A decade of principle: The Arbitral Award and the Filipino story

 

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

By THE NATIONAL MARITIME COUNCIL

Today, July 12, 2026, the Philippines marks the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), a milestone that has become part of our national story.

Anniversaries invite us not only to remember the past but also to reflect on who we are and the future we seek to build together.

More than a decade ago, in January 2013, the Philippines made a defining choice. Faced with complex maritime challenges, our country turned to international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes. It was a choice rooted in the conviction that what is right should never depend on the size of a nation or the strength of its military, but on the enduring principles of justice and the rule of law.

That choice led to the landmark Award issued by the Arbitral Tribunal on July 12, 2016. The Tribunal authoritatively clarified important principles under UNCLOS and affirmed that maritime rights and entitlements are governed by international law.

For the international community, the Award serves as a powerful affirmation that disputes can be addressed through lawful and peaceful means, and that international law protects the rights of all States, large and small alike.

For Filipinos, however, the Award means something even more profound. It is about the fisherfolk who depend on the sea to provide for their family. It is about coastal communities whose future relies on healthy seas and sustainable resources. It is about our men in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), other maritime law enforcement agencies, scientists, educators, and public servants who dedicate themselves to safeguarding our maritime domain. Above all, it is about every Filipino who believes that our nation should pursue its rightful interests with dignity, responsibility, and peace.

As a maritime and archipelagic nation, the sea has always shaped our history and identity. It connects our islands, sustains our livelihoods, strengthens our economy, and links us to the world. Protecting our maritime rights is, therefore, not merely about defending what is ours. It is about securing opportunities for future generations and preserving a heritage entrusted to our care.

The 10th anniversary of the Arbitral Award also serves as a reminder that this milestone and its legacy belong to every Filipino. It does not belong to any administration, institution, or political party. It belongs to us all, as we strive to do our best to ensure that our youth and all future generations inherit not just the responsibilities but the benefits as well of being citizens of a great maritime nation.

The Philippines remains steadfast in advancing a maritime future anchored on international law, responsible stewardship of our seas, and constructive engagement with all nations. We will continue to champion dialogue over discord, cooperation over conflict, and the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law.

As we commemorate this historic milestone, let us look beyond the Award itself and embrace what it represents. Let it remind us that the Philippines is strongest when we stand together, confident in our principles, united in our purpose, and committed to the peaceful pursuit of our national interests.

Ten years ago, the Arbitral Award affirmed important legal principles. More enduringly, it affirmed something about the Filipino people: that ours is a nation prepared to stand for what is right with courage, confidence, and conviction.

That lesson remains as relevant today as it was a decade ago.

May this anniversary renew our pride as a maritime and an archipelagic nation, deepen our appreciation of the seas that sustain us, and inspire every Filipino to become a steward of our shared maritime heritage.

For the story of the Arbitral Award is ultimately the Filipino story, a story of resilience, unity, and faith that the rule of law remains the surest path to a just, peaceful, and prosperous future.

That is the legacy we celebrate today.

And that is the legacy we must carry forward... together!

Swimming with whale sharks in Pintuyan

Why Southern Leyte is your 'sharky pitstop' to Siargao

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published Jul 5, 2026 10:33 am

We call them butanding, but they’re also known as balilan, kaytan tokke, and balyiran. Here in the province of Southern Leyte, they’re known as tiki-tiki.

GENTLE GIANTS A pair of tiki-tiki or whale sharks cruises near the water’s surface in Pintuyan, Southern Leyte. (Photos: Gregg Yan)

Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) are the most commonly seen fish in the Philippines, not because they’re found in markets like tilapia or bangus, but because they’re printed on the back of the new P100 bill (which is my daily allowance from my wife).

Though certainly large enough, they aren’t whales. They’re the largest of the three known filter-feeding sharks, growing over 50 feet and weighing as much as six adult elephants. While they are the Earth’s largest fish, they’re completely harmless, eating only plankton, tiny fish, shrimp, and squid.

These harmless giants have since transitioned from mere wildlife to money magnets, generating millions of pesos through ecotourism. Donsol in Southern Luzon remains the country’s traditional hotbed for wild whale shark encounters. Oslob in Southern Cebu is the cash cow, raking in big bucks and huge crowds through a controversial feeding practice that alters natural shark behavior and keeps sharks in place for most of the year.

