CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY- The City Government of this fast rising metropolitan area recently extolled the latest undertaking of its leading real estate developer in Uptown Cagayan de Oro
“Tonight’s Première Soirée is more than a celebration of a new development – it is a testament to vision, excellence, and a shared commitment to building communities that inspire better living,” said City Mayor Rolando Klarex Uy in a message read by City Administrator Atty Roy Hilario Raagas.
“For more than three decades, Pueblo de Oro (PDO) and ICCP Group have been among our most valued partners in development. Southridge stands as another landmark of progress in Uptown Cagayan de Oro, reinforcing our city’s position as a vibrant hub for investment, innovation, and sustainable urban growth.”
Introducing Southridge
“Set within a 31-hectare master-planned mixed-use development designed by globally renowned firm Arcadis, Southridge reflects a vision of refined modern living,” said John Vincent Rapiz, PDO Vice President – Sales & Marketing, in his briefing on the project.” This 5.7-hectare premium enclave features generously sized lots ranging from 250–400+ sqm, within a thoughtfully planned low-density community that balances privacy, space, and urban convenience.”
Purposely planned with both form and function in mind, the development gives due consideration to an efficient drainage system, generous rear yard spaces, and the preservation of the land’s natural terrain. Its elevation and natural contours further enhance the community’s character—creating a landscape that is both visually distinctive and inherently resilient, Rapiz stressed.
The Pueblo Context
The LGUs strong statement of affirmation was validated by Marlon B. Escalicas, PDO Vice President- Operations, Masterson Mile North, in his welcome remarks.
“Since 1995, PDO has been at the forefront of master-planned development in Cagayan de Oro. We have not simply built communities – we have shaped a vision of what Uptown living can be.”
He cited how PDO introduced one of the first integrated business parks and townships in the city, complemented by a world-class golf course and premium residential enclaves that continue to define elevated living.
“Our commitment has always been clear: to create an integrated, interconnected, and sustainable ecosystem where people can truly live, work, and learn. This vision transforms our development into thriving communities – places where life is not just lived, but truly experienced.”
“We are proud to unveil the first of a series of landmark launches this 2026. What we introduce today is more than just another residential development. With only a limited number of lots available, this community is designed for those who value exclusivity, distinction, and long-term value.”
P.U.E.B.L.O.
“Today, we gather not just to celebrate another Pueblo milestone, but let us honor first that vision, particularly by our Chairman and CEO, “Mr. Guillermo “Guilly” Luchangco, that has transformed lives and shaped communities in Cagayan de Oro,” said Engr. Chrysler B. Acebu, PDO Vice President – Operations, CDO.
Pueblo de Oro Chairman & CEO Guillermo D. Luchangco (center) with Pueblo de Oro President & COO Prim Nolido (left) and PDO Vice President-Operations, CDO Chrysler B. Acebu at the Oro Chamber office.
He further detailed how the word PUEBLO as an acronym encapsulates who they are and what they have contributed to the city.
P-Progressive, we are not for status quo nor living within our comfort zones. We continue to explore new trends and concepts in property development. That’s the primary reason why we are engaging the top master planners and designers from Manila and aboard.
U-Unique, yet inclusive. Pueblo Township is unique in itself. It has not been replicated by other developers in Cagayan de Oro.
E- for Environment. Our designers incorporate our care for nature and our common home-the Earth. The 40-hectare urban rainforest affords us not only protection of slopes for our plateau, but serves as the carbon sink for the township and where natural flora and fauna are preserved.
B-for Business, the township shows a semblance of burgeoning businesses supported by the surrounding built-up communities. Oro Chamber which occupies a 2,800 square meter plot in the township ensures that doing business and commerce in Cagayan de Oro is as easy as ABC.
L-Lifestyle, PDO supports and promotes attitude towards health, work and leisure. There’s something distinct which is notable if you’re an “uptowner”.
O-for Opportunities, Pueblo as a company provides meaningful employment to our employees both direct and agency hires. It has afforded us food on the table, education for our children, and continues to take care of our health and our overall well-being. As a homeowner and investor, we ensure that you get the best value for your investments. Our early home and lot buyers already enjoy the increase in values of their properties. Also present were representatives from Chinabank, RCBC, BPI, Metrobank, BDO, Security Bank who have all been PDOs constant partners in its three decades of development in Uptown Cagayan de Oro.
“Today, Pueblo de Oro stands as a testament to forward-thinking development – a place where heritage meets progress, and where every milestone reflects a promise fulfilled,” Acebu noted.
Unveiling of Pueblo de Oro’s Southridge Project.
“As we look ahead, the story of Pueblo de Oro continues. With every home built, every business opened, and every family welcomed, it moves closer to its vision of creating communities that inspire and endure.”
The next premier address in Cagayan de Oro has arrived.
Southridge by Pueblo de Oro rises as Uptown CDO’s most anticipated high-end community—strategically located along the Pueblo de Oro-Laguindingan Diversion Road and designed for growth, prestige, and enduring value. It offers seamless access to key destinations, just minutes from Masterson Avenue, Pueblo Business Park, major retail hubs, and leading educational institutions, while preserving a sense of exclusivity and calm above the city.
Set within a 31-hectare master-planned mixed-use development designed by globally renowned firm Arcadis, Southridge reflects a vision of refined modern living. This 5.7-hectare premium enclave features generously sized lots ranging from 250–400+ sqm, within a thoughtfully planned low-density community that balances privacy, space, and urban convenience.
Purposely planned with both form and function in mind, the development gives due consideration to an efficient drainage system, generous rear yard spaces, and the preservation of the land’s natural terrain. Its elevation and natural contours further enhance the community’s character—creating a landscape that is both visually distinctive and inherently resilient.
Life at Southridge is shaped by curated amenities that promote wellness and connection—pocket parks, pedestrian-friendly roads, a clubhouse with function hall and game room, swimming pool, children’s playground, and multi-game court.
Southridge is also perfectly positioned alongside premier and upscale residential developments, allowing it to leverage the growing demand for both commercial and residential properties in Uptown Cagayan de Oro. This strengthens its position not only as a residential enclave, but as a key growth node in one of the city’s most dynamic districts.
Beyond its residential offering, Southridge integrates a future-ready business park and commercial district, further enhancing its value as a strategic investment destination. Set within an area of rapid expansion and strong land value appreciation, it is where lifestyle potential and long-term growth converge.
Backed by over 31 years of excellence, Pueblo de Oro continues to define The Gold Standard—building communities anchored on prime location, green living, trusted reputation, and lasting value.
Southridge is more than a development. It is a statement of success.
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY- An Iliganon designer who now calls Cagayan de Oro home is bringing his brand to the Big Apple this coming September in a bid to bring Mindanaoan design to the global stage
Christopher L. Gomez, Creative Director of Chris Gomez Design Studio, is one of Northern Mindanao’s senior designers who’s a multi-disciplinary creative and advocate of Sustainable Design, has been selected as one of 12 brands vetted by the US Accessories Council for FASHIONPhilippines New York 2026.
FASHIONPhilippines-New York 2026, an international mentorship and showcase initiative, organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) in partnership with the US Accessories Council, aims to elevate Filipino fashion brands on the global stage.
Defined by craftsmanship and guided by a contemporary design perspective, FASHIONPhilippines New York 2026 presents a curated cohort of brands shaping the evolving voice of Filipino design on the global stage. These brands will undergo a focused business development journey to refine their brand identity and align with the US market—all culminating in a highly anticipated exhibition in New York City during NY Fashion Week.
