CHED Employees Allege Fear, Favoritism, and Wasted Resources Under Agrupis

According to reports, employees of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) have filed ethics and administrative complaints against Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis, claiming that she abuses her position of authority and creates a culture of fear within the company.

The workers' concerns stem from Agrupis' purported insistence that she has a close relationship with First Lady Liza A. Marcos. Workers assert that Agrupis has exploited this alleged intimacy in a way that has given the impression that she is politically protected, even untouchable, despite the complaints and mounting criticism surrounding her leadership. Staff stress that Agrupis's own statements are the basis for the alleged relationship, and it's still unclear if the First Lady is even aware that her name is allegedly being used in this way. Concerns that Agrupis might still be reappointed and that the charges against her will be discreetly dropped have been raised by the accusation, which has cast a long shadow over the complaints.

Staff members have also expressed concerns about the use of CHED resources for official purposes. They make particular reference to a conference that purportedly screened a biographical presentation honoring Agrupis's life and career. They argue that the government funds and staff time allotted for the activity should have gone to programs directly related to the commission's educational mandate.

An additional grievance concerns educational resources that were initially intended for nationwide distribution. Workers claim that thousands of copies of these publications were left sitting in CHED warehouses after their distribution was halted, despite the fact that public funds had already been used to produce them. Some employees claim that the delay is due to the Chairperson's reluctance to promote materials that she did not personally create.

Internal critics of the agency also point to what they call inconsistent fiscal priorities. They note that many plantilla positions are still available and that Agrupis has publicly endorsed austerity. Because of the high vacancy rate, employees say the agency is understaffed and under stress. They argue, however, that spending on items they deem superfluous has continued. The result, according to workers, is a commission where image-building has taken precedence over the personnel needed to sustain core operations.

For many employees, the conflict has gone beyond a specific decision or management style. They argue that CHED should focus its efforts on strengthening higher education policy, helping state colleges and universities, and addressing the more important problems facing Philippine higher education.

The workers claim they are now making a direct appeal to the First Lady in the hopes that she will advocate for an unbiased evaluation of their grievances. They maintain that the appeal is motivated by a desire to rebuild public confidence in CHED and to guarantee that government resources benefit students, teachers, and higher education institutions rather than by internal politics or the head's propensity for self-aggrandizement.

Skechers Introduces Skechers Razor 2 Football Boot

“This is our first World Cup since launching Skechers Football three years ago, and as an added bonus, it is in our own backyard. That makes it especially meaningful to see how far we’ve come in such a short time with players from multiple countries in the tournament wearing our Sunset Pack boots. This global event is the ultimate showcase for the signature comfort, innovative performance and distinct personality of Skechers Football.” ~Michael Greenberg, President of Skechers

Skechers unveils the new Razor 2 – a lightweight speed boot engineered for football’s biggest stage, arriving as part of the new Sunset Pack. 

New silo joins SKX_2 boot in the Sunset Pack to be worn on the pitch by Harry Kane and more players during global football tournament 

Skechers brings comfort and innovation to football and soccer with the release of the ground-breaking new lightweight Razor 2 speed boot. Its debut is the Skechers Football Sunset Pack, which is also available on the SKX_2 control boot. This brightly colored pack, inspired by Los Angeles at dusk, will be on the field in North America during the next worldwide competition.

In celebration of the largest tournament in the world, the Sunset Pack is featured in an exuberant hero film (watch here) starring Harry Kane of England, Barış Alper Yılmaz of Turkey, and Anthony Elanga of Sweden. As elite athletes get ready to travel to North America, the Skechers campaign invites players and special guests like Mohammed Kudus, Jamie Redknapp, Frank Leboeuf, and Ruud Gullit to experience the "Skechers Motel," a traditional Americana roadside destination where our elite football players stay in comfort before the action takes place on the pitch.

