Risa Sato returns to PVL -- this time, for Akari

By Kristel Satumbaga-Villar

Published Jul 2, 2026 06:16 pm

At A Glance

• The team made the announcement on Thursday, July 2, with the 31-year-old middle blockers expected to add depth and experience to the squad.

Photo from Akari Chargers

Risa Sato returns to the Premier Volleyball League -- this time, for the Akari Chargers.

The team made the announcement on Thursday, July 2, with the 31-year-old middle blockers expected to add depth and experience to the squad.

“Welcome to Akari, Risa Sato!” the team posted on social media.

“Ready to bring in her championship experience and energy, Risa will be a huge boost for the Chargers. Let’s go!” it added.

Sato previously played for BaliPure from 2016 to 2017 before joining multi-titled championship squad Creamline Cool Smashers from 2018 to 2024.

She suited up for Chery Tiggo in 2025 prior to its disbandment before stepping away to give birth to her first child.

With Sato on the fold, she is expected to join forces with fellow middle blockers Fifi Sharma and Ced Domingo.

Mimi Parrel-Barnett (formerly known as Mimi Parrel-Pimentel)

 Mimi Parrel-Barnett (formerly known as Mimi Parrel-Pimentel) is an internationally recognized Filipina fashion designer, entrepreneur, and creative director with more than three decades of experience in the fashion industry.

Known for her elegant couture creations, impeccable craftsmanship, and timeless designs, Mimi has built a reputation for creating garments that celebrate femininity, confidence, and sophistication. Her work spans couture evening gowns, bridal wear, modern Filipiniana, formal menswear, barong tagalog, and custom luxury pieces for distinguished clients in the Philippines and abroad.

Throughout her career, Mimi has showcased her collections on prestigious runways and fashion events in the Philippines, Canada, Singapore, New York, and London. She previously served as a Fashion Consultant for the Office of the President of the Philippines and has designed for dignitaries, government officials, business leaders, and prominent personalities.

A graduate of Xavier University with a Bachelor's Degree in International Studies, Mimi further honed her craft through studies at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, London College of Fashion, Central Saint Martins, Fashion Institute of the Philippines, and Madonna School of Fashion and Design.

Today, Mimi leads her rebranded fashion house under the name Mimi Barnett, serving clients in both Las Vegas and the Philippines. Her designs are inspired by culture, artistry, heritage, and modern elegance, reflecting her belief that fashion should empower individuals to feel beautiful, confident, and extraordinary.

In 2026, Mimi unveiled Pearl Éternel, a signature collection inspired by the timeless beauty of pearls and the strength, grace, and resilience of women. The collection was presented at Manila International Fashion Week, marking a new chapter in her creative journey and the continued evolution of the Mimi Barnett brand.

Through every collection, Mimi remains committed to excellence, craftsmanship, and creating designs that leave a lasting impression, where luxury, heritage, and contemporary fashion meet.

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KAIA: 'Our fans are the reason we get to do what we love'

By Carissa Alcantara

Published Jul 3, 2026 03:21 pm

P-pop girl group KAIA (Facebook)

Rising P-pop girl group KAIA is once again making waves on the local and international front following their hit performance at the recently concluded BAICON 2026.

Note that their performance of “Take Down” as with "You Did It” took social media by storm.

The group, which consists of Angela, Charice, Sophia, Alexa, and Charlotte, thanked fans and supporters for making their dreams come true. 

"Our fans are the reason we get to do what we love. Seeing them sing along, cheer for us, and support us gives us the motivation to keep growing and giving our best in every performance. ZAIA's support also helps introduce KAIA to new audiences at events like BAICON, where we get to perform alongside artists from different communities and meet people who may be discovering us for the first time. Their love and support truly mean everything to us," KAIA shared in an interview.

KAIA at BAICON 2026

They went on to share their Cebu experience.

"We've been to Cebu several times before, but this was the first time we were able to stay longer and really connect with the fans. The Cebuano audience was incredibly energetic and supportive from start to finish. Their warmth and enthusiasm reminded us how passionate the ZAIA community in Cebu is, and we're truly grateful for all the love they showed us," KAIA added.

The group is gearing up for its next chapter with new music.

