CREATURES’ PARADISE FROM SEA TO FOREST
By Henry Empeño
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT—On any given day, barring only extreme weather conditions, hundreds of visitors venture into this water wonderland to watch spectacular shows. In this place, where the dense Ilanin Forest West meets the gentle waters of Subic Bay, the dolphin pair Enzo and Nala would astound guests with water acrobatics, and Sophie the sea lion would pose for photo souvenirs.
with swimming pool would come in soon after.
on October 25, 2001. Immediately, it became hugely popular because of its animal interaction program whereby visitors could watch, feed and interact with marine animals that initially included false killer whales saved from whaling. The following year, the Camayan Beach Resort opened, with the seaside restaurant The Reef as its main attraction. The three-story, 84-room Camayan Beach Hotel
Later, the SBMEI put up two more park brands: Adventure Beach Waterpark, the first water playground in the Subic Bay Freeport, which opened in 2018; and Adventure Cove, a getaway for day trips, camping, corporate events, and special occasions, which was launched in 2023.
Park With a Cause OVER the years, the Ocean Adventure theme park complex has become a purpose-driven business venture where nature fully exhibits its primeval ability to provide life lessons amidst a modern setting.
SBMEI President Robert Gonzaga tells BusinessMirror that the company had always aimed to provide a safe environment where animals and humans can interact, leading to enriching experiences for both. “What people take away are unforgettable memories with family and friends, as well as a reinforced message that we need to protect the environment and all of the flora and fauna in it,” says Gonzaga. Hence, the “Sea Lion Marine Patrol” show, where Sophie the sea lion playfully kisses someone in the audience, actually teaches visitors the importance of recycling and fighting pollution. Similarly, the spectacular water ballet of Enzo
and Nala and the other dolphins in the water park serves as a platform to educate people about animal care, habitat protection and nature conservation. That message is also amplified in the “Wild World” presentation, where the audience may pet terrestrial animals that were rescued from the wilds. Taking it further, the SBMEI has partnered with volunteers and government agencies like the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to help injured
VISITORS crowd the El Capitan amphitheater during an episode of the “Dolphin Friends” show at the Ocean Adventure marine theme park. SBMEI
NALA the dolphin poses with a park visitor during an animal encounter program at the Ocean Adventure marine theme park. HENRY EMPEÑO
SOPHIE the sea lion gives her trainer a kiss. SBMEI
TRAINERS let a visitor get the feel of handling a Burmese python at the Ocean Adventure’s Wild World show. SBMEI
AERIAL ACROBATICS Dolphins Nala and Enzo perform aerial acrobatics during the “Dolphin Friends” show at the Ocean Adventure marine theme park. HENRY EMPEÑO
Creatures’ paradise: From sea to forest
marine mammals recover and be released back into the wild, or to provide them with a facility where they can thrive.
“That mission has remained constant—and always will,” Gonzaga says. “Everything we do aligns with that core philosophy, which is embedded in our corporate DNA.”
Animal Ambassadors
FROM the same perspective, the Ocean Adventure’s animal encounter programs became shows with a cause. While egging visitors to “get up close where the action is,” the interactions here are not referred to as shows that merely entertain.
Belen Figueras, Ocean Adventure operations manager, calls them “presentations” because they are designed to educate, and, consequently, spur the audience into saving wildlife. “Our presentations make visitors see how the animals live, how they interact, and how they need to be cared for. We try to show how they are in the wild, because not everybody can see how they are in their natural habitat.”
Reggie Reynes, who is manager of SBMEI’s zoological operations group (ZOG), points out that animal performances help people understand their importance to the ecosystem, and why there is a need to conserve the bigger macrocosm of the natural environment.
“More and more animals are being threatened or are becoming endangered, and in the long run we might not see a lot of them. So, we’re taking care of them here where they
serve as ambassadors of the animal kingdom,” says Reynes. The Ocean Adventure theme park is home to a stellar cast of marine performers: common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), pantropical spotted dolphins (Stenella attenuate), spinner dolphins (Stenella longiristris), and rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis), which are threatened in some parts of the world due to habitat degradation, fishery conflicts, and pollution. There are also South American sea lions (Otaria byronia) and Patagonia sea lions (Otaria flavescens), which are likewise affected by pollution, overfishing, and other human activities.
Reynes says most of the dolphins in the park were rescued from areas where they were hunted for meat. Some were brought into the park for care and recovery after being stranded in various areas in the Philippines.
At the “Wild World” presentation, meanwhile, visitors get to know forest animals, most of them also rescued from the wilds. These include a binturong ( Arctictis binturong ), also known as the bearcat; an Asian palm civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus), as well as a Philippine scops owl (Otus megalotis), a Burmese python (Python bivittatus), a white-bellied sea eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster), and the giant golden-crowned flying fox ( Acerodon jubatus), which is endemic to the forests of Subic.
Joanna Rosales, the general manager of Camayan Beach Resort, recalls that during the Covid-19 pandemic years, it was only the resort hotel that remained open while the rest of the park facilities were closed.
But she remembers the management prioritizing the care and maintenance of the park animals.
“The Ocean Adventure did not have any income then, but we still had to feed the animals, so we survived with Camayan serving as a quarantine hotel for returning overseas workers and
balikbayans, and with the income going mostly to animal care and maintenance,” she recollects.
To keep the park going, the staff, including animal trainers, multitasked, working in shifts to do odd jobs like washing dishes, and virtually working as volunteers. Some workers, she adds, even donated food for forest animals from out of their own pocket.
“You can say that’s how we are committed to our animals here,” Reyes explains. “For us, they are like family.”
Vessel of change
ASIDE from educating guests through animal presentations, Ocean Adventure ties up with schools for outdoor learning activities like water testing, animal training, and animal rescue. Still, community outreach projects are the biggest joy for the marine park staff, reveals May Mateo, who is SBMEI marketing manager.
“We’ve been here for more than 20 years and our major milestones have been training local communities, especially the fisherfolk and the Ayta communities,” says Mateo. “Although sometimes it’s not something that easily sinks in with those who make a living from the sea or the forest, as, of course, they would prioritize earning over conserving, but so far, Ocean Adventure has successfully become a vessel of change in the Subic Bay area in terms of conservation efforts.”
Reynes also points out that SBMEI founded the Philippine Marine Mammals Stranding Network (PMMSN) to help rescue and rehabilitate stranded or beached mammals. For the same purpose, the firm now trains local government units, as well as personnel of BFAR and DENR, on how to respond to strandings and to rescue terrestrial animals.
At the Camayan beach, the company also maintains the shoreline as nesting sites for marine turtles, which are threatened by habitat loss and pollution.
Reynes notes that out of the seven known marine turtle species in the world, five are found here in the Philippines, and three of these—Olive Ridley, Hawksbill, and green sea turtles—nest in Subic. “As of end December we had 29 nests that were being monitored and protected, waiting for eggs to hatch,” says Reynes.
On January 10, the turtle conservation project at Camayan celebrated another awesome moment, as 65 Olive Ridley hatchlings took their first steps and raced home to the waiting sea.
Walking the Talk THE whole theme park, contends SBMEI president Robert Gonzaga,
walks the extra miles for its talk.
“I believe it would be hard to find another locator here in Subic that matches our capacity and commitment as stewards of the environment. We operate our own materials recovery facility (MRF) on-site, have built two separate sewage treatment plants, and use our own dump trucks to collect waste, as well as a vacuum truck for septic tank maintenance,” Gonzaga says.
SBMEI also has an entire department dedicated to collecting and managing different types of waste; conducts quarterly water quality testing, which is crucial for mitigating the impact of the growing guest traffic, as well as detecting potential oil spills from passing ships or other pollution threats; regularly patrols water and forest areas to combat poaching, illegal fishing, littering, theft, and unauthorized access; and runs a mangrove planting program to create habitats where fish can gather, feed, and thrive.
In the forest, SBMEI staff remove poachers’ traps and apprehend offenders whenever possible. Meanwhile, the park’s veterinarians, using a fully equipped in-house laboratory, rehabilitate injured wildlife so they can be released back into the wild.
Even the firm’s The Hill residential project, which is being developed for both short-stay or longterm lease options, was designed as an adventure venue for visitors or residents who want to immerse themselves in a natural environment year-round.
“All these efforts—and more— are made possible through our own resources, facilities, and manpower. They’re an integral part of our regular operations and reflect our unwavering commitment to genuine, hands-on conservation,” Gonzaga tells the BusinessMirror
Making A Splash
SBMEI’s dedication to its mission has apparently endeared it to its target audiences—those who want to rediscover nature and see the need to preserve the Earth both as a playground and a paradise.
As a result, visitor turnout has been growing through the years, with Ocean Adventure getting about 500,000 visitors annually, or from 1,300 to 1,400 guests daily before the pandemic years. The Camayan Beach Resort, meanwhile, receives some 1,000 guests daily for day tours.
“Here, the rainy months—July to October—comprise our lean season, but the rest of the year is peak season because we have education tours,” reveals Mateo. “Even in lean season, Camayan gets 100 or 200 guests, mostly residents
from nearby provinces.”
And just like the growing audience, praises keep coming for this park with a mission. Last December, the park wowed participants in the Philippine Experience Program (PEP), the curated tour packages project of the Department of Tourism, when they dined at the scenic Adventure Cove and saw firsthand a showcase of Central Luzon’s cultural treasures in dances, traditions, and food.
More of these local treasures could be seen and experienced at Ocean Adventure now following the launching on January 24 of a new attraction, the Philippine Heritage Gallery, which displays portraits of indigenous Filipino people, rare images of the critically endangered Philippine Eagle, and snapshots of Subic’s diverse birdlife and heritage artworks.
The project, which is a collaboration with the Magbukun Ayta community, Alain Pascua of Haring Ibon and Birds in Focus Inc., and photographer Kevin Handorf, pays particular tribute to the local Ayta tribe that has safeguarded the forests of Subic for countless generations.
“They’ve also been part of our company since its inception in the early 2000s, and we continue to expand that relationship, hoping to share their rich culture, history, and tradition with a wider community,” Gonzaga explains.
Enhancing Its Best MOVING forward, Gonzaga says the SBMEI plans to offer more attractions, initiatives, and interactive programs.
“Like many tourism establishments, the pandemic set us back a few years. We survived thanks to the strength of our people and our single-minded focus on protecting what we’ve built all these years,” the SBMEI CEO says on reflection. “Now, we’re dedicated to enhancing the best of what we offer: providing unforgettable experiences, giving people a temporary respite from their busy lives, and serving as a catalyst for positive change in our guests’ lives.”
For this year, Gonzaga says the SBMEI will offer more accommodations and additional attractions, while remaining firmly committed to protecting the environment in Subic Bay. He says the public can expect from the company more initiatives and interactive programs that blend recreation, conservation, and education.
Hundreds of thousands of visitors, not the least children in their formative years, visit the Ocean Adventure complex every year. That’s a lot of young minds to educate, empower, and excite. And Subic’s anchor attraction vows not to fail them in this mission.
THE Adventure Beach Waterpark, the first water playground in the Subic Bay Freeport, is popular with kids because of its pools and water slides. TTL
Ukrainians rally around Zelenskyy after Trump seeks to denigrate him
By Hanna Arhirova The Associated Press
KYIV, Ukraine—Days before the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukrainians are as somber and tense as they were right before Moscow launched the war. Only now, they aren’t just worried about their longtime enemy.
Ukraine’s stunning new threat comes from its once staunchest ally, the United States, whose support appears to be fading as President Donald Trump parrots the propaganda of Russian President Vladimir Putin while pledging to stop the fighting between the two countries.
After their initial shock at Trump’s false claims this week that Ukraine is led by a “dictator” who started the war with Russia, the Ukrainian people are rallying around a defiant President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who publicly criticized Trump for promoting Russian “disinformation.”
“Yes, he’s not a perfect president, but he’s not a dictator,” said Kateryna Karaush, a 25-year-old tech worker from Kyiv who like many Ukrainians—and even some Republicans in Congress—is struggling to wrap her head around Trump’s embrace of Russia, which represents a major about-face in US foreign policy.
“It feels like the whole world is against us,” Karaush said.
Against long odds, Ukrainians – with massive military support from the US –have prevented Russia from overtaking their country, even if roughly one fifth of it is now under Russia control.
But after three years of war, both civilians and soldiers are exhausted. Hundreds of thousands have been killed or wounded, tens of thousands are missing, and millions have fled the country.
The mood only became gloomier in recent days as Trump signaled his desire to rapidly bring the fighting to a close on terms that Zelenskyy and many in the West say are too favorable to Russia.
After Trump called Zelenskyy a “dictator” – for legally postponing an election last year – and as reports emerged of US and Russian officials meeting in Saudi Arabia to discuss a possible ceasefire without input from Ukraine, even some of Zelenskyy’s harshest domestic critics have begun defending him.
“We may have different opinions about Zelenskyy, but only Ukrainian citizens have the right to judge his support,” said Yaroslav Zhelezniak, a lawmaker from the opposition party Holos. “And to publicly criticize him too, because, in the end, he is our elected leader.”
Trump’s harsh words for Zelenskyy have drawn criticism from Democrats and even some Republicans in the US Congress, where defending Ukraine from Russia— with tens of billions of dollars in military aid—has had bipartisan support. But Vice President JD Vance admonished Zelenskyy for publicly warning Trump about falling for Russian disinformation.
On Thursday, the deepening tensions led to the cancelation of a news conference that had been planned to follow talks between Zelenskyy and Trump’s Ukraine envoy over how to end the war.
A poll released Wednesday by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology put public trust in Zelenskyy at 57%. The survey was conducted Feb. 4 to Feb. 9 among 1,000 people living across Ukraine in regions and territories controlled by the Ukrainian government.
“We have a president whom we support. During war, we are united,” said Larysa, a 52-year-old resident from the northeastern city of Kharkiv, who refused to give her last name due to security concerns.
The political rift with the US comes as Ukrainian forces, outnumbered and outgunned, increasingly struggle to hold back Russia’s slow but steady advances.
Speaking from the front lines, some Ukrainian soldiers said they were not panicking yet, and not ready to give up the fight.
“Even if we don’t get enough weapons or if funding is cut, that doesn’t change our duty to (fight),” said a Ukrainian officer who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with military rules. “No shells? We’ll take up rifles. No rifles? We’ll grab shovels.”
On Wednesday, Trump echoed one of Putin’s frequent talking points, claiming Zelenskyy, whose term expired last year, must hold elections. But the idea has little traction within Ukraine—even among opposition politicians, who recognize Zelenskyy’s right to postpone elections during wartime.
“Elections are not needed right now because they should only take place when we understand the framework of (a peace) agreement with Russia,” said Volodymyr Ariev, a lawmaker from the opposition European Solidarity party. “Holding elections now would only benefit the Kremlin, further dividing Ukrainians and installing a new president who could sign a deal favorable to Moscow.”
An adviser to Zelenskyy, Mykhailo Podolyak, gave an additional reason for holding off any election until there is peace: Russia might seek to interfere in an electoral process that would already face significant challenges.
Millions of displaced Ukrainians living abroad would struggle to participate— not to mention the hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians living in Russian-occupied territories, whose ability to vote would be virtually impossible.
Around 800,000 Ukrainians are currently serving in the armed forces, making it difficult for them to cast ballots without weakening the military. And those fighting would be unable to run for office—a right guaranteed under Ukrainian law.
“Holding elections before a peace agreement with security guarantees is signed would be devastating for Ukraine,” said Valerii Pekar, a professor at Kyiv-Mohyla Business School. “The US and Russia are now united in promoting the idea of ‘elections first, then peace’—which is the quickest and cheapest way to bring Ukraine down.”
The Associated Press journalist Volodymyr Yurchuk contributed from Kyiv, Ukraine.
Trump’s immigration crackdown: A whole-of-government approach
By Rebecca Santana The Associated Press
WASHINGTON—Drug
Enforcement Administration agents touting immigration arrests, IRS agents poring over documents, the military escorting deportation flights. As the Trump administration works on the president’s pledge to crack down on illegal immigration and carry out mass deportations, the flurry of activity has stretched across the federal government— well beyond the Department of Homeland Security, the traditional home to most immigration and border security functions.
