Mindanao's largest hotel slated to open on July 30

 

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published Jun 22, 2026 10:08 am

DoubleDragon Corp., the real estate venture of tycoons Tony Tan Caktiong and Edgar Sia II, is set to open the largest hotel in Mindanao, Hotel101-Davao, on July 30, 2026.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), the firm stated that the new hotel will have a total of 519 rooms. Hotel101-Davao is located on a prime 5,384-square-meter property along Eco West Drive in Davao City, just a one-minute walk from SM City Ecoland Davao.

The hotel's facilities and amenities will include a concessionaire-operated, all-day dining HBNB Kitchen, a fitness gym, a full-size swimming pool, function and conference rooms, and a helipad.

DoubleDragon noted that the domestic and international expansions of Hotel101 align with Hotel101 Global’s vision of building one million uniform Hotel101 rooms across 100 countries. This strategy relies heavily on licensing its unique and novel "HBNB" business model, which provides a long-term, recurring revenue stream.

The company reported that its local properties, the 518-room Hotel101-Manila and the 606-room Hotel101-Fort, continue to operate at consistently high occupancy levels.

Meanwhile, Hotel101-Madrid—the brand's first property outside the Philippines—opened last March 2026 with record performance, underscoring its accelerating momentum and exceptionally strong market demand.

As recently disclosed, Hotel101-Madrid achieved a record single-day performance with 100 percent occupancy across its 680 rooms. This milestone demonstrates robust demand for the property and highlights its potential to generate substantial recurring revenue.

The property achieved a single-day revenue milestone of more than €100,000, which is expected to translate into sizable annual recurring revenues. Management noted that this further validates the success of the company’s asset-light, prop-tech hospitality model and its sharp focus on long-term revenue generation across the Hotel101 global portfolio.

Following the Madrid expansion, Hotel101 will begin generating recurring revenue in Japanese Yen from the 482-room Hotel101-Niseko in Hokkaido, Japan, which is slated to open in December 2026.

The year 2026 will mark the company's highest number of room openings in a single year. A total of 2,229 additional hotel rooms are scheduled to become operational this year, including the 680 rooms in Madrid, Spain; 519 rooms in Davao; 548 rooms in Cebu; and 482 rooms in Niseko, Japan. (James A. Loyola)

Guardrails for the Digital Generation: Safeguarding welfare of Filipino youth

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published Jun 23, 2026 12:05 am | Updated Jun 22, 2026 04:23 pm

The digital age has transformed the lives of young people in ways unimaginable just two decades ago. Social media platforms have become central to communication, education, entertainment, and self-expression. Yet alongside these benefits has emerged a growing body of evidence linking excessive and unregulated social media use to anxiety, depression, cyberbullying, sleep deprivation, and declining attention spans among children and adolescents.

It is therefore unsurprising that governments around the world are beginning to consider stronger safeguards. The United Kingdom has announced plans to enforce restrictions on social media access for those under 16 beginning in 2027, reflecting mounting concerns among parents, educators, and health professionals about the impact of digital platforms on young minds. Similar debates have emerged in countries such as Australia and France, where policymakers have cited rising rates of youth mental health concerns and online harms.

The question naturally arises: Should the Philippines consider a similar policy?

The case for regulation is compelling. Filipino youth are among the world’s most active social media users. Parents often struggle to monitor their children’s online activities, especially as platforms become more sophisticated and ubiquitous. A 2021 UNICEF study also found that many Filipino children encounter online risks, including cyberbullying and unwanted contact from strangers.

An under-16 social media ban, or at least stringent age-based restrictions, could provide an important layer of protection. It would encourage children to spend more time on physical activities, face-to-face interactions, and academic pursuits. It could also reduce exposure to cyberbullying and the addictive design features that many experts believe exploit the psychological vulnerabilities of young users.

Moreover, regulation would send a clear message that technology companies share responsibility for child welfare. For too long, the burden of supervision has fallen almost entirely on families, while platforms profit from engagement generated by younger users. Stronger rules could compel companies to invest in safer digital environments and more effective age-verification systems.

Yet the drawbacks of a blanket ban must also be carefully weighed.

Social media is no longer merely a source of entertainment. For many young Filipinos, it is an important tool for education, collaboration, entrepreneurship, and maintaining social connections. During the Covid-19 pandemic, social media platforms and online communities became essential channels for remote learning and peer support. Restricting access could inadvertently disadvantage students who rely on online communities and digital resources for learning and personal development.

Enforcement presents another challenge. The Philippines lacks the technological infrastructure and regulatory capacity of wealthier nations. Age-verification systems may be costly, difficult to implement, and potentially intrusive. They could also raise legitimate concerns about privacy and data security. Critics of similar proposals in other countries have warned that collecting additional personal information from users could create new cybersecurity risks.

Experiences in various jurisdictions have shown that age restrictions can be difficult to enforce consistently, particularly when platforms rely on self-reported ages. A ban that cannot be meaningfully enforced may undermine respect for the law while offering only limited protection.

