By Joel E. Zurbano and Rex Espiritu
Panfilo Lacson said. Lacson, the committee chairman, said the decision is now in the hands of the committee members, particularly those advocating for the resumption of hearings and for Co to be questioned.
“Co’s arrest is a good development because now it’s up to them to ensure that the hearings resume. It’s on
IRAN’S military declared the Strait of Hormuz closed again on Saturday, its military command said, hours after reopening it and with more than a dozen commercial ships passing through the vital waterway.
The toing and froing over the strait cast doubt on US President Donald Trump’s optimism the day before, that a peace deal to end the US-Israeli war with Iran was “very close.”
Tehran had on Friday declared the strait, which usually carries a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas, open on Friday after a ceasefire was agreed in Lebanon to halt Israel’s war with Hezbollah. That prompted elation in global markets and sent oil prices plunging, but with Trump insisting that a US naval blockade of Iranian ports would continue until a deal was concluded, Tehran threatened to shutter the strait once more.
them – do they want the hearings to continue and for Co to be grilled? The burden is now on them to sign the partial report,” he said in an interview on Storycon on One News. Lacson said he plans to invite Co, among other resource persons, to the next hearing – but only after the partial committee report has been filed and sponsored.
Earlier, Lacson suspended further hearings of the panel on the flood control mess until the partial report can get at least nine signatures for him to file and sponsor it in plenary. He said continuing the hearings
By Charles Dantes
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos
Jr. on Saturday announced a higher rollback in fuel prices set to take effect Tuesday while ordering oil companies to fully implement the reductions without delay.
In a video statement, Mr. Marcos said diesel prices are expected to drop by about P24.94 per liter, while gasoline will decrease by P3.41 per liter and kerosene by P2 per liter.
“It’s bigger than last week’s rollback and it’s clear what it means for all of us. There’s relief coming,” he said.
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SELF-CONFESSED
“bagman”
Ramil Madriaga accepted the reported fistfight challenge by Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, saying he was honored to be challenged by and exchange blows with a former presidential son.
“Sir, I am now deprived of my liberty. I am helpless, and I am already 58 years old. Please try to
challenge someone of your average and height,” Madriaga said in a letter from detention through his legal counsel, lawyer Raymund Palad, as reported by ABS-CBN.
The witness, who has been linked to the impeachment complaints involving Baste’s sister, Vice President Sara Duterte, continued by saying he would accept
THE head of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) on Friday called on authorities to put “well-coordinated plans in place” in the event of jetfuel rationing due to the Middle East war.
Willie Walsh said an assessment from the International Energy Agency that fuel for aircraft could start running out in Europe in six weeks’ time was “sobering.”
“We have also estimated that by
the end of May we could start to see some cancellations in Europe for lack of jet fuel. This is already happening in parts of Asia,” he said in a statement. The projected aviation fuel
shortage stemmed from Iran’s effective blockage of the Strait of Hormuz since the United States and Israel started the war at the end of February, which spread across the Middle East.
Although Iran’s foreign minister said on Friday his country was now reopening the strait to commercial traffic, shipping companies remain wary.
Walsh said in his statement, issued before Iran’s announcement, that if jet fuel shortages occurred, “it’s important that authorities have well-communicated
and well-coordinated plans in place in case rationing becomes necessary.”
The EU’s energy commissioner Dan Jorgensen told the Financial Times that the fuel threat meant flights could soon be canceled. He suggested EU countries might share jet fuel to cushion the impact in case of a lengthy crisis.
An EU spokeswoman, Anna-Kaisa Itkonen, told journalists that, at this moment, “there is no indication of systemic fuel shortages that would lead to widespread flight cancellations.” AFP
BAGUIO CITY. The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has signed a 15-year lease agreement with Sophia Real Estate Executives and Development Corporation (SREEDC) for the construction of a themed café at Camp John Hay.
The agreement, signed on March 30, 2026, covers a 500-square-meter site within Camp John Hay and forms part of BCDA’s efforts to attract quality investments and strengthen the camp’s position as a premier leisure and ecotourism destination in Baguio City.
Beyond enhancing visitor experience, the project is ex -
pected to spur local economic activity and generate jobs in construction, hospitality, and daily operations.
BCDA president and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang said the development reflects sustained private sector confidence in Camp John Hay’s long-term potential and aligns with the property’s Master Development Plan.
SREEDC president Donna Mae B. Ame said the company is committed to delivering high-quality services, with the project expected to attract local and international visitors seeking curated leisure experiences in Baguio’s highland setting. Dexter A. See
THE Southern Police District (SPD) arrested a suspected member of a Communist Terrorist Group during a police operation at a bus terminal Friday night in Pasay City.
The suspect, a 29-year-old known by the aliases “Belho” or “Yani,” is ranked eighth on the provincial Top 10 Most Wanted Persons list in Northern Samar.
Authorities said he is a member of a Sub-Regional Guerrilla Unit under the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee and was implicated in tactical offensives against government
forces, including a 2018 ambush in Las Navas.
The arrest was carried out by the SPD Special Operations Unit, led by Lt. Col. Antonio Ananayo Jr., in coordination with intelligence and mobile force units, and Northern Samar police authorities, based on a warrant issued June 30, 2021.
SPD Director Col. Glenn Oliver Conco said the suspect’s capture is a significant step in ongoing efforts to dismantle insurgent-linked networks and strengthen national peace and security. Joel E. Zurbano
THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency–Negros Island Region (PDEA-NIR) is probing the network of a newly identified drug group leader killed during a law enforcement operation in Escalante City, Negros Occidental.
The suspect, identified as “alias Joseph,” and two others were killed in a firefight Wednesday after a joint team attempted to serve three arrest warrants in Barangay Jonobjonob.
“Alias Joseph” faced charges for violating Republic Act 9165 and two counts of Republic Act 10591.
The other fatalities were identified as “alias Piolo” of Barangay Malasibog and “alias Roy” of Barangay Jonobjonob.
Authorities said operatives encountered armed resistance during the service of warrants, triggering the confrontation. Recovered from the scene were 13 sachets of suspected shabu weighing about 13 grams valued at P88,400, P10,000 in suspected drug proceeds, and firearms including an M16A1 rifle, two .45-caliber pistols, magazines, and ammunition. Rex Espiritu
By Maricel V. Cruz
A BILL is filed at the House of Representatives protecting freelancers from nonpayment, unfair contracts, and other abusive practices.
“Freelancers across the country continue to have little legal protection despite their growing role in the economy,” said Rep. Nathan Oducado of 1Tahanan Party-list in filing House Bill 8785, or the proposed “Freelance Workers Protection Act.”
“Too many freelancers are left unpaid, underpaid, or forced into unfair terms,
By Rolando Ng III
FEWER yet intensified typhoons should be expected throughout the country this year, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
Ana Liza Solis, PAGASA’s climate monitoring head, said the possible “very strong” El Niño could shift the formation of typhoons away from the Philippine Area of Responsibility.
“Tropical cyclone development is shifting farther from our Pacific wa -
and they have nowhere to turn when things go wrong,” added Oducado, a lawyer by profession.
HB 8785 defines a freelance worker as any self-employed individual or singleperson entity hired to provide services as an independent contractor, working under their own methods without being controlled by the hiring party except on the results of the work.
The bill establishes mandatory written contracts, requires at least a 30 percent down payment, provides night shift differential and hazard pay, and penalizes late payment, contract manipulation, and retaliation with fines of
ters because warmer temperatures are concentrated in the central and eastern Pacific,” Solis said over radio DZBB.
However, the dwindling number of weather disturbances from surrounding seas could increase the risk of severe storms affecting the country by the fourth quarter of this year.
“These expected tropical cyclones may become more intense because they draw more energy from the ocean,” she explained.
Solis also noted that colder temperatures during this year’s Amihan
up to P500,000.
“Right now, freelancers can be ignored, shortchanged, or replaced without consequence, and many hiring parties abuse this gap in the law,” Oducado said.
The bill also allows freelancers to file complaints with the Department of Labor and Employment for faster dispute resolution and grants tax relief and dedicated assistance desks in Bureau of Internal Revenue offices.
“This measure simply says that honest work deserves fair pay, clear terms, and real protection under the law,” Oducado said.
season may not be as intense as last year due to the El Niño phenomenon. Certain areas in Luzon, as well as low-lying places in the Visayas and Mindanao, are forecast to experience dry spells brought by warmer conditions.
“The probability of El Niño is more than 80 percent by July to September. Monitoring is ongoing, and El Niño may start in the third quarter of the year,” she explained.
Solis assured that forecasts may still change and advised the public to monitor updates from the state weather agency.
Villafuerte urges DOTr to speed up Bicol Express
CAMARINES Sur officials led by Gov. Luis Raymund Villafuerte on Saturday called on the Department of Transportation to speed up rail projects, particularly the Philippine National Railways’ Bicol Express, to help reduce reliance on petroleumusing vehicles.
Villafuerte said that with flagship railway projects such as MRT-7, the North-South Commuter Railway, and the Metro Manila Subway moving forward, the DOTr should also press ahead with other major train initiatives, including the Bicol Express linking Metro Manila to Albay or Sorsogon.
