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Maxim Recognizes Driver-Partner Whose Honest Act Gains Attention Online

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ZAMBOANGA CITY — Maxim Rides & Food Delivery recognized driver-partner Kismar Tingkao Usman for his honesty after he turned over a wallet he found while fulfilling an order in Zamboanga City. As a gesture of appreciation, Maxim gave Usman three days of 0% commission and a grocery package.

Usman, 35, found the wallet along Veterans Avenue while fulfilling an order. After completing the order, he went to Brigada News FM and turned over the wallet. The station later posted about the incident on its Facebook page, identifying the name on the wallet’s ID and calling on its owner to claim it. The post received hundreds of likes, shares, and comments, bringing public attention to Usman’s action.

“Hindi ko po talaga ito binuksan o pinakialaman. Isinurrender ko po ito dahil alam kong kung gaano kahirap ang buhay ngayon. May laman man o wala ang wallet, alam ko pong may mga importanteng bagay pa rin sa loob, tulad ng mga ID o personal at sentimental na gamit na mahalaga sa may-ari,” Usman said.

“Kismar’s actions reflect the honesty and consideration that we hope to see in our driver-partner community,” said Ahiddan Maldisa, Head of Maxim Zamboanga. “We are proud to recognize his integrity and hope his story encourages others to do the right thing, even when no one is watching.”

A native of Tigtabon Island, Usman travels by boat for about an hour each day to reach Zamboanga City. He leaves his motorcycle at the port where their boat is docked and uses it to fulfill orders through Maxim. Despite the daily journey between the island and the city, he continues to make the trip to support his livelihood.

Usman said he was surprised and happy after seeing the Facebook post about his actions and reading the positive comments from people who appreciated what he had done. Maxim’s recognition of Usman reflects its appreciation for driver-partners who demonstrate integrity and make a positive difference in their communities.

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Heussaffs Show How Healthy and Money-Smart Habits Start Early at Home

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MANILA—For Anne Curtis and Erwan Heussaff, the habits that shape a good life are not learned all at once but built in the small everyday moments at home. In partnership with Manulife Philippines, the couple is sharing how they are guiding their daughter, Dahlia, through two lessons meant to stay with her for years: from eating well to managing money wisely.

Healthy choices, one baon at a time

Inside Dahlia’s lunchbox is a small lesson in balance. There is something fresh, something filling, and a little something fun: fruit or vegetables for vitamins, rice or bread for energy, protein to help her grow, and a treat to make her smile.

For Erwan, that perspective matters most when it is introduced early. “With Manulife as our family’s health and wellness partner, we know how important balance is. Listen to your body and treat it well. It’s time to move today, because it’s never too early to start taking care of your health for the long run,” said Erwan in the video posted on his and Manulife Philippines’ social media pages.

Money lessons made simple

Anne and Erwan also believe that a good life isn’t just defined by eating healthy. Anne’s latest video shows that at the age of six, Dahlia is being raised to be a “Peso Smart” kid, and the lessons are as ordinary as the coins she sorts into three small piles—one to save, one to spend, and one to give. In their household, prices are talked about openly, never hidden. A toy she wants becomes a lesson in patience: she can wait and save for it, or earn it through chores beyond her usual ones. Bit by bit, everyday moments at home become a child’s first steps in learning to make responsible financial decisions.

“You don’t need to wait for kids to learn about money in school. You can teach them young, and in your home,” Anne says. “I’ve been preparing for Dahlia’s future since before she was born, because the earlier you start, the more ready you are for life’s twists and turns. People are living longer now, and that is a gift—but it also means planning further ahead. Teaching her to save today is really about giving her the freedom to enjoy a long life on her own terms.”

Small steps that last a lifetime

Behind Anne and Erwan’s lessons with Dahlia is a belief that well-being, whether in health or in finances, is rarely the result of one big decision. It grows from steady choices repeated over time. A balanced meal today powers a healthier adult tomorrow. A few coins set aside now evolve into a habit of financial preparedness in the long term.  

This is the idea at the heart of ManulifeMOVE, Manulife’s holistic health and wellness program designed to help customers take charge of their well-being and enjoy a better, longer life. Through the Manulife App, it brings together practical health insights, exclusive perks from trusted partners across preventive care, treatment, and recovery—all backed by comprehensive health plans that protect families from early diagnosis to recovery. It reflects how Manulife sees its role: as a lifelong partner supporting Filipinos through every life stage.

