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.

Mothers: The hands that hold the world

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published May 10, 2026 12:05 am

Today, as families around the world celebrate Mother's Day, we should be reminded that behind every well-knitted family, every strong society, every faithful generation, and every hopeful future stands the quiet strength of a mother. Long before the world created ceremonies and greetings for mothers, the Bible had already established the sacredness of motherhood. In Genesis 3:20, Eve was called “the mother of all living,” a title that reveals motherhood not merely as a biological function, but as a divine calling tied to the continuation of life itself.

The Scriptures portray mothers as builders of character, guardians of faith, and teachers of wisdom. They are not only caretakers of homes but caretakers of souls. In 1 Samuel 1:23, Hannah’s devotion to her child reflects the sacrificial commitment of a mother who nurtures with patience and purpose. Proverbs 31 paints the portrait of a woman whose strength, diligence, wisdom, and compassion shape the destiny of her family. The biblical mother rises early, provides for her household, teaches with kindness, and leads by example. Her influence often reaches far beyond what the world can measure.

Yet motherhood is not an easy calling. Behind every smile may be a hidden exhaustion, a silent sacrifice, and countless prayers whispered in the darkness of night. Mothers carry burdens that are rarely seen. They endure worry, pain, and uncertainty while continuing to give love without condition. This is why the Bible repeatedly calls families and communities to honor them. Respect for mothers is a spiritual and moral responsibility. The commandment to “honor your father and your mother” remains one of the clearest instructions God gives to humanity.

Children, therefore, have a sacred duty that extends far beyond offering flowers or greetings once a year. True honor is shown through gratitude, obedience, kindness, and lifelong care. Children must learn to speak gently to their mothers, listen to their counsel, and support them in times of weakness just as they were once supported in childhood. A mother who spent years sacrificing for her children should never feel abandoned when age, sickness, or hardship comes. The measure of a society’s moral health can often be seen in how its children treat their mothers.

Husbands also carry a profound responsibility. A godly husband does not take a mother’s labor for granted. He protects, values, encourages, and stands beside her as a partner in raising a family. The biblical vision of marriage is one of mutual love, respect, and shared responsibility. Mothers flourish where husbands offer emotional support, spiritual leadership, and faithful companionship. Appreciation should not be seasonal; it should be woven into daily life.

Government and society likewise have roles that cannot be ignored. A nation that claims to value family must create conditions where mothers are protected, respected, and supported. Policies that promote maternal health, education, decent work opportunities, and family welfare are not merely acts of charity. These are investments in the future of humanity. Communities, churches, schools, and workplaces should become places where mothers are encouraged rather than neglected.

Therefore, this Mother's Day may we look beyond celebrations and remember the deeper truth Scripture teaches: mothers are among God’s greatest gifts to humanity. Their hands rock the cradles, and they also shape nations. Their prayers strengthen generations. Their love reflects the enduring compassion of God Himself. Therefore, to honor mothers is righteousness, gratitude, and justice.

Confronting the expanding drought crisis in Luzon

 

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published Apr 27, 2026 12:05 am | Updated Apr 26, 2026 03:59 pm

The latest report from Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration that drought conditions now grip 25 provinces across Luzon should sound a resounding alarm far beyond the agricultural sector. It is not merely a matter of failed rains or depleted reservoirs. It is a deepening crisis that cuts into the very fabric of Filipino life, threatening food security, livelihood, and the fragile resilience of communities already burdened by a national energy emergency.

For farmers, drought is an unforgiving adversary. Crops wither before harvest, irrigation systems run dry, and debts mount as yields diminish. In provinces dependent on rice and corn production, the lack of water translates directly into lost income and heightened food prices. The ripple effects are swift. Reduced water supply drives inflation, placing further strain on households already grappling with elevated electricity and transport costs.

Fisherfolk, too, are not spared. Prolonged dry spells alter water salinity and temperature in inland and coastal ecosystems, disrupting fish breeding cycles and reducing catch volumes. As fuel prices remain volatile due to global uncertainties, fewer fish in the nets mean deeper losses for small-scale operators who can ill afford another economic shock.

At the center of this unfolding hardship is the “common tao” — families who must stretch limited incomes to cover rising food and energy expenses. The convergence of drought and energy constraints forms a perfect storm, eroding purchasing power and amplifying vulnerabilities, particularly in rural and peri-urban communities.

Government response must therefore be both immediate and strategic. Emergency measures should prioritize the delivery of water through mobile tankers and the rehabilitation of critical irrigation systems in affected provinces. The National Irrigation Administration must accelerate desilting operations and repair damaged canals to maximize whatever limited water supply remains.

