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Netflix plans KPop Demon Hunters global concert tour, source says

KPop Demon Hunters (2025)

LOS ANGELES — Netflix is planning a KPop Demon Hunters world tour, as it looks to capitalize on its most popular movie, a source familiar with the talks said on Wednesday.

KPop Demon Hunters won the Oscar for best animated feature Sunday, capping a record-breaking run after becoming Netflix’s most-watched film ever on its 2025 debut. The movie’s song, “Golden,” took the Academy Award for best original song.

Netflix is negotiating with concert promoters to stage a live show featuring performances of the songs from the film, the source said.

Bloomberg News first reported the talks earlier on Wednesday.

The parties have discussed a tour that would visit dozens of major cities, featuring shows in arenas with a capacity of 10,000 to 20,000, according to the Bloomberg report. The aim is to perform around the globe next year ahead of the sequel.

Netflix has yet to choose a promoter but has already been offered tens of millions of dollars in upfront guarantees, the report said. A Netflix spokeswoman declined to comment.

Animated by Sony Pictures Animation, the original musical film follows K-pop girl trio Huntrix — Rumi, Mira and Zoey — as they balance their superstardom with secret lives as demon hunters. Lead vocalists EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami propelled the movie’s breakout anthem “Golden” to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. — Reuters

PT&T to file revised rehabilitation plan

PT&T CORP. said its board of directors has approved amendments to its rehabilitation plan to address the company’s remaining obligations.

In a regulatory filing on Thursday, the company said the board authorized management to prepare and finalize the proposed changes and file them for approval with the rehabilitation court.

According to a 2024 regulatory filing, the company’s rehabilitation plan, which was approved in 2011, includes debt-to-equity conversion, measures to address capital deficiency, and debtor-in-possession financing.

Last month, PT&T said its board approved the appointment of Jeffrey E. Julian as acting president, replacing Angel S. Mercado, who stepped down on Feb. 15 for personal reasons. Mr. Mercado had served as acting president, chief revenue officer, and senior vice-president.

The company said it is working to complete requirements for its return to trading at the Philippine Stock Exchange.

PT&T, which was incorporated in 1962, provides services to corporate, small and medium enterprises, and residential customers.

The company was listed in 1990 but requested a voluntary trading suspension in December 2004 after failing to meet the local bourse’s reportorial requirements and facing financial challenges.

In 2024, PT&T said it was pursuing its return to trading after reporting improved performance in 2023.

The Securities and Exchange Commission in November 2023 approved an increase in PT&T’s authorized capital stock to P12.6 billion from P3.8 billion, allowing it to facilitate a debt-to-equity conversion of P8.9 billion, according to the company’s website. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

Avida Land opens Serin Info Center, Ushering in Smart Townhome Living in Tagaytay

Avida Land officially inaugurated its newly refreshed Serin Info Center on March 17, 2026. The milestone event signals a bold new chapter for the company in one of the country’s most coveted destinations, transitioning Tagaytay from a weekend getaway into a vacation-like residential home.

The opening ceremony featured a formal blessing attended by Avida Land’s Management Committee, including Caren Rebenito-Rosales, Head of Project and Strategic Management; Jeremy Acosta, Head of Integrated Design; Bing Gumboc, National Sales Head for the Core Residential Business Group; and Anne Baylon-Jara, Head of Core Marketing. They were joined by the project’s core team and sales directors.

Situated at the Serin West Retail Arcade along the Tagaytay–Nasugbu Highway, the revamped Info Center offers an immersive experience for prospective homeowners. Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., it provides a welcoming space to explore and envision a life of tranquility and comfort.

Introducing Serin Terraces Tagaytay: Smart Townhome Living

Avida Land’s first-ever townhome development in the area, Serin Terraces Tagaytay represents a bold step forward, blending the rustic charm of countryside tranquility with the smart convenience of modern urban living.

Designed as a second home or a landing spot for those seeking a retreat from the hustle of city life, this development is perfect for those seeking a weekend recharge or an extended remote-work stay. Serin Terraces offers versatile living spaces tailored to different family sizes: Inner Units (Floor Area: 80 sqm | Min. Lot Area: 78 sqm) and End Units (Floor Area: 80 sqm | Min. Lot Area: 111 sqm).

