The crowd came together to mark the launch, savoring its bold and energizing taste
The crowd came together to mark the launch, savoring its bold and energizing taste
18 August 2025, Bacolod City, Philippines– Coca-Cola Philippines has launched Lift, its newest invigorating drink powered with Vitamin B3, Zinc, and Caffeine to energize today’s generation of go-getters. With its vibrant citrus taste and empowering call to Go Lift Mode, the new drink, now available in Western Visayas, is designed to inspire consumers to break from routine and embrace life with boldness.
To celebrate the launch, Coca-Cola Philippines held a high-energy event “UNDO THE USUAL, LIFT MODE NA ‘YAN: Epic Unveiling” at the Bacolod City New Government Center (NGC) on August 9, 2025. The celebration marked Lift’s arrival and kicked off the brand’s mission to energize communities across Western Visayas.
Coca-Cola Philippines President Tony Del Rosario, Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines Unit Director Gus Gatuslao, and Lift ambassador Ruru Madrid lead the high-energy launch of Lift in Bacolod.
As Coca-Cola Philippines continues its mission to Refresh the World and Make a Difference, Lift serves as a vibrant call to action for consumers to break from routine and embrace their boldest, most energized selves. The brand invites everyone to Go Lift Mode and show up with confidence and choose to stand out. The launch campaign built momentum across Bacolod with branded Lift crates placed in iconic locations like Bacolod Plaza and CityMall Parola in Iloilo. These teasers sparked curiosity and conversation, setting the stage for the Lift Recorida Caravan from August 7 to 9. The caravan energized key spots in Bacolod and Iloilo with on-ground sampling, street performances, and social media buzz — culminating in the dramatic crate delivery to the NGC for the main event.
At the heart of the launch was the Epic Unboxing, where the crowd witnessed the reveal of the new Lift. Thousands gathered for an afternoon of bold flavors and immersive experiences. The venue featured live performances and Lift-themed booths such as the Lift Bar, a Crate Maze, and an interactive Trick Art Wall. These installations encouraged attendees to explore, taste, and share their Lift experience online.
Attendees went on full “Lift mode” by joining high-energy challenges and exploring interactive booths for a chance to win exclusive prizes
The brand’s official endorser Ruru Madrid made a special appearance to meet fans and followers of the Lift Philippines Facebook page, energizing the crowd and bringing the brand’s bold and vibrant spirit to life throughout the event.
Attendees went on full “Lift mode” by joining high-energy challenges and exploring interactive booths for a chance to win exclusive prizes
The event drew in thousands of active consumers across Bacolod and nearby provinces, signaling a strong return for the brand. The excitement extended to the online space, with high engagement on social media and conversations about Lift’s invigorating flavor and feel.
“We’re thrilled by the energy and excitement from Bacolod and the entire Western Visayas,” said Tony Del Rosario, President of Coca-Cola Philippines. “ The new Lift we’re introducing today offers that great taste — and more. It’s a bold, citrus-flavored drink charged with Vitamin B3, Zinc, and Caffeine, made for today’s youth who switch between multiple modes in a day. It carries a powerful message that dares you to switch — to choose something different, break the routine, and power through with confidence.”
Ruru Madrid, Lift’s official ambassador, brought energy and excitement to the event, as he celebrated with fans and joined the launch festivities.
Consumers across Western Visayas can now grab Lift in sari-sari stores and partner retailers. More regional rollouts, pop-ups, and promotions are on the horizon as Lift continues to spread its bold message: Undo the Usual. Go Lift Mode.
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The Masinloc and Oyon Bay Protected Landscape and Seascape in Zambales, the lone marine protected area in Central Luzon, has been named finalist in the 2025 Para el Mar Awards to be held September 17–18 in Iloilo City. (DENR Central Luzon)
The Masinloc and Oyon Bay Protected Landscape and Seascape in Zambales, the lone marine protected area in Central Luzon, has been named finalist in the 2025 Para el Mar Awards to be held September 17–18 in Iloilo City. (DENR Central Luzon)
By Reia G. Pabelonia
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) — The Masinloc and Oyon Bay Protected Landscape and Seascape (MOBPLS) in Zambales, the lone marine protected area in Central Luzon, has been named finalist in the 2025 Para el Mar Awards to be held September 17–18 in Iloilo City.
