate, the DTI will conduct an immediate investigation to ensure a fair and prompt resolution for all parties involved,” it added.

According to the DTI, it has received 42 complaints in connection with the festival.

“The DTI … is contacting the event organizer to seek an explanation and address the consumer grievances,” it added.

Under DTI Department Administrative Order No. 06, businesses found to have practiced deceptive, unfair, and unconscionable sales are subject to administrative fines of up to P300,000 and may be compelled to refund actual damages.

The Circus Music Festival, which took place on March 29, promised platinum ticket holders free items including hoodies valued at P1,000 each, t-shirts valued at P500, bucket hats valued at P350, tote bags valued at P150, and snacks.

Tickets for the event were P1,999 for platinum tier and P999 for gold.

Circus Music Festival announced a day before the event that it will not be able to distribute the full set of free items due to “unexpected supply issues from suppliers.”

“To ensure fairness, we will be equally distributing the available freebies among all platinum ticket holders while supplies last,” the organizer said in a Facebook post on March 28.

On that day, Circus Music Festival limited the distribution of free items to attendees that bought tickets between October and January.

The organizer has since said: “Unfortunately, the supplier is making false claims and shifting the blame onto Circus Music Festival for their shortcomings.” — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Future-proofing family businesses: Strategies for success across generations

April 2, 2025 | 9:07 pm

Last month, our firm gathered family business leaders from various generations to share insights and explore strategies for navigating today’s rapidly evolving landscape. Family businesses remain a cornerstone of the global economy; in the Philippines, over half of publicly listed companies are backed by family offices. As these businesses diversify and increasingly invest in entrepreneurs and startups, their influence begins to extend beyond their own enterprises, creating a broader impact across various sectors.

As the keynote speaker during the forum, Dr. Peter Bartels, PwC Germany Partner and PwC Global Entrepreneurial and Private Business Leader, advised private and family businesses to prioritize three key areas in 2025: AI technology adoption, sustainability and climate innovation, and family capital.

AI is transforming industries, and businesses must leverage it to improve operations, enhance the customer experience and make informed decisions. Family businesses have a unique advantage in adopting AI due to the presence of NextGen members, whose agility and digital proficiency help seamlessly integrate AI into business practices.

Furthermore, sustainability and climate innovation should be central to a family business’s strategy. Stakeholders, including customers and investors, increasingly trust companies that demonstrate genuine commitment to these values. Mere claims of dedication to environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices or diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are insufficient; stakeholders seek tangible reports showing progress toward achieving sustainability goals.

Lastly, managing family capital effectively is more crucial than ever amid ongoing global geopolitical and economic pressures. The principle of diversification — avoiding concentration of assets in a single area — has never been more vital. Family enterprises should embrace diversification strategies, such as mergers and acquisitions (M&A), to mitigate risks across industries and regions.

In addition to focusing on these key priorities, we asked family business leaders at the event how they achieve success across generations. Here are some of the learnings they shared:

LESSON 1: EMBRACE THE INSIGHTS AND EXPERTISE OF NON-FAMILY MEMBERS WITHIN THE COMPANY.
The Bounty Fresh Group, which began as a modest venture by the Cheng family in the 1980s, has grown into the country’s leading poultry integrator. Despite being privately owned, the company has increasingly welcomed the expertise of external professionals across various business units and management levels to drive its strategic goals. Caroline Chung, a third-generation family member and the Assistant Vice-President for Business Planning, Analysis and M&A at Bounty, highlights the crucial role these external experts play in the company’s success. “Working with non-family members has been a journey over time. They have a different style and a different way of working. As the business has grown, we have to recognize that there are other skills, experiences and capabilities that other people offer that we really need,” Caroline shared.

For family businesses, it’s vital to acknowledge that while keeping family members involved is important, growth can be limited without the input of non-family professionals. Bringing in external talent with a range of experiences can introduce new perspectives that benefit the entire organization.

