It issued the call as it welcomed strengthened Philippines–Japan energy cooperation under AZEC, following the visit of Japanese political figure Kishida Fumio, Special Envoy of Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae and Supreme Adviser to the Parliamentary Association of AZEC.

AZEC is a Japan-led regional initiative that promotes collaboration among partner countries on clean energy transition, energy security, and decarbonization.

Stratbase Institute President Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit urged the Marcos administration to fast-track energy projects under AZEC and strengthen cooperation with Tokyo and other like-minded partners, instead of pursuing arrangements that could expose the Philippines to geopolitical pressure.

His statement comes amid ongoing discussions on potential joint energy exploration activities with China in the West Philippine Sea, an area Beijing continues to claim despite a 2016 arbitral ruling invalidating its expansive claims in the South China Sea.

“The Philippines must be unequivocal in its direction and choose arrangements that deliver real, sustainable prosperity. It must build its energy future with partners that respect its sovereignty and support a rules-based order,” Stratbase said.

The institute stressed that any energy arrangement involving implicit or explicit concessions in the West Philippine Sea—or those that disregard ongoing coercive actions—would undermine the country’s sovereign interests.

Manhit said AZEC offers a “credible and forward-looking framework” that simultaneously advances energy security, economic growth, and decarbonization, particularly at a time when global energy systems face pressure from geopolitical tensions, including conflicts in the Middle East.

He also welcomed plans for the Philippines and Japan to co-host the 4th AZEC Leaders Meeting in November, describing it as recognition of Manila’s growing strategic role in the Indo-Pacific.

Stratbase likewise raised concerns over continued Chinese activities in the West Philippine Sea, including reported harassment of Philippine vessels and disregard for the 2016 arbitral ruling, saying these developments highlight the risks of exposure to political and economic leverage.

In contrast, the institute pointed to Japan as a model partner, citing its commitment to transparency, respect for international law, and capacity-building in its cooperation with the Philippines.

Last week, Kishida met with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Energy Secretary Sharon Garin to discuss expanded AZEC cooperation, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan.

The high-level gathering comes as Southeast Asia faces a worsening energy crisis, supply chain disruptions and broader economic strain, underscoring the need for stronger regional cooperation and sustainable growth strategies.

The summit will be held in Cebu, Philippines, where a national energy emergency has been declared, highlighting vulnerabilities in ASEAN’s energy and economic systems. Organizers said discussions will focus on how ASEAN can strengthen resilience through deeper ASEAN-EU ties and stronger public-private sector collaboration.

Among the program highlights is a ministerial panel featuring Philippine Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go and Indonesia Deputy Minister of National Development Planning Leonardo A.A. Teguh Sambodo.

EU Ambassador to the Philippines Massimo Santoro will join a dialogue on ASEAN-EU cooperation with Robert E.A. Borje, vice chairperson and executive director of the Philippine Climate Change Commission.

ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, EU Ambassador to ASEAN Sujiro Seam, and European Commission representatives are also expected to participate virtually.

Key discussions will center on sustainability priorities under the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Chairmanship, including energy transition, green finance, circular economy development, sustainable trade and supply chains, and climate-resilient agriculture.

More than 200 representatives from government, business, development institutions and civil society are expected to attend the summit, jointly organized by the EU-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC) and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP).

Chris Humphrey, executive director of EU-ABC, said ASEAN and the EU must deepen cooperation amid multiple overlapping crises.

“We’re facing energy, economic and supply chain challenges that no party can address alone. ASEAN and the EU should look to each other for a reliable, long-term partnership built on shared ambitions for sustainable economic growth,” Humphrey said.

Paulo Duarte, president of ECCP and member of the EU-ABC Executive Board, said the next step is turning momentum into practical cooperation.

“The ASEAN-EU partnership has grown significantly, but the priority now is to translate that into tangible collaboration,” Duarte said.

The summit will also highlight the private sector’s role in advancing sustainability priorities, particularly in circular economy systems, supply chain integrity and agricultural resilience.

Executives from global companies, including Boehringer Ingelheim, Coca-Cola and Philip Morris International are expected to join the discussions.

Organizers said the event aims to move beyond dialogue and generate actionable partnerships that can support ASEAN’s long-term resilience and sustainable development agenda.

First launched in 2022, Korea Festival has grown into one of KCC’s flagship events, showcasing diverse facets of Korean culture through immersive, interactive, and educational experiences. Traveling to different regions each year, the festival expands its reach while engaging new audiences across the country.

