Athisa Manalo is Miss Universe 2025 3rd runner-up

Athisa Manalo finishes Miss Universe 2025 journey as 3rd Runner-Up

Leana Bernardo
The Filipino Times
21 NOvember 2025

Miss Universe Philippines Ahtisa Manalo finished as 3rd Runner-up in the pageant held at the Impact Muong Thong Thani Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.

Mexico’s Fatima Bosch was crowned the new Miss Universe.

Manalo’s placement marks the Philippines’ first return to the Top 5 since Beatrice Luigi Gomez in 2021.

Throughout the coronation night, Manalo impressed judges and audiences, donning a white two-piece ensemble in the swimsuit segment and a sleek silver gown for the evening wear competition.

During the question-and-answer portion, the Top 5 finalists were asked how they would use the Miss Universe platform to empower young girls.

Manalo highlighted her work with Alon Akademie, an organization that provides opportunities for underprivileged youth. She said she aims to continue helping young people realize that their circumstances “do not define where they will go,” and that deserving individuals from low-income backgrounds should have equal opportunities to succeed.

Earlier in the competition, Manalo made a strong showing in the preliminaries with her fiesta-themed national costume and a Philippine Pearl-inspired evening gown.

Philippines climbs to 56th in global competitiveness report

Philippines climbs to 56th in global competitiveness report

Louella Desiderio 
Philstar Global 
05 November 2025 

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines climbed five places to the 56th spot out of 69 economies in this year’s World Digital Competitiveness Ranking (WDCR) released by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) World Competitiveness Center (WCC).

The Philippines got a score of 50.87 this year, an improvement from 45.18 last year.

Released annually, the report measures the capacity and readiness of economies to adopt digital technologies for economic transformation in business, government and the wider society.

Economies are ranked using hard data and survey responses from business and government executives.

Through the report, IMD aims to help policymakers and companies understand what drives performance and where they should focus their resources.

IMD looks at digital competitiveness through the following factors: knowledge, technology and future readiness.

In the knowledge factor, the Philippines’ ranking slid to 65th from last year’s 64th.

The report cited female researchers as the country’s strength, while artificial intelligence articles were tagged as a weak point.

Meanwhile, the Philippines moved up to 54th place from the previous year’s 56th in terms of technology.

IMD said investments in telecommunications and high-tech exports are strong areas for the Philippines in technology, but starting a business, enforcing contracts and communications technology need improvement.

When it comes to future readiness, the Philippines went up to 52nd place from the previous year’s 58th spot.

While the Philippines is strong in flexibility and adaptability and public-private partnerships, the report showed that the country needs to work on the government’s cybersecurity capacity.

Within Southeast Asia, the Philippines lagged behind its neighbors Singapore (third), Malaysia (34th), Thailand (38th) and Indonesia (51st).

Overall, Switzerland topped the list, followed by the United States and Singapore.

Amid global trade fragmentation, the report said economies need to find new strategic advantages in the digital sphere.

IMD WCC director Arturo Bris said that trade fragmentation is affecting digital competitiveness in three main ways.

In particular, it is creating winners and losers in digital infrastructure, based on investments made in building a better framework for telecommunications and use of technologies.

While talent remains mobile, Bris also said that people are not entering certain countries in the same numbers due to geopolitical instability.

“This affects digital competitiveness when domestic policies and regional instability combust into a situation where more talent is leaving the country than entering it,” he said.

Bris also cited regulatory advantages as key determinants of digital competitiveness.

“Regulatory clarification and safety enable companies and governments to incorporate the technology available as efficiently and effectively as possible,” he said noting that the European Union, US and Southeast Asia are recognizing this through certain regulatory improvements.

Two Filipinos land on Forbes Asia’s 2025 ‘Power Businesswomen’ list

Two Filipinos land on Forbes Asia’s 2025 ‘Power Businesswomen’ list

JON VIKTOR D. CABUENAS
GMA Integrated News
04 November 2025

Two Filipinos were included in Forbes Asia’s Power Businesswomen list 2025, joining 18 other female leaders across Asia recognized for their role in driving growth and innovation as the region’s business and economic landscape continues to rapidly evolve.

Among them is Robinsons Land Corp. president and chief executive officer Mybelle Aragon-Gobio, the first woman and non-family member to lead the property arm of the Gokongwei group.

