Author: Nouman Ali

Actor Song Joong-ki made his first official public appearance alongside his wife Katy Louise Saunders, as the couple took the classical music stage together as narrators.

The couple appeared at Gaon Soloists’ seventh regular concert, titled ‘Kinderszenen,’ held on April 18 at the IBK Chamber Hall of the Seoul Arts Center, according to a YouTube video posted by the ensemble on Tuesday. The chamber group, which brings together musicians with and without disabilities, organized the event to mark the 46th Day of Persons with Disabilities.

During the performance, Song and Saunders served as narrators for the opening segment, reading a passage from Camille Saint-Saens’ The Carnival of the Animals, specifically ‘Introduction and Royal March of the Lion.’

In the video, Saunders begins the narration in English, followed by Song in Korean, as the two sit side by side on stage. Their reading, which lasted about one minute, conveyed a message about courage, loyalty and compassion, before giving way to the musicians’ performance.

The appearance marks the couple’s first official joint public engagement since their marriage. The two were introduced through mutual acquaintances in 2021 and registered their marriage in 2023, the same year they welcomed their first son. Their daughter was born in November the following year.

Former House Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez is still in the Philippines, according to his lawyer and spokesperson Ade Fajardo on Thursday.

In a statement, Romualdez’ camp acknowledged the precautionary hold departure order (PHDO) issued by the Sandiganbayan despite getting clearance from House Speaker Bojie Dy to travel to Singapore for a ‘long-overdue’ four-day medical check-up.

‘At the outset, we categorically clarify: Rep. Romualdez is in the Philippines and has not left the country. Any report or insinuation that he has fled is false and irresponsible,’ Fajardo stressed.

‘Rep. Romualdez followed the proper process. He sought and secured the necessary travel authority, and coordinated in good faith with the Department of Justice and the Bureau of Immigration,’ he added.

The Sandiganbayan issued the PHDO on Romualdez on Wednesday night, after a request by the Office of the Ombudsman to keep the ex-House leader in the country amid an investigation into his alleged involvement in the 2025 budget mess and the infrastructure corruption scandal.

‘Unfortunately, [Romualdez’ travel to Singapore] has been twisted to create a prejudicial narrative that he intended to flee,’ Fajardo maintained.

‘We will avail of all appropriate legal remedies to question the issuance of this order before the proper forum,’ he added.

The PHDO stemmed from a complaint-affidavit filed last Monday by the Ombudsman’s special panel of investigators to its Preliminary Investigation, Administrative Adjudication and Monitoring Office (PAMO).

In a statement on Wednesday, Fajardo said of the purported complaint, ‘We have not received any official copy of the alleged complaint from the Office of the Ombudsman.’

He added that their camp categorically and unequivocally denied any wrongdoing; and stressed that Romualdez ‘acted at all times within the bounds of [the] law.’

‘We expect due process to be observed. Once formally furnished, we will respond fully before the proper forum,’ Fajardo also said.

Sarah Geronimo, through her production unit, denied speculation that she is planning to enter politics after a viral video showing her asking fans to ‘vote’ for her.

In a statement on Wednesday, April 22, G Productions, founded by Geronimo and her husband Matteo Guidicelli, addressed circulating clips that fueled online buzz about the actress-singer’s possible election bid, or if she were campaigning for her namesake, Vice President Sara Duterte, who has expressed her intention to run for president in 2028.

‘We have seen a few clips making the rounds suggesting that Sarah is gearing up for the next election, or at least testing the waters,’ the company began.

The production company clarified that the moment was taken out of context, explaining that the video came from a live event where the singer made a playful remark during her closing spiel.

‘For context: the video came from a live event where, as part of her closing spiel, Sarah playfully asked the audience to vote for her in the next election,’ the statement continued. ‘It was a lighthearted moment meant purely for fun and crowd interaction.’

G Productions stressed that Geronimo has no political plans at present, emphasizing that she remains focused on her career as a performer.

