SABUAGA FESTIVAL: Holy Week closes on a joyous high

STO. TOMAS, Pampanga – Birthed in 2009, the Sabuaga Festival has since become the capping event of the Holy Week observance here, coming as it is after the blasting of Judas at noontime.  

“Sabuaga” is a portmanteau of the Kapampangan sabuag (scatter) and sampaga (flowers) – after the sagalas’ showering of petals on the image of the Virgin Mary in “veneration of her keeping the faith and oneness with her Son in His sufferings, thus her rewards in His joyful resurrection” at the earlier Easter Sunday procession. 

Hence, petals and confetti literally rains on the processional route around Poblacion, usually starting at 2 p.m. of Easter Sunday as revelers join groups coming from the town’s seven barangays  in street dancing. (This year’s though started at almost 5 p.m. due to the heat, and ended past 7 p.m.) 

 

At the town plaza where the revelry culminates, the groups in their most exotic costumes reflective of the product of the barangays they represent – pottery for Sto. Nino, caskets for San Vicente, fish for Poblacion, garments for Moras de la Paz, tinsmith for San Matias… -- or images of their patron saints will each do its own interpretative dance presentation, on the theme sabuag sampaga, naturally. Judges coming from the arts, culture and tourism sector will proclaim the winners. 

Likewise, the Sabuaga Festival has since served as a fitting climax to the Holy Week celebration in the whole province. Indeed, the Maleldo in the City of San Fernando highlighted by the actual crucifixion rites in Barangay Cutud on Good Friday finds culmination in the joy of Easter Sunday’s Sabuaga in Sto. Tomas, which for the longest time was but a barrio of the capital town until its weaning in 1952.  

Ending Holy Week with a big bang

 

IN FIERY red pants and long-sleeved high-collared shirt a la Elvis taking over the flowing robe of his time. Short cropped hair a la early Beatles, and sideburns straight from King FPJ himself. Mick Jagger tongue, yeah that same one hanging from wide open puffed lips that has become the trademark of the now-geriatric-but-still-rocking Rolling Stones.

There is nothing biblical in the countenance and appearance of the Judas on-a-perch at the center of the courtyard of the St. Thomas the Apostle parish church in barrio Poblacion of the eponymously named town. He looked more like a puppet from some Punch-and-Judy show. But the throng, nay, the horde of faithful do not mind at all.
That was the Judas the elders have seen since their youth. The Judas now passed to their sons and grandsons, and to be passed on to their own progenies.

Easter Sunday noon has always been the designated time for the Judas show. But the concelebrated Mass traditionally officiated by the archbishop almost always takes a little too long with all those post-communion remarks of the pastoral council president and the awarding of some certificates of appreciation to the comite de festejos, Easter being the fiesta too.

The tensed uneasiness turns to collective relief, and explosions of joy, at the pealing of the church bells, the music from the band, and the explosion of kuwitis that signal the end of the Mass. 

Some more minutes of waiting had to be endured as the patio gets cleared of the parked vehicles. Then some firecrackers woven in large sipa ball-like contraption are let loose around the platform holding Judas’ perch to clear it of people. To establish a sort of a safety zone. 

Then, the show starts. 

Four papier-mache pyrotechnic black ravens from four corners of the platform “peck” at Judas’ feet igniting them and propelling Judas to make dizzying twists clockwise and counterclockwise, then turns upside down, round and round, the tongue sticking in and out. 

Then the explosions begin with the feet, the legs, the hand and arms – the head last, and loudest. Judas gets blasted to smithereens. In all of 15 minutes. 

A murmur of disappointment. Judas did fewer twists and turns. His tongue did not stick out that long. And the head exploded too soon and not too loud, as the crowd desired.

In years long past, this would have borne an ill omen. The loudness of the bang ending Judas then deemed a sign of the volume of the year’s harvest in the then-farming town: the louder the bang, the higher the yield. 

In 2012, instead of Judas, what exploded on Easter Sunday noon was a globe. No, it was not meant to signify the end of the world, not to presage any interpretation of the Mayan calendar that purportedly pointed to that year as the end for humankind. 

What was blasted away, symbolically, were the worldly sins – Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Wrath, Envy and Pride – that keep mankind away from God. It was some sort of raising the event from pure vengeful glee to a higher level of spirituality. 

