Marcos lauds tourism recovery

Marcos: PH tourism made 'impressive recovery' after COVID-19 pandemic

Story by SHERYLIN UNTALAN
GMA Integrated News 
25 May 2024

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. lauded the performance of the country's tourism industry on Saturday following the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the inauguration of Solaire Resort North in Quezon City, Marcos said that ''the Philippine tourism and hospitality industry [has] made an impressive recovery.''

''We have slowly started to witness how hotels, restaurants, recreational amenities, and tourist spots have slowly but surely risen to the challenge of travel resurgence, welcoming 5.45 million inbound tourists in 2023. This is more than double the 2.65 million visitors recorded in 2022,'' he said.

''And that’s why I am very happy to be here with you this evening as we inaugurate the Solaire Resort North, which will be another [game-changer in the] global hospitality industry.''

Marcos said Solaire Resort North, which ''features not only first-class amenities but also world-class Filipino talent, is going further to raise the country’s image on the international stage.''

''With Solaire Resort North hiring more than 4,000 Filipino employees, this will not only boost our economy but will also empower our people to reach their full potential,'' he added.

Solaire Resort North offers not only rooms and suites but also restaurants, bars, and gaming areas.

Marcos noted how the gaming industry provided employment to thousands of Filipinos and generated revenues for the government.

''The revenues from these ventures [provided] huge funding for the operations of government agencies such as the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, the Philippine Sports Commission, [and] the Dangerous Drugs Board,'' he said.

''It redounds to the implementation of the Universal Health Care, Early Childhood Care and Development Fund, Integrated Sports Development Program, the National Endowment for Culture and Arts, and the establishment and operation of adequate drug rehabilitation centers,'' he added.

''With this, I am confident that the Solaire Resort North is all set to take these successes to an even higher level.'' —VBL, GMA Integrated News

Philippines air travel soars in Q1

Philippines air travel soars in Q1

Story by Elijah Felice Rosales
Philstar Global
25 May 2024

MANILA, Philippines — Air travel in the Philippines maintained its upward trend in the first quarter, lifted by the recovery of the international market and the consistency of the domestic demand.

According to data from the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), the international passenger volume went up by 83 percent to 6.97 million between January and March from 3.8 million a year ago.

CAB said foreign airlines made up 54 percent of the demand at 3.74 million, while local carriers served the other half at 3.22 million.

Among domestic players, flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) sustained its mastery of the international segment, flying 1.45 million travelers during the period. However, low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific is closing the gap with PAL, serving 1.37 million passengers in its network.

Before 2023 ended, Cebu Pacific started offering Manila flights to Da Nang, allowing it to cover all corners of Vietnam, including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh.

PAL, for its part, is leaning on its US routes to maintain leadership in the international market.

In October, PAL will mount direct flights between Manila and Seattle, opening its sixth route to the US and its eighth destination in North America.

Meanwhile, Cebu Pacific, together with its regional subsidiary Cebgo Inc., is keeping a tight grip on domestic demand.

Filipino graduates summa cum laude at Yale University with perfect GPA

Filipino graduates summa cum laude at Yale University with perfect GPA

Kristofer Purnell 
Philstar.com
May 24, 2024

MANILA, Philippines — A Filipino student graduated from prestigious Ivy League school Yale University as summa cum laude with a perfect 4.0 grade point average.

21-year-old Dion Stephan Ong joined 4,000 students graduating from Yale earlier this week, the school's 323rd commencement rites since its founding in 1701.

He finished combined degrees of Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Computer Science, received a Distinction in the Major and the Yale Science & Engineering Association Senior of Distinction award, and was inducted into the "honor society" of Phi Beta Kappa.

Ong is an alumnus of the Ateneo de Manila University, graduating elementary in 2014, high school in 2018, and senior high school in 2020.

According to Ateneo, Ong was a top achiever during his time in basic education and was even the Valedictorian of his senior high school batch.