Covering more than 7,500 hectares across Masinloc and Palauig, MOBPLS was declared a protected landscape and seascape under Republic Act 7586, or the National Integrated Protected Areas System Act.
The recognition is a result of the joint initiatives of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Protected Area Management Board, and local communities to advance integrated conservation while providing alternative livelihood for residents.
DENR Masinloc Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer Donaver Guevarra said their programs include habitat management, biodiversity assessments, mangrove rehabilitation, and support for eco-friendly income sources such as mussel farming and fruit jam production.
“Along with community awareness and education initiatives, our team likewise ensures strict monitoring and patrolling to prevent illegal activities, such as the construction of unauthorized structures, marine pollution, ecosystem destruction, and destructive fishing practices,” he explained.
DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo lauded the nomination, emphasizing that it reflects the shared responsibility of partners and communities in safeguarding marine ecosystems.
“It affirms that when we work together, we can protect our marine heritage and inspire a new generation of stewards,” he said.
MOBPLS is a finalist in the Outstanding Locally Managed MPA category of the awards, which showcase effective governance, community empowerment, and science-based conservation.
The protected site is home to rare mangrove species such as Rhizophora stylosa and Rhizophora x lamarckii, thriving coral reefs, giant clams (Tridacna gigas), and the threatened blue-spotted rabbitfish (Siganus corallines) which serves as its flagship species.
It also serves as a nesting ground for marine turtles and harbors mesophotic coral communities.
The Para el Mar Awards is a performance-based incentive program launched in 2007 organized by the Marine Protected Areas Support Network.
Finalists are evaluated through site validation and scoring based on management effectiveness, ecological integrity, and stakeholder participation.(CLJD/RGP, PIA Region 3-Zambales)
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Office of Civil Defense Regional Director Amador Corpus (2nd from right) says the agency has strengthened its partnership with various institutions to make Clark a humanitarian hub during calamities. Partnerships with the Luzon International Premier Airport Development Corporation, the operator of Clark International Airport, and the Clark Development Corporation aim to ensure that the various assistance from local and foreign donors are seamlessly delivered to calamity victims in Central Luzon and other parts of the country. (Aldrin Joshua P. Mallari/PIA 3)
By Shane F. Velasco
Office of Civil Defense Regional Director Amador Corpus (2nd from right) says the agency has strengthened its partnership with various institutions to make Clark a humanitarian hub during calamities. Partnerships with the Luzon International Premier Airport Development Corporation, the operator of Clark International Airport, and the Clark Development Corporation aim to ensure that the various assistance from local and foreign donors are seamlessly delivered to calamity victims in Central Luzon and other parts of the country. (Aldrin Joshua P. Mallari/PIA 3)
CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, Pampanga (PIA) — The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has strengthened its partnership with various institutions to make Clark a humanitarian hub during calamities.
In a press briefing, OCD Regional Director Amador Corpus explained that partnerships with the Luzon International Premier Airport Development (LIPAD) Corporation, the operator of Clark International Airport, and the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) aim to ensure that the various assistance from local and foreign donors are seamlessly delivered to calamity victims in Central Luzon and other parts of the country.
He cited as an example the deployment of air assets by the United States Indo-Pacific Command to deliver humanitarian assistance as well as emergency relief items from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to areas in Northern Luzon that were affected by tropical disturbances Crising, Dante, and Emong last July.
“The OCD helps facilitate those flights through LIPAD Corporation, while the CDC has provided the warehouse for the necessary stockpiling,” he shared.
Meanwhile, Corpus disclosed that the national government has provided over P402 million worth of assistance to about 831,883 families or 2.8 million individuals in Central Luzon that were affected by the consecutive tropical disturbances.