President Donald Trump’s sweeping promises have translated into a whole-of-government approach for immigration enforcement. In other words, nearly every major Cabinet agency is an immigration agency in Trump’s government.
The departments of State, Defense and Justice have made immigration a clear priority in their work and public messaging. Parts of the departments of Treasury and Health and Human Services have been involved. And the reach and focus on immigration are only expected to grow, with the Republican president late Wednesday signing an executive order aimed at ending federal benefits for people in the US illegally.
“The breadth of what is happening in these first couple of weeks is much wider than we saw during the first Trump administration,” said Colleen Putzel-Kavanaugh, associate policy analyst with the Migration Policy Institute.
Here’s a look at how immigration enforcement is playing out across the federal government.
Immigration as a State Department priority
TRUMP has promised “mass deportations,” which means not only arresting as many people in the US illegally as possible but also figuring out how to remove them from the country.
That’s where the State Department comes in.
Marco Rubio’s first international trip as secretary of state was to Central America, and he came away with deals for Guatemala, Panama and El Salvador to accept deportees from other nations. That helps officials address a key barrier: Many countries don’t take back their citizens when deported.
Other issues were part of Rubio’s trip—Chinese influence on the Panama Canal, for example— but migration was at the top of his agenda.
Tom Warrick, a former top DHS counterterrorism official who’s now at the Atlantic Council, a nonpartisan think tank, said that wasn’t always the case.
“For DHS, for ICE in particular, it’s, ‘What do you need foreign countries to do? OK. State Department, it’s now your requirement to go out and make that your top priority,’” he said.
Trump’s pick for Rubio’s deputy, Christopher Landau, was ambassador to Mexico from 2019 to 2021 and played a key role in implement -
ment in civilian law-enforcement duties.
Warrick said the general public has largely been OK with the Pentagon taking part “behind the scenes,” but that might change if the role becomes more visible.
ing the Remain in Mexico policy, and, like Rubio, speaks fluent Spanish.
That’s another sign of immigration’s importance, said Mark Krikorian, executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies, which advocates for less immigration.
“Just the fact that the two of them are the No. 1 and 2 people in the State Department suggests the administration’s refocus on our own backyard,” Krikorian said. “And immigration control is a big part of that.”
And from the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service, 600 agents were deputized Tuesday by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to assist in “arresting and deporting” people in the country illegally.
A ramped-up military role
THE Defense Department has played a border security role since the administration of George W. Bush, with active-duty and National Guard troops sent to the US-Mexico border to back up Border Patrol agents.
But this administration has taken early high-profile steps that go further.
The Pentagon has beefed up the number of troops at the border and promised more. Instead of relying solely on Immigration and Customs Enforcement charter flights, Air Force planes have been used to carry out 26 deportation flights—a rare step.
In his first trip as secretary of defense, Pete Hegseth visited troops on the border and said all department assets were on the table to assist. That includes Guantanamo Bay, where officials have sent 13 deportation flights of migrants they call “the worst of the worst”—though they’ve given little information about their identities or any crimes.
The administration’s Jan. 20 executive orders outline other possible changes for the Defense Department.
Trump’s declaration of a national emergency at the southern border indicates he may redirect money for border wall construction, something he did during his first term. And he gave Hegseth and Noem 90 days for recommendations on what’s needed to take complete control of the southern border, including whether to invoke the Insurrection Act. That would allow officials to circumvent rules limiting military involve -
“There’s a very clear line that exists in the mind of the American people who do not want to see uniformed military people arresting migrants, especially in their homes and schools and houses of worship,” Warrick said.
Justice Department and ‘sanctuary cities’
A FEW days after being sworn into office, Attorney General Pam Bondi took aim at what the administration considers a key impediment: cities and states that don’t work with immigration enforcement to identify and deport people in the country illegally. These are often called sanctuary cities.
Bondi announced a lawsuit targeting New York’s attorney general and governor over a state law allowing people who might not be in the US legally to get driver’s licenses. Days earlier, another Justice Department lawsuit targeted Chicago and Illinois, alleging that their “sanctuary” laws “ thwart federal efforts.
“This is a new DOJ,” said Bondi, appearing with Tammy Nobles, whose 20-year-old daughter Kayla was killed in 2022 by a man who entered the US illegally from El Salvador.
Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and Drug Enforcement Administration have taken part in high-profile ICE operations to find and arrest migrants in the country illegally.
Putzel-Kavanaugh said those agencies used to play roles in line with their priorities, such as pursuing a drug charge. Now, it’s a “much more highly publicized and much more singularly focused agenda for the DOJ,” she said.
The administration also has tapped the Department of Justice’s
Bureau of Prisons to hold detained migrants, beefing up Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s detention capacity.
Other departments are involved, too EVEN the Internal Revenue Service has been brought in as part of immigration enforcement—Noem asked the arm of the Treasury Department to help target employers engaged in unlawful hiring practices and to monitor immigrants in the country illegally. And the administration this week suspended a program run out of the Department of Health and Human Services that provides legal services to migrant children traveling alone. What might be next?
KRIKORIAN said he’s looking for the Department of Labor to take on a greater role, especially as worksite enforcement becomes a bigger administration strategy. And for the Education Department, with Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency accessing federal student loan data that includes their parents’ citizenship status, student advocates worry the administration will use that information to identify people in the country illegally.
In the executive order signed Wednesday, Trump seeks to end “all taxpayer-funded benefits for illegal aliens,” but it wasn’t clear which benefits would be targeted. People in the country illegally generally do not qualify except for emergency medical care. Children are entitled to a free K-12 public education regardless of immigration status under a 1982 Supreme Court ruling.
The order directs all departments and agencies to identify federal benefit spending that is inconsistent with a 1996 welfare law that denies most public benefits to people in the country illegally.
The Associated Press writers Fatima Hussein, Collin Binkley and Michael Sisak contributed to this report.
SOUTH Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security, appears before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee for her confirmation hearing in Washington, Friday, January 17, 2025. AP/SUSAN WALSH
Gold rush: London vaults emptying as traders exploit price differences
By Jack Ryan, Mark Burton, Sybilla Gross & Yvonne Yue Li
EVERY day in London, thousands of commuters on the Central Line take a subterranean detour around the Bank of England’s vast underground vaults, bringing them as close as they’re ever likely to get to the $500 billion of gold the bank holds on behalf of nation states, commercial banks and other financial institutions. Tube trains come so close that staff inside sometimes report hearing a dull hum as they pass.
Since January, the small team overseeing the reserves has had little time to take notice. They have been working flat out to do what the Bank describes as “digging out” gold bars for
delivery to traders who’ve seized on a rare arbitrage opportunity thrown up by speculation that Donald Trump will impose tariffs on the precious metal, alongside a raft of other imported goods.
While the trades can be initiated with a click of a mouse, bullion bars have to be physically moved in such volume that it has exposed severe logistical bottlenecks in the global gold market. The Bank’s vault keepers are busier than they’ve been in years, logistics companies are working overtime, and refineries are booked out for months with orders to recast gold bars from London into a form that can be delivered into the US futures market.
The security of the vaults—proven over centuries—and how cheap it is to store gold there, relative to the commercial vaults that make up the rest of the London gold market, mean that holders rarely shift their bullion. But now, they are moving gold out at the fastest rate in over a decade. More than 20 million troy ounces, worth about $60 billion, have entered the depositories of New York’s Comex exchange since the day of the US presidential election, with much of it originating from the London gold market— the world’s largest.
The physical moves have become the talk of the market, where gold prices are hovering just below a record high of $3,000 a troy ounce. The rally—which has seen US gold prices rise faster than anywhere else—has in part been driven by concern that Trump’s America-first economic policy could weigh heavily on global growth.
It means that by buying spot gold in London and selling a corresponding futures contract in the US, traders were able to net a healthy guaranteed profit of about $50 an ounce—which could translate into hundreds of millions of dollars given the volumes involved. The New York premium has since narrowed to more-normal levels of about $10 an ounce, but a lot of gold still has to be withdrawn to meet the commitments of traders who sold futures in the US market.
To make the fullest possible profits on the trade, dealers at global bullion banks such as JPMorgan Chase & Co. and HSBC Holdings Plc are to a large extent relying on public-sector workers at the Bank of England who handle their requests to pull billions of dollars’ worth of metal from their vault.
“What’s happening in the London market is a short term logistical thing, but it’s having real consequences,” said John Reade, senior market strategist at the World Gold Council, the industry lobby group.
“There’s not as much gold in London as normal, but again, there’s still lots there. And once it can get out from behind the Bank of England, then everything should calm down.”
The Bank declined to comment for this story, but Deputy Governor for Markets and Banking Dave Ramsden told a February 6 press conference: “Gold is a physical asset, so there are real logistical constraints and security constraints. Getting into the Bank for me this
morning was a bit trickier because there was a lorry in the bullion yard.”
“It takes time,” Ramsden added, “and the stuff is also quite heavy.”
Working overtime
CAUGHT in the crossfire of this transatlantic trade is a team of about 15 highly-vetted Bank of England staff. When a client makes a withdrawal request they undertake the physically demanding process of “digging out” the bars—each of which weigh 12.5 kilos— from the vaults spread out over two subterranean floors, according to people familiar with the matter. As a public institution the Bank of England can’t justify the cost of a larger permanent team to handle these infrequent spurts of activity—the last one was on the eve of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020—and security makes hiring temporary workers more difficult.
To deal with these situations, staff are usually paid overtime to clear the backlog as fast as possible. But a quirk of the system means that rather than having a right to any bar in the Bank of England, holders take ownership of specific bars. Staff must locate each one in turn, which can involve shifting and restacking several pallets of gold to get the exact one that’s needed, according to people with direct knowledge of the process and disclosures by the bank.
The Bank also has to spread the gold it holds more thinly than some other vaults, not for security reasons, but because of geology. The City of London is built on clay, and in order to prevent the building from sinking, the Bank—which moved to its home in Threadneedle Street in 1734—stacks gold at no more than chest height.
When JPMorgan issued a job posting for a worker in its private vaults last year, it offered a rare glimpse into how physically and mentally demanding the business of hauling bars can be. Candidates needed to be able to lift 30-kilogram ingots easily and repeatedly, and be capable of moving 15 metric tons of bullion in a day. They’d also need first-class skills in communication and numeracy, a license to operate a fork-lift, and a strong eye for detail. Pay details for the unflappable, hyper-numerate and very strong winning candidate weren’t disclosed.
The Bank of England holds about 420,000 gold bars, and January saw the biggest outflow since 2012. Staff dug out about 8,145 bars—averaging 370 per working day—last month, but still a weeks-long backlog has developed. Once each load is ready, armored trucks operated by the likes of the Brink’s Co. receive the cargo in the bullion yard at the back of the bank, and shuttle it to airports on the outskirts of London.
The real-world frictions involved in pulling off the trade don’t end when the metal exits the Bank of England, or the other commercial vaults in the city run by JPMorgan, HSBC and others. At the airport the bars are loaded on to commercial flights in piles of up to five tons.
But rather than flying directly to New York they are first diverted to refineries in Switzerland, to be recast into smaller 1-kilogram ingots that can be delivered against futures contracts on the Comex exchange in New York. There, there’s another frenetic burst of activity as logistics companies race to get the bullion registered and stored in private vaults overseen by the exchange, according to a person familiar with the process.
It should be great business for the refineries—in addition to being busier with the rise in trades they make more money by casting smaller bars—but those profits have come under pressure from the surge in demand for spot metal which has increased the refiners’ financing costs sharply.
“The orders for kilo bars, not only at Argor, but overall in the industry, went up dramatically,” said Robin Kolvenbach, chief executive officer of Argor-Heraeus, a refiner of precious metals. He added that the company’s capacity for refining kilo bars “has been full in December, January, and is planned to be full in February and March as well.”
Gold faces a return flight
THE first sign that traders were factoring in the risk of Trump tariffs on metals—either individually or as part of a blanket package which the president had pledged on his path to the White House—materialized at the turn of the year when futures prices for gold, silver and copper started to rocket above other international price benchmarks. Yet, the White House has given no explicit indication that it will impose tariffs on gold, and many market watchers believe it will be spared. The tail risk, however, remains. Dealers soon jumped on an opportunity to cash in on the spike in New York gold prices and the impact was immediate. On a slower timeframe, copper traders have also been rushing to ship metal into the US from all over the world and not just from leading producers in Chile and Peru.
But the window of opportunity to capture the arbitrage is already closing, say industry experts, which begs the question of what will happen to the abnormally large stockpile of gold sitting in Comex warehouses in the US?
When the incentive to bring gold to the US—traditionally a net exporter of the precious metal—disappears, said Nikos Kavalis, managing director at the consultancy Metals Focus, there’s likely to be a whiplash in the trade direction as the fresh kilo bars that have descended upon New York are sent back to markets overseas— be it to replenish stocks in London, or to meet physical demand in the Middle East or Asia.
“If consumption in Asia remains weak, then it’s high-fives all around for refineries because they’ll have to make them back into larger bars for London—which means more recasting charges,” Kavalis said. “If, at the same time, there is strong central bank demand, it could well be the case that some of that stuff gets converted into large bars and sent right back to the Bank of England.” Bloomberg News
Venomous jellyfish found in PHL waters–biologists
BOX jellyfishes, known for their distinctive box-like appearance and their potent venom, can cause severe stings and fatalities.
Many coastal communities in the Philippines are aware of the dangers posed by box jellyfishes, but Filipino scientists noted that the government does not have a systematic plan to address this issue.
Based on previous studies by marine researchers, a team of biologists hypothesized that Chironex yamaguchii, a dangerous species of box jellyfish known from Japan, is also present in Philippine waters, said a news release from University of the Philippines Diliman College of Science (UPD CS).
This box jellyfish was found to cause severe stings and even fatalities in the Indo-Pacific and Western Pacific regions. Its tentacles can cause extreme pain and skin injuries with welts, and even trigger heart attacks and death.
By closely examining the physical characteristics and DNA of this deadly jellyfish, the researchers found strong evidence that the species exists in the Coral Triangle, a marine biodiversity hotspot that includes the Philippines, the news release said.
Despite their nearly identical physical characteristics, the scientists discovered small genetic differences between the Philippine and Japanese C. yamaguchii, suggesting that the Philippine C. yamaguchii may be a separate species requiring further research.
The research, titled “Molecular signatures reveal intra-species divergence, undetectable by traditional morphology, in the deadly box jellyfish, Chironex yamaguchii (Cubozoa; Chirodropidae) of
Western Pacific,” was published in the international journal Regional Studies in Marine Science.
“This study shows genetic differences within C. yamaguchii that we couldn’t see just by looking at them as physical specimens,” the researchers explained. “This finding highlights how important it is to use molecular methods to correctly identify species and understand their genetic variety.”
The study’s findings exceeded the team’s expectations, particularly regarding their hypothesis on the species’ presence in the Philippines.
“We identified the Philippine population as a potential cryptic species. This means that we are being encouraged to determine if they belong to a new species or if
their geographic isolation doesn’t make them entirely distinct from the Japanese population,” the researchers said in their paper.
The team added that the citizens and tourists of the coastal communities they visited played a significant role in the research. Their images and videos of box jellyfishes, as well as their traditional knowledge of the marine environment, helped confirm that C. yamaguchii is widespread in Philippine waters.
“Their insights and experiences have helped us identify and confirm the presence of the box jellyfish in areas that might otherwise be overlooked. This collaboration between scientists and Filipinos or tourists highlights the importance of community involvement in sci -
entific research,” the researchers said.
“Knowing the genetic diversity and distribution of C. yamaguchii helps in correctly identifying the jellyfish responsible for stings, which is crucial for effective treatment and management,” the biologists added.
“Understanding the presence of jellyfish populations in various regions can also help assess the risk of jellyfish stings in those areas, which can protect local communities and tourists,” they said.
The researchers mentioned that the study’s results can also impact healthcare workers, policymakers, and the general public.
