Category: Business Mirror

Government officials in Zambales have expressed optimism over natural hydrogen gas reserves found in the province and urged immediate preparations to explore and manage the two hydrogen seeps that could provide abundant clean energy and reshape the local economy.

This after Koloma Inc., reputedly the world’s leading natural hydrogen exploration company, was granted exclusive rights by the Philippine government on Thursday, July 23, to explore for native hydrogen here.

The US-based firm also received two service contracts from the government last October for natural hydrogen exploration in Central Luzon, and began a 2D seismic survey at the Los Fuegos Eternos natural gas seep site in Bugallon, Pangasinan, on July 10.

Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. said the provincial government began pushing for the development of local hydrogen sources and assessing long-term impacts of the project after the Department of Science and Technology’s Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) identified significant hydrogen sources in San Antonio and Botolan towns in June last year.

The governor said local officials, including San Antonio Mayor Arvin Antipolo and Botolan Mayor Jun Omar Ebdane, see Zambales at the forefront of the government’s drive to develop alternative energy sources, as well as better economic prospects for the province, once the hydrogen reserves are tapped.

‘If Saudi Arabia became a rich country [because of oil reserves], why can’t we with hydrogen, as long as we manage it properly?’ the governor wondered aloud during a stakeholders’ meeting organized by DOST-PNRI on June 3 in San Antonio town.

‘This is not just about discovering a resource. It is about preparing Zambales for a cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable future,’ Ebdane added.

Highest outgassing in the world

THE local gas seeps, also known as ‘outgassing,’ were identified in a groundbreaking study of native geologic hydrogen conducted by the DOST-PNRI under the Hydrogen SEEP, or Surface Exploration and Evaluation of Native Hydrogen Project.

Geologic hydrogen, also known as ‘white’ hydrogen, refers to naturally occurring hydrogen trapped underground and formed through the interaction of water with iron-rich rocks in ophiolite belts.

Ophiolites, which are formed by the uplifting of the Earth’s crust, are known to act as ‘chemical reactors’ for producing white hydrogen through serpentinization. This chemical reaction removes oxygen from the water and locks it into the rock minerals, thus releasing hydrogen gas.

Dr. Karmina A. Aquino, a geological chemist and a Science and Technology fellow who leads the Hydrogen SEEP team, said they recorded at least 808 tons of natural surface outgassing per year from the Nagsasa seep in San Antonio alone.

The Nagsasa flow rate reportedly surpassed the previous outgassing record of 200 tons per year from the Bulqizë chromite mine in Albania, where geologists discovered 80 percent pure hydrogen gas bubbling from underground pools in 2024.

Even with its recorded flow rate of just 200 tons, the geologic fault under the Albanian mine may contain a massive reserve of 5,000 to 50,000 tons of hydrogen, scientists said.

At the outset, Aquino estimated that surface outgassing from the Nagsasa seep may generate from 12,861 to 15,185 megawatt-hour (MWh) per year, which is equivalent to 42 percent of the estimated 36,600 MWh demand of host town San Antonio.

Tapping this freely available energy resource would be beneficial for the communities near the seep, which is currently not connected to the grid, she also said.

Economic potential

THE discovery of white hydrogen reserves in Zambales sets the stage for the development of an indigenous clean energy program amid mounting calls to steer away from dirty fossil fuels and transition to energy sources without much carbon footprint.

As a naturally occurring resource, native geological hydrogen fits the bill. It is highly prized as a clean, primary energy source with production costs far cheaper than manufactured ‘green’ or ‘gray’ hydrogen.

Experts believe that natural ‘white’ hydrogen, which is extracted directly from the ground and bypasses the industrial electrolysis or gasification stages, could potentially be produced at under $1 per kilogram.

Currently, ‘gray’ hydrogen, which is the most widely used form today, only costs from $1.50 to $2.50/kg to produce.

However, processing gray hydrogen by breaking down biomethane gas to yield a hydrogen-rich mixture of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide leaves a staggering carbon footprint, as from 9 to 12 tons of carbon dioxide is released into the air for each ton of gray hydrogen produced.

‘Green’ hydrogen, on the other hand, is produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis using renewable energy like solar or wind.

While no carbon emissions are generated in this process, production cost is usually high because it requires from 50 to 55 Kilowatt-hours of electricity to produce just one kilogram of green hydrogen.

According to data from Energy Solutions Intelligence (ESI), which monitors the energy market, green hydrogen is produced in the United States at a cost of from $4.50 to $6.50/kg and from $5.50 to $7.50/kg in Europe.

In the Middle East and North Africa production is lower at $2.80 to $4.20/kg because of cheap solar power purchase agreements and subsidized capital, the ESI said.

White is way better: cheaper, zero carbon

With cheaper production cost and zero carbon footprint, white hydrogen promises to be the energy source of the future.

According to estimates by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), there is approximately 5 million megatons of geologic hydrogen in the world.

Even if only 2 percent of this could be recovered, successful extraction would produce about 100,000 megatons, which could supply the projected global energy demands for more than 200 years, the USGS said.

Further study and exploration

WHILE the DOST-PNRI study identified several sources of geologic hydrogen in the Philippines, further exploration is needed to ascertain the commercial viability of tapping these energy sources, experts said.