LESSON 2: FIND A SHARED OBJECTIVE THAT UNITES FAMILY MEMBERS DESPITE DIFFERENCES.
VMV Hypoallergenics was founded in Bogo, Cebu in 1979 by Dr. Vermen M. Verallo-Rowell, a dermatologist and dermatopathologist trained in the US. Today, her daughter, Laura Verallo de Bertotto, leads the company as CEO and Creative Director. Although Laura initially pursued other career paths and hadn’t intended to join the family business, her mother eventually encouraged her to become part of the team alongside her stepfather and sister. Laura reflected on the initial challenges they encountered due to varying personalities and approaches, and how they ultimately found a shared purpose that propelled VMV to greater success.

“My mother is a scientific researcher, but at the core of that is the desire to care for people — which spoke to me as an academic who believes in representation, empowerment and inclusivity. Our ‘why’ became to save the world’s skin, not just in the dermatological sense but also to save the world from harm. That cascaded to the rest of the company and united all of our people, strengthening the organization as a whole,” Laura said.

In family businesses, it’s not necessary for members to think alike or share the same preferences. What’s important is finding common ground and a shared vision that allows family members to work together towards a common goal, despite their differences.

LESSON 3: BE OPEN TO THE INSIGHTS OF THE YOUNGER GENERATION.
D&L Industries, Inc. (DNL), established by the Lao brothers in 1963, has evolved into the country’s leading chemical company, commanding significant market share across various industries. After being listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange in 2012, the Lao family has been vocal about future-proofing the business and overcoming the “third-generation curse,” which suggests that the third generation tends to destroy the business. In addition to emphasizing good governance and compliance, Alvin Lao, President and CEO of DNL, highlights the value of fresh ideas from the younger generation. “Senior members of the family business also need to listen to younger people. In our family, when it matters, people listen. In our organization, we have a culture of humility and accepting that we don’t know everything,” Alvin said.

We live in an exciting time where Generation X, Millennials and Generation Z are all working together within organizations. It’s essential for individuals to keep an open mind and appreciate the distinct insights and perspectives that each generation brings to the table.

TRANSFORM TO BUILD TRUST
The coming years will be pivotal for family businesses as many are transitioning leadership to the younger generation. In today’s world, gaining trust involves more than simply ensuring that family members receive adequate returns. Trust must also be cultivated among other stakeholders, including employees, investors, customers and the public. To succeed in this dynamic environment and maintain trust, family businesses should go beyond delivering excellent services and products by clearly communicating their purpose, committing to ESG principles and upholding transparency, thus building lasting relationships with all stakeholders.

The views or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Isla Lipana & Co. The content is for general information purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for specific advice.

Trissy A. Rogacion is a partner at the Deals and Corporate Finance group of Isla Lipana & Co., a Philippine member firm of the PricewaterhouseCoopers global network.

karen.patricia.rogacion@pwc.com

Peso slips before Trump tariff announcement

April 2, 2025 | 9:00 pm

THE PESO slipped against the dollar on Wednesday, mostly moving sideways as markets braced for the Trump administration’s latest tariffs.

The local unit closed at P57.215 per dollar on Wednesday, inching down by half a centavo from its P57.21 finish on Monday, Bankers Association of the Philippines data showed. The market was closed on Tuesday for a holiday in observance of Eid’l Fitr.

The peso opened Wednesday’s session nearly flat at P57.20 against the dollar. It dropped to as low as P57.25, while its intraday best was at P57.15 versus the greenback.

Dollars exchanged went down to $1.07 billion on Wednesday from $1.18 billion on Monday.

“The dollar-peso closed slightly lower on cautious trading ahead of the announcement of reciprocal tariffs from the US,” a trader said in a phone interview.

“US President Trump’s team has not reached a firm decision on its tariff plan and is still hashing out options,” Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said in a Viber message.

The dollar was slightly stronger amid talks of a flat 20% global levy, Mr. Ricafort added.

For Thursday, the trader expects the peso to move between P57.10 and P57.50 per dollar, depending on the tariff announcement, while Mr. Ricafort said the local unit could range from P57.10 to P57.30.

The dollar firmed a touch and other currencies held in tight ranges on Wednesday as traders anxiously awaited details of US President Donald J. Trump’s plans for tariffs, which could upend the global trading system and shake financial markets, Reuters reported.

