CONDO CONUNDRUM WHEN HOME PRICES SOAR AS HIGH AS THEIR BUILDINGS
By Rizal Raoul Reyes
Nmak-
for
With the entry of POGOs, Bondoc said developers readily seized the opportunity to cope with the demand, and this partly
accounted for the overpricing of condominium units, especially in the Bay Area, from 2016 to 2022. These years happened to be the peak of the POGO sector in the country.
According to Bondoc, the developers overbuilt during the 2017-2019 period. From a high of 45,000 to 50,000 units, Bondoc said it dropped to less than 20,000 units or a little over 10,000 units in the 2023-2024 timeframe. Per Leechiu Property Consultants, POGOs have recorded 274,000 sqm of vacated spaces for fiscal year 2024 attributed to the ban.
Miscalculation
KMC Chairman Michael McCullough thinks it was miscalculation or over-optimism by the developers that led to the glut.
“Looking back, it appears that a combination of over-optimism, market miscalculations, and bad timing contributed to the current inventory levels. The pandemic’s impact on the economy and buyer behavior was underestimated [de -
mand went outside of Metro Manila], leading to an oversupply in certain segments. Moving forward, developers should adopt a more data-driven approach to market analysis and project planning. That is, if they will even listen to our professional advice,” McCullough said in an interview with the BusinessMirror via LinkedIn.
Going outside Metro Manila NEVERTHELESS, Bondoc said developers have managed to pivot as they are now targeting leisurecentric, hotel-centric and resortthemed developments. He also pointed out that developers have learned that projects outside Metro Manila have good potential as preselling units are being taken up by buyers in a single day.
In a press briefing on Wednesday, Claro Cordero Jr., Cushman and Wakefield Philippines’ director, head of research, consulting and advisory services, told reporters there are more than 250,000 units of condominiums outside Metro Manila.
Definitely, it’s more for the horizontal developments because of that demand for more space,” Cordero pointed out. Cordero also noted the growing number of buyers of horizontal homes outside Metro Manila. He said this group of buyers probably got tired of condominium living and wanted a bigger area for their family so they can have more space for their kids to roam around. “That should easily grow to about more than 85,000 units in the next five years.”
Beyond the NCR RIGHT now, developers such as Ayala Land Inc., Megaworld, Rockwell Land, Aboitiz Land, Vista Land, Century Properties, Santa Lucia Land Inc. and PHirst Homes have pursued their own development projects in Batangas, Laguna, Cavite, Batangas and even Palawan. Cordero said these regional developments will offer a different set of amenities and experience,
More women in global politics means greater economic growth–WB report
By Katherine Griffiths | Bloomberg
CHERIE BLAIR, the human-rights lawyer and wife of former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, will issue a rallying cry for women to have a louder voice in politics after female representation barely advanced in last year’s international elections and as female public figures globally faced increased threats of violence.
Despite these difficulties, Blair is set to tell a gathering of the world’s political and business elite in Davos, Switzerland, that more female politicians will lead to greater legal rights and economic growth.
Boosting female representation is an “urgent endeavor,” Blair said in an e-mailed response to Bloomberg, and it is “shocking and unacceptable” that as 2025 begins, women are “significantly underrepresented in parliaments and governments.”
The lawyer is part of a group with the World Bank and consultancy Oliver Wyman arguing that there are clear connections between the number of women in government, their legal rights and female participation in the workforce. They will highlight their
“Representation Matters” report at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland.
Women currently have fewer than two-thirds of the legal rights of men worldwide, while men and women do not have legal parity in any country in the world, according to the World Bank, which analyzed 165 countries since 1970 in areas including childcare, pay and access to finance such as bank loans.
The study, supported by the University of Nebraska, finds a “statistically significant” link between political representation and women’s economic rights.
Electing women IN 2023, women held 26% of parliamentary seats and 23% of cabinet positions, the World Bank
found. Last year’s elections, which saw nearly half of the planet’s population go to the polls, did not result in much progress for women.
There were gains in some countries, including the UK, Japan and South Korea—and Mexico elected its first female president, Claudia Sheinbaum. But female representation in parliaments fell in France, India and Pakistan as well as in the European Parliament for the first time since it was created in 1979, said Silvana Koch-Mehrin, a former politician in Germany and founder of international group Women Political Leaders.
Giving women more rights and making them equal participants in the workforce could double the global growth rate and boost GDP by a fifth, the WB report says.
But the authors also note that not all political roles have equal weight. A member in a lower political chamber doesn’t have the same power as a cabinet minister, for instance, and achieving parity at that level could take even longer.
Framing the debate about economic opportunity could help defuse concerns in many places including the US and much of Europe that proactive measures to boost women’s rights are hurting men, according to those involved in the report who spoke to Bloomberg.
Koch-Mehrin said the aim was to show “growth is good for women but also a positive for all of society. It moves from a gender discussion
to an economic discussion.”
A solution is particularly important given the sluggish growth that has prevailed since the Covid pandemic. Since the eighteenthcentury industrial revolution, growth has been fueled by “huge population growth,” Ana Kreacic, partner and chief knowledge officer at Oliver Wyman, said. Factors in the past three decades such as low capital costs, deregulation and free trade are also in jeopardy, according to Oliver Wyman.
Women, Business and the Law, a World Bank group, analyzed 10 legal areas, including looking at the links between domestic violence and women’s participation in the work-
force, and education and the implications of training the next generation of workers including girls.
It found that enacting more childcare laws could boost women’s participation in work by 4% after five years. Globally, women spend nearly three times more of their day on unpaid care as men do, according to the United Nations.
Growing hostility
THE report comes as female politicians point to increasing attacks against them online, creating a threatening atmosphere. US tech billionaire Elon Musk recently referred to outgoing Canadian prime minister Justin
Trudeau as a “girl” in a comment seeking to undermine him. Musk also called Jess Phillips, a member of the UK Labour government, an “evil witch” in January for declining to launch a new inquiry into the sexual abuse of girls over a decade ago. Th is hostility isn’t new. Blair pointed to a study by Birmingham City University, which found that the 2016 murder of UK MP Jo Cox was followed by 50,000 tweets celebrating her death.
But it’s a trend within a wider backdrop of increased online vitriol as populist governments have swept into power. Last year “saw a cacophony of public rhetoric, including from politicians, that sought to push the idea of women’s subservience to men and champion violence against women,” Blair said.
People’s attitudes also remain more favorable to male rather than female leaders, with young people more strongly pro men than older generations, according to the Reykjavik Index of Leadership, cited by the World Bank. But that only measures the developed economies of the G7.
One way to bring about change is by having quotas for female representation, the report notes, acknowledging that it’s a controversial approach. “Short-term quotas can accelerate a slow pace of change and create accountability,” said Tea Trumbic, manager at Women, Business and the Law.
CONDO CONUNDRUM…
Continued from A1 especially for retail. He also pointed out that the local property market has experienced upswings and downturns, which usually last for about six to seven years.
According to Cordero, Metro Cebu accounted for the biggest share with 53 percent followed by the Cavite, Laguna, Batangas (Calaba) corridor (22 percent) and Metro Davao (12 percent).
Metro Cebu covers Cebu City, Mandaue City and Lapulapu City, while Nuvali and the Tagaytay Ridge are under the Calaba corridor. Poblacion, Agdao, Lanang and Talomo are under Metro Davao.
B ondoc agreed with Cordero that going outside Metro Manila is the way to go. He added condotel projects are doing well in provinces such as Batangas and Palawan. “Good examples of such developments are DMCI Homes’ Moncello Crest located in Tuba, Benguet, and the Landco’s Camp John Hay in Baguio.”
Buyers looking beyond NCR MCCULLOUGH also observed a noticeable shift among buyers towards investing in properties outside Metro Manila. Factors such as lower property prices, less congestion, and improved infrastructure in provincial areas are driving this trend, he said. “Developers should consider expanding their projects to these emerging markets to tap into this growing demand,” McCullough emphasized.
Given the now 80-month inventory (from KMC Savills Global Research), he said developers should focus on diversifying their offerings by junking the more than P300,000-per-square-meter vertical condos in fringe areas and focus on horizontal projects. He said developers should also emphasize sustainable and smart home technologies that can attract environmentally conscious buyers.
Developers, he also pointed out, may need to adjust pricing strategies drastically (like 20-40 percent) and offer attractive incentives to entice buyers. This could include stretching payment terms (10-15 years), discounts on bulk
purchases, and value-added services such as free interior design and fully furnished fit-out packages from Ikea.
For Bondoc, it would be logical for developers to tap the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) market as it has shown strong remittances.
“They need to further explore the preselling and ready-for-occupancy (RFO) programs to the OFWs,” he said.
“For the preselling, developers could extend the down payment to 84 months,” Bondoc said.
Greater interaction
MCCULLOUGH said greater coordination between banks and developers is crucial. By streamlining the financing process, he said it can reduce barriers for buyers and accelerate sales. “Joint initiatives such as pre-approved loans for specific developments and exclusive mortgage deals can enhance buyer confidence and simplify the purchasing process,” he said.
Moving beyond POGOs
PER McCullough, landlords with properties formerly occupied by POGO tenants should consider repurposing these spaces to attract new tenants. This could involve upgrading facilities to meet the needs of different industries or converting office spaces into coworking hubs operated by KMC Solutions.
“While POGOs did contribute to the inventory, the current focus should be on adaptability and diversification to mitigate vacancy rates. These spaces might be turned into schools, recreation facilities, or science and art hubs,” he said.
Impact of interest rates
INTEREST rates play a large role in the real-estate market, McCullough said. Moreover, he said lower interest rates can boost affordability and increase buyer activity, while higher rates may dampen demand. However, he said the property sector should be more worried about the availability of financing, more than the actual interest rate which has already dropped from a 17-year high.
“A rate cut could help stimulate the real-estate market by mak-
ing financing more accessible and affordable for buyers. The accessibility of debt is a large concern for us,” he said.
No need to panic CORDERO stressed that there would be different paths of recovery across the different areas of development. “On average, there’s still that improvement. So it’s not going to be like a doomsday scenario.
We’re here to dispel that negative outlook. If you look at the microscopic areas, you’ll see those pocket areas of developments that still have opportunities for expansion. They also have their ability to absorb more developments and track that same market that the other markets are also doing. They can just be right next to your neighborhood,” Cordero explained.
A ccording to Cordero, there are more than 250,000 units of condominiums outside Metro Manila.
“Definitely, it’s more for the horizontal developments because of that demand for more space,” Cordero pointed out.
A fter the financial crisis, Cordero said the country’s property sector experienced short episodes of down cycles every four or five years. “But then again, no one can really predict it,” Cordero said.
“Sometimes it’s really due to the economic scenarios. But the recent one we had, which is the pandemic, a health emergency, and that really affected a lot of the markets.” Meanwhile, Bondoc said buyers and investors should watch the movements of the market as there are still lots of things to watch for the rest of the year.
“We’re just starting 2025 and more developments will unfold in the succeeding months of 2025,” he said.
O verall, McCullough said the sentiment remains bullish in the major segments of the property sector.
So, should the condo “crisis” cause developers sleepless nights? Not necessarily, if they can be more creative and find new ways to repurpose their assets.
PRESIDENT Claudia Sheinbaum, center, gestures to the crowd during an event marking her first 100 days in office, at the Zócalo, Mexico City’s main square, January 12, 2025. AP/FERNANDO LLANO
Australia fosters strong partnership with Philippines for mutual prosperity
Australian innovation and investment combined with Philippine dynamism and potential make this bilateral union a model of effective international cooperation.
AS strategic partners, Australia and the Philippines are dedicated to strengthening their shared economic security and expanding bilateral trade and investment.
The two countries share a deep trade and investment relationship, underpinned by robust trade agreements such as the ASEANAustralia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
The Philippines is an attractive destination for Australian investment, as demonstrated by the recent entry of Anko, one of Australia’s most popular home and lifestyle brands. Anko launched its first Philippine store at Glorietta Makati last November, with plans for additional store openings in 2025.
Over 250 major Australian companies operate in the Philippines, collectively employing 44,000 Filipinos. These businesses are driving positive change by enhancing skills, facilitating technology transfer, and creating new jobs.
There is significant potential for growth. Australia aspires to lift the Philippines from its current position as the 20th largest trading partner to among its top trading partners and Australia supports the country’s ambition to achieve upper middle-income status. To unlock this potential, Australia has identified four key focus sectors in the Philippines: Agriculture and Food; Education and Skills; Mining; and Green Energy Transition. The Philippines’ need for high-quality investments in capital, expertise, and technology aligns with Australia’s strengths in these areas. Australia is also committed to supporting inclusive economic
growth in the Philippines. To this end, the two governments are collaborating on a new PHP 1.7-billion economic growth program, among other initiatives. This program aims to support the Philippine economy by enhancing the business enabling environment, supporting economic management reforms, and fostering investment in strategic sectors that benefit both the Philippines and Australia such as clean energy and mining. By combining Australian innovation and investment with Philippine dynamism and potential, this bilateral partnership is a model of effective international cooperation. Together, Australia and the Philippines are not just participants in the evolving global economy—they are active architects of a more prosperous future for this region.
Philippine presence THE Australian government has lauded the Philippines for its thriving economy, making the latter, a significant partner in trade. As Australia continues to expand its presence in the South East Asia region, these companies investing in the Philippines is proof of Australia’s
MESSAGE FROM AMBASSADOR HK YU:
'An opportunity to look back and celebrate the enormous amount of our collaborative work'
our Strategic Partnership. The friendship between Australia and the Philippines brings together people from all walks of life. Our police forces work together on combatting transnational crime and protecting the most vulnerable in our societies. Our defence forces train together in air, land and sea. Our students study in each other’s countries,
how much we have achieved, and how much more we can accomplish together.
confidence in the archipelago’s thriving business climate:
AMS GLOBAL is an agency for education, migration and internship, recognized as a leading force in global education services. It is consistently awarded as a top agent for Philippine students by Australian universities and colleges.
AMS Global has successfully solidified its position as a prominent player in the global education services industry. It is part of the extensive network of AMSBB Group which has 34 offices spanning 24 countries. By developing its own state-of-theart platforms and IT software, the company has revolutionised the way it provides services and deliver advanced solutions to clients.
ANKO is Australia’s muchloved brand for innovative home and lifestyle products, trusted by millions worldwide. It designs and develops unique on-trend products across home, storage, toys, beauty, nursery, pet accessories, fitness, arts and crafts, travel, and more. Driven by its ambition to make everyday living brighter for its customers around the globe, Anko provides products that customers can love and use every day at prices that are irresistibly low.
ANZ BANK is a leading institutional bank in the Philippines, partnering and serving corporates and financial institutions to support crossborder business. It consistently ranks as a top foreign exchange bank in terms of overall market
share and industry recognition, and is recognized for its advocacy in financial literacy and corporate sustainability. Through its ANZ
AUSTRALIAN Ambassador, Her Excellency HK Yu, OSM, with representatives of major Australian businesses in the Philippines at the National Day celebration. Photo courtesy of Australian Embassy
Global Capability Centre, ANZ demonstrates its commitment to developing talent and leadership in the Philippines.
How dealmakers overcame enemies’ deep distrust to secure Gaza ceasefire
By Sam Magdy, Adam Geller & Aamer Madhani The Associated Press
INSIDE a lavish clubhouse on Doha’s waterfront, tensions strained by months of fruitless back-andforth weighed on negotiators as the hour neared 3 a.m.
On the first floor, a Hamas delegation whose leader had once evaded an Israeli airstrike that killed seven family members combed through the details of yet another proposal to halt the war in Gaza. On the second floor, advisers to Israel’s intelligence chief, who had vowed to hunt down those responsible for the October 7, 2023 attack that ignited the war, did the same.
With Qatari, US and Egyptian mediators pushing for resolution, did the sides—such bitter enemies that they refused to speak directly to one another—at last have a deal to pause the fighting and bring dozens of Israeli hostages home?
“They were extremely suspicious towards each other. No trust at all,” said an Egyptian official involved in the negotiations, who spoke on condition of anonymity. The talks that night a week ago dragged on over disagreements about maps showing where Israel would begin withdrawing troops and its demand that Hamas provide a list of hostages who remained alive, he said.
“Both parties were looking at each word in the deal as a trap.”
By the time Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani announced a ceasefire deal last Wednesday evening, mediators had scrambled again to defuse objections by both sides. Even then, disagreements and delays continued over the two days that followed.
