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Vehicle sales flat in October despite rising EV demand

Vehicles are stuck in traffic during rush hour in Pasay City. — PHILIPPINE STAR/ RYAN BALDEMOR

By Justine Irish D. Tabile, Reporter

VEHICLE SALES hit just over 40,000 in October, as rising demand for electric vehicles (EVs) failed to offset the decline in passenger car sales, an industry report showed.

A joint report by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) showed new vehicle sales inched up by 0.03% or 11 units to 40,014 in October from 40,003 units in the same month a year ago.

Month on month, vehicle sales went up by 5.2% from 38,029 units sold in September.

Auto sales hit 40,014 units in October

Passenger car sales declined by 18.8% to 8,155 units in October from 10,044 units sold in the same month in 2024. Month on month, passenger car sales edged up by 2.6%.

Meanwhile, sales of commercial vehicles, which accounted for 79.62% of October sales, rose by 6.3% to 31,859 units from 29,959 units a year ago.

Month on month, commercial vehicle sales increased by 5.9%.

Under the commercial vehicle segment, light commercial vehicle sales grew by 3% to 22,471 units, while Asian utility vehicles (AUV) rose by 17.2% to 8,309. On a monthly basis, sales of light commercial vehicles and AUVs climbed by 6.5% and 4.6%, respectively.

Sales of medium-duty trucks and buses declined by an annual 6.4% to 352 in October, while light- and heavy-duty vehicles grew by 6.4% and 10%, respectively, to 661 and 66 units.

Compared with September, light-duty truck sales increased by 12.2%, while medium- and heavy-duty truck sales fell by 5.1% and 4.3%, respectively.

Toby Allan C. Arce, head of sales trading at Globalinks Securities and Stocks, Inc., said that auto industry sales are being impacted by elevated interest rates and shifting consumer preferences.

“This stagnation is largely attributable to the continued slump in passenger car sales — a sharp contraction that reflects weakening demand for sedans and hatchbacks amid high interest rates earlier in the year and a clear consumer preference shift toward crossovers, sport utility vehicles, and commercial vehicles,” he said in a Viber message.

For the January-to-October period, new vehicle sales slipped by 0.2% to 383,424 from 384,310 units a year ago.

Passenger car sales fell by 23.2% to 77,461 in the first 10 months from 100,809 in the same period last year.

On the other hand, sales of commercial vehicles went up by 7.9% to 305,963 units from 283,501 a year ago.

In the first 10 months, the industry has already achieved 76.68% of its 500,000 sales target for the year.

BRIGHT SPOT
Meanwhile, electric vehicles remained a bright spot for the industry.

In October, EV sales jumped by 62% to 3,603 units from 2,223 units in September. This accounted for 9% of the total market.

Sales of hybrid EVs (HEV) surged by 73.9% to 3,044 units in October from 1,750 HEVs sold in September.

Sales of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) soared by 192.6% to 275 units in October from 94 in September, while sales of battery electric vehicles (BEV) declined by 25% to 284 units from 379 units in September.

For the first 10 months, EV sales stood at 24,265 units, accounting for 6.33% of the industry’s sales.

Broken down, 19,379 units of hybrid electric vehicles had been sold as of end-October, followed by 3,941 BEVs and 945 PHEVs.

“Aggressive discounting from Japanese and Chinese brands, expanding inventories of hybrid and fuel-efficient models, and strong fleet demand from ride-hailing, delivery, and provincial transport cooperatives are poised to lift overall sales,” said Mr. Arce.

He said new model launches are expected to further stimulate showroom activity.

For this year, CAMPI expects EVs to account for 4% of the total industry sales.

TOYOTA IN THE LEAD
Meanwhile, Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. remained the market leader, with sales of 185,201 units in the January-to-October period, up 3.8% from 178,421 units a year ago. It accounted for 48.3% of the market.

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. ranked second with a market share of 18.97% after sales dipped by 0.9% to 72,734 units in the first 10 months.

In third spot was Ford Motor Co. Phils., Inc., whose sales dropped by 20.7% to 18,631 for a market share of 4.86%.

