BY ALEX ALAGON
SENIOR tennis players at the courts back in the 80s used to tell us, you can learn a lot about any person by just looking at their overall demeanor right after a tournament match. There’s a grain of truth in that, I know.
Oftentimes, looks on the faces alone, clearly paint a picture of the storm raging inside a person. The winners for example, while they offer their short talks directed at the bowed heads of the conquered, one catches a disguised gloating (not imagined, mind you) that’s only for brief moment, and visible only under a certain light.
“It was a good match, too bad one had to lose. Etcetera.” The gloat is, of course, later validated, once one is in private convo and the guy then clearly sneers to say, ‘I destroyed that guy, didn’t I? Only in private ears.
Meanwhile, on the losing side, the deadpan, blank look into space sometimes appears as the initial and obvious giveaway, but wait awhile and it’s either a shrug or at worse, tantrums, that might follow and we get a front row seat.
In the long run, if one looks closely enough, there is really no such thing as a cool loser and you can take that to the bank. Many might not agree and may have a different say but I leave it there just the same, with a “convince me otherwise” sign on the table.
Meanwhile, back to the old guys at the court, their words still ring clearly in my head often, and especially now. Theirs as often the kind of speak that, when they opened their mouths, you listened, as wisdom came aplenty.
At the time, mine had toads coming out of it. Even when at certain moments in the conversations they merely nodded, you knew right away there was purpose there, almost like a poignant pause. So we just shut our trap.
Nowadays, applying and transposing what the elders have said long ago, theirs is just so much to discover and learn from the way people in the tennis courts of government carry themselves.
In many many ways, there’s also more to see from the way we spectators manage ourselves. It’s just too bad, even as we all know governments can rise and fall, as they all do, we at the gallery align ourselves with either side, fight with one another and then stand ready to fall along with them. There’s still much to know, because even as empires fall, the people remain.
PLDT piloted its AI-powered customer support platform in its Sales and Service Centers
PLDT Home continues to accelerate its digital transformation initiatives as part of its long-term growth strategy, rolling out an AI-powered customer support platform across its Sales and Service Centers nationwide.
The initiative marks a significant milestone in the company’s broader transformation journey to deliver faster, smarter, and more seamless customer support. PLDT has partnered with global software and technology company Amdocs to develop the AI-powered system that enables real-time ticket diagnostics and resolution, helping to reduce customer wait times while improving the productivity and efficiency of frontline teams. This new platform is expected to save approximately 5,000 hours of customer waiting time per month once all features are enabled across PLDT stores nationwide.
“Customer experience remains at the center of our transformation efforts,” said John Y. Palanca, PLDT Senior Vice President and Head of Consumer Business. “By equipping our Sales and Service Centers with AI-driven capabilities, we are building a more agile and efficient operation that empowers our teams to serve customers better while supporting the company’s long-term growth.”
The AI-powered platform enables agents to address customer concerns in real time during in-store interactions, reducing dependence on traditional multi-layered backend support processes.
The system also improves operational efficiency by optimizing internal resources while maintaining high service standards across PLDT’s retail network. Through intelligent diagnostics and guided resolution tools, the platform helps streamline workflows, strengthen store operations, and improve issue resolution accuracy. These capabilities help shorten queue times and enhance the overall customer experience.
“Our customers must see and experience the impact of our modernization efforts in every interaction across their journey with us. This rollout is part of our broader push toward cloud-based and AI-enabled operations as we continue to strengthen our ability to deliver more agile, intelligent, and seamless customer experiences,” Palanca added.
Mom and daughter bonded over a game at the ball pool during a free play organized by Kidzoona for the children served by the Children’s Joy Foundation, Inc on May 15, 2026 at its newer and bigger location at SM Lanang.
Forty child beneficiaries from a Davao City-based non-government organization were among the first to experience Kidzoona’s newer and bigger indoor playground at SM Lanang on May 15, 2026. Children served by the Children’s Joy Foundation, Inc. under its community-based child support program had a day out through free play initiated by Kidzoona at its newest SM Lanang location fronting IMAX on the second level.
