Where to bring ‘balikbayan’ for Pinoy feast

 

BY NIÑO ANGELO COMSTI

NOVEMBER 21, 2024

Cochi's "cochinillo" —CONTRIBUTED

Read Next

Hidden Japan: Award-winning sake, heavenly Iga beef

Now that we just have a few weeks before Christmas, family and friends from abroad have started to arrive. And, as customary among us Filipinos, the best way to welcome them back is with the food they missed the most—our very own cuisine. The metro has many casual and conducive-for-groups options for get-togethers, but here are some for you to strongly consider.

Cochi

His first taste of cochinillo was in Casa Lucio in Madrid, Spain, during the summer of 2014. Celebrity restaurateur Marvin Agustin instantly fell in love with it.

Six years later, when the pandemic happened and with lots of spare time on his hands, he toyed with the idea of recreating that same experience by roasting his own suckling pig in an oven parked in his home garage.

Friends who got to try it raved about it. Not long after, Agustin’s entrepreneurial spirit drove him to open a restaurant in BGC called Cochi. It has since become a popular spot among OFWs and balikbayan who want to celebrate in a grand and delicious way.

Apart from whole cochinillo, which he serves with an array of sauces like garlic tuom and kamias marmalade, Cochi has other Filipino dishes like the best-selling Cochi Tacos, Corned Beef Sinigang, and Dumaguete Express, seafood in a coconut milk broth.

More recent additions to the menu include Fritto Misto Salad, which is crispy shrimp and green mango on nam pla-dressed lettuce, and Palabok Choca, rice noodles cloaked in crab fat palabok sauce and adobong pusit aioli. Completing your experience is a bevy of wine and cocktails that will certainly guarantee one fun party. (Cochi is at Verve Residences, Unit 1 G/F, Verve Residences Tower 2, 27th St. corner 9th Ave., Taguig; tel. 0935-2101341.)

Manam at the Triangle – House Crispy Sisig —CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Manam

This brand has become somewhat of a default for those with foreign guests, which, I believe, is just an excuse, as they do want to eat (again!) in Manam themselves.

What’s working a lot to Manam’s benefit is accessibility. And I’m not referring just to their over 30 branches nationwide, but also their food. They have definitely found what many Filipinos are looking for—familiar flavors and contrasting textures.

Case in point: The bestselling Crispy Sisig is perfectly seasoned and lends that nice crunch to every satisfying bite. The adobo is loaded with garlic, and the shrimps are covered in crab fat.

The sinigang has that unmistakable sour flavor, but what I appreciate more is the body in the soup (not too sabaw), plus the addition of watermelon and use of short ribs, both of which make it more special than the usual.

The palabok is quite entertaining to see: The hot sauce is poured table side, consequently making the just-fried noodles crackle and the mouths of the guests water.

Especially for those who haven’t been home in a long time, a meal in Manam will prove to be memorable and most welcome, as “nahanap nila ang kiliti ng Filipino” with their food. (For a complete listing of Manam branches, log on to momentgroup.ph.)

SEE ALSO

FOOD, LIFESTYLE

How to make Juday’s Arroz à la Cubana

Locavore duck “caldo”

Locavore

Nostalgia is out the door when it comes to Locavore, as this modern Filipino restaurant will give you new ones to remember the cuisine by. What they have is definitely not something you can expect in a typical household, but dishes that could have only come from the creative mind of a chef like Mikel Zaguirre.

From their original branch on Brixton Street in Pasig, the brand has expanded to Eastwood, Taguig, San Juan, Makati, and even Bacoor, spreading the kind of rich and indulgent food they have become known for.

A particular dish that has become a staple order whenever I dine in is the Kimchinigang, a hybrid of the popular sour soup with a Korean favorite. Their version comes with fork-tender pork belly and sigarilyas in a tangy, spicy, fiery red tamarind broth.

Other mash-ups are the Octadobo, which is adlai paella negra with adobong octopus and fish skin chicharon, and the Green Curry Bicol Express, which has more spices than what the regional dish intended to have.

