Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

PUERTO PRINCESA, Philippines – The vibrant city of Puerto Princesa is set to host an unforgettable weekend of endurance, community, and celebration as over 1,000 participants from more than 40 countries, across all three weekend events converge for the IRONMAN® 70.3 Puerto Princesa weekend starting February 27 – March 2, 2025. Beyond the main event, an array of races and festivities will engage participants of all ages and skill levels, making for a truly immersive multisport experience. The IRONMAN weekend coincies with the Balayong Festival which also commemorates the City’s Foundation day. A Weekend of Racing and Celebration The excitement kicks off on February 28 with the 2GO Princesa Run, a women-focused fitness event drawing over 300 participants. The following day, March 1, shines the spotlight on the next generation of endurance athletes with the RLC IRONKIDS Swim-Run and IRONKIDS Run, offering young competitors the chance to experience the thrill of racing. Meanwhile, the Sunrise Sprint, a short-distance triathlon, provides both beginners and seasoned athletes with a fast and accessible challenge. Adding to the vibrant atmosphere is Puerto Princesa’s Balayong Festival, a citywide celebration of its iconic cherry blossoms, further enhancing the festive race weekend experience for athletes and spectators alike. Puerto Princesa City Mayor Lucilo R. Bayron expressed his excitement for the upcoming race, highlighting its significance beyond just competition: “It is with great pride and excitement that we host the IRONMAN 70.3 Puerto Princesa on March 2, 2025. This event is not just a test of endurance, strength, and determination but also a celebration of the unstoppable human spirit. We salute each and every one of you for the dedication and perseverance you have put into training for this prestigious race. This event is more than just a race; it is an opportunity to embrace new challenges, build friendships, and experience the heart and soul of our city.” Sunrise Events Inc. (SEI), the organizer of IRONMAN 70.3 Puerto Princesa, remains dedicated to providing top-tier race experiences that unite athletes and communities alike. Princess Galura, SEI President and Managing Director, emphasized the impact of the event: “At Sunrise Events, we are committed to delivering world-class races that not only challenge athletes but also inspire communities. IRONMAN 70.3 Puerto Princesa is a testament to the power of endurance sports in bringing people together—from elite competitors to first-time racers, from local supporters to international visitors. This race is more than just a test of physical limits; it is an opportunity to experience the breathtaking beauty of Puerto Princesa, embrace the warmth of its people, and celebrate the unbreakable human spirit. We are excited to welcome athletes from around the world and look forward to an unforgettable race weekend.” A Revamped and Faster Course for 2025 The 2025 IRONMAN 70.3 Puerto Princesa promises an exhilarating new race experience with a redesigned, faster, and more scenic course. Race Director Julian Valencia unveiled significant course enhancements, including a reconfigured bike leg and an all-new run route through the heart of the city. “We’ve refined our bike course to be not only faster but also more picturesque, and our new run course offers athletes an immersive experience of Puerto Princesa’s charm,” said Valencia. Athletes will take on the 1.9km swim, 90km bike, and 21km run, testing their endurance against a world-class field. Elite Competition on the Start Line The race will feature a competitive lineup of both local and international talent. Philippine standouts Mervin Santiago, Sebastian Julian Teves, and Jeremy Ruiz will battle for the podium in the men’s division, while Bianca Española, Mary Pauline Fornea, Nina Pascua, and Melody Amorin lead the charge in the women’s race. They will face top international contenders, including Thailand’s Anna Lobanova, Indonesia’s Citra Melati, Japan’s Mitsuki Tanaka-Tan, and the US’ Megan Brazell. Sunrise Events Philippines has also confirmed the participation of elite triathletes from South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, Canada, Germany, South Africa, and beyond, adding to the race’s global prestige. Special Competitions and Awards The IRONMAN 70.3 Puerto Princesa will host the Badge Tally Competition, rewarding IRONMAN-affiliated TriClubs with points for every member who participates in the IRONMAN 70.3, 5150, and Sunrise Sprint events. These points contribute to cash rewards throughout the 2025 Triathlon Season. The Puerto Princesa Championship Awards will recognize outstanding achievements, offering: P50,000 each to the First Filipino Finisher (male and female) P200,000 to the IRONMAN-affiliated TriClub with the most participants in the IRONMAN 70.3 and Sunrise Sprint races Personalized Race Gear for Athletes Adding to the race-day excitement, LGR Athletic Wears Inc. introduces customizable athlete shirts, allowing participants to personalize their official race gear with their names and race numbers, creating a meaningful keepsake from this prestigious event. The 2025 IRONMAN 70.3 in Puerto Princesa is backed by Global Premier Partners – AG1, Breitling 1884, Fulgaz, Hoka, Hyperice, Qatar Airways, Roka, TicketSocket, TriDot, Zoot, wahoo; Supplier Partners Asia – Always Advancing, Compressport; Host City Puerto Princesa; Official Water Amlan; Official Electrolyte Beverage ion+; Sponsors LGr, Manila Bulletin, Tempo, Robinsons Supermarket, Sante, Teresa Marvel; Media Partners One sports+, Cignal, Sportograf. Organized and produced by Sunrise Events Inc. IRONMAN® 70.3 Puerto Princesa promises not only a true test of endurance, strength, and determination but also an unforgettable racing experience in a tropical paradise.

