Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio with Sports Turismo Alliance, Inc. President Charles Lim during the Sports Tourism Forum Cebu at NUSTAR Resort Cebu. Cebu City, Philippines— Industry leaders, and stakeholders gathered at NUSTAR Resort Cebu for the successful staging of the Sports Tourism Forum 2026, marking a significant step in the Philippines’ push to elevate sports tourism as a key pillar of tourism growth. Bringing together an impressive roster of speakers and panelists from across the sports and tourism landscape, the forum created a strong sense of alignment among participants. A clear direction emerged from the discussions: sports tourism is rapidly evolving into a high-impact sector capable of driving visitor arrivals, investment, and regional development. Throughout the forum, speakers emphasized that global travel patterns are shifting, with more travelers seeking immersive, experience-driven journeys anchored on shared interests such as sports. Charles Lim, President and COO of Sports Turismo Alliance Inc., highlighted this shift, noting the rising appeal of sport-motivated travel and the growing number of travelers planning trips around sporting events and activities in the coming year. The Philippines is positioning itself to take advantage of this momentum. In his keynote message, Patrick Gregorio, Chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission, shared the country’s vision of becoming a leading sports tourism destination in the region. He pointed to the Philippines’ natural advantages, including a strong sports culture, diverse destinations, and the ability to host events year-round, as well as ongoing efforts to better align government initiatives through a unified, inter-agency approach, the National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee. Cebu, in particular, was highlighted as an emerging hub for sports tourism, with its combination of natural attractions and event-ready venues making it an ideal host for international competitions. The forum underscored how events can serve as powerful economic drivers, especially when they attract not just participants but also accompanying visitors who contribute to local businesses and extend their stay. As Princess Galura, President and General Manager of Sunrise Events, shared, sporting events bring in fresh economic activity that directly benefits host communities. Other speakers also stressed that the true value of sports tourism lies in transforming events into holistic destination experiences. OIC-Regional Director of DOT-7, Dr. Gelena Asis-Dimpas noted that sporting events go beyond competition and create meaningful visitor experiences. A recurring theme throughout the Forum was the importance of collaboration. Mr Lim emphasized that building a sustainable sports tourism industry requires coordination among government agencies, event organizers, tourism stakeholders, and local communities. He also highlighted the need for continued investment in infrastructure and event capabilities to ensure that destinations can meet the demands of large-scale, world-class sporting events. The Forum attracted participants, not only from across the Philippines, but also from Thailand, United Kingdom, Turkey. Malaysia, Germany and South Korea. It was supported by NUSTAR Resort and Casino Cebu, Department of Tourism Central Visayas, Province of Cebu, Philippine Sports Commission, The Freeman, Islands Souvenirs and professionally managed by Selrahco. for Sports Turismo Alliance, Inc.

Your next cash reward is just a ‘share’ away

NCR

NCR / Street Journal

With BDO Pay, handling daily transactions is now simpler, faster, and more rewarding. You can settle bills, split group payments, and send money right from your phone in seconds. And now, you can also earn cash rewards of up to ₱1,000 per month together with your family and friends through BDO Pay’s Refer a Friend Promo. Sharing made rewarding If you’re already a BDO Pay user, you can invite your friends and family with BDO accounts to download the app using your Referral Code until June 30, 2026 Turn referrals into cash in 3 easy steps: Open your BDO Pay app, click “More” and then the “Refer a Friend” icon Click the copy button or “Invite Friends” to share the referral code Select which messaging app to use to share the Referral Code After the referred client receives the Referral Code, he/she can download and sign up for BDO Pay, and then input the Referral Code to complete the sign-up process. When they register and enter your code, both of you receive ₱50 cash credits—a simple bonus that quickly adds up when shared with the people you spend time with every day. Beyond referrals, BDO Pay keeps everyday payments more convenient. You can Scan QR to pay merchants directly from your BDO credit card or bank account, split group bills down to the centavo, pay bills to over 2,100 billers with no fees, and send money to other BDO accounts for free or to other banks and digital wallets for only ₱10. For BDO credit card holders, the app provides an extra layer of safety. Lock and unlock your credit card instantly, manage credit card services, explore installment offers, and continue earning rewards points from your purchases. Through BDO Pay, you can also access exclusive BDO Deals, redeem Rewards Peso Points for e-gifts, or convert points to pay your bill. Even without a BDO account, you can start using the app by opening a BDO Basic Account with no initial deposit or maintaining balance. Ready to enjoy and share the rewards? Download BDO Pay today on the App Store (iOS), Google Play Store (Android), or Huawei AppGallery (HarmonyOS).