From this figure, DSWD has provided P350 million worth of assistance through family food packs. (CLJD/SFV, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)
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Schneider Electric unveils its next-gen EcoStruxure™ Pod and Rack Solutions—modular, liquid-cooled, and AI-ready infrastructure designed to power high-performance computing at scale.
Schneider Electric unveils its next-gen EcoStruxure™ Pod and Rack Solutions—modular, liquid-cooled, and AI-ready infrastructure designed to power high-performance computing at scale.
The Philippines’ growing digital transformation and AI adoption are driving increased demand for high-density data centers.
Rising power consumption from these data centers is adding pressure on the country’s existing power infrastructure.
To support local operators, Schneider Electric next-generation infrastructure solutions tailored for AI and high-performance computing workloads, alongside a global partnership with NVIDIA to advance the physical and operational backbone for next-gen GPU clusters.
Designed for energy efficiency and seamless grid integration, these innovations empower operators and developers to build sustainable, resilient digital and physical infrastructure in the Philippines.
MANILA, PHILIPPINES – As artificial intelligence (AI) increases demand for high-density data centers, Schneider Electric, the global leader in digital energy management and automation, is calling for more sustainable and efficient infrastructure. The company recently launched new EcoStruxure™ Data Center Solutions and announced a global collaboration with NVIDIA to develop power, cooling, controls, and high-density rack systems for the next generation of AI data centers.
At Innovation Day Philippines 2025, hosted by Schneider Electric, Uptime Institute highlighted how the rapid growth of AI and cloud services is driving demand for high-density data centers—adding pressure to the Philippines’ already strained power infrastructure.
To help industries stay ahead, Schneider Electric offers a suite of AI-ready data center solutions—including the Prefabricated Modular EcoStruxure Pod and enhanced Rack Solutions—specifically designed to support high-performance AI workloads.
These solutions incorporate Schneider Electric’s validated data center reference designs to shorten planning cycles and address emerging challenges of high-density AI clusters and liquid cooling. Its core features include:
Support for up to 120kW per rack, advanced liquid and air cooling for efficient thermal management (Uniflair FWCV fan walls, Uniflair ACSX L2A coolant distribution units or CDUs, and Uniflair CPOR L2L CDUs)
Grid-ready power systems with AI-tolerant Uninterruptible Power Supply (Galaxy VXL)
Real-time monitoring using EcoStruxure Power Monitoring Expert, EcoStruxure IT Expert, and AVEVA Unified Operations Center to optimize performance across power and thermal domains.
Built on EcoStruxure™—Schneider Electric’s integrated platform combining Power, Building, and IT systems—these modular, scalable solutions reduce risk, boost energy efficiency, and enable faster deployment of AI data centers.
Schneider Electric also announced its partnership with NVIDIA to co-develop infrastructure solutions designed specifically for AI workloads. Together, the two companies are advancing Research and Development (R&D) in power delivery, thermal management, operational controls, and high-density rack systems to support high-performance Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) clusters. This global initiative contributes to Europe’s €200B “InvestAI” program and serves as a model for regions like Southeast Asia aiming to fast-track AI growth through strategic investments and innovation ecosystems.
“Schneider Electric and NVIDIA are not just partners — our teams are driving advanced R&D, co-developing the infrastructure needed to power the next wave of AI factories globally,” said Olivier Blum, CEO of Schneider Electric. “Together, we’ve seen tremendous success in deploying next-generation power and liquid cooling solutions, purpose-built for AI data centers. This strategic partnership — bringing together the world leaders in sustainability and accelerated computing — allows us to further accelerate this momentum, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible for the AI workloads of tomorrow.”
As the Philippines accelerates its digital transformation and adoption of AI, Schneider Electric collaborates with various stakeholders to drive energy efficiency and build future-ready data center ecosystems. With decades of global expertise, proven solutions, and sustainability woven into the core of its business strategy, the company is helping shape a more resilient digital infrastructure for the country.
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About Schneider Electric
Schneider Electric’s purpose is to create Impact by empowering all to make the most of our energy and resources, bridging progress and sustainability. At Schneider, we call this Life Is On.