Koloma, Inc., which is expanding its hydrogen exploration program into Zambales, described the Philippines as having ‘some of the best-documented natural hydrogen data in the world, making it one of the most promising settings for exploration.’

‘A discovery of commercial-scale natural hydrogen would give the Philippines a domestic, primary energy source and position it as a regional energy hub,’ Koloma said in a statement on Thursday.

The DOST-PNRI’s Hydrogen SEEP team first measured the outgassing rate of natural hydrogen in Zambales because it is more accessible than the other sites like Palawan.

‘In the Philippines, there are known sites, and we know there is hydrogen there, but we don’t know how much we can get and if it’s worth pursuing and if it’s economical,’ Aquino said following the release of the DOST-PNRI study last year.

‘We knew this for so long. Actually, the Philippines is one of the original sites for geologic hydrogen, as early as 1980s or earlier,’ Aquino added.

Another scientific study published by the USGS in 1989 had also identified Zambales as the location of the one of the world’s best-exposed and least-disturbed ophiolite belts.

The Zambales Ophiolite Complex (ZOC) is said to span about 160 kilometers from north to south of the province and is divided into three massifs, which, in geological terms, are distinct, independent sections of the Earth’s crust defined by faults.

These massifs, which contain large, solid blocks of highly compacted rock that are highly resistant to erosion and folding, are found in the towns of Masinloc, Cabangan, and Antonio.

Long-term preparations

GIVEN the extensive studies required to finally exploit local hydrogen reserves, Gov. Ebdane has called for the development of local expertise in preparations for the scientific development of native hydrogen.

‘If Zambales will play a major role in this field, we need local geologists, researchers, engineers, and professionals who can help us understand, protect, and develop this resource properly,’ the governor pointed out.

San Antonio Mayor Arvin Antipolo, meanwhile, said the town government has coordinated with the Department of Energy (DOE) and the DOST to validate and study the hydrogen deposits at Nagsasa.

In a media briefing in April, Antipolo said that developing the local hydrogen sources could reshape the municipality’s economic future.

For this, he said the LGU is also pushing for key hydrogen development infrastructure to be located within the town for the LGU to generate revenues through real property taxes and strengthen its Special Education Fund.

Antipolo also said they have also institutionalized preparations for the hydrogen project by creating the San Antonio Green and Renewable Energy Council (Sagrec) and the San Antonio Green and Renewable Energy Investment Board (Sagreib).

He said these bodies are expected to facilitate policy direction, attract investors, and ensure that infrastructure developments related to the development of the Nagsasa seep will directly benefit the host community.

Philippine Manufacturing Week 2026 brought together a comprehensive showcase of manufacturing technologies and innovations at the World Trade Center Metro Manila.

Concluding today, July 25, the three-day event features the 3rd Auto Parts and Vehicles Expo Philippines (APVE) 2026 and the 12th Philippine Die and Mould Machinery and Equipment Exhibition (PDMEX), creating an integrated platform for the country’s automotive aftermarket, manufacturing, and precision-engineering industries.

Philippine Manufacturing Week serves as a major business-to-business platform covering the manufacturing value chain-from automotive aftermarket solutions to precision die and mould machinery. The event provides opportunities for industry professionals to explore advanced technologies, establish strategic partnerships, and contribute to the future of Philippine manufacturing.

GOVERNMENT LEADERS EMPHASIZE MANUFACTURING’S STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE

The opening ceremony was graced by distinguished government officials who underscored the critical role of manufacturing in the nation’s economic development.

Ms. Vivian Santos, Deputy Director General for Operations, representing the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), emphasized the agency’s commitment to strengthening the manufacturing sector through strategic incentives, infrastructure development, and policy support aimed at positioning the Philippines as a competitive manufacturing hub in the ASEAN region.

Mr. Ferdinand Jesus Ortega, Chairperson of the Cooperative Development Authority, highlighted the agency’s dedication to empowering transport cooperatives and automotive enterprises through capacity-building programs and financial mechanisms. His remarks reinforced the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment in which both large-scale manufacturers and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) can thrive in the automotive and manufacturing sectors.

The third edition of the Auto Parts and Vehicles Expo Philippines demonstrates the event’s continued growth, reflecting increasing market demand for automotive aftermarket solutions in

the country. This year’s exhibition features an expanded portfolio, with exhibitors from several countries and international pavilions representing China, Taiwan, and Thailand.

The diverse participation underscores the Philippines’ growing importance as a strategic market for automotive components and aftermarket services in Southeast Asia.

Now in its 12th edition, the Philippine Die and Mould Machinery and Equipment Exhibition is co-organized by the Philippine Die and Mold Association (PDMA) and Informa Markets. It brings together leading experts and solution providers in precision tooling.

Die and mould machinery forms a critical foundation of the manufacturing sector, supporting the production of goods ranging from automotive components to consumer electronics. PDMEX addresses the industry’s need for advanced tooling technologies, precision-engineering solutions, and knowledge transfer to enhance the global competitiveness of Philippine manufacturers.