“Playing at the World Cup is always the greatest honour and doing it in Skechers will be fantastic. When you’re playing on the world’s biggest stage, you need boots that look good and make you feel confident. The design is incredible, but more importantly, the performance and comfort are exactly what I need to perform at my best. I’m incredibly excited to lead the boys in them and give everything we’ve got.” ~Harry Kane, recipient of the 2025/2026 European Golden Boot

Skechers Football offers a wide range of styles with options for every type of player on any surface. 

In order to optimize acceleration and propulsion, the Sunset Pack included a brand-new, state-of-the-art Razor 2 Elite speed boot, which is worn by Anthony Elanga and Barış Alper Yılmaz, among others. The boot, which was designed with athlete insight to support the movements and demands of the modern game, is now lighter, faster, and requires no break-in because of a fit that can accommodate a variety of foot shapes. It features a thermoplastic and fiberglass plate with an aggressive traction design, a Skechers Performance Fitknit® upper, a sturdy Hyper Burst Pro® sockliner, and a first-in-class upper construction with sections cut out to reduce weight.

The SKX_2 Elite, worn by players like Harry Kane, is designed for players who require precise strike control and has a custom last that is meticulously crafted to maximize comfort and provide the perfect fit for improving touch on the field. It also features a Skechers Performance Fitknit® upper, Hyper Burst Pro®, and a multi-directional outsole for outstanding traction on a range of surfaces.

In addition to the Elite models worn by professional football players all over the world, Skechers offers the SKX_2 and Razor 2 in Academy and Club boots, which are perfect for all levels of play with maximum performance and comfort. Skechers also provides Youth and Kids boots with an adjustable fit and enhanced comfort for the upcoming generation of athletes who want to be like their idols. These specific tiers are more readily available in the Philippine market due to the firm ground, indoor, and turf styles of both ranges.

Complementing the Sunset Pack, the celebration will continue when Skechers brings the Los Angeles vibe into the afterhours with the Neon City Pack featuring colors inspired by the city late at night. Skechers Football boots in the Neon City Pack colorway are set to drop this July in the Philippines.

 

The new Skechers Football Sunset Pack is available now at skechers.com, select Skechers stores as well as Bootcamp stores in the Philippines. Global football fans can get behind-the-scenes access to Skechers Football product launches and more by following @skechersph on Instagram and Facebook.  

About Skechers USA Philippines, Inc. and Skechers U.S.A., Inc.

Skechers USA Philippines, Inc. is a subsidiary of Skechers U.S.A., Inc. (NYSE:SKX). The                                                                              Skechers designs, develops, and markets a diverse range of lifestyle and performance footwear, apparel, and accessories for men, women, and children. The Company’s collections are available in over 180 countries and territories through department and specialty stores, and direct to consumers through digital stores and over 4,500 Company- and third-party-owned physical retail stores. The Company manages its international business through a network of wholly-owned subsidiaries, joint venture partners, and distributors. For more information, please visit about.skechers.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Vermosa Green Run 5.0 Achieves Sustainability Goals

"We wanted our runners to experience sustainability both literally and symbolically. This year, we offered a discount for donating used PET bottles, and the community supported this! Celebrating our landmark fifth consecutive year, the energy across our 3K, 5K, 10K, 21K tracks, and 1K Dog Run was unmatched. Seeing families, elite athletes, and pet lovers come together at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub shows that our community's passion for fitness is deeply intertwined with environmental action. Looking ahead, our goal is to continue scaling this impact. While Vermosa remains our flagship home because of its expansive, nature-forward open spaces, we are constantly exploring deeper corporate and community partnerships. We want to bring more runners into the fold each year, proving that active, high-performance lifestyles can be completely sustainable." ~Lani Tan, General Manager of the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub

The Vermosa Green Run returned for the fifth time on Sunday, June 28, bringing more than 2,000 runners and their dogs to the Vermosa Estates in Imus, Cavite.