With better knowledge of the jellyfish’s distribution and genetics, healthcare providers will
Wave flume lab to support PHL sustainable coastal management
BATAC, Ilocos Norte—A Wave Flume Laboratory that was designed to test different coastal protection structures to address concerns in climate change, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable coastal management was inaugurated recently.
The facility at the Mariano Marcos State University is funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
“The Wave Flume Laboratory will be known as the first of its kind in Northern Luzon, wellknown for having long stretches of discontinuous shorelines, which are great sources of livelihood for our fishermen, but these are also a source of concern in terms of hazards and disasters,” said Science Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. in his keynote speech
in a news release. It “allows researchers, scientists, and engineers to engage in both scientific exploration and practical applications in addressing the challenges of climate change, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable coastal management,” Solidum added.
A wave flume is a type of wave tank used in laboratories to examine the impact of water waves on coastal and offshore structures.
The project was developed under the Niche Centers in the Regions (NICER) for research and development program of the DOST. It aims to create a framework to guide local government units in selecting structure type, design, orientation, and construction materials.
“Establishing the Wave Flume Laboratory is a milestone of this project, which allows for the simulation and testing of real-world wave conditions. This facility is necessary for developing effective and site-specific coastal designs and interventions that are tailored to the unique needs of each location,” said DOST Undersecretary for R&D Leah J. Buendia.
The project is funded by DOST NICER program, which works to capacitate local universities in the regions to conduct quality research, Buendia added.
Beneficiaries of this project include the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), local government units, private contractors, and coastal communities.
Executive Director Enrico C.
Paringit of the DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development said: “The project has forged valuable partnerships with Kyoto University and with the DPWH District Offices in Region 1.”
He said 25 technical staff and DPWH personnel have been trained in the use of various software related to coastal engineering design and modeling.
In addition, several undergraduate students have chosen to pursue coastal engineering for their research thesis.
“With these accomplishments, we can confidently assure that science, technology, and innovation were at the core of the project’s implementation,” Paringit said in the DOST news release.
Climate change is shrinking glaciers faster, with 7 trillion tons lost since 2000
CLIMATE change is accelerating the melting of the world’s mountain glaciers, according to a massive new study that found them shrinking more than twice as fast as in the early 2000s.
The world’s glaciers lost ice at the rate of about 255 billion tons (231 billion metric tons) annually from 2000 to 2011, but that quickened to about 346 billion tons (314 billion metric tons) annually over about the next decade, according to the study in this week’s journal Nature. In the last few years, the melt has accelerated even more, hitting a record 604 billion tons (548 billion metric tons) lost in 2023, the last year analyzed. The study drew on an international effort that included 233 estimates of changes in glacier weight. In all, the world’s glaciers have lost more than 7 trillion tons of ice (6.5 trillion metric tons) since 2000, according to the study.
“The thing that people should be aware of and perhaps worried about is that yes,
the glaciers are indeed retreating and disappearing as we said they would. The rate of that loss seems to be accelerating,” said William Colgan, a glaciologist for the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland and one of about 60 authors of the study. Glaciers in Alaska are melting at the fastest rate of any of the 19 regions studied, losing about 67 billion tons (61 billion metric tons) of ice a year, producing the biggest net ice loss, the study found.
In the past 24 years, Central Europe’s glaciers have lost the highest percentage of ice of any region, now 39 percent smaller than they were in 2000, the paper said. Colgan said he worries most about the Alps because “elevated summer temperatures have been hammering the Alps.
Fifteen years ago, scientists were worried most about the Andes and the Patagonia glaciers, but the Alps have shrunk so fast they could eventually disappear, Colgan said.
“Glaciers are apolitical and unbiased sentinels of climate change,
and their decline paints a clear picture of accelerated warming,” said Gwenn Flowers, a professor of Earth Sciences at Simon Fraser University in Canada, who wasn’t part of the study.
University of Colorado ice scientist Ted Scambos, who also wasn’t part of the study, said glaciers shrank and grew in the past for local, well-understood reasons that were not climate change. What’s happening now is different and clear.
He said: “It’s due to greenhouse gas increases caused directly by coal, oil, and natural gas burning.... No amount of rhetoric, tweeting, or proclamation will change that.”
Scambos, Flowers and other outside scientists called the assessment sobering and accurate but not surprising.
Colgan said that many places—such as those in the US West—are seeing extra water now from fast-melting glaciers and benefiting from that boost, but that will soon disappear as the glaciers melt beyond
be better equipped to treat sting cases.
Likewise, policymakers can implement regulations and guidelines for beach safety, including monitoring and managing jellyfish populations to reduce the risk of stings, the researchers said.
Raising awareness of the presence and dangers of C. yamaguchii can lead to better preventive measures, such as avoiding certain areas during peak jellyfish seasons and using protective gear.
The international research team was composed of Dr. Sheldon Rey Boco, Christine Gloria Grace Capidos and Dennis Talacay of The Philippine Jellyfish Stings Project; Raffy Jay Fornillos and Dr. Ian Kendrich Fontanilla of the University of the Philippines
Diliman (UPD) College of Science’s Institute of Biology; Dr. Phuping Sucharitakul and Dr. Jonathan Lawley of Griffith University’s School of Environment and Science in Queensland, Australia; Dr. Allen Collins of Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC; Joseph Elliz Comendador of National Museum of Natural History of the National Museum of the Philippines; and Facundo Rey Ladiao of Leyte Normal University, the news release said. The research was partially funded by UPD, with open-access funding provided by Griffith University, and was also partly supported by citizen-science participants of the Philippine Jellyfish Stings Project.
By Manuel T. Cayon
Da point of no return.
Melting glaciers contribute more to sea level rise than ice loss in either Greenland or Antarctica. Only the expansion of water as it warms plays a bigger role in sea level rise, the paper said.
The overall glacier loss rate is similar, if maybe slightly less, than that found by earlier and less comprehensive studies. But this new work will probably trigger new predictions that will be even gloomier in the future because of better information and worsening warming, Colgan said.
“If you’re losing 5.5 percent of the global ice volume in just over 20 years, clearly that’s not sustainable,” Colgan said. “That’s going to catch up with you.”
The more than 600 billion tons of glacier loss in 2023 “sounds incredible now, but it might sound pretty normal in 10 years from now,” Colgan said. “Mountain glaciers as a whole can flip into collective ice loss pretty darn quick. Seth Borenstein/Ap Science Writer
AVAO CITY—Mapua Malayan Colleges Mindanao won the Level Up eSports Game Development Challenge held in this city.
The Excelsior Mapuan Creatives team composed of Abdul Adzis Abpet, Guillan Guillan Fredd Parreno, and Debbie Shane Getigan won the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) competition with their top-down multi-player role game “Cordillera Chronicles” based on folklore from the Cordilleras, beating a field of over 20 teams.
The game, developed over six months, features what the team described as a Moral Consequence System, where the players’ choices influence the game environment and how nonplayer characters react.
The DOST said Cordillera Chronicles “is inspired by an age-old superstition “Never curse your elders, or an evil spirit will come to haunt you.”
“What was once considered folklore becomes terrifying reality in the game, immersing players in an interactive horrorfantasy world that draws inspiration from Cordilleran myths and traditions.”
Following their win, the team is eager to expand and refine the game, allowing players to roam a breathtaking Cordilleran landscape, as well as additional folkloreinspired quests to showcase lesser-known Filipino myths.
“What sets Cordillera Chronicles apart was its narrative depth. It wasn’t just a game. It was a cultural experience,” said team leader Abpet.
The team also said publishers and investors have expressed interest in supporting the game’s further development, and the team hopes to bring Cordillera Chronicles to PC and console platforms, ensuring that a wider audience can experience its culturally rich storytelling.
The DOST recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Esports World Federation
Faith Sunday
A6 Sunday, February 23 , 2025 Editor: Lyn Resurreccion • www.businessmirror.com.ph
3 Rizal churches declared natl cultural treasures
TBy CBCP News
HE government’s cultural agency has added three Spanish-era churches in Rizal province to its list of national cultural treasures (NCTs).
The new NCTs are Sta. Ursula Parish Church in Binangonan, Diocesan Shrine and Parish of St. Joseph in Baras, and St. Jerome Parish Church in Morong, along with their associated complexes and ecclesiastical objects.
The Antipolo diocese now has four churches designated as national cultural treasures, including San Ildefonso de Toledo Church in Tanay, which received the designation in 2001.
NCTs are properties with outstanding historical, cultural, and artistic value. This is the highest designation awarded to a site or structure in the country.
Binangonan Church
THE Binangonan Church’s original structure was built in the 18th century, with renovations made in 1853. The church’s original retablos, according to the diocese, are outstanding monumental examples
of retablo styles built in 18th and 19th centuries. Founded as a parish by the Franciscans in 1621, its administration was transferred to the Jesuits in 1679, and then to the Augustinians in 1697. The Franciscans resumed pastoral care of the parish in 1737. The formal declaration of the church as a national cultural treasure will take place on March 2.
Baras Church
THE Baras Church is the oldest Josephian parish on the southern Tagalog mainland.
Originally built in 1595 by Franciscan missionaries, the town and church were relocated to Ibayo in 1636 but returned to their current site in 1682. The present church structure was completed in 1686.
According to the diocese, the church’s original retablo mayor and retablo menores are examples of monumental Baroquestyle retablos adapted to the Philippine context. Various church and government officials are expected to attend the formal declaration of the church as NCT on March 9.
Morong Church
MORONG Church was constructed in 1615, shortly after a fire destroyed the first wooden church. Dedicated to St. Jerome, the church was completed in 1620. It remained largely unchanged until the early 1850s when Franciscan Fr. Maximo Rico commis -
Whenever the pope is sick, Italians talk about his successor
By Nicole Winfield
ROME—The pope looms so large in everyday Italian life that there are lots of expressions that make light of even a dark event like his death.
“A pope dies, they make another,” goes one, suggesting how life goes on.
“Every death of a pope …” starts another, indicating a rare occurrence.
But the one most frequently heard when a pope is actually sick is perhaps the darkest: “The pope is fine until he’s dead.”
That one’s been making the rounds as Pope Francis nears a week in Rome’s Gemelli hospital, battling pneumonia and a complex respiratory infection.
While the Vatican has been providing twice-daily updates on his condition and Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni said they “joked around as usual” during her visit Wednesday, all kinds of reports— true and not—abound about Francis’ health.
They’ve taken on a life of their own in an age of chat groups, conspiracy theories and internet memes—not to mention the perennial Roman fixation on the pope and who might succeed him.
For now, Vatican update said Francis is holding on. Thursday’s bulletin said his overall clinical condition was “improving slightly” and that his heart was working well. He had breakfast sitting up in an armchair and was working with aides.
“There is a greater measure of transparency, but even that is not complete,” said Christopher Bellitto, a church history professor at Kean University in New Jersey. “Surely everyone with aging parents and grandparents said, ‘that’s pneumonia’ before the Vatican did.”
The ‘Conclave’ effect
IT doesn’t help that the Oscarnominated movie “Conclave” is in theaters and has made everyone an expert in the arcane rules and spectacular drama involved in a papal election. Or that Francis recently extended the term of the
dean of the College of Cardinals rather than find someone new to fill a key job during the next papal transition. Or that at 88, he is one of the oldest popes ever.
The pope still has a ways to go to outlive Pope Leo XIII, who died in 1903 at 93. But he’s on track to equal or surpass Pope Gregory XII, perhaps best known for being the most recent pope to resign until Pope Benedict XVI did so in 2013.
Gregory was 88 when he stepped down in 1415 to end the Western Schism, according to online resource Catholic Hierarchy.
Francis has frequently said he, too, would consider resigning if his health made him unable to continue, though more recently he said a pope’s job is for life.
Vatican correspondents are usually preparing for upcoming papal trips at this time of year, but none are confirmed so far. Instead, between medical updates, they are preparing stories looking back at his life, just in case.
“I think the dictum of ‘A pope is fine until he’s dead’ is always true,” said Giovanni Maria Vian, former editor of the Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano, who knows about how Vatican information is managed.
“It’s a very Roman way of speaking that represents, on the one hand, the traditional skepticism of Romans and Italians, but on the other hand, an informational opacity,” Vian said.
The Vatican hasn’t allowed any member of Francis’ medical team to appear on camera or give detailed updates on his health, and no photos of him have been released since his February 14 hospitalization.
A papal video fuels rumors
BUT to understand how entwined the pope is in Italian life, one only needs to consider another tradition religiously observed by Italians: the annual Sanremo song festival, a weeklong series on RAI television in which viewers vote for their favorite rising vocalists who perform nightly in the kitschy, sometimes bawdy contest. When it aired last week, it made
even more headlines than usual because Francis—already sick with bronchitis but not yet in the hospital—appeared on opening night in a pre-taped video, a publicity coup for Sanremo and a first for the papacy.
When popular Italian blog Dagospia subsequently claimed the video had been made nearly a year earlier for another event, near-hysteria broke out among Vatican watchers. The apparent deception suggested that Francis’ latest illness was much worse than it seemed, and raised questions about the solidity of the papacy if an old video had been released without his knowledge.
As it turns out, Dagospia was wrong. The video was legit, recent and recorded for Sanremo. But it was true that Francis’ bronchitis was indeed much worse. By week’s end, he was hospitalized with a lung infection that turned into pneumonia.
The episode though underscored the truism that the papacy is a matter of general public knowledge, interest and debate here, and that speculating about the pope’s current health and who might be next is a national pastime.
“I’m certainly very, very worried,” said Maurizio Di Folco, who was being treated Tuesday at the
sioned native Paete craftsman Bartolome Palatino to renovate the facade and build a bell tower.
The diocese said the three churches’ exhibit a “high degree of integrity,” and their ecclesiastical objects also display Philippine adaptations of European, Ibero-American, and Asian artistic styles. CBCP News
same hospital. “I wish him a speedy recovery and we’re praying for him deeply. A very good pope. A great pope! We hope he’ll be with us for a long time to come.”
Francis’ conservative critics weigh in
BUT elsewhere, Francis’ rightwing critics are circulating alarmist—and wholly uncorroborated— stories about his condition.
Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, a Francis nemesis who was excommunicated for schism last year, revived his conspiracy about the legitimacy of Francis’ 2013 election, calling for the CIA to investigate what he claims was a “Deep State” plot to elect him.
Francis knows this dynamic well.
“Some wanted me dead,” he told Slovakian Jesuit priests in 2021, referring to what he learned while he was hospitalized that year for intestinal surgery.
“I know there were even meetings among priests who thought the pope was in worse shape than what was being said. They were preparing the conclave,” the Holy Father said.
It’s considered poor taste to discuss publicly who’s up or down in the papal stakes of a future conclave, much less to start plotting one.
But privately, Rome is abuzz with such conversations. Taxi drivers chat about it with passengers, doctors with patients, butchers with customers. AP
New generation of 6 millennial saints on the road to canonization
SIX young people who lived with deep faith and committed their lives to the Church that Jesus founded are on their way to being proclaimed saints, with most of them currently on the path to beatification.
From Carlo Acutis, the “cyber apostle of the Eucharist,” to Akash Bashir, Pakistan’s first servant of God who gave his life protecting the faithful from a suicide bomber, these witnesses challenge the idea that holiness is simply a thing of the past. Below is a brief sketch of the young millennials—born between 1981 and 1996—who followed Jesus with all their hearts and today are a source of inspiration to new generations.
1. Pierangelo Capuzzimati
THE Servant of God Pierangelo Capuzzimati was a young Italian who from the age of 14 suffered from leukemia but lived with strong faith and a deep trust in God. He was born in Taranto, Italy, in 1990 and grew up in a peaceful environment with his family in Faggiano.
His illness, far from plunging him into despair, led him to intensify his spiritual life, devoting his time to prayer, study, and contemplation of the beauty of creation. An admirer of the thought of the saints and with a great passion for the history of the Church, his testimony of serenity and dedication left an indelible mark on those who knew him. He died on April 30, 2008, at the age of 17 with the conviction that his suffering was a gift from the Lord.
On April 26, 2018, the Holy See granted the “nihil obstat” (“nothing stands in the way”) for the opening of his cause for beatification, and on January 20, 2024, the diocesan phase of the process concluded after an exhaustive collection of testimonies and documents about his life and virtues.