STRATEGIC CO-LOCATION CREATES INDUSTRY SYNERGY

‘The co-location of APVE and PDMEX under Philippine Manufacturing Week represents a strategic milestone in our commitment to advancing the Philippine manufacturing ecosystem,’ said Ms. Rungphech Chitanuwat, Country General Manager of Informa Markets Philippines. ‘By bringing together the automotive aftermarket and die and mould industries, we are creating powerful synergies that showcase the interconnected nature of modern manufacturing. This integrated approach enables our exhibitors and visitors to explore the complete value chain-from precision tooling and component manufacturing to aftermarket distribution and service-all under one roof.

‘We are proud to facilitate the connections and knowledge exchange that will drive innovation and growth across these vital sectors,’ she added.

Philippine Manufacturing Week 2026 features its most comprehensive conference program to date, with expert-led sessions addressing the key challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

APVE conference highlights include:

Electric Vehicle Technology and Infrastructure Development

MSME loan programs offered by the Small Business Corporation and tailored for transport cooperatives

Automotive Trends and Aftermarket Opportunities

Trucking Industry Modernization and Fleet Management

Auto Components Driving Philippine Manufacturing, featuring insights from PEZA

PDMEX sessions focus on:

Die and Mould Industry Trends and Future Outlook

Robotics Integration in Manufacturing

Advanced Welding Technologies and Applications

Precision Engineering and Quality Control

Digital Transformation in Tooling and Manufacturing

Philippine Manufacturing Week 2026 is expected to welcome approximately 8,000 industry professionals, including manufacturers, distributors, procurement specialists, engineers, and government representatives. The strong attendance reflects the event’s growing reputation as an important platform for business development, technology sourcing, and industry networking.

The event is supported by key government agencies and industry organizations committed to advancing the country’s manufacturing sector. Supporting government agencies include the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), among others.

These partnerships, together with strong industry collaboration, contribute to the development of policies, programs, and initiatives aimed at enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of Philippine manufacturing.

APVE and PDMEX run from July 23 to 25, 2026, at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City. The events are open to industry professionals and offer opportunities to discover innovative solutions, connect with global suppliers, and gain insights that can drive business growth across the automotive aftermarket and manufacturing industries.

Choco Mucho’s Ayesha Juegos and Ivy Perez attend to a cramping Madeleine Madayag during their Premier Volleyball League On Tour match against PLDT on Saturday night at the Chavit Coliseum in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.

The Flying Titans, however, yield to the reigning titlist High Speed Hitters, 25-21, 20-25, 29-27, 25-18, for their second straight loss.

Pope Leo XIV has conferred the ‘Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice’ medal on Our Lady of Manaoag devotee Darlene Zshornack, who received the honor during a Mass at the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag in Pangasinan on July 18.

Archbishop Socrates Villegas of Lingayen-Dagupan presided over the Mass, concelebrated by Bishop Rufino Sescon Jr. of Balanga and about 50 priests from various dioceses and religious congregations.

Also in attendance were members of the Missionaries of Charity, the Sisters of the Abandoned Elderly, the Oblates of St. Joseph, seminarians and beneficiaries of Zshornack’s charitable work.

In his homily, the archbishop said gratitude lies at the heart of Christian holiness.

‘Gratitude is holiness. That is why our Holy Church, our Holy Mother, recognizes with gratitude the generosity of one of her daughters,’ Villegas said.

He said the greatest gift God offers the faithful is not a medal but the Body of Christ in the Eucharist, the fullest expression of God’s love and thanksgiving.

Zshornack, a Manila resident who is also devoted to the Black Nazarene in Quiapo Church, said her devotion to Our Lady of Manaoag grew through her faith and inspired her commitment to serving the Church and the poor.

Thanking the pope and the archbishop, she said she regarded the medal not simply as a recognition but as a renewed call to serve God’s people with greater love.

The Zshornack family has supported churches and religious congregations across the Philippines through various charitable projects, including preparations for the April 22 centennial of the canonical coronation of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag.

The Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal, Latin for ‘For the Church and the Pope,’ is one of the distinguished papal honors that can be conferred on clergy and laypeople for distinguished service to the Catholic Church.

Pope Leo XIII established the award in 1888 to recognize those who helped organize the celebration of his golden sacerdotal jubilee and the Vatican Exhibition during his pontificate. CBCP News

The past year reminded Central Visayas that resilience cannot rely on response alone.

Following a series of destructive natural hazards that affected parts of Cebu and neighboring provinces, conversations have shifted toward preparedness not only through disaster response, but through science, technology and innovation that can help communities anticipate risks, strengthen industries and improve public services.

That vision took center stage during the 2026 Regional Science, Technology and Innovation Week (RSTW) in Cebu City on July 13, where government agencies, researchers, local governments, universities, startups and businesses gathered to showcase how scientific research can move beyond laboratories and into everyday life.

For Science Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., innovation is no longer simply about developing new technologies. It is about building communities that are ready for tomorrow.

‘Let the 2026 RSTW in Central Visayas show that productivity, knowledge creation, and future readiness are parts of one national journey,’ Solidum said during the opening ceremony.

‘Let Central Visayas demonstrate how regions can lead that journey-with enterprises willing to innovate, researchers willing to respond, institutions willing to collaborate, local governments willing to use evidence, and young people ready to create,’ he added.

