Manila, Philippines — U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson joined James Beard Award-winning food content producer Erwan Heussaff and renowned chefs Angelo Comsti and Don Baldosano at a media event on July 8 to showcase the premium quality and versatility of California raisins for Filipino cooking. California raisins are naturally sun-dried, free of additives, and rich in fiber, antioxidants, and essential minerals.  They are a versatile ingredient that enhances savory dishes and adds sweetness to desserts, making them a perfect complement to Filipino cuisine. “Our shared love for food brings Filipinos and Americans closer together.  It’s an honor to be among such talented and passionate culinary champions to celebrate the richness and diversity of Philippine cuisine,” said Ambassador Carlson during the event held at Offbeat Bistro, a newly opened modern-retro Filipino restaurant in Makati City. Ambassador Carlson joined Mr. Heussaff in preparing “Steak Frites and Potato Pave with California Raisins and Roasted Eggplant Sauce,” pairing the richness of seared steak with a sauce made from talong, or eggplant—a staple in Pinoy households—and elevated by the natural sweetness of California raisins.  Mr. Heussaff also presented an appetizer featuring malasugi, the local term for swordfish, complemented by coconut cream and a California raisins tapenade. “The Filipino flavor profile blends itself very well to California raisins in a sense that we love the mixture of sweet and savory.  It’s the perfect match for any type of Filipino dish,” said Mr. Heussaff. Chef Comsti’s recipe featured a pan-fried bacoco, a local term for sea bream, paired with a kusido-style California raisins sauce inspired by the traditional Filipino stew known for its rich, slow-cooked flavors.  For dessert, Chef Baldosano reimagined sorbetes, the iconic Filipino-style ice cream traditionally sold from street carts, using milk and California raisins, accompanied by a crisp milk tuile and bold burnt raisin oil. In 2024, the Philippines ranked as the fifth-largest global market for California raisin exports, totaling Php522.5 million ($9.5 million).  The United States was also the leading exporter of raisins to the Philippines, with an 80 percent market share. The event was supported by the Raisin Administrative Committee, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service in Manila, and the U.S. Embassy in Manila. White Fish and Coconut Crudo with California Raisin Tapenade By Erwan Heussaff Ingredients: Malasugi fish, sliced thin Sauce (Leche de Tigre):; 1 cup coconut vinegar; 1 ½ cup fresh coconut cream; Raisin “Tapenade”: 1 cup California raisins; ½ cup sundried tomatoes; 3 tbsp mustard seeds, rehydrated with coconut vinegar; 1 lime zest Garnish: Shaved egg yolk; Annato oil; Kinchay/chive oil; White baby radish scalesl Mustard seeds Procedure: Finely mince sundried tomatoes and California raisins, then mix with lime zest and mustard seeds.  Shape the mixture into quenelles and set aside.  Slice baby radish into medallions and arrange them into a scale pattern of four rows with three medallions each.  Set aside. To plate: Lay five slices of fish flat in the center of a wide-bottom bowl and pour the leche de tigre around it.  Place the pre-made scale pattern on top, followed by the quenelle of the tapenade and shaved egg yolk.  Drizzle oil on the sides of the leche de tigre before serving. Steak “Frites” and Potato Pave with California Raisins and Roasted Eggplant Sauce By Erwan Heussaff Ingredients: Sauce: ½ cup California raisins; 7 large eggplants, charred with the skin on; 1 cup beef broth, heavily reduced; 1 tsp toasted peppercorns, crushed; 2 tbsp fried capers;4 tbsp softened butter Salt, to taste Pave: 2 kg potatoes; 2 cups heavy cream; ⅓ cup butter; 4 cloves garlic, smashed; 5 sprigs thyme Steak: Salt and pepper, to taste; Fried capers; Pickled jicama sheets Procedure: Sauce: Burn the eggplants on an open flame until the skin is heavily charred. While reducing beef stock add California raisins and peppercorns to rehydrate. Add the eggplants to the reduced stock and blend until smooth. Add the butter and blend again, seasoning to taste with salt. Pave: Slice the potatoes 1mm–2mm thin using a mandolin and soak them in water. Combine the cream, California raisins, butter, garlic, and thyme, then bring the mixture to a simmer.  