BY ALEX ALAGON
THE RAINY season may bring a welcome break from the scorching summer, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. From worsening traffic to flu season to a higher incidence of dengue.
Peak season for dengue infection is reported to be from June to November each year. That’s because dengue-carrying mosquitoes, like Aedes aegypti, tend to have higher populations during the rainy season. However, due to the potential for year-round transmission, dengue has become an ongoing threat, even outside of the peak months.
The Department of Health recently reported that in January and February 2025, dengue infection rose as much as 40% compared to the same period last year. The dengue scare is very real, and because it can be transmitted, it is a public health concern across the country.
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Protect everyone you love
You can purchase dengue insurance for yourself, your children, parents, spouse or partner, or even a friend. It’s a simple yet powerful way to show you care. Each individual can have a maximum of one policy.
As part of BDO Group, BDO Insure is your insurance helpline when choosing the right products for personal and business insurance and making claims. From insuring your car or businesses, to protecting your own medical needs, even your pets, BDO Insure can recommend the right coverage for you.
SM Lanang ushers in a new era of visual storytelling as it launches its giant digital canvas “Visions of Paradise” to revolutionize how people engage with advertising and entertainment in Mindanao.
Standing 17-meter high and four-meter wide, Mindanao’s first and largest indoor LED screen is perched at SM Lanang’s scenic elevator overlooking the mall atrium. This cutting-edge, massive digital landmark was unveiled on August 12, 2025 for mall-goers to enjoy.
With its semi-transparent display, the giant LED screen takes the mall’s scenic elevator to the next level by breaking the monotony of everyday scenes with visuals of Davao City’s paradise-like destinations. This LED screen also allows the creative utilization of the scenic elevator façade without obstructing the view from within.
More than just a digital billboard, Visions of Paradise is designed to elevate the digital storytelling landscape in Mindanao where local stories, bold ideas, and local artistry are reflected in ultra-crisp perfection.
The giant digital canvas brings the ultimate experience from world-famous iconic screens to the local scene, offering a cinematic backdrop for shoppers and tourists alike.
This latest development demonstrates SM’s leadership in innovation that shapes mall entertainment and customer engagement, adding excitement and fun to the customer experience.
The next time you visit SM Lanang for another shopping trip, look for that “big screen energy” and snap some photos for your socials.
Among Davao City’s most impactful recent developments is the now fully operational Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project (DCBWSP), the largest private bulk water project in the Philippines, delivering clean and reliable water to communities across the city.
The project, a collaboration between Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc. (Apo Agua) and the Davao City Water District (DCWD), now delivers over 300 million liters per day (MLD) of treated surface water sourced from the Tamugan River, benefiting more than one million Dabawenyos citywide including water-stressed communities in Indangan, Cabantian, and Panacan.
“This is a game-changer, especially for the residents in District 2, who for years experienced water challenges,” said Ronnie D. Lim, General Manager of Apo Agua. “By harnessing surface water through sustainable infrastructure, we are solving water issues at the root and delivering supply to DCWD that is safe and reliable.”
Previously, Davao relied heavily on groundwater extracted from wells and aquifers. Recognizing the risk of overextraction and its long-term impact on supply, DCWD began exploring the use of surface water to diversify and protect the city’s sources.
The existing groundwater system struggled to keep pace with rapid urbanization, often leading to rotational supply, rationing, and low water pressure in elevated or densely populated areas. Now through conjunctive use, or the strategic integration of both surface water and groundwater systems, the city now benefits from a more resilient and balanced water supply system.
“Surface water now serves as the city’s primary water source, allowing DCWD to rest or reallocate its groundwater. This not only helps preserve underground aquifers but also strengthens the city’s long-term water security,” Lim added.
The improvements are evident in the numbers. In just two years, DCWD has tripled its new water service connections: from 8,600 in 2022 to over 21,000 today– that’s 14,000 more households with clean, reliable water right from the tap.
Back in 2022, areas like Cabantian and Panacan faced frequent water interruptions. In Cabantian, only 90% of residents had 24/7 service, while Panacan was at 67%, forcing households to adjust routines around unpredictable supply and store water in containers.
Today, 95% of DCWD customers enjoy continuous water service, with satisfaction levels at an all-time high of 99.6%, and 99.9% in previously underserved areas like Cabantian and Panacan.
The result is immediately felt by residents. Flora Mae Casa of Emily Homes in Cabantian, recalls the daily struggles of fetching water through rotation water truck deliveries.
