Joel Villanueva flags Cale88’s 2 employees despite P150-M revenue

Inquirer.net - Oct 9, 2026

MANILA, Philippines — Senator-Judge Joel Villanueva on Friday expressed alarm that Cale88 Foods Corp. supposedly has only two employees, despite reporting over P150 million in revenue and over P6 million in losses. READ: Sara Duterte trial: Witness reveals CALE88, Gencorp balances, 2022-2025 Cale88 is among Vice President Sara Duterte’s business interests being tackled before the

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My Spirit opens first PH store

Oct 9, 2026

My Spirit opens first PH store

My Spirit, an activewear brand under China-based HLA Group, has entered the Philippine market with its first store at Robinsons Galleria, offering a collection designed to take women from training sessions to the rest of their day. The range brings together technical performance, comfort and contemporary design, with pieces intended for running, yoga, Pilates, racket sports and casual wear. Versatility is central to the brand’s approach: clothes that support movement while fitting into an everyday wardrobe. Its philosophy, “Peak Tech. Pure Art.,” ties that practical purpose to an emphasis on style. My Spirit pays attention to fabric, fit, functionality and design, aiming to give women freedom of movement alongside a polished look. The brand also places confidence and self-expression at the center of its collection. Beyond supporting physical activity, its pieces are designed to help women feel comfortable in what they wear and express their individuality. That combination reflects activewear’s growing place in everyday fashion, as consumers seek clothes that can transition from workouts and sports to other activities. The Robinsons Galleria opening gives Filipina shoppers the opportunity to explore that approach firsthand. Located on the upper ground floor, the store carries the brand’s new collection of activewear and athleisure pieces.

LRT-1 operator to upgrade PITX station for better passenger flow

Oct 9, 2026

LRT-1 operator to upgrade PITX station for better passenger flow

MANILA, Philippines — The Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) operator on Friday said that it will install additional ticketing booths and implement other measures at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) station to ease high passenger volume. Private operator Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) said that it is “actively” installing new ticket counters for

Store-in-store targets to revive Marikina shoes one step at a time

Oct 9, 2026

Store-in-store targets to revive Marikina shoes one step at a time

Gen X who grew up wearing school shoes made in Marikina will remember how sturdy and seemingly indestructible they were despite the paces students put them through daily. For decades, Marikina Shoe Expo located in Cubao was the place their parents took them for a new pair at the start of the school year. That space has since been converted into a warren of small stores, restaurants and bars collectively known as Cubao Expo (Cubao X). On Sept. 24, a new venue inside Spatio at Opus Mall was launched with the intention of reintroducing shoppers to Marikina-made footwear. Shoe Avenue is a partnership of Spatio with Zapateria and features a curated mix of independent Filipino footwear brands. “We wanted to revive the glory days of Marikina’s shoe industry. We’re working closely with Unyx Sta. Ana of Zapateria on the brands to be featured at Shoe Avenue,” Martin de Leon, deputy general manager of Spatio told The Manila Times. At the moment, Shoe Avenue occupies a sizable corner of the open-floor setup at Spatio. Unlike other department stores, Spatio features local independent brands ranging from bags and apparel to footwear and novelty items. De Leon said that as a fifth-generation member of Zapateria, Sta. Ana already had an idea which Marikina-made footwear brands to tap and could deliver. “I worked with her on the mix but she had a hand in coming up with the best assortment for the launch. There were several things to consider such as the capacity of a brand to produce since some of them are relatively small,” de Leon said. The eight brands now available in store range from tiny Velcro sneakers for pint-sized clients from Wumwum to easy-to-slip-on flats for women from Posh Pocket and formal men’s shoes from Bucroe. Aside from Zapateria which anchors the space, the other brands include Alunsinag, Hayo, Bida Loca and Charis. “Shoe Avenue is our way of honoring what came before us, drawing inspiration from what continues to be made today, and envisioning what Philippine footwear can still become,” Sta. Ana said in a statement. “Together with Spatio, we’re creating a platform where these stories can be experienced by more people.” Jelly for your feet Fun footwear brand Melissa launched two collections of colorful footwear including a new jelly set that pays tribute to the brand’s legacy as the jelly shoe pioneer, and its fall-winter 2026 collection set, Delirium. Since launching its Aranha sandal in 1979, Melissa has transformed the classic fisherman’s sandal into a favorite fashion staple. The new Jelly Collection reworks this legacy with contemporary silhouettes. Each piece is crafted using the brand’s proprietary Melflex, a flexible cruelty-free and 100 percent material. The year-end collection Delirium, meanwhile, is an attempt to push the envelope on where the brand’s signature jelly material can go next. Among the standout styles are the Melissa Aranha 79 II, a revival of one of the brand’s most beloved classics. Other styles include slides, Mary Janes and T-strap sandals now available in store and online.