But as the fighting in Gaza paused this week, three young Israeli women were released from captivity and dozens of Palestinian prisoners were freed by Israel, the agreement, however tenuous, has held.
After months of deadlock, a singular moment for dealmaking
THE story of how Israel and Hamas
found their way to a deal stretches back over more than a year. But the timing and unlikely partners who coalesced to push negotiations across the line help explain why it finally happened now.
“Over the course of the last week all of the stars aligned finally in a way that, after 15 months of carnage and bloodshed, negotiations came to fruition,” said Mehran Kamrava, a professor of government at Georgetown University’s campus in Qatar.
The agreement was the product of a singular political moment, with one US president preparing to hand power to another.
Both were pushing for a deal to free some 100 Israeli hostages and bring an end to a war that began with the Hamas attack that killed about 1,200 in Israel. Palestinian health officials say more than 47,000 people in Gaza have been killed in the conflict.
The health officials do not distinguish between civilians and militants, but say more than half of those killed were women and children.
In tiny but wealthy Qatar, the talks had a steward that positions itself as a go-between in a region on edge, one that hosts the largest US military base in the Middle East even as it provides offices for leaders of Hamas and the Taliban. Egypt, eager to ease instability that has driven an influx of Palestinians across its border and sparked attacks on sea lanes by Houthi rebels, worked to keep the talks on track.
The circumstances partnered Sheikh Mohammed with improbable allies. Then-President Joe Biden sent Brett McGurk, a veteran Middle East hand in both Republican and Democratic administrations. Donald Trump dispatched Steve Witkoff, a Bronx-born real
estate billionaire with little if any diplomatic experience, but a longtime friendship with the thenpresident-elect.
The deal they brought together calls for continued negotiations that could be even more fraught, but with the potential to release the remaining hostages and end a war that has destroyed much of Gaza and roiled the entire region.
Pressure mounted on Israel and Hamas
IN the end, negotiators got it done in a matter of days. But it followed months of deadlock over the number of Israeli hostages that would be freed, the number of Palestinian prisoners to be released and the parameters of a pullback by Israeli troops in the embattled enclave.
In late May, Biden laid out a proposed deal, which he said had come from Israel. It drew heavily on language and concepts hammered out with Qatari and Egyptian mediators, calling for a phased agreement with continued negotiation toward a “sustainable calm”—verbiage designed to satisfy both sides.
But talks had stalled even before the detonation of a bomb, attributed to Israel, in late July killed Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas’ political bureau. And efforts by mediators to restart them were derailed when Israeli forces found the bodies of six hostages in a Gaza tunnel in August.
“Whoever murders hostages does not want a deal,” Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said.
Pressure on Hamas increased after Israeli forces killed leader Yahya Sinwar—an architect of the October 7 attack—and launched a devastating offensive against Lebanon’s Hezbollah, the group’s longtime ally.
But Qatari officials, frustrated by the lack of progress, announced they were suspending mediation until both sides demonstrated willingness to negotiate.
Weeks later, Trump dispatched Witkoff, a golfing buddy whose most notable prior link to the Middle East was his $623 million sale of New York’s Park Lane Hotel to Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund in 2023.
Flying to Doha in late November, Witkoff asked mediators to lay out the problems undermin -
ing the talks, then continued on to meet officials in Israel. The talks restarted soon after, gaining ground through December.
“Witkoff and McGurk were pushing the Israelis. Qatar was pushing Hamas,” said an official briefed on the talks who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Cooperation between Biden and Trump advisers was key ASSIGNING credit for the progress depends on viewpoint.
The Egyptian official recounted the frustration of successfully pushing Hamas to agree to changes last summer, only to find Netanyahu imposing new conditions.
An Israeli official who spoke on condition of anonymity last week because the negotiations were ongoing said Sinwar’s death and Iran’s weakening influence in the region forced Hamas’ hand, leading to real give-and-take rather than “playing a game of negotiation.”
He and others close to the process said Trump’s rhetoric and dispatch of an envoy had injected new momentum. The Egyptian official pointed to a statement by Trump on social media that there would be “hell to pay” if the hostages were not released, saying it had pressured both Hamas and Israeli officials to get a deal done.
And mediators said the willingness of Witkoff and McGurk—representing leaders loathe to give one another credit for the deal—to partner up was critical.
“How they have handled this as a team since the election, without yet being in office, has really helped close the gaps that allowed
us to reach a deal,” Majed Al Ansari, the adviser to Qatar’s prime minister and spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said in a statement.
In early January, there was a breakthrough in the talks when Hamas agreed to provide a list of hostages it would release in the first phase of a deal, an official briefed on the talks said.
McGurk flew from Washington to Doha hours later. Witkoff followed at week’s end.
The following day—Saturday, January 11—Witkoff flew to Israel, securing a meeting with Netanyahu even though it was the Jewish Sabbath. McGurk called in. Netanyahu agreed to send the heads of Israeli intelligence and internal security back to Doha for negotiations.
That led to extended negotiations, most convening in the Qatari prime minister’s private office, that lasted late into the night.
At points, mediators shuttled back and forth between adversaries on different floors. At others, the chief negotiators for the two sides cycled separately into the prime minister’s office to hash out details.
“But the Hamas and Israeli delegations never crossed paths,” said the official briefed on the talks.
Ceasefire conditions debated up until the last moment
AFTER the lead negotiators for each side left Sheikh Mohammed’s office late Tuesday, the work shifted to the waterfront club owned by the foreign affairs ministry, where “technical teams” from both sides pored over the specific language,
a floor apart.
“Until late the first hours of Wednesday we were working tirelessly to resolve last-minute disputes,” said the Egyptian official involved in the negotiations.
After extended discussions focused on the buffer zone Israel is to maintain in Gaza and the names of prisoners to be released, the long night ended with an agreement seemingly at hand, said the official briefed on the talks.
But with reporters gathering Wednesday evening for an announcement, “a last-minute hiccup, last-minute requests from both sides” forced a delay, the official said.
Israel accused Hamas of trying to make changes to already agreed upon arrangements along Gaza’s border with Egypt. Hamas called the claims “nonsense.”
A senior US official involved in the talks said Hamas negotiators made several last-minute demands, but “we held very firm.”
After calling the Hamas negotiators into his office, with the media and the world still anxiously waiting, the Qatari prime minister met separately with the Israelis and US envoys. Finally, three hours behind schedule, Sheikh Mohammed stepped to a lectern to announce the parties had reached an agreement.
Even then, negotiations resumed the following day to wrangle with questions about final implementation of the deal and mechanisms for doing so. By the time the talks ended, it was 4 a.m. Hours later, Israeli President Isaac Herzog voiced his hope that the deal would bring a national moment of goodwill, healing and rebuilding.
But no one can say how long it will last.
The deal calls for Israel and Hamas to resume talks just over a week from now, to work out the second phase. That is supposed to include the release of all remaining hostages, living and dead, and a permanent ceasefire. But getting there, observers say, will likely be even tougher.
Magdy reported from Cairo, Geller from New York, and Madhani from Washington. Associated Press reporter Josef Federman in Jerusalem contributed to this story.
Rebuilding amid rubble: Syrians struggle to rebuild homes and lives after civil war
DBy Kareem Chehayeb The Associated Press
AMASCUS, Syria—Samir al-Baghdad grabbed his pickax and walked up a wobbly set of stairs made of cinderblocks and rubble.
He is rebuilding his destroyed family house in the Qaboun neighborhood near Damascus, Syria ‘s capital.
The traditional building, which once housed his family, parents and some relatives, had a courtyard decorated with plants and tiled floors where guests were received. But the house, like scores of others nearby, has been reduced to heaps of rubble during years of civil war.
Al-Baghdadi can’t afford to hire workers or rent a bulldozer to clear the debris and fix the house. He makes just about enough money as a mechanic to feed his family. But he’s desperate to rebuild it because he is struggling to pay skyrocketing rent for an apartment.
“Economic opportunities are basically nonexistent,” al-Baghdadi said, sitting on a pile of rubble and debris where the house’s
entrance used to be. “So we’re going to slowly rebuild with our own hands.”
Although Syrian President Bashar Assad was toppled last month in a lightning insurgency, the country’s dire economic conditions that protesters decried have not changed.
The economy has been battered by corruption and 13 years of civil war. Coupled with international sanctions and mismanagement, inflation skyrocketed, pulling some 90% of the country into poverty. Over half the population -- some 12 million people -- don’t know where their next meal will come from, according to the U.N. World Food Program. With no sign of a full-scale withdrawal of international sanctions and continuing caution among potential overseas investors, the honeymoon period for the country’s new rulers could be short-lived.
Qaboun, just a stone’s throw away from the city center, and other eastern Damascus neighborhoods became rebel strongholds in 2012, when the country’s mass protests against Assad spiraled into all-out war. It suffered government airstrikes
and artillery fire, and at one point Islamic State group extremists. In 2017, government forces reclaimed the neighborhood, but when al-Baghdadi tried to return in 2020, security forces kicked him out and forced him to sign a pledge to never return, saying it was a security zone that was off limits.
After Assad’s fall, al-Baghdadi was finally able to return. Like many, he was euphoric and hoped it would pave the way for better times despite the many challenges that lay ahead, including rampant power cuts and fuel shortages.
For years, Syrian families have relied on humanitarian aid and remittances from family members living abroad to survive. On top of the gargantuan costs of rebuilding the country’s destroyed electricity, water and road infrastructure, money is needed to restore its battered agriculture and industrial sectors to make its hobbled economy productive again.
The United Nations in 2017 estimated that it would cost at least $250 billion to rebuild Syria. Some experts now say that number could reach at least $400 billion.
Wealthy Gulf countries have pledged to build economic partnerships with Syria’s new interim rulers, while Washington has eased some restrictions without fully lifting its sanctions. The US Treasury Department issued a six-month license authorizing some transactions with Syria’s interim government. While it includes some energy sales, Syrians say it isn’t enough.
Sinan Hatahet, an economic researcher at the Washington-based Atlantic Council think tank, said the US actions were the “bare minimum” needed to show good faith to Damascus and aren’t enough to help Syria jumpstart its economy.
“It doesn’t help the private sector to engage,” Hatahet said. “The restrictions on trade, the restrictions on reconstruction, on rebuilding the infrastructure are still there.”
While countries are hesitant to make more impactful decisions as they hope for a peaceful political transition, many Syrians say the economy can’t wait.
“Without jobs, without huge flows of money and investments … these families have no way of making ends meet,” Hatahet said.
The executive director of the World Food Program echoed similar sentiments, warning Syria’s neighbors that its food and economic crisis is also a crisis of security.
“Hunger does not breed good will,” Cindy McCain said in an interview during her first visit to Damascus.
In the Syrian capital’s bustling old marketplace, crowds of people pack the narrow passageways as the country’s new de facto flag is draped over the crowded stalls. Merchants say the atmosphere is pleasant and celebratory, but nobody is buying anything.
People stop to smell the aromatic and colorful spices or pose for photos next to masked fighters from the ruling Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group guarding the market’s entrances.
“We’re very happy with our liberation, thank God, but there are few jobs,” said Walid Naoura, who works with his father at a clothing shop. “Yes, we’ve been relieved of thuggery and oppression, but all these people here have come to celebrate but not to buy anything because things are expensive.”
Nearby, Abou Samir, a carpenter, saws a piece of wood as he assembles a chest of drawers. There is no electricity to power his machinery, so he’s doing it by hand.
“I’m working at a loss…and you can’t make larger workshops work because there is no electricity,” he said. His sons live abroad and send money to help him get by, but he refuses to stop his carpentry work which has been his livelihood for 50 years.
In Qaboun, al-Baghdadi sips tea on a makeshift porch overlooking his neighborhood, which has turned into empty plots and a gathering point for local buses and minivans. It was a successful day because he managed to connect an electric cable to power a single light bulb—but part of his roof collapsed.
He still hasn’t been able to secure running water but hopes that he and his family can move into the house with its many memories before summer, even if it is far from completion because of his financial situation.
“I prefer that to living in a palace elsewhere,” al-Baghdadi said.
QATAR’S Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al Thani speaks at a joint press conference with the US secretary of state in Doha, Qatar, June 12, 2024. IBRAHEEM AL OMARI/AP
Memes effective in teaching, understanding science–Ateneo study
By Bless Aubrey Ogerio
INTERNET memes can improve scientific learning for senior high-school students, according to an Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) study.
Researchers Alyanna Nicole Carlos and Emmanuel Delocado of Ateneo’s School of Science and Engineering’s Department of Biology, and the Ateneo Institute of Sustainability, respectively, claimed that Grade 11 students effectively learned biology through memes featuring social media references, cartoons, and movies with humorous, lesson-related texts.
“The students not only scored better in tests, they also said they felt more confident in their newfound ability to grasp and use scientific concepts,” the study’s news release said.
The study involved more than 200 Grade 11 students from private high schools in the Philippines, with a focus on those in non-STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) tracks who are mandated to take biology per their curriculum.
The participants were divided into experimental and control
groups. The former learned with meme-infused lessons, while the latter used traditional teaching methods without memes.
During the five-week period, both groups covered cellular division and genetics. The experimental group also participated in creating their own memes to help reinforce the lessons.
“These topics were chosen as these were among the leastlearned competencies in science for non-STEM senior high schools from the previous school year,” the researchers explained. Pre- and post-tests were used in the research, consisting of 30 questions to assess students’ comprehension of the material, along with surveys evaluating their attitudes toward science and selfconfidence in biology after the teachings.
The module incorporated content-related memes, which creatively supported the lesson, and
icebreaker memes, which pause the lecture to gather feedback and maintain student engagement.
Findings
THOSE who were taught with
memes reportedly scored 21 percent higher on their post-tests compared to those without memebased lessons, averaging 21.46 correct answers compared to 17.74 in the control group.
IoT-based solutions sustain traditional industries
By Geraldine Bulaon-Ducusin
MANY Philippine industries are still using outdated equipment that lack digital monitoring systems, and often result in high operating costs.
With common industry problems, such as inefficiencies in machine shops, caused by lack of real-time visibility, low machine utilization, downtime, and poorly streamlined operations, the team of Engr. Robert O. Dizon, director of the Department of Science and Technology-Metals Industry Research Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) has pushed to resolve these concerns with their Internet of Things (IoT)-Based Monitoring for Improved Machine Shop Operation.
Dizon, as the project leader, possesses a strong background in mechatronics and industrial au -
tomation, which aligns perfectly with his role in developing innovative solutions for the manufacturing sector. He also immersed in a highly collaborative environment of science enthusiasts who fueled his passion for problemsolving and innovation.
“The complexity and more expensive foreign solutions that are available has driven our team to create a localized IoT-based monitoring system,” Dizon said.
He explained that the IoT-based monitoring system is a cost-effective alternative solution that will help the local establishments make their operations more efficient. This innovation monitors machine statuses—whether they are running, idle, or off—by using sensors that capture real-time data.
The data gathered are sent to a cloud-based system, where shop managers can easily view reports and make informed decisions.
Essentially, the IoT-based system offers a cost-effective way to modernize operations and improve efficiency.
Dizon believes that the IoTbased system is a step towards modernizing machine shops and transitioning to Industry 4.0 without the need of putting up a huge investment in state-of-theart equipment.
“This system can revolutionize sectors such as manufacturing, metalworking, and fabrication by enhancing productivity and competitiveness. Its adoption supports the Philippine manufacturing sector’s transition to Industry 4.0.” Dizon said.
As head of MIRDC and himself an inventor, Dizon shared his creative process that starts with identifying the pressing challenges faced by industries.
He then collaborates with his team to conceptualize and pro -
totype solutions that are both cost-effective and efficient. User feedback and iterative testing play a crucial role in refining these concepts into impactful technologies.
Dizon emphasized that the IoTbased system’s target market includes machine shops, fabrication businesses, and manufacturers in industries like metalworking, automotive, and electronics.
Unlike costly foreign systems, DOST-MIRDC’s IoT-based system is locally developed, cost-effective, and compatible with old machines. It also includes real-time monitoring, job scheduling, and customizable dashboards tailored to Filipino industries, he explained.
Optimal use of machine reduces waste, making the system align with sustainability goals, and contributing to energy efficiency and better resource utilization, he added.
Showing their innovation’s low -
US experts make rare advance warning of volcanic eruption
By John Eiron R. Francisco
AXIAL Seamount, an undersea volcano off the coast of Oregon, United States, is expected to erupt sometime this 2025, according to scientists.
Exper ts have recently detected increased volcanic activity at Axial Seamount, a submarine volcano approximately 300 miles (480 kilometers) off the coast of Oregon in the Pacific Ocean, according to Oregonlive.com.