‘Sarah is exactly where she wants to be – on stage, doing what she loves, and inspiring people through her talent and artistry,’ it said, urging the public to ‘enjoy the moment for what it was and resist adding any political color to an onstage joke.’

The clarification came after a clip circulated online showing Geronimo telling the audience at Earth Day Run 2026, ‘iboto niyo po ako sa susunod na election,’ prompting speculation that the pop star might be considering a political run, or quietly endorsing Duterte.

Geronimo has been making headlines after she consistently slammed and expressed frustration with the alleged corruption in the government linked to flood control projects.

But while she has remained neutral in her political views, her husband Matteo has been associated as supporter of Duterte’s father, former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte through his involvement as an Army reservist, and when he openly expressed admiration for the former Chief Executive.

The elder Duterte is currently incarcerated in the Hague, Netherlands and is facing trial for crimes against humanity in connection with alleged thousands of extrajudicial killings that were committed during his administration in line with his anti-drug war campaign.

Police arrested four men allegedly involved in fuel pilfering, locally known as ‘paihi,’ during a late-night operation on Wednesday in Alaminos, Laguna.

The Police Regional Office 4A said local police, assisted by barangay tanods (village watchmen), were conducting a routine patrol when they caught the suspects in the act of siphoning fuel from two tanker trucks along the Alaminos-Lipa City bypass road in Barangay San Miguel at around 11 p.m.

The suspects were identified by their aliases as ‘Roberto,’ 34; ‘Fernan,’ 33; and ‘Mark Paolo,’ 28 – all drivers – and a helper, ‘Jericho.’

Authorities said about 400 liters of petroleum products, valued at P40,000, had already been siphoned and transferred into a drum inside a Mitsubishi L300 van driven by Mark Paolo.

The theft is called ‘paihi,’ a Filipino term that refers to the act of urinating and now means siphoning fuel from a tank or depot.

The suspects were taken into custody and are set to face criminal charges.

The two tanker trucks and the van used in the operation were impounded.

Rising fuel costs amid the Middle East conflict forced the Department of Agriculture (DA) to delay by about one month the implementation of nationwide farm-to-market road (FMR) projects.

The agency originally targeted to begin construction of FMR projects in April. It received a budget allocation of P33 billion under the 2026 General Appropriations Act, covering 1,605 projects.

However, the DA plans to start the bidding process next month as it recalibrates construction costs.

‘We expect that by May, we will begin the procurement process for all these bidding activities,’ Agriculture Undersecretary Arrey Perez said in an interview.

Standardizing budget

Perez said the DA is closely coordinating with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to standardize the price per kilometer of FMR in the pipeline.

‘Our challenge now is that because fuel prices are rising, we cannot finalize the costing per kilometer of our road projects,’ he told reporters.

Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa, also the DA’s spokesperson, said: ‘If we insist on using the previous costing, the bidding will likely fail. We need to make the necessary adjustments to ensure that our procurement and implementation are successful.’

Despite these delays, Perez assured that the ongoing FMR projects being undertaken by other agencies would continue.

Takeover

The DA assumed responsibility for constructing FMR projects from the DPWH, effective this year, following corruption concerns over the government’s infrastructure projects.

Although the DA is the lead implementing agency, it is allowed to partner with government agencies, local government units or private entities to complete these projects.

The agency has adopted various measures to ensure transparency and proper implementation, such as auditing FMR projects and launching the FMR transparency portal, where stakeholders can monitor projects or report any issues.

Based on the DA’s digital portal, the government had invested P109.53 billion to develop FMR projects between 2021 and 2026 covering 6,428 projects.

Of these, 3,135 projects have been completed with a total length of 2,399.85 kilometers.

Cebu Landmasters Inc. (CLI) has expanded its hospitality footprint with the opening of Radisson RED Cebu Mandaue, marking the brand’s debut in the Philippines.

