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< Back PACQUIAO RETURNS TO BOXING FOR HOUSING “The People’s Champ” comes out of retirement for an exhibition match which benefits families affected by the Ukraine-Russia war and homeless Filipino families. By Edwin Allan C. Diaz PHOTOS FROM MANNY PACQUIAO AND DK YOO’S FACEBOOK PAGE Retired or not, Filipino boxing legend Manny “PacMan” Pacquiao’s stellar performance is unwavering. He recently defeated South Korean martial artist DK “Master” Yoo, demonstrating that he is still a legendary boxer. He won via unanimous decision in the charity exhibition match against Yoo on December 11, 2022, at the Korean International Exhibition Center (KINTEX) in Goyang, South Korea. Pacquiao, 44, with a record of 62 wins (39 knockouts), eight losses (two knockouts), and two draws, had complete control of the fight despite Yoo’s reach and weight advantages. A year had passed since his loss to Cuban boxer Yordenis Ugás and subsequent retirement from the sport. In the first round of “Pacquiao vs. DK,” both fighters tested the waters. But in the second and third rounds, Pacquiao was on the offensive. His powerful body shots and flurries were too much for the South Korean to handle; he would clinch and run away from the People’s Champ. Yoo managed to land a couple of shots, but these didn’t stop Pacquiao from dropping him in the fourth round with a right cross (ruled by the referee as a slip) and twice in the sixth round with his powerful left. Although Pacquiao was not able to knock out Yoo, he was still able to “give a good fight, with good action,” which made people happy. Especially the beneficiaries of the match— families affected by the Russia-Ukraine war and the poor and homeless families in the Philippines—who will receive 100 percent of the fight’s proceeds. PACMAN VILLAGE This is not Pacquiao’s first time giving free housing to poor and homeless families. “‘Yung pabahay ko matagal na ‘yung ginagawa ko. Wala pa ako sa pulitika namimigay na ako ng sariling tahanan, bahay at lupa (My housing project has been around for a long time. I have been giving away houses and lots long before I joined politics),” he said during the groundbreaking of two Pacman Villages. Both of these are in Leyte province, particularly in the towns of Kananga and Leyte. Pacquiao’s career earnings were used to construct Pacman Villages, which provide free, decent, and disaster-resilient housing. They feature a barangay center, a place of worship, and a community center, providing residents with alternative livelihood opportunities in the food, retail, and manufacturing industries. More than 2,000 houses have been built in General Santos City and the towns of Alabel, Glan, Maasim, and Malungon in Sarangani province, where Pacquiao first established his Pacman Villages. More will rise in the provinces of Bohol, Bulacan, Cavite, Cebu, Cotabato, and Nueva Ecija, as well as Marawi City. During a press conference for “Pacquiao vs. DK” at the Shangri-La Fort in Taguig City on July 20, 2022, Pacquiao said it has always been his dream to provide housing for the less fortunate. “That’s really my advocacy, to be able to give houses to our fellow Filipinos.” He has been buying plots of land for his housing projects as early as 2004. MAN WITH MANNY TALENTS Pacquiao holds the Guinness World Record for “Most Boxing World Titles in Different Weight Divisions.” He is the only octuple world champion who has won the following titles: International Boxing Federation (IBF) Super Bantamweight; International Boxing Organization (IBO) Light Welterweight; The Ring Featherweight and Light Welterweight; and World Boxing Council (WBC) Flyweight, Lightweight, Super Featherweight, and Super Welterweight. The eight-division world champion has also been a fivetime Lineal Champion in the Flyweight, Featherweight, Junior Lightweight, Junior Welterweight, and Welterweight divisions. Unlike the aforementioned “alphabet soup organizations,” the Lineal Championship recognizes one world champion per weight division. The title is passed down if the champion loses in a contest, announces formal retirement, or vacates their current weight class. In recognition of his boxing prowess, Pacquiao has garnered numerous local and international awards. These include the Philippine Presidential Medal of Merit, the Philippine Sportswriters Association’s Athlete of the Decade, Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People, and Sports Illustrated’s Fighter of the Year, to name a few. Aside from boxing, Pacquiao has also played professional basketball. Kia Sorentos (now Terrafirma Dyip) selected him in the first round of the 2014 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) draft. He was also their playing coach for three seasons until 2017. Pacquiao founded the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) a year after leaving the PBA. Now in its fourth season, MPBL follows a regional format that invites teams from all over the Philippines. It has proven to be successful, reaching as far as Dubai for exhibition games. But nothing has more reach than the Manny Pacquiao Foundation (MPF), which Pacquiao established in 2019 in Los Angeles, California, United States (US). According to the foundation, he has donated “more than one-third of his career earnings to charity.” It’s a family effort, with Pacquiao’s wife Jinkee and daughter Mary Divine Grace serving as its Girls Initiative Ambassadors. To curb the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines, MPF pledged 50,000 test kits to the Jack Ma Foundation in 2020. It also joined forces with two nonprofit organizations (NPOs)— CAMELEON Philippines and FundLife—to support young girls who are survivors of sexual violence and prone to abuse. With the help of MPF, Pacman Villages has even given homes to the Batwa people in Bundibugyo town, Uganda. The Batwa are one of the oldest still-living African tribes. FIGHTERS FOR A CAUSE A year after hanging up his gloves, Pacquiao put them on once more for charity. But he’s not the only fighter who has boxed for a cause. Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier donated a portion of their guaranteed earnings (US$2.5 million each) from “Fight of the Century” to charity. Ali also raised funds and awareness for Parkinson’s disease, in his match against Ken Norton, and for underprivileged children when he fought Japanese wrestler Muhammad Hussain Inoki. Mike Tyson and Roy Jones, Jr.’s heavyweight exhibition, billed as “Lockdown Knockdown,” lasted eight rounds and ended in a split draw. Both boxers were guaranteed US$1 million for the fight, but Tyson donated all his earnings “to various charities.” Evander Holyfield fought former Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney in 2015 to raise funds for CharityVision. The organization corrects people’s vision and gives them cataract surgery and glasses. For muscular dystrophy research, George Foreman fought comedian Jerry Lewis in 1991. Other fighters who have been in the ring with famous personalities for charity include Sugar Ray Leonard and Wladimir Klitschko, who fought actor Don Cheadle and TV presenter Piers Morgan, respectively. Then in 2010, Lennox Lewis fought comedian/actor Terry Crews. A FIGHTING LEGACY Manny is not the only famous Pacquiao. His mother, Dionesia Dapidran-Pacquiao, or “Mommy Dionisia,” has always accompanied him in his fights. She gained worldwide fame during Pacquiao’s fights because she would usually be spotted praying for her son’s safety or cheering for him to knock his opponent out. Had Pacquiao won as president, Mommy Dionisia would’ve become one of his presidential advisers. Pacquiao has five children: Emmanuel “Jimuel,” Jr., Michael Stephen, Mary, Israel, and Queen “Queenie” Elizabeth. Jimuel is an amateur boxer who won his first welterweight match in the US. Michael is an Original Pilipino Music (OPM) artist and rapper with millions of views on YouTube. Aside from helping out with MPF, Mary is an influencer who documents the daily life of her family on YouTube. Israel is the youngest at only eight years old, while Queenie (named after the late Queen Elizabeth II) will appear in Planners Capital, an Asian TV series. Jinkee became the vice governor of Sarangani from 2013 to 2016. After her term, she left politics for good to focus on their family and business, but not before becoming the presiding officer of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Sarangani. Under Jinkee, the Sanggunian successfully acted on 428 resolutions and 71 ordinances. These include measures eradicating open defecation, creating breastfeeding stations, and enhancing hospitals and water systems in the region.

< Back BARANGAY CONNECTION Barangay Namayan Receives SGLB Award The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Field Office Mandaluyong has recognized Barangay Namayan through the Seal of Good Local Governance for Barangays (SGLGB) for the year 2023. The award was given to Namayan for “upholding the standard of transparency, integrity, and service delivery” for the covered year 2022, which are the qualifying factors for achieving the SGLB. In accordance with the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) and SGLGB programs, LGUs and barangays must pass the following governance areas: financial administration and sustainability; disaster preparedness; social protection and sensitivity; health compliance and responsiveness; sustainable education; business friendliness and competitiveness; safety, peace, and order; environmental management; tourism; heritage development; culture; and youth development. Mayor Benjamin “Ben” Abalos Sr., Vice Mayor Menchie Abalos, and DILG Mandaluyong Field Office Director Patrick Megia personally presented the award to Barangay Namayan during the Monday morning program of the city on October 16 at the Mandaluyong Executive Building. Aside from Namayan, Barangay Plainview, Barangay Daang Bakal, Barangay New Zaniga, Barangay Old Zaniga, and Barangay Wack Wack also passed the city-level assessment. On the same day, three more barangays were awarded the 2023 Lupon Tagapamayapa Incentives Awards (LTIA). Barangay Plainview was awarded as the Outstanding Lupon, while Barangay Zaniga and Barangay Addition Hills were 1st and 2nd runner-up, respectively. CPD-CAR Awards Most Outstanding Barangay Volunteers The Commission on Population and DevelopmentCordillera(CPD-CAR) recognized the efforts of six barangay volunteers in the city and municipality level of Cordillera Administrative Region during the 2023 Rafael M. Salas Kaunlarang Pantao Awards held in Baguio City on October 2, 2023. For the city level, Honeylee Geronimo (Laya West, Tabuk City) placed first followed by Maridel Laron (Pucsusan, Baguio City) while Maryjane Pasiteng (Atok Trail, Baguio City) was awarded as third placer. Meanwhile, the municipality category had Junaline Valdez (Camp 3, Tuba, Benguet) as the most outstanding, Angela Andrada (Bila, Bauko, Mountain Province) as the second placer and Juliet Tabao-ic (Palina, Kibungan, Benguet) as the third placer. “Volunteers are the lifeblood of any community, and you, our awardees, exemplify this truth through your acts of kindness, generosity, and service. Your willingness to devote your time, skills, and passion to make a positive difference is inspiring and heartwarming. Each act of kindness, no matter how small, has a profound impact on the lives of those you touch in the communities,” CPD-CAR Regional Director Cecile Basawil said as she congratulated every winner. The award aims to recognize the efforts of community population volunteers in promoting programs relating to population and development and to keep the volunteers inspired and motivated. The awardees received a plaque and cash prizes.

