AIA Vitality celebrates 10 years in the Philippines with new ways to live healthy MANILA, Philippines – AIA Philippines has expanded its flagship wellness program, AIA Vitality, through a new partnership with Anytime Fitness, giving Vitality members access to exclusive discounts at all Anytime Fitness locations across the country. The announcement of this new partnership coincides with AIA Vitality’s 10th year in the country, and is just one of many enhancements AIA is launching to mark this milestone. Through this partnership, AIA Vitality members enjoy an exclusive 15% discount on 12-month Anytime Fitness memberships and earn 100 Vitality Points per gym visit. These points contribute to unlocking higher membership tiers within the program, and can enable members to earn increased insurance coverage, as well as other rewards such as e-vouchers and partner offers, encouraging members to incorporate physical activity into daily routines and build lasting healthy habits. AIA Philippines’ Rethink Healthy study, which surveyed over 1,000 Filipinos nationwide, found that while most respondents define health beyond physical, challenges like financial stress, lack of rest, and the challenge of sustaining healthy habits remain widespread. AIA Vitality helps close these gaps by guiding members toward a more holistic approach to wellness, encouraging small, consistent actions and rewarding healthier choices across physical, mental, financial and environmental well-being. Melissa Henson, Chief Marketing Officer of AIA Philippines, said, “The Rethink Healthy study confirmed that Filipinos want to be more active but face barriers in sustaining holistic wellness habits. This partnership with Anytime Fitness makes building healthy habits more accessible to our customers. In addition, their integration in our AIA Vitality program also makes visiting their gyms rewarding. Anytime Fitness’ nationwide presence and 24/7 accessibility perfectly complement AIA Vitality’s goal of integrating health into everyday life. As we mark a decade of AIA Vitality, we remain committed to evolving the program to meet the needs of our members and, more broadly, the Filipinos we serve.”   AIA Vitality is a science-backed wellness program that encourages members to make healthier choices by rewarding them with increased insurance coverage and other rewards. Members earn points for activities such as exercising, undergoing health checks, sleeping better and meeting nutrition goals. Mark De Joya, COO of Inspire Brands Asia, the exclusive master franchisee for Anytime Fitness across Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Thailand, Taiwan, and Vietnam, emphasized the shared vision between the brands, “Anytime Fitness is proud to operate over 5,600 clubs worldwide, including almost 200 here in the Philippines. Less than 1% of people in the region currently have a fitness membership, which shows how much potential there is to make wellness accessible. Partnering with AIA Vitality allows us to take our purpose seriously at both a personal and community level, helping more Filipinos prioritize their health every day while creating meaningful impact together.” By integrating Anytime Fitness into its health ecosystem and guided by Rethink Healthy insights, AIA Philippines positions AIA Vitality at the intersection of insurance, technology, and healthy lifestyle. The partnership directly addresses cost and access barriers, empowering more people to actively rethink what healthy means, and embrace a truly holistic, sustainable approach to well-being. AIA Vitality also offers new ways for members to earn points and access health resources. Members can now earn points for reaching just 5,000 steps in a day, with higher activity levels translating to greater rewards. Members can earn more points by using the app’s face scan function to regularly monitor and record health measures such as pulse rate, blood pressure and stress level. New Vitality members can receive an eGift voucher for linking a fitness device or app with Vitality for the first time, and earning their first fitness points. In addition, a new wellness hub within the AIA Vitality app serves as a dedicated resource center, offering expert videos, practical guides, and health tips to help members better understand their progress and maximize their wellness journey. The Hub is intended as an always-available companion, providing members with personalized support and actionable insights to make healthier living a daily habit. ### About AIA Philippines AIA Philippines (AIA Philippines Life and General Insurance Company Inc.) formerly AIA Philam Life (The Philippine American Life and General Insurance Company), is the country’s premier life insurance company. Originally established on 21 June 1947 and became popularly known as Philam Life, AIA Philippines has earned the trust of customers for its financial strength, strong brand name, and ability to deliver on its promises. AIA Philippines has PHP 257.76 billion in total assets and PHP 57.35 billion in net worth as of 31 December 2024 while serving nearly 1.2 million individual policyholders and nearly 800,000 insured group members. AIA Philippines understands the needs of its customers and provides holistic solutions that include life protection, health insurance, savings, education, retirement, investment, group, and credit life insurance. It also offers bancassurance through its subsidiary, BPI AIA Life Assurance Corporation (formerly BPI-Philam Life Assurance Corporation). Based on the unaudited reports submitted to the Insurance Commission as of 31 December 2024, the combined total premium income of AIA Philippines and BPI AIA was at PHP 29.77 billion. AIA Philippines is a member of AIA Group Limited, the largest independent publicly listed pan-Asian life insurance group. AIA Philippines and BPI AIA are regulated by the Insurance Commission. About AIA AIA Group Limited and its subsidiaries (collectively “AIA” or the “Group”) comprise the largest independent publicly listed pan-Asian life insurance group. It has a presence in 18 markets – wholly-owned branches and subsidiaries in Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR(1), Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan (China), Vietnam, Brunei and Macau SAR(2), and a 49 per cent joint venture in India. In addition, AIA has a 24.99 per cent shareholding in China Post Life Insurance Co., Ltd. The business that is now AIA was first established in Shanghai more than a century ago in 1919. It is a market leader in Asia (ex-Japan) based on life insurance premiums and holds leading

