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17/07/2025

𝐁𝐂𝐃𝐀, 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐬 𝐋𝐆𝐔 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞𝐠𝐚 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲

In a bid to expand healthcare in Central Luzon, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) partnered with the Municipal Government of Capas, Tarlac for the construction of a one-hectare mega health center in the New Clark City.

During a discussion with Capas Mayor Atty. Roseller "Boots" Rodriguez, BCDA President and CEO Joshua Bingcang outlined plans for the proposed facility, where the agency pledged to allocate a one-hectare land in New Clark City.

The project will be funded by the Department of Health (DOH) while the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will oversee the bidding and construction. Upon completion, the Municipal Government of Capas will be responsible for its operations and maintenance.

The initiative forms part of the BCDA’s commitment to help build smart, inclusive, and resilient communities through meaningful intergovernmental collaboration.

“This project strengthens our shared goal of making essential services more accessible to Filipinos. With the Capas local government funding the facility and BCDA providing the land, this health center will be a product of true public sector synergy,” Bingcang said.

The health center will serve as a crucial addition to the growing infrastructure in the New Clark City that offer expanded medical services to both the urban and rural populations in Tarlac.

The New Clark City currently offers healthcare services through the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) Sports Medicine and Wellness Center. The facility provides basic medical and dental services and has plans to expand into a 200-bed hospital.

The initiative is in line with United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-Being, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages, as well as SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by contributing to inclusive and resilient urban development through accessible health infrastructure. The BCDA Group

16/07/2025

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐨𝐱𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲

World boxing title match referee, businessman and philanthropist Bruce McTavish passed away yesterday, July 16, 2025. He was 84.

An amateur boxer himself during his early years with an impressive 32-2 win-loss record, McTavish officiated matches not only in the Philippines but outside of the country as well, such as in his home country of New Zealand, Australia, China, England, Japan, North Korea, Mexico, Russia (particularly in Siberia), Thailand and the United Arab Emirates.

He has officiated some of the matches of Filipino Boxing Legend Manny Pacquiao, the only eight-division world champion in the history of boxing and later, his compatriot after McTavish was naturalized a Filipino in 2018 through the help of former Senator Richard Gordon.

Born in Auckland, New Zealand on October 11, 1940 but has resided in the Philippines since the late 1960s, he married Carmen Tayag with whom he has two daughters.

He has been named World Boxing Council (WBC) Referee of the Year three times: in 2013, 2015, and 2017.

"His legacy will be etched in the annals of boxing".

His wake will be at the Divine Mercy Chapel, Caenville, Angeles City starting 2 pm today. Interment will be after the 7:30am Mass on Sunday.

Text by: Jojo C. Due
Photo: Wikipedia

16/07/2025

𝐉𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐳 𝐰𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐀𝐆𝐓 𝐣𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐬, 𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐁𝐮𝐳𝐳𝐞𝐫

America's Got Talent (AGT) Season 1 alumna Jessica Sanchez, a Filipino-American, came back 20 years later to the American talent show and this time, got the Golden Buzzer!

Sanchez was just 10 when she joined the first season of AGT in 2006 where she became a wild card but did not qualify for the grand finals.

She joined again in the 11th season of AGT in 2016 in San Diego, California and finished a runner-up in the grand finals.

Now at 29, Sanchez returned and, with a back-up band, belted out a powerful rendition of Beautiful Things by Benson Boone that got a standing ovation from the judges and the audience and, the Golden Buzzer from judge Sofia Vergara.

Her mother is from Samal, Bataan while her father is a Mexican-American from Texas.

She also revealed that she is now married and just recently found out that she is pregnant.

Truly, her feat once again proved that the Philippines is a country with the best singers around the world.

Text by: Erlin M. Due
SS photos: AGT

15/07/2025

𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐌𝐀𝐍 𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐃 𝐀𝐓 𝐒𝐌 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐑𝐊

Rare collections of comic books, toys, action figures and other collectibles were exhibited during Superman Day held on July 12, 2025 at the SM City Clark.