“Unahan pa sa pila para makakuha ng water and we need to purchase a lot of gallons para pang-ipon namin sa tubig,” Flora shared. (We had to rush to fall in line just to fetch water. We also had to buy many gallons so we could store enough water.)
District 2’s rapid population growth could strain the city’s groundwater-based systems, potentially leading to more frequent water rationing and truck deliveries. Some residents have even had to wake up before dawn just to catch a short trickle of water.
“Mumata mi ug kadlawon mga alas kwatro sa buntag para maabtan namo ang agas, kay pag maabtan na ug mga 10 am, putol-putol na pud ang tubig ana,” said Gerry Dagatan of Upper Panacan. (We used to wake up at 4 a.m. just to get water. Because by 10 a.m., it would already be limited.)
Today, Gerry shares, that’s no longer the case. “Pero napansin na namo run ang dako gyud nga kabag-uhan. Wala na mi ga gamit ug water drums kay naa namay agas ang gripo 24/7.” (We’ve seen a huge change now. No more water drums, there’s 24/7 water from the tap.)
Beyond addressing water concerns, the project’s conjunctive use of surface and ground water also helps ease pressure on underground aquifers, enhancing Davao’s ability to support economic growth and real estate development in rapidly expanding barangays.
Dominion Holdings, Inc. (DHI, formerly BDO Leasing and Finance, Inc.) reported a net income of ₱71.6 million in the first half of 2025, compared to ₱134.5 million during the same period in 2024.
The decline was mainly due to the reduction in investable funds following the declaration of ₱3.2 billion in cash dividends in May 2024, as well as a lower interest rate environment.
The company continues to reinvest earnings from its investments, resulting in growth in total assets, which increased to ₱3.4 billion as of June 2025 from ₱3.3 billion in June 2024.
Stockholders’ equity also rose to ₱3.4 billion, up from ₱3.3 billion, reflecting the reinvestment of earnings back into the company. Total liabilities remained minimal at ₱10.8 million.
Dominion Holdings Inc.’s primary purpose is to hold/own real estate properties, securities/shares of stocks, and other assets of other companies, and engage in investment and business activities involving these assets.
On July 18, 2022, the SEC approved the change in corporate name of BDO Leasing and Finance Inc. to “Dominion Holdings, Inc.”, the shift in primary and secondary purposes from a leasing and financing company to that of a holding company, and the corresponding amendments to the Company’s Articles of Incorporation and By-laws.
As an investment holding company, Dominion Holdings has more flexibility in pursuing business opportunities that can enhance shareholder value.
Cebu Pacific further strengthens its international network with additional flights to Bangkok, Da Nang, Melbourne, and Sapporo in time for the holidays.
Flights between Cebu and Bangkok (Don Mueang) will increase to 4x weekly on the same days, with an additional flight on Sundays beginning October 26. Meanwhile, Starting October 28, CEB will boost the frequency of flights between Manila and Da Nang to 10x weekly, offering 2x daily flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
CEB will also start operating daily flights between Manila and Sapporo from December 10. Flights between Manila and Melbourne will also increase to 5x weekly beginning December 12, with an additional flight operating on Fridays.
| Route | From | To |
| Cebu – Bangkok (Don Mueang) – Cebu | 3x weekly | 4x weekly |
| Manila – Da Nang – Manila | Daily | 10x weekly |
| Manila – Melbourne – Manila | 4x weekly | 5x weekly |
| Manila – Sapporo – Manila | 3x weekly | Daily (Dec. 10, 2025 – Feb. 27, 2026) |
“These additional frequencies reflect Cebu Pacific’s ongoing commitment to provide more accessibility, flexibility, and convenience to our valued passengers. As travel demand continues to rise, these expanded services allow us to better connect Filipinos to the rest of the world and welcome more visitors to the Philippines. Beyond convenience, this increased connectivity also plays a key role in stimulating tourism, enabling business opportunities, and strengthening economic ties with our neighbors in the Asia-Pacific region,” said Xander Lao, CEB President and Chief Commercial Officer.
CEB was the first local carrier to operate direct flights between Manila and Da Nang in December 2023, offering Filipinos a faster and more affordable way to experience the beauty and charm of the largest city in central Vietnam known for its luxurious resorts, architectural designs, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
In October 2024, CEB began operating its Cebu-Bangkok (Don Mueang) route as part of its efforts to expand connectivity from the Queen City of the South, allowing travelers from Central Visayas to conveniently explore Thailand’s ancient temples, bustling markets, and world-renowned cuisine.