2nd Batch ng AboitizPower-JERA nagtapos ng BOMP

Region 4

Region 4 / Street Journal

By Danny Estacio LIMA, Batangas – Binigyang-pugay ng Global Technical Center of Excellence (GTCOE), isang training facility na inilunsad ng Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower) at JERA Co., Inc. (JERA), ang ikalawang batch ng mga nagtapos sa Basic Operations and Maintenance Program, na binubuo ng 17 technical professionals, kabilang ang batch valedictorian na si Nathalie Abdon. Ang programa na may adhikaing tulungang punan ang agwat sa pagitan ng teorya sa aklat at ng aktuwal na kalagayan sa industriya, sa pamamagitan ng paghahanda sa mga inhinyero mula sa “steady-state” na akademikong modelo patungo sa “non-linear” at mataas na responsibilidad na kapaligiran ng operasyon ng power plant. “Sa paaralan, malinaw at maayos ang mga kundisyong nilulutas namin, ngunit sa planta, hindi linear ang sistema,” paliwanag ni Abdon. “Natutunan ko na kailangan kong lumipat mula sa pag-aaral para lamang makaunawa tungo sa pag-aaral na may pananagutan. Ang mga desisyon sa totoong mundo ay may tunay na epekto, at ang pagbabagong ito ang nagpatibay sa aking pagiging mas sinadya at responsable.” Sa valedictory message, binigyang-diin ni Abdon ang kahalagahan ng katatagan at ng representasyon sa sektor ng enerhiya. Siya ang unang babaeng inhinyero sa kanilang pamilya. “Sa paglalakbay na ito, napagtanto ko na ang tunay na koneksyon ay maaaring mabuo sa kabila ng pagkakaiba,” dagdag pa niya. “Ang pagkakaroon ng ibang pananaw na nagpapahalaga sa pagkalinga, malasakit, katumpakan, at layunin sa bawat teknikal na hamon na aking haharapin. Mula sa paglutas ng mga equation, ang aking paglalakbay ay ngayo’y bahagi na ng progresibong pag-unlad para sa isang mas matatag na Pilipinas.” Para kay Abdon, ang pagsali sa Therma Luzon, Inc. ng AboitizPower ay katuparan ng kanyang panghabambuhay na kuryosidad. Lumaki sa Quezon, madalas niyang tinitingnan ang mataas na chimney ng kalapit na planta, na napagkakamalan niyang parola. Si Abdon at ang kanyang mga kasamahan ay sinanay batay sa Limang Haligi ng GTCOE: Kaligtasan, Husay Teknikal, Kakayahang Umangkop, Pakikipagtulungan, at Komunikasyon. Tinitiyak ng kurikulum na ang mga nagtapos ay may aktuwal na karanasan sa control room at paggamit ng mga high-capacity na kagamitan. Kahit sa panahon ng Artificial Intelligence (AI), hindi nalilimutan ni Abdon ang mga pangunahing prinsipyo ng kanyang propesyon. “Bagaman kayang i-optimize ng AI ang mga sistema, dapat itong gabayan ng matibay na mga engineering principles gaya ng thermodynamics at physics,” saad niya. “Tungkulin naming itaguyod ang kaligtasan at integridad ng operasyon sa bawat desisyon.” Ayon naman kay GTCOE Director Engr. Mayshelle Rosario, ang mga prinsipyong ito ang nagtutulak sa misyon ng training facility, at sinabing ang kahusayan ng tao ang siyang tunay na nagtutulak sa pagkakaroon ng business excellence. Si Hideaki Oana, Chief Technical Officer ng JERA Philippines, ay nagbahagi ng parehong pananaw, at pinuri ang mga nagtapos bilang mga lider na kayang gawing konkretong solusyon ang teknolohiya.