This year’s destination, Baguio City — widely known as the Summer Capital of the Philippines — provides a fitting backdrop for the celebration. Recognized as a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Arts (2017) and the first Philippine city inducted into the Hall of Fame of the ASEAN Tourism Standards after three consecutive wins of the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award, Baguio stands as a vibrant hub of creativity, tradition, and cultural exchange.

Set against the cool mountain air of the City of Pines, Korea Festival 2026 promises to bring K-culture dreamscapes to life through a dynamic mix of experiences.

Immersive booths & cultural experiences

Festival-goers can explore a wide range of interactive booths and themed zones throughout the grounds, featuring traditional and modern K-culture. Guests can also discover Korea’s top travel destinations, explore the world of Korean creative industries, and learn about content protection in engaging and accessible ways.

Hands-on activities include digital painting, Hangeul pop art, and the well-loved Hanbok-wearing experience, where visitors can dress in traditional Korean attire. Additional arts and crafts stations highlight both traditional and contemporary Korean creativity, offering fun and meaningful experiences for all ages.

In celebration of the Philippine Chairship of ASEAN in 2026, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts will bring a dedicated ASEAN Corner, inviting visitors to explore the richness and diversity of Southeast Asian cultures through interactive elements such as storybooks, traditional crafts like puppets and masks, and games from ASEAN countries.

Live performances & on-stage highlights

As the sun sets, the festival stage comes alive with dynamic cultural performances that bring together Korean and Filipino talent. Audiences can enjoy energetic K-pop cover dance showcases alongside traditional performances that celebrate heritage and artistry.

Special highlights include performances by the Korea Taekwondo Association, the Suwon Gugak Association, and a traditional performance team from Baguio, whose vibrant showcases will keep the energy high throughout the evening and offer a memorable cultural experience for all attendees.

Organized in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the Korea Tourism Organization Manila Office (KTO), the Korea Copyright Protection Agency Manila Representative Office (KCOPA), the Korea Creative Content Agency Philippine Business Center Philippines Office (KOCCA), the Korea Agro-Fisheries and Food Trade Corporation Vietnam Office (aT), and SM City Baguio, the festival is free of charge and open to the public, inviting families, friends, and cultural enthusiasts to take part in this unique celebration.

The vibrant celebration of Korean culture continues its journey across the Philippines as the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) announced its the much-anticipated Korea Festival 2026 to Baguio City on May 9-10, 2026, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., at SM City Baguio.

First launched in 2022, Korea Festival has grown into one of KCC’s flagship events, showcasing diverse facets of Korean culture through immersive, interactive, and educational experiences. Traveling to different regions each year, the festival expands its reach while engaging new audiences across the country.

This year’s destination, Baguio City — widely known as the Summer Capital of the Philippines — provides a fitting backdrop for the celebration. Recognized as a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Arts (2017) and the first Philippine city inducted into the Hall of Fame of the ASEAN Tourism Standards after three consecutive wins of the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award, Baguio stands as a vibrant hub of creativity, tradition, and cultural exchange.

Set against the cool mountain air of the City of Pines, Korea Festival 2026 promises to bring K-culture dreamscapes to life through a dynamic mix of experiences.

Immersive booths & cultural experiences

Festival-goers can explore a wide range of interactive booths and themed zones throughout the grounds, featuring traditional and modern K-culture. Guests can also discover Korea’s top travel destinations, explore the world of Korean creative industries, and learn about content protection in engaging and accessible ways.

Hands-on activities include digital painting, Hangeul pop art, and the well-loved Hanbok-wearing experience, where visitors can dress in traditional Korean attire. Additional arts and crafts stations highlight both traditional and contemporary Korean creativity, offering fun and meaningful experiences for all ages.

In celebration of the Philippine Chairship of ASEAN in 2026, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts will bring a dedicated ASEAN Corner, inviting visitors to explore the richness and diversity of Southeast Asian cultures through interactive elements such as storybooks, traditional crafts like puppets and masks, and games from ASEAN countries.

Live performances & on-stage highlights

As the sun sets, the festival stage comes alive with dynamic cultural performances that bring together Korean and Filipino talent. Audiences can enjoy energetic K-pop cover dance showcases alongside traditional performances that celebrate heritage and artistry.

Special highlights include performances by the Korea Taekwondo Association, the Suwon Gugak Association, and a traditional performance team from Baguio, whose vibrant showcases will keep the energy high throughout the evening and offer a memorable cultural experience for all attendees.