Whatever, the loss of Judas at the scaffold unsettled, utterly disappointed the loyal crowd who, year-in and year-out, come from near and far – even from overseas – just to be part of the annual spectacle.

With Judas back for blasting since, all has been well again here. 

SO, THE tradition continues this Easter Sunday of 2026. With the currency of the times impacting a political perspective on the Judas character – the Filipino politician who betrayed the nation for billions in flood control contracts.

 

 

Biz Icon 2026: JDN Realty Group

 

NEPO. Angeles City’s original commercial center has not only withstood the test of time – surviving the double whammy that was the American withdrawal from Clark and the Mt. Pinatubo eruptions, foremost – but even stood toe-to-toe with the corporate titans setting shop in its home ground… and excelled.  

That excellence defined in the JDN (Juan D. Nepomuceno) Realty Group, finding full meaning in the Nepo Center at the very heart of the city and its citizens, Nepo Mall Dagupan and Nepo Mart Alaminos, both in Pangasinan, and Nepo Mall Jaen in Nueva Ecija opened last Oct. 17, 2025.

That excellence monumentalized in the Power Plant Mall Angeles, upscale Rockwell Land’s first expansion into Central Luzon under a joint venture with JDN, set to open by Q3 of 2027.

The very core of that excellence distinguished in JDN earning its first Great Place to Work certification, a global, employee-validated credential confirming a high-trust, people-first culture in the workplace. JDN among the few real estate organizations to receive the distinction.  

That “high-trust and people-first culture” affirmed in BPO tenant Connext International Inc. expanding its operations at JDN’s eNtec 1 from just one floor to all of four floors covering total office space of 1,914.47 square meters.  

Of square meters, 2,000 have been allotted as retail and amusement space for entertainment companies Kids Paradise with a play center at Nepo Mall Angeles; iSports Billiard Club at Newpoint Mall; and Games City at Newpoint Mall and Nepo Mall Dagupan, offering a variety of arcade games for all ages.

Beyond business

JDN is not just building spaces for offices and malls but forging relationships with the host communities through close collaboration with like-minded organizations and government instrumentalities toward the wellbeing of the general public. The storied beneficence of the Nepomuceno patriarch embodied in his eponymous company’s programs.

In August 2025, JDN relaunched Farm Ni Juan, a community weekend market providing farmers and MSMEs with a stable platform to sell their products directly to consumers. The Department of Agriculture and the Department of Trade and Industry nominate participants in the project that has evolved into a rotating market setup that follows foot traffic within the Nepo Center commercial complex.

“This is also part of our CSR. Hindi lang ito pagbebenta, ito rin ay pagbuo kung paano sila kikita,” noted JDN president and CEO Aaron Jeffrey Montenegro.

For this undertaking, the DTI awarded JDN the Simbul Award at the Pamitipun 2025 celebration in recognition of its active support to the agency’s goal of “Enabling Business, Empowering Consumers.”

With the Department of Migrant Workers, JDN launched in October 2025 the Juan BayaniHub at Nepo Mall Dagupan, serving as the first satellite office of the DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration in Region 1. It operates as a one-stop center offering services such as overseas employment certificate processing, welfare and reintegration programs, legal assistance, and overseas employment support. A public assistance and complaint desk is also available to address OFW concerns.

A notable CSR project is the annual Brigada EskwelaJUAN where JDN donates cleaning tools, sanitation items, school materials, and emergency preparedness kits to public schools in its host communities, as well as do volunteer work to help create cleaner, safer, and more equipped learning spaces for both students and teachers.

As noteworthy is Juan HEART (Helping Everyone Attain Resilience and Transformation) with its singular goal of uplifting communities during challenging times. In the wake of the devastating typhoons in July 2025, Juan HEART mobilized material and human resources, partnering with the Department of Social Welfare and Development in relief operations for 500 severely affected families in the cities of Alaminos, Dagupan, and San Fernando. 

Juan Gift shared in December 2025 the Christmas spirit with personnel of the Angeles City Environmental Management System in appreciation of their daily toil to keep the city clean, orderly, and environmentally responsible – helping ensure public health and sustaining the city’s clean and green initiatives.

JDN has as much green ventures of its own toward environmental sustainability and responsible property development that have received recognition, such as its Solar Power Initiative during the Metro Angeles Chamber of Commerce and Industry Green Summit 2025.