The euro last bought $1.0784 while sterling fetched $1.2907, both easing slightly ahead of a White House Rose Garden announcement scheduled for 2000 GMT that will likely see the imposition of steep new duties on US imports.

Mr. Trump has for weeks trumpeted April 2 as “Liberation Day,” and White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said reciprocal tariffs on countries that impose duties on US goods would take effect immediately after Mr. Trump’s announcement.

Against the yen, the dollar rose very slightly to 149.70.

The Australian dollar was up 0.36% at $0.62301, recovering slightly from a fall at the start of the week.

Details about the size and scope of the trade barriers set to come into force remain unknown, but the Washington Post reported that Mr. Trump’s aides were considering a plan that would raise duties on products by about 20% from nearly every country, rather than targeting certain countries or products.

Worries about the impact of an escalating global trade war on the world’s largest economy and a slew of weaker-than-expected US data have stoked recession fears and in turn undermined the dollar this year.

The dollar rose marginally against a basket of currencies to 104.28 on Wednesday, though that comes after the greenback clocked a 3.1% fall in March, its worst monthly performance since November 2022. — Aaron Michael C. Sy with Reuters

Stocks rise as inflation bets boost rate cut hopes

April 2, 2025 | 9:00 pm

PHILIPPINE STOCKS climbed on Wednesday amid expectations of slower March headline inflation, which could strengthen the case for a Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) rate cut next week.

The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) rose by 1.08% or 66.96 points to close at 6,247.68, while the broader all shares index increased by 0.74% or 27.24 points to 3,705.12.

Philippine financial markets were closed on Tuesday in observance of Eid’l Fitr.

“The market rose further amid expectations that inflation had remained cool last March, giving the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas more room to cut policy rates this April,” Philstocks Financial, Inc. Senior Research Analyst Japhet Louis O. Tantiangco said in a Viber message.

The Philippine Statistics Authority will release March consumer price index (CPI) data on April 4 (Friday).

Headline inflation likely settled within 1.7% to 2.5% last month, the BSP said on Monday. If realized, this would be slower than the 3.7% inflation print in March 2024.

At the upper end of the BSP forecast, inflation likely accelerated from 2.1% in February.

The low end of the forecast showed inflation may have slowed below 2% for the first time since the 1.9% print in September 2024. It could also mark the slowest inflation since 1.6% in May 2020.

A BusinessWorld poll of 18 analysts conducted last week yielded a median estimate of 2% for the March CPI.

BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. last week said there is a “good chance” that the Monetary Board will cut rates by 25 basis points at their April 10 meeting.

“Philippine shares traded in the green as the market saw mixed results after Eid’l Fitr. The US market continued to face pressure from tariff policies and weak economic data,” Regina Capital Development Corp. Head of Sales Luis A. Limlingan said in a Viber message.

Almost all sectoral indices went up on Wednesday. Financials surged by 2.85% or 67.88 points to 2,442.37; mining and oil climbed by 1.58% or 150.08 points to 9,622.93; services increased by 1.19% or 23.67 points to 2,004.40; property rose by 0.47% or 10.68 points to 2,262.75; and holding firms went up by 0.39% or 20.09 points to 5,128.56.

Meanwhile, industrials went down by 0.37% or 33.08 points to 8,724.77.

“Monde Nissin Corp. was the top index gainer for the day, jumping 4.7% to P7.57. Jollibee Foods Corp. was at the bottom, falling 3.67% to P231.20,” Mr. Tantiangco said.

Value turnover rose to P6.06 billion on Wednesday with 1.31 billion shares traded from the P5.35 billion with 1.15 billion issues exchanged on Monday.

Advancers bested decliners, 110 versus 82, while 54 names closed unchanged.

Net foreign selling stood at P259.87 million on Wednesday, a reversal from the P249.68 million in net foreign buying recorded on Monday. — R.M.D. Ochave

Petro Gazz Angels gun for sweep of semis against Akari Chargers

April 2, 2025 | 7:49 pm

Games on Thursday
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
4 p.m. – Akari vs Petro Gazz
6:30 p.m. – Choco Mucho vs Creamline

THERE ARE MANY WAYS Petro Gazz could get into the best-of-three Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino finals.