CEB’s Manila-Sapporo flights has also become a popular route among travelers since its launch in January this year, making it easier for Filipinos to enjoy Hokkaido’s popular winter activities, stunning natural parks, and rich cultural heritage.
Meanwhile, this year marks CEB’s 7th year of operations in Melbourne, the second largest city in Australia, known for its diverse food scene, iconic sports events, rich arts and culture, and lively music festivals. The city has also become popular among Filipino travelers visiting their families and friends in the Land Down Under.
Passengers may book their flights to these exciting destinations through CEB’s multiple payment options, including credit and debit cards, as well as e-wallets.
CEB operates in 37 domestic and 26 international destinations spanning Asia, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. (AEV) reported its first-half 2025 results, reflecting a softer start to the year but showing a strong recovery in the second quarter. The quarter-on-quarter rebound, driven by improved performances in key business units, underscores the resilience of AEV’s diversified portfolio and its ability to adapt swiftly to changing market conditions.
In its role as the portfolio manager of the Aboitiz Group, AEV remains focused on driving growth, operational efficiency, and strategic investments that contribute to national economic progress as the Philippines’ first techglomerate.
“Our results this quarter demonstrate the strength of a well-diversified portfolio,” said Sabin M. Aboitiz, AEV President and CEO. “We remain committed to managing our businesses with discipline, resilience, and innovation — not only to deliver value to our shareholders, but also to help drive the Philippine economy forward.”
AboitizPower maintained its role as a reliable contributor, ensuring all plants remained fully operational to deliver a dependable electricity supply that supports the economy.
Aboitiz Foods delivered solid results, driven by improved margins and performance across its operations. While the Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines, Inc. (CCEAP) also made notable gains, further boosting Aboitportfolio diversity.
UnionBank sustained its momentum through strong lending growth, a healthier funding mix, and continued leadership in digital banking, further strengthening its market position.
Aboitiz InfraCapital continued to expand its infrastructure footprint and enhance efficiencies in its airport, water, and economic estate operations, laying the foundation for future growth.
Aboitiz Land maintained its commitment to delivering quality and affordable residential projects for its target communities, while Republic Cement continued to work with stakeholders to strengthen the domestic cement industry.
“While we faced headwinds early in the year, our businesses are well-positioned to capture opportunities and sustain growth,” Aboitiz added. “The discipline, innovation, and resilience of our teams across the group are what enable us to deliver real impact — for our stakeholders and the country.”
AEV will continue leveraging the synergies of its portfolio to drive inclusive growth, aligning its strategies with its mission to uplift lives and advance business and communities across the Philippines.
MANILA – Bodegas Fundador, the oldest and most storied winery in Spain, has received its latest distinction with the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice®️ 2025 Award.
This recognition is based solely on real reviews and ratings extracted from the top 10% of Tripadvisor travelers worldwide.
“Being recognized once again with the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award is a true honor — not just for Bodegas Fundador, but for the passionate team behind every tour, every tasting, and every detail. This award speaks volumes about the authentic experiences we strive to offer and the deep connection our visitors feel with our history, our brandies, and our hospitality. We are proud to represent the heart of Jerez to the world,” says Glenn Manlapaz, CEO, Emperador Inc.
Founded in 1730, Bodegas Fundador stands as Spain’s oldest and largest producer of brandy and sherry, with nearly three centuries of craftsmanship rooted in Jerez. The winery oversees every stage of production—from its vineyards and distillery to ageing cellars, blending and bottling facilities, laboratories, and a distribution center. Its portfolio includes iconic brands such as Fundador — the first Spanish brandy introduced in 1874 — alongside Harveys, Terry Centenario, and Tres Cepas.
Since two centuries ago, Bodegas Fundador has received dignitaries, such as Spanish royal families and Heads of State, including the late former President Corazon Aquino.
This recognition from Tripadvisor reaffirms Bodegas Fundador’s standing as the top-rated experience in the ‘Things to Do in Jerez’ category, bolstered by an outpouring of five-star reviews on Tripadvisor and Google. More significantly, it places the historic winery among the most celebrated destinations worldwide, which is a testament to its commitment to excellence, tradition, and heartfelt hospitality.
