Daily Newsmakers

It is still not too late for presents! Here's a trip down memory lane for all the HONOR gadgets that were launched this year that can give you an idea for your well-deserved year-end gift! From budget phones to prestige gadgets, HONOR has the best deals that’s worth your money.

Surpassing mere gimmickry, Petron has once again crafted opportunities for real and exciting rewards — the Petron Loyalty  Craze . Petron Loyalty Craze continues to reward thousands of winners by giving away prizes every day to  lucky Petron Value Card (PVC) members.

Gilren Bakado, lady security guard of RJC Security Solutions, was recognized as the Outstanding Security Guard of the Year at the 43rd Founding Anniversary of the Civil Security Group at Camp Crame. The recognition ceremony was presided over by PNP Chief PGen Benjamin Acorda Jr., SM Supermalls Customer Relations Services AVP Almus Alabe, and Regional CRS Manager Harold James Herrera were also in attendance to witness the awarding ceremony. 

Recognizing today's youth's key role as tomorrow's guardians of the environment, SM Prime Holdings Inc (SM Prime) and WWF-Philippines have teamed-up to launch YOUth are the Future, a leadership program aimed to equip young student leaders on environmental conservation, climate change, and sustainability issues. 

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) held the topping off ceremony of the Hnery Sy, Sr. Hall last October 7, 2023. The ceremony is a builder's tradition that highlights the placement of the final beam on top of the structure. 

The SM Mall of Asia Music Hall was the venue of the 21st anniversary celebration of CHILD Haus, an institution founded by 'Mader' Ricky Reyes to be a bastion of hope for children stricken by cancer. Throughout its history, one consistent major supporter of the establishment has been the Sy family- in its early years, Henry 'Tatang' Sy, Sr., and over the last decade, SM Prime Holdings Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy, continuing the tradition established by his father. 

Rainwater harvesting is a way of collecting and storing rainwater for later use. It is an effective and adaptable way to conserve water and reduce reliance on main water supplies. Due to its efficacy, it has been applied by many civilizations in history and is being utilized today by forward-thinking institutions as a sustainable water management strategy. 

In today's fast-paced work environment, it is easy to get caught up in the pursuit of productivity at the expense of employee well-being. It goes without saying that engaged employees make for a happier workplace, producing better results.

Banking Innovation trailblazer Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) recently achieved another first in  the industry after securing a Certificate of Authority from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to operate as a virtual asset service provider (VASP). This makes UnionBank the first and only universal bank in the  Philippines, licensed to offer virtual asset exchange services. UnionBank celebrated the landmark achievement during the ceremonial presentation of the license to UnionBankers last September 27 at UnionBank Plaza in  Pasig City.

Attending concerts is something we truly missed during the pandemic and now that they’re back, it’s time to upgrade to a smartphone that can capture every moment with your favorite stars in vivid detail.  With its pro-grade camera zoom and Nightography features, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra helps us experience an epic live show no matter where we’re seated, along with letting us take home some pretty epic memories with amazing photos and videos on our device. Here are the reasons why the Samsung Galaxy S23 Series is the ultimate concert kit for fandoms.

T he pioneer brand in the outsourced payment collection system in the Philippines, CIS Bayad Center, Inc. (Bayad) has renewed its partnership with Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC), enabling inclusive financial services through RCBC Diskartech and RCBC ATM Go. 

Mang Inasal has a delicious treat for its customers this October. 

G Music Fest was a blast yet again, as it showcased the remarkable talents of local homegrown artists- both established and up-and-coming- for a night of fun and music.  On its 4th year, G Music Fest left a remarkable impact as a Music and Creator Festival, as underscored by an impressive turnout of over 11,000, culminating in a night of performances from OPM talents on September 16, 2023, at the Circuit Grounds in Makati. 

DITO has leveled-up mobile prepaid experience and is now showcasing its latest offerings in the 3D billboard at One Bonifacio High Street, 5th Avenue, BGC. These adorable billboard reflects the digital lifestyles of today's generation. 

Princess Eunice Motel always dream of becoming a teacher since she was a young child. She is just one of the many SM scholar currently pursuing an education degree at the Philippine Normal University. 