Baguio nagwagi sa unang Muay Thai Elementary Division sa CARAA meet

Sports

Sports / Street Journal

LA TRINIDAD,Benguet – Matagumpay na nasungkit ng Baguio City ang kauna-unahang gintong medalya sa Muay Thai Elementary Division sa makasaysayang CARAA MEET 2025 na ginanap sa Benguet State University Open Gymnasium, noong Pebrero 25. Isa sa mga pangunahing bida sa kaganapang ito ay si Lara Czarina Langaoen, na nagpakitang-gilas sa kanyang talento. Matapos ang tatlong linggong masigasig na paghahanda mula sa City Meet, nakabawi si Lara at ipinakita ang kanyang kahusayan. Ang event na ito ay nagmarka ng bagong yugto sa sports ng rehiyon, na nagbigay-daan sa mga batang atleta na ipakita ang kanilang galing sa larangan ng Muay Thai. Noong nakaraang taon, wala pang elementary division para sa Muay Thai, kaya’t ito ang unang pagkakataon na naganap ang kompetisyon para sa mga kabataang atleta. Ayon kay Coach Marites Napudo, tatlong mahahalagang aspeto ang nag-ambag sa tagumpay ni Langaoen: ang consistency ng kanyang mga hakbang, ang tamang pag-memorize ng steps, at ang pagsabay sa beat ng musika. Sa kabila ng kinakailangang minimum na 3 minuto at maximum na 4 minuto para sa pagperform, nagawa ni Lara na tapusin ang kanyang laban sa 3 minuto at 37 segundo, na nagbigay sa kanya ng mataas na score na 90.66%. Si Lara ang nagwagi ng gintong medalya sa 9-10 years old female category, sinundan siya ng representative ng Tabuk City na si Alexandra Cos-agon na may oras na 3 minuto at 5 segundo at score na 88.66%, at pumangatlo si Skylar Shane Maganon mula sa Benguet na may oras na 3 minuto at 33 segundo at score na 86.66%. Ang pangarap ni Lara ay makamit ang gintong medalya, inspirasyon niya ang first Filipina Muay Thai World Champion na si Islay Erika Bomogao, na nagtagumpay sa 2023 IFMA Senior World Championship sa Bangkok, Thailand. “Pangarap ko po yun, inspired ako kay ate Islay Erika Bomogao,” pahayag ni Lara. Ayon kay Coach Napudo, patuloy ang suporta kay Lara sa kanyang training. “Palagi ko siyang pinapaalalahanan na dumalo sa training, maging on time, at sundin ang mga rules sa pagperform,” dagdag niya. Sa ngayon, wala pang Muay Thai Elementary Division sa Palarong Pambansa, kundi ito ay isang demo sport lamang. “Slowly siyang inaangat at hopefully by next year, magkakaroon na siya,” ani Coach Napudo. Ang pamilya ni Lara, lalo na ang kanyang mga tito at tita na mga Muay Thai athlete din, ang kanyang pinaghuhugutan ng lakas at inspirasyon. Para sa mga nais sundan ang kanyang yapak, nagbigay siya ng mensahe: “Kung gusto talaga nila ang Muay Thai, training talaga ang kailangan at syempre balansehin din ito kasabay ng pag-aaral.” Mula sa kanyang tagumpay, malinaw ang pangako ni Lara na ipagpatuloy ang kanyang paglalakbay sa Muay Thai, at umaasa na hindi lamang siya makilala sa lokal na antas kundi maging sa pambansang entablado. Ang kanyang kwento ay nagsisilbing inspirasyon sa mga batang atleta sa rehiyon na mangarap at magsikap para sa kanilang mga layunin. By Joshua Ebalane-UB Intern

