A Greener, Smarter Future

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JUST IN | Urban Revival of Davao: A Greener, Smarter Future

This 5.7-hectare transformation of a well-known IT Park in Lanang District blends heritage preservation with regenerative design to create a vibrant, flood-resilient, and eco-conscious destination. Using sustainable materials like porous asphalt and banana leaves, the master plan tackles urban flooding, boosts biodiversity, and honors Davao’s cultural legacy. By preserving heritage structures and embracing adaptable, green spaces, the project supports tourism, commerce, and community—while setting a low-carbon standard for future growth.

Key Highlights:

• 5.7-hectare mixed-use green master plan

• Eco-materials and sponge city strategies

• Preserved heritage building at the heart

• Flood-resilient, biodiversity-rich design

• Adaptable spaces for tourism and business

This massive project will elevate further the real-estate boom in the area. Indeed, Lanang District will never be the same!

Source: https://www.gensler.com/.../confidential-mixed-use-master...

#DavaoCity #DavaoLifeIsHere #LifeIsHere #LanangDavaoCity #LanangBusinessDistrict

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The mark of a true Christian

 

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

CHRIST described it very clearly. This is how he said it: 

“You have heard that it has been said, You shall love your neighbor, and hate your enemy. But I say to you, "Love your enemies, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that persecute and calumniate you.”

And then he made this conclusion: “That you may be children of your Father who is in heaven, who makes his sun rise upon the good, and bad, and rains upon the just and the unjust.” (Mt 5,43-45)

This is, of course, beyond our human powers in their natural state. But when animated by God’s grace, our natural human powers can assume the divine capacity to love everyone, irrespective of how they are to us, whether friendly or hostile, likeable or unlikeable, etc.

It’s when we manage to love our enemies that we prove our commitment to God, a commitment that springs from our conversion of heart. Though we continue to be hounded by temptations and sin, and fall into them from time to time, we also would struggle to begin and begin again, renewing and reaffirming our commitment as often as necessary.

This obviously will require a lot of virtues—humility, patience, magnanimity, fortitude, to mention a few. We have to learn how to discipline our emotions and passions, and to be most careful with what we say and how we react to things. We have to be quick to purify our thoughts and intentions whenever some negative elements enter into them.

Let’s remember that the greatest evil and the worst injustice have already been committed, and that is the killing of Christ by man. But such evil and injustice did not elicit another evil reaction from Christ. On the contrary, he offered forgiveness. We do not correct a wrong with another wrong. As one saint would put it, we have to drown evil with an abundance of good.

To be able to love our enemies even as we try our best to resolve with justice and charity our differences, conflicts and other issues is clearly a sign of being Christ-like. It could be the proof that one’s Christianity is real and genuine, and not fake.

We have to be ready to develop and assume this attitude, always asking first of all for the grace of God and trying to have the very mind and heart of Christ. We also need to discipline our reactions and to train our emotions to conform to this basic Christian standard.

Yes, this ideal can only be possible and doable with God’s grace and the constant effort to assume the very mind and heart of Christ. We should never take this requirement for granted.

This will require tremendous effort, of course, but once done, we will surely feel the way Christ felt even in his most difficult moment when he had to suffer his passion and death on the cross. That’s when we can echo St. Paul’s words: “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” (Gal 2,20)

Let us brace ourselves to face this challenge of becoming true Christians. Let’s make our Christianity really work, especially in difficult moments. Christ never abandons us, and he is willing to go through the experience with us. We just have to do our part, that is, to go to him, and follow him as best that we can.

Indeed, loving enemies is a sure mark of a true Christian!

Paradox on a page

 

Speculative fiction finds a bold new home

The three books are proof that Filipino speculative fiction is stepping into the spotlight with confidence. FAMILY THREE From left: Nikki Alfar, Ryo Alfar, and Dean Francis Alfar.

By Johannes Chua

In a country known for realist literature, social dramas, and poetic musings, speculative fiction has long been on the fringes as it quietly thrived in anthologies, literary events, and niche bookstores. But no longer.

A new literary imprint named Paradox, under Vibal Foundation, is putting the spotlight on speculative fiction. It’s giving space to the “multiverse of Filipino imagination” by changing the narrative one magical, mythical, or monstrous page at a time.

Speculative fiction encompasses fantasy, science fiction, horror, alternate histories, dystopian futures, and more. It is the genre that dares to ask, “What if?” What if magic exists in modern Manila, what if the apocalypse comes with a karaoke soundtrack, what if the past never ended?

The genre has thrived thanks to writers who believed in its power to enchant readers. Chief among them is Dean Francis Alfar, a Palanca-winning author and Filipino Critics Circle chair who has tirelessly pushed speculative fiction into the literary mainstream. He now leads the editorial team behind Paradox.