This frequent activity of the most active volcano in the Pacific Northwest is attributed to the volcano’s position above a hotspot with an unusually high magma supply.
Reports indicate that the volcano’s surface has been swelling, a clear indication of magma accumulating beneath the seafloor.
Despite these signs of heightened volcanic activity, William Chadwick, a geology professor at Oregon State University who is leading the research on Axial Seamount, has reassured the public that there is no imminent threat to human populations.
The reason is that the volcano’s summit lies more than 3,300 feet below the ocean’s surface, and its remote location far
offshore minimizes the risk of any direct impact on coastal communities.
H e further emphasized that the volcano is not expected to trigger the feared “Big One,” the catastrophic Cascadia earthquake. This is due to Axial’s location along the ridge between two tectonic plates, far from the Cascadia Subduction Zone, a 600-mile-long fault that extends from California to British Columbia, which is where the majority of earthquake risk is concentrated. Instead, the anticipated eruption presents a unique opportunity for scientists to gain deeper insights into volcanic forecasting and the behavior of submarine volcanoes.
“If we’re successful at forecasting eruptions at Axial then we can apply what we learn to other volcanoes around the world that are more dangerous to people and are in more complex settings,” Chadwick explained.
H e emphasized that obtaining months of advance warning for volcanic eruptions is exceptionally rare, as predictions are typically only possible a few days or hours before an event.
Axial Seamount, however, is uniquely suited for such studies, as it lies on the boundary of the Juan de Fuca and Pacific plates, where tectonic movement is closely
monitored.
Axial Seamount, initially identified by satellites in the late 1970s, has experienced notable eruptions in 1998, 2011, and 2015. The eruptions were characterized by the smooth flow of fluid lava across wide, gentle slopes, similar to the volcanic activity observed in Hawaii and Iceland.
According to Chadwick, the Axial volcano operates similarly to an inflating balloon, with magma rising from below and accumulating in a reservoir beneath the summit. As the magma supply increases, the summit continues to expand. Eventually, the pressure becomes overwhelming, causing a crack to open and allowing magma to reach the surface. When this occurs, the seafloor sinks as the “balloon” releases its pressure and deflates.
Scientists have observed that Axial’s eruptions occur when the seafloor rises to a specific height. By measuring this inflation, Chadwick’s team is able to predict when the next eruption might happen.
Recent data show that the seafloor has reached nearly the same height as it did before the 2015 eruption, prompting forecasts that another eruption could occur soon.
To monitor the volcano, researchers use advanced pressure sensors to measure even slight movements of the seafloor.
Initially, battery-powered recorders were used starting in 1997, but since 2014, these sensors have been connected to a fiber-optic cable that runs from the Oregon coast to the volcano.
This setup allows data to be streamed in real time, enabling Chadwick to track changes as they happen.
“I can look at my laptop and see data that was collected 10 minutes ago at Axial,” Chadwick said. “It makes it the best monitored submarine volcano in the world.”
It is reported that Axial’s steady behavior has made it a key focus for scientific study. Unlike volcanoes with thick layers of rock or complex fault lines, Axial shows a regular pattern of swelling and shrinking, which makes its eruptions easier to predict.
However, this pattern changed a bit after the 2015 eruption, leading to some uncertainty in the forecasts.
Chadwick mentioned that the swelling rate, which was stable before 2011 and 2015, slowed after the 2015 eruption but has recently started to rise again. By the summer of 2024, the swelling
helped reduce anxiety related to the subject and made the learning process more enjoyable and memorable,” the news release stated.
As a suggestion, Carlos and Delocado recommended to both educators and students to craft their own memes to improve their understanding of the scientific topics.
“Teachers can identify potential tools, instructional materials and pedagogical strategies that they may utilize to better cater to this new generation of learners,” they said.
“[They can design] their lectures, assessments, and classroom management techniques with humorous elements like memes to improve student interest and success in class,” they added. They also proposed that future studies examine the impact of meme usage on student motivation, beliefs and engagement.
“Further studies can also delve into dissecting the effect of the timing of usage and nature of memes used in the classroom,” the researchers said.
In recent years, the Philippines has consistently ranked among the lowest in math, reading and science, as reported by the Programme for International Student Assessment.
The “meme group” also noted developing more positive attitudes toward biology and greater confidence in their ability to grasp and apply scientific concepts.
“Overall, the use of memes
er cost, Dizon estimates that an investment between P850,000 and P1,250,000 is required to acquire machines for upgrading, while DOST-MIRDC’s IoT monitoring system costs only about P576,000.
Although the system is still precommercial, it has undergone rigorous testing and DOST-MIRDC is now exploring partnerships for mass production and wider adoption.
This innovation was field tested by various machine shops, including G-Start Builders, Aton Marketing, and P.IMES Corp, who validated the system’s effectiveness. The innovation consistently provided accurate machine data and demonstrated operational improvements.
The IoT-based system users have reported significant operational improvements, including reduced downtime and better insights into machine performance, paving the way for data-driven decision-making.
The system was among the
had increased, and there was more seismic activity around the volcano, suggesting that another eruption could be coming soon.
“We’re at the same inflation threshold as 2015,” Chadwick said. “The ground is inflating, and earthquake activity is rising. It’s a good time to make another forecast.”
Meanwhile, Michael Poland, a geophysicist with the US Geological Survey, said that if the forecasts prove accurate, they could serve as a model for predicting eruptions at other volcanoes.
He pointed out that many of the world’s volcanoes, particularly those underwater, lack real-time monitoring systems, which makes Axial a rare and important case study.
“That we as a society are able to forecast eruptions of a volcano that’s offshore and under an awful lot of water, that’s amazing,” he said.
“If you can develop a model for how this works at Axial, it gives us a starting point that we can apply elsewhere and, with a few tweaks, we can begin working on forecasts of other volcanoes,” he added.
For Chadwick, forecasting Axial Seamount’s eruptions is a unique scientific experiment—one that comes without major risks. Unlike land-based volcanoes, Axial’s remote location and great depth in the Pacific Ocean mean its eruptions pose no threat to human life.
“If y ou were sitting in a boat directly above Axial during an eruption,
Published in the Asian Journal of Biology Education, the study earned the 2024 School of Science and Engineering Week Special Citation for Outstanding Graduate Research in AdMU.
DOST technologies exhibited in the recently concluded Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 held in Las Vegas Convention Center, USA.
“We aim to attract potential investors, partners, and collaborators who can help scale and commercialize our invention. Additionally, we hope to gain valuable insights and feedback from a global audience to further enhance our technology. Ultimately, our goal is to establish our innovation as a competitive and impactful solution in the global market,” Dizon said on their participation in the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025.
Dizon believes that participating in the CES 2025 was an incredible honor and a proud moment for the DOST team, as they showcased Filipino innovation on a global stage and represented the country’s capabilities in technological advancements. The opportunity inspired them to push boundaries and create a lasting impact in the industry.
you probably wouldn’t even notice,” Chadwick explained. “Unless you used a hydrophone—an instrument that detects underwater sound waves—you might not realize anything was happening deep below.”
T he deep-sea volcano’s eruptions are far less dramatic compared to events like the 2022 Tonga Seamount eruption, which caused a massive explosion and tsunami, even impacting the Pacific Northwest.
The key difference lies in their locations. The Tonga volcano’s crater rim is just above sea level, meaning shallow water interacted with hot magma, instantly turning seawater into steam and fueling a devastating explosion. In c ontrast, Axial Seamount lies far below the ocean’s surface, where the immense pressure of the surrounding water prevents such explosive reactions.
“Axial’s eruptions don’t cause damage because the depth of the ocean acts as a natural buffer,” Chadwick said.
T his unique setting also allows scientists like Chadwick to refine eruption forecasting methods without the worry of false alarms or panic.
On land, forecasting comes with consequences—you risk unnecessary evacuations, economic impacts, and public alarm,” he noted. “At Axial, people’s lives aren’t part of the equation, which makes it the perfect environment for this kind of research.”
SAMPLE memes that used to teach biology to Grade 11 high school students. The students not only scored better in tests, they also said they felt more confident in their newfound ability to grasp and use scientific concepts. COURTESY
A6 Sunday, January 26, 2025
Faith Sunday
Luce mascot for Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee, appeals to younger generation
By Virginia Raguin
LUCE, the anime-inspired official mascot for the Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee, whose name means “light” in Italian, has been getting a lot of attention on social media.
Some people love the cartoon and find her “cute,” but a few others consider her “unsuitable” and even “repugnant.”
The Vatican introduced Luce at a comics convention in Italy, with the goal of engaging young people and speaking about the theme of hope.
Designed by Simone Legno, the mascot with big blue eyes and blue hair, and rosary beads around her neck, represents a Catholic pilgrim. She is dressed in pilgrimage garments that were standard attire throughout the centuries. Her badge, the Pilgrimage of Hope, identifies the 2025 Jubilee. It shows blue, green, yellow and red figures embracing a cross that ends in an anchor at the base, a symbol of hope. The figures form an outline of a ship sailing over the waves, evoking images of travel.
I have long been interested in the central role played by pilgrimage in many faith traditions, culminating in an exhibition and book, “Pilgrimage and Faith: Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam” in 2010.
Luce brings a contemporary perspective to the time-honored Christian pilgrimage tradition.
Pilgrimage symbols
THE symbols that Luce carries serve as a reminder of the origins of Christian pilgrimage, which began with visits to the Holy Land, the place where Christ lived his life.
This pilgrimage was documented by a person who came to be known as the Anonymous Pilgrim of Bordeaux. He wrote in his diary “The Bordeaux Pilgrim” in 333 about his trip to the Holy Land when the basilica of the Holy Sepulcher, the site where Jesus was buried and is believed to have resurrected, was still under construction.
Luce carries symbols that have been associated with pilgrimage in Europe since the 12th century, particularly those connected to the shrine of St. James in northwestern Spain.
This Holy Land pilgrimage built a tradition of Christians not just visiting the holy sites but also returning with tangible souvenirs, such as
THE head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) opened a seminar on transparency and accountability on January 21, urging a shift toward mutual trust and shared responsibility within the Church.
Addressing bishops and priests who are financial administrators of different dioceses, CBCP President Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan pointed out the importance of aligning with the goals outlined in the Synod on Synodality’s final document. At one point, he raised the question of whether gender should factor into the appointment of finance officers.
“I don’t know if there’s any provision in the Bible that says a finance officer has to be male or female. I think this is one thing that we will have to start asking ourselves in the Church,” David said.
The three-day seminar, held ahead of the CBCP’s 129th plenary assembly, is part of ongoing efforts to implement recommendations from the Synod on Synodality.
One key point emphasized in the Synod’s final document is the importance of decision-
a stone from the Holy Land, water from a well, or even a piece of cloth or a statue that touched Christ’s tomb.
A sixth-century painted box now in the Vatican contains bits of soil and stones as souvenirs of places in the Holy Land.
The pilgrimage to honor St. James, one of Christ’s apostles, whose tomb was believed to have been found in northwestern Spain, became popular in the early 12th century.
The pilgrimage route was called the Way of St. James, or Camino de Santiago de Compostela. The pilgrimage guided the faithful through several routes across Spain, France and Portugal,
making rooted in “ecclesial discernment,” guided by principles of transparency, accountability, and ongoing evaluation.
“Formation is needed,”
David said, stressing that all baptized members—whether clergy, consecrated persons, or laypeople—must engage in decision-making that reflects these values.
David, who was recently elected to a Vatican body tasked with executing the Synod’s final recommendations, also pointed out the Church’s responsibility to set a clear example of transparency, not just among clergy but for all the faithful.
The seminar follows a similar event in Rome last year, which focused on fostering transparency within the Church. Filipino participants from that event called for a follow-up session in the Philippines, resulting in this week’s gathering.
David expressed hope that the seminar would help participants engage with the core values of trust, responsibility, and transparency, contributing to the success of the CBCP’s plenary assembly over the weekend.
He also expressed hope that the seminar would empower participants to embrace the essential values of trust, responsibility, and transparency—contributing to the success of the bishops’ upcoming meeting. CBCP News
culminating in Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, in the north of Spain.
The itinerary of the journey, written in 1137 by an anonymous Frenchman, names natural landmarks, local customs and specific churches built to honor different saints.
Along this route flowed artistic, economic and cultural exchanges. As was customary, pilgrims who returned after visiting St. James’ tomb adopted an emblem.
Since the shrine was close to the sea, James’ symbol became a scallop shell that pilgrims wore to demonstrate their achievement.
Pilgrims were proud of these voyages that entailed much
OUIDAH, Benin—As children dance with great speed and energy in colorful robes, guided by the drumbeats and chants from dance troupes, the gods and spirits that are evident all around the arena are beckoned upon by the old and young for peace and prosperity.
On the sidelines, camera clicks from foreigners and locals follow the festivities.
Welcome to the ancient town of Ouidah, in southern Benin, a mecca of gods and spirits where the celebration of the annual Voodoo festival brings a mix of tourism and religion in a clash of cultures and the ability for ancient traditional beliefs to adapt to modern life.
The small West African nation held the annual festival last weekend, with Voodoo day marking the “return to the source for all Africans and Afro-descendants,” said Christian Houetchenou, the mayor of Ouidah.
“It is to come back and live their culture, art and spirituality for those who practice Voodoo,” said Houetchenou.
The festival gained popularity over the years from within and outside Africa, organizers say, and attracts thousands of locals and foreigners who flock to the Atlantic coast town to experience one of the world’s oldest religions.
Officials are now hoping to explore its full tourism potential and showcase Benin’s rich culture and tradition.
“This is a way to show people the pomp, the beauty, and the value of Voodoo and, more importantly, the value and spirit of the Beninese people… [and] of all African people,” said Suzanne Celeste Delaunay Belleville, the Voodoo priestess, draped in beads and a white robe.
physical hardship as well as devotion.
In the church of Santa Prassede, Rome, Giovanni de Montpoli, who describes his trade as preparing medicines, commissioned a 13thcentury tomb slab showing himself as a pilgrim.
He is dressed in a pilgrim’s fur overcoat to repel rain and retain warmth. He carries a staff and wears a wallet slung over his shoulder. A scallop shell adorning his broad-brimmed hat indicates that he had traveled to Compostela.
The popularity of the pilgrimage to St. James persisted through the Renaissance, supported by pilgrimage fraternities that helped people find companions for the journey and stay connected with each other after they returned.
Sometimes subgroups of the fraternity even sponsored pilgrimage-related art such as a stained-glass window.
Evidence of such activities is seen in the monastery of Wettingen, near Zurich in Switzerland. St. James is depicted as a pilgrim in a stained-glass window dated 1522, donated by a Hans Hünegger and Regina von Sur. He wears a cloak and a hat decorated with pilgrim badges.
Pilgrim badges
BY the middle decades of the 12th century, metal pilgrim badges were produced at low costs. They were soon available at shrines throughout Europe. Each pilgrimage location had its own distinctive badge.
Santiago’s scallop shell remained a universal pilgrim
Featuring traditional ceremonies, dance events, and rituals in the form of incantations, adulations and offerings, Voodoo—which has its own pope whose reign dates back to the 1400s—borrows heavily from the mythology and cultural displays of Yoruba people of Nigeria’s southwest and reflects other sides of traditional religion across Africa, including from the neighboring Togo and Ghana.
Located in different parts of Ouidah are altars and shrines where everything—from trees to wooden carvings and earthen walls—bears portraits of gods and spirits invoked day and night by devotees and their servants.
Many foreigners attend the annual festival to document memories and experience the thrill of it while others, like Jaimie Lyne, from the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, are drawn to it by their curiosity to find out if all they’ve heard is true.
emblem over the centuries.
A 19th-century stained-glass window in the church of SainteClotilde in Paris shows 13thcentury French King Louis IX— the only French monarch to be named a saint—with scallop shells on his cloak, even though his pilgrimage was to Jerusalem, not the shrine of Santiago.
Sometimes the Supper at Emmaus, when Christ met two disciples after his resurrection, was depicted showing the disciples as contemporary pilgrims.
One of the most memorable examples is Caravaggio’s painting from 1601, in the National Gallery in London, showing an astonished apostle wearing a scallop shell on his vest.
Luce, the pilgrim LUCE continues, as well as transforms, these traditions. In her large eyes gleam two scallop shells that reflect this thousandyear-old symbol. Like Giovanni de Montpoli in Rome, she wears a coat that shields her from the elements and she carries a staff. The yellow of the cloak references the color of the flag of Vatican City.