Their Chicken Tinola is served like Hainanese, with ginger broth, papaya, and a trio of condiments, while their arroz caldo is made with duck broth and duck flakes. If it’s a refreshing and fun experience you’re after, Locavore has definitely got you covered. (For a complete listing of Locavore branches, log on to locavoreph.com.) 

NIÑO ANGELO COMSTI  

Angelo Comsti writes the Inquirer Lifestyle column Tall Order. He was editor of F&B Report magazine.

Tears, laughter mark 2NE1’s reunion show in ‘second home’

BY ALLAN POLICARPIO

NOVEMBER 20, 2024

After all this time, Sandara Park still cries the same way she did when she first burst onto the scene and captured the hearts of Filipinos.

But the context was different. She was no longer the wide-eyed show biz aspirant desperate to get in, but a seasoned performer out to recapture the halcyon days of music and friendship with 2NE1—the seminal girl group that catapulted her and her bandmates, CL, Minzy, and Park Bom, to international stardom in 2009.

It had been eight long years since the quartet’s official disbandment, and 10 since they last shared the stage together in Manila. But after intermittent false alarms and dashed hopes, that dream finally materialized in her “second home” on Nov. 16—just four days after Dara, as she’s fondly called, turned 40.

She couldn’t have asked for a more precious gift. And with the SM Mall of Asia Arena jam-packed with thousands of Filipino “Blackjacks” singing and wishing her a happy birthday, Dara—tried as she might to fight back tears—inevitably lost it.

With her face crumpled into that half-frown, half-grimace that we first saw in her now iconic audition for the 2004 reality talent search “Star Circle Quest,” we half-expected her to give that little wave of hers and say, “Mahal ko kayo!”

Only this time, it was her three “sisters” who uttered her famous words. “Mahal ko kayo … mahal kita,” they said, huddling around and comforting Dara, before leading her to the birthday cake awaiting her.

“I used to celebrate my birthday with 2NE1 and the Blackjacks. But after the disbandment, I wasn’t used to spending it by myself. Now, we’re here again, together,” she said in between sobs, the hyped-up crowd suddenly dissolving into a chorus of “awws.”

“My wish is to be with you guys forever. 2NE1 forever!” she added.

While all four members fought hard to keep the 2NE1 fire burning, it was Dara, arguably, who acted as the glue that held everyone together, long after they put out their last song and pursued solo careers.

She supported her bandmates through tough times, helped promote their respective projects, and made sure that communication lines remained open. In her interviews or television appearances, she never shied away from expressing her desire for a possible reunion.

In her career milestones, like winning awards or receiving recognitions, she made sure to give the girls their flowers. And whenever an opportunity to do 2NE1 hits presented itself, Dara made the most out of it, regardless of how lonely it could be doing them by herself.

As such, more than sheer joy, there seemed a sense of relief that washed over Dara. “I’m not going to forget this moment forever,” she said. “Ayokong umuwi.”

Mounted by Live Nation Philippines, 2NE1’s two-stop appearance in Manila (the second one held the next day, Nov. 17) is part of the group’s ongoing “Welcome Back” reunion tour to mark its 15th anniversary.

The atmosphere was electric, as one would expect in a concert by a beloved music act making a homecoming of sorts before a large and devoted following. The venue teemed with fans in permutations of denim cargo pants, plaid skirts, sports jerseys, sparkly tops, and leather jackets. The more committed came in full 2NE1 regalia, the marching band concept being the most popular of the lot.

The air crackled with endless chatter and squeals from giddy revelers who every so often broke into songs, as if wooing the band to take the stage, because they couldn’t bear to wait one second more.

Guided by instincts

The arena bled, the lights’ red haze revealing CL’s, Park Bom’s, Minzy’s, and Dara’s distinctive silhouettes. “I go by the name of CL of 2NE1. It’s been a long time coming, but we’re here now … ” CL’s voice blared from the speakers. But before she could even finish the spoken intro to the hit song “Fire,” the crowd had already sprung to its feet.

“Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh-eh 2NE1!” Ring the alarm, because the girls had set the stage on fire. With flames shooting up from the perimeter, they immediately took command: CL with her natural rap swagger; Park Bom with her assertive singing; Dara with her considerably more forceful dancing; and Minzy’s athleticism and trademark splits.

And it’s this dynamic—how the four complement each other’s unique strengths and quirks—that makes 2NE1 such an engaging presence onstage. Yes, there’s structure and choreography to what they do, but their ability to entertain isn’t bound by those. They can take liberties with the moves and make them work, or heck, even make little mistakes and still giggle about them later.

As such, 2NE1 never looks too calculated or preoccupied with what they have to do next. They let their instincts guide the way they work their numbers, and make sure to always leave room for spontaneous interactions with each other, or with the crowd.

This served them well, especially in the hard-hitting bangers they were known for such as “Gotta Be You,” “Can’t Nobody,” and “I Am the Best,” which had the crowd singing and screaming their heads off. This was one concert where you didn’t have to think if it was okay to stand up or not, because, for the most part, the seats were there only to hold food and belongings.

Quick on their feet

The show wasn’t picture-perfect, though. Park Bom, the band’s main vocalist, missed several numbers, including the entire ballad section, where she was expected to shine most. At first, her disappearance was pinned on “a wardrobe malfunction.” But the next day, YG Entertainment, the company that formed 2NE1, issued a statement saying the singer had been having “health-related issues.”

But if there’s anything positive to be gleaned from the mishap, it was that it only showed how incredibly quick CL, Minzy, and Dara were on their feet, alternately covering Park Bom’s parts in “Lonely,” “It Hurts,” and other slow-burners with different vocal flavors, but with equal aplomb.

Luckily, Park Bom managed to return for the last nine numbers and join the rest of the gang for the night’s kulitan moments. And from the looks of it, the fans couldn’t be more understanding of the situation. Park Bom has had her share of challenges, both personal and medical. That she’s onstage performing and having fun is something the Blackjacks are already grateful for.

They performed Dara’s local novelty hit “In or Out,” and this time—much to the crowd’s delight—CL already knew the steps unlike in 2014. Dara and Minzy did a short dance challenge to Bini’s “Pantropiko.” There were lots of laughing and goofing around, too, like that one time a panicking Park Bom pushed CL, after the latter teased the former that she would have to do the challenge by herself the next day.

The crowd loved every minute of it, from the dazzling lights and production numbers to the littlest, lighthearted moments. And as the show drew to a close, it became increasingly apparent to CL that the Philippines is a second home, not only to Dara, but to the rest of the group as well.

“We feel like we have a family and a fan base here. Your energy is so awesome,” she said. “We feel blessed to be back here with Dara in her hometown.”

“Philippines is my second home. But it’s not only mine; it’s 2NE1’s second home, too right?” said Dara, who thanked the fans for their patience and undying love.

“Salamat sa paghihintay niyo sa ’min… Pero andito pa rin kayo.”

'Hello, Love, Again' sets single day box office record, to donate some proceeds to typhoon victim

Kathryn Bernardo, Cathy Garcia-Sampana and Alden Richards during the red carpet premiere of "Hello Love Again" on Nov. 12, 2024 in SM Megamall

Kristofer Purnell - Philstar.com

November 20, 2024 | 9:51am

MANILA, Philippines — "Hello, Love, Again" starring Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards, continue to break box office records less than a week since its global premiere.

The sequel initially set the record for the biggest opening day by a Filipino film at P85 million then became the highest-grossing for a Filipino film in North America with $2.4 million (almost P141 million).

For comparison, the 2019 original also directed by Cathy Garcia-Sampana earned $1.99 million (P116.7 million) during its entire North American run.

The film earned P245 million on its first three days in the Philippines en route to earning P566 million as of November 18.

The current box office earnings include P131 million from Saturday alone, yet another box office record.

