Trends and Spots Blogmag

𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐇 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆, 𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐍𝐎𝐖 𝐈𝐍 𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐑𝐊

A new restaurant opened in the Clark
Freeport Zone recently offering first-class fine dining and French wine.

Culinary connoisseurs with that refined palate can visit Buvons du Vin to experience authentic French cuisine.

French for “let's drink wine”, Buvons du Vin offers exquisite food with every dish done to detail, complemented by a charming ambiance and warm hospitality, providing a taste and glimpse of France.

Reserve now at the newest culinary destination in Pampanga.

Buvons du Vin is located at CDC Barn House Unit 2080 along Cardinal Santos Street in the Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga.

- Contributed Photos

𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐭 𝐍𝐞𝐩𝐨 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫

A colorful celebration of Pride Month was held at the Nepo Center on Saturday, June 6, 2026, with the opening of the Pinanari Pampanga Pride Fest 2026 and the Pampanga Taste Fest.

Spearheaded by the JDN Realty Group and JCI Angeles City, the annual pride event, with the theme “Upris3”, is now in its third year and the second time it has been held at the Nepo Center while it is the 9th year for the Pampanga Taste Fest.

The festival included a lively parade featuring street dancers, floats and beautiful drag queens. A Rising Diva Ramp and Lip-Sync Battle, Pinanari Awards and Rainbow Float Parade Competition were also held. The event was capped with a concert that night.

Along with the booths that sold food and a variety of items, one stall offered free HIV testing and a “Hug Me” station was also available for guests who needed comforting.

The Pinanari Festival was attended by different organizations, Nepo Center business partners and merchants who participated in the taste fest and bazaar that support the LGBTQIA+ community.

Pride Month is observed worldwide to celebrate the diversity, resilience, and contributions of LGBTQIA+ individuals while promoting inclusivity and understanding of different sexual orientations and gender identities.

In Pampanga, Pride Month is celebrated through the Pinanari Festival. Pinanari is a Kapampangan word for rainbow, the colors which symbolize life, healing, sunlight, nature, harmony, and spirit intact were proudly waved and worn during the event.

The JDN Realty Group honors and supports the LGBTQIA+ community by providing space to express their rights as they struggle for inclusivity, equality, and visibility.

The JDN Realty Group is a company that pursues and develops business opportunities for its stakeholders and improves the quality of life of people in the community, promotes local entrepreneurs, and creates jobs for the community and environs.

Text: Erlin M. Due
Photos: Jojo &Erlin Due

𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐁𝐄𝐀𝐔𝐓É𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐌 𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐒

Beautéderm Group of Companies President and CEO Rei Anicoche Tan led the launching on June 5, 2026 of its newest venture, Ak Closet, at the 4th floor of the Beautèderm Headquarters in Angeles City.

AK Closet offers a curated collection of pre-loved and brand-new fashion pieces such as apparel, bags, shoes, watches, and more, perfect for personal use or as gifts for any occasion.

The launch of the new enterprise is in celebration of the 2026 Midyear Milestones of Beautéderm.

Shop online at www.alistavenue.ph A-list Avenue Kirsten Sy or visit the physical store at Beautéderm Headquarters and discover unique finds and affordable items.

-CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

𝐓𝐈𝐄𝐙𝐀 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐬 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐎𝐓-𝟑 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠

The Department of Tourism-Region 3 (DOT-Region 3) will soon have a permanent office after Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) Chief Operating Officer Mark T. Lapid led the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the office on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga.

“Finally, magkakaroon na ng sariling bahay ang DOT-Region 3. That’s the most important thing. And, of course, as a Kapampangan, I am very proud of kasi nandito siya sa atin, in the City of San Fernando,” Lapid said in his message during the groundbreaking ceremony.

The TIEZA chief expressed gratitude to the City of San Fernando local government for providing the parcel of land located in Barangay Calulut where the two-storey permanent DOT Central Luzon regional office will be built.

Joining Lapid during the groundbreaking ceremony were DOT-Region 3 Director Richard Daenos, City of San Fernando Councilor Reggie David, City Administrator Kristannico David and City Tourism Officer Ching Pangilinan.

The DOT Central Luzon regional office is one of three DOT regional offices being financed by TIEZA. The other DOT regional offices under construction are in Koronadal City, South Cotabato for DOT-Region 12 and in Legazpi City, Albay for Region 5.

TIEZA, a government-owned and controlled corporation and the infrastructure and investment arm of the DOT, has allocated Php45,392,085 for the project which is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027.

