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Legendary singer and actress Bituin Escalante will take on the titular role of Yemaya/Inay in the upcoming theatrical production of ‘Yemaya,’ which is scheduled to open on June 13.

Theater production company 9 Works Theatrical announced in a press statement that Escalante will be the anchor of the upcoming play, a Filipino translation of Quiara Alegria Hudes’ ‘Yemaya’s Belly.’

A Gawad Buhay awardee, Escalante is notable for her performances in ‘Himala Isang Musikal,’ ‘Priscilla Queen of the Desert,’ and ‘Pingkian: Isang Musikal,’ the latter of which is her latest theatrical production.

Joining Escalante are Benedix Ramos and Tommy Alejandrino, who will alternately take on the role of Jesus/Mulo. Ramos is best known for his lead roles in ‘Bar Boys: The Musical’ and ‘Next to Normal,’ while Alejandrino is notable for his gripping performances in ‘Her Locket’ and ‘The Baseball Player.’

Sheena Belarmino and Ness Roque will share the role of Maya, adding another theatrical production under their belt.

Other cast members include Herbie Go, Sheenly Gener, Anthony Falcon, and Wenah Nagales, the latter of whom will cover the role of Yemaya/Inay.

”Yemaya’ follows a young boy’s epic journey as he traverses the lands and seas in search of his true place in the world. What starts as a wondering of ‘what if’ turns into an adventure of ‘what could be’ in this fantasy-ridden tale of perseverance, hope, and the restless pull of the tides,’ 9 Works Theatrical said of the play’s storyline.

The play will be directed by Ed Lacson Jr., who also serves as the set designer, and Eljay Castro will be the Filipino translator. It will be staged at The Black Box at The Proscenium Theater in Rockwell, Makati, from June 13 to July 5.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Monday filed a tax evasion complaint against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, his wife, and an associate for tax deficiencies totaling P3.35 million.

Members of the BIR went to the Department of Justice to file the complaint against Roque, his wife, Mylah Reyes Roque, and Percival Sazon Ortega regarding tax violations involving Biancham Holdings and Trading, Inc., a company previously owned by the Roques and their associates.

In a statement issued later in the day, the BIR said its investigation showed that Roque, his wife, and Ortega ‘failed to file the required tax returns and pay the corresponding taxes due on the transfer of shares of stock and on the increase in authorized capital stock.’

‘The total estimated tax deficiency amounts to more than P3.35 million, inclusive of surcharges and interest,’ it added.

‘The Bureau found probable cause to charge the Roques and Ortega with willful attempt to evade taxes under Section 254, and failure to file tax returns under Section 255, of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended,’ the BIR said.

In a statement on Monday evening, Roque tagged the criminal complaint as ‘legally and factually baseless’ and ‘politically motivated.’

He argued that no issuance of shares had been made pursuant to any alleged increase in authorized capital stock.

‘We also categorically state that all required tax returns have been properly and diligently filed in accordance with law. Any assertion of failure to comply with filing obligations is incorrect,’ he added.

During a House quad committee hearing in September 2024, then Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, one of the committee chairs, directly linked Biancham to Lucky South 99, the Philippine offshore gaming operator (Pogo) hub in Porac, Pampanga, that was raided over allegations of human trafficking. During the police operation, documents bearing Roque’s signature were found inside the Pogo hub.

Roque, who left the country that same month, has since been declared a fugitive after the Angeles City Regional Trial Court’s Branch 118 ordered his arrest in May last year on human trafficking charges in connection with his alleged involvement with Lucky South 99.

He applied for asylum in the Netherlands, although it was reportedly denied by Dutch authorities.

Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation has broken ground on a 16-hectare manufacturing facility at TARI Estate, marking one of the largest recent food manufacturing investments in Central Luzon. Valued at approximately ?9.1 billion, the facility is targeted for full operations by April 2028.