Like the 16th-century Swiss image of St. James, she wears a pilgrimage badge, this one proclaiming the Pilgrimage of Hope of the 2025 Jubilee. Her muddy boots indicate outdoor hiking, with which any young person can identify. She is depicted as female, representing all people, not just women.
Drawn in a contemporary and globally popular style, she suggests an openness to new encounters across the world. College of the Holy Cross/The Conversation (CC) via AP
Lyne said her mother’s visit to Benin in 2023 sparked her interest in Voodoo and Benin’s cultural heritage. Before her trip, most of what she heard about Voodoo was that it is “demonized” and “archaic.”
But she saw a different reality on the ground.
“One thing that I’m going to take home with me to the Caribbean is that Vodoo is something to be learned and understood,” said Lyne, a data analyst.
“It’s the culture of communion with the land and the elements and it is really more about how everything has an explanation in terms of all of the symptoms, all of the realities of the world and the rain and the sun.” It is for such reasons—to enable the people to showcase their culture and tell their stories—that the festival has stood the test of time, said Voodoo priestess Belleville.
“It’s important for us to be able to carry our message ourselves,” she said. “No one can better talk about us than ourselves.” Dan Ikpoyi And Chinedu/Asadu Associated Press
CARDINAL Pablo Virgilio David, CBCP president, speaks at the start of a “Seminar on Transparency and Accountability in the Church” in Sta. Rosa, Laguna on January 21. CBCP NEWS
Benin’s mecca of spirits, gods draws tourists, followers with famed Voodoo fest
Editor: Lyn Resurreccion
Biodiversity Sunday
Investing in environment, water sustainability
TBy Jonathan L. Mayuga
HE challenge posed by climate change-triggered extreme weather events can no longer be ignored. Even big businesses are now seriously talking in their board rooms about sustainability because of threats posed by the worst impacts of climate change.
Included in their agenda are the consequences of intense typhoons, strong earthquakes, prolonged wet and dry seasons, environmental degradation and biodiversity loss, and how to strengthen the company’s resiliency.
Maynilad Water Services Inc., a private water concessionaire of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), is among the companies concerned.
Maynilad provides 12 million population with wastewater services, and safe, affordable, and sustainable water supply in 17 cities and municipalities in the West Zone of the Greater Metro Manila area.
Looming water crisis
FACED with a looming water crisis, the country’s water sector is undeniably faced with a myriad of challenges, especially in light of the country’s goal to achieve universal access to water supply and sanitation by 2030.
While the country is blessed with rich water resources, water stress started to be felt in the last decade. Experts say the Philippines is likely to experience a high degree of water storage by 2040 under a business-as-usual scenario.
According to the latest figures from the National Economic Development Authority, only 74 percent of the population have access to improved sanitation, which includes sewerage and septage management.
The situation underscores the importance of Maynilad’s purpose and commitment to sustainable practices.
Since 2008, Maynilad has made significant strides to protect its water supply through key development projects anchored on environmental protection and conservation. It has partnered with various stakeholders to ensure regulatory compliance and strengthen partnerships with the communities.
What is sustainability?
IN 1987, the United Nations Brundtland Commission defined sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
About 140 developing countries in the world are seeking ways of meeting their development needs in the face of the increasing threat of climate change.
For most in the private sector, it simply means ensuring business continuity.
Last year, Maynilad took the challenge of sustainability to the next level by creating the Office of the Chief Sustainability Officer, headed by Atty. Roel S. Espiritu, vice president and head of Maynilad’s Quality, Sustainability, and Resiliency office.
According to Espiritu, for Maynilad sustainability means playing the role of a steward of the environment, partnering with the communities for social protection, and ensuring regulatory compliance to ensure business continuity.
Investing in sustainability
AS early as 2007, the company has been investing and pushing for various sustainability initiatives, shared Espiritu during an interview with the BusinesssMirror in Makati City on January 15. The Office of the Chief Sustainability Officer was created last year “to strengthen the sustainability profile of the company so that we can also show to the public who are our stakeholders, that we are committed to sustainability,” Espiritu said.
“In fact, the Chief Sustainability Office was just an offshoot because we
already have a board-level committee, the Corporate Governance and Sustainability Committee. Under that is the Office of the Chief Sustainability Officer,” he told the B usiness M irror partly in Filipino.
Healthier, comfortable lifestyle
HE said the company’s sustainability initiative is grounded or anchored on Maynilad’s corporate mission, with the end goal of providing healthier and comfortable lifestyle to its customers.
“The safe part is how we extract, treat, and distribute [water] in a way mindful of the benefits and welfare of the communities everywhere, and the environment,” he said.
On the other hand, he said water should be affordable.
“When you say affordable, [it means] good service. We do it in a very efficient way to mitigate the impact and create value for money for customers and employees, including LGUs [local government units] by way of taxes and our community impacted by the business,” he said.
Asked about his idea on resiliency, he replied: “When you say sustainable, business should be resilient, able to identify the risks, including climate change, to address them.”
Innovative technologies
ESPIRITU said the company’s sustainability commitment and practices mean leveraging to establish Maynilad as a leading water and wastewater company.
“We invest in innovative technologies to address issues such as continuous supply, including addressing non-water revenue.
To address water sources’ availability and quality,” he said.
Another major sustainability challenge, he said, is ensuring regulatory compliance, adding that as the water sector is capital intensive, Maynilad needs to hurdle all regulatory challenges, including financing.
Diversifying water source
ESPIRITU said all the sustainability programs of the company are important, as it also aims to diversify water sources.
“Early on 98 percent [we rely on Angat Dam]. If something happens, hopefully, it won’t, like if an earthquake [happens] or when water quality in Angat becomes poor, we are in trouble. Our long-term vision is to diversify and lessen dependence on Angat. Now, we are down to 86 percent dependent on [the dam],” he pointed out.
He said the establishment of facilities along Laguna de Bay to extract and treat water from the lake was one of Maynilad’s sustainability initiatives. The company was the first to extract water from the bay to provide drinking water to its customers.
The water treatment facilities that extract water from Laguna de Bay can produce 450 million liters per day and can supply around 315,000 water-service connections, equivalent to 2 million people.
In July 2022, the company became the first company to introduce recycled used water for potable application, a first in the Philippines which passed the Philippine National Standard for Drinking Water and obtained a Certificate of Potability from the Parañaque City Heath Office.
Environmental protection, conservation
WITH water supply being heavily dependent on a healthy environment, Maynilad also invests in various environmental programs and projects, such as reforestation.
Its Plant for Life Program (PLP) aims to rehabilitate the watersheds that supply the raw water needs of Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
Through the program, Maynilad became part of the Annual Millions Tree Challenge (AMTC) of the MWSS, which has implemented massive tree planting activities in some of the country’s critical watersheds, such as in Angat, Ipo, La Mesa, and Laguna de Bay.
Maynilad is a top donor of the Million Trees Foundation which sustained the AMTC program.
Since its inception in 2007, the PLP has engaged hundreds of volunteers and partners from various organizations to help restore denuded forestlands through annual tree-planting activities.
In 2024 alone, Maynilad planted 237,229 trees across 660 hectares, surpassing its target by 7.8 percent, contributing to environmental restoration.
The company also increased its renewable energy usage to 15 percent, reducing 14,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions in 2024, equivalent to removing 2,128 gas-powered cars from the roads.
Meanwhile, under the Sining Ipo Project, the company fosters environmental protection, sustainable development, and community empowerment.
Through this initiative, the company
supports the Dumagat community and strengthens conservation efforts within the Ipo Watershed, a vital water source for Metro Manila.
As part of the project, the Dumagat were introduced to wood carving. Through trainings and guidance, community members learned to turn driftwood into unique handicrafts, including sculptures, trophies, “sungka” boards, wine holders, candle holders, fruit trays, and coasters, providing them with valuable skills while promoting sustainable practice that discourages slash-and-burn farming in the watershed.
Human waste, collected from households as part of Maynilad’s free desludging of septic tanks every three to five years, is also treated and converted into useful fertilizer and, lately, biobricks.
“This is also part of our circular economy direction,” he said.
Good investment
ACCORDING to Espiritu, investing in the environment is worthwhile, saying that the benefits of ensuring clean water can never be overemphasized, citing an instance when water in Laguna de Bay became murky, making it difficult for the company to treat or process the raw water for distribution.
This is also the same when water from Angat Dam became muddy because of heavy rains, thereby preventing the company from delivering and fulfilling its water service contract, which could result in being fined by the government.
“For us, sustainability helps, since it’s already embedded in the way we do business, we prevent fiasco. We prevent a scenario that is not part of our plan, like service outages. We do our service right. We avoid turbidity. We avoid degradation of water quality from Laguna de Bay, we avoid customers’ inconvenience, and we avoid being fined by regulators,” he said.
“In general, we have the same process, but the thing is, we spend more on treatment. But if we do our sustainability program, it all boils down to better service for our customers. This means that less cost means customers will not have to pay more for water. That is the benefit of clean water,” he said.
SKorea to shrink biomass energy subsidies after criticism over link to deforestation Reuse study tour seeks to popularize reuse, refill vs single-use plastics
JAKARTA, Indonesia—The South Korean government will reduce subsidies for biomass energy after rising domestic and international criticism of its link to deforestation.
Environmental activists generally applauded the reforms but criticized loopholes and slow timelines for phasing out the subsidies.
“While not without caveats, [the] decision by the South Korean government demonstrates that large-scale biomass power has no place in a renewable energy future,” Hansae Song, program lead at South Korea-based nongovernmental organization Solutions for Our Climate, said in an email to The Associated Press (AP). Biomass power, predominantly generated by burning wood, is growing globally as countries accelerate their transition to use cleaner energy— even though many scientists and environmentalists see it as problematic. In South Korea, it’s the second-largest source of renewable energy.
South Korea has subsidized biomass energy with millions of dollars for more than a decade via their renewable energy certificates program.
Recently, the government gave approximately $688 million to support power plants using biomass, according to a press release from South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
Faced with limited domestic forest resources, South Korea’s biomass power industry has structured its business model around importing large volumes of wood pellets at lower prices from forest-rich nations.
In 2023, imports accounted for 82 percent of the country’s wood pellet demand, making South Korea the world’s third-largest importer of biomass fuels,
A MACHINE (center, left) operates near a road leading to the area of wood pellet production companies in Pohuwato, Gorontalo province, Indonesia, on October 22, 2024. AP/YEGAR SAHADUTA MANGIRI
after the United Kingdom and Japan.
An AP report found that biomass imported from Indonesia was linked to deforestation of natural, intact forest.
“As the [biomass] market expanded, various issues emerged,” the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said in their press release.
“Criticisms regarding forest degradation and carbon emissions associated with biomass power generation persist.”
Under the revised policy, South Korea will not support any new biomass power plants.
Subsidies for six existing state-owned plants co-firing coal and biomass will end this year, while the value of renewable energy certificates for three state-owned dedicated biomass plants will be phased down by 2027.
At privately owned plants, subsidies for co-fired biomass from six plants will be phased out over the next decade, while subsidy weightings will be reduced for 12 dedicated biomass plants over the next 15 years.
But environmental activists are critical of loopholes in the new policy.
Domestically produced wood pellets and chips will still have the same level of support as before, including those co-fired with coal—which experts say could pose a threat to South Korea’s forests.
Power plants under construction or in planning with approved business permits are exempt from the new policy and subject to the phased reduction timelines for existing facilities.
State-owned co-firing facilities— which will lose their renewable energy certificates—currently account for only 10 percent of South Korea’s biomass power fleet, while the phase-out of most private co-firing will take over a decade to complete under the new policy, said Solutions for Our Climate.
“This extends the life of thermal power plants—many with emissions per unit of energy higher than coal—beyond the Paris Agreement-aligned coal phase-out deadlines,” Song wrote in an email to AP.
The South Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Korea Forest Service and Ministry of Environment did not respond to requests for comment from AP.
Experts said South Korea’s policy change could signal a shift in how countries consider and incorporate biomass as part of their own energy transitions.
“There has been a positive shift in terms of discourse around biomass subsidies,” said Claire Squire, a research associate at the University of Maryland School of Public Policy Center for Global Sustainability.
“Cutting subsidies won’t necessarily fix everything, but potentially if they’re constructed differently than they have in the past, that might be an improvement,” she added.
As countries accelerate their energy transitions, demand for biomass is growing: The use of bioenergy has increased an average of about 3 percent per year between 2010 and 2022, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said.
Experts, including the IEA, say it’s important for that demand to happen in a sustainable way, such as using waste and crop residue rather than converting forest land to grow bioenergy crops.
Deforestation contributes to erosion, damages biodiverse areas, threatens wildlife and humans who rely on the forest and intensifies disasters from extreme weather.
Many scientists and environmentalists have rejected the use of biomass altogether. They say burning wood-based biomass can emit more carbon than coal and treecutting greatly reduces forests’ ability to remove carbon from the atmosphere. Critics also say that using biomass to co-fire, instead of transitioning directly to clean energy, simply prolongs the use of coal. Victoria Milko/Associated Press
PLASTIC waste reduction advocates held the “Philippine Reuse Study Tour and Conference” in a bid to amplify the viability of reuse and refill solutions, as a way to address the scourge of plastic pollution.
The three-day event, held in celebration of Zero Waste Month, consisted of a conference with reuse practitioners and other multi-sectoral stakeholders, and site visits to reuse and refill programs across Metro Manila. It was held at a hotel in Quezon from January 20 to 22 and is co-organized by Mother Earth Foundation, Greenpeace Philippines, GAIA, Break Free from Plastic and Plasticdiet Indonesia.
The study tour aimed to address existing challenges and opportunities on reuse and refill systems, show local government units, government agency officials, and private sector representatives that reuse and refill are not just sustainable and necessary, but also practical and doable.
Over 164 million sachets, 57 million shopping bags and 45.2 million plastic “labo” bags are used daily in the Philippines with prevailing e-commerce and food delivery practices worsening the crisis, Greenpeace said in a news release.
Environmental groups have long called for reuse and refill solutions with ban on single-use plastics, particularly sachets. These materials not only create litter and exacerbate floods but also pollute water sources and break down into harmful microplastics that find their way into human food and bodies.
Reuse and refill systems are upstream solutions that enable people to reuse packaging, eliminating the need for wasteful sachets and other throwaway containers.
When adopted at scale, reuse and refill can replace disposables and effectively reduce plastic waste. Together with the right policies to cut down plastic production and use, it can address the plastic crisis at the
root of the problem.
Refill and reuse are feasible and easy to implement. Initiatives such as Kuha sa Tingi, Juana Zero Express, Back to Basics Ecostore and a zero waste carinderia in Manila, proved that these are viable sustainable business models, something that can be done alongside city-wide plastic bans. Groups believe that these could all be replicated and scaled at the national level. The groups are calling on legislators and national government agencies, such as the Departments of Environment and Natural Resources, and Trade and Industry, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to advance policies to institutionalize and mainstream reuse and refill systems, including ensuring:
1 The targets are set for the transition to refill systems for frequently purchased food, cosmetic, and household products packaged in single-use plastics becomes mandatory;
2 Large-scale enterprises and mediumscale enterprises which manufacture the aforementioned products should be required to transition to refilling as a product delivery system, and mandatory targets for the transition are set;
3 Reuse and refill systems are made more competitive compared to single-use packaging, such as sachets, to enable producers and consumers to easily shift to reuse and refill;
4 Large-scale retailers should establish refilling stations in their establishments to accommodate the producers’ refillable or unpackaged products;
5 Proper guidelines that support reuse and refill are issued by the (FDA to advance the transition to reuse;
6 and Enterprises and consumers are incentivized with support mechanisms to overcome challenges, such as capital investment, time constraints and inconvenience.
By Howard Fendrich The Associated Press
MAustralian Open: The Happy Slam? Sports
BusinessMirror
A8 SundAy, JAnuAry 26, 2025
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venue.
It’s been like that for a couple of years.... Sometimes I think it’s disrespectful,” said Pat Rafter, a retired Australian player who won two US Open titles and reached the No. 1 ranking in the late 1990s.
“Sometimes, I think it’s just part of the game, the transition of this generation, and that’s what they want. This is the Australian Open.”
A lso drawing attention: Some folks involved in television coverage at Melbourne Park, whether those whose interviewing skills were lampooned on social media—and described as “embarrassing ” by Ben Shelton, the American who reached the men›s semifinals—or the commentator who insulted Novak Djokovic during an on-air appearance before eventually apologizing days later after the 24-time Grand Slam champion demanded it.