“We are proud to announce the official launch of our brand (Chris Gomez Design Studio) at Fashion Philippines New York 2026 — a celebration of craftsmanship, culture, and contemporary design on a global stage. Thank you US Accessories Council and Center for International Trade Exposition and Mission (CITEM) for this opportunity,” Gomez posted in his social media account.
The CITEM infographic describes Chris Gomez as “merging architectural structure with handcrafted precision, creating statement accessories that balance sculptural form, material innovation, and contemporary edge.”
“So excited to bring my brand to the right platform. Thankful also for CITEM for these opportunities. I think it’s always the dream of every designer to showcase and meet the right people in the global stage. Been planning to do rare woven fabrics from inawl and take it into a global appeal. I’m also collaborating with metal smith and jewelers for my clasp. My goal is to bring all these Designs, craftsmanship and local materials (Bamboo, Laguindingan Silk, and Woven Fabrics ) to the global Fashion scene,” Gomez said.
“Inawl“refers to the traditional handwoven malong (tube garment) of the Iranun and Maguindanaon people using a loom, often used for the malong (tube skirt) and regarded as a symbol of royalty and pride. Handwoven from silk, rayon, and cotton threads, it features intricate, vibrant patterns. The fabric is highly valued for its durability, lasting decades with proper care.
Chris Gomez Design Studio
A multi-award-winning Filipino artist, Gomez has been active in the country’s design circuit, winning the grand prize in the water based media category of the 2012 Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE) Awards, and the Habi Kadayawan Design Competition in the Fashion Accessories-Commercial Category in 2023, in which he was also a Finalist in 2019.
Among his many other laurels are Finalist, 2011 National Philippine Art Awards; Finalist, 2014 Look of Style Awards (British Council/Look Magazine); and recipient of 5th Metrobank Foundation Award for Continuing Excellence in Service (ACES) in 2024 for commitment to helping cultivate art and design in Mindanao as a multi-awarded multi-disciplinary artist, continuously persevering by working outside his comfort zone, while using his creativity as a tool to connect and support diverse communities in Mindanao.
2014 Look of Style Awards (British Council, Look Magazine)Chris Gomez at the Northern Mindanao Pavilion for the 2023 Manila FAMEGrand Prize Winner Chris Gomez with Carissa Cruz-Evangelista, Joyce Makitalo, Carmencita Sanchez-Jacob, judges for the Fashion Accessories Commercial Category of Habi Kadayawan 2023Chris-Gomez-is-the-Grand-Prize-Winner-for-Habi-Kadayawan-2023-Fashion-Accessories-Commercial-Category
Product Development Mentoring
Gomez is also recognized for his work in product development and as a mentor to designers and artisans all over Mindanao. He is actively involved in the local design community, advocating for creative development and helping designers navigate career challenges.
FASHIONPhilippines-New York 2026
A fashion capital is a city with major influence on the international fashion scene, from history, heritage, designers, trends, and styles, to manufacturing innovation and retailing of fashion products, including events such as fashion weeks, fashion council awards, and trade fairs that together, generate significant economic output.
With exquisite fashion heritage, structured organization, and the most vaunted fashion designers of the 20th century, four cities are considered the main fashion capitals of the 21st century. Called the Big Four, the most prominent fashion capitals of the world—in chronological order of their eponymous fashion weeks, are New York City, London, Milan, and Paris.
FASHIONPhilippines—New York 2026, organized by CITEM and the US Accessories Council, will showcase curated Philippine manufacturers and designers on September 9-11, 2026, at the Accessories Council Trade Showspace, New York City.
The initiative features a three-phase program (April–October 2026) involving digital mentorship, product development, and on-site buyer matching for U.S. market entry, aimed atpositioning Filipino fashion and accessory brands for sustained commercial success in the global, particularly U.S., market
Phase 1 (April–June 2026) coversDigital mentorship on U.S. retail standards, pricing, and compliance. Phase 2 (July–August 2026) will focus on Product development and brand positioning consultations, and Phase 3 (September–October 2026) will feature on-site coaching, trade showcase, and buyer matching.
“In addition, the brands will also be showcasing through a special setting at the Manila FAME 2026 at the World Trade Center, October 15-17, 2026, and at the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls, International Trade Complex, Pasay City,” said Cev Cendaña, FPNY Project Officer.
Development Sessions
The program features a “vanguard of mentors’ to guide Filipino designers on global growth and product evolution.
Among the mentors are Vanessa Urenda (Chief Omni Channel Officer), Frances Cole Jones (Author and Speaker, Media Coach), Roman Ramirez (Director, Commercial Strategy, BluSpark), Andrew Rotondi (Chief Operations/Information Officer, Dynamic Worldwide Logistics, Inc.), Karen Giberson (President & CEO of the Accessories Council, & Editor-in-Chief, AC Magazine), Beth Goldstein (Executive Director & Industry Analyst, Circana), Patricia Leto (SVP, GMM, Doneger Group), and Lisa Metcalf (CEO, Ten Yards Network).
“We started last week and our next session will be this coming Tuesday,” Gomez said. “All of them will be our mentor. We will undergo consultation one by one. They also have several topics each for online, then consultation after. We will also present our design collection to them, before production for the showcase this September.”
As a Product Development Mentor accredited by the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship, and a Product Design Specialist of Design Center Philippines (DCP), Chris has been a mentor to Kagay-anon designers eyeing to break the glass ceiling that has constrained them from attaining their full potential and define a Kagay-anon Design Paradigm instantly recognizable anywhere in the world.
Prof. Ricardo Jorge S. Caluen, one of the founders of the Sidlak Iligan Artists Group and a long-time friend of Gomez, expressed his delight at this development.
“CHRIS GOMEZ is a breath of fresh air to come from Mindanao. He is the toast not only of Mindanao but the entire Philippines for his brand is one of only 12 chosen as participants at the fashion event of the year in New York City. I knew about Chris long before I met him and became good friends. Local artists had praised his willingness to share his creative gifts. Something good could really come from Mindanao after all.”
Receiving the Metrobank Art & Design Excellence award in 2012 served as a catalyst for Gomez, reaffirming his dedication to art and design despite the challenges faced in the regions. Post-award, Chris initiated educational art projects like the “Frame of Mind” series, enhancing curatorial practices in Northern Mindanao.
In his role as a designer, Gomez has contributed significantly to the development of MSMEs in Mindanao through product design and development. He has also actively participated in national design mentoring projects, such as the One Town One Product (OTOP) Manlilikha Designers Course, and the Certificate Program for Design Competency Course, aimed at nurturing new designers to meet the region’s growing demand.
Gomez’s commitment to excellence and innovation is further demonstrated through his ownership of Chris Gomez Design Studio, where he and his team create acclaimed bags, home, and fashion accessories.
Manila FAMEPanulong Clutch Bag the Grand Prize Winner in the Fashion Accessories Professional Category in Habi Kadayawan Design Competition 2023.Chris Gomez fashion accessories in the former LunâArtisanal Store.Manila FAME.Bea-Zobel-Jrs-exclusive-minaudiere-collection-by-Chris-Gomez
Beyond his professional endeavors, Gomez remains deeply involved in community development. He co-founded Lunâ(meaning a parcel of land or space in Bisaya), a curated retail store, creative space, for artists and designers, who want to be part of the growing creative community in Cagayan de Oro, and FORMA (Vibrant Mindanao Design Commune), a curated showcase featuring art, homestyle and fashion pieces from esteemed artists and designers from the island of Mindanao.
Chris Gomez at Work in his home atelier.