Simpleng libangan ng inang copper artist na kalauna’y naging hanapbuhay

Lifestyle

Lifestyle / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines (PIA) — Ang paggawa ng copper accessories ay pampalipas-oras lamang ng copper artist na si Fely Ilao ng Baguio City hanggang sa nahubog ito at naging pinagmumulan ng kabuhayan. Si Fely ay mahigit 15 taon nang gumagawa ng copper accessories. Mula sa pagtitinda sa kalye ng Session Road, ngayon ay mayroon na silang dalawang puwesto na matatagpuan sa EcoVibe Street Market sa Camp John Hay at Pansigshan Village sa Dominical Hill. “Actually, nag-umpisa ito noong 2011. Pero wala pa kami dito noon. Parang ito noon ay ano ko lang, hobby. Hobby-hobby ko lang siya. Gumagawa ako ng earrings. Tapos binebenta ng asawa ko sa kalye, Tapos hinuhuli siya lagi. Maraming bumibili, dinudumog especially yung mga students. Dinudumog siya hanggang sa 2011. Hanggang ngayon. buhay pa rin ‘yung business na ‘yan,” aniya. Sa sipag at tiyaga, hanggang ngayon ay tinatangkilik pa rin ang kanilang negosyo na nakatutulong sa kanilang pang-araw-araw na pamumuhay. Dagdag pa niya, ito ang nagpaaral sa kaniyang limang anak. Ngayon nga ay ilan sa kaniyang mga anak ang gumagawa na rin ng copper arts. “In the long run, parang tinuruan ko na din sila, ‘yung mga anak ko … matanda na ako, senior na ako. Ipapasa ko na din sa kanila ang paggawa nito para kahit na hindi na sila magtrabaho meron na ito.” Ang panganay niyang si Renz ay natutong gumawa ng accessories gaya ng singsing. Magaling din siya sa pagguhit na naibebenta rin sa kanilang puwesto sa Eco Vibe. “Medyo matagal ako nag-work sa office. From 2010 hanggang 2019. Pero during that time, meron na kasi ‘yung… itong family business namin. Remember, nung nagkaroon ng pandemic nung 2020, nawalan ako ng work. And, naisip ko na nandito naman itong family business. So, after nung pandemic, sumama na rin ako sa family business namin. Five years na rin akong part nung business,” pahayag ni Renz. Ang hobby ni Fely ay tumanggap din ng pagkilala—nanalo siya bilang 2nd runner-up sa paggawa ng korona sa Ibagiw Creative Festival 2021, isang craft competition na inilunsad ng Department of Trade and Industry-Cordillera Administrative Region. Aniya, malaki ang naitulong sa kanila ng pamahalaan lalo na ang DTI. Nabigyan din ng puwesto sa Dominican Hill ang mga katulad niyang artisan. Sa mahigit labing-limang taon ni Fely sa paggawa ng copper accessories, isa siyang magandang ehemplo sa mga kababaihan, isang ina na may magandang hangarin hindi lang para sa sarili kundi pati na rin sa kanyang pamilya. “Masasabi ko lang sa mga kababaihan, don’t give up. Kasi, tayo talaga ‘yung magiging… tayo ‘yung ginagawang… ang story ng mga anak natin. Ginagawa tayo nilang role model. Since you are the mother, you are the role model. Matikita nila ‘yung sipag mo, tiyaga mo, patience, lahat na. Nakikita ng mga anak sa mother. Nagre-reflect din sa kanila habang sila ay lumalaki. Nagre-reflect din ‘yung pagiging mother mo sa kanila,” pahayag pa Fely. (JDP/DEG PIA-CAR with SLU intern Nathalia Macadangdang)

Gov. Ebdane to build Zambales Sports Academy, eyes athletes’ hub in the region

Sports

Sports / Street Journal

By Ruben A.Veloria BALER, Quezon Province- Sambals province will not be known alone for its sweetest mango in the world, as Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. is gearing up to established the Zambales Sports Academy this year. Zambales Gov. Ebdane disclosed that the provincial government is planning to build a sports academy in the Capitol town of the province. The idea came into the agenda after the president of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) mused to Gov. Ebdane if it is possible to open a Sports Academy in the province. The governor accepted the challenge. Gov. Ebdane was in Baler to show full support to Zambales athletes who are participating the Central Luzon Regional Athletic Association in Baler, Quezon Province. “Actually, we already have a similar plan,” Ebdane noted, adding that he already asked Division Superintendent William Fallorin to develop a program for Zambales where all student-athletes from elementary and high school shall stay in a government subsidized dormitory in Iba. “The idea was that all Zambales athletes, boys and girls, all categories shall stay dormitories which were built and subsidized by the government, while continuing their studies in the Sports Academy in Iba. So, you will not start practicing only one month before the competition,” Ebdane said. Student-athletes shall attend academic classes every morning daily, then in the afternoon they would have time to practice their main sports, however, they should also learn other sports. Ebdane said that Provincial Board Members, and most of the mayors and the Zambales DepEd, are believing that the project could be built. “With the participation of all sectors the project can really be done,” he said. As for the academy, Ebdane said that he already asked the DEPED Zambales if possible to construct the elementary and high school facilities near the Iba Municipal Hall. “I believe we could do it in five years-time from this day on, and there is already fund we could use,” the governor said. Gov. Ebdane believes that if the academy and the complimentary facilities are to be finished, it is impossible to defeat Zambales in most sports competition, in CLRAA or in Palarong Pambansa. Meanwhile, Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. took time to accompany the 400-strong delegation of the Zambales Province in the on-going Central Luzon Regional Athletic Association (CLRAA) simultaneously held in Quezon Province from April 6 to13, and Tarlac from March 21 to 27. Gov. Ebdane who arrived in Baler with some local government and academic officials told the 387 Zambales delegation in Baler, “We are not thinking only about winning, but we should think how to deliver our best efforts to win in each event. And when we failed, better luck next time. Never skip about respect for all athletes,” the governor said. Accordingly, Zambales delegation in Baler compose of 272 athletes and coaches, 14 trainers, 33 technical officials, and 68 school division officials, led by School Division head William Roderick Fallorin. Also present to show support to the athletes were 2nd Dist. Zambales Rep. Doris “Nanay Bing” Maniquiz, Zambales Provincial Consultant for Engineering and Development Engr. Domingo Mariano, and Board Member Jun Runsdedt Ebdane.