Pintuyan in Southern Leyte’s Sogod Bay is the newcomer, working quietly to establish itself as an ethical whale shark destination, modeled after Donsol. Other whale shark watching destinations include Palawan and Bohol.

Pintuyan, Southern Leyte

Pintuyan’s whale sharks

“In the old days, our fishers drove off or even killed whale sharks or tiki-tiki because they scared away smaller fish and plowed through our nets,” recalls Pintuyan Mayor Ricarte Estrella. “In 2006, we saw how Donsol was leading the way in terms of sustainable ecotourism. We wanted to emulate their adventure-based system, which doesn’t rely on feeding. We’re still a long way from the commercial scale of Oslob or Donsol, but we’re content to take things slow and give our visitors a simpler, but more ethical experience.”

Pintuyan in Southern Leyte annually welcomes less than 5,000 visitors, mostly European divers. “But this is something we hope to build on, since we have lots of unique experiences to offer our guests,” promises Mayor Ricarte.

For one, Pintuyan sits just an hour away from Surigao, a jump-off for wayfarers headed to Siargao, one of the world’s most renowned surf spots. Travelers headed to Siargao can first fly to Tacloban, then travel three to four hours south to Pintuyan to dive with whale sharks. Visitors can stay a few days as ferries sail to Surigao daily.

Pintuyan pygmy squid

“Aside from diving, we also offer our guests a unique experience in the form of ‘squidding’ or squid fishing,” adds Mayor Ricarte. “Guests can board a ‘bangka’ (boat) to catch and eat tiny squid at sunset.”

Locally called buko-buko, the pygmy squids grow no larger than a finger, glow in the dark, and can be eaten raw (careful though, for they can bite like a maya bird with their little beaks).

“They taste great, and we can catch as many as we like every summer,” says local fisher Mario Mateo. “Tourists love buko-buko, but our main attraction is really the whale sharks.”

Taking the plunge

“Ready to jump? Always stay three to five meters away from them,” instructs our guide Carlito Mosot, donning a mask and snorkel. “Go, go, jump in!”

We jump into the water and are immediately surrounded by the gentle giants of Pintuyan.

Unlike Oslob, where the water carries the lingering scent of dead shrimp, or Donsol, where thick plankton blooms limit visibility to a dozen feet, Pintuyan offers clear water. Morning sunrays slice the blue to illuminate the curious constellations on the backs of the sharks.

Adventurers Gregg Yan, Erwin Lim, Renzo Maano, Boboi Costas, Aldo Banaynal and Anna Barlam before diving with the gentle giants of Pintuyan. Whale shark interactions usually take place in the morning, within a few hundred meters from the shore.

At around five meters apiece, they’re smaller than the sharks of Donsol, some of which exceed 10 meters in length. Some also exhibit scars and cuts, evidence of accidental hits from boat propellers, but on the whole, they seem happy, healthy, and most of all, wild.

For 30 magical minutes, we swim alongside tiki-tiki, several rising to the surface to gorge on plankton, which also attracts smaller fish like fusiliers and mackerel. I’ve swum with whale sharks all over the country, and this is among the best experiences I’ve had.

For surfers and adventurers heading to Siargao, make Pintuyan your pitstop. Swim with friendly sharks and catch a palmful of tiny squid before battling Cloud Nine’s monster waves.

“Pintuyan has much to offer, from rugged mountains to vibrant coral reefs,” shares Boboi Costas, an ecotourism guru who has been quietly helping communities nationwide discover and market the beauty of their hometowns. “I hope to see it flourish as a premier marine destination where local communities, the government, and the private sector work hand-in-hand to benefit both the people and the environment.”

Gregg Yan is an explorer and the founder of environmental group Best Alternatives.

Resting with the Lord

 

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published Jul 5, 2026 12:05 am | Updated Jul 4, 2026 04:51 pm

REFLECTIONS TODAY

Gospel • Matthew 11:25-30

In this reflection, we focus on the theme of rest (Greek, anapausis) or being refreshed (Greek, anapauein).

This is what Jesus promises in the Gospel to those who are laboring or toiling. But Jesus is not only inviting people to take a rest; he invites them to himself because he has a special kind of rest for them.

What could this rest be, this special rest that he has in store for his followers? Every day, people work day in and day out.

Others even work more than they rest or sleep. No wonder they get so tired and even get sick. Indeed, daily life presents us with much to take care of, not just in the workplace but also in our homes.

