by Ferry Bayu | Feb 24, 2026 | Business
Manila, Philippines – As the world faces escalating geopolitical risks, shifting trade alliances, and technological disruption, Philippine government and business leaders are preparing to navigate a more volatile global economic landscape. In response, a landmark series of panel discussions will bring together thought leaders, industry experts, and policymakers to chart strategies for resilience, innovation, and competitiveness.
Looking Ahead: Philippines 2026 will take place on February 27, 2026, at the New World Makati Hotel in Metro Manila, and will feature high-level dialogues on economic trends, industry innovations, consumer behavior, and financial shifts shaping the business environment in the Philippines and across the globe.
Agenda Highlights:
• Session 1 – Business in a Volatile Global Landscape
Explore how global economic instability, shifting trade alliances, and emerging technologies are reshaping businesses—and learn how Philippine enterprises can stay competitive. Panelists include Mr. Romeo L. Bernardo (Monetary Board Member of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas), Mr. Jonathan Ravelas (Senior Adviser of Reyes Tacandong and Company), Mr. Ruben Carlo Asuncion (Chief Economist of Union Bank of the Philippines), and Mr. Charlie Villasenor (CEO and President of the Procurement and Supply Institute of Asia, Inc.), moderated by Mr. Jose Luis U. Yulo, Jr., President of the Chamber of Commerce of the Philippine Islands.
• Session 2 – The Next Wave of Philippine Industries: Innovation and Resilience
Sectoral leaders will discuss positioning industries for growth amid supply risks, volatile energy markets, and technological disruption. Panelists include Atty. Anne E. Montelibano (President and Chief Executive Officer of the Philippine Independent Power Producers Association), Mr. Alejandro S. Mañalac (VP for International Affairs of the Chamber of Real Estate and Builders’ Associations, Inc), Dr. Dan C. Lachica (President of the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines), Dr. Jesus Lim Arranza (Chairman Emeritus of the Federation of Philippine Industries, Inc.) and Dr. Bernardo Villegas (Professor & Vice President of the University of Asia and the Pacific), moderated by Mr. Guido Alfredo A. Delgado, former President of the National Power Corporation.
• Session 3 – The Philippine Consumer Market Outlook in a Time of Uncertainty
Experts will examine trends in consumer confidence, demand, and market behavior amidst global and local uncertainties. Panelists include Mr. Steven T. Cua (Executive Director of the Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Association), Mr. Joey Roi Bondoc (Director and Head of Research of Colliers), and Mr. Jere Von Q. Basa (President of the Philippine E-Commerce Association), moderated by Dr. Demetrio P. Salipsip, Jr., President of Enderun Colleges.
• Session 4 – Global Financial Shifts
Discussions into shifting global currency power and their implications for Philippine policy and economic strategy, featuring Mr. Jonathan Ravelas, Market Economist and Financial Strategy Advisor, and Mr. Dennis D. Lapid, Officer-in-Charge of the Monetary Policy Sub-Sector of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
• Session 5 – Building a Stronger Business Environment Amidst Global Uncertainty
Discussions will focus on policy, talent development, and sustainability to ensure Philippine industries remain competitive. Panelists include Mr. Jay A. Acar, (Acting Regional Director of the National Capital Regional Office, Department of Trade and Industry), Dr. Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis, Jr. (President and Chief Executive Officer of the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc.), Mr. Engelbert Camasura (President of the People Management Association of the Philippines), and Mr. Pedro H. Maniego, Jr., FICD, PIE, Esq (Senior Policy Advisor of Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities) moderated by Mr. Jose Luis U. Yulo, Jr.
• SESSION 6 – A Vision of the Coming Year for Business in the Philippines
This session will feature presentations from representatives of two key sectors of the Philippine economy, providing perspectives on the business environment expected in the coming year. Presenters include: Mr. Martin Antonio G. Zamora, President & CEO of Nickel Asia Corporation and Mr. Jardy Adolfo, Head of Tiktok Brand Partnerships of Tiktok Philippines.
This series of sessions is a must-attend for business leaders, policymakers, and investors seeking to understand emerging risks and opportunities. By convening sectoral experts and authorities, the event provides actionable insights to strengthen Philippine business resilience, drive innovation, and seize opportunities for growth in an uncertain world.