Rounding out the top five were Suzuki Phils., Inc., which saw a 9.1% increase in sales to 18,295, and Nissan Philippines, Inc., which saw a 18.7% decrease in sales to 18,125 units.

Mr. Arce said that he expects car sales to recover in November and December.

“The final two months of the year historically deliver some of the strongest sales as brands push year-end promotions, banks ease auto loan requirements, and consumers take advantage of holiday bonuses,” he said.

Mr. Arce said recent rate cuts by the central bank will help lower financing costs, which should help revive big-ticket spending, particularly for passenger cars.

“While passenger car sales may not fully rebound before year-end, the broader industry appears well-positioned for a stronger close to 2025 as consumer confidence firms and financing conditions ease,” he added.

Philippines is one of the most hybrid-work friendly markets in Asia-Pacific

A view of the central business district of Makati City on Thursday, July 10. — PHILIPPINE STAR/ RYAN BALDEMOR

THE PHILIPPINE office sector is one of most hybrid work-friendly markets in the Asia-Pacific region, but some firms still face sustainability challenges, according to property consultancy firm Colliers Philippines.

In a survey conducted under its 2026 Asia Pacific Workplace Insights Report, Colliers said that 82% of Philippine organizations are adopting hybrid work models, with 32% looking to invest in workplace upgrades next year.

“Occupiers in the Philippines are moving beyond cost-efficiency to create workplaces that inspire, connect, and deliver lasting value,” Kevin Jara, head and director of office services — tenant representation at Colliers Philippines, said in a statement.

However, 26% of respondents from the Philippines said they are unsure about their sustainability approach, Colliers noted, citing the need for clearer strategies and landlord collaboration.

“While ESG (environmental, social, and governance) priorities remain a work in progress, today’s momentum signals meaningful progress. Indeed, the role of the workplace has evolved from a functional necessity to a strategic driver of culture, collaboration, and productivity,” Mr. Jara said.

Firms that align ESG principles with their workplace strategy could help boost company branding, Colliers said.

Key sustainability practices that offices should adopt include green building design, inclusive layouts, and transparency, it added.

Despite the growing shift to hybrid work, many organizations in the Philippines, Australia, Japan, Singapore, and New Zealand are still enforcing attendance mandates, Colliers noted.

“Attendance mandates remain common, highlighting the region’s ‘hybrid paradox,’ where flexibility exists on paper but traditional structures persist,” Colliers said.

It also noted that assigned seating is still prevalent in many Philippine workplaces, signaling limited agility in office setups.

“Even in flexible offices, early arrivals often claim the same seat. At the same time, some senior leaders are growing quite resistant to hybrid, implying concerns about productivity, collaboration, and culture,” Chris Archibold, Colliers managing director for Offices in Southeast Asia, said in the report.

“Hybrid isn’t a quick fix, it requires clarity, honesty and a deep understanding, of what works for your people, your business, and your market,” he added.

The report also noted that 43% Philippine organizations have already integrated multi-generational needs into their workplace strategies.

“Overall, the Philippines shows strong progress in hybrid adoption and inclusivity, coupled with planned investments. Closing gaps in sustainability and aligning flexibility with culture will be critical for Philippine-based organizations who seek to attract talent and drive long-term performance,” Colliers said.

Across the Asia-Pacific, companies’ work strategies focus on improving productivity (9.43%), talent attraction/retention (8.85%), improving employee experience or well-being (8.48%), and better location (8.11%).

About 74% of firms in the region said that their offices are at least half full on a typical work day, while 45% said their midweek occupancy exceeds 75%, Colliers said. 

For design preferences, Asia-Pacific respondents also noted that they prefer workplaces with natural lighting (17%), biophilic features and green walls (15%), ambient temperature (14%), and more collaboration spaces (13%).

About 20% of the region’s firms use artificial intelligence (AI)-driven tools to enhance employee experience, while 20% have no AI integration plans, Colliers said.

“AI has the potential to make workplaces more responsive, adjusting layouts in real-time, tailoring sensory inputs and tracking usage to better align with how people work,” it said in the report.

