One night in Oz: Samsung Performing Arts Theater marks its fourth year with 'Wicked' stars Lissa de Guzman and Allie Trimm

By John Legaspi

Published Jul 18, 2026 07:45 am

It was in July 2022, a few years after the pandemic struck the country, when the Samsung Performing Arts Theater (SPAT) first opened its doors. During that time, being outside was daunting for many people, let alone being part of a crowd in an enclosed area. But its unveiling marked hope for the Philippine performing arts scene—a promise that people could once again gather, reconnect, and enjoy shared experiences without fear and uncertainty.

Lissa de Guzman and Allie Trimm lead SPAT's fourth anniversary concert "After Oz" (Photos: SPAT)

Through the years, that’s what SPAT has become: a home where artists, audiences, and communities come together to share stories and create lasting memories. Its stage has been a platform for international acts and local productions to shine. And as it marks its fourth year, it continues to strengthen its mission of bringing world-class performances closer to Filipinos.

A testament to that is its recently concluded anniversary concert, dubbed “After Oz.” On July 10, the Yellow Brick Road led Filipino fans to SPAT for a night of music, dance, and gratitude despite a gloomy day. What was supposed to be a one-night-only show was extended to two performances, thanks to the overwhelming response and support from audiences eager to experience the celebration.

“‘After Oz’ invites us to imagine what happens after ‘happily ever after.’ We are reminded that every ending is also the beginning of another journey, filled with new possibilities, purpose, and stories waiting to be told,” said Christopher Mohnani, SPAT managing director and Circuit Makati Arts and Culture manager. “In many ways, that is also the story of SPAT. Four years on, we continue to look ahead to new productions, collaborations, audiences, and ways of enriching the cultural life of our city.”

Allie and Lissa giving homage to "Wicked"

Morissette Amon givign a glimpse of TGA's upcoming production of "The Notebook: The Musical"

As the name suggests, the event plays with the magical world created by American author L. Frank Baum. To fully bring the magic to the stage, SPAT tapped “Wicked” stars Lissa de Guzman and Allie Trimm, who played Elphaba and Glinda, respectively, on Broadway.

For Lissa, the first Filipina Elphaba on Broadway, the concert marked a homecoming to SPAT after gracing its stage as part of the cast of Theatre Group Asia’s (TGA) “A Chorus Line.” Allie, on the other hand, marked her Philippine debut, bringing her artistry and powerful vocals to the theater’s anniversary celebration.

Throughout the night, the Broadway actresses serenaded the audience with songs from iconic musicals such as “Frozen” and “Once on This Island.” Together with musical director Farley Asuncion and the UST Singers, the two powerhouse vocalists performed songs from TGA’s upcoming production “Sunday in the Park with George.” Also there to celebrate SPAT’s anniversary was singer Morissette Amon, who gave a preview of her performance for the forthcoming show “The Notebook: The Musical.”

Toward the end of the celebration, Lissa and Allie treated everyone to a medley of “Wicked” hits, giving audiences a short but sweet glimpse of what it is like to witness the mega musical on Broadway. As Allie said, “You may leave ‘Wicked,’ but ‘Wicked’ doesn’t leave you.” And based on their performance, the musical indeed left a handprint on their hearts.

Ayala Land president and CEO Meean Dy, Sofia Zobel Elizalde, and Christopher Mohnani, Samsung Performing Arts Theater managing director and Circuit Makati Arts and Culture manager

As SPAT moves forward into another year, it continues to stand as a reminder of the power of live performances to bring people together. Like the journey beyond the Yellow Brick Road, SPAT’s story is far from over—there are still countless stages to grace, stories to tell, and memories to create.

“When this theater first opened its doors four years ago, it marked an important milestone, not only for Circuit Makati, but for the Philippine performing arts community,” Christopher said. “It was the first major cultural destination to take root in this estate, bringing to life our vision of Circuit Makati as a place where creativity, culture, and community come together. That vision continues to grow.”