Fluff Fuels are one type of RDF which are produced from shredded and compressed plastics, papers, and fibers. These are used as fuels in cement manufacturing, paper mill companies, or power companies in Japan. SM Prime Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy, is positive that a partnership with GUNN will contribute to the waste reduction goals of the country. "Today, Japan's waste management and recycling technology is among the most advanced in the world. There is no better partner for SM because we do not just talk about being big, we make sure we do it; we do not talk about being environment friendly but we do take bold steps to save the environment. I am looking forward to growing with GUNN as among leaders in solving environmental issues in the Philippines." 

In time for the school opening, SM Prime through SM Foundation turned over fully furnished two-storey building to the President Manual Roxas Memorial Integrated School - South in Roxas City, Western Visayas. 

The ripple effect of the water crisis has reached every part of the globe. According to WWF, some 1.1 billion people worldwide lack access to water, and a total of 7.2 billion find water scare for at least one month of the year. 

According to DSWD, Cebu have the highest number of poor households in Region 7. This is based on DSWD Region 7's "Listahan 3" poverty database, which identified that 48% of the 453,961 households in Region 7 came from Cebu. Cebu City alone has 11,805 identified poor households.

Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI), the No.1 motorcycle manufacturer in the country together with the JMS Motocross School recently organized the first Honda CRF Clinic and Track Day. This was in line with the company’s initiative to further promote off-road riding by giving Filipino riders the chance to learn the necessary motocross skills from one of the best motocross schools in the country.

As it celebrates its 20 th  year,  Mang Inasal , the Philippines’ Grill Expert, continues to expand its store network nationwide.  

Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) Mastercard credit cardholders, this is for you! UnionBank has teamed up with BMW for a Mastercard-exclusive raffle that is sure to enhance your credit card usage. Through this UnionBank Mastercard promo, cardholders can get a chance to drive home a brand-new 2023 BMW X1 simply by using their UnionBank Mastercard credit card!

As some schools gear up to reopen, this means a fresh new year for students and an influx of fresh new expenses for parents, from transportation to school supplies to hefty tuition fees.

For 25 years, Filipino families have witnessed how Samsung technology has evolved and became an integral part of our lives. From gatherings for special occasions, to enjoying 8K movie marathons with family and friends, capturing life’s milestones on video and photos with our 108MP camera phones, and making our homes more pleasant with home appliances — Samsung is there every  step of the way. 

Time to treat yourself to Jollibee because why not?  A trip to Jollibee means instant happiness because you get delicious food which is loved from all over the world, guaranteed. But there are days when we long for an extra filling meal to keep us satiated for the rest of the day. 

SM Prime and DENR calls on cities to innovate and invest in water-saving technologies to avert water crisis at the "Towards a Greener Footprint" forum. 

SM Foundation aligns its goal with SM Green Movement about preserving the environment and ensuring the health and wellness of future generations. In line with this, SM Foundation recently established a rainwater harvesting system at Brgy. Irawan Birthing Facility in Puerto Princesa City, Palwan. The initiative aims to strengthen their goal of preserving the environment and ensuring the health and wellness of future generations. 

P&G Philippines was recognized as one of the Philippines' 2023 Top 100 Employers for Fresh Graduattes by Prosple, a careers and education technology company used by leading organizations and universities to connect students with employment and education opportunities. 

Philippine motorsports is a rising star in the country's sports landscape. Racetracks all over the country see Filipino drivers besting each other in thrilling competitions of speed, power, and precision. 

Noong Hulyo 7, isinagawa ng SM Foundation ang isang Urban Farming initiative sa SM City North EDSA Annex at sa 16 na iba pang SM Mall bilang pagdiwang sa mga nagawa ng nasabing foundation katuwang ang pamahalaan sa loob ng 16 na taon. Ang simpleng pangarap ni Tatang Henry Sy, Sr., na umusbong at lubos na nakapagbago sa buhay ng maraming Pilipino. 

CDRRMO awards SM City San Pablo's SG Hassan Pasco, a plaque of recognition for his selfless and courageous efforts in saving a life during a critical and life-threathening situation on June 25, 2023.

