The Ice King and His Heir Inside Today's Top News Asia Magazine Signing

Quezon City, Philippines, 30 Oct 2026 — From humble beginnings in a rented apartment with just a borrowed truck to a nationwide network of strategically located manufacturing plants, Mr. Freeze has solidified its status as a household and commercial staple.

For over two decades, the company has delivered more than just ice — it has delivered resilience, dedication, and community impact under the visionary leadership of the "Ice King" himself, *Founder and CEO Mr. Gerald "Gerry" Santos*.

This remarkable journey is taking center stage this season as Mr. Gerry Santos and the next generation of leadership grace the *cover of Top News Asia for its October 2026 issue: "A Legacy Built on Ice."*

*FROM BORROWED TRUCK TO NATIONWIDE NETWORK*

The story of *Mr. Freeze Tube Ice* began not in a boardroom, but in a cramped rented apartment in Quezon City.

With one borrowed truck, a second-hand ice maker, and a relentless belief that every Filipino business deserves clean, safe, and affordable ice, Gerry Santos started delivering himself — 4 AM to 10 PM, rain or shine.

From that single truck, Mr. Freeze today operates:

*Strategically located manufacturing plants* across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao

-*100% Food-Grade, FDA-approved Tube Ice* — the first in many regions to introduce automated, contactless production

 *Fleet of refrigerated delivery trucks* serving sari-sari stores, restaurants, hotels, hospitals, and wet markets

*Direct employment for hundreds of Filipino families*, from plant operators to delivery riders

"We didn't just sell ice. We sold trust," Santos says in the Top News Asia cover story. "In the Philippines, ice is life — for fish, for food, for small negosyo. If your ice is dirty, your business fails. We made it our mission to never let that happen."

*THE ICE KING AND HIS HEIR*

The October 2026 issue is not just a business profile — it is a family milestone.

On the cover, *Mr. Gerry Santos is joined by his son and successor*, marking the official transition of Mr. Freeze into a second-generation family enterprise. The "Ice King and His Heir" 

Today, the next generation leads the company's digitalization, cold chain expansion, and sustainability drive — including solar-powered plants and water recycling systems.

This is *Top News Asia's definition of legacy*: not what you build, but who you build it for.

*THE MILESTONE SIGNING AT NATIONAL BOOK STORE SM NORTH EDSA*

To celebrate the cover story and the company's 20+ year journey, *Top News Asia and National Book Store* held an exclusive *Magazine Signing Event*:

*WHAT:* A Legacy Built on Ice — Mr. Freeze Cover Signing with Mr. Gerry Santos

*WHEN:* October 30, 2026

*WHERE:* National Book Store, SM City North EDSA, Quezon City

*HIGHLIGHTS:*

- Meet & Greet with Mr. Gerry Santos and Family

Signing of Top News Asia October 2026 Issue

The event is part of *National Book Store's "Family at the Heart" campaign*, honoring Filipino family businesses that started small and served big.

*MORE THAN ICE*

For over two decades, Mr. Freeze has been there during fiestas, brownouts, typhoons, and pandemics — delivering when others couldn't. That resilience is why market vendors call Santos not "Boss" but "Kuya Gerry."

From a rented apartment and a borrowed truck to a nationwide staple — Mr. Freeze proves that the coldest business can have the warmest heart.

*Top News Asia October 2026 issue "A Legacy Built on Ice" is now available at National Book Store SM North EDSA and all NBS branches nationwide.*

#ALegacyBuiltOnIce #MrFreeze #IceKing #GerrySantos #TopNewsAsia #NationalBookStore #SMNorthEDSA #FamilyBusiness

*4th Philippine Renewable Energy Conference & Exhibition 2026 (PreCE 2026) Powers the Nation's Clean Energy Future*

The Philippines’ renewable energy sector is converging for its most anticipated gathering yet — the *4th Philippine Renewable Energy Conference & Exhibition 2026 (PreCE 2026)* happening on *October 28–29, 2026 at City of Dreams Manila*.