Religion with politics?

 

By Nick Alviar

Published Jul 18, 2026 12:05 am | Updated Jul 17, 2026 04:27 pm

INCITING INSIGHTS

We woke up one day with a huge rally in EDSA on June 30 organized by the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) in support of one of its prominent members involved in politics, Senator Rodante Marcoleta. Reportedly without securing a permit beforehand from local authorities, that lightning organized protest of around 9,000 religious followers caught the police and traffic enforcers by surprise as thousands of daily EDSA commuters endured long hours of traffic and inconvenience travelling to and from work and school. According to news accounts, when authorities attempted to clear vehicles blocking EDSA-White Plains Avenue, tensions flared leading to confrontation and several arrests (“Thousands join INC rally on EDSA,” Manila Bulletin, 30 June 2026). The day before, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said that plunder charges against Sen. Marcoleta may be filed soon over alleged campaign donations during the 2025 elections which he did not disclose in his Statement of Contributions and Expenditures upon his own public admission aired on a TV program. The protest was also attended by several political figures, including Sens. Imee Marcos and Alan Peter Cayetano, who belong to the Senate minority bloc with Sen. Marcoleta. The rally continued the next day and then, moved to Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila on the third day.

Some political analysts interpret this as a show of force for government and politicians to realize the capability of the religious sect’s leaders to mobilize their followers within a short span of time to support a cause they have identified.

Two days earlier, on June 28, another religion-related rally was held in the same EDSA People Power Monument dubbed the White Ribbon March. Securing the required permit days before, Church and civil society groups called for government accountability amid the ongoing probe into flood control corruption scandals and impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte. Sticking to these issues, BAYAN President Renato Reyes emphasized that the protest is neither pro-Marcos nor pro-Duterte. The event started with a mass celebration presided over by Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Inter Religious Leaders’ Council for National Transformation lead convenor and Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo who called on government officials to stop being self-centered and embody the selflessness of Jesus Christ. “We believe that a better future can only be achieved through better politics, politics that serves the people’s interests, protects human dignity and is guided by justice rather than greed,” he said in a previous statement. Afterwards, personalities from various religious groups and civil society spoke about major political issues afflicting our country, particularly, corruption and the need to fight against it. The Philippine National Police (PNP) said that no untoward incident took place, and the gathering was generally peaceful. Although traffic slowed down a bit near the People Power Monument with barriers set up to manage the flow of vehicles on this no-work Sunday. It helped that motorists were previously advised to plan alternative routes so as not to inconvenience the public.

The contrast between the two religion-inspired rallies is noticeable in terms of organization, cause, and public reception. It is worth noting that the White Ribbon focused on political issues: corruption and accountability, is composed of diverse groups of civil society organizations fighting for change and reform including ideologically opposed groups like the Catholic Church and leftist movements but united by a common cause, and is generally peaceful according to the PNP, well planned with a secured permit on a Sunday.

The deeper question to be asked though is whether religious groups should be involved in politics. Must a religion which ideally should be helping people in their spiritual needs and is concerned about the afterlife support political agenda, confront secular issues such as impeachment and investigations on flood control anomalies, encourage followers to go to the streets to protest against the government, specify whom to vote during elections?

For the Catholic Church, there are documents, for example, the CBCP Pastoral Exhortation on Philippine Politics (1997), which provide clear-cut principles to guide the behavior of Catholics in politics. While Church leaders are discouraged from directly getting involved in purely political matters, the lay persons must realize their obligation to live their faith in public life, and to transform society following the Christian teachings on truth and justice, human dignity, common good, preferential option for the poor, solidarity and subsidiarity, fulfilling all these with personal freedom and responsibility … and creativity.

In this latter sense, yes religion may get involved in politics by providing guidelines on the moral and spiritual dimensions of politics, and by encouraging the lay persons to make them a reality.

Nicomedes ‘Nick’ Alviar, PhD is with the School of Politics and Governance, University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P).