< Back The Best Soles Are Found in Marikina City! If you’re looking for a sign, this is the best time (and place) to buy your next pair of shoes. BY CAMILLE CABAL PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROMEO S. PERALTA JR. Face-to-face classes are back! Students are just among the people who are searching for fashionable and quality shoes that can last the entire year or so. And when talking about footwear, there’s no better place to head to than Marikina City. Aside from the notable discipline of people living here, the city is home to some of the best manufacturers of shoes in the Philippines. KAPITAN MOY If you think Kapitan Moy is just one of the must-visit restaurants in Marikina, you will be surprised that this is also where the shoe industry started. The building where Kapitan Moy is situated is the 200-year-old house of Don Laureano “Kapitan Moy” Guevarra who is also known as the founder of the shoe industry. According to history, it was 1887 when Kapitan Moy brought home a pair of imported shoes he bought from Manila. With the assistance of sho emakers named Tiburcio Eustaquio, Ambrocio Sta. Ines, and Gervacio Carlos, they dissected the parts of the shoes and studied how to assemble them. This is said to be the first recorded shoe to be ever made in Marikina. Kapitan Moy was a noble and a community leader. Before he died on December 30, 1891, he was the capitan municipal of Marikina. He made sure that the Marikeños learned the skill of shoemaking since he intended this to be another livelihood source for people who used to depend on fishing and farming. From a shoe factory, Guevarra’s residence became a camp for American soldiers in 1901 and was eventually bought by Doña Teresa de la Paz Tuason, the wife of Don Severo Tuason, a haciendero who owned an extensive tract of land that covers a big part of Marikina. From 1907-1955, it served as a primary school. Years after, the ownership of the building was transferred to the local government and it was developed into a cultural center. Currently, it houses the Kapitan Moy restaurant and cafe while the other part is being rented out as a function hall. SHOE MUSEUM The Shoe Museum opened on February 16, 2001, but the building where it is located is almost 200 years old. The museum keeps all the shoes worn and donated by the biggest personalities in the country. There is a section only for the shoes worn by the presidents of the Philippines and past mayors of Marikina. There are pairs donated by local artists and athletes. On the second level are 255 pairs of shoes from the collection of the former first lady Imelda Marcos. Besides that, the museum also showcases the steps in creating a shoe and old machines that were used for shoemaking. For only Php50, you can enter this museum and learn about the history of the shoe industry in Marikina. GIBSON’S Gibson’s was established by Gavino Cruz and his wife Ramona Salvador in 1945. When it was turned over to their daughter in 1974, the shoe company was reorganized and renamed Gibson’s. During this time, they started venturing into military shoe-making. A year later, they were accredited by the Philippine Department of National Defense (DND) as one of its dress and combat shoes suppliers. As of writing, Gibson’s is the accredited shoe factory of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police’s (PNP) combat shoes. They also supply military footwear for other law enforcement agencies. But if you are looking for casual shoes, you can also pick from Gibson’s Kids and Antonio Manila which are also available in Gibson’s store in J. P. Rizal St., Barangay Concepcion. VALENTINO Established in 1932, Valentino stands as the oldest shoe manufacturer in Marikina. The shop sells formal shoes for men and women. They also customize designs and sizes which is what the buyers love about the store. One of their staff shared that Filipinos who travel abroad prefer their boots over those in the mall and abroad because it is reasonably priced and durable. During the pandemic, Valentino also struggled with their sales that they even had to close their branch in Alabang but they are proud that the brand is now returning to its former status. C-POINT C -point is quite famous in Marikina for its top siders available in different tones. Aside from that, the store also offers fashionable boots, sandals, school shoes, office shoes, and more. If your C-point shoes are damaged or broken, you can always bring them back to the store so they can repair your favorite pair for free or for a minimal amount. C-point is already 11 years in the industry. They have 60 shoemakers that can produce up to 800 pairs a day. For as low as Php500, resellers can already start their own brand of footwear through C-point. C-point also tours their customers inside their factory. During the pandemic, they also opened the C-point villa which accommodates customers coming from the provinces if ever they are buying bulk orders. NIFTY Nifty is one of the young footwear brands in Marikina. Nifty offers fashionable sandals of different types that millennials, Gen Zs, and those young at heart will surely like. The small shop beautifully displays its colorful pairs. The shop also sells a few pairs of sandals for men. They have beach sandals that are made out of the same material used for airplane wheels which is said to be more durable than other types of rubber. MARIKINA HUB What else pairs well with shoes than bags? Here in Marikina Hub, you can find a leather bag that will fit your needs. They have tote bags, shoulder bags, sling bags, and purses. You can also choose a bag for your laptop! With their reasonable prices, you can purchase a stylish bag here in Marikina Hub which you could gift to your family and friends, or even yourself. PUTO AVENUE No visit to Marikina is complete without making a stopover at Puto Avenue. Aling Remy’s Puto and Kutsinta store started in 1930 and is said to be the first to sell the pasalubong in the area. In this lane, you can buy the bestselling puto-kutsinta and other famous pasalubong like peanuts, bucheron, puto pao, bibingka, and suman pinipig.

< Back Driven by PURPOSE, Powered by PROGRESS BY BIANCA MARAÑON I SAW THIS AS AN EMBODIMENT OF THEIR TRUST, LIKE TRUST IN A MEMBER OF THEIR OWN FAMILY. THEY RUN TO THEIR ATE TO ASK FOR HELP. THEY COME TO ME NOT ONLY AS A PUBLIC SERVANT, BUT ALSO AS AN ATE WHO IS WILLING TO HELP THEM. Among the many awards that Plaridel, Bulacan has received in 2024, one that best encapsulates the main thrust of its municipal government is the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) bestowed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government. This is given to local government units (LGUs) with outstanding performance in all ten governance areas ranging from “business-friendliness and competitiveness” to “environmental management.” The SGLG is also granted to LGUs that display excellence in leadership and public service. While attaining the SGLG even once is no small feat, Plaridel has received it eight times. It is for good reason that Plaridel Mayor Jocell R. Vistan was recognized as the National Outstanding Mayor of the Year at the 2024 Philippines Choice Awards. Vistan and her team have served Plaridel for many years, and have contributed to its steady growth over the past decade. At present, Vistan is on her third term as mayor, and she happily notes that some of Plaridel’s programs have served as the blueprint for those of other LGUs. A closer look at her years of service for the continued progress of Plaridel would reveal clear proof of this. After all, other LGUs may find practices that they can apply to their own settings, and the typical reader would likely be glad to know of the influence and effectiveness of Vistan’s programs. A DAY IN THE LIFE Vistan wears many hats: wife, mother, daughter, and of course, mayor. Hers is a full day. After a few moments to herself upon rising at 5:30 in the morning, she attends to the many constituents who seek her help and advice. They come to her home, the doors of which have always been open to them, some with appointments and about 30 to 40 others without. “Every day is a challenge,” she notes. She realized she has become different things for different people according to their needs: doctor, lawyer, psychologist, teacher. It is not for nothing that her constituents call her ate (big sister). Plarideleños began using this affectionate nickname sometime in 2019, during the years Vistan didn’t hold office. Wondering how to address her instead of “Mayor Vistan,” they settled on “Ate Jocell.” Vistan is quite happy with this title. “I saw this as an embodiment of their trust, like trust in a member of their own family. They run to their big sister to ask for help. They come to me not only as a public servant but also as an ate who is willing to help them.” The rest of Vistan’s day continues after a very late lunch. She goes around some of the municipality’s 19 barangays to check on ongoing projects, to attend wakes, to grab a bite at her favorite food stall, or to simply listen to Plarideleños’ concerns. This allows her to be close to her constituents and hone her listening skills, but it also serves as a way for her to unwind—she calls this her “driving force” and “antidote to tiredness.” At six in the evening, Vistan is a mom and a wife again. She draws inspiration from her children, who are part of the next generation of Plarideleños for whom she strives to build a better Plaridel. She finds support in her husband, who helps her “debrief” and offers her his perspective and advice. While her day tends to end there, she is Mayor Vistan around the clock. Her team is accustomed to receiving messages from her late at night or early in the morning, the more