Let it sit for 20 minutes before straining out the solids and setting aside the infused cream. Layer the potatoes in a high-walled pan, pour the infused cream over them, and bake in the oven with another pan placed on top to weigh them down. Steak: Season the steak and sear it to the desired doneness.   Pan-fried Bacoco (SeaBream) with California Raisins Kusido Sauce and Bulgur Salad By Chef Angelo Comsti Ingredients: ½ cup California raisins; 1 whole sea bream, filleted (about six pieces); 1½ cups bulgur, cooked; 1 large cucumber, diced; ½ cup parsley, chopped; 1 small red onion, minced; ⅓ cup kesong puti, crumbled; Salt and pepper, to taste Dressing: ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil; 1 lemon, juice and zest; 1 clove garlic, grated; Salt and pepper, to taste Sauce: 3 cloves garlic, chopped; 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated; 2 shallots, chopped; 2 medium tomatoes, chopped; ½ cup California raisins, puréed with a little water 2 tbsp bagoong; 3 cups fish broth, made with sea bream head and bones; 2 tbsp calamansi juice; Cornstarch slurry Procedure: To make the sauce, sauté the garlic, ginger, and shallots in a pan.  Add the tomatoes and cook until the oil is released.  Stir in the California raisins and bagoong.  Pour in the fish broth and reduce by half.  Add calamansi juice and season to taste. Use a slurry to thicken the sauce, then strain and set aside. To make the salad, toss all the ingredients in a bowl.  Prepare the dressing, pour it over the salad, and set aside. Pan-fry the fish.  On a plate, arrange the salad in the center, top it with the fish, and pour the sauce around.  Serve. California Raisins Milk Ice Cream with Milk Tuile and Burnt California Raisin Paste Oil by Chef Don Baldosano Ingredients:; 300 grams California raisins; 330 grams milk; 100 grams cream; 7 grams agar-agar; 110 grams sugar; 60

Inihain ni Sen. Idol Raffy Tulfo ang second batch ng kanyang priority bills para sa Senate 20th Congress ngayong araw, July 10, 2025. Kabilang dito ang pagtaas ng combat duty pay ng mga miyembro ng Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police at Philippine Coast Guard na itinataya ang kanilang buhay para makapagsilbi sa bayan. Isinusulong din ni Sen. Idol ang mga batas na magpapabuti sa kapakanan ng mga mag-aaral at mga senior citizens, at magsisiguro sa porteksyon at maayos na serbisyo para sa mga commuters.

Inihain ni Senador Alan Peter Cayetano ang isang panukalang batas na layong magtayo ng mga elderly care center sa bawat lungsod at munisipalidad sa buong bansa. Sa ilalim ng “Center for the Elderly in All Cities and Municipalities Act” (Senate Bill No. 107), magkakaroon ang mga senior citizen ng sariling espasyo kung saan sila ay maaaring magpatingin sa doktor, mag-relax, mag-exercise, at makilahok sa iba’t ibang aktibidad para sa kanilang kapakanan at kalusugan. “Our senior citizens deserve more, and it is the duty of the State to prioritize them and ensure that our programs and services truly respond to their needs and protect their right to live safely and comfortably,” sabi ni Cayetano. Binigyang diin ng senador na hindi lang gobyerno ang dapat kumilos. Dapat din aniyang makiisa ang mga lokal na pamahalaan, pribadong sektor, mga non-governmental organization (NGO), at mismong mga pamilya upang matiyak ang maayos na pamumuhay ng mga matatanda. Ayon sa datos mula sa Commission on Population and Development o CPD, maituturing nang “aging population” ang Pilipinas pagsapit ng taong 2030. Ibig sabihin, mas dadami pa ang mga senior citizen at kasabay nito ang mas mataas na pangangailangan sa serbisyong pangkalusugan at pangangalaga. Bagama’t may umiiral nang batas mula pa noong 1995 na nag-uutos sa pagtatayo ng senior citizen centers, sinabi ni Cayetano na hindi na ito sapat at kailangan nang palakasin pa upang mas matugunan ang kasalukuyang pangangailangan ng mga matatanda. Sa kasalukuyan, 76 lamang ang residential care centers sa buong bansa. Hindi pa ito eksklusibo para sa mga matatanda dahil ginagamit din ito para sa mga bata at iba pang sektor na nangangailangan ng proteksyon. Ayon sa inihain na panukala, ang Department of Social Welfare and Development o DSWD ang mangunguna sa pagtatayo ng mga elderly care center, katuwang ang mga local government unit o LGU. Walang buwis at taripa ang mga imported na kagamitan na gagamitin para sa mga pasilidad na ito upang mapabilis at mapagaan ang kanilang pagpapatayo. Pinapayagan din sa panukala ang mga LGU at pribadong organisasyon na magtayo ng karagdagang satellite center depende sa pangangailangan ng kanilang lugar. Magkakaroon din ng isang Special Committee na tututok sa maayos na