SBMA sees more investments with CREATE MORE Act

Region 3

Region 3 / Street Journal

Subic Bay Freeport – Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is now looking forward to more global investments after the bill on Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) was signed into law. SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said that with CREATE MORE, also known as Republic Act 12066, Subic Bay Freeport (SBF) will become a prime area for global investments. Aliño made this statement after the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the CREATE MORE Act was signed by Finance Secretary and Fiscal and Incentives Review Board (FIRB) chair Ralph Recto and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary and FIRB co-chair Ma Cristina Roque at the Department of Finance on February 17, 2025. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian and FIRB Board Member Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick Go, and National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan witnessed the signing. “Now that the IRR for the CREATE MORE Act is signed, it’s back to work for us here in Subic Bay Freeport as we can now expect more foreign companies to invest here. This is certainly monumental since the IRR clarifies and refines the law’s smooth implementation provisions,” Aliño added. The official cited that the CREATE MORE Act includes provisions for investors, giving them the option to choose either the Special Corporate Income Tax of 5% or Enhanced Deductions. He said that more incentives will also be given to high-value investments with capitalization of more than P15 billion and in sectors that are considered import-substituting or export sales. He added that the CREATE MORE Act also provides additional relief to Registered Business Enterprises (RBEs) by reducing the Corporate Income Tax or CIT rate to 20% from 25%, with the law increasing the additional deduction on electricity from 50% to 100%. “Tourism-related investments in the SBF will also benefit from the CREATE MORE Act, with the SBMA providing an additional 50% deduction for expenses related to trade fairs and tourism reinvestments until 2034,” Aliño said.

Eight tourist destinations featured in 4th Fluvial Parade

Lifestyle

Lifestyle / Street Journal

By Zaldy Comanda BAGUIO CITY – Eight tourist destinations were featured in the 4th Panagbenga Fluvial Parade at Burnham Lake, Baguio City, on February 27. With the theme “Blossoms Beyond Boundaries,” the participants displayed floats covered with various types of flowers and ornamental plants designed in their respective tourist destinations. The first to parade on the lake was the King of the Jungle (Lion’s Head), which can be seen at Camp 6, Kennon Road, Baguio City. Built in the 1960s and opened to the public in 1972, it now serves as a stopover for tourists before heading to the city. fluvial part of the activities of the Panagbenga Festival 2024 in the Summer Capital on February 18. Second is the “Axis of Baguio” which includes the City Hall, Hall of Justice, Rizal Park, Rose Garden, Burnham Park, Baguio Convention Center and Supreme Court in Baguio City on a float. Baguio City Hall, by its imposing location and setting, has been a central part of Baguio’s cultural heritage even before the founding of the city in 1909. Third is the “Baguio Cathedral” float with its sriking pink façade, twin spires and intricate-glass windows, this historic church is not only a place of worship but a symbol of resilience and faith. The “Botanical Garden”, known by many names over the years, including Imelda Park and Centennial Park, in celebration of the 100th anniversary of Baguio, this lush sanctuary has stood as a testament to Baguio’s rich history and vibrant culture. Fifth is “Wright Park” one of the most iconic and picturesque destinations in the city; “Mines View Park” float one of Baguio’s most visited and breathtaking destinations; “Bell Church”, the historical site stands as testament to the cultural diversity and religious harmony prevalent in the region. Eighth is the “Ifugao Rice Terraces” located in Banaue, Ifugao, carved into the mountains over 2,000 years ago by the indigenous Ifugao people, these breathtaking terraces stand as testament to human ingenuity, resilience and deep respect for nature. After judging, the 1st place winner was the Botanical Garden (Swan Boat), which received a cash prize of P20,000; the second place went to Baguio City Hall (Golden Seahorse Boat), which received a prize of P15,000; and the Lion’s Head (Antony’s Boat), which received a prize of P10,000. The fluvial floats parade is a project of the Department of Tourism-Cordillera in collaboration with the city government and the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation, Inc..