relaxed hours in which inspiration tends to strike. FULL TO THE BRIM Interestingly, Vistan’s programs mirror her typical day— streamlined, compact, and effective. Much like the different roles she plays tend to blur at times, it is difficult to categorize her programs since they cover multiple areas at once. A good example is “One Tree, One KID (Kabataang Iskolar ni Del Pilar): Puno ng Pag-asa.” Along with financial assistance, college students are given the task of planting and tending to a fruitbearing tree: santol, atis, caimito, chico, and the like. From 300 scholars during the first year of the program, One Tree, One KID is supporting 2,800 students for the 2024-2025 school year and stewards a total of 10,000 trees as of this writing. Once the trees bear fruit, scholars share them with students at the daycare centers. This way, both college and daycare students learn about Filipino fruit-bearing trees. Also, the fruits shared by the college students are tended to by the daycare students, who nurture them into the seedlings that will be in the care of future batches of scholars. This single project covers literacy, care for the environment, and love for Philippine flora all at once. Intertwined with One Tree, One KID is Bote Mo, Edukasyon Ko (Your Bottle, My Education). PET bottles containing clean, empty sachets of toothpaste, shampoo, coffee, etc. are collected from the scholars and turned into eco-bricks with the assistance of Green Antz Builders. These eco-bricks can then be used to build the municipality’s daycare centers, one example being the Barangay Dampol Day Care Center. Parents can send their children to the daycare centers for free, on the condition that they too participate in the Bote Mo, Edukasyon Ko initiative. With one program, Plaridel can promote waste reduction, education, literacy, and community involvement at the same time. Scholarships, tree-planting programs, and recycling campaigns are typical projects of an LGU. Through constant innovation, Vistan and her team have added new dimensions to these initiatives and structured them in a sustainable manner. In the mayor's words, each project is “something that will not only have an impact on Plarideleños, but on the next generation.” Such programs are lasting not only because they are sustainable, but also because they cultivate positive attitudes and habits in citizens, involving all Plarideleños in Vistan’s effort to build an ever-better Plaridel. AN OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE One may reasonably assume that Vistan inherited her aptitude for public service from her parents, both former mayors of Plaridel. However, Vistan was working toward a career in the corporate world. Becoming a public servant was not within her horizons. A merit scholar at Ateneo de Manila University, she took up Management Engineering and started working for Colgate-Palmolive as a management trainee after graduation. Her father, the late Jaime J. Vistan, asked her to take over the family transport company because he intended to run for office. At first, she tried to dissuade her father from running, his rather quiet personality leading her to think that he may not be suited to a life in politics. In terms of his habits and dispositions, though, he seemed to be a good fit. “He acted on all the problems of the town and found solutions for them,” she says. In the end, Vistan agreed to oversee the business and her father was elected mayor. “He told me he just wanted to help his countrymen.” Witnessing her parents’ terms as mayor, however, had quite an unexpected effect on Vistan. “I told myself, this is not for me,” she recalls. She had other dreams, like starting a family, pursuing further studies, and taking up law. Initially, she was sure that the responsibilities of a mayor and the demands of the people were beyond her. Her mother’s words, however, made her reconsider. Former Mayor Anastacia R. Vistan, known to Plarideleños as Mayor Tessie, asked her daughter: “There is an opportunity for you to serve. Would you like to serve?” A career in public service was far from a matter of course for Vistan. She knew it would require a lot of sacrifice, and there would often be more to lose than to gain in such a position. As she pondered the matter, she realized that this was a chance for her to make all her ideas come to life. She could not only see changes but to be the changes she had always envisioned. “I realized that not everybody is given an opportunity to serve… I thought that if I serve others, there’s so much that I can do for the town,” she reveals. VISTAN’S PROGRAMS ARE LASTING NOT ONLY BECAUSE THEY ARE SUSTAINABLE, BUT ALSO BECAUSE THEY CULTIVATE POSITIVE ATTITUDES AND HABITS IN CITIZENS, INVOLVING ALL PLARIDELEÑOS IN HER EFFORT TO BUILD AN EVERBETTER PLARIDEL. SIPAG, SINOP, SUWERTE Vistan grew up hearing this constant refrain from her parents: sipag, sinop, suwerte (hard work, frugality, luck). They taught these values to their children in the context of business, but Vistan would recall this reminder and embody it during her years as mayor of Plaridel. Firstly, sipag: “Hard work, persistence. Be an early riser. Do everything in time and at the right time,” the mayor stresses. One of Vistan’s first goals as mayor was to improve services through information technology, by computerizing and updating systems. This facilitated the work and extended the reach of the different offices of the LGU and ensured that the demands of constituents could be met efficiently. Vistan fostered this same spirit of hard work among Plarideleños as well. Previously mentioned projects like One Tree, One KID and Bote Mo, Edukasyon Ko have supported countless students throughout their education. In the area of entrepreneurship, Plarideleños are guaranteed much support as well. Budding business owners can take out small loans to help them start, and such aid is also accompanied by livelihood training by the Public Employment Services Office. Thanks to practices such as the above, Plaridel was recognized by the Department of Trade and Industry as one of the most competitive and most improved LGUs in 2019. That year, Plaridel also ranked first in the area of Economic Dynamism, one of the five pillars of competitiveness measured in the Cities and Municipalities Competitive Index. Second, sinop: “You shouldn’t just earn a lot of money, but you should spend it wisely, too,” Vistan emphasizes. Investing in land is not an easy task for a municipal government, but Vistan took on this challenge in order to make Plaridel’s infrastructure projects possible. After noticing that some students of Plaridel needed to cross a bridge and go to another town to go to high school, it became one of the mayor’s goals to put up a school. From 160 students in 10 classrooms borrowed from an elementary school, Banga High School now has 2,000 students and the most classrooms in Plaridel. Also worth noting is Plaridel’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Emergency Response (DRRER) program. Plaridel is one of the first municipalities in its area to have an evacuation center, which was even used as an isolation facility during the pandemic. Most of the procurement for the barangays is directed to both hard and soft projects for disaster preparedness, like acquiring rescue vehicles, improving the emergency warning system, and the regular training and assessment of DRRER teams. Third, suwerte: “If there’s an opportunity, you grab it, and you make the most of it,” the mayor underscores. Plaridel is about a half-hour’s drive away from Metro Manila via the North Luzon Expressway. This, along with more space, less traffic, and lower tax brackets, has made the town appealing to investors. There is a growing presence of logistics, manufacturing, and warehousing companies, whose sales teams and operations centers are in Plaridel. Recognizing Bulacan’s, and especially Plaridel’s, potential as “the gateway to the north,” Ayala Land, Inc. announced the Crossroads project in 2022. It will be a commercial and lifestyle district, the first of its kind in Bulacan, and Vistan is excited about the opportunities it will open up. It will definitely be a reason for many Plarideleños to return to their town, incidentally the theme of the free concert held in December 2024: “Coming Home.” Rooted in the traditional Salubong Festival on December 29, Vistan invited Orange and Lemons, Leona, and other local artists to this year-end celebration. She hoped to inspire the youth to pursue music (as some members of the bands are from Plaridel as well), draw attention to the Salubong Festival, and encourage Plarideleños to come home to Plaridel. BUILDING THE PLARIDEL OF THE FUTURE Something Vistan learned from her father is to always look to the future: “You do not stop at Point A when you have reached Point A. You look forward to Point B,” she says. The local chief executive is always thinking about, working for, and looking forward to “what’s next.” This is clearly seen in her projects and programs, each one clearly designed to last, leaving behind a legacy that will outlast her term as mayor. Speaking of legacy, Vistan hopes she will be remembered for her efforts to bring people together and build community. She knows that all her dreams for Plaridel are possible, as long as all Plarideleños love their town and work as hard for it as she does. “Sama-sama po tayo: ako, ikaw, tayong lahat, para sa isang Plaridel na diretso sa progreso. (Let’s work together: me, you, all of us, for a Plaridel headed straight towards progress.) Be with me and come home to Plaridel,” she says. I REALIZED THAT NOT EVERYBODY IS GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE… I THOUGHT THAT IF I SERVE OTHERS, THERE’S SO MUCH THAT I CAN DO FOR THE TOWN.