 “At Manulife, we believe better health and financial confidence are built through the everyday choices families make. Anne and Erwan show how healthy habits and smart money decisions can start at home, in simple moments that children can carry with them as they grow,” said Joy Concepcion, Chief Marketing Officer, Manulife Philippines.

Concepcion added, “We want to empower Filipino families to take those first meaningful steps early, giving them the confidence to prepare for the future and develop habits that lead to better health and financial resilience. Anchored by the Manulife Longevity Institute, we are deepening our understanding of longevity and translating these insights into solutions that equip Filipinos to live longer, healthier, and more financially secure lives.

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Bosch brings technology across the Real Estate Development lifecycle

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Dominik Bauer, Managing Director of Bosch Service Solutions Philippines, discusses how connected services can support digitalization across business operations and customer touchpoints.

Showcasing technologies for construction, operationsand maintenance

MANILA — Every new tower on the Metro Manila skyline is a promise that will be tested for decades, in energy bills, maintenance, and the safety of everyone inside. It is the challenge Bosch Philippines recently put to

developers, contractors, and building operators at its Builders Day event in Bonifacio Global City on August 13, 2026, drawing attention to what follows project completion: how buildings perform, operate, and are maintained over time.

Celeste Cervania, Managing Director of Bosch Philippines, formally opens Bosch Builders’ Day Manila, welcoming guests from the property development, construction, facilities management, and related industries.

“As more homes, workplaces, and infrastructure are developed, quality must remain central not only during construction, but throughout the life of every project,” said Celeste Cervania, Managing Director of Bosch Philippines. “ It shows in how safely and efficiently a building operates, how easily its systems can be maintained, and how consistently it delivers comfort and reliability to the people who use it every day.”

Construction and project delivery In the Philippines, Bosch’s professional power tools goes back decades, including early advances in cordless technology. Today, that experience is reflected in its Professional 18V platform, which covers more than 350 tools across different trades and allows teams to work with a common battery system. The platform is backed by an established nation-wide service network, including after-sales support, genuine spare parts, warranty coverage, and digital tools for equipment and work management, giving contractors a clearer path from active construction to ongoing repair and maintenance. Safety, comfort and convenience across modern developments Builders Day also shifted the discussion towards Bosch’s role in maintenance beyond project turnover. For life safety, Bosch highlighted how fire detection and alarm systems’ component compatibility, planning tools, and remote management can make future expansion and maintenance more manageable for property operators.

For climate control, Bosch Home Comfort highlighted solutions across residential, commercial, and industrial applications, combining indoor comfort with energy-efficient operation. The portfolio is positioned around reliable engineering, local service support, and solutions suited to Philippine climate conditions, giving developers and operators options that consider both comfort and operating efficiency over time. For residential developments, Bosch Home Appliances brought the focus back to everyday living. Refrigerators, dishwashers, hobs, and hoods support food storage, preparation, cleaning, and ventilation, while also contributing to more efficient use of energy and water.

Bosch Power Tools Brand Manager Jonathan Tanangco and Key User Specialist Romeo Juguan lead a hands-on demonstration of Bosch Power Tools in one of several experience zones where guests explored Bosch technologies firsthand.

Estate management and wider development needs As mixed-use developments, townships, and commercial districts grow, their operating requirements extend beyond individual buildings to mobility, fleet management, monitoring, maintenance, and the services that support people and businesses across the wider property. Bosch highlighted how its broader capabilities can support these needs.

Mobility solutions can address vehicle and fleet requirements, while Bosch Service Solutions brings capabilities in monitoring, technical support, customer services, and connected services that can help improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and support day-to-day property operations.

“Through innovation and technologies used across the project lifecycle, Bosch helps enable stronger building performance from construction and installation to operations and maintenance. That continuity is what we brought to the conversation at Builders Day,” Cervania added.

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Ayala Land’s BellaVita begins turnover under 1,011-home Naga City employee housing program

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Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo (center), Pag-IBIG Fund President and CEO Marilene Acosta (left), and Ayala Land Group Head of Strategic Growth and New Ventures and Chief Sustainability Officer Robert S. Lao (right) turn over the keys to one of the first 110 Naga City government employees who received homes under the city’s 1,011-home housing program at BellaVita Naga in Barangay Pacol on Aug. 18, 2026.