The five-tiered dawn run was attended by runners, run club members, elite runners, recreational runners, and members of the running community. Edgardo Panopio and Lorely Magalona won the 21K gold medal; Jomm Lacanilao-Gay and Patrice Quiday won the 10K gold; John Mark Balogo and Ira Alvaro won the 5K gold; Jessi Valentine and Danielle Sophia won the 3K gold; and Moises Calastravo and his dog, Onzi, won the 1K Dog Run.

Participants were asked to donate used plastic bottles as part of the Run. These would then be given to the Makati Development Corporation (MDC) for upcycling into eco-bricks, which would aid in the sustainable construction of Ayala Land projects. 

Additionally, all of the runners' singlets, finisher shirts, and dog bandanas were created from recycled PET bottles, turning plastic waste into upscale athletic wear.

Environmental runs like the Vermosa Green Run contribute to the preservation of the environment by raising essential funds for ecological projects, promoting sustainable behaviors, and directly supporting initiatives like tree planting.

This year's Vermosa Green Run encouraged corporate and group registrations as groups of ten were invited to participate in order to automatically join the Haribon Foundation's Forests for Life Movement. The Haribon initiative supports native tree planting and forest restoration projects in partner communities across the nation by uniting individuals, organizations, and local communities to restore degraded forests using a science-based rainforestation approach focused on planting and nurturing native tree species.

"Our partnership with the Haribon Foundation is a cornerstone of why we do this. Over the past few editions, the funds raised have gone directly into Haribon's Adopt-a-Seedling and rainforestation programs. For this milestone 5th edition, we were overwhelmed by registrations where we attracted many groups of 10. That means hundreds of new native trees will be nurtured directly because of our runners’ strides today. Crossing the finish line is fantastic, but knowing your team left a lasting ecological legacy is the real victory." ~Letty Oh-Naňagas, Vermosa Marketing Manager

Beneficiaries of The Green Run at Vermosa 2026 are Haribon Foundation, Takbo Kabitenyo and Pawssion Project as the expression of its advocacy for ecosystem conservation, an active lifestyle and youth sports development, and animal welfare.

Supporters of the fifth edition of the Vermosa Green Run are Oishi, Merrell, Pocari, Salonpas, Booster C, Fitbar, Gatsby, Milo, Apex, Topbreed, Dunsk Kuhner, Baby Boo, Chef Special, Entrée Gourmet Pet Treats, Saint Roche, The Gourmet Specialist, Zert, and Wonderpaw.

Light, Crispy, and Flavorful: Discover the NEW Magic Chips Thin & Crispy

Make your breaktime more fun with the delicious and flavorful Magic Chips Thin & Crispy, available in BBQ and Sour Cream and Onion flavors.

There are days that seem to be repeated, with the same activities, schedule, and short breaks in between. To make the day enjoyable, tasty, and exciting, even the smallest pauses should be filled with something. An ordinary moment can be transformed into something special by stepping away from the screen and taking a brief snack break with friends. 

Introducing Magic Chips Thin & Crispy, a lighter version of the well-known Magic Chips that will transform regular break times into truly magical encounters. It expertly combines the delightful crunch of chips with the well-known sarap of crackers to create a uniquely light, airy, and flavorful bite (chips na, crackers pa!).

Magic Chips Thin & Crispy are thinner and crispier than before because they are baked instead of fried. When they need a little break from their busy schedules, snack lovers can now indulge in a delicious, guilt-free muncharap experience. 

The delicious BBQ (Barbeque) and Sour Cream & Onion varieties pack a potent flavor into incredibly thin, crispy pieces with every bite, tempting snackers to eat more.

Packed in convenient 28g pouches, Magic Chips Thin & Crispy is perfectly portioned for on-the-go snack breaks, study sessions, or commute cravings. Offering a more premium snacking experience at an affordable Suggested Retail Price (SRP) of 8.20 PHP, it is now available in leading retail stores nationwide, and major e-commerce platforms. 

