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Style (03/24/25)

Kohler releases new finishes

BATHROOM FIXTURES brand Kohler is showing off new finishes for faucets and other bathroom hardware, all from its Kohler Finish Program. These options feature everything from matte black to warm gold and cool polished chrome that can coordinate across all bath and shower faucets, accessories, and hardware. They use Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) technology, a process that bonds the finish and faucet together at a molecular level, and an addition of a nickel undercoating, resulting in a sturdy, scratch-, tarnish-, and corrosion-resistant surface. Kohler introduced two additions to its Finish Program: Vibrant Brushed Rose Gold, and Vibrant Brushed Titanium. Rose gold has an earthy hue that brightens neutral color palettes, fits nicely into playful spaces, and maintains its prominence in opulent interiors; Titanium, ranging from light gray to deeper charcoal projects strength and sophistication. Find styling tips at kohler.ph and follow @KohlerPhilippines on Facebook and @kohler.philippines on Instagram.

Grohe presents joy of water

GROHE, a global brand for bathroom solutions and kitchen fittings, celebrates “Pure Freude an Wasser” (“the pure joy of water” in German) at this year’s ISH (the international bathroom design and HVAC trade fair) with innovative solutions like the Grohe Purefoam foam shower. Premiering in Europe at ISH 2025, the Purefoam reflects the brand’s continued foray into the wellness and self-care market. The new shower technology transforms specially crafted soap into a warm foam cocoon that envelops the body, creating a special self-care moment that lasts well beyond the shower. Similarly, the Rainshower Aqua Pure, a new exposed shower system, redefines the bathroom as a revitalizing home spa with an innovative filter that is invisibly integrated into the thermostat and purifies the hand shower water. Meanwhile, The new Grohe Spa Allure Gravity faucet line, which seemingly levitates, brings customization to the next level: with exchangeable cover plates crafted from quartz or glass, it offers a unique touch to suit individual tastes. It is available in the Grohe Colors Collection, a palette of finishes, now expanded to include the new Grohe Satin Steel and Grohe Satin Graphite. Learn more about Grohe’s works in the Asia Pacific at news.grohe.asia.

Sunscreen Bar at SM Hypermarket MOA

HELLO GLOW is making sun protection more fun and accessible with its Sunscreen Bar, an ice cream cart-inspired display exclusively at SM Hypermarket Mall of Asia (MOA). All Hello Glow sun care products are available for P299, including the Hello Glow Hairsaver Dry Shampoo. Additionally, Hello Glow Soothing Gels are now priced at P194.75, down from the regular price of P299. Customers can also enjoy an interactive experience with the Make Your Own Keychain activity. By purchasing the Hello Glow Sun Care Stick for P299 (originally P395), they will receive a free keychain to personalize. This limited-time activity is exclusive to SM Hypermarket MOA and will run until March 31.

Addressing the social determinants of TB

FREEPIK

Every day, nearly 70 Filipinos lose their lives to tuberculosis (TB) — a disease that is both curable and preventable. Despite medical advancements, TB remains a silent killer in the Philippines, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable members of society. According to Department of Health (DoH) data, about 1 million Filipinos currently have active TB. The country also holds the highest TB incidence rate in Southeast Asia and ranks among the five nations accounting for more than half of global multidrug-resistant TB and rifampicin-resistant TB cases, as reported in the “Global Tuberculosis Report 2024” of the World Health Organization (WHO).

March 24 is World TB Day, with this year’s theme being “Unite to End Tuberculosis.” The goal is to elevate public awareness about the ongoing TB epidemic and emphasize the importance of prevention, early diagnosis, and effective treatment. Beyond this, the theme highlights the need for universal access to quality healthcare services, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their economic status, can receive the care they need.

The staggering TB incidence rate in the Philippines underscores the urgency of implementing comprehensive interventions. These must not only focus on screening, diagnosis, and treatment but also address the social determinants of TB — the socioeconomic, environmental, and health-related factors that increase vulnerability to the disease. As Flores et al. noted in their editorial, “The social determinants of tuberculosis in the Philippines,” published in the January 2022 issue of The Lancet Global Health, these underlying factors influence all stages of TB, from exposure and progression to diagnosis and treatment outcomes.