It is on track to become the highest-grossing Filipino film of all time, currently held by last year's "Rewind" starring Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes, which claimed the title from the 2019 original "Hello, Love, Goodbye."

"We're so blessed because binigyan ng mga tao ng chance 'yung pelikula namin at lahat ng nare-receive namin. Wala na kaming mahihiling pa," said Kathryn.

Alden added as he expressed his thanks to supporters, "No words can express how grateful we are for the turnout and we're very happy na maraming naka-appreciate nito."

Part of the proceeds of "Hello, Love, Again" will go toward helping the victims of Typhoon Pepito, which passed through the Philippines over the weekend.

Kathryn and Alden will also represent the film as it closes the Asian World Film Festival in Los Angeles.

"Hello, Love Again" continues to screen in the Philippines and North America, and later this week opens in five countries in the Middle East — where a huge population of Filipino migrant workers may boost ticket sales even further.

Catch up with the stars at Illo’s Home Buffet on Shaw Boulevard

BY GISELLE SANCHEZ

Nov 19, 2024 03:10 PM

  

---

AT A GLANCE

• I could play catch-up with the stars that graced the fast-rising buffet restaurant chain opening in Metro Manila. 

From left: Ryza Cenon, Giselle Sanchez, Andrea del Rosario, and Regine Tolentino
 

Ryza Cenon, Rocco Nacino, Regine Tolentino, Andrea del Rosario, Enzo Pineda, Michelle Vito, and I grace the opening of Illo’s Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong. 

Located at Lancaster Hotel, the legendary Chef Niño Rodillos of Illo’s Party Trays opened three huge halls providing an events place for up to 200 guests plus delicious food. 

I could play catch-up with the stars that graced the fast-rising buffet restaurant chain opening in Metro Manila. 

Rocco Nacino, Melissa Gohing, Giselle Sanchez, Chef N, Cong Gus Tambunting, and Maq Agapito

Ryza Cenon

I was particularly impressed with Ryza’s semi-bald look. Only Ryza Cenon can pull off such a hairstyle and still look stunning.

The TV5 actress tells Gossip Girl why she is sporting that look, “My character Christine Maceda in Lumuhod Ka Sa Lupa demands such a hairstyle. She’s a bad-ass. You should watch her Mondays thru Fridays at 7:30 pm on TV5.” 

Regine Tolentino

I recently visited Regine Tolentino Atelier to rent a sexy casino-royale-inspired dress and hosted an event with that theme. I was surprised to see beautiful gowns and event dresses aside from the usual costumes she rents for themed parties. I was in awe and told Regine how significant the expansion of her business was. The actress-businesswoman told me a secret, “Never stop innovating, never stop expanding. Resting on your laurels will stagnate any business. Continue working hard to excite your customers so they will always return.” 

Andrea del Rosario 

When Andrea was a councilor in Calatagan, Batangas, I heard from constituents that she did a fantastic job with her projects to help the people's economic livelihood. I was surprised she did not run again with her impeccable work for the town: "I have to be a mom first. My daughter will undergo her third surgery. Please pray for her.” 

Beatrice Anne is the daughter of the award-winning actress. Bea is currently suffering from a rare congenital disease called Jejunal Atresia, which is a rare type of obstruction of the small bowel. 

From left: Regine Tolentino, Cong Gus Tambunting, Enzo Pineda, Chef Nino Rodillos, Michelle Vito, Maq Agapito, and Lancaster Hotel owner Ronald Lim

 Illo’s Home Buffet Shaw

And finally, the main star of the night – Illo’s Shaw. The New Illo’s Home Buffet is at Lancaster Hotel, 622 Shaw Blvd. You can check out their website, www.illoshome.com. They have three event venues for weddings, corporate parties, and baptisms. Illo’s party trays still deliver food to your doorstep, especially this Christmas; you can check out their menu on their website www.illospartytrays.com, and for larger catering needs, there is Illo’s prive (www.illosprive.com)   

Cebu definitely loves OPM

 AT A GLANCE

• With the rich lineup of OPM hits, this fourth installment of “I Love OPM” in Cebu was a resounding success. 