pagpapatupad at koordinasyon ng proyekto. Itatakda rin sa batas na bawat center ay kailangang magsilbing wellness hub — isang lugar kung saan maaalagaan hindi lamang ang pisikal kundi pati ang emosyonal na kalusugan ng mga matatanda. Para kilalanin ang mahusay na pamamalakad, maglalaan din ng parangal na tinatawag na “Seal of Excellence” para sa mga LGU o organisasyong magpapakita ng natatanging serbisyo. Bilang halimbawa, binanggit ni Cayetano ang Center for the Elderly sa Taguig na binuksan noong 2019. Ayon sa senador, modelo ito ng maayos at kumpletong serbisyo para sa mga matatandang may karamdaman o espesyal na pangangailangan. Ito aniya ang klase ng pasilidad na nais niyang maipatayo sa buong bansa. “We are doing this because napakalaki ng contribution ng mga senior citizen sa ating lipunan. We are honoring them [through this measure] because they have done so much,” sabi ni Cayetano.

Umani ng papuri mula sa netizen sa social media post ni Senator JV Ejercito sa kanyang ilalatag na mga priority bills para sa Sambayanang Pilipino. 1. Supplemental Appropriations for PHILHEALTH (FY 2025) 2. Masterplan for Infrastructure and National Development (MIND) Act 3. Lowering of PhilHealth Premium Contribution amending UHC Act 4. Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers 5. Suspension of Excise taxes on Regular Gasoline, Unleaded Premium Gasoline and Diesel 6. P250 Daily Minimum Wage Increase Act 7. Security of Tenure Act (Anti-ENDO) 8. Agri-Food Terminal and Trading Centers Act 9. Commuters’ Rights and Welfare Act 10. Motorcycle Taxi Act Simula pa lang ‘yan, mga ka-Good Ones! Asahan po ninyo na pagsisikapan nating isulong ang mga batas na tunay na makakatulong sa pagpapabuti ng estado ng buhay ng ating mga kababayan.

Globe has successfully migrated more than 600 towns nationwide to full fiber connectivity, as part of its ongoing efforts to improve customer experience by providing Filipinos with faster, more reliable internet. These areas are now completely copper-free, enabling residents to enjoy high-speed broadband built for today’s digital lifestyle — whether for remote work, online learning, small businesses, or government services. This transition is not only a network achievement but also a win for sustainability. By eliminating copper from its network, Globe is reducing its environmental impact, supporting its greater sustainability agenda as part of its green network strategy, and discouraging illegal salvaging that has historically disrupted connectivity. “We’ve built the infrastructure, now we need to protect it,” said Joel Agustin, Globe Head of Service Planning and Engineering. “Fiber has no copper, no resale value, and cutting it only harms the communities that rely on it. That’s why we’re asking residents to help us safeguard these lines. Connectivity is no longer a luxury, it’s a lifeline.” No financial gain Despite the shift to fiber, incidents of intentional cable cuts continue to be reported, often due to misinformation or the mistaken belief that fiber can be sold like copper. Of the initial 425 towns that transitioned early to fiber, 170 or 40% experienced intentional cuts historically. Even in areas where copper theft was common, 63% still saw fiber-related incidents, highlighting the need for greater public awareness. Globe stresses that cutting fiber lines brings no financial gain, but can cause widespread harm. A single cable cut can disconnect entire communities, affecting homes, schools, businesses, and government offices for hours or even days. Protect connectivity To help protect connectivity, Globe urges residents to: Report any suspicious activity near fiber lines or utility poles to the nearest barangay or police station; Support barangay patrols and community watch programs; Work with local officials to include infrastructure protection in ordinances and local plans These efforts support Globe’s collaboration with local government units and national agencies, focused on education, prevention, and rapid response. As Globe brings pure fiber connectivity to more towns across the country, it calls on Filipinos to play an active role in protecting the infrastructure that powers digital life — while also supporting a more sustainable future. Residents can now experience reliable, high-speed fiber internet by signing up through the following links: For Globe GFiber Postpaid: https://new.globe.com.ph/gfiber For Globe GFiber Prepaid: https://gfiberprepaid.globe.com.ph