Rather than immediately adopting a UK-style prohibition, the Philippines may be better served by pursuing a balanced approach. Stronger digital literacy programs, parental education, age-appropriate design standards, stricter penalties against online exploitation, and enhanced platform accountability could achieve many of the same objectives without completely denying young people access to digital spaces.  

USA routs Italy in VNL

 

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published Jun 22, 2026 07:38 pm

At A Glance

• What was anticipated as a grind was resolved in a brisk sweep as the USA won the battle of three-time Volleyball Nations Leaague champions, dominating Italy, 27-25, 25-20, 25-16, on Saturday, June 20, at the Philsports Arena.

What was anticipated as a grind was resolved in a brisk sweep as the USA won the battle of three-time Volleyball Nations Leaague champions, dominating Italy, 27-25, 25-20, 25-16, on Saturday, June 20, at the Philsports Arena. 

Stephany Samedy scored 12 points, all on attacks, taking charge this time for a USA squad that has yet to drop a set in the Pasig City leg of the FIVB’s premier annual international competition. 

Madison Banks had 11 points for the USA, which has notched six wins in seven outings.   

With both teams utilizing alternate systems, the USA and Italy put on an intriguing match marked by momentum shifts to the delight of the big crowd in the event presented by the Philippine Sports Commission. 

The Americans had a decisive edge on attacks, 49-41, and they widened the margin by cashing in on Italy’s mistakes, 17 points to nine. 

The Italians leaned on Merit Adigwe, an Italian of Nigerian descent, who wound up as the only one reaching double figures with 13 points. 

Italy absorbed its second loss in seven matches.  

The USA takes on Serbia, while Italy battles Japan on Sunday. 

The tournament features 18 elite teams, with the top eight teams after the nine-leg three-week preliminaries advancing to the final in Macau. 

Rethink Manila Bay reclamation projects before disaster strikes

 

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published Jun 17, 2026 12:05 am  

How safe are reclamation projects in Manila Bay?

Scientific evidence continues to accumulate, and policymakers would be ill-advised to ignore its implications.

A recent study published by the University of the Philippines reported significant land subsidence in key infrastructures situated within reclaimed areas of Manila Bay. At nearly the same time, separate studies published in the journals “Nature Climate Change” and “Nature Geoscience” reinforced a growing global concern: climate change-induced sea-level rise is increasing the frequency and severity of coastal flooding, while land subsidence is further magnifying these risks in vulnerable coastal regions.

Taken together, these findings raise important questions about the long-term viability, sustainability, and safety of ongoing and proposed reclamation projects in Manila Bay. They also underscore the urgent need for the reassessment of assumptions that may have guided decisions in the past but may no longer be consistent with current scientific understanding.

Reclamation projects may become engines of economic growth. New commercial districts, transport hubs, residential communities, and tourism developments are expected to generate investments, create employment opportunities, and contribute to local and national revenues. Such objectives are legitimate and worthy of consideration.

However, economic development cannot be pursued independently of environmental realities and public safety. Sound public policy requires balancing commercial interests with ecological sustainability and the welfare of affected communities. When credible scientific studies point to emerging risks, the government has a responsibility to ensure that development plans remain aligned with the best available evidence.

Coastal flooding is increasingly understood as the product of two simultaneous phenomena: rising sea levels and sinking land. Where both occur together, the resulting risks are compounded. Reclaimed land, often built on soft coastal sediments, may be particularly susceptible to long-term settlement and subsidence. The implications extend beyond the reclaimed areas themselves. Altered coastlines, modified water flows, reduced natural buffers, and changing drainage patterns can affect neighboring communities, many of which are already vulnerable to flooding during storms and extreme weather events.

Experience has shown that large-scale infrastructure and land development projects can sometimes produce unintended consequences for the public. In various parts of the country, residents have raised concerns over worsening floods attributed to altered waterways, insufficient drainage systems, and the loss of natural flood-mitigating ecosystems. These concerns deserve careful and objective examination in the context of Manila Bay.

The issue likewise cannot be separated from the continuing writ of mandamus issued by the Supreme Court in 2008 that directs 13 government agencies to clean up, rehabilitate, and preserve Manila Bay. Therefore, any major development initiative within Manila Bay must therefore be evaluated not only in terms of economic returns but also in light of this judicial mandate and the government's broader responsibility as steward of the environment.

Regulatory agencies must respond accordingly. Environmental impact assessments should undergo rigorous review using the latest scientific data on sea-level rise, land subsidence, climate projections, and cumulative environmental impacts. Where public safety concerns are substantial, authorities must be prepared to require project modifications or, when necessary, withhold approval altogether.

The private sector also bears a significant responsibility. Developers and investors should embrace higher standards of environmental governance, support independent scientific monitoring, invest in resilient infrastructure, and ensure that potential environmental and social risks are fully disclosed and responsibly managed.