Colliers surveyed more than 800 corporate occupiers across 11 Asia-Pacific markets, including the Philippines, China, Australia, India, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and South Korea. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

Prime Infra completes P50-B gas asset acquisition from First Gen

FIRST GEN CORP.

RAZON-LED Prime Infrastructure Capital, Inc. (Prime Infra) has completed its acquisition of First Gen Corp.’s gas assets in Batangas City for P50 billion.

Prime Infra has completed the financial close for its acquisition of a 60% stake in the 1,000-megawatt (MW) Santa Rita Power Plant, the 500-MW San Lorenzo Power Plant, the 450-MW San Gabriel Power Plant, the 97-MW Avion Plant, and the proposed 1,200-MW Santa Maria Power Plant, the company said in a statement on Monday.

The Lopez-led energy company will retain 40% ownership of these gas assets, it said.

With this development, Prime Infra now holds a 60% stake in the offshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals, while First Gen and Japan’s Tokyo Gas each retain a 20% share.

“These gas-fired power plants have played a critical role in supporting the Philippine economy and advancing the decarbonization of our energy mix. Our goal is to continue growing this platform together with First Gen to accelerate the country’s transition away from a power system that is still coal-dependent,” Prime Infra President and Chief Executive Officer Guillaume Lucci said.

Prime Infra described the transaction as a strategic partnership that will help support the country’s energy security and sustainable energy growth.

“With this transaction, our Prime Infra assets are now fully connected across the energy value chain, from upstream to midstream to downstream,” Mr. Lucci added.

For First Gen, its partnership with Prime Infra will bolster its strategy to introduce more renewable energy capacity into the country’s power supply.

“First Gen’s partnership with Prime Infra will strengthen the country’s energy security and enable us to introduce more renewable energy into our country’s power supply. The synergies created by this partnership will improve shareholder value over the long term and decisively address the country’s growing demand for clean, reliable, and affordable energy,” First Gen Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Federico R. Lopez said in a statement.

At the local bourse on Monday, shares in First Gen closed four centavos, or 0.26%, higher at P15.16 apiece. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

Villar Land appraiser loses SEC accreditation over P1.33-T valuation

SEC.GOV.PH

THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has revoked the accreditation of Villar Land Holdings Corp.’s appraiser, E-Value Phils, Inc., for failing to justify its P1.33-trillion valuation of the listed company’s properties.

The SEC Office of the General Accountant (OGA) also imposed a maximum penalty of P1 million for violating Republic Act No. 8799, or the Securities Regulation Code (SRC), and SEC Memorandum Circular No. 2, Series of 2014 (MC 2), or the Guidelines on Asset Valuations, the regulator said in a statement on Monday.

In a separate letter, the OGA directed Villar Land subsidiaries Althorp Land Holdings, Inc., Chalgrove Properties, Inc., and Los Valores Corp. to submit new appraisal reports after finding that the reports submitted by E-Value were unreliable and noncompliant with the International Valuation Standards (IVS).

The OGA also conducted an onsite inspection following the valuation of properties of three companies under the Villar Land group.

“Findings during the inspection revealed that the appraisal reports by E-Value were non-compliant with the globally recognized IVS. This constitutes misrepresentation under MC 2, which is in turn a violation of the SRC,” the SEC said.

According to MC 2, misrepresentation arises “when the report indicates compliance with the standards but is not supported by adequate documents or the supporting documents reflect otherwise.”

The SEC also noted that E-Value violated Section 54 of the SRC, “which provides for the administrative sanctions that may be imposed on companies for violation of the law and its rules or orders.”

“It is evident that [E-Value] failed to uphold the fundamental principles of independence, professional competence, and objectivity required under the [IVS] and the Code of Ethics and Responsibilities for Real Estate Practitioners,” the OGA’s letter said.

The OGA further noted that E-Value was unable to provide documents that served as the basis for its assumptions and valuation methodologies that led to the P1.33-trillion increase in Villar Land’s property valuations.

“The gravity of the misrepresentation was further underscored by the fact that Villar Land is a publicly listed company and such information was used by investors to guide their investment decisions,” it added.