Recognized for AI technology and digital solutions: URC clinches two recognitions at HR Excellence Awards 2025 In photo left to right: Alex Gomez (Manager, Talent Acquisition and Corporate Programs), Reena Tecson (Director, Human Resources – BCFG Philippines), Roland Villareal (Global Head, Learning and Talent Management), Mark Kevin Lanuzo (Officer, HR Solutions), Kristine Perez (Group Manager, HR Operational Excellence), Elisa Abalajon (Chief Human Resources Officer and ATO Lead), Jem Asuncion (Chapter Lead – Agile Coach), John Albert Ampil (Group Manager, Talent Acquisition, Total Rewards, and Employee Experience) Louisa Tagulinao (Associate, Early Careers and Corporate Communications), and Alyssa A. Alillana (Cluster Director of Human Resources, SMX Convention Center).   MANILA, Philippines — Universal Robina Corp. (URC) has clinched a string of awards for its hiring, employee growth and management programs that have made it still among Asia’s top workplaces. The company – one of the Philippines’ largest – was named one of Asia’s Best Companies to Work for by HR Asia for a third straight year. It also received top marks from an Asia-based talent and employer branding firm for its recruitment program, and was honored with two more awards for its use of technology and artificial intelligence in human resources management at the HR Excellence Awards Philippines 2025. URC’s President & CEO Irwin Lee said that these awards “affirm our dedication to fostering an environment where our people feel valued, empowered and connected to a shared purpose”. In being recognized as one of the best companies in Asia to work for, URC was lauded for its leadership programs that focus on equipping managers with skills to inspire teams, encourage collaboration and adopt agile ways of working. The company was also cited for supporting employee growth through learning opportunities, innovation initiatives and cross-functional collaboration, alongside its recognition programs designed to celebrate initiative and engagement. Lee said this recognition reflects the commitment and passion of its workforce and its goal to continue building a workplace “where people are inspired to lead, empowered to grow, and united by a common purpose.” URC was, meanwhile, handed the Best Recruitment Innovation for Young Talents award by TalentView. This award recognizes organizations that set benchmarks in attracting, engaging and developing future-ready professionals. Lee said the honor highlights URC’s efforts to rethink recruitment by focusing on authenticity, purpose and growth for early-career hires. “Today’s generation of graduates want more than job security. They want opportunities to learn, grow and make an impact. This award is a reflection of how URC is meeting that challenge head-on.” URC has rolled out initiatives such as its Comprehensive High-Impact Internship Program, which immerses students in projects guided by mentors, and the NextGen Leaders Program, a management trainee track designed to prepare high-potential graduates for leadership roles. It also launched #GrowBeyondURDegree and #LaunchURCareer, campaigns that use social media, school partnerships and campus activations to showcase the company’s workplace culture.   Photo Caption            

Leading the Elderly Filipino Week 2025 celebration at SM Mall of Asia, SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, and the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) honored the pivotal role of Filipino seniors in nation-building, while advocating for their continued inclusion and empowerment. With the theme “Embracing Age: Living a Life with Dignity and Purpose,” the event gathered hundreds of senior citizens and partner organizations for a day filled with wellness activities, recreation, and meaningful engagement. The program featured a Eucharistic celebration, a Walk for Life, uplifting messages from senior citizen advocates, and a lively Zumba session that highlighted the energy and vitality of the elderly community. Wellness booths offering free services—including medical consultations, massage and acupuncture, eye care, and e-government ID registration—were set up around the venue, providing participants with access to programs that promote health, inclusion, and continuous learning. “Our seniors have given so much to their families and communities. Through Elderly Filipino Week, SM Cares reaffirms its commitment to championing the welfare of our elderly, making sure they feel celebrated, supported, and empowered,” said Engr. Bien C. Mateo, SM Cares Program Director for Senior Citizens. “We are deeply grateful to SM Cares for walking hand in hand with us in celebrating and empowering our senior citizens through meaningful activities like this,” shared Ana Marie C. Calapit, Acting Executive Director of the National Commission of Senior Citizens. This year’s celebration once again reinforced SM Supermalls’ commitment to inclusivity by fostering spaces where generations can meaningfully connect. It also highlighted the importance of building supportive communities for seniors—both within the mall and in the broader society. For years, SM Cares has been at the forefront of programs for senior citizens, from barrier-free mall facilities, emergency preparedness forums to social development initiatives. Through Elderly Filipino Week 2025, SM Cares continues to highlight the invaluable contributions of seniors while promoting wellness, dignity, and purpose at every stage of life. Celebrating 40 Super Years of Evolving With Every You, SM Supermalls—one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers with 88 malls in the Philippines—marks four decades of growing with Filipinos and becoming a trusted space where diverse lifestyles and generations connect, while continuously evolving to redefine the malling experience through sustainability, innovation, and a deep commitment to shaping the future of retail and urban life with inclusive and meaningful experiences.  