Kuh Ledesma

Cebu made it loud and clear: they love OPM! The full-packed ballroom of NUSTAR was the ultimate proof.

"I Love OPM” brought together some of the best talents in Filipino music for an unforgettable three-hour show, with the audience singing along, dancing, and feeling deeply connected. 

The evening was a showcase of timeless hits. Marco Sison's hit songs ' Make Believe' and ' Si Aida, si Lorna o Si Fe' were big winners. His duet with Kuh on Habang May Buhay had the crowd swooning, capturing that classic kilig factor. "Angayan sila," said someone from the audience. 

Vina Morales electrified the audience with her OPM retro medley, bringing everyone to their feet. Her duet with Kuh, a mash-up of Basil Valdez' "Kung Ako'y Iiwan Mo" and Dulce's "Paano Kung Wala Ka Na," was seamless; their voices blended perfectly, with neither overshadowing the other. This Kuh-Vina combination felt fresh, showing great potential for more future collaborations beyond Kuh’s usual singing partners. 

Kuh Ledesma and Marco Sison

Nonoy  Zuniga surprised everyone with his humor, showing a playful side that made the audience laugh. Yet his soulful rendition of "I’ll Never Say Goodbye" was pure sincerity—each note was heartfelt. The crowd was silent, completely captivated.

Meanwhile, the Apo Hiking Society, or the Apo ageless Society as Kuh called them, delivered their signature charm, performing their biggest hits, including a duet with Kuh on "Ewan," Apo’s very first hit, proving that a great song that no matter the age or who sings it, remains fresh to the ears.

Kuh, as always, delivered! Despite a slight cough at the beginning due to the smoke machine as she explained, she dazzled, delivering her classic hits with the same brilliance and excellence that have made her a household name. She has long championed Filipino music, and her dedication was evident in every song, especially her "Pilipino Ako (Pilipino Ako," a powerful nationalistic song celebrating the pride we should all feel as Filipinos. 

The accompanying video showcased Filipinos who have made a mark on the global stage in various fields, including film, music, and sports. What was surprising, yet humbling, that Kuh was not featured in the video’s background—even though she was one of the first to become a judge at the Miss Universe pageant. 

The show began late, but it was worth the wait, especially knowing the event was for a good cause. Universal Cultural Foundation’s support for Kalipay Negrense, an organization dedicated to rescuing and caring for disadvantaged children, made the concert even more meaningful. The cast’s powerful performance of "Lift Up Your Hands" was a heartfelt moment of solidarity, reminding us that the only way forward is to turn to God, trust Him, and accept Him as our Savior.

Despite the three-hour show time, many were left wanting more. How I wish Kuh would explore current hits like the songs of Ben&Ben, Sarah G’s Tala, or even SB 19's "Kapangyarihan." And with Kuh, there’s no doubt she could make these songs her own.

With the rich lineup of OPM hits, this fourth installment of “I Love OPM” in Cebu was a resounding success. Here’s hoping for a fifth, sixth, and so on in Cebu or other parts of the country—or the world. OPM unites us and makes us proud, and as Kuh’s show proved, it’s a priceless part of our cultural heritage worth celebrating.

Lisa announces debut solo album ‘Alter Ego’

BY JONATHAN HICAP

Nov 20, 2024 03:44 AM 

Lisa, a member of K-pop group BLACKPINK, announced her highly anticipated debut solo album, “Alter Ego.”

The world renowned rapper, singer, dancer, and style icon will be releasing her solo album on Feb. 28 next year through LLOUD Co. and RCA Records. 

Lisa started teasing about the new album last week with a series of social media posts hinting at the album title while also touring Asia for her five city sold-out limited run of fan meet dates. 

Lisa (Photo by Wontae Go)

In a video, Lisa emulated five characters each representing a unique personality. They are represented by the five points on a star, which has become a key emblem in the campaign. The announcement of Lisa’s debut solo album comes at the tail end of a record breaking year full of exciting new solo music and high energy performances. 