Mang Inasal wins medium float category at 29th Panagbenga Festival

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

The Philippines’ Grill Expert, Mang Inasal crowned as champion of the Grand Floral Float Medium Category at the 2025 Panagbenga Festival in Baguio City. In partnership with the Department of Tourism-Cordillera, Mang Inasal proudly carried the banner of its “Love the Flavors, Love the Philippines” campaign — celebrating the country’s rich food culture that brought families together and gave travelers a true taste of home. The breathtaking float paid tribute to the Cordilleras, featuring the world-renowned Rice Terraces—a living testament to Filipino ingenuity—and the enchanting Butterfly Sanctuary of Baguio, symbolizing renewal and vibrant tourism. And just like these landmarks, Mang Inasal became a must-experience for tourists, serving up the authentic flavors of the Philippines with every plate of its signature Chicken Inasal, Pork BBQ, Palabok, Lumpiang Togue, and Extra Creamy Halo-Halo! As the fastest-growing brand in Southeast Asia and the strongest brand in the Philippines, Mang Inasal stood proudly —not just as a homegrown success, but as a champion of gastronomy tourism. The festival celebrated the flavors, the culture, and the vibrant destinations that made Filipinos truly proud to say: Love the Flavors, Love the Philippines. List of winners of this year’s Panagbenga Grand Floral Float Competition. Large Float Cataegort: Grand Champion: Jollibee 2nd Place: McDonald’s 3rd Place: Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) Medium Float Category: Grand Champion: Mang Inasal 2nd Place: Zaparita’s Garden 3rd Place: Chowking PH Small Float Category: 1st Place: Zaparita’s Garden 2nd Place: Wood Rock and Flowers Group 3rd Place: Wilcon Depot

Baguio City leads in CARAA 2025

Sports

Sports / Street Journal

Baguio City has now 78 Gold, 40 Silver and 24 Bronze, followed by Benguet with 26 gold, 39 silver, and 17 bronze medals after the second day of the ongoing CARAA Meet. Benguet elementary athletes contributed 14 golds, 14 silvers, and 4 bronzes, while the secondary division added 12 golds, 25 silvers, and 13 bronzes to the province’s tally. From: Deped Tayo Cordillera

Globe strengthens digital learning with AI-enabled tablets, WiFi, and cyber safety education in five schools