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, has successfully renewed its IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) registry, reaffirming its steadfast commitment to safety amid rapid growth and expansion. This marks the airline’s first renewal under the more stringent Risk-Based IOSA, a data-driven approach introduced by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to enhance the assessment of airline safety. CEB first earned its IOSA registration in 2018 and has consistently passed the biennial audit since. “The IOSA renewal reflects the strength of our internal safety processes and the culture of excellence we uphold in our operations,” said Javier Massot, CEB Chief Operations Officer. “Safety has always been at the core of what we do, and we are proud to meet global benchmarks as we continue to expand our network.” CEB’s safety performance has also received global recognition. In June, AirlineRatings.com named the airline one of the world’s Safest Low-Cost Carriers (LCCs), citing its strong safety record, low incident rate, and investment in a modern fleet. The renewal comes as CEB continues to modernize its fleet. In 2024, the airline signed a purchase agreement with Airbus for up to 152 A320neo aircraft—the largest in Philippine aviation history. The move supports CEB’s transition to an all-NEO fleet focused on fuel efficiency and sustainability. To meet rising travel demand, the airline is also expanding its network. Last year, CEB launched 28 new routes, comprising 19 domestic and 9 international. As of April 2025, it has added Cebu–Ho Chi Minh, Iloilo–Bangkok (Don Mueang), and Manila–Sapporo to its international roster. CEB aims to carry 30 million passengers by the end of 2025, driven by network expansion, hub development, and increased seat capacity. The airline currently operates the widest network in the Philippines, serving 37 domestic and 26 international destinations across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.

Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday urged Malacañang to avoid complacency amid worsening hostilities between Israel and Iran, and to prepare for the potential impact of armed conflict on millions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Middle East. Hontiveros warned that the “rapidly escalating conflict” could affect not only the estimated 29,473 Pinoys in Israel and 1,184 in Iran, but also the wider Filipino population of about 2.2 million in the Middle East  – especially after Iran’s recent threat of retaliation against American facilities or personnel in multiple countries throughout the region. “The whole of government must  prepare measures to safeguard OFWs in the region. Milyon-milyon ang Pilipinong maapektuhan kung sakaling lumala ang krisis sa Middle East. There is no room for complacency. Ano na nga ba ang kahandaan ng pamahalaan? May plano na nga ba para iligtas ang napakaraming OFW?” the senator asked. The senator also asked if the alert level system being relied upon by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to warn OFWs in Israel and Iran is still adequate “given the almost daily escalations in violence and disruption in the two countries.” The DFA, which issues warnings ranging from Alert Level 1 (signs of internal disturbance) to Alert Level 4 (mandatory evacuation and repatriation), has currently declared Alert Level 3 (voluntary repatriation) in Iran and Israel. “Ang sabi ng DFA, hindi pa idineklara ang Alert Level 4 at hihintayin pa daw ang recommendation ng mga ambassadors. Meanwhile, many other European and Asian countries are already evacuating their citizens through remaining air and land routes. While it is important for the Pinoy community to remain calm, sana hindi tayo mag-eevacuate kung kailan huli na ang lahat,” Hontiveros said. She then called on the DFA and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to ensure that contingency plans are in place and that sufficient resources for mass evacuation, transport and care of hundreds or thousands of OFWs are ready, so that these plans could be implemented at a moment’s notice. The senator then emphasized that given the potential deadly and destructive effects of the Iran-Israel conflict, the government should make the safety of OFWs in the Middle East “an urgent national priority.” “Unahin natin ang kaligtasan ng ating mga OFW. Huwag tayo maging kampante at huwag natin balewalain ang panganib. Kung hindi, napakaraming kababayan natin ang maapektuhan at malaking panibagong krisis ito para sa buong bansa,”  Hontiveros concluded.