Citizens likewise have a role to play. Public participation, informed discourse, community vigilance, and support for environmental protection initiatives remain essential in ensuring that decisions affecting Manila Bay are made transparently and accountably.

The question confronting policymakers today is not whether development should proceed. Rather, it is whether development can proceed in a manner that is scientifically informed, environmentally responsible, and protective of public welfare.

Economic progress remains important, but it must never come at the expense of the very communities government is duty-bound to protect.

Remember, the costs of inaction today may ultimately be borne by future generations.

Rethinking pass-through charges in power bills

 By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published Jun 15, 2026 12:05 am  

The recent public outcry over rising electricity bills has once again drawn attention to a long-standing issue in the Philippine power sector: the growing burden of pass-through charges embedded in consumers’ monthly bills.

The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has clarified that only about 12 percent of the average electricity bill represents its distribution charge, while roughly 88 percent consists of pass-through costs that are remitted to power generators, the transmission operator, government agencies, and various subsidy mechanisms. These include generation charges, transmission charges, system loss charges, universal charges, feed-in tariff allowances, renewable energy levies, taxes, and cross-subsidies mandated by law.

Legally, these charges are authorized under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) and related regulations. Yet legality does not automatically equate to fairness. The growing public dissatisfaction reflects a deeper concern: consumers increasingly feel that they are being asked to shoulder costs over which they have little control and from which they derive uncertain benefits.

The evolution of pass-through charges mirrors the transformation of the power industry since EPIRA’s enactment in 2001. The law sought to liberalize the sector, attract private investment, and improve efficiency. Over time, however, the list of recoverable costs expanded. Generation charges became vulnerable to fluctuations in global fuel prices and foreign exchange movements. Transmission charges increased as the grid operator recovered investments and under-recoveries. Renewable energy incentives such as the Feed-in Tariff Allowance and Green Energy Auction Allowance were added to support the country’s energy transition. Universal charges continued to fund missionary electrification and stranded debts from past power-sector obligations.

Among the most controversial components is the system loss charge, which allows utilities to recover the cost of electricity lost through technical inefficiencies and, to a limited extent, power pilferage. Although the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) imposes caps on recoverable losses, many consumers understandably question why they should pay for electricity they never consumed.

These concerns become more acute because Philippine electricity rates remain among the highest in Southeast Asia. High dependence on imported fuels, inadequate competition in generation, transmission bottlenecks, regulatory delays, and a complex layering of taxes and subsidies all contribute to elevated power costs. The result is reduced household purchasing power, diminished industrial competitiveness, and a heavier burden on small businesses.

The time has come for a comprehensive review of pass-through charges—not to undermine the financial viability of the power sector, but to restore public confidence and improve equity.

Several reforms deserve serious consideration.

First, Congress should revisit EPIRA and evaluate whether certain social policy costs, such as subsidies and missionary electrification, should be funded partly through the national budget rather than solely through electricity consumers.

Second, the ERC should strengthen transparency requirements by providing consumers with simpler and more accessible explanations of every charge appearing on monthly bills.

Third, the allowable system loss recovery mechanism should be reviewed and tightened, with stronger incentives for utilities to reduce technical losses and combat electricity theft.

Fourth, the government must accelerate investments in renewable energy, grid modernization, and energy storage technologies that can lower generation costs over the long term.

Finally, competition in the generation sector must be deepened to ensure that consumers benefit from genuinely competitive pricing rather than merely absorbing higher costs through automatic pass-through mechanisms.

Electricity is not a luxury; it is an essential public necessity. A power-pricing system that is transparent, efficient, and equitable is vital to national development. The current debate over pass-through charges presents an opportunity to pursue reforms that place consumers at the center of energy policy.

A night of charity with a plus

DigiPlus Foundation reveals a billion-peso investment at BingoPlus Night 2026

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

For the fourth straight year, BingoPlus celebrated its victories as the number one and most trusted Filipino online entertainment platform with the uber-glitzy BingoPlus Night 2026: Step into the Next Plus, held last May 19 at a luxury ballroom in Pasay City.

Smack dab in the middle of the spotlights and splendor, however, was a dedicated segment celebrating what truly matters: the lives improved by the DigiPlus Foundation through its key projects this year, in previous years, and beyond.

Top DigiPlus executives raised their wine glasses with pride as the foundation, together with BingoPlus, announced a massive P1 billion commitment to causes, donations, and initiatives over the next three years—a significant step up from past endeavors.

To ensure that the Filipino public can track where this huge commitment is being directed, the DigiPlus Foundation also launched its own Charity tab within the BingoPlus app, making it a one-stop hub for the country’s number one and most trusted Filipino online entertainment platform.

Through this tab, users can view the company’s championed causes, particularly in community resilience, accessible healthcare, and technology education, including the upcoming PluSkwela project, all neatly presented in visual cards optimized for mobile viewing.

Having transformed the lives of more than 1.1 million Filipinos, the DigiPlus Foundation remains in constant work mode, as evidenced during BingoPlus Night 2026, where WishPlus segments were held between artists’ performances, infusing the party atmosphere with purpose.