Injured PH Eagle moved to rehab in Davao City

PHILIPPINE Eagle Sawaga-Dalwangan inside the isolation cage at the Philippine Eagle Center in Malagos, Davao City. (Keith Bacongco)

By Keith Bacongco

Published Jul 17, 2026 09:57 pm

DAVAO CITY – Fifteen days since it was captured, critically endangered Philippine Eagle Sawaga-Dalwangan is fast recovering and transferred to an isolation and rehabilitation facility at the Philippine Eagle Center in Barangay Malagos, Davao City, on Thursday evening, July 16.

However, during the pre-transfer check up at Doc Bayani's Animal Wellness Clinic, veterinarian Bayani Vandenbroeck discovered a fresh entry wound from an air gun pellet on the left thigh.

Sawaga-Dalwangan was rescued by an indigenous farmer in the forests of Barangay Dalwangan in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon on July 3.

The indigenous farmer, Marvin Linoy, turned over the eagle to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) which then handed it over to the Philippine Eagle Foundation.

Vandenbroeck recalled that the raptor was really in bad shape when it arrived in his clinic from Bukidnon on July 3.

But after two weeks of intensive monitoring and treatment, the eagle gradually regained its strength and demeanor, he said.

“When the eagle arrived, it was in an extremely critical condition. The team’s immediate priority was to address the wing injuries and remove the maggots while minimizing handling to avoid additional stress and further compromise to the bird’s condition,” recounted Vandenbroeck, veterinary consultant of the PEF.

He disclosed that the eagle was already aggressive when approached inside its temporary holding cage a few days after receiving treatment.

During the X-ray scan, veterinarians discovered air gun pellets lodged on the right wing and left thigh of the eagle.

The pellet on the wing has been removed while the other on the thigh is buried deep in its muscles, requiring major surgery to be removed.

On Thursday afternoon, PEF Director of Operations Dr. Jayson Ibañez said that Sawaga-Dalwangan was cleared from Newcastle Disease and Avian Influenza.

Ibañez said that these laboratory tests were required before the raptor could be transferred to the PEC.

He explained that the air gun pellet’s entry wound was not immediately discovered during initial checkup because the raptor could not be restrained for an extended period.

“The protocol for handling the Philippine Eagle is that it should not be too long as it might stress the bird. That explains why the wound was not immediately located because the bird was also heavily soiled at that time,” the seasoned conservationist pointed out.

Vandenbroeck recalled that feathers around the thigh injury were heavily caked with mud and dirt when the eagle was rescued, making the wound difficult to detect.

“After the bird was carefully washed and blow-dried, and as it regained strength and resumed its natural preening behavior, the wound became much more visible. Its fresh appearance suggests the injury was inflicted only recently before the eagle’s rescue,” he said.

Ibañez said they are awaiting the results of the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sexing test to confirm the gender of the rescued eagle.

With Sawaga-Dalwangan now in an isolation facility, the PEF said that human interaction will be kept to a minimum to reduce stress, support healing, and help maintain the eagle’s natural wild behavior and demeanor as it continues its recovery.

The PEF reiterated their call for a deeper investigation on Sawaga-Dalwangan's rescue.

DENR-10 Regional Wildlife Rescue Center veterinarian Rodner Tuquib said that he noted clinical signs of prolonged suffering on Sawaga-Dalwangan.

Based on his observation on the circulating photos of the eagle prior to turn over to the DENR in Bukidnon, Tuquib particularly noted the bird’s facial expression.

“The look on its face as if asking for help because it was not feeling well and the demeanor of an eagle with chronic wounds and myiasis,” the DENR resident veterinarian wrote on Facebook.

“It breaks my heart to see the photo of the Philippine Eagle in that condition and with reported maggot-infested wounds. The animal must have endured several days of suffering before intervention.”