His leadership as co-chairman of the Kagay-an Misamis Creative Council (KaMi Creatives) highlights his dedication to fostering regional creativity, envisioning Mindanao as a vibrant center of artistic expression and economic growth. Additionally, he actively organizes art exhibitions and participates in art talks, contributing to the cultural enrichment of his hometown and beyond.
Cover photo: Chris Gomez is the Grand Prize Winner for the 2023 Habi Kadayawan Design Competition in the Fashion Accessories-Commercial-Category.
Cagayan de Oro City – Mindanao’s first ever university has opened its Diwang Mindanao Book Fair 2026, featuring four days of events and a two-week book exhibit featuring literary and other creative works from around the island with the theme “Sulat sa Lupa: Stories, Scholarship and Solidarity.”
The fair opened with a short program and ribbon cutting led by Fr Mars P Tan SJ, Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan President; Dr Heide R Rabanes, Dean of Research; Dr Arlene Yandug, XU Press Director; Mr Rule Redondo, Director of XU Libraries, and Fr. Tony Moreno SJ.
“We gather here today for a celebration that is both timely and essential,” said Dr Rabanes in her opening remarks held April 20 at the Divisoria Campus.
“The Diwang Mindanao is more than just a marketplace for paper and ink; it is a manifestation of its name. Diwa—meaning spirit or core—represents the very pulse of our region. In a literal and philosophical sense, diwa refers to the spirit, soul, or consciousness (kamalayan). Essentially it refers to the Soul of Mindanao, Rabanes stressed.
She further implied that the books and creative works aren’t just objects, but the living breath and spirit of the people.
“This book fair captures the very essence of what Mindanao is—its struggles, its triumphs, and its identity,” she added.
According to XU Press Manager Dawny Balangiao, the book fair and exhibit features 90 titles (books and zines) from 24 Mindanao Authors and 19 writers groups, publishers, and publishing industry sectors from ten cities and provinces, (excluding XU Press titles) which will be exhibited until the end of the month.
Fr Mars Tan & Fr Tony Moreno visiting the NAGMAC Booth with author NH Legaspi (RMB)
A ceremonial walk-through of the book fair’s exhibits including booths of various publishers, writers groups, publishing industry sectors and partners, and official launch of the DevCom Department’s Kalamdaag Publication, and the XU Aggie Tech Demo and food innovation showcase of the XU College of Agriculture.
BINTANA: Culture, Arts, Humanities, and Faith Installation Exhibit was next unveiled by Dr Roderic Z Ocangas, Assistant Chair, GEIDS Department; then the ribbon cutting and ribbon cutting to the Creative Space and Reading Nook at the old Library building led by Mr Redondo. The morning’s opening rites concluded with the chat and book signing by author Ellena Manawari.
The Creative Space and Book Reading Nook is open to everyone (XU Press)
Rabanes stressed how hosting a book fair specifically dedicated to Mindanao is vital for several reasons:
• Amplifying Local Voices: For too long, the narrative of Mindanao has been told by those outside of it. This fair serves as a stage for our own writers, poets, and historians to reclaim that narrative.
• Fostering a Creative Ecosystem: By bringing together readers, publishers, and creators, we are not just selling books; we are fueling a vibrant culture of literature. We are showing our young people that their stories are worth writing and their voices are worth hearing.
• Preserving Heritage: Our culture is a tapestry of diverse indigenous and local traditions. Through these creative works, we ensure that the spirit of our ancestors lives on in the minds of the next generation. It celebrates the intellectual and creative ideas blooming in the region.
Many students get their first look at a real newspaper at the Mindanao Daily News booth (RMB)
The afternoon events kicked off with a Research Ethic Colloquium at AVR-1 with the Research Ethics Office, being one of the salient events of the month long celebration of Research Month; immediately followed by a Chat and Book Signing with Plot Twist Authors; and next by Teaching Early Readers: Building Strong Foundations in Reading by Chalkboard Inc., both held at the same venue.
“Today, we are opening a portal into the heart of Mindanao through its stories, its history, and its boundless imagination. It is a vital gathering of the region’s collective mind and spirit. In a world that is increasingly digital and fast-paced, we must carve out physical and mental spaces to honor the written word,” Rabanes said.
She further noted how the cutting of the ribbon to open the book fair symbolizes more than just the opening of an event, but rather the opening of minds and the breaking of barriers.
“When we open a book, we open a world. When we open a book fair in Mindanao, we celebrate our soul. May the shelves you browse today inspire you, challenge you, and make you proud of the creative powerhouse that is our region.”
ILIGAN CITY- A recent two-day exhibit held at the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of History (MSU-IIT) threw open the curtain to hitherto unseen images of Mindanao and its people from over a century ago.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗿 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝘂𝘆 𝗢. 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 featured rare archival and ethnographic materials such as vintage weapons, brassware, documents, photographs, maps, diaries, and artifacts spanning 1904–1942 which are donated by Barbara Fox, stepdaughter of the late James Fort, one of the general’s sons.
However, the real treasure trove are the archival materials including personal correspondence, reports, personal items of notable World War II guerrillas, culture and geographic reports, and photo albums of period photographs from Zamboanga, Agusan, Jolo, and Davao, dating from the early 1900s, journals of the Philippine Constabulary from 1911-1915 & 1921, and Fort’s personal maps of route sketch trails in Central Mindanao dated August, 1912, and sketch of trails from Tucuran to Panguil Bay dated January, 1915.
Home of Major Guy O. Fort at Mayo Plantation, MatiCaptured OutlawsUnloading at Camp Overton, IliganA Soldier and his Family. Captured OutlawsManobo SoldiersMoro Constabulary
These historical documentary collection and ethnographic materials, which provide fantastic information are now with MSU-IIT, particularly with its History Department, which is establishing an exhibit section in one of its new buildings exclusively for the Brig. Gen. Guy O. Fort Collection.
“These invaluable and tangible archival materials dating to as far back as when General Fort was assigned in Mindanao and Sulu in the early days of the American colonial period up until World War II, open a new treasure trove of information to scholars and researchers who are into Mindanao Studies – and the public in general – from a primary source, General Guy Fort himself, an unsung hero of World War II who stayed in the Philippines, mostly in Mindanao, for forty-one years, and played a pivotal role in the formation of the Ranao Moro resistance movement against the Japanese Occupation,” said Lanao del Sur Commissioner Robert Maulana Marohombsar Alonto of the Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage (BCPCH-Lanao del Sur).
History
Brig. Gen. Guy O. Fort played a crucial role in the defense of Mindanao during the Second World War and remains a remarkable figure in the region’s historical memory.
Fort enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1899. He settled in the Philippines with his first wife, Marguerite Eugine Fort, who died in 1927. He later married Mary Angeles Adams who died at the start of World War II. His great-granddaughter was the late child actress, singer and modelJulie Vega.
Fort served for three years in the 4th U.S. Cavalry in the Philippines before being discharged in 1902. Two years later he was commissioned as a 3rd Lieutenant in the Philippine Constabulary and helped suppress the Moro Rebellion.
A young Lt. Guy Fort (Second from right) with colleagues from the Philippine Constabulary. He rose from 3rd Lt in 1904 to 1st Lt. in 1907. ( Photo enhanced by LadySoda PH).
Except for a stint as a plantation manager from 1917 to 1922, Fort remained with the constabulary until World War II, advancing to the rank of Colonel. Stationed mainly in Mindanao, Fort was noted for both studying and observing the rituals and customs of the people he served among and for convincing outlaw bands to lay down their arms. In particular, Fort was known among the Americans as an expert on the Moro people. While in the constabulary, he also served briefly as the interim governor of the province of Agusan.