The WHO emphasizes that the TB epidemic is shaped by social and economic development and health-related risk factors such as undernutrition, diabetes, HIV infection, alcohol use disorders, and smoking. Achieving global targets for TB reduction and ensuring access to preventive and curative services require progress toward universal health coverage (UHC). This must be coupled with addressing the broader social and economic determinants of TB, such as poverty, overcrowded living conditions, and limited access to education and healthcare.

Poverty stands out as a powerful determinant of TB. Poorly ventilated and overcrowded living environments facilitate TB transmission. Undernutrition — a direct consequence of poverty — weakens immune systems, making individuals more susceptible to developing active disease. Additionally, poverty limits access to healthcare and education, contributing to delayed diagnoses and incomplete treatments. This cycle underscores the critical role of poverty alleviation in reducing TB transmission and progression.

The DoH TB Program Review highlights that vulnerable populations in the Philippines — including the urban poor, people living with HIV, and persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) — are disproportionately affected by TB. Filipinos aged 0 to 24 years account for over 27% of the TB burden, with many in this group spending substantial time in crowded settings like schools, where the risk of spreading infection is high. Alarmingly, individuals aged 10 to 24 are more likely to discontinue TB treatment compared to older age groups. Moreover, this demographic has experienced the steepest rise in HIV infections in the country, yet less than half are on antiretroviral therapy, placing them at heightened risk of developing TB.

The relationship between HIV and TB is particularly deadly, with each disease accelerating the other’s progression. The WHO reports that people living with HIV are 16 times more likely to develop TB than those without HIV. Tragically, TB remains the leading cause of death among people with HIV.

Flores et al. call for a grassroots approach tailored to provide social protection for vulnerable populations. They advocate for interventions targeting Filipinos living in overcrowded areas, individuals in poverty without access to education and healthcare, PDLs in congested prisons, and young people living with HIV who lack access to antiretroviral treatment. Addressing these socioeconomic determinants is essential to tackling one of the country’s most significant health challenges.

Pharmaceutical advancements also play a crucial role in combating TB. Collaborating with governments and other stakeholders, the pharmaceutical industry has developed innovative solutions, including new drugs and shorter treatment regimens for drug-sensitive and drug-resistant TB, child-friendly drug formulations, and molecular diagnostics. Research on TB vaccines is also making progress, alongside digital health tools and artificial intelligence to enhance patient care.

Beyond traditional treatment models, behavioral interventions are being integrated to improve adherence to TB medications and prevent the rise of drug resistance. Expanding access to these innovations and accelerating patient identification in high-burden areas are critical priorities.

Ending TB requires a unified, multi-sectoral approach involving governments, healthcare providers, communities, and industries. By addressing the root causes of TB — poverty, overcrowding, and limited healthcare access — and integrating technological and medical advancements, we can turn the tide on this preventable and curable disease. Together, we can make TB a relic of the past.

 

Teodoro B. Padilla is the executive director of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines, which represents the biopharmaceutical medicines and vaccines industry in the country. Its members are in the forefront of research and development efforts for COVID-19 and other diseases that affect Filipinos.

Debt yields inch down as mart stays cautious

YIELDS on government securities (GS) edged lower last week due to cautiousness before the US Federal Reserve’s policy decision and with the market awaiting key events at home, including the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) own review and the release of March inflation data.

GS yields, which move opposite to prices, went down by an average of 2.09 basis points (bps) at the secondary market last week, based on data from PHP Bloomberg Valuation Service Reference Rates published on the Philippine Dealing System’s website as of March 21.

At the short end of the curve, yields on 91-, 182-, and 364-day Treasury bills dropped by 7.30 bps, 4.17 bps, and 10.43 bps week on week to 5.1769%, 5.5258%, and 5.6877%, respectively.

Meanwhile, yields at the belly were mixed. Rates of the two- and three-year Treasury bonds (T-bonds) went down by 2.67 bps (to 5.7774%) and 1.24 bps (5.8313%), while the four-, five-, and seven-year T-bonds climbed by 0.03 bp (to 5.8939%), 1.06 bps (5.9631%), and 2.04 bps (6.0985%), respectively.