With the help of BingoPlus endorser Kim Chiu and fellow stars Julie Anne San Jose and Yeng Constantino, more wishes from the Filipino public were granted in line with the organization’s inclusive empowerment pillar.

No stranger to charitable efforts herself, Kim urged more Filipinos to continue submitting their wishes, saying that the WishPlus initiative is open to Filipinos from all walks of life.

As the night progressed, foundation initiatives continued playing in the background, with DigiPlus scholars and beneficiaries of its technology education pillar notably featured during Bamboo’s high-energy and interactive set.

From dusk until early morning, BingoPlus Night 2026 was a celebration of epic proportions, yet it never lost sight of the reason the party began in the first place.

Yet not as I will, but as you will

 

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published May 28, 2026 12:04 am | Updated May 27, 2026 03:50 pm

Today’s readings invite us to reflect on Jesus as our High Priest, the one who offers himself as the perfect sacrifice for our salvation.

In Genesis, we see Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his beloved son, Isaac, in obedience to God.

This foreshadows Jesus, the true Lamb of God, who would willingly offer himself for our redemption. But unlike Isaac, who was spared by the angel, Jesus was not spared— he carried the cross to Calvary and laid down his life for us.

Psalm 40 further emphasizes this sacrifice: “Here I am, I have come to do your will.”

Jesus, our High Priest, did not offer animals or burnt offerings; instead, he surrendered his own life as the perfect offering. His obedience to the Father’s will is the ultimate act of love.

In Matthew 26:36-42, we witness Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, experiencing deep sorrow.

He prays, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

Here, Jesus embraces his priestly role, interceding for humanity and offering himself as the sacrifice for our sins. His suffering was real, yet he submitted to the Father’s will, securing our eternal salvation.

As followers of Christ, we are called to imitate his obedience and self-sacrificial love.

Let us trust in him, our compassionate High Priest, who intercedes for us always. May we, too, say, “Lord, your will be done.”

First Reading •  Heb 10:4-10 [or Gn 22:9-18]

For it is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats take away sins. For this reason, when he came into the world, he said:

“Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; holocausts and sin offerings you took no delight in. Then I said, ‘As is written of me in the scroll, Behold, I come to do your will, O God.’”

First he says, “Sacrifices and offerings, holocausts and sin offerings, you neither desired nor delighted in.”

These are offered according to the law. Then he says, “Behold, I come to do your will.” He takes away the first to establish the second. By this “will,” we have been consecrated through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Responsorial Psalm • Ps 40

“Here I am, Lord, I come to do your will.”

Gospel • Matthew 26:36-42

Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.”

He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled.

Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”

Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”

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.First Reading •  Heb 10:4-10 [or Gn 22:9-18]

Jesus breathes the Holy Spirit

 

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published May 24, 2026 12:05 am | Updated May 23, 2026 04:10 pm

REFLECTIONS TODAY

First Reading • Acts 2:1-11

When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, [the disciples] were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.

Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem. At this sound, they gathered in a large crowd, but they were confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. They were astounded, and in amazement they asked, “Are not all these people who are speaking Galileans? Then how does each of us hear them in his own native language? We are Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya near Cyrene, as well as travelers from Rome, both Jews and converts to Judaism, Cretans and Arabs, yet we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God.”

Responsorial Psalm • Ps 104

“Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.” or “Alleluia.”

Second Reading • 1 Cor 12:3b-7, 12-13

Brothers and sisters: No one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.

There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.

As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons, and we were all given to drink of one Spirit.

Gospel • Jn 20:19-23

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”

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.

PH mass transport projects: Governance tracks the future

 

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published May 19, 2026 12:05 am | Updated May 18, 2026 05:50 pm

The fate of major mass transport projects in the Philippines is shaped not only by engineering expertise or access to foreign financing. More fundamentally, it is determined by the quality of governance that guides these undertakings from conception to completion.

The contrasting experiences of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project and the North-South Commuter Railway linking Clark to Laguna provide a telling lesson for policymakers and the public alike.

The Cebu BRT project, financed largely by the World Bank and its partner institutions, was envisioned more than a decade ago as the country’s first modern BRT system. It promised to ease congestion in Metro Cebu, reduce travel time, and modernize urban mobility. Yet today, after years of delays, restructuring, and ballooning frustrations, only a small portion of the project has been substantially completed. Loan proceeds have been partially canceled, targets drastically reduced, and the project itself rated “unsatisfactory” by its principal lender.

The reasons are painfully familiar: procurement bottlenecks, right-of-way disputes, leadership turnover, weak institutional coordination, insufficient staffing, shifting political priorities, and prolonged vacancies in critical technical positions. The result is a cautionary tale of how even well-funded infrastructure programs can stall when governance systems are fragile and inconsistent.

By contrast, the Clark-to-Laguna commuter railway project under the broader North-South Commuter Railway program, supported heavily by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, has demonstrated far stronger implementation momentum. Despite the immense scale and complexity of the undertaking, construction has steadily advanced through disciplined project management, continuity of technical planning, close inter-agency coordination, and sustained political commitment across administrations.