“[T]he subject appraisal values were likewise adopted in the preparation and submission of the audited financial statements of VLHC’s subsidiaries, thereby extending the potential effect of the misstated valuations across the corporate group and compounding the risk of misleading the investing public,” the letter said.

In its 2024 annual report posted on the Philippine Stock Exchange website last week, Villar Land set the final audited fair value of its newly acquired properties at P52.74 billion, sharply lower than the earlier estimate of P1.33 trillion.

Villar Land shares on Monday were down 29.93% or P337 to close at P789 apiece. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

Ayala group eyes co-investments in Thailand with CP AXTRA

IN PHOTO: [L-R] (Standing) Department of Information and Communications Undersecretary Faye Condez de Sagon; Bran Ferrer Reluao, special envoy of the president to the Kingdom of Thailand; Thai Ambassador to the Philippines Makawadee Sumitmor; and Department of Trade and Industry Director Lilian G. Salonga. (Seated) Ayala Corp. Head of Corporate Strategy and Business Development Mark Uy; Ayala Corp. Executive Director and ACMobility CEO Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala; Ayala Corp. Chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala; CP AXTRA Group Chief Wholesale Business Officer Tanit Chearavanont; and CP AXTRA Chief Strategy and Planning Officer Shaun Wong.

ACX HOLDINGS CORP., the retail arm of Ayala Corp., has expanded its partnership with Thailand’s CP AXTRA Public Co. Ltd. to develop new businesses and explore co-investment opportunities in Thailand and the Philippines.

The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding on Nov. 13 to strengthen collaboration across retail, wholesale, e-commerce, and mall development, the Ayala group said in a statement on Monday.

“This partnership with CP Group allows us to put into action our strategy of offering Filipinos more choices by bringing the best of the world to the Philippines, while at the same time bringing the best of the Philippines to the world,” said Mark Robert H. Uy, Ayala Corp.’s head of corporate strategy and business development.

CP AXTRA Group Chief Wholesale Business Officer Tanit Chearavanont added: “Together, we aim to explore potential investments and joint developments in CP AXTRA’s affiliates and enhance management support for key projects in Thailand.”

The Ayala group also noted that the expanded partnership “marks ACX’s deepening engagement in the consumer sector in the Philippines and potential foray into the Thai market.”

Ayala Corp. first announced the return of Makro in September through the ACX-CP AXTRA partnership.

Makro, a Dutch international brand, originally entered the Philippine market in 1996 through a joint venture among SHV Holdings N.V., Ayala Corp., and Sy-led SM Investments Corp. SHV later divested its Asian Makro operations, which are now operated by CP AXTRA.

Ayala Corp., one of the country’s largest conglomerates, has interests in real estate, banking, telecommunications, renewable energy, healthcare, mobility, and logistics.

The company posted a 96.16% increase in its third-quarter attributable net income to P22.91 billion from P11.68 billion a year ago.

Shares of Ayala Corp. on Monday were up by 3.73% or P15 to close at P417 per share. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

SM Prime raises P17B from retail bond offering

SM CITY FAIRVIEW’S ROOFTOP solar photovoltaic system. — SMPRIME.COM

SY-LED property developer SM Prime Holdings, Inc. has raised P17 billion from the issuance of fixed-rate retail bonds, which will finance the redevelopment and construction of its flagship malls.

The offering consists of P12 billion in fixed-rate retail bonds, with an oversubscription option of up to P5 billion, and was listed on the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. (PDEx), the company said in a regulatory filing on Monday.

The issuance represents the third tranche of SM Prime’s P100-billion shelf registration of fixed-rate bonds, which was approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) last year.

The bonds will carry interest rates of 5.9096% for Series AB maturing in 2030, 6.0858% for Series AC due in 2032, and 6.2855% for Series AD due in 2035.

Philippine Rating Services Corp. (PhilRatings) assigned the bonds its highest rating of PRS Aaa, with a “stable” outlook.

A PRS Aaa rating means that such obligations are of the highest quality with minimal credit risk, indicating that the company’s ability to meet its financial commitments is “extremely strong.”