Our mission is to be the trusted partner in Sustainability and Efficiency.
We are a global industrial technology leader bringing world-leading expertise in electrification, automation and digitization to smart industries, resilient infrastructure, future-proof data centers, intelligent buildings, and intuitive homes. Anchored by our deep domain expertise, we provide integrated end-to-end lifecycle AI enabled Industrial IoT solutions with connected products, automation, software and services, delivering digital twins to enable profitable growth for our customers.
We are a people company with an ecosystem of 150,000 colleagues and more than a million partners operating in over 100 countries to ensure proximity to our customers and stakeholders. We embrace diversity and inclusion in everything we do, guided by our meaningful purpose of a sustainable future for all.
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Alexander Amado showcases a tray of his freshly prepared sun-dried fish, a well-loved delicacy in the Philippines also known as tuyo.
Josephine Ramos, Junior Writer
Alexander Amado showcases a tray of his freshly prepared sun-dried fish, a well-loved delicacy in the Philippines also known as tuyo.
For more than three decades, the sun-kissed tan skin of Alexander Amado from Atimonan, Quezon, tells a silent story of the long hours he spent under the blazing sun, diligently drying fish to make a living.
He was a fresh graduate when he started making and selling dried fish. Since it was also his mother’s business, he found it easy to get started since he was already familiar with the process. Although Alexander earned a Bachelor of Science in Education (BSED), he found greater enjoyment in running a business, so after careful consideration, he set aside a teaching career to pursue his passion for business.
Alexander handles every step of the drying process himself, from buying the fish in the market to cutting, cleaning, seasoning, and laying them out to dry under the sun. He produces around 30 kilos each day, and just six months ago, his nephew started helping with the cleaning, which has made the workload a bit lighter.
Sometimes, he would personally go around the neighborhood to sell dried fish, while other times, buyers came straight to his house. His products have reached customers as far as Manila. On good days, he can sell all 30 kilos per day. But on slow business days, he only sells about 10 kilos.
In 2015, when he needed additional capital for his business, his sibling, who was already a client, introduced him to CARD Bank, a microfinance-oriented rural bank. That marked the beginning of his journey as a client of the institution, which supported him in sustaining his dried fish business.
His biggest struggle in this kind of business is the unpredictable weather, especially during heavy rain and typhoons. It became difficult to dry the fish; hence, sales would drop due to limited production. To keep the income flowing these days, he switches to selling fresh fish at their house.
Reflecting on his experience, he shared, “In this kind of business, aside from capital, it’s hard work and perseverance that truly matter. There is no room for impatience because drying fish takes time and a lot of patience, especially during the rainy season.”
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BDO Unibank, together with its community banking arm BDO Network Bank, continues to expand its presence in Bulacan to make banking more accessible and convenient for Bulakenyos.
With 53 branches across the province and digital channels that allow customers to transact anytime, anywhere, BDO remains committed to supporting individuals, entrepreneurs, and local businesses—whether in city centers or remote communities where banking access is essential.
Through its wide network and financial solutions, BDO empowers Bulakenyos to manage their everyday needs and plan for the future.
To learn more about the available banking services of BDO and BDO Network Bank, Bulakenyos are encouraged to visit the nearest branch or access their official websites and social media channels:
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. Brian M. Manansala holds his certificate and tokens of appreciation from Provincial History, Arts, Culture, and Tourism Office OIC-Head May Arlene DG. Torres, (left) Bulacan Provincial Library Librarian Marlon A. Hipolito and (right) Governor Daniel R. Fernando’s representative Crispin de Luna after discussing the “Walang Pamagat” and “Anatomya ng Baybayin” books during the BPL Aklat-Talakayan held at Guiguinto Central School in Guiguinto, Bulacan last Monday.
The Spotlight himself, Sonny Espiritu, in this simple yet artistic capture of himself in a mirror within the frames of the skyline in one of the tallest buildings in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig in 2024.