Serin Terraces Tagaytay features integrated smart home technology in every unit. From smart door locks for secure remote access, a central hub that controls all devices, automated smart sockets and switches, smoke detectors that provide real-time safety alerts, to CCTV at carports for added security. This suite of practical features ensures residents have complete control over their homes, whether they are in their own home or monitoring from afar.

Future residents will enjoy access to a curated selection of amenities designed for leisure and wellness, including a Clubhouse, Adult and Kiddie Pools, a Playground, an Active Court, and Landscaped Areas. A dedicated Pet Park further ensures that every member of the family feels at home.

Sustainability at the Core: The ClimAdapt Program

As climate change continues to reshape how we build, Avida Land introduces ClimAdapt at Serin Terraces Tagaytay. Derived from the words “climate” and “adapt,” this program is a holistic design philosophy aimed at creating homes that are resilient, efficient, and supportive of resident well-being.

Breeze Blocks: These architectural elements provide natural ventilation and promote air circulation throughout the development while maintaining homeowner privacy.

Light-Colored Roofing: By reflecting sunlight rather than absorbing it, these roofs keep interiors cooler, reducing the need for air conditioning and lowering the community’s overall urban heat footprint.

Solar-Powered Street Lights: Utilizing Tagaytay’s open skies to reduce reliance on the electrical grid and lower association dues.

Flood-Resilient Design: Developments are strategically elevated and equipped with state-of-the-art drainage systems to mitigate risks during the rainy season.

Efficient Open-Plan Layouts: Featuring larger windows to maximize natural light and the cool Tagaytay breeze.

Experience Elevated Living

By combining the nostalgic allure of Tagaytay with the preferences of the modern homeowner – smart systems, sustainability, and community, Avida is proving that a vacation doesn’t have to end on a Sunday afternoon.

Future homeowners, investors, and visitors are invited to visit the Serin Info Center to experience the townhome living firsthand. Avida’s dedicated property specialists are ready to provide personalized tours and insights into how Serin Terraces Tagaytay can become your next home.

About Avida Land

For 35 years, Avida Land has been shaping inspired living spaces in master-planned communities, enhancing the lifestyles of upper middle-income individuals and families. By integrating sustainable practices into high-quality developments, Avida Land delivers homes that are future-ready and attuned to the evolving needs of homeowners.

For more information and updates on Avida Land’s projects, visit avidaland.com, and follow @AvidaLandPH on Facebook and Instagram, and @avidaofficial on YouTube.

 


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Stuff to Do (03/20/26)


Get Exploding Galaxies’ new imprint, anthology

INDEPENDENT press Exploding Galaxies is launching a new imprint, e.g., and their first anthology, this month. The anthology is a collection of works from e.g.’s maiden year, featuring contributions from some of the most talented contemporary Filipino writers and artists. The collection includes the personal writings of the late Vicente L. Rafael, an eminent postcolonial historian whose academic works shaped Philippine and Southeast Asian historiography. The launch on March 20, 6 p.m., will be held in part in his memory, with drinks, small bites, and live readings by writers Alvin Yapan and Christian Jil Benitez. Interested guests can RSVP via tinyurl.com/egAnthology. The event will be held at WHYNoT, 4th Floor Karrivin Studios, Makati.


Visit Netflix’s activations for K-pop group BTS’ comeback

NETFLIX has curated a three-day fan activation in various Metro Manila locations, in celebration of BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG, a live airing of the group’s comeback special taking place on March 21, 7 p.m. The zones — located at the ground level of Glorietta, Makati; level three of SM Mall of Asia, Pasay; and level four of TriNoma, Quezon City — will be open from March 20 to 22, and they will include Netflix x BTS photobooth pop-ups.


Check out the POP QC bazaar at Gateway Mall

IN CELEBRATION of Women’s Month, Araneta City has partnered with the local government of Quezon City to promote women entrepreneurs through a bazaar. The Proudly Original Products of Quezon City (POP QC) bazaar will be held from March 20 to 22, at the activity area at the upper ground floor of the Gateway Mall. The three-day event will feature women entrepreneurs with interesting products like bags, accessories, and home decor.