She joined Robinsons Land in 1993 as an administrative assistant, and later moved up to lead the company’s logistics unit and residential and office projects.

Gobio in May laid out a five year P125-billion expansion plan for the company, as she aims to double net income to P25 billion by 2030, increase malls to 69 from 55, and boost the office portfolio by 50% to 1.2 million square meters of leasable space.

Also listed is Ayala Corp. managing director Mariana Zobel de Ayala, the eighth-generation leader of the company handling leasing and hospitality of the property unit Ayala Land Inc.

Zobel is leading the P17.5-billion malls redevelopment program, covering flagship developments Greenbelt 2, Glorietta, TriNoMa, Ayala Center Cebu, among others. Ayala Land in August secured a $224-million loan from the International Finance Corp. (IFC) for the development of two malls.

Ayala Malls aims to add over 700,000 square meters of gross leasable area over the next five years including Parklinks, the joint estate development with Eton Properties in Quezon City and Pasig.

“The women on this year’s Forbes Asia’s Power Businesswomen list are not just adapting to change, but actively shaping the future of the region’s business landscape,” Forbes Asia editorial director Rana Wehbe Watson said in a statement.

“Some are forging paths in hot sectors like data centers, semiconductors, and rare earths, while others are guiding their family businesses to new heights,” she added. —VAL, GMA Integrated News

Philippines to lead Asia‘s Gen Alpha boom by 2030

Philippines to lead Asia‘s Gen Alpha boom by 2030

Louella Desiderio
Philstar Global
02 November 2025

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is expected to have the biggest proportion of Gen Alphas among major Asian economies by 2030, a demographic that will define future consumer trends, according to research and analysis firm BMI.

In a report, the Fitch Solutions unit said that Asia is expected to have the biggest population of Gen Alphas across all years due to its already large population.

BMI said Asia is expected to have around 935.7 million Gen Alphas or almost 50 percent of the global Gen Alpha population in 2030.

Gen Alpha refers to those born between 2010 and 2024.

Within Asia, BMI said that “the proportion of Gen Alphas will be highest in the Philippines, making up 27 percent of total population in 2030.”

This will be followed by Malaysia and Vietnam, where Gen Alpha will account for 21 percent of the population in both markets.

In contrast, Japan and South Korea are expected to have the smallest proportion of Gen Alpha consumers at 12 percent and 11 percent, respectively, due to their aging population and low birth rates.

Those part of Gen Alpha are considered digital natives as they were born in a highly digitalized world and exposed to technology at a young age.

As the generation becomes increasingly integrated into the consumer market, BMI said that consumer trends would be in line with Gen Alphas’ preferences.

“Parents of Gen Alphas are predominantly millennials and older Gen Zs, whose spending habits and attitudes will set the foundation of how Gen Alpha evolve into the market,” BMI said.

At present, Gen Alpha accounts for 24 percent or two billion of the world’s total population of around 8.3 billion.

BMI said Gen Alpha is expected to remain at the two billion mark until 2050 due to the growing share of other generational cohorts such as Generation Beta (2025 to 2039) and Gamma (2040 to 2054) to the total population.

Philippines to host Asean 2026

Philippines to host Asean 2026

Third Anne Peralta-Malonzo
sunstar.co.ph
29 October 2025

THE Philippines will host the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in 2026.

During the Kapihan with the Media in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, Marcos said the Philippines’ hosting of the 2026 Asean Summit will be “chill and hospitable.”

Marcos formally received the Asean chairmanship gavel from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during the symbolic handover at the closing ceremony of the 47th Asean Summit, marking the Philippines’ assumption of the Asean chairmanship next year.

The Philippines last hosted the Asean Summit in 2017.

“We are now in the process of putting together the different elements of where we think Asean should be focusing,” said Marcos.

“So one of the things is the COC (Code of Conduct), for example. Number one para sa atin. The other member states, that’s not as a big priority to them as it is to us. So, this is our chance to really promote that and to highlight that, and hopefully we will succeed,” he added.

The President was referring to the COC in the South China Sea being negotiated among Asean member states and China amid the ongoing dispute in the West Philippine Sea.

Marcos also welcomed the social media characterization of the Philippines as the “chill dude” member of the Asean, noting that it reflects the Filipino people’s well-known values of hospitality and friendliness.