So what is going on, exactly? Why is everyone so angry at what long has been known as the Happy Slam?
It’s hard to pinpoint one reason. And, in truth, it could just be coincidental, rather than a reflection of Australian society or any sort of trend in modern-day tennis.
Then again, maybe it’s just a reflection of the post-pandemic world, where a lot of people are still adjusting after being cooped up and unable to attend sporting events—or go much of anywhere, actually—for a while.
O r perhaps it’s an increasing willingness on the part of the athletes to call out what they consider bad behavior and give as good as they get, something Djokovic did more than once on his way to Friday›s men›s semifinals.
I t also might stem from attempts by tennis leaders to, as Rafter noted, attract new fans and, especially, younger fans.
T hat’s seen in various ways,
giving Tiger Woods one last chance to play his favorite course and maybe even pause when he crosses the Swilcan Bridge. The R&A announced Thursday the sport’s oldest championship would return to the home of golf for the 31st time, the most of any links in the rotation. It
from allowing movement in the stands while play is in progress— something unheard of for decade upon decade—to permitting coaching during contests and making it part of the spectacle with courtside boxes or trying to meet kids where they are by posting feeds on YouTube of real-time animated streams of matches made to look like a video game.
Could be working: As the event heads to Sunday’s conclusion, 10 of the first 12 days had record attendance, including more than 97,000 on site on January 17, the highest one-day number in tournament history.
It’s fun in Australia. It’s a place where you see people coming from all over the world, which creates a great
atmosphere. Sometimes, I think...it can go a little bit over the line. There are traditions in tennis that are important that make tennis unique,” said Patrick McEnroe, an ex-player and former captain of the US Davis Cup team.
You have to move with the times,” McEnroe continued, “but I think there’s something about the quiet that happens in a great tennis match that’s unique.”
Th is whole phenomenon is not unique to Melbourne Park, though.
Unusual scenes have been playing out in the stands at Roland Garros, Flushing Meadows and—gasp!—even the All England Club.
D uring the 2022 Wimbledon final, Nick Kyrgios got into a back-
and-forth with one particularly bothersome spectator, who later sued him. Crowds at the US Open have been notoriously rambunctious for a while, especially when the drinks flow at night, including the jeering that drowned out the trophy ceremony when Naomi Osaka defeated Serena Williams in the 2018 women’s final.
L ast year, French Open organizers stopped letting ticketholders bring alcohol to their seats after one player, Belgian David Goffin, complained about having gum spat at him.
It’s becoming soccer,” Goffin said. “Soon there’ll be smoke bombs, hooligans and fights in the stands. I think it’s getting ridiculous.”
Swearing, making political statements now banned in F1
I’m
T he choice of St. Andrews for 2027 means Muirfield to the east of Edinburgh, which last held the
in 2013, would not host another until at least 2028, possibly longer to avoid holding consecutive Opens in the same region. M uirfield, except for interruptions from two World Wars, had never gone longer than 11 years without hosting the Open. Woods won at St. Andrews in 2000 during his sweep of the
an eight-shot victory that made him at age 24 the youngest
measures published by
recently apply to “misconduct,” which is defined by the FIA as including both offensive language and physical assault, or for acts deemed to cause “moral injury or loss” to the FIA and auto racing in general.
Similar punishments also apply for “political, religious and personal statements or comments notably in violation of the general principle of neutrality promoted by the FIA” without written approval in advance. The
10,000 euros but punishments for F1 drivers are
by four. The suggested fine doubles for a second offense, along with a suspended one-month ban. A third offense within a two-year period carries a proposed fine of €120,000 ($125,000) for an F1 driver, a one-month ban and the loss of an unspecified number of championship points.
I n cases involving political, religious or personal statements, the FIA regulations also specify the stewards should demand a “public apology and repudiation of comments.” A sked about the changes, the FIA said other sports bodies including the National Football League and FIFA “have similar rules/fines to protect the integrity of the sport. The FIA is not alone in fining competitors for misconduct.”
The governing body said stewards will still have discretion to enforce a particular penalty, especially if there are mitigating or aggravating circumstances.
The aim of this new appendix is to provide clear guidance to stewards regarding the penalties for violations of specific [international sporting code] articles,” the FIA said. “By establishing a more structured framework, the FIA seeks to ensure that penalties are applied uniformly and transparently, benefiting both stewards and drivers/competitors.” AP
Recording shows more evidence vs Ohtani’s former interpreter
ANEARLY four-minute audio recording allegedly captured Shohei Ohtani ’s former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara impersonating the baseball star on a call with a bank as he attempted to transfer $200,000 for what he describes as a car loan, federal prosecutors said Thursday.
The recording referenced in a court filing and obtained by The Associated Press is being used to back up prosecutors’ push for a nearly five-year sentence for Mizuhara, who previously pleaded guilty to bank and tax fraud for stealing almost $17 million from the Los Angeles Dodgers star.
P rosecutors are also seeking restitution of the nearly $17 million to Ohtani, as well as a penalty of more than $1 million to the IRS.
M izuhara is due to be sentenced February 6 after pleading guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of subscribing to a false tax return.
H is attorney, Michael G. Freedman, did not respond to an email from The Associated Press requesting comment.
I n the recording, a man is heard identifying himself as Ohtani and saying that he tried to log into online banking but it wasn’t available. He later confirms that the transaction amount is $200,000.
W hen the woman from the bank asks him the reason for the transaction, he says it’s for a car loan.
“ What is your relationship to the payee?” she asks.
“ Um, he’s my friend,” the man responds.
The recording was obtained from the bank, according to Assistant US Attorney Jeff Mitchell. It’s unclear when it was made.
Towards the end of the call, the woman from the bank asks, “Will there be any future wires to your friend?”
“ Possibly,” the man says.
T he recording was first obtained by The Athletic.
T he legal filing says Mizuhara accessed Ohtani’s account beginning around November 2021 and changed its security protocols so he could
impersonate him to authorize wire transfers. By 2024, Mizuhara allegedly had used that money to buy about $325,000 worth of baseball cards at online resellers eBay and Whatnot.
M izuhara pleaded guilty in June to spending millions from Ohtani’s
DRIVERS start for the Hungarian Grand Prix at Hungaroring track in Mogyorod in July last year. AP
DANIELLE COLLINS adds more fun to the mood—happy?—at Melbourne Park. AP
IPPEI MIZUHARA (left) with Shohei Ohtani during an interview at Dodger Stadium in February last year. AP
TIGER WOODS greets the crowd at the end of his second round play at the British Open on the Old Course at St. Andrews on July 15, 2022. AP
How the oil industry, growing political divides turned climate change into a partisan issue
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FROM LEFT TO RIGHT SEVENTEEN’s
‘Right Here’ Tour a Super Hot Hit in
OBulacan
By Ginger Franz S. Ocampo
NCE again captivating the hearts of Filipino CARATs, K-Pop boy group SEVENTEEN returned to the Philippines for a two-day show at the Philippine Sports Stadium.
The bond between SEVENTEEN and their Filipino fans has been strong for years, being one of the first K-Pop groups to perform at both the Philippine Arena and the Philippine Sports Stadium. This tour added another chapter to their special connection with Filipino CARATs, SEVENTEEN’s loyal and passionate fandom.
With members S.Coups, Joshua, Hoshi, Wonwoo, Woozi, The8, Mingyu, DK, Seungkwan, Vernon, and Dino lighting up the stage, the concert was nothing short of electrifying. Although Jeonghan and Jun were absent, their energy and heartfelt interactions made sure the crowd still felt their presence.
Starting their Asia tour in the Philippines was a brilliant move, as Filipino CARATs delivered an unforgettable wave of energy, propelling SEVENTEEN through their tour with unmatched enthusiasm. The Philippine Sports Stadium, filled with fans from all over the world, created an electric atmosphere for SEVENTEEN’s first show. The excitement was palpable, and it was clear that the Filipino crowd would leave an indelible mark on SEVENTEEN.
While I had glimpsed the magic through Day 1 clips, nothing compared to the full experience on Day 2. Fans sang along passionately to every note, from Vernon’s rap in “Ash” to Woozi’s soaring high notes in “God of Music.” The sheer energy was electrifying, and it was clear that SEVENTEEN’s impact would be felt long after this performance.
Throughout the concert, SEVENTEEN matched the crowd’s enthusiasm. Hoshi, during their introductions, praised the Filipino CARATs for always exceeding expectations, even leading a lively chant of “Philippines!” to express his gratitude.
This time around, SEVENTEEN’s Tagalog phrases were noticeably improved. “Magsaya tayo,” “Kumusta kayo?” and even adding “po” to their expressions left fans delighted. Dino, the youngest member, even introduced himself as “I’m your bunso!
SEVENTEEN is known for their perfect synchronization in choreography, and they delivered it flawlessly, even in the challenging heat of the Philippine weather. Despite the conditions, their commitment to excellence made every moment unforgettable.
The setlist was a perfect mix of new hits and classic tracks, catering to both loyal fans and those just discovering SEVENTEEN. But, as with any large event, there were challenges: long queues, late entries, and limited water access in some areas. Yet, it was the resilience and unwavering positivity of Filipino CARATs that truly stood out. Fans continued to share stories, bond with each other, and fuel the collective excitement for SEVENTEEN’s performance.
Even with some outfits not fully suited for the Philippine heat, the group didn’t miss a beat in delivering a top-tier performance. On their 10th anniversary as artists, SEVENTEEN proved they are still in their prime, performing nearly three hours with boundless energy. Their youthfulness and vitality on stage were evident, even as some members are nearing their 30s.
It’s moments like Hoshi’s high-energy performance of “Super” on Day 2 that make you forget how long SEVENTEEN has been performing. His fellow members joked that he needed to tone it down, but his infectious energy added to the magic of the night.
People often ask me why I keep coming back to SEVENTEEN concerts, even after attending several of their shows. While some might assume it’s all about their visuals, the true answer lies in their captivating
performances. SEVENTEEN elevates every concert with their trademark skits, an element that’s been part of their shows since their early days. This time, their skits were even more imaginative, leaving fans laughing at their out-of-this-world creativity. What sets SEVENTEEN apart is not just their talent, but their authenticity. Their ability to embrace the joy of the moment, to celebrate with their fans, makes every performance feel like a shared experience. SEVENTEEN’s concerts aren’t just performances; they are celebrations of passion, humor, and artistry.
SEVENTEEN’s reputation as the “Theater Kids” of K-Pop comes as no surprise. Their remarkable blend of creativity, humor, and heartfelt enthusiasm ensures their performances leave a lasting impression that fans can’t help but return to.
At the end of the concert, SEVENTEEN shared heartfelt messages with their fans. S.Coups expressed his wish to return as a complete group of 13 members, while Mingyu reassured the audience, saying:
“Earlier, some members said to wait until we’re 13 members again, right? But I believe it doesn’t mean we won’t see each other for a long time. No matter how many members we are, we’re still SEVENTEEN by name, and we will come back again. Please look forward to it and wait for us.”
The show ended with the fan-favorite “Aju Nice,” but the surprises didn’t stop there. Tracks like “Call Call Call,”“HOT,”and even BSS’s “Fighting”added a thrilling twist to an already exhilarating night.
Witnessing SEVENTEEN’s boundless energy on stage and the Filipino crowd’s unwavering passion only solidified one truth: their bond with CARATs is unbreakable. Whether performing as 13, 12, or 11 members, SEVENTEEN will always shine.
For Filipino CARATs, the countdown to SEVENTEEN’s next return begins now. And here’s a pro tip: start saving early, because when SEVENTEEN comes back, it’s an experience worth every peso.
Seventeen/X and Ginger Franz S. Ocampo
K-POP DREAMS
Sandara Park, Korean idols headline new survival talent show
By John Eiron R. Francisco
SOUTH Korean star Sandara Park makes her return to the Philippine showbiz as the host of the upcoming South Korea-Philippines survival show, ‘Be The Next: 9 Dreamers.’
Dara, a member of the iconic K-pop group 2NE1, shared her excitement about returning to the country, saying, “It feels so good to be back home.”
“This is my second home, and it’s always wonderful to be here,” she said during a press conference on January 20 at the Novotel Hotel in Quezon City.
She was accompanied by an impressive roster of mentors for the upcoming show, which includes Park Woojin of AB6IX, Bang Ye-dam, Vinci of HORI7ON, Hyebin (formerly of MOMOLAND), renowned choreographer Bae Wan Hee, and acclaimed producer Bullseye. Set to premiere on February 8, the show is a collaboration between TV5, one of the country’s top broadcast networks, and South Korean entertainment agency MLD Entertainment.
The mentors will provide guidance and support to 75 aspiring talents from across Asia, all vying for a chance to secure a spot in the show and pursue their dreams of becoming global idols.
Although Dara clarified that she won’t be directly mentoring the participants, she expressed her excitement to take on the role of a “good ate” (big sister) and provide support throughout their journey. Speaking in Filipino, she shared that if the aspirants ever feel emotional during the show, she would comfort them with a hug and encourage them to stay motivated and keep pushing forward.
Dara first gained widespread recognition in the Philippines as a contestant on ABS-CBN’s Star Circle Quest in 2004. After her appearance, she went on to enjoy a successful career in both acting and music before returning to her home country in 2007. In 2009, Dara made her debut in Korea as a member of the K-Pop group 2NE1, after two years of training under YG Entertainment. The group quickly became one of South Korea’s most beloved girl bands.
In 2010, she became the first member of the group to release a solo single, “Kiss,” featuring Lee Chaerin (CL), the
group’s leader. Over the years, Dara has become one of the most prominent Korean celebrities in the Philippines who significantly contributed to the rise of the Korean wave in the country, alongside the Wonder Girls’ hit ‘Nobody’ and PSY’s smash ‘Gangnam Style.’
The global influence of K-Pop, with its catchy hooks and dynamic choreography, has undeniably shaped Filipino music tastes, and Dara’s success has become a key part of this cultural exchange. Despite most K-Pop lyrics being in Korean, Filipino fans have developed a unique ability to sing along to these songs, drawn in by their infectious melodies and performances. This widespread passion for K-Pop has even led many Filipinos to learn the Korean language and adopt Korean fashion styles that underscores the deep cultural integration K-Pop has experienced in the Philippines. Dara herself recognizes this exchange of cultural influence, sharing that her appreciation for Filipino artists and music has also shaped her career.
“I, myself, was influenced by Filipino artists and Philippine music, so it’s like a give-and-take,’ Dara said.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, Dara has also adapted her approach to engaging with her fans. Whereas she once limited her online interactions, Dara now uses her social media platforms to offer more personal updates and connect directly with her followers.
This shift, she explains, is a way of showing gratitude to the fans who have supported her throughout the years. She emphasized that she does this because of the immense love and support they give to her and her group.
With Be The Next: 9 Dreamers on the horizon, Dara’s return to the Philippines is not only a personal homecoming but also a celebration of her lasting impact on Filipino pop culture. Through the show, she aims to inspire a new generation of aspiring talents while reaffirming her own deep-rooted connection to the country.
SANDARA Park
THE mentors for the upcoming South Korea-Philippines collaboration, Be The Next: 9 Dreamers, posed together during a press conference held on January 20, 2025, at Novotel in Quezon City. The lineup includes acclaimed producer Bullseye, AB6IX’s Park Woojin, former MOMOLAND member Lee Hyebin, 2NE1’s Sandara Park as the host, Bang Yedam, HORI7ON’s Vinci, and renowned choreographer Bae Wan-Hee.
How the oil industry, growing political divides turned climate change into a partisan issue
By joe Árvai Director, Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability
after four years of uS progress on efforts to deal with climate change under joe Biden, Donald trump’s return to the White House is swiftly swinging the pendulum in the opposite direction.
On his first day back, Trump declared a national energy emergency, directing agencies to use any emergency powers available to boost oil and gas production, despite U.S. oil and gas production already being near record highs and leading the world. He revoked Biden’s orders that had withdrawn large areas of the Arctic and the U.S. coasts from oil and natural gas leasing. Among several other executive orders targeting Biden’s pro-climate policies, Trump also began the process of pulling the U.S. out of the international Paris climate agreement—a repeat of a move he made in 2017, which Biden reversed.
None of Trump’s moves to sideline climate change as an important domestic and foreign policy issue should come as a surprise. During his first term as president, 2017-2021, Trump repealed the Obama-era Clean Power Plan for reducing power plant emissions, falsely claimed that wind turbines cause cancer, and promised to “end the war on coal” and boost the highly polluting energy source. He once declared that climate change was a hoax perpetuated by China.