Now in its 20th year, Global Executive Solutions Group highlights the impact of leadership in shaping organizations and industries that contribute significantly to the economy. As one of the preferred executive search firms in the Philippines, Global Executive Solutions Group (GESG) has quietly shaped the leadership landscape that comprise of conglomerates and multinationals to emerging SMEs. In fact, a nation’s economy depends on its industries, such as financials, industrials, and services. Thus, strong conglomerates and organizations with effective leadership at the helm are crucial for a country’s continued economic growth. As a trusted contributor to this landscape, GESG is sharing its insights on leadership recruitment, transformation, and creating a significant impact by strategically identifying the right fit for the right kind of leader that drives organizations. Strong and effective leadership can be measured across three levels: organization, industry, and  economy. Leaders can make or break organizations, and an effective leader ensures the organization’s self-sufficiency and resilience. As a result, these leaders become visionaries who raise industry standards and foster healthy competition between similar organizations, bringing together best practices that can affect entire sectors. Finally, at a macro level, effective leadership drives job creation, global investment, and sector expansion. Even a single leadership decision can spur progress for a nation at large. This ripple effect is aided and facilitated by firms like GESG, whose proactive, targeted recruitment approach helps build high-performing teams that can work towards promotion of national progress. “Great corporate leadership does not only guide a company, it also contributes to a nation’s economic development, and cultural and social progress,” shared Ray Canilao, President and CEO of GESG. “A great corporate leader has a vision for the future that drives not just a single organization but also sustainable growth and stability in a country.” It is this mindset that directs GESG’s considerations in executive search and placement. Through its 20 years of practice, GESG has refined a five-point evaluation framework that balances technical qualifications with cultural alignment. This approach has earned the trust and loyalty of clients for over a decade, and considers: Organizational culture fit: ensuring leaders can thrive within a company’s unique values and environment; Career trajectory: aligning opportunities with a candidate’s long-term professional goals; Leadership style: matching management approaches to organizational needs; Financial and operational stability: gauging an organization’s ability to sustain business performance and fulfill a candidate’s compensation expectations; and Work-life integration: recognizing the personal factors that influence long-term leadership success. “Executive search is an organization’s external support, a partner of CEOs and human resource professionals. It becomes a strategic ally in identifying the right organizational leaders to fulfill the vision of these companies by building itself from the ground up and sustaining its business operations,” Canilao added. Aside from conglomerate leadership, GESG’s placements have gone on to head major organizations, professionalize startups, and return world-class Filipino leaders to the Philippines, contributing to industry transformation and national growth. By providing proactive, intuitive recruitment, the firm continues to be a trusted partner in helping companies fulfill their vision. As GESG enters its third decade, a new generation of leadership will require leaders who are innovative, resilient, adaptable and empathetic—ones who can keep up with the demands of digital transformation, sustainability, and the evolving needs and attitudes of workforces. GESG remains committed to its main strength: nurturing the human relationships that define its service. “Substantially, the competitive advantage of nations, companies whether big or small, conglomerate or multinational, are in the quality of its leaders,” Canilao concluded. “Leaders should always be strong but with compassion, empathy, and integrity. Integrity is a core value and foundation of our work.” About Global Executive Solutions Group (GESG) Global Executive Solutions Group (GESG) is one of the Philippines’ leading executive search firms, with 20 years of experience placing mid- to senior-level leaders across industries. Known for its personalized, relationship-driven approach and rigorous five-point evaluation framework, GESG has become a trusted partner for conglomerates, multinationals, and SMEs in building leadership teams that drive organizational and national progress.  