Big-time oil price hike next week:

 

Big-time oil price hike next week: Diesel up by around ₱10, gasoline up over ₱3

Based on the four-day trading average of the Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS) and foreign exchange rates, local diesel prices are projected to rise next week by ₱9.50 to ₱10.50 per liter. Gasoline is also expected to increase, with forecasts pointing to an upward adjustment of ₱3.50 to ₱4.50 per liter. Read more

Filipiñana, a tale of a teenage golf caddy, set for New York screening

By Kristel Satumbaga-Villar

Published Jul 17, 2026 08:13 pm

At A Glance

• The film explores a satirical take on post-colonial class divisions through the story of Isabel, a teenage golf caddy who develops an attraction to Dr. Palanca, the president of the country club where she works.

Promotional film poster. (IMDB)

A 2026 coming-of-age film centered on a 17-year-old “tee girl” -- now known as a golf caddy -- is scheduled to open at New York City’s historic Film Forum next month.

“Filipiñana”, the feature film debut of writer-director Rafael Manuel, has quietly garnered accolades on the international film festival circuit since premiering at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, where it won the Special Jury Award for Creative Vision in the World Cinema category. The film was also nominated for the festival's Grand Jury Prize for Dramatic Features.

In May, Manuel also received the New Directors Award at the San Francisco International Film Festival for the movie.

The film explores a satirical take on post-colonial class divisions through the story of Isabel, a teenage golf caddy who develops an attraction to Dr. Palanca, the president of the country club where she works. Her infatuation takes a dark turn as she uncovers the violence lurking beneath the club’s polished facade and discovers a disturbing connection between them rooted in the past.

Cebu Pacific leases jet, crew to Vietnam Airlines

 

BY LOGAN KAL-EL M. ZAPANTA

JULY 17, 2026

Cebu Pacific is bracing for the lean travel season in the Philippines by deploying one of its Airbus A320neo aircraft, complete with its pilots and cabin crew, to Vietnam Airlines under a short-term lease agreement.

This agreement leverages the Gokongwei-led budget carrier’s 100-aircraft fleet and opens a new revenue stream by deploying capacity to other airlines rather than launching or expanding its own routes during periods of softer demand in the Philippines.

Under a wet lease, the aircraft owner provides not only the plane but also the cockpit and cabin crew.

HOW TO RESPECT YOURSELF

 

Eldito

 · 

Coach & Trainer. Never lose sight of your goal 

(1) Stop seeking those who do not seek you.

(2) Stop begging.

(3) Stop saying more than necessary.

(4) When people disrespect you, confront them immediately.

(5) Don’t eat more of others' food than they eat of yours.

(6) Limit how often you visit certain people, especially if they don’t reciprocate.

(7) Invest in yourself. Treat yourself well.

(8) Stop gossiping about others.

(9) Think before you speak. 80% of how people perceive you is based on what comes out of your mouth.

(10) Always present yourself in the best possible way. Dress as you wish to be treated.

(11) Be a winner. Focus on your goals.

(12) Respect your time.

(13) Don’t stay in a relationship where you don’t feel respected and valued. Walk away.

(14) Learn to spend money on yourself. That’s how people will learn to spend on you.

(15) Be rare sometimes.

(16) Be more of a giver than a receiver.

(17) Don’t go where you’re not invited. And when you are invited, don’t overstay your welcome.

(18) Treat people exactly as they deserve.

(19) Unless they owe you money, two attempts to call are enough. If they value you, they’ll call back.

(20) Be good at what you do. Be the best.

Junior Tigresses complete elims sweep, secure top semis seed

 Nicole Pelaez shines for UST. (SSL)

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published Jul 16, 2026 04:26 pm

University of Santo Tomas completed an elimination round sweep and locked the No. 1 seed in the semifinals after defeating erstwhile unbeaten St. John's Institute-Bacolod, 25-17, 25-23, in the 2026 Shakey's Juniors National Invitationals on Thursday, July 16, at the Playtime FilOil Arena in San Juan.

