Celebrating Filipino creativity and collaboration with “UGNAY”

The Rotary Club of Makati presented "UGNAY," a fundraising art exhibit at The Peninsula Manila that celebrated collaboration, culture, and creativity, examining Filipino identity through memory, abstraction, and civic engagement. Proceeds will benefit RCM’s community service initiatives.

Headlining the show was renowned Filipino artist Dominic Rubio, celebrated for his nostalgic depictions of Filipino identity and heritage. Rubio, born in 1970 in Paete, Laguna, studied Commercial Arts at the University of Santo Tomas before pursuing painting full-time.

His signature elongated figures in colonial-era attire, set against romanticized Old Manila or countryside scenes, have become icons of cultural memory. His works have been featured at Sotheby's, Christie's, and in landmark murals like "The Great Promenade of Philippine-American Friendship" at the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C.

Art patron Rosita Lara Lumagui, managing director of Worldwide Resource Solutions Philippines and a guest-of-honor at "UGNAY," noted that Rubio's work "captures the essence of Filipino culture," reflecting traditions while incorporating modern elements with a nostalgic flair.

Through his paintings and functional art, Rubio invites viewers to reconnect with and carry forward Filipino heritage. Joining him were three emerging talents: Aaron Virata Mempin, Anton Cabrera, and Jean Uy. Together, their artworks form a dialogue between tradition and innovation, bringing modernity, abstraction, and contemporary sensibilities to the conversation.

Aaron Virata Mempin, also known as A in art and communication circles, is a geometric abstract artist and dedicated Rotarian. His elegant, minimalist compositions are deeply inspired by the lines of sand, the serenity of waves, and the shifting horizons of Philippine beaches, reflecting calm and hope found in natural landscapes.

Anton Cabrera, known by his artist alias CABSTRAK, began his journey into abstract art in 2015. His bold and imaginative works are recognized for their vivid fusion of rainbows, astronomy, and raw emotional expression.

Jean Uy Yam, a mother of two and a lawyer, quietly captures the poetry of everyday life in her paintings. She has painted since high school but found more time to pursue and share her art publicly during the pandemic, debuting her work on social media to raise funds for charities like Caritas Manila and AHA Learning Center.

“Each artist brings a unique perspective,” Lumagui noted. “Aaron’s work is structured and meditative, Anton’s is intuitive and reflective, and Jean’s is radiant and deeply human. Together, they create a balanced and compelling dialogue.”

The unveiling ceremony brought together a distinguished group of guests, including Lumagui, COMELEC Commissioner Ferdinand Maceda Jr., Rotary Club of Makati President Eduardo H. Galvez, Supreme Court Justice Midas Marquez, Rotary District 3830 Governor Reginald Alberto Nolido, past Governor Maria Concepcion Camacho, and Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Abdul Malik Castelino.

For inquiries, visit The Peninsula Manila concierge or email rcm3830@gmail.com.

NAST PHL Urges Stronger Action Against Harmful Algal Blooms Threatening PH Waters

TAGUIG CITY – The National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) has released a Science Advisory on Hazards and Risks from Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), commonly known as “red tides”, calling for urgent action to strengthen the country’s monitoring and management systems.

Since the first major incident in 1983, when Pyrodinium bahamense caused more than a thousand cases of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) in Samar and Sorsogon, HABs have expanded to at least 44 bays and coastal areas nationwide. These toxic blooms not only threaten public health, causing shellfish poisoning and fish kills, but also disrupt aquaculture, fisheries, and tourism, with past outbreaks causing millions of dollars in losses.

Academician Rhodora V. Azanza, the lead author of the advisory, said that the current HAB monitoring and management system, designed nearly three decades ago, needs urgent reassessment to address new challenges such as climate change, aquaculture expansion, and increased eutrophication.

NAST PHL recommends a science-based national framework integrating research, monitoring, and policy action. Key proposals include (1) upgrading detection systems using advanced tools and satellite-based forecasting in collaboration with the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA); (2) strengthening public awareness through education campaigns to reduce health risks; (3) conducting a nationwide conference to chart a future-oriented HAB management strategy.

As HAB occurrences typically peak during the Southwest monsoon (June–September), NAST PHL urges local governments, industries, and communities to remain vigilant and follow official advisories from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

The full advisory, “Hazards and Risks from Harmful Algal Blooms / Red Tides in the Philippine Archipelago: Policy and Action Plan Considerations,” is available at https://bit.ly/NASTAdvisoryHAB. (ANavarro/NAST PHL)

The National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) is an agency attached to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). It is mandated by law to recognize outstanding achievements in scientific research and development and to advise the President of the Republic of the Philippines and the cabinet on policies concerning science and technology in the country. 