< Back The People, Above All Every councilor has the same job but Cainta Councilor Sitti Ruaina “Ruru” Ferriols’ compassion for the people makes all the difference. BY CAMILLE F. CABAL PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROMEO PERALTA JR. HMUA BY ANN LOMIBAO She walks shyly in her completely glammed-up look inside the premises of the Cainta Municipal Hall as the team gets ready for the shoot. She tries to be as discreet as possible but her constituents recognize her beauty and approach her with smiles and compliments. As opposed to how the people looked at her before, sosyal (snobbish) and unapproachable, Cainta Councilor Sitti Ruaina “Ruru” Ferriols turned out to be more approachable than they thought. For s omeone who used to be timid, Ferriols shares that spending time with the people is what she grew to love the most in her job as a municipal councilor. Fer riols has become known to the people of Cainta as a councilor they c an always run to for whatever help they need. While many come to her office for financia l assistance, there are some who just need to vent their problem. “Merong pupunta sa’yo humihingi ng tulong becaus e the daughter is dying of cancer. ‘Yung maliit na bagay na ‘yan na makatulong ka…’pag inabot mo magugulat ka na nabuhay sya (Sometimes people would come asking for help because their daughter is dying of cancer. Your little bit of help, you’d b e surprised how far it could change a person’s life),” she says. Ferriols adds that sometimes “it’s not a ll about what you give to them. Sometimes, it matters more that there’s some one who will listen to them.” Ferriols also serves as a reliable friend to her fellow women in the municipality who seek help about their love life where she would talk to them casually. She says that someone in a government position doesn’t always have to be diplomatic when talking to constituents. Sometimes though, their stories are absorbed by the empathetic councilor. So being able to lighten their problems also makes her the happiest. NEW LOCATION, NEW MISSION Ferriols credits her political journey to previews Cainta Mayor Johnielle Keith 'kit' Nieto. she started working for him as a secretary, where she was exposed to dealing with the people who were seeking assistance from the humble office of the mayor. When Nieto saw her compassion for the people, that was the start of a public servant's story who was eventually loved by the people. “Sabi sakin ni mayor [Nieto] (Mayor [Nieto] told me), ‘Be a councilor, Ruru. Because I can see your heart [is in public service],’” Ferriols quotes her former boss. “I have this big heart na ang tiyaga kong makipag-usap sa tao (I have this big .......

< Back ENJOY JAKARTA AND STUNNING BANDUNG BY HELEN HERNANE-PALAPAG VISITING INDONESIA? EXPLORING THEIR CURRENT CAPITAL AND THE UNESCO CREATIVE CITY IS A MUST FOR HISTORY AND ART LOVERS, GASTRONOMES, AND SHOPAHOLICS. Four hours away from Manila via plane, Indonesia boasts 17,508 islands—portions of which are shared with Papua New Guinea, East Timor, Malaysia, and Brunei. Most tourists flock to Bali, with over 5 million foreigners visiting in 2023 alone. Its picturesque natural destinations, peaceful temples, and vast rice fields draw in experienced and first-time travelers alike. Jakarta and Bandung are must-visit destinations, each brimming with surprises for all ages and interests. With Indonesia’s first high-speed railway, “Whoosh,” connecting the cities, exploring both in a week is a breeze. Launched on October 17, 2023, Whoosh travels at 350 kph, making the trip in just 45 minutes instead of the usual 3-5 hours by car. From Jakarta’s Halim Station, transfer to the feeder line included in your Whoosh ticket at Padalarang station to reach Bandung. Both stations feature sleek, airport-like interiors with excellent security and service, ensuring a smooth travel experience. “WHOOSH, WHOOSH, WHOOSH? YES!” This encouraging cheer can be heard regularly throughout the ride. Since its launch, there has been much excitement for the railway—mostly because it cuts travel time to a third. But as Southeast Asia’s first highspeed railway system, it also brings much pride to the people. If Whoosh is a benchmark for its neighbors, such as the Philippines, people can set their expectations high. Each reclinable seat is equipped with a folding table and a power socket (Type F and USB A) with plenty of legroom. There are clean toilet rooms and luggage racks found in each car, plus one car has a mini cafe. Above everything, the ride itself can only be described as smooth and comfortable. Before boarding, explore Jakarta’s charm, from historical sites to must-try restaurants and cafes. The city also boasts a vibrant shopping scene, comparable to Manila’s 168 Mall in Divisoria. MERCURE JAKARTA SABANG HOTEL First off, finding the perfect accommodation. Right in the center of Jakarta, this 4-star hotel is only a few minutes away from prime locations for tourists, business travelers, and families alike. A few minutes’ walk away are the National Monument, Sarinah Department Store, and the Selamat Datang (Welcome) Monument. Gambir Railway Station is also nearby, ensuring easy access to the city’s public transportation — exploring Jakarta has never been easier. Mercure Hotel offers a perfect retreat with spacious rooms, plush beds, and top-notch amenities. Enjoy crafted cocktails by the glowing pool, restful nights in cozy beds, and a breakfast buffet with local specialties like Mi Goreng (stir-fried noodles)—be warned, the “original” flavor packs a bit of spice! Tip: Flights from Manila to Jakarta often arrive very late into the night or early morning, plan your hotel stays accordingly and inform your hotel in advance. SUNDAY CAR-FREE DAY Immerse yourself in Jakarta’s local culture by joining the Sunday Car-Free Day. Just a short walk from our hotel, Thamrin Road transforms into a bustling promenade from 6 AM to 11 AM, where hundreds of Indonesians walk, bike, and jog. The streets come alive with food stalls, free outdoor Zumba sessions, and busking musicians, creating a lively and communal atmosphere. At the heart of it all stands the iconic Selamat Datang monument. SELAMAT DATANG MONUMENT The Selamat Datang Monument, meaning “Welcome,” was crafted by Edhi Sunarso in 1959 and commissioned by President Sukarno to greet athletes for the 1962 Asian Games. This 10-meter monument features bronze statues of a man and woman waving, symbolizing Indonesia’s hospitality. Tip: For the best views and Instagram-worthy photos of the monument, visit the viewing platform on the second floor of the Bundaran HI Astra bus station. You’ll also catch sights of Jakarta’s Hotel Indonesia, Grand Hyatt Jakarta, and the Mandarin Oriental. OLD TOWN BATAVIA OR KOTA TUA JAKARTA Step into Jakarta’s Dutch colonial era with a visit to this vibrant neighborhood, full of colonial-style buildings and historical museums. Spend an afternoon—or a whole day—exploring Fatahillah Square, especially lively on weekends and holidays. The square buzzes with energy, featuring street performers, cosplayers, and musicians. Must-see sites include the Fine Art and Ceramic Museum, Café Batavia, Jakarta History Museum, Wayang Museum, and Jakarta Kota Post Office. Nearby, you’ll find the Kota Intan Drawbridge, Gereja Sion (Jakarta’s oldest church), and Jakarta Kota Railway Station. FINE ART AND CERAMIC MUSEUM After exploring the square, dive into a pottery workshop at the museum. It’s an affordable, hands-on experience where you can create a unique keepsake. All materials are provided, and guidance is offered throughout. While your piece dries, check out the museum’s collection of paintings by Indonesian masters like Raden Saleh and Affandi, along with traditional and contemporary ceramics. Tip: Start the pottery workshop early to ensure ample drying time. Once back at your hotel, use the air conditioning to help solidify your clay creation before your journey home. CAFE BATAVIA Built in the 1830s, Cafe Batavia is the second oldest establishment in the square. Restored by Australian Graham James and opened in 1993, it retains its vintage charm and has hosted dignitaries like the Queen of Sweden and U.S. Ambassadors. Reservations are essential, as the restaurant serves over 700 people daily and is often packed. For elevated Indonesian cuisine in a setting steeped in history, Cafe Batavia is a must-visit. NEW BATAVIA CAFE Just steps away, New Batavia Cafe blends modern interiors with oldschool European charm. Offering a mix of Indonesian and Western dishes, it’s ideal for groups with varied tastes. Whether you’re taking a break from exploring the city or museum hopping, it’s a budget-friendly spot with delicious, generous portions. ACARAKI: THE ART OF JAMU Hidden in a century-old building down a narrow alley, Acaraki’s Kota Tua branch is a must-visit for Jamu lovers. This traditional herbal drink, made from roots, herbs, and spices, is renowned for its health benefits and was a perfect post-lunch pick-me-up. Acaraki excels in Jamu, offering “new wave” options for first-timers, like the “Golden Sparkling,” which mixes Jamu Kunyit Asam with sparkling soda, and the “Golden Yoghurt,” combining it