The project, once a priority under previous administrations, was shelved in 2022 after negotiations for China-backed financing fell through shortly before then-President Rodrigo Duterte left office. Villafuerte noted that Camarines Sur Reps. Luis Miguel Villafuerte and Vincenzo Renato Luigi Villafuerte revived the push in 2025 by filing a resolution urging the DOTr to clear the feasibility study for a highspeed Bicol Express. Japan also expressed interest in conducting the feasibility study. Maricel V. Cruz
THE National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) on Saturday welcomed the approval by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority of the Micro-Credential Course on Filipino Sign Language Level III and its implementing guidelines for nationwide rollout.
Approved on April 7 by TESDA Director General Jose Francisco Benitez, the program expands structured learning pathways in Filipino Sign Language and aims to improve accessibility in education, public service, and employment.
The initiative will be supported through training partnerships with the KAKAMAY Movement.
The program reinforces Republic Act 11106, which recognizes Filipino Sign Language as the country’s national sign language and mandates its use in official transactions, education systems, and broadcast media. Maricel V. Cruz
MPD: Road closures set for
THE Manila Police District has released a list of road closures and rerouting plans in connection with the Earth Day Run scheduled Sunday. In a traffic advisory issued Saturday, the MPD said the marathon will take place along major streets in Manila starting at 1 a.m. Roads to be closed include portions of Roxas Boulevard, Bonifacio Drive, P. Burgos Avenue, Finance Road, Ma. Orosa Street, Muralla Street, Sta. Lucia Street, A. Soriano Avenue, Jones Bridge, Magallanes Drive, and sections of TM Kalaw and Quirino avenues.
The MPD advised motorists to take alternate routes via Taft Avenue, M.H. Del Pilar Street, Kalaw Avenue, and Roxas Boulevard service roads, depending on point of origin and destination. Rex Espiritu
By Rex Espiritu
THE Philippine Air Force (PAF) remains on standby to assist in firefighting operations as a weeklong fire continues to burn at the Navotas Sanitary Landfill.
PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Christina Basco on Saturday told Manila Standard that coordination is already in place with local responders in case the situation escalates.
“The PAF is on standby for any requirement. The Navotas BFP (Bureau of Fire Protection) has direct contact with PAF in case the fire worsens. For now, the BFP is able to contain it, so the PAF is currently on standby,” Basco said.
Smoke from the landfill has blanketed Barangays Salambao and Binuangan in Obando, Bulacan, while also reaching the town center.
Shifting winds have since carried the smoke to neighboring areas and even as far as Bataan.
Authorities said a road leading to the landfill site is nearing completion, which is expected to improve access and speed up firefighting operations.
The BFP is also preparing for a smothering operation, which involves dumping soil over the burning area to cut off oxygen and suppress the fire. Satellite data released by the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) on Friday showed that smoke from the burn-
ing Navotas Sanitary Landfill had spread as far as Bataan.
Efforts to extinguish the fire have continued for more than a week since it began at approximately 8 p.m. on April 10.
To illustrate how far the smoke has traveled, PhilSA recorded hourly snapshots from 7:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. on April 11. “Darker colors indicate higher levels of nitrogen dioxide, a proxy for smoke extent, which can be measured during daytime using satellite data,” PhilSA said.
“On the morning of April 11, 2026, high nitrogen dioxide was observed over Navotas City, with elevated levels extending as far as Bataan due to predominantly westward wind from Navotas,” it added.
According to the agency, nitrogen dioxide concentrations had decreased but remained relatively high across Metro Manila by the afternoon of April 11.
PhilSA added that the observations were consistent with reports and ground measurements showing that the air quality impacts of the landfill fire extended beyond the immediate vicinity.
By Ratziel San Juan
OBANDO, Bulacan — A fun run held in this city on Saturday raised around P20,000 for local mangrove planting and coastal cleanup activities scheduled in June.
According to the organizer, Angat Kabataan Obando (AKO), 136 participants joined the “TakBolunterismo: #AngatKalikasan Earth Day Fun Run 2026.”
Correspondingly, a total of 136 mangrove propagules will be planted at the locality’s Salambao Mangrove Forest in
honor of each participant, in time for Environment Month, Arbor Day, and AKO’s first anniversary.
AKO president Kenosis Willer Capistrano emphasized the need to conduct regular mangrove planting and monitoring, as well as coastal cleanups.
“Even if we are able to plant mangroves, we believe we must return to the areas where we planted, go back to the island, remove garbage, and straighten fallen seedlings to make sure they survive. After three years, only then can we ensure
they can stand on their own,” Capistrano said.
Asked whether the Navotas Sanitary Landfill fire affected the fun run, the organization’s president said conditions were favorable Saturday morning.
“Thankfully, this morning, the wind’s direction shifted elsewhere. Based on our observation, there was no smell of burning rubber or garbage. But most of yesterday, it was expected that the wind would turn toward residential areas across Obando,” Capistrano said.
By Dexter A.
See CLARK FREEPORT ZONE. The Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) has remitted a total of P585 million to the National Treasury, marking its highest dividend contribution to date.
CIAC president and CEO Jojit Alcazar said the total remittance of P585,709,498.80 represents 60% of the agency’s adjusted net income from its 2025 operations. This is 88% higher than the P310,987,163.00 remitted in the previous year.
“CIAC was able to surpass its previous high due to improved operations, alongside a consistent upward trend in revenue and efficiency in 2025,” Alcazar said.
He added that enhanced operational performance and effective revenue generation resulted in a net income of P976 million in 2025, an increase of 72% from P565 million in 2024.
Alcazar also underscored CIAC’s continued compliance with Republic Act No. 7656, which mandates governmentowned and controlled corporations to declare and remit dividends to the national government.
“CIAC remains financially strong due to prudent fiscal management, a businessfriendly environment for locators, and its ability to attract partnerships and investments through development projects within the Clark Aviation Capital,” he said. Under the guidelines of the Department of Finance, government corpora-
tions are required to remit at least 50% of their adjusted net income as dividends.
For CIAC, this corresponds to approximately P488 million based on its P976 million adjusted income in 2025.
“We also complied with the DOF’s request to increase the dividend remittance rate to at least 75% of CIAC’s 2025 net earnings, which led to the higher payout,” Alcazar explained.
The agency expects its dividend contributions to grow further in the coming years as it implements seven flagship projects within the Clark Aviation Capital, CIAC’s aviationcentric development hub integrating logistics, commerce, and sustainable urban growth aimed at contributing to national economic progress.
THE release of Myanmar’s putschousted former president has piqued speculation about the fate of detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi, but little optimism among citizens and analysts watching for a democracy comeback.
“I don’t expect much from this release,” said one 50-year-old Yangon resident, speaking on condition of anonymity for security reasons.
“There is no reason to be thankful because he was arrested unjustly in the first place,” she added.
Myanmar’s military swept aside the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in a 2021 coup, detaining the Nobel Peace Prize laureate and senior aides including her ceremonial president Win Myint.
His pardon on Friday was the biggest concession yet by the country’s post-coup leadership headed by Min Aung Hlaing, who ruled for five years as military chief before last week being sworn in as civilian president.
The release has raised the question of whether 80-year-old Suu Kyi may soon be freed or shifted to house arrest.
“This is definitely a possibility,” said International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) research fellow Morgan Michaels, while cautioning “such measures should not be misconstrued as a genuine turn toward peace or reconciliation.” AFP
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“Every centavo reduction should be felt by every Filipino,” the President added.
He likewise directed oil firms to ensure timely compliance, warning that the government is ready to act on any violations. Alongside the fuel price cuts, the President said the government will continue providing a P10 fuel discount for public utility vehicles (PUVs) and maintain its service contracting program to support drivers.
Mr. Marcos acknowledged the challenges faced by Filipinos amid rising costs, saying the government will continue measures to ensure relief reaches the public.
“We will not stop, we will not back down, and we will not allow this relief to fail to reach the people,” he said.
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the challenge out of respect “if I will be given grace to be exonerated of the case I am facing now.”
“However, if you find your way here in Annex 2, Camp Bagong Diwa, I will accommodate your request and trade punches/kicks/elbows/backhand/roundhouse/uppercut and headbutts, even,” Madriaga said.
Baste earlier challenged Madriaga to a fistfight, adding that the House resource person can bring with him Metropolitan Manila Development Authority General Manager Nicolas Torre III or even President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as back up.
The Davao City mayor earlier challenged then-Philippine National Police chief Torre to a fistfight, which he later denied and clarified after not appearing on the scheduled date of a charity boxing match in July 2025.
PRESIDENT Donald Trump said the United States and Iran would jointly remove uranium from Tehran’s nuclear sites with excavators under any peace deal, before the material is transferred to US territory.
Trump’s comment came despite Iran’s foreign ministry saying earlier that the Islamic Republic’s stockpile of enriched uranium would not be transferred “anywhere.”