The difference is not merely financial. It is institutional.

Japan-funded infrastructure projects have long emphasized rigorous preparation, strict timetables, technical continuity, and professionalized project management structures. These reduce opportunities for policy drift and bureaucratic paralysis. In many cases, project implementation offices are staffed by technically competent personnel insulated from excessive political interference.

The lesson is clear: infrastructure success depends less on groundbreaking ceremonies and more on governance discipline.

Major transport systems are multi-year, even multi-decade commitments. They cannot survive if priorities shift every election cycle or if project leadership changes repeatedly. The Philippines must therefore institutionalize continuity mechanisms that protect flagship infrastructure projects from political disruption.

First, project management offices must be professionalized and insulated from frequent leadership turnover. Technical expertise, not political accommodation, should guide appointments.

Second, procurement systems must be streamlined while preserving transparency and accountability. Delays caused by overlapping approvals and weak coordination exact enormous economic costs on commuters and taxpayers alike.

Third, right-of-way acquisition and resettlement programs must be addressed early and decisively. Infrastructure cannot move forward if land acquisition remains hostage to indecision and fragmented authority.

Fourth, long-term infrastructure planning must transcend partisan politics. Every incoming administration should refine and improve viable projects—not suspend or reinvent them for political branding purposes.

Finally, governance must prioritize public interest over bureaucratic convenience. Mass transport projects are not monuments to politicians. They are lifelines for workers, students, entrepreneurs, and ordinary citizens seeking a more productive and dignified daily life.

The tracks toward national progress are already visible. Onward progress depends importantly on the firm exercise of political will that supports effective governance of projects and insulates these from the known pitfalls that have derailed previous initiatives.

Reasons why Davao City is the top PH destination

 

The best way to love this southern city is to experience it

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published May 17, 2026 10:56 am

At A Glance

• Davao City's offerings for leisure, high-adrenaline adventures, foodie escapades, M.I.C.E., and even business opportunities are vast.
• 
  

By Jinggoy I. Salvador

Have a rare encounter with a Philippine eagle, the Philippine National Bird; dare a vertical challenge up magnificent Mt. Apo, the country’s highest peak; marvel in the dazzling hues of the Waling-waling orchids, the Queen of Philippine Orchids; feast on the exotic durian, the King of Philippine fruits; dance on the streets with the 11 ethnolinguistic tribes at the Kadayawan Festival, the “King of Festivals"; and frolic on white sand and blue waters by a famed parola of a world-class beach resort. Their images are deemed iconic, lending their pageantry to the country’s tourism collaterals and destination glossies. If these are on your bucket list, then your travel compass is pointing you south of the archipelago, to the most progressive and vibrant metropolis in Mindanao—Davao City.

RICH CULTURE Get to know the 11 ethnolinguistic tribes of Davao at the Kadayawan Village during the Kadayawan

Davao City’s offerings for leisure, high-adrenaline adventures, foodie escapades, MICE, and even business opportunities are vast. Destinations, food, accommodations, and land arrangements: There is something for everyone, from the islands to the highlands, north to south, from budget-friendly to luxurious and everything in between.

NIGHT LIFE Visiting, living, working, or investing, Davao is consistently ranked No. 1 in the Philippines by varied institutions

Drop off your bags and freshen up in your choice of hotel. Aria Residences and Hotel is the newest hotel to add to the hundreds of room keys in Davao’s growing hospitality landscape. There’s the DusitD2, Seda Abreeza, Park Inn by Radisson Davao, and Waterfront Insular Davao as choices in the same category, but affordable accommodations, like Rogen Inn and Blue Lotus Hotel, and budget hotels come aplenty.

CULTURAL HOT SPOT Art uniquely Davao. The National Museum of the Philippines-Davao building is inspired by the durian fruit. (Photo: NMP Davao)

Start ticking off a relaxing art and cultural tour at the People’s Park and the National Museum of the Philippines-Davao, the Museo Dabawenyo, and the Davao Museum of History and Ethnography. A quick stopover at the site of old Davao, anchored by San Pedro Street, the oldest street dating back to the early Spanish settlement, where Davao City Hall, San Pedro Cathedral, Osmeña Park, D’Bone Collector Museum, and the Crocodile Park are amazing stops for both adults and kids, too.

Take a scenic drive through the new Coastal Road to cut travel time significantly to your high-altitude, eco-destinations in the South: the Philippine Eagle Center to see the majestic birds up close and witness the center’s conservation efforts to save the endangered species; Malagos Garden Resort, which also houses the Chocolate Museum, displaying the tree-to-bar process and products that earned global recognition and awards; and Eden Nature Park for thrilling “elevated” outdoor fun like sky cycling.

HAVE A TASTE The durian, pomelo, mangosteen, and other tropical fruits are bountiful and cheap in Davao.