Powered by *First Gen Corporation* and organized by *E-vents Philippines*, PreCE 2026 brings together energy leaders, policymakers, investors, technology providers, corporate energy users, and industry stakeholders under the theme:

*“EmPOWERing the Philippines Through Sustainable, Secure & Reliable Power.”*

*A Whole System Challenge*

Opening the conference, First Gen President and COO *Francis Giles Puno* stressed that building more renewable capacity is essential, but not enough. 

 “Building more renewable energy is essential, but it is not enough,” Puno said, calling the energy transition a “whole system challenge” that requires investments in generation, transmission, storage, flexible capacity, financing, and infrastructure to ensure reliable supply. 

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., in a message delivered by E-vents CEO Robert Limjoco, underscored renewable energy’s role in economic stability and the administration’s commitment to sustainable power.

*What’s on the Agenda*

The two-day conference and exhibition will spotlight technologies, policies, investments, and business solutions driving the Philippines’ energy transition. Key topics include: 

- Geothermal and Hydro power

- Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

- Energy Efficiency and Smart Energy Systems

- Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)

- Renewable Energy Investment & Financing

- Grid Modernization and Retail Electricity Supply

- Emerging Energy Technologies

*Who’s Attending*

PreCE 2026 goes beyond power producers. The event will host delegates from major energy-consuming sectors — commercial and industrial companies, manufacturing, data centers, cold storage and cold-chain facilities, and electric cooperatives — providing a valuable platform to understand evolving energy needs and explore solutions for reliable power. 

*Exhibition and Partnerships*

The exhibition floor will feature innovative solutions from renewable energy companies and technology providers, offering participants opportunities to discover new technologies, build partnerships, and explore investment and business opportunities. 

E-vents Philippines is recognized as the country’s leading organizer of high-level renewable energy conferences, highly commended by the President for advancing the clean energy agenda.

 

*Event Details:*

*When:* October 28–29, 2026

*Where:* City of Dreams Manila, Parañaque City

*Organizer:* E-vents Philippines | renewableenergyconference@e-vents.ph 

As the Philippines works toward its 50% renewable energy target by 2040, PreCE 2026 positions itself not just as a conference, but as a deal-making platform where policy meets technology and investment.

*Philippine Conference on Children and Media 2026 Opens in Quezon City: Building a Safe, Dynamic, and Child-Friendly Media Environment*

*Philippine Conference on Children and Media 2026 Opens in Quezon City: Building a Safe, Dynamic, and Child-Friendly Media Environment*

*QUEZON CITY, Philippines — October 25-28, 2026 —* The *National Council for Children’s Television (NCCT)*, in partnership with the Department of Education, officially opened the *Philippine Conference on Children and Media (PCCM) 2026* — a four-day national conference running from *October 25 to 28, 2026 at the Novotel Manila, Quezon City.*

With the theme *“Building a Safe, Dynamic, and Child-Friendly Media Environment,”* PCCM 2026 brings together child development experts, educators, broadcasters, content creators, regulators, parents, and children themselves to confront the most urgent question of our digital age: How do we protect children while empowering them in a media world driven by algorithms and Artificial Intelligence?

 From Television to TikTok: A New Reality for Filipino Children

Created in 1997 — when social media did not yet exist — the NCCT has evolved from monitoring children’s TV to shaping policy for all media that children consume.

“Definitely, sa television lang tayo nakakakuha ng information at balita. It’s different now because there are many sources,” said *Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara* in his welcome address on Day 2 (Oct 26). The Secretary, who shared that he grew up watching _Sesame Street_, emphasized that “the way children are getting information now is fundamentally different.”

Angara warned about the rising mental health challenges linked to overexposure — depression, anxiety, and even nihilistic violent extremism observed in schools. “Learning is still the control in schools and not algorithms,” he stressed, noting DepEd’s ban on cellphone use in classrooms and its *Kaagapay program* that engages parents on responsible media use.