His message comes as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) pushes for stronger regional innovation ecosystems, recognizing that solutions are often most effective when developed close to the communities they intend to serve.

‘Sa katawhan gihapon’ (for the people still)

DOST Central Visayas Regional Director Tristan Abando explained how the annual science week represents something much larger than an exhibition of new technologies.

It is a gathering of the region’s entire science, technology and innovation ecosystem.

‘RSTW is not merely a DOST event but a celebration of the entire science, technology and innovation ecosystem of the region,’ Abando said.

He noted that many successful innovations begin with simple conversations among different sectors before evolving into technologies, enterprises and services that address local concerns. ‘By bringing together key players from various sectors, RSTW provides a venue for building new partnerships and strengthening existing ones that can help address the region’s pressing development concerns.’

Among the technologies featured during the three-day event are the Fuel Cell Research and Development and Testing Center, Bamboo Octagonal Jointing System, Wood Identification Services, Automatic Weather Station, Radiosonde Transmitter, BANATECH, Smarter Pest Identification Technology (SPIDTech), AGOS Digital Signing App, and Payruler.

The exhibition also highlighted DOST-assisted enterprises, including Cebu-based bakery and food manufacturer Magic Melt, which integrated a solar photovoltaic system into its production facility through DOST support.

While the technologies vary widely, they point toward a common objective: using science to solve practical problems faced by industries, communities and local governments.

‘Karon ug ugma’ (today and tomorrow)

CENTRAL Visayas is in a unique position to demonstrate how national science and innovation strategies can be translated into local action, Solidum said.

Among the initiatives he highlighted is the Smart and Sustainable Communities Roadmap, which encourages local governments to use data in planning and delivering public services.

Another is the Central Visayas Drone Industry Development Action Plan, which seeks to strengthen technical skills, regulation and public-service applications for drone technologies in the region.

The Science Discovery Center, meanwhile, aims to cultivate scientific curiosity among younger Filipinos and encourage greater participation in science and technology.

‘These are not isolated projects; they are the building blocks of an innovation ecosystem felt by every citizen,’ Solidum said.

He added that science-based interventions also have implications beyond research, particularly in strengthening food security.

According to the DOST chief, helping food processors, farmers, fisherfolk and agri-based enterprises improve productivity, reduce losses and strengthen supply chains could make communities more resilient to disruptions caused by natural hazards and changing market conditions.

‘By enhancing the competitiveness of local industries, science and technology can help ensure a more stable and accessible food supply even amid disruptions caused by natural hazards and changing market conditions,’ he said.

‘Tabang sa tinguha’ (assistance in achieving a goal)

BEYOND showcasing technologies, DOST is also expanding assistance for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) seeking to adopt innovation.

During the RSTW opening news conference, Solidum said the agency continues to strengthen its long-running Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), which provides qualified businesses with financial assistance of up to P5 million, alongside technical guidance throughout implementation.

Repayment begins only after one year and is spread over three years without interest.

For businesses requiring larger investments, DOST has partnered with LandBank to provide additional financing for qualified enterprises, with loans ranging from around P5 million to as much as P50 million or P100 million, depending on project requirements.

The agency also administers the Startup Grant Fund, which supports research and development activities before technologies become commercially viable.

Meanwhile, companies facing operational challenges but lacking in-house research capabilities may partner with universities through DOST-funded research collaborations, while research-intensive firms may receive assistance in acquiring specialized equipment.

Solidum said these initiatives are complemented by the country’s growing network of 84 innovation hubs, which provide technical mentoring, networking opportunities and business guidance for startups and MSMEs.

The goal, he said, is to ensure innovators receive support from idea generation to commercialization.

Really, the message of the RSTW in Central Visayas is clear: being andam ugma (ready tomorrow) begins with turning science into solutions that communities can use today.

When it was announced that P-Pop phenom SB19 would play at this year’s Lollapalooza festival in Chicago, the A’Tin fan community erupted with such ecstatic joy, fueling brave predictions that the song-and-dance fivesome would ‘slay’ the competition. At the time, it appeared like premature conjecture given the fact that the headliners of the four-day event included Charli XCX, Lorde, The xx and The Smashing Pumpkins.

As SB 19 finally got their slot at the Allianz stage on July 30, the first day of the festival, the hoopla about their upcoming Lollapalooza stint seemed to have been filtered out of the daily outpouring on social media of their rise from the sidelines to the mainstream by dint of hard work and, oh, their undoubtedly great songs. Though this corner wouldn’t speculate on how the initial breast-beating got lost in the shambles, let’s rather take a quick look at the four other groups who would also make their first stand at the Allianz stage.

The day’s opening act, Pearly Drops, the duo of Sandra Tervonen and Juuso Mal, will offer a glimpse of the artful, eclectic side of Finland’s underground music scene. Their latest album titled ‘The Voices Are Coming Back’ has critics dropping references to the weirdness of a David Lynch movie, the music of The Cure and Goth, as well as electroclash and indie disco. Live, Pearly Drops graft disco nostalgia to the more experimental edge of tech-driven music.

