The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has auctioned off the lease and redevelopment of the 6,647-square-meter Mile Hi property in Camp John Hay, Baguio City, signaling a significant boost to the local economy and tourism sector. Under the proposed plan, the site will be redeveloped into an eco-hostel with upscale retail and dining spaces along Sheridan Drive in Camp John Hay. “This strategic redevelopment of Mile Hi underscores our commitment to unlocking the full potential of Camp John Hay. By attracting private sector investment and creating new commercial opportunities, we are not only enhancing the camp’s appeal as a premier destination but also generating employment and stimulating economic activity for the benefit of the community and the nation,” BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang said. The 25-year lease agreement allows for the restoration, renovation, and upgrading of the Mile Hi property into a modern commercial hub while preserving its historical essence and promoting environmental sustainability. This initiative is projected to attract a significant influx of tourists and further solidify Camp John Hay’s position as a leading leisure destination in the Philippines. The Mile Hi project builds on the BCDA’s strong track record in Camp John Hay, where over Php1 billion in investments has been generated since the property’s recovery. The camp is experiencing a wave of private sector investment, with key players like Metro Pacific Investments Corporation subsidiary Landco Pacific Corporation managing The John Hay Hotels, as well as Golfplus Management Inc. and DuckWorld Philippines overseeing John Hay Golf. Furthermore, businesses such as Stern Real Estate Development, Amare La Cucina, and Top Taste Trading have also committed investments to the area. The Mile Hi property, named for its unique elevation approximately one mile above sea level, holds a special place in Camp John Hay’s history. Once a popular indoor recreation center featuring a bowling alley, billiard and ping-pong tables, arcade games, and a fondly remembered snack bar, the site is poised for a new chapter. A Taste of Italy: Grazie Bistro Now Open at Grand Summit Hotel General Santos Grand Summit Hotel General Santos proudly announces the grand opening of Grazie Bistro, a specialty Italian dining concept that brings the flavors of Italy to the heart of Mindanao. This casual yet refined bistro offers guests an authentic Italian experience — from handmade pasta and pizzas to rich desserts, creamy gelato, and thoughtfully selected wines. “The idea for Grazie Bistro was born from a desire to bring something fresh and distinctive to General Santos,” said Mr. Jesse Raymond Chua, General Manager of Grand Summit Hotel General Santos. “Italian cuisine, with its warmth, artistry, and timeless appeal, felt like the perfect fit. It’s a celebration of flavor and culture”. Grazie Bistro features an open theater-style kitchen — a signature element that sets it apart from other dining venues in the city. Guest are not only served the rich, comforting flavors of Italy, but are also invited to witness the artistry behind each dish. As chefs prepare meals from scratch in full view, diners enjoy a multisensory experience that brings energy, transparency, and a deeper connection to the craft of cooking. Must-try highlights include Grazie’s signature handmade pizza and pasta, crafted using traditional methods and only the finest ingredients. Cap off your meal with a scoop of authentic Italian gelato, or pair your dish with a glass of Italian wine or a refreshing aperitivo for a truly indulgent experience. The name Grazie — which literally means “thank you” — reflects the bistro’s brand promise: to promote a positive environment by appreciating the joy of food in every bite. This spirit of gratitude transcends the plate, as we thank each guest for choosing to dine with us.   Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging your love for Italian cuisine, Grazie Bistro promises a grand dining experience where tradition, passion, and gratitude come together.

By Pigeon Lobien   BAGUIO CITY -The longest serving politician who was absent the last two terms is back. “I am happy,” said the former two time three term mayor and three term congressman Atty. Mauricio Domogan in his initial message to a group of journalists. Domogan leads all other candidates with 45,767 total votes against his closest pursuer, Isabelo Coasalan, Jr. with 32,690 vote. This as third term seeking Mayor Benjamin Magalong leads Rep. Mark Go substantially, 55,497 against 42,146. This as Domogan and Magalong quashed the dynastic effort of the Go couple, an unprecedented attempt to win the top two posts in the city. “Congratulations sa winners! Thank you sa lahat. I’m very happy I was given (a) chance to share my ideas and I’m proud in helping stop the dynasty project,” said losing congressional candidate Francis Rae Camtugan. Domogan said that he ran to stop the Go couple from winning as mayor and congressman. He waited for the final day actually to file his candidacy. Third term seeking vice mayor Faustino Olowan is also topping councilor Mylen Yaranon where he leads the three term councilor by a mile. For the city council, nine old timers returned with three newbies joining the ranks. The winning city councilors are No.1 Edison Bilog (58,218), No.2 Joel Alangsab (57,174); No.3 Jose Molintas (56 196); No.4 Leandro Yangot (55 972); No.5 Vladimir Cayabas (53,461); No.6 Peter Fianza (51,602); No.7 Van Dicang (49,434); No.8 Fred Bagbage (48,642); No.9 Paolo Salvosa (48,544); No.10 Lourdes Tabanda (47,807); No. 11 Yuri Weygan (47,054) and No.12 Elmer Datuin (46,036).    

FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City – Pinangunahan ni Cadet 1CL Jessie Ticar Jr. bilang Topnocher mula sa Quezon City ang PMA Siklab-Laya (Sundalong Isinilang na Kasangga at lakas ng ating Bayan para sa Kalayaan) Class of 2025 sa pagtatanghal na isinagawa ng Philippine Military Academy, noong Mayo 7. Ayon kay PMA Superintendent Vice Admiral Caesar Bernard Valencia, ang 1CL Ticar ay tatanggap ng Presidential Sabre Award mula kay Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., sa graduation rites sa Mayo 17. Si Ticar, 23, ay pararangalan din sa pagiging Summa Cum Laude at iba pang parangal tulad ng Jusmag Saber, Tactics Group Award, Natural Sciences Plaque, Army Professional Courses Plaque, Army Saber, Australian Defense Best Overall Performance Award, General Antonio Luna Award, Humanities Plaque. Si Ticar ang bunso sa tatlong magkakapatid na mahirap ang buhay dahil na-stroke ang kanyang ama na isang taxi driver, habang ang kanyang ina ay sidewalk vendor malapit sa Quezon City Hall. Nang makatapos siya ng senior high school, sumali siya sa PMA Entrance Examination at pinalad na makapasa. Si Ticar ay nagtapos hindi lamang bilang nangungunang kadete kundi bilang summa cum laude na may average na grade point na 9.52 porsyento. Siya ang ikaapat sa kasaysayan ng PMA na nakakuha ng summa cum laude status pagkatapos ng Cavalier Artus noong 2021 na may gradong 9.51, Cavalier Gaerlan noong 1995 na may gradong 9.38 at Cavalier Lorenzo noong 1997 na may gradong 9.32. Ang No. 2 Cadet 1CL Murthan Zabala, ng Cebu City, ay tatanggap ng parangal na Vice Presidential Saber at mga parangal tulad ng Academic Group Award, Management Plaque, National Security Studies Plaque, Spanish Armed Forces Saber, Information Technology Plaque, Social Sciences Plaque. Ang iba pa sa Top Ten ay si No. 3 Cadet 1CL Joana Marie Viray, ng Pasay City, na tatanggap ng parangal na Cum Laude, Best Australian Defense Performance, Philippine Navy Saber, SND Saber. No. 4 si Cadet 1CL Carlo Badiola, ng Camarines Sur; No.5 Cadet 1CL Jetron Giorgio Nazareno, ng Oriental Mindoro; No.6 Cadet 1CL Kobe Jo Ann Pajaron, ng Negros Oriental; No.7 Cadet 1CL Malvin Brian Dapar, ng Bohol; No.8 Cadet 1CL Elzur Salon, ng Nueva Vizcaya; No.9 Cadet 1CL Aprilyn Magsigay, ng Agusan del Sur at No.10 Cadet 1CL Kristine Kate Senados, ng Zamboanga Sibugay. Ang PMA Siklab-Laya Class 2025 ay may kabuuang 266 na kadete, na kinabibilangan ng 212 lalaki at 54 na babae. (By Zady Comanda with reports from Jimmy Ceralde)            