Major Guy Fort recovering from three broken ribs circa 1911 while serving with the Philippine Constabulary. (Photo enhanced by LadySode PH)
“Though an American, he spoke Meranaw and Magindanaw quite fluently, immersed himself in the Moro, IP and settler communities of Mindanao, learned their local cultures and traditions, understood their aspirations, and organized the Moro Bolo Battalion in Ranao prior to the outbreak of World War II,” Alonto noted.
The-Busran-Kalaw-Guerrilla-of-Mumongan-Lanao-during-World-War-II (photo-MacArthur-Memorial-Archives colorized and restored by LadySodaPH)
Most significantly, he inspired and enabled the Moro patriots of the Lake to fight the Japanese occupation forces even if this went against the order of his US superiors to surrender to the Japanese after the fall of Corregidor in May 1942; and even if he knew that this would ultimately cost him his life at the hands of the Japanese, he added.
Lest We Forget
Despite the circumstances that led to his execution and he being the highest American ranking officer to be killed by the enemy, he was not recognized with the US Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration of the United States Armed Forces which is presented by the US President “in the name of Congress” to recognize American soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen, guardians, and coast guardsmen who have distinguished themselves by acts of valor.
There is neither a monument or marker where Fort is recognized, save for the ‘Wall of the Missing’ at the American Cemetery in Manila, and no monument either for him and those who were with him in the infamous Death March from Dansalan to Iligan on July 4, 1942.
But, Alonto maintains this monument exists in the enduring memory of those who witnessed and knew of Guy Fort’s heroic deeds and supreme sacrifice.
“This monument exists in the stories left to posterity by those Moro freedom fighters in Ranao in World War II whom he never betrayed to the Japanese but inspired and emboldened to resist the Occupation by his very act of self-sacrifice on the altar of freedom,” Alonto stressed.
Group Memento with relatives of Gen Fort who came all the way from Zamboanga del Norte, Laguna and General Santos City to view the Brig Gen Guy O. Fort Exhibit on the 84th Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) on April 9, 2026 at the MSU-IIT University Library, Iligan City. (RMB)
“This monument exists in the hearts of his descendants and the men and women whose profound sense of history is anchored on justice and thus want justice to prevail.”
“This monument exists in the irrepressible truth of factual history.”
“This exhibit in his name today is the edifice come to life, so to speak, of that intangible monument. A monument that was never physically erected, yes, but has always been a significant marker, a landmark of history resonating the poignant narrative of a patriot’s martyrdom that has found its permanent niche in Bangsamoro and Mindanao histories.”
“The contribution of key players and agencies had been highlighted during the April 9 ceremonies. But the role played by Ruh Javier Alonto is noteworthy,” noted Iligan Historian Ricardo Jorge S. Caluen. “This Bangsamoro historian was the hub that held together all other stakeholders in the project, connecting everyone like Ms. Barbara Fox, descendant of Gen. Fort, who magnanimously donated the entire collection of a hero of the Lanao resistance during WW II, Mr. Mike Henshaw of AMAG, and the MSU IIT Department of History.”
Relatives of Gen Fort came all the way from Leon B. Postigo, Zamboanga del Norte; Laguna, and General Santos City to view the exhibit. The three groups of relatives had never met before and it was a most pleasant experience for them to meet up and get acquainted for the first time ever, thanks to the exhibit.
The two-day exhibit was presented by the MSU-IIT Department of History through its Project Pasundayag, the Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage – Lanao del Sur Office (BCPCH-Lanao del Sur), Asymmetric MIA Accounting Group, Inc., in collaboration with the Philippine National Historical Society (PNHS) and the Northern Mindanao Heritage Network, and made possible through the generous support of the Office of the University Chancellor Alizedney Ditucalan. (RMB)
ILIGAN CITY- This City of Majestic Waterfalls sparkled with two of the finest exhibits we were a most fortunate witness to during the 84th Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) last week.
In the morning, the Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) unveiled the Brig. Gen. Guy O. Fort Collection at its University Library featuring ethnographic materials and artifacts from over a century ago, and the Sidlak Iligan Art Exhibit followed suit at Espasyo Gallery, Ramiro St., Ylaya, Poblacion, later in the afternoon.
According to Hulma Iligan Executive Director Anita T. Sescon, Sidlak Iligan (literally Shine On Iligan) is a curated exhibition featuring selected works of Iliganon visual artists, highlighting their unique artistic expressions and contributions to the city’s cultural landscape.
Hulma Iligan is a collective for painters, graphic artists, sculptors, animators, filmmakers, videographers, theater artists, dramaturgs, playwrights, literary artists, musicians, song composers/writers, choreographers, dancers, singers, instrumentalists, fashion artists, culinary artists, tattoo artists, art enthusiasts, art patrons, event organizers, handicraft artists, production designers, heritage keepers, patrons and all those engaged in creative disciplines.
“We aim to build Iligan City’s creative industry to be recognized as a cultural hub of the south,” Sescon explained.
Prof. Ricardo Jorge S. Caluen, who emceed the program, shared how the earliest art group in the city was similarly named Sidlak Iligan Artists Group.
“Our home base was the Galeria de Iligan Café founded in 1985 by writer Bayani Santos, Jr.Steven P.C. Fernandez was our curator with myself as impresario,” Caluen recalls. “Romy Cocos and Audie Estrellada were among our pioneer artists and the gallery was inaugurated by National Artist Jose T. Joya.”
The opening program gathered artists, cultural advocates, and members of the community in a celebration of creativity and local identity. Sidlak Iligan was supposed to be the main event of the Iligan Arts Month celebration last February but had to be postponed due to Typhoon Basyang.
Prior to the exhibit’s opening, the audience was treated to a unique Performance Art Ang Bulan sa Walog (The Moon in the Valley), by Bjork Aphrodite Colao, a prayer, an offering, moving to Ana Roxanne’s “Nocturne,” that reads:
Photo courtesy of Steven P.C. Fernandez
And through the night
A light shines
And clouds fill the sky
And though the world sleeps
My eyes are wide
And for your name
My heart cries
May the light embrace those that dwell below.
Bjork Aphrodite Colao is a Filipina multidisciplinary artist, cultural worker, and performance maker whose practice spans traditional dance, film, writing, community documentation, and art activation. Her work draws on heritage, language, ecology, and peacebuilding, rooted in archipelagic wisdom.
She was a fellow of the Where to Next? Residency of the Performing Arts Festival: Autumn Meteorite 2025 in Tokyo, Japan; and also a fellow of this year’s Southeast Asian Choreolab at the Rimbun Dahan Arboretum and Arts Centre in Selangor, Malaysia.
Devoted to exploring nature–human relations, her practice engages the body’s psychospiritual and somatic experiences in relation to ecological and cultural contexts.
Her recent works, The Pangalay of Sulu and Sayaw sa Kinaiyahan, were developed through the Performance Ecologies program, supported by the Goethe-Institut Philippinen and various local and international institutions. Sayaw sa Kinaiyahan is her performance art project, personally developed to explore the body’s linkage to the broader tapestry of nature. For her, this work is a perpetual act of arrival, a way of knowing, a way of showing, and a way of being.
She currently serves as Cultural Director of TAYO House of Culture and Creativity, an archipelagic design and experience studio in the Philippines, while pursuing a Master’s degree in Culture and Arts Studies at MSU-IIT.
Photo courtesy of Steven P.C. Fernandez
The symbolic opening of the exhibit followed with Iligan LGU Cultural Affairs Officer Prince Salazar (on behalf of Iligan Mayor Frederick Siao) sounding the Agong, with the assistance of Hulma Iligan Chair Zayda Macarambon, and the featured artists Anna Leah Sanson, Romy Cocos, Chris Gomez and Audie Estrellada.