At the long end, the yield on the 10-year bond went up by 1.24 bps (to 6.2425%), while the 20- and 25-year tenors inched down by 0.9 bp and 0.68 bp to 6.3063% and 6.3062%, respectively.

GS volume traded amounted to P27.98 billion on Friday, rising from the P22.72 billion recorded on March 14.

Analysts said the GS market was range-bound before the Fed’s policy meeting, with the US central bank’s decision and cautious stance already mostly priced in.

The Trump administration’s initial policies, including extensive import tariffs, appear to have tilted the US economy toward slower growth and at least temporarily higher inflation, Fed Chair Jerome H. Powell said on Wednesday, Reuters reported. In explaining why rates were being kept unchanged, Mr. Powell described the uncertainty faced by Fed policy makers as “unusually elevated.

With overall sentiment sliding due to policy “turmoil,” prices are projected to rise faster than previously expected at least in part, and perhaps largely, because of US President Donald J. Trump’s plans to impose duties on imports from US trading partners, Mr. Powell said after the Fed announced it had held its benchmark overnight rate steady in the 4.25%-4.5% range.

While Fed policy makers still expect the central bank to deliver two quarter-percentage-point rate cuts by the end of this year, matching their projection in December, that is largely due to weakened economic growth offsetting higher inflation, and what Mr. Powell called the “inertia” of not knowing what else to do given the muddled outlook.

“Local markets remain in a wait-and-see mood, looking for further catalysts ahead of the BSP meeting on April 10. The local inflation print which will be released ahead of the BSP meeting could play a pivotal role in the BSP’s decision,” Dino Angelo C. Aquino, vice-president and head of fixed income at Security Bank Corp., said in an e-mail.

“Outside of the Fed, local players remain focused on President Donald J. Trump’s trade war with various countries, which adds uncertainty to local markets,” Mr. Aquino said.

BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. told Bloomberg News last week that the Monetary Board could resume its easing cycle at their April 10 meeting following the surprise pause at their February review, especially if March inflation turns out better than expected.

March inflation data will be released on April 4.

Inflation sharply eased to 2.1% in February, bringing the two-month average to 2.5%. This is well within the central bank’s 2-4% target.

Mr. Remolona added that the BSP could deliver 50 bps in cuts this year, with 75 bps in reductions likely if economic growth weakens further.

Philippine gross domestic product grew by 5.6% in 2024, falling short of the government’s revised 6-6.5% full-year target. 

The BSP has brought down benchmark borrowing costs by a cumulative 75 bps since it began its easing cycle in August last year.

A bond trader said in a Viber message that Mr. Remolona’s dovish comments and the favorable outlook for domestic inflation helped drive GS yield movements last week.

“The belly is relatively steady because of favorable news recently, like the drop in US Treasury yields and the BSP’s views on rates,” the trader said.

For this week, the market will wait for the release of the Bureau of the Treasury’s (BTr) second-quarter borrowing plan for leads, the bond trader said.

“If the concentration is on the long end so that the BTr can extend its maturity profile, then we will just see a steepening of the curve. However, it will be interesting if the BTr will opt to include shorter tenors at bigger volumes to ensure that there is strong demand,” the trader said, adding that about P170 billion worth of government issuances are due to mature in the coming weeks, which could also affect GS rates.

Meanwhile, Mr. Aquino said that the market may track US yield movements this week due to the lack of fresh leads.

“The expected liquidity to be injected in the market on March 28 could also be a catalyst to move local bond yields lower,” he said, referring to the effectivity of the BSP’s reserve requirement ratio cuts, which are estimated to free up about P320 billion in cash. — Pierce Oel A. Montalvo with Reuters

Philippines among supporters of free speech

The Philippines’ level of support for free speech increased in 2024 compared to 2021, according to the latest edition of The Future of Free Speech Index developed by The Future of Free Speech, an independent, nonpartisan think tank based at Vanderbilt University. In a scale of 0-100 points, the country scored 68.6, inching up from 67.6 it logged in 2021. The index seeks to reaffirm freedom of expression as the foundation of free and thriving societies through actionable research, empowering tools, and principled advocacy. Key findings of the report highlighted important challenges and opportunities related to free speech in the 21st century.