Next on the bill will be Australia’s five-man riot act Bad Nerves, whose fleet-footed, hook-filled garage punk-pop has Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong endorsing them as ‘the best band in England right now.’ Of their new album titled ‘Still Nervous,’ Kerrang! observes ‘they take lean garage punk riffs, triple the speed, then throw them in a blender with a full complement of roughshod vocal harmonies, hand-claps and simple, catchy choruses.’ In concert, Bad Nerves push their audience to be as disorderly as possible, with the moshpit central to the nerve-wracking experience.

Our very own P-Pop kings SB19 are smack right in the middle of the five-ring spectacle, raring to make history as the first Filipino group to perform at Lollapalooza.

Singer-songwriter Audrey Hobert will follow our P-Pop royalty. Hobert’s exciting debut titled ‘Who’s the Clown? sees her as one of pop’s smartest up-and-coming stars, delivering synth-heavy bangers, glossy hooks, and brooding acoustic numbers about longing and moving on. Performing live, Audrey Hobert dishes out empowering ear-benders packed with wit, energy and style.

UK’s Wet Leg, the duo of Rhian Teasdale and guitarist and co-writer Hester Chamber, will cap the Allianz stage extravaganza. Wet Leg’s eponymous debut went gold in the UK, made the US Top 20 and won two Brits and two of the three Grammys it was nominated for. Musically, their latest album titled ‘moisturizer’ has Pitchfork calling the record ‘as dazzlingly earnest as it is wry, displaying the staying power of a band that will outlast a sense of novelty.’ In live performances, Wet Leg build a ringing wall of sound from their thundering alternative anthems.

Besides Allianz, there are six other stages on Lollapalooza’s Day 1 featuring equally formidable musical acts from Lorde to Empire of the Sun to Blood Orange to the Viagra Boys.

Catch the Lollapalooza 2026 festival LIVE from the comfort of your home, streaming exclusively on Disney+ from July 31 to August 3, 2026, with the stream starting at 3:45 AM daily.

The Ad Sales Manager found himself in a fix. One of the major sponsors was having second thoughts about the amount of support for their upcoming event.

Over the years, clinching corporate sponsorships for literary awards had become more difficult as marketing budgets shifted from prestige-driven, cultural events toward highly popular, large-scale crowd-pleasers that enjoyed the widest possible audience.

It didn’t help that the country was experiencing an economic downturn. Consequently, the annual Nick Joaquin Literary Awards (NJLA), which typically incurs a million-peso expense, might need to be scaled down for 2026.

They may have to eliminate the livestreaming, which costs P50,000. Perhaps they can forgo the Graphic Reader covers exhibit this year and reduce the guest list. However, despite these cutbacks, NJLA 2026 will definitely push through on August 27 at the Luxent Hotel in Quezon City.

BEST IN SHORT FICTION, POETRY

Media tycoon and ‘Komiks King’ Don Ramon Roces founded the Graphic in 1927. Ownership passed to industrialist J. Antonio Araneta in 1965 until the magazine’s closure in 1972 during the time of martial law. Its third owner, the late Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua-a business mogul and philanthropist-revived the Graphic in 1990.

Under three different owners, the Graphic gave space to Philippine poetry and short fiction written in English, while providing coverage of critical issues. The publication also established several awards, including the Graphic Short Story Prizes (1927-1965) and the Graphic Weekly Literary Awards (1965-2004). Today, it continues this legacy with the Nick Joaquin Literary Awards (NJLA).

The NJLA is named in honor of Nick Joaquin, a National Artist for Literature and the first Editor-in-Chief of the Philippines Graphic when it was revived in 1990, who passed away in 2004.

Deeply committed to promoting Philippine Literature in English, the magazine lent brilliance to the then budding writing careers of soon-to-be literary greats like National Artists for Literature Jose Garcia Villa, NVM Gonzales, and Bienvenido Lumbera; Bienvenido N. Santos, Estrella Alfon, Sinai C. Hamada, Edilberto K. Tiempo, Gregorio Brillantes, and many more.

Except for a two-year lull during the COVID-19 pandemic, the NJLA continues to give awards of recognition and cash prizes to the best short stories published in the magazine.

The annual awards added the Poet of the Year in 2013 to honor the wordsmith with the best poem featured in the Graphic. Its first winner was the late Bicolano poet Marne Kilates.

In 2022, the Graphic released the Philippines Graphic Reader. Edited and curated by trilingual multi-awarded poet and essayist Marra PL. Lanot, the Graphic Reader is the only monthly magazine in the country today that is completely devoted to publishing short stories and poems written in English by budding and veteran Filipino writers and poets.

Every month, it features in its pages four short stories and four poems selected from literary submissions to the magazine-matched by the colorful illustrations of visual artists that grace its covers, with support from Graphic Reader Creative Director Ed Davad and Creative Design Consultant Ces Cabangon.

In 2024, this marriage of creative word and visual artistry was celebrated with an exhibit of all 12 Graphic Reader covers, rendered by talented illustrators Randy Constantino and Ardie Aquino. Noted visual artist Jimbo Albano executed the companion magazine’s inside illustrations.

GRAPHIC SALUTE, OUTREACH

In 2023, the NJLA launched the Graphic Salute tradition. An essential part of the NJLA program, the Graphic Salute formally introduced to the public the poets and short fictionists featured in the Graphic Reader.’