Alfar emphasized Paradox’s mission, to welcome all kinds of speculative fiction. From high fantasy and space opera to post-apocalyptic narratives and speculative memoirs, no idea is too far-fetched. The goal? “To showcase Filipino imagination in its most unbridled form.”

Aside from having published some noteworthy titles in recent months, there are ambitious projects in the pipeline, including a 100,000-word speculative novel in English. Paradox, it seems, is not just dreaming—it’s publishing.

Family goal

Paradox has recently unveiled three noteworthy titles penned by the Alfar family, a trio of voices united not just by blood, but by a shared love of myth, metaphor, and magic.

Dean Francis Alfar returns with “Moon Sun Stars,” a selection of his best stories from the past two decades. Whether retelling Filipino folklore with a cosmic twist or weaving lyrical tales of longing, Alfar proves once again why he is a leading voice in Philippine speculative fiction.

His wife, Nikki Alfar, delivers “Doomsday Dance Party,” a delightfully offbeat collection that explores personal and planetary endings with humor and poignancy. The apocalypse, in her hands, is less about destruction and more about reckoning, resilience, and sometimes… dancing.

Their son, Ryo Alfar, makes a stunning debut with “Fragile Magics,” a sweeping 432-page fantasy novel centered on three young spell-wielders navigating a world of folded-paper enchantments and aerial duels. With this work, Ryo establishes himself as a bold new voice and the torchbearer of the next generation.

The three books are proof that Filipino speculative fiction is stepping into the spotlight with confidence. In fact, just last April, Paradox hosted its first speculative fiction writing workshop, led by Dean and Nikki, drawing aspiring writers from across the country.

The workshop is part of the imprint’s broader commitment to nurturing fresh talent and building a strong, inclusive community of storytellers who dare to imagine beyond the ordinary. As Gelo Lopez, Vibal’s Chief Product Officer, noted during the launch: “We invite readers to explore the boundless creativity of the Alfars as their books showcase the breadth and depth of speculative fiction.”

In a publishing landscape often rooted in the familiar, Paradox dares to be different. It champions the strange, the surreal, and the speculative not as a niche, but as a vital expression of the Filipino creative spirit. With the Alfars at the helm and a new generation of writers rising, the future of local speculative fiction looks anything but ordinary.

The winners of the 61st Binibining Pilipinas beauty pageant.

 

Katrina Anne Johnson and Annabelle Mae McDonell crowned Binibining Pilipinas 2025

By Robert Requintina

Published Jun 16, 2025 12:39 am

A licensed pharmacist and a pageant veteran were crowned Binibining Pilipinas 2025 during a televised competition on Sunday, June 15.

Licensed pharmacist Katrina Anne Johnson, 27, of Davao, won Bb. Pilipinas International 2025, while pageant veteran Annabelle Mae McDonell, 24, Iligan, was named Bb. Pilipinas Globe 2025.

Johnson will represent the Philippines at the 2026 Miss International pageant. On the other hand, McDonell will vie for the title of Miss Globe 2025.

This was the second time for Johnson to compete in the Binibining Pilipinas contest, having won first runner-up in 2023.

In her bio, Johnson described her parents as role models. Her interests include spending time with her loved ones and her dogs, sightseeing, cooking, make-up, as well as volunteering and meeting new people.

The beauty queen from Davao said that giving back to the community is something her mother made sure to instill in her childhood. 

As a medical professional, that love for service has driven me to resonate and empathize with my patients deeply. My advocacy revolves around healthcare and how it is, unfortunately, a privilege instead of a right here in the Philippines. I hope to spread awareness on the importance of healthcare in the overall betterment of our country, Johnson said recently.

McDonnell, 24, gained a following among local fans after finishing as the first runner-up in Miss Universe Philippines 2022. This achievement allowed her to compete in the inaugural Miss Charm in Vietnam the following year. She finished as the first runner-up, while Luma Russo from Brazil won the crown.

First runner-up honors at the 61st Binibining Pilipinas pageant went to Dalia Khattab of Las Pinas. At the same time, Kathleen Enid Espenido of Siargao was the 2nd runner-up.

Q&A portion

During the final question and answer portion, Johnson was asked: Lies told a thousand times become the truth. What is your reaction to this statement?

Johnson answered: I think social media and the internet are such a blessing to all of us because they allow us to create a community online with people from all around the world.But yes, fake news is a rampant issue nowadays, and to be honest with you, I think the best way that we can combat that is to make sure that we're educating people on how to discern information. We need to be aware. We need to regulate and make our online communities a safe space for everyone. Thank you, she ended.