Philippines among supporters of free speech

How PSEi member stocks performed — March 21, 2025

Here’s a quick glance at how PSEi stocks fared on Friday, March 21, 2025.

Stocks likely range-bound as market seeks leads

BW FILE PHOTO

PHILIPPINE SHARES may move sideways as the market waits for fresh leads, with bets of further monetary easing here and abroad to lift sentiment.

On Friday, the bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) fell by 0.89% or 56.38 points to end at 6,266.75, while the broader all shares index dropped by 0.48% or 18.20 points to close at 3,727.12.

Week on week, the PSEi dropped by 0.43% or 27.36 points from the 6,294.11 finish on March 14.

“The local bellwether index held steady at its trading range, primarily pushed-and-pulled by interest rate-related headlines,” online brokerage firm 2TradeAsia.com said in a market note.

The US Federal Reserve last week left rates unchanged as expected, but maintained its projection for two quarter-percentage-point rate cuts by the year-end, even as Fed Chair Jerome H. Powell reiterated their cautious stance amid uncertainties stemming from the Trump administration’s policies.

Meanwhile, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. told Bloomberg News last week that the Monetary Board could cut rates at their April 10 policy meeting following the surprise pause at their February review, especially if March inflation turns out better than expected.

Mr. Remolona added that the BSP could deliver 50 basis points (bps) in cuts this year, with 75 bps in reductions likely if economic growth weakens further.

For this week, First Metro Investment Corp. Head of Research Cristina S. Ulang said Philippine shares could be range-bound as investors look for new leads.

“We see the market moving sideways to upward on hopes for another inflation beat in March, raising odds of a 25-bp rate cut next month,” Ms. Ulang said in a Viber message.

“We caution that preemptive pricing regarding April cut can be immature as interim data can still alter the BSP’s stance. Additionally, an early cut will put parity pressure on the peso… Circumstances remain extremely fluid, and extra vigilance is warranted given event risks in early-mid April,” 2TradeAsia.com said.

Investors will continue to monitor comments from Fed and BSP officials on the direction of interest rates moving forward, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said in a Viber message.

The market will also watch out for further policy pronouncements from US President Donald J. Trump, Mr. Ricafort said. He placed the PSEi’s support at 6,000 and minor resistance at 6,275-6,530.

Mr. Trump last week hinted there would be some flexibility regarding tariffs ahead of the reciprocal duties he is expected to impose early next month, Reuters reported.

2TradeAsia.com put the PSEi’s support at 6,000 and resistance at 6,400.

“Increased risk management is key as the market approaches mid-year, knowing rate cuts are mostly backloaded into second half of 2025. Interest rate policy decisions here and abroad are to take center stage…” — R.M.D. Ochave with Reuters

Peso may consolidate vs dollar as markets wait for Trump tariff details

ANGIE REYES-PEXELS

THE PESO may continue consolidating against the dollar this week as the market waits for fresh leads, with the Trump administration’s policies remaining in focus.

On Friday, the local unit closed at P57.33 per dollar, weakening by 10.8 centavos from its P57.222 finish on Thursday, Bankers Association of the Philippines data showed.

Week on week, the peso also went down by 7.9 centavos from its P57.251-per-dollar finish on March 14.

The peso dropped against the greenback on Friday due to risk-off sentiment, a trader said in a phone interview.

“Geopolitical risk and trade war uncertainty supported demand for safe-haven assets,” the trader said.

The local unit weakened as the dollar was generally stronger against Asian currencies on Friday, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said in a Viber message.

The dollar gained ground on Friday after US President Donald J. Trump hinted he would be flexible regarding a new round of tariffs expected to be imposed early next month, Reuters reported.

Even so, lingering economic uncertainties and churning geopolitical tension kept investors cautious.

Chicago Federal Reserve President Austan Goolsbee and New York Fed President John Williams said it would be premature to gauge the economic effects of Mr. Trump’s tariff actions, and the central bank has time to determine the direction of its monetary policy.

A spate of central bank policy meetings held investors’ focus for much of the week, with the Fed, the Bank of Japan and the Bank of England all holding rates steady.

The common theme among monetary policy makers was caution, with most adopting a “wait and see” stance toward Mr. Trump’s tariffs and trade policy, which has fostered what Fed Chair Jerome H. Powell called “unusually elevated” uncertainty.