Wazzup Pilipinas Founder Ross Flores Del Rosario to Represent the Philippines at Prestigious Global Media and Planetary Health Workshop in Malaysia

PASIG CITY, Philippines — In a defining moment for Filipino media and environmental advocacy, Ross Flores Del Rosario—founder of WazzupPilipinas.com, External Vice President of GPP Kalikasan Muna - Green Party of the Philippines, and Board Trustee of the Bayanihan Para sa Kalikasan Movement, Inc.—has been officially selected to participate in a landmark Capacity Development and Training Workshop Series for Media Professionals on Intergovernmental Processes and Planetary Health to be held this September 3–4, 2025, at Sunway University in Sunway City, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

This prestigious international program, backed by global environmental and media institutions, is designed to sharpen the skills and broaden the perspectives of selected media professionals across the world—arming them with the knowledge, network, and strategic communication tools needed to confront one of the most urgent challenges of our time: planetary health.

A Beacon of Filipino Excellence in the Global Arena

Chosen from a highly competitive pool of applicants, Ross Del Rosario's inclusion signals more than personal achievement—it marks the arrival of a passionate Filipino voice at the global table. As the tireless force behind Wazzup Pilipinas, an award-winning online platform renowned for championing grassroots movements, civic engagement, and environmental consciousness, Ross has long proven that media can be both disruptive and constructive—an engine for both truth and transformation.

Now, with the full sponsorship of all travel, accommodation, and logistical expenses, he is poised to represent the Philippines in this elite circle of global storytellers and changemakers.

“Being selected for this international workshop is both an honor and a responsibility,” Ross shared. “Our words, our stories, our platforms—they shape perceptions, spark dialogue, and influence policy. I intend to absorb every lesson, challenge every assumption, and bring back not just knowledge—but actionable solutions our country can use.”

A Turning Point for Advocacy Journalism and Environmental Justice

The training program will feature in-depth sessions with global experts on intergovernmental environmental processes, health diplomacy, and the critical interplay between ecological systems and human survival. Participants will engage with pre-training readings, immersive workshops, and peer-to-peer knowledge exchanges that promise not only to educate but to catalyze real-world impact.

As part of the commitment, Ross and his fellow delegates are expected to produce three to five compelling stories throughout the year—each grounded in the planetary health framework but focused on local realities. These stories will form a global patchwork of informed narratives, underscoring how deeply interconnected humanity’s health is with the health of our planet.

Amplifying the Filipino Lens on Climate, Crisis, and Community

With the Philippines repeatedly ranked among the most climate-vulnerable nations, Ross's participation offers a crucial opportunity to internationalize the Filipino experience. From typhoons and rising seas to food insecurity and biodiversity loss, our country stands at the frontline—and our stories deserve to be heard.

Wazzup Pilipinas, under Ross's editorial leadership, will continue to bring these narratives to light with renewed fervor. With this global training fueling the platform’s next chapter, expect more incisive investigations, inspiring grassroots features, and hard-hitting opinion pieces connecting planetary health with Filipino resilience and innovation.

Looking Ahead: Global Collaboration, Local Impact

All selected media delegates must confirm their attendance and complete registration formalities by July 31, 2025. As Ross gears up for this life-changing experience, excitement is building—not only within his circles of activism and journalism but across a wider audience that believes in media's power to challenge the status quo and build a better world.

This is more than an international invitation—it is a call to action. For Filipino media. For Filipino communities. And for a future that prioritizes people and the planet.

Stay tuned as Wazzup Pilipinas provides exclusive coverage from Sunway University and beyond—stories that will not only inform but inspire.

Media Contact:

Wazzup Pilipinas Media Team

📧 wazzupfilipinas@gmail.com

🌐 www.WazzupPilipinas.com

📍 Pasig City, Philippines

#PlanetaryHealthPH

#WazzupPilipinasGoesGlobal

#KalikasanMuna

#StorytellingForChange

Solar Energy: Powering the Philippines’ Future

The Philippines is fast emerging as one of the most dynamic and promising solar energy markets globally. Under the National Renewable Energy Program (NREP) 2020–2040, the government has set ambitious targets—aiming to generate 35% of energy from renewables by 2030, and 50% by 2040. As part of this commitment, the country plans to double its solar output by 2030 and host the world’s largest solar installation by early 2026, featuring 3.5 GW of solar capacity and 4 GWh of battery storage.

In alignment with these goals, the Philippine Solar, Power and Energy Expo will serve as a vital platform for stakeholders across the energy ecosystem—including manufacturers, exporters, distributors, importers, contractors, engineers, and new entrants—to explore collaboration and investment opportunities. The expo expects over 110 exhibitors from India, the Philippines, Malaysia, Hong Kong, South Korea, Egypt, and other countries, with more than 3,000 professional visitors anticipated from across the ASEAN region.