Access the LOOKING AHEAD: PHILIPPINES 2026 Agenda here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dJv-IGZFqxqRVpkhDkAnuMMEXdi0sHPv/view?usp=sharing
Secure your participation by registering at: https://lookingahead.leverageinternational.com/register
For additional information, contact the Secretariat at le******@*******************al.com or call +(632) 8519-7578 or +(632) 8810-1389.
About Leverage International (Consultants) Inc.
Leverage International (Consultants) Inc. is a Philippine consultancy company organized in 1975. It provides a comprehensive range of research, planning, technical and management services to public and private sector organizations. Accredited by the Asian Development Bank, World Bank, USAID and CIDA, the firm is managed by former government and business officers with track records in research, planning and operations.
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VRITIMES by Ferry Bayu | Feb 20, 2026 | Business
Three-month SEA esports spectacle culminates with Vietnamese victory, showcasing mobile FPS growth across five markets
The inaugural CrossFire: Legends Championship (CFLC), an international esports tournament for Tencent’s CrossFire: Legends (CFL), concluded on 8 February in Manila after three months of intense competition. While Vietnam’s Evolution Team (EVO) emerged as the tournament’s first-ever champions, Filipino teams delivered a strong showing on home ground. KDM secured second place, while Vanguard Familia (VF) finished fourth, highlighting the Philippines’ growing strength in the mobile first-person shooter (FPS) scene. Vietnam’s HF (HeartFire) claimed third place.
The semifinals and Grand Final, held from February 7–8 in Manila, drew thousands of on-site spectators, while live broadcasts across TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube generated over 500,000 cumulative views, with peak concurrent viewership exceeding 40,000 on a single platform. The hybrid format reflected strong fan interest both in-arena and online.
The inaugural CFLC showcased a compelling Philippines-versus-Vietnam rivalry, with both nations placing two teams each in the Top 4. Filipino teams KDM and VF demonstrated resilience and strategic depth throughout the tournament, proving they can compete at the highest regional level.
Adding to the excitement, EVO demonstrated consistent performance, discipline, and composure throughout the competition. The Vietnamese squad delivered strong results from the early stages through to the final matches, outperforming their opponents to secure the championship title.
The CFLC 2025–2026 Grand Final was contested for both regional recognition and a total prize pool of USD 45,000, adding further stakes to the tournament’s final stage as teams competed for the championship title and a share of the overall winnings.
During the Grand Final, EVO maintained control in critical moments, capitalizing on key opportunities and executing decisive plays under pressure. As part of the championship recognition, EVO Luji was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) for his standout performance and consistent contributions throughout the tournament.
The tournament also featured prominent Southeast Asian clubs such as EVOS, ONIC, and FullSense, signaling a more competitive regional landscape. Strong performances from Vietnamese and Philippine teams further demonstrated Southeast Asia’s growing presence in mobile esports.
CFLC’s success marks a significant milestone in CFM’s globalization journey. “We remain committed to building a professional, comprehensive FPS mobile esports system,” stated a representative from Tencent’s K1 Team.
“CFLC is just the beginning—we will continue to invest in international competitive structures, bringing high-quality matches to players worldwide.”
The conclusion of CFLC 2025–2026 marks an important step in the continued development of CrossFire: Legends esports in Southeast Asia, reflecting the region’s rise as a competitive hub for mobile FPS titles.
For the latest updates and match information, fans can follow CrossFire: Legends Esports on Facebook (cflesportsglobal), TikTok (@cflesports), Instagram (@cflesportsglb), and YouTube (cflesports).
About CrossFire: Legends
Crossfire: Legends is the official mobile adaptation of Crossfire, the globally recognized, highly beloved first-person shooter (FPS) game by South Korean video game company Smilegate. Developed by TiMi Studio Group and published by Level Infinite, the game brings the original PC version’s core mechanics, competitive intensity, and tactical gameplay to mobile, fully reimagined for on-the-go experiences. Crossfire: Legends offers fast-paced multiplayer modes such as Search & Destroy and Team Deathmatch, with compact map designs and quick respawn mechanics prioritizing high-stakes, skill-based combat. Built on the Unity engine, Crossfire: Legends features optimized performance across various mobile devices and supports extensive customization, including control layouts, aim sensitivity, and gyroscope calibration.