Finishing senior high school in 2020 meant Ong entered Yale just as the pandemic began, with all his first classes done online.

He is set to work as a core engineer in New York City trading firm Hudson River Trading.

Bulacan is Miss Universe Philippines 2024

Woman of color makes historic win as Miss Universe Philippines 2024

Earl D.C. Bracamonte 
Philstar.com
23 May 2024

MANILA, Philippines — Chelsea Manalo of Bulacan was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2024, besting 52 other hopefuls at the close of glitzy ceremonies in Pasay City.

Outgoing titleholder Michelle Marquez Dee passed on the beautifully crafted La Mer de Majeste crown to the dusky Bulakeña as the first national winner of color, who won the title on her first try.

Days leading to the pageant, fans were mouthing "Manalo" as the eventual winner - referring to the one from Southern Luzon. True enough, a "Manalo" did win but the one from North Luzon.

A dark horse, in the truest sense of the word, though not alluding to her skin color, Chelsea was beneath most of the prediction radars, probably because she was a first timer to the national stage. She came out of nowhere to win the most coveted title. 

The "Walk, Win" video from shoe sponsor Jojo Bragais sort of gave a glimpse into her huge potential. And when she was proclaimed Miss Bragais, pundits began to reconsider their respective bets.

Cainta's Stacey Daniella Gabriel was proclaimed 1st runner-up.

Fan-favorite Ma. Ahtisa Manalo of Quezon Province was awarded 2nd runner-up and was crowned Miss Cosmo Philippines. She was the most awarded delegate at the preliminaries. Ahtisa was named Miss Acqua Boracay, Miss Smilee Apparel, Miss Fairy Skin, Miss I-Color Great Lengths, Miss Danielito's Home Kitchen, Miss Queen of Hearts Sleepwear Collection, Miss Hellow Glow, and one of Zonrox's Colorsafe Top 3 winners.

From: newsfeed.ph

Baguio's Tara Valencia was proclaimed 3rd runner-up and was crowned Miss Supranational Philippines. Meanwhile, Alexie Mae Brooks was crowned Miss Eco Philippines and Cyrille Payumo was crowned Miss Charm Philippines.

Taguig's Christi Lynn McGarry was named 4th runner-up. She was also proclaimed as Miss So-en and Miss Jewelmer during the preliminaries. Since she has aged out from the four more titles of the evening, she didn't get an appointment.

Thai sensation Win Metawin serenaded the finalists during the evening gown competition.

The other ladies who made it to the Top 10 were:

• Kris Tiffany Janson (Cebu),
• Victoria Velasquez Vincent (Bacoor), who was also awarded as Miss Kemans and one of Zonrox's Colorsafe Top 3;
• Cyrille Payumo (Pampanga),
• Anita Rose Gomez (Zambales),

and Alexie Mae Brooks (Iloilo), who was named Miss Jell Life, Miss Buscopan Venus, and one of Zonrox Colorsafe's Top 3 winners.

While Runway challenge winner Angel Rose Tambal (Leyte), Swimsuit challenge winner Patricia Bianca Tapia (Hawaii), Casting Reel challenge winner Tamara Ocier (Tacloban), Christina dela Cruz Chalk (United Kingdom), Kayla Rabaya Carter (Northern California), Alexandra Mae Rosales (Laguna), Raven Doctor (Palawan ), Kymberlee Street (Australia), Selena Antonio Reyes (Pasig), and Maica Cabling Martinez (Nueva Ecija) who was named Miss Bingo Plus, all made it to the Top 20 semifinal round. They competed in the swimwear competition wearing copper-colored monokinis and bikinis with sarongs to the tune of "Raining in Manila" as performed by Lola Amour.

Deanna Mate of Cavite was awarded as Miss Creamsilk, but failed to place in the semifinal round.

The evening opened to a production number with outgoing queen Michelle Marquez Dee and drag queen Marina Summers who performed her "Drag Race UK versus the World" song, "I'm a Filipina," before the first cut of the evening was made.