Since being elected again in November, Trump has again chosen Cabinet members who support the fossil fuel industry. But it’s important to remember that while Donald Trump is singing from the Republican
“A more effective solution would be to set aside political differences and invest in building coalitions across the political spectrum,” writes the author, who’s also a Professor of Psychology, Biological Sciences, and environmental Studies at USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Party songbook when it comes to climate change, the music was written long before he came along.
Money, lies and lobbying
IN 1979, the scientific consensus that climate change posed a significant threat to the environment, the economy and society as we had come to appreciate them began to emerge.
The Ad Hoc Study Group on Carbon Dioxide and Climate, commissioned by the U.S. National Research Council’s climate research board, concluded then that if carbon dioxide continued to accumulate in the atmosphere, there was “no reason to doubt that climate changes will result.” Since then, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has risen by about 25 percent, and, with it, temperatures.
The report also concluded that land use changes and the burning of fossil fuels, both of which could be subject to regulation, were behind climate change and that a “wait-and-see policy may mean waiting until it is too late.”
The oil industry implemented a disinformation campaign designed to cast doubt about climate science and, in many cases, about their own internal research.
The strategy, ripped from the pages of the
tobacco industry playbook, involved “emphasizing uncertainty” to cast doubt on the science and calling for “balanced” science to sow confusion.
By 1997, when 84 countries signed the Kyoto Protocol to curb global greenhouse gas emissions, the oil industry had built an effective apparatus for actively discrediting climate science and opposing policies and actions that could help slow climate change. So even though President Bill Clinton signed the treaty in 1998, the United States Congress refused to ratify it.
Partisan politics and the psychology of belonging
T He Kyoto Protocol experience demonstrated that the lobbying and disinformation tactics used by oil companies to discredit climate science could, on their own, be highly effective. But they alone didn’t shift climate change from a scientific question to an issue of partisan politics. Two additional ingredients for completing the transition were still absent.
The first of these came during the election campaign of 2000. At the time, the coverage of the major news networks converged on dividing the country into red states, which lean right, and blue states, which lean left. This shift, though seem-
ingly innocuous at the time, made politics even less about individual issues and more like a team sport.
The final ingredient had everything to do with human nature. Building on the analogy of a rivalry in sports, the red vs. blue state dynamic tapped into the psychological and social forces that shape our sense of belonging and identity.
Where to from here?
OPPOSING or supporting action on climate change has become part of millions of Americans’ cultural identity. However, doubling down on climate policies that are in lockstep with our own political leanings will serve only to strengthen the divide.
A more effective solution would be to set aside political differences and invest in building coalitions across the political spectrum. That starts by focusing on shared values, such as keeping children healthy and communities safe. In the wake of devastating fires in my own city, Los Angeles, these shared values have risen to the top of the local political agenda regardless of who my neighbors and I voted for. It’s clear to all of us that the consequences of climate change are very much in the here and now.
But, unfortunately for climate action, significant movement is still an exception rather than the norm. And this is a problem because the current climate challenge is much bigger than a single city, state or even country. The past year, 2024, was the hottest on record. Many parts of the world experienced extreme heat waves and storms. However, every movement has to start somewhere. Continuing to chip away at the partisan barriers that separate Americans on climate change will require even more coalition building that sets an example by being ambitious, productive and visible.
With the new Trump administration poised to target the recent progress made on climate change while preparing executive actions that will increase greenhouse gas emissions, there’s no better time for this work than the present. The Conversation n Cover photo by Patrick Hendry on Unsplash
Environmentalists: Trump’s energy order would subvert the Endangered Species Act
EN v IRONM e N TAL g roups con -
cerned about loss of protections for vanishing animals see one of President Donald Trump’s early executive orders as a method of subverting the e nd angered Species Act in the name of fossil fuel extraction and corporate interests.
Trump declared an energy emergency via executive order early last week amid a promise to “drill, baby, drill.” One section of the order states that the long-standing end angered Species Act can’t be allowed to serve as an obstacle to energy development. That language is a pathway to rolling back protections for everything
from tiny birds like the golden-cheeked warbler to enormous marine mammals like the North Atlantic right whale, conservation groups said Wednesday.
Some vowed to fight the order in court.
The e nd angered Species Act has been a hurdle for the development of fossil fuels in the US for decades, and weakening the act would accelerate the decline and potential extinction of numerous endangered species, including whales and sea turtles, said Gib Brogan, a campaign director with conservation group Oceana.
“This executive order, in a lot of
ways, is a gift to the oil and gas industry and is being sold as a way to respond to the emergency declaration by President Trump,” Brogan said. “There is no emergency. The species continue to suffer.”
The e nd angered Species Act has existed for more than 50 years and is widely credited by scientists and environmentalists with helping save iconic American species such as the bald eagle from extinction. A key section of the act directs federal agencies to work to conserve endangered and threatened species and use their authorities to protect them.
The Trump administration did not respond to a request for comment on the executive order.
According to Andrew Bowman, president of the conservation group Defenders of Wildlife, “President Trump’s election to office did not come with a mandate to deny Americans a clean and healthy environment or destroy decades of conservation successes that have ensured the survival and recovery of some of America’s most iconic species, including the bald eagle, which was newly named our country’s national bird and is only with us today thanks to the end angered Species Act.” AP
Photo by Markus sP i ske on Pexels.co M
A True Chocolate Maker, Connoisseur
By Anne Ruth Dela Cruz
LIFE , they say, begins at 40.
For Treena Tecson, a public relations practitioner and a certified chocolate taster, turning 40 was the best time for her to pursue her passion for chocolates.
Treena related in an email interview with BusinessMirror that it was in January 2017 when she decided to set a goal for herself. With her husband’s support, Treena decided to pursue her passion project. She acknowledged, though, that she had no idea at that time where her project would bring her.
I attended weekend classes and short courses to learn the basics and practice at home as much as I could since I have a PR consultancy business which keeps me busy. I practice at night or on weekends,” she said.
“Chocolate making was my way of relaxing and recharging after a busy day. I get to focus on the craft and enjoy the process,” Treena added.
Chocolate creations AFTER much practice, Treena started to post photos of her chocolate creations on social media. She received much encouragement from friends and family to pursue her passion project.
Cacao of Excellence Gold Winner – Top Cacao Beans in the World 2021,” she said.
“I am also proud to have made some chocolate bars with cacao beans sourced from a project farm in Puerto Princesa that I had a hand in harvesting the cacao, supervising and monitoring the fermentation, drying and roasting before tempering and molding into chocolate bars,” Treena added.
Best chocolates WITH this background in bean to bar production, Treena was asked which country, in her opinion, produced the best chocolates. To this she replied that it was important to explain how farming practices and post-harvest protocols (fermentation, drying) and chocolate making (roasting, refining time, tempering and molding) as well as the type of refining machines used play an important role in the quality of the chocolate that is produced.
“For example, you may have a bountiful harvest of cacao. However, if there is no proper fermentation protocols and supervision in place then the batch might be over fermented or under fermented, creating undesirable flavors in the cacao beans,” she related.
Another area that needs proper supervision and expertise is the drying stage after fermentation since over drying will cause the beans to be too brittle while moisture trapped in the bean can cause mold. Fermentation and drying are critical steps since fermentation is where flavor is developed and proper drying removes moisture,” Treena added.
Europe. These imported beans are then brought to industrial chocolate factories where they are processed to create the chocolate bars and confections that are available in grocery stores and supermarkets.
This is one of the main reasons why a distinction should be made between craft chocolate versus commercial or industrial chocolate because the sourcing and processing is quite different,” she said.
Beans of varying quality INDUSTRIAL chocolate makers source beans with varying quality which will “ultimately be processed with additives, flavorings and emulsifiers to mask undesirable flavors and for better texture and stabilizers for longer shelf life.”
“For commercial or industrial chocolate, quantity is the priority over the quality since the chocolate products are mass produced and all have the same recipe to create the indentifiable flavor profile associated with a specific chocolate brand,” Treena explained.
On the other hand, craft chocolates prioritize quality over quantity “since craft chocolate bars are usually made with two (cacao nibs and sugar) or three (cacao nibs, cocoa butter and sugar) ingredients only so that means the raw materials have to be of good quality.” Good quality means properly fermented, dried and roasted cacao beans which will be refined in a melanger then tempered and molded into chocolate bars.
It was the first week of October 20217 when I decided to start accepting orders for my chocolate bars and truffles. I decided to name the brand True Chocolate PH because chocolate is my true passion, my true joy and also because I use true, quality ingredients. I don’t add any extenders or stabilizers to my chocolate creations,” she said.
olate classes. These classes teach the melt and mold process which is melting and molding couverture chocolate callets or blocks and creating chocolate bars, bonbons and other connections.
A s to where she learned her craft, Treena said back in 2017, the only classes that were available were tempering and molding choc-
Chocolate tempering and molding are taught as part of the curriculum of pastry chefs. I completed a short course at Enderun College and a Chocolate Master
Class at the
and Culinary Arts,” Treena said.
Bean to bar
HOWEVER, Treena was more interested in bean to bar or tree to bar chocolate making. This meant sourcing and growing cacao to create craft chocolate bars. Since there were no bean to bar chocolate making classes available, Treena learned her craft by watching bean to bar chocolate making videos and instructional videos by craft chocolate makers from different parts of the world.
During her experimentation stages, Treena was able to do micro batch fermentation using cacao that was harvested from the cacao tree that was growing in the backyard in their place in Tanay, Rizal.
“I did this because I wanted to see, smell, feel and learn the fermentation and drying process even if it was quite a small batch which I was able to make into chocolate bars,” she said.
Having mastered her trade, Treena uses 100 percent Philippine cacao sourced from Samar and South Cotabato for the recent chocolate products that she launched under True Chocolate PH for Craft Chocolate Clusters. The Tablea in a Bottle was also sourced from these same beans.
I have made chocolate bars from Criollo cacao beans that I sourced from my province in Negros Occidental, specifically from the cacao farm of Chris Fadriga,
For her, the country or origin that has the proper post-harvest protocols and proper cacao bean storage from the source would be the ones who can produce the best chocolates. That’s because, according to Treena, they are starting with good quality beans combined with proper roasting, refining, tempering and molding on the chocolate production side.
Origin country
TREENA added that what made Philippine chocolates special is that the Philippines is an origin country. This means that the country grows the cacao beans that she makes, something that not a lot of countries can claim.
“ There are specific countries in the world that have the ideal climate conditions to grow cacao and these countries belong to what is called the Cacao Belt which is 20 degrees north and south of the Equator,” she related.
Ivory Coast in Ghana is one of the top producers of cacao in the world. In South America, the countries include Ecuador and Brazil. In Asia, we have Indonesia as a top grower of cacao and the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam are also growing cacao,” she added.
Treena pointed out that the popular American and European chocolate brands that are available commercially source their cacao from origin countries since they do not grow their cacao in the US and
It is not to say that all craft chocolate is good and all commercial chocolate is bad. Some prefer commercial chocolates because they are familiar and accessible. Some might find craft chocolate pricey since these are not mass produced. But consumers have to realize that making good quality craft chocolate starts with good quality cacao beans which are not easy to source or grow and farm,” she explained.
Craft chocolates highlight the inherent flavors of cacao that is why craft chocolates do not use additional ingredients in the chocolate making process because this might overpower the subtle notes, aromas and flavors that we appreciate when we taste chocolates,” she added.
A s a certified chocolate taster, Treena “is inspired by aroma and flavor” which motivates her to conduct chocolate tasting events to encourage chocolate connoisseurs to taste and appreciate chocolate like appreciating coffee or wine.
“I am planning to conduct more chocolate tasting classes, featuring established local chocolate brands as well as new chocolate makers. I am hoping to create a new chocolate product or have a chocolate event or collaboration,” she said.
Treena Tecson is a Certified Chocolate Taster and Cacao Evaluator. She trains trainors on cacao production, post-harvest processing and bean grading. She is a Member and PR Officer of the Philippine Cacao Industry Association and Philippine Cacao Industry Council. She served as a National Judge for Sensory Evalucation for Cacao of Excellence Awards 2023 and the Philippine Cacao Quality Awards in October 2022.
Anne Ruth Dela Cruz |
TREENA TECSON
Academy of Pastry
Treena Tecson of True Chocolate PH Tempering the chocolate
True Chocolate bar
Fermentation of the cacao beans
Assorted chocolates
At the cacao farm with the pods in the background.
Cacao drying.
Wine Dine&
Dumaguete City’s Beloved Buglas Isla Cafe Opens First Branch in ArcoVia City, Pasig
LATE in the morning, when the breakfast crowd has left and just before the lunch crowd arrives, sunlight streams through floor-to-ceiling glass windows, kissing the columns of old wood and turning a capiz shell screen almost translucent. Buglas Isla Cafe in ArcoVia is peaceful. The staff greets customers with a friendly smile and jazzy music floats in the background. Those who have been to the original Buglas Isla in Dumaguete City will recognize the feeling— relaxed, like sinking into long-awaited vacation or visiting a treasured family home. And that is exactly the vibe that the owners of the cafe want to convey.
Dumaguete City is the capital of the province of Negros Oriental. It faces Cebu province to the east, just 25 minutes by ferry across the Tañon Strait, and is about a 220 km drive away from Negros Occidental province (with its capital city Bacolod) to the northwest. The city’s location allows food from Cebu and Negros Occidental to mingle with its own Dumagueteño fare.
Dumaguete is known as a university city, and students from around the country and other parts of the world energizing the local food scene by bringing with them a taste for anything new and popular.
In many ways, the city shows two sides of the same coin— on one side its traditional cuisine of simple flavors, fresh ingredients, sinugba, and a love for seafood and pork; on the other side an international feast from samgyupsal to croissants, shawarma, pizza, paella, and everything in between– all tied together by the genuine warmth, hospitality, and unhurried way of life that make Dumaguete the “City of Gentle People.”
The most challenging part was replicating the authenticity and humbleness of service that is so typical in Dumaguete, bringing it to Metro Manila, and sustaining it. But that’s part of the charm of Dumaguete, and we really want Buglas Isla Cafe to carry that. It took a lot of training and HR work,” said Anthony Raymond, Chief Operating Officer of Riesa Management, Inc., the company behind Buglas Isla Cafe.
Celebrate New, Bountiful Beginnings at Conrad Manila
CONRAD Manila invites guests to welcome the Year of the Snake with an exceptional Chinese New Year celebration this January. The hotel ushers in the brandnew year with a series of exceptional culinary experiences that inspire good fortune and abundance for the year ahead.
“On behalf of Conrad Manila, I extend my heartfelt wishes for an auspicious 2025 to one and all. The Year of the Snake symbolizes a time for growth, renewal and meaningful connections. In this spirit, we are excited to share our exclusive offers designed to create unforgettable experiences and strengthen bonds with your loved ones,” shared Fabio Berto, General Manager of Conrad Manila. The heart of the hotel’s Lunar New Year celebrations will take place at China Blue by Jereme Leung, located on the 3rd floor. Until February 1, 2025,
Old hacienda
TRANSLATING the feel of the old hacienda that houses the original Buglas Isla in Dumaguete was easier, he added. Old wood for the pillars, and gently curved balusters to line the bar were shipped to Metro Manila from Dumaguete. The use of rattan, capiz shells, softly glowing yellow lights, and cement finish walls pull together the look of a hacienda home. Buglas Isla has the eclectic menu of an all-day cafe. There’s a section for breakfast and brunch with ube pandesal, budbud kabug (a Negros Oriental specialty suman made from millet), eggs benedict, tapa, chicken and waffles, smoothie bowls, a notto-be-missed smashed burger; the pizza section classics like margherita and pepperoni, but also a Buglas Signature with Cebu longanisa, Dumaguete chorizo, bacon, and pineapple. It’s the local food however, that is the true core of the restaurant.
Pork BBQ FIRST, there’s Tocino. “It’s the heart of our cuisine. Sinugba, food grilled over charcoal,” explains
Raymond, whose family has its roots in Dumaguete. There, pork BBQ is tocino—skewers of everyone’s favorite sweet, cured pork breakfast food, grilled till the edges turn smoky and toasty. From sunset to late into the night, stalls line a section of the city’s Rizal Boulevard, and the mouth-watering fragrance of grilling tocino wafts into the air. At Buglas Isla though, tocino is not just pork, but also juicy chicken tails, chicken intestines and gizzards, crisp chicken skin, and Cebu longanisa. The restaurant has taken Dumaguete’s ubiquitous street food and made it their own. It’s marinated, then grilled over Binchotan charcoal, a special Japanese oak charcoal that’s prized for being exceptionally long-burning, smokeless, and odorless. The tocino is dunked into another sweet glaze, briefly grilled again to caramelize its flavors, and finished with a brush of Buglas Isla’s special chicken oil. It isn’t until you’ve savored the layers of flavor, that you realize how much work has gone into that simple stick of tocino.