In a disclosure on Wednesday, CLI said the P1.99-billion development, operated through CLI Hotels and Resorts, introduces a lifestyle-focused hotel concept to Cebu while strengthening the company’s push to grow its recurring income base.

‘Bringing Radisson RED to Cebu marks the entry of a globally recognized brand into a market with strong and growing demand,’ said Mathias Bergundthal, first vice president for CLI Hotels and Resorts.

‘This reflects our focus on well located, thoughtfully designed developments that respond to evolving and diverse travel and lifestyle needs,’ Bergundthal said.

The 144-key hotel is located within Astra Centre, CLI’s mixed-use development along AS Fortuna Street in Mandaue City. It offers direct access to key business hubs such as Cebu IT Park and Cebu Business Park as well as Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

Cebuano-inspired

CLI said the project caters to both business and leisure travelers, with rooms featuring Cebuano-inspired contemporary design and practical amenities like high-speed connectivity and streaming-enabled TVs.

The hotel also features a range of lifestyle amenities, including OUIBAR+KTCHN, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, RED Deli for Asian takeaway and The RED Deck, a poolside bar.

Other facilities include a 24-hour fitness center, spa, swimming pool and flexible event spaces such as The Studio, The Loft and the RED Room.

Radisson RED Cebu Mandaue is CLI’s fifth operational hotel, joining Citadines Cebu City, lyf Cebu City, The Pad Co-Living and Citadines Bacolod City.

The launch supports CLI’s strategy to diversify beyond residential projects by expanding its hospitality portfolio.

The company currently has 10 hotel projects with 1,719 keys, of which 827 rooms are operational.

CLI said it continues to see opportunities in Visayas and Mindanao, with upcoming developments including Mercure Cebu Downtown and Citadines Paragon Davao.

Nickel Asia Corp. (NAC) is venturing into Kazakhstan by acquiring a 20-percent stake in a company with interest in a copper mine, seeking to expand its footprint across Asia.

The listed mining company signed an agreement with Silk Road Resources Ltd., a private entity incorporated under the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), a financial hub in Astana and East Copper Production LLP.

NAC did not disclose the acquisition cost when asked for additional information, but only said the deal involved acquiring a 20-percent stake in East Copper, the sole legal and beneficial owner of GRK MLD LLP.

GRK, in turn, holds subsoil use rights for the Karchiga copper mine in Kazakhstan. The copper deposit is situated within the Central Asian Orogenic Belt, a globally recognized highly mineralized metallogenic domain.

GRK has an annual production capacity of 8,500 tons of copper sulfide concentrate and 2,000 tons of copper cathode.

Robust industry

Data from the AIFC showed that Kazakhstan’s mining sector contributed more than 12 percent of the country’s gross domestic product, amounting to 16.1 million Kazakhstani Tenge. It accounted for one-third of exports.

AIFC also noted that Kazakhstan is one of the world’s top 10 copper producers, holding a market share of 3.2 percent.

NAC said the transaction supports a broader goal of diversifying its business and growing its presence across the region.

‘This investment supports the company’s strategy to expand market capitalization and earnings by evolving beyond nickel into a diversified natural resources development platform with a growing presence across Asia,’ the firm said in a disclosure on Wednesday.

Due diligence

The sale is subject to the completion of the due diligence on East Copper and GRK, along with other closing conditions and the necessary regulatory approvals.

NAC reported an attributable net income of P6.27 billion in 2025, a 312 percent surge from a year ago, due to strong export prices and higher sales.

Revenues from saprolite and limonite ore rose by 39 percent to P27.25 billion.

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) welcomed the appointment of former Interior Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento as the new presidential adviser on peace, reconciliation and unity.

‘We recognize an opportunity in his appointment for the substantial fulfillment of the CAB (Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro) and building the foundations of peace in the Bangsamoro,’ Mohagher Iqbal, MILF vice chair, said in a statement on Wednesday.

Iqbal said the MILF also expressed its gratitude to the contributions of former presidential peace adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. in the country’s peace efforts. Galvez took the post in 2018 after retiring from military service.