Also on hand to represent Dindo Manulat from the City Mayor’s Office who chaired the Iligan Art Month celebration last February was Najimah P. Salimbo-Gandamra.
Artists Portraits
ROMEO COCOS
Romeo “Romy” Cocos is a seasoned visual artist whose practice is deeply rooted in the cultural and everyday landscapes of Iligan City.
Cocos began his career as an illustrator and advertising artist, honing a strong command of composition, line, and visual storytelling. His transition into painting allowed him to expand this discipline into more expressive and introspective works. Over the years, he has developed a style that is both grounded and evocative—often portraying human figures, intimate relationships, and scenes that echo the quiet dignity of daily life.
His works have reached audiences beyond Mindanao, finding their way into private collections across the Philippines and abroad. As a member of Iligan’s artist collectives, including SIDLAK, he remains actively engaged in community-based art initiatives, mentoring younger artists and participating in collaborative exhibitions.
Through decades of practice, Romeo Cocos continues to affirm the role of the artist as both observer and storyteller—capturing not only images, but the emotional textures of lived experience.
ANNA LEAH SANSON
In the works of Anna Leah Sanson, art becomes both an intimate gesture and a quiet assertion of presence. Her practice navigates the spaces between vulnerability and strength, drawing from personal experience while resonating with broader narratives of womanhood, identity, and resilience.
Sanson’s visual language is marked by a sensitivity to form and emotion. Whether through delicate gestures, symbolic imagery, or layered textures, her works evoke a sense of introspection—inviting viewers to engage not only with what is seen, but with what is felt. There is an honesty in her compositions, where the personal is neither concealed nor overstated, but offered with clarity and grace.
Her works often reflect the inner landscapes of her subjects—spaces shaped by memory, transformation, and quiet endurance. In this way, Sanson positions the feminine experience not as a singular story, but as a spectrum of voices and truths unfolding through time.
Anna Leah’s portraits of Meranaw women.
Sanson’s works were featured at the Philippine Art Center in New York City on Sept 25-Oct 6, 2017 in a curated exhibit dubbed Kuri-Kuri – NYC (Bisaya for active hands) which featured 30 of her art works that highlighted her proclivity to engage in kuri-kuri,as well as the diligence, industry, conscientiousness, dedication and assiduousness which are the hallmarks of legacy traditional craft – the subject of her paintings.
Within Sidlak Iligan, Sanson’s works contribute a deeply reflective dimension—one that foregrounds emotional depth and the power of self-expression. Her art reminds us that strength can be soft, that silence can speak, and that within stillness, there is profound movement.
CHRIS GOMEZ
The works of Chris Gomez articulate a visual energy that is both grounded and exploratory—an interplay of form, color, and movement that reflects an artist in constant dialogue with his medium. His practice reveals a willingness to experiment, to push beyond the familiar, and to engage with painting as a space of discovery.
Gomez’s compositions often carry a dynamic quality, where structure and spontaneity coexist. His use of color and gesture suggests an intuitive process, one that allows emotion and instinct to guide the unfolding of the image. Within this fluidity, forms emerge—sometimes suggestive, sometimes abstract—inviting viewers to interpret and find meaning within the layers.
Rather than offering fixed narratives, Gomez creates visual experiences that are open-ended. His works encourage a personal encounter, where perception becomes part of the artistic process. Each piece becomes a site of interaction, shaped as much by the viewer’s sensibility as by the artist’s hand.
In Sidlak Iligan, Chris Gomez’s works bring a sense of movement and immediacy—an expressive counterpoint that expands the exhibition’s visual and emotional range. His art underscores the vitality of contemporary practice, where uncertainty, experimentation, and intuition become essential tools in shaping meaning.
AUDIE ESTRELLADA
Audie Estrellada, a Filipino painter whose works capture the dignity of everyday life, has built his career on an early devotion to art that grew into a lifelong pursuit. From a young age, painting became more than a pastime for him; it was a way of interpreting his environment and affirming his sense of identity. Immersed in sketching, studying light, and observing the gestures of those around him, Estrellada laid a foundation of discipline and sensitivity that would shape his practice for decades. His creative vision has always been anchored in the rhythms of community, rural landscapes, and the rituals of family life, elements that deeply inform his imagery and storytelling.
Estrellada’s works belong to the tradition of Philippine genre painting, yet they extend it by highlighting not only cultural scenes but also the emotional resonance of human interaction. His canvases frequently depict communal gatherings, agrarian labor, domestic spaces, and moments of intimacy, portraying subjects that feel both familiar and elevated. He paints with controlled realism, but his approach never falls into rigidity; his brushwork allows light and movement to breathe across the surface. The play of shadow and atmosphere gives his figures depth, while his careful modulation of color captures mood with subtlety, from the vibrancy of market life to the quiet interiors of provincial homes. In this way, Estrellada offers not just images but immersive narratives, inviting viewers into a shared space of memory and experience. He is the President of the Portrait Artists Society of the Philippines.
Iligan City has produced numerous artists across generations, but many of them have remained unseen or underappreciated due to limited exhibition spaces, promotion, and public engagement. The artworks of Estrellada, Cocos, Gomez, and Sanson reflect powerful narratives—ranging from personal expression and social commentary to cultural memory and environmental reflection. Their works offer both aesthetic value and insight into the Iliganon experience.
Sidlak Iligan is a collaboration of Iligan LGU, Hulma Creative Collective, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines-Kaisa sa Sining. The Exhibition runs until 23 April 2026 at Espasyo Gallery, Ramiro St., Ylaya Poblacion, Iligan City.
The European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (ECCP), together with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is pushing hard to have a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union in place by 2028 latest to ensure a smooth transition to the more comprehensive and permanent FTA to replace the current Sustainable Development and Good Governance Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+).
ECCP President Paulo Duarte
“Both sides are committed to concluding negotiations within 2026. The ECCP believes these talks will create more opportunities,” said ECCP President Paulo Duarte earlier this year to ABS-CBN.
As an adjunct to the FTA, the ECCP is also negotiating on behalf of the country to enable its Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) to access the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN).
The EEN helps businesses innovate and grow on an international scale. It is the world’s largest support network for SMEs which are eyeing the international market.
“The Philippines currently has no partner yet but ECCP is ongoing a process for us to become one,” said Florian Gottein, ECCP Executive Director during his keynote address during a recent ECCP Mixer held in Cagayan de Oro.
ECCP Exec Dir Florian Gottein delivers his keynote speech during the ECCP Mixer held March 17 in Cagayan de Oro (RMB).
“Next week we will present the Philippines at the EEN Steering Committee meeting along with ECCP as its partner. We will also discuss how it will function within the FTA. The Philippines is now negotiating with the EU to replace its GSP+.
The Enterprise Europe Network
The Network is active worldwide. It brings together experts from member organizations that are renowned for their excellence in business support.
Member organizations include chambers of commerce and industry, regional development organizations, universities and research institutes, and innovation agencies.
Business services
Although individual businesses can’t become Network members, they can enjoy the many services offered.
Among its business services offered are Teams of Network experts in each member organization offering personalized services to businesses who are familiar with the local business environment and have contacts for business opportunities worldwide.
The Enterprise Europe Network can also offer a targeted approach aimed specifically at specific business sectors. Its groups of experts cover all key economic sectors, from healthcare, agri-food and intelligent energy to fashion and textile. In addition, the Network will help companies increase their resilience and support SMEs in their transition to more sustainable and digital business models.