The same can be said of all of Buglas Isla’s dishes. The chicken oil served as an accompaniment for the tocino is infused with lemongrass, onions, and other aromatics for one month. The restaurant also makes its own sukang sinamak. The Dumaguete Lechon is crisp-skinned, and tasty to its center, redolent with lemongrass and garlic. Beef Kansi is also on the menu. It’s a dish often described as the Negrense version of sinigang, but in reality has an identity of its own. Slow-cooked beef shanks and meaty young jackfruit are served in a gently-sour broth. The souring agent is batwan, a fruit that grows in Negros Island. It has a tame sort of sourness, fruity, and is less acidic than tamarind or kamias. The batwan broth, and the citrusy and peppery flavors of lemongrass, ginger, and annatto are what give kansi its Negrense flavor.
Dumaguete Chorizo
AND then there’s the famous Dumaguete chorizo or chorizo bungkag. Quite a number of families in Negros Oriental are of Spanish descent, and most have their own heirloom recipe for chorizo that is garlicky, laced with Spanish paprika, and cooked without a casing or bungkag (a Cebuano word for fallen apart or disintegrated). Raymond’s family is no different, and it is his
grandmother’s treasured heirloom recipe that Buglas Isla uses, its chefs having been sworn to secrecy over the recipe. The chorizo leaves a surprising burst of fire on the palate. Rather than simply garlic and paprika, a complex medley of warm spices leaves you spooning up more and more, in between soothing bites of rice.
The desserts are not to be missed. Sans Rival and Silvanas, two sweets Dumaguete is famous for, are on the menu of course. The Silvanas are Buglas Isla style—several inches thick, as big as a hand, filled with buttercream, but not cloyingly sweet. There’s also an intriguing Taho Cheesecake and Puto Maya with Sikwate (purple rice suman paired with native chocolate).
Buglas Isla Cafe in ArcoVia is the first of several branches planned around the country. A second recently opened in the group’s Cala Laiya hotel in Batangas, and a third is set to open soon in Alabang. “We want to bring Dumaguete’s cuisine to the rest of the country,” Raymond expresses. At Buglas Isla, the heart of Dumaguete is expressed in everything that your eyes, ears, and mouth encounter.
Buglas Isla Cafe is located at The View Deck, ArcoVia City, Eulogio Rodriguez Jr. Avenue, Pasig, Metro Manila. For reservations call 0919 0709900 (mobile) and 028735 3339
of 15 boxes (Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-210194 Series of 2024). At Bru Coffee Bar, guests can indulge in Chinese New Year-inspired treats, ideal for gifting or sharing with loved ones, available now until January 31, 2025. Pastries are priced starting at P200, while beautifully crafted cakes start at P1,500 for cakes. Guests can also immerse themselves in the joy of the season with an afternoon tea set for two at C Lounge, thoughtfully designed to honor Lunar New Year traditions. The special menu includes Spicy tamarind
Celebrating 22 Years of Wellness Excellence
Prosperity Yee Sang
The interiors of Buglas Isla Café
Tocino
Kansi
Dumaguete Chorizo
Dumaguete Lechon
Silvanas
Sans Rival Taro Cheesecake
Puto Maya at Sikwate
Hydro: QC’s Hip and Happenin’ Hangout
By C. Mendez Legaspi
In a bid to become Quezon City’s beating heart of the party scene, the HYDRO Group is creating a space where people can experience the best of two worlds—elevated dining and an unmatched nightlife atmosphere.
With 1,040 square meters, the venue has four distinct outlets: Wave Restaurant + Café, 18th Hole, Aged 25 Reserve, and HYDRO.
“ Wave was born out of a desire to tell stories through food. We’ve taken inspiration from Filipino, Asian, Spanish, and American comfort food to create a menu that not only excites the palate but also evokes a sense of connection and shared memories,” said Julz Bernardo, the corporate chef and one of the managing partners.
We’re all about authenticity and creativity here at Wave. Our goal is to offer a dining experience that goes beyond just great food— it’s about creating moments that people will talk about long after they’ve left,” added Chef Julz, who also boasted of the resto’s election of sundowner drinks, highballs, and premium cocktails.
Rave experience MEANWHILE, HYDRO promises a high-energy rave experience with seating spanning two floors for up to 1,000 guests.
Hydro was inspired by and in tribute to the location which was the former Tides. The idea of a multi-concept place emerged after the partners shared their different hobbies such as golf, dining, drinking and clubbing with friends. This became the foundation to create a multi-concept space for everyone and offer a better and elevated experience to share,” explained Elaine Estrada, one of the managing partners. The managing partners assure guests that the place is not just about dining and nightlife, though.
“ We have become an avenue to experience something new. International DJs coming each month. We have partnerships with brands and new types of entertainment that you normally just see in BGC and Makati. We bring an elevated lifestyle to inspire other venues, not to compete with them,” Estrada said.
Brimming with optimism HYDRO is brimming with opti-
mism that it will be the most hip and happening place not just in QC but in Metro Manila.
We want to be aspirational when it comes to being the happening place in the Metro. We want to lead and motivate and that has driven us to continuously innovate and seek new ways to entertain and serve people,” Estrada declared.
In these uncertain times, the managing partners also believe
Taste Cebu 2025: A Culinary Journey through Time and Beyond
Tthat a superclub or multi-concept place makes good business sense. It was a risk and also an opportunity. We saw the risk of being one of the first to elevate the experience in the area of QC,” Estrada said, “but at the same time, an opportunity given the growing demand of customers and party goers to no longer head to BGC or Makati for such an experience.”
Carmen’s Best Brings the Joy of Dairy to Filipinos with Fresh Milk Launch
our audience with a live coffee making and latte art demonstration - showcasing the difference Carmen’s Best Barista Fresh milk can make in terms of blendability, quality, consistency and handling of milk foam, making it the best partner for the perfect cup of coffee.
Milk Bar and Pairings: Guests sampled various milk-based drinks paired with coffee, snacks, offering a fresh perspective on the versatility of dairy.
A Fresh Future for Filipino Dairy
The event also shed light on the challenges and opportunities in the local dairy industry. With only one percent of the country’s dairy requirements sourced locally. Carmen’s Best aims to be a catalyst of change, starting with
this launch, and a push for nationwide presence of distribution with its recent acquisition of Universal Harvesters Dairy Farm Inc in Maramag, Bukidnon.
Soon to follow is the opening of Metro Pacific Dairy Farms, a state-of-the-art dairy facility, that will further boost fresh milk supply and processing of more types of fresh dairy products, towards the end of the year.
Closing the event, Jovy Hernandez, MPAV and Carmen’s Best President and CEO, reiterated Carmen’s Best’s vision: “As our chairman MVP would say - we must be able to develop the ability to feed our people first. This launch of Carmen’s Best Fresh Milk is just the beginning of many fresh and exciting things that will nourish not just more Filipinos, but the Philippine dairy industry as well. We invite all of you to join us on this journey - together, we can build a fresher future for more Filipinos, one glass of milk at a time.”
From Moo to You:
A Celebration of Connection
The event culminated in a symbolic saying of the campaign tagline of “Fresh is Best, From Moo to You,” of all attendees, including Carmen’s Best VIPs and influencers. True to the spirit of the launch, attendees don’t just get a pack of the newly launched milk line, but were also asked to give a pack to another person that they would like to share the joy of fresh, Filipino milk with. With its new milk line, Carmen’s Best continues to uphold its legacy of excellence, bringing the joy of dairy to every Filipino. Discover the freshness of Carmen’s Best Milk, soon to be available online at www.carmensbest. com and in stores nationwide.
ASTE Cebu 2025 recently concluded a celebration of Cebu’s rich heritage and vibrant future in one unforgettable evening. A signature event by NUSTAR Resort Cebu, this year’s event was set in January in time for the Sinulog festivities, and was a unique collaboration between local artisan chefs, top culinary students from various schools and NUSTAR chefs in a stellar production blending tradition with innovation in Cebuano cuisine.
A Journey Through Cebu’s Traditional Flavors
Over 1,000 guests were treated to a feast set amid a backdrop depicting Cebu’s culinary history. The Grand Ballroom opened to a section evoking nostalgic Filipino design, with the ceiling swathed in Fili’s trademark solihiya pattern over a setting where guests revisited classic Cebuano dishes. All crafted with local ingredients, local artisan chefs presented heirloom dishes as Tuslob Buwa, Tinubaang Manok, Pochero, Empanada, Pungko-Pungko, and desserts such as Bingka sa Mandaue and Budbud Kabog. Th is year’s event featured a live puso weaving installation and a “Tuba Wall,” offering hands-on experiences. Guests learned to weave a traditional Cebuano rice pouch and explored creative cocktail variations made from tuba, a beloved local drink.
NU Cebu’s Culinary Students Shine
In partnership with various schools and institutions, top students from prominent culinary schools in Cebu showcased modern interpretations of classic Cebuano dishes. Students from the University of San Jose –Recoletos presented Foam of Tinunuang Nangka with the Essence of Tinap-ang Isda and Fish Chicharon Nachos with Takyong Sisig, highlighting the unique Cebu snail. University of Cebu students offered Bam-I Vietnamese Spring Roll and Balbacua Xiao Long Bao. The University of Southern Philippines Foundation
impressed with Shredded Lechon Paksiw and Ginabot Breaded Jalapeño Poppers. Students from the University of San Carlos introduced Nipa Delight and Kalabasang Torone, while the American International Culinary and Hospitality Institute showcased Masi with MangoStrawberry Peanut Filling and Mango and Tablea Pie.
Blending Heritage with Innovation The “Old Meets NU Cebu” tasting zone was led by NUSTAR’s Executive Chef Martin Rebolledo, alongside his team of talented chefs including Chef Rolando Macatangay, Chef Randell Mark Jugalbot, Chef Lloyd Rommel Cabalhin, Chef Angelo Belloso, Chef Genaro Moleño, Chef Alvin Antonio, and Chef Sherwin Cavada. Together, they presented a progressive take on well-loved Cebuano fare using modern culinary techniques for dishes like Beef and Reef Bulalo, Danggit Biscuit, and Dinuguan Tortas. A highlight of the evening was the Lechon Five Ways presentation, a Fili Café staple, featuring innovative renditions on Cebu’s famous lechon, including lechon quesadilla and lechon with hoisin and leeks.
“At NUSTAR, we’re committed to curating a dining experience that celebrates Cebu’s heart and soul. By collaborating with both seasoned artisan chefs and promising culinary students, we’ve crafted the Taste Cebu menu to fuse tradition with innovation, creating exclusive dishes you can only experience here,” said Chef Martin. Taste Cebu 2025 marked the start of an exciting culinary journey at NUSTAR, celebrating the rich flavors of Cebu and showcasing the talents of chefs who continue to shape its culinary future. In the coming months, special food offerings and promotions will be introduced including Lunar New Year menus from Mott 32, Huangdi, and Xin Tian Di. NUSTAR continues to position Cebu as a key food tourism destination with fresh and unique dining experiences. Visit nustar.ph for more information.
One of the dishes served at Wave.
Aged25 Reserve
NUSTAR’s Executive Chef Martin Rebolledo and NUStar Resort and Casino General Manager for hotels Roel Constantino.
One of the chefs explaining what is being served to a guest.
18th Hole
enjoy unique milk-based recipes at the Carmen’s Best Milk Bar.
&
ON BEING A CHEF BY CHEF GORDON RAMSAY
By
“IT takes a village to raise a child” is an African proverb that means a community of people is needed to raise a child. For Gordon Ramsay, the worldrenowned, multi-Michelin-starred chef and TV personality, the reason why all his restaurants operate consistently at such high standards, is because of his “incredible team.”
Honestly, my teams are incredible because they have a huge responsibility. Ronnie Kimbugwe, Executive Chef for International, has been here in the Philippines over the last few months. And we have managed to become consistent even before we opened,” he related.
The Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill Philippines opened its doors at Newport Resorts World in August 2024. The restaurant, according to Ramsay, received over 10,000 bookings when it was announced that they were accepting reservations. He was in Manila recently
and spent time with his dedicated staff and experienced the support of Filipino diners.
Exclusive event
NEWPORT World Resorts also hosted an exclusive event at the Newport Performing Arts Theater headlined by Ramsay himself. The gathering brought together over 1,0000 industry tastemakers, including food and beverage leaders, celebrity chefs, food influencers, culinary students and devoted fans.
During the exclusive event, Ramsay emphasized the focus of training “and that level of consistency is crucial for us,” adding that they have several academies that are opening in different parts of the world.
As opposed to these two-, three-year long culinary classes, we are doing 60, 90, 120-day intense training purely on dishes. We have an amazing team and everyone think’s it’s me,” he said, adding that he and his team depend on feedback from customers on a daily basis.
I love that intrusion from social media because we could be in New York, and there could be a guest eating lunch here at Bar and Grill, and we’ll get feedback instantly. So the whole team are on it and we take negativity very seriously. We listen to the comments. We listen to the critiques, and we hold the bar high. So the intensity across the training is exceptional,” he added.
Insights and advice
RAMSAY also had a lot of insights and advice to share with the culinary students that were present at the exclusive event. One of the things he pointed out was that every young chef needs to understand the importance of marketing and to embrace social media.
“In the generations to come, these kids are going to be like football stars because they are going to own their own DNA, their own cookbooks, and their own stuff. They need to know how to market themselves. As a professional chef, I think they are a little bit awkward about the intrusion on social media,” Ramsay said.
“And so I teach all our kids to embrace it. It’s a great way of establishing confidence. It’s a great way of looking at yourself and judging yourself on a global platform. And they deserve their time as no one gets to see the 12 hours of preparation for the three minutes of devour… No one gets to see them traveling home at midnight when they’are fast asleep. I think they deserve that platform. And media is
part of food today because it’s never been as good,” he added.
Embracing social media
RAMSAY added that embracing social media gives the young chefs self-awareness, a lot of confidence because they have to sell themselves.
“ Whether they’re making an exceptional croissant or whether they are making an amazing piece of steak, they are artists. And so to see themselves live on a platform with a 90-second video, is really good for their confidence,” he said.
R amsay added that the upand-coming chefs have to “get comfortable with being uncomfortable but don’t get too comfortable. He pointed out that between the ages of 19 and 26, “you have to be the most energetic sponge” where you pint in a name, then you are finished.
“ Traveling into different cultures and understanding. You never get to speak the language but you can speak through the food. And it’s crucial to understand and master what they’re about. So never take any job or any salary or any increase in salary because it’s not the money you need, it’s the knowledge you need,” Ramsay said.
Business expansion HE also expressed his excitement
about expanding his restaurant business in Asia because the heritage in the region is incredible.
Its our responsibility to continue that evolution. And so we take the basic recipes from multiple generations and we evolve it. We don’t disparage it. We evolve and respect the ingredients,” he said.
“And so whether it’s an amazing adobo or a beautiful sisig, whatever that is, we will respect the DNA and then it’s every chef’s responsibility, the culinary students included, to push the boundaries out,” he added.
For Ramsay, Filipino cuisine is “like the sleeping beauty of Asia.”
“It’s now prominent and it can give Southeast Asia, Thailand, a big kick up and really become one of the front runners across Asia. There’s no reason why it can’t. And to be part of that and to share it with the team, honestly, it’s a dream,” he said.
R amsay also disclosed that he was looking into the possibility of opening three more restaurants in the country, and it could include a Philippine branch of Hell’s Kitchen.
Best dish
WHEN asked what was the best dish he had tasted so far, Ramsay said it was the sisig taco that was prepared by a Filipino chef at a res-
taurant in Melbourne called Serai. He took all those crispy pig’s ears and made it a snack and put it inside a taco. It’s just like, how exciting is that? That’s what Filipino cuisine should be. Absolutely bang on. It was delicious,” he said. The exclusive event also featured a cooking challenge where celebrity chef Judy Ann Santos, food influencer Niinong Ry, culinary student Danica Lucero and Gordon Ramsay
Anne Ruth Dela Cruz
Gordon Ramsay shakes the hands of culinary students as he enters the Newport Performing Arts Theater.