  CORDILLERA, Philippines — The Cordillera’s weaving traditions continue to prosper as the journey moves to the province of Kalinga. At the Mabilong Weavers Village in Lubuagan, the group was warmly welcomed by the local government unit, led by Mayor Joel B. Tagaotao and represented by Mr. Jet-jet James B. Tagaotao, the Municipal Administrator. Known as the “Weaving Capital of Kalinga,” Mabilong is home to skilled artisans whose intricate designs reflect the history, identity, and pride of their people. Here, participants witnessed how weaving is not only an art form but also a lifeline that sustains families and strengthens community bonds. The experience was made even more memorable with a slow food lunch at Awichon Village, thoughtfully prepared by the Pasil Slow Food Community. Each dish served was a reflection of local heritage, showcasing native ingredients and traditional methods that embody the deep connection between food, culture, and the land. In the afternoon, the team proceeded to Tabuk City, where they met with the Kalinga Indigenous Weavers Association (KINWA Etnika Handicrafts). The delegation was warmly welcomed by Ms. Florence Ao-wat, founder of KINWA, together with Ms. Geraldine Angnganay from the City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office. What makes KINWA particularly remarkable is its inclusivity. The association is composed not only of women weavers but also of persons with disabilities (PWDs) who have found purpose and empowerment through this livelihood. By opening opportunities for all, KINWA demonstrates how weaving is not only an art form but also a thread that stitches together social inclusion, resilience, and dignity. As the Cordillera Weaving Communities Tour Circuit approaches its final day, the value of weaving in community life shines even brighter. Weaving is not only a cultural treasure but also a living tradition that thrives through the partnership of local artisans, tour operators, and the tourism sector. By integrating weaving into meaningful travel experiences, we help sustain these traditions while creating opportunities for communities to flourish. This tour is more than a journey through weaving villages—it is a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the enduring threads that bind culture, community, and tourism in the Cordilleras. (DoT-CAR)

Every weave tells a story. For generations of Filipino weavers, each strand on the loom has carried history, identity, and pride. These artisans rise before dawn, sit before their looms, and let their hands speak in color and thread, each pattern a reflection of communities and cultures that refuse to fade. Like the weavers, whose craft demands patience and an eye for detail, Captain Niel Siñel follows his own intricate sequence in the cockpit. Where the weaver pulls the strands tight and guides yarn through the loom, Siñel moves through switches and levers with the same deliberate attention. It’s a routine that the Cebu Pacific pilot lives by, knowing that precision is what keeps every flight safe. “Before any aircraft is dispatched for flight, it has to meet stringent regulatory requirements to ensure that the highest level of safety is met in all aspects,” Siñel said, recalling his safety checklist. “Part of which also is to assess the weather if it satisfies the prescribed conditions, including that of the alternate airports.” Because of his commitment to safety, Siñel was recognized as one of Cebu Pacific’s top-performing pilots, a distinction given to those who go above and beyond in serving passengers and providing them with reliable and comfortable flights. As a symbol of honor, he and his fellow honorees received a special tie crafted in the Binakol weaving tradition of Ilocos Norte. Once reserved for important occasions, the Binakol tie now serves as a badge of excellence and inspiration for all other pilots of the airline. Though their worlds rarely intersect, Filipino weavers and Cebu Pacific’s flight crew share the same devotion: to create meaningful stories and lasting memories for others. One weaves fabric, the other weaves journeys, but both do so with hands refined by craftsmanship, and hearts dedicated to excellence and service for every Juan. Keeping Filipino Traditions Alive In-Flight Inside the cabin, Cezzye Basa moves through her own ritual. She checks safety equipment, briefs her team, and straightens her scarf—a small gesture that signals she’s ready to welcome hundreds of passengers on board. “I’ve been with CEB for 11 wonderful years,” Basa said, her smile reflecting the ease and confidence that come from more than a decade of service. Like Siñel, Basa is one of Cebu Pacific’s top-performing cabin crew, and she was given a Ramit scarf featuring the traditional weave of Occidental Mindoro, woven with nature-inspired patterns passed down through generations. Like the Ramit’s distinctive bands, Basa’s service is marked by care and continuity—values she helps pass on to junior crew members. “Sa CEB, we also have our own culture. We want to hand it down to our colleagues,” she said. “The service we provide our passengers is like how they make the weaves — meticulous, hindi lang nila binabara-bara.” Siñel’s Binakol tie, with its unique patterns, for him reflects the threads that bind their identity together. “From how they make the weaves, it shows unity. It symbolizes pride, not only for me but also for my coworkers,” he said. Like the Ramit and the Binakol, the skills and mindsets of Cebu Pacific’s flight crew are rooted in tradition but