“I’m glad that ang starting point natin, ang tingin sa Pilipino ay ‘yun na nga ‘chill’ at madaling kausap. That’s a big help pagka you’re trying to find consensus,” he said.

(I’m glad that our starting point is seeing Filipinos as ‘chill’ and easy to talk to. That’s a big help when you’re trying to find consensus.)

Marcos stressed that the Filipinos’ nature of being lighthearted and approachable continues to serve the country well, especially in international relations.

“I agree. Sa palagay ko naman totoo din naman na talagang ganoon ang Pinoy. Magaan ang ugali ng Pinoy talaga. And that is to our advantage,” he said.

(I agree. I also think it’s true that Filipinos are really like that — they have an easygoing nature. And that is to our advantage.)

“We will present always the best possible side so that we are met with the most possible successes,” he added. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)

Philippines officially assumed the 2026 Chairship of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council

Philippines assumes 2026 ASEAN-BAC chairship

Philstar Global
29 October 2025

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — The Philippines officially assumed the 2026 Chairship of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) on October 26, 2025, as ASEAN-BAC Malaysia handed over leadership of the regional body.

The council provides private sector guidance to boost ASEAN’s economic integration and identifies priority areas for consideration by ASEAN Leaders.

The ASEAN-BAC Philippines delegation, led by Chair Jose Ma. Concepcion III and council members George Barcelon and Michael Tan, traveled to Kuala Lumpur for the handover ceremonies.

The event was a highlight of the ASEAN-BAC Events and Related Summits held from October 24 to 27, which included the ASEAN Business & Investment Summit, the ASEAN Business Awards and the inaugural ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit.

These events coincided with the 47th ASEAN Summit, which gathers leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

ASEAN-BAC Philippines will continue to follow the guiding theme of “Prosperity for All”, first adopted during its previous chairship in 2017.

“There has been plenty of exchanging of ideas, and I am glad to hear how some resonate with my own views of the role of ASEAN and the private sector in bringing about inclusive, sustainable growth,” Concepcion said.

“As we take on this new role, our goal is to build on this momentum, empowering MSMEs and strengthening partnerships that drive inclusive growth and food security across the region. Together, we can ensure that the ASEAN spirit of unity, innovation, and entrepreneurship continues to thrive,” he added.

Filipino design makes a bold entrance at NY Fashion Week

Filipino design makes a bold entrance at NY Fashion Week

Pauline Miranda 

Inquirer|Lifestyle

26 October 2025

Gone are the days when Philippine textiles and weaves were solely reserved for formal occasions and cultural celebrations. Filipino designers today have constantly been pushing the envelope, reimagining the myriad ways and situations in which we can proudly wear our culture.

Pinas Sadya, a homegrown Filipino brand, recently debuted at New York Fashion Week, showcasing not just our local patterns and textiles but also bringing to the international runway the creative energy that runs through the Philippine fashion industry today.

With bold patterns in blocked colors and flowing layers, Pinas Sadya’s presentation highlights the “radiant, confident, and playful” essence of the Filipina today. The campaign called “Kabogera with a Purpose” featured Maymay Entrata’s “Amakabogera” as its anthem on the runway.

“You are born to shine, to stand out, and to achieve your best,” says Pinas Sadya founder Skeeter Labastilla-Turgut. “This collection is meant to accompany you at different parts of your journey, as you discover, fulfill, and share your purpose.”

“There’s a growing global appetite for Philippine-made, thoughtfully designed products. The response we received confirmed that Filipino creativity resonates internationally while staying true to its roots,” notes Valerie Fischer, co-founder and general manager of Pinas Sadya.

“You are born to shine, to stand out, and to achieve your best,” says Pinas Sadya founder Skeeter Labastilla-Turgut. “This collection is meant to accompany you at different parts of your journey, as you discover, fulfill, and share your purpose”

Fischer adds, “It has been very exciting to see our audience engage with the collection and connect with the stories behind the pieces. The enthusiasm and feedback reinforced the potential for Filipino brands on a global scale.”

The New York Fashion Week presentation also featured work by partner designers and creatives. Accessories by Filipino artist and designer Farah Abu accompanied the Pinas Sadya pieces, adding depth, cohesion, and personality to the looks.

Following their fashion week appearance, Pinas Sadya will join other Filipino brands in a special cultural expo also happening in New York: Yaman 2025, which is set to take place from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2 at Marriot Marquis, Times Square, New York.