Zambales kicks-off Dinamulag Festival showcasing colorful culture, louder music and tastier foods

Region 3

Region 3 / Street Journal

By Ruben A.Veloria IBA, ZAMBALES, Philippines – The sweetest festival in the country, locally known as Dinamulag Festival, kicked off on Friday (April 10) as thousands of runners of all ages joined the color fun run, the first activity of the three-day celebration. Dinamulag or Mango Festival is celebrated in Zambales during the month of April or May, when mangoes, especially the “Kinalabaw” or dinamulag, known world-wide for its exceptional sweetness, are being harvested. To formally start the festival, Gov. Ebdane, assisted by Vice Gov. Jacky Khonghun and Board Member Runsdedt Ebdane, led the countdown for the 10K, 5K and 3 kilometer run at exactly 6:00AM. At the end of the race, finishers picked–up their luck from a raffle draw for a chance to win home appliances. Meanwhile, later that morning, Gov. Ebdane graced the Governor’s Cup Shootfest at Camp Conrado Yap where he also opened the Zambales Provincial Police Office Firing Range to give the police force a refresherand practice area of their marksmanship. “This is an opportunity to see people, the protector of peace, to come together as, and play together as brothers,” he said in message. He also urged the competitors to become good examples of responsible gun owners, and to undergo Basic Pistol Course to get informed about the new guidelines, new laws, and trends related to gun owning. Competitors to Shootfest were from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Army (PA), Phil. Navy, PDEA, BJMP from various stations and private groups in Metro Manila and Central Luzon. In line with the Shootfest, private individuals and companies took advantage of the three-day PNP evaluation and approval of application for License to Own and Posses Firearms (LTOPF), and Firearms display at Legislative Building in Iba here. Other activities lined-up for the day: Mango Cooking Festival, Thanksgiving Mass (San Agustine Church), and Drum and Lyre Competition (Botolan Peoples Plaza). Saturday, the day reserved for adrenaline and gun enthusiasts with the Mountain Bike Challenge to be held at Sports Complex), Airsoft Competition at Barangay Dirita, 2nd Day of Governor’s Cup Shootfest at Camp Conrado Yap, and Tuklas Talino: Final Night. The Festival will conclude on Sunday with more exciting games and challenges.

Baguio City placed under State of Calamity

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

By Rose Frejane A. Cruz BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Mayor Benjamin Magalong signed the approved Resolution No.257-2026 of the City Councils on April 7, declaring the city under State of Calamity due to the ongoing oil crisis that has severely affected various sectors of the city. Magalong stated that the tourism industry has been hit hard, with a 40% to 50% drop in tourist arrivals. The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio (HRAB) also confirmed a nearly 30% drop in hotel bookings, resulting in losses for local businesses and livelihoods. He said the transportation sector has also been greatly affected by the continued increase in the price of petroleum products, with diesel at some stations reaching ₱165.70 per liter, which many drainers were forced to stop at the end of the day, making it difficult for passengers to return home at night. According to Magalong, with this declaration, the city government can now use the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (LDRRMF) as funding for programs and projects aimed at alleviating the burden of the crisis, such as expanding transport subsidies and ensuring the continuous flow of basic goods. According to Magalong, he and 49 authorized representatives of transport cooperatives signed a Memorandum of Agreements (MOA) for the implementation of the Emergency Transport Support Program (ETSP), to provide sufficient public utility jeepneys (PUJs) for passengers and reduce long queues at jeepney terminals in the central business district area every night. Under the program, the city will bear the cost of empty return trips or “backloads” that drivers usually carry under the boundary system. This is aimed at ensuring that jeepneys return to the central business district to pick up more passengers from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. or beyond if necessary. He said about 295 jeepney units have been contracted covering 32 routes in the city to pay for their service during the specified hours to ensure that passengers can return home safely from their respective terminals. ETSP is a service-based support mechanism whereby the city will supply transportation services equivalent to a standardized backload passenger assumption for verified return trips and is the city’s response to the current transportation emergency that is considered an immediate intervention to ensure continued transportation services and is mandated to ensure the overall well-being of residents.