- Contributed Story and Photos

𝐁𝐂𝐃𝐀 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲, 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐞

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has signed strategic partnerships with Japanese firms to support key infrastructure, energy, and transport projects for the New Clark City, a move that will reinforce the role of the facility in the Luzon Economic Corridor initiative.

During President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s state visit to Tokyo, BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with Japanese energy-tech company Sustech, transport and infrastructure firms Index Strategy, Inc. and Yachiyo Engineering Co., and trading and investment giant Marubeni Corporation.

The partnerships, signed on 29 May 2026 in Tokyo on the sidelines of the President’s state visit, are expected to support the development of smart energy systems, integrated transport infrastructure, and utility-ready ecosystems designed to attract high-value and technology-driven industries into New Clark City.

Under the agreement with Sustech, BCDA will explore the application of advanced technologies that can improve renewable energy forecasting and electricity demand management in New Clark City to support the transition to a low-carbon and demand-responsive energy system capable of supporting future large-scale locators and energy-intensive industries.

The MOU with Index Strategy and Yachiyo Engineering Co. aims to establish a collaborative framework for conducting a study on the Clark Integrated Transport System, a proposed transport system envisioned to strengthen regional mobility, improve supply chain efficiency, and position New Clark City as a strategic multimodal transport hub within the Luzon Economic Corridor.

The partnership with Marubeni Corporation will jointly explore opportunities for the development of power, water, and utility infrastructure in New Clark City which will help establish the infrastructure-ready ecosystems in New Clark City that are necessary to support industries requiring reliable and scalable utilities, including advanced manufacturing, digital infrastructure, hyperscale data centers, and technology-driven enterprises.

Bingcang said the partnerships support the infrastructure and economic development agenda of the Marcos administration, particularly efforts to strengthen regional connectivity, accelerate strategic investments, and position the Philippines as a competitive destination for high-value industries.

He added the initiatives is part of efforts to strengthen the Luzon Economic Corridor, a strategic economic initiative involving the Philippines, the United States, and Japan that seeks to improve connectivity and accelerate investments across Subic, Clark, Manila, and Batangas to make Central Luzon a key investment and logistics corridor.

“Our collaboration with leading Japanese companies reflects a shared vision of creating smart, future-ready communities powered by innovation, connectivity, and sustainable development. These partnerships will help strengthen New Clark City’s competitiveness as an investment destination and support broader economic opportunities across Central Luzon and the country,” Bingcang said.

The BCDA delegation also met with the Japan Overseas Infrastructure Investment Corporation for Transport and Urban Development (JOIN) to present high-impact transport, utility, and real estate pipeline projects and explore potential Japanese investment and financing participation through public-private partnerships and joint ventures. (BCDA)

𝐈𝐂𝐘𝐌𝐈: Here are the celebrities spotted at the 2026 OVRLND GRVL: The Philippine Gravel National Championships held on May 31, 2026 at the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga: father and son Aga and Andres Muhlach, Ion Perez, Jayson Abalos and Drew Arellano. Also present was multi-awarded Kapampangan broadcast journalist Kara David.

📸 Go Race PH

𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐚𝐜 𝐌𝐒𝐌𝐄𝐬 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐠𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬

About 10 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) from Tarlac Province joined the Ambiente International Consumer Goods Trade Fair in Frankfurt, Germany, opening wider global opportunities and helping increase the income of local entrepreneurs in the province.

The Tarlac group’s participation in the international trade fair was facilitated by the Department of Trade and Industry-Region 3 (DTI-3) and the Provincial Government of Tarlac as part of continuing initiatives to help local MSMEs foster global partnerships to expand their reach to the international market.

Ambiente is the world's leading B2B trade fair for consumer goods. Held annually in February at the Messe Frankfurt Exhibition Center in Germany, it is the premier global hub for industry professionals, designers, and retailers to discover innovations, launch products, and explore trends.

The initiative supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s goal of making the Philippine economy globally competitive by scaling up local businesses and providing MSMEs access to broader and stronger business linkages in the digital and global market to increase income opportunities.

DTI-3 Regional Director Edna Dizon pointed out that the Philippines’ annual participation in Ambiente has become instrumental in strengthening local MSMEs by establishing global connections and international learning opportunities.

“This serves as a learning venue for DTI to further its programs and services to Filipino MSMEs. The yearly participation in Ambiente Trade Fairs, particularly by the Provincial Government, has led to meaningful outcomes not only for MSMEs in generating sales, but also in the way we provide support to our MSMEs,” Dizon said.