University of Santo Tomas completed an elimination round sweep and locked the No. 1 seed in the semifinals after defeating erstwhile unbeaten St. John’s Institute-Bacolod, 25-17, 25-23, in the 2026 Shakey’s Juniors National Invitationals on Thursday, July 16, at the Playtime FilOil Arena in San Juan.

Anelli Manzanillo played clutch in the closing stretch of the second set, scoring four of her team’s 5-2 finishing blow as the Junior Tigresses emerged unscathed after six starts in the elims of the tournament backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner, and R and B Milk Tea.

UST, which ruled the Shakey’s Girls Volleyball Invitational League (SGVIL) Rising Stars Cup Division 1 a couple of months ago, will take on the fourth-seeded squad in the knockout Final Four on Friday at the same venue starting at 4 p.m.

Nicole Pelaez scored all her 10 points on attacks while Manzanillo finished with eight markers on four kills and four kill blocks to lead the Junior Tigresses, who have yet to drop a set in the weeklong competition supported by Jetour, Baic, Eurotel, Victory Liner Rent & Go, F2 Logistics, Summit Natural Drinking Water, PusoP.com and Smart Sports.

“Natutunan po namin sa preliminaries na ito kung paano po talaga ibigay yung best effort namin para makuha yung isang puntos,” Manzanillo said.

“Alam namin nag-training din yung ibang team so dapat maibigay din namin yung tamang galaw and best talaga na maibibigay namin na laro,” she added.

UST encountered tough opposition from the Falcons in the second set and trailed SJI-Bacolod, 20-21, after a Kristel Mirasol hit.

Manzanillo took matters into her own hands and scored back-to-back kills before Pelaez smashed an attack for a 23-21 UST advantage.

Eliz Menchavez committed an attack error that gave the Falcons a breather but Manzanillo answered with a kill block to put UST at match point, 24-22.

SJI-Bacolod saved a match point on an error by the Junior Tigresses before Manzanillo capped the one-hour, five-minute victory with a kill block against Caera Celis.

The semis-bound Falcons saw their four-game winning streak snapped heading into their final elims match against Guam-based guest team Pacific Volleyball Academy, Inc. later in the day.

Celis was limited to just seven points while Edz Escultura and Eileen Yanson logged in five markers each for SJI-Bacolod, which shot itself in the foot with 18 errors.

All games in the competition, backed by technical partners Philippine Sports Commission, Commission on Higher Education, Mikasa, Asics, Rigour Technology and Team Rebel Sports, are available live and on-demand via PusoP.com livestream and Solar Sports.

Learning from Singapore

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published Jul 17, 2026 12:05 am | Updated Jul 16, 2026 05:16 pm

State visits and bilateral meetings are important, but they should never be judged by the warmth of diplomatic exchanges alone. Their true value lies in whether they improve the lives of ordinary people. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s meeting with Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong offers the Philippines more than another opportunity to strengthen diplomatic ties. It presents a timely reminder that meaningful partnerships must translate into meaningful progress.

Few countries offer lessons as compelling as Singapore. With a land area smaller than many Philippine provinces and virtually no significant natural resources, it transformed itself into one of the world's most prosperous, competitive, and well-governed nations. Its success did not happen overnight, nor was it a product of geography. It was built through visionary leadership, institutional integrity, policy continuity, meritocracy, and an unwavering commitment to efficiency and accountability.

The Philippines, by comparison, has no shortage of advantages. It is rich in natural resources, strategically located in the heart of Southeast Asia, and blessed with a young, talented, and resilient population. Yet these strengths have too often been undermined by inconsistent policies, bureaucratic inefficiency, political patronage, and missed opportunities. That reality makes closer cooperation with Singapore more than a diplomatic milestone. It makes it an opportunity to learn, adapt, and improve.