SBMA generates ₱1.77B port revenue in 2025

Region 3

Region 3 / Street Journal

Subic Bay Freeport, Philippines – The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) generated ₱1.77 billion in revenue from port operations in 2025, reflecting steady growth driven by the port’s continued strength and resilience as a logistics and trade hub in the Southeast Asian region. SBMA Chairman and Administrator Engr. Eduardo Jose L. Aliño explained that the ₱1.77-billion revenue in 2025 is 4.2 percent, or ₱71.7 million, higher than the 2024 record ₱1.7 billion. Aliño added that the Seaport Department generated ₱1.47 billion of the total, followed by the Airport Department with ₱182 million, and the Trade Facilitation and Compliance Department (TFCD) with P125 million. “Our 2025 port revenue performance demonstrates how Subic Bay continues to thrive despite global economic uncertainties. This achievement highlights our modern infrastructure, efficient processes, and strong public-private partnerships,” Aliño said. Meanwhile, the SBMA port revenues have already surged by 13 percent at ₱113.7 million in January of 2026 on a year-on-year comparison with ₱100.4 million in January 2025. The ₱113.7 million earned in January, ₱97.7 million came from the Seaport Department, ₱5 million from the Airport Department, and ₱11 million from TFCD. Aliño said that some of the key factors that fueled the growth include a 52 percent increase in SBMA share collections primarily due to a surge in non-containerized cargo handling. He said that this includes rice (up 484 percent), corn (230 percent), wheat (48 percent), and soya (3 percent). Another factor, he added, is the 59 percent increase in vessel charges and 38 percent growth in cargo charges. Non-containerized cargo volumes grew by 47 percent, with imported petroleum products up by 46 percent. This was accompanied by a 17 percent increase in foreign ship calls, totaling 149 additional vessel arrivals. He assured that the SBMA remains committed to further investments in port modernization, digitalization, and sustainability initiatives. “Our vision is to sustain this momentum and position Subic Bay as a leading port in Southeast Asia, enhancing national economic development and global trade connectivity,” Aliño added.

Baguio logs 1,241 Tuberculosis in 2025

Baguio City, Tourism / Health

Baguio City, Tourism / Health / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The campaign against the deadly disease Tuberculosis is now being intensified, after 1,241 cases were recorded in 2025 and 231 cases were recorded in the first quarter of this year. Mayor Benjamin Magalong earlier issued a Memorandum encouraging public schools, hospitals, and private establishments to light up their buildings with red lights, symbolizing unity and commitment in the fight against tuberculosis while raising public awareness about the disease. According to the World Health Organization, TB is “the deadliest infectious disease known to man”, and the Philippines is in the top three countries with the highest number of tuberculosis cases with approximately 98 Filipinos dying of TB every day. According to Dr. Donnabel Panes of the City Health Services Office, TB is an airborne respiratory illness that is primarily spread when a person with active TB coughs, sneezes, or speaks. However, she clarified that TB is not transmitted through sharing utensils, towels, using the same comfort room, or through physical contact, common misconceptions that need to be corrected. She said that in efforts to strengthen early detection and prevention, the CHSO is conducting a free chest X-ray program, donated by the Philippine Business for Social Progress. Panes reminded the public that TB can affect anyone and that health authorities are working with jeepney, e-jeep, and taxi drivers to promote a healthy lifestyle and encourage early detection of tuberculosis. “We are not all at the same risk. The risk is higher for these groups: children, the elderly, diabetics, health workers, those taking steroids and chemotherapy, smokers and vapers,” he also stressed the need to keep our immune system strong, saying that tuberculosis is closely related to how well our body can defend itself against infection. Meanwhile, more than 100 drivers received free chest X-ray services, PhilHealth YAKAP registration, and meals in commemoration of World Tuberculosis Day recently, as part of the city’s efforts to prevent the spread of tuberculosis (TB). Panes said, the X-ray caravans help prevent the rise of tuberculosis especially among vulnerable populations like drivers who interact with many passengers every day and advised the public to get tested especially if they are listed in the high risk group. The CHSO also assured that there is no need to worry about the costs, as the office has initiatives in providing free TB testing and treatment.

Author name: Street Journal

Cebu Advances Sports Tourism Agenda with Successful 2026 Forum