“We are asked by no less than President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to protect and safeguard our children for their future,” Angara said, as he and NCCT officials signed the Commitment Wall.

Key Issues at PCCM 2026

*Day 1-2 (Oct 25-26): The State of Children and Media*

NCCT OIC Ma. Jowelyn Abendan presented the conference overview —  data on Filipino children’s screen time, content gaps, and the impact of AI-generated content. DepEd cannot control what happens at home, Angara admitted, urging parents to regulate social media use, especially during family meals.

*Day 3 (Oct 27): Regulation and Creation*

Panel discussions on proposed legislation to restrict minors’ access to social media, child-friendly content standards, and incentives for local producers to create educational, culturally-rooted programs. Broadcasters and platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and local networks will discuss co-regulation.

*Day 4 (Oct 28): The Commitment*

Launch of the *National Agenda for Child-Friendly Media 2026-2030*, including media literacy curriculum integration, mental health safeguards, and support for Filipino creative industries producing child-centered content.

 A Call to Action

PCCM 2026 is more than a conference — it is a national commitment.

As Angara put it: “Let's make media a safe place for them, a place that encourages them, that gives them a positive outlook on life, and also encourages them to be better citizens.”

The conference runs until October 28 at Novotel Manila, with workshops for teachers, screening of child-friendly programs, and a Children’s Media Exhibit.

*#PCCM2026 #ChildFriendlyMedia #NCCT #SafeMediaForChildren*

ASEAN UNIFIES CHIP FUTURE AT INAUGURAL SEMICONDUCTOR FORUM

 

*ASEAN Semiconductor and Electronics Forum (ASEF) Opens Today at SMX Convention Center MOA*

*MANILA, Philippines – October 26, 2026 –* The future of the global semiconductor industry takes center stage today as the *ASEAN Semiconductor and Electronics Forum (ASEF)* officially opens at the *SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City*.

Carrying the theme *“ONE ASEAN, ONE SEMICONDUCTOR FUTURE: Building Resilient and Sustainable Global Value Chains,”* ASEF 2026 gathers over 1,500 delegates — Ministers of Trade and Industry from all 10 ASEAN Member States, CEOs of global chip giants, electronics manufacturers, startups, academe, and development partners — for the first-ever region-wide semiconductor summit hosted by the Philippines as ASEAN Chair.

Why Now, Why ASEAN?

The world is facing a $1 trillion semiconductor demand by 2030, but supply chains remain fragile, concentrated, and carbon-intensive. ASEAN, which contributes *23% of global electronics exports and houses 15% of global ATP (Assembly, Test, Packaging) capacity*, presents the answer: diversification, resilience, and sustainability.

“ASEAN is not just an alternative — ASEAN is the future backbone of the global semiconductor value chain,” said the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). “ONE ASEAN, ONE SEMICONDUCTOR FUTURE is our commitment that when the world needs chips, ASEAN delivers — together.”

 What’s Happening at SMX MOA Today – Oct 26

*Day 1 Highlights (SMX Halls 1-4):*

*09:00 AM – Opening Ceremony & Leaders Keynote*

Joint declaration by ASEAN Economic Ministers on Semiconductor Cooperation.

*10:30 AM – Panel 1: Mapping ONE ASEAN Value Chain*

From Singapore’s R&D to Malaysia’s OSAT dominance, Vietnam’s fab growth, Thailand’s PCB strength, and the Philippines’ minerals and EMS capabilities — mapping complementarity to avoid competition.

*01:30 PM – Panel 2: Resilient Global Value Chains*

How to build supply chains that can withstand geopolitical shocks, pandemics, and climate disruption. Launch of the *ASEAN Semiconductor Supply Chain Resilience Initiative.*

*03:00 PM – Panel 3: Sustainable Value Chains*

Launch of the *ASEAN Green Semiconductor Framework* — low-carbon fabs, responsible nickel-copper-gallium sourcing, water circularity, and ESG-aligned semiconductor investments.