“The positive reviews from top Tripadvisor travelers are a source of motivation for all of us at Bodegas Fundador, and we work every day to ensure a truly enriching experience for everyone who chooses us,” shares Eugenia Herrera, head of enotourism, Bodegas Fundador.
More importantly, the recognition is also envisioned to inspire travelers exploring Jerez to uncover the timeless charm of Bodegas Fundador—a cultural treasure nestled in the heart of Spain’s storied sherry triangle. Home to century-old barrels and the Garden of La Puerta de Rota, which is officially recognized as a Site of Cultural Interest, the historic winery offers immersive tours steeped in heritage. Guests can also visit the Fundador Museum, which commemorates 150 years of the first Spanish brandy, and dine at the Casa Fundador Restaurant, where they can sample the region’s finest brandies, wines, and culinary pairings.
“Enotourism is a 360-experience where visitors can feel and understand the brandy journey from vineyards to cellars. A trip to our brandy museum immerses visitors in its history, allowing them to match food with brandy and its mixers, which will convert them to become brandy ambassadors,” explains Angel Piña, chief marketing officer and chief commercial officer, Grupo Emperador Spain.
Bodegas Fundador is 100% owned by Emperador Inc., which is publicly traded on both the Philippine Stock and the Singapore Stock Exchanges. Since 2002, the Travelers’ Choice® Awards from Tripadvisor highlight the best experiences in the world based solely on the real ratings of millions of travelers. Opinions are collected over a 12-month period, and only those activities that maintain outstanding consistency in their quality and attention to visitors are awarded.
PHILIPPINES – Canon announced the PIXMA TR160 wireless portable printer for business professionals who require reliable and secure printing while on the move. Featuring smartphone connectivity, a USB-rechargeable battery pack, and storage for printable user-created document templates, the efficient PIXMA TR160 delivers consistent high-quality document output without the need for a laptop.
Compact Design and Powerful Features
The PIXMA TR160’s portable design makes it the perfect travel companion, fitting effortlessly into most briefcases or carry-on bags. The printer’s 1.44-inch OLED display conserves energy and provides a high-visibility interface for adjusting print settings, checking battery or ink levels, and monitoring Wi-Fi signal strength – all without a laptop connection. The printer also has a security lock slot to prevent theft in public areas or shared workspaces.
The PIXMA TR160 is a miniature workhorse that churns out monochrome text documents in approximately 9.0 images per minute (ipm)[1], and approximately 5.5 ipm1 in color. It also supports A4 borderless printing on glossy papers, making it ideal for producing polished cover sheets for key client proposals.
[1] Document print speeds are the average of ESAT (Word, Excel, PDF) in Office Category Test for the default simplex mode, ISO/IEC 24734. Print speed may vary depending on system configuration, interface, software, document complexity, print mode, page coverage, type of paper used etc.for On-the-Go Business Professionals
Print Versatility with Document Templates Storage
With the PIXMA TR160, users can store up to five customized print templates in the printer’s memory. This feature allows corporate professionals to quickly reprint forms and datasheets repeatedly without connecting to a laptop or mobile device. The PIXMA TR160 also utilizes a 5-Color Hybrid Ink System, consisting of pigment and dye ink to produce razor-sharp text and vivid, photo-quality images.
Swift Charging to Maximise Productivity
The printer’s rechargeable battery pack can be charged via an AC adapter or a USB-C cable, offering users versatile charging options. When the battery is depleted, a quick approximate 10-minute charge via AC power is enough to produce up to 36 pages[1] and ensure seamless productivity.
Enhanced Security and Seamless Wireless Connectivity
To provide better protection against unauthorized access, the PIXMA TR160 uses 2.4GHz and 5GHz with TLS1.3 security levels, preventing data snooping. Additionally, the printer’s wireless direct capabilities enable easy printing without a router or network infrastructure. With the Canon PRINT app for iOS and Android, users can print directly from their mobile devices, while checking the printer status and its ink levels. The PIXMA TR160 also supports direct printing from online platforms[2] via the cloud-integrated service, catering to the diverse needs of mobile professionals.