All the documentation will now be sent to the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, where it will be evaluated by theologians and historians. If his heroic virtues are recognized, Capuzzimati will be declared venerable, which will mark a new step on his path to sainthood.
2. Sister Clare Crockett
SISTER Clare Crockett was a young woman who left a promising career in movies and television to dedicate herself to God as a religious in the Servant Sisters of the Home of the Mother. Clare was born in Derry, Northern Ireland, in 1982 and although she seemed to be heading toward a life in the arts, an encounter with Christ during a retreat changed her destiny. She felt God’s call, entering the congregation in 2001, and took her perpetual vows in 2010. Her life was marked by a joyful spirit, a total dedication to others, and a testimony of faith that impacted many. She died on April 16, 2016, during an earthquake in Ecuador while helping her students at a community school in Playa Prieta.
Following the 2023 granting of the “nihil obstat” by the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, the diocesan phase of the cause for her beatification was officially opened on January 12, 2025, in Alcalá de Henares, Spain. Since her passing, there have been numerous testimonies reporting graces and conversions attributed to her intercession, including religious vocations and possible miracles. The ecclesiastical tribunal is now investigating her life and heroic virtues, a key step on the path to her possible beatification.
3. Matteo Farina
MATTEO FARINA was a young Italian born in 1990 in Brindisi. Inspired from a very young age by St. Francis and St. Padre Pio, he developed an intense spiritual life with a great devotion for the Eucharist and for praying a daily rosary.
From the age of 9, he felt the call to evangelize, seeking to influence his peers. At age 13, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor, which did not weaken his faith but strengthened it. During the six years that his illness lasted, he accepted suffering with love, offering his pain for others and living with joy and hope until his death on April 24, 2009.
The witness of his holiness led the Church to initiate his cause for beatification. On May 5, 2020, Pope Francis recognized his heroic virtues, declaring him venerable.
Currently, the Church is investigating possible miracles attributed to his intercession, which would allow the process of beatification to advance.
4. Helena Agnieszka Kmieć
HELENA AGNIESZKA KMIEC was a young Polish missionary born in 1991 in Krakow and raised in a home of deep faith.
From a young age, she showed a strong love for Jesus, attending Mass almost daily and devoting herself to service. During her university studies at the Silesia University of Technology, she joined the Salvator Missionary Volunteer Service, serving in missions in Hungary, Zambia, and Romania.
She especially dedicated herself to children and young people in vulnerable situations.
In 2017, Helena traveled to Bolivia to help out at a school in Cochabamba, where, just a few weeks after her arrival, she was murdered during an attempted robbery.
After her death, her reputation for holiness became more well known, inspired by her life of dedication to God and her missionary service.
In April 2024, the archbishop of Krakow announced the opening of her cause for beatification after receiving approval from the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints.
Currently, the Church is investigating her life and witness in the process that could lead to her being declared blessed.
5. Akash Bashir
AKASH BASHIR was a young Pakistani and former Salesian student who gave his life to protect hundreds of faithful at St. John’s Church in Lahore.
On March 15, 2015, when he was 20 years old, he prevented a suicide bomber from entering the church during Sunday Mass, holding him tightly and saying: “I will die, but I will not let you into the church.” The attacker detonated the bomb. Both of them died. Bashir’s sacrifice prevented a massacre and his unwavering faith has made him a symbol of hope for the Christian community in Pakistan—a country where the faithful suffer constant persecution.
On January 31, 2022, Pope Francis proclaimed him a servant of God. Two years later, on March 15, 2024, the diocesan phase of the process was concluded at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Lahore.
All the documentation has now been sent to the Vatican for evaluation. If the pope approves the decree of martyrdom, Bashir will be beatified without the need for a miracle. If this recognition occurs, he would become Pakistan’s first “blessed.”
6. Carlo Acutis
CARLO ACUTIS was a young Italian born in 1991 who, despite his short life, left a profound legacy of love for the Eucharist.
Known as the “cyber apostle of the Eucharist,” Carlo used his computer skills to evangelize, creating a digital exhibit of Eucharistic miracles.
From childhood, Carlo showed a special devotion to the Mass as well as praying the rosary. When he was diagnosed with leukemia in 2006, he offered his sufferings “for the Lord, the pope, and the Church.” He died on October 12 of that same year and was buried in Assisi, following his desire to be close to St. Francis.
His path to sainthood progressed quickly. He was declared venerable in 2018 and blessed in 2020 after the approval of a first miracle.
On May 23, 2024, Pope Francis recognized a second miracle, which occurred in Florence, where a
Editor: Lyn Resurreccion
Biodiversity Sunday
Commercial fishing: A bane to small fishers
By Jonathan L. Mayuga
AS the Philippines marked the 27th anniversary of Republic Act 8550, or the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, on February 17, 1998, municipal fishers are in a quandary about their future with the recent Supreme Court (SC) order allowing commercial fishing vessels to operate within 15-kilometer (km) municipal fishing grounds, which have been known to be reserved for small-scale fishers.
The ruling stemmed from a petition filed by a commercial fishing company challenging the restrictions on municipal waters.
RA 8550 allows municipal governments to permit commercial fishing in areas only 10.1 km to 15 km from the shoreline.
While commercial fishers would argue that commercial fishing will increase the country’s fish production, those opposed to the idea cautioned against allowing them back closer to shore.
Municipal fishermen oppose commercial fishing operating near shores as commercial fishers tend to overfish, use destructive fishing methods, and outcompete small fishermen, who have no capacity to acquire bigger, motorized bancas sail farther out to sea for the big catch that would put food on the table and generate enough income to sustain their livelihood.
RA 8550 provides numerous protections in favor of small fishermen, including environmentally critical areas and those identified to be harboring rare, threatened, or endangered species.
However, the recent SC ruling is said to negatively impact small-scale fishers who traditionally rely on municipal waters for their livelihood, including fish cage operation.
As the decision allows commercial fishing vessels to operate in municipal waters that are deeper than 7 fathoms, or approximately 42 feet, only around 10 percent of municipal waters will be reserved for small fishers.
Commercial fishing: A bane to small fishers
THE militant fisherfolk alliance
Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) was quick to register its strong opposition to allowing commercial fishing in municipal waters through a petition it filed
before the Supreme Court. Fernando Hicap, national chairman of Pamalakaya and a former Anakpawis Partylist, told the BusinessMirror in a telephone interview on February 12 that he is hopeful the SC will reverse its decision.
“We are expecting a reversal of the Supreme Court decision based on the Constitution that recognizes the preferential right of small fishermen. Other than that, based on our experience, we know how commercial fishing destroyed our fishing ground ever since laws were passed allowing [them] near our shores,” he said in Filipino.
He said between 1975 and 1980, fish catch of small fishermen have dwindled. What used to be a gainful way of life for most was gone because of the then-President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.’s Presidential Decree 704, or the Fisheries Decree of 1975, that allowed commercial fishing in municipal fishing grounds.
Even with RA 8550 that became the basis of the 15-km fishing ground, Hicap lamented that commercial fishing continued that destroyed municipal fishing grounds, severely affecting the livelihood of small fishermen.
He said that commercial fishing resulted in the drop of fish production, giving the government reason to import fish that failed
to bring down the price of fish in the market.
Imminent food and livelihood crisis
OCEANA , an international ocean conservation advocacy nongovernment organization—along with local government unit (LGU) officials, fisherfolk and fisheries, and science experts—warned President Marcos Jr. that with with the SC decision at food and livelihood security crisis are imminent in poor coastal communities.
The Supreme Court’s First Division resolution that was issued last year upheld the Malabon Regional Trial Court’s decision that declared as unconstitutional preferential access given to small, municipal fishers to catch fish in the 15-km municipal water from the shoreline.
The Malabon RTC’s decision was based on Mercidar Fishing Corp.’s declaratory relief from RA 8550. Thus, it allowed the company to operate on all territorial waters, provided that the water is 7 fathoms or deeper.
Oceana, along with other stakeholders, cited the General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans, saying that 533 of 884, or 60 percent, coastal towns in the Philippines will open up 90 percent of their municipal waters to commercial fishing with the SC decision.
Biggest losers
IN case commercial fishing is allowed to operate in municipal fishing grounds, Oceana said Cebu will top the list of provinces with 42 of its coastal municipalities.
It is followed by Misamis Oriental (23 coastal towns), Negros Oriental (19), Southern Leyte (18), and Leyte, Quezon, and Zamboanga del Norte (17 each) that will be the top LGUs to be adversely affected by the Supreme Court ruling.
“We are worried that this Court decision will result in the depletion of our fish stocks with the unabated fishing operations of commercial fishers, displacement of our small, municipal fisherfolk, and destruction of marine habitats and spawning grounds of juvenile fish needed to restore our fisheries,” environmental lawyer Gloria Estenzo Ramos, Oceana vice president said in a statement.
“All these will push back the reforms for the science-based fishery management areas system now in place, render irrelevant the vessel monitoring requirement for commercial fishing vessels, and imminently lead to deeper hunger and poverty among artisanal fisherfolk and their families because of the very clear threat to their primary source of livelihood and food and nourishment,” Estenzo Ramos added.
Meanwhile, Ruperto Aleroza, vice chairman for the Basic Sectors of the National Anti-Poverty Commission, agreed the lives and livelihood of artisanal fishermen are at stake.
Aleroza, chairman of the Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Samahan sa Kanayunan and a
NCIP, CIP forge partnership for Indigenous people’s leadership in conservation
THE National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and the Conservation International Philippines (CIP) have forged a partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at advancing environmental conservation and management in the Philippines, a CIP news release said.
The signing ceremony took place on February 17 at a hotel in Quezon City. As the Philippines faces increasing pressures from climate change and biodiversity loss, this partnership between NCIP and CIP is particularly significant. Globally, indigenous peoples are acknowledged as stewards of nearly 40 percent of the world’s intact landscapes, and their traditional knowledge and practices are key to protecting these territories. This fact holds true in the Philippines, where the intersection between biodiverse areas and ancestral domains is apparent: 26 percent of the country’s remaining forests are in protected areas, many of which are in indigenous peoples’ territories.
The MOU emphasizes the importance of integrating traditional Indigenous knowledge with modern conservation techniques, creating a more holistic approach to sus -
tainable land and resource management.
NCIP Chairperson Jennifer Sibug-Las highlighted the significance of this partnership, saying: “The importance of this [Memorandum of Understanding] cannot be overstated. In fact, it is a vital step toward the empowerment of our Indigenous communities and the preservation of the natural world they protect.”
Sibug-Las added: “As we move forward, let this become a partnership that should start as a beacon of hope—a testament to
what we can achieve when we work together with respect, understanding, and solidarity. May this partnership bring lasting change as a priority, and a brighter future for the Indigenous peoples of the Philippines, and the biodiversity they safeguard.”
Conservation International Philippines Country Executive Director Wilson John Barbon expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting: “By combining our conservation expertise with NCIP’s commitment to protecting the rights
of Indigenous peoples, we can truly transform ancestral domains into places where traditional knowledge and science are used to achieve a balanced ecology and genuine community development.” Both organizations aim to empower Indigenous communities by working together, enabling them to play a central role in managing their ancestral lands while contributing to national and global efforts in sustainable development, climate action, and biodiversity conservation.
fisherfolk leader from Batangas, said in Filipino that the decision is unfair, saying it is just because of “technicality” that seems to outweigh the real condition and needs of the sector, citing the SC ruling that based its decision on account of the failure of the government to question the ruling on time.
LGUs stand ground SEVERAL LGUs that will be affected have already declared to stand their ground in favor of municipal fishermen.
The municipality of Santa Fe in Northern Cebu will lose 94 percent of its municipal waters to commercial fishing operations.
“Our municipal waters are the lifeblood of our small fisherfolk and coastal communities. By joining the petition, we are standing up for their rights and fighting to uphold the local government’s role in protecting these resources for future generations. This is about preserving livelihoods, food security, and the integrity of our coastal ecosystems,” said Mayor Ithamar Espinosa, one of the petitioners against the SC order.
The local government of Del Carmen, together with its Sangguniang Bayan, also joined the petition.
“The small fishers are recognized as among the poorest sectors in the Philippines and are continuously being exposed to multiple threats, including impacts of climate change, low income without social protection, and limited access to public services due to their remote habitation,” said Del Carmen Mayor Alfred Coro II said in their statement.
“The same fisherfolk contribute
as well to feeding 65 percent of the Filipinos for their preferred protein source from the bounty of the municipal waters that have been protected and preserved allowing fish stocks to grow and recover,” Coro said.
Oceana, Aleroza, and the LGU leaders issued their appeal to President Marcos Jr. to stop efforts to remove the preferential rights of municipal fisherfolk, and the powers and responsibilities of LGUs as stipulated in the Fisheries Code, as amended, and the Local Government Code of the Philippines to conserve, plan and sustainably manage the fisheries resources and critical marine habitats and ecosystems in the 15-km municipal water zone.
Tourism sector threatened too BESIDES small fishermen, tourism in various areas stands to be affected, too.
Anilao in the municipality of Mabini in Batangas province, is also concerned about commercial fishing’s impact on tourism.
OIC of the Tourism Office Nini Calangi Casapao told the BusinessMirror in a telephone interview on February 12 that they are aware of the biggest threat to Anilao and the entire Balayan Bay.
“Our mayor and other officials were already informed by environmentalists about the decision, and they are against allowing commercial fishing near our shores,” she said in Filipino.
Likewise, professional scuba divers who frequent Anilao are fretting about the latest threat to Anilao’s rich coastal and marine biodiversity.
Marivic Verdadero Maramot, founder of Batangas Scuba Diving Academy, in a telephone interview by the BusinessMiror on February 12, said commercial fishing is a big threat to Batangas’s tourism because of its destructive nature.
Environmental advocate and underwater photography expert Danny Ocampo, also a scuba dive master, in a BusinessMirror interview via Messenger on February 11, joined in the position that commercial fishing is a no-no in municipal waters.
“The places we go to dive in are important habitats and ecosystems like coral reefs. Commercial fishing can destroy these habitats with their gears, and the catch of large volumes of fish,” he said.
Polar vortex makes much of US colder than Greenland
WASHINGTON—The polar vortex hit its peak across much of America on February 19, with an icy grip that made Arctic Greenland seem like a toasty vacation spot in comparison. Even Mars has been warmer than North Dakota this week.
But there’s hope. Some of the coldest parts of the United States are forecast to see as much as a 90-degree warmup early next week, before the expected return of yet another polar plunge of freezing air the first week in March, meteorologists said.
At 34 degrees Fahrenheit (1 degree Celsius), Nuuk, the capital of Greenland—a giant ice-covered northern island that President Donald Trump is seeking to acquire— was 11 degrees (6 degrees Celsius) warmer than America’s capital of Washington, D.C. on the morning of February 19.
The average low temperature in the continental United States was 13.7 degrees (minus 10.2 Celsius) and the average low looks to be a tenth of a degree colder, said private meteorologist Ryan Maue, former chief scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Meanwhile, parts of Greenland have been having their version of a winter heat wave, with temperatures around 41 degrees (5 degrees Celsius) on a glacier east of Nuuk
since February 12 for a sustained melt, said Danish ice scientist Jason Box.
That’s “alarming,” said University of Colorado ice scientist Ted Scambos, who said like wildfire season, the Greenland melt season is seeming more year-round.
“They’re sending us the cold air there, we’re sending them the warm air,” said Judah Cohen, seasonal forecast director at the private firm Atmospheric and Environmental Research.
Nuuk, Greenland, feels spring-like and warmer than Christmas in northern Spain, said Daniel Rodriguez, a Spaniard who moved to Greenland in 2023.
“The weather hasn’t been as cold as I thought it was going to be when I first moved here,” said Rodriguez, 25. “It’s a little weird.”
“Ten years ago, it’s cold and so much snow, but now it’s different,” said Melina Moller-Olsen, a Greenlander who has lived in Nuuk for 41 years. “I don’t like it because I love the winter.”