August is a good time to visit. It’s the season when Mt. Apo is seen the clearest, showing off a spectacle of blooms; tropical fruits in season—durian, pomelo, mangosteen, marang, and more—overflow to the streetside; and the 11 tribes of Davao (five Lumad and six Muslim tribes) gather with the locals for the Kadayawan Festival. More than a cultural event, the festival celebrates Davao’s triumph in unity, friendship, and peaceful coexistence between Christians, Muslims, and Lumads.

SUNDOWN MADNESS Feast on the street food at the Roxas Night Market

Hungry? Davao City is Mindanao’s gastronomic paradise, and the cuisine is getting more exciting. New flavors are getting the nods of the locals and adding them to their lists along with old-time favorites. Sate the craving at Leon’s Lounge for the award-winning cheeses of Malagos Farmhouse; Harana for grilled fare; the Roxas Night Market for street food; Dencia’s for comfort food; Tiny Kitchen for Spanish; Yellow Fin for seafood; Tadakuma and Akiko for Japanese; Ah Fat for Chinese; Butcher’s Table and Fat Cow for steaks; and Clean Café for plant-based picks; Dulce Vita, Dolce Desserts, and Grateful Bread for pastries and breads.

Old villages like Obrero and Juna Subdivision have turned into coffee culture and dining haunts, and Purge Coffee Roasters, &Matcha, Hid'n, and Stash Coffee Co. are among the favorites.

INDIGENOUS EATS Lumad cuisines, like Nilutlot na manok sa gata, are a must-try

Been there, done that? But have you gone on a palengke tour? The Bankerohan Market Experience is a roughing-it shop-and-eat experience like no other. There's also the Food Crawl, a flavorful journey of heritage recipes by homegrown restos; Furusato Davao, which explores the historical footprint of the Japanese community in Davao; and Abundant Harvest, a unique agritourism tour of the city’s finest agri-treasures, including durian, cacao, chocolates, and cheeses.

Go farther. Davao City is a gateway to more postcard-perfect destinations. A quick boat ride away is Samal Island in Davao del Norte, an island paradise that holds a tableau of inland, shoreline, and offshore attractions. The Hagimit Falls and the Monfort Bat Sanctuary are popular inland must-visit sites. Off the coastline, go on an underwater biodiversity exploration at the Taclobo (giant clam) Sanctuary, Coral Garden and Marine Reservation Park, Isla Reta, Mansud Wall, Angel‘s Cove, and Aundanao Fish Sanctuary. While on your island tour, do stop at the Vanishing Island and the Wishing Island and take a dive off the Sabang Cliff.

CHILL LIFE The iconic parola of the world-class Samal Island destination, Pearl Farm Beach Resort

After a full day under the sun, lounge on the white sand under the star-filled skies in a beach resort on the island. Paradise Island Beach Resort is one of the most popular among the array of highly regarded, affordable beach resorts. If you want to go extravagant, head to the Pearl Farm Beach Resort, Mindanao’s first luxury resort, a heritage-rich architectural landmark. Two other resorts join the high-end category—Discovery Samal and Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation Resort on Kopiat Island, Davao de Oro.

SOARING SITE The new highland destination of Brgy Baganihan in BuDa rose in popularity during the pandemic

The pandemic put the spotlight on the scenic highland of BuDa—and it never dimmed. There’s a regular exodus of “heat escapists” and foodies to the mountain resorts in the sea of clouds and to dining spots like Pilgrim. Cross over to Bukidnon and pick fresh strawberries (and go glamping) at Taglucop Strawberry Hills.

In Davao del Sur, go whitewater rafting and spend the night in any of Kapatagan's mountain resorts. Towards Davao Oriental, check out the Aliwagwag Falls, the scenic Sleeping Dinosaur viewpoint, and the surfer’s paradise of Dahican Beach.

MAJESTIC BIRDY Have a rare encounter with Philippine Eagle Sinag and other raptors at the Philippine Eagle Center

To love Davao is to experience it firsthand. There is genuine warmth and friendliness from locals, and these are the visitors' impressions, along with how clean the city is.

Safety and discipline are ingrained in Davao City’s culture; political will made that happen and has been successfully in place for decades. For its strict local ordinances and low crime indices, Davao City is frequently listed as one of the top three safest cities in the Southeast Asian region by Numbeo (crowdsourced database), Global Residence Index, and Gallup Global Safety Report. Worth mentioning is that Davao has the first integrated emergency response system in the Philippines and is the pioneer in the anti-smoking ordinance, among others.

Tourism-wise, for the second year, the 2026 World Travel Index (WTI) ranks Davao City #1 in the Philippines for Travel by Experience (“leading in safety, affordability, and infrastructure”). The report highlights Davao's unique blend of urban, natural, and cultural experiences. The city also took the top spot in 2025.

TASTE OF THE HIGH LIFE The culinary scene in Davao is getting more exciting by the day. Hummus has never looked and tasted so good at the Rhapsody of Aria Hotel

To whom does Davao City attribute these recognitions?