By incorporating solar technology into its developments in Angeles, Alaminos, and Dagupan, JDN continues to take meaningful steps in reducing its environmental impact while enhancing the long-term value of its properties.

Celebrating values

Commercially profitable, JDN properties are as much valued as community centers and cultural hubs hosting social events, exhibits, performances, and some such activities aligned with local culture in the host communities.

In November 2025, JDN launched its tri-city Christmas celebration themed “Liwanag ng Pasko” to communities in Angeles, Dagupan, and Alaminos as one of the company’s largest holiday campaigns, connecting its developments through simultaneous festive events.

In line with JDN’s commitment to celebrating Christmas in ways that respect local culture and honor community identity, the generic Tagalog phrase gave way to the local language of each host community, thus: the Kapampangan’s “Sala ning Pasku,” the Pangasinense’s “Liwawa ya Pasko,” and the Ilocano’s “Raniag Ti Paskua.”   

“Purpose-driven community commitment.” Aptly worded and rightly deserving of the recognition the Social Action Center of Pampanga, Inc., the social service arm of the Archdiocese of San Fernando, bestowed upon JDN and its sister companies Angeles Electric Corp., Angeles Power Inc., and Raslag Corp. during its 35^th founding anniversary in April 2025.

Never seeking recognition for its involvement in social causes, the awards reflect a core belief shared across JDN: Businesses bear a responsibility to help build a more compassionate and hopeful society.

If anything, recognition is a silent reminder that meaningful impact is not measured by visibility, but by the sincerity and consistency with which it is made.

Of which, JDN Realty Group is. Contributed photos

 

SIDEBAR

Power Plant Mall topped off

Leading the topping-off ceremony on March 10, 2026 are Eugenio L. Lopez III, JDN Realty chairman Arsenio N. Valdes, JDN Realty chairman emeritus Peter G. Nepomuceno, Angeles City Mayor Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin II, Rockwell Land chairman and CEO Nestor J. Padilla, and Rockwell Land treasurer and senior VP for office development Miguel Ernesto L. Lopez. Contributed photo

 

Biz Icon 2026: The Infinity

CENTRAL LUZON’S emerging premier outdoor lifestyle destination—where shopping, dining, leisure, and sense of community come together in an open and vibrant setting – definitively, The Infinity. 

Where, indeed, global brands meet everyday essentials in one thoughtfully designed environment offering a retail experience that goes beyond convenience, creating a space where shopping feels both effortless and enjoyable.

Anchoring the vibrant retail scene at The Infinity are standout destinations like Landers Superstore—the largest in the area—and the region’s first Uniqlo roadside store, bringing together quality, variety, and convenience, creating a lifestyle destination where everyday shopping becomes part of a bigger community experience.

Iconic standalone stores and dining outlets like Starbucks, Burger King, and Jollibee further elevate convenience, offering world-class drive-thru and dine-in options. Here, everyday moments from quick errands to special gatherings unfold effortlessly within one vibrant and dynamic destination.

Beyond its key anchors, The Infinity offers a diverse mix of retailers designed to support everyday convenience. The Shoppes offers a refreshing take on retail as an alfresco lifestyle destination. Its open-air design, low-rise structures, and breezy corridors create a relaxed setting where guests can explore dining options—from local Kapampangan favorites to international flavors—alongside lifestyle and wellness services such as aesthetic clinics, salons, dental care, and chiropractic treatments. Together, these experiences create a vibrant outdoor hub that reflects The Infinity’s vision of limitless possibilities.

More so, The Active Park is The Infinity’s outdoor playground, designed for movement, fun, and community life. From morning jogs to celebratory runs to group fitness sessions, or simply enjoying a sunny afternoon with loved ones, the park brings people together for an active, healthy, and vibrant lifestyle. Complementing the experience are wellness features including a new Fitness Gym and a Pickleball court set to open in April 2026.

The momentum continues with more exciting developments in the pipeline. Soon to open are new lifestyle spots including Tom N Toms, offering another inviting space for coffee and connection. It will also welcome the Lima Prime Extension, a three-storey retail building, and a two-storey commercial strip designed to house a diverse mix of retail brands. Expected to open in September 2026, these new spaces will further energize The Infinity’s growing community.