The polar vortex—which normally traps frigid air around the top of the globe—has stretched for the 10th time this winter and 13th time since October to bring the chill as far south as southern Texas, Cohen said. Seth Borenstein/Ap Science Writer
THE MOU is a vital step toward the empowerment of Indigenous communities and the preservation of the natural world they protect. PHOTO COURTESY OF JESUS PAGLIAWAN, CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL
IOC finds Olympic sponsor in China up to Brisbane ’32
BEIJING—The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has found a sponsor in China to replace long-term commercial partner Panasonic from Japan.
TCL was signed to an eight-year, four-Olympics deal through 2032 in the sponsor category of home audiovisual equipment and appliances, the IOC said on Thursday.
The value in cash and operational services was not detailed.
Panasonic’s four-decade partnership ended after the Paris Summer Games last year. It had been a founding member of the global Olympic partner program, known as TOP, in 1985. Japanese firms Toyota and Bridgestone also left the Olympic program last year by not renewing, three years after the Tokyo Olympics was held one year later than scheduled and in a strict lockdown because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
They made up one-fifth of a slate of 15 TOP sponsors who paid a total of more than $2 billion in cash and services to the IOC in the last four-year Olympic cycle. The IOC said its deal with TCL was formalized at the Olympic venue in Beijing that was known as the Water Cube at the 2008 Summer Games and the Ice Cube at the 2022 Winter Games.
TCL will support the IOC exploring using AI and also supply equipment ranging from “digital displays at the Olympic and Paralympic Games to household appliances in the Olympic Village,” the Olympic body said.
“At the Olympic and Paralympic Games, TCL will enable new visual and lifestyle experiences by providing a range of intelligent innovations, including smart displays, air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, door locks, audio systems, projectors and TCL RayNeo smart glasses,” the IOC said in a statement.
The TCL deal covers the Summer Games in Los Angeles in 2028 and Brisbane in 2032, plus Winter Games next year in Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo and 2030 in the French Alps. WADA drops lawsuit vs USADA
THE World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has dropped a lawsuit and an ethics case it filed against critics in the United States who disagreed with its handling of a doping case involving Chinese swimmers
The US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) said that a defamation lawsuit filed in Swiss court against the American drug-fighting agency along with an ethics complaint against former US drug czar Rahul Gupta had both been withdrawn.
USADA CEO Travis Tygart called the end of the legal actions “complete vindication for us both.”
The news was first reported by the website Honest Sport , which obtained a letter sent from WADA leadership to its executive committee.
“While we remain convinced that the lawsuit would be successful on its merits, we have determined that it is futile to argue with somebody who is unwilling to accept clear evidence, whose only goal is to damage WADA and the global anti-doping system,” the letter said in the latest of a long string of accusations flying between Tygart and WADA’s leaders.
The core of the latest disagreement between them came over WADA’s handling of the case involving Chinese swimmers who tested positive, but received no sanction after the country’s anti-doping agency determined the positives were the result of contamination.
WADA commissioned what it said was an independent investigation that found the agency acted “reasonably,” but critics say the investigation by a lawyer chosen by the agency was flawed. AP
AP
It’s not the circus, not acrobatics, it’s ‘acro!’
PITTSBURGH—Abby McDermott has grown accustomed to the looks she gets whenever she starts talking to someone about her chosen sport. The slight turn of the head. The brief pause in the conversation.
“When you say ‘acrobatics and tumbling,’ especially ‘acrobatics,’ people think of the circus,” McDermott said with a laugh.
The Duquesne graduate student gets it. It happens a lot. It wasn’t that long ago that the former artistic gymnast counted herself among the uninitiated.
So she’s perfected a shorthand definition designed to turn confusion into curiosity.
“When I describe it to people, it’s cool but it’s sometimes like weird because people are like, ‘What?’” McDermott said. “Then you have to do the whole ‘Well, it’s kind of like gymnastics and kind of like
cheerleading but we don’t cheer.’” There are no balance beams or vaulting tables. No pompoms or megaphones. Just a massive foam mat rolled across an arena floor and a few dozen athletes on both sides ready to spend two hours flipping, soaring, yelling and finding joy in something that feels familiar yet is decidedly not.
It began in 2009 with a halfdozen schools searching for a way to incorporate elements of those two well-known disciplines—gymnastics and cheerleading—into a showcase for female athletes.
Acro, which operates in a similar space with a more traditional cheerleading-centric approach called STUNT, has become one of the fastest-growing collegiate sports in the country.
Membership in the National Collegiate Acrobatics and Tumbling Association (NCATA) has risen from 14 teams a decade ago to over 50 schools
PHL beach handball squad targets gold medal in Thailand SEA Games
THE success of the national men and women’s teams in the recent Southeast Asian Beach Handball Championships (SEABAH) augurs well for their coming campaign in the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand this December.
Rafael Andrew Agtarap and strength and conditioning coach Gab De Guzman are both optimistic about the Filipinos’ shot at a first SEA Games medal in handball after the men’s team copping bagged the gold medal recently in Suphanburi, Thailand. Although only indoor handball will be played in the SEA Games set December 9 to 20, the two nonetheless believe the country is capable of giving
traditional powerhouses Vietnam and Thailand a run for their money.
“The experience in Suphanburi is very helpful, it fuels our preparation for the SEA Games,” Agtarap told the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum last week at the Conference Hall of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
De Guzman said unlike other countries which have separate teams playing indoor and beach handball, the Philippines is fielding the same roster that achieved podium finishes in the SEABAH and the SEA Games.
“It’s just us who do that—beach and indoor. Other countries maintain separate teams for that purpose,” De Guzman told the forum presented by San Miguel Corp., Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Smart/PLDT, Milo and the country’s 24/7 sports app ArenaPlus.
“And like what we did in the beach, we believe we can perform at a high level in the SEA Games,” he added.
The country won its first beach handball gold in the region after beating Vietnam in the men’s final, 2-1, highlighted by a thrilling 9-8 win via a shootout.
representing over 1,200 athletes, including Duquesne, which made its debut earlier this month.
The NCAA labeled “acro” an emerging sport in 2020. There’s a chance it could be considered for NCAA championship status as early as the 2027-28 academic year.
On the surface, acro’s ascension seems sudden and perhaps in lockstep with a spike in interest in women’s sports. The reality is it has been hiding in plain sight all along.
‘This bridged the gap’ THERE are currently more than 3 million girls participating in cheerleading or gymnastics (or both) in the United States. Only a small fraction, however, move on to compete collegiately.
Enter the NCATA, which promotes acro as an attractive option for athletic departments. With roster sizes that can swell to as large as 50 and low overhead— the floor mat is the only piece of
The women’s side, meanwhile, bagged the bronze medal.
The best achievement by a Philippine team in SEA Games handball in was a men’s team silver medal in the 2021 edition in Hanoi.
Agtarap said the experience the team had in the SEAHAB served as a gauge on what both teams still need to improve on for the SEA Games.
De Guzman said training camps are a must for both national teams especially the men’s unit which is also preparing for the Asian Beach Handball in Oman this May.
equipment required—acro offers schools a chance to be better positioned for Title IX compliance while allowing athletes to extend their careers.
“There was an unmet need,” said Janell Cook, executive director of the NCATA. “This came and bridged the gap.”
Duquesne, a Catholic university that sits on a bluff overlooking downtown Pittsburgh, has an undergraduate student population that is well over 60% female. When the school began exploring adding women’s sports earlier this decade, the more athletic director Dave Harper looked into acro, the more it appeared to be “a perfect fit.”
“The goal was to not only have competitive rosters but boost our numbers on the women’s sports side,” he said. “It’s aligned well for us.”
Harper hired Michaela Soper—a former artistic gymnast who transitioned to acro after she broke her back during her senior year of high school—in the spring of 2023.
Soper cast a wide net over the next year, eventually recruiting a team of 34 athletes (nearly all of them freshmen) from 15 different states. The 120-member Dukes football team, which competes at the FCS level, features players from 18 states.
“She’s gone into places that certainly the Duquesne name is not familiar but now will be, which is fantastic,” Harper said.
‘Somebody wants me’ GROWING up in the Baltimore suburbs, Soper had her sights set on becoming a college gymnast. An awkward fall on the balance beam scuttled those plans. A few months before graduation, Gannon—a small private school in Erie, Pennsylvania—reached out to see if Soper wanted to become part of its fledgling program.
“I kind of thought it was a hoax,” said Soper. “I didn’t think it was real because I hadn’t heard of it before.” She brushed aside her initial skepticism, in part because Gannon made her feel like “somebody actually wants me.” Soper fell in love with the team aspect of a sport that requires trust above all else.
It was much the same for McDermott, by far the most experienced athlete on the Duquesne roster after four years at Glenville State in West Virginia. She’s embraced becoming a de facto assistant coach and sounding board for her freshmen-laden team. It wasn’t always that way. AP
Big field in IM 70.3 Puerto Princesa
THE Ironman 70.3 Puerto Princesa that makes a strong comeback after a year’s hiatus on March 2 has drawn a formidable cast with close to a third of the participants hailing from 45 different countries.
The event has seen a surge in international participation with triathletes from Australia, China, France, Guam, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, Vietnam and the United States set to challenge local powerhouses.
After John Alcala (2022) and Satar Salem (2023) topped the first two editions in the men’s overall championship, international contenders are eager to claim the top podium spot. The women’s field is equally
Hong Kong’s latest bubble tea IPO mints another billionaire
FEBRUARY 23, 2025 | soundstrip.businessmirror@gmail.com
FINE TIME
Eraserheads to reclaim their story in ‘Combo on the Run’
By Justine Xyrah Garcia
WHEN is the right time to take back control of your own narrative—especially after decades of speculation and myths? For the Eraserheads, that moment is now.
The legendary Filipino rock band is finally pulling back the curtain on their journey in Eraserheads: Combo on the Run, a documentary set for release next month.
From their meteoric rise to their painful split and long-awaited reunion, the film promises to unveil the stories that shaped not just the band but also the Original Pinoy Music (OPM) scene. Combo on the Run offers an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the band’s 2022
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Huling El Bimbo reunion concert and their U.S. tour, featuring never-before-seen interviews with Ely Buendia, Marcus Adoro, Raimund Marasigan, and Buddy Zabala.
At a press conference on Monday, frontman Ely Buendia reflected on why now was the right time to tell their story.
“Time has passed, and I believe in keeping something for yourself—not spoon-feeding everything to the audience… But there comes a time when that works against you,” he shared.
“So this time, we chose a different path. Like what Diane [Ventura] said, it’s time to reclaim our narrative,” Ely added.
For the band, the documentary is not just about revisiting their history—it’s also about setting the record straight, including the longdebated meaning behind their song Spoliarium.
One of the most persistent urban legends claims the song was inspired by the 1980s rape case involving actress Pepsi Paloma and the alleged involvement of TV hosts Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey De Leon. Ely, however, dismissed this outright.
“They were my heroes. I wouldn’t dream of writing a song to tarnish my heroes. So I think that’s the most ridiculous [rumor]. I will maintain until today that it’s not about them, it’s not about Pepsi (Paloma)—let the other hacks tackle that,” he said.
Beyond Spoliarium, the Eraserheads are best
known for hits like Huling El Bimbo, With a Smile, and Pare Ko—songs that have transcended generations.
Formed in 1989, the Eraserheads became one of the most influential bands in Philippine music history.
But in 2002, just a year after releasing their final studio album Carbon Stereoxide, they disbanded—abruptly ending an era.
They reunited briefly in the late 2000s, but it wasn’t until their massive 2022 comeback that they fully stepped back into the spotlight with a world tour.
Reflecting on the experience, Ely admitted he had changed his approach to working with his bandmates.
“I’ve learned to be more professional and work with others better… From the 2022 reunion, I decided I would really try my best to get along with them, be more mature, and talk things over—hear both sides of the story before I judge anything,” he said.
He also acknowledged that, despite past tensions, the band has grown better at reconciling.
“We’ve moved forward in a more optimistic and positive light… a far cry from thirty years ago,” he added.
Inspiring new gens
MORE than two decades after releasing their last album, the Eraserheads’ influence continues to resonate with younger generations— something Ely sees as intentional rather than accidental.
“That was no accident. We wanted to transcend generations, and that’s what the Eraserheads is all about… We were inspired by previous generations to make music, and this is our way of giving back—to inspire new musicians and people to go out there, be themselves, and be their own person,” he shared.
As a special treat for fans, the band teased a surprise live performance at a “mystery” cinema during the theatrical run of the documentary. The exact location and time? Still under wraps.
Eraserheads: Combo on the Run will be screened exclusively in cinemas nationwide from March 21 to 23, 2025.
Directed by Diane Ventura and produced by DVent Pictures and WEU, the film is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.
It will also be the first Philippine documentary to be screened in Dolby Atmos, promising an immersive sound experience for audiences.
ELY Buendia (Photo taken at Guevarra’s by Chef Laudico)
Photo by Justine Xyrah Garcia
KEEP MOVING
Why Medwin Marfil thinks True Faith should keep playing
MEDWIN Marfil survived fame as a musician in the 1990s, and drug abuse in the 2000s, and is now happily married in the United States.
In this Q&A, the diminutive bundle of energy looks back to his roots, explains why he drinks, and looks forward to more gigs with his band True Faith.
Let’s go back to the very start. You were then singing in multiplex tracks produced by Tommy Tanchanco. How did the idea to form True Faith begin?
THAT’S right. My first real job was recording the vocal tracks of multiplex tapes in the early 1990s at Tommy Tanchanco’s Fullerton Studio. One of my workmates was Ferdie Marquez. He and I used to be in a band called Strictly Confidential. We had some songs that got played on NU 107 and 99.5 RT. Also working at Fullerton then was Francis Guevarra. The three of us shared a love for new wave (foreign and local), popjazz, and sophisti-pop. In between studio breaks, we discussed forming a band and making it big in the music scene.
Was “Perfect” the first song the band recorded? How did it get airplay on RT?
“PERFECT” was our first demo. As soon as I heard the keyboard riff by Francis, I instantly felt like singing some words on it. We recorded the song one night in December 1991. I knew how to get in touch with DJs of NU and RT since Strictly Confidential had gotten airplay on both stations. We submitted the demo to RT since “Perfect” would be more apt for its playlist.
But of course, we needed a name for our trio. I christened it True Faith after the band New Order’s 1987 hit, completely unaware that the song’s really about drug addiction. (That was a fact that I would learn many years after. Which still felt appropriate, since I went through a druggy phase in the 2000s and luckily survived it.) I went to RT’s studio in Makati after Fidel Ramos was elected President in 1992. I remember it was North Andrew whom I gave the demo to. He had the track auditioned to be part of their playlist.
length album which OctoArts would release in 1993. Everything was done in MIDI. Initially we wanted to be a unit that played live with just drum machines. Somewhere along the way, we decided to have a real drummer, so we got Jun Dizon. I wrote the lyrics (plus melodies) to all of the songs. Music was by Ferdz and Francis. One track, “Kalinga,” was written by Eazer Pastor who played guitar then.
Vince St. Price of RT and Teddy Dario became True Faith’s managers. Was it easy for them to get the band a record deal from the buzz of the radio airplay of “Perfect”?
YEAH. When “Perfect” became a hit on RT by mid-’92, the DJs on air would make announcements addressing “whoever is True Faith” to call the station and look for Vince St. Price. I made a phone call at a store near La Salle Taft. That’s when I first conversed with Vince. Weeks later, we met Teddy Dario who would co-manage the band with Vince. I remember music labels were looking for us because “Perfect” was such a hit with young people. I guess the challenge was to pick which recording company offered the best deal. We eventually signed up with OctoArts.
How did the band write the rest of the songs on the first album? Did you write all the lyrics, and who composed the music?
I THINK we had two more demos played on RT: “Everything She Wore” and “Love Stings.” Like “Perfect,” we re-recorded both tracks for the full-
True Faith was part of the ’90s music scene, a golden age in OPM history. What, to you, were the most memorable moments of that decade?