T. Anthony C. Cabangon, publisher of the Philippines Graphic and the Philippines Graphic Reader explained it best. ‘Publication is the first hurdle of a writer who wants the public to read his or her work. Publication is the first level of the competition for public awareness. To breeze past the line-up of a hundred or more writers who submitted their works; to have your work chosen for publication-that is no mean feat. That deserves a Graphic Salute.’

The following year, in April 2024, the Graphic launched its provincial outreach by way of the NJLA-Local Government Unit (LGU) Advocacy for English and Literature project.

The project aims to improve English proficiency and foster a love for reading among public high school students through the Philippines Graphic Reader.

Among its early LGU partners: Mayor Arth Jhun Aguilar Marasigan, City of Sto. Tomas, Batangas; Mayor Angelo ‘Gel’ Alonte, Biñan City in Laguna; and Mayor Art Joseph Francis Mercado in San Pedro, Laguna.

NJLA 2026

This year, the NJLA will fete 75 Graphic Salute Awardees, translating to 47 short stories and 46 poems.

It will give plaques and cash awards to the Poet of the Year (P15,000) and to the authors of the top short stories of the year: 1st prize (P50,000), 2nd prize (P30,000), and 3rd prize (P20,000). NJLA 2026 entries will be judged by award-winning literary writers Susan S. Lara (panel chair), Jose Wendell Capili (guest judge), and Marra PL. Lanot (judge and Graphic Reader Editor).

Pope Leo XIV has appointed another Chinese bishop under the agreement on episcopal appointments reached between the Holy See and authorities in Beijing during the pontificate of Pope Francis.

Father Joseph Chang Yanfeng was ordained Wednesday as the new bishop of Chifeng in China’s Inner Mongolia region, the Vatican announced. Pope Leo approved the appointment June 15.

The Holy See said the appointment was made within the framework of the provisional agreement between the Holy See and the People’s Republic of China, under which the pope approved the candidate presented for the diocese.

Chang had overseen the local Church since October 2021, when he was appointed diocesan administrator.

Formation in China and South Korea

The new bishop was born April 4, 1984, in Beizhen in China’s Liaoning province. He studied at the Shenyang Theological Seminary from 2000 to 2006.

After a period of pastoral work at Lindong Parish, he continued his academic formation at the Catholic University of Daejeon in South Korea, where he earned a degree in biblical theology.

He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Chifeng on November 18, 2010.

During the early years of his ministry, he held several positions in the diocesan curia and served in a number of parishes. He was pastor of Chifeng Cathedral from 2013 to 2019 and later served at Lindong Parish from 2019 to 2021.

He was appointed diocesan administrator of Chifeng on Oct. 15, 2021, a responsibility he held until his episcopal appointment.

Dialogue between Rome and Beijing

The appointment was made through the continuing dialogue over the implementation of the Holy See-China agreement, signed in 2018 to establish a mutually accepted process for selecting bishops.

The appointment of bishops belongs to the pope, while Beijing had for decades regarded papal appointments as interference in China’s internal affairs.

The Holy See and China have not maintained diplomatic relations since 1951, following the establishment of Mao Zedong’s communist government.

Chinese Catholics subsequently became divided between communities registered with the state-controlled Catholic Patriotic Association and underground communities that remained loyal to Rome.

The full text of the 2018 agreement has never been made public. It was renewed every two years until 2024, when the two sides extended it for another four years, through 2028.

Under the terms that have become publicly known, the pope retains final authority over episcopal appointments in China and can reject candidates proposed by Beijing. The Holy See, for its part, has agreed not to make episcopal appointments without first obtaining the Chinese government’s approval.

Tensions during the papal interregnum

During the interregnum between the death of Pope Francis and the election of Pope Leo XIV, Chinese authorities proceeded unilaterally with the selection of two bishops, including one for a jurisdiction already led by a prelate recognized by the Vatican.

On April 28, 2025, Father Ignatius Wu Jianlin was elected auxiliary bishop of Shanghai by state-controlled Church bodies. The following day, Father Francis Li Jianlin was selected to lead Xinxiang in Henan province.

The latter decision caused controversy because the Holy See already recognized Bishop Joseph Zhang Weizhu as the legitimate bishop of that local Church.

Although the selections may have been planned before Francis’ death, their timing attracted attention. AsiaNews reported that the decisions conveyed the Chinese Communist Party’s position that a vacancy in the Apostolic See would not interrupt the operation of the Catholic Church in China.

With Chang’s appointment and episcopal ordination, 15 Catholic bishops have now been ordained under the provisional agreement signed by China and the Holy See during the pontificate of Francis.

Chinese appointments under Pope Leo XIV

The process leading to Chang’s appointment and ordination took place entirely during the pontificate of Leo XIV, providing another indication that the pope intends to continue the path of dialogue between Rome and Beijing.

Since the beginning of his pontificate, Leo has made several episcopal appointments in China and assigned new responsibilities to bishops who had already been ordained.

On June 11, 2025, the Vatican announced the civil recognition and installation of Bishop Joseph Lin Yuntuan as auxiliary bishop of Fuzhou in Fujian province. Leo had appointed him June 5.

On July 8, 2025, the pope suppressed the dioceses of Xuanhua and Xiwanzi, which Pope Pius XII had established in 1946, and created the new Diocese of Zhangjiakou as a suffragan see of Beijing.