“The success of this bond offering is a testament to the financial strength of SM Prime. The exercise also ensures the company has a balance sheet that can support its continued profitability and growth,” China Bank Capital Corp. Managing Director Juan Paolo E. Colet said in a Viber message.

SM Prime earlier said that proceeds from the issuance would be used to finance 16 major redevelopment projects and 12 new lifestyle malls scheduled through 2030, as well as the openings of its new malls in Xiamen and Fujian, China.

The developer’s latest bond issuance follows its $350-million debut issuance of a US dollar-denominated debt offering, after it deferred its planned $1-billion real estate investment trust listing until after 2026 amid market challenges.

SM Prime posted an 8% increase in third-quarter (Q3) net income to P12.8 billion, driven by contributions from its mall, hotel, and convention center businesses.

At the local bourse on Monday, SM Prime shares were up 7.63%, or P1.45, to close at P20.45 per share. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

SB19, BINI win big at Awit Awards

WHILE Ben&Ben won this year’s top prize, Album of the Year for The Traveller Across Dimensions, at the 38th Awit Awards, it was the P-pop groups SB19 and BINI who took home the most awards. Hosted by MQuest Ventures through TV5’s music program Vibe, the awards ceremony was held on Nov. 16 at the Meralco Theater, Pasig City.

Boy group SB19’s collaboration with Gloc-9, “Kalakal,” won Music Video of the Year. It also won Best Rap/Hip-hop Recording and Best Cover Art. For the song “Moonlight” with Ian Asher and Terry Zhong, SB19 earned the Best Global Collaboration Recording nod. Individual members also clinched awards — like Favorite New Solo Artist for Stell and Favorite Solo Artist for Felip.

Meanwhile, girl group BINI won Favorite Group Artist and Most Streamed Artist of the Year. They also took home Favorite Album of the Year for Talaarawan and Best Dance/Electronic Recording for “Salamin, Salamin.” Their fans, called BLOOMS, received the Vibe Stan Award.

Aside from Album of the Year, Ben&Ben also took the prize for Best Performance by a Group for “Triumph.”

Lola Amour took Record of the Year and Best Alternative Recording for their hit “Namimiss Ko Na.”

Singer-songwriter Juan Karlos snagged Best Regional Recording for “Kasing Kasing” with Kyle Echarri, as well as Best Ballad Recording for “Medyo Ako” with Moira.

The Awit Awards are given annually by the Philippine Association of the Record Industry to recognize outstanding achievements in the music industry. — Brontë H. Lacsamana

And the winner is…

The complete list of winners at the 38th Awit Awards.

Album of the Year – Ben&Ben, The Traveller Across Dimensions

Song of the Year – Cup of Joe, “Misteryoso”

Record of the Year – Lola Amour, “Namimiss Ko Na”

Best Performance by a Solo Artist – iLA, “Di Maipagkakaila”

Best Collaboration Performance – Dionela and Jay-R, “Sining”

Best Performance by a Group – Ben&Ben, “Triumph”

Best Performance by a New Group – 12th Street, “Walang Humpay”

Best Global Collaboration Recording – SB19, Ian Asher, Terry Zhong, “Moonlight”

Best Ballad Recording – Moira, Juan Karlos, “Medyo Ako”

Best Pop Recording – Maki, “Dilaw”

Best Rock Recording – Fast Pitch, “The Risk”

Best Alternative Recording – Lola Amour, “Namimiss Ko Na”

Best Musical Arrangement – Khalil Refuerzo, “Umaycan”

Best Vocal Arrangement – Luke Isnani, Felip Suson, “ache”

Best Engineered Recording – Arthur Nery, Axel Fernandez, “Segundo, Siguro”

Best World Music Recording – Overheat, Camsur Made, “Sarung Banggi”

Best Novelty Recording – Introvert Fiesta ft. AJi, “Atras Abante”

Best Dance/Electronic Recording – BINI, “Salamin, Salamin”

Best Inspirational Recording – December Avenue, “Face of God”

Best Christmas Recording – Debonair District, “Paskong Mag-Isa”