The members of the selection committee included:

• Stanley Ng,
• Joy Marcelo,
• Archie Carrasco,
• Miss Universe 2021 Top 5 finalist Bea Luigi Gomez,
• Jason Co,
• Miss Universe 2013 3rd runner-up Ariella Arida,
• and Crystal Jacinto.

Chelsea will be the country's representative to the Mexico pageant toward the end of the year. She will also be the country's first delegate who is a woman of color.

Hosted by Emmy-award winner Jenny Mai, Miss Universe 2022 R'bonney Gabriel, and actor Alden Richards, together with anchors Tim Yap and Gabbi Garcia, the 2024 Miss Universe Philippines coronation night unfolded in SM Mall of Asia Arena and was beamed live to a global audience through the Empire PH channel on YouTube.

Govt launches plan to modernize, expand railway networks nationwide

Govt launches plan to modernize, expand railway networks nationwide

Story by The Manila Times 
22 May 2024

IN a bid to alleviate the Philippine economy, reduce traffic congestion, enhance connectivity, reduce carbon emissions and enhance food security across the archipelago, the Philippines announces an unprecedented railway development plan. 

Spearheaded by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile, this development plan aims to modernize and significantly expand the country's railway network.

One of the two major railway flagship projects to be unveiled soon is the North Luzon Railway Project, also known as "The Amianan Express," with an approximately 1300-kilometer (km) high-speed and commuter lines connecting the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga to Cagayan Export Zone in Cagayan Valley and 12 other provinces in the region.

Next is the long-awaited Mindanao Railway Project, also known as "The Eagle Express," with an approximately 1500-km high-speed railway system that connects all key cities in the Mindanao region. 

The railway system will be equipped with cutting-edge passenger and freight trains capable of speeds up to 180 to 200 km per hour. 

This railway system promises to significantly reduce travel time, and enhance connectivity and delivery of manufacturing and farm produce between key economic hubs in North Luzon and in Mindanao.

Furthermore, part of the Railway Development Plan initiatives is to prioritize sustainability with focus on technology transfer through the establishment of the Philippine Railway Academy.

 The Railway Academy will be the first of its kind in the country and shall open the first Railway Engineering Course.

Philippines makes it to IMO 'white list'

Philippines makes it to IMO 'white list' — DOTr

Story by TED CORDERO
GMA Integrated News 
22 May 2024

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said on Wednesday that the Philippines was once again included on the so-called “white list” of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

In a news release, the DOTr said the country’s inclusion on the white list affirms the Philippines’ status as a major provider of world-class Filipino seafarers in the global maritime industry.

Citing the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), the Transportation Department said the recognition was given for the country’s commitment to maintaining high standards in maritime education, training, and certification for Filipino seafarers.

It said that the IMO white list signifies that seafarers trained and certified in the Philippines meet the rigorous international standards set by the IMO Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) Convention.

"Our goal is to entrench the position of the Philippines as the Maritime Capital of the World by continuously supplying the global maritime industry with high-standard Filipino seafarers," said Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista.

He added that the DOTr is determined to address challenges faced by the maritime industry in the country.

In December 2022, the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) notified the Philippines of some deficiencies, including serious ones, such as in the Philippine seafarers’ education, training, and certification system.

MARINA has since exerted efforts to consistently implement and monitor the corrective actions for the benefit of almost 50,000 Filipino seafarers employed by European-flagged vessels.

The IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) later confirmed that the Philippines had fully complied with the relevant provisions of the STCW Convention. —VBL, GMA Integrated News

Marcos wants Philippines to become hub for smart manufacturing

Marcos wants Philippines to become hub for smart manufacturing

Louella Desiderio, Alexis Romero 
The Philippine Star
May 22, 2024

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is counting on its strengths and engagements to transform its economy into a regional hub for smart and sustainable manufacturing and services, President Marcos said, as he urged investors to unlock the growth opportunities offered by the country’s “thriving” economy.