NCR

NCR / Street Journal

As part of its commitment to leveraging technology for education and responsible digital citizenship, Globe successfully turned over AI-enabled tablets, Blue Boards, and Globe Fiber Prepaid WiFi to five schools nationwide through its G-Gantic Goals initiative. From January 20 to 27, Globe, in partnership with Ayala Foundation and Khan Academy, extended its support to five beneficiary schools: CENTEX Manila, Pasong Kawayan 2 West Elementary School Cavite City, Lahug Elementary School Cebu City, CENTEX Batangas City, and Pampanga High School Pampanga in San Fernando City. Each school was provided 20 tablets pre-loaded with Globe’s Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP) modules, Khan Academy’s educational resources, and AI applications designed to enhance education while boosting creativity and productivity. This initiative ensures students have access to interactive, world-class digital learning tools. Its goal is to equip students with essential digital skills, strengthen their AI literacy, and promote responsible internet use. This effort is part of Globe’s G-Gantic Goals, where customers came together to donate over 100,000 rewards points, sharing the gift of access and connectivity to students. The campaign underscores the power of community-driven impact in bridging the digital divide and addressing challenges that Filipino students face. The Philippines ranks the lowest in the 2024 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), continuing a trend of below-average performance since first participating in the assessment in 2018. Promoting Cyber Safety and Digital Responsibility During the turnover events, Globe’s DTP ambassadors conducted interactive workshops focusing on cyberbullying prevention, online safety, and responsible AI use. This aligns with Globe’s broader advocacy of empowering young learners with digital access and awareness. “At Globe, we believe in providing more than just connectivity— we strive to equip students with the right tools and knowledge to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. Through the G-Gantic Goals initiative and our Digital Thumbprint Program, we are reinforcing the importance of online safety and responsibility. This initiative serves as a timely reminder of our commitment to creating a safer and more inclusive digital space for the youth,” said Anne Calma, Director for Marketing Youth Culture. “These initiatives, from providing AI-enabled learning resources to promoting cyber safety education, are investments in building a brighter, more digitally inclusive future for Filipino youth. We must empower the next generation with not only the tools but also the mindset to thrive in a digital world. It’s about fostering a culture of responsibility, respect, and resilience online,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe’s Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer. Beyond providing connectivity and digital literacy programs, Globe is also committed to nurturing passions of the youth. During the turnover events, Globe representatives and guests witnessed the remarkable talents of students across these five schools. Supporting Students with World-Class Learning Resources Khan Academy, known for its high-quality educational content, emphasized the importance of making AI-powered learning accessible to more Filipino students. “Technology is a powerful tool that, when used responsibly, can transform education. Through this partnership, we are bringing Khan Academy’s world-class learning resources to students, supplementing their classroom education with engaging and interactive content. We are excited to see how these tools help shape the future of learning in the Philippines,” said Denise Fabella Khan Academy Executive Director. Ayala Foundation: Strengthening Centers of Excellence in Education The initiative also aligns with the Ayala Foundation’s commitment to supporting Center of Excellence in Public Elementary Education (CENTEX) schools, ensuring students receive holistic development opportunities. “For over 25 years, our CENTEX education programs have been dedicated to empowering educators through teacher professional development, 21st-century learning resources, and engagement with parents and the community for stronger home-school collaboration. Now, with CENTEX Digital Education, we are integrating digital infrastructure to equip students with critical thinking skills, digital literacy, and a lifelong love for learning,” said Gucci Estrella Trinidad, Head of Strategy and Impact, Ayala Foundation. “By continuing collaborations with DepEd, partners such as Globe, and the communities we serve, we can transform learning environments, drive student success, and create a brighter future for the next generation of Filipinos,” she added. A Safer Digital Future Teachers also recognize the urgency of addressing cyberbullying and digital responsibility in today’s learning environment. “Many students today face online threats such as cyberbullying, and without proper guidance, they may not know how to respond or protect themselves. The Digital Thumbprint Program workshops have been eye-opening for our students, helping them understand the impact of their online actions and the importance of digital responsibility. With these AI-enabled tools and Globe’s support, we can better prepare them for a safe and productive digital future,” shared Richard Agustin, School Principal, Pampanga High School. Globe remains steadfast in its mission to bridge the digital gap by providing students with technology, connectivity, and digital literacy programs that promote responsible online behavior. Aligned with this year’s Safer Internet Day Philippine theme, “Digital Bayanihan, Para sa Kabataang Ligtas at Protektado Online,” Globe reinforces its commitment to creating a safer, more inclusive, and empowering digital space, encouraging collaboration among individuals, organizations, and communities to foster respect, responsibility, and security online.