More than a major capital commitment, the investment reflects a broader shift in how, and where, manufacturing growth in the Philippines is taking shape.

Global Capital, Long-Horizon Decisions

Ajinomoto’s investment underscores sustained confidence from global manufacturers in the Philippine market, particularly in sectors supported by strong domestic demand. Increasingly, capital is being deployed with a long-term view—favoring locations that can support operational stability, scalability, and proximity to end markets.

For manufacturers, the question is no longer whether to expand, but where expansion can be sustained over time.

Manufacturing Location Decisions are Evolving

Manufacturing strategy is evolving beyond traditional cost and location considerations. Today, site selection is driven by a combination of demand proximity, supply chain responsiveness, and the ability to scale.

While established hubs in South Luzon continue to play a leading role, manufacturers are expanding beyond these centers to support growth. The result is a more distributed industrial footprint—one that complements existing hubs while aligning production more closely with consumption patterns.

Ajinomoto’s investment reflects this shift, reinforcing the existing economic corridor alongside American and Taiwanese export-oriented enterprises while contributing to a broader industrial landscape across Luzon.

Central Luzon’s Role in a Decentralizing Economy

Central Luzon continues to strengthen its position as a credible industrial base beyond traditional manufacturing clusters in South Luzon. Its geographic placement supports efficient north–south distribution while maintaining proximity to Metro Manila’s demand base—without the constraints of urban congestion.

From Tarlac, manufacturers are well-positioned to serve over 64 million consumers across Luzon, enabling production to move closer to demand. For domestic-oriented players such as Ajinomoto, this proximity supports faster fulfillment cycles and more responsive supply chains within an increasingly consumption-led market.

This advantage is reinforced by ongoing infrastructure investments—including expressway expansions, improved logistics connectivity, and proximity to Clark International Airport—supporting a broader national push toward decentralization. As economic activity disperses beyond traditional centers, Central Luzon is increasingly positioned to absorb the next phase of industrial growth.

Integrated Platforms as the New Standard

The investment also reflects the growing importance of integrated industrial platforms. Through Aboitiz Economic Estates, developments are designed not as standalone land assets, but as operating environments that support long-cycle manufacturing.

This capacity draws strength from the Aboitiz techglomerate, including access to reliable power, water and infrastructure services, construction capabilities, financial solutions, and coordinated estate management—delivered as a unified system. Complementing this is a strong focus on workforce sustainability, with initiatives that support talent development, accessibility, and long-term employability within and around the estate.

Across its portfolio, Aboitiz Economic Estates has facilitated ?175.4 billion in investments, hosts more than 260 locators, and supported over 100,000 jobs. These figures reflect the cumulative effect of a platform approach designed to reduce friction for long-term industrial deployment.

‘Ajinomoto Philippines’ investment reflects how manufacturers are planning for long-term growth—prioritizing scale, proximity to demand, and operational continuity,’ said Rafael Fernandez de Mesa, President and Chief Executive Officer of Aboitiz Economic Estates and Aboitiz Land. ‘As this evolves, Central Luzon is emerging as a natural extension of the country’s industrial base, with platforms like TARI Estate leading to anchor that next phase.’

From Proven Model to Next Growth Corridor

Aboitiz Economic Estates’ approach builds on its track record in established industrial hubs such as LIMA Estate in Batangas, where integrated ecosystems have supported sustained locator growth, operational efficiency, and long-term expansion.

TARI Estate represents the next phase of this model—applied in an emerging corridor with the capacity for larger-scale, future-oriented development. While LIMA demonstrates how industrial ecosystems mature and densify over time, TARI Estate reflects how that same model can be extended earlier in the development cycle to shape new corridors from the ground up.

At this stage, anchor investments such as Ajinomoto’s play a defining role. They validate infrastructure readiness, establish operational confidence, and begin to influence the type and scale of locators that follow. With additional investments across food, beverage, and related sectors entering the estate, TARI Estate is moving from initial development toward cluster formation.