Investors await clarification on details of Mr. Trump’s reciprocal tariffs expected to take effect on April 2.

Israeli airstrikes on Gaza and a huge blast from a Ukrainian drone attack on a Russian military airfield also dampened risk appetite and raised the appeal of safe-haven assets.

US economic indicators in the coming week will include housing and industrial data. On Thursday, the Commerce department will give its third and final take on fourth-quarter gross domestic product. Its personal consumption expenditures report is due on Friday.

The dollar gained ground against the euro, ending the week higher as the approaching tariff deadline prompted caution.

The dollar index, which measures the greenback against a basket of currencies including the yen and the euro, rose 0.33% to 104.13, with the euro down 0.32% at $1.0816.

Against the Japanese yen, the dollar strengthened 0.37% to 149.33.

US 10-year Treasuries turned higher to snap a four-day streak of declines as investors weighed tariff uncertainties against the probability that the Fed will hold rates steady for the time being.

The yield on benchmark US 10-year notes rose 1.9 basis points to 4.252% from 4.233% late on Thursday.

For this week, the trader said the peso could continue to consolidate against the greenback “as the market awaits clear signals from the Trump administration regarding the trade war and geopolitical risk and the effect of tariffs.”

“The market is directionless amid those issues,” the trader added.

“The Trump administration is preparing to announce a fresh wave of tariffs on April 2, though the exact scope is not clear,” Mr. Ricafort likewise said.

For this week, the trader said the peso could move between P57.10 and P57.50 per dollar, while Mr. Ricafort sees it ranging from P57 to P57.50. — A.M.C. Sy with Reuters

FEU beats UST to share UAAP S87 third spot

FEU LADY TAMARAWS — UAAP/NEO GARCIA

Games on Wednesday
(Filoil EcoOil Centre)
9 a.m. – UP vs NU (men)
11 a.m. – UP vs NU (women)
3 p.m. – UE vs FEU (men)
5 p.m. – UE vs FEU (women)

FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY (FEU) reasserted mastery of University of Santo Tomas (UST), 25-22, 26-24, 17-25, 26-24, to shake up the leaderboard in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Faida Bakanke erupted for 22 points to lead the way for the FEU Lady Tamaraws, who clawed back from a 10-16 deficit in the fourth set to complete another four-setter win over the suddenly skidding UST Golden Tigresses.

FEU, which took a 25-19, 16-25, 25-14, 25-20 win over Santo Tomas in the opener, dragged the latter to a share of third spot with similar 5-3 slates just behind unbeaten champion National University (7-0) and now-second placer De La Salle University (5-2).

Ms. Bakanke drew solid coverage from Gerzel Petallo and Jazlyn Ellarina with 12 points each as Tin Ubaldo provided 22 sets to engineer FEU’s offense. Ms. Petallo added 15 digs.

“I had high expectations from them this game given the bigger responsibility in the second round. We had high expectations given the stakes at positioning so it’s a good start. We look forward to more,” said coach Tina Salak.

FEU did, hacking out gritty wins in the first two sets in thrilling fashions to set the pace in the duel between two of the closest challengers to NU’s reign.

The Lady Tamaraws dropped the third set and were on the verge of allowing a decider only to flip the switch from a six-point deficit. FEU was still trailing 23-24 before firing three straight points — courtesy of veterans Chenie Tagaod, Mitzi Panangin and Jean Asis to seal the win.

Regina Jurado and Maribeth Hilongo scored 20 and 17 points, respectively, while MVP contender Angge Poyos only had 14 in Santo Tomas’ second straight loss after a five-game winning streak at one point.

From cruising to solo second place with a chance to overtake NU in the first round, Santo Tomas now deals with immense pressure from FEU and La Salle for the coveted second seed and a twice-to-beat edge in the Final Four.

In the men’s division, Far Eastern (8-0) extended its unbeaten campaign with a sweep of Santo Tomas (4-4), 26-24, 25-23, 25-19, while La Salle (5-3) stunned four-peat champion NU (6-2), 25-22, 25-27, 25-21, 25-17. — John Bryan Ulanday

Top seeds Zverev, Sabalenka advance at Miami Open

ARYNA SABALENKA — FACEBOOK.COM/MIAMIOPENTENNIS

WORLD NUMBER ONE Aryna Sabalenka reached the last 16 at the Miami Open when Elena-Gabriela Ruse retired injured on Saturday, while men’s top seed Alexander Zverev beat Jacob Fearnley 6-2, 6-4 to reach the third round.