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by Ferry Bayu | Feb 18, 2026 | Business
Quezon City, Metro Manila — Acne scars remain one of the most common skin concerns among Filipinos, affecting both young adults and mature patients long after active acne has healed. As demand for acne scar treatments rises across the Philippines, medical aesthetic experts emphasize that effective scar improvement depends on proper diagnosis, medical-grade technology, and realistic expectations. Contrary to popular belief, acne scars are not a single condition—and no single treatment works for all scar types.
Why Acne Scars Are Medically Complex
According to clinicians, acne scars form due to inflammation that disrupts normal collagen production during the skin’s healing process. The depth, shape, and severity of scars vary widely and are commonly classified as:
• Rolling scars
• Boxcar scars
• Ice-pick scars
Each type responds differently to treatment, making professional assessment essential before any procedure is performed.
Clinically Proven Acne Scar Treatment Options
Medical aesthetic clinics across Metro Manila commonly use a combination of advanced, non-surgical treatments to improve acne scars safely and effectively.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
Fractional CO2 and Erbium lasers are widely regarded as gold standards for acne scar treatment. These technologies work by creating controlled micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating new collagen formation and skin remodeling over time.
Laser resurfacing is particularly effective for:
• Moderate to deep acne scars
• Uneven skin texture
• Post-acne pigmentation
Radiofrequency-Based Treatments
Radiofrequency (RF) technology delivers heat to deeper skin layers, encouraging collagen tightening and regeneration. RF treatments are often combined with laser procedures to enhance overall scar improvement and skin firmness.
Combination Treatment Programs
Medical experts stress that acne scar improvement is rarely achieved through a single session. Instead, clinics develop progressive treatment programs that may combine lasers, RF, and skin rejuvenation therapies over several months—allowing collagen to rebuild gradually and naturally.
Why One-Session “Scar Removal” Claims Are Misleading
Medical professionals caution against clinics that promise instant or complete acne scar removal. Scar treatment is a biological process, and results depend on:• Scar depth and type• Skin thickness and tone• Healing response• Consistency of treatment
Ethical clinics focus on visible improvement and skin quality enhancement, not unrealistic guarantees.
The Importance of Medical Oversight in Acne Scar Treatments
Acne scar procedures involve energy-based devices that penetrate the skin. Without proper medical oversight, risks may include:
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
• Prolonged redness or irritation
• Uneven results
Clinician-led aesthetic clinics mitigate these risks through proper patient screening, customized energy settings, and structured aftercare protocols.
The Importance of Medical Oversight in Acne Scar Treatments
Acne scar procedures involve energy-based devices that penetrate the skin. Without proper medical oversight, risks may include:
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
• Prolonged redness or irritation
• Uneven results
Clinician-led aesthetic clinics mitigate these risks through proper patient screening, customized energy settings, and structured aftercare protocols.
Looking Ahead: Education Over Hype
As the aesthetic industry in the Philippines continues to mature, clinicians expect acne scar treatment to become increasingly education-driven—focused on medical science, ethical practices, and realistic patient outcomes.
For patients, understanding the why behind treatments is just as important as seeing the before-and-after results.
About MOLD Manila
MOLD Manila is a premium, clinician-led aesthetic clinic located in White Plains, Quezon City. The clinic specializes in non-surgical, medical-grade treatments for acne scars, skin rejuvenation, and anti-aging, with a strong focus on safety, personalized care, and long-term skin health.
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by Ferry Bayu | Feb 17, 2026 | Business
BEST Healthcare Rankings has officially opened its nationwide call for nominations for the 2026 Nurse of the Year Awards, honoring exceptional Filipino nurses practicing in the Philippines. The program recognizes two distinctions: Frontline Nurse of the Year and Servant Leader Nurse of the Year.
Founded and chaired by Guam-based Filipino nurse leader Job Marconi Mascardo, the initiative is a community-driven effort led by Overseas Filipinos to provide meaningful, no-cost recognition to nurses who embody excellence, integrity, and trust in healthcare.
Nominations are open to colleagues, patients, families, community members, and self-nominees across the Philippines — advancing the organization’s mission of Building Excellence through Service and Trust.