In his keynote remarks during the Indo-Pacific Business Forum in Taguig City, Marcos said the Philippines occupies a “strategic position” in the region and is leveraging its geopolitical location, economic engagements and participation in regional agreements.

He noted that the Indo-Pacific region accounts for over a third of global economic activity, a condition that he said presents “immense opportunities” for the Philippines.

The President described the Philippines’ economic achievements as “outstanding,” citing the Philippines’ 5.5 percent GDP growth last year, which surpassed major economies in Asia and the four consecutive months of expansion of its foreign direct investments (FDIs).

“Through these economic strengths, we aspire to transform the Philippine economy into a regional hub for smart and sustainable manufacturing and (services),” he said.

The Chief Executive reiterated the importance of forging partnerships, saying Indo-Pacific Economic Forum partner-countries play a key role in the Philippines’ robust economic growth and contribute substantially to its FDI and other approved investments.

Indo-Pacific investors have the potential to contribute significantly to the expansion of micro, small and medium enterprises, which contribute the bulk of the employment in the country, according to Marcos.

Luzon Economic Corridor

Marcos went on to enumerate measures and collaborations that are seen to make the Philippines a more attractive investment destination.

He mentioned the Luzon Economic Corridor, a project launched during last month’s historic trilateral summit in Washington.

He said the government has earmarked key projects to spur growth in the corridor and to create strategic connections between Subic, Clark and the Calabarzon region, which he called “a prime location for export-manufacturing firms.”

“These initiatives will enhance freight transport services, mobility and access to key economic zones, ensuring business continuity and positioning the Philippines as a regional hub for agribusiness and logistics in the Asia-Pacific,” he added.

The President likewise highlighted the legislation that allows 100 percent foreign ownership of renewable energy sources; efforts to develop priority industries like electronics, semiconductors and critical minerals and the government-led strategy to enhance digital infrastructure, connectivity and business facilitation.

“The Philippines also offers a strategic location with a robust experience and record in the IT-BPM (information technology-business process management) competencies and a strong direction towards upgrading business process outsourcing into knowledge process outsourcing such as market intelligence, business analytics, legal services and AI (artificial intelligence), amongst others,” he said.

“Furthermore, the Philippines can serve as a platform for companies to access the more than 600-million-strong Southeast Asian consumer market. Our proximity to these growing economies can allow them to enter other supply chains and be part of inter-country economic systems, creating more opportunities for collaboration and for partnership,” he added.

Marcos expressed optimism that the Build Better More infrastructure program, which encompasses 185 priority projects worth P9.5 trillion, will transform the Philippines’ infrastructure landscape and contribute to its goal to be the next logistics hub in Asia.

“But achieving this requires a whole-of-nation approach, particularly private investments. Therefore, we invite foreign investors to participate in this endeavor through public-private partnerships, engineering, procurement and construction contracts, and for feasibility studies, as well,” he said.

The President also talked about laws and policies aimed at luring more investors, including the Public-Private Partnership Code, which he said has accelerated the delivery of critical projects; the Maharlika Investment Fund, the sovereign wealth fund that seeks to support critical infrastructure projects; the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises or CREATE Act; the Ease of Doing Business Act and the executive order on green lanes for strategic investments.

“Upcoming in the pipeline is the CREATE More Act, which represents a significant leap forward as we expand and refine the incentives introduced under the original CREATE Act. Through this, we are making the Philippines even more attractive for investments, both local and foreign,” he said. — Sheila Crisostomo

Nine PH cities made it to Top 1000 Cities by Oxford Economics

Nine Philippine cities among top 1,000 global urban economies 2024 Oxford Economics Global Cities Index

By Chino S. Layco

Manila Bulletin

May 21, 2024 

AT A GLANCE

• Manila ranks 256th globally with strengths in economics and human capital but weaknesses in quality of life.
• Cebu City is at 436th place, excelling in the environment but lacking in quality of life.
• Other Philippine cities like Cagayan de Oro, Davao City, and Angeles City are also identified.
• Bacolod shines in the environment but struggles with human capital.
• Dagupan highlights strong environmental aspects.
• Zamboanga excels in the environment but faces economic challenges.
• General Santos thrives in the environment but faces challenges with human capital.
• The 2024 Global Cities Index by Oxford Economics provides insights into urban environments worldwide, with New York, London, San Jose, Tokyo, and Paris leading the rankings.