THE ’90s was such a vibrant time for music. It was a rollercoaster ride with many ups and downs. I remember we played incessantly. And I did feel burnt out on many occasions. So many things happened that some moments are blurry now to me. But I remember the TV appearances in which we merely lip-synched. I remember the loud applause at the Folk Arts Theater when “Huwag Na Lang Kaya?” was a big hit. I remember the Cuneta Astrodome show with the Eraserheads, “Combo Nation.”
True Faith continued to be active in the 2000s and is in fact still performing these days with some new members. What was the lowest point the band went through? Did you ever consider quitting?
I WENT through a not-so-savory phase with substance abuse. When your mind is loaded with it, plus alcohol, you obviously can’t focus. I suffered
from disillusionment and felt jaded, I thought I couldn’t continue anymore with the band. Looking back, I’m absolutely glad I’m out of the woods.
You recently got hitched to your boyfriend Mark Angeles in the US. What changes has married life done to you? Have you, for instance, slowed down on your drinking?
HAVE I slowed down on my drinking because of marriage? Probably, haha! The truth about my drinking is that I treat it more like medication for my introversion. I was very much a loner as a kid up until my teens. I was socially awkward. Even until now. I still am a bag of nerves before a show. My doctor prescribed something for moments like going onstage, so that I could temper my alcohol intake. It’s really some sort of situational anxiety. I have, in the past, overdone the “alcohol as a social lubricant” thing. But yeah, these days I only drink when there’s a show.
Eventually I want to quit drinking because I know it’s not synonymous to optimum health. And it is counterintuitive to my trying to be healthy as a vegan.
Are you now based in the US, and you shuttle back to the Philippines only for gigs?
I’M now based in San Bruno, California with my husband Mark. Yeah, the plan is to come to the Philippines for True Faith shows as often as I may be allowed to. I don’t see any reason why we should call it a day for the band. As long as we still enjoy what we do, and people want to come to the shows, we’ll keep going.
What would you consider your greatest achievement as a performing artist?
I’M proud that we’ve lasted this long, that we’ve made a body of work that we can be proud of. I’m proud that our music has touched the lives of many people. The mere idea that we’ve made folks happy through our music is quite an achievement. It’s reciprocal — we feel happy as well.
One of my heroes is Dick Van Dyke. He’s nearly 100 years old, and he’s still a dynamite. I’ve adopted the title of his autobiography as one of my personal mantras in every aspect of my life: “Keep Moving.”
Photos: Truefaith/Facebook
Hong Kong’s latest bubble tea IPO mints another billionaire
By Filipe Pacheco & Diana Li Bloomberg
CHINA’S insatiable appetite for bubble tea has spawned another billionaire.
Guming Holdings Ltd.’s $233 million Hong Kong initial public offering bolstered the value of the stake owned by its millennial founder, Yun’an Wang, to $1.1 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Shares finished 6.4 percent below the listing price at HK$9.30 ($1.3), paring initial gains.
Wang joins the growing club of Chinese bubble tea billionaires who have sprouted in recent years amid soaring demand for the drinks—a $9.6 billion market in 2018 that’s forecast to balloon into $71 billion in three years. But he’s also taking his company public at a time investors are becoming increasingly wary about pumping money into such a competitive industry, where vendors regularly engage in price wars.
Take Sichuan Baicha Baidao Industrial Co., the maker of Chabaidao tea. It was the most recent firm concocting the drinks— made by mixing tea with fresh fruit, tapioca balls or milk—to list in Hong Kong last April. The company’s husband-and-wife founders, Wang Xiaokun and Liu Weihong, had combined net worth of about $2.7 billion at the time of the debut, but their fortune has shrunk as the stock lost nearly half of its value.
That hasn’t stopped Wang and his rivals from seeking to raise funds so they can keep adding to the thousands of stores their chains already have. For example, industry leader Mixue Group has revived plans for an IPO. The company’s founding brothers, Zhang Hongchao and Zhang Hongfu, had an estimated net worth of about $1.5 billion each as of April.
Wang and his army of underwriters, led by Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and UBS
Group AG, are betting that Guming, which sells tea under the “Good me” brand, will appeal to investors because of his unique strategy. While others seek to make their fortunes in metropolises like Beijing and Shanghai, the company specifically targets smaller cities and townships where bubble tea isn’t as readily available and where growth outpaces that of large megacities, according to Guming.
He would know. Wang opened his first tea shop in his hometown of Daxi—whose population of under 200,000 makes it a tiny place by Chinese standards—in Zhejiang province near Shanghai nearly 15 years ago. According to local media, his shop was so empty early on that there were days when Wang would only sell around 100 yuan ($14) of tea a day—even after selling some drinks to his co-founder.
Since then, his tea chain has caught on and expanded deeper into China’s hinterland to amass nearly 10,000 stores. After surviving the ultra-competitive landscape, Wang’s brand emerged as the second largest among freshly made bubble tea makers in
terms of total sales and number of stores by the end of 2023, according to research cited in the IPO prospectus.
“The top priority for us is still the lowertier cities, or towns and counties,” George Meng, Guming’s chief financial officer, said in an interview to Bloomberg TV. “We’re not in a hurry to go to places like Beijing and Shanghai because there are already plenty of bubble tea shops there.”
Guming’s Good me had a market share
of 9.1 percent as of the end of 2023 among China’s top five bubble brands, trailing only Mixue’s 20 percent, according to the research.
The industry is “always full of crazy promotions,” Guming’s Wang said in an interview to Southern Metropolis Daily in December 2023. “We are already used to a price war. Every year there will be a new bubble tea brand popping up.”
Wang, whose parents ran a small retail business near the border with Myanmar, received a bachelor’s degree in material science and engineering in 2010 from Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, the same year he opened his first Good me. As of September, the company was present in 17 provinces across China.
Starting in Taiwan as a sugary, high-calorie comfort drink, bubble tea has evolved drastically on the Chinese mainland, with various chains competing to offer healthier versions like tea latte or freshly brewed ice tea blend with fruit compote or juice.
Klook raises $100 million, targets Millennial, Gen Z travelers
TRAVEL booking platform Klook has raised $100 million in a new founding round led by Vitruvian Partners, bringing the total raised to more than $1 billion, as the company focuses on Millennial and Gen Z travelers. The two younger generations make up about 70 percent of Klook’s user base, with more than four-in-five bookings made on its mobile app. That’s made social media platforms a key channel to win customers, according to Eric Gnock Fah, the company’s co-founder and president.
“Social is becoming the new search,” Gnock Fah said in an interview. “People are searching on TikTok and Instagram, so that is definitely the trend we continue to capitalize on.”
Younger travelers are also gravitating more toward authentic and personalized experiences, which has become a big change in the way people like to spend their free time. Rather than choose a destination and then plan what to do there, younger people are prioritizing activities or experiences first, according to a recent
report by McKinsey & Co., which estimated the global experience market may be worth more than $1 trillion.
“Gen Z are budget cautious, but they’re not afraid to pay if they think the value of the services are actually worth it,” said Ethan Lin, Klook’s other co-founder and chief executive officer.
The company already partners with TikTok, where users can book directly through the app. Klook has also collaborated with more than 20,000 influencers, who can earn commissions and
sponsored trips.
Despite the new funding round, Klook has no concrete plans around going public just yet, though it does have a “loose projection” of an IPO in the next couple of years, according to Lin. The Singapore-based company has previously said it would be prepared to list in the US or Hong Kong.
“It’s always a question about where the market is,” Lin said. “We do see the capital market slowly picking up in the last six months.” Bloomberg
n Cover photo by Kim Cruz on Pexels.com
YUN’AN WANG at the listing ceremony in Hong Kong on February 12. PHOTOS FROM BLOOMBERG
A GOOD ME tea store, operated by Guming Holdings, in Chongqing.
ELAIA BY CYMA
Wine Dine&
It’s back to basics and all about ingredients
By Anne Ruth Dela Cruz
INSTEAD of driving to Tagaytay to enjoy a great meal and the cooler weather, why not consider Silang, Cavite instead? An added reason for you to go there is to enjoy Chef Robby Goco’s latest venture – Elaia by Cyma.
Surrounded by lush greenery, Elaia by Cyma provides a refreshing retreat where you can enjoy fresh air, breathtaking views and an atmosphere of laidback elegance. It’s here where you can experience authentic flavors in a setting that reflects the simplicity and richness of Mediterranean living.
The name “Elaia,” meaning “olive” in Greek, symbolizes Chef Robby’s commitment to using only the finest extra virgin olive oil, infusing every dish with authentic Mediterranean flavors. Elaia by Cyma’s philosophy is rooted in nature’s abundance, preserving the culinary wisdom of Greek cookery.
“Elaia by Cyma promotes longevity, food that is cooked in extra virgin oil. The cuisine of Greece relies a lot on the ingredients that they use. Here in Silang, we are closer to the source. This will be the home base so that we can send all the ingredients to our other restaurants,” Chef Robby said in an interview.
Greek restaurant ELAIA is one of Chef Robby’s Greek restaurants. His has Cyma. This was followed by Souv, which Chef Robby describes as “Cyma’s younger sister who
traveled abroad and brought back ingredients like quinoa and couscous.”
On the other hand, Elaia
“is as if you have a Greek grandmother in the kitchen.” This means that the food is cooked in Greek style – low and slow, vegetable-centered and cooked in extra virgin olive oil.
The menu draws inspiration from the bold and comforting cuisine of Northern Greece which features hearty lamb dishes, savory pies and vegetables cooked in extra virgin olive oil – simple, fresh and packed with flavor.
“Great food takes time. This is why we embrace the low and slow cooking method, allowing the natural flavors of each ingredient to shine. This method creates layers of flavor that enables the dish to reach its peak perfection,” he said.
Lambassador
THE new Silang restaurant is also a good venue to promote Chef Robby’s lamb dishes. Last year, Chef Robby was appointed as the first Filipino “Lambassador” by Meat and Livestock Australia due to his extensive knowledge in cooking lamb, promoting it as the healthiest meat and creating delicious lamb dishes. The Lambassador program
is a global project that identifies influential food professionals who are passionate about cooking with Australian lamb. The program began in Japan in 2015 and has now grown to a community of over 50 food professionals worldwide.
As part of his role, Chef Robby will collaborate closely with MLA and Australian lamb producers and importers to highlight the premium quality and sustainability practices that define Australian lamb production.
“They said I am the one who introduced lamb to the Filipinos. And you just have to cook it. Just make sure that you get really young lamb. There are so many steakhouses but we are the only ones who serve lamb. That’s the secret of Cyma,” he said.
Sampling MEDIA guests did get to sample the Lamb Chops al Ajillo with garlic EVOO topped with crispy potato and the Roast Lamb, an eight-hour roasted Australian lamb shoulder. Both were tender and juicy. These were just two out of the 19 or so dishes that were served to the guests, not counting the canapes and appetizers that were served upon arrival to give guests time to enjoy the restaurant’s surroundings.
As one of the media guests, I thoroughly enjoyed the starters, especially the various breads baked onsite and the Dip Sampler of Tzatziki, tirokafteri, melitzanosalata, hummus. I also enjoyed the Greek Panzanella which was voted the best salad by Taste Atlas, Mushroom Pie, Roasted Grapes with Arugula and the Tagaytay Geen Salad. Not to be missed are the Kreatopita Pie which is braised beef in red wine with white cheese, Garides Saganaki, Roasted shrimp, tomatoes and feta and Beef Kalamaki, rib finger sticks served
with parsley salad.
In addition to the lamb dishes, the other mains that were served were the Seafood Elaia, a pasta dish of aglio olio with clams, mussels, shrimp and squid and the Beef Stifado. Then there is the Chicken Souvlaki Plate served with pita bread, tomato, onion, fries, the Grilled Pork Belly that is marinated Greekstyle with Greek fries and Grilled Whole Pampano, Ladera dishes
WE also got to sample the Ladera dishes. These are locally sourced vegetables simmered in extra virgin oil. We had Green Beans or Fasolakia, Spinach Rice (Spanakorizo), Oven-roasted vegetables (Briam) and Greek Baked Beans (Gigantes Plaki).
There will always be room for dessert and a personal favorite was the Ekmek or the Greek tiramisu made of Kataifi, semolina custard and whipped cream. The Sokolatopita or the Moist chocolate cake with brown butter buttercream and salted caramel was also a hit. And then there was the Cherries Bordeaux Frozen Yogurt which provided a refreshing end to the food sampling.
The other media guests also enjoyed the curated selection of signature cocktails and beverages. Each cocktail is infused with olives, adding a rich and savory depth of flavor. A must try is The Elaia, a handcrafted cocktail featuring olive-infused rum, tamarind, lime, sugar, milk, and Greek yoghurt, creating a perfect balance of tangy creamy and smooth flavors.
“It really back to basics for us here and we are pushing for longevity because the cuisine of Greece relies a lot on the ingredients that they use. We cannot stay young forever but we want to live as long as we can,” said Chef Robby.
Editor: Anne Ruth Dela Cruz |
The interiors of Elaia by Cyma
Seafood Elaia
4 dip sampler
Mushroom Pie
Chef Robby Goco and his wife Chinky
Elaia by Cyma in Silang, Cavite
The kitchen
Cocktails by Elaia
Dessert choices
Wine Dine&
VIKINGS TO RAMP UP DINING EXPERIENCE AT EASTWOOD MALL BRANCH
BBy Rory Visco Contributor
UFFET dining is still very much in demand in the Phil-
ippines these days. Once mobility restrictions were fully lifted, you can see Filipino diners flocking to restaurants and other food establishments, particularly those that offer unlimited or buffet dining.
And one familiar brand that continues to flourish in the food dining market is Vikings which offers diverse flavors from all over the world.
At present, there are around 21 Vikings branches all over the
country, which brings the total number of restaurants under the Vikings Group, which is composed of brands such as Four Seasons, Mey Lin, Niu, among others, to 65 around the country, according to Chef Rosauro Peciller or “Chef Ross,” Corporate Executive Chef of the Vikings Group. He was joined by Chef Jonathan Bautista, Executive Chef for Vikings Eastwood Mall branch, during the recent opening of Vikings in Eastwood Mall, their latest outlet.
Chef Ross, who served in many five-star hotels around the world, said that from time to time they
Shake Shack X Hey Pie People:
By Francine Medina
BURGER fanatics who want the elevated experience only need to turn to Shake Shack for its high-quality beef smash burgers griddled to patty perfection: juicy on the inside, crispy and caramelized on the outside. Assembled with a drizzle of special sauce and between buttery potato buns, and served with properly cooked, not too greasy but crispy French fries with some of its skin still on. Even better, the American restaurant chain always beefs up the dining experience by introducing something satisfying with something familiar. Take, for instance, its popular Manila Exclusives such as Calamansi Limeade or the Uuube-by Baby cold dessert introduced some three years ago and inspired by the Pinoy halo-halo.
In the US, it’s not unique for Shake Shack to collaborate with chefs through its Now Serving platform. In 2023, it likewise had its first Philippine collab through
innovate or upgrade the menu for the international cuisine. “Culinary practice is a form of art that’s why we always create and introduce something new, especially cuisine from other countries, like from India. We also started our plantbased menu here in Eastwood like beef tapa, nuggets, meatballs, mushroom burger,” he said when asked by BusinessMirror.
Cosmopolitan Luxe design
THE interior at the Vikings branch at Eastwood Mall uses a Cosmopolitan Luxe design, where opulence meets elegance, to appeal to din-
ers who love to dine in a restaurant with a sophisticated appeal but not too intimidating.
“The modern amenities found in most buffet dining restaurants are still there but Vikings is more about a comfortable, relaxing, yet fulfilling dining experience, especially for the loyal Eastwood Mall habitues like those in residential and office buildings in the surrounding area,” he said.
Chef Jonathan, who has been with the group since 2019, said they see to it that they introduce something special or different for each outlet, like starting with Indi-
an cuisine in their Gateway Mall 2 branch, and then plant-based menu in Eastwood Mall. Also, the branch in Eastwood Mall, just like in other Vikings branches, has function rooms that those who plan to hold small parties or office meetings and have met the minimum number of persons required can avail of these rooms on a first-come, first-served basis, he added.