More than just a place to visit, The Infinity is becoming a space where life unfolds—whether it’s morning coffee, an afternoon workout, or an evening stroll with friends and family.

In creating a dynamic lifestyle experience for the community – across all ages, social classes, gender, and some such other pigeonholes categorizing humans – inclusivity is verily defined in The Infinity. Photos: Exploring Pampanga, FB

 

SIDEBAR  

First Uniqlo Roadside Store in CL

Exclusive store tour “guides” during the opening on Sept. 5, 2025 are (L-) Byron John Siy, general manager Jenra Group of Companies; Geraldine Sia, COO Uniqlo Philippines; Josefina Tan Siy, BOD finance director of Sacred Heart Medical Center; and Albert Tan, BOD AST Group. Contributed photo

 

 

 

 

Hagkis ni Tulabut sa batang Fernandino

SA HALIP na bigyan ng kaukulang pag-iisip ng School Division-City of San Fernando Pampanga ang liham ni kagalang-galang na kagawad Noel Tulabut ng sangguniang panlungsod, ay pikit-matang tumalima na lamang ito sa payo (advise) na nakasaad na pansamantalang itigil ang lahat ng feeding program sa mga paaralang sakop nito. 

Sa pambungad na pangungusap pa lamang, kitang-kita na arbitrary o ayon lamang sa sariling kagustuhan ni Tulabut ang ipinapayong aksyon – “the undersigned [SP] member of [CSFP] is currently in the process of deliberating proposed ordinance.”

Mismong sa kanyang nilagdaang liham ang pahayag na hindi ang SP kundi si Tulabut lamang ang naglilimi sa minumuni pang ordinansa. Kung nasa SP na ang usapin, dapat lamang na imbes na “the undersigned,” ang nakasaad ay “the SP of the CSFP is currently in the process of deliberating proposed ordinance.”  

Sa demokratikong pamamahala, ano’ng puwersa ng batas mayroon ang isang ordinansang pinaglilimian pa lamang ng isang kagawad? O baka naman ang paniniwala ng school division superintendent ay isang one-man-SP si Tulabut kaya naging sunud-sunuran na lamang ito?

Ang titulo ng iniisip pa lamang na ordinansa ay “Regulating and institutionalizing the conduct and operations of feeding programs, medical missions, and dental missions within [CSFP], providing implementing guidelines, mechanisms, and implementing penalties for violations thereof.”

Ang ibinigay na dahilan para sa “temporary moratorium” ay “to ensure proper coordination, compliance, and alignment with the forthcoming policies and guidelines under the said ordinance.”

Ito ay isang malaking kabalintunaan: ano’ng tiyak na pagsunod o pagtalima na maaaring gawin sa isang panuntunan na nasa imahinasyon pa lamang?      

Makatuwiran lamang, at makatotohanan, na balangkasin muna at isabatas ang anumang panuntunan bago isakatuparan ang pagsunod dito. Hindi ako abogado o nagmamarunong sa batas, pero sapat ang aking kaisipan para maintindihan ang katumpakan ng “laws are prospective, not retrospective.”

Hubad sa katwiran, hubo sa diwa ng batas, lumalabas na gimik-pulitika itong pakana ni Tulabut kundi pagsisipsip sa patron nito. Muli, ito ay malinaw pa sa sinag ng araw sa kanyang mismong liham kung saan kanyang hiling sa schools division superintendent “…to consider the implementation of a temporary moratorium on the conduct of feeding programs on all public schools …until the ordinance has been enacted…”

Sa titulo ng iniisip pa lamang – hindi pa ito panukala (proposed) – na ordinansa, sakop nito ang “feeding programs, medical missions, and dental missions.”

Bakit feeding programs lamang ang ipinapahinto?      

Fernandino kang kahapon lamang isinilang kung hind mo alam na mula pa nitong Enero ay umiikot na sa mga paaralang-pampubliko hindi lamang sa San Fernando kundi sa iba’t-iba pang bayan ng Pampanga ang Tatay Bong Feeding Program ng pamilya Pineda na naglalayong mabigyan ng masustansyang pagkain pati na mga bitamina ang mga batang mag-aaral na kulang sa tamang timbang o akmang nutrisyon.

Isa kang walang kamuwang-muwang o ganap nang nilayasan ng kaisipan kundi mo mawari ang tiwarik na dahilan ni Tulabut sa kanyang liham.