A Platform Designed for Scale and Continuity

As an emerging industrial hub, TARI Estate is designed to support both immediate deployment and long-term growth. Spanning approximately 384 hectares, the estate is a PEZA-registered Special Economic Zone in Tarlac City.

Its scale allows for phased expansion, enabling locators to grow within a single, master planned environment. Industrial parcels are configured to accommodate large-format manufacturing operations, with flexibility for future capacity build-out as production requirements evolve. Integrated estate systems support operational predictability, an increasingly critical factor in global site selection.

Beyond industrial use, TARI is planned as a mixed-use ecosystem with complementary commercial, residential, and institutional components. This supports workforce accessibility and long-term sustainability, reinforcing its role not just as a manufacturing site, but as a complete operating environment.

For locators, this provides not just a location, but a platform that evolves alongside their operations—from initial setup to sustained expansion within a single, coordinated system.

From Investment to Industrial Momentum

Ajinomoto’s entry marks a transition from individual investment toward ecosystem development. It reflects how new industrial corridors take shape—through the convergence of long-term capital, enabling platforms, and early locators that define future activity.

Within this context, Central Luzon is emerging as a complementary engine of growth within the Philippines’ industrial landscape—where the next phase of manufacturing is not only expanding, but steadily taking form.

A rare plant species has been documented in Bicol Natural Park in Camarines Norte province, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Bicol said.

The species, identified as Amorphophallus caudatus, is endemic to the Philippines and classified as ‘critically endangered’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with a highly restricted and fragmented distribution in Luzon.

Nestor Franz Fortuno, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer in Camarines Norte, said the species was recorded during a Biodiversity Monitoring System activity conducted from March 24 to March 26 in Barangay Tuaca, Basud town, in coordination with local government units and state universities.

He said field observations showed that the species is in both flowering and vegetative stages, indicating an actively regenerating population within the park. Nonflowering plants were tagged for long-term monitoring by the Protected Area Management Office (Pamo) to track population trends and habitat conditions.

Ralph Portades, protected area superintendent, told the Inquirer in a phone interview that the species is known for its distinct inflorescence, which emits a strong, unpleasant odor similar to that of a decaying corpse. This carrion-like scent attracts pollinators, such as flies and beetles and becomes more pronounced during its flowering stage.

‘The flower can grow up to about 2 feet tall and may last for up to two weeks before withering,’ Portades said.

Habitat integrity

He noted that the species’ presence not only supports local biodiversity, particularly pollination cycles, but also serves as an indicator of habitat integrity.

‘The occurrence of this critically endangered and narrowly distributed endemic species shows that forest vegetation in the area remains intact,’ Portades said.

He added that the species is highly sensitive to human-induced disturbances, and its presence highlights the urgent need for sustained habitat protection, strict conservation management, and continuous biodiversity monitoring.

Portades also emphasized the species’ genetic importance, noting that of the 17 Amorphophallus species recorded in the Philippines, 16 are endemic, making the group a vital component of the country’s unique floral heritage.

Citing IUCN data, he said fewer than 250 mature individuals have been observed in the wild, reinforcing its critically endangered status.

He added that the continued discovery of such species underscores the importance of protected areas in safeguarding biodiversity amid ongoing threats to natural habitats.

Bicol Natural Park spans 5,466 hectares across Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur, covering the towns of Basud, San Lorenzo Ruiz, Lupi, and Sipocot. It forms part of the headwaters of the Bicol River Basin and provides water for domestic and agricultural use in nearby communities.

The park hosts at least 190 terrestrial wildlife species, including 18 mammals (six endemic), 120 bird species, 22 amphibians (16 endemic), and 30 reptiles (15 endemic). Of these, 94 species are endemic, representing more than 30 percent of Luzon’s faunal diversity. Around 48 species are classified as threatened or under critical conservation status.