Organized in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the Korea Tourism Organization Manila Office (KTO), the Korea Copyright Protection Agency Manila Representative Office (KCOPA), the Korea Creative Content Agency Philippine Business Center Philippines Office (KOCCA), the Korea Agro-Fisheries and Food Trade Corporation Vietnam Office (aT), and SM City Baguio, the festival is free of charge and open to the public, inviting families, friends, and cultural enthusiasts to take part in this unique celebration.

In celebration of Mother’s Day, Hotel Okura Manila presents a thoughtfully curated selection of dining experiences designed to honor mothers and create meaningful moments with family. On May 10, all mothers dining at the hotel’s restaurants will receive a complimentary Mother’s Day mocktail and an exclusive gift.

At Yawaragi, guests may indulge in the Kisetsu Buffet, available for lunch from 12:00 NN to 3:00 PM and dinner from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM on May 10. The seasonal buffet showcases an array of international flavors alongside Japanese specialties and Filipino favorites, complete with interactive live stations. The buffet is priced at ₱3,500++ per person.

For a more intimate and refined dining experience, Yamazato offers specially curated kaiseki-inspired menus that pay tribute to the essence of motherhood.

The Mother’s Day Obento Kaiseki, available for lunch and dinner from May 4 to 10, 2026, is priced at ₱4,000++ per person. Guests may also savor the Mother’s Day Teppan Kaiseki, available for dinner from May 4 to 10, 2026, at ₱7,500++ per person.

For sushi connoisseurs, Yamazato presents the Mother’s Day Sushi Omakase, an elevated omakase experience available for both lunch and dinner from May 6 to 10, 2026. The menu is priced at ₱12,000++ per person.

The celebration extends to the Yawaragi Pastry Boutique, where specially crafted seasonal confections and sweet treats are available until May 10, 2026, with prices starting at ₱350 nett — perfect for sharing with loved ones and making Mother’s Day even more memorable.

Reservations and Inquiries
For room or dining reservations and more information:

📞 +63253182888
📧 fb@hotelokuramanila.com
🌐 https://www.hotelokuramanila.com/offers/mothers-day-offers

When Malacañang triumphantly declared that former congressman and alleged flood-control scammer Zaldy Co “caught” in Czechia, who informed the President about the arrest?

And why did another Cabinet official make bold announcements of “vigorous” negotiations, “quick” extradition, and “70-80% chance” of return?

This early expectations-raising narrative seemed reckless. Career diplomats know that the basics in this case were never in Manila’s favor: We have no extradition treaty with Czechia and the path via repatriation was narrow.

And as a THEPHILBIZNEWS source noted: A very real risk also exists that a competent lawyer could stall everything with an asylum claim in the EU.

So once Co slipped out of Czechia and reportedly surfaced in France seeking asylum, the Philippine government’s tone snapped back to reality.

This time, the first person to inform the President enters the picture again. This time, correcting earlier impressions (and appearing like from a bumbling government), official statements no longer had sweeping assurances: passport cancelled, Interpol notified, and embassy verifying.

The uncomfortable reminder that should have been front and center from Co’s reported arrest: Diplomacy, including EU asylum rules and NOT Philippine politics, set the pace.

Truly, the foreign service corps does not “get” fugitives. It tracks, coordinates, and negotiates — within laws it does not control.

For the first Presidential bearer of diplomacy news, the lesson should cut deep: You cannot declare a success (Co’s arrest in this case) before diplomacy has even begun.

In a Department of Foreign Affairs news release, Consul General Marie Yvette Banzon Abalos and RUB Philippine Studies Program Coordinator Dr. Roger Friedlein signed the agreement on April 24, 2026 at the Philippine Consulate General. 

First established in 2019, the PSP has supported the study of Philippine culture, history, and society within RUB’s academic curriculum. The Program has enabled a range of credited courses and academic offerings, which may be viewed in the following link: https://www.romanistik.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/romsem/sprachen/philippinen/lehre.html.de

The renewed agreement underscores the Philippines’ sustained commitment to promoting deeper understanding of its culture and heritage in Europe through academic collaboration.

Over the years, the PSP has served as a key platform for fostering scholarly engagement and strengthening people-to-people ties between the Philippines and Germany. 

Among its notable outputs is the publication of Galería de viajeros y de una viajera a las Islas Filipinas, which was presented at the Frankfurt Book Fair 2025, where the Philippines was Guest of Honor. 

Under the renewed agreement, the Consulate will provide additional support for expanded academic programs, research initiatives, and related activities at RUB.