World Photogrophy Day tribute
The Spotlight himself, Sonny Espiritu, in this simple yet artistic capture of himself in a mirror within the frames of the skyline in one of the tallest buildings in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig in 2024.
MANILA-Philippines—For bringing more life and meaning to his photos through a touch of art and not simply the best angle in both the most beautiful and hideous scenes and spots, more than three-decade photojournalist Erasmo “Sonny” Munsayac Espiritu is himself the spotlight behind his lens.
Today’s World Photography Day, “Sonny Espiritu” is one of the country’s epitomes of contemporary news photography, being the face and the voice of the voiceless, the powerless and the injustices in our society which had earned him numerous local and international recognitions.
Yet, he remains humble and had not climbed the ladder of success by hurting and using others, his fellows and anyone else within the circle of his profession.
Espiritu started his path and career in photojournalism during his college days as news photographer of “The Lance,” the school organ of Colegio de San Juan de Letran in Manila where he studied A.B. Communication Arts. “It’s what opened the doors to me,” he said.
His talent and skills though, to become the star and the spotlight of his own lens are both innate and a product of his self-initiated hard works, perseverance, dedication and a strong passion for the craft.
Espiritu is the eldest child of power couple— the late Reynaldo Espiritu from Bocaue, Bulacan and Rosalina Munsayac, from Cabiao, Nueva Ecija who both actively worked in the communication and information agencies of the national government in the 1970’s—the National Media Production Center (NMPC) and PTV 4 government television, the Maharlika Broadcasting System.
Staying at the studio and photo laboratory section of his parent’s office just before going home during his grade school were his first early exposures to photography and which ignited his interest. His father then, who was also a top brass in photography in the NMPC as the head of Still Photo and Laboratory which used a manual setting process.became the biggest influence to him.
“Through the years, my biggest influence was my father. I grew up in photography. The office of my parents was just a walking distance to my school. I grew up in the photo section, in the laboratory, the way the photos were developed into life-sized or blow ups”.
Most in everything were expertise he mastered outside the university based on the guidance of his father. He explored his father’s books-Encyclopedia of Photography, Documentary Photography and Photojournalism. “Hindi ko natutunan iyon sa school. Kay Papa lahat iyan. He told me to read and ask him when there’s something I could not understand,” Espiritu recalled.
The hardest of all, he said was the everyday learning, the challenges, in the jungle of the media profession since during his first strokes in the fields and in the entire more than 30 years of his career as a news photographer in different broadsheets—Today Newspaper, Evening Paper and for 22 years as Senior Photographer in Manila Standard from 1997-2019, recently in Daily Tribune to his present status as a Freelance Photojournalist and also once in a government’s media and information office, that made him climb the ladder where he is at now.
The challenges, the victories
For Espiritu, everything in his career were hard works to prove the worthiness of his every shots, his every craft—from the assignment to the actual clicks and bursts where the actions are and in the printing and submission.
“Everything is a difficult task. The most challenging are the photos for the newspaper because of the 3:00 p.m. deadline. Everything should be fast, we lined up in the photo laboratory. We also needed to have a good working relationship not only with everyone in and out of the desk but also with the person in charge in the photo laboratory area for our photos to be prioritized”.
“Nag-start ako as correspondent, kaya talagang pahiirapan, police beat, military operation, demolition, street photography shots, agriculture, environment, human interest, sports, mga simpleng awarding ceremonies. Basta ang nagtulak sa akin para magsumikap ng husto sa photography ay mga challenges, lalo na sa diyaryo”. (I started as a correspondent and it was all struggle, the police beat, military operation, demolition, street photography shots, agriculture, environment, human interests, sports, even the simplest awarding ceremonies. What drove me to really push myself to the limit were the challenges, especially in the newspaper), he told NEWSCORE Bulacan.
Almost everyday stand-alone photos
All the photos of Espiritu from different coverages and assignments would land as banner photos and most of them stand alone ones like a masterpiece of an artwork. Yet, Espiritu is not the type who will muscle himself in with the rest of his fellow lens men to get the best shot. More often, the moment he sat foot in a place for work, he will pause for a short internalization to best execute his job. One of the most vital steps was to place himself on the best location from the subject to get the most astonishing shot using his best lens, his quick eyes, steady hands and sharp senses.