Pricing[3] and Availability
| Model Number | Retail Price | Availability |
| PIXMA TR160 | 16,995 | June 2025 |
| PIXMA TR160 with battery | 24,595 | June 2025 |
Product Specifications
| Product Dimensions (W x D x H) | Approx. 322 x 185 x 66 mm Approx. 322 x 210 x 66 mm (with battery) |
| Document ISO Print Speed | Approx. 9.0 / 5.5 ipm (mono/color)1 |
| Photo Print Speed (4R, borderless) | Approx. 53 sec[1] |
| Key Features | 5-Colour Hybrid Ink System (Pigment & Dye Ink)1.44″ OLED displaySupports wireless and mobile printingDual-band Wi-FiOne-touch direct wireless connectionBorderless photo printing up to A4 sizeLoad up to 50 sheets of paper |
MANILA, Philippines — HUAWEI, in collaboration with Vogue Philippines, staged a dazzling celebration of fashion-next, future-next innovation, artistry, and elegance for the official launch of the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series in the Philippines. Held at the BGC Arts Center, Taguig City, last August 7, the grand event was made more remarkable by the HUAWEI XMAGE Photography Exhibition, which showcased top-tier photos captured using HUAWEI smartphones.
The HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra and HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro are now available for pre-order. Prices start at PHP 59,999. Meanwhile, the HUAWEI Pura 80 is expected to be available soon in the Philippines.
An evening of elegance and innovation
The event brought together some of the country’s top celebrities, photographers, and tastemakers under one roof, dressed in fashion-forward looks that echoed the dazzling design of the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series. Among the star-studded guests who graced the event was Filipino award-winning actor Jericho Rosales. He raved about how the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series fits seamlessly into his life, whether as a fashionable companion for glamorous events or a photography device to capture nightscapes while he’s out riding his motorcycle. He claimed that the phone’s revolutionary mobile imaging technology, “fashion-next” desig,n and AI-enabled performance match his life, from big events to quiet moments with friends. “It’s more than just a phone — it’s a companion that lets me capture my world, day or night, in the best way possible,” said the actor.
United by a shared commitment to pushing creative boundaries and redefining visual storytelling, HUAWEI collaborated with Vogue Philippines for the event. As a global authority in style and culture, Vogue brought its distinct editorial perspective to the occasion, with Suki Salvador, president of Mega Global Licensing, taking center stage at the event to share their insights on the significance of phone photography in capturing moments before they slip away. Highlighting how HUAWEI’s superior mobile imaging technology empowers creatives, Suki Salvador emphasized how the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series enables “sharp shooters” like Borgy Angeles and Gab Villareal to capture everything from sun-kissed portraits to the vibrant Poblacion nightlife with exceptional detail and color accuracy in every frame.
“Regardless of the medium, day or night, it’s the (wandering) eye that is truly capable of discovering stories worth telling,” said Suki Salvador. “With the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series, the gap that once divided professionals from casual photographers begins to coalesce, letting anyone and everyone tell their narratives the way they always envisioned.”
HUAWEI Pura 80 Series: precision in every frame
During the event, the spotlight shone brightly on the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra and HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro, both embodying the legacy of the HUAWEI Pura Series. Both devices are now available for pre-order in the Philippines. The HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra leads the charge, debuting the industry’s first Switchable Dual Telephoto Camera, which combines a 3.7x mid-telephoto and 9.4x ultra-telephoto lens in one unit that’s backed by a 1/1.28-inch Ultra Large Sensor. This groundbreaking setup enables the largest telephoto light intake to date, delivering cinematic portraits and sharp, detailed close-ups.
A micron-level motor powers the seamless switch between focal lengths with over 140 precision components driving a compact system that increases the light path versus traditional telephoto modules. The HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra also features a revolutionary 1-inch Ultra Lighting HDR Camera, which has a greater full-well capacity and delivers unmatched light and shadow capture. Real-time TCH-HDR technology enables 16EV dynamic range for flawless exposure in bright daylight or dim nightscapes. The 1-inch Ultra Lighting HDR Camera works in tandem with the AI Cinematic Engine to deliver stunningly lifelike video with rich detail and natural contrast.
On the other hand, the HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro elevates close-range mobile photography with its Ultra Lighting Macro Telephoto Camera, which offers a Super Close Focus of up to 5cm. This allows users to capture intricate textures and fine details with stunning clarity. Its massive F2.1 aperture enhances light intake to enable vibrant, true-to-life imagery even in challenging low-light conditions. The HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro also inherits the 1-inch Ultra Lighting Camera, which boasts the industry’s largest main camera light intake. Along with the Ultra Chroma Camera, this delivers rich, ultra-clear nightscape shots that faithfully reproduce colors and atmosphere in low-light environments. This gives users vivid, lifelike results that preserve the mood and magic of every moment.