Pampanga Press Club President Noel Tulabut and Wayne Sun of Sun Events, together with “Superman” (cosplayer Herbert Clark Manalo Chavez), “Green Lantern” (cosplayer Andrew William Gonzales) and superdog "Krypto" led the ribbon-cutting ceremony opening the Superman Day event near the SM City Clark Cinema 2.

The free Super Event at the SM City Clark Cinema area featured an extensive exhibit of toys, action figures and collectibles of everyone’s favorite Man of Steel.

Special guest was Perfecto Balhag Jr. , a Guinness World Record Holder for the Most Superman Collection.

Also put on display was a Superman chest emblem, or what is often referred to as the “S Shield” — Superman’s family crest in his home planet of Krypton — created from discarded items by award winning artist Harold Taban of Dau, Mabalacat.

Aside from the display, an On-the-Spot Painting contest, Cosplay Competition and trivia game were also held with winners receiving Superman merchandise, movie tickets, comic books, event souvenirs and certificates.

Performances by guest artists also made the event lively while a meet-and-greet with Superman, Green Lantern and Krypto added to the delight of event-goers.

The event was presented by Sun Events, Pampanga Pop Culture Convention (PAPCON) and SM City Clark.

Superman is now showing at SM Cinemas.

Text by: Jojo C. Due
📸Contributed photos

15/07/2025

𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐃 𝐊𝐀𝐏𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐀𝐍. BAND 94 PANDACAQUI from Mexico, Pampanga took home the Gold Rating and Outstanding Award (Open Division) in the recently concluded Malaysia International FELDA Band & Orchestra Festival (MIFBOF) 2025 held on July 6, 2025 in Malaysia.

Despite having prepared only for a month, the band impressed the judges and the audience with their discipline and musical skills.

One of the pieces the band performed was the famous Kapampangan folk song “Atin Ku Ping Singsing" which was the highlight of their performance.

Pampanga Governor Lilia "Nanay" Pineda personally congratulated the band members and expressed her heartfelt gratitude and pride during their visit to the Capitol on Monday.

The success of Band 94 Pandacaqui is proof that Filipinos can compete in the international stage with talent, dedication, unity, and a fighting spirit.

Band 94 Pandacaqui
Pampanga PIO

14/07/2025

𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐢𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐨𝐬’ 𝐝𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 - 𝐍𝐇𝐂𝐏

BALER, Aurora --- The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) has cited the Siege of Baler for being a powerful symbol of the Filipino people's enduring commitment to peace, reconciliation, and human dignity.

In his keynote speech during the commemoration of the 127th anniversary of the Siege of Baler and the 23rd Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day in Baler on July 8, 2025, NHCP Chairperson Regalado Trota Jose Jr. highlighted how the Siege of Baler reflects the Filipino revolutionaries’ deep commitment to human dignity and moral courage even amid war and hardship.

"Even in the midst of a war against a new imperial power, Filipinos chose not to respond to their former enemies with hatred, but to act with dignity, befitting a freedom-loving people,” Jose said.

In 1899, the First Philippine Republic issued a decree offering humane treatment to 54 Spanish soldiers besieged in Baler. Isolated and unaware that the Spanish-American War had ended, their numbers dwindled to 33 before they peacefully surrendered and were allowed to return home.

This humanitarian gesture not only averted further conflict but also paved the way for a lasting relationship between the Philippines and Spain.

"We honor this shared heritage, reflected in our language, our faith, our literature, our art, and our memory. And we look to a future anchored in mutual respect, collaboration, and enduring friendship," Jose said.

At the same time, Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines Miguel Utray stressed the historical depth of Philippine-Spanish ties, pointing to the enduring significance of the annual celebration in Baler.

“The strength of our friendship, which we celebrate every year here in Baler, is we does not forget its past, but rather cherish and build upon it,” Utray said, as he reaffirmed Spain’s continued commitment to supporting the Philippines through deeper cultural, economic, and diplomatic cooperation.

“We approach the present and the near future with optimism and a commitment to contribute to a shared prosperity,” he added.