Learn from a printmaker’s perspective

THE M is hosting a printmaking talk centered on the work of multi-awarded Filipino artist, printmaker, and board member of the Philippine Association of Printmakers, Ambie Abaño. Her prints were exhibited at Art Fair PH 2026 in an exhibit titled Beyond Body. The artist will share her insights on exploring the evolution of the human form, namely the transformations our bodies undergo through life. It will also delve into her journey as a printmaker and her advocacy for the practice, taking place within Femme Homage, The M’s newest exhibition featuring works by women artists from their permanent collection. The workshop will take place on March 21, 2 to 3:30 p.m., at the 3rd floor South Gallery in Metropolitan Museum of Manila in BGC, Taguig. It is meant for those aged 13 years old and up. Register for P550 via the link https://metmuseum.helixpay.ph/products/m-conversations-beyond-body-a-printmakers-perspective?group=programs.


Join Best Buddies Philippines’ 1st Friendship Walk

BEST BUDDIES Philippines Foundation, Inc. will host its first-ever Friendship Walk in Metro Manila on March 22, 6 a.m. to noon, at the Bonifacio High Street Amphitheater, BGC, Taguig City. The event marks a milestone for the organization as it brings the world’s largest walk for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to the heart of the nation’s capital. The event will include a warm-up with Best Buddies participants and Special Olympics Pilipinas, a Friendship Walk through BGC with marching band accompaniment, the Best Buddies Friendship Concert featuring musicians and dance troupes of Best Buddies School Chapters, the Inclusive Friendship Village showcasing products, talents, and services by and for the PWD community, the Community Building Corner with booths for partner organizations, and Interactive Activity Zones including a photobooth, craft corner, and jungle gym area. While the event is free, registration is required at bestbuddiesph.org/friendship-walk-2026. Participants are encouraged to fundraise through a tiered donation system starting at P1,500, with incentive packages including Best Buddies merchandise, grocery vouchers, gift certificates from sponsors, and memberships to LIFELINE 16-911 emergency services. Building on the success of the Cebu Friendship Walk held on March 29, 2025, which drew at least 1,200 inclusivity experts, student leaders, and community heads, the 2026 Metro Manila event aims to welcome 1,500 participants for a day of celebration, awareness, and fundraising. The Friendship Walk is the premier flagship event celebrated by Best Buddies chapters across the globe with nearly 100 events/walks held each year around the globe, raising millions of dollars to support friendship, leadership, and employment programs for individuals with IDD. Since its establishment in 2020, Best Buddies Philippines has impacted 63,309 lives through 21 active chapters, including 19 schools and two citizen groups. The organization was appointed in June 2025 as a member of the Advisory Committee for Learners with Disabilities with the Department of Education, positioning it as a strategic partner in implementing the Inclusive Education Act (Republic Act No. 11650).


Shop and run to celebrate Lazada’s birthday

LAZADA Philippines is celebrating its 14th birthday sale, offering LazFlash Deals of up to 90% off as well as vouchers worth up to P2,000. There are also exclusive offers from LazMall and global brands across beauty, electronics, fashion, home, and everyday essentials. Shoppers will also have access to 5,000 new arrivals from global brands such as d’Alba, RedChef, Giordano, Momcozy, and more. To bring the celebration beyond the app, Lazada will also host the Lazada Run Wellness Fest on March 22, a community run and wellness street festival expected to gather over 1,000 participants including run clubs, media, content creators, and brand partners, featuring wellness activities, brand experiences, and giveaways. Download the Lazada App to see more details.


Watch sci-fi blockbuster Project Hail Mary

THE film Project Hail Mary is now showing in Philippine cinemas. It takes viewers on a journey light years away from our own galaxy, in a film adaptation of Andy Weir’s hit sci-fi novel of the same name. Longtime collaborators Phil Lord and Christopher Miller are at the captain’s seat as producers and directors of the film. It follows science teacher Ryland Grace (played by Ryan Gosling), who wakes up in a spacecraft far away from the solar system. He is meant to save humanity from a mysterious lifeform that seems to be draining the sun of its energy, and encounters an unlikely ally in the middle of his research. The film also stars Sandra Hüller, Lionel Boyce, Ken Leung, and Milana Vayntrub.