Sometimes, all it takes is one crispy bite to turn an ordinary pause into something magical. So, basta break time, Magic.

Try Universal Robina Corporation’s (URC) new Magic Chips Thin & Crispy today. Have a magical and guiltless munching with every crunchy bite.

Universal Robina Corporation (URC) produces iconic brands such as Jack ‘n Jill Piattos, Cloud 9, Maxx candy, Cream-O, Payless, C2 Cool and Clean, and Great Taste coffee, which have been part of Filipinos’ lives for decades. Magic Chips Thin & Crispy delivers a light, crunchy, and flavorful snacking experience that’s perfect for anytime cravings. It offers a satisfyingly thin & crispy texture and delicious flavors that make every moment more enjoyable. Packed with delicious flavors and affordably priced, Magic Chips Thin & Crispy lets Filipinos enjoy big taste without feeling weighed down- making every break more magical, whether enjoyed solo or shared with others. To learn more about URC, visit its Website at www.urc.com.ph, Facebook Page and TikTok account.

The Future of Heat Therapy in the Philippines Starts with MediHeat+

As wellness continues to evolve in today's generation, consumers are becoming more aware of the products they use for daily relief, comfort, and relaxation. The growing need for safer and more useful wellness solutions led to the development of MediHeat+, which is proudly recognized as the first non-medicated heating patch in the Philippines. With innovative self-heating patches designed for different body parts and everyday lifestyle needs, MediHeat+ provides a modern approach to self-care. The purpose of these patches is to offer dependable and cozy warmth.

Unlike traditional patches that rely on medicated ingredients, MediHeat+ focuses on mild yet effective heat therapy that helps relax muscles, improve circulation, and promote natural healing. Menstrual cramps, joint stiffness, lower back pain, pelvic pain, back neck pain, body fatigue, and stress-related tension brought on by long workdays, physical activity, exercise, or busy daily schedules are among the conditions for which these pain-relieving heat patches are designed.

The MediHeat+ line offers targeted comfort solutions for a range of body problems. GripEase relieves hand and wrist pain caused by gripping tasks, prolonged typing sessions, strain, and excessive use. Additionally, it improves circulation, which reduces stiffness and discomfort in the hand and wrist area, and warms tense muscles to improve mobility and flexibility.

For people who are constantly on their feet, SoleEase relieves foot fatigue after prolonged standing or walking by offering soothing warmth. Because it helps relax foot muscles, improve overall comfort, and increase circulation to lessen cold or numb feet, the heating patch is ideal for active lifestyles and everyday recuperation.

CycleEase, one of MediHeat+'s heat patches for cramps, is designed to provide comfortable warmth during menstruation. It provides steady warmth to ease pelvic and lower back pain that are commonly experienced during monthly cycles, relaxes abdominal muscles to lessen menstrual cramps, and enhances circulation to lessen bloating and discomfort.

Conversely, NeckEase was created to help ease the stiffness and tension in the muscles caused by fatigue, stress, and poor posture. One of the brand's pain-specific heat patches, it provides calming warmth that relaxes the shoulders, neck, and upper back while boosting blood flow to relieve tightness and soreness. This makes it ideal for office workers, students, and people with physically demanding schedules.

One of MediHeat+'s specially designed knee heat patches for knee pain and mobility support is called Joint Relief. It reduces joint stiffness and eases pain from walking, exercise, and mild arthritis while warming deep tissues to support comfort, mobility, and healing.

The collection is completed with Back Relief, a heating patch intended to help relieve back pain caused by stress, fatigue, and prolonged sitting. Because it releases tense muscles, promotes movement, and provides soothing warmth for long-lasting comfort and recuperation, it is ideal for people with lower back pain and everyday muscle strain.

What makes MediHeat+ truly innovative is its capacity to combine comfort, convenience, and modern wellness into a single, readily available solution. By assisting people during work, travel, exercise, relaxation, or other activities, these self-heating patches make it simpler to integrate wellness into daily life. Whether they are used as knee heat patches, heat patches for pain, heat patches for cramps, or everyday relaxation support, MediHeat+ satisfies the growing demand for wellness products that are practical, safe, and lifestyle-friendly.