Even in our supposed resting hours we can still be working, our minds continue to think of how to accomplish our tasks, meet deadlines, etc. Ideally, there is a rest day or even days given to us each week.

Presumably, to allow us to recover our energies or be refreshed for the next week’s schedules and tasks. Unfortunately, even our rest days, our days of the Lord, are taken up by unfinished tasks.

After a while, this becomes the pattern; rest is no longer part of our routine, and we simply are consumed with our work. But what kind of life is this? What sort of life are we living when we cannot even give time for ourselves and for God?

In the Gospel, Jesus invites his listeners to come to him, offering them rest. But actually, the next line/s seem to contradict what he just said. Because, instead of simply saying that if they come to him they will find rest, period, he adds an invitation or command, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me…” (v 29). So, we are to still work after all? The yoke which Jesus offers still symbolizes labor, burden; why not take away this yoke altogether?

The following lines, however, give us a hint about the meaning of Jesus’ invitation: first of all, he as the giver of the yoke, and their teacher is meek and humble of heart.

He is not an imposing, strict “employer,” but a “meek and humble of heart” (Greek, praus… kai tapeinos te kardia).

Secondly, his yoke (Greek, zygos) is easy (Greek, chrestos) and his burden (Greek, phortion) is light (Greek, elaphron). In other words, when Jesus invites his followers to come to him, he does not promise them a life without burdens or responsibilities, a life as a mere “walk in the park,” we would say.

The key is in the person of Jesus, the “master” or the “employer”: he is not like others who are demanding, arrogant, unreasonable, cruel, but meek and humble of heart, giving tasks and mission that are not impossible, nor destructive and too heavy, but easy and light. But is it really the case that our mission and tasks as followers of Jesus easy and light? Why did he himself warn of persecutions and difficulties in following him?

Indeed, on the outside, being a disciple of Jesus seems very challenging and not an easy one. But probably, what he means is that being “yoked” with him offers us an “easier” and more “comfortable” way.

And this seems confirmed by those who had walked closely behind Jesus: the saints and martyrs who gave their lives for the faith.

Despite the heavy burdens that they carried, as they were really “yoked” with Jesus, they could bear all those and even glory and rejoice in them. They found Jesus’ yoke indeed easy and light.

Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2026,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: publishing@stpauls.ph; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.

Artists, fans speak out on irresponsible show promoters

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom  

Published Jul 2, 2026 03:18 pm

Live music in the Philippines runs on a simple setup. An organizer mounts a show, books a venue, negotiates artists' fees, handles logistics and promotions, and fans buy tickets to see their favorite acts. At its core, the system relies on trust.

But according to artists, venues, labels, and fans, a troubling pattern has emerged in recent years. Several events organized by different production groups have reportedly ended with unpaid fees, last-minute cancellations, and organizers becoming difficult—or impossible—to contact afterward.

As a disclaimer, this article is based on publicly available statements and interviews from artists, venues, labels, and fans regarding separate incidents involving show organizers. The events discussed are not presented as legally connected unless publicly confirmed. Any individual or organization mentioned is welcome to provide their side, clarification, or additional context so this story may be updated. 

One of the most talked-about incidents involved a Baguio concert organized by Gideon Productions featuring The Ridleys and It All Started in May at Smoke & Barrel. Although the event had been promoted and tickets had already been sold, it was eventually canceled.

According to the bands, they did not receive the agreed compensation for the show.

Smoke & Barrel also reportedly reached out to ask whether the event was pushing through after payment for the venue had yet to be settled.

Following the cancellation, The Ridleys' Benny Manaligod posted a warning on social media: "Never work with Gideon Productions."

In an interview, Manaligod said the band initially had confidence in Gideon Productions because they had previously worked together successfully on a show in Bonifacio Global City. However, he said following up on payment became increasingly difficult. The situation escalated when the venue itself contacted the band to ask about the status of the event because of outstanding payment.  

The Baguio incident was not the first time artists had publicly raised concerns involving Gideon Productions.

An earlier concert featuring Bita and the Botflies, fitterkarma, and Jamiela also drew complaints over payment. Jamiela later released a public statement saying that neither she nor her label had received payment several days after the event.

Some musicians who performed at the show said they had been told they would be paid in cash on the day after organizers cited online banking issues. They added that communication reportedly stopped after the concert, while Gideon Productions' Facebook page later became inactive.