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. and Citicore Renewable Energy Company signed a Memorandum of Agreement on July 11, 2023 as a joint commitment to champion renewable energy.  Through this partnership, SM Prime will source its energy requirements of up to 90-Megawatts from CREC's upcoming Lumbangan Solar Power Plant in Tuy, Batangas. The long-term agreement will commence in the first half of 2024. This is in line with the Retail Competition and Open Access policies of the Department of Energy. 

July is Nutrition Month and SM Supermalls partners with Mesa ni Misis in celebrating the healthiest SuperMoms Meetup at SM Megamall Event Atrium last July 22. SuperMoms gathered once again for the biggest and grandest super momma convention, which also marked the launch of Juana's Table, the newest recipe book by Mesa ni Misis' Juana Manahan Yupangco. 

Customers have ranked Mang Inasal among the top three restaurants in the country- the only one in the grilled chicken category. This is according to survey done by PUBLiCUS Asia and the RP-Mission and Development Foundation Inc. 

P&G Philippines extended its support to the communities affected by the heightened unrest of Mayon Volcano in Albay. As of date, Alert Level 3 is still in effect in Albay because of Mayon Volcano's increased activity towards a hazardous eruption. Communities near the volcano have been relocated to evacuation centers in Guinobatan, Ligao, Daraga, Sto. Domingo, Camalig, Lagaspi City, Malilipot, and Tobaco, Albay. 

To support the digital lifestyles of Filipino households, the fastest-growing telco provider DITO Telecommunity, officially launches DITO Home UNLI 5G, an affordable broadband subscription that allows Filipinos to enjoy up to 500Mbps+ and 5G internet speeds at their homes.

SM Foundation has taken another step in its mission to enhance the agriculture and entrepreneurial skills of farmers. The organization recently launched the Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan on Sustainable Agriculture Program (KSK-SAP) in various locations in Calabarzon.

In 1971, the Philippines launched the Community Health Organization Program to classify health services into primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. As part of this initiative, barangay health stations were created to ensure that primary healthcare improves the overall health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities. 

SM Prime Holdings Inc., (SM Prime), one of the leading integrated property developers in SEA, has been recognized by three international award-giving bodies of excellence in transparent environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting for its 2021 Annual Integrated Report- "Together, We Rise." SM published its sustainability reports since 2012 even before the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) mandated sustainability reporting in the Philippines. SM Prime also promotes transparency and accountability by informing investors and stakeholders of its ESG performance and impacts, decision-making processes, and competitive positioning value in the sector.

Continuing its commitment to help elevate the country's education system, SM Foundation Inc., in partnership with SM Prime Holdings, and the DepEd, have recently collaborated to build two new school buildings in Laguna and Batangas.  Upon the completion of the joint initiative, two two-story four-classroom school buildings will be donated to the Laguna Resettlement Community School in San Pedro City, Laguna and the San Antonio Elementary School in Sto. Tomas City, Batangas.  Each of the school buildings is set to be equipped with learning materials, armchairs, handwashing facilities, emergency equipment, and PWD-friendly facilities to ensure that students, especially from low-income communities, gain access to modern, safe, and conducive learning facilities.  Formalizing the partnership, representatives from the SMFI, DepEd, and the local government units of said provinces attended the memorandum of agreement signing last April 28, 2023, at the National Educators Academy of the Phi

While access to quality healthcare continues to be hampered by challenges, medical missions have become an increasingly vital source of support for low-income communities. Through time, they have gone beyond providing medical care and have taken up a new role: transforming the lives of individuals and communities. The SM Foundation, Inc. (SMFI) recognizes just this, so it has made its mission to travel from Luzon to Mindanao to provide free medical care and services to thousands of patients from various hard-pressed communities.  Just recently, the medical mission team headed to the cities of Tuguegarao and Cauayan in Northern Luzon and provided services to thousands of low-income families. Two of them are Roland Bariuan and Angeline Cacanindin.  

Women of today have shown how formidable and tenacious they are by breaking through multiple glass ceilings at work, at home, and in society all in the name of gender equity. This relentless path to gender equity has been paved by women who wholeheartedly embrace their individuality day in and day out, and who constantly strive to become their best selves.

SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime) has partnered with the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) to further promote the country’s pursuit of sustainable development. Through a scholarship grant, SM Prime aims to assist select students pursue undergraduate degrees in Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology (BSHE) and Bachelor of Science in Forestry (BSF) – courses geared towards sustainability. 

Metro Manila’s forecast of becoming a global power city is challenged by the consequences of rapid urbanization. The UN-Habitat lists the effects of climate change, natural disasters that hamper urban infrastructures and city competitiveness, unequal livability, job creation, and poverty reduction.   Is there a way out of Metro Manila’s challenges? Architect and urban designer Chintan Raveshia, and urban  planner and sustainability consultant Tony Chan of Singapore-based Arup emphasize urban development should also consider people’s aspirations, its changing needs and expectations, and the national identity of the residents.

Mang Inasal , the country’s grill expert, has launched the new Buddy Fiesta, the small version of the best-selling Family Fiesta group meal that features a bilao of chicken and pork inasal favorites with a platter of Java Rice.

SM Supermalls, in collaboration with its corporate social responsibility arm, SM Cares, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), local government units and partner schools and organizations joined the rest of the world in celebrating Earth Day at SM malls nationwide on April 22, 2023.

XTREME Appliances, one of the fastest-growing appliance brands in the Philippines, has announced  the opening of its first branch in Robinsons malls. This exciting development marks a significant  milestone for the company as it continues to expand its footprint across the country.

Mang Inasal  Extra Creamy Halo-Halo was enjoyed by customers across the Philippines during the celebration of Mang Inasal National Halo-Halo Blowout last April 16.     “We thank all our beloved customers nationwide for making the Mang Inasal National Halo-Halo Blowout a success,” said Mang Inasal Business Unit Head Mike V. Castro. “It is a heartwarming sight to witness families and barkadas getting together for our special one-day event. We’ve seen happy faces in our stores while they enjoy their favorite dessert and it’s a great validation for us to keep on giving our customers the best halo-halo they deserve, especially this summer season.”

In celebration of the International Day of the Forest, Forest Foundation Philippines announced that it will scale up its grant program through its 2023 - 2026 Results Framework. The new framework aims to enable a holistic and transdisciplinary approach to forest protection, restoration, and conservation in the Philippines. The 2023 - 2026 Framework is a four-year program that will empower organizations and individuals to protect and sustainably manage forests for land productivity, water, and biodiversity, while improving forest-related climate action. In addition, the framework will continue and expand Forest Foundation Philippines’ grant program to conserve and protect four focal landscapes in the country: the Sierra Madre, Palawan, Samar & Leyte, and Mindanao.

Wait for it! Exciting food brands and destinations are coming to the City of Firsts.  

Rosalie Macaspac is just one of the thousands of SM College Scholarship graduates, and her story proves that dreams to come true especially if you work hard for it.  Rosalie has dedicated her life to teaching SPED because she wanted to empower and give special children a voice by advocating the welfare of deaf learners. She has She is currently a teacher at the Philippine School for the Deaf in Pasay City. 

Summer is back with a vengeance!  It is not even April but the temperature is quite high already. There's even news about people suffering from heatstroke, a public school canceled classes because the classrooms are like oven.  With these in mind, Sekaya place emphasis on nourishing and keeping the body healthy with wholesome food choices. Dr. Eca Lorenzo suggests that we tweak our eating habits especially this summer so as not to feel dehydrated and suffer from heatstroke, etc.

Having a good education is one of the foundations of a nice life in the future.  That holds true for SM scholar Jonnah Sacamay, who grew up in a family where stability seemed like unchartered territory. Years ago, Jane's family was solely dependent on flower farming. It hasn't given them the stability they need because the demand for flowers is seasonal. With that in mind, Jonnah's parents always tell her how important education is. 

SM Supermalls, together with SM Cares, are once again joining Earth Hour 2023 this coming March 25. This is also a renewal of their commitment to environmental stewardship.  This year's Earth Hor is all about "creating the Biggest Earth Hour for Earth," and those who want to participate in the global activity are encouraged to spend 60 minutes doing something positive for the planet, aside from just turning off their lights.