Watch a Taiwanese supernatural horror film

MUDBORN, a supernatural horror blockbuster in Taiwan, is now in Philippine cinemas through Encore Films Philippines. The mystery-thriller tells the story of a (virtual reality game developer (played by Yo Yang), who accidentally brings home a broken clay baby doll from a haunted house. His pregnant wife (Cecilia Choi) is an artifact conservator who becomes obsessed with the doll and continues restoring it, even as strange and terrifying events unfold in their family.


Watch ONE PIECE: Into the Grand Line on Netflix

ONE PIECE: Into the Grand Line, Netflix’s high-seas pirate adventure, is back for Season 2. It follows Luffy and the Straw Hats who set sail for the Grand Line, a legendary stretch of sea where danger and wonder await. The episodes follow their encounters of bizarre islands and formidable new enemies. ONE PIECE is a live action pirate adventure created in partnership with Shueisha and produced by Tomorrow Studios (an ITV Studios partner) and Netflix.

Volatility boosts protection plans

PRULIFEUK.COM.PH

PRU LIFE Insurance Corp. of UK Philippines expects growing consumer interest in traditional life insurance products as market volatility worsens as a result of war in the Middle East.

“The markets have obviously been volatile, and that would also mean customer interest and appetites would also have changed to products that offer health and protection that are not tied to market [swings],” Pru Life UK Senior Vice-President and Chief Actuary Glolibeth L. Villahermosa told a news briefing on Thursday.

Traditional policies, which offer guaranteed protection without investment risk, are expected to gain traction as investors and policyholders reassess risk amid surging oil prices and expectations of faster inflation.

“The more we face these types of risks or vulnerabilities, the more [people] understand what protection really means,” Pru Life UK Chief Investment Officer Princess Charm Baun Balingit said, adding that the impact on overall demand should remain manageable.

“That’s where we come in. But hopefully, it will not really greatly impact us,” she added.

The pivot reflects a broader trend in the Philippine insurance market, as investors and policyholders respond to heightened uncertainty from global energy and financial shocks.

Traditional life insurance offers a hedge against market swings, appealing to consumers looking for stability in times of volatility.

The company has begun rebalancing its product portfolio. In 2025, only 15% of new business came from traditional products, a share set to expand with planned launches of guaranteed protection policies this year.

“For our customers, we are seeing that [traditional products] should grow in the coming year,” Ms. Villahermosa said.

Pru Life UK leads the Philippine life insurance market in terms of new business annual premium equivalent, recording P10.05 billion in 2025 and capturing a 13% market share. Total premium income last year reached P52.8 billion.

Ms. Villahermosa said the insurer would continue launching more traditional products this year to meet market demand.

“For the longest time, we have mainly been an investment-linked product company, so that product portfolio is still strong,” she said. “But we do see the value of offering more traditional products and more guarantees.” — Aaron Michael C. Sy

Allied Care Experts (ACE) Medical Center – Tacloban to conduct Annual Stockholders’ Meeting on June 15 via Zoom

 


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PhilWeb, Okada Manila partner for online gaming platform

BW FILE PHOTO

PHILWEB CORP. has partnered with Tiger Resort, Leisure and Entertainment, Inc., the operator of Okada Manila, to launch an online gaming platform.

Under the agreement, PhilWeb will provide a full online gaming platform (OGP) solution for OKADA PLAY, including gaming content, technology, customer service, and marketing support.

“This partnership reflects our continued commitment to providing best-in-class gaming solutions to industry leaders. By working with Tiger Resort, Leisure and Entertainment, Inc., we are enabling the extension of a globally recognized luxury gaming brand into the online space through a robust and scalable platform,” PhilWeb President Brian Ng said in a statement on Thursday.

The partnership is expected to expand Okada Manila’s presence in digital gaming and support its operations as an integrated resort.

“OKADA PLAY marks a strategic step in scaling our digital gaming presence and reinforcing our leadership in the market,” Okada Manila President and Chief Operating Officer Nobuki Sato said.

“By expanding our platform portfolio through this partnership, we are able to reach new player segments while continuing to elevate the premium digital experience associated with the Okada brand,” he added.

OKADA PLAY will operate in the Philippines’ regulated online gaming market, drawing on PhilWeb’s experience in gaming platforms.