NAGA CITY, Camarines Sur — BellaVita, Ayala Land, Inc.’s socialized housing arm, today turned over the first 110 homes to qualified Naga City government employees under a housing program covering 1,011 units at BellaVita Naga in Barangay Pacol.

Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo led the ceremonial turnover, joined by Pag-IBIG Fund President and CEO Marilene Acosta, Social Housing Finance Corporation President and CEO Frederico Laxa, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Assistant Secretary Engr. Johnson Domingo, Robert S. Lao, Group Head of Strategic Growth and New Ventures and Chief Sustainability Officer of Ayala Land, and representatives of the Naga City Housing and Settlements Development Office.

The program was established through a Memorandum of Agreement between BellaVita Land Corp. and the City Government of Naga. Under the arrangement, BellaVita makes the homes available to qualified city employees, while the Naga City Government, through its Housing and Settlements Development Office, facilitates employee participation and coordinates with Pag-IBIG Fund. Employees acquire their homes individually through Pag-IBIG housing loans.

“Today, we are awarding the house keys to 110 beneficiaries… Ang pinaka maganda dito sa BellaVita, fully developed na ‘yung buong village. Meron ng multi-purpose hall, yari na ‘yung mga bahay,” said Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo.  Malaking pasasalamat po kami sa BellaVita for offering this to us, maraming salamat sa PAG-IBIG for making this possible. Napakapalad po ng Naga City.”

Today’s turnover marks the first phase of the program, with approximately 110 qualified employee-buyers receiving their keys. The 1,011 homes covered by the agreement are part of BellaVita Naga’s

community in Barangay Pacol. Units included in the current awarding batch have water and electricity connections and completed road infrastructure.

“[This project] did not arrive on its own. It took Mayor Robredo and the entire Naga City government, Secretary Aliling and the DHSUD, and Pag-IBIG Fund under CEO Marilene Acosta — all choosing to build a bridge together, so that the very people who keep this city running, who process the permits, clear the streets, and answer the calls at City Hall, could come home to an address of their own, here in the same city they serve,” Lao said.

The program brings together an LGU-facilitated employee housing initiative, private-sector socialized housing development and Pag-IBIG financing to create a pathway to homeownership for working city employees.

For the first 110 homeowners, the turnover represents more than the completion of a housing transaction. It marks the beginning of a new chapter for families who can now establish a home in the same city they serve.

BellaVita is Ayala Land, Inc.’s socialized housing arm, focused on providing quality and affordable homes. Its communities integrate affordable homeownership with community facilities and livelihood opportunities, creating practical environments where families can live and build their futures.

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CommunityLifestyle

Manila Marriott Hotel Launches Two-Month MOONFEST Celebration

by Contributor
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Newport World Resorts Chief Hospitality Officer John Lucas (center) leads the ceremonial slicing of the giant mooncake together with (from left) Manila Marriott Hotel Director of Culinary Meik Brammer, Marriott International – Philippines Area General Manager Bruce Winton, Marriott International – Philippines Market Director of Sales & Distribution Lala Quilantang and Manila Marriott Hotel Director of Restaurants and Bars Jun Salvador last 2 July 2026 held at the Still Tea & Whisky Lounge to kick-off its two-month campaign dubbed, Manila Marriott Hotel Moonfest through a High Tea Mooncake Pairing Party. The Moonfest campaign is a first in the Philippines for Marriott.  

Metro Manila – Michelin-guide-listed Manila Marriott Hotel at Newport World Resorts is known for institutionalizing high-impact campaigns like “All Ways Valentines”, “Women of Wonder” for Women’s Month, “Time-To-Spoil-Mom” for Mother’s Month, “Dad of Steel” for Father’s Month, “Paskonstelasyon” for the holidays and the “Sinagtala Famsgiving” a program aimed to champion Philippine Culinary Arts globally, and the multi-awarded Marry Me at Marriott weddings & socials campaign, gears up for another first for Marriott in the Philippines with the hotel mounting its version of the Mid-Autumn Festival celebration dubbed, “Manila Marriott Hotel MOONFEST”.

Beyond making and selling premium mooncakes during this season, the two-month campaign is intended to make hotel guests at Manila Marriott experience the mid-autumn festival with Marriott and Filipino touch, not only in their Michelin-Selected authentic Cantonese Restaurant; Man Ho, but also in all their restaurants and bars, including staycation, with a semblance of how it is done in neighboring countries like China, Singapore and Malaysia. The MOONFEST will include selling mooncakes in elegant packaging as a gift idea and pairing them with first-class teas, two kitchen takeovers, and launch of Manila Marriott’s latest innovation in two of its restaurants as shared by Chef Chan Chi Fai, Man Ho’s Chinese Executive Chef.