MediHeat+ is a revolution in the local wellness industry, not just a wellness product. As the first non-medicated heating patch brand to be introduced in the Philippines, it challenges conventional expectations of comfort and recovery products by providing a gentle, non-medicated alternative that focuses on warmth, relaxation, and natural recovery. Instead of depending only on medication, the brand promotes the idea that simple, effective, and meaningful self-care solutions can also contribute to wellness.

Thanks to its ground-breaking innovation and expanding range of targeted wellness products, MediHeat+ is offering Filipinos a new way to experience comfort, recovery, and everyday wellness through modern heating patch solutions made for real lifestyles and real everyday needs.

Explore the full range of MediHeat+ self-heating patches and learn how targeted heat therapy can support your daily wellness. Visit MediHeat.ph and connect with us on our official social media channels. 

Megaworld Hotels & Resorts officially launched TARA: Travel Away and Reignite Adventure

"This campaign reflects our shared belief with the Department of Tourism that domestic tourism remains one of the strongest drivers of a resilient and sustainable tourism industry. Every local trip supports livelihoods, celebrates our culture, and creates meaningful economic opportunities for communities across the country. Through TARA!, we hope to make discovering more to love about the Philippines easier, more accessible, and ultimately more rewarding for every Filipino." ~Cleofe Albiso, Managing Director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts

Whenever someone says "Tara!", it's almost impossible not to feel excited. It's one of those uniquely Filipino expressions that instantly invites you to go on an adventure—whether it's a spontaneous road trip, a weekend staycation, or simply discovering a new place with family and friends. It means "Come on!", "Let's go!", or "Join me!", and it perfectly captures the warmth, excitement, and togetherness that make traveling around the Philippines so memorable.

From left: Claire Bernabe, Head of Sales of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR); Geraldine Gaw, General Manager of Hotel Lucky Chinatown; Eden Decano, Chief Finance Officer of MHR; Arturo Boncato Jr., Group General Manager of MHR; Cleofe Albiso, Managing Director of MHR; Capt. Stanley Ng, Undersecretary of the Department of Tourism; Loleth So, Group Commercial Director of MHR; Divine delos Reyes, Head of People Management of MHR; Den Navarro, General Manager of Savoy Hotel Manila; Rowena Samonte, General Manager of Twin Lakes Hotel.

That's exactly the inspiration behind TARA! (Travel Away and Reignite Adventure), the newest campaign of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR). I had the opportunity to attend its official media launch held at Hotel Lucky Chinatown on July 6, 2026, where members of the travel and lifestyle media, bloggers, and content creators gathered to celebrate a campaign that encourages Filipinos to travel more often while enjoying affordable and value-packed hotel experiences.

The event wasn't just about introducing another hotel promotion—it was a celebration of local tourism and a reminder that unforgettable adventures don't always require boarding an international flight. Sometimes, the best experiences are just a few hours away from home.

 

 

One of the highlights of the launch was the presence of Stanley Ng, the newly appointed Undersecretary of the Department of Tourism, who expressed his support for the initiative. He shared how the TARA! campaign perfectly complements the department's "Discover More to Love" tourism campaign, which continues to encourage Filipinos to explore the country's diverse destinations, rich culture, and unique experiences.

As someone who enjoys discovering new places and sharing travel experiences, I truly appreciate campaigns like this because they make travel more accessible to everyone.