She recently made headlines on the cover of Billboard as its first ever global cover star. She graced the cover of the magazine for 10 Billboard editions including Billboard US, Billboard Arabia, Billboard Brazil, Billboard Canada, Billboard Espanol, Billboard Italia, Billboard Japan, Billboard Korea, and Billboard Philippines. 

“Lisa has star power in spades,” Billboard announced. 

Earlier in the week, Lisa was also featured as one of the cover stars of Vanity Fair’s highly coveted Hollywood Issue in anticipation of her debut acting role in season three of HBO’s “The White Lotus.” 

Lisa’s most recent single from the forthcoming album, “Moonlit Floor”, showcases both her ethereal vocals and immense talent as a rapper while interpolating the 90s hit classic, “Kiss Me,” by Sixpence None The Richer. 

In addition, she also saw success with her preceding singles “New Woman,” featuring Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Rosalía, and “Rockstar,” which quickly propelled to the top of the charts following its release. 

“Rockstar” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Global Excl. US Chart and No. 4 on the Billboard Global 200 weekly while debuting at No. 8 on Spotify’s Global Daily Chart and charting in more than 20 markets worldwide. 

The single also held the No. 1 spot in Thailand on Spotify, LISA’s home country, for 10 consecutive days and now has nearly 427 million streams. 

The official music video for “Rockstar,” directed by Henry Scholfield and choreographed by Sean Bankhead, amassed an impressive over 265 million views to date and hit No. 1 on YouTube’s global weekly chart following release. 

Along with the release of the three singles, which will be included in “Alter Ego,” Lisa gave electrifying performances at Global Citizen Festival in NYC and the 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. 

Lisa also returned to the VMA stage in September where she performed a medley of “New Woman” and “Rockstar.” She took home the moonperson for Best K-pop for her single “Rockstar” that night and broke a new record as the first solo act to win in that category multiple times. 

Additionally, Lisa won two awards earlier this month at the MTV EMAs for Best Collaboration for her hit song “New Woman" feat. Rosalia and for Biggest Fans. 

7th Mount Apo Sky race slated Nov. 1 to Dec. 1

BY ANTONIO COLINA IV

Nov 18, 2024 02:44 PM 

DAVAO CITY – Filipino and international runners will participate in the 7th Mount Apo Sky and Vertical Race 2024 to and from the peak of Mount Apo from Nov. 30 to Dec. 1.

Doi Calbes, race director, said that they expect around 140  participants from all over the world, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Malaysia, and the Philippines, in the  two-day race, consisting of a 100-kilometer and 50-kilometer categories with new categories for beginners such as 21-kilometer and seven-kilometer.

He said that the male and female champions of the 100-kilometer category would represent the country in the Lantau race in Hong Kong in February. 

Calbes said that the race will commence from Playa de Oboza Beach Resort in Santa Cruz town, Davao del Sur, going to the peak of Mount Apo.

Runners will scale the country’s highest peak via a trail in Barangay Sibulan, Santa Cruz, which Calbes said is the “most unique” because of its scenic view of huge boulders stretching 3.5 kilometers to the summit.

He said that the international race attracted numerous contestants in previous years, benefiting the local tourism industry by keeping businesses thriving while generating livelihoods and jobs for locals.

“Nowadays, sports tourism is thriving. Aside from promoting sports or running community, we also promote our tourism destination in Santa Cruz and Davao region. We help the community and promote flights and transpiration through this event,” he said.

Mount Apo, also a popular eco-tourism destination, was declared a heritage park through the Nov. 29, 1984, Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Declaration on Heritage Parks and Reserves.

Mount Apo is among eight landmarks declared heritage parks in the Philippines and one of 38 in the 10-country ASEAN – Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
 
The country’s highest peak, a biodiversity hotspot, was proclaimed as a protected area under the National Integrated Protected Areas Systems of 1991.