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DCPO charges Kadayawan bomb joke, warns originators of school bomb threats 

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THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) reiterated the warning against making or spreading false bomb threats online, confirming that criminal charges have been formally filed against a 19-year-old individual who posted a bomb joke during a live broadcast of the Kadayawan Festival.

The suspect was charged before the Office of the City Prosecutor for violating Presidential Decree No. 1727, also known as the Anti-Bomb Joke Law, which penalizes the malicious dissemination of false information concerning bombs and explosives.

Police authorities arrested the suspect after cybercrime investigators traced a live stream comment claiming an explosive device had been planted along the Davao Coastal Road during festival events. 

Special units from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams immediately swept the area and verified that the threat was false.

As of this writing, the suspect remains in police custody, with bail set at ₱42,000.

DCPO director PCOL Peter B. Madria emphasized that the arrest serves as a direct legal warning to individuals behind a recent spate of online bomb hoaxes targeting local schools and educational institutions across Davao City.

“Public safety is never a joke, and spreading false threats is a punishable crime under the law,” Madria warned in an official statement. 

“A reckless comment creates public panic and wastes vital security resources. What happened to this suspect will happen to anyone else who commits this crime. To those targeting our schools or public gatherings: we treat every threat with absolute seriousness. Whatever it takes, anyone who violates the law shall face its full length.”

Local law enforcement agencies warned that online pranks carry severe legal repercussions, including immediate arrest, formal criminal records, and potential imprisonment.

Police cybercrime units remain actively deployed to monitor digital platforms, track IP addresses, and prosecute individuals creating or sharing false threat reports.

The police command reiterated its appeal to the public, parents, and students to exercise responsibility on social media and refrain from sharing unverified security claims that cause unnecessary public alarm.

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Councilor lauds ‘successful’ Kadayawan 2026 as economic boost for MSMEs

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COUNCILOR Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz on Tuesday commended the “successful conclusion” of Kadayawan sa Dabaw 2026, crediting the festival’s organizers, cultural communities, and residents.

Ortiz, chairperson of the City Council’s committee on trade, commerce and industry, said the celebration went beyond entertainment and delivered real economic gains for the city.

“Kadayawan creates opportunities for our MSMEs, local entrepreneurs, farmers, artisans, performers, tourism workers, transport providers, hotels, restaurants, and countless other businesses,” Ortiz said in a privilege speech.

She stressed that when an event is “properly planned and sustainably managed,” it is not only an occasion but a platform for culture, tourism, livelihood, trade, and inclusive economic development.

“Every visitor who comes to Davao, every local product purchased, every meal enjoyed, every room booked, and every livelihood supported contributes to the continuing economic vitality of our city. This is why festivals matter,” she added.

She extended recognition to the Kadayawan Executive Committee, the City Government of Davao, the City Tourism Operations Office, law enforcement and security personnel, barangays, private-sector partners, sponsors, business establishments, artists, performers, volunteers, and media partners for their roles in the staging of the festival.

The councilor gave particular mention to the city’s 11 deputy mayors representing Davao’s cultural communities as their leadership helped keep the traditions and identities of these communities “at the heart of Kadayawan.” 

“Your traditions, stories, music, dances, artistry, and heritage give Kadayawan its soul and authenticity. You remind us that as our city progresses, we must never lose sight of where we came from and who we are,” she said.

Ortiz called for continued work to preserve the authenticity of Kadayawan, expand opportunities for local communities and MSMEs, and balance tourism growth with the protection of Davao’s culture and environment.

“Kadayawan has once again shown us that when Davao comes together, when our cultural communities, government, business sector, workers, and people stand together, we can create something truly extraordinary,” she stressed.

The City Tourism Operations Office reported a record-breaking crowd of 120,000 for the first-ever Indak-Indak sa Kadayawan set at the Coastal Road, the largest crowd in Kadayawan history. 

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Coast Guard rescues 6 after motorized banca breaks down off Davao Occidental

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SIX PASSENGERS were rescued by maritime authorities after their motorized banca suffered an engine breakdown off the coast of Barangay Bukid, Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental, on Wednesday morning, Aug. 19.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that Coast Guard Sub-Station Jose Abad Santos (CGSS JAS) received an emergency alert at approximately 7:45 a.m. after a concerned relative of the passengers contacted the station for immediate assistance.