TAGOLOAN, MISAMIS ORIENTAL – The expansion of the Mindanao Container Terminal (MCT) located in this town inside the PHIVIDEC Industrial Estate couldn’t have come at a better time.
During the estate’s 50th Anniversary in 2024, PHIVIDEC IA Administrator and Chief Executive Officer Atty. Joseph Donato J. Bernedo disclosed the facility already exceeded its original design capacity of 270,000 TEUs with container traffic expected to top 500,000 TEUs by 2030.
Just last year, the MCT attained another milestone, exceeding 300,000 TEUs for the first time, adding even more urgency.
Bernedo stressed the crucial role the MCT plays in the regional economy and the urgency of undertaking the MCT Phase II Expansion as soon as possible.
“I’m very keen on pursuing the expansion of our port. I want to have it finished during my time, or at least get it going because this is long overdue. We already reached maximum capacity in 2018,” he noted.
PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority Administrator & CEO Atty Joseph Donato J. Bernedo visits the MICTSI booth during the Open House Year 3. To his left is PIEMO Industries Association President Jerome Soldevilla, while to his right are MICTSI President & CEO Aurelio Garcia and Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental Vice Mayor Rolando Seno. (RMB)
In previous discussions with the current port operator International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI), it was determined that the port’s expansion is urgently needed because the berthing windows when the ships dock have become very tight. This, on top of several expressions the authority has received from big international shipping lines who wish to ship through MCT, but whose preferred berthing windows cannot be accommodated, further stressing the urgency to immediately undertake the Phase II expansion.
“If we don’t expand there may come a time where we may also have to turn away the domestic shipping market, but we do not want that to happen, and we will do everything in our capacity to accommodate all the players,” Bernedo noted.
MCT History
With a 24-hectare terminal area for infrastructure, equipment and support facilities, a 300-meter berth originally designed to handle one international vessel measuring up to 200 meters, and an annual capacity of 270,000 TEUs, MCT is regulated by PHIVIDEC-IA and has been operated by ICTSI since 2008 when the Manila-based terminal operator signed a 25-year concession.
The US$ 85.34 Million (P 3.24 Billion) MCT was 85% funded by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), and 15% by PHIVIDEC IA, and designed and managed by Pacific Consultants International (PCI), and Japanese Contractor Mitsubishi-Kawasaki-Toyo Joint Venture (MKT-JV).
JBIC (now the Japan International Cooperation Agency or JICA) is a policy-based financial institution of Japan, and conducts lending, investment and guarantee operations while complementing private sector financial institutions.
MCT Phase 1 was fetured in the JICA PH Office 2011 Annual Report
Its Phase 1 construction, commissioning and operation was completed during the term of former Administrator Engr. Gabriel B. Evangelista, with Dante F. Clarito as the bidding committee chair, project manager during its construction, and interim port manager until ICTSI took over in 2008. PHVIDEC IA’s handling of the project was highly praised by the JICA Philippine Office in its 2011 annual report with a feature article “A Catalyst for Development”, and the Report of the Independent Public Accountants Asahi & Co.
JICA rated the Phase 1 construction of the MCT under the stewardship of PHIVIDEC IA as “A” (highly satisfactory) the highest level of evaluation given to its projects.
On the sidelines of the PHIVIDEC IA Open House Year 3 on March 25, Mindanao ICTSI President & CEO Aurelio C. Garcia disclosed CHEC (China Harbor Engineering Corp.), which won the bidding to undertake the port expansion has already set up camp in the area adjacent to the present port where the port expansion will be sited.
Catalytic Development
Bernedo said the growing traffic in the MCT has added even more urgency on immediate need for its expansion.
“Our volume has really increased, and we even experienced some congestion when the Bukidnon-Davao road was being repaired and all the traffic bound for Davao was diverted to us but we had solved that already. The opening of the PHIVIDEC-Alae Bypassed road significantly helped us in handling this,” Bernedo said.
From 271,795 TEUs in 2021, container traffic has grown to 304,422 last year, spurring port revenues from P367,436,813 in 2021 to P574,888,544, a growth of P207,451,731 or 56 percent over the last five years, PHIVIDEC Port Management & Development Director Gary C. Linsagan reported.
Mindanao Container Terminal (MCT) was recognized by the PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority as the highest revenue contributor for the 3rd consecutive year during the latter’s 50th-anniversary celebration in 2024.(MCTSI)
PHIVDEC IA’s share of the income from MICTSI’s MCT operations and regulated ports accounts for approximately 60 percent of the authority’s annual revenues. In fact, MICSTI has repeatedly been cited as one of, if not the estate’s top revenue contributor.
Key Expansion Details
MICTSI is investing USD 125 million to extend the berth by 300 meters, increasing capacity beyond 350,000 TEUs. The project, set for completion by March 31, 2028, will accommodate larger vessels and boost regional trade efficiency, supported by a 25-year concession extension until 2058.
The current 300-meter berth will be doubled to 600 meters to accommodate larger, more efficient vessels. The investment includes new cargo handling equipment, upgraded infrastructure, and new technology to improve operational efficiency. The project aims to handle increasing container volumes in Mindanao, catering to both import and export needs, particularly in the agro-industrial sector.
Currently, PHIVIDEC IA is in talks with the Environment Management Bureau Region 10 for a possible supplement or amendment to its present Environment Compliance Certificate (ECC) since the current ECC only covers the first 120 meters of the planned 300 meter berth extension.
However, Garcia said even when the first 120 meters of the extension is completed, this would already allow them to receive additional container traffic which can be handled by their present cranes through their existing container yard.
Mitsui hybrid RTGs at Mindanao Container Terminal contribute to reducing its carbon footprint. (MICTSI)
Three more quay side gantry cranes have been ordered along with four more rubber tired (RTG) gantry cranes for the expansion area which are now being assembled with the RTG cranes expected to arrive within the year or early next year.
Strategic Impact
The expansion supports the growing demand from Mindanao’s agricultural sector (pineapples, bananas) and connects northern Mindanao with global markets, including China and other parts of Asia. The terminal has also begun incorporating sustainable practices, such as using solar power, as part of its operations.
‘Our focus on operational efficiency, targeted capital allocation, and prudent financial management supported continued margin expansion and strong cash generation,” said Enrique Razon Jr., ICTSI chairman and president. He added that the company remains committed to financial discipline while investing in new projects.
“As we execute on strategic opportunities across our network and invest in new projects, we remain committed to maintaining the financial discipline and selective approach that have underpinned our track record of value creation,” Razon said.
The new berth will enable the shipping industry to deploy larger ships on new service routes to support growth and demand from Mindanao’s importers and exporters. Additionally, the expansion project will further promote PHIVIDEC’s agenda to grow its locator base.
“ICTSI is proud to continue our work at Mindanao Container Terminal, a critical hub for trade in southern Philippines,” Garcia said. “This extension allows us to implement our vision for the terminal’s future, with significant investments in new technology and infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of our customers and the region.”
PHIVIDEC IA and MICTSI signing the Amendment and Supplement contract as part of its Phase II Expansion. (ICTSI)
The PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority and Mindanao International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (MICTSI) signed the Amendment and Supplement to the contract for MCT Phase II Expansion on December 19, 2024.
Bernedo said this reflects the organization’s commitment to growth and sustainability under the current administration. He further stressed that PHIVIDEC-IA will continue to expand through various projects and initiatives that are set to benefit not only Northern Mindanao but the entire country.
