Ibit's Farm Leads Gakakan Tree Conservation Project Through Seed Donations

  

City of San Fernando, La Union — Ibit's Farm, led by Mr. Manuel Gurion Acosta, has launched a Gakakan Tree Conservation Project by donating Gakakan tree seeds to government agencies, schools, tourism stakeholders, and environmental advocates in La Union and other parts of the Philippines.

The project aims to protect and preserve the Gakakan tree, a native species that is becoming harder to find in many areas. By growing and planting more Gakakan trees today, the project hopes to prevent the species from disappearing and ensure that future generations can still enjoy its many environmental benefits.

This initiative is Mr. Acosta's personal contribution in support of the environmental programs of the Association of Tourism Industries and Networks in La Union (ATINLU) and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of La Union (CCILU). It also encourages everyone—from government agencies and schools to businesses and local communities—to work together in protecting the environment.

The donated seeds will be grown by the recipient organizations before being planted in forests, watersheds, schools, parks, farms, and other suitable areas. As the trees grow, they will help improve biodiversity, prevent soil erosion, absorb carbon dioxide, and make communities more resilient to climate change.

Mr. Acosta believes that protecting native trees is everyone's responsibility.

"Every Gakakan tree we plant today helps protect our environment and gives future generations the chance to enjoy this valuable native tree. Conservation starts with each one of us."

ATINLU and CCILU welcomed the project, saying it is a great example of how the agriculture, tourism, business, education, and government sectors can work together to care for the environment.

Recipients of Gakakan Tree Seeds

Government Agencies

• CENRO City of San Fernando – 1,000 seeds
• MENRO Bacnotan – 1,000 seeds
• MENRO Balaoan – 1,000 seeds
• MENRO Bangar – 1,000 seeds
• MENRO Luna – 1,000 seeds
• MENRO Santol – 1,000 seeds
• MENRO San Juan – 1,000 seeds
• MAO Sudipen – 1,000 seeds

Educational Institution

• DMMMSU–North La Union Campus (through Sir Celso Jucutan) – 10,000 seeds

Individual Recipients

• SBM TJ Ortega – 1,000 seeds
• Steven Angelo – 1,000 seeds

Tourism Stakeholders

• Uvas Café – 500 Gakakan seeds and 3 Balitbitan seedlings
• Villa Navarro – 200 Gakakan seeds and 3 Balitbitan seedlings

Other Provinces

• Grecia Shaeron (Jaro, Iloilo) – 1,000 seeds
• Deogenes Alejandro E. Abitona (Malaybalay City, Bukidnon) – 1,000 seeds

The Gakakan Tree Conservation Project is only the beginning. Through this initiative, Ibit's Farm hopes to inspire more people to plant, protect, and preserve the Gakakan tree so that it will continue to grow in our forests and communities for many generations to come.

Before judging Gwendoline Meliz Soriano, know the facts.

 Toxicity in Pageantry:

Before judging Gwendoline Meliz Soriano, know the facts.

Long before she became Bb. Pilipinas International 2026, she had already founded Project Beloved PH, empowering the youth through outreach and volunteerism. She never needed a crown to serve her community because service has always been part of who she is.

Saying she is not using her platform for the country ignores the work she has already been doing even before winning a title.

Gwendoline is a beauty queen, not a political activist. No title obliges someone to speak on every issue. She has already expressed her stand against corruption, and she has every right to choose how and when to use her voice.

Instead of attacking someone who has just achieved a remarkable milestone, why not celebrate her success? We don't have to agree on everything, but we should at least be fair. Judge people based on facts—not assumptions. Sometimes, the best way to honor someone's victory is to let them enjoy it.

Gwendoline & Sasha: Never Stop Dreaming

 Never Stop Dreaming—and Reaching for It

Every dream begins with the courage to take the first step. For Gwendoline Meliz Soriano and Sasha-Juli Belle Lacuna, the road was filled with determination, growth, and resilience.

After competing in Miss Universe Philippines 2025—where Gwendoline finished as a Top 12 Finalist and Sasha placed in the Top 24—they chose to continue chasing their dreams instead of giving up.