Despite its ecological value, the park faces threats. such as forest encroachment, illegal logging, slash-and-burn farming, and land conversion, Portades said. These pressures are compounded by limited manpower, funding constraints, and challenges in stakeholder coordination and scientific research.

Top of Form

Bottom of Form

To address these concerns, DENR Bicol, through the Protected Area Management Board and Pamo, in partnership with local government units, government agencies, people’s organizations, nongovernment organizations, and private stakeholders, continues to implement conservation initiatives under the Protected Area Management Plan.

Mervin Corpuz is eager to atone for last year’s final lap struggles when he rides for a new team in the MPTC Tour of Luzon.

The 14-stage bikathon starts Wednesday in this town, with Corpuz now competing for 7-Eleven Cliqq Roadbike Philippines after helping MPT DriveHub claim the team overall crown.

Corpuz also won the Sprint King award, but his 38th-place finish left a sour taste in the mouth after spending most of the revived race chasing Daeyeong Joo.

‘We won’t learn if we don’t make any mistakes,’ Corpuz said in Filipino during the opening ceremony at CaSobe Resort here.

The Pangasinan native had taken the provisional lead from Joo in the early stage of the final stage as part of a breakaway group, and it appeared that Corpuz was on his way to victory.

But Corpuz faded durng the Kennon Road ascent, eventually falling out of contention by the time he crossed the finish line at Camp John Hay.

He will try to be more calculated as possible this time as part of a group of prominent Filipino riders seeking to rule the latest edition of the derby on wheels.

Corpuz, 7-Eleven teammate Jonel Carcueva plus Standard Insurance’s Ronald Oranza, MPT DriveHub’s Rustom Lim and Excellent Noodles’ Joseph Javiniar are among the fancied and celebrated pedalists who will seek glory for the next two weeks.

‘It will be a good race tomorrow because of the climb,’ he said while keeping mum on his chances. ‘Let’s just wait for the results and let’s see what happens.’

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Oriental Mindoro is offering 1,467 job vacancies for applicants in the province in a job fair on May 1, Labor Day.

In an advisory posted on social media, DOLE said that the jobs fair will be held at the Bulwagang Panlalawigan inside the Provincial Capitol Complex in Brgy. Camilmil, this city.

DOLE advised applicants to bring their updated resumés and other basic documents and prepare for on-the-spot interviews as participating companies are seeking to fill hundreds of positions.

Some 13 companies are participating in the job fair, offering various openings like production assistants and operators, wellness and health providers, engineers, sales associates and drivers.

The lone local company participating in the jobs fair, the Tamaraw Vision Network (TVNet) is looking for collectors and technicians in it’s Calapan City and Puerto Galera branches.

The DOLE provincial office said that the event provides opportunity for local applicants to secure immediate employment with several companies expected to conduct hiring processes during the one-day event.

The agency further advised interested applicants to pre-register through an online platform provided by DOLE to streamline the application process.

‘We advised the public to visit our official Facebook page at facebook.com/doleormindoro to access the updated list of participating employers and available job openings,’ the DOLE advisory said.

The manufacturer of the police vehicle that figured in an accident that killed five persons under police custody (PUPCs) last week is conducting checks to figure out what caused it.

‘Toyota is conducting a technical inspection to find out if something went wrong with the vehicle,’ Quezon City Police District Traffic Enforcement Unit (QCPD TEU) chief Lt. Col. Josef Geoffrey Lim told reporters at a briefing in Camp Crame on Monday.

‘But based on the initial statements, the driver lost control. He found it hard to control [the vehicle] since [it] was wobbling. Allegedly, they felt the car made a sudden movement,’ he added. ‘Based on the statements we have obtained, he wasn’t going that fast.’

Lim could not say when the inspection would be completed, saying only that they would follow up the matter with Toyota.

The QCPD vehicle, a Toyota Hilux, was transferring the six PUPCs from the Project 6 Police Station to the Quezon City Jail when it crashed into a wall on Payatas Road on April 24.

