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GCASH is poised to give more users access to affordable formal credit as it launches innovations for GCredit, in partnership with digital banking services provider, CIMB Bank PH.

The two companies are set to introduce new features for GCredit which aim to help current users manage finances even better and make it accessible for more users.

GCash and CIMB lowered the monthly minimum amount due to 10 percent of the principal loan amount plus interest and fees in line with making the service more accessible.

GCredit now offers a higher maximum credit limit of up to P50,000.

Moreover, the two firms are working together to make GCredit available for Paleng-QR Ph transactions.

There are about two million customers now empowered by GCredit. (PR)

UNITED Airlines (UAL) announced Wednesday, July 19, 2023, that it will start the new daily nonstop service from Manila to San Francisco beginning Oct. 30, 2023 eastbound, subject to government approval.

The new flight will be the airline’s first-ever trans-Pacific service from Manila since the airline started its Manila operation in 1982.

The first westbound flight from San Francisco to Manila will depart on Oct. 29, 2023.

Flight UA190 will leave Manila in the morning daily and will arrive in San Francisco in the early morning the same day.

The return flight, UA191, will depart San Francisco around midnight daily and will arrive in Manila in the early morning two days later for most of the winter season.

All flights will utilize the B777-300ER aircraft offering 60 seats in the United Polaris business cabin, 24 seats in the United Premium Plus cabin, and 266 seats in the United Economy cabin. (PR)

July 19, 2023 9:50 PM

The movie was almost banned over a scene that appears to show a map affirming Beijing’s South China Sea claims.

EMPERADOR Inc., through its subsidiary Whyte and Mackay, the world’s fifth largest Scotch Whisky producer that owns a compelling single malt portfolio, is expanding its Scotland distillery in response to the growing demand for whisky worldwide.

Whyte and Mackay is expanding its whisky maturation complex at Invergordon Distillery, doubling its footprint from 45.4 hectares to 92 hectares.

This will create the space for additional warehouses to be built over the coming decades, eventually housing up to an additional 1.5 million casks of maturing whisky, in support of the long-term growth ambition for Whyte and Mackay, which also enjoys the distinction as the UK’s number 1 supplier of Single Malt Whisky. (PR)

THE Philippines ranked fifth (4,559,288) among countries in Southeast Asia with the highest phishing attacks in 2022, according to cybersecurity firm Kaspersky.

Also in the list were Vietnam (17,847,857), Malaysia (8,267,013), Thailand (6,283,745) and Indonesia (4,931,367).

Phishing is a type of social engineering attack often used to steal user data, including login credentials and credit card numbers.

In 2022, global phishing attacks frequently targeted users of delivery services, making up 27.38 percent of all attempts blocked by Kaspersky solutions.

According to Kaspersky, scammers use emails under the guise of well-known delivery companies claiming issues with shipments. Each email will have a link to a fake website asking for personal information or financial details. Should a victim fall for the scam, their identity and banking data could end up being sold to websites on the dark web and they could lose it for good.

Online stores (15.56 percent), which were popular with attackers during the Covid-19 pandemic, were the second most targeted of phishing attacks while payment systems (10.39 percent) and banks (10.39 percent) both tied for third place.

“When it comes to scamming people online, phishing remains to be the tried and tested modus operandi of cybercriminals due to its cost-effectiveness and profitability. A malicious mail with a phishing link that leads to a phishing page lays the foundation for an attack that will eventually result in identity theft, financial loss and damage to reputation for both individuals and businesses. Protecting corporate and personal data is an urgent necessity for everyone in the Philippines and in the region,” said Adrian Hia, managing director for Asia Pacific at Kaspersky, in a statement.

Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company.

In 2022, a total of 43,445,502 phishing attempts that targeted the devices of Kaspersky’s individual and enterprise users in the region were prevented by Kaspersky’s Anti-Phishing system to follow phishing links.

In Kaspersky’s previous studies, the average cost of data breach for small and medium businesses (SMBs) from 2017-2021 is at US$104,400 (or approximately P5.8 million).

The highest recorded financial impact was $120,000 in 2018 which went down to $108,000 and $101,000 in 2019 and 2020, respectively, during the Covid-19 pandemic. It has gone up slightly to $105,000 in 2021. (KOC)

THE move to update the price ceiling for socialized housing is seen to bolster real estate activities as it addresses the ballooning housing backlog of the country.

The government, according to real estate stakeholders, is looking at increasing the price cap for socialized housing from P480,000 to P1.8 million for vertical projects to cater to the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.

Joe Soberano, president and chief executive officer of Cebu Landmasters Inc., (CLI) said the adjustment will encourage more real estate players to serve this market as it will now be economically viable for them, thus helping the country solve its six million housing backlog.