UK-based think tank Oxford Economics has identified nine cities in the Philippines among the largest urban economies in the world.

In the Oxford Economics Global Cities Index, which ranks the 1,000 largest cities worldwide, Manila is the biggest city in the Philippines but is not considered a major player on the global scale.

Taken from Rising Philippines Facebook Page

The Oxford Economics report did not specify if "Manila" refers to just the capital city or includes the entire metropolitan area in the National Capital Region (NCR). The report did not list any other NCR cities besides Manila. 

Oxford Economics ranks based on five categories: economics, human capital, quality of life, environment, and governance.

“By analyzing these five dimensions in depth, the Global Cities Index provides a nuanced understanding of each city's strengths and areas for improvement, empowering policymakers, investors, employers, and residents to make informed decisions,” Oxford Economics said in a statement.

Among the 1,000 urban economies worldwide, Manila is ranked 256, placing it above the global average scores, although not among the top-performing cities.

Based on the report, Manila’s strength is human capital, ranking 101, followed by economics (150) and environment (238). However, its weakest points are quality of life (461) and governance (614).

Another city that has made it to the global rankings is Cebu City, which secured the 436th spot worldwide. The Queen City of the South excels in the environment (24) but lags behind in quality of life (684).

Cagayan de Oro ranked third in the Philippines, holding the 487th position globally. Similar to Cebu City, CDO’s strong suit lies in the environment (338), while its weakness is quality of life (626).

Davao City occupied the 500th position, with its main weakness being in human capital (645) and strength in the environment (229).

Angeles City has also been listed in the global rankings, securing the 502nd place. Its strength lies in the environment (191), while its weakest aspect is human capital (634).

Bacolod attained the 538th position among the 1,000 global urban economies. Its strength is in the environment (12) but shows weakness in terms of human capital (739).

Meanwhile, Dagupan ranked 604 globally, with its environment as a key advantage (220) and human capital is its weakness (701).

Zamboanga, positioned eighth in the Philippines, held the 695th global rankings. It excels in the environment (48) but faces challenges in economics (961).

General Santos, placed at 723 globally, known as the country's tuna capital, showed strength in the environment while encountering difficulties in human capital (915).

In the 2024 Global Cities Index, the first publication by Oxford Economics, New York leads the list, which also claimed the top position in the Economics category. 

London secures the second spot, followed by San Jose, Tokyo, and Paris.

US, Philippines to train Filipinos in nuclear power

US, Philippines to train Filipinos in nuclear power

Inquirer.net
21 May 2024

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and the United States agreed Tuesday to train Filipinos how to build and operate nuclear power plants, as the Southeast Asian country seeks to boost its electricity supply.

The announcement comes after Manila and Washington struck a nuclear cooperation agreement in November that cleared a path for US investment to jumpstart atomic power in the energy-hungry Philippines.

Under Tuesday’s deal, the Department of Energy and the Philippine-American Educational Foundation will offer scholarships and exchange programs for Filipinos to learn about civil nuclear power and renewable energy.

“This will help the Philippines develop the skilled workforce needed to build a clean energy infrastructure, including the ability to operate state of the art nuclear power plants,” Daniel Kritenbrink, US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, told a trade forum in Manila.

Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla said the “advanced training” will ensure the country has the “human resources that are needed” for the sector.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signaled determination to adopt nuclear power in the country and has even flagged the possibility of reviving a mothballed $2.2 billion plant built during his father’s dictatorship.