The launch forms part of Okada Manila’s digital initiatives to expand customer engagement beyond its physical property and complement its existing platforms.

PhilWeb has been expanding its presence in regulated online gaming. In February, it partnered with casino equipment provider FBM to develop and deploy an online gambling platform integrated into FBM’s network of electronic bingo machines across more than 500 locations.

In January, the company also partnered with Hann Casino to support the expansion of its online gaming operations. — Alexandria Grace C. Magno

Ryan Gosling goes solo in space for film Project Hail Mary

Project Hail Mary (2026)
Project Hail Mary (2026)

LOS ANGELES — A great deal of Ryan Gosling’s journey through the film Project Hail Mary unfolded in solitude. The La La Land actor spent long stretches filming alone on set, or acting opposite an alien creature his character, Dr. Ryland Grace, dubs Rocky.

“A lot of times I’d be locked into the set for hours on end with an earwig,” Mr. Gosling told Reuters. “The directors would talk to me through the mic, ready to explore. There’s an experimentation process that keeps it from being a typical blockbuster — it’s not overwhelmed by its own scale.”

Directed by the “Spider-Verse” franchise director duo Philip Lord and Christopher Miller, Project Hail Mary opens in US theaters on Friday. The film opened in Philippine theaters on March 18. It has a PG rating from the MTRCB.

The science‑fiction drama, adapted from Andy Weir’s bestselling novel, follows mild‑mannered science teacher Grace, who wakes up alone on a spacecraft and slowly remembers he is humanity’s last hope to stop the sun from dying. His mission takes an unexpected turn when he forms an unlikely friendship with an alien partner.

The cast also features Sandra Hüller as Eva, a government official who recruits Grace for the perilous assignment. With their characters leading experts in their fields, Mr. Gosling said the actors were well supported behind the scenes.

“We had molecular biologists on set for the experiments, and astronauts advising us,” he said. “We were provided with the best possible team and support system.”

Mr. Gosling’s involvement went deeper than starring in the film. Mr. Weir, who also wrote the award-winning novel The Martian, sent him the unpublished manuscript and urged him not only to take the lead role but to help shape the project as a producer.

“I’ve never had a film take a bigger chunk out of me, but it’s never been more worth it,” the Barbie actor said. “It’s been a six‑year journey to this point and just an experience of a lifetime.” — Reuters

PDIC submits 46 payout plans in 2025

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE PHILIPPINE Deposit Insurance Corp. (PDIC) submitted 46 payout plans for closed banks in 2025, meeting its full-year target and speeding up payments to creditors and uninsured depositors.

The plans included 20 final payout plans, which cover all remaining assets needed to complete liquidation, and 26 partial plans for assets already sold or recovered, the agency said in a statement on Thursday.

“Every asset distribution plan we file brings creditors and uninsured depositors closer to receiving what is lawfully due to them,” PDIC President and Chief Executive Officer Roberto B. Tan said.

He added that meeting the target shows steady progress in settling claims.

Once approved by the courts, the plans will allow the PDIC, acting as liquidator, to distribute proceeds from recovered assets to creditors.

Each plan outlines how funds will be allocated based on the estimated value of assets, following rules on creditor priority under Philippine law.

As of end-2025, the PDIC was handling 303 closed banks, covering 1,245 banking units.

Of these, 64 banks have final payout plans awaiting court approval, which would let the agency complete their liquidation once cleared.

The PDIC said it would continue working through its remaining cases, with these plans helping unlock payments and help complete long-running liquidations.

The filings come as lawmakers push to strengthen the country’s bank resolution framework.

A bill filed in the Senate seeks to expand the PDIC’s authority, including allowing its board to adjust deposit insurance coverage and linking it to economic indicators such as inflation.

Senate Bill No. 1667 also aims to speed up insurance payouts and extend coverage to certain nonbank financial products.

It would allow temporary full deposit insurance during financial crises, upon determination by the Monetary Board, when there is a threat to financial system stability.