Soberano said this adjusted price ceiling only applies to vertical projects with 10 floors and above.

“With this kind of (price) ceiling, this will encourage more developers to build. This is very favorable for developers... because you are hitting the level of the economic side of the market,” he said.

“This is encouraging, something that CLI will be pursuing,” Soberano added.

Break even

Real estate players and groups have been asking the National Economic and Development Authority and Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development to increase the price cap for socialized housing as the cost of construction materials and labor have changed over the years.

Soberano said the previous price ceiling was a challenge for developers to even break even.

Under the current price ceiling law, the price for a 22-square-meter (sq.m) socialized horizontal housing unit is P480,000. A 24-sq.m. property costs P530,000 and a 28-sq.m. unit is at P580,000.

“The higher price ceiling applicable to socialized condo can encourage developers to build this type of development,” said Ramiro Espina, Primary Homes’ vice president for sales and marketing.

The socialized condo will target the C market, which also has an increasing demand and a wide supply backlog, he explained.

“This type of development will be attractive to them provided it’s in an urban location. In a rural setting though, horizontal development is still preferred,” Espina noted.

Soberano admitted that choosing locations would now be a challenge for developers.

“We have to make sure that the locations would be convenient to the target market and at the same time affordable,” he said.

Better location

The 4PH Program focuses on developing low, mid to high-rise projects near the sources of livelihood of target beneficiaries. This program specifically targets low-income earners.

According to the consolidated housing data based on the local shelter plan as of June 2023, the country logs a housing backlog of 6.658 million, of which 3.753 million are for informal settler families.

Of the total housing backlog, Metro Manila records 3.370 million housing needs, while Visayas logs 1.540 million and Mindanao logs 1.747 million.

“4PH is meant for the urban poor to have access to housing at good locations. It is a game changing proposition,” said Marcelino Mendoza, chairman of the Organization of Socialized and Economic Housing Developers of the Philippines Inc. (OSHDP).

“We are optimistic (on this program). We want the 4PH to succeed,” he added.

In a joint position paper in 2022, OSHDP, National Real Estate Association and the Socialized Housing Developers Association proposed higher price caps and lower floor and lot areas on socialized housing.

The groups are proposing a price ceiling of P800,000 with floor area of 22 sq.m. and lot area of 32 sq.m. for horizontal housing from P580,000 with floor area of 32 sq.m. and lot area of 40 sq.m.

For vertical housing, the groups propose a P1.5 million cap for a floor area of 22 sq.m. from the current P750,000 on a 24 sq.m. floor area. (KOC)

July 19, 2023 9:28 PM

This comes after the ICC rejected the Philippines’ bid to block its probe.

Advocates have canceled a regional gathering of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) activists in Indonesia's capital, Jakarta, in response to harassment and death threats from Muslim conservatives.

The ASEAN SOGIE Caucus, a regional organization based in the Philippines,

July 19, 2023 9:05 PM

Mr Wang Yi's comments were made during a visit to China by the former US secretary of state.

THE Cebu Home Builders recovered from their opening-day loss with a 66-59 win over Landlite in the Cebu Architects Basketball Club 5th Corporate Cup last Sunday at the Benedicto College gym in Cebu City.

Cebu Home Builders led by as much as 18, 50-32, before Landlite mounted a comeback attempt in the fourth to cut the deficit down to six, 50-56. But Kim-Kim Rebosura was up to the task and hit a huge three-pointer to stop Landlite’s rally and pave the way for Cebu Home Builders to capture the win.

Rebosura finished with 19 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two steals, while Kim Marilao had 17 points and eight boards.

In other games, AEG scrapped past Diamond Built, 56-55, for their second win in a row. AEG got off to a scintillating start as they scored the game’s first 17 points, but Diamond Built found their bearings and took a 47-42 lead in the fourth. AEG, though, made all the right plays down the stretch to nab the thrilling win.

Zach Go led AEG with 13 points and eight boards.

Boysen Paints also nipped Kirby Building System, 61-60, thanks to Chester Hinagdanan’s all-around effort of 22 points and six rebounds.

And lastly, Buildrite escaped with a 78-75 win over Modern Windows in overtime. Modern Windows appeared to have the win in the bag as they led by five in the game’s waning moments, but Buildrite hung tough and tied the game at 68-all after two pressure-packed free-throws by Jason Cinco.

Michael Cinco had 20 points and 11 boards, while Jason Cinco added 12 points and 13 rebounds. (JNP)

THE Creamline Cool Smashers and the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers face off in a much-anticipated duel between two loaded squads at the start of the semifinal round of the Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig on Thursday, July 20, 2023.