‘General Galvez has not merely been an official, but a partner to the MILF in the critical years of [CAB] implementation,’ he said.

Iqbal, who led the MILF in political negotiations with the government, noted that during the tenure of Galvez, the Mindanao peace process witnessed historic achievements like the passage of the Bangsamoro Organic Law and beginning the work on decommissioning.

‘Harder work’

‘What remains is the harder, less visible work: completing normalization, building fiscal and governance capacity in the BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao), ensuring that the Bangsamoro’s first parliamentary elections strengthen rather than fracture democratic legitimacy, and delivering development that reaches the communities most affected by decades of conflict,’ he said.

And for Iqbal and the MILF, this is where the new peace adviser fits in.

‘This is civilian work. It requires the kind of governance experience that Secretary Sarmiento brings-his understanding of municipal administration, regional development coordination, and national government and BARMM intergovernmental work,’ Iqbal said.

Happiness is often shaped not by grand milestones, but by everyday choices to move forward, help others, and create meaning despite life’s challenges. Through Happiest Pinoy, Cebuana Lhuillier continues to spotlight Filipinos whose stories reflect quiet resilience and purposeful optimism-demonstrating that even the simplest moments can inspire hope and positive change across communities. More than a recognition platform, Happiest Pinoy has grown into a nationwide advocacy that highlights how personal strength and service to others can create lasting impact.

Cebuana Lhuillier’s Happiest Pinoy winner continue to inspire through #SimpleJoysPH

As the initiative evolves into the digital space through #SimpleJoysPH, the journeys of past winners continue to resonate-showing how small acts of courage, gratitude, and kindness can influence others in meaningful ways.

One such story is that of Zacarias Mansing, the 2025 Happiest Pinoy awardee, whose life journey reflects how adversity can be transformed into purpose.

In 2012, Zacarias’s life changed dramatically after a car accident left him paralyzed from the chest down. What could have been defined by loss instead became a turning point. Choosing not to be limited by his circumstances, he redirected his experience into service-becoming a socio-civic volunteer, education advocate, and motivational speaker. Guided by his personal mantra, ‘Making a Difference Despite Disability-Inspiring People, Instilling Hope,’ Zacarias has consistently demonstrated how determination and optimism can create impact far beyond one’s own circumstances.

For Cebuana Lhuillier President and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier, stories like Zacarias’s reflect the deeper purpose of the initiative. ‘Happiest Pinoy highlights Filipinos who turn life’s challenges into opportunities to uplift others. Zacarias’s journey reminds us that happiness is not about circumstance-it is about choosing purpose, creating impact, and finding meaning in even the simplest moments.’

Since receiving the recognition in 2025, Zacarias has continued to expand his advocacy. His Books for Kids Project, which he launched in 2017, has now reached over 50,000 students across 300 public schools in Negros Oriental, promoting literacy while advancing awareness on disability inclusion. Through partnerships with schools and organizations, he delivers talks on resilience, leadership, and positive self-image-reaching diverse audiences from OWWA scholars to aspiring educators, school leaders, and senior high school students. His work reflects how individual purpose can translate into community impact.

For Zacarias, the recognition marked not an endpoint, but a renewed commitment to serve. He finds fulfillment in moments of gratitude, in supporting learners through education initiatives, and in seeing how encouragement can help others recognize their own potential. His experience reinforces a simple but powerful insight: meaningful impact often begins with small, intentional actions.

As Happiest Pinoy 2026 enters a fully digital chapter through #SimpleJoysPH, Cebuana Lhuillier continues to spotlight how everyday acts of resilience, generosity, and hope can create meaningful impact beyond individual stories. By amplifying journeys like Zacarias’s, the initiative underscores a simple but powerful truth: happiness is not defined by perfect circumstances, but by the choice to move forward with purpose and inspire positive change in others-even through life’s simplest moments.

