The Asia Clean Energy Forum (ACEF) 2026, held June 8–11, celebrated the Asian Development Bank’s 60th anniversary while addressing pressing challenges in the clean energy transition. Reflecting ADB’s updated 2025 Energy Policy, the forum highlighted the region’s growing need for secure, resilient, and inclusive energy solutions amid projected 4.0% growth in 2026, persistent energy access gaps affecting over 400 million people, and rising geopolitical tensions.
ACEF provided a platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange, bringing together governments, private-sector actors, academia, financial institutions, NGOs, and development partners. Discussions focused on four priorities: energy security through diversified sources, resilient systems, equitable inclusion, and intelligent energy systems using AI and smart grids.
I had the chance to meet professionals from multiple nationalities, including Filipino urban professionals John Marc Reyes, Jon Goyena, Ricky Buenaflor, Stef Bernardo, Daniel Marco Cuanjunco, Gio Almonte, Regina Padojinog, and David Huang; photographer Noli Estrada; Indonesian Sandi Saputra; Belgian Jens Jaeger; American CEO Danica Starks; and Danish CEO Rune Damgaard.
Graduation Night of PSF Film and Theater Workshop Batch 2026
The Philippine Stagers Foundation held a memorable graduation ceremony following a late-afternoon musical play recital. I was fortunate to be among the new graduates aspiring to a career in film and theater, perhaps even in Hollywood.
Asian Journal Joins the Signing of LOVEPH
On June 9, Asian Journal Publications participated in the ceremonial signing of pioneer partners of LOVEPH at Sava Bay City, Manila. The event marked a milestone in public-private partnership for Phase 2 of Philippine Tourism Digitalization, led by the Department of Tourism through Assistant Secretary Sharlene Zabala-Batin, Product Development Director Paulo Tugbang, and NCR Assistant Regional Director Ivannovich Agote.
The initiative promotes tourism digitalization, expands merchant participation, and enhances visitor access to Philippine tourism products and destinations. PEPI officers present included Chairman Victor Lee, CEO Marinel Barquin Lee, and Managing Director Victor Roy Santiago, while Asian Journal was represented by Marketing Development Director Jesus Noel Godinez and Multimedia Journalist Rogelio Constantino Medina.
Honesty Is Priceless
Honesty remains priceless in everyday acts. Two Manila senior high students recently returned a lost cellphone to me without expecting a reward. Their story, shared in Police Files Tonite and Asian Journal editions across the U.S., earned recognition from their schools, superintendent, and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno.
Similarly, a GMA Network cameraman returned my senior citizen ID without seeking a reward. Years ago, I was offered money in a professional setting, which I respectfully declined, believing integrity outweighs any reward.
These examples recall my grandparents, who returned a large sum to a family in Paco, Manila, at the start of World War II without expectation of thanks. Such acts, by students, colleagues, or family, show that honesty cannot be measured in money.
Birthday Greetings
Happy birthday to: Stephanie Quitlong (Philippine Stagers Foundation), Gemma Aguilar, Sheryl London (June 9); Rod Navarro Jr., Dr. Luis Calingo (June 10); Geleen Eugenio (June 12); Ma. Anthonette Velasco-Allones, Mario Medina (June 13); Gelo Bautista, Gabriel John Rimando (June 14); Anna Orlina (June 15).