Best Rap/HipHop Recording – SB19, Gloc-9, “Kalakal”

Best Jazz Recording – Debonair District, “Careless Fools”; Alvin Cornista, “Remedios Circle”

Best R&B Recording – Jay-R, Dionela, “Sining”

Best Regional Recording – Juan Karlos, Kyle Echarri, “Kasing Kasing”; Noel Cabangon, “Umaycan”

Best Cover Art – SB19, Gloc-9, “Kalakal”

Best Music Video – SB19, Gloc-9, “Kalakal”

Best Recording by a Child or for Children – Ateneo Boys Choir, “Nasa Palad Mo”

Most Streamed Artist – BINI

People’s Voice Breakthrough Artist – Stell of SB19

People’s Voice Favorite Album – BINI, Talaarawan

People’s Voice Favorite Group Artist – BINI

Dangal ng Musikang Pilipino – Ely Buendia

MPIC income rises to P23.6B on power, water and hospital gains

MPIC CHAIRMAN, President, and Chief Executive Officer Manuel V. Pangilinan — BW FILE PHOTO

PANGILINAN-LED Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) reported a 14% increase in consolidated core net income to P23.6 billion for the first nine months, driven by stronger performance across its portfolio.

“Our performance in the first nine months of the year underscores the resilience of our core businesses. Power and Water continued to post strong results, while Toll Roads managed near-term challenges stemming from higher financing costs and are expected to regain momentum as the newer roads mature,” MPIC Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer Manuel V. Pangilinan said in a statement on Monday.

Operational contribution rose 12% to P27.2 billion, led by growth in Meralco’s power generation, higher tariffs at Maynilad, and increased patient numbers in the Metro Pacific Hospitals network.

“The listing of Maynilad presents an opportunity to unlock greater value and reinvest in improving water supply and access,” Mr. Pangilinan added. Maynilad became the second and last company to list on the Philippine Stock Exchange this year and the largest since Monde Nissin Corp.’s P48.6-billion offering in 2021.

Among MPIC’s core businesses, power accounted for P17.6 billion, or 65% of Net Operating Income (NOI), followed by water and toll roads with P5.8 billion and P4.4 billion, respectively.

Reported income grew 7%, slower than core net income, as last year included a one-time gain from a subsidiary.

Meralco’s revenue rose 5% from higher pass-through charges, retail electricity sales, and improved power generation, while its core net income increased 14% to P40 billion.

Maynilad’s revenue climbed 10% to P27.7 billion after an 8% tariff increase, with core net income up 18% to P11.4 billion, supported by higher revenues and better cost control. Non-revenue water improved to 32.8%, recovering about 231 million liters daily through intensified leak repairs and advanced detection methods.

Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation’s revenues grew 17% to P27 billion due to toll hikes and higher traffic, while core net income fell 2% to P4.8 billion due to higher financing costs from the JTT acquisition and the end of interest capitalization. Reported net income declined 7% to P4.5 billion following last year’s reversal of contingent considerations.

“MPIC remains committed to creating long-term value across our portfolio — particularly in areas critical to national progress such as energy, water, and food security,” Mr. Pangilinan said.

MPIC is one of three key Philippine units of Hong Kong-based First Pacific Co. Ltd., alongside Philex Mining Corp. and PLDT Inc. Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., holds a majority stake in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Alexandria Grace C. Magno

7 albums to listen to during a breakup — from Lily Allen to Marvin Gaye

LILY ALLEN’S bombshell new album, West-End Girl, has caused a sensation for its depiction of a marriage torn apart. Though the singer has described it as a blend of fact and fiction, fans have taken it to be an account of her breakup with Stranger Things actor David Harbour.

West-End Girl is a vulnerable account of divorce, with accusations of infidelity and betrayal. The album feels confessional, with lyrical details such as the retelling of personal phone calls and private messages. This is likely why it has received such admiration — it gives space for the listener to relate it to their own breakups.

Heartbreak has inspired countless artists to channel their emotions into their creative outlets. Here are six that stand out.