A cowboy-themed night for the Novo Ecijanos

Oct 9, 2026

A cowboy-themed night for the Novo Ecijanos

I T was a lively evening of friendship, music and camaraderie as a group of Novo Ecijanos gathered for a fellowship night at the Main Lounge of the Manila Polo Club. With the theme “Cowboy Jeans,” the event drew Novo Ecijanos, club members and friends from Manila’s social circle. Adding star power to the occasion were Sen. Robin Padilla and actor Philip Salvador, who joined the gathering and enjoyed the festive atmosphere. Guests danced the night away to music by the Reply Band, whose lively renditions of popular songs from the 1960s brought back nostalgic memories and kept everyone on the dance floor. A highlight of the evening was the Best Costume contest, with guests showcasing their creative cowboy-inspired outfits. It was a fun-filled gathering of good friends, great music and happy memories. By the end of the night, guests went home with smiles and, no doubt, plenty of stories to tell.

Aveeno launches online community for sensitive skin care

Oct 9, 2026

Aveeno launches online community for sensitive skin care

For more than 80 years, Aveeno has been a trusted leader in oat science, helping soothe, relieve and strengthen sensitive skin. Backed by decades of research and dermatologist recommendations, Aveeno’s Skin Relief and Dermexa ranges have become go-to solutions for people managing sensitive skin concerns.  When sensitive skin flares up, many people rely on short-term solutions that address only immediate discomfort. Aveeno goes beyond temporary relief by helping strengthen the skin barrier and support stronger, more resilient skin over time. Rooted in its #YourSkinStronger advocacy, the brand is committed to empowering people with sensitive skin to live more confidently and fully, without being defined or limited by recurring flare-ups. With Aveeno, stronger skin means being ready for what’s next.  As an extension of this commitment, Aveeno is launching the Aveeno Care Club, an online community dedicated to sensitive skin care. The platform provides members with exclusive educational resources, expert skin care advice and a supportive community where they can connect with others who share similar experiences. Members will also get sneak peeks at brand announcements, opportunities to win exclusive giveaways and invitations to members-only events.  A favorite among Filipinos with sensitive skin, Aveeno Skin Relief is specially formulated for very dry, itchy skin. The Skin Relief Wash gently cleanses while helping lock in moisture for up to 24 hours. It is fragrance-free, soap-free, dye-free and hypoallergenic, making it suitable for both the face and body. Meanwhile, the best-selling Skin Relief Body Lotion helps soothe sensitive skin in as little as 20 seconds and provides up to 72 hours of moisturization with its Triple Oat Complex and shea butter formula.  Aveeno Dermexa is described as the most prescribed brand for dermatitis by dermatologists. It is formulated with Triple Oat Complex and ceramides to help provide immediate relief while strengthening very dry, eczema-prone skin. The range offers products to complete a skin care regimen: Daily Emollient Body Wash, Daily Emollient Cream and Fast & Long-Lasting Balm.  At the heart of these products is Aveeno’s science-backed Triple Oat Complex, which combines oat oil, oat extract and oat flour. Together, these ingredients help strengthen the skin barrier, soothe irritation and support long-lasting hydration for stronger, more resilient sensitive skin.  Move forward with confidence, knowing Aveeno is with you every step of the way. Follow @aveenoph on Instagram and check the link in its bio to join the Aveeno Care Club.

Trucking group bucks Manila port protest, cites cargo disruptions

Oct 9, 2026

Trucking group bucks Manila port protest, cites cargo disruptions

MANILA, Philippines — A trucking industry group has rejected a weeklong no-work protest at the Port of Manila, warning that halting operations could disrupt cargo movement and hurt the economy even as truckers and customs brokers push for solutions to persistent port congestion and delays in returning empty shipping containers. Rina Papa, vice president of

PCG repels Chinese militia vessel, 22 fishing boats from Kota Island waters

Oct 9, 2026

PCG repels Chinese militia vessel, 22 fishing boats from Kota Island waters

The Philippine Coast Guard said it drove away a Chinese maritime militia vessel and 22 fishing boats from the territorial waters of Kota Island on Friday.

LIVE UPDATES: Impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte

Oct 9, 2026

LIVE UPDATES: Impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte

Bookmark this page for Rappler's comprehensive coverage of Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial at the Senate

Bida ang saya: Is your fave Jollibee spot owned by Sara Duterte?

Oct 9, 2026

Bida ang saya: Is your fave Jollibee spot owned by Sara Duterte?

At the trial, the prosecution presents Jollibee receipts issued by Gencorp, a company in which VP Sara Duterte is a stockholder

Financial analyst tells impeach court: Sara Duterte has P817M in undisclosed wealth

Oct 9, 2026

Financial analyst tells impeach court: Sara Duterte has P817M in undisclosed wealth

The amount includes undeclared cash, properties, and income of the Vice President, her spouse Mans Carpio, and their companies

Love it or hate it?

Oct 9, 2026

Love it or hate it?

Give Budget 2027's highlights a thumbs-up or thumbs-down.

Senate takes down impeachment livestream after data privacy concerns

Oct 9, 2026

Senate takes down impeachment livestream after data privacy concerns

MANILA, Philippines – The Senate took down its livestream of the first half of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial on Friday following concerns about the data privacy of Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) officers. Presiding officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero made a ruling after witness BIR chief of staff Atty. Anne Loraine Garcia-Marquez flagged that

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