Tennis tournament hopes to entice aspiring Alex Ealas

Manila Times - Oct 20, 2026

Tennis is receiving much attention these days due mainly to Filipino player Alex Eala who continues to make the country proud in international tournaments. This is partly why the Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) is optimistic that it will draw over a thousand entries for the 43rd PCA Open 2026.  The annual tennis tournament is special this year as it has partnered with Palawan Group of Companies whose founder and chair Bobby Castro is committed to supporting Filipino athletes and the growth of local sports. “Earlier this year, in May, we held the Palawan Open where many players, both seasoned and starting, competed. Aside from the prizes at stake, it was a venue for veteran players to showcase their talents and inspire the youth,” Castro said in his opening remarks. Eala’s participation in Pala-wan-supported tournaments early in her career also highlights the value of local competitions. “Here at Palawan Group, we believe that Filipinos have so much potential. We just need to provide opportunities for them to develop their skills, gain experience, and show the country, and maybe later, the world, what they can do,” Castro said. “This is one of the reasons why we are proud to support the Palawan PCA Open as a major...

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Smarter Bathroom: Meet Moderno Home Depot’s MHD-4500 AI Smart Toilet

Oct 20, 2026

Smarter Bathroom: Meet Moderno Home Depot’s MHD-4500 AI Smart Toilet

The modern bathroom is evolving beyond functionality, with smart technology bringing greater convenience, personalized comfort, and new possibilities for everyday living.  Joining this shift is Moderno Home Depot’s MHD-4500 AI Smart Toilet. Introduced as the Philippines’ first app-controlled smart toilet, the unit combines smartphone connectivity, hygiene-focused functions, and wellness-inspired features in a contemporary design.  At the heart of the MHD-4500 is its smartphone connectivity. Through the Moderno Smart Home app, available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, users can connect to the unit via Bluetooth and access its smart features directly from their phones. Voice control and a remote control system offer additional ways to operate the toilet, providing greater convenience and flexibility for everyday use.  “As the Philippines’ fastest-growing smart toilet brand, Moderno Home Depot believes that innovation should make everyday living more convenient and comfortable. The MHD-4500 reflects our commitment to bringing smart technology into practical home solutions, giving Filipino homeowners more opportunities to experience the benefits of a connected home,” said Rovie Sanchez, co-owner of Moderno Home Depot.  Beyond connectivity, the MHD-4500 places personal hygiene and comfort at the center of the bathroom experience. It features a self-cleaning nozzle, front and rear wash functions, bidet and hip wash options, adjustable nozzle positioning, and UV sterilization. These functions offer users more options for a personalized cleansing routine while incorporating additional hygiene features into an everyday essential.  Comfort takes center stage through its heated seat, adjustable water temperature, and adjustable drying system. Multiple massage modes, including strong-soft and moving massage functions, provide further customization. Built-in aromatherapy, dynamic lighting, and a soft night light add a wellness-inspired dimension, while automatic lid opening and closing and a slow-closing seat ring bring added convenience to daily routines.  These features are housed in a modern, elongated design crafted from premium ceramic. An LED display and integrated controls complement its contemporary appearance, allowing the unit to combine smart functionality with a clean, modern aesthetic.  Practical considerations are also part of its design. The MHD-4500 uses a siphon-jet flushing system with automatic and manual flushing options, as well as a foot-sensor flush function. A built-in water tank and booster pump support its flushing system, while leakage protection and power-outage flushing provide additional functionality.  For Jean Sanchez, co-owner of Moderno Home Depot, thoughtful home upgrades are about creating spaces that respond to people's everyday needs.  “Creating a comfortable home goes beyond choosing beautiful fixtures. It is also about finding solutions that make everyday routines easier and more personal. With the MHD-4500, we want to encourage homeowners to look at the bathroom in a new way and discover how technology can bring added comfort and convenience to their daily lives,” she said.  The product launch coincided with the opening of Moderno Home Depot’s newest showroom in Biñan City, Laguna, on Oct. 8, expanding the brand’s presence in South Luzon. The showroom offers homeowners, architects, and construction professionals another destination to explore modern bathroom fixtures and home solutions.  With the MHD-4500, Moderno Home Depot brings connected technology into a space where comfort, hygiene, and functionality intersect every day. It offers homeowners a new way to think about bathroom upgrades — not simply as a matter of aesthetics, but as an opportunity to make everyday living more convenient and personalized.