*04:30 PM – ASEF Business Matching & Exhibit*

120 exhibitors from TSMC partners, Infineon, Amkor, Texas Instruments, STMicro, and ASEAN unicorns showcasing advanced packaging, power electronics for EVs, and AI chips.

The Three Deliverables of ASEF 2026

1.  *ASEAN Semiconductor Council* – a permanent private-public body to coordinate investments.

2.  *ASEAN Chip Talent Alliance* – commitment to train *100,000 engineers, technicians, and IC designers by 2030* across ASEAN universities.

3.  *ASEAN Green Chip Investment Corridor* – streamlined, sustainable, and fast-tracked investments for semiconductor projects within ASEAN.

ONE ASEAN, ONE FUTURE

As one delegate put it: “When one ASEAN nation designs, another fabricates, another tests, another packages. No country can do it alone. But together, we are unbreakable.”

ASEF 2026 runs from *October 26-28, 2026 at SMX MOA*. It is organized by the Department of Trade and Industry Philippines in partnership with the ASEAN Secretariat, SEIPI (Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation, Inc.), and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council.

*For media accreditation and program: http://www.asef2026.ph*

*Contact: ASEF Secretariat – media@asef2026.ph*

*#ASEF2026 #ONEASEANONESemiconductorFuture #ResilientAndSustainable*

#TopNewsAsia #NBS #MagazineSigning #RisingTigers #MrFreeze #IceKing

 

*2026 PSPA International Conference Concludes at University of Makati*

 

*Theme: "Gift, Grift, Graft and Beyond: Reclaiming the Administrative State"*

*University of Makati, Makati City — October 23, 2026*

The Philippine Society for Public Administration (PSPA), in partnership with the University of Makati (UMak), successfully concludes the *2026 PSPA International Conference* today, October 23, 2026, at the University of Makati, City of Makati.

Held from October 21 to 23, 2026, the international conference convened scholars, researchers, practitioners, policymakers, graduate students, and development partners from across the Philippines and abroad under the theme *"Gift, Grift, Graft and Beyond: Reclaiming the Administrative State."*

The conference comes at a critical time when governments across the globe face increasing public demands for transparency, accountability, ethical leadership, and institutional resilience. Anchored on this reality, the three-day conference critically examined the complex relationship between public trust, corruption, political patronage, institutional reform, and democratic governance.

*RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES*

According to PSPA, while public administration has traditionally focused on improving efficiency and service delivery, contemporary governance challenges require moving beyond administrative dysfunction toward ethical, innovative, participatory, and citizen-centered governance.

The conference aims to:

1.  Foster interdisciplinary dialogue on administrative reforms;

2.  Generate evidence-based policy recommendations to strengthen public institutions; and

3.  Showcase innovative practices in public governance in the Philippines and internationally.

*CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS*

The October 23 culmination features:

- International Keynote and Plenary Sessions with renowned experts in public administration and governance;

- Parallel Paper Presentation Sessions covering public administration, political science, economics, law, public policy, management, sociology, development studies, governance, information technology, and environmental studies;

- High-Level Policy Dialogue with Government Leaders;

- Public Administration Innovation Showcase featuring outstanding LGU and agency practices;

- Awarding of Best Paper and Best Presenter Awards; and

- Closing Ceremony and Presentation of Conference Resolutions.

Researchers and practitioners from various disciplines were invited to submit original research papers. Selected papers will be considered for publication in *UNIVERSITAS – The Official Journal of the University of Makati.*

*STATEMENT FROM ORGANIZERS*

"The administrative state is at a crossroads. This conference is not just about diagnosing gift, grift, and graft — it is about reclaiming public institutions so that they serve the people with integrity and accountability. Through this partnership with UMak, we strengthen the bridge between theory and practice in Philippine public administration," PSPA said in a statement.