“Somebody said, how are we going to get the nuclear dust? We’re going to get it by going in with Iran, with lots of excavators,” Trump told a gathering of the conservative Turning Point USA movement in Phoenix, Arizona.
“We need the biggest excavators you can imagine,” he added.
“But we’re going to go in together with Iran. We’re going to get it. We’re going to take it back home to the USA very soon.”
Trump’s comments elaborated on his claim on Thursday that Iran had agreed to hand over its enriched uranium, but without giving any details on such a transfer.
The US leader regularly uses the term “nuclear
dust” to refer to Iran’s stock of enriched uranium, which the United States accuses Iran of hoarding in order to make an atomic bomb.
But he has also sometimes used it to refer to material left from US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities in June last year.
Trump sounded increasingly upbeat on Friday about the chances of a peace deal with Iran, telling AFP on Friday there were “no sticking points” and a deal was “very close.”
His remarks on Iran came during a speech to Turning Point USA, where he was introduced by Erika Kirk, the widow of the group’s founder Charlie Kirk – a Trump ally who was assassinated in September. AFP
JAPAN agreed on Saturday on a deal to provide Australia’s navy with the first of almost a dozen stealth frigates, part of a wider military buildup by Canberra aimed at boosting its long-range firepower to deter China. Under the deal announced last year and billed as one of Japan’s biggest defense export deals since World War II, Australia will pay
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Then, late on Saturday morning, citing a statement from military central command, Iranian state TV reported that “control of the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its previous status” and “is under strict management and control of the armed forces,” blaming the continued US blockade.
Speaking at a diplomatic forum in Turkey, Iranian deputy foreign minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said the “Americans cannot impose their will over Iran” through with a siege.
Meanwhile, in a written message, Iran’s supreme leader Mojtaba Khame-
Blue...
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without reaching a logical conclusion in the form of a committee report that senators can debate, amend and adopt on the floor would be pointless and contrary to Senate rules.
When asked about his priority questions for Co, Lacson said he would ask the former lawmaker
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complaint, said Madriaga’s willingness to open up his own bank accounts shifts him from being a witness with allegations to a witness inviting scrutiny of his own financial trail.
“A witness who does not hide anything is very credible. The fact that Mr. Madriaga is willing to tell all and open all means he is ready to prove his allegations. He volunteered to open his bank accounts to scrutiny, and this is a really good test of his credibility,” he said.
The House leader said the significance of the waiver is that it may allow investigators and prosecutors
Au$10 billion ($6 billion) over the next 10 years to acquire the fleet of stealth frigates.
Japan’s Defense Minister Koizumi Shinjiro attended the signing of the contract to deliver the first three of the ships, Australia’s defense ministry said.
“This is the fastest acquisition for the Royal Australian Navy in peacetime,” Australia’s Minister for Defense
nei, who was yet to be seen since taking power, said Iran’s navy “stands ready” to defeat the United States.
In Manila, industry players were cautiously optimistic.
“If the Strait of Hormuz is fully reopened, it will significantly help ease the disruption of oil supply flows from the region to Asia and other markets. It also raises optimism that the US and Iran are serious on continuing the peace talks,” said Leo Bellas, Jetti Petroleum president.
“There are, however, uncertainties on the Strait of Hormuz reopening and how quickly shipping and oil flows would return to normal after Iran said that it could close the waterway again if the US Navy blockade continues to
about the videos he posted on social media late last year.
“In the videos he posted on social media, what parts are true and what parts are not? That would be my first question,” he said.
He said he also wants Co to face former Department of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, who had contested Co’s claim of delivering P100 billion to President Ferdi -
to cross-check against the claims Madriaga has made under oath.
Ortega said the waiver matters even more because bank secrecy has long been one of the hardest walls to breach when allegations involve hidden transactions, proxies, and indirect movement of funds.
“The importance of the waiver is that it follows not only the persons involved but also the flow of funds,” he said.
Madriaga told the House Committee on Justice on April 14 that during the Duterte administration, he allegedly served as a financial “dummy” in the movement of large sums of money through bank accounts opened under his name by people close to the former president. Maricel Cruz
Industry Pat Conroy said.
“We are working closely with Japanese and Australian industry partners as we acquire one of the most, if not the most, advanced general-purpose frigates in the world,” he added.
Australia is striving to expand its fleet of major warships from 11 to 26 over the next decade.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries was awarded the tender over Germany’s
remain in effect,” he added.
Arnel Ty, LPG Marketers Association founder, added: “We need to be prepared because this development (opening and closing of Hormuz) is dependent on the success of the peace talks.”
Tehran’s announcement yesterday came as maritime tracking sites showed several ships making a dash through the narrow waterway, hugging close to Iranian territorial waters and, for some, broadcasting their identity as Indian or Chinese in an apparent attempt to show their neutrality.
The same sites showed that late on Friday, a number of ships began heading for the strait before suddenly turning back amid the uncertainty.
nand Marcos Jr.
Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems. Mogami-class warships are advanced stealth frigates equipped with a potent array of weapons.
Japan is deepening cooperation with US allies in the Asia-Pacific region that, like Tokyo, are involved in territorial disputes with China. Both Japan and Australia are members of the “Quad” group alongside India and the United States. AFP
By 0900 GMT on Saturday, several ships had fully transited the strait in both directions, but at least two tankers headed eastwards from the Gulf towards India after loading in UAE ports appeared to have turned around and aborted their journeys. There are just four days remaining before the end of the two-week ceasefire in the US-Israeli war with Iran, launched by Washington and its ally on February 28. Nevertheless, President Trump appeared convinced that a deal could be finished shortly.
He declared Friday “GREAT AND BRILLIANT,” and made a series of social media posts praising talks mediator Pakistan. AFP with Alena Mae Flores
Meanwhile, Lacson said the partial committee report can pave the way for a bigger case against Co, who now faces charges before the Sandiganbayan over anomalous flood control projects in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. He said his two privilege speeches and recent Blue Ribbon hearings have uncovered much bigger liabilities for Co over anomalous projects in Bulacan.
‘Kanto’... From A1 chicken inasal barbecue, longganisa barbecue, pork barbecue and achara (pickled papaya) – collectively presented as “D’ Original Mang David’s BBQ.”
“We did not only want Ottawa to get a taste of Philippine street food. We wanted to let Ottawa experience how Filipinos end their workdays, whether waiting in Cubao for their buses or jeepneys, or going home to their barangays, by eating comfort food at grill stations very much like D’ Original Mang David’s BBQ,” Philippine Ambassador to Canada Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga said on Saturday. The YMCA Embassy Chef Showcase
“Based on the testimonies of Henry Alcantara and Roberto Bernardo, Co poured in P35 billion into projects in Bulacan alone,” he said.
“That can lead to another case against Co once the partial report is adopted. We will furnish the Department of Justice and Ombudsman copies of the partial report to build the new case against Co,” Lacson added.
brought together 15 countries, represented by their missions, each presenting their nations’ signature dishes.
At the awarding, the panel of judges, chaired by world-renowned Canadian cookbook author Margaret Dickenson, recognized the Philippine entry for its “excellence in execution, presentation, taste, and creativity.”
The embassy said the Philippine booth attracted “significant attention throughout the event, quickly becoming one of its main attractions, with long lines of guests eager to sample the Philippines’ offerings.” The opportunity to highlight the Philippines’ culinary traditions, the embassy added, was timely as it celebrates Filipino Food Month and Filipino Restaurant Month in Canada this April.
TIKTOK Shop is expanding its Unlad Lokal Roadshow Caravan to Marikina, Muntinlupa, and Taytay, bringing digital commerce training and discovery-driven opportunities closer to Filipino micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Launched in 2025, Unlad Lokal has trained nearly 25,000 MSMEs through partnerships with local government units and industry groups. The program helps entrepreneurs build and strengthen their presence on TikTok Shop through seller onboarding, short-form video and LIVE selling training, and guidance on advertising tools to boost product discoverability and customer engagement.
the training focused on helping sellers translate heritage and product quality into stronger online visibility.
“Through Unlad Lokal and platforms like TikTok Shop, we are transforming the Philippine shoe industry into a globally competitive, digitally empowered sector,” said FFAA vice president Lory Velasco.
Among participants was Alta Philippines, a Marikina-based handcrafted leather footwear brand, which has expanded its reach on TikTok Shop by combining product authenticity with creative content. The session also emphasized creator-led selling, including affiliate marketing and partnerships.
“For many small businesses, the challenge is translating what they already do well into a digital environment. Through Unlad Lokal, we provide practical support by connecting sellers with the right resources, partners, and peers, while helping them reach new audiences and grow sustainably,” said TikTok Shop Philippines head of public policy Yves Gonzalez.
The Marikina session gathered nearly 100 shoes and bags sellers, underscoring the city’s legacy as a hub for Filipino craftsmanship. Held with the Filipino Footwear Alliance Association (FFAA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Marikina,
In Taytay, MSMEs from fashion, food, and health and beauty sectors joined sessions conducted with the municipal government, the DTI Logistics and Supply Chain Group, and DTI Taytay, with support from the DTI E-Commerce Bureau.