The updated program framework is expected to enable a broader range of activities, including the development of new courses, support for research and publications, academic exchanges, and collaborative projects that further integrate Philippine Studies within the University’s curriculum and wider academic network.

The extension also opens opportunities to strengthen institutional linkages, explore interdisciplinary approaches, and expand engagement with students and scholars interested in Philippine Studies, contributing to the Program’s long-term sustainability and continued growth.

The Philippine Studies Program is supported by the vision and sustained advocacy of Senator Loren Legarda, longtime culture champion and visionary, whose efforts have been instrumental in advancing and maintaining Philippine Studies initiatives abroad.

With the extension in place, both institutions reaffirm their shared commitment to further strengthening academic cooperation and deepening appreciation of the Philippines in Germany and beyond.

The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), together with Atikha Overseas Workers Communities Initiative Inc., is exploring how institutionalized care — long seen with skepticism — can evolve into a viable sector for investment while remaining aligned with traditions such as pagsisilbi, or service to elders.

During a recent virtual consultation with Non-Resident Filipinos (NRFs) in Australia, stakeholders identified a key challenge: how to develop retirement communities that offer dignity, independence, and quality healthcare without clashing with the cultural expectation that families care for aging parents at home.

The discussion signals a broader policy shift by the CFO, which is moving toward more proactive diaspora engagement. Instead of focusing solely on administrative support, the agency is positioning itself as a driver of reintegration strategies that could open opportunities for private investment in retirement infrastructure.

At the center of the conversation is the need to reframe institutional care not as abandonment, but as “professional care” that complements the Filipino family system.

Participants emphasized that for Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) to gain traction in the Philippines, they must be designed as extensions of the family, rather than as Western-style nursing homes.

This cultural nuance is critical for investors.

Research on “transnational aging” shows that while overseas Filipinos recognize the practical benefits of integrated healthcare and managed retirement living, emotional barriers remain. Concepts like hiya (shame), particularly around perceptions of neglecting elderly parents, continue to shape decision-making.

To address these concerns, the CFO and its partners are calling for deeper market research, including focus group discussions and case studies, to better understand how returning Filipinos assess retirement options and what would make institutional care acceptable.

The consultation, which included leaders from Australian Filipino community groups in Ballarat and Melbourne, serves as groundwork for a Retirement Forum on May 18, 2026. The forum is expected to highlight investment opportunities, healthcare access, and the logistics of reintegration for returning migrants.

Michael Apattad of the CFO Policy Planning and Research Division underscored the importance of grounding policy in real-world insights.

He said these consultations are vital to ensuring that the Philippine government’s retirement programs are not just aspirational, but practical and culturally resonant for the millions of Filipinos who call the world their home.

As the Philippines prepares for a wave of returning retirees, the challenge and opportunity for both government and investors is clear: build a retirement care sector that is not only modern and scalable, but unmistakably Filipino.

In a briefing at the National Press Club in Intramuros, Manila on April 30, APECO President and CEO Undersecretary Gil G. Taway IV, through Public Relations Chief Kris Crismundo, presented the ecozone’s updated investment direction anchored on national priorities for food security, energy security, and national security.

Established under Republic Act Nos. 9490 and 10083, APECO oversees nearly 13,000 hectares in northern Aurora, with its main site in Casiguran and a satellite office in Parqal, Aseana City, Parañaque to engage investors.

The agency highlighted its geographic positioning along the Pacific seaboard as a key advantage, describing the area as a potential gateway for industries seeking alternative routes outside traditional western Philippine trade corridors.

APECO is also targeting three key investment pillars: defense-related industries, fisheries and marine-based industries, and clean energy development. It said it is drawing interest from firms exploring expansion in manufacturing, logistics, and strategic services.

Building a Pacific-facing logistics alternative

APECO acknowledged its delayed development in previous years but said reforms over the last three years have helped strengthen coordination with national agencies and local communities.

It also admitted current infrastructure gaps, including the absence of a seaport and commercial airport, but framed these as part of a long-term buildout strategy with private sector partners.

In its investment pitch, APECO positioned itself as a “redundancy node” in global supply chains, offering an alternative logistics route to complement existing hubs in Metro Manila, Batangas, and Subic.

It cited increasing vulnerabilities in global trade systems due to geopolitical tensions, port congestion, and chokepoint disruptions, underscoring the need for diversified supply routes.