Upon receiving the alert, CGSS JAS dispatched a search-and-rescue (SAR) team to the location and established radio contact with the distressed group to track their coordinates.

By 8:10 a.m., rescuers located the disabled vessel in the waters near Barangay Bukid.

 The SAR team secured the banca and towed it back to the Coast Guard Sub-Station for safety precautions, physical inspection, and further assessment.

Coast Guard personnel confirmed that all six passengers were safely brought ashore without any reported injuries.

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Business

RCBC among the first to join Direct Debit PH rollout

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The Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) is now part of a new automated recurring payment system called Direct Debit PH, championed by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to modernize the country’s payment ecosystem and accelerate the shift toward a cash-lite economy.

RCBC head of Transaction Banking Group Martin Tirol said that being among the first banks to adopt Direct Debit demonstrates the bank’s readiness to lead in payments innovation and deliver more efficient, reliable financial services for businesses.

“This is also consistent with our strategy as a payments ecosystem builder, connecting businesses, consumers, and financial institutions through infrastructure that is secure, scalable, and interoperable,” Tirol added.

Direct Debit is a BSP-regulated payment facility that allows businesses to automatically collect recurring payments directly from a customer’s bank account, based on a one-time authorization the customer provides upfront.

Once the authorization is in place, payments are processed on a set schedule. Businesses will no longer miss due dates, and there will be no need to initiate each transaction. Built under the National Retail Payment System framework, the facility works across participating banks, meaning businesses can collect from customers regardless of where they bank.

Direct Debit further strengthens RCBC’s cash management capabilities as it is implemented through a direct system-to-system connection with the platform, enabling faster, more seamless, and fully automated processing of recurring payment instructions.

For corporate billers, a single customer mandate covers collections across multiple banks, reducing late payments and eliminating the manual work of managing separate arrangements with each institution.

“For customers, payments happen automatically on schedule once they authorize a mandate, and they retain full control at all times – including the ability to cancel or update their arrangement whenever they need to,” Tirol explained.

Currently the 5th largest privately owned bank in the country and internationally recognized as The Cash Management Bank of the Year by The Asian Banker, RCBC provides a comprehensive corporate cash management ecosystem designed to help businesses streamline collections, payments, liquidity and financial operations through a suite of integrated corporate solutions. Backed by secure digital capabilities, the bank delivers tailored cash management solutions that simplify day-to-day operations while helping companies optimize their working capital and support long-term growth.

Corporate billers interested in adopting Direct Debit can reach out to their RCBC Relationship Managers or go to the nearest RCBC Branch to learn more about the service.

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Business

Security Bank CFO JD Yap named co-chair of SME Finance Forum East Asia and Pacific chapter

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MAKATI CITY, Philippines — Security Bank chief financial officer JD Yap has been named one of four co-chairs of the newly launched East Asia and Pacific (EAP) Regional Chapter of the SME Finance Forum, a global network established by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group.

The appointment recognizes Yap’s extensive experience in SME banking and reinforces Security Bank’s commitment to helping entrepreneurs and growing businesses thrive. It also gives the Philippines a voice in regional discussions on expanding access to finance for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across East Asia and the Pacific.

Prior to his current role as CFO, he led Security Bank’s Business Banking Segment, where he deepened the Bank’s focus on MSMEs and strengthened support for Filipino entrepreneurs at every stage of growth.

Through tailored financing, cash management, and digital banking solutions, Security Bank helps businesses start, grow, and scale their businesses, contributing to economic growth and job creation.

“MSMEs are the backbone of economies across the region, and supporting entrepreneurs has long been a priority for Security Bank,” Yap said. “This role provides an opportunity to bring Philippine perspectives to the table, learn from peers across East Asia and the Pacific, and help advance practical solutions that enable small businesses to grow and innovate.”

Yap will serve alongside fellow co-chairs Regzedmaa Bayar of Mongolia’s Khan Bank, Sumit Khurana, senior vice president for SME Business, Asia Pacific at Mastercard, and Shrikant Patil, CEO and managing director of Singapore-based risk intelligence platform DigiAlly.

Together, they will help set the chapter’s priorities and foster collaboration among members, with a focus on advancing practical solutions in digital finance, supply chain finance, sustainable finance, and other emerging areas that support the evolving needs of MSMEs.

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