Just like that

 

By Alex M. Eduque

Published Jul 4, 2026 12:05 am | Updated Jul 3, 2026 05:38 pm

IT'S THE SMALL THINGS

And just like that it is July. The first half of the year is over. Another six months, and we will be welcoming a new year again. When you are a mom to a toddler, and you look back at the past six months and gage it on development, then six months must be one heck of a long time because my son seems like a whole new human being as compared to the beginning of the year. So much can, and has happened in the last six months in life itself as a whole. As always, there were gains and losses, but ultimately, I am grateful for my cup overflows – with what, and who truly matter.

It is inevitable that in life we encounter stress. If it were possible to avoid stressors, then why would we even thread through the tough times? Life without stress would be perfect, and ideal, but it is sadly, impossible. What I have come to realize though is that while we cannot foresee the future, nor control how things turn out, we do have the capacity to determine what is worth worrying about, who we let in to our lives, how, and who we choose to spend our time with, and have some plan of sorts.

Becoming a mother has made me become more discerning and mindful of how I spend my time. And since I have become more intentional, I have found that happiness comes to me faster – albeit in a calmer way, it is constant, and at the end of the day, that is what we want – an uplifted spirit, and a good mood. Of course not every day is a good day, but we must not forget that we somewhat have the ability to control the stressors around us, in terms of what and who we will allow to affect us. At the end of the day, while we cannot control everything, we can control some things, and so why wouldn’t we?

One thing I have also come to realize in the midst of slow days and long weekends that give me time to reflect and introspect is that we must not ever undermine the effect of stress on ourselves. While stress itself is not a direct cause of sudden death, a plethora of studies have shown that extreme and/or chronic stress can have a severe impact on one’s body and organs functions overtime. So to say that stress does kill has truth behind it because it may not be considered a cause of death per se, but via a combination of factors, it can lead to physical strain (cardiovascular collapse, immune system suppression due to hormonal impact and unhealthy coping mechanisms being the most common) and eventual death (Mayo Clinic).

Lastly, faith. The older I get, the more I see the importance of faith in ones life. At my most helpless moments, and those times that render me speechless and can practically bring me to my knees, there is no other way to turn, but in prayer. It is, however, just as important to pray in times of triumphs to give thanks, and in the mundane as well. Prayer soothes the soul and gives an incomparable calm.

Just like that it is July. And just like that, comes the realization that we have the capability to control not everything, but what we can in our daily lives. Let us make the most out of the second half of the year. Let us maximize our moments, pray everyday, and listen – to those around us, and most especially to that voice within us. Let us live with meaning and intention. Let us put purpose at the forefront, and really ask ourselves: what is worth stressing over? And really, what truly matters?  

Samal-Davao bridge 61% complete; More funds needed to finish – DPWH

 

By Ivy Tejano

Published Jul 3, 2026 10:11 pm

DAVAO CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways-11 has requested additional funding from the government to keep the construction of the Samal Island-Davao City Connector Project on schedule and prevent delays caused by a shortfall.

During Wednesday's Habi at Kape at Abreeza Ayala Mall here, DPWH-11 spokesperson Dean Ortiz said the SIDC project has entered a new phase, with bridge columns now rising above the Pakiputan Strait, as construction is 61 percent complete.

Ortiz said construction remains on schedule despite the funding shortfall, with crews now transitioning to the superstructure of the bridge after completing a major phase involving the foundation columns.

"We are on our way to the superstructure. The columns that people can already see have been completed, and we have finished that phase. We are now working on the upper portion," Ortiz said.

Under the 2026 National Expenditure Program, the project was proposed to receive P4.87 billion. However, only P314 million was allocated under the final General Appropriations Act, prompting the agency to request additional funds.

"We requested a total of P4.86 billion for 2026, but only P314 million was released. We are still on track, but we have already requested additional funds from the national government so work can continue uninterrupted," Ortiz said.

According to the agency, while work continues as planned, delays in releasing additional funds could slow down the construction and affect the project's target completion date if left unaddressed.

Ortiz refuted social media claims that construction of the bridge had been stopped. He said that apparent inactivity at the construction site is due to adjusted working hours to protect workers from extreme heat.

DPWH-11 said that construction personnel work from 6 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and resume from 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., leaving the site temporarily idle during the hottest part of the day.