The top elims finishers battle it out at 6:30 p.m. with the Cool Smashers all primed for their title-retention drive with a solid crew that bannered their sweep of Pool A. But the Cargo Movers, who topped Pool B, are raring to prove their worth with a roster reinforced by three top rookies who are out to prove themselves against a battle-tested Creamline side in what promises to be a thrilling showdown.

Expect Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses and counterpart Regine Diego to go to their main players in a bid to gain the needed momentum and confidence, guaranteeing a highly charged duel among Tots Carlos, Jema Galanza, Alyssa Valdez, Ced Domingo and Jia De Guzman and Kim Dy, Majoy Baron, Ivy Lacsina, Aby Maraño, Myla Pablo and Celine Domingo.

Bench support will also be crucial with Kyle Negrito, Risa Sato, Pangs Panaga and Bernadette Pons ready to provide support for Creamline and F2 Logistics expecting to draw big games from Ara Galang and rookies Jolina dela Cruz, Mars Alba and Jovelyn Fernandez.

Two foreign squads from Vietnam and Japan will stir up the race to the finals in the mid-season conference of the league with Kinh Bac-Bac Ninh and Kurashiki Ablaze strutting their wares in a clash at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 22. (JNP)

Internship is not just about merely working for the sake of academic reason. It is all about experiencing what work is like in the real world — most especially in the field of mass media.

A student intern is there to learn how to work in the newsroom, how to gather news, how to write news and how to deliver it, regardless if it is done through the radio, television, print or the internet.

There are many lessons that one must learn in the duration of his internship program.

However, here are the five most important learnings that makes an intern a better person:

Punctuality

Tardiness is not an option, especially in the world of news. An intern must be expected to be punctual, especially when he is asked to go to the assigned area to cover the news. He must be there as early as possible, so he can get the details that are newsworthy. Once this is done, he must submit his draft for correction and revision, before broadcasting or publishing.

Resourcefulness

When an intern is given an assignment from his supervising head to cover a particular subject, he must be resourceful enough to do some research on his own through reading articles or the latest news related to the subject to be covered.

Courage

An intern — a future media practitioner — must be brave enough to overcome all the obstacles related to work. Even if he is an intern, he is expected to have the courage to accept the challenges, especially those related to the given task from his supervising head, no matter how difficult these are. Do not hesitate to ask the important questions from news sources.

Teamwork

There are times that one must work with his fellow interns on certain occasions. These range from set interviews to covering press conferences, and so forth. One must bear in mind that two heads are better than one.

Openness to constructive criticism

He must accept that constructive criticism will help him to evaluate his work, and therefore, show him more room for improvement. Constructive criticism will help evaluate the lapses which should not be committed in the future, and at the same time, things that can be improved on.

Overall, these five life lessons will help interns grow to be better persons.

Taliban guards allegedly used tasers to disperse the women protesting in the capital Kabul.

THE Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, the marketing and promotions arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT), is set to stage one of its flagship programs, the 11th Regional Travel Fair (RTF), from July 21 to 23, 2023 at SM Seaside City Cebu.

The RTF is a government-initiated trade fair that strategically conducts its events across different regions of the country. This initiative provides an excellent platform for host regions to showcase their unique tourism offerings in partnership with local government units and local industry players.

On its 11th installment, the RTF will shine the spotlight on Central Visayas, a region renowned for its white sandy beaches, breathtaking sceneries and unspoiled natural wonders.

“After a series of hybrid regional travel fairs, we are thrilled to stage a full in-person event and gather key industry stakeholders to the 11th RTF in Cebu. I invite everyone to join us as we embark on a meaningful journey to #VisitCentralVisayas and discover its treasures,” said TPB chief operating officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles.

The 11th RTF will commence with Business-to-Business sessions between local sellers and buyers to establish valuable relationships, promote collaboration on marketing campaigns and product development while also sharing emerging trends and best practices in the industry.

A two-day Business-to-Consumer session is also slated on July 22 to 23 wherein over 70 exhibitors will showcase and offer discounted domestic tour packages, airline tickets, accommodations, and other tourism-related products and services.

The fair will also feature the handloom weaving industry of hablon weavers of Argao and banig weavers of Badian, Cebu. These centuries-old traditions hold immense cultural and traditional significance, representing the vibrant history and heritage of the Cebuano people. (PR)

At this time of regular business travelers, influx of tourists and valued corporate guests since the easing of the pandemic, a hotel located in the midst of a bustling commercial area is ideal.

Welcome to Stacia Hotel, located along Banilad Road with proximity to commercial hotspots like Oakridge Business Park, Streetscape, AyalaMalls Central Bloc, Banilad Town Centre, Cebu IT Park, Gaisano Country Mall, SM City Cebu and Ayala Center Cebu.