Two months later, on September 10, Father Joseph Wang Zhengui, whom the pope had appointed to lead the new diocese, was ordained a bishop.

Father Ignatius Wu Jianlin was ordained auxiliary bishop of Shanghai on October 15, 2025, after Leo appointed him on August 11.

Father Francis Li Jianlin was ordained to lead the Apostolic Prefecture of Xinxiang on December 5, 2025, following his appointment by the pope on August 11.

In the heart of Quiapo, Manila stands the historic Bahay Nakpil-Bautista, a living witness to the nation’s struggle for independence, cultural identity, and collective memory.

Located at 432 A. Bautista Street (formerly Barbosa Street), its wooden floors, stone foundations, antique furnishings, and family heirlooms tell stories that cannot be found in textbooks alone.

Yet beyond its architectural beauty, the house serves as a reminder of a growing challenge facing the Philippines today: how to balance development with the preservation of heritage and the environment.

For Maria Paz ‘Bobbi’ Nakpil Santos-Viola, administrator and descendant of the Nakpil family, conservation is more than simply keeping an old structure standing.

‘Conservation is like an umbrella,’ she explained during an interview. ‘Preservation is taking care of something. Conservation is a higher level. It ensures that all aspects are maintained and sustained for the long term.’

Her distinction is significant. Preservation focuses on protecting an existing structure from deterioration. Conservation, meanwhile, encompasses a broader commitment to maintaining a property’s historical, cultural, educational, and social value for future generations.

‘It applies to buildings, parks, and even intangible heritage,’ Santos-Viola said. ‘You preserve in order to conserve.’

Maintaining a century-old heritage house is not an easy task. It requires constant repairs, technical expertise, and, perhaps most importantly, financial resources.

Yet Santos-Viola or simply Bobbi, believes that money alone is not enough.

‘You need financing, yes,’ she said. ‘But you also need love. If it’s only for money, it is different. Love makes you respect what you’re doing, and people will respect what you have done.’

That philosophy has guided the stewardship of Bahay Nakpil-Bautista for years. Once used as a restaurant, dormitory, and office space, the house was eventually restored as a heritage site under the care of Santos-Viola after her retirement from a career in New York.

Today, the house serves as an educational venue where visitors learn about revolutionary figures such as Julio Nakpil, Gregoria de Jesus, and Juan Nakpil.

The house itself tells a larger story about nationhood.

‘Our mission is to keep the spirit of the house alive,’ Santos-Viola said. ‘It is tied to education, culture, and social value.’

She emphasized that demolishing or neglecting heritage structures is akin to discarding the sacrifices and memories of previous generations.

‘If we take it away, demolish it, or sell it to someone who will not continue its purpose, it is like throwing our ancestors into the trash,’ she said.

EVERY OLD HOUSE HAS A STORY

During guided tours, visitors encounter physical remnants of Philippine history-from centuries-old piedra china stones used as balance in Spanish galleon ships to architectural elements that survived war, reconstruction, and modernization. Machuca tiles can be seen just after the garage or zaguan and before the stairs to the entresuelo or mezzanine.

Volunteer guides often remind guests that every heritage structure carries a unique narrative.

‘When you walk through old districts, you see many old houses,’ one guide explained.

‘Each one has its own story and its own importance.’

That observation highlights a reality often overlooked in urban planning discussions. Heritage structures are not merely aging buildings occupying valuable land. They are repositories of collective memory that connect present generations to the country’s past.

When such structures disappear, entire chapters of local history can vanish with them.

DEVELOPMENT VERSUS CONSERVATION

The conversation becomes particularly relevant amid ongoing debates surrounding infrastructure projects and reports of tree-cutting activities linked to major road developments, including the proposed Southern Luzon Access Link Expressway.

Across the country, environmental advocates and heritage conservationists have raised concerns that development projects sometimes prioritize speed and economic gain over long-term cultural and ecological sustainability.

The challenge is not whether development should proceed. Roads, bridges, and transportation networks remain essential to national progress. The question is whether development can coexist with conservation. Bobbi believes it can.

She pointed to the growing awareness among Filipinos regarding the importance of protecting heritage sites and acknowledged the role of government institutions such as the National Historical Commission of the Philippines in safeguarding cultural properties through legal protections and conservation guidelines.

‘There are rules, resolutions, and legal backing,’ she said. ‘People are now more aware that there is value.’

With its stamp mark, the developers know there will be legal obstacles.

The same principle can be applied beyond heritage houses and toward the country’s natural heritage.

Just as old trees cannot be replaced overnight, neither can historic structures be recreated once lost. A newly planted sapling may take decades to become a mature forest canopy. Likewise, a reconstructed building can never fully replicate the authenticity of a structure that has witnessed history firsthand.

CONSERVATION AS NATIONAL RESPONSIBILITY

The debate surrounding heritage conservation and environmental protection ultimately revolves around one question: what kind of legacy will today’s generation leave behind?

For conservation advocates, the answer lies in sustainability.

A nation that values conservation recognizes that progress should not come at the cost of erasing its roots. Economic growth and infrastructure development must be balanced with the preservation of cultural landmarks, historic communities, and natural ecosystems.