The SIDC is a flagship infrastructure project that will establish the first permanent road link between Davao City and the Island Garden City of Samal through a 3.98-kilometer, four-lane cable-stayed bridge spanning the Pakiputan Strait.

Once completed, the DPWH-11 said, the bridge is expected to significantly reduce travel time between the two areas, improve the movement of people and goods, support tourism, and strengthen economic activity in the Davao region.

BINI tapped as PH tourism ambassadors

 BINI with The Department of Tourism Secretary Maria Bernardita “Dita” Angara-Mathay (Facebook)

By Carissa Alcantara

Published Jul 3, 2026 01:36 pm

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has picked popular girl group BINI as their newest ambassadors.

The group, composed of Jhoanna, Maloi, Stacey, Sheena, Gwen, Aiah, Colet, and Mikha, together with Star Magic head Lauren Dyogi, paid a courtesy call to Tourism Secretary Maria Bernardita “Dita” Angara-Mathay in Makati, recently.

In a report by ABS-CBN News, Mathay praised the girl group.

She said, “I am so happy. They have so many ideas. Sometimes the young people can direct a whole generation, a whole bureaucracy to go a certain direction, which will connect with the larger population. They are delightful and talented people."

Meanwhile, BINI leader Jhoanna Robles related how excited they are to share ideas with DOT.

"Sobrang dami namin gusto i-suggest. Mag-meeting muna kami. 'Yan ang special sa BINI. We are from eight different provinces. Nasimulan na namin before, and now we are grateful we have the support of the government. Mas malaki na,” Jhoanna said.

The DOT noted that BINI has long been championing Philippine tourism through their work.

"They are ambassadors already with what they are doing, what they are wearing, with the traditional outfits. It would be amiss for the government if we do not recognize the pride,” Assistant Secretary Ren Sapitan said.  

Aside from BINI, the DOT also hopes to work with SB19, Alex Eala, and other Filipinos who have proudly represented the country globally.

BSP chief expects more banks to cut transfer fees after BPI, RCBC

 

By Derco Rosal

Published Jul 3, 2026 09:42 pm

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor (BSP) Eli Remolona Jr. expects a broader wave of lenders to slash or eliminate fund transfer costs, following aggressive fee waivers by some of the country’s largest banking institutions ahead of a strict weekend regulatory deadline.

Speaking at a BSP book launch on Friday, Remolona said he anticipates more financial institutions will adjust their pricing structures within days to comply with a new mandate.

The regulatory push has already seen industry heavyweights move first. Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) permanently waived fees for electronic fund transfers, while Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) eliminated costs for its InstaPay transactions and reduced fees for PESONet transfers.

Remolona framed the impending industry-wide adjustments as a critical step toward maximizing the efficiency of the domestic financial ecosystem, invoking the economic concept of network externalities to explain the regulatory pressure on remaining lenders.

The value of a payment system increases as more participants join, Remolona said, comparing the infrastructure to a telephone network.

He noted that a phone is of little use if it can only connect to one person, whereas its utility grows exponentially as the network expands. To unlock this value across the entire banking sector, Remolona added that entry and transaction costs should be kept low, or ideally, reduced to zero.

The countdown comes as BSP Circular No. 1238, which updates the National Retail Payment System framework, takes effect on Saturday, July 4. Under the new rules, Philippine banks must close the pricing gap between interbank and intrabank fund transfers.

The policy mandates that fees charged for transactions between different financial institutions, known as off-us transfers, must closely align with those charged for transfers within the same bank or e-wallet.

BSP Deputy Governor Mamerto Tangonan clarified that the policy effectively caps outward transaction charges. Lenders cannot charge more than their internal transfer fee plus the baseline switch fee.

Furthermore, the directive requires all financial institutions to tie their electronic transaction fees directly to actual operational expenses, preventing arbitrary premiums on external transfers.

By enforcing cost-aligned pricing and encouraging smaller institutions to follow the momentum set by the big banks, the regulator aims to accelerate digital transaction adoption.

The BSP continues to urge the broader banking sector to keep electronic payments significantly cheaper than traditional over-the-counter alternatives to transition the cash-dominant economy into a digitized financial hub.