“During my time, I had become the best competitor and target of my colleagues in the field. They will have me watched of the angle I took. It was really somehow frustrating that they ingest my idea and because their newspapers have more circulations, others would think that it was their original concept and initiatives,” he said.
“Halos kainin na ng stand alone photo ang buong pahina (front page) dahil sa stand alone banner photo. Naka tele photo lense ako. In just split seconds kasi need ng makunan. Magagalit na naman sa akin ang ibang photographer, sinasabi nila madalas, na-scoopan tayo noon sa anggulo ah. Saan naka pwesto iyon, di naman nakikipagsiksikan sa atin iyon, hindi naman nakkipagbalyahan”.
Photojournalism, a sacred job
According to Espiritu, for one to be called a photojournalist should have gone through different major beats—from police beat, Malacanang, Senate, sports, business, lifestyle, entertainment to still a huge number of bold and daring assignments and not just simple ribbon cutting, awarding, or groundbreaking photos.
“It is sacred to be called a photojournalist. I would not want to call myself as such. I would not want to claim it. Let authorities and the people call me as a photojournalist and call my works as photojournalism,” he said.
More so, according to the photojournalist, staying in the profession is having to brave all the challenges and difficulties both in the field and inside the newsroom. But one thing makes him stand out among the rest, he put art in his every shot. “There should be an art in news photography. It is not only and purely beauty and sceneries.”
“Climb your way up to the top with honesty, good work and with high level of professionalism without having to use anyone and most importantly, master your craft. Let yourself to be the spotlight of your own cameras and lens,” he ended.
Lastly, what made Espiritu earned numerous prestigious awards were each of his masterpieces heart for community service and social relevance.
Awards
Espiritu is a recipient of 2022 Grandes Figuras Awardee of Colegio de San Juan de Letran 400 Outstanding Men and Women; 2nd Place Winner –“Perfect Form 2014 Philippine SuperLiga (PSL) -All Filipino Conference Photo Contest; 2014 First Prize Winner – “Eyes on the Prize,” 25th Mitsubishi International Tennis Junior Championship; 2011 Philippine Legislator’s Committee on Population and Development Foundation, Inc. (PLCPD) – 7th PopDev Media Awards Best Single Photo Title: “Wasteland”; 2nd Prize Winner in the 4th Photojournalism Award Through the Lens – Ricky Reyes Foundation with the Theme – Women of the Earth in 2008; First Prize Winner, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Isang Pitik Charity Photo Competition-Professional Category—Title: “Soldiers of Mercy in 2008”; First Prize Winner Best Single Photo-Photojournalism Category, Title: “Spawn” in 2008; Best Agriculture Photo, Philip Morris Bright Leaf Agriculture Journalism Award (1st recipient)—Title: “Palawan Greens” in 2007; 1st Prize Winner – Fire Rescue, Association of Philippine Fire Brigades, Inc.—Title: “Whew, Sooooh Hot” in 2006.
Also, he won 1st Prize Winner in Nestea Beach Volleyball Championships—Title: “Take That’ in 2005; 1st Prize Winner in the Invitational Photojournalism Competition—Through the Lens – Ricky Reyes Foundation, (A Day in the Life of Calatagan, Batangas)—Title: “Meeting Place” in 2005; Epson Photo Contest 2004 – Japan—Nature and Human Life Photo Award, Title: Both Busy which was Judged in Japan; Photo of the Year – 2004–Manila Standard Annual Photo Contest—Title: Devastation; Photo of the Year in 2004 Manila Standard Annual Photo Contest; Konrad Adenauer Foundation Center for Journalism, Ateneo de Manila and University – Philippine Press Institute (KAF-PPI) Annual Community Press Awards in 2003; Special Plaque of Citation for winning the 3rd place in the prestigious One Asia Assembly Photo Contest and Exhibit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Awarded at Century in 2003; Sports Press Photographers Association of the Philippines Awardee—5th Place—Title: “Cool Ride” in 2003.