Kids tried out the different play areas at the new location of Kidzoona, SM Lanang on May 15, 2026.
The more than 500-square-meter indoor playground is complete with trampolines, a giant slide, an indoor sand pit, a ball pool, a toy corner, a cyberwheel, a Narikiri role-playing area, and a jungle gym, among many other attractions designed to engage and delight children.
The kids were treated to three hours of free play supervised by their parents and guardians, together with the staff of the Children’s Joy Foundation, Inc. Kidzoona officially welcomes back its avid little guests as it is set to open the new location during its grand launch on May 16, 2026.
Some of the best mall days don’t start with a plan.
No list, no set stops, just showing up and seeing where things take you. And somewhere between “I’ll just do a quick run” and “one last stop,” you find something new that completely shifts the day.
Across SM Supermalls in Mindanao, new openings and first-in-the-region arrivals are quietly changing the lineup. The kind of discovery that slowly becomes part of your favorites.
- YUKI-kun
There’s always that one spot you didn’t expect to try, but end up coming back to. YUKI-kun, the first in Mindanao, brings a lineup of Japanese comfort staples to the Foodhall of SM Lanang. It’s casual, satisfying, and easy to fit into any kind of day, whether you planned for it or not. Soon to open this May!
- The American Backyard
Sometimes you’re not looking for anything new, but it finds you anyway. The American Backyard, first in the city, soon to open at the Ground Level, North Wing of SM City Cagayan de Oro with familiar, hearty flavors that feel instantly easy. The kind of place you walk into once, then casually add to your regular weekly rhythms!
- Tommy Hilfiger
You weren’t supposed to shop, but then something catches your eye. Sounds familiar? Tommy Hilfiger opens its first store at Mindanao at the 2nd Level Expansion Wing of SM City Davao, bringing in its signature clean, classic pieces. Definitely the kind of stop that turns a quick browse into a full outfit refresh!
Sometimes, it’s simply about taking your time and discovering what’s new along the way.
Because some of the best parts of the day come from experiences you naturally stumble into! Explore more everyday finds, new favorites, and unexpected stops only here at your most-loved mall, SM Supermalls—All For You.
SEVENTY young leaders from across the municipality of Dangcagan have completed a rigorous three-day summit designed to sharpen their leadership skills and fortify them against the recruitment tactics of insurgent groups.
The 2nd Municipal-Wide Youth Leadership Summit (MYLS) 2026, held from May 8 to 10 at Sto. Niño High School, was a joint effort between the 89th Infantry Battalion, the local government unit, and the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation.
A focal point of the summit was the education of the youth on national security threats.
1Lt. Marjon F. Prollamante, commander of the 89IB’s Bravo Company, conducted a critical lecture on the Seven Stages of Youth Recruitment used by the CPP-NPA-NDF.
By educating participants on the “Culture of Security” and AFP recruitment, the military aimed to instill a sense of vigilance and patriotism.
“The youth are our partners in peacebuilding,” said Lt. Col. Antonio G. Bulao I, commanding officer of the 89IB. “I encourage you to use your discipline to become instruments of positive change.”
Under the leadership of SK Federation president Hon. Julius Irvin A. Igtos, participants learned about mental health from Dr. Neil Angelo S. Cabudoy (MHO), legal rights from Atty. Isha Corbeta, public safety from fire and police officers. Meanwhile, social welfare officer Dave Kryss P. Lano tackled Youth Rights and the Anti-Bastos Law (RA 11313).
The summit also integrated spiritual growth with a “Religious Night” facilitated by Rev. Fr. Arnold Ranque of Sto. Niño Parish, alongside team-building exercises and a tree-growing activity.
Mayor Mark Vincent B. Dandasan and Vice Mayor Servile M. Cabunoc graced the opening ceremony, highlighting the local government’s commitment to the Municipal Local Youth Development Office (LYDO) initiatives.