Building the Future: Construction and Ceramics Expo

The Philippine Construction and Ceramics Expo, running concurrently from July 29–31, 2025, is the country’s premier exhibition focused on construction, ceramic, interior, and building materials. It will bring together key players from the construction, housing, infrastructure, and ceramic sectors, offering unmatched opportunities for networking and business development. This event is poised to become a strategic gateway to the Southeast Asian business community and contribute significantly to infrastructure growth in the Philippines and the region.

Distinguished Speakers at the Press Conference:

• Mr. Johnny Chotrani – Co-Chairman (Philippines), ASEAN India Economic Council; Member, Advisory Board, Philippine Solar Power and Construction Expo

• Ms. Maria Theresa “Tetchi” Cruz Capellan – Chairperson, Steering Committee, Asian Photovoltaic Industry Association; Chairperson, Philippines Solar and Storage Energy Alliance; President & CEO, SunAsia Energy Inc.

• Engr. Warren Maralit – President, Power Professionals Association of the Philippines (PPAP)

• Mr. Carmelo Jimson B. Uranza – President, Society of Philippine Electrotechnical Constructors and Suppliers (SPECS)

• Arch. Felino “Jun” Albano Palafox, Jr. – Architect & Urban Planner; Founder, Palafox Associates

• Dr. Luis Ramon V. Rodriguez, MD, MDM – President, Karl Group Holding Corp and Philippine Medical Depot; Member, Advisory Board, Philippine Solar Power and Construction Expo

• Engr. Rene Fajilagutan – Member, Board of Directors, PHILRECA

•••

Genesis Global Exhibitions and ACE Group, with the support of the ASEAN India Economic Council, Philippine India Business Council, and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is pleased to announce the upcoming Philippine Solar, Power and Energy Expo, co-located with the Philippine Construction and Ceramics Expo, scheduled to take place from July 29–31, 2025, at Function Room 5, SMX Convention Centre, Manila, Philippines.

These exhibitions are proudly supported by the Philippines Solar and Storage Energy Alliance (PSSEA), Society of Philippine Electrotechnical Constructors and Suppliers (SPECS), PHILRECA, Power Professionals Association of the Philippines (PPAP), among others, with additional associations expected to join.

*Register here for free admission, see you!

CIMB Philippines Offers MSMEs 4% Interest with New Biz Account

CIMB Biz provides entrepreneurs with a high-interest savings account, free daily bank transfers, and access to other mobile banking tools to support their business growth.

CIMB Bank Philippines now offers CIMB Biz, a new service for owners of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and online entrepreneurs. The digital-focused lender said it created the service to help these businesses access banking services and support their growth.

With CIMB Biz, customers can receive a deposit interest rate of 4% per annum on their savings account, with no cap applied. They can also perform up to 10 free Instapay transfers daily with a cap of PHP 150,000, and free PESONet transfers capped at PHP 500,000 per day.

Additionally, entrepreneurs are able to earn an extra 0.5% interest per year when they open a MaxSave deposit account. Additionally, CIMB Bank Philippines offers these features and other digital banking products, including bill payments with zero service fees and a free virtual debit card, through its mobile app.

According to the Department of Trade and Industry, MSMEs constitute more than 99% of businesses in the country.

CIMB noted that while these enterprises are a driving force for the economy, many still lack access to the banking services and solutions they need to grow their business. The bank said it recognises this opportunity to help and contribute to MSME financial inclusion.

CIMB Biz is currently available by invitation to existing deposit customers. The service is scheduled to be open for public application in the coming months.

Source: https://fintechnews.ph/67591/personalfinance/cimb-philippines-msmes-4-percent-interest-biz-account/

"Peacemaker" Documentary Screening Highlights Over a Decade of Global Peace Initiatives

INTERNATIONAL peace advocacy group Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) gathered peace advocates, youth leaders, educators, and religious leaders during the screening of the documentary film Peacemaker held on July 19, 2025 at Red Carpet Cinema 1, Shangri-La Plaza Mall. The event brought to light the remarkable peace initiatives led by HWPL Chairman Lee Man-hee, a South Korean war veteran turned global peace advocate.

The film chronicled the Chairman's tireless efforts to end war and conflict through dialogue, cooperation, and international solidarity. One of the film’s pivotal highlights is the creation of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), a groundbreaking document that proposes 10 articles and 38 clauses to serve as a legal and moral framework for governments and civil societies to prevent war and institutionalize peace.

Guests in attendance expressed deep admiration for the global campaigns documented in the film, especially HWPL’s grassroots peace education, interfaith dialogues, and diplomatic engagements across continents including the peace efforts made in various parts of the Philippines, most especially in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Peacemaker shed light on a global movement involving thousands of volunteers and partner organizations working to make peace not just an ideal but a practical reality.