Within the independent music community, similar stories have circulated for years.

Several production sources told us that they had heard comparable complaints dating back to 2018. Some also believe the Baguio concert may have been one of several similar incidents reported this year.

The reporting also led to another production group that has figured in separate public controversies: Sunnyside Productions.

Among its most widely discussed incidents was the postponed fan meeting and concert of Ashtine Olviga. Some fans reported delays in receiving refunds, while several fan bases sought assistance from Viva Artists Agency after claiming Sunnyside Productions had become unresponsive.  

Sunnyside Productions was also the organizer behind FELIP's "The Cypher Room" concert, which was canceled just hours before it was scheduled to begin on May 16, 2026.

FELIP's management said the artist himself had only been informed of the cancellation shortly before the event and emphasized that the decision did not come from him.

His legal representatives later issued a statement saying they were coordinating with the relevant parties and that the matter was being handled while protecting the artist's contractual rights and obligations.

At present, there has been no public confirmation that Gideon Productions, Sunnyside Productions, or the individuals associated with them are connected.

What has emerged, however, is a recurring pattern described across multiple, separate incidents: artists and suppliers reporting delayed or unpaid compensation, events being canceled on short notice, communication breaking down afterward, and organizers' social media pages becoming inactive.

For independent musicians, these situations mean more than canceled performances. They can result in lost income, unrecoverable production expenses, and damaged trust throughout the live music community.

Despite these setbacks, many artists have remained committed to their audiences.

After the canceled Baguio show, The Ridleys returned to the city for "The Ridleys in Baguio (For Real This Time!)" at Pugon by Amare, Camp John Hay, giving fans the concert they had originally looked forward to. The band is also preparing for its biggest headlining event yet, "The Ridleys: Our Story," a three-night concert at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila.

The Philippine live music scene ultimately depends on trust. Fans trust organizers with their money. Artists trust them with their livelihood. Venues trust them with their business.  

When that trust is broken, the effects ripple across everyone involved. Many in the industry hope these incidents encourage stronger safeguards for artists, venues, and audiences alike—so that the focus remains where it belongs: on the music. (Ian Ureta)

World Bank urges faster climate-proofing as floods threaten Philippine firms, jobs

 Residents of Barangay Roxas District in Quezon City wade through floodwaters caused by continuous heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon, locally known as habagat, on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. (Santi San Juan/MANILA BULLETIN)

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published Jun 30, 2026 06:08 pm

Philippine firms face mounting pressure to adapt to worsening climate risks as recurrent flooding erodes productivity, threatens jobs, and drives businesses to relocate, prompting the World Bank to call for faster investments in resilient infrastructure, energy efficiency, as well as renewable energy (RE) adoption.

In a working paper titled “Climate Change, Firms and Energy Efficiency,” published last Monday, June 29, the Washington-based multilateral lender said climate change is affecting the private sector through both the direct impact of increasingly frequent weather events and the growing pressure to comply with international environmental standards, making climate resilience as well as energy efficiency critical to sustaining business growth.

The report said firms in major economic hubs such as Metro Manila and Cebu province are increasingly exposed to recurrent floods, with inadequate infrastructure worsening their vulnerability as well as raising the cost of adaptation.  

It further noted that climate change is also influencing firms’ investment decisions as businesses respond to changing consumer preferences as well as stricter domestic and international environmental regulations by improving energy efficiency as well as reducing energy intensity.

The World Bank warned that recurrent climate events affect provinces accounting for 42 percent of Philippine jobs, with informal workers bearing the brunt of the impact. The lender said upgrading infrastructure is critical to protecting livelihoods and maintaining economic stability.

The report found that each additional day of heavy rain relative to a location’s long-term trend cuts firms’ productivity by one percent, encouraging businesses to relocate to less flood-prone areas.

“Extreme weather risk influences the location choices of firms in the Philippines,” the World Bank said, noting that companies increasingly favor drier areas while moving away from locations with greater precipitation risks.

About six percent of firms relocated annually between 2012 and 2018, with the highest movement recorded in Metro Manila, Central Visayas, and Calabarzon regions, according to the report.

The World Bank said that local government units (LGUs) have a key role in strengthening flood defenses to help retain investments in high-risk areas.

It also found that climate adaptation remains uneven across businesses, with large firms generally better prepared than smaller enterprises.