“The amendments would empower the PDIC to respond decisively to emerging risks and financial crises, while minimizing disruptions to the financial system,” Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III, who authored the bill, said in the bill’s explanatory note. — Aaron Michael C. Sy

Philippines’ consumer credit surge: A test the system is passing… for now

RAWPIXEL

By Shunsuke Endo

THE rapid growth of consumer lending in the Philippines in recent years has raised some important questions: Does it signal rising risks to financial stability, or does it reflect healthy progress in financial inclusion? Consumer loans have expanded considerably faster than overall bank lending, growing by about 18% on average since mid-2022, compared with roughly 11% for total loans. Growth in consumer loans accelerated further to over 21% in the third quarter of 2025, with credit cards accounting for nearly 40% of this increase.

Against this backdrop, it is natural to ask whether the banking system remains sound, and whether consumers are piling up excessive debt, especially as credit card use becomes more widespread. According to an AMRO analysis, the consumer loan market in the Philippines appears, for now, to have largely succeeded in supporting financial inclusion while maintaining financial stability, as household debt stood at around 13% of GDP in 2025, low by regional standards. Building on this assessment, this article discusses the key conditions that will determine whether consumer lending can continue to support the Philippine economy in a stable and sustainable way.

Individuals can benefit from a deeper consumer loan market which enables them to use credit to pursue personal goals and improve their quality of life, thereby enhancing their financial well-being. Banks can diversify their borrower base through consumer lending, thereby achieving greater risk diversification within their loan portfolios.

From a broader economic perspective, consumer lending can help smooth consumption over time for households and bring people who previously had limited access to financial services into economic activity, improving overall welfare. If the market remains sustainable over the medium to long term, consumer loans can continue to support the resilience of the Philippines’ domestic demand.

For consumer lending to continue expanding in a way that preserves financial stability and support financial inclusion, three key areas of efforts are particularly important.

1. Sound risk management by banks. Banks themselves must act with discipline, supporting economic growth while preventing excessive lending and serving as guardrails for their sustainable business expansion. Philippine banks have so far shown solid performance. Key indicators of asset quality, such as non-performing loan ratios for consumer loans, hovering at around mid-5%, remain broadly healthy and capital adequacy has not shown major signs of stress, staying above 16% as of September 2025. Banks have been shifting toward business models that generate higher-yield income, while incurring more credit costs through provisioning for credit losses and bad debt write-offs, resulting in stronger profitability.

At the same time, the rapid growth in consumer lending has been mainly driven by credit card loans. As unsecured lending becomes more prominent, this form of lending underscores the need for banks to maintain prudent lending standards and effective risk management. On the positive side, the growing number of credit cards also reflects the spread of cashless payments and signals progress in financial inclusion for previously underserved groups.

As digital finance continues to develop and new financial products and platforms become more widespread, the risk management frameworks of banks will need to evolve in line with changing consumer behavior in the evolving financial sector landscape. Responsible and disciplined lending can help reduce sharp swings of credit conditions in business cycles, contributing to a more stable financial cycle overall.

2. Better borrowing decision-making by consumers. Financial literacy on the borrowing side matters. As financial services become more accessible, closing the gap between merely having access to them and being able to use them well becomes increasingly important. Stronger financial literacy can help consumers make better economic decisions. In times when banks take a more aggressive lending stance to improve profitability, consumers should rely on their financial knowledge to choose a borrowing option that matches their repayment capacity with life circumstances, thereby avoiding excessive debt.

Improved financial education can also complement consumer protection measures taken by regulators. At the same time, it can encourage banks to offer affordable financial products that better reflect consumers’ repaying ability. Through these interactions, overall financial well-being among consumers can be enhanced.

3. Proper oversight by authorities and stronger financial infrastructure. If banks and consumers are on the front line, regulators play the role of referee, overseeing the balance of the whole system. Authorities need to continue monitoring financial stability closely and respond in a timely manner when necessary. This includes both macro- and micro-prudential policies, as well as maintaining and strengthening institutional frameworks for consumer protection. Looking ahead, attention is also needed to the possibility that digital innovation and new financial products could shift risks beyond the traditional banking sector, including into short-term investment vehicles linked to buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) and e-commerce activity, stablecoins and crypto platforms, as well as fintech wallets.