Also, he won 3rd Place in Press Foundation of Asia Awardee, Malaysian Chapter—Title: “Go Ahead Punk, Make My Day” in 2002; Catholic Mass Media (CMMA) Awardee – 2002 with Special Citation—Title: “Madonna in Flesh;” Philippine Press Institute (PPI) – One Asia Assembly 2002–Photojournalism Awardee; Second Place Environment Message Category—Title: “Both Sides, What a Mess!” in 2001; Third Place News and Speed Category—Title: “Go Ahead Punk, Make My Day” in 2001; Special Recognition—Title: “Social Outcast” in 2001; Special Recognition—Title: “Role Model” in 2001; Consolation Prize—Title: “Courtroom Drama” in 2001; Photo of the Year – 2001–Manila Standard Annual Photo Contest—Title: “Aint New York, Just Ortigas Skyline;” Catholic Mass Media Awardee in 2003; —Best News Photograph for Year 2001–Title: “Saving Life and Rice;” Henry Lee Irwin Theater, Ateneo de Manila University—Photo of the Year (1999)—Manila Standard Annual Photo Contest—Title: “Loyal Servant;” Press Photographers of the Philippines Foundation, Inc. in 1997; 1997 Photojournalism Awards 5th Y K L Cup —1st Prize winner—Government Official-in Mood or Action Category – Unpublished Division—Title: “Tired of Politics” in 1997;
He also bagged the 3rd prize for the Press Photographers of the Philippines Foundation, Inc. 1994 Photojournalism Awards 3rd Y K L Cup for Human Interest Category – Published Division—Title: “Salo Salo Together” in 1994.
Guest Speaker and competition judge
He was also invited as speaker and judge in the Supreme Court of the Philippines – Carnival Costume Contest on December 5, 2024; Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation (FPPF) Photoworld Cup Monthly Competition for the month of May with the theme “ Festivals” on July 9, 2022; Prize Photo Club, Inc in 2017.; in Camera Club of the Philippines in 2017; #mypapapvisitstory Photo Contest in 2015; Zone V Camera Club in 2016; Resource Speaker in Campus Journalism, St. James Academy, Basic Education Department in 2011; Communication 140 (Introduction to Photojournalism), The Communication Department of Ateneo de Manila University in 2007; The World Through the Viewfinder, National Museum, Manila and organized by: Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation, Inc., Instituto Cervantes, and National Museum in 2005 and in the First Photo Contest of Zoom Photographers 2002.
Training and seminars
He was a Delegate to the World Press Freedom Day Summit in 2004, Surviving Pandemics and Other Provocations by Challenging Current Paradigms on May 1, 2024; Photojournalism, Media Ethics and International News Gathering; National Geographic Magazine Staff Photographer, Thomas Jefferson Information Center, US Embassy in 2002; Advance Training Course for Photojournalist, National Union of Journalists of the Philippines and the International Institute of Journalism Berlin Brandenburg E.V. held at Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) in 1996 which focused on the following theoretical and practical subjects: The Photographer as a Communicator, The Photographer as a Reflection of Reality, The creative Process in Photography, Ethics and Aesthetics in Press Photography, The Application of Genres in Print Media, The Relation between Photo and Text, The Assessment of Press Photos and Creative Cropping, Introduction to the Basics of Page Design and Layout; Kodak Photo Seminar Introduction in Color Photography in 1993–Capturing the Looks in Light: to make colors, add or subtract for slides, reversal images for prints, negative color, matching film to the light source, filters to balance color and a film for every taste; Extra Dimensions of Color— romantic color, sensous color, proud color, restless color and The Colors of Time and Place—early, late gold, cold spring, rich sunset.