Resource people say it’s a collective effort of all sectors involved. The relationship between the private sector and the Local Government Unit (LGU) is quite unique in Davao. Working together and meeting on a regular basis, the sectors make sure goals are aligned and on track, with Davao City and its citizens' quality of life at the top of mind. Ultimately, just like any business venture, be it from the tourism, corporate, or investment sector, it’s the numbers that matter. And, in all discussions and programs, the safety and security division plays an integral part.

Believe it or not, earning accolades has never been the aim of the stakeholders, nor has it been an objective. They consider these bonuses for everyone's hard work and as indications that the programs are on the right track. It motivates the stakeholders to do better and be more creative.

Anyone’s apprehensions about Davao City will dissipate the moment they step on the Durianburg soil. The negative perceptions of the city will change to positive ones. Perhaps another recognition can enlighten? CEOWORLD Magazine ranked Davao City as the #1 in the Philippines for living, working, and investing for the 2025-2026 period.

Truly, the best way to fall in love with Davao City is to experience it. Find out why the locals and returning visitors say, “Davao life is here.”

Continuing Jesus' mission

 

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published May 17, 2026 12:05 am | Updated May 16, 2026 04:23 pm

REFLECTIONS TODAY

After bringing salvation to humanity by offering his life on the cross, Jesus ascends into heaven to share in the glory of the Father. His mission successfully accomplished, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from the disciples’ sight (First Reading). Did he leave them to manage on their own? Does he tell the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, “Now, you take charge”?

Today’s Gospel shows us that Jesus does not sever his involvement with humanity when he ascends into heaven. In fact, Matthew, even if he knows that Jesus has gone to the sphere and glory of God, does not describe the actual, visible event. Rather, he emphasizes the presence of Jesus, albeit no longer in a spatial and temporal order, as when he was preaching the Gospel.

The risen Savior opens a new chapter when he commissions the eleven apostles to “make disciples of all nations” (v 19). In effect, he calls on each one of us to baptize and teach those who will believe in him through our word. He counts on us all to continue the evangelization that he himself began. This is confirmed by his final words of assurance to his disciples: “And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age” (v 20).

The mission is not to be narrowly interpreted in terms of proselytizing or catechetical work. While these are important, Jesus puts more emphasis on observing “all that I have commanded you” (v 20). He refers to his teaching when he walked among us, which can be summed up as love of God and love of neighbor.

Sadly, Jesus’ teaching is slowly being forgotten in this highly consumeristic age. One’s innate goodness now matters less than one’s possessions. In their desire for upward mobility, both the young and the old gladly step over others to get to where they want to be. The popular notion of success is dictated to a large extent by a consumeristic culture that puts a premium on material possessions rather than on spiritual values.

Jesus’ teachings must be restored to its rightful place in the hearts of men and women if we do not want to be ruled by consumer monsters. Three revered institutions—the Church, the school, and the family—should seize the initiative and reassert their primacy over the digital media which now dictate what people think, believe, and feel.

In celebrating World Communications Day, the Church acknowledges the role that modern technology plays in spreading the Good News. At the same time, the Church enjoins the faithful to be vigilant against the misuse of technology by forces of evil. Amid confusion and temptation, may the words of Jesus strengthen us: “And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age” (v 20).

Gospel • Mt 28:16:20

The Eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted. Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”

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.

Belen leads Team Heart in fourth-set surge to rule PVL All-Star

 

Team Heart's Bella Belen (PVL Images)

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

CANDON, Ilocos Sur – Team Heart delivered a commanding performance in the fourth set to put away Team Hustle, 25-18, 18-25, 25-23, 25-17, in the PVL exhibition match of the 2026 Volleyball All-Star Showcase on Friday night, May 1, at a packed Candon City Arena here.

CANDON, Ilocos Sur – Team Heart delivered a commanding performance in the fourth set to put away Team Hustle, 25-18, 18-25, 25-23, 25-17, in the PVL exhibition match of the 2026 Volleyball All-Star Showcase on Friday night, May 1, at a packed Candon City Arena here.

Powered by MVP Bella Belen, Team Heart split the first two sets with Team Hustle in a tightly contested opening before finding another gear in the closing stages of the third set to seize momentum.

From there, Team Heart carried that energy into the fourth frame, racing to an early lead and never letting up to finally close out the match and secure the P100,000 top prize in a fitting finish to the showcase.  

“Ayun po, masaya po kami kasi nakapag-interact kami with the fans. So, parang sa part namin mas nakakatuwa na makita po yung fans na nage-enjoy,” said Belen.

A blistering 11-1 start in the fourth set set the tone for Team Heart, which had just edged the third frame. They maintained full control from there, reaching match point at 24-17 before sealing the win.

Adding to the All-Star atmosphere, the match featured several lighthearted twists, including a coach and a line judge taking service attempts, players rotating into line judging duties, and liberos testing their luck in attacking plays, embracing the event’s festive spirit.