But expect the Angels to go through the fastest route, which is to hurdle the Akari Chargers in a duel set for Thursday that would also complete a three-game semifinal sweep at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Petro Gazz won its first two semis assignments at the expense of sister teams Creamline and Choco Mucho and another triumph at 4 p.m. over Akari would catapult the former straight to the finale on Tuesday at the Big Dome.

If it happens, the Angels would make a return finals trip since making it that far two years ago when they eventually lost to the eventual winners, the Cool Smashers.

Petro Gazz coach Koji Tsuzurabara stressed it won’t be a walk in the park beating Akari, which split its two semis games.

“Akari is also a strong team and their coach, he’s Japanese too,” he said referring to Akari mentor Taka Minowa.

Interestingly, the Angels could afford to lose and still find their way in the championship round in several scenarios including one where they lose and Choco Mucho ends up upsetting Creamline at 6:30 p.m.

Or if Petro Gazz falls and Creamline prevails, which would forge a three-way tie for first.

In that case, the worst thing that can happen to the Angels is play a do-or-die for the second and last championship ticket.

“We just need to stay calm, keep grounded and try to stay patient again,” said Petro Gazz star Brooke Van Sickle, who had a 17-point effort last time that she garnished with 12 digs and 22 excellent receptions.

Meanwhile, Akari, Creamline and Choco Mucho are still battling for that last berth.

League rules state that a two-way tie for second will be decided via a rubber match set for Saturday at the PhilSports Arena while a three-way tie will be broken first FIVB tiebreaker, and then playoff.

There’s one possibility that sets up a three-way tie for second if Petro Gazz and Choco Mucho win.

That means the squad with the worst FIVB tiebreak will be eliminated outright with the better two teams clashing for the last seat to the finals bus. — Joey Villar

Injured Rianne Malixi withdraws from Augusta National Women’s Amateur

April 2, 2025 | 7:48 pm

A BACK INJURY brought an abrupt end to Rianne Malaxi’s quest for glory at the prestigious Augusta National Women’s Amateur.

Ms. Malixi, the double USGA amateur champion, navigated four holes in Wednesday’s practice round at the Champions Retreat Golf Club when she felt a discomfort in her lower back.

This was the same issue that previously forced her to pull out of the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship in Vietnam late last year.

The reigning US Women’s Amateur and US Girls’ Junior champion informed the Golf Channel that she felt “it was best to withdraw this week and fully recover rather than risk further injury.”

The world No. 4 amateur freshman hopes to be good to swing back to action by the time the US Women’s Open fires off on May 26.

Ms. Malixi, an incoming freshman at Duke University, was supposed to start her Augusta campaign Thursday (Manila time) in Group 4 alongside Meghan Ganne of the US and Spain’s Cayetana Fernandez Garcia-Poggio at Champions Retreat.

This week should have been her redemption tour in the prestigious 54-hole tournament after a missed-cut stint on debut last year dashed her dream of playing at the legendary Augusta National course for the final round. — Olmin Leyba

La Salle dominates Ateneo to keep No. 2 spot in UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tourney

April 2, 2025 | 7:48 pm

DE LA SALLE LADY SPIKERS — UAAP/NICOLE HERNANDEZ

Games on Saturday
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
9 a.m. – UST vs ADMU (men)
11 a.m. – DLSU vs UE (men)
1 p.m. – UST vs ADMU (women)
3 p.m. – DLSU vs UE (women)

FOR the 16^th straight time, De La Salle University got the better of fierce rival Ateneo De Manila University in a 25-21, 25-17, 25-20 win to solidify hold of the No. 2 spot and press its twice-to-beat bid in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Angel Canino braved a neck injury scare last weekend and stood at the forefront of the assault anew, firing 16 points on 16 hits as the DLSU Lady Spikers needed only 75 minutes to clip the ADMU Blue Eagles’ wings fresh from three straight wins.