He also covered PhotoWorld Manila – International Photo Event in PICC in 1995- Portrait Photography: Film Standardization of Final Product; Studio Technique; Food, Sizzling Photography: Different Strokes; Blending Technique and Art in Advertising; Wedding: Once in a Lifetime Photos; An Island in the Sea: Developing the Inner Eye; Large Format Digital and Traditional Photography; Underwater: Treasures of the Philippine Sea; Light Technique Painting with Light; Digital Manipulating the Electronic Image; Alternative Process Rediscovering Palladium and Platinum Alternative Printing process; Portrait Visualization Technique in Portraiture; Photographing People for Advertising; Travel First Steps in Travel Photography; Nature: Visual Wonders of the Unseen Philippines; Wet Process: Creativity Color Photography in the Darkroom; Colorization: Color in a Black and White World; Personal Philosophy: A Philosophy of Photography; Photojournalism: A Survivors Guide to Photojournalism.
Other skills and knowledge
Espiritu also excels in Digital Photography, Photo Enhancement using Adobe Photoshop, Film Photography and Film Photo Laboratory Works.
The most empowering event for the youth is happening at SM Center Pulilan!
Join us for the Global Youth Summit 2025 North Luzon Leg— featuring inspiring local speakers, performances, and meaningful conversations that champion the Sustainable Development Goals.
Don’t miss out on this chance to connect, learn, and lead change in your community.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. went to Barangay Frances, Calumpit, Bulacan in an unannounced visit to the defective flood control project in this area. The president has discovered that the supposed river wall protection cannot protect the community and bound for collapse. (Aldrin Josh Mallari)
By Shane F. Velasco
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. went to Barangay Frances, Calumpit, Bulacan in an unannounced visit to the defective flood control project in this area. The president has discovered that the supposed river wall protection cannot protect the community and bound for collapse. (Aldrin Josh Mallari)
CALUMPIT, Bulacan (PIA)- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. wants to immediately penalized all parties involved in the construction of an unfinished, defective and unusable flood control projects particularly in the Barangays of Bulusan and Frances in Calumpit, Bulacan.
The president made an unannounced visit to this barangay on Bulacan Day, where the waters of Pampanga River and its interlinked Angat river are flowing.
Data obtained from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) showed, that this project is part of the rehabilitation of a river protection structure in this part of Barangay Bulusan along the Pampanga River.
President Marcos also discovered that even the P96.4 million project was declared completed in the 2023 record of the agency, it is actually unfinished. As a result, when the water level in the Pampanga River went up due to regular high tide, dam releases or back-flooding, there’s a free flowing of water in the portion where the river wall were discontinued.
Perhaps, the president also noticed a pumping station in this area is longer functioning. It is mechanically break downed due to being submerged to flood waters.
Thousands of residents have been suffering for decades due to this confirmed defective flood control project.
At the other side of the river where Barangay Frances is located, President Marcos sent scuba divers to examine the quality of the flood control project under beneath the river.
Based in the report by the divers and assessed by the experts to the president, that sheet piles installed for the concrete slope protection are longer stable due to thick silt. There are literally hanging and not standing in a beam, that may cause collapse when the water current in the river is strong.
The P77.1 million worth of flood mitigation structures made by DPWH was also reported as completed in 2023.
Calumpit is located near the boundary of Bulacan and Pampanga, where the Angat River and the Pampanga River are connected in a particular location. Aside from the regular high tide being monitored by the local communities, ‘typhoon and southwest monsoon season’ are also gives big threats.
When the time the dams in Bulacan are releasing their water, it flows to these rivers and followed by massive flooding in the communities beside the defective flood control projects.
Right after a typhoon struck this place and when the weather became sunny, back-flooding or the rain waters from the upper stream of Pampanga and Nueva Ecija are the next cause of floods.
Meanwhile, Governor Daniel R. Fernando supported the president’s strong stand against those who are involved in this defective projects. He said that “Dapat ito ay panagutan nila! Sa totoo lang, once lang sila nagreport sa akin. Kaya lang sila nagreport nitong huli dahil pinatawag ko. Pero sa totoo lang dapat nila itong panagutan.” (SFV, PIA Region 3-Bulacan)
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