with yogurt. Both were crowd favorites, and we couldn’t resist bringing home a tin of powdered Jamu. NATIONAL MONUMENT OR MONUMEN NASIONAL (MONAS) In the heart of Merdeka Square stands a 132-meter obelisk topped with a golden “flame.” Explore the monument’s base to find a museum with 51 dioramas of Indonesia’s fight for independence. Inside the obelisk, the Hall of Independence features mechanized bronze doors that open to Sukarno’s Independence speech, revealing the original Proclamation of Independence behind glass. The experience is deeply moving, especially with Sukarno’s voice echoing through the hall. Don’t miss the observation deck for a 360-degree view of Jakarta and a stroll around the 80-hectare Merdeka Square, nearly twice the size of Vatican City. TAMAN SUROPATI PARK If you must have another park on your itinerary, then head over to the Taman Suropati Park which is home to several ASEAN monuments, including one from the Philippines (“Rebirth” by Luis E. Yee Jr.). Aside from these works of art, you can see a stone footwalk, several fountains and birdhouses, and a book exchange “Bookhive,” which is a private “free library” initiative to encourage people to read and share their love for books. BART (BAR AT THE ROOFTOP) For stunning city views, great food, and top-notch cocktails, head to BART (Bar at the Rooftop) on the 7th floor of ARTOTEL Thamrin. With its sophisticated decor and lounge seating, it’s the perfect spot to unwind, savor drinks, and chat about your Jakarta experience. Ideal for a chic, elevated end to your day, BART also offers stylish Instagramworthy shots against the backdrop of Jakarta’s skyline. TALAGA SAMPIREUN MENTENG For authentic Indonesian cuisine plus a modern-traditional fusion aesthetic, visit Talaga Sampireun Menteng for a unique dining experience. Once you enter, you are immediately met with a manmade pond framed by over-the-water villas that subtly evoke Toba Batak architecture through their sweeping saddle-back roofs but are muted to fit modern aesthetics. Still, the bigger highlight of the restaurant is not just their stunning design, but also the equallyInstagrammable, authentic, and mouth watering dishes. Tip: Make sure to always add a dash (or if you follow the locals’ footsteps, a chock full) of sambal to your meals — if you’re spice-averse, then a visit to Indonesia will have you embracing the spice. Sambal is a must; we don’t make the rules. ISTIQLAL, JAKARTA CATHEDRAL, AND THE FRIENDSHIP TUNNEL Istiqlal Mosque, Southeast Asia’s largest, can host up to 120,000 pilgrims and welcomes non-Muslim visitors for guided tours. Adhere to the dress code—covering legs and arms for women and legs for men—and wear a provided hijab. Guests must remove their shoes and can enjoy views of Jakarta Cathedral from the mosque’s open-air courtyard. The upcoming Terowongan Silaturahmi (Friendship Tunnel) will link Istiqlal Mosque with Jakarta Cathedral, symbolizing their strong Muslim-Roman Catholic ties. During Eid al-Adha and Christmas, the Cathedral and Mosque open their spaces for each other’s parking needs. Jakarta Cathedral, a neo-Gothic church completed in 1901, features Dutch architectural elements and a grotto with a rock from Lourdes. The cathedral’s museum is closed on Mondays. THAMRIN CITY SHOPPING MALL If you want to shop until you drop, Thamrin City Shopping Mall is the place to be. This massive, multi-level shopaholic paradise is a must-visit for the best deals on local products, such as batik. You can also purchase souvenirs, trendy clothes, and much more. It’s quite a maze with hundreds of stalls inside so if you’re traveling with a group, make sure to stick together or at least designate a meeting spot. Tip: Haggling is culturally accepted in Indonesia. But make sure to haggle in good faith: negotiate a price that is good for you and the seller, and only bargain when you’re ready to buy. THE ACRE After a day of exploring, unwind at The Acre for a comforting meal. Enjoy authentic Indonesian dishes like ayam bakar kecap and lumajang empal, or opt for Western favorites such as truffled mushroom ravioli and double cheeseburger. The restaurant offers diverse settings: private rooms, a spacious indoor dining area with a large bar, al fresco tables, and an open-air lounge where you can relax with a drink (including jamu!). ASIAN-AFRICAN CONFERENCE MUSEUM Time to visit Bandung and after a 45-minute Whoosh train ride, your first stop should be the Asian-African Conference Museum. Note that it’s closed on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and national holidays. The museum delves into the 1955 Bandung Conference, which brought together 29 countries and over 300 participants to promote global peace and cooperation. Opt for a guided tour to fully grasp this pivotal moment in history. BRAGA ART CAFE A short walk away from the museum is the Braga Art Cafe. Featuring a mix of Indonesian and Western cuisine, guests will also appreciate the traditional aesthetic of the cafe. While you wait for your food, roam around the restaurant (don’t forget the 2nd floor) while you savor some tea or brewed coffee. It can get quite hot in the street during lunch, but fret not because it’s refreshing inside the cafe even though there’s no air conditioning. WAYANG GOLEK & ANGKLUNG In Bandung, Udjo’s House of Angklung offers a spectacular 90-minute showcase featuring Wayang Golek wooden puppets and the angklung musical instrument. Experience an unforgettable blend of puppet shows, angklung concerts, traditional dance, and even a lively party where you’re invited to join in the fun! TJENDANA BISTRO Homey with a cultural vibe, Tjendana Bistro is perfect for small dinner gatherings and big celebrations as well. Since 2014, they have been offering delicious Indonesian fare and with the generous serving sizes, everyone is guaranteed to leave with a full stomach. Our personal favorites were the stir-fried kale (the stems were delicious but we couldn’t get enough of the crispy leaves!), chicken satay, and fried chicken with raw sambal. BRAGA STREET Braga Street is a lively, art-filled area that’s captivating day and night. In the evening, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere with horror cosplayers and romantically-lit streets perfect for photos. Cool bars and cafes stay bustling late into the night. Art is everywhere, and you can even find well-crafted paintings at affordable prices. JABARANO COFFEE Offering both indoor and alfresco spaces, this cafe is the perfect way to cap the day for coffee lovers. If you’re looking for a midnight snack (they’re open until 1 AM), you can also grab food here aside from their signature drinks, such as the Orange Coffee Jabarano, Cheese Crumble Butterscotch, Malicano Apple, and Black Hive Honey. They also have some coffee beans that you can bring home — and you can even ask them to ground the beans! DE BRAGA BY ARTOTEL In the heart of Bandung’s vibrant district, de Braga by ARTOTEL stands out with its Art Deco style. Enjoy the swimming pool, in-house spa, and occasional artistic performances. Its central location makes it perfect for immersing yourself in Bandung’s art, culture, and history. KAWAH PUTIH (WHITE CRATER) ECOTOURISM About 50 kilometers south of Bandung, Kawah Putih (White Crater Lake) is a breathtaking sight with its turquoise waters and pale white sand. Surrounded by mountains and foggy skies, it’s perfect for stunning photos. For the best views, visit the wooden deck above the lake or, for a small fee, trek up to the mountaintop viewdeck. Note that the sulfuric waters are unsafe to touch or drink, and if you’re sensitive to fumes, limit your visit to 10-15 minutes. KINARA RESTO In the chilly mountains of Bandung, Kinara Resto offers a cozy escape with stunning views of tea plantations. Enjoy a hot coffee or tea while gazing at the fog-laced landscape— perfect for a relaxing, wallpaper-worthy moment. When you’re ready for adventure, thrill-seekers can find exciting activities just steps away. RENGGANIS JEMBATAN GANTUNG (SUSPENSION BRIDGE) Just outside Kinara Resto, the Rengganis Suspension Bridge awaits daring adventurers. At 40 meters long and 70 meters high, it’s a thrilling challenge, with safety harnesses provided. Explore more of Bandung’s natural beauty with glamping, Golesat rides, and other exciting packages. PINISI BOAT RESTAURANT Hungry after your adventures? Head to Pinisi Boat Restaurant, docked beside a lake on a giant ship. Ideal for families, it offers authentic Indonesian dishes along with Asian and Western options. With ample space for any group size, dining here promises a memorable experience for all. PANTAI INDAH KAPUK Need a quick bite before your flight? Just 20 minutes from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Pantai Indah Kapuk offers diverse dining options. Look for the giant 5-level pagoda—home to familiar spots like Din Tai Fung and Gong Cha, plus many other unique choices. The food-filled street is also highly Instagrammable, so plan extra time for photos. Tip: If you need something at the last minute, there’s an Alfamart convenience store in the area — you can even buy some Indomie Mi Goreng noodles and other Indonesian snacks to bring home!