Equally urgent is the expansion of targeted financial assistance. Rather than broad, unfocused subsidies, support must be calibrated. Crop insurance payouts should be expedited, and concessional credit must be extended to farmers and fisherfolk to enable replanting and recovery. The Department of Agriculture can lead in distributing drought-resistant seed varieties and promoting climate-resilient farming techniques such as drip irrigation and crop diversification.

Water management, however, cannot remain reactive. The present crisis underscores the need for a more integrated, forward-looking approach. Investments in rainwater harvesting, small farm reservoirs, and watershed rehabilitation must be scaled up. Local government units, working alongside national agencies, should institutionalize water conservation measures and community-based resource management systems.

At the household level, practical coping mechanisms can make a difference. Families can adopt water-saving practices, shift to less water-intensive food consumption where feasible, and participate in community efforts to safeguard local water sources. These small but collective actions help build resilience from the ground up.

Beyond immediate relief, this drought episode is a stark reminder of the accelerating impact of climate variability. It calls for stronger alignment between climate adaptation policies and economic planning. The integration of renewable energy solutions in rural areas, for instance, can ease dependence on strained power systems while supporting agricultural productivity.

Ultimately, the challenge demands a whole-of-society response. National government, local units, the private sector, and communities must act in concert, guided by both urgency and foresight. The cost of inaction — or delayed action — will not only be measured in economic losses but in the diminished well-being of millions of Filipinos.

The fields may be parched today, but with decisive and coordinated effort, the nation can still weather this dry spell and emerge more resilient in the face of future crises.

Panic buying amid war: Oil shock drives sari-sari stockpiling surge—Packworks

 

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published Apr 23, 2026 10:53 am

Sari-sari stores recorded a 90-percent surge in sales in March as rising global oil prices triggered widespread stockpiling among micro-retailers and households, according to homegrown tech startup Packworks.

In a statement on Thursday, April 23, Packworks said that based on over one million transactions via its Sari.PH Pro app, gross merchandise value (GMV) across its network of 300,000 stores reached ₱3.73 billion in March, up from ₱1.97 billion in February.

The sharpest spike occurred on March 21, when GMV surged by 265 percent following announcements of double-digit fuel price hikes last March 17, prompting store owners to preemptively stock up ahead of expected increases in logistics and retail costs.  Packworks quoted a sari-sari store owner from Uson town in Masbate province as saying: “Nag-stock up kami dahil natatakot kaming maubusan ng paninda at magkaroon ng delay sa delivery mula sa mga supplier.”  

Packworks noted that in some areas, delivery lead times have stretched to three weeks, pushing retailers to shift toward bulk purchasing of fast-moving goods.

Average basket sizes rose significantly, expanding from ₱337 to ₱1,097 in February to ₱597 to ₱1,560 in March, while transaction volumes increased by only 17 percent, indicating fewer but larger purchases per visit.

“With growing uncertainty and rising oil and commodity prices, our data suggests that sari-sari store owners are proactively adjusting their purchasing strategies. Larger basket sizes and increased inventory levels indicate a shift toward preparedness for potential supply disruptions and rising costs,” said Packworks chief data officer Andoy Montiel.  

Regionally, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) posted the highest increase in basket size at 101.7 percent (₱773 to ₱1,560), followed by National Capital Region (NCR) at 85 percent (₱396 to ₱733), and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) at 80.2 percent (₱495 to ₱892).

Top-selling categories included cigarettes, detergent, gin, powdered coffee, and chips and dips. Cigarettes led with an increase of around ₱234 million, followed by detergent at ₱116 million, gin at ₱66 million, powdered coffee at about ₱55 million, and chips and dips at ₱45 million. Other essentials such as soda, biscuits, powdered milk, and canned goods also posted gains.

“As the backbone of local communities, sari-sari stores continue to demonstrate resilience in times of disruption. However, they remain highly vulnerable to price fluctuations and logistical challenges, highlighting the need for continued support,” said Packworks chief platform officer Hubert Yap.

Teachers, the hands that shape a nation

 

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published Apr 17, 2026 12:05 am | Updated Apr 16, 2026 06:15 pm

When President Marcos described the decades-long wait for teacher promotions as “unfair,” he did more than acknowledge a bureaucratic flaw. He was underscoring a deeper reality about how the nation has long undervalued those who build its future. The passage of Republic Act No. 12288, "Career Progression System for Public School Teachers and School Leaders Act, signals a step in the right direction. But reforms on paper are only the beginning. Sustained support for teachers must remain a national priority, not a passing policy trend.