Rumours by Fleetwood Mac (1977)

Rumours is perhaps the most famous breakup album, not least because the breakups were occurring within the band itself. At the time of recording, drummer Mick Fleetwood had discovered his wife’s affair and bass player John McVie and singer/keyboardist Christine McVie were going through a divorce after eight years of marriage.

Most notably, the songs “Dreams,” “Go Your Own Way,” and the B-side “Silver Springs” detail the relationship breakdown between front-woman Stevie Nicks and guitarist Lindsey Buckingham. All these personal tensions created one of the bestselling albums of all time.

Rumours is a great listen for anyone going through a breakup and wanting to feel hopeful for the future.

Best lyric (“Dreams”):

But listen carefully to the sound of your loneliness / Like a heartbeat drives you mad in the stillness of remembering what you had and what you lost.

21 by Adele (2011)

Adele’s second studio album, 21, is a heart-wrenching tale of a painful breakup. It so resonated with listeners that it became the longest-running number one album by a female solo artist in the US and UK charts.

The album explores the juxtaposed emotions of anger and sadness that come with the ending of a significant relationship, particularly a first love. It concludes with the cathartic ballad “Someone Like You,” which presents Adele coming to terms with her ex finding new love and having the optimism to move on too. It’s the perfect breakup album for listeners who want to let their feelings out and bring all of their emotions to the surface.

Best lyric (“Rolling in the Deep”):

The scars of your love remind me of us / They keep me thinking that we almost had it all.

Here, My Dear by Marvin Gaye (1978)

Described by critics as an “ode to divorce,”  Here, My Dear was created as part of Gaye’s alimony and child support negotiations during his divorce from his wife, Anna.

Gaye had intended for this album to be simple and quick, but it turned into his first double-album once he had found passion in writing about his relationship and its end. Here, My Dear is painful and at times petty, dedicating the album to Anna in the first line of the title track and ending with the song “Falling In Love Again,” to celebrate falling in love with someone new. The album is a great listen for those who are still trying to find closure.

Best lyric (“When Did You Stop Loving Me, When Did I Stop Loving You”):

Memories of the things we did / Some we’re proud of / Some we hid / So when two people have to part — sometimes it makes them stronger.

Back To Black by Amy Winehouse (2006)

The songs featured on Back to Black detail Winehouse’s tumultuous relationship with long-term partner Blake Fielder-Civil and explore themes of grief and forgiveness.

Back to Black is a complicated reflection on breakups. Its lyrics describe turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms and returning to old flames. The ballad “Love is a Losing Game” details the loneliness that comes from losing love, paired with the acceptance that a relationship is truly over.

This album gives a refreshingly human portrayal of breakups and has been praised as one of the most influential albums of the 21st century. Back to Black is a great choice for anyone not wanting to feel alone in their emotions after a breakup.

Best lyric (“Wake Up Alone”):

He’s fierce in my dreams seizes my guts / He floods me with dread / Soaked in soul / He swims in my eyes by the bed / Pour myself over him / Moon spilling in / And I wake up alone.

IGOR by Tyler, the Creator (2019)

Many of Tyler, the Creator’s songs point to themes of unrequited love, but it underpins the entirety of his album IGOR. Lyrics throughout imply hurt and lost love in different kinds of relationships, not just romantic.

The song “ARE WE STILL FRIENDS?” points to not wanting to lose a friend, potentially after expressing loving feelings for them. IGOR perfectly captures the pain of confusing breakups, where there are still things left unsaid and questions that need answers. IGOR is a top choice for anyone going through a complicated relationship ending, perhaps with a close friend or family member.

Best lyric (“GONE GONE/THANK YOU”):

You never lived in your truth / I’m just happy I lived in it / But I finally found peace, so peace.

For Emma, Forever Ago by Bon Iver (2007)

For Emma, Forever Ago was the first album Justin Vernon released under his moniker Bon Iver. It’s a beautifully melancholy take on loss and heartbreak. The album was composed after Vernon had experienced a difficult year, which included a relationship breakup and being asked to leave his previous band.