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, has been recognized as one of Asia’s Best Companies in the 2025 FinanceAsia Awards, earning Silver in the Transportation category. CEB is the only airline from the Philippines and one of just four carriers across Asia recognized in this prestigious list. FinanceAsia, a leading financial publication in the region, honors companies that excel in corporate governance, investor relations, and overall financial performance. “Our leadership in Philippine aviation is the result of thoughtful and deliberate decisions made over time,” said Xander Lao, CEB President and Chief Commercial Officer. “We have a long-term vision, maintained financial discipline and built resilient operations to overcome challenges. These guiding principles ensure our growth remains responsible and sustainable while keeping our customers’ best interests at heart.” The award comes as CEB ramps up its growth through fleet modernization and network expansion. In 2024, the airline signed a landmark purchase agreement with Airbus for up to 152 A321neo aircraft—the largest in Philippine aviation history. It also launched 28 new routes, 19 domestic and 9 international, connecting more travelers to top destinations like Chiang Mai, Kaohsiung, and Sapporo. New hubs in Davao and Iloilo were also added, strengthening connectivity alongside CEB’s main bases in Manila, Cebu, and Clark. Last month, CEB signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with flyadeal, Saudi Arabia’s fastest-growing low-cost carrier (LCC). Under the agreement, CEB will wet-lease two Airbus A320s to flyadeal during the Kingdom’s peak summer travel season. A reciprocal arrangement is being explored for CEB’s winter peak in Southeast Asia. These efforts support the airline’s goal of carrying 30 million passengers in 2025, driven by stronger hub operations and increased seat capacity across its network. CEB currently operates to 37 domestic and 26 international destinations spanning across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.

Globe has again been recognized on the prestigious Fortune Southeast Asia 500 annual list, solidifying its position among the region’s largest companies. The company ranked No. 114 in the 2025 Fortune Southeast Asia 500, placing it among the top Philippine telcos on the list and within the top 20 Philippine companies overall. Now on its second edition, the list honors the 500 top‑performing firms by revenue in Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, and the Philippines for fiscal year 2024. Globe underpinned its inclusion with a stellar performance last year, posting all-time high consolidated gross service revenues of Php 165 billion and EBITDA of Php 86.8 billion. It ended the year with Php 21.5 billion in core net income and 60.9 million mobile subscribers. The company also delivered robust performance in 2025, recording Php 39.9 billion in consolidated service revenues for the first quarter, with EBITDA at Php 20.8 billion and net income at Php 7 billion. Its mobile base expanded to 61.6 million during the period, reflecting continued customer growth. “Being named to the Fortune Southeast Asia 500 for two consecutive years affirms Globe’s drive to deliver digital inclusion to uplift the lives of our customers. We will continue to innovate responsibly and create value for the communities we serve,” said President and CEO Carl Cruz. According to Fortune, the companies in the list generated a combined USD 1.82 trillion in revenue, up from USD 1.79 trillion the year before. The results reflect Southeast Asia’s expanding role in global trade, amid supply chain realignments and rapid growth in sectors such as energy and banking. “Fortune’s interest in the region reflects Southeast Asia’s growing importance as an engine of global growth,” says Clay Chandler, Executive Editor, Asia. “The region has become a crucial manufacturing and export hub, which is drawing significant capital flows. This momentum has been further fueled by Trump-era tariffs, which have reshaped global trade dynamics and driven a shift towards Southeast Asia.” Against this backdrop, Globe continues to lead the Philippine telecom market while accelerating its presence in fintech and enterprise digital services. The complete 2025 Fortune Southeast Asia  500 can be viewed at https://fortune.com/asia/ranking/southeast-asia-500/2025.