Meanwhile, the Muntinlupa leg drew more than 100 participants, including MSMEs and creator affiliates.
Mayor Ruffy Biazon said initiatives like Unlad Lokal help equip local businesses with tools to compete online while expanding market access.
TikTok Shop said Unlad Lokal remains focused on providing practical, accessible support to help MSMEs navigate the shift to e-commerce.
PEPSI-COLA Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI) is strengthening its support for sari-sari stores through a technology-enabled, direct-to-retail strategy aimed at empowering small retailers and improving product access across communities.
Sari-sari stores remain a cornerstone of the Philippine retail landscape, serving as neighborhood hubs and vital sources of livelihood for millions of Filipino families.
Recognizing their role in local economies, PCPPI continues to place these micro-entrepreneurs at the center of its long-term business approach.
PCPPI president and CEO Phyo Phyu Noe said the company is focused on a distribution model that allows sari-sari store owners to directly benefit from its promotions, pricing programs, and service support.
“Every time our frontliners visit a sari-sari store, we make sure that they are getting the best prices. Technology helps us ensure that the discounts and promotions intended for sari-sari stores reach them directly,” hr said.
For many small retailers, particularly women entrepreneurs, sari-sari stores serve as an important source of household income and economic resilience.
By deepening its direct engagement with stores, PCPPI aims to help neighborhood retailers operate more efficiently and remain competitive in a changing retail environment.
As Filipino consumers grow more value-conscious amid economic pressures, PCPPI is also enhancing operational efficiency to sustain its support for sari-sari stores and the communities they serve.
PCPPI is the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the Philippines, with products including Pepsi, Mountain Dew, 7Up, Mirinda, Mug, Gatorade, Sting, Tropicana, Lipton Iced Tea, Milkis, Chum Churum, Saero, and Premier.
AS SHE works on her 30th novel, Filipino romance author Mina Esguerra is also sustaining a writing program that has shaped how a growing number of Filipino authors approach publishing - not only as a creative pursuit, but as a commercial venture.
Through RomanceClass, Esguerra has trained writers in storytelling alongside the practical side of the industry, including contracts, pricing, rights management and distribution. The program has produced 100 published books from 171 completed manuscripts, out of 667 participants over 12 years.
Esguerra began her career in traditional publishing with her novel, My Imaginary Ex, in 2009 before moving into self-publishing, which widened her readership outside the Philippines. She said that experience exposed a consistent gap in how writers are prepared for the business side of publishing.
“Most writers focus on finishing a manuscript, which is important, but very few are guided on what happens next - how a book is priced, how rights are negotiated, how you protect your work. That gap becomes costly later on,” she said.
Writing community
rights management.
“IP awareness has become more visible now, which is important because more writers are going independent,” she said. “Whether you are self-published or traditionally published, you still need to understand what you own and what you are licensing.”
Esguerra has taken steps to secure her intellectual property,
RomanceClass started as a free online writing class that drew a larger-than-expected number of participants. It later evolved into a recurring program where writers developed manuscripts with peer and mentor support.
Over time, it expanded, wherein participants began exchanging services such as editing, cover design, and marketing, often within the same network, allowing many first-time authors to move from draft to publication without going through traditional gatekeepers.
“What we ended up building was not just a class, but a working environment where writers could see the entire process of publishing,” Esguerra said. “It makes the path less abstract. You understand what each step actually requires.”
For many participants, she added, the shift is not only creative but practical since many writers come in thinking the challenge is finishing a book, “they leave realizing that finishing is just the beginning of a longer process.”
IP awareness
Esguerra said one of the most persistent challenges for Filipino writers is the lack of early exposure to intellectual property concepts, particularly in relation to ownership, licensing and adaptation rights.
“Writers are often not told that their work is an asset with different layers of rights attached to it,” she said. “If you don’t understand that early, you’re negotiating from a disadvantage later.”
She noted the increasing relevance of institutions such as the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines, which has been expanding public awareness on copyright, trademarks, and creative
romance author Mina Esguerra including registering her pen name and RomanceClass as trademarks with IPOPHL, as well as registering her books with the National Library of the Philippines. She has also raised concerns about adaptation practices in the local industry, particularly in film and streaming.
“There is often interest in the story, but not always clarity on the terms. Authors are asked to pitch or present ideas without clear option agreements. That creates imbalance because the work is already on the table without defined protection,” she said.
She noted that clearer optioning practices would help normalize how intellectual property is handled in creative industries, adding that if a studio is interested in developing a book, there should be a structured agreement from the start, as that protects both sides. Changing formats
Esguerra noted how the publishing landscape is shifting, with Filipino authors increasingly using digital platforms, audio formats and subscription-based models to reach readers directly.
“What has changed is access. Writers are no longer limited to one route. They can publish, distribute, and build an audience in different ways. That changes how you think about authorship itself,” she said.
Esguerra’s 30th novel is currently in progress, adding to a body of work developed across both traditional and independent publishing paths.
“My focus in the past few years has been to engage new readers. Every time someone discovers Filipino romance for the first time, it brings energy back into the system. It supports the writers and keeps everything moving,” she said. Othel V. Campos
STARBUCKS Philippines is observing its annual Global Month of Good by reinforcing its commitment to communities and encouraging Filipinos to take part in everyday acts of positive change.
The company is urging individuals to become community champions through small, consistent efforts that support the environment, local communities, and fellow Filipinos.
“Our local initiatives are grounded in the belief that meaningful change starts with strong community connections. From education to disaster response and partner volunteerism, 2025 reflects how collective action can create lasting impact,” said Starbucks Philippines senior manager for marketing, digital customer experience and social impact Jamie Silva.
In 2026, Starbucks Philippines is expanding its community programs through deeper partnerships, improved access to essential services, and more opportunities for employees and customers to join impactdriven initiatives.
Through its collaboration with Planet Water Foundation and The Starbucks Foundation, the company continues to provide clean water access and hygiene education, benefiting about 131,000 people nationwide. A ninth AquaTower will be installed in Camarines Sur in April, extending safe drinking
water access to around 7,000 more individuals. Starbucks Philippines also continues its partnership with HOPE to support education, with Starbucks partners helping build learning spaces for underserved communities. A sixth public school classroom in Sarangani is set for completion this April. On sustainability, the company has partnered with MPower to supply electricity to about 60 Metro Manila stores under the Retail Aggregation Program, supporting operational efficiency and long-term sustainability goals. Its Community Stores in Abad Santos, Tondo, and Maysilo Circle continue to support education programs with AHA! Learning Center, Young Focus Foundation, and Mano Amiga Philippines. Through its FoodShare program, Starbucks has redirected nearly 3 million surplus food items from close to 300 stores nationwide, distributed to communities in need in partnership with The Philippine Food Bank Foundation and Grab Philippines.
RANDY M. CALUAG, Issue Editor
Pampanga scribes hold golf tilt for campus journ program
OF the Pampanga Press Club are going to be sustained with the good turnout of its 3rd Invitational Golf Tournament in Pradera Verde Golf & Country Club in Lubao town on April 15.
PPC president Lincoln M. Baluyut expressed appreciation to the continuing support of private corporations, government entities and individuals to the club’s programs in training campus journalists and improving the wellbeing of members.
The golf tournament brought together representatives from the government, local businesses and national corporations who sponsored the sporting activity.
Leading the ceremonial tee-off were Junior Golfer Ronee Claire Dungca, who will be competing in the USwing Mojing Junior World Championship in San Diego, California this July, Lubao Councilor Jayson Victorino, CIAC - Clark International Airport Corporation director Victor Manuel representing CIAC President Jojit Alcazar, BCDA Senior Vice President Mark Torres representing BCDA Engr Jake Bingcang, Bureau of CustomsPort of Clark District Collector Jairus Reyes, NBI Regional Director Atty. Joel Tovera, and Commissioner Fritz Gaston of the Philippine Sports Commission.
Also hitting the green were Jack Uy, chairman of Savers Group Holdings Inc Inc. and sons Jansen Ivan and Justine Shaun, President and Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President (EVP) for Hospitality of SGHI, respectively; as well as Arni Valdes and Rick Wilkerson representing JDN Realty Group.
Officials from the NBI, Bureau of Customs, and other agencies also joined the event.
The PPC began the golf tournaments in 2024 with less than 30 partners. The professional media practices of PPC members led many to open and sustain their partnership with the 77-year-old press club, the second oldest in the country.
By AD Dacanay
BORN WITHOUT SIGHT, Jerome could have easily been defined by limitation. Instead, he chose movement, challenge, and purpose. Alongside his twin brother, Joshua Nelmida, he discovered triathlon—not merely as a sport, but as a powerful avenue for dignity, pride, and self-belief.
the running leg—his self-confessed weakest discipline. For many athletes, a gold medal signals arrival. For Jerome, it signals direction. It tells him where to push harder, where to improve, and where to evolve.
That quiet hunger—to get better even in victory—is what separates good athletes from inspiring ones.
This race carried an even deeper emotional weight.
For the first time in a while, Jerome competed without his twin brother Joshua, who was sidelined due to injury. The absence could have been a void—but instead, it became fuel.