Biglang sumagi sa aking alaala ang matalinghagang mga kataga ng isang dakilang makata noong ako ay nasa kolehiyo at ngayo’y aking sinisipi sa kaganapang ito -- Mula sa palikwad-likwad na balintataw ay rumagasa ang dumadagundong na panagimpan ni Tulabut para maghagkis ng dusa’t pasakit sa mga batang Fernandino.

Marapat lamang ang mga umaalimpuyong batikos na inihahampas kay Tulabut sa social media sa pag-isip man lamang ng pagpigil sa isang gawaing ang tanging layon ay sa ikabubuti ng mga kabataan tungo sa isang maaliwalas at malusog na kinabukasan.

Sa pagkakatugma nito sa panahon ng kuwaresma, todo-higit ang hagupit kay Tulabut mula mismo sa Banal na Aklat, Mateo 25:35, na ating hinalaw: “Sapagka’t ako’y nagugutom at naglatag ka ng ordinansa na pipigil sa pagapapakain sa akin.”  

Karumal-dumal na sumpa ang mababanaagan sa mga susunod pang mga bersikulo, Mateo 25: 41 – “… ‘Lumayo kayo sa harapan ko, kayong mga isinumpa! Doon kayo sa apoy na di namamatay na inihanda para sa diyablo at sa kanyang mga kampon” at 45 – “… ‘Tandaan ninyo, nang pagkaitan ninyo ng tulong ang isa sa pinakahamak sa mga ito, ako ang inyong pinagkaitan.’” 

Nakakakilabot.

 

 

CLARK: Destination of the Year

A FREEPORT like no other with its myriad leisure attractions, modern infrastructure, and strong investment momentum, Clark has, in and of itself, become a premier tourism destination for its unique blend of accessibility, culture, and world-class experiences.

Far from deviating from the spirit and letter of RA 7227 (Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992) mandating its very reason for being – export-oriented, labor-intensive, aviation-based investment haven – Clark has been endowed added premium value as a compelling destination for leisure travelers, international visitors, and major global events.

Of this, the freeport’s recognition as “Asia's Leading Meetings and Conference Destination for Asia and Oceania” at the 32^nd World Travel Awards held at the InterContinental Grand Stanford in Hong Kong on Oct. 13, 2025 is an absolute affirmation. 

Drawing in millions

In 2025 alone, Clark recorded 1,510,954 tourist, hotel, and overnight guests, along with 29,753,996 same-day visitors, underscoring its popularity as an attractive getaway from nearby provinces and Metro Manila.

Clark is also strengthening its position as a hub for events and conventions, hosting 196 events with 538,146 attendees, further solidifying its reputation as a premier destination for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE). 

Complementing these visitor figures is Clark’s expanding tourism infrastructure:

102 meeting and convention facilities; over 3,600 hotel rooms and villas; more than 150 restaurants and dining establishments; 17 theme parks, museums, and leisure parks; 10 sports facilities; seven golf courses and more tom open; 19 wellness centers; 13 shopping establishments; and six medical facilities. 

Together creating a diverse and integrated tourism ecosystem capable of supporting leisure travel, large-scale conventions, and international tourism activities. 

Accessibility

Strategically located and connected by major expressways, Clark offers convenient access for travelers from across Luzon.

Connectivity – that fundamental factor in tourism development – inheres in Clark, in its very own modern international airport to great results. 

Passenger traffic at the CRK in 2025 went up by 14% to 2,753,101 from 2,404,888 in 2024, the latest airport traffic figures showed.

Domestic travel surged by 23%, with CRK handling 1,042,589 passengers, up from 847,160 in 2024. International demand also rose, with 1,710,512 passengers in 2025, compared with 1,557,728 the previous year for a 10% increase.

System-wide airline capacity at CRK also increased in 2025. Total available seats rose by 12% to 3,767,345 in 2025 from 3,356,059 in 2024. This growth was driven by a 21% increase in domestic capacity and an 8% rise in international capacity, largely the result of airlines adding flight frequencies on existing routes.

The airport’s air traffic movements also climbed. Domestic movements rose 34% to 12,117 in 2025 from 9,063 in 2024, while international movements climbed 5% to 10,628, compared with 10,159. Overall, system-wide flight movements increased 18% to 22,745 in 2025 from 19,222 in 2024.