Asked about his overall impression of the film, Century Pacific Foods Chief Operations Officer and Executive Vice President Gregory Banzon said, “I found it very interesting. I think the strategy of the chairman is on point, really bringing the issue to a national, global scale, and all the way up to the UN."

Moreover, the event also serves as a reminder for Filipinos to take active roles in peacebuilding efforts in their communities.

Ivan Gozum, a faculty member of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) and PRO of Religious Educators Association of the Philippines (REAP), expressed how he was moved by the documentary, "When I was looking at the title I thought... Peacemaker, ito yung papanood ko, ito yung superhero. Pero while watching the advocacy of Chairman Lee and then we talked about the cessation of war, peace education, religious harmony, I think my impression on the title "Peacemaker" and the [superhero series] is connected because I think, in a certain way, Chairman Lee's advocacy and the HWPL advocacy as a peacemaker is somehow really an effort of a hero, a modern day hero to really promote peace amid conflict, amid wars that are happening in our world right now."

Hindu priest Rev. Archarya Prem Shankaranand Tirth said, “Peace in the world is really very much needed. We are humans but we have been divided by religions, by colors, by race, through so many political things. This work of the HWPL is trying its best to make humanity as one.” He added, “to all of you and to everyone who will watch, please... see how common things are there to make us one, not to be divided, but to connect as a human.”

#HWPL2025

#todayph25

RCBC is Euromoney’s Six-time ‘Best Bank for Digital’

Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) continues to break boundaries in digital banking, earning the prestigious “Best Bank for Digital” award from Euromoney for 2025. This marks an unprecedented sixth consecutive win, making RCBC the first bank in Asia to achieve such a feat and cementing its position as a regional trailblazer in inclusive digital finance.

The announcement was made by Euromoney, recognizing RCBC’s pioneering digital innovations, customer-first approach, and strong push for inclusive financial ecosystems in an increasingly competitive fintech landscape.

“This accomplishment is a testament to RCBC’s commitment to being a digitally driven and customer-obsessed bank. We will continue to provide cutting-edge banking solutions, keeping CX at the heart of our strategy,” said RCBC president and CEO Reginaldo Anthony B. Cariaso. “We will deliver impactful solutions that are accessible, intuitive, and secure.”

RCBC’s sixth win comes on the heels of transformative initiatives across its digital platforms. RCBC Pulz—the first privately owned digital banking app in the Philippines to allow account opening using an international mobile number—was scaled up through partnerships with the Department of Migrant Workers and the Commission on Filipinos Overseas.

These tie-ups extend digital finance to Overseas Filipino Workers and immigrants, strengthening financial ties with the homeland. Pulz also boasts the most AI-enabled features in the market, making it the most intelligent banking platform in the country today.

DiskarTech, the world’s first multilingual financial inclusion super app, caters to underserved and unbanked Filipinos—particularly micro and small entrepreneurs. It provides easy access to microloans, savings, insurance, and telemedicine services.

DiskarTech actively collaborates with key government agencies such as the Social Security System, Department of Education, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to expand its reach and enhance its digital financial service offerings. These partnerships drive broader financial inclusion and uplift DiskarTech’s growing entrepreneurial clientele, especially in grassroots communities.

Available in Taglish and Cebuano, the app ensures both language accessibility and cultural relevance for its diverse user base.

RCBC ATM Go, the country’s largest bank-agnostic mobile ATM network, has expanded its reach to 100 percent of provinces and cities, and 95 percent of municipalities nationwide. It empowers over 5,000 MSMEs as banking agents, enabling sustainable livelihoods in grassroots communities.

At least 20 percent of these agents now rely on Starlink satellite internet to operate in the most remote island and off-grid areas, ensuring no Filipino is left behind. In partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT), ATM Go also supports the digitalization of tourism-related financial transactions.

It introduced Southeast Asia’s first manual withdrawal service for VISA and Mastercard debit cards, benefiting both domestic and foreign users. Notably, over 60 percent of ATM Go users are rural women, and 70 percent of transactions are for government cash disbursements such as 4Ps, salaries, pensions, and aid to public sector workers.

“This six-peat is more than a milestone—it’s a mission in motion,” said Lito Villanueva, executive vice president and chief innovation and inclusion officer of RCBC. “We are proud to pioneer solutions that are contextual, inclusive, and deeply impactful. This honor is shared with our partners and clients, whose trust fuels our resolve to uplift lives and empower communities through world-class digital finance.”

With this historic win, RCBC sets a new gold standard for what it means to be a digitally driven, inclusively built, and future-ready bank for the Filipino people.

#FintechAlliancePH #EuromoneyAwards

#todayph25