“We are not just shaping economies. We are shaping lives. This port will create jobs, jobs that put food on the table, educate children, and uplift families. It will attract industries, trade and investments, further transforming PHIVIDEC and Region 10 into a hub of opportunities,” he emphasized.
On March 20, we were most fortunate have a first hand experience of the Mother-Daughter Four Hands Degustation by Chef Candy Lu and Chef Chloe Lu at Candy’s Café and Restaurant at Ayala Centrio Garden.
Their Four Hands Degustation was one of the kick-off events of the maiden edition of the Normin Food and Wine Festival organized by Professional Organizers Unlimited Inc. from March 20 to 27 at various venues around Cagayan de Oro City.
Inspired by the Cebu Food and Wine Festival, the eight-day gathering aimed to highlight the region’s food culture through collaborations, tastings and dining experiences featuring local and visiting chefs.
The festival coincides with Ayala Malls Centrio’s annual Big Bite Festival, which showcases micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) food entrepreneurs. Organizers said the parallel events are designed to offer a broader look at Northern Mindanao’s culinary landscape, from grassroots producers to established chefs.
Among the highlights are a series of “four-hands” dining collaborations with the Mother-Daughter Four Hands Degustation by Chef Candy Lu and Chef Chloe Lu on March 20 and 21 at Candy’s Café and Restaurant at Ayala Centrio Garden. Both chefs hold Grand Diplôme credentials in pâtisserie and cuisine from Le Cordon Bleu Paris and Le Cordon Bleu London.
“They asked us if we’re interested to join the Grand Tasting on March 25 at Tres Marias’ in Chali Resort with twelve other chefs from Northern Mindanao. I said why don’t we do a Four Hands as well? And that’s how it came about,” Candy said.
A Four-Hands Degustation is an exclusive culinary collaboration where two chefs (often with different backgrounds, specialties, or from different restaurants) join up to create a one-off menu, showcasing their signature styles in a collaborative setting.
“We’ve been wanting to do this mother-daughter venture since last year. We came up with that idea a few months ago because it’s not easy. We subdivided the dishes so they don’t clash but rather complement each other. We do a lot of tasting, a lot of kitchen together to come up with the idea for the final dish. These ideas we get sometimes through our travels, we incorporate everything.”
For example the Pistache et trois Fromages ((Pistachio with Three Cheese Pasta) was a dish created by Chloe while the main course Canard et fruits (Duck with Fruits) was created by Candy.
“We prepared weeks ahead the ingredients since it’s not easy to source some ingredients locally. Like, even the herbs on the table are carefully choreographed so they are not mere herbs, but rather herbs that we use for the menu that we prepared.
“Cooking’s a huge part of who I am – it’s where I get creative and bring my own dishes to life. I am also thrilled to share this passion with my daughter, who shares my enthusiasm for the culinary arts, and together we are forging lasting memories and potentially making history in the kitchen,” Candy said of their joint experience.
“I’ve personally been wanting to do a degustation menu, and having this opportunity to collaborate with my mom is an extraordinary experience,” Chloe shared. “My passion for culinary made the preparation process rewarding, despite the challenges we faced. It was really a roller coaster but I truly enjoyed the thrill of doing it. I’m happy we got to show and serve our creativity through the degustation.”
For a quick tour of their five course French dinner, we sought the opinion of Dr Maxine Monasterio-Mejia, one of our foremost event hosts and digital influencers, who was seated next to us.
For beginners, we were served brown bread with honey butter and amuse bouche, a savory choux with chives and garlic infused cheese (Yay! I told Chloe she should make this a regular item on her shops, it tastes wonderful!)
amouse bouchechoux
“The honey brown bread had a comforting malty sweetness paired with light and airy butter which melted right into the bread, while the amuse bouche was a flavor bomb: sharp rich filling balanced by its buttery shell, a great way to kick off a meal!” opined Doc Maxine.
LÉGUMES VERT (mixed greens, mulberry vinaigrette, mulberries, pine nuts, caramelized sweet potato, feta cheese, cranberries)POMME DE TERRE (potato pavé , grilled bell pepper, boquerones, garlic & chives cream)
But the serious starters began rolling out with LÉGUMES VERT (mixed greens, mulberry vinaigrette, mulberries, pine nuts, caramelized sweet potato, feta cheese, cranberries) followed by POMME DE TERRE (potato pavé , grilled bell pepper, boquerones, garlic & chives cream).
“The balance of salty, sweet, and zesty did it for me,” Doc Maxine enthused over the former. “Probably my favorite dish of the night, and we were just getting started!”
Thin layers of potato slices with crispy edges and a soft center paired with the acidity and ocean flavor of boquerones and smokey grilled pepper reminds me of Spanish tapas,” she noted on the latter.
Boquerones are white anchovy fillets marinated in vinegar, olive oil, and garlic. They’re a classic Spanish tapa known for their fresh, tangy flavor and soft texture.
After a bit, PISTACHE ET TROIS FROMAGES (hand-rolled pasta filled with three types of cheese and walnuts, pistachio cream sauce, pistachio nuts, pancetta crisps) started off the Mains and Doc Maxine commented, “Silky, nutty, and indulgent! Perfectly al dente with an added crunch from the toasted pancetta and pistachio nuts.”
And then the pièce de resistance of Candy’sglorious CANARD ET FRUITS (duck confit, reduced red wine infused with orange, pear and mulberries, cauliflower) took center stage. Such a beautiful work of art in the presentation and the taste was even better!
A reduction is a culinary technique of simmering or boiling a liquid (sauces, stocks, wine, or juices) to evaporate water content, resulting in a thicker, concentrated, and more intense-flavored sauce. It is used to enhance flavor, create luxurious textures, and develop glazes, typically by boiling until the volume is reduced by half or more. Candy reduced port infused with orange which required a six hour reduction but it was well worth it!
“A Heavy Hitter!” Doc Maxine exclaimed. “The duck literally falls off the bone and melts in your mouth. The wine and fruits give it a citrusy zing and the cauliflower adds a nutty crunch. Definitely made sure I got all the elements in every bite!” And definitely not the least, for dessert, they served MANGUE (mango, caramel, mixed berries, dacquoise, almond crumble) which I was enjoying so much that I forgot I was watching my sugar levels!
“A tropical delight!” Doc Maxine declared. Light, sandy, and buttery. A great way to end a night filled with a lot of Mmmmmmms!”
I just had plain water to wash my mouth after every course so I could do proper justice to each individual dish of such a glorious meal, but my wife Gardy had the Mixed Berries Smash mocktail (with lychee and raspberry sans the gin) while Maxine’s hubby Daniel had the sinfully named P♥RNSTAR MARTINI with passion fruit and vodka.
Normin Wine & Food Festival
Aside from the Mother-Daughter Four Hands Degustation by Chefs Candy and Chloe Lu, two other Four Hands Degustations followed: March 24 with chef and restaurateur Myke “Tatung” Sarthou with VIP Hotel head chef Isidro “Titing” Sobriano for a dinner buffet at the hotel’s Casa Real Ballroom, and March 27 at H Proper Coffee Roasters with chef Miguel Cabel Moreno and executive chef Chino Mempin for a six-course menu focused on Mindanaoan cuisine.
The Grand Tasting on March 25 at Tres Marias’ in Chali Resort featured participating chefs from local restaurants and food businesses such as Chali Resort and Conference Center, Ribs & Bibs, Balay Kagayan, Ricardo’s by Cucina Higala, VIP Hotel, Candy’s Café and Restaurant, Khanasutra Indian Cuisine, Demetrio’s Pizzeria and Kumaykay River Farms. Chefs Sarthou and Moreno will also share insights on their careers and experiences in the restaurant industry during this event.
