Amidst Volatility: Preparing Philippine Business for Global Economic Realignment

 

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 leverage@leverageinternational.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.

 

This press release has also been published in VRITIMES

Join PetroSync API Training for Industry Leaders

 

 Malaysia — February 2026 — PetroSync officially announces the launch of its strategic API certification programs designed specifically for senior professionals, asset managers, and industry decision-makers who refuse to let their organizations fall behind in today’s competitive oil & gas landscape.

As global energy companies accelerate operational excellence initiatives, leaders are increasingly recognizing that technical competency is no longer optional—it is a competitive differentiator. Organizations that invest in globally recognized standards such as API 510 are equipping their teams with structured inspection expertise that strengthens safety, compliance, and operational control.

In an industry where downtime costs millions and compliance failures damage reputations, waiting is a risk few leaders can afford.

Addressing the Competitive Gap in Inspection & Compliance

Across the oil & gas and petrochemical sectors, companies that align with international frameworks like API 570 are demonstrating measurable improvements in piping integrity management and regulatory compliance readiness.

Operational gaps often emerge not from negligence—but from inconsistent standards, limited certification pathways, and reactive maintenance culture. When competitors invest early in structured API training, they reduce uncertainty in inspection processes, accelerate decision-making, and strengthen asset reliability.

For industry leaders, this represents a strategic inflection point: upgrade your team’s certification capabilities—or risk losing operational ground.

Productivity, Efficiency, and Cost Optimization in the Modern Energy Industry

Industry data consistently shows that standardized inspection training can improve team productivity by up to 20–30% through clearer inspection procedures, reduced rework, and more accurate maintenance planning.

Certified inspection teams operate with greater precision. They shorten turnaround times. They minimize unplanned shutdowns. They optimize lifecycle asset costs.

At the same time, many forward-looking organizations are enhancing internal efficiency with AI-powered chatbot systems. Studies indicate that AI chatbots can improve internal response times by up to 40%, streamline documentation access, and reduce administrative workload—delivering operational cost savings while allowing technical teams to focus on higher-value engineering decisions.

When structured API certification is combined with digital efficiency tools, the result is a stronger, faster, and more resilient operation.

A Strategic Investment for Industry Leaders

PetroSync’s comprehensive API 510 Training is designed to support professionals preparing for certification while strengthening real-world inspection capability. The program integrates technical mastery, exam-focused preparation, and practical case discussions aligned with industry challenges.

This initiative is not merely about passing an examination. It is about building leadership-level confidence in asset integrity decision-making.

For executives and senior managers, the message is clear: while competitors are upgrading their inspection expertise, delaying structured certification may widen the performance gap.

About PetroSync Global Internasional

PetroSync was established in Singapore in 2010 and began its expansion into Indonesia in 2013. To this day, PetroSync has become a leading oil and gas training provider, with a participant passing rate as high as 90%.

 

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

MOLD Manila Sets the Standard for Medical-Grade Aesthetic Care in Quezon City

 

Quezon City, Metro Manila — As demand for safe, non-surgical aesthetic treatments continues to rise in the Philippines, patients are becoming more discerning—placing greater importance on medical oversight, technology, and long-term results over trend-driven cosmetic services.

Positioned in White Plains, Quezon City, MOLD Manila is emerging as a benchmark for clinician-led, medical-grade aesthetic care, offering personalized treatment programs grounded in medical science and patient safety.

A Shift Toward Medical Aesthetics in Metro Manila

In recent years, the aesthetic industry in Metro Manila has evolved rapidly. Patients aged 25 to 55 and above—particularly professionals and decision-makers—are no longer seeking quick fixes. Instead, they are researching clinic credentials, technology standards, and safety protocols before committing to any procedure.

According to industry observations, this shift has driven increased demand for medical aesthetic clinics, where treatments are planned and supervised by licensed clinicians rather than performed solely as cosmetic services.

What Defines a Leading Aesthetic Clinic Today

Medical experts agree that the best aesthetic clinics in Quezon City share several defining characteristics:

• Clinician-led consultations and treatment planning

• Medical-grade, FDA-cleared technology

• Personalized, non-surgical treatment programs

• Clear safety protocols and post-treatment care

Unlike spa-based aesthetic centers, medical clinics focus on skin biology, facial anatomy, and long-term collagen health—factors critical to achieving natural, sustainable results.

Advanced Non-Surgical Treatments Backed by Medical Science

MOLD Manila specializes in non-surgical aesthetic solutions designed to address common skin and aging concerns without invasive procedures. Core services include:

• Laser skin resurfacing using fractional CO2 and Erbium systems

• Radiofrequency skin tightening for improved skin laxity

• Non-surgical facial contouring

• Non-invasive body contouring

• IV vitamin infusions to support skin health and recovery

• Comprehensive facial rejuvenation treatments

Rather than offering one-session solutions, treatments are designed as progressive programs aligned with the body’s natural healing and collagen regeneration cycles.

Safety, Credentials, and Patient Education as Priorities

As aesthetic treatments are medical in nature, patient safety remains a central concern. Clinics operating at a medical standard emphasize:

• Thorough skin and health assessments

• Informed consent and realistic expectation-setting

• Proper device usage and monitoring

• Structured aftercare and follow-up

Industry professionals note that clinics prioritizing education over aggressive selling tend to achieve higher patient satisfaction and trust.

Why Quezon City Has Become a Hub for Premium Aesthetic Care

Quezon City has emerged as a key location for premium aesthetic clinics in Metro Manila due to its accessibility, concentration of medical professionals, and a growing population of research-driven patients.

Patients in the area increasingly value medical credibility and personalized care, contributing to the rise of clinician-led aesthetic practices.

Building Trust Through Reputation and Results

As patients compare aesthetic clinics across Metro Manila, reviews and reputation play a significant role in decision-making. Clinics that demonstrate consistency, transparency, and ethical treatment planning continue to stand out in an increasingly competitive market.

MOLD Manila’s approach reflects this shift—focusing on medical integrity, technology-driven solutions, and patient-centered care rather than short-term cosmetic trends.

Looking Ahead

With continued growth in demand for non-surgical aesthetic treatments, industry experts expect medical-grade clinics to shape the future of aesthetics in the Philippines—where results are measured not just by appearance, but by safety, science, and long-term skin health.

About MOLD Manila

MOLD Manila is a premium, clinician-led aesthetic clinic based in White Plains, Quezon City. The clinic specializes in non-surgical, medical-grade aesthetic treatments, offering personalized programs focused on skin health, safety, and natural results.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

Pinoy Pride Roars! Pinoy Teams Make Waves with Two Top 4 Finishes at CFLC Manila Finals

 

 ​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.