< Back An Invitation to Integrity BY BIANCA MARAÑON PASIG CITY ADMINISTRATOR ATTY. JERON MANZANERO DEMONSTRATES THAT A PUBLIC SERVANT’S STEADFASTNESS TO HIS PRINCIPLES IS ESSENTIAL TO GOOD G OVERNANCE. Mere hours into the reporting of the partial and unofficial results of the 2025 elections, it quickly became clear that Mayor Vico Sotto and the entire Giting ng Pasig slate had secured a landslide victory. On X, a Pasigueño joked, “Okay na kami dito sa Pasig, kamusta kayo diyan sa ‘Pinas? (We’re okay here in Pasig, how are you there in the Philippines?)” The witty implication that Pasig is an entirely separate country from the Philippines made netizens laugh. For that is what Pasig has become for many Filipinos: a city occupying another plane of existence where trapo (traditional politics) culture holds no sway, where true democracy lives. One can only imagine the effort that has been put into making Pasig the city that it is today. However, one wonders—is Pasig an unattainable standard, or a beacon of hope? Atty. Jeron Uy Manzanero, the city administrator of Pasig, would like to believe the latter. “We’ve been stuck in this cycle of bad leaders, bad politics, bad governance for the longest time,” he observes. “Now that I see that we have something good happening in Pasig, we just have to solidify that statement. That in nine years, even if it’s just a small city compared to the entire country, integrity is possible. It’s hard, but it is possible.” TO BECOME A GOOD CITY ADMINISTRATOR, POLITICS SHOULD NOT BE A FACTOR IN YOUR JOB. YOU ADMINISTER OR DELIVER THE SERVICES OF THE CITY NO MATTER WHAT POLITICAL COLOR. UNWAVERING PRINCIPLES Asked about his motivation to enter public service, Manzanero admits, “I’d be lying if I said it came from deep within me. It’s really because of the mayor and what he stood for when he won. Every Pasigueño felt that victory back in 2019 that ended a political dynasty really sent a message to us. And at that time, I didn’t want to be a public servant. I just wanted to offer my help, my legal expertise to my friend, Vico.” What began as helping out a friend eventually became serving the people of Pasig as their city administrator, a position to which Manzanero was appointed in July 2019. For someone who never intended to become a public servant, Manzanero is particularly suited to the job. Tasked with coordinating closely with the local chief executive in the effective management, supervision and implementation of local development programs and projects, the city administrator makes countless decisions that affect thousands of people. Such a task is made simpler by Manzanero’s unswerving moral compass. He credits his habit of “Christ-driven decision making” to the guidance of the Lasallian brothers of La Salle Greenhills, the Opus Dei priests of the University of Asia and the Pacific, and the Jesuits of Ateneo de Manila University throughout his high school, university, and law school days. This habit was further bolstered by his knowledge and practice of law, because as he puts it, “what is written in the law is what I administer and implement. It’s just as simple as that.” Most of all, his decisions are given clarity by his number one priority: his family. He devotes all his free time to his wife, actress Sheena Halili, and their two children, Martina and Jio. Manzanero explains, “I believe that once you’re grounded in family, all your decisions are clearer, are more in line with your moral compass, and of course with the greater good.” A man whose values inform all his decisions is a man of integrity, and that is what Manzanero seeks to instill in his children as a father and to embody in his work as a public servant. Integrity alone, however, is “just one part of it,” he explains. “You still need to be competent at your job.” His legal career equips him with both competence and confidence in fulfilling his duties as city administrator. Before taking and passing the Philippine Bar exams, he was a legal consultant at the Office of Councilor Anton G. Capistrano of the Fourth District of Manila. He later worked as a litigation lawyer at Chavez Miranda Aseoche Law Offices and City of Dreams Manila, and then at Meralco as an energy lawyer. Manzanero says that he enjoyed his time there, as it was close to home. For him, Pasig—the city in which he lived, studied, and worked—is home. When the opportunity arose for him to serve its people, he gladly took it. A PUBLIC SERVANT’S MINDSET Manzanero describes the services that the city provides Pasigueños as ranging from “before the cradle to beyond the grave.” These services cover all aspects of a Pasigueño’s life, and it is his role as the city administrator to see to it that all these services are working, and that all Pasigueños can avail of them. Because he works closely with the mayor to implement various policies and projects, one would understand why the title of “little mayor” could be appropriate for a person of Manzanero’s position. However, he strongly opposes this title. He thinks that to be called such is to imply a city administrator’s involvement in politics. He firmly emphasizes, “To become a good city administrator, politics should not be a factor in your job. You administer or deliver the services of the city no matter what political color. Dapat walang bahid ng pulitika. Kahit sino, lahat dapat mabibigyan ng serbisyo nang pantay pantay. (This should not be tainted by politicking. No matter who they are, everyone should be given these services equally.)” He advises the same to whoever may hold the position of city administrator in the future: “Don’t put it in your head that you’re all-powerful or that you can do whatever you want. Your job must come first. Your tasks of delivering services and bringing them to everyone equally comes first.” He also reminds Pasigueños, “Hindi kayo dapat may utang na loob sa pulitikong gumawa ng programa. (You shouldn’t be indebted to the politicians who came up with the programs.)” Public servants ought to be only temporarily in office, and programs should not be reelection strategies. Manzanero carries out his duties with the full knowledge that there is no need for them to be attributed to him specifically. He is excited by the thought that “this policy that we met on and we thought of will really have a life of its own, beyond the people who worked on it… After a hundred years when we’re just names, just memories, Pasig City will still be there. And hopefully, the programs too, because that means that they’re good programs.” Asked if he intends to run for office someday, he firmly responds, “Not at all.” For him, one does not need to be an elected official to do good and to serve the people. BELIEVING IN PEOPLE One of Manzanero’s first tasks as city administrator was transforming anti-corruption policies into concrete plans of action. “It’s hard to do that administratively, because corruption was part of the culture. And in the entire Philippines, it’s still a cultural problem,” he notes. Applying such policies inevitably led to disagreeing with a lot of people. If there were government employees who did not follow such policies, he and his team would coordinate with the Philippine National Police to apprehend them. Besides dealing with outright opposition, Manzanero had to introduce these policies to public servants and department heads who were more experienced than him. In 2019, he was new to public service and to the city. Apart from trying to make things work, he had to study how they worked in the f irst place. At that time, Pasig was also one of the wealthiest and most developed cities in the country. This made an already complicated task even more challenging. Who was he to introduce new ways of doing things when the methods in place be seemed to have been working? Some would think that a quicker solution would have been to replace all the department heads with those who shared the vision of the new mayor. After all, uprooting deep-seated behaviors and systems requires radical measures. Such was the advice given to the mayor and to Manzanero by other politicians and administrators in 2019. However, this was not the path they took because, as Manzanero explains, “We believe in people. People want a better government. If we showed from the leadership emanating from Mayor Vico that it is possible, I was sure they would adopt it.” In fact, at the time of LEAGUE’s conversation with Manzanero in April 2025, he was still working with the same department heads that he worked with from his first day on the job—the ones who have been working in the city government even before Sotto’s first term. The extent of the change the city has undergone in the past six years is evident in Manzanero’s words: “Before, when we heard about corruption, we weren’t surprised. We acted on it and investigated it. But now, when we hear about such things, we’re surprised. It’s not the culture that we have now. We fought against it, we fixed it.” The typical Filipino reader would be surprised at these words. It is a sad reality that many Filipinos have grown numb to corruption, and assume that our country is irreversibly mired in it. But Manzanero disagrees, and holds a refreshingly hopeful perspective: “Ang Pilipino, ayaw ng korupsiyon, gusto na maayos ang gobyerno. Kaya ngayong nakikita nila na may maayos na pamamahala sa lungsod, nagsisilbi itong patunay sa kanila na kaya pala, posible pala. (Filipinos don’t want corruption, they want good governance. Now that they've seen that the city government is doing things the right way, they have come to realize that it can actually be done, that it is possible.)” Manzanero believes that corruption isn’t something that Filipinos seek, it’s something they put up with. If you showed them a way out, they would take it. The way out, however, is far from easy. There is no shortcut to good governance. One of Manzanero’s difficult tasks, for instance, is overseeing the procurement process for city projects. Although the law details the proper procedure, such is not what usually happens in practice. Open bidding, therefore, was initially something new to many contractors. Even if there may be the risk of projects getting delayed or taking longer than they would have if the city directly approached a specific contractor, “true bidding happens in Pasig City,” Manzanero proudly affirms. “The contractors know that.” OPENING PATHS TO ACTIVE TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY Facilitating city government employees’ involvement in establishing good governance is important, but all Pasigueños are invited to be part of this process as well. Manzanero pinpoints the Freedom of Information Ordinance passed by then-Councilor Vico Sotto as an important step in this direction. This was one of the first policies enacted when he was elected as mayor: the establishment of the Freedom of Information Office, also called “Ugnayan sa Pasig” (Linkages in Pasig). This office is easily accessible to Pasigueños, as its contact information is available on the city website, it has its own Facebook page, and it is located on the ground floor of the Pasig City Hall. At this office, any Pasigueño can request documents about and budgets of city projects, and they can also submit complaints. Manzanero describes it as “a mechanism that institutionalizes the participation of the people.” This feedback mechanism allows Pasigueños to raise concerns that may escape the attention of city government employees, like lack of access roads to parking areas and busted streetlights. Ugnayan sa Pasig was initially under the Office of the City Administrator so that Manzanero could course concerns and feedback to the appropriate offices or departments. As the city administrator, Manzanero takes care of issuing permits, like those for special events, road closure, or bazaars. In order to abide by anti-red tape rules and follow up on late documents and permits, Ugnayan sa Pasig was later separated from the Office of the City Administrator, so that it could function as a mechanism of accountability for city government employees as well. Another principle safeguarded by Ugnayan sa Pasig is transparency. One of the ongoing projects of the Pasig City government is the construction of a new City Hall Complex which has a budget of Php9.2 billion. A project with a budget that big usually raises some eyebrows. Perhaps that would be true anywhere else in the Philippines, but in Pasig, the city government invites Pasigueños to ask questions. Thus far, the Pasig City government has been very open with this plan, with Sotto even explaining it in a 16-minute video on the YouTube channel of Philippine Entertainment Portal ( PEP.ph ). Manzanero, encouraging Pasigueños to go to Ugnayan sa Pasig to learn more about it, says “Bukas ang libro namin. (Our books are open). We can supply whatever you want to know.” In a post uploaded on Instagram in October 2024, shortly after Sotto filed his certificate of candidacy for reelection, Manzanero cites “a happier, prouder, and more engaged community” as one of the markers of Pasig’s progress. The City Hall Complex project serves as an opportunity to reframe people’s relationship with the local government and rebuild citizen’s trust in institutions. Manzanero happily observes, “I’ve seen that it has become part of the culture of Pasigueños that you have an office to go to if you have a problem, or if there’s something you want to know.” THE ROAD TO GOOD GOVERNANCE “Even when no one’s looking, how can you do the right thing?” This is a question Manzanero wants to help his children to answer, because he hopes to teach them to live with integrity. Through his many years of service to Pasig as city administrator, integrity is also something that he hopes Pasigueños will come to espouse and fight for. Manzanero believes that good governance and eradicating corruption can only be achieved and sustained if all Pasigueños work together. He reminds them to hold on to these ideals, even if it means taking the slower, more arduous path toward progress. “Maniwala tayo sa isang proseso na magbibigay-bunga sa magandang kinabukasan para sa atin. At wala nang iba na kailangan pa nating gawin kundi ang pamamahala nang tapat, ang good governance. Maniwala po tayo na posible ‘yon. Hindi po ‘yon kathang-isip lamang. Kailangan po nating isabuhay ang prinsipyo na ‘yon sa araw-araw na buhay. (Let’s believe in the process that will result in a better future for us. There’s nothing more that we need to do besides governing honestly, practicing good governance. Let us believe that this is possible. It isn’t just a figment of our imagination. We need to live out that principle in our everyday lives.)” CORRUPTION ISN’T SOMETHING THAT FILIPINOS SEEK, IT’S SOMETHING THEY PUT UP WITH. IF YOU SHOWED THEM A WAY OUT, THEY WOULD TAKE IT.