On the final play, court assistant Jhyson Manzano—brought in by Alyssa Valdez—finished the match with a cross-court hit off a set from Jia De Guzman, with the ball deflecting off Kath Arado to cap the entertaining showcase.  

“Talagang sobrang happy kasi sobrang daming fans sa Candon,” said Team Heart head coach Rald Ricafort.

“Sobrang happy din nila kasi nakikita nila ‘yung iniidolo nilang players, kaya ako, na-overwhelm ako sa Candon kasi grabe ‘yung volleyball community dito. Parang hindi namin ine-expect na ganun ‘yung makikita namin sa arena,” he added.

Team Hustle settled for the runner-up finish and the P50,000 consolation prize.

In the side events, Team Power—fresh from its win in the Spikers’ Turf All-Star Game—kept its momentum, ruling the Infinite Volley Extravaganza Challenge behind Noel Kampton, Ysay Marasigan, Jayvee Sumagaysay, and fan Maria Ruzzel Rogel as they defeated Team Passion’s Jared Schnake, Nas Gwaza, Jau Umandal, and spectator Keen Malintad.

Meanwhile, Team Blue, composed of Kath Arado, Alyssa Eroa, John Pepito, and Rikko Marmeto, topped the Crosscourt Sniper Challenge after outlasting Team Yellow, which featured Dawn Catindig, Justine Jazareno, Vince Lorenzo, and Menard Guerrero.

ASEAN as a force for regional stability

 

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published May 11, 2026 12:05 a

The 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu has proven to be more than a ceremonial gathering of Southeast Asian leaders. Convened at a time of rising geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, maritime disputes, and the disruptive advance of artificial intelligence, the summit demonstrated ASEAN’s continuing relevance as a stabilizing force in the region. More importantly, it reaffirmed the bloc’s enduring commitment to dialogue, consensus-building, and collective resilience.

Among the summit’s most significant outcomes was the ASEAN Leaders’ Statement on the Middle East crisis. Faced with the serious repercussions of conflict in the Gulf region — particularly the disruption of energy supply routes and escalating fuel prices — ASEAN leaders adopted coordinated measures aimed at protecting regional economies and the welfare of ASEAN nationals working abroad. The statement underscored the urgent need for energy security, food security, and emergency coordination mechanisms.

This collective response reflects a growing realization that ASEAN can no longer remain a passive observer of external crises. What happens in the Middle East directly affects Southeast Asia through oil prices, inflation, supply-chain disruptions, and migrant worker vulnerabilities. The Cebu summit thus highlighted the strategic value of regional solidarity in cushioning external shocks.

Equally consequential was the endorsement of the ASEAN Maritime Center to be established in the Philippines. This initiative elevates maritime cooperation into a more institutionalized and coordinated framework. It also strengthens ASEAN’s capacity to address pressing concerns involving maritime security, environmental protection, disaster response, and the blue economy.

At a time when tensions persist in the South China Sea and global sea lanes remain vulnerable to disruption, the establishment of the Maritime Center sends a subtle but unmistakable signal. ASEAN recognizes that safeguarding freedom of navigation and maritime stability is essential to regional prosperity and peace. The Philippines deserves credit for championing this initiative and positioning itself at the forefront of regional maritime cooperation.

Another landmark development was the Cebu Protocol amending the ASEAN Charter, the first such amendment since the Charter’s adoption in 2007. The amendment facilitates the fuller integration of Timor-Leste into ASEAN and symbolizes the organization’s institutional evolution.

Far from being a mere technical revision, the Charter amendment demonstrates ASEAN’s willingness to adapt to changing regional realities. Institutions that refuse to evolve eventually become irrelevant. By opening the door wider for Timor-Leste and adjusting ASEAN’s structures accordingly, the bloc affirms that inclusivity and reform are necessary for long-term cohesion.

The summit likewise highlighted ASEAN’s continuing role as a platform for preventive diplomacy. The quiet mediation efforts involving Thailand and Cambodia over their border dispute illustrated ASEAN’s preference for dialogue over confrontation. While the tensions between the two neighbors remain unresolved, the willingness of both parties to engage in confidence-building measures under ASEAN auspices represents a constructive step toward de-escalation.

This diplomatic approach may lack the dramatic flair of power politics, but it remains one of ASEAN’s greatest strengths. The ASEAN Way — patient consultation and consensus-building — continues to provide a valuable mechanism for preserving regional stability.

Finally, the Cebu summit recognized the growing intersection between security and artificial intelligence. As AI rapidly transforms economies, communications, governance, and even warfare, ASEAN leaders acknowledged the need for common principles and cooperative frameworks to ensure that emerging technologies serve humanity rather than undermine democratic institutions and social stability.

The Cebu Summit may not have produced sweeping headlines or instant solutions. Yet its outcomes reflect something equally important: ASEAN’s determination to remain united, adaptive, and strategically relevant amid a volatile global landscape. In an increasingly fragmented world, that alone is a meaningful achievement.