The opening ceremony was graced by Mayor Mark Vincent B. Dandasan and Vice Mayor Servile M. Cabunoc, highlighting the local government’s commitment to the Municipal Local Youth Development Office (LYDO) initiatives.
The event concluded with a workshop on future planning, where youth participants produced development outputs for their respective communities.
TO FORTIFY the Eastern Mindanao seaboard, Joint Task Force (JTF) Sinaya officially launched the Maritime Inter-Agency Exercise (MIAEX) 2026-01 at Jubang International Seaport on Thursday, May 14.
The exercise brings together the Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard (Northeastern Mindanao), PNP Regional Maritime Unit 13, and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to sharpen interoperability in the face of evolving maritime security threats.
“This exercise is about reinforcing our collective ability to respond to challenges in our waters,” the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) stated, noting that the collaboration includes the Department of Agriculture, MARINA, the Dapa local government, and naval reservists.
The kickoff also featured a Maritime Domain Awareness Forum where experts discussed the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and emergency evaluation protocols to align different agencies under a single operational standard.
Engaging the youth on WPS
In a parallel effort, a Youth Leadership Forum was held at the Siargao Island Institute of Technology.
The forum focused on West Philippine Sea (WPS) awareness, part of the AFP’s “MULAT” communication plan. Students engaged in dialogues regarding national sovereignty and patriotism, a move the Navy says is vital for deepening public understanding of national security concerns.
The exercise is expected to continue through the week, featuring various sea-phase maneuvers and simulation responses along the seaboard.
SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go warned that poor patients in far-flung areas would be deprived of accessible medical services if health infrastructure projects are reduced to “white elephants.”
Go, then vice chairperson of the Senate committee on health, sounded the alarm following concerns that some Super Health Centers (SHC) have been constructed but reportedly lack basic utilities such as electricity and water.
During the committee hearing on Monday, May 11, Go stressed that health facilities must be completed, equipped, staffed, and made operational so that public funds spent for healthcare infrastructure will be felt by Filipinos, especially in remote and underserved communities.
“It is alarming and saddening to know that there are reports of delayed implementation, incomplete infrastructure, lack of equipment, and even unused health facilities,” Go said.
A Department of Health initiative, SHCs are designed to bring primary care closer to the people and help decongest hospitals. Such a program suits an archipelagic country where many Filipinos still need to travel across rivers, mountains, and seas to reach medical facilities.
Go emphasized that the construction of a health facility alone is meaningless if people cannot actually use it. For Go, the purpose of government spending is clear: every project must lead to accessible and functional health services.
“Ako po mismo’y saksi niyan dahil ako po’y umiikot sa buong Pilipinas. Minsan kailangan pang tumawid ng ilog o bundok para lang makapunta sa pinakamalapit na health center o ospital. ‘Yung iba nga nanganganak sa bangka o sa tricycle sa sobrang layo,” Go said.
During the public hearing, the DOH said that of the 820 SHCs already funded, only 224 are fully-operational while 238 are partially completed. The DOH described the latter as “problematic” as some SHC projects were found to be “poste (columns) pa lang.”
The senator said this is precisely the kind of problem that implementing agencies must prevent. He said the DOH and local government units (LGUs) must complement each other to ensure that facilities do not remain idle after construction.
According to Go, the national government and LGUs already enter into agreements before health projects begin. However, he stressed that if an LGU lacks the capacity to sustain or operate a facility, the national government has the responsibility to help.
“Mayroon pong kasunduan ang DOH at LGU bago umpisahan ang mga proyektong ito. Pero kung hindi kaya ng LGU, trabaho ng national government na tulungan ang mga LGUs at iyan rin po ang layunin ng mga Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP) projects na ito na maisakatuparan ang mga proyekto. Hindi pwedeng pabayaan na lang po ito,” Go said.
He urged the DOH to prioritize a “catch-up plan” on the implementation of the SHC program. He added that the same must be applied to hospitals supported by laws passed in Congress, especially those receiving annual support through the Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP).