BAGUIO CITY — Sa anim na araw na lang ang natitira bago ang pagsasagawa ng Midterm polls, ang City Joint Security Control Center ay nagpulong sa BCPO Headquarters para tapusin ang paghahanda para sa 2025 National and Local Elections, noong Mayo 6. Ang pulong ay nagsilbing plataporma para sa mga kinauukulang ahensya na ihanay ang kanilang mga pagsisikap at tiyakin ang maayos, maayos, at kapani-paniwalang pagsasagawa ng paparating na halalan. Iniharap ng BCPO ang pinal na deployment plan ng PNP personnel kasama ang komprehensibong security operations nito. Samantala, sinabi ni Atty. John Paul A. Martin, ang Election Officer mula sa COMELEC, inulit ang mga alituntunin at regulasyon ng Komisyon na dapat sundin. Nagpahayag ng kumpiyansa si BCPO Director Ruel Tagel na makakamit ang isang ligtas at mapayapang proseso ng halalan at tiniyak sa mga kalahok na ganap na handa at handang tumugon ang kapulisan sa anumang hindi inaasahang pangyayari na maaaring makagambala sa maayos na pagsasagawa ng halalan. Sa pag-uulit ng katiyakang ito, sinabi ni Dir. Binigyang-diin ni Milicent B. Cariño, DILG City Director, ang kahalagahan ng 4 C’s — Communication, Cooperation, Collaboration, and Commitment — bilang mahahalagang haligi sa tagumpay ng mga operasyon ng seguridad sa halalan. Sa kanyang huling paggabay, sinabi ni Atty. Pinaalalahanan ni Martin ang lahat ng ahensya at stakeholder na habang nakahanda na ang mga paghahanda, dapat manatiling mapagbantay ang lahat at panatilihing bukas ang mga linya ng komunikasyon upang agad na maiulat ang anumang insidente o alalahanin na maaaring makaapekto sa integridad ng proseso ng elektoral. Ang pagpupulong ay dinaluhan din ng mga kinatawan mula sa mga pangunahing tanggapan ng lungsod, iba pang ahensya ng pambansang pamahalaan, sektor ng relihiyon, non-government agencies, at media groups.          

BAGUIO CITY — Isang 35-anyos na negosyante ang inaresto ng mga tauhan ng Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) sa AZCKO Barangay, Baguio City, dahil sa paglabag sa COMELEC gun ban sa ilalim ng Omnibus Election Code,noong Mayo 3. Ang pagkakaaresto ay matapos makatanggap ng ulat ang mga tauhan ng Police Station 7 na ang suspek ay may hawak na baril sa loob ng kanyang sasakyan. Tumuloy ang mga tauhan sa lokasyon kung saan nakaparada ang sasakyan ng huli. Sa pag-verify, narekober ng pulisya ang isang 9mm Glock 45 pistol na puno ng magazine na naglalaman ng sampung (10) live na round. Ang baril ay nakarehistro ngunit nabigo ang suspek na magpakita ng Permit to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence (PTCFOR) at Certificate of Authority mula sa COMELEC, parehong kailangan sa panahon ng halalan. Pinaalalahanan ni BCPO City Director Col. Ruel Tagel ang publiko na ang COMELEC gun ban na nagkabisa noong Enero 12, 2025 ay nananatiling may bisa at magpapatuloy hanggang Hunyo 11, 2025. Ang pag-aresto ay isa sa mga hakbang na ipinapatupad upang matiyak isang mapayapang Pambansa at Lokal na Halalan. “Bilang bahagi ng aming pangako sa pagpapanatili kapayapaan at kaayusan sa lungsod, patuloy na babantayan at ipatutupad ng BCPO ang COMELEC gun ban at iba pang batas na may kaugnayan sa halalan. Hinihikayat namin ang lahat na mag-ulat ng anuman kahina-hinalang aktibidad o paglabag, habang nagtutulungan tayo para pangalagaan ang integridad ng proseso ng elektoral at ang kaligtasan ng ating komunidad,” aniya. Binigyang-diin din niya iyon ang mga mahahanap na lumalabag sa Kodigo ay sasailalim sa buong puwersa ng batas.            

“Basta kailangan, basta kaya … ibibigay naman namin.” Mayor Benjamin Magalong gave this assurance during the 2025 National Solo Parents Day Celebration program at Dona Aurora Elementary School, just after an Eco Advocacy Walk activity, recently. “Solo Parent na Rehistrado, sa Gobyerno Tiyak na Suportado”, is this year’s theme. The Mayor pointed out that after the recently conducted Solo Parents Summit, the city government remains deeply aware of the growing number of solo parents every year. “While challenges remain, the city government does not waver nor compromise in its commitment to provide assistance through medical, social, health, or financial services,” he stressed. Magalong said  the celebration “is a strong reminder that every step taken in service is a step closer to uplifting our solo parents.” Local police personnel and Red Cross volunteers also provided free blood pressure check ups and facilitated blood donations during the event to support the community. The celebration was spearheaded by the City Social Welfare and Development Office under officer-in-charge Cynthia Langagan. – Mikaela Bello and Gaby Keith