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

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.

Acne Scar Treatment Options in the Philippines: What Medical Experts Say Works Best

 

 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.

Mold Manila | Scar Induction Program

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.

Mold Manila | What is an acne?

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.

Mold Manila | Functional medicine and aesthetics

A Growing Preference for Medical-Grade Acne Scar Care

In Quezon City and across Metro Manila, patients are increasingly choosing medical aesthetic clinics over spa-based centers for acne scar treatments—driven by greater awareness of safety, technology standards, and long-term outcomes.

Clinics such as MOLD Manila reflect this shift by offering acne scar treatment programs rooted in medical assessment, advanced laser technology, and personalized care plans rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.

What Patients Should Ask Before Starting Acne Scar Treatment

Medical experts recommend asking the following during consultation:

• What type of acne scars do I have?

• Which treatment options are appropriate for my skin type?

• How many sessions are realistically needed?

• What downtime and aftercare are involved?

Clear, educational answers are indicators of a clinic that prioritizes patient safety and informed decision-making.

Mold Manila | Book your FREE Consultation

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.