Then McDonel was given the question: A woman was recently seen emerging from a drainage basin. If you can spend time with her, what insights or lessons do you wish to gain from the circumstances that led to her life condition?

She commented: Speaking as someone who experienced involuntary hunger and malnourishment at the age of 15, I say that I wish you never go hungry another night. I think that when you hit rock bottom, don't despair and don't use that as your identity, but rather use rock bottom as your launch pad. I have done exactly that. I have sold bread, I sold ukay-ukay clothes, and all the more rackets just to survive and support my family. You can do it as long as you believe in the beauty of your dreams

Out of 36 official candidates for this year's pageant, the selection was narrowed down to 14 contestants after the swimsuit and evening gown competitions.

Candidates who also finished in the Top 14 were Jercy Raine Cruz, Makati; Joanne Marie Thornley, Pampanga; Alyssa Mildred Villarina, Rizal; Maria Andrea Endicio, Quezon; Francesca Beatriz Alvalajon, Aklan; Jemille Justine Zosa, Mandaluyong; Anna Carres De Mesa, Batangas; Maria Alexandra Mata, Tarlac; Jerimi Nuqui, Caloocan; and Mia Betina Golosino, Malabon.

Special awards

Johnson won Best In Evening Gown while Khattab was named Best In Swimsuit.

The winners of the evening gown and swimsuit categories were the most anticipated among the special awards during the pageant. In many cases, recipients of these special awards went on to become big winners in the competition.

Other winners of special awards were Johnson, Bb. Dunkin; Bb. Pizza Hut, Espenido; McDonell, Miss Philippine Airlines; Khattab, Bb. Urban Smiles; Cruz, Bb. Playtime; Cyril Reign Nulud, Bb. Friendship, and Alvalajon, Face of Binibini, and Best In National Costume.

Villarina, 24, is this year's winner of the Manila Bulletin Readers' Choice award. The special award was presented to Villarina by Barbie Atienza, Head of External Affairs, Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation, and Badette Cunanan, Public Relations Manager, Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation.

She will receive a grand vacation and pampering package at the Manila Hotel worth P100,000 plus a one-year free subscription to the Manila Bulletin.

Cunanan described the turnout of voters for the Manila Bulletin Readers' Choice Award  this year as overwhelming. She also thanked the supporters of the Manila Bulletin in this pageant journey.

The collaboration between Binibining Pilipinas and the Manila Bulletin, which has been ongoing for more than 20 years, is a valued partnership. The loyalty of the Aranetas to the Manila Bulletin's support has been truly heartwarming. And the Filipino pageant supporters are consistent every year, and they continue to grow and improve. On behalf of the Manila Bulletin family, we offer our most heartfelt appreciation to our readers and followers, Cunanan said.

The reigning Miss Rizal is not just a titleholder; she is a beacon of hope and change. A magna cum laude graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Bicol University, she combines intellect with passion.

Villarina is passionate about advocating for the elderly and protecting the environment. She promotes compassionate care and works towards preserving the natural world.

With her vibrant spirit and dedication to making a positive impact, the beauty queen serves not only as a role model but also as a true champion for those who need a voice.

This year's members of the board of judges are Filipino fashion designer Francis Libiran, actress Alice Dixson, reigning Miss International Hyun Thi Thann Thuy of Vietnam, reigning Miss Globe Diana Moreno of Colombia, MTRCB chairperson Lala Sotto, Dr. Ralph Figaroa Delas Alas, and Chairman of the Board Conchitina Bernardo.

Rainy first day of classes in parts of the Philippines

 

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published Jun 15, 2025 09:49 am

Students returning to school on Monday, June 16, are advised to bring umbrellas and rain gear as parts of the country are expected to experience rain and thunderstorms, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

PAGASA weather specialist Obet Badrina on Sunday, June 15 said the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) will continue to affect parts of Mindanao and Eastern Visayas, bringing scattered rain showers and thunderstorms to these areas.

However, he noted that rainfall may gradually lessen in the coming days.

The ITCZ is a weather system where winds from the northern and southern hemispheres converge, resulting in the formation of rain clouds.

Meanwhile, the rest of the country will be affected by easterlies, or warm winds from the Pacific Ocean, which are expected to bring generally fair weather conditions.

Badrina added that skies will be mostly clear due to the temporary weakening of the southwest monsoon (habagat), but isolated thunderstorms remain likely.

He also noted that no tropical cyclone is expected to form or enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility in the next few days.

Despite the fair weather in some areas, Badrina advised students and commuters to remain prepared, as localized thunderstorms may still bring rain showers, particularly in the early morning, afternoon, and evening, in various parts of the country.