Enacted in 2002, Republic Act No. 9187 officially declares June 30 as Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day, honoring the day when Filipino revolutionaries, despite being at war, allowed the safe return of their former colonizers as a gesture of peace.

The annual celebration commemorates not only a turning point in diplomatic relations but also the enduring values of honor, humanity, and unity that define the Filipino spirit. PIA REGION 3-AURORA

09/07/2025

𝐁𝐂𝐃𝐀 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐂-𝐉𝐇𝐌𝐂 𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐳𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬’ 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has hailed the strong collaborative efforts of its subsidiaries, the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) and the John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC), as a pivotal step to enhance competitiveness and has offered strategic guidance and resources to help the two agencies realize impactful results from the partnership.

President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang of BCDA said the partnership will help enhance the region’s overall investment competitiveness and create the scale needed for the country to compete with its ASEAN neighbors.

On 26 June 2025, CIAC and JHMC signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen cooperation in crafting unified programs and exchanging best practices to support the growth of the Clark Aviation Capital and the John Hay Special Economic Zone.

“This partnership sends a clear signal: collaboration is our competitive edge. If we want to go head-to-head with our ASEAN neighbors, we need scale, synergy, and a unified front. BCDA stands ready to provide strategic guidance and resources to make this partnership a success,” Bingcang said.

“We expect that concrete developments will emerge from this partnership. On the part of BCDA, we are more than willing to provide support and funding,” he added.

Under the MOU, CIAC will share its experience on building robust investment plans and compelling brand narratives while JHMC will assist CIAC in implementing a forest management and urban renewal program, in line with both agencies’ sustainability thrust.

The partnership also sets the stage for collaboration in other areas, with CIAC and JHMC leveraging on their core competencies to drive future initiatives.

“Our collaboration opens the door to areas of joint interest, including research and development, training and internship, aviation industry initiatives, tourism and investment promotion, and human resource development,” CIAC President and CEO Joseph Alcazar said.

JHMC President and CEO Manjit T. Singh Reandi added that the MOU reflects a clear alignment of purpose: to promote mobility, tourism, and inclusive economic development.

"More than that, it is a statement of our mutual confidence in what we can achieve together when we break down silos and build bridges between our institutions,” Reandi said.

Following the MOU signing, Bingcang urged other BCDA subsidiaries to emulate this model of collaboration, highlighting its importance in realizing the shared vision of excellence and national development.

“There's no monopoly of great ideas. I look forward to more collaborations where BCDA can provide strategic guidance in terms of impact in national development,” he said.

📸The BCDA Group

09/07/2025

𝐏𝐀𝐋 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐥𝐚-𝐒𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐨 𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭

Flag-carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) has announced its return to the Philippines-Hokkaido market as the airline is set to revive seasonal non-stop flights between Manila and Sapporo for the winter season beginning November 24, 2025.

Travelers will once again enjoy convenient direct access between the vibrant Philippine capital and the scenic wonders of northern Japan through the thrice-weekly flights, a reaffirmation of PAL’s commitment to expand travel opportunities and strengthen connections between the two destinations.

PAL will offer non-stop flights to Sapporo's New Chitose Airport every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday using the flag carrier’s Airbus A321neo aircraft, a 168-seater aircraft with 12 Business Class seats and 156 seats in the Economy Class, with extensive in-flight entertainment options and Wi-Fi connectivity.

The route is set to operate every winter season from November until March 27, 2026. PAL previously operated the Manila-Sapporo-Manila route from December 2018 to March 2020.

"We are thrilled to announce the reopening of our direct flights from Manila to Sapporo which will help us strengthen both bilateral relations and cultural ties with our Japanese counterparts," PAL President Richard Nuttall said.

"This route not only provides a convenient travel option for Filipino tourists and overseas workers but also opens doors for Japanese travelers to explore and experience the Philippines' vibrant culture and warm hospitality,” Nuttall added.