Shevana Laput (14), Amie Provido (9), Katrina del Castillo (8) and Alleiah Malaluan (7) threw in solid contributions as rookie setter Mikole Reyes dished out 19 sets to facilitate La Salle’s balanced attack. Libero Lyka May de Leon provided 11 digs and 12 receptions.

La Salle has now won six of its last seven games to jack up its slate at 7-3, creating slight distance from closest pursuers Far Eastern University (6-4) and University of Santo Tomas (5-4) while striking closer to reigning champion National University (9-1) in the heated race with four games to go.

“This is our goal from the start. Our goal is to get a grip of that second spot for the twice-to-beat incentives so we’re hoping to sustain this,” said coach Ramil de Jesus, whose wards have been unbeaten against Ateneo since 2017.

The Lady Spikers could have not done it without the former MVP Ms. Canino, who was quick to recover from neck issues following an accidental collision with teammate Ms. Laput last weekend that prompted her immediate hospitalization after a comeback win over Santo Tomas.

“I’m doing really well and I’m better. The doctors gave a go-signal so I just rested it and followed the necessary protocols,” said Ms. Canino, who delivered 27 points, 13 digs and 13 receptions in the Lady Spikers’ 15-25, 25-17, 24-26, 25-21, 16-14 win over the Golden Tigresses.

AC Miner and Lyann de Guzman tried to put up a stand with 13 and 10 points, respectively, but the Blue Eagles’ firepower still fell short against the mighty Lady Spikers to slide to 4-6.

In the men’s division, Santo Tomas (6-4) clobbered Adamson (2-8) while La Salle 6-4) tripped Ateneo (6-4), 21-25, 25-18, 21-25, 25-22, 27-25, to forge a three-way tie at third spot. — John Bryan Ulanday

El Nido hosts Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series

April 2, 2025 | 7:47 pm

ALL BOATS lead to the majestic island of El Nido in Palawan for the second time around as the country’s top destination hosts the opener of the 16^th Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series next week.

El Nido first hosted the world-class event in 2019 before its much-awaited return this year featuring 24 of the world’s best cliff divers aiming to open the season on April 11 to 13 in splash.

The series then troops to Polignano A Mare in Italy on June 28 to 29, Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina on Sept. 5 to 6 and Boston in the United States on Sept. 19 to 20.

A split of 12 men and 12 women entered the Red Bull tilt known for gravity-defying acts and jaw-dropping display of athleticism at one of the best islands in the world.

With a projected speed of 85 kilometers per hour, the men’s division will have a clearance height of 27 meters with the female divers jumping from 21 meters in the three-day tournament that will hop around the coves of Lagen Island and the renowned Small and Big Lagoons of the Miniloc Island.

Two of the participants in Olympian bronze medalist Oleksiy Prygorov of Ukraine and Filipina-Australian Xantheia Pennisi on Wednesday showed a glimpse of what the world-class event has to offer, sharing the excitement in their Philippine return and training with the Filipino divers.

Red Bull treated the Philippine diving team with a clinic at the New Clark City Aquatics Center led by Mr. Prygorov and Ms. Pennisi themselves to help in the country’s preparations for the 33^rd Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok in December.

“I love coming back for my family and relatives here. I know the location as we’ve been here before. It’s a special place for me. It’s an honor to be able to represent both the Philippines and Australia,” said Ms. Pennisi, whose mother hails from Tarlac, in the event presser on Tuesday in Capas, Tarlac.

“I love warm weather so the Philippines is a special place for me. It’s in the Top 3 of my favorite spots in the world. The sun here is nice for diving so I’m excited,” said Mr. Prygorov.

Mr. Prygorov, 37, finished 11^th in the 2019 El Nido leg while Ms. Pennisi, 26, placed seventh to make it a perfect opportunity for a sweet revenge against a mixture of returning and new divers from all over the world.

Great Britain’s Gary Hunt and Australia’s Rhiannan Iffland won the 2019 El Nido edition en route to the season championship and the prestigious King Kahekili, which will be up for grabs in the finale in Boston later this year. — John Bryan Ulanday