Chef Ross, who has already spent 11 years with the group and trains all the chefs within the group, said that among his plans is to train more young Filipino chefs using his more than four decades
Eyes are still on their delish pie-inspired desserts till March 23
a one-day only offer with multiawarded Chef Jordy Navarra of the famous Toyo Eatery. Known for sublime presentations using local flavors and cooking techniques, Chef Navarra didn’t disappoint as he brought Chicken and Cheek BBQ sandwich, Inasal Fries, Rosella and Lambanog Lemoade, and Tsokolate at Tostadong Bigas Concrete, among others.
Aice Ice Cream’s ‘Aice on the Prize’ spreads happiness to Pinoys
pected that I would win the grand prize. My message to Aice Ice Cream is to help those who need help and continue striving to assist people.”]
A mother’s prayer answered AMONG the 50 winners of the Honor X9B smartphones, one story stood out: the story of Gina Corpuz, a hardworking 43-year-old pandesal vendor. For her, this was more than just winning
As nice as pie THANKFULLY, the latest Shake Shack collab will run till March 23 so there’s time to savor and go for seconds, thirds, and more. This time, baker Raeanne Young Sagan, with her husband Colin, of Hey Pie People created two cold dessert concoctions highlightng Shake Shack’s signature vanilla
a phone; it was about fulfilling a heartfelt wish for her daughter, and Aice made it happen.
“Nagjoin pa lang ako sa Aice, nag-pray na talaga ako na makuha kami sa cellphone, kasi kako deserve talaga ito ng anak ko.”
[“When I joined the Aice promo, I immediately prayed that we would be chosen to win the cellphone because I truly believe my child deserves it.”]
She added, “Kung tutuusin kaya ko naman siya bilhan, pero syempre, may nakalaan kasi sa ibang bagay.”
[“I could buy her one, but of course, our money is already set aside for other needs.”]
Thanks to Aice, Gina’s wish was granted,
frozen custard made with real cane sugar, cage-free eggs and hormonefree milk. A balikbayan, Raeanne’s pies have been hits from the start in Alabang due to its combinations of classic American-style pie crusts and Filipino-inspired fillings.
Now serving at Shake Shack is the comforting Mango Manchego Concrete (P330, single serving), a
and her daughter now has the phone she needs for her studies. Grateful for the unexpected blessing, she further expressed, “Kung hindi din dahil sa inyo, wala eh, hindi din namin matikman yung mga pagpapalang ito.”
[“If not for Aice, we wouldn’t have experienced these blessings.”]
A surprise cash blessing
FOR Barnard Roque, winning the P10,000 GCash credits is a big help for his family.
“Ako’y nagpapasalamat ng marami na ako’y nakatanggap ng sampung libo. Bale, ayun po’y inambag po namin sa munting negosyo ng asawa ko para medyo mapalago nang kaunti
sweetish, salty, and super creamy variant of Shake Shack’s popular dessert. Fresh mangoes and grated Manchego cheese are blended in and topped with Hey Pie People’s signature flaky crust.
Equally satisfying is the Hey Banana Fanna Toffee Shake (P335), vanilla frozen custard blended with Hey Pie People’s Banana Cream Pie, special
‘yung kanyang mga paninda,” said Roque who currently works as a CCTV installer.
[“I am very grateful to have received P10,000. We decided to invest it in my wife’s small store so we could expand her products a little.”]
More chances of winning THE excitement of “Aice on the Prize” doesn’t stop at the raffle. Customers who purchase Aice’s Chocolate Crispy still have the chance to win millions of prizes, including P10 or P300 in GCash credits; no draw needed! And here’s a piece of good news: Aice has extended the promo until March 31, 2025, al-
of experience, particularly in international cuisine. And he makes it a point to regularly visit a different store, whether existing or a new one, all over the country to check on food quality and taste to make sure that these stores strictly follow global standards in food preparation and other important aspects to make sure that diners get only the best dining experience for their money.
Food wastage WITH buffet restaurants, some of the most immediate concerns is on how they are able to manage food wastage. Chef Jonathan said one example in managing food waste is with vegetables. The skin or some other parts that are usable and safe are put in their vegetable stock, which is the liquid produced by simmering bits and pieces of aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, celery, or even leeks, in water to make a soup. “We make sure that ways of reducing food wastage is learned— and practiced—by our employees.”
More appropriately, this latest branch is called “The Zenith” where it stands as the pinnacle of the Vikings brand, an epitome of the achievement and the peak of Vikings, where it will serve as the ultimate reflection of the Viking Group’s legacy, where global flavors meet unparalleled luxury. The two chefs said that over the years, they will continue to come up with innovations and other creative ways on how to ramp up or elevate the dining experience at Vikings so that diners will have something to look forward to each time they’d want to visit a Vikings branch.
black sesame toffee sauce, toffee bits, and ground black sesame mix—also topped with Hey Pie People’s flaky crust for the deconstructed pie feels.
“Hey Pie People is very popular with the community. But some people can only dream of enjoying its delicious pies because either it’s far from their area or the pies are sold out already. But, also, because we share the same heritage. The pies are created from classic American recipes but with the added twist of using fresh local produce and high-quality ingredients,” explained Kate Villasenor, Marketing Director of Good Eats Specialists Inc:, the exclusive franchise holder of Shake Shack in the Philippines and member of the SSI Group.
“Our slogan, ‘Stand for something good’ resonates with Hey Pie People’s values, too. We both believe in using only fresh ingredients, uplifting the customer experience, and looking after communities,” Villasenor added.
Except for the Manila Shack in NAIA 3, all other outlets are offering these two dreamy concoctions. Shack fans will be doing something good, too, as five percent of all Mango Manchego Concrete sales are donated to CENTEX, Ayala Foundation’s holistic education program.
lowing more Filipinos to enjoy their favorite ice cream while winning exciting prizes.
Joining is easy: simply buy a marked Chocolate Crispy, check the popsicle stick for a nine-digit code, and send a message to Aice Ice Cream Philippines’ official Facebook page. Follow the prompts and you might be the next winner. The “Aice on the Prize” promo is Aice’s way of bringing happiness, hope, and reallife opportunities to everyday Filipinos. From brand-new cars to essential gadgets and financial boosts, Aice continues to prove that with every delightful bite, there’s a chance to change lives.
Dessert station Japanese station Beverage bar
Present at the opening of Vikings Luxury Buffet at Eastwood Mall are, from left, Krishield Sison-Quiogue, General
Manager, Eastwood City; Lorence Aurelio, VP and Head, Central Leasing and Key Accounts; Graham Coates, FVP and Head, Megaworld Lifestyle Malls; Kevin Andrew Tan, President and CEO, Alliance Global Group; Jackson
Raeanne Young Sagan of Hey Pie People with her Hey Banana Fanna Toffee Shake. Mango Manchego Concrete (left) and Hay Banana Fanna Toffee Shake
Colin and Raeanne Sagan of Hey Pie People with their children, Rafaela, Caio and Cenzo
In the photo are, from left, Michael Huang, Rustan Commercial Corporation VP for Store Development and Expansions; Colin Sagan and Raeanne Young Sagan of Hey Pie People; Joan Aquino, Good Eats by SSI General Manager; and MJ Tantoco, GoodEats by SSI AVP Business Development and Operations
Elisha Lucente won a Toyota Avanza.
Gina Corpuz wpn an Honor cellphone.
Barnard Roque bagged P10,000 in Gcash credits.
Wine Dine&
By Anne Ruth Dela Cruz
STANDARD Hospitality Group
(SHG) marked last February 3, 2025 a major milestone in its expansion journey with the launch of Yabu: House of Katsu’s expanded flagship store at Power Plant Mall. This strategic reopening of Yabu’s 21st location, now 50 percent larger, reinforces SHG’s ambitious vision to grow its network from its current 45 stores to 100 locations within five years.
“Our goal is to set the standard in the restaurant scene, and this expanded flagship store represents our commitment to that vision,” shares John Concepcion, CEO of Standard Hospitality Group. “As we continue to grow, we’re focused on elevating the casual dining experience while maintaining the quality
that has made Yabu the country’s leading katsu brand.”
During his short talk at the launch, Concepcion recalled the time back on December 27, 2008 in Osaka, Japan where he was sitting in a small restaurant just outside a train station with his children Michael and Nicole.
“We watched as customers lined up for just one thing. Remember, this is 2008. We saw a perfect plate of katsu, no fancy menus, no distraction, just a singular focus of mastering one exceptional dish,” he related.
“So we stepped aside, took our first bite and it was heavenly. It was really, really good. It was first experience of what katsu is supposed to be,” he added.
Then and there, he decided that he wanted to bring that katsu experience to the Philippines.
“In 2008, what was known here was Japanese restaurants that served everything. So it was quite refreshing to go to a place that just serves one dish. And I had to go back to the hotel, go to my wife and said one day, we are going to have a katsu restaurant in the Philippines,” Concepcion said.
On November 11, 2011, the first Yabu store was opened in SM Megamall and it was a immediate success.
The expanded Rockwell location addresses the high demand at one of Yabu’s busiest stores while showcasing the brand’s evolution. The significantly larger space features upgraded kitchen facilities, contemporary design elements, and new staff uniforms that reflect the brand’s continued innovation in the casual dining sector.
Alongside the enhanced dining
space, Yabu Rockwell introduced the exclusive Crispy Katsudon, a masterful creation featuring crispy katsu on silky tamagoyaki omelette, generously coated in rich donburi
AIA Philippines is Shaping a Vibrant 2025 with a Healthy Meal Prep Event
By Candy P. Dalizon Contributor
Aachieving wellbeing and financial security, key ingredients for healthier, longer, and better lives.
“When we talk about health, sometimes it seems a little daunting. So we tend to hear things like, and we might even say this ourselves, ‘I don’t have time to work out. Healthy food is expensive or healthy food is not delicious or I’m not fit enough to do a run.’ So there are a lot of hurdles that people have to go through when we talk about health,” said Melissa Henson, AIA Philippines Chief Marketing Officer.
“We at AIA want to change that conversation. Because when we talk about health, it’s no longer just about physical health. We can think about financial health, mental health, environmental health, and health of communities and society. And it’s all interconnected,” added Henson.
Financially unprepared
SHE pointed out that illness is feared not just for
itself, but for its financial burden, especially in the Philippines. Being financially unprepared creates anxiety, while preparedness brings peace of mind. Good health and a healthy environment contribute to overall well-being. Thus, all aspects of health, finances, and environment are interconnected.
“So for us, it’s really about bringing all of these pieces of health together. And working with various stakeholders to help people really achieve their health goals,” said Henson.
She likewise said that the healthy meal preparation event with Boutwood is a good way to take the first step toward health.
“Because preparing for meals means we’re more mindful. We know what goes into our food. We can control our portions. It’s also not as drastic as going on a crazy diet. So that means it’s more sustainable. And that’s what it’s really all about, taking these small steps to achieve our goals,” shared Henson.
Meal preparation
THE immersive culinary experience with BritishFilipino chef and restaurateur Boutwood was held at The Test Kitchen in Rockwell, Makati. Boutwood prepared salad and protein bowls with grains, featuring sous vide chicken thigh. Sous vide, a technique favored by leading chefs, results in perfectly cooked, tender, and moist proteins like chicken and steak. It involves cooking vacuum-sealed food at precisely con-
trolled, low temperatures.
Brining the chicken beforehand ensures that it stays as moist as possible, according to Boutwood. Brining involves soaking poultry or other meats in a saltwater solution, sometimes with added sugar and spices.
“So a very simple brining recipe is one is to one with sugar and salt, and it’s two percent of the weight of the water and the chicken. But you can always go onto YouTube, there are hundreds of videos that show you how to brine proteins. You can incorporate aromatics like garlic, rosemary, thyme, black pepper,” said Boutwood.
Rice mix of white, red FOR the rice, he mixed white and red rice, which is considered healthier due to its higher nutrient and fiber content.
“So we still have those familiar comforting flavors of white rice, but we have the added benefit of having a heavier variety of rice with a higher amount of fiber,” said Boutwood.
He explained that while cooking just white rice for a couple of days is easy, human nature desires variety, preventing us from wanting the same meal repeatedly. He and his team at The Test Kitchen prepared four sauces—bell pepper and garlic puree, basil pesto, cilantro and lime, and gochujang—which he used to create four different flavored rice variations. He then mixed about two tablespoons of each sauce into individual bowls of rice.
“So we’ve created this bell pepper and garlic puree here, which is going to be mixed into the rice. About two tablespoons of this mixture and then we have one flavored rice,” said Boutwood.
Pistachios
FOR the basil pesto sauce, Boutwood said they used pistachios instead of pine nuts because pine nuts release an oil that turns rancid over time, especially in large batches. The cilantro and lime sauce is a blend of vinegar, lime, cilantro, and a touch of garlic.
“And then we’ve got gochujang. So taking a little bit of Korea into this one. Got some sesames in here, some gochujang, some soy sauce.”
“And gochujang being like a miso base, it’s going to be full of umami. If you are doing meal prep cycles, save what you think is the most delicious one until the last day of the week, so that you’re excited to prep again for the next week,” said Boutwood.
When prepping meals for Monday through Friday, he suggested saving the most delicious option for Friday. This creates anticipation for Sunday’s meal prep, as you’ll be excited to recreate that enjoyable experience.
“It is very hard to keep that energy up, to continuously do this every single week. It’s a routine that you have to just get into,” he added.
He then arranged the four flavored rice varieties into separate containers and then completed each serving with the chicken.
“You can substitute that protein with beans, with fish, with any protein that you enjoy. You can even add a boiled egg into this one,” said Boutwood.
Substitute
BEEF flank can also be used in lieu of chicken as “it has enough fat for it to be delicious, lean enough to be healthy,” according to Boutwood.
He recommended sticking day-of-theweek labels on the sides of meal containers, allowing for easy identification when stacked.
For the salad, Boutwood recommends mixing the dressing with firm vegetables, such as tomatoes and onions to avoid leafy greens like lettuce from becoming soggy when stored in the fridge. Toss the lettuce with the dressed vegetables just before eating.
The special event also featured a sevencourse tasting menu presented
sauce and served on premium Japanese rice. The menu also highlights the popular new Kurobuta while maintaining Yabu’s signature unlimited Teishoku experience.
The reopening is part of SHG’s broader 2025 expansion strategy, which includes 12 new store openings across its portfolio of premium casual dining concepts. Under Concepcion’s leadership, who brings over 35 years of experience building market-leading brands, SHG continues to grow its Japanese dining concepts including Ippudo, Kiwami (featuring Yabu, Ippudo, Koyo, Hannosuke, Hachibei, and Hokkaido Soft Cream), and specialty café Elephant Grounds.
“Even as we pursue aggressive growth, our commitment to quality remains unwavering,” adds Concepcion. “Each new location and menu innovation is carefully crafted to deliver the authentic Japanese dining experience our guests have come to expect.”
Yabu House of Katsu’s flagship store at Rockwell. Crispy and Classic Katsudon
In the photo are, from left,
Chicken, Truffle, Onion Seabass, cauliflower, XO
IN ITS PUREST FORM
Karayama now serving Japan’s
#CrunchiestFriedChicken in Makati
CHICKEN Karaage or simply Karaage is a popular staple in most Japanese restaurants. But not all Karaages are created equal.
In the case of Karayama, known as the number 1 top selling and most popular Karaage restaurant in Japan, the story of their famous Japanese-style boneless fried chicken began in a tiny storefront in Tokyo where it is slowly marinated in a secret recipe, developed to enhance the flavor of the chicken and not mask it. Each boneless piece is then carefully breaded and deep fried until superbly crisp— Karaage in its purest form.
True to its vision, Karayama has established quite a presence in the Philippines where it makes a convincing case to back up its claim of offering Japan’s
#CrunchiestFriedChicken. Since opening its very first restaurant here at The Block in SM North EDSA, Karayama has been widely praised for offering a dining experience that brings a piece of Japan’s fried chicken tradition to local food enthusiasts. Many diners appreciate the generous portion sizes, service efficiency, and the unmistakable taste of its “Legendary Karaage.”