The songs on Emma, Forever Ago are emotionally haunting, and its candid storytelling makes listeners feel that they are mourning a loss alongside Vernon. The lyrical transparency on tracks such as “Blindsided” expresses the sorrow of having a long-term relationship fall apart and the pain of wondering what went wrong.

This album is for anyone wanting to process the grief and sadness of losing someone they wanted to spend forever with.

Best lyric (“The Wolves Act I & II”):

And the story’s all over you / In the morning, I’ll call you / Can’t you find a clue / When your eyes are all painted Sinatra blue? — The Conversation via Reuters Connect

 

Charlotte Curran is a PhD researcher in applied ethics and moral philosophy at the University of Leeds.

Alternergy unit to take over 80-MW Cebu wind project

STOCK PHOTO | Image by Rawpixel.Com from Freepik

ALTERNERGY Holdings Corp., through its wind subsidiary, is acquiring a majority stake in the developer of the 80-megawatt (MW) Alegria Cebu Wind Project, marking its entry into the Visayas renewable energy market.

In a stock exchange disclosure on Monday, Alternergy said its wholly owned unit, Alternergy Wind Holdings Corp. (AWHC), is set to acquire a 95% equity stake in MC Project Solutions, Inc. (MCPSI), which is developing the Alegria Cebu Wind Project.

“The acquisition by AWHC marks a significant step in expanding Alternergy’s renewable energy portfolio into the Visayas Grid,” the company said.

The listed renewable energy developer said the Alegria Cebu Wind Project was one of the winning bids in the Department of Energy’s (DoE) fourth green energy auction last September.

GEA-4 projects cover technologies such as ground-mounted, roof-mounted, and floating solar; onshore wind; and integrated renewable energy and energy storage system (IRESS).

The GEA program aims to build up renewables as a primary source of energy. The supply contract for winning renewable energy projects will run for 20 years from the start of commercial operations.

Alternergy said the Alegria Cebu Wind Project is in the pre-development stage and has a committed delivery date in 2028.

“We are excited to develop our first wind project in Cebu which marks a significant step in expanding our renewable energy portfolio into the Visayas grid,” Alternergy President Gerry P. Magbanua said.

Alternergy added that the acquisition advances its goal of reaching about 1 gigawatt of renewable energy capacity by 2030.

At the local bourse on Monday, shares in Alternergy gained six centavos, or 7.41%, to end at 87 centavos apiece. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

Del Monte Pacific profit soars on strong sales in PHL, int’l markets

Bugo cannery workers in Cagayan de Oro — DELMONTEPACIFIC.COM

DEL MONTE PACIFIC Ltd. (DELM) said its net profit for the second quarter of fiscal year 2026 surged nearly seven-fold to $16.8 million from $2.3 million a year ago.

In a press release on Monday, the food and beverage producer said net profit for the first half of fiscal year 2026 also climbed to $22.3 million from $2.7 million last year, backed by stronger sales and expanded margins.

Sales in the same period rose 11% to $438.6 million, driven by a 16% increase in fresh pineapple sales and 10% growth in the Philippines.

“Sales in the Philippines in the second quarter rose 9% in peso terms to $121.7 million on higher volume and better pricing,” the company said.

Growth in Philippine sales was driven by strong demand for packaged pineapple and the expanded, year-round use of mixed fruits. Nutrition-focused initiatives promoting pineapple as a daily superfruit helped increase consumer preference for natural, immunity-boosting options, it noted.

International sales increased 7% to $90.6 million, driven by higher volumes of fresh pineapple, NFC juice, and frozen pineapple.

According to the company, the fresh fruit segment led this growth, expanding 23% due to continued strong sales of the Deluxe variety and better pricing. NFC juice sales rose 49%, mainly from increased demand in China and Europe, while frozen pineapple sales increased 21% on the back of a favorable product mix and firm pricing.

The Group introduced the Del Monte Halo-Halo Mix in Australia last September.

At the local bourse on Monday, DELM shares closed 21.56% higher at P3.89 apiece. — Alexandria Grace C. Magno

Alternergy Holdings Corp. to hold Annual Stockholders’ Meeting on Dec. 10 via Zoom

 

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