Sabalenka, who arrived in Miami fresh off a defeat in last week’s Indian Wells final, wrapped up the first set 6-1 before Romanian Ruse was forced to retire with a right thigh injury.

Up next for three-times Grand Slam champion Sabalenka will be American defending Miami champion Danielle Collins, who beat Swiss qualifier Rebeka Masarova 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.

Former world number one Naomi Osaka prevailed 7-6(6), 3-6, 6-4 against American wildcard Hailey Baptiste and will play Italian sixth seed Jasmine Paolini, who advanced when Ons Jabeur retired with a left leg injury while trailing 4-3 in the first set.

Osaka, who returned to action in January 2024 after a 15-month break during which she had a baby, said her fitness level is better now than it was in 2021 when she won the most recent of her four Grand Slam titles.

Third seed Coco Gauff also progressed with a 6-2, 6-4 win over Greece’s Maria Sakkari while Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen advanced with a 6-1, 7-6(3) win over Taylor Townsend.

Local hope Ashlyn Krueger stunned 26th seed and former US Open runner-up Leylah Fernandez to set up a meeting with Zheng.

HONG KONG WILDCARD
On the men’s side, Zverev looked comfortable against British qualifier Fearnley as the German mixed a solid serve with dominance from the baseline while saving the only two break points he faced during the 74-minute match.

For Zverev, who lost at the first hurdle in Indian Wells, the win gave him a German record 145th Masters 1000 win, one more than Tommy Haas. He now faces Australia’s Jordan Thompson.

Indian Wells champion Jack Draper crashed out 7-6(2), 7-6(3) to Czech Jakub Mensik.

The match was temporarily suspended when a large crowd of Brazilian spectators, who were waiting to watch Joao Fonseca’s clash with Ugo Humbert due next at the same venue, expressed their anger when that match was shifted to the main stadium.

The fans, some of whom had waited for hours at Grandstand, booed as they left the venue, but were delighted when Fonseca later got past Humbert 6-4, 6-3.

“I really liked the decision, because I already played my first round there, so I knew how the court was, the atmosphere,” said the 18-year-old Fonseca.

Reilly Opelka rallied to beat Danish 11th seed Holger Rune 4-6, 6-3, 7-6(5) and with Draper, Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev all losing this week there are no Indian Wells semifinalists left in the men’s draw at Miami.

Hong Kong wildcard Coleman Wong stunned 13th seed Ben Shelton 7-6(3), 2-6, 7-6(5) to advance, while Canada’s Denis Shapovalov and American third seed Taylor Fritz also won and will meet in the third round. — Reuters

Yulo, Petecio, and Villegas get their house and lot in Tagaytay

THE Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) officially on Sunday turned over the house and lot in Tagaytay to Paris Olympics gymnastics double-gold medalist Carlos Yulo and boxing bronze winners Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas for their feats in the French capital.

“Grateful and feeling blessed for the house and lot and I’m also thankful to the POC for helping us in our Olympic preparation in Paris,” said Mr. Yulo during the house blessing that was also attended by Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham Tolentino.

“Thank you also to sir Bambol (Tolentino) for continuously keeping us Filipino athletes to stay inspired and motivated,” he added.

Mr. Tolentino, for his part, it’s all about the athletes.

“This is for the Filipino athletes, not for us, but for them who sacrificed for our nation,” said the Tagaytay mayor and PhilCycling chief.

The Tagaytay bonus was just one of the rewards received by Mr. Yulo after he also received at least P100 million worth of incentives that included a condominium at a posh place in Taguig for his floor exercise and vault gold in Paris.

Like Mr. Yulo, Mses. Petecio and Villegas also received a two-story, 180 to 200-meter square unit each.

In the middle of these units by the three are two available slots, which will be reserved for future 2028 Los Angeles (LA) Games medalists.