< Back Travel Back in Time PROVINCE OF FREEDOM AND VALOR Best known for the annual Araw ng Kagitingan celebrations that fall on April 9 (also known as Bataan Day), the province of Bataan is a beautiful place that is rich in World War II history. One way to get to know the place better is through these historic landmarks… BY GERALD P. GRANA MOUNT SAMAT SHRINE What lies in these historic halls are memories of our beloved fallen Filipino hero soldiers who fought during World War II. The most recognizable is the Shrine of Valor, with relics such as old cannons, ammunition, and WWII memorabilia. It also has an underground museum. BATAAN WORLD WAR II MUSEUM Containing relics from World War II such as historic documents, infantry uniforms, water cantees, military dog tags, maps, ammunition, rifles, and hand held guns, this place reveals the horrors of what war can do. SURRENDER SITE MARKER Located inside Balanga Elementary School in Balanga City, this marker is a reminder that the site was used as a command post by Japanese Lt. Gen. Masaharu Homma at the time of Bataan’s surrender. Major Gen. Edward King and his party signed the documents for the surrender of the USAFFE forces in the Philippines under a mango tree on April 9, 1942. That mango tree still exists up to now. PLAZA MAYOR DE CIUDAD DE BALANGA Most areas in Bataan seem like the typical sleepy countryside, but Balanga City, its capital, paints a different picture—it exudes European vibe and old world charm. The grand Plaza Mayor de Ciudad de Balanga, located at the heart of the city, can’t be missed. The charming Plaza Hotel is both beautiful and quaint. During nighttime, the Plaza comes alive with the regal spectacle of lights and dancing fountains. BATTLE OF BATAAN With Bataan being a key figure in World War II, the Bataan Death March celebrated on April 8 is no longer just a day of mourning for our fallen Filipino soldiers, but a day to renew and reawaken the spirit of heroism that is in each and every Filipino.

< Back Advocating for the Creatives Multi-hyphenate Pangasinan 4th District Congressman Christopher “Toff” De Venecia directs the spotlight on our country’s artists with RA No. 11904. BY HELEN HERNANE PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROMEO PERALTA, JR. HMUA BY EFF ALAGADAN JR. There is a line that artists are very much familiar with: “Walang pera sa (There is no money in the) arts.” And this isn’t something only Filipino creatives have heard. It has become so commonplace that “struggling” often precedes the word “artists.” Whether it’s struggling to provide creative output or financial distress, it is almost expected of everyone entering this industry that they are facing an uphill battle. FIRST-HAND EXPERIENCE Pangasinan 4th District Representative Christopher “Toff” De Venecia is familiar with the struggle himself. The Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) alumnus entered the creative industry at a young age, acting in films alongside industry legends such as Sharon Cuneta. He was also part of the sitcom Ober Da Bakod which starred Janno Gibbs, Leo Martinez, and Anjo Yllana. It was something that came naturally, the congressman remarks, as he explained his family’s background in the showbiz industry. His grandfather, Dr. Jose “Doc” Perez, was the general manager and executive producer of Sampaguita Pictures, one of the top film production companies in the 1950s to 1960s. Doc Perez was otherwise known as the “starmaker’’ who helped launch the careers of Gloria Romero, Susan Roces, Amalia Fuentes, Paraluman, Dolphy, Eddie Garcia, Gina Pareño, and many more. De Venecia also shares that one of his aunts is Marichu “Manay Ichu” Perez-Maceda, a movie industry pillar who spearheaded many initiatives such as the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), Movie Workers Welfare Foundation (MOWELFUND), the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP), and even sparked the birth of experimental cinema in the country. While showbiz was something the former child actor enjoyed, giving him a “very interesting childhood,” it was clearly distracting him from his academics. But creative people will always just find another outlet for their ideas and De Venecia turned to writing as he became the sports editor of their school newspaper in grade school. In high school, he joined the HILITES Magazine in AdMU as a features editor, eventually climbing up to associate editor by his senior year. In college, De Venecia thought of joining The Guidon, AdMU’s college newspaper, but found the requirements cumbersome and decided to redirect his energy toward being a member of the student council. Unfortunately, on December 17, 2004, tragedy struck the De Venecia household. Their Makati home was engulfed in flames, claiming the life of De Venecia’s sister, Kristina Casimira “KC.” She was 16 years old. “I had a sort of paradigm shift. There were a lot of things I wanted to pursue, but I never really had the courage to go for them because of fear, anxiety, or insecurity. But with what happened with my sister, I realized that life is so short,” De Venecia confesses. With the memory of his sister strengthening him to move forward, he then dove headfirst into his passions, enrolling in a summer workshop with Repertory Philippines, a Manila-based theater group, and also joining a photography workshop. His eulogy for his sister caught the attention of a Philippine Star editor and his work was published in the broadsheet. At some point, he was offered to be a columnist under their ‘Young Star’ section which jumpstarted his career in media and journalism. De Venecia shares that his journalistic career lasted for around 14 years, becoming the contributing editor for Philippine Star, lifestyle editor for Chalk Magazine, and columnist for Circuit Magazine. He also wrote, edited, and consulted for other publications. This background and training as a journalist, he attests, is proving to be helpful in his present position, enabling him to listen and discuss with his constituents and investigate the root of the issues plaguing his district. Apart from this, he was also a marketing executive for SM Department Store and soon after he put up a theater company with friends called The Sandbox Collective. Now on its eighth year, the company has created award-winning productions—Lungs starring Jake Cuenca and Sab Jose, Every Brilliant Thing featuring Teresa Herrera and Kakki Teodoro, and Himala the Musical starring Aicelle Santos and Bituin Escalante, among others. The congressman himself has won several awards and citations, most recently the nominations for the 2019 Broadway World Awards and 2019 Gawad Buhay Awards, both for best director of Sandbox Collective’s production of Dani Girl. THE FUTURE IS CREATIVE Having lived the life of a creative for nearly his entire life, it is no wonder that De Venecia’s most ambitious legislative endeavor (and for him, his proudest achievement thus far) is the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act which lapsed into law on July 27, 2022 and is now known as Republic Act (RA) No. 11904. “[Having it enacted] was a two and a half year initiative involving multiple sectors, stakeholders, and a ton of lobbying. We pursued it as such at a ‘mission impossible’ timeline, but with everyone sort of vaulting in and working hard to make it happen. Here we are now, [the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act] is now a law that will be implemented in the years to come,” he shares. Having lived the life of a creative for nearly his entire life, it is no wonder that De Venecia’s most ambitious legislative endeavor (and for him, his proudest achievement thus far) is the Philippine Creative IndustriesDevelopment Act which lapsed into law on July 27, 2022 and is now known as Republic Act (RA) No. 11904. “And yet here we are, 2022, still banking on the creativity and resilience of Filipinos, without necessarily supporting them or giving them the kind of environment wherein they can thrive. But since Filipinos are so creative, scrappy, and passionate, they are able to make it work against all odds. Then when they achieve plaudits abroad, the government is the first to congratulate them.” The congressman shares the case of Filipino actor John Arcilla who won the Volpi Cup trophy at the 78th Venice International Film Festival. When the actor was interviewed, he hoped that he would get some kind of incentive for bringing honor to the country. “No such thing exists within our governance framework. Athletes, at least, are able to receive [something] especially if they’re Olympic medalists. Pero sa ’tin [na mga creative], wala. Sobrang masaklap ‘yung sitwasyon ng pagiging creative dito sa Pilipinas (But for us [creatives], nothing. The situation for creatives here in the Philippines is really terrible),” he laments. De Venecia shares that the law brings them a step closer to their goal—the Philippines as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) top creative economy by 2030. Is it possible? While it isn’t going to be smooth sailing, we need only to look toward South Korea to know that it’s not impossible. The Hallyu Wave in the 1990s was a conscious effort of the national government to develop the media sector by setting up the Ministry of Culture. Reportedly, the government was influenced toward giving the creative industry its full support when the total revenues of the Hollywood film Jurrasic Park exceeded the sales value of 1.5 million Hyundai cars. It was a huge wake-up call, as Hyundai was considered a major source of pride for South Korea. Today, South Korea’s cultural influence is everywhere. Some estimates place the generated income of the K-pop (or Korean pop) industry anywhere between US$5 and $10 billion each year. Korean dramas are also just as pervasive and can be found in nearly every streaming platform in the world. It also has an impressive market size valued at around US$2 billion. “That didn’t really happen overnight. That was something that was planned for. [The Hallyu wave] is the creative consequences of an intentional policy shift on the part of their government,” De Venecia stresses. De Venecia also reveals that the country is experiencing a “creative brain drain.” A lot of our country’s creatives, he says, need to go abroad to be “legitimized before they’re paid attention to” in the Philippines. He cites a similar conversation he had with Tony Award winner Lea Salonga, who said that ultimately what launched her career was her experience abroad in Miss Saigon and becoming a Disney princess. “So why do we always have to go out [of the country] to be appreciated within? Culturally, I guess you can say it’s colonial mentality and crab mentality. But when we talk about Hallyu, their biggest market is not necessarily other countries—it’s the South Koreans themselves. How I wish that someday when a Filipino film or content is released, it would be the Filipinos who would be the first