The seven-story structure with 60 rooms offers a luxurious feel. Its smart stone fixtures and specially-designed furniture give guests an instant relaxing mode. These hospitality details have been featured from the well-traveled owners’ personal experiences.

Hotel general manager Sybil Lumbab expresses high optimism that Stacia can garner a fair share of the business segment considering its location and access to malls, restaurants and recreational facilities. Another growing market includes the tourists who can now jet into Cebu without fear of restrictions.

As soon as you step into the lobby with its interiors draped in different shades of blue, you can absorb the vibe. Another highlight is Estiatorio, the hotel’s resto bar, where head chef Jada Maranga holds court.

No less than a French chef was hired by the owners to train the kitchen team, so Chef Jada recommends for customers to try its high-end Mediterranean cuisine and the Filipino specialties as well. She proudly offers her personally concocted sauces for the kare kare and other main dishes.

We were curious as to the uncommon terms Stacia and Estiatorio. So we soon found out: Stacia is Greek for “one who will rise again” and Estiatorio means “restaurant.”

We certainly feel that with their ideal services, Stacia will definitely rise with success!

The budget for the Games has ballooned to A$6 billion (US$4 billion) – and would be double the estimated economic benefits to Victoria state.

THE number of people who have registered to vote in Talisay City, Cebu's upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Election (BSKE) has climbed by 61 percent this year.

The development has been welcomed by Commission on Elections (Comelec) Talisay, but the agency is also thinking about seeking for more precincts to accommodate all the voters.

According to Comelec Talisay's current election assistant officer, Anna-Lou Bacho, they were only able to register 148,000 voters in the 2022 election compared to 209,000 this year.

Bacho disclosed that they may use classrooms that weren't used in the previous election when the BSKE is held in October.(BBT, TPT)

The biggest Fifa Women's World Cup - featuring European champions England and debutants the Republic of Ireland - will finally get under way on Thursday.

THE Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) is celebrating the 28th Police Community Relations (PCR) Month in July.

One of the activities carried out by the police was the planting of almost 1,000 fruit-bearing trees in the mountain barangay of Budlaan together with the barangay officials.

The activity was led by CCPO Chief Colonel Ireneo Dalogdog and the chiefs of 11 police stations and special units. (AYB, TPT)

ROTCHE Tocmo Poblacion pleaded with those responsible for the brutal killing of her younger sister, Rhea Mae Tocmo, to surrender.

Poblacion and their father arrived in Cebu City to claim Rhea Mae’s body that was found inside a cardboard box along the roadside in Sitio Mohon 1, Barangay Tisa, Cebu City last Monday, July 17, 2023.

The victim’s identification was established when Poblacion, a married 31-year-old from Panabo, Davao del Norte, and their father Romeo went to see Rhea Mae at the St. Francis funeral home on Natalio Bacalso Avenue.

Teary-eyed, Poblacion pleaded with the criminals to surrender.

Nineteen-year-old Rhea Mae was the youngest of three sisters. She was left in Poblacion’s care when she was only three years old when their parents separated.

Poblacion said among other things, her younger sister assisted with cooking and other home tasks.

Being a quiet child with no known enemy, Poblacion said she could not imagine why somebody would kill Rhea Mae.

She said Rhea Mae asked permission to work in a restaurant, but she did not say where.

She said the family just learned that Rhea was in Cebu after the latter asked them to book tickets for her flight home.

“Ayaw patulga, Rhea Mae. Ayaw patulga, Day. Hasula siya, hasula hangtod nga mamatay siya sa iyang konsensya. Hasula ang nagbuhat nimo ani day, wa syay kaluoy. Pila ray kusog nimo, day. Gamay kaayo kag lawas, nya ing-adtuon ka nila. Wa gyuy kaluoy,” Poblacion said while in tears Wednesday.

(Don’t let him go to sleep, Rhea Mae. Don’t. Let his conscience bother him until he dies. Bother the person who hurt you, he has shown no mercy. You have such a small frame, and yet they did this to you.)

Meanwhile, the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) has communicated with the boardmate and landlady of Rhea Mae.

Man took Rhea

The victim’s landlady and roommate said someone had taken Rhea Mae out last week but that they did not know where she was heading, according to Police Colonel Ireneo Dalogdog, the head of the CCPO.

Police investigators also got a copy of the CCTV footage that was taken 20 to 30 meters away from the victim’s boarding house in Barangay Looc, Mandaue City, where the victim can be seen riding an orange motorcycle driven by an unidentified man.

According to Dalogdog, they will also check the CCTV footage of nearby establishments to figure out where they went. (GPL, AYB, TPT)