"TARA! is not just another hotel room promotion. It is an invitation for Filipinos to rediscover the incredible destinations we already have, from the heritage streets of Manila and Iloilo to the pristine beaches of Boracay and Cebu to the cool escapes of Batangas. With thousands of room keys across our portfolio, we are creating more opportunities for travelers to explore different parts of the country while enjoying the warmth of our Sampaguita brand of service wherever they go." ~Loleth So, Group Commercial Director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts

After the program, we were treated to a curated Binondo Food Crawl, and honestly, it became one of my favorite parts of the day. Walking through the vibrant streets of Binondo, tasting iconic Chinese-Filipino dishes, and learning more about the district's rich history reminded me that meaningful travel doesn't always mean going far. Sometimes, exploring your own city can be just as rewarding.

Binondo Food Crawl 2.0. Your adventure on the heart of Binondo awaits you!

📌 Phoenix Dragon Feng Sui Store

📌 Dong Bei Dumpling

📌 Wong Kei Sugarcane Juice

📌 Shanghai Fried Siopao

📌 New Po Heng Lumpia House

📌 Eng Bee Tin

📌 Binondo Church

📌 Hotel Lucky Chinatown

 

 

 

 

 

 

For those who may not know, Binondo is recognized as the oldest Chinatown in the world, established in 1594 during the Spanish colonial period. Today, it remains one of Manila's most vibrant cultural and culinary destinations, famous for its generations-old restaurants, traditional delicacies, temples, and colorful heritage streets. Every corner tells a story, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

As the country's largest hotel operator, Megaworld Hotels & Resorts now manages 16 hotels with over 9,000 room keys strategically located across Metro Manila, Batangas, Boracay, Cebu, and Iloilo. This extensive portfolio allows travelers to choose from exciting city escapes, relaxing beach vacations, scenic mountain retreats, and business-friendly accommodations—all under one trusted hospitality brand.

What makes the TARA! campaign even more exciting is its affordable promotional offers. Participating hotels feature rates starting at only ₱3,800, making premium accommodations more accessible for families, couples, solo travelers, and even business guests planning a quick staycation.

Participating Hotels and Promotional Offers

Starting at ₱3,800 (Room Only):

• Belmont Hotel Manila
• Savoy Hotel Manila
• Grand Westside Hotel
• Kingsford Hotel Manila
• Richmonde Hotel Iloilo
• Belmont Hotel Iloilo
• Mercure Mactan Cebu

Starting at ₱3,800 (with Breakfast):

• Hotel Lucky Chinatown
• Chancellor Hotel Boracay
• Belmont Hotel Boracay
• Savoy Hotel Boracay
• Richmonde Hotel Ortigas
• Savoy Hotel Mactan

Starting at ₱5,800 (with Breakfast):

• Eastwood Richmonde Hotel
• Twin Lakes Hotel

The promotion runs from June 17 until November 29, 2026, with stay dates valid until November 30, 2026. Guests can simply book directly through their preferred participating hotel's website and use the promo code TARAMHR to enjoy these exclusive rates.

The launch also highlighted an encouraging milestone for Philippine tourism. According to the Department of Tourism, domestic travel generated ₱3.26 trillion in tourism spending last year, reflecting a 3% increase from the ₱3.16 trillion recorded in 2024. These numbers show that more Filipinos are choosing to explore their own country, helping local businesses and communities thrive while creating unforgettable travel memories closer to home.

Beyond the promotional rates, what impressed me most is how Megaworld Hotels & Resorts continues to champion its signature Sampaguita hospitality—a brand of service inspired by the Philippines' national flower, symbolizing warmth, sincerity, and genuine Filipino hospitality. It's these thoughtful touches that make every stay feel more personal and memorable.

Leaving the event, I realized that the message behind TARA! is more than just an invitation to book a hotel. It's a reminder that there are still countless destinations waiting to be explored, hidden food gems to discover, and beautiful experiences to create right here in the Philippines.

Whether you're planning a weekend staycation in Metro Manila, a beach getaway in Boracay, a relaxing retreat overlooking Taal Lake, or an adventure in Cebu or Iloilo, now is the perfect time to answer that invitation.

After all, there's always more to discover, more to experience, and definitely more to love in the Philippines. So... Tara!