The two leaders’ commitment to deepen collaboration in trade, artificial intelligence, investments, healthcare, and social development reflects the priorities of a rapidly changing global economy. These are not simply fashionable topics. They are the foundations of future competitiveness. Singapore has demonstrated how digital transformation, efficient governance, and a predictable investment climate can attract global businesses while improving public services. The Philippines should study these successes with humility and apply them with determination.

Yet no memorandum of understanding, however promising, can substitute for political will. Stronger ties with Singapore will amount to little if agreements remain on paper or become casualties of bureaucratic inertia. The challenge before the Marcos administration is clear: convert diplomacy into measurable reforms. That means streamlining regulations, digitalizing government services, improving infrastructure, strengthening institutions, and ensuring that investments create quality jobs and inclusive growth.

The responsibility does not end in Malacañan. Every level of government has a stake in this national undertaking. Governors, mayors, city and municipal councils, and even barangay officials must foster a culture of transparency, professionalism, and service. Investors judge a country not only by its national policies but also by how efficiently permits are issued, how fairly regulations are enforced, and how responsive local governments are to the needs of businesses and communities.

The private sector must likewise rise to the occasion. Philippine companies should pursue innovation instead of complacency, invest in technology instead of shortcuts, and compete on quality instead of convenience. Partnerships with Singaporean enterprises should become avenues for knowledge transfer, workforce development, and higher standards of corporate governance.

Finally, every Filipino has a role beyond expecting the government to act. Progress requires citizens who value integrity, embrace continuous learning, support lawful and ethical practices, and demand accountability from those in power. National transformation is not achieved by leaders alone but by a society that shares responsibility for its future.

The Philippines has much to learn from Singapore, but admiration is not a development strategy. Action is. If this renewed partnership inspires reforms that strengthen governance, accelerate innovation, and expand opportunities for all, then this diplomatic engagement will be remembered not for the speeches delivered in Singapore, but for the progress realized in every Filipino community.

Are we up for the challenge? Yes, the Filipino can only if we are willing to adapt and embrace change.

Sarangani measure to fast-track earthquake rehab

 

GOV. Rogelio Pacquiao leads a recent PDRRMC meeting. (Sarangani PIO) 

By Keith Bacongco

Published Jul 16, 2026 05:44 pm

DAVAO CITY – The provincial government of Sarangani is crafting a measure to hasten rehabilitation efforts in

communities hit by the June 8 earthquake.

Gov. Rogelio Pacquiao said the provincial government is preparing a comprehensive package of interventions in the recovery phase.

Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (PDRRMO) Rene Punzalan endorsed before the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) a package of interventions for inclusion in the Supplemental Annual Investment Program (SAIP) No. 3 for CY 2026 and the Annual Investment Program (AIP) 2027.

The package includes the provision of humanitarian assistance to displaced families, cash-for-work program, construction of temporary learning spaces for schools, emergency shelter assistance for families whose homes were destroyed, and the formulation of the province’s comprehensive Earthquake Rehabilitation and Recovery Plan.

The PDRRMO said 47 were killed, three persons missing, and 262 injured from the earthquake. The tremor also affected 175,181 families, with 2,513 families still in evacuation centers.

The earthquake damaged 41,682 houses, of which 33,924 were partially damaged, and 7,758 were totally destroyed.

PDRRMO also reported damage to provincial roads reaching 3,900-linear meters.

Among the most heavily-affected towns in the province were Glan and Malapatan.

Pacquiao emphasized that rehabilitation efforts require a whole-of-government approach as well as a sustained collaboration among national agencies, local government units, development partners, and other stakeholders.

“We will rebuild what was lost, but we will build a stronger Sarangani,” the governor said.

Pacquiao said that the province's long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts should be strategic, well-coordinated, and responsive to the needs of affected communities.

The governor revealed that he has approved the reprogramming of portions of the unexpended Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (LDRRMF) for 2021, 2022, 2024, and 2025 to accelerate early recovery interventions for earthquake-affected families and communities.

The reprogramming of the fund will be utilized to sustain the support for learners through the Department of Education and assist communities affected by a recent typhoon.