PAL Flight PR 406 Manila to Sapporo departs from Manila at 06:30 AM every Monday, Wednesday and Friday and arrives in Sapporo at 12:15 PM. Meanwhile, PR 405 Sapporo-Manila flight departs at 01:15 PM from Sapporo every Monday, Wednesday and Friday and arrives in Manila at 06:10 PM.

Sapporo is known for its world-class skiing resorts and the annual Sapporo Snow Festival featuring enormous ice sculptures, along with a wide range of cultural and culinary adventures that are popular tourist draws during the winter season.

PAL currently operates the largest network of destination points and routes between the Philippines and Japan, with non-stop services to Osaka Kansai, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Tokyo Haneda and Tokyo Narita, including direct flights from Cebu to both Osaka Kansai and Tokyo Narita.

For flight reservations and inquiries, travelers may visit the PAL website at www.philippineairlines.com, contact the PAL Hotline at (+632) 8855-8888, visit the PAL mobile app, or reach out to their preferred ticketing offices or travel agents.

03/07/2025

𝐎𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬

An All You Can “SEA” Seafood Buffet and a Cake Trolley at Markt; Cakes and Kape Barako at After 6; a Meryenda Buffet at Salt; the Verona Sunday Brunch Club (VSBC) at the Ristorante di Verona; Squid Games-Themed Food and Beverages at Markt, Spice, Twenty and Nasi; and, a Swiss National Month Celebration focusing on Swiss food and beverages.

These offerings and more can be had at the premier food outlets of the Swissotel, Marriott and Widus all housed in the first truly integrated resort in Clark and Central Luzon: Hann Resorts.

These are the latest offerings of Hann Resorts, presented by Food and Beverage Cluster Director Eric Norbert of Swissotel Clark, during the July 2025 episode of the KapiHann, the media forum of the Pampanga Press Club (PPC) held monthly at the Hann Resorts in the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga.

Come visit Hann Resorts to savor the best and most sumptuous offerings.

The Hann Resorts leisure complex is located at the M.A. Roxas Highway corner C.M. Recto Highway in the Clark�Freeport Zone, Pampanga.

Interested parties may also visit their website at www.hannresorts.com for more information.

Text and photos: Jojo C. Due

02/07/2025

"𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐑" 𝐌𝐄𝐄𝐓𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐔𝐋

Actor Ian Veneracion, who is "The Contractor" in the hit series 'Incognito", paid a courtesy visit to Philippines Consul General Elmer Cato after a successful music concert in Milan, Italy.

Veneracion plays Gregorio "Greg" Paterno, the leader of a covert group in the TV series. Incognito has been well received as one of the best action series because of its high quality production, fast pace, brilliant script and the cast's performances.

Photo: Con. Gen. Elmer G Cato

02/07/2025

𝐏𝐏𝐂 𝐊𝐀𝐏𝐈𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐍 @ 𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐍. The July 2025 Edition of the KapiHann of the Pampanga Press Club (PPC) is timely as it comes at the heels of the recent celebration of Pampanga's rise from the devastation and ashes of the Pinatubo eruption.

The guest was Bari Silvestre, chairman of tour operator Pinatubo Mountainero, who promoted their latest tour package "Reintroducing Mt. Pinatubo Clark Adventures".

The "Reintroducing Mt. Pinatubo Clark Adventures" tour package aims to attract the more adventurous tourists trooping to the Clark Freeport by taking them on a trek to the crater of the world famous volcano and seeing some sights along the way, including beautiful waterfalls and the now famous Tutulari Avatar Gorge.

The Pinatubo tour package, at the same time, helps Aeta tribal folk by providing them livelihood opportunities by acting as guides for the tours and showcasing their native "binulo" food for a minimal fee.

Interested parties can check their website at https://www.pinatubomountainero.com/ for inquiries and details.

KapiHann is a monthly media forum presented by the Pampanga Press Club (PPC) in partnership with Hann Resorts
and held at the Swissotel Clark.

Text and Photos by: Jojo C. Due

02/07/2025

KapiHann July 2025 with guest Pinatubo Mountainero Chairman Bari Silvestre

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