Because even when Joshua wasn’t physically beside him, he remained present in spirit.
Every stride, every pedal stroke, every breath carried the memory of shared struggles and victories.The bond between the twins—built not just on blood, but on perseverance— became Jerome’s invisible guide alongside the one tethered to him.
And perhaps that is the most powerful part of Jerome Nelmida’s story. He does not see the road ahead— but he moves forward
anyway.
He does not race alone—but he draws strength from both presence and absence.
He does not settle for winning—but strives for growth. In a world that often measures ability by what is visible, Jerome reminds us that true strength lies in what cannot be seen: discipline, courage, and an unyielding belief in possibility.
His journey is not just about crossing finish lines.
It is about proving—again and again—that the eyes do not define limits, but by the will.
INTERNATIONAL MASTER CHRISTIAN Gian Karlo Arca
finished runner-up in the 23rd Bangkok Chess Club Open 2026 Blitz Final held at the Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa on Wednesday, April 15.
Arca scored 11 points on 10 wins, two draws and three losses in the 15-round tournament, played under a 3-minute plus 2-second increment time control.
He defeated FM Reynard Kristopher of Vietnam (Round 3), NM Rolly Parondo of the Philippines (Round 4), Tung Quan Nguyen of Vietnam (Round 6), IM James Morris of Australia (Round 7), GM Timur Gareyev of the United States (Round 10), IM Dhingra Aaditya of India (Round 11), IM Arif Abdul Hafiz of Indonesia (Round 12), IM Nayaka Budhidharma of Indonesia (Round 13), WGM Enkhtuul Altan-Ulzii of Mongolia (Round 14), and FM Daniel Causo of the Philippines (Round 15).
Arca drew with IM Khuong Duy Dau of Vietnam (Round 2) and IM Garg Aradhya of India (Round 8).
He suffered losses to GM N.R. Visakh of India, FM Glen Fabien Mariano of the Philippines, and FM Singh Arshpreet of India (Round 9).
“I would like to dedicate my performance to my family, relatives, friends, sponsors, my countrymen, and to God,”said Arca, a top player from Zamboanga City.
A total of 112 players from more than 35 countries competed in the elimination round, with 16 qualifiers advancing to the finals.
Arca’s local and international campaigns are supported by Manny Pacquiao and Prospero Pichay Jr., chairman and president of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines.
and
MAZEL PARIS ALEGADO, a 12-year-old skateboarding prodigy from the Philippines, is set to make her mark at the Olympic qualifier in Rome, Italy, from June 7-14.
Alegado has etched her name in history by becoming the world’s 20th-ranked female park skateboarder, the highest ranking ever achieved by a Filipino in the sport. Her mother, Pline Constantino, has confirmed her participation in the Olympic Qualifier World Cup in Rome. “Yes po, she will be competing in the World Cup in Rome! “ Alegado’s remarkable achievement surpasses the previous record set by Margielyn Didal, who ranked 16th in the women’s street world rankings in 2021. Following her impressive performance at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, where she became the Philippines’ youngest gold medalist, Alegado’s rapid rise to fame continues to gain momentum. Last March, She made her World Skateboarding Championships debut in São Paulo, Brazil. In a sport where every run tells a story, Mazel Paris Alegado fights not only to win - but to prove that with grit, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication, even the toughest battles can be overcome. Mazel Alegado
VINFAST
The site occupies a 1,506-square-meter property in Balintawak, a location long regarded as one of Metro Manila’s key transport gateways and a jump-off point to North Luzon. Inside, the space feels modern and open, with the signature white and blue brand palette.
in high-traffic corridors connecting Metro Manila with surrounding growth areas. The location draws not only urban buyers but also visitors from nearby provinces who are beginning to consider electric vehicles for daily transport. Families browse quietly. A driver in a ride-hailing uniform studies a dashboard display, tapping through range estimates. It is early days, but the signals are clear. Interest is building, even as questions outnumber decisions. In a market still in its early stages, where charging infrastructure is expanding and familiarity with EV ownership remains limited, the dealership becomes a critical touchpoint. It is on the showroom floor, during test drives and direct conversations, that adoption begins to take shape. Buyers arrive with practical concerns, from how far a vehicle can go in Metro Manila traffic to how electricity costs compare with gasoline, questions that tie closely to daily routines and, for ride-hailing drivers, to income stability.
Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) has officially launched the Honda Prelude, marking its local debut. The sophisticated hybrid coupe is a grand tourer that bridges nostalgic, well-loved heritage with new technology tailored for today’s market.
sophisticated and sporty image, while the sleek hatchback design provides added versatility for owners. It is a symbol of Honda’s hope for a new hybrid sports worldview, breaking free from the traditional norms of a sports car.
MOTORCYCLES are becoming an increasingly efficient means of transporting people and goods across the country amid the current oil crisis. The Philippine motorcycle community continues to grow, driven by demand from daily riders, ride-sharing services, delivery platforms, and enthusiasts.
While the demand for motorcycles continues to increase, riders and pillion passengers alike are placing greater importance on three key performance aspects: safety, reliability, and fuel efficiency. In this environment, riders are seeking solutions that improve efficiency without compromising performance and safety.
During the BSB Junrose Corporation exhibit at the 10th Makina Moto Expo recently, BSB president Ian Bangayan emphasized that rising fuel prices make engine efficiency and smarter vehicle operation more relevant than ever.
Understanding the Efficiency Gap
Not all fuel that enters an engine is fully utilized or converted into usable power. Everyday riding conditions such as traffic, heat, and short-distance travel contribute to increased internal friction, carbon buildup, and reduced overall efficiency. Over time, these factors lead to higher fuel consumption, reduced mileage, and lower engine performance. They may also contribute to increased maintenance requirements and long-term repair costs. Minimizing Friction, Maximizing Efficiency
Bangayan highlighted the importance of using Liqui Moly, a globally trusted German brand of motor oils, additives, and engine protection technologies. Through lubrication innovations such as MoS₂ and Molygen, Liqui Moly helps reduce internal friction, improve efficiency, and protect engine performance over time.
MoS₂ works by minimizing metal-to-metal contact, reducing friction and wear inside the engine. Molygen, on the other hand, helps keep the engine clean by reducing carbon deposits and supporting smoother operation over extended use.
This delivers the spirited feel of a dual-clutch transmission without compromising the economic benefits of its hybrid powertrain.
Honda SENSING, Honda CONNECT, Google Automotive Services
The Honda Prelude is a full package
Interior
Inside, owners can enjoy a comfortable and functional cabin which features a unique asymmetrical seating layout. The driver’s seat is geared towards a sportier feel, while the passenger’s is optimized for relaxation and comfort. The new D-shaped steering wheel, finished with Alcantara material at the 12 o’clock position, provides a more comfortable grip for both normal and long-distance driving, no matter where the driver’s hands are positioned.
A floating 10.2-Inch TFT LCD instrument panel provides greater visibility and lightness. This design makes it easier to focus, giving a greater sense of control over the car. Each journey with the Prelude starts and ends with special on-screen animations, mimicking the appearance of the car’s exterior when started and ‘driving away’ once switched off.
Enhancing every journey no matter the destination is an 8-speaker Bose sound system that uses Bose’s Dynamic Speed Compensation to create a concert hall atmosphere inside the cabin.
Despite its sleek profile, the Prelude is also highly practical. The hatchback-style tailgate facilitates easier loading and unloading, revealing a cargo area that can expand from 264 to 760 liters. This makes it spacious enough for two (2) large (78 cm) soft suitcases, two (2) golf bags, or two (2) surfboards. Drivetrain The Prelude is powered by a 2.0L Atkinson cycle
EYEING A SLEEK daily drive? Upgrading to a more spacious family vehicle? Or making the shift to Electric efficiency? Make the Toyota Choice with Toyota Motor Philippines this April!
Designed with flexibility in mind, Toyota offers three payment solutions that empower customers to stay in control of their budget while driving home their ideal vehicle. * The Pay Low option provides an all-in package with down payments starting at just 15 percent for select models. It features a 60-month financing term, along with complimentary one-year comprehensive insurance and three-year LTO registration. Under select finance lease arrangements, chattel mortgage fees are also waived. Designed for convenience and value, Pay Low makes owning a brand-new Toyota Motor Corporation vehicle more accessible while delivering added ownership benefits. The ATIV 1.5 HEV CVT in two-tone is available with the Pay Low option starting from P179,700,
allowing for a more flexible response at each turn of the steering wheel.
Lastly, the new Coasting Control, activated using the paddle shifters, allows the car to coast to a stop without regenerative braking, further contributing to improved fuel economy.
Honda S+ Shift System (NEW)
Through the four (4) selectable drive modes (Individual, Sport, GT, and Comfort), the Honda Prelude can adapt its suspension to fit the driver’s needs, allowing the occupants to enjoy both comfort and sportiness. These modes are further heightened with the new Honda S+ Shift technology which appeals to the senses and is only possible with the Honda e:HEV full hybrid system. In an era where electrified models are perceived to be lacking the heart that an internal combustion engine (ICE) usually provides, the Honda S+ Shift marks the new era of Honda’s fun-to-drive nature.