Strengthening financial infrastructure is another key medium-term challenge. Wider use of credit cards can help new borrowers build credit histories, making it easier for them to access other financial products. To make the most of this progress, robust credit information systems are essential: they help borrowers avoid unfavorable terms, allow lenders to manage risks more carefully, and enable regulators to better understand current conditions. In addition, improving statistical systems that capture both formal and informal lending would help provide a clearer picture of household debt and repayment capacity.

In conclusion, the expansion of consumer lending in the Philippines reflects the economy’s strong underlying potential and is not, in itself, a problem. Whether it becomes a problem will depend on whether discipline by lenders, sound judgment by borrowers, and effective oversight by authorities continue to function. In this sense, the Philippines’ experience with surging consumer lending offers a useful case for other countries seeking to balance economic development with financial stability.

 

Shunsuke Endo is a senior economist at the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO).

Basic Energy signs deals for 43-MW Cadiz solar project

STOCK PHOTO | Image by Oleksandr Ryzhkov from Freepik

LISTED Basic Energy Corp. is moving forward with the development of a P1.9-billion solar farm in Cadiz, Negros Occidental after finalizing agreements with a supplier and contractor for the project.

Basic Energy Cadiz 1 Corp., a subsidiary of Basic Energy, has signed engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) agreements with Raynergy Engineering Co., Ltd. and TBEA Subic, Inc. for the 43-megawatt (MW) solar farm, the company said in a statement on Thursday.

Raynergy will supply materials for the project, while TBEA Subic will serve as the onshore contractor.

“The finalization of these EPC agreements serves as the primary catalyst for the next phase of development,” Basic Energy said. “With the partners officially on board, early works shall begin at the project site in Cadiz, Negros Occidental, as soon as possible.”

The development follows the company’s receipt of a certificate of authority from the government two months ago.

The project was among the winning bids under the fourth green energy auction (GEA-4) held in 2025.

The solar facility is scheduled to begin commercial operations on or before the yearend.

“Basic Energy Cadiz 1 Corp. has full faith and confidence in our selected EPC partners. With our successful GEA-4 bid in place, and as we move into the early works phase, we are fully committed to ensuring this 43-MWac (alternating current) project contributes to the national grid on schedule,” Basic Energy Chief Executive Officer Oscar L. De Venecia, Jr. said.

Last year, the company said it earmarked up to P300 million to fund pre-development activities for its renewable energy projects over the next two to three years.

Basic Energy is developing three solar projects with a combined potential capacity of about 150 MW and aims to build a 1-gigawatt renewable energy portfolio by 2030. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

Netflix turns to theaters to launch Stranger Things animated spinoff

Stranger Things: Tales from ‘85 (2026)
Stranger Things: Tales from ‘85 (2026)

LOS ANGELES — Netflix is inviting fans back into the supernatural world of Stranger Things with limited theatrical screenings of its upcoming animated series, Stranger Things: Tales From ’85, the streaming platform announced in a press release on Tuesday.

Netflix said select AMC theaters will host special screenings of the first two episodes beginning April 18, ahead of the show’s global release on April 23. The screenings will take place in 34 theaters across the United States, as well as at the Paris Theater in New York and Netflix House Philadelphia.

The animated series reunites Stranger Things creators Matt and Ross Duffer as executive producers, alongside showrunner Eric Robles, best known for creating the animated Nickelodeon series, Fanboy & Chum Chum.

Set in the winter of 1985, the series finds Eleven, Mike, Will, Dustin, Lucas, and Max having settled back into something resembling normal life — filled with Dungeons & Dragons games, snowball fights, and quiet days in Hawkins, Indiana. But peace is short‑lived, as something terrifying awakens, forcing the group to band together once more to solve a mystery and save their town.

Tales From ’85 marks the latest expansion of the Stranger Things universe, which has continued to grow since the Duffers launched their production company Upside Down Pictures in 2022 under an overall deal with Netflix. That agreement also includes a planned live‑action Stranger Things spinoff series.

Beyond television, the franchise has expanded into a Tony Award‑winning Broadway stage play, video games, cosplay, immersive live experiences, and a wide range of merchandise.

Stranger Things, which premiered in 2016, follows a group of adolescent friends in rural Indiana during the 1980s as they confront monsters from an alternate dimension known as the Upside Down. The series quickly became one of Netflix’s biggest breakout hits. — Reuters