Only nine percent of small firms use flood early warning systems, compared with 12 to 14 percent among medium-sized and large companies, while just 39 percent of small firms carry insurance against extreme weather damage versus 51 percent of medium firms and 62 percent of large firms.

According to the report, better access to information, supplier diversification, and financing could help firms better prepare for recurring floods by reducing disruptions to operations as well as lowering adaptation costs.

The World Bank also urged the government to prioritize investments in drainage systems as well as flood-retention infrastructure, particularly in major business centers such as Metro Manila and Cebu, while streamlining construction permits in climate-vulnerable municipalities to speed up climate-resilient investments.

Beyond adaptation, the report said improving energy efficiency has become increasingly important as the country seeks to decouple economic growth from rising greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.  

Between 2012 and 2021, aggregate energy intensity in Philippine manufacturing declined by 37 percent, equivalent to an average annual reduction of 4.1 percent, driven by productivity improvements, greater efficiency within firms, and a shift toward less energy-intensive sectors.

The report also found that high electricity costs push firms to improve energy efficiency, especially in energy-intensive sectors, to curb consumption. It said carbon pricing could help firms adopt energy-saving technologies and shift to cleaner energy sources.

However, the World Bank said emissions continue to increase alongside economic growth, underscoring the need for faster RE investments.

The report added that foreign-owned firms as well as exporters are 17 percent and 26 percent more energy-efficient, respectively, than domestically owned or domestic-oriented firms, particularly those serving markets with stricter environmental standards.

It said lowering trade and investment costs, alongside expanding financing for exporters, could help more firms comply with international standards while boosting productivity.

The World Bank also noted that the Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EEC) Act requires energy audits for large energy consumers but provides limited incentives for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), calling for expanded support as well as awareness campaigns to encourage wider adoption of energy-efficient technologies.

The report likewise warned that provisions under the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act allowing enhanced deductions for energy costs could unintentionally discourage efficiency improvements if left unconditional.

Instead, it recommended linking the enhanced tax deductions to documented investments in energy efficiency or RE adoption, alongside launching a certification program recognizing energy-efficient firms and expanding simplified energy audits for SMEs.

“These improvements can maximize the effectiveness of the existing energy efficiency policies in the Philippines, promoting more inclusive growth and contributing to the country’s environmental goals,” the World Bank said.

'We need live shows more than ever': Lola Amour, Over October, and Shirebound gather for ALT.CHESTRA

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published Jun 29, 2026 05:15 pm

"ALT.CHESTRA" is the latest showcase series by GNN, bringing together alternative musicians for live performances backed by an 11-piece orchestra. The result transforms beloved songs into lush, strings-heavy and brass-filled arrangements typically heard only in grand concert halls.

Leading the inaugural presentation are three of the country's most beloved acts—Lola Amour, Over October, and Shirebound. 

For "Raining in Manila" hitmakers Lola Amour, whose catalog spans funk, jazz, rock, and emotional ballads, hearing their signature grooves and intricate arrangements performed by a full ensemble feels like a natural progression.  

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Meanwhile, Over October's atmospheric soundscapes and introspective songwriting already carry a cinematic quality. Songs like "Ikot" seem destined to be accompanied by sweeping string sections, giving them the emotional depth of a memorable film score.

For Shirebound, whose folk-inspired storytelling shines through songs such as "Waltz of Four Left Feet" and "Pahintulot," orchestral arrangements feel equally fitting. Tales of youth, longing, fantasy, and adventure naturally lend themselves to the grandeur and emotion of a live ensemble.

But "ALT.CHESTRA Vol. 1" is more than an orchestral novelty—it's a statement.

At a time when algorithms optimize songs for streaming and AI can generate endless playlists in seconds, the concert argues that indie music deserves the same scale, drama, and permanence often reserved for film scores and classical masterworks.

That conviction extended beyond the performances. During the event's media conference, the artists emphasized that live music has become even more essential in the age of AI.   

"We need live shows more than ever," said the members of Over October, Shirebound, and Lola Amour.

As with any concert built around familiar songs, audiences—whether they're Lola Amour's "apos," Over October's Octobears, or longtime fans of Shirebound's understated charm—will undoubtedly realize that these tracks would have sounded great regardless of the new arrangements.

Still, "ALT.CHESTRA" promises something far more special: a rare musical experience that can only happen when the right artists, the right audience, and the right moment come together on one stage. (Ian Ureta)