Guam — February 2026 — In hospitals and healthcare settings across the Philippines, some of the most profound acts of excellence unfold quietly. A nurse offering reassurance during a frightening diagnosis. A calm yet decisive voice leading a code blue team as they work to restart a patient’s heart. A steadfast advocate speaking up for patient safety when silence would be easier.
These everyday acts of dedication define the spirit of nursing — and they are the inspiration behind the 2026 Nurse of the Year Awards, now open for nationwide nominations through BEST Healthcare Rankings.
Founded on the principle of Building Excellence through Service and Trust, the initiative recognizes two distinct but equally vital dimensions of nursing excellence: the frontline caregiver and the servant leader.
Two Awards. Two Dimensions of Excellence.
Frontline Nurse of the Year
The Frontline Nurse of the Year award honors exceptional direct patient care. It recognizes nurses working in hospitals, emergency departments, community clinics, and rural health settings who consistently deliver safe, compassionate, and evidence-based care.
This distinction celebrates clinical competence, accountability, resilience under pressure, and unwavering patient advocacy. Frontline nurses are often the first to respond in moments of crisis — and their vigilance directly shapes patient outcomes.
Servant Leader Nurse of the Year
The Servant Leader Nurse of the Year award honors leadership rooted in humility, integrity, and service.
This category recognizes nurses who mentor colleagues, strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration, uphold ethical standards, and cultivate cultures of trust within healthcare teams and communities. Inspired by the enduring legacy of Florence Nightingale, the award affirms that true leadership in nursing prioritizes stewardship over status.
Servant leadership is measured not merely by position, but by influence used to uplift others and strengthen healthcare systems.
Recognition Without Barriers
Participation is entirely free. There are no nomination fees, participation costs, or award acceptance charges — reinforcing the organization’s commitment to accessible, merit-based recognition.
Each honoree will receive:
- PHP 10,000 (pre-tax)
- An Official Award Certificate
- Letter of Recommendation
- Recognition during a Virtual Award Ceremony
Nomination Deadline: October 1, 2026
Virtual Award Ceremony: December 5, 2026
Nominations are open nationwide. Colleagues, patients, families, and community members are encouraged to participate — including self-nominations.
Submissions are evaluated through a blinded, holistic, and evidence-based scoring process that prioritizes excellence in care, integrity in practice, trustworthiness within teams, and commitment to professional growth. Nomination forms are available through BEST Healthcare Rankings’ official Facebook and LinkedIn pages.
Leadership Behind the Initiative
The awards are the vision of Guam-based Filipino nurse leader Job Marconi Mascardo, MBA, MAN, RN, NE-BC, CPHQ, CMGT-BC.
Mascardo began his professional journey as a volunteer nurse with the Red Cross Cebu Chapter before gaining frontline clinical experience in the United States, including service in long-term care settings in Montana. These early roles exposed him to the physical demands, emotional challenges, and ethical responsibilities of bedside nursing — experiences that continue to shape his leadership philosophy.
He later advanced into roles in case management and healthcare quality focusing on process and system improvement. He earned his nursing degree from Silliman University and later completed graduate studies in Business Administration (MBA) and Nursing (MAN) at other institutions. He also holds multiple U.S. board certifications in nurse executive leadership (NE-BC), healthcare quality (CPHQ), and case management (CMGT-BC).
Mascardo has received community recognitions for his leadership, including Distinct and Empowered Filipino in Nursing Leadership by the Philippines Distinct Men and Women of Excellence in Metro Manila, as well as a scholarship award from the Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA) in New York. He was also nominated as an Emerging Global Filipino Icon by The Global Filipino Magazine and featured in The Summit Express news.
Through his clinical and leadership experiences — including service during the COVID-19 pandemic — Mascardo observed that many of the most impactful nurses work quietly, without meaningful recognition.
“I’ve seen nurses carry patient loads through difficult seasons,” Mascardo said. “Recognition strengthens morale. It reinforces integrity. And it reminds nurses that their service truly matters.”
As an Overseas Filipino professional, he describes the initiative as a way of giving back to the nursing community in the Philippines — honoring those whose excellence and trustworthiness form the backbone of healthcare.
Excellence in nursing may unfold quietly — but its impact is profound. And it deserves to be recognized.