A known health reforms crusader, Go filed Senate Resolution No. 384 which seeks to assess the status of healthcare facilities nationwide, identify implementation gaps, and ensure that public funds for health infrastructure translate into accessible, functional, and quality healthcare services for every Filipino.
“Pera po ng taumbayan ang pinag-uusapan natin dito. Ibalik natin ito sa kanila sa pamamagitan ng maayos na serbisyong medikal,” Go urged.
IN A race against time, lawyers of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa filed a “Very Urgent Manifestation” before the Supreme Court (SC) on Thursday, May 14, for immediate injunctive relief.
The petition, docketed as GR No. 278747, asks the High Court to issue a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) or a Status Quo Ante Order following what the petitioners describe as “supervening events” that have made the need for judicial protection “urgent and irreversible.”
The 117-page manifestation was filed by Atty. Israelito Torreon at approximately 3:50 p.m.
This move follows a May 13 press brief from the Supreme Court En Banc , which required respondents—including Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin—to comment on previous motions within a non-extendible period of 72 hours.
While the Court’s initial action was “without prejudice” to take interim measures, the petitioners are now reiterating their plea for the Court to act immediately to prevent “irreversible” consequences.
Shortly after the filing, Torreon took to social media to appeal for public support.
Using a deeply personal and religious tone, the Davao-based lawyer called on supporters to “storm the heavens” with prayers ( duas ).
“Let us storm the heavens with duas that our prayers… will be granted. Insha Allah, Insha Allah, Insha Allah,” Torreon posted on Facebook, reflecting the high stakes of the case.
The Supreme Court has yet to issue a ruling on the prayer for a TRO. e Senator.
No new subpoena
Meanwhile, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group denied reports of a new subpoena issued against the lawmaker.
In an official statement signed by MGen Robert AA Morico II, the CIDG clarified that no new directive or enforcement timeline has been authorized following the recall of a previous subpoena.
The group described the circulating reports as “unverified information” that compromises “institutional relationships.”
This clarification from the CIDG comes as Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano confirmed that Senator Dela Rosa is no longer under the custody of the Senate .
During a press conference with national media on Thursday afternoon, Cayetano shared a personal update on the matter, reading a text message from the Senator’s wife.
In the message, she expressed her gratitude to the Senate leadership for the support provided to their family during the period of custody.
APO Golf Ladies Team 1. From L-R, Britanny Pauline Tamayo, Keseree Ng, Bia Lourdes Apostol, Cheryl Alba, Heather Megan Huang, Maria Cristina Bandolon
BAGUIO CITY — Apo Golf and Country Club’s Ladies Team 1 (Emerald Division) staged a dramatic late surge to clinch third place (lost by 1 point to Forest Hills team) at the 30th LUZVIMIN Golf Tournament, played at John Hay Golf Club from May 12–14, 2026.
The Davao City side climbed the leaderboard over the three days, rallying from sixth place to third place on the final day — a comeback that highlighted the squad’s depth and poise under pressure.
The highly talented lineup featured Brittany Pauline Tamayo, Cheryl Alba, Bia Lourdes Apostol, Keseree Hensel Ng and Heather Megan Huang, led by team captain Dr. Maria Cristina Bandolon. Their collective performance earned Team Apo a respectable finish in a field sanctioned by the Women’s Golf Association of the Philippines.
Another Davao contingent, Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club, turned in a solid showing with a decent fifth-place finish, reinforcing the region’s competitive presence at the tournament.
Apo Golf and Country Club’s Team 2 (Ruby Division) also posted a strong result, finishing fifth. That squad consisted of Rachel Danica Nagayo, Lilibeth Crisologo, Deobeth Lindo, Marilou Rebaya, Roselyn Lee and Alnessa Thea Uy.
The twin performances by Apo’s teams and Rancho Palos Verdes underscore the growing influence of Mindanao golf on the national women’s amateur scene and bode well for Davao’s prospects in upcoming events.
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