In the photo are, from left, culinary student Danica Lucero; food influencer Ninong Ry, Gordon Ramsay, celebrity chef Judy Ann Santos and Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill PH Head Chef Bea Therese Qua.
Food content creator and Lumpia Queen Abi Marquez enjoys a happy moment with Gordon Ramsay.
Host Issa Litton with Gordon Ramsay
Kevin Tan, Newport World Resorts Executive Chairman, makes a pledge of P10 million in honor of Gordon Ramsay to support sustainable food and community development in the Philippines.
Ninong Ry shares a light moment with Gordon Ramsay Danica Lucero is named the winner in the cooking challenge.
January 26, 2025 |
Edited by Jose F. Lacaba
Russian violinist Aylen Pritchin & the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra
Friday night (January 17) at the Samsung Theater for the Performing arts in Circuit Makati. as the country reels from uglier revelations on the misuse of confidential funds, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) offered a strong musical medication consisting of russian composer Pyotr ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto No. 1 and antonin dvorak’s Symphony No. 8.
Led by its new music director, Polish conductor Grzegorz Nowak, the PPO came up with its most awaited number—Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto No. 1, with Russian soloist Aylen Pritchin. This premier violinist, Pritchin, had an impressive showing at the Tchaikovsky Competition some years back, but he got his well-deserved recognition by winning the grand prize in the Jacques Thibaud-Marguerite Long Competition in Paris.
Before the Tchaikovsky opus, Manila’s music lovers were treated to a challenging opener—Hungarian composer and ethnomusicologist Zoltán Kodály’s Dance of Galanta. If at all, this opening number showed the high level of musicianship of the new PPO under Maestro Nowak. STAR SOLOIST
YOu could sense that the Tchaikovsky opus was the most awaited warhorse in the program. The sea-
soned music lovers came in full force to rate the new Russian soloist.
It didn’t take too long for the audience to realize that the national orchestra had a star soloist on Friday night.
His entrance in the first movement was grand, and the technical virtuosity showed. In the first movement cadenza, you could hear a needle drop. After the first movement, you heard the premature applause mainly from young audiences, to which the violinist responded with a smile.
The second movement unearthed the violinist’s artistry, and the grand finale elicited another premature standing ovation in the first part of the program.
Starved of the Tchaikovsky violin star for many years, Manila music lovers cheered the new PPO soloist and didn’t stop applauding until they got an encore number—Eugene Ysaye’s Sonata No. 2 (“Obsession”) Prelude.
Gawad CCP Awardee for Sculpture Julie Lluch enthused: “Good Lord! Aylen Pritchin made me cry tears of joy! He was flawless and had such clarity and purity of tone and overall technical excellence. A super memorable night indeed!”
Writer and book editor Susan Severino Lara said, “I think this is the best concert.”
Her companion, Omar Rahaman, reminded her, “You also said that in the last PPO concert.” She concluded, “Yes, the latest is
always the best. The rapport between Maestro Nowak and the PPO gets better every time.”
TECHNICALLY DEMANDING
A F TER Dvorak’s Symphony No. 8, music lovers realized they got a perfect respite from all the social ills bedevilling this country.
If Pritchin triumphed over the technically demanding Tchaikovsky concerto, it is because the piece was considered “unplayable” by the first violinist to whom it was offered, Leopold Auwer.
The musician admitted that the violin concerto requires great technical demands, not to mention emotional depth. The technical demands are just as staggering—rapid passages, double stops, and a high level of interpretative skill.
American violinist and conductor Joshua Bell has compared playing the last movement of the concerto to “running the four-minute mile.”
MSO violinist Cedric Rafael called the latest PPO concert a big treat. “The Tchaikovsky violin concerto and the Dances of Galanta overture by Kodaly were breathtaking.”
All of which Pritchin obviously delivered with great dispatch.
Said the Russian violinist: “Tchaikovsky’s violin concerto holds a truly special place for every violinist. Its beauty and technical demands make it a masterpiece that challenges the performer to bring the music’s soul to life. The emotional range of the con-
certo is extraordinary—a true kaleidoscope of characters. It transitions seamlessly from the grandeur and excitement of a solemn polonaise [a Polish group dance] to the most intimate, lyrical moments, while exploring countless subtle shades of emotion in between. I haven’t played the piece for several years, and now I’m thrilled to dive back into its depths and rediscover its magic in Manila.”
The Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35, was the only concerto for violin composed by Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Composed in 1878, it is one of the best-known violin concertos.
RECEPTIVE AUDIENCE
M A ESTRO Novak described 2024 as the year he and the PPO members established an ever-growing musical bond. “The guest soloists all enjoyed working with our orchestra and, of course, our audiences are getting more receptive.”
Novak said his most memorable musical event in 2024 was the PPO special concert featuring Cecile Licad as soloist in Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1: “I am looking forward to many more concerts with this fantastic Filipino pianist. We are also very fortunate that a fabulous Filipino violinist, Diomedes Saraza, Jr., has joined the PPO as our concertmaster and artist-in-residence. He did a phenomenal job in our first concert of this season in Richard Strauss’s Ein Heldenleben. The PPO met the
challenge of this difficult work in a wonderful way. Equally memorable were our performances of symphonies by Brahms, Schumann, and Tchaikovsky. I look forward to more moving performances of this excellent orchestra.”
The resident conductor also announced a tour of nine cities of the un ited Kingdom ( u K) beginning May 15. It starts in the Birmingham Symphony Hall at 7:30 p.m., with composer in residence Jeffrey Ching commissioned to introduce new works.
“Saraza will appear as both concertmaster and one of the soloists,” Maestro Novak added.
The Kodaly opening number was a big treat for composer Conrado del Rosario, who traveled all the way from Angeles City, Pampanga, to watch the PPO concert. An award-winning composer himself, del Rosario had probably been curious as to how Kodaly used Hungarian folk elements to shine in the opening piece.
BEGUILING MUSIC
H ER BERT Glass noted that the beguiling Dances of Galánta are likewise arrangements of existing material—music of a sort that the composer may have first encountered as a child in the formerly Hungarian town of Galánta (today a part of Slovakia), on the rail line.
Maestro Grzegorz Nowak and the Philippine Philharmonic o r chestra (PPo) after the monumental sy mphony No. 8 by Dvorak.
by Pablo A. Tariman Photos by Kiko Cabuena
Tony&Nick
AdAmson nurtures film community
AdAmson University breathes new life into its film community by merging Realifilm and deep Focus of silip@Lente-AdU into “PELIKUHA: Kwento. Kulay. Kultura,” a three-day festival this February 2025.
Realifilm is Silip@Lente-AdU’s annual film competition design to promote filmmaking and empower aspiring filmmakers by igniting their creativity and skills in executing their passion in storytelling, cinematography, and narration.
Meanwhile, Deep Focus is its annual photography competition aimed to enhance the photography skills of independent student photographers from various universities in the Philippines.
Silip@Lente-AdU is a nonprofit co-academic student film and photography organization aims to help Adamsonians and other aspiring photographers and filmmakers, writers, and editors pursue their passion for filmmaking and photography through events, workshops, projects, and other opportunities where they can enhance their skills and confidence in such fields.
KOMMotion FILM FESTIVAL
ThiR D year Communication students screened four short films along with four other films from during the fourth anniversary of the KOMMotion Film Festival held last Nov. 26 at the Adamson University Theater.
Prof. Glenn Ace Parungao, AdU Communication Department Chairperson, described the four student productions as “Kakaiba, Orihinal, at Malaya” (unique, original, and free).
“Bert, Tubero!” bagged the KOM Youth Excellence Award and Audience Choice Award for Dos Productions, and the Scene Stealer Award for Lianiah Camille Gabutin, who played Susmaryoshi Kyo-e, the wealthy Japanese matriarch who hired Bert, a plumber (“tubero”), to clean a clogged toilet. The plumber is surprised to discover what caused the problem during his inspection.
“Tagapagmasid” won the Cultural Spotlight Award for Avalon Productions. The AdU Cultural Affairs Office (CAO) hands out the award to “the short film that showcased arts and culture through storytelling, innovative techniques, and impactful visuals while highlighting heritage, identity, and artistic expression, inspiring cultural pride and a deeper appreciation of humanity.”
The film centers on Thea, an alien observer who is sent to Earth to observe and determine if humans are worthy to join their galactic government. Everything changes when she befriends a group of students including Angel, who teaches her what it means to be human.
“Mateo 7:15,” a mystery horror film by Trese Productions, tells the story of Dess, who faces intense discrimination from her conservative parents because of her sexuality. Desperate to “correct” what they view as her rebellion, they send her to a mysterious facility that promises to “purify” the souls of sinners.
Another comedy short film by Amberella Films, “Outdo the Other,” talks about friendship and academic rivalry, as inspired by the personal stories of its directors and writers.
The KOMCine Communication Film Group also presented four other short films, namely “Diploma o Diskarte” by Kelvin Bacamante, “Episode” directed by Jackielou Almajose and written by Alyzza Mae Mariano, “Kind Gestures” by Rebecca Dabalos, and “When is the Last Day of Grieving?” by Neil Ryan Carolino.
Fifteen more awards are expected to be handed during the SOAR Awards on May 2025. Judging the films are award-winning filmmaker
trailer editor Mikhail Pineda, writer, researcher, film reviewer, and multimedia reporter Brontë Lacsamana, AdU CAO Director and Silip@Lente founding adviser Ma. Catherine “Cathy” V. Cequeña, and Adrian Renz Espino, president of KOMCine and director of “Ditas Pinamalas,” one of the short film finalists in The Manila Film Festival (TMFF) 2024.
MANILA
FILM FESTIVAL
“Di TA S Pinamalas” stars TMFF Best Actress Gillian Vicencion, Mosang, John Feir, and Communication students Trishia Espeña and Mei Cornel. it tells the story of a girl who encounters a string of misfortunes until she stumbles upon a magical underwear.
The film marks the second consecutive year that AdU Communication students have made it to TMFF, following the selection of Justin Bobier’s “CTRL-F- ESC” which won Catalyst of Change and Best Screenplay.
“CTRL F-ESC,” which also means “Find To Escape,” is inspired by the meeting codes used during online classes. Combining these command keys strengthens the story of Angelo, who seeks the easiest solution for his problem, which is to find an escape from his exhausting life journey caused by academic pressure, peers, and toxic environment. CCP CINE
ICONS
cast Ricky Lee and ABS-CBN Film Restoration and Archives and Sagip Pelikula head Leo Katigbak. Released 24 years ago, the awardwinning film is directed by Rory Quintos and co-written by Lee and Moira Lang. its iconic scenes and lines
Tony&Nick
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His <Herbert’s?> father, Frigyes, was the Galánta station-master— from Budapest to Vienna. “One is tempted to say that he simply took the folk music and put it into fancy concert-hall dress. But this would be to minimize his genius as an orchestrator. In 1933, when commissioned to create a work for the 80th anniversary of the Budapest Philharmonic Society, Kodály took these specific melodies from a volume of Hungarian dances published in Vienna a century earlier. Thus, the source material is not to be confused with music collected earlier by Kodály and Bartók on their expeditions into the countryside.”
Dances of Galánta is in five sections, lasting a total of about 16 minutes. It is scored for two flutes, piccolo, two oboes, two clarinets in A, two bassoons, four horns, two trumpets, timpani, triangle, glockenspiel, snare drum, and string orchestra. The piece recalls the two-part slow-fast structure of the traditional verbunkos music: it opens with a
slow introduction moving to a clarinet cadenza and andante maestoso section, followed by four fast dance sections. The faster sections adopt a characteristic syncopated rhythm which Manila audiences enjoyed.
NATIONAL HISTORY & CULTURE
T H e crowning glory of the PPO concert was, of course, Dvorak’s Symphony No. 8 in G Major, Op. 88, composed in 1889. John Devlin, music director of the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra, analyzes the symphony thus:
“Why does the eighth symphony of Dvořák hold such a special place for orchestras? The seventh is thought of as the most profound of his nine symphonies, and the ‘New World’ is famous for its musical cross-pollination. In reading a short stack of program notes from scholars on the eighth to prepare for this writing, I found that the words used most to identify the eighth symphony are folk and Slavic.
“Over and over again, we are told that the Czechs, and especially Dvořák, relied on their national history and culture to produce the music
that has become beloved the world over. Missing is an exploration, or really even an explanation, of what those folk elements might be, how they are incorporated musically, and how we can identify them as listener. So, let’s explore.”
Devlin further expounded: “In the case of Czech culture, there exists a distinct political history that runs alongside its cultural one. e x actly 400 years ago, Germanic influence overtook the regions of Bohemia, Moravia, and Slovakia. German became the official language, and only the peasants retained the Czech (Bohemian) language. For two hundred years, this remained the case—until the industrial revolution drove the peasants and farmers towards the cities. It was at this time, in the early 19th century, that artists began to reinvest in the preservation of a uniquely Czech culture. Dvořák’s eighth symphony is not a test of virtuosity, nor of ambition. It sim -
Long line of autograph seekers at the latest PPo concert
Con C er t guests Irene M. Araneta and media persons with CCP consultant Alexander Cortez
trIuMPhAnt night for PPo's 2025 opening salvo. (From left) conductor grzegorz nowak, concertmaster Diomedes Saraza, Jr., violin soloist Aylen Pritchin, and Arts & Culture writer Pablo tariman
zegorz nowak and violinist Aylen Pritchin during the curtain call. Photos by Ki K o C abuena A
passionate performance: Violinist Aylen Pritchin with PPo
Artists on Artists
Seymour B. Sanchez, Contributor, Tony & Nick, BusinessMirror
The Film Development Council of the Philippines screened five student documentaries on arts and the community in Dokyumentado across its cinematheque centres nationwide and held a talkback session with the filmmakers in Manila.
Street art is the common theme binding the documentaries “Balde at Brotsa” directed by Josh Mutia, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde; “Guhit Recto” directed by Renz Airel Salazar and produced by Trisha See, Far Eastern University; “How the Beasts Got Hyped” by Elvin Jay Macanlalay, Mars Sanchez, and Bryan Marticio, University of the East Caloocan, “A Bad Name” directed by Robbie Capio and produced by Jasper Tan, FEU; and “Pinta” by Christina Alyssa “Aysie” Damaso, Mapúa University. Filmmaker and academician Richard Soriano Legaspi of the UE College of Fine Arts, Architecture, and Design moderated the talkback session with the young documentary filmmakers.
BALDE AT BROTSA
IN “Balde at Brotsa,” three artists must find purpose in what they create in order to understand whether or not they should act before the baggage of society falls down on them. They recount their personal struggles with different forms of societal oppression.
GUHIT RECTO
ME AN w HILE , in “Guhit Recto,” an artist revels in the chaos that shapes
what he calls home. Having been around Recto for most of his life, Levy is shaped by the culture, and in turn, his work is derived from it. In his humble workspace at the heart of Central Market, he thrives with the help of his wife who facilitates the transactions between him and clients. For Levy, what matters is the kind of legacy he leaves – to be remembered not by his clients or his peers, but by the grandkids he spends time with – so that he can hang a portrait that can never be replicated.
HOW THE BEASTS GOT HYPED
THE documentary “How the Beasts Got Hyped” focuses on the daily routine of eccentric kids who call themselves “hypebeasts.” They are seen on streets, malls, and parks swarming all over the place, including our social media feeds. Sharing a mutual interest for street style provides them with a sense of community.
A BAD NAME
O N t he other hand, two street artists with contrasting intentions about the artform tell the relevance of street art in “A Bad Name.” This while accompanied by an enigmatic graffiti which read “Bon Jovi.”
PINTA
SIMILARLy, “Pinta” is also a documentary focused on a graffiti artist, starting as a visual artist to an activist in a cultural organization called Panday Sining. Panday Sining, which is made up of young artists who use art as a weapon of social change, is usually accused of doing acts of vandalism by spray-painting messages all over Metro Manila.
The talkback session provided an engaging platform for discussion, exploring the transformative power of the arts in shaping communities and emphasizing its ability to reflect and challenge societal norms.
Dokyumentado aims to spotlight the documentary film genre as a dynamic medium for raising awareness, inspiring social change, and encouraging diverse perspectives.
The FDCP plans to hold a competition for the second edition of Dokyumentado late this year.
Balde at Brotsa
Guhit Recto a Ba d Name
Session
h ow the Beasts got hy ped
d okyume N tado organizers Pi N ta