The deal signed in November on the sidelines of an Asia-Pacific summit in San Francisco committed the Philippines to safeguards against the use of transferred nuclear material to produce nuclear weapons.

Known as 123 agreements after their section in the US Atomic Energy Act, the pacts are critical for investment by US nuclear companies, which are wary of running afoul of laws related to proliferation.

The United States also plans to set up a civil nuclear industry working group for Southeast Asia based in Manila.

The group will “connect Philippine partners with US companies”, helping to “accelerate the Philippines transition to clean and safe nuclear energy”, Kritenbrink said.

The Philippines — regularly affected by electricity outages — relies on imported carbon-belching coal for more than half of its power generation.

It has some of the region’s highest energy costs and faces a looming crisis as the Malampaya gas field, which supplies about 40 percent of power to the archipelago’s main island Luzon, is expected to run dry within a few years.

As part of its climate goals, the Philippines aims for renewable energy — not including nuclear — to make up 50 percent of its power generation by 2040.

Marcos touts Philippine economic growth at Indo-Pacific Forum

Marcos touts Philippine economic growth, investment opportunities at Indo-Pacific Business Forum

Pia Gutierrez
ABS-CBN News
May 21, 2024 

In his speech, the Philippine leader highlighted the country’s ‘outstanding’ economic achievements, growing 5.5 percent in 2023 and surpassing major economies in Asia based on the latest available data.

“Foreign direct investments continue to flow in, with four consecutive months of expansion. Our investment pledges have also soared, reflecting a healthy pipeline of inward FDI,” Marcos said.

The President, meanwhile, noted his administration’s efforts to ‘transform the Philippine economy into a regional hub for smart and sustainable manufacturing and [services].’ These include key initiatives to spur growth in the Luzon Economic Corridor, which hosts most of the Philippines’ export manufacturing and high-technology industries.

Marcos said his administration is also committed to developing priority industries such as electronics, semiconductors and critical minerals; supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises; and embracing digital transformation through government-led initiatives to enhance the country’s digital infrastructure, connectivity, and business facilitation.

“Since the COVID-19 pandemic and other socio-political concerns exposed the vulnerabilities of supply chains, we also emphasize the need for diversification and for resilience,” Marcos Jr said.

The President also highlighted the government’s P9.5 trillion "Build Better More" infrastructure program, which he says will contribute to making the Philippines “the next logistics hub in Asia.”

“We are investing in everything from roads and railways to ports [and] airports, all intending to create a transport network that is safe, efficient, and accessible to everyone. Such are the lessons learned from the pandemic,” Marcos meanwhile said.

LEGISLATIVE REFORM

Marcos also noted the government’s commitment to legislative reforms to create a conducive business environment and attract foreign investments, through legislation such as the proposed amendments to the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises or CREATE Act, the Ease of Doing Business Act and the Green Lanes for Strategic Investments ACT.

“With CREATE More, we enhance the existing incentives by widening the range of eligible activities and providing greater flexibility in the application process.  Additionally, it streamlines administrative procedures, reducing bureaucratic hurdles [and] making it easier for businesses to access these benefits,” he added.

MAHARLIKA INVESTMENT FUND

Marcos meanwhile said the establishment of the Maharlika Investment Fund “demonstrates the government’s strong commitment to strategically invest in key sectors that will accelerate national development.”

“This fund plays a vital role in financing critical infrastructure projects, stimulating economic growth, and generating long-term returns for the benefit of all Filipinos,” he said. “By mobilizing resources and attracting private capital, the Maharlika [Investment] Fund will be pivotal in our goal of creating more opportunities for future generations.”

The Philippine economy grew 5.7 percent in the first quarter of the year. Economic managers are aiming for an average growth of 6 to 7 percent for 2024.