Since joining Ambiente in 2020, Tarlac-based enterprises have been given the opportunity to showcase locally-made, non-food products to international buyers, with some establishing connections and standing on their own in the global market.

This year's participating MSMEs generated more than US$450,000 in sales, booked, and under-negotiation sales during the trade fair, reflecting the expanding international market interest in Filipino-made products.

The international exposure has also provided local entrepreneurs not only opportunities to expand but also encourage long-term business growth and sustainability. (PIA Region 3-Tarlac)

𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐄 𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐃𝐎𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐎𝐕𝐑𝐋𝐍𝐃 𝐆𝐑𝐕𝐋 𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐒 𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐊𝐄𝐍𝐃

Elite cyclists led nearly 600 others who participated in the 2026 OVRLND GRVL: The Philippine Gravel National Championships, the biggest edition of the race to date and a landmark event for gravel cycling in the country, on May 31, 2026 at the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga.

Organized by Go Race PH, the race is sanctioned by PhilCycling and the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), underscoring its significance in both the national and international cycling calendars.

Starting from the Filinvest Mimosa+ Leisure City, the route challenged riders across the Clark Freeport and then on the roads and gravel sections of Mabalacat City, Bamban, Concepcion, and Magalang before returning to the finish line. The course, a true test of endurance, bike handling ability and race strategy across Central Luzon, attracted one of the strongest and deepest gravel field ever assembled locally, with close to 600 participants competing.

With national titles on the line and UCI recognition attached to the event, OVRLND GRVL establishes Clark and its neighboring communities as premier destinations for off-road endurance racing.

In the Elite Division, Nash Lim captured the Men’s Title with a winning time of 3:06:28 while Shagne Paula Yaoyao topped the Women’s Elite Field in 3:42:19 covering the 110-kilometer course. The victories earned Lim and Yaoyao the distinction of becoming among the country’s first official Philippine National Champions in gravel cycling under the OVRLND GRVL banner.

“OVRLND GRVL was built to showcase the best of Philippine gravel racing. And this year’s championship proved that our riders are ready for the highest level of competition. From the elite race to the age-group battles, the depth of talent and the energy on the course showed that gravel cycling has a strong future in the Philippines,” Race Director Jumbo Tayag said.

The Women’s National Champions were Nigel Kyla Hortaleza (19-34 Age Group), Kathleen Estrabo (35-39), Kristia Anne Gamilla (40-44), Thea Kristina Pabuayon (45-49), Ma. Victoria Ferreria (50-54), and Bernadette Tan (55-59).

On the Men’s side, the National Champions were Nathaniel Blanca (19-34), Leopoldo Japitana (35-39), Roldan Antonio (40-44), Mario Ramirez (45-49), Eusebio Quiñones (50-54), John Thomas Gonzales (55-59), Bernardo Mateo (60-64), and Julito Anchores (65-69).

National champions will have the opportunity to represent the Philippines at the 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships in Nannup, Western Australia, on October 10-11, 20206, adding even greater significance to the battle for the national jersey.

The UCI-sanctioned 2026 ORVLND GRVL race not only attracted elite riders vying for points that contribute to global rankings, but also attracted celebrities.

Participating in last Sunday’s event were actor Aga Muhlach and son Andres, Drew Arellano, Jason Abalos, and Ion Perez, proof that races staged in the Clark Freeport draw wide participation.

The 2026 OVRLND GRVL: Philippine Gravel National Championships was supported by Applied Nutrition and Whey King, Filinvest Mimosa+, DT Swiss, Cervelo, Unison Bikes, Specialized Philippines, Pocari Sweat, and Vittoria Tires.

Hosted at the Filinvest Mimosa+, the championship marked another major milestone in the growth of cycling and multisport events in the region.
(PRESS RELEASE)

𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝟑𝐫𝐝 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐏𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐌𝐗 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐤

Over 100 well-known businesses, brands, and services from various industries participated in the recently-concluded 3rd Franchise Pinas on May 29 and 30 at the SMX Convention Center Clark.

Organizers said the event was more notable with the participation of the Singapore Franchise Pavilion — the first-ever international exhibitor in the history of the franchising event in the region.

The two-day expo served as a bridge for local investors and aspiring Kapampangan entrepreneurs to explore opportunities, invest, and expand their knowledge in the fast-growing world of franchising.

📸 Contributed photos