Through this, Honda reinforces its commitment to always bringing the excitement and joy of driving to its customers.
The Honda S+ Shift links driving force to the actual sound of the engine during deceleration and acceleration, maximizes ‘sight value’ with a tachometer display, and ‘sound value’ through Active Sound Control. The combination of these added elements creates a more fun and engaging driving experience.
CARLOS, Editor / email: daycarlos28@yahoo.com
By Atty. Heidi Marquez-Caguioa
THE Philippines is a nation deeply rooted in faith. Across towns and cities, religious celebrations from fiestas to Holy Week observances are expressions of devotion, identity, and community. In many of these traditions, animals are used as symbols: doves for peace, carabaos in processions, or other living creatures incorporated into rituals meant to honor the divine.
But as society evolves, so must our understanding of compassion.
Today, we are called to ask a difficult but necessary question: Should animals continue to suffer in the name of faith, symbolism, or tradition?
When Devotion Overlooks Welfare
In the wake of the recent controversy that shook the Catholic Church, particularly the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of the Immaculate Concepcion in Malabon, the traditional Easter “Salubong” used a live dove. The Salubong”” was initially intended as an expression of faith symbolizing peace, hope and resurrection . But the ritual was met with criticism and condemnation because a dove was restrained with its wings spread out, used as a prop, and tied along with hundreds of balloons that were released in the air.
While often well-intentioned, the use of animals in religious celebrations can result in significant harm. This is because animals used in these settings are frequently not handled with proper care, exposed to loud crowds, noise, chaos, heat, and even smoke, and at times made to perform acts not naturally done like kneeling of carabaos during fiestas. Furthermore, animals may be placed in unnatural and stressful conditions and objectified rather than treated as living or sentient being.
This, thus, sparked public concern and renewed scrutiny. What may have been intended as a symbolic act instead highlighted a deeper issue: the disconnect between
meaning and method.
Doves, which are often seen as symbols of peace, are in reality highly sensitive a animals. When released in uncontrolled environments, especially when restrained, exposed to artificial smoke, or forced into unnatural situations, they can experience extreme stress, disorientation, injury, or death. This is not symbolism. This is suffering.
It is quite concerning that religion to date permits and/or tolerates the use of animals in a manner that is unnatural, cruel or exposes animals to unnecessary pain and harm when at the very core every major religion including Christianity is a call to love, mercy and stewardship of creation. Using animals in ways that cause fear, injury, or death stands in direct contradiction to these values.
Animal Cruelty is Prohibited by Law In the Philippines, animal welfare is not just a moral issue, it is a legal one.
Under Republic Act No. 8485, as amended by Republic Act No. 10631, acts that cause unnecessary pain and suffering, cruelty to animals, including any act of neglect and abandonment are prohibited and considered as a criminal offense.
Importantly, while the law exempts certain killing of animals used in religious rituals and practices of recognized religion or sect, it does not provide blanket exemptions for cultural or religious practices when these
By Mariana Burgos
1.
2.
ity and resources would provide safe havens for retired K9s. These centers should offer veterinary care, enrichment activities, and socialization to maintain the dogs’ quality of life.
4. Partnership with Animal Welfare Organizations The government should collaborate closely with NGOs like Hound Haven Philippines, Save Animals of Love and Light-Save ALL, PAWS, and others alike to leverage their expertise and resources. Joint programs can improve rehoming efforts, public awareness, and policy advocacy.
5. Public Awareness and Education
Raising public awareness about the sacrifices and needs of retired K9s can foster community support and volunteerism. Educational campaigns can also encourage responsible adoption and care. Retired Philippine K9 dogs deserve the same honor and care they provided during their years of service. While some
result in harm. The use of humane method and practices has always been required. This means that even long-standing traditions must be re-examined if they compromise animal welfare.
This conversation is especially urgent today because of the growing public awareness about animal welfare. Filipinos are increasingly vocal and conscious about how animals are treated. Incidents of animal cruelty, specially as they are often shared online, are often met with strong public reaction and calls for accountability.
Research and studies are extensively done over years establishing a clear link between how animals are treated and the social development of the youth. As a parent myself, I have seen that how young people treat animals reflects and is closely linked to empathy, behavior and social responsibility. It matters then that when harmful practices are normalized, especially in religious settings, it sends a wrong message.
As the churches and religious institutions are among the most trusted and influential entity that had profound influence on faith, moral and conscience of the community, they have the power to shape not just beliefs but also behavior, even in politics.
The church therefore, has that institutional responsibility to ensure that its teachings are reflected not only in words but in practices and that it should include
the promotion and protection of the vulnerable and the voiceless animals. By promoting humane and ethical treatment of animals, it affirms a deeper truth consistent with the teachings of the catholic faith that stewardship, love, compassion and respect must extend not just to humans but to all living beings.
We call then on the Church leadership to rethink and seriously ponder: If a tradition, practice or even a ritual is meant to honor God would cause fear, pain, suffering or even death, then there is a great disconnect between the teachings and the practice. It is high time that the Church end the use of animals in harmful religious practices. Faith should never require suffering. Symbolism should never come at the expense of life.
About the Author: Atty Heidi Marquez-Caguioa is the president and program director for Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF). She is a lawyer by profession, a staunch animal welfare advocate, and policy practitioner involved in various work promoting animal welfare and promotion. She plays an active role in animal rescue and rehabilitation operating one of the biggest animal shelters in the country, while working to promote and institutionalize stronger animal protection measures. Her advocacy focuses on bridging law, enforcement, and community action to advance humane and sustainable practices.
The AKF website is akfrescues.org.
Photos are screen grab from video that circulated online. Credit to the owner of the video.
centers and organizations currently support these canine heroes, the absence of a comprehensive legal framework and standardized retirement programs leaves many dogs
By learning from international examples such as the U.S., UK, Australia, and
a more
the Philippines
mane,
tem for
K9
and
The proposed legislation, combined with government support, handler prioritization, and NGO partnerships, can transform the retirement experience for these dogs. As the article Military dogs find a retirement home at this center by ABS-CBN News highlights, and as advocated by Hound Haven Philippines, these dogs have earned their rest and deserve lifelong care. It is time for the Philippine government to step up and institutionalize their welfare, honoring their invaluable service with dignity and compassion.
By Angelica Villanueva
GARLIC, butter, and fried chicken come togeth-
er again as KFC Philippines brings back its Garlic Butter Chicken, anchoring the return of its Garlic Butter Fest.
The limited-time offering, which has developed a following over the years, returns for its fourth run, this time accompanied by a visual rollout that extends beyond the menu. Its KFC branch in Quezon Avenue has been temporarily transformed with a gold-themed exterior, reflecting the campaign built around the product’s comeback.
At the center of the lineup is the Garlic Butter Chicken, built on the brand’s Hot & Crispy base and finished with a garlic butter glaze. The flavor is savory and rich, setting it apart from the chain’s regular offerings.
Its repeated returns suggest steady demand, with customers treating it less as a novelty and more as a seasonal staple. Its price start at P120.
Over the years, Garlic Butter Fest has grown into a fan-favorite celebration, with loyal KFC fans eagerly awaiting its return. Now, it’s back— bigger, bolder, and more golden than ever, with a one-of-a-kind store transformation to match. Also part of the lineup is the Garlic Butter Twister, its classic wrap that brings together chicken pieces, fries, corn, and dressing in one serving. The Twister reflects a wider approach in fast food, where different textures and flavors are combined into more portable formats. Price starts at P130. For KFC, the gold-themed store also functions as a physical to promote the comeback of Garlic Butter Chicken, encouraging diners to experience its buttery and golden taste. Located along Quezon Avenue, diners are also welcome to take photos of the golden branch.
(Garlic Butter Fest is available for a limited time across KFC stores nationwide through dine-in, takeout, drive-thru, and delivery platforms.)
AVEGETABLE dish may not be first on your mind while navigating a buffet. The humble greens usually take a backseat to the heftier meat and seafood choices.
But at Seasonal Tastes of 5-star wellnessforward hotel The Westin Manila, cauliflower, okra and even beetroot take center stage.
For the sixth edition of its Green Mondays campaign, the hotel collaborates with The Farm at San Benito —Marriott International’s wellness sanctuary in Southern Luzon— to bring farm-to-table and fresh plant-based creations closer to the city.
The Farm at San Benito also houses one of the first vegan restaurants in the country— ALIVE! Restaurant – where Executive Chef Marie Pagcaliwagan first set out on her path toward healing through food.
“Crafting plant-based cuisine is not an easy feat,” said Pagcaliwagan.
“It takes significant mastery of technique and knowledge of the produce you can use for the cuisine, but when you’re in a place
to, it is much easier to get creative and come up with new dishes built around conscious nourishment of the body,” she added.
Served à la minute at the One Dish Wonders live station of the lunch buffet for Green Mondays at Seasonal Tastes, guests can try plant-based creations such as classic Buffalo Chicken and the Beetroot Croquette with Cilantro Chutney until May 25, 2026.