Teachers are not merely employees within our education system. They are, in fact, the architects of society itself. Every engineer who designs bridges, every doctor who saves lives, every entrepreneur who drives economic growth, and every leader who shapes policy begins their journey under the guidance of a teacher. Remove teachers from the equation, and the entire structure of national development collapses. Their influence is not confined to classrooms, it ripples across industries, institutions, and generations.

Yet for all their importance, teachers have often been asked to give more than they receive. Behind every lesson delivered is a quiet, unseen labor: hours spent crafting lesson plans, nights dedicated to mastering new teaching methods, and weekends sacrificed to ensure students do not fall behind. In many parts of the country, teaching is not just intellectually demanding, it is physically taxing. Some educators travel long distances, trekking through rough terrain or crossing rivers, just to reach remote schools where their presence can mean the difference between opportunity and neglect.

The Expanded Career Progression system recognizes that teachers deserve more than gratitude. They equally deserve growth. By offering clearer pathways—whether in classroom instruction or school administration—it addresses a long-standing frustration: the stagnation that has driven many talented educators away from the profession. A system that rewards competence, dedication, and innovation is essential not only for retaining teachers but for attracting the next generation to the field.

But career progression alone cannot carry the weight of reform. Support must be holistic. Competitive compensation, continuous professional development, access to modern resources, and improved working conditions are necessities they so deserved. If the nation expects teachers to produce globally competitive graduates, it must also provide them with the tools and environment to succeed.

There is also a cultural dimension that policy cannot legislate; it is respect for teachers that must be deeply ingrained in society. Too often, their contributions are acknowledged only during ceremonies or commemorations, while their daily struggles remain overlooked. A genuine culture of respect means listening to their concerns, involving them in decision-making, and recognizing their expertise as professionals.

The stakes are high. Education is not a short-term investment; it is a generational one. The quality of today’s teaching will determine the competence of tomorrow’s workforce and the integrity of future leadership. In this sense, supporting teachers is not simply about improving schools; it is about securing the nation’s trajectory.

It is easy to celebrate innovation, infrastructure, and economic growth. These are outcomes of a foundation that was developed. But at the root of every national achievement is a teacher who once stood before a student and made learning possible.

If the country is serious about shaping its future, it must remain equally serious about those who shape its people. Policies like the ECP system are promising, but they must be sustained, expanded, and matched with unwavering commitment. Because in the end, nation-building does not begin in boardrooms or government halls; it begins in classrooms, in the steady hands of teachers who carry the weight of tomorrow.

This is why we have to honor our teachers by equipping and supporting them every step of the way.

Ancient seafarers' story of love, identity, and belonging takes center stage in this ballet

 

Ballet Philippines to close its 56th season with 'Paglalakbay: 

The Journey of the Sea People'

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published Apr 9, 2026 10:54 pm

Ballet Philippines successfully concluded the world premiere run of "Paglalakbay: The Journey of the Sea People," a full-length original Filipino ballet that captivated audiences from April 10 to 12, 2026, at The Theatre at Solaire. The production marked a defining close to the company’s 56th season and a bold step in championing Filipino narratives on the classical stage.

Inspired by the Austronesian Migration, “Paglalakbay” tells an epic yet intimate story of movement, identity, and belonging. It follows ancient seafarers in search of a new home, centering on Ama and Kaman in Batanes, whose love endures trials of loss, transformation, and renewal, reflecting a timeless search for home across generations.

Choreographed by artistic director Mikhail Martynyuk, with a libretto by Sheree Chua and music by Ronald Vincenzo Khaw de Leon, the ballet reimagines classical technique through a distinctly Filipino lens.

“Academic technique is a form, not a style,” Mikhail shared. “In ‘Paglalakbay,’ choreographic language becomes the main narrator,” grounding movement in the forces of wind, land, and sea.

For Sheree, the work is both cultural and deeply personal. “Migration is often framed as displacement, but it can also be expansion,” she said. “This ballet becomes both historical and intimate.”

The production’s immersive design, led by Leeroy New, brought Batanes to life onstage, drawing from the team’s firsthand cultural immersion with local communities. This experience stemmed from Ballet Philippines’ Ballet Brigade outreach in Batanes, where artists engaged with over 200 locals.

“‘Paglalakbay’ was a bold investment for the company,” said Ballet Philippines president Kathleen Liechtenstein. “It reflects our belief that local indigenous stories deserve the grand scale and artistic rigor of the classical stage.”

Praised for its powerful storytelling and cultural resonance, “Paglalakbay” reinforces Ballet Philippines’ continuing mission: to bring Filipino stories to the forefront—epic, resilient, and universally human.

For more information on Ballet Philippines and its upcoming productions, visit www.ballet.ph

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