to jump on board,” De Venecia shares. The Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) of RA 11904, he says, would be job generation, revenue, higher gross domestic product (GDP) contribution, development of domestic and international markets for Filipino outputs or content, creation of a more vibrant intellectual property ecology, and more. De Venecia explains further that a government agency will be created solely for developing the sector as a result of RA 11904. This will be called the Philippine Creative Industries Development Council which will be attached to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The law also institutionalizes programs that will benefit the sector. He also plans on institutionalizing programs that will benefit creatives—“Everything from R&D (research and development), educational support, business support, grants, incentives, subsidies.” “We want to change the stigma na walang pera sa sining, na walang pera sa pagiging (that there is no money in the arts, there is no money in being a) creative, when in fact, there is [money]. That’s essentially our vision and advocacy,” he underscores. The 35-year-old public servant comments that support for the creatives often translates to patronage, buying a painting or sponsoring a performance. “But they’re not long-term solutions. In fact, there are pain points in the value chains of these industries that are not being addressed. Some of these may have ultimately led to their collapse,” he says. As an example, he turns to the publishing industry and print media. Magazines in the Philippines have been shutting down left and right, with others going full-digital. De Venecia shares that the government would have addressed the root cause of the problems. “Was the cost of paper too high? Could we have reduced the tariffs on paper? Could we have started local production of paper so that it’s more cost efficient for publishers? Could we have galvanized the Department of Education (DepEd)] to work on the reading comprehension and proclivity of students who would be the eventual markets of the publishing industry’s outputs?” he muses. Creative industries and the government, he says, are interrelated and intertwined. Both are held back by myopic views, with creatives sometimes working in a “vacuum.” The COVID-19 pandemic, however, forced the creative industry to pause and “take stock of what they have, who they are, and where they want to go moving forward.” When asked about the issues plaguing the creative industry, De Venecia lists some off the top of his head: “How come in filming, do our shoots really have to last 36-48 hours? If you’re an extra, will you forever be waiting under the shade of mango trees, no safety or health protocols? How come with the Intellectual Property Code, visual artists are [supposed to be] entitled to five percent of the resale fine for artworks but how come this isn’t implemented? And yet NFTs (non-fungible tokens) which use blockchain technology were able to solve that very issue. How come when it comes to shipping, let’s say fashion or furniture, inter-island within the Philippines is very expensive? Sometimes it’s even cheaper to buy furniture abroad than send a piece of furniture from Cebu to Manila. How come freelancers are vulnerable? With gastronomy, chefs always say there is a lack of ingredients and yet if there is a demand, why is there no supply? There can be a collaboration between the agricultural sector and the creative, gastronomic sector.” In the end, however, the congressman points out that with all of these problems, the government is just starting to shed light on the issues and provide a platform for creatives to address such and have an audience with government agencies. “I can talk about at least five to ten issues per industry that need to be resolved. But it really starts with the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act] as being the foundational piece of legislation in which you can build and address sector-specific concerns moving forward,” he shares. FROM THEATER TO CONGRESS With RA 11904 and other significant legislation—such as the Edades and Bernal Museum Law, Freelance Workers Protection Bill, Eddie Garcia Bill, Manaoag Bill, Gabaldon School Buildings Conservation Act, Free Irrigation Services Act, Magna Carta for Young Farmers Bill, Philippine Space Agency Act—under his belt, it is hard to believe that the district representative is merely in his third term. De Venecia entered the political landscape in 2016, after much persuasion from his mother, former Pangasinan 4th District Representative Gina de Venecia. Politics, he confesses, was simply not in his head space before then. But his mother persuaded him into running and “something clicked” for him. “I think her ‘sales pitch’ was that I could use my creativity to work on improving tourism in the [fourth district]. Then she mentioned the Our Lady of Manaoag and I had all sorts of ideas for pilgrimage tourism, agri-tourism, eco-tourism, cultural tourism, things that I could really advocate in my capacity as a policymaker so that warmed me up to the idea [of running],” he reveals. “But it’s funny because they’ve been trying to convince me since forever. I remember one conversation with now Senate President Miguel Zubiri who is a good friend. We bumped into each other at an event at The Peninsula around 2014, I think. He was asking me when I would consider getting into politics and I said ‘No, never.’ And he said, ‘You know what? I used to say the exact same thing, but then if it’s your calling, it’s your calling.’ Looking back at that moment, here I am, in my final term [as congressman].” De Venecia’s father, Jose de Venecia Jr. (JDV) served as Speaker of the House of Representatives from 1992 to 1998, and from 2001 to 2008. However, his parents’ background never really drove him into governance. But De Venecia shares that with his current position, he got to know his dad further. “I got to know him through this work and to know him as a person, from constituents who would confide in me about the impact my dad has made in their lives. His colleagues in Congress, they would always talk about all these groundbreaking policies that JDV introduced and how he would always take care of the people,” he reveals. It goes without saying then that his parents are among his sources of inspiration now that he is in politics. But aside from them, De Venecia also cites former United States President Barack Obama as an inspiration especially when crafting legislation. “You’re going to have to be] comfortable with the fact that you’re not going to get a 100% solution… so that you don’t get paralyzed trying to think that you’re going to actually solve this perfectly,” Obama said at the 2019 Qualtrics X4 Experience Management Summit in Salt Lake City, Utah. De Venecia reveals that it was somewhat of a “lightbulb moment” for him, explaining: “As you passionately lobby and fight for policies, there is always a stakeholder in mind and there are rationales in place that explain why you are pushing for this particular policy. But not everyone will understand or be okay with it. For me, it’s not forgetting the rest, there will be separate pieces of legislation for the other stakeholders. So what Obama said really provided some kind of context.” EXPLORE PD4 When he is not fighting for certain pieces of legislation in Congress, the congressman shares that he goes around his district as much as possible. In a day, ideally, he visits three to four micro-, smalland medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). He helps promote their business and link them with government training and services; and with his creative background, he also gives them advice which, he elatedly shares, they often follow. “The reason why I focus on small businesses is because they give life to the communities, [they shape the town’s] identity and character. So I try to help them define who they are, conceptualize their branding if they haven’t already, how to be successful in social media, and how they can work with creatives and other businesses to further boost each other,” he reveals. As an example, he shares an artisanal ice cream shop in Manaoag, Reydel’s Ice Cream, that sells ice cream with unique flavors such as sampaguita, malunggay, ampalaya, and bulalo. De Venecia reveals that he gave them the idea for the sampaguita flavor which they created in less than two months after their initial meeting. He shares another story regarding the calamansi farms in San Fabian that often have oversupply of calamansi during the rainy season, draining whatever income they earned during the summer season. De Venecia thought of agri-tourism and now tourists can visit the vast farm and pick their own calamansi for an affordable fee. Additionally, they also created calamansi crinkle cookies and juice. Another major endeavor of the young public servant is the Anakbanwa Creative Residency Project which aims to further promote the district. The program will choose two participants to stay in Dagupan for four to five weeks to develop context and site-specific creations while collaborating with local artisans and the emerging art community in Pangasinan. Accommodation, curatorial support, and grants are given to the selected creatives amounting to Php200,000. At the end of the immersion, the artists are expected to put up an exhibit or performance. “Tuwang-tuwa ‘yung community sa (The community is very happy with the) Anakbanwa program. [Last year,] we were able to raise funds to help rehabilitate the frontage of the McArthur House. This year, we’re so happy because we received twice as many applications and some came all the way from South Cotabato,” De Venecia shares. These projects are merely the tip of the iceberg of everything that has been developed since the congressman first stepped into the political arena and there are more plans in store as he starts his final term. But one thing is for sure, he will always have creatives and Dagupeños in mind, saying: “Pangasinan is really ripe with potential and for as long as I can, and I’m down to my last three years [as congressman], I will certainly endeavor to put the province on the map. I have plenty of dreams and plans for Pangasinan, but if we don’t all work together, the opportunity would be a waste. We cannot rely solely on our leaders, we have to lead ourselves and collaborate.” “The future is creative and with the enactment of RA 11904, the future is upon us. It’s here and we will strive toward a world wherein creativity would be omnipresent in our economy, that people would recognize the value of creativity. I look forward to the day when our creative youth will be free to pursue creative careers and not be told otherwise because there’s money in it, there is sustainability to be enjoyed in creative enterprises. Now it’s time that the government put its money where our heart is and our heart is in creativity,” De Venecia ends.