Session Road in Bloom, isang plataporma sa lokal,negosyante at artisan-Vergara

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

By Zaldy Comanda BAGUIO CITY – “Ang Session Road in Bloom ay isang plataporma para sa mga local na negosyante at artisan, na nagbibigay ng malaking tulong sa ekonomiya at nagsisilbing libangan ng mga turista,na nagpapatibay sa reputasyon ng Baguio bilang isang UNESCO Creative City,” ito ang naging pahayag ni Gladys Vergara, bilang chairperson ng Baguio Tourism Council. Ayon kay Vergara, ang makasaysayang Session Road sa Bloom, na ginagawang isang masigla, pedestrian-friendly festival hub na puno ng mga lokal na sining, masarap na lutuin, at live na pagtatanghal, ay pinalalakas ang mga koneksyon sa pagitan ng mga residente at bisita, bilang isang mahalagang bahagi ng landscape ng turismo ng Baguio. Aniya, bilang isa sa mga pinakaminamahal na highlight ng Panagbenga tuwing taon, ang Session Road sa Bloom ay nag-aalok ng kakaibang karanasan kung saan ang mga bisita ay maaaring maglakad sa isang buhay na buhay na avenue na may linya ngmga stall na nagpapakita ng mga handcrafted goods, artisanal na produkto, at isang magkakaibang hanay ng mga culinary delight. Ang pagdiriwang ay nagsisilbi rin bilang isang entablado para sa mga lokal na musikero at performer, na nagdaragdag ng maligaya na kapaligiran. Sa puspusang pagdiriwang ngayon, ang Baguio City ay patuloy na nagniningning bilang Summer Capital of the Philippines, na nag-aanyaya sa lahat na isawsaw ang kanilang sarili sa kagandahan, pagkamalikhain, at mainit na mabuting pakikitungo na tumutukoy sa Session Road in Bloom. Noong Lunes,Pebrero 24, ay pinasinayaan ang isang linggong Session Road in Bloom na dinaluhan ni Vergara, kasama ang kanyang ama na si Former Congressman Bernardo Vergara, ex-officio Vice Chairman ng Baguio Flower Festival Foundation, Inc. Sinamahan sila nina Mayor Benjamin Magalong, mga iba pang city officials, kinatawan ng Baguio Festival Flower Foundation,Inc at Department of Tourism-Cordillera, na naghatid ng mga inspiradong mensahe sa pagpapasigla sa kahalagahan ng paglago ng ekonomiya ng festival.

Globe sustains Capex reduction in 2025

Business

Business / Street Journal

Globe continues to optimize its capital investments with a sustained reduction in capital expenditures (capex) in 2025 to under US$1 billion with the objective of achieving positive free cash flow, reinforcing its commitment to financial discipline and long-term sustainability. “We are pleased with our performance in 2024, which underscores the strength and resilience of our financial position,” said Ernest Cu, Globe President and CEO. “Our focused approach to capex, coupled with the ongoing optimization of our network, has enabled us to achieve strong income growth and improved free cash flow. We are excited to continue building on this momentum in 2025.” Globe’s capex for the year amounted to Php56.2 billion, a 20% decrease compared to the previous year, and remained within its full-year guidance. Notably, 90% of the capex was directed towards data-related investments, ensuring that Globe’s network infrastructure continues to meet growing demand for digital services. Likewise, the capex-to-revenue ratio decreased from 44% in 2023 to 34% in 2024, reflecting Globe’s prudent capital allocation strategy. Meanwhile, Globe’s total debt slightly decreased from Php250 billion in 2023 to Php249.5 billion in 2024. The key gearing ratios for this period include a gross debt to EBITDA of 2.66x, net debt to EBITDA of 2.43x, and a debt service coverage ratio of 3.42x. Globe remains confident in its ability to achieve its financial objectives, with a disciplined approach to investments and a strong focus on operational efficiencies.

Author name: Street Journal

Puerto Princesa City gears up for an action-packed Ironman@70.3 race weekend