CRK currently serves 19 domestic and 14 international destinations, offering over 680 weekly flights with key carriers Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, CebGo, AirAsia Philippines, Sunlight Air, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Scoot, Jin Air, Jeju Air, Asiana Airlines, EVA Air, Aero K, HK Express, and Starlux Airlines. 

This accessibility allows tourists to enjoy a world-class destination while avoiding the congestion often associated with larger metropolitan hubs, making Clark an attractive option for both short getaways and extended stays.

More so, with CRK, Clark has become a getaway by itself, and a gateway to other destinations.

 

Preserving Arts, Culture, and Heritage

Beyond its natural and man-made attractions, Clark also serves as a vibrant platform for promoting Filipino creativity, heritage, and cultural identity. 

Through initiatives that highlight products proudly bearing the “Made in Clark, Philippines” brand, the freeport continues to support local industries while showcasing Filipino craftsmanship to visitors from around the world. These programs help elevate locally produced goods—from food and crafts to design and creative products—while strengthening the region’s cultural economy. 

Clark also serves as a venue for events and programs that celebrate the rich traditions of Kapampangan culture, widely regarded as one of the Philippines’ most vibrant culinary and artistic traditions. Cultural exhibitions, food festivals, and creative showcases regularly highlight Pampanga’s reputation as the country’s culinary capital while introducing visitors to local history, artistry, and innovation. 

Adding to Clark’s evolving tourism landscape is the Barn Houses strip located along R.C. Santos St., which has emerged as one of the freeport’s most exciting dining destinations. The unique cluster of architecturally distinct barn-inspired spaces that served as the officers’ residences during Clark’s past as the largest American military installation outside continental USA has evolved into a thriving culinary district featuring restaurants that serve a diverse range of international and local cuisines. 

From Japanese and contemporary Asian dining to European- and Mediterranean- inspired and modern fusion concepts, the Barn Houses offer a distinctive dining experience where each restaurant presents its own unique concept and menu. No two establishments offer the same gustatory experience, delighting visitors to explore a wide range of flavors within a single destination.

This diversity transforms the Barn Houses into more than just a dining strip—it has become a social and lifestyle hub where food, design, and community intersect, offering visitors a vibrant place to gather and experience Clark’s exceptional culinary scene.

Excellence recognized

Clark’s continuing excellence as a tourism destination has earned recognition from local and international organizations, most notably that from World Travel Awards 2025, renowned as one the most prestigious honors in the global travel industry. 

The Clark Development Corp. has also been recognized for its tourism promotion initiatives. At the ATOP Pearl Awards, CDC was hailed Grand Winner for Best Tourism Promotions Brochure for its publication Clark Maps: Pocket Journeys, and honored as well by the Department of Tourism through the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence Government Partner Award, recognizing its commitment to delivering high standards of hospitality and service culture.

The Manila Overseas Press Club cited Clark for Tourism Promotion Excellence, affirming the destination’s growing visibility in both national and international tourism circles.

 Leadership

The continued growth of Clark’s tourism sector is guided by the leadership of the Clark Development Corp. under the stewardship of president and CEO Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera.

Through tourism missions, strategic partnerships, and active engagement with stakeholders, CDC continues to position Clark as a premier destination for leisure travel, business tourism, and international events, aligning with broader national efforts to strengthen the Philippines’ global tourism competitiveness while promoting inclusive and sustainable development. 

New tourism investment

Clark’s tourism landscape continues to expand through new investments and emerging attractions.

An exciting development is Clark Tony’s Motorsport Museum, an upcoming first motor racing museum in the Philippines that will showcase unique collections such as racing bikes and motorcycles, formula cars, racing carts and go-karts. The museum is expected to enrich Clark’s tourism offerings while promoting arts, culture, and storytelling as part of the destination experience.

These developments reflect the continued confidence of investors in Clark’s long-term potential as a tourism and economic hub.

With a total of 32.6 million of visitors each year, with an estimated spending of P38.72 billion in 2025, expanding tourism infrastructure, strong leadership, and continued investment, the Clark Freeport Zone continues to redefine tourism even beyond Central Luzon.