“We have also prepared a variety of carefully curated salads with balanced textures and flavors to really highlight the produce harvested from the vegetable and herb garden of The Farm at San Benito,” added The Westin Manila Executive Chef Rej Casanova.
(Reserve a table via https://qrco.de/GreenMondaysXTheFarm. Visit www.westinmanilahotel. com to know more about the hotel’s services
Three of Newport World Resorts’ dining outlets present specially curated offers that draw from the distinct culinary traditions of Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and the ZamBaSulTa region.
Casa Buenas, Newport World Resorts’ signature Filipino restaurant, pres ents Taste the Islands, a set menu experience that invites guests to choose their own regional chapter.
The offering moves through three regional chapters—Norte, Centro, and Sur—each drawing from the culinary vocabulary of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao respectively. The Luzon set menu, Norte, opens with a smoky Ensaladang Talong and the poached freshness of Sinigang na Suahe before arriving at the shareable Pata Kare-Kare, and more. The Visayas chapter, Centro, leads with Sinuglaw’s interplay of grilled pork belly and tuna ceviche, with Adobong Rellenong Pusit being the main course, among others. Mindanao’s Sur Menu starts the set menu with Hipon Kinilaw, followed by the warmth of Tinolang Halaan, and more—ending on Tsokolate Tropikal, a Davao dark chocolate mousse with durian gelato and spiced pineapple salsa.
At the Michelin-listed Manila Marriott Hotel, the Sinagtala Famsgiving Buffet Dinner — available every Wednesday and Thursday of April at P3,399 nett per person — brings together the culinary perspectives of Tausug Chef Miguel “Miggy” Moreno and Director of Culinary Meik Brammer. The collaboration draws from Chef Moreno’s deep connection to ZamBaSulTa cuisine and Chef Brammer’s leadership of the Sinagtala Philippine Culinary Arts Programme, which continues to champion regional Filipino traditions. Together, the chefs present a buffet that highlights Tausug flavors with clarity and intention. Dishes include Tiyula Itum, a deeply spiced black beef soup, and
By Angelica Villanueva
AFTER the breakout success of “Arizona B,” drag
artist Arizona Brandy is returning with a second single that leans further into dance-floor energy while keeping a signature mix of humor and self-expression.
Titled “Isaw,” the track features DJ Love and marks a high-energy shift deeper into rave territory, anchored in the distinctly Filipino pulse of budots that helped define her debut sound. The genre, long associated with grassroots party scenes, continues to shape Arizona’s musical identity as the drag queen continues to expand her reach beyond drag stages and viral clips.
Inspired by the popular Filipino street food isaw the single turns the familiar skewered snack into a playful, club-ready idea, using it as a cheeky
dance hook that pushes the song forward. Beneath its upbeat surface, however, the track also carries a more personal layer.
“At first, I just wanted to make another song, not knowing what the purpose was. I hit a dead end in the middle of writing, then realized what I was missing: the purpose of the song. The verse became a love letter to myself and my body, written in a third-person perspective, as if I were describing myself,” the drag artist said.
Written by Arizona Brandy and produced by Christopher Jacob Acuña Cheong, the track is elevated by DJ Love, widely recognized as a pioneer of budots, giving the collaboration a distinctly Filipino and contemporary edge.
“Isaw” is now available on all major streaming platforms.
By Jasper Valdez
PRIME Video is making a bigger push into local content, unveiling seven Filipino original series and a new batch of licensed homegrown titles during Prime Video Presents: Philippines on April 14 at The Fifth in Rockwell.
The event marked the platform’s first local slate announcement in the country and put Filipino stories at the center of its 2026 list. The slate spans comedy, crime, romance, psychological suspense, political thriller, and family drama, with projects developed alongside ABS-CBN and GMA.
At the event, Prime Video Southeast Asia head of content acquisition Chaitanya Divan said local content comes with a different kind of pressure because audiences can tell right away when a story does not ring true.
“But with local content, what we’re trying to do is tell audiences stories about themselves. And if it is not authentic, they’ll see through it immediately,” he said.
LOL: Last One Laughing Philippines Season 2
Leading the list is the return of LOL: Last One Laughing Philippines, with Vice Ganda back as host for a second season. Prime Video said the first season became one of its most-watched titles in the Philippines. The Silent Noise
Also part of the slate is The Silent Noise, which has been streaming since March 20 and stars Angelica Panganiban and Zanjoe Marudo in a crime drama centered on a deaf son whose world is upended when the discovery of a body brings buried secrets to the surface.
Love Is Never Gone
The newly announced originals also include Love Is Never Gone, with Joshua Garcia and Ivana Alawi in a romance-thriller about an ex-convict who discovers that the woman he believed dead is now living as a socialite.
The Loyalty Game The Loyalty Game, with Janine Gutierrez, Jericho Rosales, and Sofia Andres, a psychological thriller built around a “loyalty test” that spirals after two women uncover the same
Also joining the list is Kopino , starring Paulo Avelino and Kim Chiu , a drama that puts the KoreanFilipino experience front and center as it explores questions of family, belonging, and recognition.
Senate reso recognizes BINI performance at Coachella
By Ram Superable
SENATOR Bam Aquino on Friday filed a resolution recognizing the performance of P-pop group BINI as the first Filipino act to perform at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California. In Senate Resolution No. 370, Aquino commended the group for bringing pride and honor to the Philippines while showcasing Filipino talent and artistry on the global stage during their performances on April 10 and 17, 2026 at one of the world’s most prestigious music festivals. BINI, known as the nation’s girl group, is composed of Naraiah Queen Arceta, Ma. Nicolette Vergara, Nary Loi Yves Ricalde, Gweneth Apuli, Lindtsey Stacey Aubrey
Sevilleja, Mikhaela Janna Lim, Jhoanna Christine Robles, and Sheena Mae Catacutan
Aquino highlighted the group’s 10-song setlist, which featured popular tracks such as “Shagidi,” “Pantropiko,” “Salamin-Salamin,” and “Karera,” as a strong representation of Filipino artistry to an international audience.
He expressed hope that the group’s milestone appearance would help sustain the growth of P-pop and create more opportunities for Filipino artists to gain wider recognition in the global music industry.
“BINI’s achievement serves as an inspiration to young Filipinos, demonstrating that Filipino talent can thrive and gain recognition on the world stage through passion, discipline, and excellence,” said Aquino.
The series follows a radio announcer whose secret affair with the Philippine president is exposed, placing her at the center of a deadly scandal after she becomes the prime suspect in his assassination.
Beyond the original series, Prime Video is adding several licensed Filipino films to its 2026 list, including Samahan ng mga Makasalanan Gabi ng Lagim Bar Boys: After School, Open Endings, and the Bayaniverse trilogy: Heneral Luna Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral, and Quezon.
Divan said Prime Video wants to be “a long-term, reliable partner” for Filipino creators so they can build “culture-defining content” together.
Prime Video head of APAC Programming Strategy Caitlin Parkinson underscored the same local-first approach.
“First and foremost, local is what’s important. We would never create something for the Philippines that Filipino audiences don’t want to see,” she said.
Parkinson added that Prime Video sees wider potential in stories made here.
“Those universal themes like family, love, ambition, justice—we don’t care where those characters live. They want to relate. They want to be entertained with high quality, and we absolutely think that can come from the Philippines,” she said.
By Jasper Valdez
THERE are only so many hours in a day, but for many working students, those hours are already accounted for before the day even begins. Between shift schedules, class requirements, and time spent commuting, there is little room left for rest.
That reality was laid out on National Working Students Day (March 21), when Mapúa Malayan Digital College (MMDC) released its first State of the Working Student Report in Makati.
Based on survey responses gathered nationwide, the report reveals how studying and working now overlap for an increasing number of young Filipinos.
More than 80 percent of respondents said they hold full-time jobs while studying. Nearly half manage both a full academic load and a 40-hour work week.
Time, not ability, has become the main challenge. Over half said they get five hours of sleep or less, while many reported feeling overwhelmed and mentally exhausted.
“Many working students are not simply studying while working, but are navigating both roles at a full-time level,” said Ada Silva, who spoke about balancing work, school, and raising children on her own.
For Silva, the decision to work while studying is tied to both necessity and long-term plans.
“I’m a working student because I want to support my children… while continuously improving myself,” she said.
The report also points to the limits of employment as a solution. While having a job allows students to stay in school, it does not always mean stability.
“For working students, employment enables education, but it is a fragile enabler,” said Adam Belda, who shared how income often falls short of rising daily expenses.
Beyond finances, the strain often comes down to how much can fit into a single day. Classes, work schedules, commuting, and, for some, family responsibilities leave little room for rest.
Even with that kind of schedule, many find ways to adjust, fitting schoolwork into whatever time is left after work and travel.
“It’s a constant tug of war between being proud of how I’ve come while feeling the exhaustion of how much farther I have to go,” said Mika Conway, reflecting on the pressure of keeping pace with both work and school.
For MMDC executive director Dennis Tablante the issue goes beyond individual effort.