The PUPCs were accompanied by four police officers, including the driver who was also a policeman.

Five of the PUPCs died while the sixth PUPC and all four police officers were injured. The law enforcers are currently undergoing treatment at the PNP General Hospital in Camp Crame.

Negative for alcohol

The policeman driver, who tested negative for alcohol, has since been charged with reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicides, multiple physical injuries and damage to property before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office, Lim said.

‘Since we filed the case, the driver is no longer speaking. He will answer at the proper forum,’ the QCPD TEU chief added.

He said that before the accident, the QCPD’s police mobiles had undergone monthly inspections.

Lim also dismissed online speculation that the crash was planned since only the PUPCs died.

‘We’re looking at all the possibilities as to the possible liabilities of the Philippine National Police (PNP), not just the QCPD, if there was any negligence,’ PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said.

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Bottom of Form

The QCPD TEU identified the deceased PUPCs by their aliases as ‘Raymark,’ 24; ‘Donato,’ 61; ‘Rogie,’ 37; ‘Jhojaman,’ 51; and ‘Jing,’ 45. They died because of blunt force traumatic injuries to the head, trunk and extremities as well as hemorrhagic shock.

Macau got the better of Blackwater, 123-119, in a battle of two of the worst teams in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Tuesday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Black Knights tied the Bossing at the bottom of the standings at 2-8.

‘Honestly, our defense was pretty bad today and they didn’t have (Robert) Upshaw so that wasn’t the greatest but I thought our offense flowed pretty well today,’ Jenning Leung said after dropping 30 points, eight rebounds and eight assists in the win.

Macau led by as much as 13 points, but Blackwater made life tougher for the Black Knights in the fourth quarter despite missing the services of import Robert Upshaw III.

The Bossing even took the driver’s seat, 116-115, after a basket by Bradwyn Guinto with 2:59 remaining before the Black Knights outscored them 8-3 in the final 2:42.

Damian Chongqui also had 30 points, including a big triple that gave Macau a 118-116 edge. Leung then made a layup followed by two free throws for a 122-119 lead 19 ticks to go. Chao Xingzhao split his charities to make it a four-point game with eight seconds left after Blackwater guard Sedrick Barefield misfired on a 4-pointer.

‘Damian had a big night, Jenning and Ray (Cao) too,’ coach Marcus Elliott said.

‘I’m happy because they couldn’t play in the caliber they wanted against TNT so I’m happy for them.’

Tony Mitchell Jr. tallied 11 points, 22 rebounds and two blocks without Upshaw in the paint, while Ramon Cao recorded 29 points and 10 rebounds for the Black Knights.

Paul Zamar and Christian David dropped 21 points each for Blackwater, while Barefield had 18.

Two individuals aboard a car were shot and wounded by by two motorcycle-riding suspects along Timog Avenue in Quezon City on Tuesday afternoon.

Responding police officers ‘discovered one victim lying on the road and another in the passenger seat of the vehicle,’ according to the Quezon City Police District.

‘The victims were immediately transported to East Avenue Medical Center for emergency medical treatment,’ the QCPD added.

The police said the incident will referred to the QCPD Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit for further investigation.

This is a developing story.

The vivo V70 FE is now officially available in stores nationwide and online, marking an exciting milestone for vivo’s latest feature-packed smartphone. As sales open to the public, pre-order customers are also beginning to claim their units and exclusive freebies, becoming the first to experience the device in action.

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The device is priced at Php 25,999 for the 8GB + 256GB variant and Php 29,999 for the 12GB + 256GB variant. It is also available via Home Credit for as low as Php 37 per day with 0% interest for up to 18 months. Globe, the official network partner, includes a free prepaid SIM with 1-year unli 5G, which is a perfect treat for content creators.

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Look how vivo ambassador Alden Richards showcases how clear the vivo V70 FE’s 200MP camera is, even when cropped.

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