About BEST Healthcare Rankings
BEST Healthcare Rankings—Building Excellent Service & Trust—is an independent, community-based analytics and recognition platform committed to honoring excellence in healthcare delivery. It is not affiliated with any government or regulatory body.
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by Ferry Bayu | Feb 17, 2026 | Business
Bitget Wallet, a leading non-custodial crypto wallet with over 80 million users, has officially doubled its tokenized stock offerings, allowing Filipinos and users anywhere in the world access to more than 200 US stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
The expanded offerings are made possible through Ondo Finance’s Global Markets infrastructure. This blockchain-based platform brings traditionally traded US stocks and ETFs on-chain, allowing users outside the United States to gain exposure to these assets.
Through this integration, Filipino users can manage a hybrid portfolio of cryptocurrencies and US equities directly within the Bitget Wallet application. This eliminates the need for traditional brokerage accounts or navigating complex international banking intermediaries, effectively democratizing access to global wealth-building tools.
“As markets change, access should change with them. By expanding the range of stocks available in our app, we’re giving users more ways to participate in global markets, without the usual barriers of location, banking access, or trading hours, said Jamie Elkaleh, Chief Marketing Officer of Bitget Wallet.
Previously, Bitget Wallet focused on offering popular technology stocks from Apple, Tesla, Microsoft, Amazon, and Nvidia. With this update, users worldwide can now access nearly 100 additional US companies, including AT&T, Citigroup, and T-Mobile. These new options cover industries such as telecommunications, banking, and energy.
This global expansion marks a significant milestone in Bitget Wallet’s mission to merge decentralized finance (DeFi) with traditional markets. By broadening its asset catalog, the platform provides a seamless bridge for investors to diversify their digital portfolios with real-world equities.
As the Philippine tokenized market continues its upward trajectory toward 2030, Bitget Wallet’s latest update provides Filipino investors with more robust alternative options to grow their wealth in an increasingly digital-first economy.
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by Ferry Bayu | Feb 16, 2026 | Business
Celebrating 40 years, RCNME earned its 40th honor by becoming the first Rotary club to win an Anvil Award for a coffee table book.
QUEZON CITY, Philippines — The Rotary Club of New Manila East (RCNME) became the first Rotary club in Philippine history to receive an Anvil Award for a Coffee Table Book when it was honored at the 61st Anvil Awards Recognition Night on January 28, 2026, at Solaire North Grand Ballroom. It is also the 2nd Rotary club to win an Anvil Award in the last 61 years.
The Silver Anvil was awarded to “40 Years: The Rotary Club of New Manila East 1984–2024“, an ISBN-registered publication that documents the club’s four decades of service across health, education, livelihood, youth development, environmental stewardship, and peacebuilding. The book transforms institutional memory into a permanent, measurable record of community impact. The Anvil Awards, established in 1965 by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP), are the country’s highest recognition in public relations and communications. A panel of senior industry practitioners evaluates entries on research rigor, strategic planning, execution quality, and measurable results.
The Anvil is RCNME’s 40th award, earned during the club’s 40th anniversary year, a coincidence that caps what the club calls its Ruby Year.
“We set out to honor our past and equip our future,” said Immediate Past President Karlo Benjamin Nisce, who led RCNME during its Ruby Year and spearheaded the publication. “When you document your work with clarity and honesty, the story stops being history. It becomes a blueprint.”
Ruby Year Public Image Chairman Jullian Anisco emphasized that the book was never designed as an awards submission. “This was a documentation effort, not a campaign,” Anisco said. “The recognition validates the discipline behind the work.”
A Record-Setting Year The Anvil caps a Ruby Year in which RCNME completed 80 projects and activities, generating an unprecedented sweep of recognition:
• 34 Rotary International District 3780 Excellence Awards, including Outstanding Club and President with High Platinum Distinction
• 2 Rotary Zone 10A Public Image Awards, placing RCNME above 900+ clubs across the Philippines
• Rotary International Club Excellence Award for alignment with global objectives
• Partner in Service recognition from the Department of Education and Department of Health–QMMC
The government citations from DepEd and DOH-QMMC, are notable for extending recognition beyond Rotary’s internal ecosystem, validating the club’s measurable impact on public institutions.
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