The University of Makati, through its College of Governance and Public Policy, reaffirmed its commitment to becoming a center for governance innovation and ethical leadership development in the country.

*ABOUT PSPA*

The Philippine Society for Public Administration (PSPA) is the premier professional organization of public administration scholars and practitioners in the Philippines, dedicated to advancing the study and practice of public administration toward good governance and national development.

For media inquiries, paper submissions, and publication details, please visit http://journals.umak.edu.ph or contact the PSPA Secretariat and the University of Makati Office of the University President.

*Contact:*

PSPA 2026 International Conference Secretariat

University of Makati (UMak)

J.P. Rizal Extension, West Rembo, Makati City, Philippines

Email: pspagovernance@gmail.com

Website: http://journals.umak.edu.ph

Philippine Information Agency–NCR, Led by Emver Cortez, Supports Rising Tigers Magazine’s Outstanding LGU Awards 2026

Recognizing Local Leadership, Public Service, and Community Progress

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Information Agency–National Capital Region (PIA-NCR), headed by Regional Director Emver Cortez, supports Rising Tigers Magazine’s Outstanding Local Government Units (LGU) Awards 2026, an initiative recognizing local government leaders and institutions for their contributions to public service, good governance, and community development.

Scheduled for November 25, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Bellevue Hotel in Alabang, the awards will bring together local government officials and leaders whose programs and initiatives demonstrate meaningful contributions to their respective communities.

The initiative highlights the importance of recognizing effective local governance and making public service achievements more visible to the Filipino public. Through responsible information dissemination and media collaboration, government communication agencies and media organizations can help ensure that communities learn about programs, innovations, and development initiatives that improve people’s lives.

Under Cortez’s leadership, PIA-NCR’s support highlights the role of public information in promoting awareness of government programs and strengthening communication between public institutions and citizens.

Rising Tigers Magazine has organized the Outstanding LGU Awards to recognize achievements in various areas of local governance, including public service, digital transformation, environmental sustainability, health, education, tourism, agriculture, economic development, disaster resilience, peace and public safety.

The program features 30 award categories covering city, municipal, provincial, and individual leadership achievements. These include Outstanding Local Governance Award, Innovative LGU of the Year, Good Governance Excellence Award, Smart LGU Award, Sustainable LGU Award, Outstanding City of the Year, Outstanding Municipality of the Year, Outstanding Province of the Year, and Outstanding Governor of the Year.

The awards are intended to highlight documented accomplishments and initiatives that demonstrate effective administration, responsive public services, and measurable contributions to community progress.

Beyond Recognition: Documenting Public Service

Beyond the awarding ceremony, Rising Tigers Magazine will feature the awardees in its December 2026 issue. The special publication will provide a platform for sharing their programs, projects, and leadership stories with a broader audience.

The issue is scheduled for distribution through National Book Store, Fully Booked, and selected Shell, Caltex, and Total locations, extending the reach of stories about local governance and public service.

For Rising Tigers Magazine, recognizing local government leaders is also an opportunity to document the work happening beyond the headlines, from community-based programs and infrastructure development to initiatives that support livelihoods, improve public services, and expand opportunities for residents.

The collaboration with PIA-NCR reinforces the importance of public information in helping citizens understand government initiatives and appreciate the work of institutions serving their communities.

As the November 25 ceremony approaches, the Outstanding LGU Awards 2026 aims to provide a platform for recognizing local leadership, sharing effective practices, and inspiring other local governments to pursue responsive, transparent, and people-centered governance.

Through the initiative, Rising Tigers Magazine continues its commitment to recognizing leadership, documenting progress, and inspiring the next generation of public servants and community leaders.

RISING TIGERS MAGAZINE

Recognizing Leadership. Documenting Progress. Inspiring the Next Generation.

For inquiries:

Email: president@rising-tigers.asia

Contact: +63 977 897 8877

Website: Rising-Tigers.Asia