Integrated port-airport industrial vision

The ecozone’s flagship projects include the planned Casiguran International Seaport and Casiguran International Airport, envisioned as an integrated intermodal logistics system linking sea, air, and land transport.

APECO said the infrastructure cluster will support cold storage, agro-processing, manufacturing, and export-oriented industries, creating a value-adding ecosystem within the zone.

It is inviting companies dependent on East Asian supply chains but serving global export markets to consider locating in Casiguran as part of their expansion strategy.

Investment partnership push

APECO emphasized that its long-term success depends on early investor participation in shaping the ecozone’s development.

“We are offering a space designed to give companies options, not limitations; access, not congestion; and connectivity, not isolation,” the agency said.

APECO said it aims to evolve from a developing ecozone into a Pacific-facing industrial and logistics hub built through public-private collaboration.

Former Japanese Prime Minister and House of Representatives member Fumio Kishida visited the Philippines on April 30 as Special Envoy of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, holding high-level talks with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin to strengthen bilateral cooperation on energy security, decarbonization, and economic resilience.

During his meeting with President Marcos, Kishida underscored the growing importance of the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, saying resilient energy supply systems are now more critical than ever for Asian economies. He said AZEC’s goal of advancing energy security, economic growth, and decarbonization simultaneously has become increasingly relevant.

Kishida also thanked President Marcos for joining the AZEC Plus online Summit on Energy Resilience held on April 15. He conveyed Prime Minister Takaichi’s commitment to deepen cooperation with the Philippines and work closely with President Marcos toward co-hosting the 4th AZEC Leaders’ Meeting in November.

He likewise handed over a letter from Prime Minister Takaichi to the Philippine leader and expressed hope that ties between the two nations would expand further this year, which marks the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines.

President Marcos welcomed Kishida’s visit and expressed appreciation for Japan’s longstanding support to the Philippines. He said AZEC initiatives have gained even greater importance under current global conditions and affirmed Manila’s commitment to close collaboration with Tokyo.

Both sides also discussed concrete cooperation under the Partnership on Wide Energy and Resources Resilience (POWERR Asia), as well as the future evolution of AZEC with stronger focus on economic and energy resilience.

Kishida also met with Energy Secretary Garin, thanking the Philippines for its active role under AZEC and expressing hope for continued collaboration as co-chairs of the Ministerial Meeting in September.

Garin welcomed the visit and described AZEC as an increasingly vital platform for regional cooperation. She also signaled interest in expanding partnerships with Japanese firms and accelerating concrete projects under the framework.

Japanese companies operating in the Philippines also joined the discussions, which included exchanges on future investments and deeper private sector cooperation.

Hosted for the first time in the Philippines, the Accor Asia Leadership Conference 2026 gathered more than 300 general managers and senior executives from across Asia at Novotel Manila Araneta City. Centered on the theme “THRIVE,” the three-day event focused on the future of hospitality through performance, purpose, and people.

The conference also spotlighted Araneta City, widely known as the “City of Firsts,” while showcasing the warmth and service excellence associated with Filipino hospitality.

During the awards ceremony, Novotel Manila Araneta City received the Brand Excellence Award for Midscale & Economy, recognizing properties that demonstrate consistency, strong market presence, and elevated guest experience. The hotel earned an impressive 91.54 brand audit score, the highest in Asia.

The latest recognition adds to the hotel’s strong performance track record. In 2023, the property was named Best Food & Beverage Performer at the Accor Asia Awards and also earned nominations in five key categories, including Best Loyalty Performance and Hotel of the Year.

Meanwhile, both Novotel Manila Araneta City and ibis Styles Manila Araneta City were jointly honored with the Work of Heart Award, celebrating authentic hospitality and strong employee engagement. ibis Styles posted a 9.8 engagement score, while Novotel achieved an even higher 9.9, among the strongest results in the network.

Further underscoring its all-around excellence, Novotel Manila Araneta City was also named a finalist for Hotel of the Year 2025 and the Responsible Hospitality Award 2025, reflecting its progress toward Green Key Certification and commitment to sustainable operations.

“These recognitions are a proud moment for our entire team,” said Maria Manlulu-Garcia. “They reflect the passion, consistency, and genuine care our Heartists bring to every guest interaction.”

She added that the awards affirm the group’s commitment to delivering meaningful guest experiences while maintaining strong operational performance.

For Araneta Hotels Inc. and the broader Philippine tourism sector, the wins signal more than trophies—they represent a strong vote of confidence in the country’s ability to compete and lead in one of Asia’s most dynamic hospitality markets.