Organizers said the festival seeks to position Northern Mindanao as an emerging food destination while fostering collaboration within the local culinary community.
TAGOLOAN, MISAMIS ORIENTAL – The PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority opened its Open Hour Year 3 on March 25 with bold optimism despite the current disruption of the global economy arising from the conflict in the Middle East.
“This year, we embrace a bold and exciting theme—Bigger, Bolder, Beyond Business,” said PHIVIDEC IA Administrator and CEO Atty. Joseph Donato J. Bernedo in his keynote speech declaring the estate’s three-day showcase open.
“Beyond our business exhibits and industrial showcases, we have transformed this Open House into a celebration of community and culture. In many ways, this is our own PHIVIDEC fiesta—a celebration not just of industry, but of people, creativity, and the vibrant spirit that makes this estate truly alive.”
PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority Administrator & CEO Atty Joseph Donato J. Bernedo hosts a press conference following the Open House Year 3 Launch. (RMB)
“Three years ago, this initiative was started by Administrator Cid with a clear vision—to bring together industry leaders and the community in a shared space where innovation, opportunity, and collaboration thrive. Today, that vision continues to grow stronger. This year’s theme, “Bigger, Bolder, and Beyond Business,” is more than a statement—it is a direction,” said Jerome Soldevilla, PIEMO Industries Association President. “It reflects the Triple Bottom Line of People, Planet, and Prosperity, guiding every business and investment decision within PHIVIDEC.”
A Driver for Progress
Bernedo expressed his deepest gratitude to the estate’s locators and investors for their continued trust and commitment fueling its growth, assuring them PHIVIDEC remains steadfast in its mission to provide reliable support services, essential utilities, and an environment where their businesses can continue to thrive. He affirmed their duty to regulate with integrity, fairness, and objectivity—ensuring a level playing field for all, with sustainable growth anchored on good governance.
In a milestone achievement, PHIVIDEC IA obtained ISO Certification last year—the first in its 52-year history—signifying how its systems, processes, and standards now meet world-class benchmarks.
Soldevilla further buttressed the estate’s role as a key enabler of the region’s rising growth and development.
“We see this clearly in the rise of Northern Mindanao, whose economy has now surpassed the ₱1 trillion mark, and one of the fastest growing regions in the country, driven by the strength of industry and services. This growth is not just measured in numbers, but in the collective effort, talent, and resilience of the communities we serve and belong to.”
“Today, as we open our gates, we also raise our banner proudly before the world: That PHIVIDEC is not just an industrial estate— but a prime investment hub, a gateway of opportunity, and a driver of progress for Mindanao and for the nation,” Bernedo stressed.
“Today, Phividec is no longer just catching up—we are setting the pace, we are leading the way, and we are proving that together, nothing is beyond our reach.”
He cited PHIVIDEC IA’s series of transformative, big-ticket projects that would define the next chapter of the estate: the ongoing Bulk Water Supply Project, Solid Waste Processing Facility, Mindanao Container Terminal Port Expansion, 4PH Housing Project, and the agro-industrial thrust with Del Monte, which would activate idle lands for productive farming.
Affirmation of Global Investors
The executive also cited the confidence of global investors as the estate welcomed major foreign investors Haycarb, Thai Philco., and its first Australian locator, Newly Weds Corp (New Food Coatings [Phils.] Inc.) which is setting up a P339-million investment in manufacturing food ingredient blends (batters, breaders, seasoning & confectionary blends) with a 25 year lease at a one hectare lot in Bgy. Mohon, Tagoloan.
Fiscal Performance
In the past three years, PHIVIDEC-IA has achieved stability and accelerating growth with annual revenues rising from P1,110,584,650.90 to P1,254,753,379.09 (+13%) in 2024, and even further to a record P1,487,225,000.64 in 2025.
This achievement is made even more impressive since PHIVIDEC IA is a self-sustaining government corporation generating its own revenues, without any subsidy (yearly budget) from the National Government. On top of this, after paying 25% corporate income tax, it remits 50% of its income directly to the National Treasury, a contributor in nation-building.
Its total dividends contribution to the national coffers have been steadily increasing from P333,276,785.71 in 2023, to P385,411,347.32 in 2024, 2nd place during the GOCC (Government Owned and Operated Corporations) Day Awards. In 2025, we remitted P443,517,877.74 to the national coffers, and we’re now looking out to finish First Place in its category.
Furthermore, it continues to uplift its host communities by remitting real property tax shares to its host LGUs: In 2025, the RPT share contributions given by Phividec to the Province of Misamis Oriental totaled P110,374,231.66; for the Municipality of Villanueva, P75,333,273.05; and for the Municipality of Tagoloan– P58,660,927.55.
“These are more than numbers—they translate to roads, schools, health services, and livelihoods for our people. All these developments send a clear and powerful message: PHIVIDEC is not standing still. We are building, expanding, innovating—and moving forward with purpose,” Bernedo declared.
Open House Relevance
Despite the prevailing global uncertainty arising from the Middle East conflict, the administrator said it is precisely because of such challenges that events like the Open House gains even further significance.
PHIVIDEC IA Administrator & CEO Atty Joseph Donato J. Bernedo leads the Ribbon Cutting for Open House Year 3. Assisting him are (from left to right) Board Director Engr. Chrysler B. Acebu, PIEMO Industries Assn President Jerome Soldevilla, Tagoloan Vice Mayor Rolando Seno, Board Director Dr Anabel Abuzo, and Deputy Administrator Hyessa Suegay. (PHIVIDEC IA photo)
“We do not pause. We do not retreat. Instead, we move forward—stronger, more determined, and more united,” Bernedo exhorted. “Because now, more than ever, we must continue our mandate: to promote PHIVIDEC, to attract investments, to create jobs, and to contribute to the resilience and growth of our local and national economies. In times of uncertainty, opportunity must not be delayed—it must be created. And that is what this Open House represents.”
Foundations of Sustainable Growth
For his part, Soldevilla cited PHIVIDEC’s continued success as anchored by five powerful pillars: Park. Port. Power. People. & Partnership.
PIEMO Industries Association President Jerome Soldevilla. (RMB)
Park—a thriving industrial ecosystem where businesses grow, innovate, and compete on a global stage; Port—through the 15 different ports operating in the estate, the largest (not only in PHIVIDEC but the entire region) which is the Mindanao Container Terminal, now currently being expanded, connecting Mindanao to the world and enabling trade, logistics, and opportunity; Power—a reliable and forward-looking energy backbone that fuels industries and drives progress. People—the heart of transformation.
“Through partnerships with TESDA Regional Training Innovation Center (RTIC) and the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines – PHIVIDEC Campus, we’re glad that these two institutions are not just building a workforce—but shaping the next generation of industry leaders in Mindanao. And finally, Partnership—the force that brings everything together.”
Soldevilla added another P for Pagpakabana(Concern)for the sense of partnership and support needed to cope with the global economic disruption. “This a defining moment for all of us and an opportunity to demonstrate that amidst all these trials and challenges we choose to care for each other.”
“Guided by the principle, Your Partner in Business. Your Partner in Progress, we in the PIEMO Industries Association embody the spirit of coopetition. We may operate in different sectors—and at times even as competitors—but we choose to collaborate, cooperate, and support one another where it matters most.”
This is what makes PHIVIDEC unique—not just a place of business, but a community of partners working toward a common future. For this, we thank the leadership of PIA and team for fostering an environment where partnerships thrive—where diversity becomes strength, and where progress is achieved together.”