One year later, their perseverance paid off. Gwendoline was crowned Bb. Pilipinas–International 2026, while Sasha earned the title of Bb. Pilipinas–Globe 2026, proving that every pageant, every challenge, and every experience prepared them for this defining moment.

Their journey is a reminder that success is not always about winning the first time. Sometimes, it's about believing in yourself, returning stronger, and never stopping until your dreams become reality.

Dream. Persevere. Rise. Repeat.



#BbPilipinas #gwendolinesoriano #sashalacuna

1st Filipina Supermodel Of The World Winner

 Danica Flores Magpantay is a Filipino fashion model who made history as the first Filipina to win the Ford Models Supermodel of the World 2010, one of the world's most prestigious modeling competitions. The international finals were held in New York City on January 22, 2011, where she outshined more than 50 contestants from around the globe. Her victory earned her a US$250,000 modeling contract with Ford Models, launching a successful international modeling career.

Magpantay's groundbreaking achievement remains one of the most significant milestones for the Philippine fashion industry. By becoming the first Filipina to capture the coveted title, she paved the way for aspiring Filipino models to gain greater recognition on the global stage. Her success continues to inspire a new generation of talents to pursue excellence and prove that Filipinos can compete among the world's best in fashion. 

1st Filipina Elite Model Look winner

 Reins Mika (Reins Mika Melitante) is a Filipino-Chinese fashion model, actress, and digital creator who made history as the first Filipina to win the Elite Model Look 2020 – Digital Creator title, one of the world's most prestigious modeling competitions.

She has worked with renowned brands such as Dove, Rustan's, and Human, and has been featured in editorials for Preview Philippines. Expanding her career into acting, Mika made her television debut in Mano Po Legacy: The Flower Sisters and later appeared in Lovers & Liars, Raya Sirena, and the horror anthology film Shake, Rattle & Roll Extreme.

From the runway to the screen, Mika Reins continues to inspire with her talent, determination, and passion for her craft. 

Why Gwendoline Meliz Soriano Deserved the Binibining Pilipinas International 2026 Crown

Gwendoline Meliz Soriano's winning answer was not the longest or the most theatrical—it was authentic, purposeful, and heartfelt. She answered the question directly by sharing her vision of becoming an aspirational leader, making it clear that the Binibining Pilipinas crown is not the destination but a platform to inspire others.

Rather than focusing on personal success, she emphasized uplifting people, encouraging them to believe in their dreams, and becoming a source of hope. This shift from self to service reflects the qualities of a true titleholder.

One of the most memorable moments of her response was her acknowledgment that she stands where she is not because of her own strength, beauty, or skills, but by the grace of God. Regardless of one's beliefs, this statement conveyed genuine humility, gratitude, and self-awareness—qualities that cannot be rehearsed.

She concluded by defining the legacy she hopes to leave: not fame or influence, but to be remembered as someone with a big faith and a big heart. It is a powerful reminder that true success is measured by character rather than recognition.

Ultimately, Gwendoline's answer embodied purpose over prestige, service over self, and character over recognition. Combined with her elegance, composure, and consistent performance throughout the competition, she demonstrated why she was a deserving Binibining Pilipinas International 2026—a queen whose crown symbolizes leadership, humility, and a genuine commitment to inspire others.

#BbPilipinas #GwendolineSoriano #Baguio 

A woman of strength:Bb. Pilipinas Globe 2026 Sasha-Juli Belle Lacuna

 Born and raised on a farm in Tarlac, Bb. Pilipinas Globe 2026 Sasha-Juli Belle Lacuna has turned her life's challenges into a source of strength. Born with Nevus of Ota, a congenital skin condition that causes hyperpigmentation around the eye, she revealed that she was often bullied as a child because of her appearance. Despite those painful experiences, Sasha refused to let her condition define her. Instead, with the unwavering support of her parents, she learned to embrace her uniqueness and wear it with pride.

Today, as a beauty queen, she is using her platform to remind everyone that beauty is not measured by flawless skin or perfect features, but by confidence, authenticity, and self-acceptance. Her journey proves that the very thing others once used to put her down has become one of her greatest sources of inspiration for others.