According to the ASEAN Center for Biodiversity, which serves as the secretariat of the ASEAN Heritage Parks Program, Mount Apo is the Philippines’ highest mountain at 3,143.6 meters and is known as the last stronghold of the remaining population of the rare and endangered Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi).

The Mount Apo Natural Park has an area of 54,974 hectares (with a buffer zone of 9,078 hectares) covering Kidapawan City and the municipalities of Makilala and Magpet in the province of Cotabato in the South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sarangani, and General Santos City region and municipalities of Bansalan and Santa Cruz and Digos City in Davao del Sur and Davao City in the Davao region.

ASEAN Heritage Parks are defined as “protected areas of high conservation importance, preserving in total a complete spectrum of representative ecosystems of the ASEAN region” and established “to generate greater awareness, pride, appreciation, enjoyment, and conservation of ASEAN’s rich natural heritage through a regional network of representative protected areas and to generate collaboration among ASEAN member-states in preserving their shared natural heritage.” 

The mountain is also of “high value” as a major water source for both regions.

PH National Greening Program: ‘Powerful example of what is possible’

BY MANILA BULLETIN

 

Many people may have forgotten the country’s National Greening Program (NGP) launched in 2011, continued until 2016, and was extended until 2028.  Recognized as one of the largest tree planting programs in the world, it was started by the administration of then-President Aquino as a reforestation program to plant 1.5 billion trees across 1.5 million hectares. 

Recently, the NGP was recognized “not only for its environmental benefits but also for its ability to transform rural economies and reduce poverty.”  The recognition came from Jeffrey Pagel who assessed the program in an article, “Rooting out poverty: The socioeconomic co-benefits of large-scale tree planting.”

“As global attention increasingly turns toward nature-based solutions for tackling climate change and poverty, large-scale tree planting initiatives like the Philippines’ National Greening Program (NGP) offers a powerful example of what is possible. The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals call for aligning ecosystem services with development objectives, and the NGP stands as a model for achieving these twin goals,” he wrote in a study written with Lorenzo Sileci. Pagel is a Postdoctoral Fellow in Environmental Economics at the London School of Economics and an Associate at the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment. 

“Tree planting programs offer the potential to not only sequester carbon, but also create jobs and transfer productive forestry assets to receiving individuals or communities,” the study said.
The municipalities that participated in the program were found to have experienced a six percentage point reduction in poverty. What the paper found as “remarkable” is that the effects of the greening program stayed on up to seven years after the NGP’s rollout, “with no reversal in trend.”

The paper said that the results “indicate that tree planting programs like the NGP can contribute to both immediate poverty alleviation and long-term economic development.” 

The NGP, aside from planting trees, also paid local organizations to work on related activities to support the forest, from producing seedlings, to planting and maintaining the trees for three years.  After that, the organizations manage the plantation and retain the proceeds from its produce.

The paper posted on the World Bank blog said this model “not only ensured economic buy-in but also enabled long-term poverty alleviation. From 2011 to 2016, the NGP implemented over 80,000 projects, planting hundreds of thousands of hectares, creating jobs, and empowering local communities.”

The environmental gains delivered by the NGP, which the paper lauded as significant, were measured.   “Our estimates show that the NGP sequestered between 71.4 and 303 million metric tons of CO2 over 10 years. At the lower bound, this is equivalent to the emissions of 17 million gasoline-powered vehicles driven for one year or the CO2 output from 18 coal-fired power plants.”
More specifically in monetary terms, it was calculated that NGP reduced emissions at a cost ranging from $2 to $10 per ton. It estimated that “the sequestered CO2 is valued between $163 million and $9.57 billion.”

The paper recommends that other countries study the effects of the NGP to address the interconnected challenges of climate change and development.

“As countries around the world look to scale up their climate actions in the coming years, programs like the NGP should be considered not only for their environmental benefits but also for their ability to transform rural economies and reduce poverty.”

The results of the study especially confirm the reason why tree planting is important, and since it was implemented decades ago, its effects are now measurable.  Let us keep the tree planting movement going!