Young Pinoy Grandmaster is the next big thing in PH chess

Rising Filipino chess star Arca rules Vietnam Grandmaster tilt

Joey Villar - Philstar.com

May 20, 2024 

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino teen sensation Christian Gian Karlo Arca showed he’s the next big thing in Philippine chess as he topped a Grandmaster tournament in Quang Ninh in Vietnam over the weekend.

The prodigious 15-year-old FIDE Master finished undefeated by scoring six points in nine rounds on three victories and six fighting draws in claiming the crown in the second of the two-bracket tournament.

It was made more special by Arca coming in as the lowest rated among 10 participants with a 2265 rating before defying overwhelming odds to complete the improbable conquest.

The feat earned Arca the second of the three norms to become an International Master while earning a massive 62.8 FIDE rating points that should propel him straight to the breaching 2300-plateau.

His wins came at the expense of Vietnamese GM Tran Tuan Minh, and IMs Azarya Jodi Setyaki of Indonesia and Lou Yiping of China in the first three rounds; and drew his last six outings, including those against GMs John Paul Gomez, also of the Philippines, and Nguyen Anh Dung of Vietnam and IMs Michael Concio Jr., also his countryman, and Liu Xiangyi of Singapore.

Concio finished third five points while Gomez fifth with 4.5 points.

IM Daniel Quizon saw action in the first bracket but was off form and wound up sixth with 4.5 points.

Mercifully, Arca was there to carry the flag and continue to live up to hype as the one next in line to be the country’s GM.

Two Filipino actors in Bridgerton S3

Filipino actors Martin Sarreal, Jimbo Bradwell appear in ‘Bridgerton’ Season 3

Hannah Mallorca
INQUIRER.net 
May 19, 2024

Filipino actors Jimbo Bradwell and Martin Sarreal were introduced as the newest members of the esteemed ‘ton as they made an appearance in the third season of the hit series “Bridgerton.”

Bradwell and Sarreal announced on their respective Instagram pages on Friday, May 17, that they were cast as noblemen in the historical fiction series, where they starred as Regency-era viscounts, Lords Basilio and Barnell, respectively.

Bradwell said he was originally cast “under a different name of East Asian heritage” which prompted him to have the name of his character changed to represent his roots better.

“When first offered the role under a different name of East Asian heritage, I wondered whether there was an opportunity to rechristen ‘my Lord’ with a name representative of my own heritage,” he said. “Feeling emboldened to reach out to production, I was met with an enthusiastic response welcoming and encouraging my input.”

Bradwell recalled that he suggested many “Filipino surnames” before Basilio was ultimately decided as his character’s name. This, for him, was an opportunity to be a “collaborator and not a beggar.”

“In this exchange, I was made to feel like a collaborator in my role, not a beggar at the door as these conversations can sometimes feel in this industry. Thank you for dignifying me in that way. As a result, catch some Fili representation in Lords Basilio AND Barnell (@martinsarreal_) this season,” he said.

In a separate post, Bradwell said taking on Lord Basilio’s character “affirms” his Filipino heritage.

“I’ve been blown away by the response from the [Filipino] community in the motherland and across the globe. It felt important to me to affirm my heritage in even this small role, so to see it resonate so strongly has been immensely, gratifyingly galvanizing,” he said.

Martin as Lord Barnell

Meanwhile, Martin enjoyed “stepping into Lord Barnell’s shoes” in his post, while describing the cast and crew as “fantastic people.”

“Had loads of fun stepping into Lord Barnell’s shoes (and sticking on those sideburns) on a wonderful job jampacked with fantastic people. Made some great, new pals on this and got to reconnect with some old ones,” he said.

Sarreal added that he’s elated to “officially [witness] two Pinoys” in the “Bridgerton” universe.

“Also there are now officially TWO Pinoys (@jimbobradwell aka Lord Basilio) in the Bridgerton universe. What more can you truly ask for?” he wrote.

The third season of “Bridgerton” centers around the love story of Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) and Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) which evolved from their longtime friendship since childhood.