 
SIDEBAR

CDC ranks 9^th in GOCC dividend contributors

CLARK FREEPORT – Clark Development Corp.’s remittance of ₱2.488 billion in dividends for the year 2024 placed it 9^th among top Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations earning a certificate of recognition from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and then-Finance Secretary Ralph Recto received by CDC president and CEO Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera in ceremonies held at Malacañang on Sept. 16, 2025.

 Photos: Borj Meneses, FB 

 

 

Apu Ceto: Gifted of Grace

TODAY, MARCH 9, marks the 89^th birthday of Archbishop Emeritus Paciano B. Aniceto. It has also been 12 years since Apu Ceto was succeeded as prelate of the Archdiocese of San Fernando, two years after reaching the mandatory age of retirement at 75.

Retired – we wrote here at that time – only from the administration of the archdiocese but not, never, from being the shepherd to his flock which he shall carry all his life. And, in the divine order of things, up until the life beyond, in the company of the elect basking in the glory of the Lord.

And indeed, he is as active, as involved, as committed as ever in his labors in the Lord’s vineyard everywhere, as though nothing has changed, in his status – for lack of a word – dispensing the gifts of his priestly faculties, sharing the gift of grace with his flock.

Correspondingly the outpouring of gratitude, praise, and reverence that came in the wake of his retirement continues to this day, ever growing that one feels some beatification process has commenced for the cause of Apu Ceto.   

Apu Ceto will be the first to dismiss even the slightest whiff of saintliness ascribed to him. Just an everyday human being trying to live up to his calling, he would rather be deemed, humbling himself as one “malating talasuyu.”

It is precisely though that “littleness,” that “trying to live up to his calling” that have – in the eyes of his flock – elevated Apu Ceto over and above their everyday pastors, and enshrined him in their hearts. Precisely as the Good Book says of those who humble themselves.

By transcending all socio-economic classes, embraced as much by the perfumed set as by the sweating masses, Apu Ceto is in a class all his own, unwavering though in his steadfastness to the Church’s preferential option for the poor. His mission most focused on “the last, the least, and the lost” in human society. Again, the Good Book on the blessed who shall have the kingdom of heaven, who shall inherit the earth.    

If there is anybody that literally graces any and all occasion s/he comes to, it is Apu Ceto, with his abundance of such sanctifying gift. So much abundance that urban legend has it: Apu Ceto administering the sacrament of extreme unction warrants an instant visa to heaven, that whomever he served the viaticum passes on blissfully through the pearly gates. The peace, serenity and joy as they lay in state – those he anointed proximate to death – a testament to the potency of Apu Ceto’s gift of grace. 

Less human instinct than spiritual rush for the living to reach out to, to touch Apu Ceto, and be imbued with his grace. This I personally witnessed as much in the Pampanga parishes as in the different churches in San Francisco and Los Angeles, in his three pastoral visits from the 2000 to 2004.

And not only Kapampangans and other Filipino regional groups, but even Latinos, African-Americans and whites were wont to circle about him after each Mass seeking his blessing, kissing his hand, embracing him, taking photographs with him, not a few of these framed and found spots in their altars and family shrines at home.

So, I already sound like the postulator for the cause of sainthood of Apu Ceto when he had only retired, and still very much alive. So be it, his most enthusiastic apologist I may serve, but I offer no apologies.

Touched by his grace, the day I entered Mater Boni Consilii Seminary, prayerfully hoping to be a priest. 

Unabandoned by him, in the darkest period of my apostasy, when the trinity of Marx-Lenin-Mao obliterated all faith in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  

Converted by his holiness – he did a Maximilian Kolbe, albeit of less-than-fatal proportion, when he signed my custody papers, offering himself in my stead at the Camp Olivas stockade, if ever I rejoined the movement. This in the earliest – and thus, most terrifying – days of Martial Law.

By his grace, I am alive and have become – for better – what I am now. As with countless others, not only in Pampanga but in the other dioceses he served, aye, every one whose life he has had even the slightest touch.

Apu Ceto is his own message. Messenger and message fused into one. It is from that oneness that emanates Apu Ceto’s charisma – in its true essence of grace endowed upon a person owing to his privileged position with the Divine, to paraphrase the sociologist Max Webber.

Apu Ceto is that good sermon we see, we feel, and – prayerfully – we live. 

(Snatches from previous Zona pieces dating from 2014, updated for our beloved Apu Ceto’s 89^th birthday, 9 March 2026)