adapted for today—each flight a new pattern, each journey a fresh weave. That sense of shared responsibility begins long before the doors close. In every preflight briefing, pilots and cabin crew align their goals, review safety measures, and check on one another. “On the perspective of a pilot, first we have to check ourselves. Not only me, but also our crew—we ask them if they’re ready to fly,” Siñel said. “Even though we have different jobs, we should be aligned on our intention. And it’s important for everybody, especially the crew.” Basa believes in creating a safe and open environment where her team can thrive. “During our briefing, I like to create a fun environment,” she said. “Personally, if I feel na takot sila sa’yo, they’ll be rattled throughout the flight. So, I try to be friendly and approachable to my colleagues. But at the end of the day, safety is still the priority.” Going Above and Beyond Though they work in different spaces, Siñel in the cockpit and Basa in the cabin, their craft runs parallel. Both began their journeys for different reasons—Siñel to trade the long absences of military life for more time with his family, Basa to build a career rooted in service—but they are bound by the same discipline and purpose. That unity becomes most visible during disruptions—storms and diversions—moments when training and empathy are tested. Basa recalls a particularly tense international flight, when severe weather forced a diversion to Clark. Passengers were upset at the crew, and resources were limited. “I felt helpless,” she said. “But now, we’ve become more innovative and adaptive. We have more resources, and we’re better at managing situations.” For Siñel, these moments are where professionalism defines leadership. “Whatever happens in your flight, you must take it positively. We were trained for this, and we are ready in case something happens,” he said. “Most of the passengers are understanding, just let them know what is happening.” Both also see themselves as custodians of Cebu Pacific’s culture—one woven from openness, service, and resilience. Wearing the uniform, Basa said, feels like carrying that culture visibly. “One quote that stuck to me during one of our monthly cascades is, ‘I am you, you are me.’ We represent each other. Whenever I’m in uniform, it’s not just me. We represent the company.” For Siñel, the lesson came early on. “One of the senior captains told me that before you go to the flight line, you have to be 101% ready, because the life of your crew and the life of the passengers are entrusted to you—so you must be ready.” This sense of duty is part of a larger culture, one that inspires crew members not just to be ready, but to go above and beyond in the service they provide. “For me, I don’t take it as a job that I have to do,” Basa said. “I go above and beyond because giving customer service is more

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) was named one of the Sustainability Champions at the inaugural Manila Times’ Sustainability Champions Awards 2025 for its green developments and commitment to sustainable communities. Held on September 23, 2025 with the theme “Envisioning Our Green Future,” the awards honor organizations advancing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). The criteria for the Sustainability Champions Award considered initiative, impact, inclusiveness, and integration of Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) practices and circular economy efforts, as well as alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. BCDA is transforming New Clark City into a sustainable and disaster-resilient metropolis, with 60% of its land dedicated to forests, green spaces, and parks. In partnership with state-run Korean smart water systems developer Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-Water), BCDA is developing advanced water facilities that recycle wastewater, while also pursuing a waste-to-energy project to convert solid waste daily into renewable power. Within New Clark City, a 39-megawatt solar photovoltaic power plant will also be built. These efforts are complemented by the rollout of electric vehicles within the district to advance low-carbon mobility. Sustainability is also central to the operations of Clark International Airport (CRK) that earned the prestigious EDGE Certification, for its resource-efficient design that lowers energy, water, and material use by at least twenty percent. Meanwhile, in Camp John Hay, BCDA is leading reforestation programs, renewable energy integration into its master plan. BCDA recently launched free electric vehicle rides around the zone to promote clean mobility and tourism. “Sustainability is at the core of how we build communities,” said BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Engr. Joshua Bingcang. “From developing New Clark City as a model for green, disaster-resilient urban planning, as well as establishing renewable energy and clean mobility solutions in our projects in Poro Point in La Union and Camp John Hay in Baguio. We want to ensure that communities we build will thrive for future generations.” BCDA was among the 15 sustainability champions awarded alongside Aboitiz Power Corp., Development Bank of the Philippines, First Gen Corp., Globe Telecom, Land Bank of the Philippines, Manila Electric Co., Manila Water Co. Inc., Megaworld Corp., Philippine Airlines, Robinsons Land Corp., San Miguel Corp., SM Investments Corp., Toyota Motor Philippines Corp., and Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc.

Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, Philippines — The Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) has earned national recognition from the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) for its outstanding implementation of Gender and Development (GAD) programs, achieving two remarkable milestones by ranking No. 1 among Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) in Highest Organization-Focused GAD Budget Expenditure, and placing No. 4 in Highest Organization-Focused GAD Budget Allocation for 2024. Representing CIAC at the PCW Awarding Ceremony recognizing agencies for their FY 2024 GAD Budget Performance last 25 September 2025 were GAD Chairperson and Chief Finance Officer Nancy C. Paglinawan and GAD Focal Person Riza G. Lozano. In its official citation, PCW Chairperson Ermelita Valdeavilla praised CIAC for its exceptional commitment and remarkable performance in implementing the GAD Budget Policy. “Through its consistent allocation and utilization of GAD funds, the agency has demonstrated exemplary practice, positioning itself among the top agencies recognized for advancing gender equality commitments,” she stated. CIAC President Jojit Alcazar emphasized that CIAC’s effective use of its GAD budget reflects the organization’s broader commitment to transparency, good governance, and national gender equality goals. “This award is not just an achievement—it’s a motivation,” Alcazar added. “We are driven to further expand our initiatives that promote gender equality and women’s empowerment.” In line with the Magna Carta of Women, Executive Order No. 208, and PCW-NEDA-DBM Joint Circular No. 2012-01, the Philippine Commission on Women is mandated to lead and coordinate the implementation of Gender and Development (GAD) programs across government agencies. This includes mainstreaming gender perspectives in policies and programs, ensuring the proper allocation and utilization of GAD budgets, providing technical assistance, setting policy guidelines, reviewing and endorsing GAD plans and budgets, and monitoring agency compliance.              

  The Japan Foundation, Manila announces the return of the Japanese Film Festival (JFF) to Philippine theaters this September 2025! From Metro Manila and Baguio, to Cebu, Angeles, and Davao, the much-awaited festival is back with a curated selection of 12 films featuring beloved classics alongside critically acclaimed new releases. Admission is free for all screenings. Since its inception in 1997, JFF has grown into one of the most anticipated film festivals in the Philippines, attracting around 40,000 audiences every year, and has become the largest Japanese film festival in the world. This year’s lineup offers something for everyone; timeless romances, laugh-out-loud comedies, and monumental blockbusters! The theme for this year’s festival is “Bridg(e)ing”. Films that serve as metaphorical bridges connecting the past with the future, humans with technology, body with spirit, and individual stories with community experiences. This year’s lineup hopes to inspire people to build bridges – rather than walls – and connect with each other. Opening the festival is the 4K remaster of Love Letter (1995), Shunji Iwai’s acclaimed directorial debut and a timeless masterpiece of romance. Screened in over 20 countries since its release, Love Letter is celebrated for its breathtaking snowy landscapes and the unforgettable line, Ogenki desu ka? (“How are you?”). Its influence and homage can be clearly felt in 18×2 Beyond Youthful Days (2024), a Taiwan-Japan co-production directed by Michihito Fujii. Audiences can also look forward to a selection of masterpieces spanning genres and generations, including Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai (1956); the animated cult classic Ghost in the Shell (1995); Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away (2001); A Samurai in Time (2024); the live-action adaptation of Cells at Work! (2024); and Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom (2024), among others. This year’s regional run at SM Cinema begins September 26 until October 5 in SM City Baguio, followed by screenings at SM City Cebu (October 3-13), SM Lanang (October 10-19), and SM City Clark (October 17-26). The festival returns to Manila for screenings at the UP Film Institute, and concludes at SM City Manila (October 17-26). This year, JFF is expanding its reach by bringing films directly to university campuses. JFF Special Screenings @ Universities will take place in November at selected institutions across parts of the Visayas and Mindanao. JFF 2025 is supported by the Film Development Council of the Philippines, JTI Philippines, Theo and Philo Artisan Chocolates and the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines.  For full schedules, ticketing guidelines, and venue details, please visit the official JFF 2025website (http://www.japanesefilmfestph.jfmo.org.ph), follow @jfmanila on Facebook and Instagram.