It will be the second unit for Ms. Petecio after she also got one nearby for her Tokyo Olympics silver four years ago.

“I will be living here in this house with my brother and family and I will rent out the first house,” said Ms. Petecio.

Ms. Petecio said she is going for a third medal in LA, hopefully a gold.

“I hope to qualify to LA and get the gold since I already had silver and bronze,” she added. — Joey Villar

Knicks get back to winning, overwhelming Wizards

KARL-ANTHONY TOWNS collected 31 points and 11 rebounds Saturday night, helping the New York Knicks post a 122-103 win over the visiting Washington Wizards.

Mikal Bridges added 27 points while OG Anunoby had 23 for the Knicks (44-26), which snapped a two-game losing streak. Cameron Payne tallied 13 points, while Josh Hart had nine points and 12 rebounds.

Jordan Poole had 25 points for the Wizards (15-55), who dropped their fourth in a row. Marcus Smart scored 17 and Kyshawn George finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

Holding a 25-point halftime lead, the Knicks’ commanding advantage ballooned to 31 after Towns opened the third quarter with four straight free throws and Hart’s dunk extended the lead to 72-41 with just over a minute gone.

Later trailing by 31, Washington answered with an 11-0 run — including AJ Johnson’s two triples and Poole’s 3-pointer.

Smart’s trey closed out the quarter’s scoring, cutting the Knicks’ lead to 92-76 entering the fourth.

Washington’s run continued into the final quarter, with another Smart 3-pointer stamping a 12-0 Wizards’ spurt to pull within four.

Anunoby’s pair of layups and Hart’s basket later capped the Knicks’ 15-2 run, extending the lead to 107-90 with 5:23 left. The lead was again pushed to 17 on Towns’ 3-pointer with 3:46 remaining.

After Payne’s 10 first-quarter points helped New York to a 31-21 lead entering the second, Bub Carrington’s layup pulled Washington within eight at the 9:22 mark. From there, New York’s three-point barrage consumed the Wizards, as Anunoby’s consecutive triples and Bridges’ three straight treys gave the Knicks a 48-26 lead almost midway through the second quarter. — Reuters

Contenders or paper tigers

The Lakers paraded a relatively healthy lineup against the Bulls on Sunday, a veritable luxury given their frequent bouts with injury throughout their 2024-25 campaign. Including the monumental trade that saw them acquiring Luke Dončić and letting go of Anthony Davis, the roster instability has had them practically adjusting on the fly in every outing. Given the extent of the scrambling they have had to do, it’s a wonder they headed into the homestand with a respectable slate in the extremely competitive Western Conference.

All the same, the Lakers fully expected a win at Crypto.com Arena. After all, they were playing hosts against the lowly Bulls, embarrassed owners of 40 losses with a full three-fifths by double figures. Instead, they wound up being chased off the floor in grand fashion. And so badly did they perform that head coach JJ Redick felt compelled to empty his bench with half the fourth quarter still to be negotiated. Never mind that a 20-point deficit remained surmountable considering the pace and invariable reliance on the three in the modern game.

Clearly, Redick had seen enough to conclude that the Lakers were out of it, literally and figuratively. They had already coughed up a whopping 21 turnovers by then, with a fair number of the sloppy variety. And their evident lack of focus and effort was even worse on the other end of the court. Time and time again, the Bulls either wound up with open tries from beyond the arc or glaring mismatches in the paint. The scrambling defense that became their calling card since the turn of the year was all but nonexistent.

Perhaps the Lakers simply caught a perfect storm, needing to get returning cogs LeBron James and Rui Hachimura to fit in as part of an increasingly heliocentric offense with Dončić at the helm. Not coincidentally, the latter was nothing short of spectacular at the start of the set-to, but seemed to get relegated to the background in the second half. Needless to say, they will have their work cut out for them as they navigate the remainder of the regular season.

If there’s any consolation, it’s that Redick and lead assistants Nate McMillan and Scott Brooks have seen enough success to plot a winning formula to go deep in the playoffs. Until then, though, they need to find the right balance between aiming for short-term gains and ensuring longer-term cohesiveness. Else, they run the risk of falling woefully short of potential. Are they bona fide contenders? Or are they paper tigers? The next three weeks figure to provide the answer.

 

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.

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