One big reason why Karayama’s offerings are a big hit with diners is because ingredients are sourced all the way from Japan. The restaurant offers authentic Karaage in varying forms, from rice sets to their famous 15-piece Chicken Mountain — the embodiment of “Kara” from the word “kara-age”, and “Yama” meaning mountain. Aside from the rice sets
MICHELIN Guide to highlight culinary excellence of Manila and environs and Cebu in inaugural edition
THE MICHELIN Guide has announced its latest expansion into the vibrant culinary landscapes of Manila and Cebu. This new selection will focus on the bustling Metro Manila and the dynamic city of Cebu, while also beginning to explore the environs of Manila, including Pampanga, Tagaytay, and Cavite. The prestigious guide revealed that its independent, anonymous inspectors have been thoroughly exploring these regions to identify the most outstanding dining venues. This selection will highlight the best of Manila and Environs and Cebu’s dining scene, showcasing talented chefs and teams who embody passion, creativity, and respect for local culinary traditions.
“Our MICHELIN Inspectors have been following the evolution of the Filipino culinary scene with great excitement. The country’s deep-rooted culinary traditions, combined with a strong openness to global influences, create a uniquely diverse dining culture,” explained Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guides. “In Manila, we see young, talented chefs redefining Filipino cuisine with fresh perspectives, while Cebu, as a leading tourist destination, offers an impressive range of dining experiences with worldclass hospitality.”
With its 7,641 islands, diverse regional cuisines, and cultural fusion, the Philippines has a thriving food scene that embraces both authentic heritage and contemporary innova-
tion. From Manila and Environs, where Filipino cuisine thrives with strong regional identity, to Cebu, a globally recognized tourism hub with a flourishing hospitality industry, the country’s culinary landscape continues to evolve, attracting food lovers from around the world.
A standout example of the Philippines’ celebrated cuisine is lechon, a signature dish deeply embedded in Filipino culture. Particularly famous in Cebu, lechon has gained global recognition for its perfectly crisp skin and flavorful, tender meat, often enjoyed during festive celebrations and special gatherings. The presence of iconic dishes like lechon further elevates the Philippines as a top culinary destination, drawing food lovers eager to experience its bold flavors and rich traditions. The MICHELIN Guide’s recognition will further elevate Filipino cuisine on the international stage and expand global appreciation for the country’s diverse and dynamic food culture. The arrival of the MICHELIN Guide is supported by the Philippines Department of Tourism (DOT). Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco stated, “We extend our warmest welcome to the MICHELIN Guide whose international recognition of the Philippines’ rich culinary heritage celebrates the diversity of flavors and exceptional creativity that permeate our nation. We are proud to share our vibrant culture and distinct cuisines to the world, which can be enjoyed through exceptional din-
opening was highlighted by the unveiling of the unique and much taller version of its famous Chicken Mountain composed of 100 pieces of kara-age stacked together.
with a one-time refill of rice and miso soup, Karayama also offers Japanese rice bowls (best seller: Cheesy Karatama Don); Chicken Paitan Ramen, and Curry Rice sets. Japanese Mochi and Ice Cream for desserts, and drinks like Cherry Blossom Fresh Fizz are also available. Now there’s more than one Karayama resto to satisfy Karaage cravings. In celebration of its 5th year in the country, Karayama Philippines recently opened its second and newest branch in Makati. Located at One Ayala, near the EDSA-Ayala footbridge, Karayama Makati’s grand
During the program to celebrate the milestone, Karayama Philippines’ president Kimberly Cruz made the opening remarks followed by the welcome remarks from Karayama Japan representative Ken Korosu. Breaking away from the usual ribbon cutting, a Sake Opening Ceremony was done together with the Fullfeeling Inc.’s CEO, Dr Jaime, and Ms. Ricci Cruz alongside Karayama Japan and One Ayala mall partners. With the opening of its Makati branch, Karayama is now ready to serve the “Legendary Karaage” a.k.a Japan’s #CrunchiestFriedChicken to more people especially in the Southern Metro. Also available via karayama.pickup.ph or for delivery via GrabFood. Stay tuned for exclusive promos.
ing experiences across our dynamic cities and beautiful islands. We invite travelers to visit the Philippines and experience the love, warmth, and creativity of Filipino cuisine, while savoring innovative culinary creations shaped by diverse global influences.”
“The arrival of the MICHELIN Guide is not only a testament to our country’s culinary excellence but also a significant leap forward for Filipino tourism, with gastronomy now forming a key part of our national tourism priorities. In the Philippines, every dish tells a story and every flavor is an invitation to experience our nation’s rich cultural tapestry,” Frasco added.
The MICHELIN Guide Methodology
The MICHELIN Guide was created in 1900 by the Michelin tire company to support the growth of automobile mobility. Since then, it has remained loyal to its original mission: to settle in mature gastronomic destinations, to guide international travelers and local foodies to the best restaurants, to highlight world culinary scenes and to promote travel culture. The selection will follow MICHELIN’s historic method based on five universal criteria to ensure consistency between each selection, including;
n The quality of the ingredients
n The mastery of cooking techniques n The harmony of flavors n The personality of the cuisine n The consistency both over time and through the menu as a whole
The MICHELIN Guide Restaurant Selection
The MICHELIN Guide conveys its restaurant reviews through an extensive system of distinctions, which are awarded to special restaurants within its full selection. The most famous distinctions are its globally renowned MICHELIN Stars awarded to the restaurant offering the best culinary experiences. One MICHELIN Star is awarded to restaurants
Karayama offers a diverse karaage menu, including rice sets, curry rice sets, and chicken ramen.
and taller version of Chicken Mountain featuring 100 pieces of Kara-age unveiled.
A very unique, bigger, and taller version of Chicken Mountain, Unveiling 100 pieces of kara-age led by Kimberly Cruz, Karayama PH President
In the photo for the Sake Opening Ceremony are, from left, Alen Gonzales, One Ayala Marketing Associate; Khen Akot, One Ayala General Manager; Dr. Jaime Cruz; Ken Korosu; Kimberly Cruz; Yohei Zama; and Ricci Cruz.
Sunday, February 23, 2025 |
Edited by Jose F. Lacaba
Ink for Impact: An Editorial Cartoon Challenge
Environment activists bat to save Sorsogon’s Gubat Bay
EDITORIAL CARTOONS TO SAVE GUBAT BAY, SORSOGON
GUBAT, Sorsogon—Beautiful Gubat Bay in Gubat, Sorsogon has been slowly building a reputation as “the only beginner friendly surfing spot” in the province of Sorsogon.
ists and local artists alike.
The Save Gubat Bay Movement (SGBM), a group of advocates for the rights of coastal communities in Gubat, enjoined artists and journalists alike to participate in an editorial cartoon challenge.
Editorial cartoonists from across the country came together to illustrate the struggles of Gubat’s fisherfolk and coastal communities in the Ink for Impact: An Editorial Cartoon Challenge, organized by the Save Gubat Bay Movement (SGBM) in partnership with the Kurit-Lagting Art Collective, Rhymes of Peg, and the Concerned Artists of the Philippines Bicol Chapter (CAP Bicol).
BEST ENTRY
AMONG the talented cartoonists who submitted their work, Loie Guibone from Bohol, Philippines, was recognized for the Best Entry of the challenge.
His winning cartoon depicted a harrowing vision of the near future, questioning how poor families would survive as destructive development projects continued to threaten their livelihoods.
"Art itself is an inspiration. It is free. As cartoonists, illustrating opinions is the best we can do to inspire and persuade the public," Guibone shared. Guibone’s powerful work stood
out among the entries, reinforcing the role of art in raising awareness and advocating for sustainable, community-centered development.
A distinguished artist, Guibone was previously named one of the Top 10 winners in the PITIK BULAG 5th Tagisan Editorial Cartooning Contest.
THREATS TO GUBAT BAY
IN a statement, the Kurit Lagting Art Collective, said that, “Through editorial cartoons, participants exposed the injustices faced by fisherfolk over the years, such as environmental degradation, land-grabbing, harassment, and
destructive development projects.”
These include threats from coastal roads, casinos, resorts, and commercial complexes, which endanger biodiversity and community stability, especially in disaster-prone areas like Gubat in Sorsogon.
Kurit-Lagting Art Collective co-founders and Concerned Artists of the Philippines Bicol Chapter (CAP Bicol) members Allan Abrigo and Choi Carretero praised the participating artists for their compelling work.
Sunday, February 23, 2025
Tony&Nick
Ink for Impact: An Editorial Cartoon Challenge Environment activists bat to save Sorsogon’s Gubat Bay
Continued from page 1
“These striking editorial cartoons capture the heartbreaking reality faced by coastal communities in Gubat, Sorsogon. As large-scale 'development' projects encroach upon their homes, fisherfolk are left grappling with the destruction of their livelihoods and the displacement of their families," they said.
"The cost of progress shouldn’t come at the expense of people, biodiversity, and generations of culture and tradition. Let’s stand with our coastal communities and call for sustainable, inclusive development," added Allan Espallardo of Save Gubat Bay Movement emphasizing the importance of raising awareness through art.
ART AS VOICE OF THE UNHEARD
Ruth Jocutan of Rhymes of Peg also highlighted the importance of using art as a platform for social awareness.
"Art has the power to amplify voices that are often unheard. These editorial cartoons not only depict the struggles of Gubat’s fisherfolk but also serve as a call to action for environmental justice. Every stroke, every line in these cartoons carries the weight
of an entire community’s fight for survival," Jocutan stated.
The Ink for Impact editorial cartoon challenge was launched in solidarity with fisherfolk, crab farmers, and coastal community members from Gubat, Sorsogon.
Organized by the Save Gubat Bay Movement (SGBM) in partnership with the Kurit-Lagting Art Collective, Rhymes of Peg, and the Concerned Artists of the Philippines
the initiative sought to amplify the voices of Gubat’s
communities,
ding light on their environmental and socio-economic struggles.
PARTICIPATING CARTOONISTS
THE Ink for Impact challenge
tured 23 outstanding editorial
ing
Bicol Chapter (CAP Bicol),
coastal
shed-
fea -
cartoon entries from the follow -
cartoonists: Cristian Dale Pastrana, Loie F. Guibone, Luige Dela Torre, Mae Joy Laguardia, Nick Esquivias, Treshia Tomalabcad, Zarah H. Santos, Janzen Daryl Solloso, Julien Apple T. Guevara, Laurence Anne Herrera, Francis Aaron Ramirez, Uriel Madrid, Edjoniel Boragay, Dahfayne Barrozo, Miguel Pilarca, Gerald Malco, Aegyo Minatozaki, Samuel Cajayon, Howard Adam, Jiha Mantua, John Denver Dugan, Jostine Monares, and Kei Tumibay.
EDITORIAL cartoon by Loie Guibone
EDITORIAL cartoon by Francis Aaron Ramirez
EDITORIAL cartoon by Mae Joy Laguardia
EDITORIAL cartoon by Uriel Madrid
EDITORIAL cartoon by Edjoniel Boragay
Bacolod joins roadmap dev’t for PHL film industry
BACOLOD City Government officials and Negrense filmmakers met with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and Olsberg•SPI to discuss the development of a strategic roadmap for the future of the country’s film industry.
The FDCP group were led by Project Development Officers Rachelle Villaluna and Kianne Cho of the FDCP Policy and Planning Unit. Joining them were Joshua HinesDedman and Kayleigh Hughes of Olsberg•SPI, a global creative industries research organization.
Councilor Em Legaspi Ang, Secretary to the Mayor Atty. Marty Go; Bacolod Film Festival (BFF) 2024
Director Seymour Sanchez, Department of Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions head Dr. Mae Ferrer-Llamas, and colleagues Zabrina Bentley and Aisel Joyce Tupas welcomed the FDCP and Olsberg•SPI.
CONSULTATIVE MEETING
THE consultative meeting focused on the Bacolod filmmaking industry, the city’s pitch to become a UNESCO Creative City of Film, the recently concluded Bacolod Film Festival (BFF), and proposals for a filmmaking workshop or bootcamp. The Bacolod City Government expressed its willingness to foster partnerships and collaborations to help further improve the city’s creative industry.
After the meeting, regional filmmakers and industry professionals
held at SM City Bacolod and Ayala Malls Capitol Central cinemas from September 12 to 15. “Sa Pwesto ni Pistong” (The Barber’s Chair), written and directed by
Reyes, who also headed the BFF 2024 jury, and Olsberg•SPI CEO Leon Forde signed a strategic roadmap partnership to “deliver goals and targets that will address
from Negros Occidental gathered at Cinematheque Centre Negros to meet with the same team from FDCP and Olsberg•SPI for a separate group discussion organized by the Sine Negrense Film Festival.
FILM INDUSTRY ROADMAP
FDCP is collaborating with Olsberg•SPI to come up with a roadmap that “will underpin the FDCP’s main priorities of strengthening the country’s domestic film industry and expanding the potential to attract more international productions.”
Filmmakers from BFF, Sine Negrense, Margaha Film Festival, La Salle Film Society, Hinigaran National High School, and others engaged “in meaningful discussions on workforce development, infrastructure, production incentives, distribution challenges, and sustainable practices in filmmaking” with the goal of strengthening the Philippine film industry and amplifying its presence on the global stage.
BACOLOD FILM FESTIVAL
LAST year, some 10 filmmakers showcased their short films with the theme “Stories with a Smile”
during the Bacolod Film Festival
Vincent Joseph Entuna, won BFF Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay. FDCP Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jose Javier “Direk
Joey”
challenges and gaps, and will also outline the strategic direction of the Philippine film industry in the next five to 10 years.”—Seymour
B. Sanchez
NEGRENSE filmmakers meet with FDCP representatives
DIRECTOR Joey Reyes, FDCP chair and CEO, receives a token of appreciation from BFF 2024 Director Seymour Sanchez
BACOLOD City officials welcome Olsberg•SPI
BACOLOD city officials meet with representatives of Olsberg•SPI, a global creative industries research organization
SM Book Nook Reading Festival brings Filipino stories to life at SM Aura
THE SM Book Nook Reading Festival, held on January 31, 2025, at the Book Nook in SM Aura, drew 500 book lovers of all ages for a dynamic celebration of Filipino literature and creativity. From engaging author meet-and-greets to lively performances and informative workshops, the festival offered a rich array of literary experiences.
Interactive storytelling and inspiration
ONE of the festival's highlights was the launch of SM Book Nook's innovative "Pass the Plot" board. This interactive activity encouraged participants to co-create a story, sentence by sentence, showcasing their collective creativity.
A major highlight of the event was the presence of renowned literary personalities such as National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario (Rio Alma), Dean Tony Laviña, Hans Pieter Arao, and Jayson Fajardo. Attendees had the unique opportunity to connect with these esteemed authors, get their books signed, and engage in insightful conversations. The festival also showcased emerging talent, with popular independent authors like Therese Villarante-Langit connecting with readers and sharing their work.
A celebration of community and shared passion A HEARTWARMING moment unfolded when publishers and authors united for a meaningful cause—donating books to the SM Book Nook. This symbolic gesture underscored the collective mission of promoting a culture of reading and knowledge-sharing. Engaging activities for all ages THE festival buzzed with activity throughout the day. Attendees participated in fun quiz games, delved into historical fiction readings, and engaged in thought-provoking book club discussions. Spoken word poetry performances by teens and young adults added a contemporary flair, while a session on zines with BBZ offered a glimpse into the world of independent publishing. Publishers like Bookshelf PH, Grana Books, and Aklat Alamid showcased their latest titles, and a
for
authors.
(L-R): SM Cares Assistant Vice President Richard A. Caluyo, SM Book Nook Reading Festival co-organizer and BookShelfPH co-founder Monette Quiogue, and SM Aura Regional Operations Head Stephanie Co
THE "Pass the Plot" board at the SM Book Nook Reading Festival ignites collaborative storytelling, inviting participants to build a narrative sentence by sentence.
NATIONAL Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario (Rio Alma) inspires readers and shares his literary journey at the SM Book Nook Reading Festival at SM Aura.
AUTHORS and publishers, with SM Book Nook pioneer Shereen Sy (8th from right), unite to donate books at the SM Book Nook Reading Festival, promoting a love of reading.