Cebu’s island of Mactan has welcomed a new hotel development with the opening of Fairfield by Marriott Cebu Mactan, located within the newly launched Mahi Center in Lapu-Lapu City.

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The property expands Marriott International’s presence on the island, complementing existing developments such as Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort, also developed by AppleOne Group. Positioned a short drive from Mactan-Cebu International Airport, the hotel offers convenient access for both business and leisure travelers visiting the Visayas.

Positioned within Mactan’s economic zone

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Fairfield by Marriott Cebu Mactan is located in Barangay Ibo, Lapu-Lapu City, within the Mactan Economic Zone, placing it near key commercial and industrial hubs.

The hotel forms part of Mahi Center, a mixed-use development by AppleOne Group that integrates retail spaces, offices, and the nine-storey hotel. This setup allows guests access to dining, workspaces, and services within a single complex.

‘With Mahi Center taking shape, we knew the success of this ecosystem would be driven by the strength of our partnerships. The question was who we could trust to welcome the world to it-and the answer was Marriott International,’ said Samantha Manigsaca, Director and Vice President for Hospitality at AppleOne Group.

‘What drew AppleOne to Marriott was the recognition that we share the same values-a strong commitment to people, quality, and building something that earns trust over time. The partnership is grounded in that shared foundation,’ she added.

‘As Lapu-Lapu City continues to welcome more travelers, investors, and events, there is a growing need for hospitality experiences that reflect the ambition of the destination.’

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The development is also positioned as a PEZA-accredited mixed-use hub, integrating business, retail, and hospitality components within one site, as outlined in the launch of Mahi Center as a PEZA-accredited lifestyle and business hub.

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Its location also provides proximity to the Mactan Export Processing Zone, while remaining accessible to leisure destinations such as beaches, dive sites, and cultural landmarks across the island.

Guest rooms designed for work and rest

The hotel features 196 guest rooms across three categories: Standard Twin, Standard Queen, and Deluxe Queen.

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Room layouts are designed to accommodate both business and leisure stays, with designated areas for work, rest, and storage. The interiors draw from Fairfield’s brand concept, which emphasizes simplicity, functionality, and comfort.

‘The Fairfield brand is widely recognized around the world and is rooted in Marriott International’s history, which will mark its 100th year in 2027. It reflects values of simplicity, balance, and comfort-qualities we believe are well suited for both business and leisure travelers in Mactan, Cebu,’ said Bruce Winton, Area General Manager, Philippines at Marriott International.

Facilities for meetings and events

Fairfield by Marriott Cebu Mactan includes more than 250 square meters of meeting and event space, which can be configured into smaller venues for different group sizes.

These spaces are equipped with audiovisual capabilities and supported by on-site coordination teams for corporate meetings, training sessions, and social events. Catering services are available, with customizable menu options depending on event requirements.

Dining concept inspired by local flavors

The hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, DAVOS, is set to open this month. The restaurant’s name draws from the Cebuano word ‘dabos,’ referring to abundance.

Led by Executive Chef Marcel Ramos, the menu follows a ‘Coastal Filipino’ approach, incorporating regional ingredients and flavors into contemporary dishes. The restaurant highlights seafood and locally sourced produce, reflecting Mactan’s coastal setting.

Supporting tourism and local employment

The development reflects continued investment in Cebu’s tourism and business sectors, particularly in Lapu-Lapu City.

Through its operations, the hotel contributes to local employment across hospitality and support services, while also engaging suppliers within the region. Developments such as Mahi Center highlight how integrated spaces are being positioned to support both tourism and business activity.

As Cebu continues to expand its Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector, additional accommodation and event infrastructure help support demand from both local and international markets.

A new addition to Mactan’s hospitality landscape

Fairfield by Marriott Cebu Mactan adds to the range of accommodations available on the island, offering a location that connects business districts, transport access, and leisure destinations.

Integrated within Mahi Center, the property provides a centralized base for travelers visiting Cebu for work or leisure.

More information is available through the Marriott Bonvoy website and mobile app.