The lesson from Bahay Nakpil-Bautista is simple but profound: preservation is about caring for what exists today; conservation is about ensuring it remains meaningful tomorrow.

As the Philippines continues to modernize, that distinction may become increasingly important. For when a heritage house is demolished, or an old-growth tree is cut down, something more than wood, stone, or land is lost.

A piece of memory disappears. And once memory is gone, no amount of development can bring it back. It’s lost and never coming back.

For office workers, lunchtime can be surprisingly complicated. One colleague craves Japanese food. Another wants Filipino comfort food. Someone settles for coffee while another insists on sushi after work.

At The Split in Bonifacio Global City, nobody has to compromise.

That everyday dilemma inspired one of the newest concepts from Raintree Hospitality Group-a dining destination where four distinct brands share one roof, allowing diners to satisfy different cravings without leaving the same table.

For Martin Wisniewski, Vice President of Raintree Hospitality Group, The Split is more than an innovative restaurant. It is his answer to a much bigger question: How do restaurants remain relevant when the way people work, socialize and dine has fundamentally changed?

‘We really had to rethink everything,’ Wisniewski says.

From two to one

THE restaurant occupies what was once home to two Japanese dining concepts. Before the pandemic, the formula worked. Then Covid-19 reshaped not only the hospitality industry but also the rhythm of office life. Hybrid work replaced the predictable lunch and dinner crowds that restaurants once depended on.

‘The building changed,’ he explains. ‘People aren’t here every day anymore. We had to create something that reflected how people actually live and work today.’

The response was a restaurant designed around flexibility. Mornings welcome coffee drinkers and pastry lovers. Lunchtime caters to office workers looking for quality meals at reasonable prices. Evenings transform the space into a lively destination for cocktails, sushi, trivia nights and community events.

‘The Split,’ Wisniewski says, ‘is split concepts, split personalities and split dayparts.’

That philosophy becomes evident the moment the food arrives.

Four brands

RATHER than limiting diners to one cuisine, The Split brings together four Raintree brands-Providore Bakery and Café, Friends and Family Upside Down, Saboten Express and Chotto Matte-allowing guests to mix and match according to their mood.

Our table quickly became proof of the concept. The refreshing It’s Giving Violet, made with strawberry purée, hibiscus syrup, lime juice and blue pea gulaman, opened the meal alongside the unexpectedly smooth Dirty Earl, a blend of Earl Grey tea and espresso.

Japanese favorites soon followed, from Chotto Matte’s Sizzling Salmon Aburi Cheezu to Saboten Express’ Tenderloin Katsu Set and Truffled US Steak Don. Across the table, Friends and Family Upside Down offered playful Filipino creations like the Crispy Salt and Vinegar Bagnet and Pansplit US Beef Spicy Mala, proving that familiar comfort food can still surprise.

Dessert was equally memorable. The Famous Buko Polvoron Pie delivered a nostalgic finish, while the creamy Thai Milk Tres Leches Cake rounded out a meal that celebrated variety without sacrificing quality.

Freedom of choice

More than the dishes themselves, what stood out was the freedom they represented.

No one had to negotiate where to eat. Japanese specialties comfortably shared the table with Filipino comfort food, while coffee naturally gave way to cocktails and dessert.

While the food impresses, Wisniewski remains more fascinated by people than by recipes.

Throughout the conversation, he speaks less about ingredients than about changing behavior. Office workers now rotate schedules instead of reporting daily. Younger diners discover restaurants through TikTok trends that can disappear as quickly as they emerge. Many now prefer one well-crafted cocktail or artisanal beer over a night of excess.

‘The trends move so much faster now,’ he says. ‘Before, you could have a trend that lasted six months or even a year. Today it feels like something changes every week.’

For restaurant operators, staying relevant means constantly adapting. Menus evolve more frequently, limited-time offerings appear and disappear, and customer preferences shift almost overnight.

Yet Wisniewski believes growth should never come at the expense of identity.

No to overexpansion

HE points to Raintree’s acclaimed Farmer’s Table in Tagaytay as an example. Guests have long asked why it has never been replicated elsewhere. His answer is simple: much of its charm comes from its surroundings-the cool Tagaytay air, lush gardens and relaxed atmosphere. Remove those elements and the experience becomes something entirely different.

‘If you overly expand,’ he says, ‘you can ruin your own brand.’

That same philosophy explains why The Split has yet to be duplicated despite growing interest from prospective partners. Designed specifically for one of Metro Manila’s busiest business districts, it reflects the changing rhythms of urban life.

More importantly, Wisniewski hopes it becomes what many cities increasingly lack-a ‘third place,’ somewhere people can gather outside home and work. Trivia nights, vintage markets, sip-and-paint sessions, swing dancing and other community activities are all part of that vision.

‘I also believe that when things become too systemized, you lose the soul,’ he says.

It is perhaps the most revealing insight of the afternoon.

In an era of automation and QR-code ordering, Wisniewski believes diners still seek authenticity. They want stories behind the food, genuine hospitality and experiences worth returning for.

Despite rising costs and constantly changing consumer habits, he remains optimistic. Raintree Hospitality Group continues to expand its portfolio while remaining committed to creating restaurants with distinct personalities rather than simply multiplying locations.