“Your resilience is real. And it should never be used as an excuse for systems not doing better,” he said, pointing to the need for changes in how schools and workplaces respond to working students.
By Jasper Valdez
THE idea of forming a connection with an AI chatbot may still sound unusual, but the conditions that make it possible are already familiar to many young Filipinos.
Recent global reports have pointed to a growing number of people turning to AI for emotional or even romantic interaction. While there is no clear data yet showing how common this is in the Philippines, local and regional studies suggest that the environment shaping this behavior is already in place. Rising loneliness and emotional strain continue to shape how young Filipinos relate to others today. A 2025 AXA Mind Health report found that Filipinos aged 18 to 34 report higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression than their global peers, with many turning to digital platforms and even AI-powered tools for support. For a generation already used to processing emotions online, seeking comfort through technology no longer feels unusual. At the same time, much of everyday interaction has moved into digital spaces, changing how people communicate and stay connected. DataReportal’s 2026 Digital Report on the Philippines, which tracks internet, mobile, and social media use nationwide, estimates that over 80 percent of the population uses social media, with most internet users active on at least one platform.
Conversations that once happened face to face
are now often carried through messages, reactions, and shared content.
As these habits become more common, the idea of what counts as intimacy has also shifted. A 2025 survey on Filipino dating behavior conducted by dating app Bumble found that many now consider digital gestures—such as sending memes or curating playlists—as meaningful expressions of closeness.
For some, constant communication matters more than physical presence.
These patterns help explain why AI interaction can feel appealing to some users. Chatbots respond instantly, do not judge, and are always available. For people who feel ignored, overwhelmed, or unsure of how to start a conversation, that kind of environment can feel easier to navigate than reallife interaction.
That ease, however, comes with trade-offs that are harder to measure. Real relationships involve disagreement, effort, and unpredictability— elements that AI systems are designed to minimize. Some researchers have already raised concerns that relying too much on artificial interaction could affect how people build and sustain real connections.
For now, AI relationships remain a developing trend rather than a widespread reality in the Philippines. However, the habits that support these—constant connectivity, digital-first communication, and a search for low-pressure connection—are already part of everyday life.
By Angelica Villanueva
LONG before smartwatches and digital screens dominated wrists, Casio’s early digital timepieces were already doing something quietly radical, and that is turning utility into style. Decades later, that same design language is finding fresh relevance among a new generation.
During its “Back In Time, Ahead In Style” event, Casio launches its Vintage collection, where retro design was not simply revisited but reframed as part of today’s fashion vocabulary.
Casio’s digital watches, first launched in the 1970s and 1980s, were known for its innovative design, featuring simple lines, small sizes, and useful features. What was once advanced technology has now become a well-known style that fits well with modern streetwear and daily fashion.
The event mirrored that evolution
in the atmosphere. Live performances from OverOctober and a set by Kat DJ carried a mix of old and new sonic influences, while a dance piece by SHE/ HE interpreted different eras through movement, echoing how style itself shifts but rarely disappears. At the center of the showcase were improved versions of classics like the AQ-240 series, featuring the gold AQ-240EG-9A. The model blends traditional hands with a digital screen and includes functions like dual time, stopwatch, and alarm. The model is available in different colorways such as light blue, salmon pink, and off-white, extending the line’s appeal and leaning into softer, more expressive tones aimed at younger wearers. Alongside it, models such as the A159WA-N1 and AQ-230 reinforced Casio’s long-standing appeal: straightforward design, practical features, and a focus on everyday reliability.
C4 | APRIL 19, 2026
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
DOMESTIC tourism continues to anchor Holy Week travel in the Philippines even as international trips gain momentum, with bookings rising 25 percent year on year, according to recent travel data.
Popular local destinations include Manila City, Cebu, Palawan (Malay/Boracay), and Davao del Sur, followed by Bohol, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Leyte, and Misamis Oriental.
Many travelers are hitting two birds with one stone, combining holiday trips with visits to their hometowns, keeping Holy Week among the country’s peak domestic travel periods.
Trip planning is also shifting earlier, with Filipinos booking an average of 74 days before departure as they secure flights, accommodations, and activities ahead of the holiday rush. Good Friday is always expected to be the busiest departure date, with many beginning travel at the start of the long break.
By Jenny Fatima Macatiag
RETURNING to Boracay feels like a homecoming, but staying at Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay in Station Zero turns the familiar into something more elevated.
Tucked away from the island’s busy center, Station Zero offers a private sanctuary where the pace slows, and the landscape takes focus. Among the properties in this enclave, Mövenpick’s beach stands out. It is one of the calmest and most swimmable stretches on the island, with powdersoft sand that feels smooth underfoot, a quiet contrast to rockier shores elsewhere.
Based on Trip.com booking data in the Philippines, comparing Holy Week 2026 and 2025, the period was used for longer vacations. Average trip length was about 9.57 days, slightly below 2025’s 10.03 days, as travelers chose multi-day itineraries combining city stays and leisure travel.
Women account for about 60 percent of bookings, while men represent 40 percent, data showed. Travelers aged 35 to 49 make up the largest segment at 38 percent, followed by those aged 25 to 34 at 21 percent.
Solo travel is also rising, with nearly 70 percent of bookings made by independent travelers seeking flexibility and personalized itineraries.
Overall, Holy Week is emerging as one of the country’s busiest travel periods, driven by strong demand across both domestic and international markets.
Set along Boracay’s quieter shoreline, the resort offers a more secluded kind of beach escape away from the island’s usual rush
Our journey began with easy sophistication. Arriving early, we were welcomed at the resort’s spacious lounge before boarding a speedboat across turquoise waters. A private van then carried us through lush greenery to the resort. At the lobby, warm hospitality set the tone, with staff greeting guests with genuine ease. Since we arrived before check-in time, the resort provided a temporary room so we could freshen up right away. This thoughtful gesture set the pace for a stay defined by attentive service.
Gastronomy sits at the center of the Mövenpick experience. Breakfast at The Market offered a wide buffet of local and international dishes. By midday, we headed to Ssam, the Asian restaurant, where the Yakisoba stood out for its rich balance, alongside fresh salmon sashimi.
The next day brought us to Brezza, the Italian restaurant, for a handson pizza-making session.
From shaping dough to selecting toppings and watching it bake in a brick oven, the experience became a highlight. The Quattro Formaggi, with its layered cheeses, is a musttry. For dessert lovers, the daily Chocolate Hour at 3:00 p.m. is a signature ritual. Guests are treated to chocolates, cookies, and a chocolate fountain where marshmallows are dipped in rich sauce, a nostalgic pause in the afternoon.
Our Junior Suite opened to a sweeping view of
By Nickie Wang
LONG weekends are getting a glow-up, trading city chaos for curated calm as Newport World Resorts unveils its Grand Staycation Experience 2.0, a bundled escape designed for guests looking to rest, reset, and reconnect.
The offering brings together five international hotel brands under one integrated destination: Manila Marriott Hotel at Newport World Resorts, Hotel Okura Manila at Newport World Resorts, Hilton Manila Newport World Resorts, Sheraton Manila Hotel at Newport World Resorts, and Holiday Inn Express Manila Newport City, each with its design identity but connected by a shared approach to hospitality.
Priced at P40,999, the package includes five one-night stays, one in each hotel, with breakfast for two per stay and access to the complex’s amenities. Vouchers are transferable, have no expiration date, and can be redeemed flexibly, excluding select peak dates, allowing guests to stagger stays across the year or use them in one extended break.
Inside the collection, each property offers a distinct personality.
At Manila Marriott Hotel, rooms open to sweeping views of Villamor Golf Course, pairing polished interiors with a calm green horizon.
the pool merging into the Sibuyan Sea. The room carried a refined tropical feel, with fresh mangoes and the White Beach Collection of handcrafted chocolates waiting upon arrival.
As evening arrived, Sol Marina Beach Club became a favorite spot to unwind with cocktails during happy hour. Watching the resort shift into golden hour created a calm, lingering mood.
A highlight was a private beachfront dinner at 5:30 p.m., where a six-course meal unfolded beside the shore. As the sky turned pink and gold, dishes ranging from fresh salads to tender steak were served, accompanied only by the sound of waves.
On another night, a Picnic Dinner at the C-9 Garden offered a more relaxed setting. Set on a manicured lawn facing the sunset, guests lounged on mats and pillows while enjoying a curated spread under the stars.
On the second day, we visited Sagay Spa, a sanctuary offering holistic therapies inspired by different traditions. A 90-minute massage delivered one of the most memorable treatments of the stay, supported by a calming atmosphere and skilled therapists.
Nature added its own surprise. While walking near the forest edge, we spotted monkeys perched on gate walls, a rare sight for guests and a quiet reminder of the island’s living landscape.
We ended the stay at Ssam’s Teppanyaki, the only experience of its kind on the island. Chef Josemarie Bogtae brought energy and precision to a lively dinner of shrimp, steak, chicken, and salmon cooked on the iron griddle.
From paraw sailing to quiet balcony moments, Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay delivers a complete island escape. It is not just a place to stay, but a destination where each detail is shaped to restore calm.
